|
The Iron Pen #52
"...graven with an iron pen and lead..." Job
19:24
Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D. From The Flyleaf of "The Bishop's" BibleThe word "bishop" is a fine biblical word when it is used in a biblical context. A synonym would be the word "pastor." My first ministry was an associate pastorate serving with senior pastor, Faye E. Demarest. I called him "The Bishop." He and his dear wife Eleanor ("Mama D" to us), took my wife, our children and myself under their wings and got us off to a wonderful start in the ministry. About a year ago "The Bishop" went home to be with the Lord. This winter we traveled to Florida and stayed with "Mama D" and while we were there I asked to see "The Bishop's" Bible. In the flyleaves of that old Bible he had written numerous nuggets of truth that had touched him. This is one of several that I copied -- The Bible reveals the mind of God,The state of man, The way of Salvation, The doom of sinners and the happiness of believers. Its histories are true, Its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, Believe it to be safe, and practice it to be Holy. It contains light to cheer you. It is a traveler's map, The pilgrim's staff, The pilot's compass, The soldier's sword and The Christian's armor. While many books inform and few are able to reform, Only the Bible is able to transform! A Brief Hymn HistoryJesus Paid It All was written by Elvina M. Hall during her pastor's lengthy prayer while she sat in the choir loft. Though we neither condone doodling during prayer nor writing in an hymnal, Mrs. Hall originally scribbled the words on the flyleaf of the hymnal. After the service she handed the words to her pastor, who, instead of scolding her, put it to music, using another members music also given him. The pastor noticed that the melody and the words fit together perfectly. (Selected from my files) God & Country"The Christian religion, in its purity, is the basis and the source of all genuine freedom in the government... I am persuaded that no civil government of a republic form can exist and be durable, in which the principles of Christianity have not a controlling influence." James Madison UNION & TRUTHCharles Haddon Spurgeon"Constantly we hear of proposals for union, and truly these are welcome where mere technical matters divide true Christians; but what is the use of pretending to create union where there can be none? There is another matter which needs to be thought of as well as union, and that is TRUTH. To part with truth to show charity is to betray our Lord with a kiss. Between those who believe in the eternal verities and those who constantly cast doubt on them there can be no union. One cried of old, 'Is it peace?' And the answer was a sharp and true one. We render it thus -- 'What hast thou to do with peace while departures from the truth of God are so many?' The first question is, 'Are we one in Christ?' And are we obedient to the truth revealed in the Scriptures? If so, union will necessarily follow: but if not, it is vain to clamor for a confederacy which would only be an agreement to aid and abet each other's errors." (The Sword and the Trowel, February 1887) Iron Pen Editor's Note: Sound doctrine is always the basis of Biblical unity. The Gospel of John bears this out. Before John 17:21 -- That they all may be one... comes John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. The unity of verse 21 is built upon the truth of verse 17. Behold -- The Captain of Our Salvation!It is related that in one of the Duke of Wellington's battles, a portion of the army was giving way under the charge of the enemy, when The Duke rode into the midst of them. A soldier called out in ecstasy, "There's the Duke--God bless him! I'd rather see his face than a whole brigade." And these words, turning all eyes to their chief, so reassured his comrades, that they repulsed the foe. So, the Lord Jesus Christ, the great Captain of our Salvation, comes to our aid in times of trial and difficulty. As Captain of our Lord's hosts He is with us to deliver us from the enemy, and lead us on to victory. (Gospel Herald; May 13, 1939) A LESSON ON LOOKING
...think on these things (Phil. 4:8)To speak with the tongues of men or angels on religious matters is a much less thing than to know how to stay the mind upon God, and abide with Him in the closet of our hearts, observing, loving, adoring, and obeying His holy power within us. William Law Exploring The World Wide Web |