June 2015 Update

A Pardon from Sin

Heritage Update

Colin Woodard in 2007 published a book entitled The Republic of Pirates. In this documented work, the lives of the Caribbean pirates are revealed.

Today, the pirate theme has caught the fancy of many people through cartoons, swashbuckling films, and present-day movies. Most do not realize that the Golden Age of Piracy only lasted about 10 years from 1715 – 1725. That era began largely because of vagrancy.

When the 12 year “War of Succession” ended (England vs. France & Spain), many navy and privateer sailors were laid off. Out of this grew the “largely English” pirate trade in the Caribbean. At first, most of the English pirates only attacked their former enemy’s ships, but later as they became labeled as wanton criminals, all shipping became vulnerable. At the height of their presence, even the smaller British warships feared for their safety. Pirates ranged from Maine to Brazil, sometimes in fleets of ships.

One man, Woodes Rogers of England, successfully took up the cause to end the pirate threat. His initial step was amnesty. Based on his visit with English pirates in Madagascar, Rogers revealed to King George I that most pirates desired to return and be free Englishmen. Rogers convinced King George I to issue pardons to all the pirates who would surrender, and pledge their allegiance to the king. With proclamation in hand, Rogers voyaged to the Caribbean and sailed right into the pirate’s stronghold.

Rogers was correct, and half of the pirate community immediately embraced the pardon causing relief and also great division. Not all accepted the King’s liberty, and others like Charles Vane, Calico Jack Rackham, and Edward Thatch (Blackbeard), defied their opportunity, and soon found death in battle or execution.

Seventeen hundred years before King George I’s general pardon, God sent His pardon, in the person of Jesus Christ. Christ suffered, died, and rose again to offer mankind the forgiveness of sin and a home in heaven. Over the centuries, thousands have turned from their sin and accepted God’s pardon and their place in the “home country.”

Celebrating 4 Years!

Heritage Update

We are so thankful for all the prayers of our college family and friends. On May 17, 2011, Lilliana Joy Dennis was born into the family of President & Mrs. Russell Dennis, Jr. By medical averages, Trisomy 18 babies are not expected to be born, let alone live out their first week.

Daily prayers and aggressive health measures have seen this little girl survive open heart surgery and other various issues.

Lilliana is now 4 years old. We are so thankful to the Lord!

For the blessed event, friends showered Lilliana with special recognition. Lilliana enjoyed a party and a cake created for the theme “This is My Story.” Over 60 birthday cards were received.

A five minute video was released on her birthday. The video deals with “Praising Our Savior” for the special blessing Lilliana has been to all. You can view that video HERE

Influence in the Family

Heritage Update

He was born in eastern Ohio, and named after a preacher, his father secretly hoping that he might grow up to be a minister. Instead, the young man entered West Point, and later with the Civil War just beginning, he graduated early, but last in his class in 1861. His name was George Armstrong Custer.

Custer proved to be a bold officer. He fought throughout the Civil War beginning at the 1st Battle of Bull Run. He later led a command that captured the first Confederate battle flag. His success raised him in rank, until he arrived as one of the youngest generals in the war, at age 23. Custer’s division blocked General Lee’s retreat on their final day, and they received the first flag of truce from the Confederacy. Custer was at Appomattox Court House for the signing of the surrender.

Those accomplishments are little remembered for George Custer. His exploit over a decade later, as Lt. Colonel of the 7th Cavalry, became famous in history. The date was June 25, 1876; the place was the Little Bighorn in Montana.

Against the advice of his Indiana scouts, and others in the army, Custer divided his men into three forces. Greatly outnumbered, Custer attacked, was repulsed, and his central command was killed to the last soldier. In the fighting of that day, the 7th Cavalry saw over 250 men die because of Custer’s rash decision. What is even more sorrowful is that at the end of the day, both of Custer’s brothers - Thomas and Boston, his brother-in-law James Calhoun, and his nephew Henry Reed, lay dead on the battlefield. Custer’s choice not only sealed the Colonel’s fate, but it wiped out most of his male family. (McMurtry, Larry. Custer. New York: Simon & Schuster. 2012 p. 173)

Every person has influence, and some more than others. How you lead your life, does impact your family, for good or for destruction. For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7b

Ending Notes

Heritage Update

Dr. Russell Dennis, Sr. loved to write in his Bible the thoughts, sermon outlines, and sayings that stirred him to serve God.

Dr. Dennis’ wide margin, Cambridge Bible can be viewed in an enclosed display in the upstairs hallway of Heritage Baptist College, along with the wall display of the Prophecy Chart with which he used to teach. After Dad’s passing, I read through both of his preaching Bibles and transferred many of his notes into my Bible.

I shared in past June Updates a few of the many nuggets in my Dad’s Bible from the Gospels. Here are some gleanings from the book of I Corinthians that come from Dad’s Bible:

  • Chloe spilled the beans (1:11)
  • Preaching pleases God. (1:21)
  • Preaching is the Solution (1:23)
  • Creation was made for man, and man was created for God (7:31)
  • Self-Sacrifice Deeds - Love in Action (13:4)
  • Charity is one way to love. (13:5)
  • Without the Resurrection, men are animals (Humanist teaching) (15:17)
  • What good is the pleasure, if you lose the Treasure (15:50)
  • Adversaries do not close doors (16:9)

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