DIVERGENCE
Monday, November 09, 2015
Ecclesiastes [MKJV] 12:11-14 The words of the wise are like goads; yes, their collected words are
like nails driven home; they are given
from one Shepherd. And further, by these, my son, be warned: The making of many
books has no end, and much study is a
weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter. Fear
God, and keep His commandments. For this is
the whole duty of man. For God shall
bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it is good, or whether evil.
Our local
assembly finally took note of indicators that we are seriously in trouble.
Members leaving with most tight-lipped as to why, dropping attendance and
income being the most obvious to one and all, but as with diseased leaves on a
tree, there are root problems that require remedy.
After winning the
War of Independence colonial delegates met to establish a Constitution. They
immediately fell into disagreement and bickering that threatened to destroy the
fledgling American nation. Benjamin Franklin, founding father 81 years of age,
rose to his feet and reminded the delegates of their frequent constant praying
for God’s intercession during the revolution against Great Britain. The
delegates then prayed – and went on to agree on the concise 16 pages of our USA
Constitution that is admired and desired ever since. (A few days ago I was in
Philadelphia and reminded of this.)
Fellow travelers
in our local assembly, Pastors Paul and Scott, have been encouraging us to pray
daily for Benson Baptist Church.
“Pray for our
church.” sounds very much non-specific. I do not believe it is their intent.
I believe our
pastors are assigning us as mature followers of Christ to indeed call upon
Jehovah God Almighty on behalf of BBC, but also to discern our individual personal
responsibility in contributing unto healing and revitalization.
I have asked our
Lord to intercede as only He can and I believe He is willing if we are corporately
submissive to that which He reveals to us.
I have struggled
with the personal responsibility question. (Especially so in consideration of
my current limitations.) Awaking yesterday morning the answer was as plain as
the white frost on my neighbor’s black roof. Viewing as I ate breakfast the
frost faded gradually . . . as did my assurance.
One thing that was then clear was to skip BBC
Sunday attendance and pray. Prayerfully reviewing the morning event I realized
full assurance as to direction.
I’ll soon be
nearly as aged as old Ben. I’ve been at BBC for about 20 years. My church and para-church participation has
been constant since trusting Christ as Savior at age 27. Added up it comes to being
an elder with knowledge, experience, and credibility.
Hence I lay claim
to daily hereafter on some points very boldly writing to you because of the
grace given me by God. (Rom.15:15; 2Tim.2:2)
Sincerely,
Edwin B. Bullock 4th (EBB4)
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