Thursday, January 31, 2019

Dedication of Anne Moody Memorial Highway Set for Feb. 20, 2019

#AnneMoody
#ComingOfAgeinMississippi
#AnneMoodyHighway



EXCITING NEWS!

The dedication of the Anne Moody Memorial Highway is set for 10 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, 8755 Hwy 24 East, Centreville, Miss. 39631.

The ceremony is being held by the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). An MDOT representative will be sending the news media additional information via letter or press release.

In 2018, Gov. Phil Bryant signed into law a Bill to name a portion of Highway 24 in Wilkinson County (between Woodville and Centreville) in Moody’s honor. The request for the honor was spearheaded by the Anne Moody History Project (AMHP) of Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF) in Woodville, Miss.

Rep. Angela Cockerham sponsored the bill for the highway.

AMHP also succeeded in its efforts in 2017 to have a street name in Moody’s honor in her hometown of Centreville. The street is called, Anne Moody Street.


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Want to know more about Anne Moody?

Visit here to see the timeline of
important events in her life history!

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For more information: 
See the Anne Moody paghere.
Questions about the Anne Moody History Project may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III Ph.D. via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com For updates on Anne Moody history and the on-going work of this community service project, simply follow this blog or follow AMHP on Twitter (@AnneMoodyHP). #ComingOfAgeinMississippi

On This Day (January 31): Baseball Great Jackie Robinson is Born

#AnneMoody
#JackieRobinson

Jackie Robinson

On Jan. 31, 1919, Hall of Fame baseball player Jackie Robinson was born. He was the person who encouraged #AnneMoody to write #ComingOfAgeinMississippi. He had heard her speak and was so impressed he urged her to tell her story in a book. She took his advice and the rest is history.

#JackieRobinson #Baseball #CivilRights #History #BlackHistory #Mississippi #WomensHistory #BlkTwitterstorians #Twitterstorians #OTD #ThisDayInHistory #OnThisDay


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Want to know more about Anne Moody?

Visit here to see the timeline of
important events in her life history!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information:
See the Anne Moody page here.
Questions about the Anne Moody History Project may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III Ph.D. via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com For updates on Anne Moody history and the on-going work of this community service project, simply follow this blog or follow AMHP on Twitter (@AnneMoodyHP). #ComingOfAgeinMississippi

We Visited Anne Moody's Gravesite

#AnneMoody



Today, members of Anne Moody History Project visited #AnneMoody's grave site for film project. From left: Emma Taplin, Roscoe Barnes III, LaVern Taylor, Ruby Dixon. The grave is located in the cemetery at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, Highway 24, Centreville, Miss.

Moody was a civil rights pioneer and the author of Coming of Age in Mississippi. She was born in 1940 in Centreville. She died in 2015 in Gloster. She was 74.

#CivilRights #ComingOfAgeinMississippi #BlkTwitterstorians #Twitterstorians #BlackHistory #Mississippi #WomensHistory #HBCU #Tougaloo #History #Literature


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Want to know more about Anne Moody?

Visit here to see the timeline of
important events in her life history!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information: 
See the Anne Moody page here.
Questions about the Anne Moody History Project may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III Ph.D. via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com For updates on Anne Moody history and the on-going work of this community service project, simply follow this blog or follow AMHP on Twitter (@AnneMoodyHP). #ComingOfAgeinMississippi

Saturday, January 26, 2019

Evangelist Jack Coe Jr. has Died

He was the Son of Famous Post-World War II Healing Revivalist Jack Coe Sr.

By Roscoe Barnes III

Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer
Copyright (c) 2019

#FFBosworth

#BosworthMatters
#JackCoeJr.
Evangelist Jack Coe Jr.
(1944-2019)

Evangelist Jack Coe Jr., son of healing revivalist Jack Coe Sr. (1918-1956), is now with the Lord, according to his ministry staff.

He reportedly died early Monday morning, Jan. 21, 2019, at the age of 74. His cause of death was not reported.

Coe often testified of being healed of cancer by the Lord. However, in recent years, he sought prayer and financial support for a kidney transplant, according to his website and Twitter account.

His obituary notes that he and his wife, Frieda, were married for 55 years. 

Coe's father ministered with F.F. Bosworth in The Voice of Healing in the 1940s and 1950s. His father also sat under the ministry of P.C. Nelson, a man whose healing ministry was directly influenced by Bosworth.

The staff of Jack Coe International Ministries shared the news Coe's passing in a Facebook post:

Dear Family and Friends,

At 4:20 a.m. on January 21, 2019, Jack won his final victory in this life and changed his permanent address to Heaven. The Coe Family is saddened by their loss but thankful that Jack is now completely healed and celebrating with his Lord and Savior. Jack was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, January 26th at 2 p.m. at Empowering Word Christian Center in Red Oak, Texas. (118 S, State Hwy 342, Red Oak, Texas 75154). There will not be a graveside service.

If you have questions, please send them via Facebook Messenger in order to give the family time to mourn. Thank you for your prayers of comfort and support during this time.

Blessings,

Jack Coe Ministries Staff


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Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer, can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: bosworth25.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Want to know more
about F.F. Bosworth?

Follow the Bosworth Matters blog!

See it here:
ffbosworth.strikingly.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information:
Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter.

#ChristTheHealer #BosworthMatters #BosworthMention

Friday, January 25, 2019

An Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Anne Moody

By Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.
Chairman, Anne Moody History Project
Copyright (c) 2019

#AnneMoody
#MLK
#MLKDay
2019 MLK program dedicated to Anne Moody

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NOTE: This tribute was presented at the 32nd Annual Memorial Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019 in Woodville, Miss.

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It is truly an honor to be here today. I want to thank you for the opportunity to share a few words about one of our own, the extraordinary Anne Moody.

Anne Moody was a civil rights pioneer and the noted author of the classic memoir,  Coming of Age in Mississippi. She played a vital role in the struggle for freedom, civil rights, and justice for all, especially people of color.

When we say that she put her life on the line for freedom, and that she sacrificed her own well-being for others, it is not an exaggeration.

Like many in the civil rights movement, she confronted bigotry head-on. She endured beatings, death threats, and other forms of persecution as she engaged in nonviolent protests in the fight for equal access to places for all people.

Anne Moody was born in 1940; she died in 2015 at the age of 74. She grew up in Centreville and she completed her last year of high school here in Woodville. From here she went to Natchez Junior College, and then to Tougaloo College, where she became active in the civil rights movement.

Moody was only a child when she began to question the indignities of racism and the binding forces of poverty. She watched in amazement as her world grew darker. She lived in a time when the mere mention of the NAACP could result in a lynching. This was life for a black person in the Jim Crow era.

The death of Emmett Till was a turning point in her life. She wrote:

Before Emmett Till's murder, I had known the fear of hunger, hell, and the Devil. But now there was a new fear known to me -- the fear of being killed just because I was black. This was the worst of my fears.

Somehow, some time later, she found within herself something that inspired her ... something that moved her to go further in her quest to find answers and the boldness to stand up to the debilitating powers of hate in her surroundings. She wrote: "But courage was growing in me too. Little by little it was getting harder and harder for me not to speak out."

As I close, I want to remind you that Anne Moody was an extraordinary woman.

She was a woman of insight and courage. She had the ability to see and understand her environment, and she had the audacity to do something about it.

She was extraordinary.

She was ambitious, but also focused and compassionate. She wanted to be a doctor, but she chose to suffer for the benefit of her people, people like you and me.

She was extraordinary.

She was down and depressed on occasion, but she was still daring in her efforts to make a difference. She marched with Dr. King and she worked with Medgar Evers. She helped to desegregate and integrate businesses in Jackson and other places. She led campaigns that inspired black people to register and vote.

Anne Moody did what she had to do for freedom, justice and equality for all.

She was an extraordinary woman.

Thank you. Amen.

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Want to know MORE about Anne Moody? 

Visit here to see the timeline of 
important events in her life history!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


For more information: 
See the Anne Moody page here.
Questions about the Anne Moody History Project may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on Anne Moody history and the on-going work of this community service project, simply follow this blog or follow AMHP on Twitter (@AnneMoodyHP). #ComingOfAgeinMississippi

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Chaplain Felton Quiett Honored

He serves as Islamic Chaplain at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

By Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.
Chaplain, Wilkinson County Correctional Facility
Copyright (c) 2019

#PrisonMinistry
#Corrections

Deputy Warden of Programs Tonya Toomey presents Chaplain Felton Quiett with a Special Recognition Award for his service at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility. Quiett serves the Islamic population at the facility.

WOODVILLE, Miss. -- On Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, Deputy Warden of Programs Tonya Toomey and Chaplain Roscoe Barnes III had the pleasure of honoring their contract chaplain, Imam Felton Quiett, for his years of service to the Muslim men incarcerated at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF), Woodville, Miss.

They presented Felton with a Certificate of Appreciation and a Special Recognition Award (plaque) for his contributions to the Religious Programs at the facility.

“Chaplain Quiett has been with us for about four years or more,” said Barnes. “He is truly exceptional. He is a dedicated and exemplary chaplain who assists me with the Islamic programs and other activities in my department. We are blessed to have him on our team and as our leader in the Islamic faith.”

--------------------------------------
ROSCOE BARNES III, Ph.D., is a writer, chaplain, historian, and former newspaper reporter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and Gospel tracts. For more information about his work and history, see his Personal Profile here or visit his website: http://www.roscoebarnes.net. Connect with him on Twitter (@roscoebarnes3) or by email: roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com.

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

On This Day (January 23): F.F. Bosworth Dies of Heart Attack

He was at home with his family in Miami, Fla.

By Roscoe Barnes III
Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer
Copyright (c) 2019

#FFBosworth
#OnThisDay

Fred Francis Bosworth
(1877-1958)

NOTE: New information has come to light on F.F. Bosworth’s cause of death. For more information, please see, “F.F. Bosworth’s Death Certificate” and "B.B. Bosworth’s Death Certificate.”

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On January 23, 1958, F.F. Bosworth died of a heart attack in his home in Miami, Fla., after a brief illness. He was 81.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Monday, Jan. 27, in Miami Gospel Tabernacle, with burial in Woodlawn Park. Arrangements were handled by Bess Memorial Mortuary.

Bosworth's brother, B.B. Bosworth, died on Feb. 17, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Both of the brothers had suffered from diabetes, according to their family and members of the Christian and Missionary Alliance.

In the April 1958 issue of World-Wide Revival, David J. Du Plessis wrote a moving tribute to Bosworth, whom he considered a "faithful pioneer." He suggested, "Thousands of Christians of all denominations throughout the world will miss the well-known evangelist, author, and Bible teacher."

Du Plessis, who became known as "Mr. Pentecost," gave a brief overview of Bosworth's life history. He underscored a number of his successful healing campaigns:

In the 1920’s one of the largest Bosworth campaigns was conducted in Ottawa, Canada, where the large civic auditorium seating 11,000 persons was filled nightly to capacity. During this Ottawa revival many miracles of healing took place in answer to the prayer of faith. Many vehicles were employed, automobiles, ambulances, and even hearses, to bring the sick and afflicted on stretchers to the services. Further large and successful campaigns included New York, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Chicago, and other cities.

Bosworth's wife, Florence, and their four children, were with him when he passed, according to Du Plessis. He wrote it was estimated that more than a million people came to Christ through Bosworth's ministry.

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Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer, can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: bosworth25.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Want to know more
about F.F. Bosworth?

Follow the Bosworth Matters blog!

See it here:
ffbosworth.strikingly.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information:
Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter.

#ChristTheHealer #BosworthMatters #BosworthMention #ThisDayInHistory #ThisDayInFFBosworthHistory

Incarcerated man draws iconic photo of Anne Moody at Woolworth’s lunch counter

By Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.
Chaplain, Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

#AnneMoody


Anthony D. Wilson displays his pencil drawing of the famous 1963 Woolworth's sit-in.

WOODVILLE, Miss. -- Anthony D. Wilson, who is incarcerated at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF), Woodville, recently drew the famous photo of the Woolworth’s sit-in that features civil rights pioneer Anne Moody. The image, which was done in pencil, depicts the famous protest that occurred at the lunch counter on May 28, 1963 in Jackson, Miss.

In the photo, Moody and her fellow civil rights activists are violently harassed by a mob, some of whom poured sugar, ketchup and mustard on the heads of the activists. The original photo was taken by Fred Blackwell of the Jackson Daily News. His photo was later distributed by The Associated Press.

Wilson said he was happy to have the opportunity to draw the photo, which he said took him about 23 hours during the Martin Luther King holiday weekend.

“This means a lot to me,” he said. “Moody was like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King. She made it so blacks can go into the restaurants and other places without discrimination.”

Moody is the author of Coming of Age in Mississippi. She is seen sitting at the lunch counter with her Tougaloo College classmate, Joan Trumpauer, and Professor John Salter Jr. Salter, who was later known as John Hunter Gray, died Jan. 7 at his home in Pocatello, Idaho. He was 84. Moody died in 2015 at the age of 74. Trumpauer, the only one left from the photo, is 77 and lives in Arlington, Va.

Wilson, 31, is originally from Montgomery, Ala. He said he’s been drawing since the age of nine. He plans to enter his work into an art contest held at the facility.

WCCF is privately managed by Management & Training Corporation (MTC) of Utah.


Drawing by Anthony D. Wilson

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“This means a lot to me. Moody was like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King. She made it so blacks can go into the restaurants and other places without discrimination.” -- Anthony D. Wilson

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Would you like to know more about Anne Moody?

Visit here to see the timeline of
important events in her life history!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information: 
See the Anne Moody page here.
Questions about the Anne Moody History Project may be directed to Roscoe BarnesIII Ph.D. via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com For updates on Anne Moody history and the on-going work of this community service project, simply follow this blog or follow AMHP on Twitter (@AnneMoodyHP). #ComingOfAgeinMississippi

32nd Annual Memorial Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dedicated to Anne Moody

The event, organized by Charles E. Johnson, was held on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Woodville, Miss.

#MLK
#MLKDay

Ms. Asya Branch, Miss Mississippi 2018, and Dr. Roscoe Barnes III, at the 32nd Annual Memorial Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Woodville, Miss. Branch was the speaker for the program; Barnes presented a tribute to Anne Moody. Mr. Charles E. Johnson, program organizer, presented copies of Moody's book, Coming of Age in Mississippi, to Branch and to a number of students.


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“Anne Moody was an extraordinary woman. She was a woman of insight and courage. She had the ability to see and understand her environment, and she had the audacity to do something about it.” – Dr. Roscoe Barnes III



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Participants in the Wilkinson County MLK program included, from left: Miss. State Rep. Angela Cockerham, Organizer Charles E. Johnson, Miss Mississippi 2018 Asya Branch, and Chaplain Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.


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“Anne Moody was down and depressed on occasion, but she was still daring in her efforts to make a difference. She did what she had to do for freedom, justice, and equality for all.”
– Dr. Roscoe Barnes III

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--------------------------------------
ROSCOE BARNES III, Ph.D., is a writer, chaplain, historian, and former newspaper reporter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and Gospel tracts. For more information about his work and history, see his Personal Profile here or visit his website: http://www.roscoebarnes.net. Connect with him on Twitter (@roscoebarnes3) or by email: roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com.

Thursday, January 17, 2019

On This Day (January 17): F.F. Bosworth is Born

By Roscoe Barnes III
Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer
Copyright (c) 2019

#FFBosworth
#OnThisDay


F.F. Bosworth
Photo courtesy of iFPHC.org

On January 17, 1877, Fred Francis ("F.F.") Bosworth was born to Burton and Amelia Bosworth on a farm near Utica, Neb., a village located 40 miles northwest of Lincoln, the state's capitol.

As a child growing up in Nebraska, Bosworth learned to care for cattle. He discovered his talent for music, and he learned to sell. He was a teenager when he visited a friend in Omaha, Neb., where he found Christ as Saviour. His friend, he recounted, had invited him to a revival meeting in a Methodist church. With a little persuasion, he went to the altar and got saved. He would later say: "I wish someone at that time had told me what I have been telling you people about being baptized with the Holy Spirit. I did a great deal of drifting not knowing what the right place was for me."

Springing from humble beginnings, Bosworth became a Pentecostal pioneer and famous healing evangelist whose ministry would span several decades, from the early years of the 20th century to the late 1950s. He played a prominent role in the Pentecostal movement that occurred in the United States in the early 1900s. He also worked with the healing evangelists of the Voice of Healing during the post-World War II revival. According to historian P. G. Chappell, Bosworth was possibly the most successful healing Pentecostal evangelist to come out of Zion, Ill.

Before his fame as a healing revivalist and noted author of Christ the Healer, Bosworth served as a pastor in Dallas, Texas. In addition to that position, he contributed to the founding of the Assemblies of God. Historian Darrin Rodgers, in a recent email, explained his role as follows:

F. F. Bosworth was an active participant at the founding general council (April 1914), he was listed in the first ministerial directory (April 1914), and he was one of the first executive presbyters (November 1914). Bosworth was one of the founding ministers of the General Council of the Assemblies of God.

-------------------

Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer, can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: bosworth25.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Want to know more
about F.F. Bosworth?


Follow the Bosworth Matters blog!


See it here:
ffbosworth.strikingly.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information:
Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. 

#ChristTheHealer #BosworthMatters #BosworthMention #OTD #ThisDayInFFBosworthHistory

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Wrong Turn: The Short Happy Life of Missionary Adventurer John Allen Chau

By Roscoe Barnes III
Author, The Guide to Effective Gospel Tract Ministry (Church Growth Institute)
Copyright (c) 2019

John Allen Chau
Image from Instagram.

The death of John Allen Chau was a tragedy that may have been avoided had he followed the clear teachings of the Bible.

The 26-year-old, described as a missionary, adventurer, and thrill-seeker, died on Nov. 17, 2018, when he visited North Sentinel, an island in the Andaman Sea. According to news reports, he wanted to share Christ with the Sentinelese. It is believed that he was killed by the Sentinelese who shun all outside visitors.

Chau's death has generated new questions about foreign missions, as well as criticism and praise by people in the United States and across the globe. Well-meaning Christians are comparing him to Jim Elliot, whose story is told in the book, Through Gates of Splendor. Many, it seems, are ready to recognize him as a martyr. Some, not surprisingly, see him as an inspiring example of courage.

I believe that such adulation of this man is unwarranted. Even more, it is unbiblical. Based on current news reports, and the testimony of witnesses, it seems that Chau may have been compassionate, but overzealous and foolhardy in his missionary venture. He may have had good intentions, yet he put himself at risk by breaking the law and going to a place that was forbidden to outsiders. At the same time, he endangered the Sentinelese by possibly exposing them to diseases that could wipe them out.

Chau, in his efforts to reach the people with the gospel of Christ, exhibited no signs of maturity, discernment, or even respect.

Those factors, among others, lead me to believe that his death was unnecessary. Furthermore, I am convinced that had he followed the clear teachings of Christ, he could be alive today. Christ instructed us to be wise and harmless when sharing the gospel. When our message is rejected, Christ said we should move on to other people. After all, we cannot force anyone to receive the gospel.

While I can lament the loss of his life and the terrible impact it will undoubtedly have on his family and friends, I cannot join the chorus of voices that are singing his praises. Neither can I support those who have promoted him to sainthood. 

In a November 2018 post on LinkedIn, I shared the following:

To be honest, I'm not convinced his priority was sharing the gospel. It could have been an ego trip covered in Christian jargon. I don't know. Like others, I thought of Jim Elliot and the book, Through Gates of Splendor. But I'm not ready to call this young man a martyr or place him in the same category as Elliot. I'm reminded of the words of Christ: "Be wise as serpents and HARMLESS as doves" (Matthew 10:16).

Christ also stated, "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet" (NIV, Matthew 10:14).

A dear reader took exception to my comments. She challenged my suggestion that the endeavor may have been an “ego trip.” She explained that people would not risk their lives in this manner because of an ego trip. She also noted that he stated his intentions in his diary.

I respectfully disagreed with the reader. In fact, I reminded her that people engage in high-risk activities all the time and that some are called daredevils. I also explained that I did not believe everything I read. In other words, people can write whatever they choose in their diaries whether it’s true or not. Statements in a diary aren't necessarily true because they appear in a diary.

Also, I might add, even when people express themselves with much clarity in their diaries, we're still reading a book -- and not their hearts. Only God knows a person’s heart. Chau might have been telling the truth in his diary. Or he might have wanted a certain legacy ... to be remembered in a certain way. I don’t know. My gut feeling is that he was sincere but misguided, something to which I can relate. I was the same way when I was his age.

But let’s suppose for a moment that he wrote the truth. In that case, I believe he was still in error. Had he come to me for advice, I would have kindly referred him to Matthew 10. The chapter is an account of Christ sending out his twelve disciples. In addition to verses 14 and 16 as noted above, I would ask him to consider verse 23: “But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another.”

Consider what John MacArthur had to say about that passage. In The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, he presented the following:

Persecution is never to be sought or endured for its own sake; nor should we intentionally bring it on ourselves, supposedly for Christ’s sake. We have no right to provoke animosity or ridicule. And Christ here urges escaping persecution when doing so is expedient and possible. We are not obligated to stay in a place of opposition and danger until we are killed, or even imprisoned. Whenever they persecute you in this city, Jesus says, flee to the next.

MacArthur explained that the above model is what Paul followed and what every other minister and missionary should follow. In Paul’s case (Acts 12-14, 17), he noted:

When persecution became so severe in one place that he could no longer minister effectively, he left and went to another. He was not afraid of persecution, and many times he was severely beaten before he left a city. At least once he was stoned and left for dead. But he did not try to test the limits of the opposition. He endured whatever ridicule, reviling, beatings, and imprisonment were necessary while he ministered. But he left a place when his effectiveness there ceased.

There are other passages of Scripture that address the issue, but I think the ones mentioned here are enough to support my position. That said, I can only wonder about the advice Chau received from his church.

To some people, I should note, the term "persecution" is not adequate or accurate in describing Chau's case. The reason? The Sentinelese oppose all outsiders regardless of their beliefs. Even so, I think the biblical directive to "flee" and move on when rejected is still applicable here.

As I close, I want to be clear about my assessment. I want to stress that it is not my intention to sound harsh and uncaring in my commentary. Also, I do not condemn the young man for his actions. Quite the contrary, I respect his courage (if we can call it that). But I question his judgment, even as I was heartbroken by his untimely demise.

Chau’s death was painfully tragic, but I hope it wasn't in vain. Perhaps if we’re listening and doing our due diligence in studying the Bible, we can still learn something from this mission that sadly took a wrong turn.

--------------------------------------
ROSCOE BARNES III, Ph.D., is a writer, chaplain, historian, and former newspaper reporter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and Gospel tracts. For more information about his work and history, see his Personal Profile here or visit his website: http://www.roscoebarnes.net. Connect with him on Twitter (@roscoebarnes3) or by email: roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com.

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Prosperity on the Pages of F.F. Bosworth's Magazine

A Look at A.J. Gordon's Message on Giving and 'Abundant Temporal Prosperity'

By Roscoe Barnes III
Copyright (c) 2018

#FFBosworth
#BosworthMatters

Adoniram Judson Gordon

In 1929, the year that saw the beginning of the Great Depression, F.F. Bosworth published an article on financial prosperity that was written by Adoniram Judson ("A.J.") Gordon (1836-1895). The article was titled, “God’s Tenth,” and it appeared on pages 18 and 19 in the November 1929 issue of Exploits of Faith.

The date of publication is especially important when you consider the Great Depression, which started after the October 1929 stock market crash.

Gordon is known for his classic, The Ministry of Healing: Or, Miracles of Cure in All Ages (1882). In his article on prosperity, he wrote about the power of tithing and how it can result, when done correctly, in both spiritual blessings and temporal financial prosperity.

Bosworth’s publication of Gordon’s article sheds light on his own view of financial prosperity. Contrary to what some historians have argued, Bosworth preached on prosperity and he published articles on the topic. His writings indicate he was neither extreme nor extravagant. Yet, he clearly believed, like Gordon, that God rewards the faithful givers and tithers with blessings that may be spiritual and material in nature.

In his article, “God’s Tenth,” Gordon builds his case with Malachi 3:10, which addresses the issue of tithing. “Here plainly the giving of tithes is made the condition of an abundant outpouring of the Spirit,” he writes, adding the tendency of some is to spiritualize the verse “which robs us of so much vital truth by frittering away its meaning in metaphor and simile.”

Gordon makes a bold statement about the people who follow God’s instructions on giving. In short, he says they will be pleasantly surprised.

If any Christian who has never tried it will make the experiment, conscientiously following it through to the end, in prosperity and adversity, we predict for him two surprises; first, he will be astonished at the increased amount which he is enabled by this method to give to the Lord; and second, he will be astonished at the increased spiritual and temporal prosperity which the Lord will give him.

While referencing the words “Prove me now herewith” from his text, Gordon presents two points for consideration. His first point is “that faithful and proportionate giving will be rewarded with superabundant spiritual blessing.” In his second point, Gordon suggests that people who give faithfully and proportionately “will be rewarded with abundant temporal prosperity.”

Preaching Prosperity at the
Beginning of the Great Depression

Gordon’s article was not the only one on prosperity that appeared in Exploits in 1929. A few months earlier, in the May 1929 issue (pages 7-13), Bosworth published his own article, "God's Financial Plan Insures the Prosperity of His People." The article was actually a sermon he had preached in the Park Place Tabernacle in Anderson, Ind. At the time of its publication, the United States was starting to feel the early effects of the economic recession that occurred during the summer of 1929.

One can only wonder if Bosworth had a premonition of things to come. Of course, it is also  possible that he looked at the news reports and saw the need to prepare his readers, which wouldn't be a surprise given his business background. 

Bosworth's focus on financial prosperity might have also been inspired by the success -- and seemingly endless wealth -- of the Roaring Twenties. Like others, he probably thought the success would last longer. Even so, he believed that God would wonderfully bless His faithful tithers with spiritual and financial prosperity.

The full article by Gordon is presented below. It is shared here courtesy of the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center (iFPHC.org).

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God’s Tenth

By Rev. A. J. Gordon

In touching the question of giving we touch the most vital point pertaining to the consecration and spiritual power of the churches. In saying this we speak from experience, as we certainly speak according to the Scripture. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive.” Mal. 3:10. Here plainly the giving of tithes is made the condition of an abundant outpouring of the Spirit. The spiritualizing method of interpreting Scripture, which robs us of so much vital truth by frittering away its meaning in metaphor and simile, has often robbed us of the real significance of this text. Prayer, testimony, effort, self-denial – how often do we hear these duties mentioned as summing up and fulfilling the requirements of tithes?

What Tithes Mean

But “tithes” means money or other property of equivalent value; and the effusion of God’s Spirit is here made contingent upon bringing in these tithes and paying up these dues to God. A tenth of his income was required of the Jew to be set apart and sacredly devoted to God’s treasury. And this was the first tenth and not the last tenth; the first fruits, and not dregs and leavings. In the New Testament, the same principle is carried over: “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.” 1 Cor. 16:2. Here is consecrated giving – laying by in store a certain sum set apart and made sacred to God’s use, and which thereafter one should no more think of using for himself than he would of taking the same sum from his neighbor’s pocket. And here is proportionate giving – “as God hath prospered him.”

If any Christian who has never tried it will make the experiment, conscientiously following it through to the end, in prosperity and adversity, we predict for him two surprises; first, he will be astonished at the increased amount which he is enabled by this method to give to the Lord; and second, he will be astonished at the increased spiritual and temporal prosperity which the Lord will give him. For observe that here is an instance where the Lord actually makes a challenge to His people, and sets up a test case, saying, “Prove me now herewith.”

Taking this Scripture in connection with others, we find that there are two points to be demonstrated.

Right Giving Brings Spiritual Blessing

1. That faithful and proportionate giving will be rewarded with superabundant spiritual blessing. The statement does not require proof, since experiment has stamped it already as an axiom. Other things being equal, that Christian who opens the broadest outlet for charity will find the widest inlet for the Spirit. The health of a human body depends upon its exhalations as well as upon its inhalations. It is reported that a boy who was to impersonate a shining cherub in a play, on being covered over with a coating of gold leaf, which entirely closed the pores of his skin, died in consequence, before relief could be afforded. Woe to the Christian who gets so gold-leafed over with his wealth that the pores of his sympathy are shut, and the outgoings of his charity are restrained. He is thenceforth dead spiritually, though he may have a name to live.

Temporal Prosperity Follows Consecrated Giving

2. That faithful and proportionate giving will be rewarded with abundant temporal prosperity. This is a saying hard to be received, but it has the emphatic support of Scripture. “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Prov. 3:9-10. This is but one specimen of many from the Old Testament. “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.” Luke 6:38. Do we believe these words of our Lord? Can we question that they refer to abundant temporal returns in recompense for abundant giving?

Experience Proves Plan Is Wise

There is a Christian league in this country banded together to promote systematic giving. It brings every member into covenant to keep a strict account with the Lord, and to render Him one tenth of the income. An annual report is made by each member, giving a statement of his business and spiritual prosperity. The secretary recently told us that the results have been surprising, even to the most sanguine advocates of the tithing system; that not only has the income of the missionary societies receiving the funds been greatly increased, but that, out of thousands entering into this league, all but two or three have reported greatly increased business prosperity. Are there not some things to be proved which we have not yet dreamed of, either in our philosophy or our mathematics?

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Related articles:

F.F. Bosworth Mentioned in Kate Bowler's Blessed: A History of The American Prosperity Gospel (2013). See here.

12 Mistaken Claims about F.F. Bosworth. See here.


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Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer, can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: bosworth25.

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Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer #BosworthMatters #BosworthMention #AJGordon

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