Table of Contents

Answering The Mockers
Psalms 2
Have you ever wondered why it seems like God lets evil go unpunished? Evil seems to be winning the world over. In the midst of the Union University tornado destruction, there was and will continue to be some who claim that it was God’s wrath. Others will use it as fodder for their “How can a loving God do such a thing” gun. In this psalm we are reminded that God is still in control, something we will need to hold on to in the coming days.
Psalm 2 is what we would call a messianic Psalm. A messianic Psalm or prophecy is simply a Psalm or prophecy that prophetically speaks of the coming Messiah whom we know as Jesus. There are five key Psalms that are classified as messianic: Psalm 2; 22; 45; 72; 110. Psalm 2 is one of the most quoted Psalms in the New Testament and it answers some of our questions about how to answer the mockers.
I. The Predictable Response of Man (vv. 1-3) Jesus and God are HATED by the nations.
These verses ask questions that many have asked.
1. Why does God allow man to rebel against Him?
2. Why does God allow evil nations and rulers to grow more and more powerful?
3. Does God even care? The only way to really understand this Psalm is to understand that it expresses the rebellious nature of the human heart against God. The nations are antagonistic against God because they despise His Son. Spurgeon put it this way: “We have, in these first three verses, a description of the hatred of the human nature against the Christ of God.” We should not be surprised at this because this is the way it has always been. The early church reflected on these verses after the apostles Peter and John were released by the same religious council that had Jesus crucified; when Peter and John joined up with some of their friends and shared all that had happened. This is what they prayed:
“Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, "’ Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’- 27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.” Acts 4:24-28
Nations set themselves against Christ because the human heart is wicked and far from God! Men want to be free from the entanglement of God. They want to be in control of their own lives; gods themselves. They are entangled by sin, a much worse taskmaster.
II. The Permanent Response of God (vv. 4-6)
1. “He who sits in the heavens laughs…” We don’t see God cowering in a corner of the universe because of the nation’s hatred for Him. He is not that easily overthrown. Men’s efforts of greatness and demonstrations of power are laughable to God. When you think about it, man thinking he is as powerful as Almighty God is hilarious. It says He sits…He has it all in under control. Was Jesus simply a moral teacher who fell victim to the wrath of an angry mob? At the very root of sin is the desire to renounce the sovereign rule of God for the purpose of placing one’s own will on the throne.
2. He pours out His wrath. God can destroy or remove anyone at any time who opposes Him. So we have to understand that regardless of the cruelty or godlessness of the regime, God allows it for His purpose. However, it is temporary within the scope of eternity. Verse 6 says He has already set up the King. It’s a done deal. All of the war, calamity, philosophy; all of the efforts of creation will not alter the fact that Christ is the final Judge. Jesus is the final judge of all (vv. 7-9)
3. When Christ stood before the Sanhedrin, the religious leaders, intent on killing Him, demanded from Him an answer concerning who He claimed to be: “In the name of God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” So how did Jesus answer? He answered by telling them, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Matt. 26:63ff.).
Jesus basically said to them, “you might not see it now, but you just wait… I am coming back and it won’t be pretty!” The religious leaders knew exactly what Jesus was saying, He told them He was the guy Daniel 7:13-14 spoke of:
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed”. He calls the shots. Zion is another name for Jerusalem. Although Jerusalem has experienced many problems and will continue to until the end; Jesus will sit as King in the New Jerusalem, which is Heaven. President Bush said in his State of The
Union Address, “This month in Ramallah and Jerusalem, I assured leaders from both sides that America will do, and I will do, everything we can to help them achieve a peace agreement that defines a Palestinian state by the end of this year. The time has come for a Holy Land where a democratic Israel and a democratic Palestine live side-by-side in peace”. I have news for you, Israel, and President Bush: there will be no peace until Jesus sits on the throne of Zion. (Revelation 21:1-5)
III. The Practical Recommendation of God (vv. 10-12)
Jesus is a refuge to all who seek Him. God makes several recommendations to mankind:
1. Be wise. God is the only way to salvation, and 1Tim 2:5-6 says Jesus is the ONLY way to God. Acts 4:12 states Jesus IS the ONLY WAY to salvation.
2. Be warned. Don’t continue to rebel against God. Getting connected to your higher consciousness is dangerous. Don’t follow the sheep of Oprah to the slaughter of destruction.
3. Be God’s. Take refuge in God.
Those who trust in God will find true happiness. Don’t worry about what God is doing. God is still on the throne.

Pastor Bruce

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May 4, 10 AM Mark Trammel Trio, Herty Baptist Church, Lufkin, TX

May 10, 6:30, Legacy V, Terrell Performing Arts Center, Terrell, TX

May 10, 6 PM, My Fallow Soul, Hebrews Coffee House, 1st Baptist of North Channel, 13817 Force, Houston, TX $5 at the door.

May 14, 7 pm, Gold City, Shady Crest Baptist Church, Pearland, TX

May 18, 9:30 AM & 1 PM, Karen Peck & New River, Trinity Baptist, Lufkin, TX

May 25, 11 AM, Talley Trio, Mims Baptist Church, Conroe, TX

May 25, 6 PM, Heritage Night, 1st Assembly of God, Humble, local talent, Humble, TX

June 5, 7 PM South Texas Boys, Flukinger Community Center, Channelview, TX

June 13, 7 PM, Brian Free & Assurance and Closer Walk, 1st Baptist Church North Channel, Houston, TX.

June 22, 6 PM, Heritage Night, 1st Assembly of God, Humble, Faithful Quartet, Humble, TX.

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Dear Friends and Family,

We would like to update you on our ministry. We are continuing with our plans to be at the Music City Gospel Music Showcase in Pigeon Forge, TN. We will be at this convention from June 12-14,2008. We have recently spoken with Don Frost, the host of this convention. He has told us that we will be singing at least 2 songs each evening. The first song we sing each night will be for the Gospel Music Television show. As soon as we learn what channels this will be on we will let you know. Mr. Frost has also informed us that we have been nominated for "Favorite Duet" at the Convention. This is where we need your help. We need everyone to vote online for us for "Favorite Duet". If you go to our website www.thegothards.com you will find a link toward the bottom of the Home page. He said there is no limit to how many times you can vote, so please vote, vote, vote!!!

We are also asking our friends and family to help sponsor this trip. There is quite an expense involved in attending this Convention. We would appreciate any contributions to help in the expenses of this endeavor. This will put Gothard Evangelistic Ministries on a National level. We would like for you to have the opportunity to be a part of our ministry. Please send your contributions to Paul Gothard; 23423 Heidi Lane; New Caney, TX 77357 and please make a note that it is for the Gospel Showcase.

Thank you for your prayers and support as we minister everywhere we are given the opportunity.
We would love to hear from you so write back when you can.

In Christ,
Paul & Lisa Gothard
Gothard Evangelistic Ministries

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MAY/JUNE 2008
Lou Wills Hildreth

The bride was beautiful and the groom was handsome. The ladies in the wedding were in elegant dresses, and it was indeed a special moment in BAGMA history when Wilma Bright married Myron Morrison at the BAGMA Spring Convention. Howard and I loved being there. We saw so many of our friends, and we never take for granted your support of our travels when you come by our product table and stock up on Gaither DVD’s and CD’s. Most of all, thank you for your friendship.

I just returned from GMA Week in Nashville. The Southern Gospel Music Guild staged the Annual Harmony Honors during the event. As a co-founder of the SGMG, I was proud of the representation of Southern Gospel at a convention that is predominantly contemporary and praise music. Artists performing at the Harmony Honors were Brian Free & Assurance, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Crabb Family, Isaacs, Austin’s Bridge, Tribute Quartet, Three Bridges, Mike & Kelly Bowling, Gordon Mote, Lillie Knauls, Karen Peck & New River.

A first for the Harmony Honors was giving special recognition to songwriters. I sat with Rick Shelton, Daywind Publishers, and was especially thrilled for the “Honor Award” given to Diane Wilkinson, writer of “Strike Up The Band” and other Southern Gospel hits. Some of the finest acceptance remarks were made by Lari Goss who was honored for his contribution to the use of Southern Gospel music by church choirs. Mike Speck and Gerald Wolfe echoed his sentiments with remarks of appreciation for the local church. One of my Gaither Homecoming Friends, Lillie Knauls, was both an honoree and a performer. Many of the participants were part of the Homecoming videos. Appropriately, Bill Gaither and Mark Lowry received “Honors.”

GMA Week closed with the Dove Awards, and the Doves for Southern Gospel Album and Southern Gospel Song—Get Away Jordan—were given to Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. Mark Lowry won his first Dove for Inspirational Album—I Love To Tell The Story. Performing at the Dove Awards for Southern Gospel were the Hoppers, Ricky Skaggs, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Isaacs, Karen Peck & New River.

To all my BAGMA friends, let’s just keep on praying for and supporting Southern Gospel Music. It reaches the lost and encourages the saints. We are not alone. God is blessing!

Howard and I just received the first shipment of the new Gaither DVD--“ROCK OF AGES”. What a nice Mother’s Day gift for someone you love…Write or e-mail me and I will send it for you—with your personal message to the recipient, WE WILL PAY THE POSTAGE. Send your check for $20 to: Lou Hildreth P. O. Box 271106 Houston TX 77277 gosplvideo@aol.com www.louhildreth.com

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The Humble Hands Qt. is looking for a male vocalist in our area (Tyler or Longview) who can hear and sing parts. If you have any leads please have them call us at 993.805.2309, Paul Petty.
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Just For Him is still looking for a alto/tenor (FEMALE) singer. Contact Vicki Potter 281.353.8006.

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 I would like to say “thank you” to everyone who helped make the Spring Convention a great success again this year. You all did a wonderful job!!!

Pat Hutchings
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“Thanks” isn’t a big enough word to express our appreciation to everyone who assisted us in our wedding. What an awesome experience of friends working together to create such a beautiful service. God is so good! We love y’all!!!

Myron & Wilma Morrison

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Mary Alford (not healing well)
Richard & Dorothy Barr
Carry Bass
Tom Bright
Beverly DeSpain
Mildred Deal (Leukemia)
Dorothy Dean
Jim Dial (heart)
Tina Epler
Ray Friend (Cancer)
Kitty Gay (Cancer)
Patty Goodnight’s sister
J W & Dorothy Harper
Kathy Hensley
Raymond Hess
John Higginbotham (stroke)
Howard Hildreth (Cancer)
Debbie Holyfield
Jane Huber
Sharon Johnson (Lupus)
John & Debby Kjoniksen
Lenora Linduff
Patrick Little
Dustin Martin (17 yr old Cancer)
Micah Moffit
Bev Morris’ Mother
Helen Norton
Helen Pate (stroke)
Mitzi Seraphin (Cancer)
Robin Sopchak
Susie Sunday
EaraLee Ward (tumor on eye)
Ellis Weeks
Jerusalem
Our Country & World Leaders
and ALL our Service Men & Women

Condolences
Remember the Kirtley family in the Homegoing of Jackie on March 5th.

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Attention: Send all TRUMPET articles, itineraries and notes to
E-mail: BAGMA1@Juno.com
REPLYING to the email sent from bagmaweb@bagma.org delays the messages.
BAGMA Phone 713.641.5529
BAGMA Fax 713.641.6944
PUBLICITY Fax:
Lois Weeks – 281.457.3199
E-mail: llweeks4757@sbcglobal.net
Webmaster Kathy Hensley
bagmaweb@bagma.org

www.bagma.org

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Albert Bennett
Kenneth Courtney
Crossing Jordan
Driven
Steven Franco
Master’s Lighthouse
Of One Accord
The Revived
Harold Simmons

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BAGMA
www.bagma.org
Faithful II
www.faithful2.org
Pat Hutchings www.freewebs.com/pat.hutchings
KJIC
www.kjic.org
Gospel Messengers
www.thegospelmessengers.com
Harris Family
www.harrisfamilymusic.com
Humble Hands
www.humblehands.net
The Jeters
www.asheepspeaks.org
Jerry Jones
www.nftmt.com
Just For Him
www.justforhim.net
Myron Lewis
www.healingwatersfellowship.org
Dennis Rehders
www.sonriseministriestx.com
Texas Po Boys
www.texaspoboys.com
Voices of Praise
www.voicesofpraiseministries.com
Gospel Express
www.gospelexpress.org
Finley Duke
www.cowboy-up.net
Closer Walk
www.closerwalktrio.com
Breakaway Quartet
www.breakawayqt.com
The Bethels
www.thebethels.com
Karl Kolmetz
www.kolmetz.com
Aver Harreld
www.averharreld.com

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STEVE HACKETT
SCHOOL OF MUSIC

June 23 – 27, 2008, Steve Hackett will have a Music School in West Houston. It will be held on the campus of Faith West Campus 2225 Porter Road, Katy, TX. Teachers will include Bruce and Connie Northam. 936.825.1515 is the number to call for reservations or more information. Or email: songs@hackettmusic.org. After work sessions and a concert each evening. Deadline for registration is May 1, 2008.

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From the Vice Presidents Pen:

Well, well, well, another year and another Spring Convention has come and gone. My, my what a time we had. I believe with all my heart that this was one of the best Spring Conventions that BAGMA has ever held. The spirit of the LORD was very real both days. Many thanks to all for making it a success through a lot of planning and hard work. Thanks to all of the singers and musicians for participating. Thanks to the singing ministry of The First Baptist Church of North Channel for supplying and working the concession stand. The food was great. Also, thanks to Charlie Ruscher, Troy Blair, Ray Walker, Tootsie Dann, Ken Rice and all who worked the sound system. I hope and pray that everyone who came and listened to the singing received a blessing, I know I did. See you all next year unless JESUS comes back before then.

Yours in CHRIST,
Joe Kotal
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Dear BAGMA Officers, Members and Friends,

Thank you for allowing our Singing Ministry to use the concessions at the Spring Convention for one of their fundraisers. Your kindness and generosity is appreciated. We hope that everything went as you had anticipated and that the food served was of high quality and enjoyed by all. We look forward to working closely with you in the near and distant future. We also are looking forward to seeing many of you at the June Showcase on June 7 at our church and then on June 13 for Brian Free and Assurance in concert. As always, at all of our ministry concerts, BAGMA representatives are invited to place an information booth in our foyer Please feel free to contact me at any time if there is any way we can help BAGMA. Thanks again for allowing us to work with you. Keep up the GOD work!

Ken Durham, Pastor,
First Baptist Church of North Channel

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And more thanks…

Every year as the Spring Convention approaches, I start to get a little nervous about the sound booth. It’s always been concern for me that we’d be able to meet the needs of all the ministries on the stage Truth is, I could never really enjoy the Convention for worrying about it. This year was such a blessing for me as there were folks that stepped up and said, “I want to help”. Duane Dann was tremendous help doing all he could to help out. Troy Blair and Charlie Ruscher worked sound while Ken Rice took care of the lights. Tootsie Dann faithfully made sure all the singers and music was checked properly with my wife Donna helping out as needed too. I just simply want to say “Well done and thank you all so much for your hard work and dedication”. It was wonderful!

Keep Looking Up,
Ray Walker

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David & Sally Currey proudly announce the birth of their Great-Grand Daughter, Bailee Irelynn O'Barr on April 3, 2008. She weighed in at 7 lbs.& 9 oz. and 19 1/4 " long. And she is BEAUTIFUL! The happy parents are Brandon & Heather O'Barr of Rowlett, TX. The proud Grandparents are Deborah(Currey) O'Barr of Crockett, CA and Michael O'Barr of Pasadena, TX; And John & Crystal Woodard of Pleasant Hill, TX. Praise God for His Blessed Gifts.

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J C and Nelda Johnson proudly announce the birth of their Great-Grand Son, Trent Alan Doherty on April 2, 2008. He weighed 9 lbs & 0 oz, 21.5” long. And he is handsome. The happy parents are Shawn and Aimee Doherty, big brother Michael Ashton welcomes him and really likes him.

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 I believe -A birth certificate shows that we were born; a death certificate shows that we died; pictures show that we lived!
I believe - That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
I believe - That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I believe - That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I believe - That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I believe - That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I believe - That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I believe - That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I believe - That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I believe - That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I believe - That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I believe - That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I believe - That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you’re down will be the ones to help you get back up.
I believe - That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I believe - That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I believe - That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I believe - That no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief.
I believe - That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I believe - Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I believe - That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I believe - That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.
I believe - That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I believe - That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.
'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.'
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me! Phil 4:13

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