Goodbye to my friends

     I have been saying "Goodbye" to several of my friends.  You probably do not know some of my friends.  I estimate to have about 1,100 of them.  B. H. Carroll provided me some of my friends.  He wrote the volumes, INTERPRETATION OF THE ENGLISH BIBLE.  Carroll was a former president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas.
     Two old timers (classics) adorn my shelves:  Armitages' HISTORY OF BAPTISTS and Orchard's BAPTIST HISTORY A. D. 33 TO 1800.  Orchard tried to prove that Baptists go all the way back to Jesus.  Armitage believed in what has been called the "spiritual kinship" theory in which he did not believe you could trace Baptists back to the first centuery but there were groups who are "kin" to us going back to the time of Jesus.  Neither theory is accepted by Baptist historians today, but they are classics.
     Then there are friends from my former professors:  REVELATION AS DRAMA by James Blevins, THE INTEGRITY OF THE CHURCH by E. Glenn Hinson, ACTS by John Polhill, THE WORD OF TRUTH by Dale Moody, ACTS by Frank Stagg, EXODUS by Page Kelly, DEUTERONOMY by Clyde Francisco, SURPRISED BY GOD by James Cox, etc.
     Some of my friends are from devotional writers:  PRAYERS by Michel Quoist, CONFESSIONS OF ST. AUGUSTINE by St. Augustine, THE SEVEN STOREY MOUNTAIN by Thomas Merton, KNOWING GOD by J. I. Packer, PILGRIM'S PROGRESS by John Bunyan, PURITY OF HEART by Soren Kierkegaard, MARKINGS by Dag Hammarskjold, etc.
     A friend on administration:  THE PURPOSE DRIVEN CHURCH by Rick Warren.  A controversial friend:  THE MESSAGE OF GENESIS BY Ralph Elliot.  A more recent friend:  COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY:  A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE by Siang-Yang Tan.
     I am keeping some.  I am leaving some for you, my friends, to take with you.  They are on tables in the Family Life Center.  They are my books.

CHANGING POSITIONS

     My announcement recently may have seemed abrupt so I want to let you in on the process leading up to my decision.  As I have anticipated at some time stepping aside as lead pastor I have considered the possibility of mission work or hospital chaplaincy.
     Two years ago in September I began taking a second unit in CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) at Spring River Christian Village under the direction of Dr. Richard Dayringer from Grove, Oklahoma.  Dr. Dayringer is a seasoned clinician who has supervised students, written several books on clinical work, and is a walking history book of the disicpline.  On Monday (my day off) from September through May I have finished a second and third unit in CPE.  This involved a morning in classes and peer group and clinical work in the afternoons.
     I was not certain that I wanted to serve as a hospital chaplain but that was a strong option.  Even if I would not serve as a chaplain, I felt the second and third units would benefit my work as a pastor.  I had completed my first unit in CPE as a part of the Doctor of Ministry.  While serving as a pastor, I also worked several hours in Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, MO.
    Hospital chaplaincy positions do not come available that often and I was content to remain pastor at FBC and have been excited about upcoming ministries through the church.  However, Dr. Todd Decker, who heads up the Pastoral Care team at Freeman Hospitcal in Joplin, contacted me a few weeks ago.  After we talked, he offered me the position.
     Marie and I really struggled with whether this was an "open door."  On one hand I felt committed to continue serving as a pastor.  Severing long-time relationships over 33+ years could be sad indeed.  But after much conversation, prayer, and counsel, we felt this is an opportunity the Lord has provided.  We love the FBC family and pray the very best for her future.  I am excited about my ministry as a hospital chaplain.  Remember us in prayer.

DID ANYONE MISS ME?

     I have been a a member of the Nevada Rotary Club since June, 1979, when I accepted the position as pastor of First Baptist Church.  Over the past weeks (okay, months) I have been delinquent in attendance although I have paid my quarterly dues.  I have served on the Rotary board, served as program director, served as President of Rotary, and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow.  This week I am going back to Rotary.  I wonder if my experience of being absent is like some who are absent from church worship and think about going back.
     AM I IMPORTANT?  I have not received one phone call from anyone telling me that I am missed.  Poor me!  When I go back will anyone recognize me?  There is an informal seating order and so will I sit in someone's spot?  Will people be glad to see me?  Will they even notice?  They are all faithful Rotarians and I have fallen from grace.  I may be sheepish.
     I HAVE MY REASONS OR EXCUSES.  Seems like my schedule has gotten the best of me!  Like last week I intended to go and I had an appointment that lasted much longer than I thought-- all the way through the noon hour.  Sometimes I have been out of town.  But to be honest there are times my reasons have been more like excuses.  I guess I usually make time for what I consider really important.
     THEY HAVE NOT ALWAYS FOLLOWED THE ROTARY BIBLE.  Years ago when I was on the Rotary Scholarship committee we had a rule that no children of Rotarians would receive scholarships for college. Somewhere along the way that changed and I have noticed children of Rotarians have received scholarships.  That seems self-serving.  It doesn't seem to meet the "service above self" test.  But that is only my interpretation.
     I DON'T LIKE CHANGE.  I have tended to be a late arriver at Rotary.  Like some people I like to sit on the back row.  They formerly served food at the entry way so I could pick up my plate and go to the back of the dog leg dining room.  They changed it!  I have to go to the back of the dog leg to get my plate and end up sitting toward the front of the worship center, I mean dining room.  I just haven't liked some of the decisions that have been made.  But does that mean they were necessarily bad decisions?
     MAYBE IF THE PRESIDENT AND PROGRAMS WERE BETTER?  Oh, wait a minute.  I have not been there recently to know about the programs.  And let's see-- July started the new Rotary year.  I don't know who the leaders are now.  But a good Rotarian does not attend for the president or the programs.  A good Rotatian affirms the purpose of Rotary:  providing humanitarian service and building goodwill and peace in the world.  I guess what is true in Rotary is also applicable in the church-- it is not about me.

NOT A SILENT PEOPLE

    Baptists have quite often been known for controversies.  Walter Shurden, one of my former professors at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary wrote a book entitled NOT A SILENT PEOPLE.  His book has separate chapters on controversies waged by Southern Baptists:  debate about our history, arguing about missions, arguing over slavery and segregation, arguing about our relationships with other denominations, arguing about theology, and arguing about the inspiration of theBible.
     What is the current controversy in Baptist life?  Calvinism!  Calvinism has come to be known by an acronym:  TUIIP.  The five points can easily be remembered when students are ask to define Calvinism.  T--Total Depravity-- we are completely effected by sin.  U-- Unconditional election-- some are elected to salvation and others are not.  L-- Limited atonement-- Christ's sacrifice was sufficient for all but not "efficacious" for all.   I-- Irresistible grace-- When God calls his elect they cannot resist.  P-- Perseverance of the saints-- you cannot lose your salvation.
     Calvinism is based on the teaching of John Calvin (1509-1564).  The extreme opposite of Calvinism is Arminianism based on the views of Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609) who started out as a Calvinist but changed his mind.  In contrast to Calvin's emphasis on the sovereignty of God, Arminiam believed that God limited his control with man's freedom and response.  Conditional election is based on man's response not on God's determination of who will be saved or lost.  God's grace can be rejected because of free will and his grace extends toward everyone.  And persons can turn away or fall away from salvation.
     Another word for Calvinism is "Reformed."  Nearly equal numbers of pastors in the Southern Baptist Convention considered themselves Calvinist/Reformed or Arminian/Weslyan.  However, about 60% of pastors surveyed are concerned about the effects Calvinism may have on our denomination.  The rhetoric on both sides has been extreme and polarizing.
     To add some "reason" to the current controvery there is a conference in Louisville, KY, this month entitled "Calvinism:  Concerned?  Curious?  Confused?"  Historically, Southern Baptists have considered us neither Calvinist nor Arminian.  We have held to a unique approach not tied to either extreme.  Where will the current conflict go?  Who knows?  But Shurden was right.  We certainly are not a silent people.

THE MAN BEHIND THE FLAGPOLES

   Recently the local paper ran an article by Carolyn Thornton entitled, "L. F. Richardson:  The man behind the flagpoles."  Mrs. Thornton introduced the former car-dealer in Nevada to a new generation.  He came to Nevada and started the Richardson Motor Company which survived for many years and he was active in community activities.  Richardson, who died in 1972, was one of the significant leaders in our church along with the former Don Kennedy.
     When I started serving as pastor in 1979, long-term pastor, Rev. O. V. Dodson had just retired, Mr. Richardson was decesased, and Don Kennedy had accepted a position as a Federal Judge in Kansas City, MO.  Although I had never met the man, his legacy lived on through the Richardson Scholarships.  Mr. Richardson believed in Christian higher education and affirmed the need for ministers to be adequately trained.  So through the Mr. and Mrs. L. F. Richardson Foundation ministerial students have received scholarships each year.
     At the present time, the scholarships are given to ministerial students who attend Southwest Baptist University.  Our church channels the money to the University.  When I came to town, $10,000 worth of scholarships were given each year.  Several years ago I requested the then chairman of the Richardson Foundation, Don Kennedy, to increase the amount.  They responded favorably and now $15,000 are administered each year.  Current Richardson Foundation Board members are:  Ron Fisk, Cindy Wynn, and Ron Chandler.
     FBCers can be aware that each year as college starts there are several young ministerial students who receive financial assistance through the church that Mr. Richardson loved so deeply.  His legacy continues.  Every year we post "thank you" notes on the bulletin board from students who receive the scholarships.
     The man behind the flagpoles?  Yes.  And now you know about the man behind the scholarships.

GLOBAL MISSION CELEBRATION

     When churches have big emphases sometimes the follow-up gets lost.  We had a big emphasis on missions at FBC, Nevada, MO, February 29 through March 4 called "Global Mission Celebration."  Pastor John Duncan coordinated the event and we had nine missionary units (some single and some families) here to share their stories.  Dr. Gordon Fort, Vice President of the International Mission Board, was the featured speaker on Sunday, March 4.
     The purpose of the GMC was to increase our commitment in mission giving and personal involvement locally and around the world.  In commitment to missions, we had three goals and FBCers surpassed the second goal of $80,150.  This is beyond our budget giving.  I want to follow up by telling you after the first quarter of giving we have been able to support missions around the world.
     In VERNON COUNTY  checks were written to Habitat for Humanity, Neighbors Center, Vernon Co. Ministerial Alliance Relief Fund, and the Youth Task Force.
     In MISSOURI chcks wee written to Windermere Assembly, Baptist Student Center in Cape Girardeau, Camp Kiersey, and the Missouri Baptist Children's Home.
     In NORTH AMERICA checks were written to the Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions, Diaster Relief, Adopt a Church Partnership, Amy Martindale, Iowa Missions, Teen Challenge USA, and All Nations Ministries.
     Around the WORLD checks were written to the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions, African Inland Mission, Baptist World Alliance, Thailand Baptist Seminary, Gideons International, Compassion International, World Hunger, Wycliffe Bible Translators, New Tribes Missions, Gary and Carolyn Miller (Hungary), Alan Locke (South Africa), and Joel and Charlotte Brandhorst (Brazil).
     In terms of mission involvement we had a team return recently from ministry on an Indian Reservation in Macy, Nebraska, and another team return from Canada.  On August 2 a team of four will leave for Haiti where they will be serving in an orphanage.  Locally a ministery to people at local laundrymats called "Got Quarters?" has started.  I know the Bible warns about pride.  But in a healthy sense I am proud of you FBCers who have given your financial resources and time to make a difference in the Kingdom of God.

IMMIGRATION REFORM POSSIBLE?

     One of the matters before the United Stas has been the issue of immigration reform.  It concerns me because all of us or our ancestors were at one time immigrants.  On the other hand, realism suggests there needs to be processes in regard to protecting borders and providing pathways to citizenship.  And nothing is getting done.  Gridlock has become the key word in describing what goes on in Washington.  It seems like politics throws a wrench in the gears for any possible reform.
     Recently one possibility is emerging.  A biparisam ecumemical group calling itself Evangelical Immigration Table has drafted the Evangelical Statement of Principles for Immigration Reform.  It has been signed by several leaders across a broad spevctrum.  Richard Land, who heads up our SBC Ethics Commission signed it as well as LifeWay Research, Focus on the Family, and the past SBC president.
     Here is the statement:  "Our national immigration laws have created a moral, economic, and political crisis in America.  Initiatives to remedy this crisis have led to polarization and name calling in which opponents have misrperesented each other's positions as open borders and amnesty versus deportation of millions.  This false choice has led to an unacceptable stalemate at the federal level at a tragic human cost.  As evangelical leaders, we call for a bipartisan solution on immigration that:
     RESPECTS the God-given dignity of every person.
     PROTECTS the unity of the immediate family.
     RESPECTS the rule of law.
     GUARANTEES secure national borders.
     ENSURES fairness to taxpayers.
     ESTABLISHES a path toward legal status and/or citizenship for those who qualify and who wish to become permanent residents.
     We urge our nation's leaders to work together with the American people to pass immigration reform that embodies these key principles and that will make our nation proud."
      The breadth of support among religious leaders is rather amazing.  Convincing Washington politicians would be even more amazing!
     

DID YOU HEAR THE NEWS?

     Did you hear the news?  Southern Baptists took an historic step in June at the Southern Baptist annual convention held in New Orleans, Louisiana.  For the first time in our history, messengers elected a black convention president.  Fred Luter, pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, New Orleans, ran unopposed at the SBC annual meeting.   Luter, a former street preacher, brought his mostly black New Orleans congregation back from near annihilation after Hurricane Kutrina in 2005.  About 7,000 messengers stood to their feet, cheered, and shouted, "Halelujah," after he was elected.
     Racism is something Southern Baptists have tried to live down for a long time.  Baptists were split during the Civil War era between the Northern (now American) Baptists and Southern Baptists.  Southern Baptists represented the culture and mores of the South.  In our early days we Nevadans were known as "Southern" sympathizers because we were always "bushwhacking" the federal (Union) troops.  That's why the troops from Ft. Scott burned our town and our church!  That is why we have the annual Bushwhacker Days.
     Several years ago Southern Baptists passed  a resolution sent to the National Baptist Convention (Blacks) to apologize for the racism in our history.  The President of the National Baptist Convention basically said, "Thanks, but no thanks!"  Too little; too late.  There were suspicions among those in the black Baptist Convention  that the SBC has been trying to reach upward mobile black families in the cities.  For the past five years, the SBC has seen a decline in membership.
     And then there is the name-- Southern.  I mean-- the Methodists dealt with the name change years ago.  They converted from "Southern" Methodists to "United" Methodists.  Northern and Southern Baptists could never get together.  But can we at least change our name?  Well, this year the messengers approved an "alternate" name.  Our alternate name is now Great Commission Baptists.
     Of course a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.  Or a  Baptist by any other name can be just as racist.  Or not.

THE HANGING OF JUDGE SMITH

     Last Thursday I attended the "unveiling of the portrait" for Federal Judge Ortrie Dale Smith in the Federal Court House in Kansas City.  After serving several years on the bench, judges are promoted to senior status and get their mug shots hung in the court house.  In typical humorous fashion, he referred to it as the "hanging of Ortrie Smith."
     Pastoral care memories emerge.  I was with Ortrie when B. J. (Brittany Jane) was born and he almost lost Kris in child birth.  I experienced the anxiety with Dr. Greenlund, Dr. Thompson, and Ortrie.  Thankfully, Kris lived and B. J. joined the other three, Mikki, Casey, and Angie.  Casey is also an attorney and B. J. is in her third year of law school.
     Fun memories emerge.  Ortrie was the one who got me into jogging in the early 80s.  We jogged with guys who were called the "Southside Jogging and Debate Society":  Chris Hoberock, Fred Seewoester, Jerry McBeth, and Howard Carter.  The initial jogging was in preparation for snow skiing.  Neither of us had done it but Marie and I and Ortrie and Kris (and later our families) took several Colorado trips together.
     Encouragement memories emerge.  Once during a sermon, I mentioned I was empty.  I felt like a milk shake and everyone had a straw in me.  While I was greeting people as they left, Ortrie handed me a giant milk shake.  He had sneaked out early!
     Leadership memories emerge.  Ortrie touched about everything in the community that needed leadership.  At a time of inertia at FBC, he became chair of a feasibility committee to determine how to proceed.  The proposal to re-locate had been defeated by a narrow margin.  He came into my office and asked, "So what do you want to do?"  I replied, "We need to stay together as much as possible and move forward!"  Both of us were propoents of re-location but he surmised, "You may not like how it turns out."  I answered, "I know."  But here we are today.
     People who know him will smile.  People who did not know him will ask, "Why would anyone ever name a baby Ortrie?"

President Obama's Justifies Same-Sex Marriage With Scripture

     Familiar to many people, even those who are not Christians, is the passage in Matthew's Gospel chapter 7, verse 12.  It has been called the "Golden Rule."  There are several different phrasings of the verse but the NRSV has it:  "In everything do good to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets."
     More recently President Obama referenced the Golden Rule in his support of same-sex marriage.  Citing his faith, he told ABC, "In the end, the values that I care most deeply about, and she (Michelle Obama) cares most deeply about is how we treat people.  We're both practicing Christians and obviously this position may be considered to put us at odds with views of others but when we think about our faith the thing at root that we think about is not only Christ sacrificing himself on our behalf but it's also the golden rule--  treat others the way you'd want to be treated."
     While it is good a president references both Christ's sacrifice and our Lord's words about treating others with love, it does not follow that his interpretation as applied to same sex marriage is an accurate one.  The Golden rule cannot be meant to indicate that "anything goes."  On the contrary, our Lord never compromised on values even though his forgiveness could touch the worst of sinners.  He was very forgiving and loving toward a woman who had committed adultery several times.  However, that did not mean that he condoned her sins.  Tolerating her sinful behavior would have been no help to her at all.
     "Hate the sin but love the sinner."  Both actions are a challenge. We can end up hating sinners whose behavior we do not approve.  That is a tragic mistake.  However, in "loving the sinner" we can also forget to "hate the sin."  God is love.  But God hates sin.  And so should we.  It is self-destructive and  corrosive for a society.  It was our sin that necessitated the crucifixion to which our President referred.
     He got it wrong on this one.

ANGELS UNAWARE

     On occasion people slip into one of our worship services unnoticed.  During the "shaking of the hands" with the preacher, I realize they are present.  The writer of Hebrews put it this way, "do not neglect to show hospitalilty to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it!"   Reference here may be to Abraham and Sarah who welcomed a foreigner into their camp and found out it was an angelic figure.  But we never know for sure who we might be welcoming!
     He doesn't have wings but a few weeks ago, George ("Dub") Steincross, attended worship as he was on his way to Oklahoma to visit relatives. "Dub" served as pastor in our state-- his last place of service was Second Baptist Church, Liberty, MO.  Dub grew up in out area and his fatheer was a banker and both parents were involved in the life of what was then the Nevada Baptist Association (now Osage River Baptist Association).
     Don Gundy does not have angelic wings either, but I did shake his hand last Sunday after worship.  He was just passing through. Don is from Vernon County and served as a pastor in several places in the state before heading up church-staff relationships in the Missouri Baptist Convention until the political winds were no longer in his favor.  He and his wife are great folks and it is always good to see them.
     Don grew up in the Walker area and his brother, Doug, was a former, local basketball star.  Their mother, Nell Gundy, was a member of our church family and I led in her memorial sesrvice in 2000.  Don's wife's grandmother, Emma Trower, was a member of our church.
     It was good to see old friends.  Don even pronounced a blessing.  Under questions and comments on the communication card he wrote:  "Impressive early service.  Keep up the good work!"  Thanks, Don.  We are doing our best!

Cox Cousins visit FBC, Nevada

     I have often referred to my roots in Miller County near the Lake of the Ozarks.  I have sometimes referred to myself as a "hillbilly from Miller County."  Aunts and uncles, several counsins and distant relatives live in and around central Missouri.  It all started when my great-grandmother, Elizabeth Cox, Bentley, Roark moved my grandfather and his two brothers to Miller County after my great grandfather, William Jesse Cox, died on Christmas day, 1900.  Elizabeth out lived three husbands.
    One of my aunts, Treda Brewer Schupp earlier in her life was a type-cast for granny on the Beverly Hillbillies.  I love that gal and have stayed in touch with her at age 95!  Treda is a sister to my mother, Dessie Brewer Cox.  Aunt Evelyn Cox Forrester, 92, is still living in Eldon, MO, and she is a sister to my father, Charles Cox.  The youngest among Dad's siblings, Elizabeth Cox Carrol, died this past month.
     Proof of some of my roots will emerge this coming Sunday, September 18.  I have three cousins that will be driving up from Spraaaaangfield, MO, to attend 9:45 worship and Sunday School at 11:00.  After that, Marie and I will take them out to eat for a visit.  My mother's brother, Williard Brewer, had three girls:  Thelma, Mary, and Eula.  Mary and Eula will be coming our way along with James Lee Bunch, husband of Eula.   James and Eula served as missionaries through the SBC International Mission Board.
     Eula and Mary are my first cousins.  Let me see--  Eula married James Lee Bunch.  I am related to the Bunches of Miller County and so James Lee also has to be a cousin.  His father was James Frederick  Bunch whose father was John William Bunch.  John Willliam was the father of James Fredrick and my grandmother, Anna Josephene (with an "e") Bunch Cox.  So, how is that?  James Lee was a cousin to my Dad.  So James would be my second cousin?  Or is it third cousin? 
     Anyway, all three are cousins whom I welcome this weekend!

Does Hell Exist?

     In recent days the subject of hell has made religious news because Pastor Rob Bell of Mars Hill Bible Church published a book entitled, LOVE WINS:  A BOOK ABOUT HEAVEN, HELL, AND THE FATE OF EVERYONE WHO EVER LIVED.  As a popular writer and speaker, Bell has influence among the Chistian community.  Evangelical preacher, John Piper, has bascially said Pastor Bell has departed from the truth. President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Al Mohler, has called the book "disastrous."  One pastor in North Carolina was dismissed  from his position because he endorsed the book. 
      Pastor Bell said it all started when someone saw an exhibit in his church that quoted Mohandas Gandhi.  A visitor said, "Gandhi is in hell."  "Really?" bell was thinking.  "Gandi's in hell?  He is? We have confirmation of this?  Somebody knows this?  Without a doubt?  And that somebody decided to take on the responsibility for the rest of us to know?" 
     I am going to address this subject on Sunday, September 11, in worship at First Baptist Church, Nevada.  Here are some scritpures to check out ahead of time:  Joshua 24:15, John 3:18, Revelation 22:17, John 16:8-11, John 5:39-40, John  8:21-30.   Look up other scriptures in the Bible on the subject of hell.  And send me your thoughts and questions at billcox@fbchurch.net. 
     The subject of hell was on the cover of TIME magazine in April of this year.  The question was asked, "No hell?"  Let's explore this important subject together.

RASNICS: LONGEVITY IN A CHURCH

     In our society, relationships are thrown away about as quickly as trash in a dumpster.  The number of marital relationships that are short-lived seems ever to increase.  And personal and family relationships with churches also seem short-lived.  Some of this has been referred to as "church-hopping" in which persons skip from one church to another always looking for a better deal.
     No doubt sometimes changing churches can be a positive move.  Afterall, pastors sometimes change churches because they are led by God.  Lay persons can also be led by God to other churches.  Others change because of geographical moves or other considerations.  In fact, if persons move from one location to another it is hoped they would find another church family instead of dropping out of church.
     I became aware of the importance of longeity in church relationships as I attended a reception for Jack and Robena Rasnic who have been members of First Baptist Church for over 60 years.  Rev. James Dinkins was the pastor and Robena was in what was called the "Bride's Class" with former member, Ruth Frazier.  It was in First Baptist Church they found places of service and a foundation for the faith of their children who grew up in First Baptist Church.
     Jack worked on the railroad in the days when the railroad was a major employer in Nevada.  Robena was active in missions and in the sympathy committee.   The sympathy committee provides meals for family members of those who have lost loved ones.  Robena organized-- and I mean "organized" the meals.  When she stepped aside from the leadership position, she handed in a book that recorded every meal, the family name, the menu, and the date for every funeral dinner through the years.  How thorough can one get?  Bill and Ciny Wynn would not miss the Rasnic reception because Jack always came over to their daughter's wheel chair to talk with Kelly.
     Jack and Roben have seen many changes in the world, the community, and in First Baptist Church through the years.  Like many people, I am sure there are times when they were not in agreement or disappointed with First Baptist Church.  I don't think they were enthused about moving to our new location at Highland.  The old location at Main and Hunter was familiar to them.  However, they eventually came right along.
     This says something about the Rasnics.  Through thick and thin, they have made FBC their church home.  They celebrate a long-term marriage.  They also celebrate a long-time relationship with a church.  To do that people have to adapt, to change, and to grow.  They have to work through problems instead of running from them.  More of that kind of fidelity would make a big difference in our day.

How often should the Lord's Supper (communion) be celebrated?

     At First Baptist Church, Nevada, we celebrate the Lord's Supper each Sunday in two contemporary worship experiences and once a month in the traditional service.  Someone commented recently, "It is not the Baptist way to have the Lord's Supper every week."  So, as people fanatically committed to the authority of scripture, I asked what does the Bible say about this matter?
     The truth is the Bible does not really instruct on how often to take the Lord's Supper.  The scripture does say, "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight."  (Acts 20:7)  While some could argue this was a common meal, the context indicates it was probably the Lord's Supper.  This is a verse that most people use who practice a weekly observance.  Historical records bear out the early church practiced weekly, and sometimes daily, the Lord's Supper.
     Those who take the Lord's Supper monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, have no scriptures to back up the practices.  That does not make it wrong however.  The key for Paul is this--  "as often as" you do it (I Corinthians 11:26) you do it to show the Lord's death.  That could be daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly.  Some who argue that once a week is too often might also ask the question-- is it better to just listen to a sermon, pray, or sing, once a month or quarter.  Some who feel like a weekly observance makes it too familiar and lack meaning might ask,  "Should I not kiss my wife or husband every week so it will be more meaningful when I do it?"
     THE BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE says this about the Lord's Supper:  "The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memoralize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming."  That is true however often it is observed.

Do you have to be ordained to baptize someone?

     Throughout the years at First Baptist Church, Nevada, and in many other churches it has been the official "ordained" persons who have handled the sacraments ("ordinances" as we Baptists call them).  Some have felt that only those who are ordained as deacons can serve the supper.  Actually, scripture would allow anyone to serve the elements.
     In similar fashion, many would think the only person to baptize believers would be someone who had been "ordained" either as a pastor or as a deacon.  In our church family, Jeanette Hawkins, our Children's Pastor baptizes children on a regular basis.  She has not only not been ordained; she is a woman!  (She has also spoken from the pulpit which is heresy in some churches).  Also, Steve Russ has baptized many people even though he has not been ordained. 
     If one looks to church history, the findings are that from the beginning the growth of the church was a laymen's (and women) movement.  It was only through the many years of development of tradition that more sacred powers were placed in the hands of clergy.  Roman Catholic tradition affirms only those persons who have been ordained to the priesthood can handle the sacraments.  That authority goes with the position rather than the person.
     However, Baptist roots are different.  It was John Smythe and Thomas Helwys in the early 1600s in England who are given much of the credit for the Baptist movement.  Important in what they believed to be the recovery of New Testament teaching were baptism for belivers only (not infant baptism) and immersion baptism (to be dipped under the water).  Being convinced of what they believed to be the truth of scripture, Smythe baptised himself.  This is called "se-baptism" or "self-baptism."'  There was no one around to do it!  And then he baptized others.  None of them were ordained.
      In more recent years, especially as FBC has experienced growth, I like to see all of our staff baptizing people in the name of the Trinity.  It doesn't have to done by me, the lead pastor, to be official.  In fact, I am encouraging people who bring people to Christ to baptize their friends.  And I encourage fathers and/or mothers to baptize their children.  Though though Apostle Paul celebrated every conversion, he said, "I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaiius, so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name."  (I Corinthians 1:14).
     

Anyone remember Rev. O. V. Dodson?

     Rev. O. V. Dodson was back at FBC, Nevada, recently for the memorial service for Rev. John Nichols.  He is 97 and still going strong.  He was my predecessor as pastor at FBC and served from 1955 to 1978.  I came on board in 1979.  While I was serving as pastor in the Bootheel of Missouri, my supervisor in Clinical Pastoral Education was Fred Schmucker.  When he found out the pastor preceding me was "O. V." Dodson and a familiar former pastor from the 40s was "J. Winston Pearce," he joked, "You can no longer be "Bill" Cox; you will have to be "W. C." Cox."  I later found out that "W.C." stands for water closet, or bathrooms in European countries!
     Anyway, the pastor of 23 years was one of the most gracious, Christian gentleman whom I have ever met. He has been nothing but an encourager to me in my role at FBC.  Not long after my coming to Nevada, he wrote me a note:  "Billl--  You are off to a good start.  Already hear glowing reports.  With appreciation I read you inciteful and challenging paragraphs in THE MAINSPRING.  You are on the beam!"  That was in 1979.
     There are several other notes and letters.  On March 21, 1988, when our church experienced conflict over whether to re-located to our present location, Rev. Dodson wrote:  "I note with deep interest the decsion of the church to build and the possibillity of relocating.  It sounds exciting and inspiring.  /  With a degree of reluctance, but with continuing deep love for First Baptist Church, Nevada, and an undying interest in her future, I am daring with prayerful consideration to share some thoughts from a perspective of the past. / Early in my pastorate at Nevada, during the fifties, I felt it would be wise for the church to move to a more spacious and conspicuous spot at the end of the community and build from scratch. /  However, it didn't take long to realize that sentimental attachments to the old location and its buildings would probablly make it virtually impossible to reach a harmonious consensus.  So, I abandoned the idea.  / I must admit I developed a degree of sentimental attachment to the old location and facilities over a period of twenty-four years.  And so it would distrub my emotions for the church no longer to be located on the corner of Main and Hunter.  But I am strongly convinced that sentiment should never stand in the way of progress of God's kingdom.  /   I commend the present generation of First Baptist Members for their forward look.  If, after careful and prayerful consideration it appears to be the part of wisdom and the will of the Lord that the church might make further growth and enjoy an extended ministry, it would appear to me that the sensible and spiritual thing would be to move.  /  Be asssured of our prayers here at our house regarding this matter."
     After the passing of former first lady of FBC, Elaine Dodson, Rev. Dodson re-married his former secretary, Janice Hartley, who also had lost her husband, John.  They have had many meaningful years together.  Rev. Dodson is truly a great but also a humble man.  He has told me that he enjoys the fact that churches have done better after he left!  After he left FBC, Cassville, MO, the church experienced a lot of growth under lead pastor, John Duncan.  After he left FBC, Nevada, our church has continued to make progress.  He knows the meaning of what the Apostle said, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.!  (I Corinthians 3:6)  He is not jealous. He is not envious. He is truly a man of God who shows us not only how to live the Christian life but how to serve in positions of leadership.
Pastor Cox

DOES THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER BELONG IN CHURCH?

     Two religious journals I received are THE WORD AND WAY published by Missouri Baptists and THE BAPTIST STANDARD which is the official journal of the General Baptist Convention of Texas.    Both recently featured articles on patriotism and religion concurrent with Independence Day.  The question often comes--- is it appropriate to use July 4 as a patriotic experience in worship? 
     At First Baptist we place little flags out all across the campus and our staff pokes fun at me.  For one thing, it is a lot of work to get them all in the ground -- especially if there are few late June or early July rains. And it is often hot.  I have taken my turn in recent years in both placing the flags in the ground and pulling them out of the ground.  We have often had special speakers on or about July 4 while allowing/alternating representatives from both political parties.  This year our son-in-law, Chuck Paquin, spoke while attired in an impressive naval uniform.
      Many of us baby boomers attended Vacation Bible School in which we gave our pledges of allegiance to the United States flag, the Christian flag, and the Bible.  Somehow I never really separated the fact that one could be loyal and appreciative of one's country and yet be a believer/follower of Christ.  And yet I have realized there are dangers in patriotism.  The slogans from the past, "Love it or Leave it!" probably would not sit well with the Apostle Paul.  I suspect he would say something like, "Love it or Change it" if something is not right.
       A part of our heritage as Baptists is the separation of church and state, or maybe better put, "a free church in a free society."  Baptists along with other sects were instrumental in getting the first amendement in the constitution which guaranteed religious liberty.  I for one have always felt it is wrong for churches to beg the state to pay them for doing what God provides them the resources to do.  It is certainly appropriate for churches to be involved in faith-based initiatives.  But it is probably better to do it from the support of Christians rather thn from public tax monies.
       So how does one deal with the tension between patriotism and piety?   Those who emphasize American exceptionalism should read the Bible about how God loves all people, all cultures, all nationalities, and all people groups.  There is something beautiful that swells within the breast about love for one's country.  But the Christian's allegiance is to God first.
        Consider the TWO THIRTEENS.  Romans 13 speaks from the Apostle's heart about how every person should be subject to the governing authorities.  There is certainly a place for being good citizens and loving our country.  Revelation 13 pictures the Roman Government as an evil beast that is persecuting Christians and will ultimately face God's judgment.  No nation or government escapes accountability from God and is not special to God.  Christians of all nationalities, not Jews and not U.S. citizens, are God's people. 
         So what about the Star Spangled Banner in church?  Once in a while maybe on July 4 -- as long as it is placed in the proper context of the Gospel.

    
    

John Nichols Memorial

     Rev. John Nichols (August 17, 1923 - July 1, 2011) was a part of the religious history of Vernon Country.  Serving as pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Nevada for several years, he then became Director of Missions of Nevada Baptist Association and served in that position until his retirement.  The Nevada Baptist Association eventually merged with the Butler Baptist Association to form the Osage River Baptist Association.  He served as DOM (which he affectionately referred to as "Dumb Old Men") when I began my tenure as pastor at FBC, Nevada, MO, in 1979.
     In recent years, John was known as the "funeral" preacher until his health failed.  He actually led in about 1,500 plus funerals.  He told me once when he retired that he would never do another wedding.  And he did not!  Even close friends were occasionally disappointed.  When I asked why he was so firm about not doing any more weddings he laughed, "Bill, I would do weddings if brides did not have mothers!"
     When I first came to Nevada I was green as a gourd.  When I experienced some stress, he shared with me that I needed to take time to relax some, get out of the building, take it easy.  He gave me the example of how, for years, he took time several mornings to have coffee with Ernie Madill who owned and operated Madill's Appliances.  Some will remember their getting together on a regular basis.
     One of  his hobby passions was garage sales/ flea markets.  He knew a bargain on an item and knew how to make a profit by selling it.  When our son, Jamin, was born in 1981, John gave him a bank shaped like a baby in a crib which started a collection of banks which our son still has.  John always walked for his health on a regular basis and would pass our house when we lived at 1503 West Ashland.  Once when we were on vacation in Colorado, a man walked by our cabin and Jamin, just a youngster, said, "There's John!"
     When he retired in 1987, I wrote in FBC's weekly newsletter, THE MAINSPRING, about a phrase that occured over and over again in his monthly bulletin, THE BAPTIST BEACON.  The phrase was, "Our Heavenly Father."  Some examples:  In the "Li'Al" Section (named after his grandaughter) ( February, 1986) in summarizing the moral from one of his jokes, Rev. Nichols said, "Churches want all to come and worhip THE HEAVENLY FATHER whether they are able to pay or not."
      In the "This and That" Section (May, 1986) in reporting an illness of a pastor's wife, Rev. Nichols said, "Bertha Willard was in a single car accident this month and even though the car was totaled, she was protected by THE HEAVENLY FATHER, with only minor cuts and bruises."
      In the "Li'Al" Section (April, 1987) in summrizing the moral from another joke, Rev. Nichols said, "We need to be loyal to our church and our denomination, but above all we need to be loyal to THE HEAVENLY FATHER."
      In the "This and That" Section (August, 1986) in reporting on the associational camp, Rev. Nichols said, "The wonderfuly HEAVENLY FATHER blessed our Youth Camp with fine (though hot) weather, with excellent workers, worship services, teaching, plus delicious food."
      In the "Missionary's Message" Section (November, 1986) in expressing gratitude, Rev. Nichols said, "Since November is the month of Thanksgiving I mentioned some things here that I have already expressed too OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, for which I am grateful."
     It is hard to find a copy of THE BAPTIST BEACON without at least one reference to OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.  We are thankful that OUR HEAVENLY FATHER has provided ministry through the leadership of Rev. John.  And we celebrate the completion of his eternal life with OUR HEAVENLY FATHER in the mansion with many rooms. 
     
    

Happy Birthday KJV!

     As a youngster in a Southern Baptist Church, I attended Vacation Bible School.   We had memory cards and were required to memorize verses for each day.   I hated memorization!  All the verses that I memorized were from the King James Version of the Bible-- with all the "Thee's" and "Thou's."
     This year, the year of our Lord 2011, marks the 400th year since the publication of the King James Version.  We certainly are not required to use the KJV only.  (After all, the church made it approximately 1600 years without this version!)  However, the KJV does deserve respect for its impact on language, literature, and faith.  It has been said that without the prose of the King James Version there would be no PARADISE LOST by John Milton, no PILGRIM'S PROGRESS by John Bunyan, no Negro spirituals, and no Gettysburg Address.
     On this birthday year it is a good time for us to appreciate what a version of scripture means.  A "version" is essentially a group project in which several scholars get together and translate the Old Testament from Herbrew and the New Tesstament from Greek.   In 1611, 54 scholars were commmissioned for the project of translating the Bible into the English of that time.  "Versions" are usually regarded as more accurate and as better study Bibles because they are from a "group."  In other words, "many heads are better than one."  More contemporary versions are the New International Version (NIV), the American Standard Version (ASV), the New English Bible (NEB), and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).
     The word "translation" is perhaps better applied to single person efforts to translate the scxriptures from Hebrew and Greek into Engllish.  Some of these include: the Beck translation, the J. B. Philips Translation, or the Williams Translation.  Efforts to put the scripture in easy to read, almost like newspaper language have been called "paraphrases" of the Bible.  They have the advantage of being very readable but are not considered the more accurate for study or proclamation.  Paraphrases have been the Today's English Version (TEV) and more recently The Message.
     On this birthday year it is also a time for us to understand the historical signficance of the KJV.  Unlike today when one can walk into a bookstore and find various versions, translations, and paraphrases of the Bible that was not true before 1611.  John Wycliff, who lived in the latter part of the 14th century, believed scripture should be translated into the vernacular of the common people.  Wycliffe died before completing a translation and after he died, he was deemed a heretic.  William Tyndale completed a translation of the scriptures into English and for doing that he was strangled and burned at the stake in 1536.  Tyndale's dying prayer was, "Lord, open the King of England's eyes."  In 1611 his prayer was answered when King James commissioned 54 scholars to complete a translation.
     It is hard for us to understand how the Bible was quarantined from commoners!  We can now access the Bible by computer.  However on this 400th birthyear it gives us pause to appreciate the accessibility we have to Holy Scripture, for us to read and study the Bible and to reaffirm the Bible as our authority for both faith and practice.  Happy 400th Birthday, King James Version!