The Baptist Magazine

Page 1

Not just printing books,

but preserving our heritage

www.BereanPublications.com

CONTENTS

March/April 2017 FEATURES 3

Editors’ Letters

4

What We’re Reading

ARTICLES

37

6

If We Can, Why...? Modern-day self-help is more self without much help.

8

A Christian Perspective on Immigration We take a look at the story of Ruth in the Bible to determine what our stance on immigration should be.

8 18

Our Hymn Heritage

30 37

Isaac Watts…great hymn writer or pioneer for CCM?

26

The Bible Cure for Racism, Bigotry, Class Warfare, and Civil Unrest If we all are created in God’s image, why do we highlight our differences?

30

The Best Family For Steve Sandberg, great personal loss reaffirmed the importance of his church.

B-A-P-T-I-S-T What’s in a Name? As Baptists, there are certain principles that tie us together and make us distinct from others.

41

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness Nelson and Karen Palacios were each born outside the United States, but that hasn’t stopped them from creating the American Dream for their family.

Editor-in-Chief

Copy Editors Bob Gray, Sr.

Rebecca Powell Pam Triplett Angie Hudson

Managing Editor Greg Neal Contributing Writers Associate Editor Chris Fox Creative Director

Jeff Farnham Tracie Burns Cindy Healy Paul E. Chapman

Brian Healy

The Editors of The Baptist Magazine, Bob Gray and Greg Neal, preaching together at Bible Baptist Church in Orange Park, Florida, January 2017 The Baptist is a bi-monthly production of Berean Publications, a ministry of Immanuel Baptist Church, 7268 Exline Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32222-1904. In the U.S., send subscription inquiries to the aforementioned address or call (904) 518-4220. You may also e-mail us at baptistmagazineonline@ gmail.com. Subscriptions are $25 per year. All terms and prices are applicable in the United States only. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA mail to CFS. NONPOSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to The Baptist Magazine at 7268 Exline Road, Jacksonville, FL 32222-1904. Periodical Posatage Paid at Orange Park, FL. Letters to the editor should be sent to The Baptist at 7268 Exline Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32222-1904. Reproduction in any form is strictly prohibited. To request permission to reprint or publish any article in whole or in part, please write to The Baptist offices in Jacksonville, FL. © 2017 Berean Publications. All rights reserved.

2 The Baptist Magazine

Bob Gray, Sr. Editor-in-Chief

Letters

Editors’ When The Baptist Magazine KIUM QV\W M`Q[\MVKM Q\ _I[ I ÅZ[\ KTI[[ X]JTQKI\QWV _Q\P ZMTM^IV\ UI\MZQIT NWZ \WLIa¼[ _WZTL <PM ÅZ[\ Q[[]M[ WN \PQ[ aMIZ IZM I\ IV even higher level of information and exhortation for the *IX\Q[\ _WZTL [MZ^ML QV I PQOPTa XZWNM[[QWVIT UIVVMZ The articles will certainly inspire anyone who desires to do something great for God to go ahead and do it. 7]Z VI\QWV PI[ JMMV OQ^MV \PM TMILMZ[ _PW IZM JM[\ Y]ITQÅML \W UMM\ \PM VMML[ WN W]Z KW]V\Za 6W_ Q\ Q[ ]X \W W]Z UMV WN /WL I[ _MTT I[ \PM XMWXTM WN /WL \W \ISM advantage of this rare opportunity. Our cities are in dire need of help not only economically but also more so spiritually. Our local KP]ZKPM[ PI^M \PM UIVXW_MZ ?M R][\ VMML \W [MV[M \PM urgency of the hour and lead by example more than by exhortation. Because our people are looking for spiritual TMILMZ[PQX _M I[ 8I[\WZ[ IVL [\I‫ ٺ‬UMUJMZ[ VMML \W provide it. This magazine is designed to emphasize the NIK\ \PI\ Q\ PI[ JMMV LWVM KIV JM LWVM IVL _QTT JM LWVM in the days and years ahead. May God bless you as you win souls and build churches for Christ.

I have the privilege of pastoring an independent Baptist church. It is an amazing thing to be an MaM_Q\VM[[ \W \PM _WZS WN /WL ?PQTM \PM ÅZ[\ Y]IZ\MZ WN PI[ OWVM Ja Y]QKSTa Q\ PI[ VW\ JMMV _Q\PW]\ \PM JTM[[QVO[ WN /WL ?MMS IN\MZ _MMS _M PI^M ZMRWQKML QV sinners trusting Christ as Saviour. The excitement grows when these new converts identify with Christ through JIX\Q[U )[ 1 _ZQ\M \PQ[ TM\\MZ 1 IU \PQVSQVO WN I VM_ men’s Sunday school class we recently started where new converts have a place to grow in the Lord. Praise God for His work in the church. One thing that has been obvious to me in 2017 is that God is at work not only in our country J]\ IT[W IZW]VL \PM _WZTL /WL Q[ [\QTT [I^QVO [QVVMZ[ [\QTT ILLQVO \W 0Q[ KP]ZKP [\QTT IV[_MZQVO XZIaMZ[ IVL [\QTT MY]QXXQVO \PM [IQV\[ 1\ \PZQTT[ UM \W PMIZ WN ITT \PM good reports from pastors and laymen alike about God at work in their lives. This is one reason I am happy to be a part of The Baptist Magazine. We get to tell the stories of Christians at work for the Lord as well as tell the stories of God’s blessings. How can anyone not be excited about that? My desire is that the testimonies of God’s goodness will be an encouragement to people. Encourage others by getting the magazine into their hands. Reading what God has done in the life of another is a powerful reminder of what God can do for aW] ;\Ia MVKW]ZIOML IVL \PIVS aW] NWZ ZMILQVO

Follow our editors on Twitter

Bob Gray: @BobGraySr

/ZMO 6MIT" @8I[\WZ/ZMO6MIT

Greg Neal Managing Editor Issue 2 March/April 2017

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What We’re Reading

<PWUI[ 2M‫ٺ‬MZ[WV IVL \PM <ZQXWTQ 8QZI\M[ By Brian Kilmeade & Don Yaeger

Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates: The Forgotten War that Changed American History tells the little-known story how a newly independent nation was challenged by four Muslim powers and what happened when America’s third President decided to stand up to intimidation. When Thomas Jefferson became President in 1801, America faced a crisis. The new nation was deeply in debt and needed its economy to grow quickly, but its merchant ships were under attack. Pirates from North Africa’s Barbary Coast routinely captured American sailors and held them as slaves, demanding ransom and tribute payments far beyond what the new country could afford. Kilmeade and Yaeger have transformed a nearly forgotten slice of history into a dramatic story that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next. Available at www.quirkbooks.com

Introduction by the author: I have been traveling as an evangelist for many years now. I remember as a young preacher, reading books by Oliver B. Green, studying reports of Billy Sunday’s campaigns, and listening to the revival preaching of B.R. Lakin. God put a desire deep within my heart to follow the footsteps of such men as those, among others, who faithfully traveled mile upon mile and preached message after message on the revival trail. Some of these messages were preached in large auditoriums. Others were delivered in small country churches. Many of these sermons were preached under an old Gospel tent, while others were preached in Bible conferences. All of these sermons serve as a “marker” of sorts, distinguishing a certain season of my ministry. I pray these selected sermons will be an encouragement, a challenge, and a blessing to the Christian’s life. Available at www.bereanpublications.com

;WUMWVM 0I[ \W 5QTS \PM +W_[ By Jack Hyles

How do you build a great church? By preaching? No, though preaching is important. God knows we need it. By praying? Not alone. Bible teaching? Not alone. You have to “milk the cows.” I am talking about the bus drivers, the bus captains, and soloists. I am talking about sweeping the building, dusting the pews, preparing for the Sunday school class, visiting absentees, and about the nitty-gritty, getting down in the trenches; that is what builds a church. You can have the nicest barn, the shiniest buckets, and the prettiest herd of cows you want to have, but somebody has to squeeze the faucet. Somebody has to “milk the cows.” In this booklet, Dr. Jack Hyles tells of the Children of Israel coming to a land that…floweth with milk and honey. Here is a whole land that flowed with milk and honey, but somebody had to milk the cows. Somebody had to do the work. This same concept applies in life and in building a great work for God. Available at www.bereanpublications.com

4 The Baptist Magazine

5QTM 5IZSQVO 5M[[IOM[ NZWU \PM :M^Q^IT <ZIQT By Justin Cooper

A look at some of the books the staff of The Baptist have been reading lately Introduction by the author: From the very ďŹ rst message God let me preach to the present, nothing thrills my soul like preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The past thirty years have been great. From that little brush arbor meeting to the ministry of Harvest Baptist Tabernacle, the revival pulpits, the camp meeting grounds, the airwaves, and the platforms of national conferences, I love to tell the story. I trust the messages you read in this book will encourage your hearts, ďŹ re up your souls, and edify your lives as we all endeavor to tell the story until Jesus comes for His Own.

1 4W^M \W <MTT \PM ;\WZa By Joe Arthur

I Love to Tell the Story includes 25 classic sermons by Dr. Joe Arthur such as: “God’s .44 Magnum�; “The I of the Storm�; “The Rose of Sharon�; “The Apostle of Fire�; “Calvary’s Touch�; “How Much More�; and “A Man, Some Man, Some Other Man.� Available at www.bereanpublications.com

Rebels are often individuals who so despise rules and authority that they cross all boundaries and throw off all restrictions. Such rebellion arises because rebels pride themselves upon going their own way. Individualism is the oft-repeated rationale for what they do. However independent they may appear, rebels are nonetheless dedicated to certain rules of :]TM[ <PI\ :MJMT[ rebellious living. These patterns of behavior always prove painful for rebels who persist in them. 4Q^M *a Scripture is replete with illustrations of people who turned aside unto their own ways and resisted every godly authority in By 2M‍ ٺ‏.IZVPIU their lives. When we read of these biblical rebels, we can learn from the mistakes they made and the heartaches they endured. Rebellion always has been a reality, but Christ stands ready to forgive every rebel who will come to Him. Pastors, teachers, soulwinners and parents will ďŹ nd herein the research and the resources to help rebels whom they encounter. Available at www.swordbooks.com

The Bible is a supernatural Book that contains truths which never can be exhausted. For more than two years, Dr. Greg Neal preached a series of sermons entitled “Timeless Truths from Old Testament Bible Stories.â€? Within this series was the story of Naomi found in the book of Ruth. In order to adequately share the truths learned in this small book of the Bible, ďŹ ve different sermons were prepared. These ďŹ ve sermons hardly scratched the surface of all God has for us to learn from the lives of Ruth and Naomi. God has used these sermons not only to stir the heart of the man who preached them but also to help people all across America. Running, Returning, & Redeeming has been a best-seller from Berean Publications. It is the author’s desire that these life-changing truths found in God’s Word will help strengthen, encourage, and stir its readers. As the pages are turned, one will ďŹ nd himself transported to another time in history yet ďŹ nd truths that are still relevant today. Available at www.bereanpublications.com

:]VVQVO :M\]ZVQVO :MLMMUQVO By Greg Neal

Issue 2 March/April 2017

5

If We Can, Why...?

Self-help guru Tony Robbins ďŹ res up the large crowd at one of his seminars.

6 The Baptist Magazine

by Jeff Farnham, Revivalist, Pastor, Author lagrangebaptist@centurylink.net

KPWM[ WN ¹AW] KIV LW Q\ º ZQKWKPM\ NZWU M^MZa KQ\a _ITT IVL [KPWWT PITT QV \PM TIVL aM\ VM^MZ have we been a nation so encumbered with ¹^QK\QU[ _Q\P LQ[IJQTQ\QM[º I[ _M IZM \WLIa ?Pa ITT \PM PMTXTM[[ PIXTM[[ PWXMTM[[ [W]T[ QV W]Z OMVMZI\QWV QN QVLMML _M IZM [W MUXW_MZML [W MY]QXXML so capable? 1[ Q\ XW[[QJTM¸M^MV TQSMTa¸\PI\ W]Z PMTXTM[[ PIXTM[[ PWXMTM[[ XWX]TI\QWV Q[ ]VIJTM \W LW _PI\ Q\[ theological and philosophical false prophets have been XZWUQ[QVO L]M \W \Z][\QVO QV \PM _ZWVO XW_MZ' 1VLMML Q\ Q[ XW[[QJTM IVL TQSMTa 1V NIK\ Q\ Q[ ]VLMVQIJTa \Z]M ;MTN PMTX IVL [MTN \Z][\ IVL [MTN KWVÃ… LMVKM IVL [MTN ZMITQbI\QWV IVL [MTN N]TÃ… TTUMV\ IZM ZWW\ML QV I Æ I_ML NW]VLI\QWV" [MTN ;MTN Q[ [QVN]T \P][ UISQVO \PI\ NW]VLI\QWV ]VNI^WZIJTM ;MTN Q[ []J\TM \P][ UISQVO \PI\ NW]VLI\QWV ]VXZMLQK\IJTM ;MTN Q[ []J^MZ[Q^M thus making that foundation unreliable. The entire NW]VLI\QWV WN [MTN QV UWLMZV K]T\]ZM Q[ I JW_QVO crumbling foundation upon which sits a fancy house of _WWL PIa IVL [\]JJTM )\ \PM KWUQVO R]LOUMV\ [MI\ WN +PZQ[\ []KP PW][M[ _QTT J]ZV TMI^QVO QV \PM _ISM WN \PM Æ IUM[ [W]T[ °[I^ML# aM\ [W I[ Ja Ã… ZM <P][ _M I[S \PZMM Y]M[\QWV[ If We Can, Why Can’t We? 1N [MTN PMTX [MTN \Z][\ [MTN KWVÃ… LMVKM IVL [MTN M^MZa\PQVO MT[M Q[ [W MUXW_MZQVO _Pa KIV _M VW\ _QV [W]T[ [I^M UIZZQIOM[ LQ[KQXTM JMTQM^MZ[ JQZ\P KP]ZKPM[ XZM^MV\ PMZM[QM[ IVL QVKZMI[M QVÆ ]MVKM' 1N ITT \PM [MTN [\]‫ ٺ‬Q[ [W M‫ ٺ‬MK\Q^M IVL \PM [MTN [\]‫ ٺ‬Q[ WV \PM QVKZMI[M _Pa Q[ [W U]KP WN _PI\ _M \Z]Ta _IV\ \W [MM WV \PM LMKZMI[M' )[ \_MV\a Ã… Z[\ KMV\]Za JMTQM^MZ[ _Pa KIV _M VW\ [MM UWZM M^QLMVKM[ WN \PM _WZS WN /WL' 1N ITT \PM [MTN [\]‫ ٺ‬Q[ \Z]Ta I modern improvement upon the old and the outdated IVL \PM QZZMTM^IV\ _Pa _I[ \PM _WZS WN /WL [W U]KP more evident when people relied upon the old and the W]\LI\ML IVL \PM QZZMTM^IV\ IVL _Pa Q[ \PM _WZS WN /WL so scarce when people rely upon this modern new and QUXZW^ML ¹KP]ZKPQIVQ\aº' If We Can, Why Don’t We? Beyond the ability Y]M[\QWV WN ¹KIVº ^MZ[][ ¹KIV¼\º TQM[ \PM Y]M[\QWV WN \PM _QTT" _Pa LW _M VW\ LW UWZM NWZ /WL' 1N _M KIV _Pa do we not charge the gates of Hell and call out a people for Jesus’ name and spread Bible truth to the ends of the earth before the end of the world and make disciples WN W]Z 4WZL 2M[][ +PZQ[\' 1V [QUXTM[\ WN \MZU[ _M LW VW\ LW UWZM NWZ /WL _Q\P [MTN UW\Q^I\QWV JMKI][M [MTN UW\Q^I\QWV LWM[ UWZM NWZ [MTN VW\ UWZM NWZ /WL <PM X[aKPQI\ZQK X[aKPWTWOQKIT [MTN IOOZIVLQbMUMV\ UWLMT TW^M[ [MTN UWZM \PIV /WL# \PMZMNWZM []KP I UWLMT LWM[ more for self than it does for God. The work of God TIO[ NIZ JMPQVL QV XZQWZQ\a IVL \PM NZMVba WN TQNM JMKWUM[

E

KWV[]UML _Q\P I\\IQVQVO [MTN KWUNWZ\[ [MTN XTMI[]ZM[ IVL [MTN M`KQ\MUMV\[ If We Can, Why Aren’t We? Finally comes the Y]M[\QWV WN \PM ZMITQ\a WN UWLMZV +PZQ[\QIVQ\a ?Pa IZM _M VW\ JM\\MZ +PZQ[\QIV[ \WLIa QN _M KIV JM' )OIQV \PM IV[_MZ TQM[ QV \PM [MTN UWLMT <WW UIVa ZMIL 8PQTQXXQIV[ " IVL []JKWV[KQW][Ta XTIKM I XMZQWL IN\MZ \PM _WZL things as if the ability to do as we ought were connected to I \PM []JRMK\ WN \PM [MV\MVKM ZI\PMZ \PIV \W \PM WJRMK\ WN \PM XZMXW[Q\QWV QV \PM [MV\MVKM Christ which strengtheneth me. <WW UIVa ZMIL 1 +WZQV\PQIV[ " IVL thoughtlessly place a period after the word victory as if the victory were somehow guaranteed to us apart from the Lord Jesus Christ. Too many read II Corinthians " IVL QVIL^MZ\MV\Ta XTIKM I XMZQWL IN\MZ \PM _WZL triumph as if said triumph is automatic to the self rather than available through the Saviour. Too many forget that the context states later that W]Z []‫ ٻ‬KQMVKa Q[ WN /WL :ILQKIT TQNM KPIVOM[ QV^WT^M \PM KZ]KQÅ `QWV WN [MTN _PQKP Q[ I Ja XZWL]K\ WN \PM [IVK\QNaQVO _WZS WN \PM ;XQZQ\ WN /WL QV \PM VM_ KZMI\]ZM UISQVO XZWKM[[ WN \PM Lord Jesus Christ under the covenant of His cleansing JTWWL /ITI\QIV[ " TQ^QVO JMOQV[ _Q\P I (the self) am KZ]KQÅ ML :WUIV[ " TQ^QVO QVKT]LM[ \PM _ITS \PI\ Q[ not IN\MZ \PM Æ M[P \PM [MTN but after the Spirit (parentheses UQVM 11 +WZQV\PQIV[ " TQ^QVO ZMY]QZM[ UWZM \PIV I [MTN KPIVOM# _PI\ Q[ ZMY]QZML Q[ I KPIVOM QV\W \PM [IUM QUIOM \PI\ Q[ \PM QUIOM WN +PZQ[\ Ja \PM _WZSQVO WN \PM ;XQZQ\ WN /WL -XPM[QIV[ " TQ^QVO LMUIVL[ I X]\\QVO W‫ ٺ‬WN \PM WTL UIV \PM [MTN XZQWZ \W \PM X]\\QVO on of the new man. On and on one can go through the 6M_ <M[\IUMV\ _ZQ\QVO[ \W Å VL IV[_MZ[ \W \PM \PZMM Y]M[\QWV[ XZM^QW][Ta XW[ML *W\\WU TQVM" <PM P]UIVQ[U WN [MTN \PI\ QVNMK\[ \PM UQVL[ WN JMTQM^MZ[ NZWU _PI\ \PMa TMIZV QV [KPWWT QV UMLQI QV KWV^MZ[I\QWV IVL R][\ IJW]\ M^MZa_PMZM MT[M U][\ JM ZMVW]VKML ZMUW^ML IVL ZMXTIKML =V\QT []KP [MTN LMXMVLMVKM [MTN QUXWZ\IVKM IVL [MTN QVL]TOMVKM IZM ZMVW]VKML \PMa _QTT JM MUJZIKML =V\QT [MTN Q[ ZMUW^ML Q\ _QTT KWV\QV]M \W QVNMK\ =V\QT [MTN Q[ ZMXTIKML it will constantly abrade and irritate the spirit and soul in which it has taken up residence. 0W_ \PMV LW _M UW^M NZWU \PM [MTN TQNM \W \PM +PZQ[\ TQNM' 1\ Q[ \PM ]V[PISMIJTM KWV^QK\QWV WN \PQ[ author that Christians must absolutely immerse themselves in Scripture and unreservedly and unashamedly beg their Father in Heaven for the power WN 0Q[ 0WTa ;XQZQ\ QV \PMQZ TQ^M[ 6W\PQVO MT[M IVL nothing less will do. Self will never die completely in this TQNM# PW_M^MZ \PM PW][M WN +PZQ[\ KIV JMKWUM [\ZWVOMZ and stronger while the house of self becomes weaker IVL _MISMZ ;MM 11 ;IU]MT " Issue 2 March/April 2017

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Lesvos Island, Greece-October, 2015. Syrian refugees arriving by raft from Turkey

8 The Baptist Magazine

A Christian Perspective on Immigration Bob Gray, Sr. Editor-in-Chief

Issue 2 March/April 2017

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“

BELOW Calais, France. Refugees waiting to be processed after being evicted from a nearby illegal refugee camp

I

V /WL _M \Z][\ º ¹7VM VI\QWV ]VLMZ /WL º ¹/WL JTM[[ )UMZQKI º <PM[M are familiar sayings to all Americans that represent the foundation upon which this nation was built. Always America has been a godly nation in the sense that we have recognized God’s place in this country. What makes America great is that our God is the God of the Lord Jesus Christ. 7V 1VI]O]ZI\QWV ,Ia IN\MZ ,WVITL <Z]UX PIL JMMV [_WZV QV I[ \PM NWZ\a Ã…N\P 8ZM[QLMV\ WN \PM =VQ\ML ;\I\M[ KWV[MZ^I\Q^M ZILQW PW[\ :][P 4QUJI]OP [IQL \PM[M _WZL[ ¹1 NMMT TQSM /WL Q[ JIKS º 5Z 4QUJI]OP was saying that much of what was said and done during the inauguration activities were indications that we will no longer hide from W]Z PMZQ\IOM WN JMQVO I VI\QWV ]VLMZ /WL VW\ R][\ IVa OWL J]\ \PM WVM \Z]M /WL ?PW[M ;WV is our Lord Jesus Christ. Christianity is a religion of choice not NWZKM ) XMZ[WV LWM[ VW\ RWQV +PZQ[\QIVQ\a 0M accepts it by placing his faith in the person WN +PZQ[\ 0M Q[ VW\ JWZV QV\W +PZQ[\QIVQ\a although he may have been born into a Christian family. Being a Christian is a

10 The Baptist Magazine

XMZ[WVIT KPWQKM# \PMZMNWZM +PZQ[\QIVQ\a Q[ \PM religion of freedom. The safest place for a person of any faith \W TQ^M Q[ \PM =VQ\ML ;\I\M[ WN )UMZQKI JMKI][M of the freedom of religion that is encouraged under Christianity. That is what is meant in 8[ITU " _PQKP [\I\M[ Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD;… We cannot dictate +PZQ[\QIVQ\a QV I XMZ[WV J]\ _M KIV LQK\I\M God’s principles as a nation and that brings a blessing to all who live in that nation. 1V PQ[\WZa UIVa _IZ[ _MZM NW]OP\ W^MZ ZMTQOQWV J]\ )UMZQKI PI[ VM^MZ NW]OP\ I religious war because America was founded upon Christian principles. The mistake that many people make is thinking that Christians want to control America. The truth is that Christians merely want to foster the freedom \W XZIK\QKM IVL XMZXM\]I\M W]Z NIQ\P _Q\PW]\ oppression. We do so not by force but by the QVÆ]MVKM WN W]Z ZQOP\MW][ TQ^QVO <PM KPWQKM is up to individuals as to whether or not they IKKMX\ WZ ZMRMK\ +PZQ[\ 6W KW]V\Za QV \PQ[ _WZTL PI[ \PM LQ^MZ[Q\a of religions as America does. This is true because we were founded upon Christian principles. Forcing someone to be a Christian _QTT [MVL PQU \W 0MTT# \PMZMNWZM W]Z[ Q[ VW\ I

religion of force but a religion of faith. ;I\IV PI\M[ +PZQ[\# \PMZMNWZM Q\ Q[ VW surprise to any of us that liberals likewise hate Christ. Their desire is not to bring immigrants into America to blend with our culture and XIZ\ISM WN \PM NZMMLWU[ \PI\ _M MVRWa I[ I Christian nation. Their desire is to destroy true Christianity. How else can we explain why liberals would risk losing freedom in order to protect the oppressive Muslim religion? 5W[\ KW]V\ZQM[ _PQKP IZM VW\ +PZQ[\QIV TQ^M ]VLMZ ZMTQOQW][ WXXZM[[QWV 1V NIK\ Christians are not totally free to practice their faith in these nations. Liberals hate Christianity because they hate Christ. They LW VW\ PI\M +PZQ[\ \PM XZWXPM\ I[ \PMa [MM Him. They hate Christ as the only true Way to God. They do not want to accept Him to JM \PM ?Ia \PM <Z]\P IVL \PM 4QNM VWZ \W acknowledge that no man can come to the Father except by Him. Christians do not want to force people to KWUM \W /WL \PZW]OP +PZQ[\ J]\ _M SVW_ they cannot come to God any other way. We are not seeking to demand them to accept Christ but to disciple them to accept Christ. ?M IZM VW\ [MMSQVO \W UISM TWaIT []JRMK\[ \W our religion but willing disciples and followers of Christ. We do not seek to enforce our faith but to practice it freely while allowing others to do the same. <PZW]OPW]\ PQ[\WZa QUUQOZI\QWV PI[ brought people to America from all over \PM _WZTL ?M PI^M VM^MZ [W]OP\ \W [Y]MTKP

another’s religious beliefs; PW_M^MZ )UMZQKI IT_Ia[ PI[ protected its borders from those seeking to change our beliefs. The WXXZM[[ML NZMMTa ÅVL ZMN]OM PMZM ]VTM[[ \PMa seek to become the oppressor. Please do not misunderstand that principle. It is not that we WJRMK\ \W \PW[M WN \PM 5][TQU NIQ\P _PW [MMS \PM WXXWZ\]VQ\QM[ )UMZQKI I‫ٺ‬WZL[ J]\ _M LW WJRMK\ \W \PMQZ LM[QZM \W NWZKM \PMQZ ZMTQOQWV upon America. Because we are a Christian VI\QWV NZMMLWU WN ZMTQOQWV Q[ UWZM XZM^ITMV\ here than in any other nation in this world. <ISM I_Ia \PM +PZQ[\QIV QV W]Z VI\QWV IVL _M JMKWUM []JRMK\ \W WXXZM[[QWV )[ :WVITL :MIOIV [IQL ¹)UMZQKI Q[ I [PQVQVO KQ\a ]XWV I PQTT _PW[M JMIKWV TQOP\ O]QLM[ NZMMLWU TW^QVO XMWXTM M^MZa_PMZM º The battle over immigration is not a battle against other religions practicing their faith freely. It is a battle over other religions seeking to control and destroy the freedoms upon _PQKP _M I[ I VI\QWV PI^M TQ^ML [QVKM W]Z founding fathers. This nation was established using Christian principles as its basis. Sharia law is an oppressive law. It would seek to take control of the freedom upon which our nation has been built. Those who believe in it would stamp out Christianity JMKI][M \PMa PI\M W]Z +PZQ[\ +PZQ[\QIV[ _PQTM _M PI\M NIT[M OWL[ PI^M VM^MZ [W]OP\ to oppress those who have chosen to worship \PW[M NIT[M OWL[ )[ I +PZQ[\QIV VI\QWV _M have protected other’s rights to do so. We do

UPPER LEFT Ganziantep, Turkey. A Syrian refugee girl stays with her family in a refugee camp. TOP Belgrade, Serbia. Many refugees attempt to survive the brutal winter rather than staying in a refugee camp. BOTTOM London, UK-June, 2016. Protestors urging the government to allow refugees from mainland Europe into the country

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VW\ [MMS \W +PZQ[\QIVQbM )UMZQKI J]\ \W UISM LQ[KQXTM[ WN )UMZQKIV[ WVM soul at a time. That is what the Gospel is all about. While President Trump may not be an independent Baptist +PZQ[\QIV PM LWM[ [MMU \W PI^M IV ]VLMZ[\IVLQVO WN \PM LIVOMZ \PI\ uncontrolled immigration brings to the very foundation of our freedoms. It is not that we seek to stop immigration but to control immigration in WZLMZ \W XZW\MK\ W]Z NZMMLWU 5IZS Q\ LW_V Ua .ZQMVL \PM JI\\TM NWZ open immigration is a battle against Christianity. It is not Christians ÅOP\QVO NWZ KWV\ZWT J]\ +PZQ[\QIV[ ÅOP\QVO NWZ NZMMLWU IOIQV[\ IVW\PMZ¼[ control. Our faith is not oppressive. We merely seek to prevent oppressive religions from gaining a stronghold in this nation. Strong immigration laws are not designed to stop immigration or prevent immigrants from coming to this nation. It is designed to prevent immigration from changing this nation from what it has been since its founding. ;ILTa [WUM +PZQ[\QIV[ IZM LMKMQ^ML Ja \PM KZQM[ WN KWUXI[[QWV _PQKP IZM ][ML I[ I [UWSM[KZMMV \W \PM ZMIT Q[[]M <PMa [MM []‫ٺ‬MZQVO XMWXTM ]VLMZ WXXZM[[QWV QV W\PMZ KW]V\ZQM[ IVL NMMT \PI\ I[ +PZQ[\QIV[ we have a responsibility to allow them all to enter into our nation without restriction. If the goal for Christianity is to UMZMTa XZW^QLM P]UIV VMKM[[Q\QM[ \PMV _M will allow immigration to go uncontrolled. That is not our main goal. Our main goal is to preach the Gospel to every creature. Open immigration is a byproduct of the social gospel. It seeks human rights above divine responsibility. When divine ZM[XWV[QJQTQ\a Q[ LM[\ZWaML P]UIV ZQOP\[ IZM at risk. Christianity is the greatest protector of P]UIV ZQOP\[ \PI\ M^MZ PI[ M`Q[\ML# PW_M^MZ +PZQ[\QIVQ\a Q[ VW\ J]QT\ WV P]UIV ZQOP\[ ÅZ[\ J]\ WV LQ^QVM ZQOP\[ ?M ÅOP\ NWZ \PM NZMMLWU to practice our faith in order to meet the needs of others. Some have said that Jesus would be for open immigration. That is foolish. Jesus would be for obeying the laws. Jesus would be for WZLMZ VW\ KWVN][QWV 5IVa PI^M \]ZVML 2M[][ QV\W I [WKQIT OW[XMT ÅO]ZM ZI\PMZ \PIV \PM ;I^QW]Z WN \PM _WZTL <PMZM Q[ I LQ‫ٺ‬MZMVKM IVL _M U][\ VW\ NWZOM\ \PI\ LQ‫ٺ‬MZMVKM <Z]M UQ[[QWVIZa _WZS commanded by Christ was not bringing the world to Christ but taking Christ to the world. America’s greatness is in the protection of people’s freedoms to practice their religion. America’s greatness will be lost when we remove

TOP Thessaloniki, Greece - July 2016. Protestors march demanding that the EU borders be opened up to refugees during a protest against the European Union policy for refugee matters. MIDDLE Idomeni, Greece - April 2016. A Syrian regugee throws rocks at a border fence as refugees clash with Macedonian police near the Greek-Macedonia border. BOTTOM Sanliurfa, Turkey - September 2015. Refugees participating in sunset prayers together at the Akcakale Refugee Camp where approximately 28,000 Syrian refugess reside OPPOSITE PAGE Essalame, Syria - February 2016. Refugees from Aleppo in Syria, a town that has been ravaged by violence, trying to pass through the Essalame border gate on the Turkey - Syria border

12 The Baptist Magazine

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14 The Baptist Magazine

Refugees taking shelter in an abandoned storage facility in Belgrade, Serbia

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\PM /WL ?PW UISM[ \PI\ NZMMLWU XW[[QJTM and that is the God of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are not demanding that America be a +PZQ[\QIV VI\QWV ?M IZM ÅOP\QVO NWZ )UMZQKI to remain under the guiding principles upon _PQKP \PQ[ OZMI\ VI\QWV _I[ J]QT\ _PQKP IZM JQJTQKIT \Z]\P[ 1\ Q[ VW\ W]Z QV\MV\QWV \W QVÆQK\ W]Z +PZQ[\QIV NIQ\P ]XWV W\PMZ[ J]\ \W OQ^M W\PMZ[ \PM WXXWZ\]VQ\a \W KPWW[M WZ ZMRMK\ Christ as their Saviour. What is the answer for those oppressed throughout the world? The book of Ruth was named after a Moabite lady. Ruth was \PM LI]OP\MZ QV TI_ WN 6IWUQ I 2M_Q[P woman. Her husband died while living in 5WIJ 6IWUQ _PW PIL JMMV LZQ^MV NZWU PMZ PWUMTIVL JMKI][M WN I NIUQVM LMKQLML \W ZM\]ZV \W *M\PTMPMU :]\P PMZ 5WIJQ\M LI]OP\MZ QV TI_ KPW[M \W OW _Q\P PMZ 1\ KW]TL be said that Ruth was a refugee; and upon QUUQOZI\QVO \W *M\PTMPMU \PQ[ 5WIJQ\M TILa UILM IV QV\MZM[\QVO [\I\MUMV\ ¹<Pa XMWXTM [PITT JM Ua XMWXTM IVL \Pa /WL Ua /WL º She chose to honor the God of Israel. ?PMV [PM IZZQ^ML QV *M\PTMPMU :]\P _I[ LM[XMZI\M NWZ NWWL IVL [PMT\MZ *WIb QVY]QZML as to who this woman was. Even though she

16 The Baptist Magazine

_I[ I 5WIJQ\M PM ZMIKPML W]\ \W PMZ IVL generously cared for her needs. There are many lessons that can be learned from this [\WZa J]\ \PMZM IZM \PZMM WJ[MZ^I\QWV[ \PI\ IZM applicable to the immigration situation we face in America. 1. America must have a sensible and orderly method of accepting legal immigrants while guarding from an ideological shift in the principles upon which this nation was founded. President Trump is right in guarding our borders. He is right to protect the values upon which this country was built. The liberal left is not interested in these immigrants. They are interested in undermining the Christian values upon which our nation was founded. As 8ZM[QLMV\ 5Z <Z]UX PI[ I ZM[XWV[QJQTQ\a \W protect those Constitutional values. 2. Churches must prepare for those immigrating to America with a plan of action. We must be aware of those immigrating to America and become aggressive in getting the Gospel to them. 5ISM VW UQ[\ISM IJW]\ Q\ +PZQ[\ W‫ٺ‬MZ[ _PI\ 5][TQU[ UW[\ _IV\ <PMa _IV\ PWXM IVL only in Christ can hope be found. Some would

[Ia \PI\ 5][TQU[ IZM LQ‫ٻ‬ K]T\ \W ZMIKP# aM\ 1 believe they are as hungry for the Gospel as anyone else. We must see those who are coming into W]Z KW]V\Za I[ W]Z WXXWZ\]VQ\a VW I[ W]Z responsibility to reach with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Churches must see these immigrants \PZW]OP \PM MaM[ WN W]Z 4WZL IVL LW \PMQZ JM[\ to reach them with the truth of the Gospel. <PZW]OPW]\ )UMZQKI¼[ PQ[\WZa KP]ZKPM[ PI^M been a part of immigration by aggressively reaching the immigrants with the message of Christ. 3. We must go to immigrants with the Gospel. Jesus commanded that we spread the Gospel to the uttermost part of the earth. The best thing we can do for the oppressed people of this world is to take the Gospel to them and see the Gospel’s transformative power work in their lives. Just as persecution drove the early church +PZQ[\QIV[ W]\ WN 2MZ][ITMU NIUQVM LZW^M 6IWUQ W]\ WN *M\PTMPMU <PQ[ _I[ XIZ\ WN 0Q[ Divine plan. Boaz eventually took Ruth as his _QNM <WOM\PMZ \PMa PIL I KPQTL _PW[M TQVM WVM day led to the birth of Jesus Christ. The worse the oppression facing people the more open

\PMa _QTT JM \W \PM /W[XMT J]\ _M U][\ /7 and take it to them. <PM Y]M[\QWV Q[ VW\ QN )UMZQKI Q[ I +PZQ[\QIV VI\QWV <PM Y]M[\QWV Q[ _PM\PMZ or not America was founded on Christian XZQVKQXTM[ IVL \PMZM Q[ VW LW]J\ Q\ _I[ <PW[M principles allowed the very freedoms that QUUQOZIV\[ IZM I‫ ٺ‬WZLML QV \PQ[ VI\QWV <PM freedoms upon which our country was built should not be threatened by uncontrolled immigration. 7V 7K\WJMZ \PM Washington Business Journal published these words following the terrorist attack on the Trade Towers in 6M_ AWZS +Q\a ¹?M IZM JW\P I VI\QWV QV UW]ZVQVO IVL I VI\QWV WN IVOMZ NWTTW_QVO the deadly terrorist assault on America. It is a ZQOP\MW][ IVOMZ IVL R][\QKM LMUIVL[ _M PWTL the terrorists accountable. A united country [\IVL[ JMPQVL Q\[ TMILMZ[PQX M`XMK\QVO \PMU \W LW R][\ \PI\ º 4QSM_Q[M QV I LIa _PMV the threat of terrorism is evident and the light of freedom is being extinguished by IV\Q +PZQ[\QIV NWZKM[ _M U][\ []XXWZ\ W]Z President and his immigration policy as he stands up to these threats on our freedom. Issue 2 March/April 2017

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The New Church Hymnal was ďŹ rst published in 1976 and has become a staple of traditional hymns in many Baptist churches to this day.

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Our Hymn Heritage How Can We Know If We’re Changing, If We Don’t Know Where We Began? by Cindy Healy \ Q[ R][\ IVW\PMZ ;]VLIa UWZVQVO QV I \aXQKIT *IX\Q[\ persecuted Christians across the world. Even though church in America. Moments before the pastor God used Martin Luther as a great leader and hymn stands to preach the message that God placed upon _ZQ\MZ L]ZQVO \PM :MNWZUI\QWV PM ITWVO _Q\P W\PMZ[ PQ[ PMIZ\ \PM [WTWQ[\ _ITS[ \W \PM X]TXQ\ -^MZa XMZNMK\Ta never broke away fully from the ritualistic beliefs of the sung note resonates throughout the auditorium. The Catholic Church. .WZ M`IUXTM 4]\PMZ [\QTT JMTQM^ML [WVO MVL[ QUXZM[[Q^MTa J]\ \PM XMWXTM TQ[\MVQVO NZWU \PM that baptism and the Lord’s Supper were necessary for pews remain as they had been prior to the song. Their salvation. PMIZ\[ IZM KWTL ]V[\QZZML IVL ]VXZMXIZML NWZ \PM 1N _M TWWS I\ PaUV[ _ZQ\\MV L]ZQVO \PQ[ \QUM UIVa message. How could something so musically prepared have a reoccurring theme of reverence toward God. not stir the hearts of the believers? These hymns commemorated the Although each person hears newfound freedom to worship a the singer’s near perfect execution holy God as Christians pleased. WN IV WTL NIUQTQIZ PaUV UW[\ These hymns also showed a remain ignorant of what a long celebration of no longer being and burdensome struggle it has bound by the false doctrines of the been throughout history to give us :WUIV +I\PWTQK +P]ZKP 6W\IJTa \PM PaUV[ _M [QVO \WLIa AM[ _M hymns written during this time have heard the popular moving period were written with stanzas PaUV PQ[\WZQM[ WN ¹1\ 1[ ?MTTº IVL IVL VW KPWZ][M[ 1V [XQ\M WN \PQ[ ¹)UIbQVO /ZIKM º J]\ LW _M ZMITTa many hymns were being translated understand how God’s hand through from Greek and Latin into the history has impacted the great hymn language of the common people. writers? Where did the singing of These hymns were being written the hymns even start? with familiar folk rhyme and Many may remember from rhythms that were easy to sing and their high school history class that memorize. This style was adhered the Protestant Reformation began \W ]V\QT \PM /ZMI\ )_ISMVQVO _PMV when Martin Luther took a stand choruses began to be added to against the pope and the Roman some of these older hymns. Catholic Church by posting his In contrast to the popular ABOVE The door at the All Saint’s NIUW][ 6QVM\a Å^M <PM[M[ <PM hymn styles we are accustomed Church in Wittenberg, Germany, where Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-five Roman Catholic Church WAS the \W XZM[MV\Ta UIVa QV \PW[M \QUM[ Theses and sparked the Reformation government of the day. It ruled believed that psalmody (singing the _Q\P IV QZWV Å[\ IVL XMZ[MK]\ML IVa _PW WXXW[ML \PM psalms in metrical rhyme) should be the only songs that church’s beliefs. Luther refused to recant what he had should be sung in church because they were derived posted causing a spark which ignited the Protestant directly from the Bible. John Calvin spread the idea of Reformation. Many Christians are not aware that exclusive psalmody. He contended that the only songs the Reformation was the birthplace of the modern _WZ\Pa \W JM []VO QV KP]ZKP _MZM UM\ZQKIT X[ITU[ hymnbook that we hold in our hands every Sunday. usually without any accompanying instruments. Calvin’s -^MV \PW]OP I NM_ PaUV[ PIL JMMV _ZQ\\MV MIZTQMZ QLMI[ KWV\ZILQK\QVO 4]\PMZ¼[ [XZMIL ITT W^MZ -]ZWXM it was during the Protestant Reformation that Luther and in England. Even though many had broken away began to develop hymn writing in the modern form we NZWU \PM :WUIV +I\PWTQK +P]ZKP¼[ JMTQMN[ UW[\ KW]TL know today. Luther penned “A Mighty Fortress Is Our not escape previous teachings about worship and how /WL º LMZQ^ML NZWU 8[ITU[ <PQ[ PaUV JMKIUM \PM Q\ [PW]TL JM ¹XMZNWZUML º *MTQM^MZ[ [IVO \PM 8[ITU[ JI\\TM KZa WN \PM XMWXTM [\ZMVO\PMVQVO IVL QV[XQZQVO I[ \PMa PIL JMNWZM J]\ QVLQ‫ٺ‬MZMVKM IVL I TIKS WN

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conviction stole the meaning of the words as they sang them. A young man in England named Isaac Watts observed the apathetic worship around him. These were God’s people; these were good people with good QV\MV\QWV[ _PW PIL XZM^QW][Ta [IKZQÅKML U]KP \W sit where they sat. What struck him was the lack of conviction on the faces of Christians as they sang words \PI\ [PW]TL UW^M \PMU \W LW UWZM NWZ +PZQ[\ 0M IT[W VW\QKML \PM IJ[MVKM WN 6M_ <M[\IUMV\ \Z]\P[ I[ PM listened to the lackluster singing of the psalms. Watts [\I\ML ¹<W [MM \PM L]TT QVLQ‫ٺ‬MZMVKM \PM VMOTQOMV\ IVL thoughtless air that sits upon the faces of the whole assembly while the psalm is on their lips might tempt even a charitable observer to suspect the fervour of QV_IZL ZMTQOQWV º -^MV \PW]OP PM _I[ R][\ I \MMVIOMZ 1[IIK ?I\\[ knew a change must take place. He talked to his father about his observations. His father listened to his concerns and then challenged him to do something about it. He accepted the challenge and wrote one hymn I _MMS NWZ \PM VM`\ \_W aMIZ[ ?I\\[¼[ OWIT QV PaUV _ZQ\QVO _I[ \W ¹+PZQ[\QIVQbMº the psalms and write hymns that would bring light to \PM LWK\ZQVM[ NW]VL QV \PM 6M_ <M[\IUMV\ )\ \PI\ \QUM Watts did not realize that he was paving a way through unexplored territory and making it possible for great hymns to be written that are still being sung today. The

M`IUXTM WN _PI\ I [W]T UW^QVO PaUV [PW]TL JM VW_ had its beginning. This hymn evolution did not come without ZWILJTWKS[ 6W\ M^MZa KP]ZKP _MTKWUML ?I\\[¼[ PaUV[ with open arms. Some believers refused to sing his PaUV[ QV \PMQZ KP]ZKP¼[ [WVO [MZ^QKM KWQVQVO PQ[ PaUV[ I[ ¹?I\\[¼[ ?PQU[ º ;WUM KP]ZKPM[ [IVO \PM 8[ITU[ I\ the beginning of the service and saved the singing of Watts’s hymns for the end. This allowed anyone who did not want to sing his hymns to be dismissed at the end of the service. Watts retaliated by penning words to the PaUV ¹?M¼ZM 5IZKPQVO \W BQWV º \PI\ [\I\M ¹4M\ \PW[M ZMN][M \W [QVO _PW VM^MZ SVM_ W]Z /WL°º 0M \WWS I [\ZWVO IVL LQ‫ٻ‬K]T\ [\IVL JMKI][M PM JMTQM^ML PQ[ KI][M \W JM R][\ 0M _W]TL VW\ TM\ \PM VIa[IaMZ[ LQ[KW]ZIOM him. <WLIa ?I\\[ Q[ UIVa \QUM[ UQ[ZMXZM[MV\ML Ja \PM Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) movement as JMQVO \PM XQWVMMZ WN ¹VM_ U][QK º <PMa ][M PQU \W R][\QNa [QVOQVO ++5 [WVO[ QV W]Z KP]ZKPM[ <PMa IKK][M \PM ¹WTL NI[PQWVMLº +PZQ[\QIV WN VW\ _IV\QVO \W KPIVOM R][\ I[ \PW[M XQW][ +PZQ[\QIV[ QV \PM LIa WN 1[IIK ?I\\[ To believe that Watts would have supported this false ideology permeating our churches today is causing lasting damage to our church music programs. CCM Q[ \ISQVO PWTL M^MV QV W]Z QVLMXMVLMV\ N]VLIUMV\IT Baptist churches while the histories of our hymns and their writers are being forever erased. =VTQSM \PM ++5 UW^MUMV\¼[ LM[QZM \W KPIVOM U][QK \W I\\ZIK\ \PM KWV[]UMZ WN \PM LIa ?I\\[ PIL I KWUXTM\MTa LQ‫ٺ‬MZMV\ OWIT ?I\\[ _I[ VW\ \ZaQVO \W KZMI\M I LQ‫ٺ‬MZMV\ [W]VLQVO PaUV \W LZI_ I KZW_L WZ XWX]TIZQ\a \W PQU[MTN =XWV M`IUQVI\QWV WN 1[IIK ?I\\[¼[ PaUV[ Q\ Q[ WJ^QW][ \PI\ \PMa NWTTW_ML the metrical meter of his day. Watts’s hymns were ÅTTML _Q\P LWK\ZQVM [IKZMLVM[[ IVL ZM^MZMVKM \W I LEFT Isaac Watts successfully bridged together psalmody and hymnody which became the standard for modern hymns. BELOW The Freeby Chapel is located in Freeby, England. Isaac Watts preached many sermons here from 1696 until 1699.

20 The Baptist Magazine

074A /WL <PM WVTa ¹VM_º \PQVO IJW]\ PQ[ PaUV[ _I[ \PI\ PM QVKWZXWZI\ML 6M_ <M[\IUMV\ LWK\ZQVM QV[\MIL WN R][\ \PM _WZL[ of the Psalms. He was passionate about ¹+PZQ[\QIVQbQVOº \PM PaUV[ \W JZQVO IJW]\ conviction in the cold hearts of the people of his day and to bring about conversion in the PMIZ\ WN \PM VWV JMTQM^MZ CCM often incorporates a portion of a PaUV QV I [MTN _WZ[PQXXQVO [\aTM WZ ][M[ \PM same seven words repeatedly which turns out to be an ungodly tribute that defaces the foundation upon which hymns are built. ++5 Q[ LM[\ZWaQVO \PM QVÆ]MVKM WN PaUV[ in the local Baptist church because we are XZM[[]ZML QV\W JMTQM^QVO \PI\ _M IZM R][\ \WW ¹WTL NI[PQWVMLº IVL VW\ _QTTQVO \W KPIVOM ?M must not fall for these shallow arguments that ask us to accept music which lacks doctrine and holiness to be sung in worship to a HOLY God. <PI\ JMQVO [IQL VW WVM MT[M PMTL \W \PM message of holiness and the doctrines of the 6M_ <M[\IUMV\ \PZW]OP [WVO I[ ?I\\[ LQL 0M was able to bridge the gap between psalmody and hymnody like no other. He set the XZMKMLMV\ WN _PI\ I OWLTa +PZQ[\ PWVWZQVO hymn is all about and became an example for hymn writers for centuries to come. ,]ZQVO \PM MIZTa [ PaUV _ZQ\MZ[ []KP I[ 2WPV IVL +PIZTM[ ?M[TMa 2WPV 6M_\WV and William Cowper also began to write hymns soon after Watts began blazing the trail of hymnody. While Europe was beginning \W IKKMX\ PaUVWLa \PM [M\\TMZ[ WN \PM 6M_ ?WZTL []KP I[ \PM 8QTOZQU[ IVL \PM 8]ZQ\IV[ brought psalmody to America. With the ZM^WT]\QWVIZa QV^MV\QWV WN \PM XZQV\QVO XZM[[ hymns could be shared in many churches in

the form of a hymnbook. Hymns then became IKKM[[QJTM NWZ M^MZa KP]ZKP I\\MVLQVO JMTQM^MZ Even though Isaac Watts’s hymns were X]JTQ[PML QV )UMZQKI NM_ KP]ZKPM[ IK\]ITTa used them. ;M\\TMZ[ QV \PM MIZTa KWTWVQM[ RWQVML \PM church in droves. Some historians attribute \PQ[ \W \PM VM_NW]VL RWa WN ZMTQOQW][ NZMMLWU NWZ \PM[M -]ZWXMIV[ QV \PM 6M_ ?WZTL# PW_M^MZ UIVa WN \PM 7TL ?WZTL OW^MZVUMV\ structures and ideologies took rank in the colonies keeping the church and government intertwined. The only way early colonists could have a voice in the annual town meetings or the opportunity to vote or even to PWTL X]JTQK W‫ٻ‬KM _I[ \W JMKWUM I UMUJMZ WN \PM TWKIT KP]ZKP )[ I ZM[]T\ WN \PQ[ [\QX]TI\QWV KWTWVQ[\[ RWQVML IVL I\\MVLML KP]ZKP _PM\PMZ they were believers or not. This impacted the KP]ZKP JMKI][M \PM [MZ^QKM[ _MZM ÅTTML _Q\P XMWXTM _PW _MZM R][\ N]TÅTTQVO I L]\a \W \PM OW^MZVUMV\ ZI\PMZ \PIV N]TÅTTQVO \PMQZ L]\a to the Lord. Churches in America became cold and dead and were in desperate need of revival. )[ \PM 6M_ ?WZTL ILWX\ML U]KP WN \PM 7TL ?WZTL¼[ XPQTW[WXPQM[ \PM U][QK QV \PM KP]ZKP JMKIUM RWaTM[[ IVL [\IOVIV\ ;WUM churches did not even allow congregational singing because they thought that believers and nonbelievers should not sing together. Others sang songs from The Psalter I JWWS WN UM\ZQKIT X[ITU[ IVL W\PMZ [QUQTIZ [WVOJWWS[ )\ \PQ[ \QUM QV PQ[\WZa UW[\ WN \PM members were not grounded in Biblical LWK\ZQVM[ )OIQV \PM TIKS WN PaUV[ IVL [XQZQ\]IT [WVO[ \PI\ KWV\IQVML 6M_ Testament doctrine was beginning to erode the spiritual state of their churches. It was

ABOVE Many people who support Contemporary Christian Music cite Isaac Watts as justification for introducing modern music into worship.

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RIGHT Buildings from the Jonathan Edwards College at Yale University BELOW A copy of Jonathan Edwards’ famous sermon “Sinners In the Hands of an Angry God” which helped to spark the Great Awakening

during this sad state of the early American churches that Solomon Stoddard introduced the Halfway Covenant. This covenant allowed nonbelievers to have their infants baptized in the church. The decline of the church became evident as churches _MZM ÅTTML _Q\P UMUJMZ[ _PW _MZM ^WQL WN conviction and were not saved. The church was in desperate need of a spiritual awakening. ;IZIP ;WTWUWV ;\WLLIZL¼[ LI]OP\MZ married Tim Edwards. Tim and Sarah did not realize that they were rearing a son who would change churches in America and revolutionize the spiritual condition of the country for generations to come. His name was Jonathan Edwards. )[ I aW]VO UIV -L_IZL[ [I_ \PM problem of his grandfather’s Halfway Covenant and began to preach against it. The WTLMZ OMVMZI\QWV _I[ [M\ QV \PMQZ _Ia[ J]\ the younger generation was attentive to what Edwards was preaching. They had noticed the QVLQ‫ٺ‬MZMVKM QV \PMQZ XIZMV\[ IVL \PMa _IV\ML something more for themselves. Something that was real. They wanted a change in their hearts that would bring about revival. When Edwards’s grandfather died in ! -L_IZL[ \WWS W^MZ \PM XI[\WZI\M WN PQ[ grandfather’s church that happened to be one of the largest and wealthiest congregations in the Massachusetts colony. With the power

22 The Baptist Magazine

WN /WL WV PQU -L_IZL[ ZMIL PQ[ [MZUWV ¹;QVVMZ[ QV \PM 0IVL[ WN IV )VOZa /WL º which brought conviction not only to his people but also to people in the surrounding towns and colonies. Revival was about to break out. 5MIV_PQTM /MWZOM ?PQ\ÅMTL PIL abandoned a career in theater to become IV M^IVOMTQ[\ 0Q[ XZMIKPQVO \W WXMV IQZ congregations began in England because the Church of England refused to let him preach in their churches. He came to the colonies to run an orphanage in Georgia that had been started by the Wesley brothers and continued \W XZMIKP \PM /W[XMT +ZW_L[ _W]TL ÆWKS \W PMIZ \PQ[ JWUJI[\QK XZMIKPMZ ?PQ\ÅMTL¼[ NIUM grew as many people were getting saved. /MWZOM ?PQ\ÅMTL IVL 2WVI\PIV -L_IZL[ WXMVML \PM ÆWWLOI\M[ WN \PM /ZMI\ )_ISMVQVO QV )UMZQKI QV \PM UQL [ <PW][IVL[ _MZM [I^ML QV KP]ZKPM[ IVL QV WXMV IQZ UMM\QVO[ and churches began springing up all over the colonies. Jonathan Edwards began introducing 1[IIK ?I\\[¼[ PaUV[ QV PQ[ UMM\QVO[ IVL VM_ believers embraced these hymns. )[ )UMZQKI JMOIV \W \]ZV JIKS \W +PZQ[\ the stage was set for hymns to be sung in churches that would convict the singer and the hearer. Hearts became soft toward the things of God. As the 18th century ended and the VM`\ KMV\]Za JMOIV 1[IIK ?I\\[¼[ PaUV[ XI^ML the way for great American hymn writers such

I[ 1ZI ;IVSMa .IVVa +ZW[Ja 8PQTQX *TQ[[ IVL ?QTTQIU *ZILJ]Za ยน;PMT\MZ QV \PM <QUM WN ;\WZU ยบ ยน*TM[[ML )[[]ZIVKM ยบ ยน2][\ )[ 1 )U ยบ IVL ยน1 ?QTT ;QVO WN 5a :MLMMUMZยบ IZM R][\ I NM_ M`IUXTM[ WN \PM \PW][IVL[ WN PMIZ\ KPIVOQVO IVL [W]T KWV^QK\QVO [WVO[ \PI\ IZM still being sung today. As the southern population grew and as America M`XIVLML _M[\_IZL Q\ _I[ KTMIZ )UMZQKI VMMLML Christ more than ever. Many of these settlers were poor and uneducated. Revival grew southward by the means of camp meetings. Sometimes these meetings would last for weeks. Many slaves who attended these meetings _MZM JMQVO KWV^MZ\ML )[ I ZM[]T\ 6MOZW [XQZQ\]IT[ QVร ]MVKML PaUV _ZQ\QVO *MKI][M UIVa WN \PM [TI^M[ _MZM QTTQ\MZI\M \PM ยนKITT IVL ZM[XWV[Mยบ UM\PWL _I[ developed to help the uneducated sing with the KWVOZMOI\QWV ยน?WVLMZN]T ?WZL[ WN 4QNMยบ IVL ยน1ยผTT .Ta )_Iaยบ IZM M`IUXTM[ WN [WVO[ \PI\ _MZM QVร ]MVKML Ja this method and are still sung today. Throughout the late 1800s and into the 20th KMV\]Za )UMZQKIV[ _MZM JMQVO [I^ML IVL KP]ZKPM[ _MZM OZW_QVO \PZW]OP \PM QVร ]MVKM WN \PM UMM\QVO[ of D.L. Moody and Billy Sunday. Hymns began to take a prominent part in the traditional church service. Great song leaders such as Ira Sankey and Homer Rodeheaver made these hymns popular and saw people saved before the preaching ever took place. Hymnbooks were compiled and written. Ira ;IVSMa _PW \ZI^MTML _Q\P , 4 5WWLa _ZW\M Sacred Songs and Solos 0Q[ ! MLQ\QWV [WTL UWZM \PIV

MQOP\a UQTTQWV KWXQM[ L]ZQVO \PM ร Z[\ ร N\a aMIZ[ WN its existence. This historical hymnbook remains in publication today and can still be purchased online. Homer Rodeheaver is well known for leading singing for the famous Billy Sunday. Rodeheaver compiled many hymns and published more than twenty separate hymnals. Rodeheaver popularized [WVO[ []KP I[ \PM ยน7TL :]OOML +ZW[[ยบ IVL ยน;MVL \PM 4QOP\ยบ _PQKP TQ^M WV \WLIa JMKI][M WN PQ[ KWV\ZQJ]\QWV to hymn history. )TT WN \PM[M OZMI\ PaUV _ZQ\MZ[ UILM [IKZQร KM[ and were greatly used by God to make Christianity real to the believer through song. God used these PaUV _ZQ\MZ[ [W \PI\ _M KIV ZMIX \PM ZQKP JMVMร \[ WN LWK\ZQVITTa [W]VL IVL +PZQ[\ PWVWZQVO U][QK \PI\ _QTT stand the test of time. Christians owe a great debt that can be repaid only by preserving the treasure of these hymns for generations to come. What better reason does the Christian have to uphold the hymns? <PQ[ ;]VLIa _PMV _M [\IVL \W [QVO QV W]Z KP]ZKP UIa _M [\IVL I TQ\\TM \ITTMZ [QVO I TQ\\TM TW]LMZ IVL JM moved by the words written hundreds of years ago Ja \PM PIVL WN I KWV^QK\ML +PZQ[\QIV R][\ _IV\QVO \W UISM I LQโ ซ ูบโ ฌMZMVKM 5Ia I VM_NW]VL [XQZQ\ [XZMIL TQSM _QTLร ZM QV W]Z KP]ZKP I[ _M [QVO \PM OZMI\ PaUV[ of the faith. Who knows? It might even start a great I_ISMVQVO BELOW Spirituals became popular after the Civil War when groups such as the Fisk Jubilee Singers would travel and sing to help raise money for their school. The ๏ฌ rst group started touring in 1871 and continue that tradition today.

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YOU WOULDN’T DARE FACE HIM UNARMED…

24 The Baptist Magazine

…ARM YOURSELF

Satan’s Toolbox, a brand new book from Berean Publications Visit www.SatansToolbox.com

Issue 2 March/April 2017

25

The Bible Cure for Racism, Bigotry, Class Warfare, and Social Unrest by Paul E. Chapman

T

he world is in shambles today. More examples WN ZQW\[ ZIKQ[U \MZZWZQ[U JQOW\Za KTI[[ _IZNIZM and social unrest are in the news every night. -^MZaWVM Q[ \ITSQVO IJW]\ \PM XZWJTMU J]\ VW WVM [MMU[ \W PI^M \PM IV[_MZ 6M_ TI_[ IVL XWTQ\QKQIV[ IZM VW\ \PM IV[_MZ ?M KIVVW\ TMOQ[TI\M ZQOP\MW][VM[[ J]\ we can preach righteousness. God’s people cannot be silent on the issues of the day. The world needs the Light desperately. It is time that we look to God’s Word for the solution. /WL [MM[ \PM _WZTL LQ‫ٺ‬MZMV\Ta Most people in \PM _WZTL NWK][ WV LQ‫ٺ‬MZMVKM[ IVL LMKTIZM WVM [MOUMV\ of society better or more deserving than another. One group is declared more worthy or more deserving and \PMZMNWZM Q[ XZW\MK\ML Ja [XMKQIT Z]TM[ WZ ]VQY]M TQJMZ\QM[ Rich vs. Poor Old vs. Young White vs. Black American vs. Mexican Police vs. Minority <PM[M IZM [WUM M`IUXTM[ WN KTI[[ _IZNIZM J]\ \PMZM are many more. While it is true that we have problems

26 The Baptist Magazine

QV MIKP WN \PM[M IZMI[ \PI\ VMML \W JM ILLZM[[ML XQ\\QVO one group against another is not the answer. We do not VMML I ZM^WT]\QWV ?M VMML ZM^Q^IT Jesus taught that a kingdom divided cannot stand. There are those who have found that inciting division is a way to increase their power and wealth. We must not fall for their devices. Do not get caught up in the drama. Do not fall for the straw man arguments. Someone probably has already studied the picture above to count how many people there are representing their race and _PMZM \PMa IZM QV \PM XQK\]ZM <PI\ Q[ [W [IL 1\ Q[ R][\ I picture. The actual battle is good vs. evil; God vs. Satan. Find out where God stands on an issue and be strong. /WL IKSVW_TMLOM[ \PM LQ‫ٺ‬MZMVKM[ QV 0Q[ KZMI\QWV <PM XWX]TIZ _Ia \W LMIT _Q\P LQ‫ٺ‬MZMVKM[ Q[ \W XZM\MVL that they do not exist. Pretending there are no LQ‫ٺ‬MZMVKM[ PI[ VM^MZ _WZSML ?M KIVVW\ PMTX J]\ VW\QKM \PM \PQVO[ \PI\ LQ‫ٺ‬MZMV\QI\M ][ ?M SVW_ QV\]Q\Q^MTa \PI\ ¹JTQVLVM[[º Q[ VW\ \PM IV[_MZ /WL UILM ][ LQ‫ٺ‬MZMV\ WV X]ZXW[M 0W_ JWZQVO would it be if everyone on earth looked the same and had the same personality. God acknowledges and IXXZMKQI\M[ W]Z LQ‫ٺ‬MZMVKM[ :M^MTI\QWV "! [Ia[ And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to

God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; <PMZM IZM NW]Z N]VLIUMV\IT LQ‫ٺ‬MZMVKM[ NW]VL QV \PQ[ verse. 3QVLZML % .IUQTa LQ‫ٺ‬MZMVKM[ <WVO]M % 4IVO]IOM LQ‫ٺ‬MZMVKM[ 8MWXTM % +]T\]ZIT LQ‫ٺ‬MZMVKM[ 6I\QWV % 6I\QWVIT LQ‫ٺ‬MZMVKM[ ,Q‫ٺ‬MZMVKM[ _Q\PQV \PM[M OZW]X[ IZM \W JM M`XMK\ML They are not wrong until they transgress Scripture. Often deviance is cloaked as diversity. Do not fall for that lie. God’s Word tells us what is right and wrong. There is a great deal of room in righteousness for LQ^MZ[Q\a# PW_M^MZ ITT \ZIV[OZM[[QWV WN \PM TI_ Q[ [QV The answer is to acknowledge and appreciate our W]\_IZL LQ‫ٺ‬MZMVKM[ _PQTM ]VLMZ[\IVLQVO \PI\ _M IZM ITT \PM [IUM QV \PM IZMI[ \PI\ UI\\MZ -^MZaWVM VMML[ NWWL _I\MZ IQZ TW^M M\K .]Z\PMZUWZM M^MZaWVM VMML[ I Saviour. All humanity is of one blood. We are not LQ‫ٺ‬MZMV\ ZIKM[ <PM QLMI WN ZIKM[ WN XMWXTM Q[ ]VJQJTQKIT This philosophy is a harmful byproduct of Darwin’s \PMWZa WN M^WT]\QWV 1V ZMKMV\ aMIZ[ \PM LMÃ…VQ\QWV WN ¹ZIKMº PI[ JMMV KPIVOML \W PQLM Q\[ L]JQW][ JMOQVVQVO[ <PMZM Q[ WVTa WVM ZIKM" \PM P]UIV ZIKM ?M ITT JTMML ZML )K\[ " [Ia[ And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; Are we better than they? :WUIV[ "! [Ia[

What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: The Jews in the Bible were bigoted against anyone who was not a Jew. God had to teach them that while they were KMZ\IQVTa UWZM JTM[[ML \PIV W\PMZ OZW]X[ WN XMWXTM they were not better than them. Paul confronted Peter because he was helping to perpetuate bigotry of Gentile JMTQM^MZ[ 7N\MV \PM TMILMZ[ _PW [PW]TL JM PMTXQVO KITU down a situation are found to be fueling it. Galatians " [Ia[ But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood PQU \W \PM NIKM JMKI][M PM _I[ \W JM JTIUML .WZ JMNWZM \PI\ certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. <PMZM Q[ VW LQ‫ٺ‬MZMVKM. While there are minor LQ‫ٺ‬MZMVKM[ WN NIUQTa TIVO]IOM K]T\]ZM IVL VI\QWV[ we are all the same where it matters most. Everyone Q[ I [QVVMZ IVL VMML[ I ;I^QW]Z :WUIV[ " [Ia[ Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ ]V\W ITT IVL ]XWV ITT \PMU \PI\ JMTQM^M" NWZ \PMZM Q[ VW LQ‫ٺ‬MZMVKM" -^MZaWVM KIV JM [I^ML :WUIV[ " [Ia[ .WZ \PMZM Q[ VW LQ‫ٺ‬MZMVKM JM\_MMV \PM 2M_ IVL \PM /ZMMS" NWZ \PM [IUM 4WZL over all is rich unto all that call upon him. )TT [I^ML IZM MY]IT QV +PZQ[\ -XPM[QIV[ " ! [Ia[ Wherefore remember, ABOVE London, England. A busy downtown street showing a diverse multitude of nationalities and cultures

Issue 2 March/April 2017

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\PI\ aM JMQVO QV \QUM XI[\ /MV\QTM[ QV \PM Æ M[P _PW are called Uncircumcision by that which is called \PM +QZK]UKQ[QWV QV \PM Æ M[P UILM Ja PIVL[# <PI\ at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus aM _PW [WUM\QUM[ _MZM NIZ W‫ ٺ‬IZM UILM VQOP Ja \PM JTWWL WN +PZQ[\ .WZ PM Q[ W]Z XMIKM _PW PI\P UILM both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of XIZ\Q\QWV JM\_MMV ][# 0I^QVO IJWTQ[PML QV PQ[ Æ M[P \PM enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to aW] _PQKP _MZM INIZ W‫ ٺ‬IVL \W \PMU \PI\ _MZM VQOP

ABOVE Ferguson, Missouri November 2014. Police standing by at the site of racially motivated riots

.WZ \PZW]OP PQU _M JW\P PI^M IKKM[[ Ja WVM ;XQZQ\ ]V\W \PM .I\PMZ 6W_ \PMZMNWZM aM IZM VW UWZM [\ZIVOMZ[ IVL foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; Treat others well regardless of how we are treated. We need to get back to the Bible teachings on how to treat one another. Every human is due a measure of respect as God’s creation. Dignity should be shown to ITT ?M [PW]TL Å VL I XMZ[WV¼[ _WZ\P QV /WL¼[ declaration of love for him not in our personal appraisal of his behavior or lineage. Romans "! [Ia[ Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. *M SQVLTa I‫ ٺ‬MK\QWVML WVM \W IVW\PMZ _Q\P JZW\PMZTa love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in

28 The Baptist Magazine

business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou [PIT\ PMIX KWIT[ WN Å ZM WV PQ[ PMIL *M VW\ W^MZKWUM WN evil, but overcome evil with good. )T[W _M [PW]TL JM IJTM \W disagree on serious issues without trying to destroy one another. This Y]W\M Ja ,IVQMT *WWZ[\QV ZMUQVL[ ][ WN \PM LQ‫ ٺ‬MZMVKM JM\_MMV disagreement and dissension. “Disagreement produces debate but dissent produces dissension. Dissent (which comes from the 4I\QV dis and sentire) originally means to feel apart from others. People who disagree have an IZO]UMV\ J]\ XMWXTM _PW LQ[[MV\ PI^M I Y]IZZMT 8MWXTM may disagree and both may KW]V\ \PMU[MT^M[ QV \PM UIRWZQ\a But a person who dissents is by LMÅ VQ\QWV QV I UQVWZQ\a ) TQJMZIT society thrives on disagreement but is killed by dissension. Disagreement is the lifeblood of LMUWKZIKa LQ[[MV[QWV Q[ Q\[ KIVKMZ º There is an answer. The answer is [QUXTM :MITQbM \PI\ QV [XQ\M WN W]Z LQ‫ ٺ‬MZMVKM[ we are all the same in God’s eyes. There is VW LQ‫ ٺ‬MZMVKM -^MZaWVM Q[ I [QVVMZ -^MZaWVM VMML[ \W JM [I^ML )N\MZ JMTQM^QVO QV 2M[][ every saved person is forgiven and has the full rights and privileges of a child of God. There Q[ VW LQ‫ ٺ‬MZMVKM ?M U][\ \ZMI\ W\PMZ[ TQSM _M would want to be treated. Give everyone the Gospel of Jesus Christ and invite each one to believe on Him for salvation. This world will VM^MZ PI^M XMIKM _Q\PW]\ \PM 8:16+- 7. PEACE.

ABOVE Vancouver, Canada. A candlelight vigil for Nelson Mandela, the ďŹ rst black president of South Africa BELOW Cyberjaya, Malaysia. The Limkokwing Cultural Festival 2016

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Steve BELOW Steve (18) and Sharon (17) attending Senior Night at Disneyland in 1972 OPPOSITE PAGE Steve and Sharon Sandberg pose for a picure on their wedding day, June 29, 1974.

Sandberg held the phone QV PQ[ PIVL hesitating at the calls he knew he had to make. <PM WVKWTWOQ[\ PIL R][\ TMN\ \PM ZWWU \ISQVO all the air with him. Steve needed a moment \W KWTTMK\ PQ[ \PW]OP\[ J]\ PW_ KW]TL PM LW that when he could not begin to wrap his mind IZW]VL _PI\ PM R][\ PIL JMMV \WTL' ¹1\º _I[ JIKS# IVL \PQ[ \QUM Q\ _I[ VW\ OWQVO I_Ia 0M SVM_ PM PIL \W KITT PQ[ KPQTLZMV MIKP VW_ OZW_V _Q\P NIUQTQM[ WN \PMQZ W_V TQ^QVO QV LQ[\IV\ [\I\M[ <PMZM _I[ PW_M^MZ WVM KITT PM KW]TL VW\ X]\ W‫ ٺ‬0M PIL \W KITT PQ[ XI[\WZ so the church could know and could begin praying for Sharon more fervently. Steve and Sharon Sandberg began I\\MVLQVO .IQ\P *IX\Q[\ +P]ZKP QV ?QTLWUIZ +ITQNWZVQI QV \PM [XZQVO WN ! _PMV members Jerry Wooley and Wayne Record knocked on their door to invite them to church. They started attending each ;]VLIa UWZVQVO which turned into Sunday morning IVL ;]VLIa VQOP\ which turned into ;]VLIa UWZVQVO ;]VLIa VQOP\ IVL Wednesday night. They learned to be soulwinners. Their two MTMUMV\IZa IOML children loved it and thrived. After actively attending and serving for a NM_ aMIZ[ ;\M^M PMIZL \PM KITT WN /WL \W JM QV N]TT \QUM +PZQ[\QIV [MZ^QKM <PMa [WTL \PMQZ \_W [\WZa LZMIU PWUM J]QT\ WVTa I KW]XTM WN aMIZ[ MIZTQMZ IVL UW^ML \W \PM 5QL_M[\ \W TQ^M QV I \PQZL [\WZa IXIZ\UMV\ _PQTM I\\MVLQVO Bible college. 1V 5Ia !! IN\MZ OZIL]I\QVO NZWU *QJTM KWTTMOM ;\M^M ITWVO _Q\P ;PIZWV IVL PQ[

30 The Baptist Magazine

VW_ UQLLTM [KPWWT IOML KPQTLZMV [\IZ\ML \PM >QK\WZ >ITTMa *IX\Q[\ +P]ZKP QV >QK\WZ^QTTM California. There they spent almost thirteen years serving the Lord. They saw many people saved and lives changed for the better. 0W_M^MZ /WL _I[ VW\ LWVM /WL [MV\ ;\M^M IVL ;PIZWV VW_ MUX\a VM[\MZ[ JIKS \W .IQ\P *IX\Q[\ +P]ZKP QV Wildomar. Although they would miss serving I\ \PMQZ NWZUMZ KP]ZKP \PMa LQL VW\ TM\ \PI\ stop them from being used of God. They R]UXML QV _Q\P JW\P NMM\ PMTXQVO QV IVa _Ia they could. Sharon taught Sunday school \W R]VQWZ PQOP OQZT[ PMTXML I\ TILQM[¼ M^MV\[ and worked in the nursery. Steve became a LMIKWV \I]OP\ IV IL]T\ ;]VLIa [KPWWT KTI[[ ZIV <P]Z[LIa M^MVQVO [W]T_QVVQVO IVL M^MV ÅTTML \PM X]TXQ\ NZWU \QUM \W \QUM _PMV 8I[\WZ *Z]KM /WLLIZL _I[ W]\ WN \W_V 5W[\Ta ;\M^M IVL ;PIZWV UILM I XWQV\ WN MVKW]ZIOQVO TW^QVO IVL UQVQ[\MZQVO \W \PM XMWXTM WN .IQ\P Baptist Church. 6MIZTa \MV aMIZ[ XI[[ML IVL TQNM _I[ OWWL <PMQZ PWUM JI[ML WVTQVM J][QVM[[ _I[ \PZQ^QVO IVL ITWVO _Q\P ITT \PMQZ _WZS QV \PM KP]ZKP _I[ SMMXQVO \PMU J][a <PMa JMKIUM OZIVLXIZMV\[ NW]Z \QUM[" \PZMM JWa[ IVL WVM OQZT <PMa MVRWaML \ZI^MTQVO M^MV OWQVO \W \PM Philippines on a mission’s trip in the summer WN # J]\ [\QTT /WL PIL UWZM XTIV[ 4I\M QV ;PIZWV ZMKMQ^ML LM^I[\I\QVO VM_[ ;PM PIL JZMI[\ KIVKMZ )T_Ia[ XW[Q\Q^M ;PIZWV [\WWL [\ZWVO PI^QVO JMI\MV TaUXPWUI _PMV [PM _I[ \_MV\a [Q` aMIZ[ WTL# PW_M^MZ this recent diagnosis was more serious. ;PWZ\Ta IN\MZ LQIOVW[Q[ ;PIZWV PIL I XIZ\QIT UI[\MK\WUa ZMKWV[\Z]K\QWV IVL V]UMZW][ series of intense doses of chemotherapy \ZMI\UMV\[ ;\M^M _PW PIL IT_Ia[ \WTL ;PIZWV \PI\ PMZ JMI]\QN]T PIQZ _I[ PMZ ¹OTWZa º NW]VL himself helping Sharon shave what little hair ZMUIQVML WV PMZ PMIL -VMZOa L_QVLTQVO ;PIZWV KW]TL VW\ M^MV MVRWa PMZ JMTW^ML ,QM\ Coke because her taste buds had changed. :MOIZLTM[[ [PM _I[ I ÅOP\MZ# [W [PM SV]KSTML LW_V KWV\QV]ML IVL NW]OP\ )[ \PM UWV\P[ XI[[ML PMZ PIQZ OZM_ JIKS ;PM NW]VL [PM PIL UWZM MVMZOa [W [PM JMOIV to venture out sometimes. She took a few trips with Steve. She was able to teach her Sunday

The Best Family

by Tracie S. Burns

Issue 2 March/April 2017

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32 The Baptist Magazine

school class occasionally. Though unable to bowl like the other ladies in her ladies’ bowling OZW]X NZWU KP]ZKP ;PIZWV _W]TL OW ITWVO \W NMTTW_[PQX ;\M^M _W]TL LZWX PMZ W‫ ٺ‬IVL PMZ dear friend Kathy Moore would drive her back home. Life was beginning to get back on track. 1V 5IZKP ;PIZWV NW]VL PMZ[MTN back in the emergency room. Tests and more tests were performed; the Sandbergs anxiously waited the results. 6W_ ;\M^M [\WWL XPWVM QV PIVL \ZaQVO \W understand the impossible. The oncologist had [IQL \PM _WZL[ M^MZa P]UIV WV MIZ\P LZMIL[ ¹<PM KIVKMZ Q[ JIKS º <]UWZ[ _MZM OZW_QVO QV her bones. Treatments only would slow down things. There was no beating it now. Sharon’s T]VO[ _MZM JMQVO VMOI\Q^MTa I‫ٺ‬MK\ML JZMI\PQVO _I[ I KPWZM IVL [PM JMOIV \W _MISMV IOIQV Steve went into survival mode. He JMKIUM I N]TT \QUM KIZMOQ^MZ 0M NWK][ML WV KWWSQVO KTMIVQVO \ISQVO ;PIZWV \W LWK\WZ¼[ IXXWQV\UMV\[ IVL Z]VVQVO \PM WVTQVM J][QVM[[ [QVOTM PIVLMLTa# J]\ QV ITT \PQ[ \]ZUWQT PM _I[ far from being alone. Sharon’s phone chirped multiple times I LIa _Q\P \M`\[ NZWU KP]ZKP NZQMVL[ ÅTTML with encouraging anecdotes and Bible verses.

Linda Record and the other bowling ladies called to ask about her most recent doctor’s IXXWQV\UMV\[ +PIZQ\a 2W[TaV I aW]VO UW\PMZ kept tabs on Sharon and Steve and catered to any needs of which she became aware. Cards KIUM QV \PM UIQT NZWU \PM R]VQWZ PQOPMZ[ QV ;PIZWV¼[ ;]VLIa [KPWWT KTI[[ [WUM ZMKMV\ students and some former girls who were now OZW_V *QTT IVL ;IVLa ;UQ\P SVW_QVO PW_ much the Sandbergs loved the mountains IVL \PM W]\LWWZ[ OI^M ;PIZWV I KPMKS NWZ $1500 to send Sharon and Steve on a vacation \W AW[MUQ\M 6I\QWVIT 8IZS <PM XI[\WZ¼[ UW\PMZ 5Z[ :aIV _PW [XMV\ UW[\ WN \PM day with Steve in the hospital waiting room L]ZQVO ;PIZWV¼[ KIVKMZ []ZOMZa QV [MV\ a cutting from her Rose of Sharon bush for the Sandbergs to plant in their yard. Sharon Valenzuela sent Steve home with a huge ÆW_MZQVO XTIV\ NWZ ;PIZWV 5IVa LMTQKQW][ desserts and a variety of books (reading being Sharon’s favorite pastime) were passed along to her at church or sent home with Steve when she was too ill to attend a service. Rich Adylette gave Sharon an extremely KW^M\ML 147 147 ,]VSQV¼ ,WV]\[ KW‫ٺ‬MM mug. Sharon had begged to buy it from

ABOVE Steve in front of his “family” home, Faith Baptist Church in Wildomar, California OPPOSITE PAGE Steve and Sharon on an Alaskan vacation in 2011

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PQU _Q\PW]\ []KKM[[ L]ZQVO \PI\ TWVO IOW 8PQTQXXQVM[ UQ[[QWV[ \ZQX QV 6W_ :QKP ZMTQVY]Q[PML Q\ _Q\P RWa I OM[\]ZM WN TW^M IVL encouragement. <PZW]OPW]\ \PM aMIZ WN ;PIZWV who was in and out of the hospital multiple \QUM[ _I[ JTM[[ML Ja ITT WN \PM XMWXTM ^Q[Q\QVO PMZ ?QTUI ;\ZQKSTIVL PMZ [WV ,IV IVL PQ[ _QNM 3I\Pa _MZM R][\ I NM_ WN \PM UIVa Christian friends who brought a smile to ;PIZWV¼[ NIKM MVKW]ZIOMUMV\ \W ;\M^M¼[ PMIZ\ and much laughter for both in an otherwise LQ‫ٻ‬K]T\ [Q\]I\QWV ;\M^M XZM[[ML WV QV ITT PQ[ M‫ٺ‬WZ\[ \W KIZM NWZ ;PIZWV NMMTQVO JWT[\MZML

needs and she herself with serious health XZWJTMU[ [XMV\ PW]Z ]XWV PW]Z QV XZIaMZ bringing Sharon’s name before the Lord. Sharon’s name was on the church prayer list. +P]ZKP UMUJMZ[ _Q\P \PMQZ W_V [MZQW][ VMML[ [MTÆM[[Ta X]\ ;PIZWV¼[ VMML[ JMNWZM \PMQZ[ QV prayer. )\ \PM JMOQVVQVO WN ,MKMUJMZ ;\M^M ITWVO _Q\P 8I[\WZ /WLLIZL UM\ _Q\P I \MIU WN LWK\WZ[ NZWU \PM UMLQKIT KMV\MZ 0MZM Steve was given news that no person ever _IV\[ \W PMIZ ?Q\P PQ[ PMIZ\ JZMISQVO ;\M^M spent a few last hours with his beloved. 7V ,MKMUJMZ ;PIZWV _I[

Here, Steve was given the news that no person ever wants to hear. by the army of loving Christians who were MVKW]ZIOQVO ;PIZWV# IVL Ja \PMU LWQVO [W encouraging him. The people to whom the Sandbergs had ministered all these years were now paying back all the investments of their love. 1V 6W^MUJMZ ;PIZWV _I[ ILUQ\\ML \W \PM PW[XQ\IT [\Z]OOTQVO \W JZMI\PM J]\ \PM KIVKMZ _I[ VW\ \PM KI][M <PM LWK\WZ[ \PZW]OP U]KP \M[\QVO LQ[KW^MZML IV QVNMK\QWV had been growing undetected around her PMIZ\ KI][ML Ja I XIKMUISMZ \PI\ QUXTIV\ML \PM XZM^QW][ aMIZ PIL VW\ JMMV QV[\ITTML WZ cared for properly by the specialists. .WZ U]KP WN \PM UWV\P WN 6W^MUJMZ Sharon was sedated and on a ventilator. ,WK\WZ[ \ZIV[NMZZML PMZ \W =;+ 3MKS 5MLQKIT +MV\MZ QV 4W[ )VOMTM[ I PW[XQ\IT \PI\ specialized in the risky surgery that was the ÅVIT PWXM \W [I^M PMZ TQNM -L 4]\M[ TWVO \QUM UMUJMZ WN .IQ\P *IX\Q[\ +P]ZKP ]V[MTÅ[PTa OI^M ]X PW]Z[ MIKP day to care for the Sandberg’s house and their dog Riley so that Steve could be at the hospital with Sharon as much as possible. Ed’s wife Cathy knitted a beautiful afghan for Sharon when she was in the hospital awaiting surgery. Steve put it over Sharon’s bed and took a XPW\W \W KIX\]ZM PMZ [UQTM WN RWa I \M[\IUMV\ to Sharon’s knowledge that her friend Cathy loved her so much. 5MIV_PQTM \PM XZIaMZ _IZZQWZ[ WN .IQ\P *IX\Q[\ +P]ZKP _MV\ QV\W IK\QWV 2MVVQNMZ *MQT a mother of four with one child having special

34 The Baptist Magazine

carried into a city called Glory. She was delivered from all the pain and anguish; her body was healed and made perfect. She was now safely Home. 5MIV_PQTM ;\M^M¼[ XIQV WVTa LMMXMVML while he had to muddle through plans and funeral arrangements. He felt numb. His grief was almost overwhelming. The members of Faith Baptist Church were far from done ministering to Steve’s need. They went straight to work once more. Their mission of uplifting and encouragement QV\MV[QÃ…ML 5MIT[ _MZM XZMXIZML IVL LZWXXML W‫ ٺ‬I\ ;\M^M¼[ PW][M LIQTa# [W U]KP [W \PI\ ;\M^M¼[ ZMNZQOMZI\WZ JMOIV \W W^MZÆW_ )[ family members came into town from all W^MZ \PM KW]V\Za KP]ZKP UMUJMZ[ W‫ٺ‬MZML \W house the visitors in their own homes. Steve’s UIQTJW` Ã…TTML _Q\P KIZL[ 0Q[ XPWVM J]bbML _Q\P MVKW]ZIOQVO \M`\[ UW[\ JMQVO WVM [QUXTM TQVM []KP I[ ¹?M TW^M aW] IVL IZM XZIaQVO NWZ aW] º Steve’s children and their spouses started a GoFundMe account that accumulated thousands of dollars within days of ;PIZWV¼[ XI[[QVO 5IVa QN VW\ UW[\ WN \PM contributions came from members of Faith *IX\Q[\ +P]ZKP ;\M^M IN\MZ JMQVO \WTL WN IVL [PW_V \PM IKKW]V\ _MX\ \MIZ[ WN PMIZ\ rending gratefulness as he read through all of the messages left by his church family. 7V \PM M^MVQVO WN ;PIZWV¼[ N]VMZIT .IQ\P *IX\Q[\ +P]ZKP _I[ Ã…TTML \W KIXIKQ\a _Q\P people who had come to celebrate the life

of a Christian hero and to encourage the mourning _QLW_MZ ;\M^M [\WWL JMPQVL \PM X]TXQ\ _Q\P OTQ[\MVQVO MaM[ IVL \WTL WN PQ[ JM[\ NZQMVL PQ[ J][QVM[[ XIZ\VMZ PQ[ KWVÅLIV\ IVL PQ[ ÅZ[\ IVL WVTa TW^M WN UWZM \PIV NWZ\a aMIZ[ )N\MZ \PM [MZ^QKM \PM ZMKMX\QWV TQVM \W OZMM\ Steve and his family took nearly an hour. Families put their arms around Steve and promised their prayers and \PMQZ TW^M ) TQ\\TM JWa 6I\PIVIMT 2W[TaV TIQL PQ[ [\]‫ٺ‬ML animal in Steve’s arms and told him it would make him NMMT JM\\MZ 8I[\WZ[ WN VMIZJa KP]ZKPM[ WVKM UMUJMZ[ WN .IQ\P *IX\Q[\ +P]ZKP \PMU[MT^M[ \WTL ;\M^M _PI\ I P]OM encouragement he and Sharon had been to them. The KP]ZKP UMUJMZ[ P]OOML ;\M^M¼[ NIUQTa UMUJMZ[ [WUM WN _PWU \PMa PIL VM^MZ XZM^QW][Ta UM\ IVL \WTL \PMU they were praying for Steve and the family. Sharon’s body was laid to rest the following morning. Steve spread the handmade afghan from ;PIZWV¼[ NZQMVL +I\Pa 4]\M[ W^MZ \PM KI[SM\ 0M [PWWS _Q\P [WJ[ I[ \PM KI[SM\ _I[ TW_MZML \W Q\[ ÅVIT XTIKM -^MV \PW]OP PM SVM_ ;PIZWV _I[ _Q\P \PM 4WZL \PM ÅVITQ\a WN \PM _PWTM \PQVO _I[ ITUW[\ ]VJMIZIJTM )N\MZ_IZL[ ;\M^M _MV\ JIKS \W PQ[ PW][M _Q\P PQ[ NIUQTa and began opening the dozens and dozens of cards that had been given to him the previous night. As he ZMIL \PM VW\M[ IVL UM[[IOM[ _ZQ\\MV QV \PM KIZL[ \MIZ[ of gratitude traced down his cheeks. There were cards from teen girls who had admired Sharon. There was a card from an extremely poor widow with a few dollars

[PM PIL [IKZQÅKML \W [PW_ PMZ TW^M <PMZM _MZM M^MV cards from people whose names Steve did not recognize but whom somehow he had touched as he served the Lord. One card contained a heartfelt message of MVKW]ZIOMUMV\ IVL QV KI[P 1V IVW\PMZ KIZL IV adult Sunday school class in the church had taken up a collection and all signed a card together. Steve was overwhelmed by the love and generosity of his church family. Days turned into weeks. Steve went back to teaching his adult Sunday school class. He continued as a deacon. He managed Thursday night visitation every week as he always had. He continued to be a soulwinner. He preached when he was needed. He loved and UQVQ[\MZML 1V ITT \PQ[ ;\M^M _I[ JZWSMV IVL TWVMTa IVL \ZaQVO \W ÅO]ZM W]\ \PM VM_ KPIX\MZ WN PQ[ TQNM 5MIV_PQTM ;\M^M¼[ KP]ZKP NIUQTa _W]TL VW\ TM\ ]X .IUQTQM[ \WWS PQU \W LQVVMZ PIL PQU W^MZ \W \PMQZ PW][M[ NWZ OM\ \WOM\PMZ[ \]KSML OQN\ KIZL[ NZWU PQ[ NI^WZQ\M XTIKM[ QV\W PQ[ PIVL I\ KP]ZKP IVL QV^Q\ML PQU on family outings. The Joslyns took him to the Wild )VQUIT 8IZS QV ;IV ,QMOW IVL \PMQZ [WV 6I\PIVIMT VW_ KITTML PQU ¹OZIVLXI º <PM 5WWZM[ \WWS PQU \W BELOW Steve sits with members of his Sunday School Class at a class activity. These same people helped him through his difficult time by being an encouragement to him and by their many acts of kindness.

eat at Don Jose’s numerous times because they knew how much he loved Mexican food. The ;KW\\[ \ZMI\ML PQU \W LQVVMZ I\ ;\M^M¼[ ITT \QUM NI^WZQ\M IVL VMIZJa ZM[\I]ZIV\ :W[I¼[ +INu Ed Lutes continued to check in on Steve from \QUM \W \QUM M^MV _PQTM PM PQU[MTN _I[ KIZQVO for his ill wife and battling serious health issues of his own. Anita Patton and other members WN \PM )J]VLIV\ 4QNM ;]VLIa ;KPWWT KTI[[ _PQKP ;\M^M \I]OP\ _W]TL WKKI[QWVITTa JZQVO \PM ¹UWVMa \ZMMº \W ;]VLIa [KPWWT \W XZM[MV\ \W ;\M^M <PQ[ \ZMM _I[ R][\ I [UITT IZ\QÃ… KQIT tree that class members would anonymously XQV UWVMa WV \W \W UISM \PM \ZMM ¹JTWWU º <PMZM _MZM [XMKQIT UWUMV\[ \PI\ IT\PW]OP PQ[ PMIZ\ IKPML NWZ ;PIZWV PM NMT\ the comforting hand of God through the XMWXTM WN /WL -^MTaV 5IZ[P PI^QVO R][\ TW[\ PMZ P][JIVL WN UWZM \PIV [M^MV\a \PZMM aMIZ[ \WWS ITT WN ;PIZWV¼[ KTW\PM[ IVL UILM I JMI]\QN]T Y]QT\ KWUXTM\M _Q\P XQTTW_[ _Q\P

Life without Sharon is only temporary; he looks forward to that glad reunion day. special embellishments from the articles of KTW\PQVO 7V ;\M^M¼[ JQZ\PLIa /TWZQI AW]VO handed Steve a card at church that had a bag of peanut M&M’s inside. Gloria had no idea \PI\ XMIV]\ 5 5¼[ _MZM ;PIZWV¼[ ITT \QUM NI^WZQ\M \ZMI\ [W U]KP [W \PI\ ;\M^M _PMV PM _W]TL ^Q[Q\ ;PIZWV¼[ OZI^M XTIKML VW\ Æ W_MZ[ but a bright yellow bag of peanut M&M’s \PMZM ;\M^M KWV[QLMZML \PQ[ VW\ R][\ I OQN\ NZWU I UMUJMZ WN PQ[ KP]ZKP NIUQTa J]\ XMZPIX[ I gift from Sharon. )KKWZLQVO \W ;\M^M TQNM _QTT VM^MZ JM ¹VWZUIT º 4QNM _Q\PW]\ ;PIZWV Q[ WVTa temporary; he looks forward to that glad ZM]VQWV LIa 2][\ I[ \PM [WVO_ZQ\MZ _ZW\M ¹?PMV _M ITT OM\ \W 0MI^MV ?PI\ I LIa WN ZMRWQKQVO \PI\ _QTT JM°º ;\M^M [Ia[ PQ[ RWa Q[ waiting for him in Heaven with Sharon. Just as Steve realizes that this entire ordeal Q[ \PM _QTT WN /WL PM SVW_[ \PI\ /WL ][M[ His people to accomplish His work. Steve gives great testament to survival through the support of a loving and encouraging church NIUQTa <PMQZ TW^M XZIaMZ[ SQVLVM[[M[ IVL encouragement in a bitter hour are what have SMX\ PQU IÆ WI\ QV I [MI WN [WZZW_ 0M SVW_[

36 The Baptist Magazine

\PI\ \PZW]OP \PM KZ][PQVO _I^M[ WN \ZW]JTM IVL OZQMN PQ[ KP]ZKP NIUQTa NZWU .IQ\P *IX\Q[\ +P]ZKP WN ?QTLWUIZ +ITQNWZVQI PI[ JMMV IVL IT_Ia[ _QTT JM \PMZM \W ZQLM ITWVO _Q\P PQU []XXWZ\QVO MVKW]ZIOQVO IVL ]XTQN\QVO PQU 4QSM_Q[M PM SVW_[ PM U][\ LW \PM [IUM for another. He claims the words from II +WZQV\PQIV[ " *TM[[ML JM /WL M^MV \PM .I\PMZ WN W]Z 4WZL 2M[][ +PZQ[\ \PM .I\PMZ WN UMZKQM[ IVL the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. Steve never allows the death of a church member to pass _Q\PW]\ [WUMPW_ QV\MZ^MVQVO PI^QVO TMIZVML PW_ XZMKQW][ R][\ I NM_ TW^QVO _WZL[ KIV JM 0M Q[ \PM Ã… Z[\ \W [MMS W]\ \PM [WZZW_N]T [W]T I\ church to provide comfort. )T\PW]OP Q\ PI[ JMMV [IQL ¹<PM LIZSM[\ WN \QUM[ ZM^MIT[ \PM \Z]M[\ WN NZQMVL[ º ;\M^M Sandberg said it best in an encouraging text UM[[IOM" ¹/WL¼[ NIUQTa Q[ \PM JM[\ NIUQTa º ABOVE Steve and Sharon take a canoeing adventure while on a vacation to Yosemite National Park in July, 2013.

This plaque is displayed at the First Baptist Church in Providence, Rhode Island. The church is believed by some to be the ďŹ rst Baptist church in America.

B-A-P-T-I-S-T What’s in a Name? Issue 2 March/April 2017

37

by

Greg Neal Managing Editor

I

n a time when Christians should seek to JM UWZM LQ[\QVK\ _M [MMU \W _IV\ \W JM more indistinguishable. Many pastors are ZMUW^QVO \PM TIJMT WN ¹*IX\Q[\º NZWU \PMQZ KP]ZKPM[ ;WUM _PQKP IZM [\QTT *IX\Q[\ VM^MZ refer to themselves as being such. It is as if \PMa IZM PQLQVO _PI\ \PMa IZM# WZ XMZPIX[ \PMa are not totally sure what they are. The fact is that there has never been a better time to be a Baptist. Being a Baptist distinguishes a person from all other religions. 1N [WUMWVM Q[ VWVLMVWUQVI\QWVIT \PMV Q\ means that he does not have the beliefs to identify himself with Baptists. If a person is 8ZW\M[\IV\ Q\ [QUXTa UMIV[ \PI\ PM KIUM W]\ NZWU \PM +I\PWTQK KP]ZKP _PQKP _M *IX\Q[\[ did not do. *MQVO I *IX\Q[\ XZM^MV\[ JMQVO QLMV\QÅML _Q\P \PW[M _PW KITT \PMU[MT^M[ +PZQ[\QIV[ []KP I[ 2MPW^IP¼[ ?Q\VM[[M[ 5WZUWV[ IVL W\PMZ[ yet who are nothing more than cults. Being a *IX\Q[\ UMIV[ [WUM\PQVO \W UM IVL Q\ _W]TL seem that it would mean something to anyone who believes what Baptists believe. Those who change their names to something cutesy or nondescript are muddying the water as to who they really are and what they believe. Baptists traditionally have stood NWZ _PI\ 1 JMTQM^M# [W \PMZMNWZM 1 _IV\ \W

Right Joel Osteen speaking to a large group of people BELOW Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, draws thousands of people every week.

38 The Baptist Magazine

wear the label. There are some important distinctions about Baptists. Let me share a few of these. Baptists are not Charismatic. I understand that some Baptist churches have OWVM KPIZQ[UI\QK J]\ UW[\ XMWXTM SVW_ \PI\ a Baptist Church is not a Charismatic church. Our beliefs on the Holy Spirit are totally LQ‫ٺ‬MZMV\ \PIV \PW[M _PW _W]TL KITT \PMU[MT^M[ KPIZQ[UI\QK ?Q\P \PI\ QV UQVL Q\ _W]TL [MMU that real Baptists would not want to appear on charismatic television programs or speak on the same platform with charismatic speakers. It is fascinating to me that a Baptist would compromise in this regard. Baptists are not Catholic. For someone to speak positively about the Catholic religion in any way violates what Baptists JMTQM^M +I\PWTQK[ IZM PMZM\QK[ 6W 1 LQL VW\ say every Catholic would go to Hell. That Q[ VW\ ]X \W UM 6MQ\PMZ _QTT 1 [Ia [WUM _QTT be in Heaven; but I will clearly state that the +I\PWTQK ZMTQOQWV Q[ I ZMTQOQWV NZWU 0MTT IVL we should have no part of it. Baptists are more than followers of Christ. This has become a popular way \W LMÅVM WVM[MTN 1\ JMOIV _Q\P UIVa QV \PM nondescript emerging church world. When [WUMWVM LMÅVM[ PQU[MTN I[ I ¹NWTTW_MZ WN

2M[][ +PZQ[\ º PM Q[ ZMITTa [IaQVO VW\PQVO <PQVS IJW]\ it. What does that mean? Jesus had many followers who were not disciples. Judas was a follower of Jesus Christ. 1N I XMZ[WV KITT[ PQU[MTN I NWTTW_MZ WN 2M[][ +PZQ[\ \PI\ Q[ I K]\M KWV\MUXWZIZa _Ia WN I^WQLQVO LMÅVQVO himself. How about we identify ourselves like this? “I am I JWZV IOIQV *IX\Q[\ JMTQM^MZ IVL NWTTW_MZ WN +PZQ[\ º ?M U][\ VW\ TQUQ\ W]Z LMÅVQ\QWV \W I ^IO]M [\I\MUMV\ Baptists are not nondenominational. There is some confusion as to what a denomination is. We are a part of the Baptist denomination in that we believe in the traditional doctrinal positions taken by those who have called themselves Baptists throughout history; PW_M^MZ _M IZM VW\ LMVWUQVI\QWVIT QV \PM [MV[M WN JMQVO ]VLMZ \PM KWV\ZWT WN I PMILY]IZ\MZ[ <Z]M *IX\Q[\[ always have been independent of denominational KWV\ZWT# J]\ \PMa [\QTT LMÅVM \PMU[MT^M[ I[ JMQVO *IX\Q[\ by their doctrinal beliefs. Baptist is more than just a meaningless label. I call myself a Baptist because it means something. I want people to know where I stand. I do VW\ _WZ[PQX \PM TIJMT WN *IX\Q[\ *MQVO I *IX\Q[\ LMÅVM[ my Christian position for most people. I am no more ashamed of calling myself a Baptist than Kroger should be ashamed of calling itself a grocery store. I am what I IU ?Pa _W]TL I XI[\WZ \ISM \PM *IX\Q[\ ¹JZIVLº W‫ ٺ‬PQ[ church’s name so that people do not know what it is? I KW]TL VW\ LW \PI\ JMKI][M Q\ Q[ QUXWZ\IV\ \W LMÅVM UM Being a Baptist restricts those who follow or identify themselves with me. .WZ [WUM XMWXTM \PI\ Q[ I XZWJTMU .WZ UM Q\ Q[ IV IL^IV\IOM <PM UQ[\ISM \PI\ _M UISM Q[ \PQ[" _M \PQVS \PI\ Ja X]\\QVO \PM *IX\Q[\ label on ourselves we are disassociating ourselves from

those who need us. That is not true. Those who need us will seek us because we have the truth. 1 _IV\ \W JM [MXIZI\ML NZWU \PM +I\PWTQK KP]ZKP \PM 5WZUWV K]T\ \PM 2MPW^IP¼[ ?Q\VM[[ K]T\ IVL IVa W\PMZ church that does not preach the true Gospel. My label separates me from those groups; but it does not separate UM NZWU JMQVO IJTM \W ZMIKP \PM TW[\ _PQKP Q[ Ua L]\a 1 do not want to attract people from other denominations to my church without them knowing my beliefs. I promise that there are thousands of people who attend Joel Osteen’s church who have no doctrinal clarity whatsoever. The same is true with many large mega churches. They are not reaching more people for Christ by not having a label. They are reaching more XMWXTM NWZ \PMQZ KP]ZKP Ja VW\ PI^QVO I TIJMT 5a RWJ Q[ \W ZMIKP UWZM XMWXTM NWZ +PZQ[\ +PZQ[\¼[ RWJ Q[ \W J]QTL His church. Being a Baptist is not a tradition. There are those who are distancing themselves from being a Baptist as though it is some kind of tradition. Being a Baptist costs something. It stands for something for which many died. This is not a tradition. It is a name \PI\ LMÅVM[ LWK\ZQVIT JMTQMN[ IVL PI[ [W NWZ KMV\]ZQM[ Being a Baptist means being independent. There was a time that when a person said he was a *IX\Q[\ Q\ UMIV\ \PI\ PM _I[ QVLMXMVLMV\ 7J^QW][Ta today that is not completely true. Many Baptists have formed conventions and fellowships to give themselves ¹[MK]ZQ\a º <Z]M *IX\Q[\[ IZM QVLMXMVLMV\ ?M PI^M UPPER LEFT Many non-denominational churches have adopted very casual church environments. UPPER RIGHT Charismatic churches rely on emotion and mysticism as evidence of God’s working.

Issue 2 March/April 2017

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historically believed in the autonomy of the local KP]ZKP *MKI][M WN \PM[M LMVWUQVI\QWVIT OZW]X[ _M have been forced to place a label that should be assumed QV NZWV\ WN \PM VIUM *IX\Q[\ <P][ _M KITT W]Z[MT^M[ independent Baptists. Let me give an example. I am a Republican because I believe in that for which Republicans have stood for decades. That does not mean I agree with all Republicans. That does not

mean there are not branches of Republicans with which I would disagree entirely. Some people think it is intellectual to say they are independent. What does that mean? Are they members of the independent XIZ\a' 1 IU QVLMXMVLMV\ J]\ 1 IU I :MX]JTQKIV 1 IU an independent Republican. That means I vote my conscience. It means that I can vote for whoever I feel Q[ \PM JM[\ KIVLQLI\M ZMOIZLTM[[ WN PQ[ TIJMT# PW_M^MZ 1 XZW]LTa _MIZ \PM TIJMT JMKI][M NWZ UM \PM :MX]JTQKIV Party best represents what I believe. Being a Baptist does not mean we are the only ones who are saved. There are people who do not call themselves Baptists who will be in Heaven JMKI][M \PMa \Z]Ta PI^M JMMV JWZV IOIQV *MQVO I *IX\Q[\ LWM[ VW\ [I^M ][# PW_M^MZ JMQVO I *IX\Q[\ XTIKM[ ][ QV I ^MZa ]VQY]M XW[Q\QWV WN QLMV\QNaQVO W]Z[MT^M[ _Q\P those who have stood for pure doctrinal truth since the \QUM WN +PZQ[\ <PM *IX\Q[\ NIQ\P Q[ \PM WVTa UWLMZV LIa religion that can be traced back to Jesus Christ. All other ZMTQOQWV[ _MZM [\IZ\ML Ja I UIV WZ _I[ I [XTQ\ W‫ ٺ‬NZWU another religion. Our roots are the deepest roots; and \P][ 1 IU XZW]L \W JM QLMV\QÅ ML I[ I *IX\Q[\ It is time for Baptists to return to being Baptists. It is time for Baptist preachers to stop appearing on charismatic networks and shows. It is time for Baptists to stop running with the wrong crowd. It is time for *IX\Q[\[ \W [\WX RWQVQVO LMVWUQVI\QWV[ 1\ Q[ \QUM NWZ Baptists to stop removing the name Baptist from our KP]ZKPM[ 1\ Q[ \QUM \W WVKM IOIQV XZW]LTa KTIQU ¹1 IU I *IX\Q[\º JMKI][M \PMZM Q[ [WUM\PQVO QV I VIUM UPPER LEFT The historical marker for Michigan Street Baptist Church in Buffalo, New York BELOW A giant billboard erected in New York City

40 The Baptist Magazine

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness The American Dream by Chris Fox, Associate Editor QNM 4QJMZ\a IVL \PM 8]Z[]Q\ WN 0IXXQVM[[º¸ according to the Declaration of 1VLMXMVLMVKM \PM[M IZM ]VITQMVIJTM ZQOP\[ given by God to all mankind and are protected by the =VQ\ML ;\I\M[ OW^MZVUMV\ 5IVa XMWXTM JMTQM^M \PQ[ Q[ \PM NW]VLI\QWV WN ¹<PM )UMZQKIV ,ZMIU º 6W\ M^MZa country holds to these values. There are citizens of other countries who risk everything in order to live in a land where this is true. Their heart’s desire is to escape \PMQZ VI\Q^M TIVL TMI^M \PMQZ PWUM[ \PMQZ K]T\]ZM IVL even their families in order to be free. They dream of \PQ[ QVLMXMVLMVKM \W TQ^M ¹<PM )UMZQKIV ,ZMIU º Such is the case in the following story of two immigrant families. <PM KW]V\Za WN 6QKIZIO]I NIKML \PM PMQOP\ WN KQ^QT unrest in the early 1980s. President Ronald Reagan \WWS I [\ZWVO IV\Q +WUU]VQ[\ [\IVL _PMV LMITQVO _Q\P Latin American countries. He attempted to isolate the Z]TQVO ;IVLQVQ[\I ZMOQUM QV 6QKIZIO]I Ja I]\PWZQbQVO ÅVIVKQIT []XXWZ\ \W \PM 6QKIZIO]IV +WV\ZI :MJMT[¸I

“L

= ; JIKSML ZQOP\ _QVO UQTQ\IZa OZW]X QV WXXW[Q\QWV \W \PM [WKQITQ[\ ;IVLQVQ[\I XIZ\a )V IZUML KWVÆQK\ _I[ raging between the Sandinistas and the Contras. The Sandinistas were desperate for soldiers. They recruited IVa IJTM JWLQML UIV¸NWZKQVO \PMU \W ÅOP\ NWZ \PMQZ cause. It came to the point that they began recruiting IVL \ZIQVQVO JWa[ I[ aW]VO I[ \PM IOM WN MQOP\ NWZ _IZ A young father by the name of David Palacios was in the midst of this unrest. As he watched in terror as PQ[ PWUMTIVL _I[ JMQVO LM^I[\I\ML Ja _IZ PQ[ UIQV concern was for the safety of his family. He had a wife \PI\ PM TW^ML LMIZTa \_W LI]OP\MZ[ IVL IV MQOP\ aMIZ WTL [WV VIUML 6MT[WV \W XZW\MK\ ,I^QL UILM \PM LMKQ[QWV \W ÆMM PQ[ PWUMTIVL QV WZLMZ \W [I^M PQ[ [WV from being drafted into the civil war. He risked his life and left all that he had worked hard for behind in order to seek safety in America. David made his way to the ABOVE The Palacios family, from left to right: Esmeralda, Nelson, Karen, Nelson Jr., and Liset

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5M`QKW =; JWZLMZ IVL QTTMOITTa KZW[[ML M^MV\]ITTa MVLQVO ]X QV 6M_ AWZS ¹4QNM 4QJMZ\a IVL \PM 8]Z[]Q\ WN 0IXXQVM[[º _I[ VW_ JMKWUQVO I ZMITQ\a NWZ \PQ[ aW]VO QUUQOZIV\ NIUQTa¸VW\ R][\ I LZMIU )N\MZ TQ^QVO QV 6M_ AWZS NWZ [Q` aMIZ[ ,I^QL LMKQLML \W UW^M PQ[ NIUQTa \W 5QIUQ .TWZQLI 0M _I[ IJTM \W ÅVL _WZS \W []XXWZ\ PQ[ NIUQTa# PW_M^MZ \PM NIK\ \PI\ PM _I[ not a legal resident weighed on him. He knew that he PIL UILM \PM ZQOP\ KPWQKM \W TMI^M 6QKIZIO]I IVL PM _IV\ML PQ[ KPQTLZMV \W OZW_ ]X QV )UMZQKI J]\ \ZaQVO \W ÅO]ZM W]\ PW_ \W JMKWUM I TMOIT =VQ\ML ;\I\M[ ZM[QLMV\ _I[ I KPITTMVOM 1V ! 8ZM[QLMV\ :MIOIV [QOVML I TOP Nelson with his sisters, Margine and Jehizy, shortly after arriving in the United States LEFT Nelson celebrating his last birthday in Nicaragua INSET Nelson’s preschool picture from Managua, Nicaragua, in 1981

42 The Baptist Magazine

sweeping immigration reform bill into law which provided amnesty to immigrants who had entered \PM =VQ\ML ;\I\M[ XZQWZ \W ! ,I^QL [MQbML \PQ[ WVKM QV I TQNM\QUM WXXWZ\]VQ\a 0Q[ NIUQTa UM\ ITT WN \PM ZMY]QZMUMV\[ [M\ NWZ\P Ja 8ZM[QLMV\ :MIOIV []JUQ\\ML ITT VMKM[[IZa XIXMZ_WZS IVL _I[ OZIV\ML legal residency. The possibility of citizenship was VW_ I ZMITQ\a IVL \PM 8ITIKQW[ NIUQTa \Z]Ta NMT\ TQSM they were living in freedom. 1V !! \PQ[ XPa[QKIT IVL MKWVWUQK NZMMLWU MVRWaML Ja \PM 8ITIKQW[ NIUQTa [\IZ\ML \W \ZIV[NWZU into spiritual freedom as well. A neighbor cared enough for an unknown immigrant teenager to QV^Q\M PQU \W KP]ZKP )\ \PM IOM WN ÅN\MMV 6MT[WV IKKMX\ML \PM W‫ٺ‬MZ \W I\\MVL KP]ZKP _Q\P PQ[ VMQOPJWZ 4Q\\TM LQL 6MT[WV SVW_ \PI\ PQ[ TQNM _W]TL be changed forever. It was at this church that he TOP Karen in Miami Beach, 1986 UPPER RIGHT Karen, her mother Gloria, and her brother Ricardo in their Miami Beach home in 1986 RIGHT Karen with her grandmother in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, 1982

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BELOW From left to right: Lourdes and David Palacios, Jose and Gloria Montoya

PMIZL \PM /W[XMT NWZ \PM ÅZ[\ \QUM IVL \Z][\ML \PM 4WZL I[ PQ[ XMZ[WVIT ;I^QW]Z 1V !! VW_ I aW]VO UIV 6MT[WV ITWVO _Q\P \PM ZM[\ WN PQ[ NIUQTa \WWS \PM 7I\P WN I +Q\QbMV IVL W‫ٻ‬KQITTa JMKIUM I KQ\QbMV WN \PM =VQ\ML ;\I\M[ WN )UMZQKI 1V WVM aMIZ¼[ \QUM PM JMKIUM I NZMM KQ\QbMV WN \PM =VQ\ML ;\I\M[ IVL IV M\MZVIT KQ\QbMV WN 0MI^MV ) NM_ aMIZ[ MIZTQMZ /WL PIL TML I 0aTM[ Anderson graduate by the name of Moises Rosario to start the Iglesia Fundamental Bautista de Miami. David’s cousin invited him to attend this newly planted church. David accepted this invitation and brought his wife and three children with him. The Palacios family immediately fell in love with the church. Although David and his wife both had been [I^ML XZM^QW][Ta Q\ _I[ I\ \PQ[ KP]ZKP \PI\ \PM entire family really began growing in the Lord. ?PQTM I\\MVLQVO PMZM \PM 8ITIKQW[ NIUQTa befriended another immigrant family that had been coming to church for almost a year. <PMQZ RW]ZVMa \W )UMZQKI JMOIV IJW]\ \PM [IUM \QUM I[ \PM 8ITIKQW[ NIUQTa¼[ RW]ZVMa PIL started. 1V ! I aW]VO [QVOTM UW\PMZ /TWZQI .]MV\M[ _I[ \QZMTM[[Ta _WZSQVO QV 0WVL]ZI[ earning a total of three dollars a month. It was nearly impossible to support herself and two young children on this meager amount. An opportunity arose for her mother to purchase

44 The Baptist Magazine

a house for one thousand dollars. Gloria knew that if there was any way she could help her UW\PMZ X]ZKPI[M \PQ[ PW][M PMZ N]\]ZM IVL \PI\ WN PMZ [UITT KPQTLZMV 3IZMV IVL :QKIZLW would be more secure. She decided that the only way this would be possible was for her to leave her two children behind with their grandmother and seek out the opportunity \PI\ )UMZQKI I‫ٺ‬WZLML PMZ With a vision to return and purchase a PW][M \W KITT PMZ W_V /TWZQI TMN\ PMZ KW]V\Za PMZ PWUM IVL PMZ aW]VO KPQTLZMV IOM[ WVM and four. She took risks and entered America illegally. She arrived in Miami and sought employment immediately. Her hard work ethic allowed her to go from making three dollars a month to three hundred dollars a month. It would not take long for her to earn the money she needed in order to return to Honduras to see her children again. After arriving in )UMZQKI /TWZQI UILM [WUM VM_ NZQMVL[ IVL soon found out that if she would become IV W‫ٻ‬KQIT =VQ\ML ;\I\M[ ZM[QLMV\ [PM KW]TL keep working legally and be able to bring her children to America. Her dream to return to Honduras faded in the light of a new dream – a dream to rear her family in the freedom IVL XZW[XMZQ\a WN \PM =VQ\ML ;\I\M[ WN )UMZQKI )ZW]VL \PQ[ [IUM \QUM [PM JMKIUM IKY]IQV\ML _Q\P I [WTLQMZ QV \PM = ; )ZUa Corporal Jose Montoya was a Honduran

VI\QWVIT _PW JMKIUM I TMOIT =VQ\ML ;\I\M[ resident and served as an enlisted soldier L]ZQVO \PM >QM\VIU ?IZ 1V ! /TWZQI and Jose were united in marriage. According \W \PM TI_ /TWZQI PI^QVO UIZZQML I TMOIT =VQ\ML ;\I\M[ ZM[QLMV\ KW]TL IXXTa NWZ TMOIT residency—not only for herself but also for her KPQTLZMV 1V ! [PM WJ\IQVML PMZ ZM[QLMVKa IVL \PM VM`\ aMIZ KW]TL Ã…VITTa JM ZM]VQ\ML with her children on American soil—all of \PMU I[ TMOIT =VQ\ML ;\I\M[ ZM[QLMV\[ 1\ _I[ QV !! \PI\ /TWZQI¼[ JZW\PMZ QV TI_ ,IVQMT ;ITIbIZ QV^Q\ML PMZ \W PQ[ KP]ZKP QV 5QIUQ .WZ \PM Ã…Z[\ \QUM QV PMZ TQNM /TWZQI heard the Gospel; and there in the church [MZ^QKM [PM \Z][\ML +PZQ[\ I[ PMZ ;I^QW]Z She began praying that her family would be [I^ML R][\ I[ [PM _I[ 1V !! /TWZQI _I[ QV\ZWL]KML \W I VM_ XI[\WZ QV \W_V 5WQ[M[ :W[IZQW 0M PIL R][\ XTIV\ML \PM 1OTM[QI Fundamental Bautista de Miami. She and PMZ KPQTLZMV JMOIV I\\MVLQVO J]\ 2W[M ZMN][ML \W KWUM 1V !! /TWZQI¼[ LI]OP\MZ 3IZMV I[ I NW]Z\MMV aMIZ WTL \MMVIOMZ [MK]ZML PMZ eternity in Heaven. God continued to answer Gloria’s prayers as her son Ricardo also received Christ. Pastor Rosario would spend RIGHT Karen with her uncle Daniel Salazar who initially invited her to church BELOW Karen and Nelson in Hialeah, Florida, in 1998 shortly before they were married

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time with Gloria and the children praying that Jose also would be saved. Although Pastor Rosario visited in the Montoya home many \QUM[ 2W[M ZMN][ML \W X]\ PQ[ \Z][\ QV +PZQ[\ alone for salvation. After three years of prayer IVL ^Q[Q\I\QWV 2W[M ÅVITTa OI^M QV IVL _I[ OTWZQW][Ta [I^ML 1V !! /TWZQI IVL PMZ \_W KPQTLZMV 3IZMV IVL :QKIZLW \WWS \PM 7I\P WN I +Q\QbMV IVL W‫ٻ‬KQITTa JMKIUM KQ\QbMV[ WN \PM =VQ\ML ;\I\M[ WN )UMZQKI /WL JTM[[ML /TWZQI IVL 2W[M _Q\P \_W W\PMZ KPQTLZMV 2W[MXP IVL 2MVVa JW\P JWZV WV )UMZQKIV [WQT <PM _PWTM NIUQTa _I[ VW_ QV KP]ZKP [MZ^QVO /WL IVL TQ^QVO \PM )UMZQKIV ,ZMIU As the Montoya and the Palacios families JMKIUM UWZM IVL UWZM NIQ\PN]T \W KP]ZKP Q\ _I[ M^QLMV\ \PI\ /WL _I[ _WZSQVO WV 6MT[WV¼[ PMIZ\ \W LW OZMI\MZ \PQVO[ NWZ 0QU 6MT[WV JMOIV \W ^WT]V\MMZ QV LQ‫ٺ‬MZMV\ IZMI[ WN \PM KP]ZKP 0M _WZSML WV I J][ ZW]\M LM\MZUQVML \W [PIZM \PM /W[XMT _Q\P W\PMZ[ R][\ I[ someone had shared it with him. Karen was also faithful to church and served wherever she was needed. It was no accident that God JZW]OP\ IV QUUQOZIV\ NIUQTa NZWU 6QKIZIO]I and another immigrant family from Honduras and placed them side by side in a church in 5QIUQ )[ 6MT[WV IVL 3IZMV [W]OP\ \W [MZ^M \PM 4WZL QVLQ^QL]ITTa \PMa JMOIV \W VW\QKM that God was also bringing them closer to one another. *MNWZM TWVO \PMa JMOIV dating; and on September !! \PMa _MZM

ABOVE Nelson and Karen with Pastor and Mrs. Rosario in March 2015 RIGHT David and Lourdes Palacios still faithfully attending church OPPOSITE PAGE Nelson and Karen with Dr. and Mrs. Tom Neal

46 The Baptist Magazine

married. It was in December of that same year \PI\ /WL KITTML 6MT[WV \W [MZ^M 0QU N]TT \QUM 6MT[WV _I^ML \PM _PQ\M ÆIO WN []ZZMVLMZ IVL made a promise to God that he would be a preacher. 7VM aMIZ TI\MZ 6MT[WV NMT\ \PI\ /WL _W]TL PI^M PQU UW^M \W .TMUQVO 1[TIVL .TWZQLI to attend Berean Baptist College in order to \ZIQV NWZ \PM UQVQ[\Za ]VLMZ ,Z <WU 6MIT There were many reasons he could have decided to stay in Miami. He now had a \PZMM UWV\P WTL LI]OP\MZ 4Q[M\ 0Q[ _QNM _I[ expecting their second daughter Esmeralda. He would be moving his wife away from her family. He would be leaving behind the OZIVLXIZMV\[ WV JW\P [QLM[ QV 5QIUQ <PMZM was not enough money to go to Bible college and support a family. He had established a J][QVM[[ QV 5QIUQ J]\ \PMZM _I[ VW RWJ NWZ him in Fleming Island. He would be leaving the church and pastor that he loved so dearly. It seemed that the cons outweighed the pros concerning this decision. As the Devil threw all WN \PM[M M`K][M[ PQ[ _Ia 6MT[WV ZM[WT^ML QV PQ[ heart to follow God’s leading. He packed up his family and moved to Fleming Island where he and Karen both enrolled in college. God proved faithful during their college aMIZ[ 6MT[WV _I[ IJTM \W M[\IJTQ[P PQ[ W_V

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BELOW The Palacios family on vacation in New York, New York, on July 2016

painting business in Fleming Island. He would work all day and attend classes at VQOP\ 1UUMLQI\MTa PM IVL 3IZMV JW\P JMOIV serving the Lord in Berean Baptist Church. Every week there would be Spanish folks at church who had been invited by the Palacios NIUQTa IVL 6MT[WV _W]TL QV\MZXZM\ L]ZQVO \PM [MZ^QKM -^MV\]ITTa PM _I[ I[SML \W [\IZ\ I ;]VLIa [KPWWT R][\ NWZ \PM ;XIVQ[P [XMISQVO people. 1V 6MT[WV OZIL]I\ML _Q\P PWVWZ[ from Berean Baptist College with a degree in Pastoral Theology and was ordained as a Gospel preacher. The Spanish ministry KWV\QV]ML \W OZW_ I[ LQL \PMQZ NIUQTa 1V /WL JTM[[ML 6MT[WV IVL 3IZMV _Q\P \PMQZ \PQZL KPQTL 6MT[WV 8ITIKQW[ 11 3IZMV _Q\P I P][JIVL IVL VW_ \PZMM KPQTLZMV _I[ [\QTT LM\MZUQVML \W Å VQ[P _PI\ [PM PIL [\IZ\ML 1V [PM OZIL]I\ML I[ \PM >ITMLQK\WZQIV of her class with a degree in Secondary Education. The Spanish Sunday school class sustained their growth and soon there were enough ;XIVQ[P [XMISQVO XMWXTM I\\MVLQVO KP]ZKP

48 The Baptist Magazine

that it warranted a separate Sunday morning [MZ^QKM WN \PMQZ W_V 6W\ \WW TWVO IN\MZ \PI\ I ;XIVQ[P ;]VLIa VQOP\ [MZ^QKM _I[ ILLML IVL \PMV I UQL _MMS [MZ^QKM I[ _MTT 7^MZ \PM aMIZ[ \PW][IVL[ PI^M KWUM \PZW]OP \PM doors of the Spanish ministry of Berean Baptist Church and have trusted Christ as \PMQZ XMZ[WVIT ;I^QW]Z¸R][\ TQSM \PI\ ]VSVW_V teenage immigrant did many years earlier. 1V 6MT[WV _I[ XZM[MV\ML _Q\P a Doctor of Divinity degree from Berean Baptist College. God has opened the doors NWZ 6MT[WV \W XZMIKP QV *QJTM KWVNMZMVKM[ IKZW[[ \PQ[ VI\QWV IVL WV \PZMM LQ‫ ٺ‬MZMV\ continents. He has conducted conferences QV ;XIQV +WTWUJQI +W[\I :QKI 6QKIZIO]I -T ;IT^ILWZ 5M`QKW 8MZ] 0WVL]ZI[ IVL .ZIVKM¸VW\ \W UMV\QWV UIVa LQ‫ ٺ‬MZMV\ [\I\M[ in America. Through the preaching of God’s ?WZL KW]V\TM[[ V]UJMZ[ WN XMWXTM PI^M JMMV [I^ML IVL UIVa PI^M []ZZMVLMZML \PMQZ TQ^M[ \W /WL¼[ _QTT 6MT[WV IVL PQ[ NIUQTa K]ZZMV\Ta ZM[QLM QV .TMUQVO 1[TIVL .TWZQLI IVL PM serves as the Spanish pastor of Immanuel *IX\Q[\ +P]ZKP QV 2IKS[WV^QTTM .TWZQLI His entire family is actively involved in the ministries of the church. The Palacios family heritage was altered because a man wanted to escape a civil war IVL KPI[M ¹<PM )UMZQKIV ,ZMIU º ,I^QL Palacios came to America so that America KW]TL KPIVOM PQU PQ[ NIUQTa IVL \PMQZ N]\]ZM not so that he could change America. He has worked hard to successfully rear a family in a KW]V\Za \PI\ W‫ ٺ‬MZML PQU NZMMLWU IVL [INM\a Gloria Fuentes searched for an opportunity to earn enough wages to secure her future as well as that of her children. She could not do that in Honduras; but if she was willing \W _WZS [PM KW]TL LW Q\ QV )UMZQKI 6MQ\PMZ came to America looking for a handout or for a government to support them. Many have lost sight of the fact that the American Dream Q[ R][\ \PI\¸)UMZQKIV )UMZQKI Q[ UILM ]X WN QUUQOZIV\[ R][\ TQSM ,I^QL /TWZQI 6MT[WV 3IZMV IVL KW]V\TM[[ W\PMZ[ _PW PI^M LMKQLML \W UISM )UMZQKI \PMQZ PWUM 6MT[WV [\QTT PI[ I PMIZ\ \W ZMIKP \PM ;XIVQ[P [XMISQVO XMWXTM NWZ \PM 4WZL# PW_M^MZ PM TW^M[ )UMZQKI NWZ what she is and the freedom she gave him. The Palacios family is a true example of an QUUQOZIV\ NIUQTa MVRWaQVO ¹4QNM 4QJMZ\a IVL \PM 8]Z[]Q\ WN 0IXXQVM[[º¸<PM )UMZQKIV ,ZMIU

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