Emails & Letters

You don't necessarily have to ask a question. Drop a email to us if you wish. I would love hearing from you!

03-29-2001

At 06:31 PM 3/29/01 -0800, you wrote:

Dear Brother Davis,

I happened across your Parson's Corner website while doing a yahoo search concerning old Landmarks. We are in an unaffiliated Landmark Baptist Church here in east Texas. There are not many any more that really hold to the old Landmarks. Here, most of the Southern Baptists and some of the associational missionary Baptists now accept alien baptism, practice pulpit affiliation, and have open communion (or at least one of the three). There are only a few that seem to want to hold onto all the truth across the board. Do you all have many churches up there? Are you affiliated with any association? I would be interested in hearing more about you and your churches. We often need to know of where sound churches are when we travel.

I appreciate your website - both the work you put into it and the stands you take on it. I want to encourage you to keep up the good work. May the Lord bless you greatly. I will look forward to hearing from you.

Brotherly, Robert Vaughn

Brother Vaughn,

Bless your heart sir! There is a few churches here (assoc. & non) who hold to the old Pathways. You can best identify them by weather they say they are Missionary Baptist or not. Seems though that we share the same delema here too. Too many have forgotten the Landmark which our fathers have set! Covenant Baptist in Etowah, 10 miles to the east is a true old time New Testament church who understands the seriousness of the Sacred Desk, understands that there is only one true Baptism, and that only the proven regenerated are to partake the Lords Supper! Bro, Jim Scalf is the pastor and a dear freind of mine. His church is not in an association same as yours also!

My affiliation is with both associational and non. That's a rarity around these parts but unless we put aside our differences the same as Brother Pendleton and Brother Graves did in the 1800's and strive towards the greater goal, (seeing the lost saved and the edification of the saints), we will fail as Gods people.

Right now I'm hoping to be called to pastor at a church in these parts that is willing to return to the old pathways. I desire your prayers and should you ever be passing this way and need rest & shelter, let me know. We'll serve you the best we can!

Your servant in Christ Jesus,

Timothy Davis

I have no idea how I wound up on this mailing list but you will probably enjoy what seems to be going on here!

05-03-99

At 10:30 AM 5/3/99 PDT, you wrote:

Ray,

I since that you're not interested in taking Scripture in context, but just trying to find a verse to prove what you've decided is true. I also since that you're more interested in trying to cause strife rather than help with words like, "IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM...LOOK UP THE AUTHOR." Please keep it friendly or let's stop.

Ray I concede that there are many things I don't know, but I'm learning. I hope you can still learn too.

I did look up the verses you spoke of and did some research. What I've learned is that the phrase: "I...create evil" refers to physical evil or clamitous consequences, rather than moral evil. (Reference: J.O. Buswell, "The Origin and Nature of Sin," in Basic Christian Doctrines, pp.103-109; and G.C. Berkouwer, Sin: Studies in Dogmatics)

In Jeremiah 18:11 the Hebrew word for "FRAME" is from the root as potter, a deliberate choice on the part of the prophet in order to show them that the nation would be molded by the Exile. God had the right to remold His people. In His sovereignty He could pluck up, judge (v7) or build, bless (v9). The anology breaks down this way because Judah still had the responsibility of choosing righteousness, turn from their evil (v8) or sin...do evil (v10). Judgment already pronounced could be averted by repentance (v11).

Nehemiah 9:33 shows that the people recognized that all of the problems that came from the captivity were well-deserved. "But we Have done wickedly." They recognized their sin. What's your point here?

Amos 3:6 With a series of seven questions the prophet set forth his right to announce the judgment of God upon Isreal and to show a relationship between his message and the events that are coming to pass. Underlying each of the questions is a cause and effect relationship. "Can two walk together, except they be agree?" Two men do not walk together (effect) unless there has been a previous appoinment (cause).

"Shall there be evil in a city, and the Lord hath not done it?"

A calamity does not occur (effect) unless it is caused by Jehovah (cause). The prophet is skillfully bringing out the cause-and-effect relationship to heighten the calamity that is about to com upon Isreal. It will not come by natural means; it will be brought by Jehovah in response to Isreal's sin.

Then it goes on to say "...God will do nothing, but he revealed his secret unto his servants the prophets. Clearly this isn't moral evil because moral evil exists without the forwarning of each cause and effect.

Michael Burnette

Date: Mon, 26 Apr 1999 07:48:02 -0400

Isa 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. Jer 18:11 Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good. Neh 9:33 Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly: Amos 3:6 Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?

"ALL THINGS ARE OF GOD".

IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THESE SCRIPURES, I SUGGEST YOU TAKE IT UP WITH THE AUTHOR.

-----Original Message-----

Date: Monday, April 26, 1999 5:39 AM

Subject: That's "All Folk"

God didn't create sin. The Scriptures do not suggest that sin was a part of the original creation, which God saw to be "very good" (Gen 1:31). But He did create creatures with the potential ability to sin, and He allowed them to sin. Nevertheless, we cannot credit God with being the author of sin, for this would attribute to Him a quality that contrdicts His self-revelation(II Tim 2:13). With reference to character He is unlike sin (I John 1:5; Ps 92:15; Hab 1:13), and reference to ability He cannot sin (Jas 1:13; Tit 1:2).

God cannot be or act contrary to what He is. A thorough study of the Word and a look at historic Christianity reveals the possibilities for God's choosing to allow sin like this: 1.) The capability of doing evil was a necessary alternative to the creature's choosing to do good. There could be no true choice of good if this were the only option. Being moral agents with self-determination, angels and humans were allowed to choose the ruling principle that would govern their lives. 2.) Sin was a means for manifesting certain divine qualities. These qualities of God's nature were His hatred toward evil as expressed by His wrath (Rom 9:22), His power as manifested in His judgments (Rom 9:17,22), His righteousness and justice as exercised in His judgments(Rom 2:5), and His mercy and grace are displayed in salvation ((Eph 2:4,7).

These divine qualities could only be displayed in His dealing with sinful creatures who deserved His wrath. The glories of God's character radiate more brightly against the dark backdrop of sin. This is not to say that sin contributes to His glory, but is does stand in striking contrast to His glory and enhance it.

Don't dance with logical absurdities Ray. God cannot do all things. He cannot cease to exist and He cannot sin. That's what my Bible says. He cannot make a rock so big He can't lift it. That is opposed to His character. God is all powerful. He can do all things that require infinite power.

I believe your fallacy is that you objectify sin as though it were something substantive. Sin was not a created "thing" by God. Sin is anything that breaks fellowship with God. It flourished as a principle where God chose not to exercise His soverign authority and power ,and allow volition. Also you could argue God is a being; He did not create Himself; therefore, He did not create all things.

Michael Burnette

From: "Chuck Blandy"

Collier, You asked me to respond to Phil. 2:5-9. This is my response. Paul begins in verse 5 by sayin we are to have the same humble attitude Christ had. Vs. 6 'who although he existed in the form of God, did not reguard equlity with God a thing to be grasped" "form of God" = in gk. MORPHE THEOU implying the nature of God. Jesus had a divine nature as well as a human nature. "did not reguard equlity with God a thing to be grasped" Jesus as man had the ability whether or not to manifest his divine nature.

There would have been nothing wrong for him to manifest his divine nature to glorify himself. Although all the fullness of Diety dwelt within him (Col. 2:9), he did not try to proclaim himself to be equal with God. He was not seeking to exalt himself. He was willing to surrender his own glory for the sake of his Father and also for us. This is the lesson we are to learn from this passage. vs. 7 "but emptied himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men" But Christ laid aside his priviledges, taking the form of a bond-servant. He laid aside his nature of Diety and took on the from of a slave. vs. 8 It was not enough for him to humble himself to the fashion (which refers to the outward

appearance or manifestation) of a man. He further humbled himself to the point of dying on the cross. Crucifiction was the most horrible shameful death. Vs. 9 "Therefore also God highly exalted Him" This is referring to Christ as man, for God does not highly exalt God. God exalted the man Christ Jesus. So the lesson for us is to humble ourselves even as Christ did, who could have manifested his Divine nature and glorified himself, but instead chose to take on the form of a slave and humbled himself even

to the death on the cross. If we follow his example God too will exalt us in due season even as he exalted Christ.

My Responce!

Howdy All,

Forgive me if I interject into this conversation since I wound up on the email list, but this reasoning session has well gone beyond straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel. The Word of God isn't something with hidden mysteries to those who are saved. Only to those who are lost. Ephesians 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: & 1st John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Why should we try to read something into this Precious and Devinely inspired book that ISN'T THERE! 1st Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 1:6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 1:7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

This same type of "reasoning" is exactly the reason we have so many different "isms" & "schisms" in the Church of the Lord today. Take the Word of God for what the Spirit reveals to you and not of your own understanding.

Timothy Davis, The Parsons Corner, http://parsonscorner.8m.com/

03-19-99

Hi,

My 27 yr old son is a volunteer youth leader for the teens at church in Bellevue, Ohio. His congregation had a meeting recently on church growth and services. He would like to get some imput from other folks before he goes back to the next business meeting. If you have time, could you answer the following two questions or maybe ask some of your non churched friends what they might respond to these questions.If possible, also I would appreciate your approximate age and sex, or religious affiation.

#1 Why do you think most people do not attend church regularly?

#2 What do you think could be done to make the church services more relavent to people today?

Thank you.

Yours in Christ,

Alice Stuckey

Alice,

Glad to help but I won't be giving you my opinion. What I will give you will be the scriptures. I am a 40 year old Baptist Minister. You can find out more about me by visiting our ministry site called The Parsons Corner, Ask the Preacher, http://parsonscorner.8m.com/

Most all of my friends are Born Again Christians who attend church regulary, not all but most. Those who attend church regularly are those that are trying to get fed from the Lords table. A Christian who is a Christian indeed needs to be where they can fellowship with other Christians and hear the Word of God as often as they can. That's why we are told in Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Then there are some who just attend church because they believe it to be a social club. Imagine that! Wouldn't it be a shame to bring up another generation of socialites instead of on fire Christian youth!

As for your second question, I would say that the scripture "Proverbs 22:28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." would best apply! Church's today for the most part, if they are not cramming your head full of thus saith doctor so and so are not preaching the Word of God in it's entirety. Therefore we have either a church membership full of lost souls or a bunch of luke warm Christians who wouldn't know the first thing about witnessing, much less worshiping! Revelation 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

I know you asked me about the Youth and how to draw them. You would draw them in the same manner you would draw the elder! Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Just get yourself a few youth that are loving their Lord and watch "THEM" help draw other youth to that church!

Your Servant in Christ Jesus

Timothy Davis

Luke 18:16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.