Reverend Robert Gray
"HOLY AND REVEREND
IS HIS NAME."
Psalms 111:9.
By John R. Blalock
In the Bible this word, "reverend," is applied only to God, and personally I would never lay claim to such a title. I have read that some of our early day
Baptist preachers in Oregon were about ready to fight if someone called them, "Reverend." I'm not going to fight about it, even though some of our preachers do like to ape the Papacy.
Nor would I cease to kneel in prayer as the Scotch Presbyterians did, just because the Catholics always knelt in prayer.
However I purpose not to call any man Reverend. Most especially I would never call one of our Baptist preachers Reverend, and I commonly let people know
that I do not care to be called by that title. I agree with the late Brother Clarence Walker, for many years pastor of Ashland Avenue Baptist Church, Lexington Kentucky, when he
writes of Matthew 23:7-12:
"Whatever else our Master taught in these words He did teach that there was not to be division or distinction among His people. Absolutly there are to be
no grades in the ministry~~in a New Testament church 'and all ye are brethern.' The word 'Reverend' comes from the Catholics and grows out of their doctrine that there are grades in
the ministry. I teach the people of Ashland Avenue to call each other brother and sister and never to use the title 'Reverend.' It is the breaking of one of the least of
His commandments. 'Do you see why?"
"Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased, and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." Matthew 23:12. It is my firm opinion
that all the exalted Catholic and Protestant hierarchies shall one day be brought low and their evil deeds revealed. It is recorded that Lucifer in his first sin did say, "I will be
like the most High." Naturally he would teach his followers to also grasp for themselves a title which is an attribute of God alone. Where are Baptist preachers classed,
who use the title of "Reverend" for themselves, and who love the honor and to curry the world's favors? Where will they stand before God?
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SPEAK OUT FOR JESUS
"You talk about your business,
Your bonds and stocks and gold;
And in all worldly matters
You are so brave and bold.
But why are you so silent
About Salvation's plan?
Why don't you speak for Jesus,
And speak out like a man?"
"You talk about the weather,
And the crops of corn and wheat;
You speak of friends and neighbors
That pass along the street;
You call yourself a Christian
And like the Gospel plan ~ ~
Then why not speak for Jesus
And speak out like a man?"
"Are you so ashamed of Jesus
And the story of the cross,
That you lower His pure banner
And let it suffer loss?
Have you forgot His suffering?
Did He die for you in vain?
If not, then live and speak for Jesus,
And speak out like a man."
~ ~Author unknown.
NEWS OF THE DAY
Sister Cathy Jones of Missionary Baptist Church, Prineville writes:
We finally have a date set for the big USFS meeting. Sept. 1 at 8 am. Our final answer is close now and this will be the meeting that determines it all- whether we restore the camp,
or whether we are forced to let it go and find another location. I know that there will be some changes to the initial requirements, but I fear there will still be some huge changes required- like fire sprinkler systems in
each cabin. Ridiculous, isn’t it? So, continue to be in prayer about this.
IRON SHARPENETH IRON
Letters To The Editor
Still there have been no letters to the editor. Folks if you want to respond to something you have read in "Baptist Landmarks" please E-Mail your response to edit@BaptistLandmarks.org Your response will be printed here.
I would like to have a cartoon in each issue if possible. If there is someone reading this paper who can draw cartoons that will cause us to laugh at the foolish things we sometimes do and cause us to think of how we could better serve our Savior, please E-Mail me and let me know.
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