SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 2013

SYDNEY BUSH FIRES

This picture was taken looking south from our house during one of the days when the fires were burning in and around Sydney. We live about 4 hours west from where those fires were burning.  You could not only see it but smell it.

LEARNING OBEDIENCE

Recently, the younger Sunday School students were learning the OBEDIENCE song. Is the little fella on the left in the correct spot? Think about it; do we older students of the Word sometimes get out of place when it comes to obeying the Lord?  Just a thought!

OUR NEIGHBOURS

        This is behind our house and this is one neighbour not to upset.

SUNDAY SCHOOL PRESENTATION

This is our Mid-Year Sunday School Presentation. The students were taught the Biblical view of creation. They learned the subject well.

Western Plains Baptist Sunday School Presentation June 16, 2013.
                                         

THE GROWING PUSH FOR SODOMY

Story of the Prince of Preachers; Charles Haddon Spurgeon

C. H. Spurgeon was but a man, but a man used of God! This video too was produced by men and there may be portions you or I may not agree with but on a whole it is worth watching.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?

The Boston Marathon tragedy was an act of terrorism no matter the reason. However, here in Australia the programme my wife and I were watching to keep up with the news of the bombing said at least three times (it was probably more like five times) that the act may have been committed by Christian fundamentalists or white supremacists. Later in the day another station had a panel discussing the bombing and one person on the panel said it may be found that it was someone who was opposed to gun control or homosexuality. Today the man who occupies the White house says it might be related to Tax Day!

Those statements are very interesting in that most (and we emphasize MOST) acts of terrorism around the world are committed by those of the Islamic faith. Not ONCE was that mentioned on either of the programmes we were watching! Why do those in the mainline media seem to desire the worse on “Christian fundamentalists”? Now it may have been white supremacists, or those who profess to be “Christian”, but it may also be some from the Islamic faith. My thought was why did they mention any group? Do the media believe if they say it enough it will be accepted as the truth? Is the media hoping it isn’t those of the Islamic faith?

Let’s take a look in the Scriptures and see what they have to say. First, the Lord Jesus said in John 15:20 “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you”. So why do we who have professed the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour think we might be treated differently. As C. H. Spurgeon said “Let us not reckon upon easy times.  We are servants of a Master who lived amid reproach and died upon a cross.  How can we expect those who crowned Him with thorns to crown us with roses?” So one reason why the mainline media seem to denigrate Bible fundamentalist Christians is because their Saviour was despised and maligned.

Secondly, would true Bible believing born again fundamentalist Christians do such a murderous atrocity?  After His resurrection and just before His ascension the Lord Jesus told His disciples “ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” Acts 1: 8.  A true Christian’s life is to witness of Him “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth” 1Peter 2:22. People are not brought to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ by the sword (bomb) but by being a faithful witness in living and faithfully proclaiming “the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” 1Peter 1:23.

Thirdly the Scriptures admonish the true Bible believing fundamentalist Christian not to “suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters” but rather “that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing”.

Fourthly a true Bible believing fundamentalist Christian would know their Bible and that there is no such thing as whites being superior for God “…hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth” Acts 17:26.

Fifthly a true Bible believing born again fundamentalist Christian knows there is evil in the world for “by one man's (Adam) disobedience many were made sinners” and that “…out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies”.  However, the world with its intellect and wisdom tells us there is no God and that the creation account given in the Bible is a myth and that man is a result of evolution rather than special creation so this EVIL must be looked at through another set of glasses.   

There are more Scriptures that could be noted but for now we will wait and see if the culprit of this monstrous act is caught and justice served BUT one thing I already know is; it was not committed by a true born again Bible believing fundamentalist Christian no matter what the media may tell us here in Australia.

The Voice that God created can never be replaced with man-made intstruments!

O Sacred Head Now Wounded

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS

TWO CHOICES

Over three thousand years ago a man by the name of Solomon wrote a book that is very relevant to us today. This Book shows forth two choices people, young and old, are confronted with. Here is a man, Solomon, that is characterized by  wisdom and wickedness. Here is a man who knew Deity in a very personal way but lived his later life in debauchery and idolatry.  Here is a man that knew the true and living God and built a house for His worship but at the same time through wrong and worldly marriages built houses of worship for idols. In old age this man, Solomon, who had been so privileged by God went the way of the world. 1Kings 11:4 - 7 “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. 7 Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.”  We can learn much from Solomon, good and bad.

The Proverb before us presents two choices men have to make whether they be young or old. However, I believe it is much more sorrowful to see the old men making the wrong choice for they, one would think, should be wiser by the very breadth of days they have lived! There is no fool like an old fool!  

Proverbs 9:1 - 18 “Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: 2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. 3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, 4 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, 5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. 6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. 7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. 8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. 11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. 12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it. 13 ¶ A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. 14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, 15 To call passengers who go right on their ways: 16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, 17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. 18 But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.”

Proverbs chapter nine is centered around two houses; the house of Wisdom and the house of  Fools. The noun “house” appears in 28 verses here in Proverbs. The Bible principle of first mention may be of interest here. The word house appears first in Proverbs 2:18 “For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.” This is the house of the fool and this “house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death” Proverbs 7:27.

Just as in all ages past, people were faced with two life changing decisions, so today people have the same two choices; which house will I enter. One choice is the house that Wisdom built and the second is the house the foolish built.

First, the house of Wisdom is for those who will but “turn from his way and live” by entering the house of wisdom. The other choice is to enter the fool’s house “that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat”.

THE HOUSE OF WISDOM
The first house is the house of Wisdom, 9: 1 “Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars”. The wisdom found in this house “...is from above (and) is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”

The fulfillment and personification of this Wisdom in Scripture is the Lord Jesus Christ; 1Corinthians 1:30 “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom...” Solomon tells the reader in Proverbs 8:35 that “whoso findeth me (Wisdom) findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.” Solomon also tells the reader that “In the house of the righteous (which is the house of wisdom) is much treasure” Proverbs 15:6. The house of wisdom we are told in Proverbs 9 offers a furnished banquet table full of food and drinkand Psalmist knew this for he wrote “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.” Also there in the house of wisdom is taught truth and how to live a long and prosperous life.

Entrance into the house of wisdom is a choice made by each individual person. Wisdom calls and says“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28. Wisdom also cries out saying “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” John 10:9. It is worth noting that “the wisdom of this world” is not even under consideration in Wisdom’s house!

    THE FOOL’S HOUSE

Proverbs 9: 13 - 15 “A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. 14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, 15 To call passengers who go right on their ways”. See those passing by doing no harm, on their way to work perhaps or just doing their shopping or daily chores  and the Fool calls them to come in. A choice is to be made and will be made!

The one who enters this house learns the ways of the world. This is worldly wisdom and “the world by wisdom knew not God”.  In fact the house of the fool says there is no God! In the house of fools dwells the dead and the depths and demons of hell itself. Here in the fool’s house one is taught deception, thievery and lies. The head teacher in this fool’s house is none other than he who “...was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” This teacher in the fool’s house is the devil himself who is described “as a roaring lion” who “walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”. Oh, what a wretched teacher! What a horrible house to be in! There is no truth there, just lies. In this house of fools “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived”. What a picture of the world with its intellect and wisdom, all  opposed to God!

    CONCLUSION
Each person will make a choice to either enter the house that wisdom has built or the house of the fool. Each person is individually responsible for their own choice as to which house they enter. The house of fools is often thought of as the place of liberation, freedom to be ME. However, in reality “the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell”.

There is no blame shifting at the end of the game of life. Each person is walking the path of life thinking all is well but often without warning “and in a moment go down to the grave”. One wakes up in the morning thinking about what they will do after work or on the week-end but neither happens for life as they know it ceases via death.

The path trod to the grave is “the way of all the earth”. None of us are immune from the cold reach of death. The choice we make today will determine where we spend eternity. Remember, death has no age barrier and that is why Solomon said to “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth”.

The world’s sirens are appealing but they are “the ways of death”. The fool’s “... house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead” Proverbs 2:18. Yes, there are “the pleasures of sin for a season” but as stated earlier “the end thereof are the ways of death”.

Wisdom calls out and says “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life”. God the Son said “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you ...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

The house of fools tells people that there is more than one way and the fool seeks to reinterpret the truth to fit their purpose of deceit. In the end however the choice is yours! May you if you haven’t already, make the right choice for in making the right choice “Death is swallowed up in victory”.  The wise choice is to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

MARCH & APRIL UPDATE

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” 
Yes, we know we are on the winning side but sometimes it looks like the other guy is winning. A Buddhist yoga and meditation teacher has begun classes in a community centre right next door to where we meet. The classes are the same time as ours which is not a problem but the first day of classes he had more people than we have after years of meeting. What does this tell us? Firstly, if numbers is the sign of success the Buddhist is successful or at least more so than we have been. But again if numbers is the sign of success Islam, Catholicism and all the other ism’s are successful as well. No, no, no, success is not measured by numbers. Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
This is true success, being faithful to God and His Word until the rapture or until death. Note  2Timothy 4:1 - 7 “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (WHAT WE ARE TO BE ABOUT). 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (WHAT MANY ARE NOW DOING). 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry (AGAIN WHAT WE ARE TO BE DOING). 6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith (IT ISN’T JUST ABOUT STARTING RIGHT BUT FINISHING RIGHT)”.
As we look back on our years of ministry we have seen many begin well but somewhere along the way they strayed and are unable or unwilling to finish the course. This is very sad! 
   
Secondly numbers sometimes shows that many people are more into false spiritualism than truth; John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” and  John 17:17 “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

Unless there is a spiritual change known as the new birth people take offense at the TRUTH! In spite of the Buddhist seeming to have more “success” in numbers we continue in the faith, grounded, settled, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel. Our numbers are small compared to some but we rejoice in those whom God has brought our way. Please continue to pray for us as we strive to reach this city for the Lord Jesus.

On a personal note Pam has been out of isolation a couple of weeks now and had her blood tests last Monday. The doctor phoned the other day and all is well on that count. She has an appointment with the endocrinologist in late May. We both have an appointment with the cardiologist the 8th of March.
I haven’t had any fainting spells since the pacemaker was implanted now a little over one year ago so it seems all is well in this respect.

PAPA & GRANDSON

Pam only has one more week of self-imposed isolation. All this is to make sure the grand-children are not contaminated by the radiation.

I also want to share a picture some friends had on their facebook. Nothing like sharing the Word of God with someone you love.

January Update

Ezekiel 34:26 "...and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing." We have had some HOT weather the past few weeks but the Lord is today sending some much needed showers. These physical showers will hopefully help put out some of the bush fires the state of New South Wales has been experiencing. We are much appreciative of these wet showers but we look with anticipation for those spiritual showers of blessing when souls are saved and then serving the Lord.

We would also ask that you remember to pray for Pam as she takes a dose of radiation medicine this Friday, January 25. This medicine is to kill the nodules on her thyroid of which one is calcified. Taking this medicine also means she will be in isolation for up to two weeks as contact with her can cause cancer to others according to the doctor. We are preparing the bedroom at the other end of the house as it is near her sewing room. I will be fixing the meals but will have to leave them inside the sliding door to that end of the house. Hopefully this will be the last of our health issues for 2013.

Thank you for praying and we will keep you updated here at Bennett’sNews.

Excerpts from Chapter Two

Of

CHRIST IN THE CAMP

INFLUENCE OF CHRISTIAN OFFICERS

 

Chapter Two is INFLUENCE OF CHRISTIAN OFFICERS and on page 42 the author states “No army, with whose history I am acquainted, at least, was ever blessed with so large a proportion of high officers who were earnest Christian men, as the Army of Northern Virginia.”

The author went on to name these men. He wrote “We had at first such specimens of Christian soldier as R. E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, D. H. Hill, T. R. Cobb, A. H. Colquitt, Kirby Smith, J. E. B. Stuart, W. N. Pendleton, John B. Gordon, C. A. Evans, A. M. Scales, ‘Willie’ Pegram, Lewis Minor Coleman, Thos. H. Carter, Carter Braxton, Charles S. Venable, and a host of others too numerous to mention. And during the war Generals Ewell, Pender, Hood, R. H. Anderson, Rhodes, Paxton, W. H. S. Baylor, Colonel Lamar, and a number of others of our best officiers professed faith in Christ.”

JEFFERSON DAVIS

On Page 45 the author quotes from a directive of the Confederate President, Jefferson Davis. Davis wrote on March 5, 1863 “It is meet that, as a people who acknowledge the supremacy of the living God, we should be ever mindful of our dependence on Him; should remember that to Him alone can we trust for our deliverance; that to Him is due devout thankfulness for the signal mercies bestowed on us, and that by prayer alone can we hope to secure the continued manifestation of that protecting care which has hitherto shielded us in the midst of trials and dangers.”    

ROBERT E. LEE

It is written on page 48 that “General R. E. Lee, the great commander of the Army of Northern Virginia from June, 1863, to the surrender at Appomattox Court house, was one of the noblest specimens of the Christian soldier that the world ever saw.” What a testimony!

On page 49 the author states that “In this age of hero-worship there is a tendency to exalt unduly the virtues of great men, to magnify the religious character of one professing Christian, and even to manufacture ‘Christian’s out of notoriously irreligious lives. This is so well understood that there may be with those who never came in contact with this great man a lingering doubt as to the genuineness of his piety-a fear that with him, as with so many others, his profession of religion was merely nominal.” Hero-worship! Times have not changed much if any!  

THE LORD’S DAY

On the same page the author states “I can never forget my first interview and conversation with General Lee on religious matters. It was in February, 1864, while our army was resting along the Rapidan, Rev. B. T. Lacy and myself went, as a committee of our Chaplain’s Association, to consult him in reference to the better observance of the Sabbath in the army, and especially urge that something be done to prevent irreligious officers from converting Sunday into a grand day for inspections, reviews, etc. It was a delicate mission. We did not wish to appear as either informers or officious intermeddlers, and yet we were very anxious to do something to further the wishes of those who sent us, and to put a stop to what was then a growing evil and, in some commands, a serious obstacle to the efficient work of the chaplain. The cordial greeting which he gave us, the marked courtesy and respect with which he listened to what we had to say and expressed his warm sympathy with the object of our mission, soon put us at our ease.  But as we presently began to answer his questions concerning the spiritual interests in the army, and to tell of that great revival which was then extending through the camps, and bringing thousands of our noble men to Christ, we saw his eye brighten and his countenance glow with pleasure; and as, in his simple, feeling words, he expressed his delight, we forgot the great warrior, and only remembered that we were communing with an humble, earnest Christian.”

Then “In July, 1862, he had issued a general order to the army in which he said: ‘Habitually all duties except those of inspection will be suspended during Sunday, to afford the troops rest and enable them to attend religious services.’” Oh, the need for godly leaders such as this today that have a care for the souls of those serving under them!

PRAYER

On pages 51 & 52 is given Rev. Dr. T. V. Moore’s words he gave in his memorial sermon for General Lee. Dr. Moore said “About in the middle of the war, when the horizon looked very dark, I spent an evening with him, at the house of a friend, and he was evidently, in spite of his habitual self-command, deeply depressed. Happening to be alone with him, as we parted for the night, I endeavored to cheer him with the fact that so many Christian people were praying for him. I shall never forget the emphasis with which he grasped my hand as, with a voice and eye that betrayed deep emotion, he assured me that it was not only his comfort, but his only comfort, and declared the simple and absolute trust he had in God, and God alone, as his helper in that terrible struggle. Another incident impressed me still more, because it brought out a most beautiful trait in his character. No one ever rendered him a service, however humble, that was not instantly and gratefully acknowledged, however lowly that person may be. During the summer of 1864, after he had been holding at bay the tremendous forces of General Grant for long weeks, retreating step by step, as he was outflanked by overwhelming numbers, until he reached the neighborhood of Cold Harbor. I had occasion to render him a slight service, so slight that, knowing at the time that he was sick, and overburdened with the great responsibilities of his arduous and continually menaced position, I never expected it to be acknowledged at all; but, to my surprise, I received a letter thanknig mefor this trivial service and adding: ‘I thank you especially that I have a place in your prayers. No human power can avail us without the blessing of God, and I rejoice to know that, in this crisis of our affairs, good men everywhere are supplicating Him for His favor and protection.’ He then added a postscript, which most touchingly exhibited his thoughtful and tender recollection of the troubles of others, even in that hour when all his thoughts might be supposed to be absorbed by his vast responsibilities as the leader of the Army of Northern Virginia.” It seems R. E. Lee had learned that in spite of circumstances to trust and then rest in the Lord. He also had grasped the Christian attribute of being able to say thank you for services rendered no matter how small or great. I remember a theological student that would accept financial gifts from others but did not believe he had to personally thank the people because he said he only had to thank the Lord. This student could have learned something from R. E. Lee.     

 On page 60 we read that “General Lee was emphatically a man of prayer. He was accustomed to pray in his family and to have his seasons of secret prayer which he allowed nothing else – however pressing – to interrupt. He was also a constant reader and a diligent student of the bible, and had regular seasons for this delightful exercise. Even amid his most active campaigns he found time to read every day some portion of God’s Word.” Are there many if any of our leaders in government or the military of which this might be said of them?

When General Lee heard that General Jackson was growing worse from his wounds General Lee wrote “Tell him that I am praying for him as I believe I have never prayed for myself” page 75.

THE BIBLE

On page 65 General Lee says the Bible “…in comparison with which all others in my eyes are of minor importance; and which in all my perplexities and distresses has never failed to give me light and strength.” 

FAITH

As to Lee’s faith it is said on page 66 that “he would, when occasion offered, speak most decidedly of his reliance for salvation upon the mercies of his personal Redeemer, and none who heard him thus talk could doubt for a moment that his faith was built on the ‘Rock of Ages.’”  This is the kind of man America needs today in the White House. Yea, let me not stop there but also in the Congress!

General Lee’s belief concerning death is verbalized on page 68 in a letter of sympathy written February 28, 1870. General Lee wrote “But the great God of heaven takes us at the period when it is best for us to go, and we can only gratefully acknowledge His mercy and try to be resigned to His will. Every beat of our hearts marks our progress through life and admonishes us of the steps we make towards the grave. We are thus every moment reminded to prepare for our summons.” 

SYMPATHY

General Lee was a man of sympathy. This is seen on page 72 in a letter written December 10, 1862. In the days just prior to Fredericksburg General Lee wrote to a bereaved mother who had lost two children in infancy. . General Lee wrote that he “I can say nothing to soften the anguish you must feel, and I know you are assured of my deep and affectionate sympathy. May God give you strength to bear the affliction. He has imposed and produce future joy out of present misery, is my earnest prayer.”

While General Lee’s son was in a Northern prison his wife died. General Lee wrote his son “God knows how I loved your dear wife, how sweet her memory is to me, and how I mourn her loss. My grief could not be greater if you had been taken from me.  You were both equally dear to me. My heart is too full to speak on this subject, nor can I write. But my grief is for ourselves, not for her. She is brighter and happier than ever – safe from all evil, and awaiting us in her heavenly abode” page 74.

LOYALTY AND FRIENDSHIP

Lee’s “affection for Jackson and Jackson’s love for him were very touching. To Jackson’s note informing him that he was wounded General Lee replied: ‘I cannot express my regret at the occurrence.  Could I have directed events I should have chosen for the good of the country to have been disabled in your stead. I congratulate you on the victory which is due to your skill and energy.’ It was on the reception of these touching words that the wounded chieftain exclaimed: ‘Better that ten Jacksons should fall than one Lee’” page 75.

On the same page it is written that “Several days afterwards, when his great lieutenant was reported to be doing well, Lee playfully sent him word: ‘You are better off than I am; for, while you have only lost your left, I have lost my right arm.”

CARE OF SOULS

After General Lee became president of Washington College he related to the Presbyterian pastor in Lexington that “I shall be disappointed, sir; if I shall fail in the leading object that brought me here, unless these young men become real Christians; and I wish you and others of your sacred profession to do all you can to accomplish this” page 76.

On page 78 General Lee a conversation concerning the students at Washington College is given. General Lee said “…if I could only know that all the young men in the college were good Christians, I should have nothing more to desire’” page 78.

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

General Lee himself was a member of the Episcopal Church but when a Jewish soldier requested of his captain permission to attend ceremonies in his Richmond synagogue the captain refused permission. The paper was then sent to General Lee who “…endorsed on it: ‘Approved, and respectfully returned to Captain –­­­­--, with the advice that he should always respect the religious views and feelings of others’” page 79.

However, General Lee did have to refuse a Rabbi’s request that the Jewish soldiers be relieved of duty from the 2^nd to the 15^th Of September, 1861. General lee wrote the Rabbi saying “It would give me great pleasure to comply with a request so earnestly urged by you, and which, I know, would be so highly appreciated by that class of soldiers. But the necessities of war admit of no relaxation of the efforts requisite for its success, nor can it be known on what day the presence of every man may be required’” page 79.

TESTIMONY

General Lee certainly left a testimony as to having placed personal faith in the lord Jesus Christ as their savior. “If I have ever come in contact with a sincere, devout Christian -one who, seeing himself to be a sinner, trusted alone in the merits of Christ – who humbly tried to walk the path of duty, ‘Looking unto Jesus’ as the author and finisher of his faith – and whose piety constantly exhibited itself in his daily life – that man was GENERAL R. E. LEE’” page 81.

The Hollywood movies portray a “good” soldier as one that drinks, curses, and fornicates with women wherever he may find them. Well, Hollywood would be lying if they sought to depict General R. E. Lee this way. Here was a man among men. He was a true soldier, warrior, leader, statesman but also a true Christian gentleman. General Lee had a heart for his men, their families, his country and his God. He was a man of principle and faith. The world may have their worldly heroes; but may God give us more men in the military, government and the churches in the vein of R. E. Lee!