February 2015 Update

Second Semester Started

by Russell Dennis, Jr.

Tommy Trammel - Heritage Update

We are excited about the second semester of classes that began on January 14th. Dr. Tommy Trammel from Cincinnati preached the opening chapel message from Psalm 84. He reminded the students and faculty of the great opportunity it is to be taught the Word of God. Dr. Trammel visibly showed that using the right tools for the Lord can make a difference – tools like the Bible and a godly desire.

Dr. Trammel encouraged us all in the new dorm project, and led us in singing, “Building by Faith.” How fitting it is to be reminded of the faith that so many displayed in the founding of Heritage Baptist College. From prayer, to a meeting of preachers, and then to a banquet, these were all little steps of faith. God and God’s people have helped in the progress of the college. From the initial investment of friends, to the continual sacrifice of others, the school has acquired a beautiful campus with a historic setting in which to train servants for the Lord. We are excited to see what God has in store!

What is Your Perspective?

by Russell Dennis, Jr.

Thomas Bilney - Heritage Update

Thomas Bilney lived a dedicated life, and as a young man studied at Cambridge University to be a priest. He was faithful in fasting, vigils, and other outward religious signs, but inwardly he was empty.

In 1517, Bilney bought a black-market copy of the newly printed Greek New Testament, translated by Erasmus. The Bible opened his eyes, and reading I Timothy 1:15, Bilney immediately trusted Christ as his Saviour.

He next sought to share this new found joy and the Word of God with others. In time, the college community viewed Bilney as a heretic.

At Cambridge University, one of the finest young orators was Hugh Latimer. His speaking skill especially included the denouncing of the Reformation movement.

Thomas Bilney marveled one day, as he heard the graduate student lecture. Instead of refute the up and coming scholar, Bilney thought to himself how this man’s talents could save souls.

Since Thomas Bilney had gained the reputation as a heretic, he knew Hugh Latimer would never accept an invitation to formally meet.

Instead, when Latimer’s speech ended, Bilney asked if the young priest would hear his confession. In the confessional, Thomas Bilney shared passages from the Bible for two hours, and asked if his understanding should be corrected. Hugh Latimer became convinced that day of the Truth, and he added his voice to the change that would sweep England.

Both men died a martyr’s death. (Connelly, Ken. The Indestructible Book. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House. 1996 pp. 125-134)

The Price of Freedom

by Russell Dennis, Jr.

The Freedom Ring - Heritage Update

On February 5, 1860, the preacher stood before his Brooklyn congregation with a dramatic plea. Next to him, stood a nine year-old mulatto slave girl who was destined for the slave market.

            The request that day was for a love offering from the congregation to purchase the freedom for this girl…a kind of reverse slave auction.

            Henry Ward Beecher led his large congregation in giving.  He had long promoted freedom, encouraging his sister, Harriett Beecher Stowe, as she wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin eight years before.

            The congregation went wild with emotion, and gave over $1,000 worth of cash and jewelry.  After the gifts were received, the preacher reached down into the pile, and pulled out a gold, ruby star ring.  Rev. Beecher placed it on the child’s finger and lovingly said, “Now remember that this is your freedom-ring.” (Applegate, Debby. The Most Famous Man in America. New York: Three Leaves Press. 2006. pp. 316-317)

            America’s famed genre painter of that age, Eastman Johnson, captured the sacredness of the emblem in his painting “The Freedom Ring.”

            The Bible tells us that we were slaves to sin, and we were helpless to pay.  But Jesus Christ made that payment with his life’s blood, and the Bible record’s His words:  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.  John 8:36.

A Cry in the Night

by Russell Dennis, Jr.

Haven of Rest - Heritage Update

In the darkness, Paul Myers sat down in the wharf pilings along the San Diego waterfront and shivered in the cold.  He reflected on his life - his Christian mother, his success in business, and his beautiful family.  His family and money had vanished because of his sinful life, and he had wandered all that night in a drunken stupor.  Though a young man, Paul Myers was at the “end of the line.”

The clanging of a ship’s bell and the cry of a ship’s watch startled him, “Eight bells and all’s well!”  The time was 4:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning, and soon families would be going to church.

Paul Meyer was filled with a desire to hear the preaching of God’s Word, so he made his way to the large church. 

That morning he found no welcome among the well-dressed members, and no one even spoke to him.  The sermon did not mention the Saviour who could rescue a bitter and broken man.  The answer he needed was not found in the formal service that morning.

Meyers went back to his cheap hotel, a desolate man.  Noticing a Gideon Bible, he began to read, and God’s Word touched his heart.  Paul Meyers was saved, and his life was changed.

The Lord allowed Paul Meyer the second chance, he so wanted.  From destitution he became a thriving evangelist, and used his expertise in the fledgling communications industry to begin a radio program. 

I well remember as a young boy, hearing on the radio the fog horn, the clanking bell, and the voice ring out, “Eight bells…and all’s well!” as the Haven of Rest radio program began.  Known as “First Mate Bob”, Paul Myers took the words he had heard on a desolate Sunday morning, and used them to share the love of Christ to millions for 37 years.

The original close harmony of that opening song was featured in the late 1950’s on the album entitled Anchored.  Click on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdGIqDfUvhU to hear this classic rendition. 

Are You Ready to Take Your Next Step to Answer Your Calling?

Contact an Admissions Counselor TODAY and plan to visit Heritage. You can reach us at 317-738-3791