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!     

 

 

 

Excerpts from Christ in the Camp

EXCERPTS FROM CHAPTER ONE

                                                                              OF

CHRIST IN THE CAMP

This book was purchased in 1994 when we were visiting the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park while travelling in the Eastern part of the United States. The copy of the book which I have was printed by Sprinkle Publications, P. O. Box 1094, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. The book contains photos of men such as Robert E. Lee, “Stonewall” Jackson and Jefferson Davis and others which make the events even more real and enjoyable. Hopefully, these short excerpts will whet your appetite for more. A downloadable pdf of this book may be obtained at http://openlibrary.org/books/OL6918752M/Christ_in_the_camp.  Sadly the pdf does not have the photos.

The book was written by J. William Jones, former Chaplin in Army of Northern Virginia. J. William Jones was an ordained Baptist minister who was preparing to leave for China when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted as a private in the Confederate Army but in a year he began serving as a chaplain. Christ in the Camp is the result of  Jones’  reports of the ongoing revival that he had witnessed among the Confederate troops.

The first Copyright was 1887, by B. F. Johnson & Co. In the Preface the author writes “It may be proper to add that, while the book is written by an ardent Confederate, who does not pretend to conceal warm Confederate sympathies, everything has been scrupulously avoided which could reasonably give offense from either sectional or sectarian bias.”  Having said that he goes on to state that he sends forth the book “with the earnest hope that it may prove acceptable to many at the North as well as the South, with the fervent prayer that it may be useful in leading men to Christ and in strengthening the faith and brightening the hope of true children of our loving Father, who, behind the ‘frowning providence’ of war, hid ‘a smiling face’ for those who trusted Him even in the storm.” The book is full of stories relating the preaching of the Gospel and conversions to Christ as Saviour during a time of war.

There are thirteen chapters in total and it is from these that I will draw some excerpts which I trust will help you appreciate what the Lord accomplished through men during this conflict between brother and brother.  In the Introduction J. C. Cranberry, former Chaplin in the Army of Northern Virginia wrote “The only triumphs the author records are the triumphs of the cross. That so many soldiers were saved by the power of the Gospel to the praise of the riches of God’s grace is the facts in which he desires all Christians to rejoice.”

Throughout these excerpts the emphasis will be that of this editor. Page 28 begins A LETTER TO A SON IN CAMP. This is a letter from a father to his son and the father outlines his letter in six points. The father’s third point is “Try to maintain your Christian profession among your comrades. I need not caution you against strong drink as useless and hurtful, nor against profanity, so common among soldiers. Both these practices you abhor. Aim to take at once a decided stand for God. If practicable, have prayers regularly in your tent, or unite with your fellow-disciples in prayer meetings in the camp. Should preaching be accessible, always be a hearer. Let the world know that you are a Christian. Read a chapter in the New Testament which your mother gave you, every morning and evening when you can, and engage in secret prayer to God for his Holy Spirit to guide and sustain you. I would rather hear of your death than of the shipwreck of your faith and good conscience.” Oh, how America and Australia need fathers such as this TODAY! What a concern this father had for his boy who was facing death each and every day. This father’s wish was not that his boy becomes a man through fulfilling worldly passions but rather his boy keeps his heart and life right before man and God! 

In point four this godly father wrote his son to “…make special associates of those whose influence on your character is felt to be good.” Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” The father wrote “Some men love to tell extravagant stories, to indulge in vulgar wit, to exult in a swaggering carriage, to pride themselves on their coarse manners, to boast of their heroism, and to give utterance to feelings of revenge against their enemy. All of this is injurious to young and impressionable minds. If you admire such things, you will insensibly imitate them, and imitation will work gradual but certain detriment to your character. Other men are refined without being affected. They can relax into occasional pleasantries, without violating modesty. They can be loyal to their governments without indulging private hatred against her foes. They can be cool and brave in battle, and not be braggarts in the absence of danger. Above all, they can be humble, spiritual, and active Christians, and yet mingle in the stirring and perilous duties of soldier life. Let these be your companions and models. You will thus return from the dangers of camp without a blemish on your name.”  Oh, to be such a wise and godly father to give such counsel to your son who is living daily in such close quarters among the unsaved and at any moment might be going into the heat of battle.

The father’s sixth point was that “Providence has placed you in the midst of thoughtless and unpardoned men. What a beautiful thing it would be if you could win some of them to the Saviour! Will you not try? You will have many opportunities of speaking a word in season.”

May we who are fathers and grand-fathers read the above words and take them to heart. As the world turns whether it is war or everyday living our sons and grandsons will be facing the wiles of the devil. We ought to be deep enough in the Word and close enough to the Saviour to give such godly and wise advice! 

On page 35 we read “We have plenty of men to fight, but not half enough to pray.” 2Timothy 2:3, 4 “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”

On page 36 this wonderful testimony is given. “Rev. Mr. Hopkins, of Martinsburg, Virginia, sends $5.00 to be appropriated to the purchase of tracts for Captain Robert White’s company, Thirteenth Regiment Virginia Volunteers. It is a thank-offering from a widowed mother, whose son died of fever at Winchester, contracted at Manassas. Up to the time of leaving home he had not made a profession of faith in Christ, although she had long dedicated him to God’s service in the ministry. But her cause of gratitude now is, that during his camp life he evinced so much devotion to reading his Bible, and for some time before his sickness had shown signs of piety, and died acknowledging his love to the Saviour, and supported by this love now ‘sleeps in Jesus.’ – Central Presbyterian.”    

On page 38 we read these words “The darker the conflict the brighter the transition.” On the same page and page 38 we read “I lay both my good deeds and my evil deeds together, and flee from them to my Saviour.”

As we finish Chapter One may we purpose to be true and loyal soldiers of the cross so we too will “return from the dangers of the camp without a blemish” on our name or His! 

                                                  

 

                                                             

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN

                                                      2012 Sunday School Programme
Matthew 19:14 "...Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

IS IT THE GUN OR THE MAN?

No one can say the shooting that recently took place in the state of Connecticut, USA is not a sad, sad tragedy. What was going through the mind of this young man that he would kill his own mother and then innocent children in a school?! Is it time for more government intervention on guns? Many would say, yes!!

Think about what makes someone do what this young man did? Yes, I am going to get religious and go to the Bible. Most people remember Cain and Abel. Here is what the Bible says about the FIRST MURDERER.  Genesis 4:3 - 10 “And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. 8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. 9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? 10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.”

Here we have a brother murdering his own brother! This is a parent’s worse nightmare. Why did Cain do it? Firstly, Cain murdered Abel because Cain was mad at God. Cain had brought his offering but God refused it and Cain knew it. Secondly, Cain couldn’t really take it out on God for God was God so Cain turned his hatred toward his brother.

How did Cain kill Abel? It wasn’t with a gun; we know that. Murder can be committed in many ways for all it takes is the murderer to perform the act. Cain was not an atheist, agnostic or an evolutionist. No, Cain knew God in a very personal way for the Bible says God spoke to Cain and Cain spoke to God. However, it is easy to see that Cain did not have faith in God as his brother did for we read in Hebrews 11:4 “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.”  Abel was right with God but Cain was not.

The Bible declares in Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” and in Romans 5:12 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned”. Sin was Cain’s problem and so it is with all men for all are born into this world hating God just as Cain.

It isn’t the gun but the man! Yes, the gun was used to murder these innocents but it was THE MAN that pulled the trigger! What is it that made really this man? What was his life composed of? Was he from a home that was composed of a loving mother and father? From the news he was from a home that had suffered a divorce. This is known to make life harder for children.

Then it needs to be considered whether he was a man that had partaken of drugs that are known to have an adverse effect on the mind? Was he man that was in the habit of evil thinking? Was he watching movies that would motivate him to such an action? Was he playing some of the video games that are now being produced that promotes killing? Was he a man that believed he was just a product of chance?

There are many other areas that must be considered but in the end it was not the GUN BUT the MAN! This whole incident isn’t just about the right to bear arms BUT it goes deeper than that. What had this man been taught about God, the world, man, life, death and eternity to name just a few!

The day in the United States is coming very quickly when the right to bear arms will be no more. However, it will not stop murder for as stated earlier it is NOT THE GUN BUT THE MAN! The man must be changed; 2Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”     

JUST RESTING OUR EYES!

Caleb's 2012 School Christmas Programme

CALEB'S 2012 SCHOOL CHRISTMA PROGRAMME
Caleb is in the 2nd row, third from left in red shirt
or just look for the cutest boy!