Roy Falls at Norris' gravesite

Roy Falls at Norris' gravesite

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Stranger Than Fiction

Scientists have discovered Adam’s grandmother, whom they named “Lucy” and was a approximately one hundred generations removed. What is stranger than fiction, scientists have never discovered Adam’s mother, who would have been about six thousand years old at about the same time Adam appeared on the scene. I think it is safe to say that Adam’s mother will never surface, in fact, he had no mother. Since he had no mother, who then would have been most likely to teach him to read and write.

The plot deepens in mystery. Since the origin of language is not known outside of biblical history, how was it that Adam had no need of a tutor. The strangest mystery of all is how is it we know so much about Lucy, but so little about Adam’s predecessors? The creation story is all about faith and “though I have all knowledge“, without faith it profiteth me nothing. Faith, hope and charity but the greatest of all is charity, without which, no man can see God.

(J. Frank Norris would have opposed any form of the Darwinian evolution).


Roy Falls
December 13, 2012

Friday, December 7, 2012



When 'Parson Johnson' ... from Mississippi ... came to visit the First Baptist Church of FW, he would sing this hymn ... in such a way that it was like a charge of electricity over the whole audience. The rendition by Tennesse Ernie Ford is marvelous but nothing compared to the voice of "Parson Johnson'. ~ Roy Falls

Deep Dark Secret

The deep dark secret the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra would like to forget in their 100th anniversary celebration was the fact that J. Frank Norris and Brooks Morris (Orchestra founder) were best of friends for 28 years ..... Quote Morris: "Dr. Norris was the most honorable man of my acquaintance .... What is most pathetic is that Brooks Morris' name was not even mentioned in the recent Star Telegram write-up ... the Star Telegram did not even give credit to Morris, who not only founded the orchestra, but also directed it for about 30 years ... (WHAT SHADY REPORTING)

Roy Falls

Friday, November 16, 2012

Words of Wisdom - November 2, 2012

From the Archives of the Texas Methodist History

Meeting in Dallas, Texas in February, 1920, Methodists were participating in a large Interchurch World Movement with an agenda of promoting Women's Suffrage, anti-lynching laws and support of enforcing prohibition laws. 

Among the leaders were none other than J. Frank Norris, serving on the platform committee.  In hindsight, it would seem improbable that J. Frank Norris would have been a participate of this Interchurch World Movement.  It does however, put to rest that J. Frank Norris was an obstructionist as alleged ... when worthy causes are at stake. 

This article, appearing in the Methodist archives, noted that the Interchurch World Movement met its demise when northern Baptists and Presbyterians pulled out of the Movement. 

Just another example of under-reporting in the legacy of J. Frank Norris, who, by the way, was not the inventor of dissent.

Roy Falls
November 16, 2012

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Back To Nauvoo?

WHY MITT ROMNEY LOST THE ELECTION!

He failed to muster an overwhelming part of evangelical voters.  Traditional evangelical beliefs run counter to Mormon theology.  Evangelical theology is rooted and grounded in Judeo/Christian understanding and not from what happened at Nauvoo. 

Roy Falls
November 7, 2012

In Defense of Israel

The J. Frank Norris Historical Society and it's founder, has always been, and still is, pro-Israel according to traditional biblical belief. 

Below is an 'Invitation Letter' and a 'Thank You Note' from the Fort Worth Chapter Hadassah.  My father, Roy Falls, spoke to this prestigious group in 1972 at the Bethel Jewish Temple in Fort Worth, Texas. 

Gail Hawkins
November 7, 2012

(click letter to enlarge)
April 23, 1972
 
 
Roy E. Falls
Pastor, Faith Baptist Church
Euless

Dear Pastor Falls,

As President of the Fort Worth Chatper of Hadassah, a Jewish Woman's organization which supports hospitals and other humanitarian efforts in Israel, I am taking the liberty of writing to you.

Since Sunday, February 6th of this year, I have been saving the printed letter which you sent to the Fort Worth Star Telegram about your recent visit to Israel.  It was so sincere and understanding that I can not resist asking if you would possibly have the time available on May 16th at twelve noon to come and speak to our members at a luncheon Hadassah is having. 

This would indeed be a great honor for us.

Most Sincerely,

Mrs. Steve Deifik
(click letter to enlarge)

May 16, 1972


Dear Rev. Falls,

Words can not express how much the Fort Worth Chapter of Hadassah enjoyed and appreciated your heart warming talk today.

As for myself, I am deeply grateful to both you and your wife.

If there is ever any way that I can reciprocate, please don't hesitate.

Most sincerely,


Mrs. Steve Deifik
(Hortense Deifik)

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

1,890 Total Pageviews for October 2012 ... (top 10 countries only)

(Click photo to enlarge)

PAGEVIEW ENTRY

Malaysia - 1411
United States - 427
Russia - 21
Latvia - 10
France - 5
Ukraine - 5
Canada - 3
Germany - 3
Poland - 3
Iraq - 2
____________
TOTAL PAGEVIEWS October 2012:  1,890

Two Scholarly Accounts of Two Great Issues:



TWO SCHOLARLY ACCOUNTS OF TWO GREAT ISSUES:
1. The Creation Story
2. Did The Jews Write The Protocols

I hold in my hand two classic books every bible believing Christian should read. George L. Norris was the youngest son of the legendary J. Frank Norris (1877-1952).

A brief summary of this book centers around the cataclysmic events in past ages which runs counter to the theory of gradualism, the cornerstone of evolutionary theory. George Norris was not only a gifted theologian, but was also blessed with a keen analytical mind.

George L. Norris left this life at age 57. His legacy is a phenomenal story in its own right. More about his life story in found in the archives of the Arlington Baptist College of Arlington, Texas.

I have often mentioned how his father could make the gospel story so simple, that even a six year child could understand. George, the son, could take the same simple story and present it in such a way that the most scholarly among us would have to take note. Also, I hold a copy of an account of the protocols of Zion, written by J. Frank Norris, who was one of the first to promote the idea of the establishment of a homeland for the Jewish people. You will not know the story of J. Frank Norris until you read this book. Below I have listed the Norris books and the price. Please places orders to:

Comanche Chapel
3505 Cherokee Trail
Granbury, Tx. 76048


Creation Cataclysm and Consummation                                 $20
Did the Jews Write The Protocols                                             5
A Biography of J. Frank Norris ~ by Roy Falls                          20
Lectures On Daniel by J. Frank Norris                                     10
Lectures On Romans by J. Frank Norris                                  10
Lectures On Isaiah by J. Frank Norris                                     10
                                                                                           ___
                                                                                          $75
Order all six books in one package for - $65 - (includes shipping)

Friday, October 26, 2012

J. Frank Norris Historical Society: Origin of Language

J. Frank Norris Historical Society: Origin of Language: CLICK TO ENLARGE The most highly educated evolutionist cannot deny the fact that the origin of language began with Adam and Eve. They wou...

Friday, October 12, 2012

Origin of Language

CLICK TO ENLARGE
The most highly educated evolutionist cannot deny the fact that the origin of language began with Adam and Eve. They would just not be able to come up with any explanation ... and any argument they put up would sound like gobbledygook! ~ Roy Falls

Friday, September 21, 2012

Darwinism Apology



“Whether God made man instantly out of mud 4004 years before Christ or chose a process requiring millions of years does not make a whit of difference to me.”

This is a quote from one of the most revered icons of Southern Baptist history. By an overwhelming number, of regular Baptists as well as every Christian denomination does not believe in this theistic evolutionary process of the origin of man.

This same revered leader accused J. Frank Norris of “causing his people to shutter at the thought of their ancestors descending from an ape.”

I would like to remind all who view this video that the ministry of J. Frank Norris has remained a source of interest simply because of his willingness to risk his reputation as a result of his defense of the faith.

Friends, the line of demarcation has been drawn in the sand many years ago. It is not my intention to engage any discussion of creationism. I leave that to the internet, where you will find an abundance of discussion on this subject both pro and con. I do, however, make an affirmative defense of the divinity of Christ, his birth, life and finished work on the Cross, which has no part or parcel with a purely theistic evolutionary concept. Christ did not die to save a cockroach or a chimpanzee, neither of which possesses a soul which is the avenue of approach of a reconciliation to a sovereign God. The soul that sinneth shall die, according to sacred scripture and that fateful event is the reason why we fear death and are apprehensive of the hereafter. The animal kingdom has no thought of the hereafter.

The warfare is spiritual. Always has been and always will be. The most important of all time is not where we came from, but the question is where am I going. Only Revelation can answer the question. This is what should make us shutter.

Roy Falls September 22, 2012

Friday, September 14, 2012

A Tribute to Martha Norris

(click photo to enlarge)

The Crusades

If you research the "Crusades" of the Middle Ages, you will begin to understand the present day "middle east" crisis.
~ Roy Falls

Friday, August 31, 2012

The J Frank Norris / BROOKS MORRIS Connection




(photo used with permission by Vickie Bryant, Historian, Arlington Baptist College) - Click to enlarge.


This year, 2012, is the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra of Fort Worth, Texas. Some may ask, what does all of this have to do with the J. Frank Norris Historical Society. But wait until you hear about the career of Mr. Brooks Morris, who was among the early pioneers in establishing this now renowned orchestra. Mr. Morris was the concertmaster in 1912.

The advent of World War I brought about a temporary demise of the orchestra until its reorganization in the year of 1924. The vision and commitment of Brooks Morris is credited as the driving force behind the re-founding of the orchestra in 1924. The Brooks Morris Society is largely responsible for the great strides of the orchestra development into its now acclaim of international recognition in the realm of classical performances. In 1924, the newly re-founded orchestra was attracting thousands to its concerts. The First Baptist church of Fort Worth happened to be the only place large enough to accommodate the crowds. It was a casual meeting of J. Frank Norris and Brooks Morris where the two met for the first time. Dr. Norris was so impressed by what he had heard and seen that he promptly offered to Mr. Morris the position of choir director at the First Baptist Church. J. Frank Norris himself, being a man of vision in his own right, recognized the professionalism of Brooks Morris. Ironically, it must have been the professionalism of both men which accounts for the fact of the bonding together of two men with opposite personalities.

Thus began a 28 year tenure of close association in which Mr. Morris expressed to me, “There was never a cross word between us.” In an interview in 1974, Mr. Morris stated to me, “J. Frank Norris was the most honorable man of my acquaintance.” Sunday after Sunday, this esteemed violinist thrilled the audiences of the First Baptist Church with his melodious rendition of the classical hymns. His participation as choir director, his performances and very presence had to be an integral part of what accounts for a lasting legacy of the ministry of J. Frank Norris.

I say all of this for posterity sake, for it bodes well as credible evidence to the character and integrity of a man so often maligned. J. Frank Norris could not have been guilty of all the fallacious rumors perpetuated through the years and even 60 years after his death. If for no other reason, the legacy of J. Frank Norris and Brooks Morris are inexplicably linked together.

The legacy of Brooks Morris is the prestigious Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in this year of 2012.

The legacy of J. Frank Norris is reflected in the world-wide interest expressed by his many admirers as well as the continuation of the seminary he founded in 1939, now the Arlington Baptist College of Arlington, Texas.

You can learn more about Arlington Baptist College by contacting Mrs. Vickie Bryant, historian of the college.


Roy Falls, Founder
The J Frank Norris Historical  Society
August 31, 2012

Baptismal Regeneration is Not Biblical

Baptismal Regeneration has no biblical foundation as a part of God's redemptive plan.  The bible is a book of symbolic notations as well as a substantive account of an eternal message which is applicable for all ages and climes.  That eternal message is rooted in just two words:  MERCY and GRACE, which best describes the heart of God.

Noah found GRACE in the eyes of the Lord ... by FAITH.  Abraham by FAITH believed and it was accounted unto Him for righteousness.  Hebrews chapter 11, there all died in faith.  If you add to the bible and give symbolic notations as substantive truth, then you dilute the message.

There is no power to transform a life by use of symbols ...... only mercy and grace freely given to all who believe.

There is NOT a hymn we sing which diverts from the eternal message of grace and truth.



The words of the old hymn 'JESUS PAID IT ALL' :

♪ ♫ ♪ ♪
 Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe,
Sin hath left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

_______


Now, an example of SATIRE:

♪ ♫ ♪ ♪
Jesus paid it ALL (not quite)

All to Him I owe (give credit also to the man who baptized you)

Sin hath left a crimson stain,

HE (and your preacher) washed it white as snow.

(if you've been baptized)





Roy Falls
The J Frank Norris Historical Society
August 31, 2012

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Brooks Morris

Click photo to enlarge

BROOKS MORRIS ... head of Music Dept. at First Baptist Church of Fort Worth, Tx., under the ministry of  Dr. J. Frank Norris ... was also founder and director of The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra! 

Nice story coming SOON.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Thursday, July 26, 2012

And Jesus said: "RISE, LET US BE GOING"

We are in the "going" business.

Now here is the thing that presses hard on my soul right now.  I want the attention of those who are thinking of giving their lives to religious work.

In the first place we have got to have a revolution in our own life.

In your life you have probably been working.  You had to punch the clock.  You had that superintendent down there to make out your program.  Now you haven't had anybody to tell you what to do.

I have noticed a lot of young preachers.  They will come in and say, "I met a fellow over yonder and led him to Christ .... or down on the street .... or in the beer garden."

Now the devil has got him.  He runs around and asks people, "Are you a Christian:" ... and then comes back and reports how many people have been saved.  The devil has had him and he is just running loose, and you hear a lot about his soul winning, but you never see the string of fish ... not that we should not win souls, but when you just go out here and ask a fellow you meet on the streetcar some questions .... and that is the last anybody ever hears about it, I wouldn't give a snap of my finger for ten thousand such results.

You say, "Well, isn't that fellow worth saving?" 

Sure.

Now, let me say this.  The devil invented this word "Contact."  He wants you to be contented with "contacts."  I wouldn't give a dime a car load for "contacts."  Imagine one of the deacons at the First Baptist Church of Jerusalem in New Testament times coming in and saying, "I made a contact down yonder with an Ethiopian."

No, he got out of his chariot and got down on his knees and was saved, and then he put him under the water.  That is what he did.

Imagine Paul and Silas when they get back to Philippi saying, "I made so many contacts today."  No, he put that one under the water.

And the next morning after he got out of jail imagine Paul saying, "Silas, put down that we made contact with a jailor last night."

Imagine Jesus saying he "made contact" with Nicodemus last night.

Can you imagine the next day Jesus coming in and saying "I made contact with the Woman of Samaria."

Let's go to Gethsemane, and then go through Gethsemane, and then "Rise and be going," and lead souls to Christ and lead them to church.

~ J. Frank Norris

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

How I Handle Hostile Crowds (#2)

"WE CANNOT GUARANTEE YOU ANY PROTECTION.  THE MOB SPIRIT IS BEYOND OUR CONTROL."

That's what the sheriff the Chief of Police of Waco and McClendon County told me in my room in the Raleigh Hotel in October 1923.  I had rented the city auditorium, paid for it myself, and it's still paid ....no collection (OFFERING) was taken ... and I went to Waco to deliver an address on evolution, and announced that I was going to "hang the apes and monkeys on the faculty of Baylor University."  The evolution fight was red hot among Texas Baptists.  I just thought it would be a quiet, peaceful, harmless address.

When I got to Waco I found the President of the University had called a mass meeting of everybody in town, including all the hoodlums, boot blacks.  They went out with bells, and tin cans and packed the Chapel, while they "hung Norris in effigy."

The University adjourned all classes and it was like onE of Hitler's meetings at Nuremburg.

A bunch of students is not an easy thing to handle.  They are like cattle, they are very easy to stampede.  They came early and took possission of the auditorium, even before sundown.  The excitement was running high.

The Sheriff and Chief of Police came over to my hotel and said, "We cannot guarantee you any protection ... the mob spirit is beyond our control."

I repliedk "Gentlemen, I have not asked you for any protection."

I remembered some 20 years or more before when the Brann riot was on in Waco several years ago and it centered around the University, four or five men were killed and there were 23 widows and orphans.  I confess it looked a little squally after what the Sheriff and Chief of Police told me.

~ Roy Falls

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Where The Law Ends, Grace Begins

The law ended with the sealing.  Grace began with Him raised.

The law says, "The soul that sinneth it shall die."  The law says, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

The law says, "The wages of sin is death."

The law says, "Ye are dead in trespasses and sins."

But grace says, "The gift of God is eternal life."  The law says, I am doomed, damned, helpless and cannot save myself.  The law tells me my condition, and then grace comes; and though I was conceived in sin and brought forth in inquity and my sins as multitudinous as the sands in the seashore ... yet, "Where sin abounds, grace does much more abound."  Therefore, the law ends in my death, and grace begins with my eternal life.  The law writes the epitaph out yonder on the grave stone.  "It is appointed unto man once to die." ... no way in the world to avoid that law.

But grace says, "In the morning of the Resurrection the dead in Christ shall rise first."

The law ends in the tomb, "If in this life only we have hope, we are of all men most miserable" ... "But now is Christ become the firstfruits of them that slept."

~ J. Frank Norris

40,000 Attend Detroit Revival

Click to enlarge

Photo from Roy Falls' personal collection

Coming Home From World Tour

Click photo to enlarge

J. Frank Norris, wife and three sons.

Photo from Roy Falls' personal collection.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

John Birch ... My Brother's Buddy

Click photo to englarge

After college, John Birch came to Fort Worth and attended the seminary at First Baptist Church of Ft. Worth. Visitation was his passion.  My brother Lloyd Falls and John Birch were buddies ... together they knocked on doors all over Fort Worth.

Under the auspices of J. Frank Norris, John Birch was sent as a Baptist missionary to China...and ultimately was shot execution style by the Communist party.

See JUNE 3, 2011 post for complete story.
Roy Falls

"Mother Sweet" ... 50 Year Service

"Mother Sweet" ... as she was affectionately called, became a missionary to China through the support of the First Baptist Church of Fort Worth, under the ministry of J. Frank Norris.

In the mid 1930’s, “Mother Sweet” severed relationship with her home missions support (up north) due to the encroachment of modernism that was infiltrating the churches during this period. She then became aware of the ministry of J. Frank Norris from whom she received support, joining forces with two young missionaries, who joined her in the mid 1940’s.

See JANUARY 5, 2011 post for complete story.
Click photo to enlarge.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Roy singing "LET THE LOWER LIGHTS BE BURNING" and "JESUS SAVES"

Roy singing LET THE LOWER LIGHTS BE BURNING" (in memory of the father of Mike Schepsis, author of latest book on J. Frank Norris) .... and ..... "JESUS SAVES" (which was the theme song of the radio broadcast The Old Fashioned Revival Hour, which was broadcast out of Los Angeles, which past years recordings are on the internet, pastor Charles E. Fuller - his peak years were the 1940s)

Friday, June 15, 2012

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Our Blog Audience ... (83 countries thru the end of May 2012)

From time to time we will post our audience listeners:

United States (Beginning August 2010)
Russia
Canada
Croatia
Philippines
South Korea
Hungary
Burkina Faso
Iran (new in February 2011)
Brazil (new in February 2011)
Guatemala (new in February 2011)
Singapore (new in February 2011)
Uruguay (new in February 2011)
Germany (new in March 2011)
United Kingdom (new in March 2011)
Thailand (new in April 2011)
Belarus (new in April 2011)
Denmark (new in April 2011)
Saudi Arabia (new in April 2011)
Spain (new in April 2011)
India (new in April 2011)
Australia (new in April 2011)
Uzbekistan (new in April 2011)
Netherlands (new in April 2011
Egypt (new in April 2011)
Latvia (new in May 2011)
Ukraine (new in May 2011)
Czech Republic (new in May 2011)
Bermuda (new in May 2011)
Portugal (new in May 2011)
China (new in May 2011)
France (new in June 2011)
Liberia (new in June 2011)
Romania (new in June 2011)
Kenya (new in June 2011)
United England (new in June 2011)
Taiwan (new in June 2011)
Nigeria (new in June 2011)
Ireland (new in July 2011)
Japan (new in July 2011)
Mexico (new in July 2011)
Costa Rica (new in August 2011)
Pakistan (new in August 2011)
Hong Kong (new in August 2011)
Malaysia (new in August 2011)
Zambia (new in August 2011)
South Africa (new in August 2011)
Israel (new in September 2011)
Sweden (new in September 2011)
Indonesia (new in September 2011)
Vietnam (new in September 2011)
Fiji (new in September 2011)
Serbia (new in September 2011)
Honduras (new in September 2011)
Finland (new in October 2011)
Greece (new in October 2011)
Belize (new in November 2011)
New Zealand (new in November 2011)
Venezuela (new in December 2011)
Lithuania (new in December 2011)
Moldova (new in December 2011)
Italy (new in December 2011)
Bulgaria (new in December 2011)
Palestian Territories (new in December 2011)
Dominican Republic (new in December 2011)
Georgia (new in December 2011)
El Salvador (new in January 2012)
Cyprus (new in January 2012)
U.S. Virgin Islands (new in January 2012)
Poland (new in January 2012)
Argentina (new in January 2012)
Colombia (new in February 2012)
Ecuador (new in February 2012)
Turkey (new in February 2012)

Lebanon (new in March 2012)

Slovakia (new in April 2012)
Kuwait (new in April 2012)
Cambodia (new in April 2012)
Switzerland (new in April 2012)

Norway (new in April 2012)


United Arab Emirates (new in May 2012)
Iraq (new in May 2012)
Namibia (new in May 2012)
Bangladesh (new in June 2012)

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Roy Falls' Upcoming Monthly Book Review for May 2012

As a participant in the Hood County Library book review program, Roy Falls will give an oral review of  "The Decline and Fall Of The Roman Empire" by Edward Gibbons.

This review will take place at the Hood County Library in Granbury, Texas, on the last Friday of May, 2012.  Please check with library for exact time.

I Will Continue On ... Until The Truth Be Known - (#28)

We have added #28 (below) to our original post from February 14, 2012 (I Will Continue On ... Until The Truth Be Known).

People who gag at a gnat, by drudging up the past of the Norris saga, will do themselves well if they take a glimpse of the past 2,000 years of religious history. Truly an epic time in human history that would reveal a most horrendous series of tragic events.

Roy Falls

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

A Short Clip Of The History of Dr. Norris by Dr. Sam Vallini

Dr. Norris' ministry produced approximately 3,000 soul-winning bible believing pastors. Dr. Norris baptized approximately 40,000 people during a 15 year period.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Norris said "LET ME EMPHASIZE IT"

Go to the average church ..... I say this kindly ..... what do we find?  They are discussing some modern educational program, or some little social service program.  Yes, all these programs will not tell a mother that she shall see her babe that occupied the empty cradle; all these programs don't tell a man like J. W. Smith, whose funeral I conducted this afternoon, on Saturday night when he lay dying.  I sat on the bedside of that old engineer that had pulled the throttle for thirty years ... he said, "I am happy ... as I think of the hour that is coming."  All the wisdom of the world hasn't anything to give that man ... they can't tell him as he looked down the rail and kept his hand on the throttle that he is going to roll into the Union Station above!  They are just as blind, the religious leaders today, as the wise men of Babylon, when the fingers of God wrote over against the candlestick upon the wall ..... listen, "THEN, CAME IN ALL THE KING'S WISE MEN; BUT THEY COULD NOT READ THE WRITING, NOR MAKE KNOWN TO THE KING THE INTERPRETATION THEREOF."  Then we hear the word of the queen who was awakened and brought into the presence of the king and his drunken lords ...... "THERE IS A MAN IN THY KINGDOM, IN WHOM IS THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLY GODS; AND IN THE DAYS OF THY FATHER LIGHT AND UNDERSTANDING AND WISDOM OF THE GODS, WAS FOUND IN HIM."

~ J. Frank Norris

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Amazing Grace

The “Creme de la creme.”  It is known that classical music raises one’s IQ, inducing a mood of concentration, thus enhancing creativity … and classic hymns stir the spirit and soul. ~ Gail Hawkins

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

A PASTOR'S HEART ~ anonymous

One day the load was especially heavy and the burdens were many. I had so many appointments that night and to be quite frank, I rebelled a little bit at having to solve the problems of others when I had so many myself. After counseling with many people, it was about midnight. As I started to go home, I had the following thoughts. Please read this poem very carefully.
 
"I have a burden, Pastor, that
I'd like to lay on you."
I listened, tho he never knew
I had a burden too.


I took a tearful look toward mine;
Then his came into view.
'Twas plain to see my burden was
The larger of the two.


I saw his load alongside mine,
And, tho they both were real,
The yoke he bore was made of wood,
And mine was made of steel.


To him I said, "Come unto me;
I'll gladly carry thine";
Then whispered unto selfishness,
"But who will carry mine?"


I softly laid my burden down
To help him his to bear,
While knowing that my heavy load
I'm not allowed to share.


I'll help him with his burden, then
Regain mine after while,
When I will sigh and weep once more,
While now I force a smile.


I felt the CHAINS OF BONDAGE till
A CAPTIVE came to me.
He bade me help him break the bands,
And aid him to be free.


I saw the fetters binding him,
And felt a pity pain.
For his were made of little rope,
And mine of heavy chain.


I laid aside my heavy chains,
So he, my help, could borrow.
I'll help free him of bondage now,
And think of mine tomorrow.


A DOUBTER knocked at study door;
I had an urge to groan,
"Why bring your pebble doubt to me,
When mine is made of stone?"


I smiled at him and listened, while
Believing in my doubt.
I laid it down reluctantly,
And feigned about a happy shout.


I sat ALONE in darkened room,
And felt a shadow's knife.
Another came to share with me
Some darkness in his life.


As I compared my night with his,
His dark possessed a lack.
For his was just an evening shade,
While mine was midnight black.


I slowly laid my nighttime down,
To help him seek for light.
I'll tread my dimming path again,
When I have made his bright.


A TROUBLED SOUL came to my door,
A problem to confide.
I had a problem, too, that day;
'Twas hard for me to hide.


My problem was a mountain steep,
And his was just a hill.
My problem was an ocean wide,
And his a tiny nil.


Yet, 'tis my lot to fill his need,
And put mine on the shelf.
For I must lay my heartache down,
And hide it from myself.


He told me of a broken heart,
While mine was breaking too.
I told him of a mending God
Who maketh all things new.


He told me of his thirsty soul;
I gave him living water.
He said he was a broken vase;
I told him of the Potter.


Another came when I was SICK to say he had the flu.
His fever was a hundred-one,
And mine a hundred-two.


Another came when I was FAINT,
To say that he was weak.
Another came when I was DUMB,
To say he could not speak.


Another WEEPING SEEKER came,
For me, his tears to dry.
I went alone and wiped my eyes,
Then told him not to cry.


Another came when I was TIRED,
To say he needed rest.
I lifted him with weary arms,
And tried to give him zest.


AND NOW, IT'S LATE, and all have gone,
Each one to his abode.
So I must find my problems, and
Regain my heavy load.


Where is the burden I had borne?
I had it while ago!
Where is the problem I must solve?
I left it here, I know!


Where is the darkness I once knew?
I now see only light.
The chains, the tears, the pains, the fears,
Are nowhere now in sight!


I cannot find my broken heart!
Where is my fevered brow?
I have a song! the tears are gone!
I cannot find them now!


My sickness, now, bath turned to health!
And trust replaceth fright!
Assurance covers all my doubts;
My darkness now is light!


I heard a voice from Heaven say
"My child, 'tis always true:
When you take care of others' needs,
I will take care of you." 1

Thursday, April 19, 2012

I Will Continue On ... Until The Truth Be Known - (#27)

We have added #27 (below) to our original post from February 14, 2012 (I Will Continue On ... Until The Truth Be Known).
The J. Frank Norris that I knew never worried,
was not full of anxiety,
never was in a hurry and
never looked for the next thrill. 
Above all, he was not a narcissistic loony.

(Roy Falls)

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

"Mother, I Have A Secret" ... Norris' Own Story

In 1922, when Norris was 45 years old, he spoke of the time when he was baptized, at the age of 13:

“Down in a little Central Texas community, Hubbard City, when under the spreading oaks, I walked down into a clear pool of water, fed by a running stream, on the arm of a Baptist preacher, Rev. Catlett Smith, who is now standing on the border line between heaven and earth, and he took these two hands and folded them across my breast … I was trembling like a leaf, I was scared to death … and he lifted his hand to heaven and said, “Upon a confession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, as your Lord, I baptize you, my brother, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost,” and then laid me beneath the baptismal waters.  When I came up out of the water and stood on the banks, with the water dripping from my clothes, I had the consciousness that I had obeyed my Lord, and as the water dripped off, it was a prophecy of that hour when we will leave the habiliments of the tomb and rise to be like Him in the Resurrection morning.

As my mother and I were driving home in a little one-horse buggy, just she and I jogging along, not a word was said between us until we got nearly home, and I said: “Mother, I have a secret I want to tell you.”  She put her tender arm around me and said:  “Son, I know what it is” … I said, “No, you don’t mother, I have never told a living soul.” ... “Oh,” but she says, “I have known it ever since you were three months old.”  ... It alarmed me.  I said, “But mother, I haven’t told it to a single human soul on earth, and I know you don’t know what it is.”  ... She said, “Tell me, and then I will tell you if I knew it.”  ... I said, “Mother, God has laid His hand on my soul and called me to preach His gospel.”  ... The tears of joy were standing out in her eyes and rolling down her cheeks, and she threw her arms around me and kissed my face and said, “My boy, I have known it ever since you were three months old.”  ... I said, “If you did why didn’t you tell me?” ...  “I wanted you to settle it yourself” she said.  ... “Mother,” I said, “Tell me how you knew it.”  ... She said, “Way back yonder when you were three months old, you went down to death’s door and I despaired of your little life … God brought you back to life, and I took you out one cool clear night on the banks of the old Coosa River in Alabama, and there knelt on the bank and lifted you up and up and up, to God and dedicated you to Him to preach His Gospel, and as clear as I ever knew anything, I had the assurance that God had answered my prayer.”

Listen friends, sometimes when the battles grow hard, and I don’t deny that they grow hard; sometimes when the storm clouds are hanging low; sometimes when the load is heavy; sometimes when the foes have been powerful, I say, “Lord, if you won’t hear me, go back yonder on the banks of the old Coosa River and listen to what mother said.”  Then I feel like taking a new grip on life.”

J. Frank Norris

Monday, April 16, 2012

Why Norris was both a Pessimist and an Optimist

J. Frank Norris, as a biblical fundamentalist, was both a pessimist and an optimist at the same time. He believed there were times when it seemed that our cause was hopeless, and this was a pessimistic side of the equation, but on the other hand, he knew in the final analysis that truth and righteousness will eventually prevail throughout the whole earth. This is optimism in its finest display.


This is an honest opinion of what Roy Falls thought of J Frank Norris.

Roy Falls



P.S. You would have had to know the real J. Frank Norris to have a balanced understanding of his take on issues. This is why modern critics are unable to fathom truth from error.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Roy Falls' 1942 Letter to Brother Lloyd While They Were Both in World War II

CLICK TO ENLARGE
BELOW IS TYPED LETTER FOR EASIER READING

Dear Lloyd,

I received your letter the other day, I didn't answer sooner, because I presumed you would be gone.

The army is quite different, from civilian life, also much harder. There is one thing to remember in particular, that is to get along with all the officers. It's hard to do what they say at all times, but you know as well as I do that we're living in the last days, so we know it won't last long. You'll be taking orders as long as you're here, but it won't be so bad later on. You may not agree with everything they do, but they're in command, so I believe the thing to do is always do the right thing. Of course you'll never be compelled to do anything wrong, so stay on the good side of them.

If I were you I'd try and get out of the infantry. Almost anything would be better. I was telling you about the officer's school. Don't know whether or not you've heard anything about it or not. I suppose you've had different offers to get into, the only thing I know to do is to please yourself, for after all it's all about the same, the sooner I get out, the better I'll like it. You are good in math, therefore take advantage of any opportunity, because we're here till it's over with. I don't know how you feel, but I don't think we'll ever be back, like it was before. That is why I'm not thinking of this war or anything in the world so much, but rather to the next (heaven). I know you'll have to go through much criticizing and mocking, I've had the same, but I can feel the Lord's presence now, more than ever before. I can truthfully say I've done the best I can, therefore I'll believe the promise of his presence and grace to the end.

I guess I'll be leaving in a few days, but write me when you can. Don't know where. But I'm sure to be in action before very long. I've been raisied to 30 dollars. I don't know of any advice to give you, but if there is anything I could tell you, write me. Look out for yourself, for you know, that the world is cold, and cares not for the next man. But there are plenty boys in the army, who'll be your friend, so long as you're a friend to them. If you need any money let me know, I'm beginning to get ahead, so write me if you need it. I don't spend very much money, only for neccessities. I've taken $10,000 insurance, if you could afford it, it would be a good thing.

How do you like the routine by now? Have you had trouble getting clothes to fit, I did, but they fixed them.

All the rough sargents are bluffs. Hope you'll find all good officers, if you don't, they don't mean a thing anyway. It's not the stripes or bars on their shoulder that counts, but the men wearing them. Hope you can be in California, I might be able to see you before I go off. Write soon.

Love, Roy
Find enclosed some stamps.
February 26, 1942

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

"Does J. Frank Norris Own Property of the First Baptist Church?" ... Article Written by John A. Hope

CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE
CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

(The following is a typed clarification of the above hand-written notes by Roy Falls)


SUMMATION:

Dr. Norris had drawn no salary for years.
          The church could not pay the mortgage on property across the street.
          The company was in the process of claiming ALL church property.

He then filed suit for back payment of salary and thus circumvented the mortgage company.  This booklet explains it ALL: I (Roy Falls) was there, but at age 16 did not understand all of the complication.

This incident explains why Dr. Norris had so many devoted followers. 

The relent split between Rice and Dr. Norris was basis of RICE spreading rumors. 
          (1)  Over his penicostal leaning:
                       (a).  I interviewd a Mr. Fuller (now deceased).  He knew all of the facts.

Any castigation (improperly) is an indirect slap at all the great men and women who were a part of First Baptist Church.
          Brooks Morris - Founder of Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
                    (a) Stanch Defender
          Bob Wood Edmondson - High School Texas Book Author
          Charley Brazelton - Vice President of Fort Worth Bank
          (to name a few) .... Reputable people - who were my heros.  I knew them all.


1.  Depression days were tough
2.  For years he received no salary
3.  Devoted friends helped him financially
4.  He died penniless
          (a) I knew his sons well - they had financial struggles


Roy Falls
3505 Cherokee Trail
Granbury, Tx.  76048

Saturday, March 31, 2012

All-time OVERVIEW as of March 31, 2012

Thanks to our many viewers from all around the world, our blog audience continues to grow, which this graph reflects.

(Click to enlarge)

On The Way Up

I'm gettin' old and I figure soon I'll be ... "on the way out".
I'm gettin' happy 'cause I know I'll be .... "on the way up".
~ Gail Hawkins

Thursday, March 29, 2012

A NEW 2nd BLOG ... coming soon!

Our new blog will be dedicated to old hymns of the faith, which will accompany our current blog.  Roy Falls and some of his family will be singing these old hymns ... hundreds ... of which he remembers, in days of old ... many that were sung in the First Baptist Church of Fort Worth,Tx., under the ministry of J. Frank Norris.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Latest Book On J. Frank Norris .... 'THE FASCINATING, CONTROVERSIAL LIFE OF A FORGOTTEN FIGURE OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY'


(CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE)

I've met Mr. Michael E. Schepis, and after having a lengthy face to face meeting with him I can tell you I consider him to be a man of noteworthy credentials, as well as unimpeachable integrity. I have read this LATEST book on J. Frank Norris (that has just now been published) and encourage you to purchase it.  ~ Roy Falls ~ March 24, 2012

Write or call:




WestBow Press
A Division of Thomas Nelson
1663 Liberty Dr.
Bloomington, Indiana 47403
www.westbowpress.com
1-866-928-1240

Approximately $16

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Some of our favorite BILLY SUNDAY quotes

"Let's quit fiddling with religion and do something to bring the world to Christ."

"I owe God everything; I owe the devil nothing except the best fight I can put up."

"I'm again'st sin.  I'll kick it as long as I've got a foot, and I'll fight it as long as I've got a fist.  I'll butt it as long as I've got a head.  I'll bite it as long as I've got a tooth.  And when I'm old and fistless, footless and toothless, I'll gum it till I go home to Glory and it goes home to perdition!"

" I want to preach the gospel so plainly that men can come from the factories and not have to bring along a dictionary."

"Whiskey and beer are all right in their place, but their place is in hell."


"The world is wrong side up. It needs to be turned upside down in order to be right side up."

"One reason sin flourishes is that it is treated like a cream puff instead of a rattlesnake."

"Death-bed repentance is burning the candle of life in the service of the devil, and then blowing the smoke into the face of God."

"Religion needs a baptism of horse sense."

"I tell you that the curse of God Almighty is on the saloon."

Monday, March 12, 2012

Delightful Insights #2 - Original Quotes

With each decade that passes, society habitually fosters a festering “spiritual death”… or total depravity.  ~  Gail Hawkins
The problem of most religious leaders is that they see issues through the prism of their denomination.  Thank God for free speech.  ~  Roy Falls

Saturday, March 10, 2012

CHURCH MUSIC Of Today ... One Big Compromise!


The church music today (for the most part) is a far cry from what it was like in the 50's (the so-called "age of innocence"). The majority of church music today is love-making music, which appeals to the flesh, not the heart. It's mostly and basically secular music with a drum beat with few but repetitive gospel words. Think of it this way, would Jesus be swaying and hip jiving? I don't think so .......... I know 100s and 100s of old hymns and I dare say there is not one old hymn book that has one song that leaves you scratching your head wondering if Jesus would approve.    

Preachers, it's you who should "set the tone" ... do NOT compromise by letting your music directors "go with the flow", or mimic something seen on TV ... it's "feel good" music. The old hymns, on the other hand, give a REAL message ... so many of them are sermons, leaving one desiring God more, fearing God more ... and a desire to win lost souls to Christ ... a certain style of music that leaves one more humbled and with tears.

My father says he believes J. Frank Norris would have echoed every word I just said. ~ Gail Hawkins

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Our Blog Audience ... (74 countries through the end of February 2012)

From time to time we will post our audience listeners:

United States (Beginning August 2010)
Russia
Canada
Croatia
Philippines
South Korea
Hungary
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Slovakia (new in April 2012)
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Norway (new in April 2012)

United Arab Emirates (new in May 2012)
Iraq (new in May 2012)
Namibia (new in May 2012)

Delightful Insights #1 - Original Quotes by Roy Falls

The highway to heaven must avoid all detours.


Self-abasement is one step upward,
self aggrandizement is one step backward.


If your advice is for sale, it is not worth much.
(Salvation is free)


God invented free speech, handle it wisely ...
Satan's misuse led to his fall.


Gaiety is not the gateway to heaven.


Joy comes in the morning after victory,
over a nighttime of turmoil.


Gaiety is no substitute for joy.


A day which ends with a family altar,
is followed with a night of tranquility.


A day that ends with a night of listening to late-night gaiety,
gives birth to nightmares.


Roy Falls
March 7, 2012

"The First Waco Horror" Book Review

CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE

This photo recently appeared in the Hood County News of Granbury, Texas. I was a recent participant in the Book Review program. Every Baptist should read this book, "The First Waco Horror." It can be ordered from the Texas A&M Press, College Station, Texas.

Roy Falls
March 7, 2012

Monday, February 27, 2012

A MOST NOTEWORTHY EVENT ... If you fail to pick up on what the vast crowds saw, week after week, then your perception is flawed.


(Part 1 of 2)


(Part 1 of 2)

Acts 2:46“And they went from house to house with singleness of heart.”

This was the beginning of the New Testament Church in Jerusalem. This story is worth telling over and over. Buried beneath all of the peripheral sensational episodes of the J. Frank Norris ministry, the real story of this man, whose life was filled with both pathos and victory, has never adequately been told. It’s a story that has never been told in detail, but a glimpse of the early Jerusalem Church gives insight into what characterized the uniqueness of this phenomenal church.

While not attempting to equate the ministry of J. Frank Norris on the same level of the early church, you can be assured that Norris attempted, and to a great measure, he did pattern his ministry on the same principal, as did all of his associates after Norris had left the scene.

To tell the story in as brief a recall as possible, the ministry of J. Frank Norris as told by close associates, was the phenomenon of a “perennial revival atmosphere.”

When the rule which governs the contextual content runs its course, perhaps a hundred years or so, researchers will find the vast parishioners over a period of 40 years were transfixed with what they witnessed Sunday after Sunday.

And of the sensational skirmishes in which Norris was involved were only a glitch in the mind of most people. Most of them did not even realize they were a part of an Independent Fundamental Baptist Church. The controversies which surrounded their pastor, were not given a scintilla moment of thought. But yet, 60 years after his death, the legacy of a “gun totin’” parson arouses more interest, than the rescue of a soul in despair. Thanks to published sermons which remain, the unbiased observer will discover the heart and soul of most of his sermons, was to set the captive free.

I had the privilege of spending time with the middle son of J. Frank Norris. No one can know the heart-throb of a dad like only a son could relate. Is it any wonder that the spirit of a broken man would carry such an impact on others?

It has been said that J. Frank Norris should be no example for younger preachers to follow. Is it any wonder that the days of perennial revival has ceased? The end result, perdition, is sure to follow.

Roy Falls
February 23, 2012

Thursday, February 23, 2012

How A Riot Was Turned Into A Revival

It was in the exciting days of the "sit-down" strikes.

At Flint, Michigan, Dr. Norris was scheduled to speak in the huge municipal auditorium and the 10,000-capacity auditorium was packed to standing room and people standing on the outside.

The Chief of Police called him up at Detroit fifty miles away and said: "I cannot guarantee protection.  I hope you will call off the meeting.  It will produce a riot."  Governor Frank Murphy, then governor of Michigan, also pled with Dr. Norris not to go to Flint.

Dr. Norris told the Chief of Police and the governor:

 "It is your business to keep order, and I am going."

No sooner than he started to speak, there were two groups of hecklers (who) tried to break up the meeting.  Dr. Norris stopped and said:

"I want every red-blooded American over twenty-one and under fifty who believes in God, home and native land and free speech, to stand to your feet."

They stood, and then he said:

"Remain standing."

Then he turned and said:

"You low down, white livered, cowardly communists, now try to break up this meeting."   

There was profound silence.  There was a "half hour of silence in heaven," no more disturbance.

At the close of the meeting the ring leader of the hecklers came rushing up to the platform.  A group of Dr. Norris' ushers tried to stop him, but Dr. Norris said:

"Let him come on up here." 

And he took him to one side behind the curtain and this man said: "I want to apologize for leading this disturbance and I want you to pray for me.  I am a wrecked man.  Liquor has got the best of me.  I had a happy home, a wife and children and they are gone." 

Dr. Norris knelt with him and he was gloriously saved.  They drove fifty miles to Detroit and he baptisted him into the church.  This man's family came back and Dr. Norris got him a good job at Ford Motor Company and he is one of the best members of Temple Baptist Church.  

That is the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ!

(This story taken from one of Dr. Norris' sermons)

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

"The all-firedest explosion ever witnessed by any church."

(Excerpt from "A Fascinating Biography of J. Frank Norris)

Recommended by Dr. B. H. Carroll, J. Frank Norris was called as pastor of First Baptist Church, Fort Worth, Texas in September of 1909.

Norris describes his first two years as pastor of the church as peaceful and tranquil; but not being the type to acquiesce with the status quo, he soon initiated programs which disturbed the tranquil atomosphere, and also fulfulled a prophetic statement made by J. T. Pemberton:

"This church is not in condition for his (Norris') type of ministry.  If he comes there will be the all-firedest explosion ever witnessed by any church.  We are at peace with the world, the flesh, and the devil and with one another.  This fellow carries a broad axe and not a pearl handle knife.  I just want to warn you.  But now since you have called him, I am going to stay by him."

Monday, February 20, 2012

Crucifixion Prophesied 1000 Years Before

I will give you something to ask an infidel who says he doesn't believe the Bible.  You say, I want to ask you this question.  And he will tell you, if he is an intelligent man, that crucifixion was not known until the days of Rome's power.  "Then tell me how a thousand years before he was crucified was the identical, literal, minute crucifixion described in the 22nd Psalm?"  That is a thousand years before Jesus was born.  And you will find there some thirty specific prophecies fulfilled of His crucifixion, describing it in detail a thousand years before. 

It is easy to understand when we know that there is a God who knows the end from the beginning.

Remember this.  There were two indictments against Jesus.  One was blasphemy; the other was sedition.  The Jewish court, the Sandedrin did not have the power of life and death.  Only Rome had that power, everywhere that Rome ruled.  So, therefore, they arrested Jesus and brought Him before the Sanhedrin at night; and the charge against him as blasphemy, namely, that He said that he was the Son of God.  The Jews, their Sandedrin, could not put Him to death.  There, they had to bring Him before the governor.  There was no law in Rome against blasphemy.  They didn't care what you believed.  But there was a law, and the strongest law, against sedition.

Therefore, they changed the indictment from blasphemy to sedition.  They came before Pilate; they didn't say anything about this man saying He was the Son of God, but he says he is a king, and we have no king but Caesar.  They hated Caesar.  All at once they become very loyal to Caesar.  They hated Jesus a thousand times more than they hated Caesar.  Therefore, suddenly they became loyal to Caesar.