End of Year Blessings

The Most Important Message was the title of the sermon that Dr. David Price delivered to friends gathered at the recent Heritage Baptist College Banquet. Dr. Price directed the spotlight on Him who is the reason for it all.

We had such a great time at this year’s banquet, and some thought it was the best in years. One preacher commented: “I think the chicken even tasted better.”

The focus of the evening was in partnering with the college, and we appreciate all those who attended the Autumn Banquet and gave towards the evening’s offering. A number of friends mailed their donations in early, and we are so happy to report that the goal of $10,000 was reached.

The college still has many needs as we go forward, and we are very thankful to all those that realize the importance of training the next generation for the Lord.

The President’s Perspective

To many, a toy train circling the Christmas tree is a warm family memory. That idea comes to us from a time that seemed not quite so hectic. Before the era of computers and digital media, Dads and boys were drawn by their love of trains.

Lionel trains became known as “The Standard of the World,” and before Christmas, kids anxiously awaited to receive their copy of the latest catalog. Every year kids would be amazed by the newest trains and all their accessories. There were passenger & freight cars, steam locomotives, and diesels. Lionel would make log and coal cars that could load and unload. Later, there were added missile cars, and even a flat car with a working submarine.

The start of Lionel Trains began with 23 year old Joshua Lionel Cowen, the son of Jewish-German immigrants. Living in the New York City area, young Joshua attended college, and he became interested in working with the new found technology of electricity. He and an associate began a partnership to produce electric novelties (flash lamp, illuminated clocks, electric candle, etc.). One day, in 1900, Joshua stopped by a local store and viewed their stationary window display. He convinced the owner that adding a mechanical train would draw costumers to his products. Receiving the consent, Joshua went back to his rented loft, and designed a battery powered flat car with track and put it in the window. Instead of drawing attention to the merchandise, the customers wanted the train. The shop keeper quickly sold the train, and ordered 6 more. Joshua was able to realize the moment, and out of that start grew the beginnings of the famous Lionel Train Company that would bring happiness to countless families at Christmas.

None of us can predict the future, but with spiritual understanding, we can be guided by God’s hand. We may think that our path will lead us in a certain way, but the Lord may be preparing a special opportunity in a different direction.

As a young teenager, the veteran missionary Bob Hughes, opened the Bible and showed me this phrase from Genesis 24:27. I being in the way, the LORD led me. What a principle as shown by Abraham’s eldest servant. If I will stay close to Him, He will guide me.

Becoming a Believer

One of the best selling books, well into the 20th century, was a historical novel taken from the Bible. The writer of that book was from Indiana.

Lew Wallace (1827-1905) was born in Brookville, Indiana, and his father later became the 6th governor of the state. At 13 years old, a teacher saw Lew’s talent for writing and encouraged him. But before his success in literature, the Civil War would erupt, and in that conflict he rose to become a Union Army Major General.

Beginning in about 1874, General Wallace wrote this famous work in two sections. The first part, the Christmas Story, was written during a time in the author’s life when he stated: “I had no convictions about God or Christ. I neither believed nor disbelieved in them.”

With the initial work completed, Wallace was satisfied he had finished the subject.

Lew Wallace dates his renewed interest to 1876, after listening to a discussion on the elemental points of God, heaven, and Jesus Christ. He realized his own ignorance, and it shamed him. At that point, Wallace determined to study the whole matter, and be convinced one way or the other.

Wondering whether he should study theology, sermons, or commentaries to understand the truth, Lew Wallace decided to just read the Bible and especially the four gospels.

As he studied, the complete novel took shape. Months of writing began and eventually the manuscript was delivered to Harper Brothers. The book Ben Hur was published just before Christmas in 1880.

The sales of Ben Hur began slowly, but soon the book became the best selling novel of the 19th century, exceeding Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin. By the 100th anniversary of the book in 1980, the text had never been out of print.

But what of Lew Wallace’s religious search? In an article written twelve years after the completion of Ben Hur, Lew Wallace stated: “Long before I was through with my book, I became a believer in God and Christ.” (Wallace, Lew. An Autobiography. New York: Harper Brothers. 1906 pgs. 926-937)

Lew Wallace found out what so many have learned. The Bible is the powerful, living Word of God. When the reader takes the Bible in its literal sense, the Truth is manifested.

Thirteen and a Half Special Years

Each year seems always an adventure with Lilliana. The challenges are continually interesting, and to say that life is dull with a Trisomy 18 child would be an understatement.

This past year, the Trisomy 18 diagnosis commanded front and center stage in the political arena. You may remember the liberal media promoting a Texas Mom that wanted to kill her unborn baby girl...who had Trisomy 18.

The media trotted this woman across the liberal talk circuit, pushing for abortion rights. They made two false statements: Trisomy 18 kids are incapable with life, and having a Trisomy 18 child endangers a mother from having any further children.

That misguided mother, went outside of Texas and had her abortion, and a little girl, much like Lilliana, died.

At this year’s State of the Union Address, this woman was invited to sit with the First Lady, and she was publically praised that evening in front of the whole nation by the President.

Six months later, at the DNC Convention, this same woman received air time to again voice her lethal views on abortion.

One part of me gets extremely angry that the godless media uses disabled children as the excuse for abortion. The other part of me is more sublime. For the past 131⁄2 years our special needs daughter has been a blessing to so many, including ourselves. Abortion kills all that opportunity, when it takes a life. She missed it!

Heritage Baptist Bible Fellowship Winter Meeting

Where: Webster, FL