|
Volume 39 Number 1 Ralls, Crosby County, Texas 79257 $3.00 Per Year January 1971 |
To Hold Meeting At Albuquerque * 5th Sun Meeting At Brownfield * Prayer Requested * A Resolution * We Enjoy It * Good Meeting * Our Trip To Texas * 5th Sun. Meeting At Corsicana * An Experience of Long Ago * Sister Coward * Brother Varnell * Brother Lewis * Brother Bingham * Sister Swettman * Brother Cofer * The Lord Is His People’s Judge * Laborers Together * Moved * What Have I Done To Remember * 5th Sunday At Tucumcari, N.M. * Serving Him As We Are * The Preaching of The Gospel * To Visit Our State * 5th Sun Meeting At Dublin, Calif. * We Need The Lord Today * A Pioneer Mother Is Gone
The little Primitive Baptist Church of Albuquerque will be entertaining the fifth Sunday meeting in January, beginning Friday night the 29th; services all day Saturday and until noon Sunday, January 31, 1971.
Come to the church around five P. M., for a bite to eat before attending the first service. As much as possible, homes will be provided for those in attendance; otherwise, motels are located on Central Avenue not too far away,
The Church is located at 6102 Constitution N. E. Please come; the church solicits your prayers. She wants you to meet Elder John Rodgers and family who will be moving here in January from Gonzales, Texas. He has expressed a desire to meet the New Mexico ministers and others in this area. God willing, he plans to pastor the Church.
The hearts of this little Church were saddened by the death of our beloved Brother Archie Mobley, who passed away Sunday, December 6, 1970. The funeral will be conducted today in the Church.
Please make a special effort to come for the Fifth Sunday meeting. May God richly bless you in your church, your homes, or wherever you are. This was written by the request of the deacons of the church,
You may call any of the following:
Lucy P. Morehead 225-4961
Jerry Ellis 242-4361
Lonnie Wright 282-3149
In Christian Love
Lucy P. Morehead
Please check the expiration date on your paper. If you are expired, we will appreciate you. renewing as soon as possible.
Would you please announce in the Banner that the Friendship Church at Brownfield will host the West Texas Fifth Sunday meeting in January, beginning Friday night and continuing through Sunday morning.
We extend an invitation to the Primitive Baptist and their friends everywhere to come and meet and worship with us.
We are praying that the Lord will bless us with good old time singing preaching and fellowship with us.
Come praying that He will lift us above the troubled days for a little while.
Any one needing information call Everett Burran, phone 637-2125, 404 Tahoka Rd. Brownfield, Texas or J.C. Darsett, Ph. 637-3793 Rt. 5 Box 12 Brownfield, Texas
In Hope of Eternal Life Friendship Church
J. C. Darsett
My Banner of Love has just come and I see I must renew my subscription, for I don’t want to miss a one.
Brother Richards, will you pray for us here in Dallas? We have lost so many of our charter members in our church this winter. When I look over our church and see all the vacant seats, it makes me want to cry. We lost Brother Loyd Kincade this week. Please pray for his wife. She is in bad health.
If you ever come to Dallas, come visit us.
We need your prayers. God bless you.
Mrs. Lena Meyers
The resolutions which I made,
They all were made in vain,
The good intentions I have laid,
I never did attain.
There is a rule to keep in sight,
a rule we all should know,
This simple rule is to do right,
Where ever we may go.
This rule if followed every day,
And always kept in mind,
Will lead us in the narrow way,
A better life to find.
Long resolutions we forget,
Too many we will break,
With only one we will not fret,
or neither will forsake.
The rule of life is just do right,
For every day you live,
One resolution day and night,
Do right is all I give
(Elder) J. A. ROWELL
I have enjoyed your paper for many, many years, and that the last issue was especially good.
Our church in McFarland is small in number, but we enjoy it so much; have good preaching by our pastor, Elder George E. Griffin.
Enclosed is my subscription renewal. Please remember us in your prayers.
With Christian love,
Fannie Miller Hill
2324 Charleston
Bakersfield, Calif.
We had a good meeting this weekend. Brother McCarthy from Okla. City came to preach for us. We all enjoyed it very much. He has a sweet little family.
Love to all the children of God.
Mrs. M. L. Macom
We have returned home from a wonderful stay, and visit in Texas. Have met a lot of our old friends, and hope we’ve made a lot of new ones.
We enjoyed our visits at the churches and also the reunion of Brother Haney’s kin while we were at Cone doing the painting there. We were proud we were able to help there.
We were so impressed seeing and hearing those little children sing at the Singing School there. It made us want to do something to show our appreciation. We hope they can continue good job of teaching them to sing the good old songs we love so dearly.
We hope to go back there again this next year.
When we arrived at home we found my brother, Veto McCarty in the hospital. He had two vertebras removed from his back, then developed pneumonia with a blood clot in his lung. He is slowly improving now, for which we are so thankful.
May God bless and keep you both. Pray for us.
M.A. & Della Hughes
The Lord willing Corsicana Primitive Baptist Church will hold a Fifth Sunday meeting in Jan. 1971, starting on Friday night Jan. 29, 1971. Elder Freddy Boen Jr. has promised to be with us, along with others. We send an invitation to anyone who has a mind to be with us.
Thank you.
Mrs. E. L. Scott
707 St. 29th St.
Coisicana, Texas 75110
We need many more accounts of good meetings In the Banner of Love. How about sitting down right now and writing?
I have in my possession, a letter that I received from my “wife -to-be,” In which she told of the Lord’s dealings with her. Along about this time & prior to this, when my parents were gone off to church, after supper, I would often get The Primitive Paper, then put out by Elder S. F. Cayce, and read every experience of Grace printed in the paper, and rejoiced in them, but I would no more thought of letting my parents know it was any interest to me, than I would have, letting them know I had been in some misdemeanor for they were very strict on us about our behaviour.
As my girl friend, had joined the church, and we were soon to be married, I wanted to know how she felt, about the matter, I reckon, to compare with the other many experiences I had read. So she agreed to write it for me, in 1912.
Through the years it lay in an old trunk of mine, a few years ago I ran across it, and took it out, thinking I would copy it for our children.
Recently I decided I would copy it and send it to “The Banner of Love” although, it don’t seem to be modern or the style, to let anyone know through the papers, of what we consider to be “The Lords” dealings with us. It thought maybe, that there might be some even in this day who might like to read such.
For myself, I prize It more than any other correspondence we had, for it shows her trust and faith in an Almighty God, who is able to fulfill His desires. As any of you that have traveled the road of matrimony for almost 55 years, she has needed all the comfort the Lord has blessed her with, to meet the many trials though all those years.
WK. Britton
The writings of Ellen Hester Britton, 1912.
Dear reader, in my weak way, I will try to tell some of what I hope is the dear Lord’s dealings with me, if I am not mistaken in the whole matter.
I was about eleven years old when I first saw my lost and ruined condition. I was in the room with mother and one of my brothers. Mother was reading the “weather Forecast” in or on calendar, when I thought I heard a voice say, the world was coming to an end, on a certain day.
Those words sounded as plain as if mother had spoken them. It was then, dear reader, for the first time in life, I saw myself, to be such a great sinner. I felt that I was the worst person on earth. My sin rolled up before me like a great mountain, I was miserable. I left the room as soon as possible, and tried to find rest, but there was not any rest for me.
From day to day I would try to pray but all I could do was to beg for mercy. I would try to ask the dear Lord for mercy, but every word seemed to fall to the ground. It seemed if I got justice, I would perish, but I was not wanting justice. I went on this way for sometime. I would try to work, but could not keep my mind on my work, first thing I would know, I would be standing idle and thinking of my lost and ruined condition. My parents’ would speak to me for not working any better, then it was, that it seemed I could not bear my troubles any longer. Of course, I could not blame my parents for speaking to me about not working any better. I knew I ought to do better and would make vows that I would do better, but it was the same thing over and over again.
One thing has bothered me a great deal, is I cannot remember when my burden left me. It seemed like it just gradually wore off and I began to feel like it was my duty to join the church, if I was older and could feel worthy; but how unworthy I did feel, I would go to church with mother and father and see them enjoying themselves. They all looked so good to me. I would think to myself, if I could just feel as good as they looked, I would join the church if they would receive me. When would think of myself, think of one, so vile and sinful and unworthy as I was, offering myself to such good people, I thought it would never do.
I thought if I had something to tell, I would not mind it so bad. I would hear others tell their experience and think if I had an experience like that, I would not mind offering myself to the church whether they received me or not. The more I went to church, the more it seemed my duty to join but still I had nothing to tell, I could not even tell when my burden left me.
I would think I was mistaken, and would try to throw my little hope away.
I pray God; if I was not mistaken, in the whole matter that I have some evidence. I would read the Bible every time I had the opportunity to do so, without anyone knowing it, but it was like a sealed book to me most of the time.
At night when I would lay down, I would beg for mercy. I would ask the dear Lord, if it was His will, to show me in some way whether I was mistaken or not.
I asked Him if it was His Holy will for me to join the church to show me in a vision or dream. After two or three nights I had the most beautiful dream I ever had in my life. I heard a voice which seemed to come from a trumpet, which said “come hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter.”
I looked and saw the prettiest sight I ever saw in my life.
I saw a great white throne, there were angels clothed in white, worshipping a white figure upon the throne. It seemed that they were kneeling at His feet, and singing the sweetest song I ever heard. Every thing was so bright and beautiful, it was the brightest place I ever saw. There were white clouds, which issued forth thunder and lightning, I also heard a voice say ‘The Book of seven seals” I looked and over my bead hung a large book, and on the back was, “Holy Bible and said something about the seals being loosed but I can’t remember the exact words.
The next morning when I awoke, I was the happiest I ever was in my life.
I could have shouted sweet Jesus “praise aloud!” It seemed everything was bowing in reverence to His Holy name. The ‘whole world seemed bright to me, I went about helping my mother and sister with the house work. The work was easy to do. 1 could not wait any longer, as there was not any one in the room with me I picked up the Bible and it opened to place in Revelation. I began to read and it described my dream exactly. It told my dream better than I could have told it myself. Wherever I would turn and read it, it was just as plain to me as it could be. How I did enjoy reading that pure Book.
I thought my troubles were over. I did not think they would bother me any more, but soon I began to fear that I was mistaken, but when I ‘went to church, I still felt it my duty to join, though I still kept putting it off from time to time realizing my unworthiness of such a position.
There was some trouble came up in the old Cornish church, the church divided. So I thought I would ‘wait until the Salem association would recognize us as a church and be recognized by the Baptist in general. I waited for some time, still feeling my unworthiness to be with christian people.
One Saturday in the winter of 1910 or 1911 one of my aunts got me to go home with her to spend the night. When we got to her house, the girls had been invited to a party, they wanted to go so I went with them. (It was one of the swinging dances, with out violin music.”) I took part in some of the swinging plays. While on the way back, the thought came to me, what have I done. I knew I had done wrong even if I did not belong to the church. I desired to live a Christian life and I knew that was no part of a Christian life. Being with nay cousins, I passed It off very well, I did not want them to know anything about my feelings, but told them, that was my last play party to go to. I stood it very well, until the next evening when I went home and my father said something about my going to a play party, then I could not stand it any longer, I could not help bursting into tears. I went to bed with an aching heart and could not go to sleep for thinking of my sinful condition and what a wretched mortal I was. I could not live as I wanted to, I did so many things wrong. I still attended the church regularly and could hardly wait for meeting time to come. The preaching seemed more precious to me every time I went to meeting. It seemed it was direct to me. I began
to think more about joining the church and studying the matter over. I knew I wanted to join the true church or none at all. I did not believe my people were wrong the more I studied about it, the more impressed that my people were right, I saw the church still remained peace and fellowship existed, it seemed that the presence of sweet Jesus was ever in the midst of those dear people of God. On communion time, I would sit and watch the dear saints wash each others feet and think, of how I would enjoy kneeling down at their feet. I felt that if I could only be as their footstool, I would be satisfied. Only If I was permitted to live at their feet, I felt to unworthy for anything else.
After preaching, on 3rd Sunday in Nov. 1911, Bro. J. S. Britton shook hands with me and said: “but I had much rather see you do your duty, I think you ought to don’t you?” I seemed speechless, I could not say one word, but just turned and walked out, without making any answer. How mean I did feel, I was afraid I had hurt his feelings, treating him so coldly. It bothered me so much, I thought I would write him asking his forgiveness, but I was afraid someone would read my letter and find out my condition, which I did not want any one to know.
I did not want to hurt the feelings of any of God’s children.
On account of very cold weather, there was not any meeting the 3rd Sunday in Dec. It seemed I could hardly wait until the 3rd Sun. in Jan.
I went to meeting Saturday, thinking that I would join the church, but when I met those dear people, I felt too unworthy to ask them for a home with them.
But oh! The aching of my heart when I returned home, it was such a burden I felt I could not stand it longer. I decided I would offer myself the next day.
The next morning I felt happier, I could hardly wait until church time, but when I got there, my friends and school mates began gathering in I began to think, I will not offer myself to the church, I felt my school mates knew how sinful I was, and I did not want to bring reproach upon that dear church.
I sat, and listened to the preaching, it was so sweet to me, even better than usual. After preaching, they gave an invitation for the reception of members, while they sang that sweet old song “Amazing Grace” I went and gave Elder T. A. Wood my hand and asked for membership, after which I told them of what I have written here, and was received into that sweet home, I feel too unworthy to occupy.
My baptism was deferred until the 3rd. Sunday in Feb. It seemed so long, but finally came time. My joy when Elder T. A. Wood led me into the water, my tongue nor pen fails to express, the sweet peace and ease of my mind when I came up out of the water, . (I remember very well, as I stood and watched my bride-to-be baptized, was very alone, did not even have the courage to go give her my hand..).
My Burden was gone, my mind was at ease. I felt that I never would have any more doubts and fears. But alas! I soon began to fear and that I had deceived those people.
“Mixtures of joy and sorrow I daily do pass through, sometimes I’m the valley and sinking down with woe, sometime I am exalted on eagle wings I fly - I rise above my troubles and hope to reach the sky.” This dear song expresses my feelings so much. I feel so dependent on an all-wise God who has been so merciful to me. If I could tread the high plain of Christianity I would be so well pleased. This is my desire above every thing else, in this unfriendly world.
I have dreamed of this old world coming to an end, and seeing it on fire and hearing sweet music and heavenly voices and I was rejoicing and shouting praises to my redeemer. If I could only face the end with such joy and have the faith I had in these dreams, I would be satisfied. I could truly say “come death I’ll gladly go with thee”
Ellen Hester
(Mrs. W. K. Britten)
On December 15, 1970 Sister Frances Coward was called home to be with Jesus. Sister Coward had been sick so long and had wanted to go home to her Heavenly Father. Her husband passed away several years ago and they had no children. She was 76 years old.
She was, clerk of Waco Church for 15years taking this office her husband had held so many years. We have never had a more devoted member to the church. Even though she had not been to church in a long time due to ill health we will miss her so very much.
She leaves three sisters and two brothers as well as a host of nieces and nephews to mourn her passing. Elder Evans of Marlin preached her funeral at Waco. A copy of this letter will be put in the Church Books and a copy sent to the Banner of Love and one to her family.
Everyone was so nice to us during the holiday season, especially at the churches where we go. We want to thank each one of you, and may God bless you.
Afton and Opal Richards.
We, the Lone Star Primitive Baptist Church of Jesus Christ humbly bow our unworthy heads to our Heavenly Father, who suffered the death angel to remove from our midst D. M. Varnell, our beloved brother, whom it pleased the church to ordain as Deacon many years ago.
Brother Varnell was a devout member, being active and faithful in all things concerning the Church.
D. M. Varnel1 was born May 25, 1889 and passed this life after a lengthy illness, June 26, 1970, making his stay on earth, 81 years, 1 month, 1 day. He is survived by his wife, Lillie, one daughter, Mrs. J. C. Joiner, three grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Elder Jesse Bass, being a life long friend, was called to say a few words of comfort to loved ones, friends and brethren, while paying their last respects to Brother Vamell and a life well lived.
These few words being written in memory of Brother Varnell, by order of church while in conference.
Elder H. L. Lester, Moderator.
Mrs. J.T. Corley, Sr., Church Clerk.
Bro. Whitford L. Lewis, 53 years old, a former resident of Lincoln County, Mississippi, passed this life 7:30 a. in., November 25, 1970. His death was the results of cancer.
Bro. Whitford united with our church by letter from Mt. Gilead Primitive Baptist Church August 14, 1960. Bro. Whitford had been a member of the Mt. Gilead Primitive Baptist Church since an early age. He was a faithful servant, and he also w as able in prayer. He was loved by all who know him. He was a faithful supporter of the church in a financial way. He will be missed by all.
Bro. Whitford taught in the public school system since 1941, with time out during World War II, having served in the U. S. Army with the rank of Captain. He received a Dr’s Degree in, Animal Husbandry from. Purdue University.
Funeral Service was heldThanksgiving Day, November 26, 1 970, at the Mt. Gilead Primitive Baptist Church. Officiating, Elder Glen Smith, Elder Claude C. Tarver and Elder Jerald Williams. Bro. Whitford was laid to rest in the Church cemetery, there to rest in peace until the Lord shall return to call his body from the tomb to meet him in the air to ever dwell in the presence of his Lord, who he loved and served faithfully.
Bro. Whitford leaves to mourn his passing his wife, LaNelle. One daughter, Linda Ellen. His Father and Mother, Esaac R. and Lois Lewis. Four brothers, Lynnwood, Robert, Ralph and Elder
J. P. Lewis. Two sisters, Geraldine Parson and Mary Frances Young.
Be It resolved that a copy be given to the family, a copy for publication and a copy be made part of our Church records. This done while in our regular conference December 16, 1970.
Elder C. C. Tarver, Moderator
Brother William C. Ansley, Church Clerk
Once again this year, tragedy has occurred in our beautiful church. Our deacon brother, A. W. (Shorty) Bingham passed from this earthly life into life everlasting on November 2, 1970. He was born in Comanche County, on October 19, 1898. He married Eva Cleere in Comanche on July 7, 1919 and to this union were born three children. Brother Bingham joined the Primitive Baptist Church in DeLeon in 1930 and he placed his letter in our church on May 8, 1954 and was ordained to the office of deacon April 30, 1961. He was secretary to the local Barbers Union. On July7, 1969, Bro. and Sister Bingham celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary by renewing their vows in an impressive ceremony at the church. He was always very attentive and devoted to her as he was also the church. Brother Bingham steadfastly stood for the old pathway as taught by our forefathers and effectively upheld the doctrine of the dear old church. He was faithful to attend, especially the singing services, for he loved the good old songs of grace. He also loved the Communion service because it represented the humble walk of men as taught by the Blessed Master, who walked in our stead up to Calvary’s tree to be crucified for our sins.
Survivors are his wife Eva, 2 sons, Huell, of Amarillo and Dr. B. Wayne, Lansing, Mich., one daughter, Mrs. LaVera Matheus, Nitro, W. Va.; 3 brothers, J. K., Comanche; Bonnie, Hamlin; Artis, Pasedena; 4 sisters, Mrs. Leona Wright, Comanche; Mrs. Arlena Faulkenberry, Hamlin; Mrs. Ima Laughlin, Dallas; Mrs. Eura Roe, Winslow, Ariz.; 11 grandchildren, 5 Great-Grandchildren and a host of friends. One grand child and one great-grandchild. preceded him in death.
Services were held in the Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Jimmy Bass and our pastor
Elder M. C. Jeffries presiding. Interment was in Llano Cemetery.
We shall miss him but realize that he now walks the streets of Heaven, “Hand in Hand with Jesus”.
Written by authority of the church by one who admired his faithfulness.
Sister Beth Baker, Church Clerk
A gracious and all loving God has called from our midst our dear sister and friend, Mary Virginia Bales Swettman. Virginia was a charter member of the Corpus Christi Primitive Baptist Church; our first clerk and before her marriage taught in our Del Mar College.
Sister Swettman, was born in Waxahachie on April 3, 1903, and passed from this life October 19, 1970.
Virginia married Walter H. Swettman and moved to New York, in 1940. The last thirteen years they have made their home in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. She never forgot the church, though many miles away, she and her husband visited here for our communion service in June 1969.
To know Virginia was to love her, she was always ready to talk to you about God’s great love and mercy. In her last message to the church she wrote these lines “May God continue to keep you in His care and create love and peace among you, the world can never have peace but the Brethren can.”
Funeral service for Sister Swettman was in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, on October 23, 1970, and our church had a memorial service on Sunday October 25, 1970.
She is survived by her husband and two sisters, Mrs. Clarence Ruland of Santa Cruz, California, and Mrs. Clarence R. Wilson of Bessemer, Alabama.
Be it resolved that a copy of this memorial be placed in the church record, copies given to her family and one sent to the Banner of Love for publication. Written by request of the Corpus Christi Primitive Baptist Church while in conference.
Elder Billy J. Waldon, Moderator
W. D. Hammett, Church Clerk
Committees: Mercer Rauch, Bernice Ramfield
We the New Bethel Primitive Baptist Church at Snyder, Oklahoma, were saddened by the death of our beloved brother Edward B. Cofer.
Brother Cofer was born February 8, 1918 at Searcy, Arkansas, and departed this life September 22 at Reynolds Army Hospital, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was Sergeant 1st Class Retired from the United States Army, and a faithful soldier In the Lord’s Army. He was a quiet and truly Christian gentleman.
Funeral service was conducted at Becker Funeral Chapel, Lawton, Oklahoma. Comforting words were spoken by Elder Clifford B. Rose of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and his pastor, Elder H. O. Ballard. Brother Cofer was laid to rest in Fort Sill cemetery with military honors.
He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Shirley, four sons; Harold R., Thomas W., Eddie, and Clark, one daughter: Janice Lynn; one brother Harold R. Cofer of San Francisco, California; his mother, Mrs. Georgia Cofer, Searcy, Arkansas; three grandchildren; the members of New Bethel Church and a host of relatives and friends.
Be it resolved that a copy of this letter be placed in our church records and a copy sent to his family.
Written by order of the church while in conference October 2, 1970.
Juanita Johnston
Church Clerk
“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment.” The apostle Paul is telling the church that the Lord is the judge of His people while they live here in this world, and just as in the time when they followed the manifest mind of the Holy Spirit in separating the ministers to the work they were to wait for God’s judgment to be shown to them in the churches. He continues in this way “... yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but He that judgeth me is the Lord.”
The teaching is that I am not capable to judge the import of my own activities, being subjective to them, even though. I know much more about intent, etc. than about those things which others do. Let me not then seek my own judgment, (since I will be very prone to clear myself as my own advocate, and by the same cause will have a tendency to condemn others) but rather to seek to acknowledge the Lord’s judgment concerning me. I have not the power to-justify myself; I am not to consider myself in any wise as the judge of my own actions or those of others. Has not Jesus warned us not to do so, saying, “Judge not lest ye be judged...” and warning us against this tendency? Will we not supplant the rightful office of our Lord as our Judge if we do so?
Lets go a little further “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” I think that this is plain enough. When I began to understand that the church was only supposed to assent to the judgment of God and not rule on her own then I said, should she not wait on the Lord? According to this scripture, we should not make any individual judgments concerning matters of God, and that we should be still until the time is right, that is the time that the Lord will come and show us what His judgment is, and will bring the necessary thing out that are to be known, the things of darkness and heart’s counsels, and when this is done the righteous will not be condemned, but rather praised, and that by God himself
Obviously, many corroborating scriptures can be given, such as, “If ye judge, judge righteous Judgment.” (There is not other righteous judgment other than that of God himself.) Also, Isaiah’s writing, “He is our Judge, our Lawgiver and our King!” If He is all of these things then wherefore would we have men to do such things as though the Lord Jesus will not do this Himself, in His good time.
In this text an apostle of Christ, having as he says the gift of the ministry, as a steward of the mysteries of God, but still does not have the power of judgment, no not even concerning himself. - But, then he has instructed this church to deal with a member who is disobedient to God. Apparently, the judgment of Christ is being made manifest to them in this very epistle, and hereby we see an instance of God’s judgment. O, how careful we must be that we do not try to usurp God’s position in these matters of judgment. Jesus said, “With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." Shall we then use our sometimes carnal and most certainly imperfect faculties of judgment on our brothers and sisters and thereby condemn ourselves? If we do so, it seems to me that we will not only be guilty of a miscarriage of justice in God’s courts, but we shall also rob God of His office. Pray God that we do not so.
Brethren, in my fallible way I could be wrong about the the meaning of these scriptures, and if so I beg your pardon and ask that you show it to me so that 1 can know the matter more perfectly.
A little brother in hope (Elder) Ernest Inman
I. Cor. 3—9—”For we are laborers together with God; Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building". There is no higher position on earth than to be a laborer with God.
This statement is not to the ministry only, for the epistle is addressed to the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all in everyplace, call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours.
Called to be saints, this is to the church as a. whole, and we draw the conclusion to be a laborer with God, one must be in the church of God, for Paul also said, “ye are God’s building.”
A church that labors together with God, will be in fellowship and unity, and David said behold how good and how pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity.
Every member of the church is therefore embraced in the text; In a large measure the word husbandry is defined thus; One who labors in an establishment, regardless whether it be large or small. It could be a farm or ranch, a vineyard, a factory or store; this includes all, yet their tasks might differ.
A church which labors together with God will stay together and peace will feign with them, for God is with them, love and fellowship will dwell among them, and the blessings of the Savior will be showered upon them.
Paul said that it makes no difference who plants or who waters, it is God who gives the increase, and he tells to take heed how we build on the foundation which has been laid, for other foundation can no man lay, than that, is laid which is Christ Jesus; And he says, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. Surely in the face of this statement, the church, must continue to labor together with God.
There is a work which we as laborers with God cannot perform’, the great work of eternal salvation was wrought out in the person of Jesus Christ, but if the church is the temple of God, we can labor in that temple, according as the Lord has blessed us with the grace to perform this labor.
There can be no competition in the house of God., the ministry must work together with the deacons, there is work enough for us all, I commend our faithful deacons for performing their duty, which is up building to the church of God, we need them. I have found them to be laborers together with God, and for his kingdom here on earth.
Verse 14—”If any man’s work abide, which he hath built upon, he shall receive a reward”. What is the reward?—It is not eternal life, for eternal life is the gift of God. The reward is the great privilege of having fellowship with his saints here on earth, also having the fellowship with Christ.
Rom. 12-1 ”! beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And in Hebrews, we are warned to not forsake the assembling ourselves together, and the penalty is described, which we draw inference, that a church which ceases to meet together in worship will waste away and die.
To present ourselves as a living sacrifice is in effect working together with God, for God will meet with us there, even though I might not be a singer, or cannot offer public prayer, yet I fulfill the Apostle’s council, and my reward is a good conscience, surely at that time I am not conformed to this world, perhaps I may be transformed by the renewing of my mind, that I may prove what is that good and. acceptable and perfect will of God.
While I cannot gain a home in heaven by my labors in the church, but this I can have, a foretaste of heaven here on earth, by laboring together in the church with faithful brothers and sisters and with the presence of our Lord, this Is reward enough. It would be a sad day to lose the love and affection of my church, and no longer be working together with the Lord..
(Elder) J. A. ROWELL
We have moved and we don’t want to miss a single copy of our dear little paper.
My husband is in the Veteran’s hospital in Seattle. I moved to be closer to him. He has been in the hospital since October 17. He is very ill, suffering from an enlarged spine, 10 times it’s normal size and he is also suffering from emphysema. He Is being treated with Cobalt. God only knows, how he has suffered.
Best of health and May God bless each of you, is our prayer.
Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Daily
45! - 4th Ave N. W.
Pacific, Wash. 98047
I came awake this morning with this thought what have you done this year for any one? And for the life of me I could not think of any good thing. So I said, have you told your brother you love him? (though that trouble us). This maybe the last time you have the opportunity to tell your loved one that you do love them, or to pray to God, that you say, that you love and adore.
This maybe the last day you have, to do something nice for a loved one. Does some poor little child of God, need a helping hand today? If we neglect our duty, are not we committing suicide? (to a full life)?? Have we prayed to God, the great God of the universe for strength to stand in the light of God?
Do we let our light so shine that others may see our good works and glorify, our Father which art in heaven? Did you attend church last time? Did you enjoy the sermon? Did you pray to God for more faith?
Do you pray for your church, for your pastor? Have you and do you thank God for merciful God to pray too?
Will we enter the New Year with a prayer in our heart; that He would keep us from all harm; and that He will bless us and our children, our Brother and sisters in our church; and our faithful Pastor.? .
He tells us seek and we shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto us. Do we measure, our self with the same yardstick we measure our Brother with? Remember our same measure will come back to us.
It will return heaped up pressed down and running over, if measured for good. Try it and see, if your heart will not over flow, with love and joy, that there will not be room enough to contain it. One of my proverbs is “repentant tears will wash the soul clean”. Oh how good we feel, when we repent in tears.
And look to Jesus Christ for our deliverance from this world of sin. How hearts desire and prayer to God, is for Israel to be saved, Israel is the only ones that needs saving.
Just a poor old beggar,
Jack Hiett
Shamrock, Texas
Brethren, we met again to worship and adore the Lord our God - - (My, what a possession!).
Friday night, our highly esteemed pastor Elder Bernard Gowens, and we believe God prepared and sent him our way, opened by prayer this Fifth Sunday meeting with fear and, trembling, yet in boldness, knowing it it pleased our Master, He could bless us by his presence or could withdraw and show man what he is, which we feel is also a blessing, although, not pleasing to man.
In the course of the meeting our visiting Elders were Millican of Roswell, Venable of Clovis, and Lauderdale of Colorado.
The meeting w as so richly blessed as each servant, whether a Deacon or Elder, entered and stood in the holy presence of God and proclaimed His greatness without fear of interruption, for which we should be thankful every time we meet.
The spirit filled all of us making us to wish we would never break up and go back into this vain world, where it is necessary for us to dwell and await another glimpse of heaven through a glass darkened, until our change comes.
The spiritual love that flowed from breast to breast will be feasted upon from time to time as our thoughts are taken back to this, “A little heaven on earth”, which makes us glad, for if we are not carried to the sides to sing His praises in all eternity, we have not missed out completely, though any happiness is far more than we deserve. Oh, heavenly Father, deal with us with mercy and love.
The Lord was high and lifted up in visitation, song, preaching, and praise through His grace.
We wish to mention that Brother and Sister Raymond Wright of Las Cruces, N. M. could not be with us in body, but their prayers were felt along, with many others. Thank you, dear loving ones, may God give you sustaining Grace for your daily trials.
Brother and Sister Victor Jones, you were missed so much, we didn’t think we could host a meeting without you, as you are our stand-by’s. Come to see us if the Lord so directs.
This little church has been so richly blessed all the days of its existence, but it seems of late, the Lord has waved his banner high over our banqueting house with his holy and just love, which makes us to know it is not our doings, but through His mercy, He gives us something to look forward to in prayer and backward upon with thankfulness each time we meet. We are few in number, but we have big meetings.
Pray for us when at the Throne of Grace, that He will keep us and guide us in the old paths, tried and true, proven by the Holy write.
I have not given justice in reporting this wonderful meeting, as those that were here know, but please, cast a mantle of charity over my imperfections and beg God in my behalf, as I try to record a little history of our little church here.
Written with love, by the unworthy,
Clerk of the Church, Tucumcari, New M. Alma Ward
Can we find an excuse for not serving God just as we are? Now please all know we are applying this only to they of the new birth. Please know also I mean those that have diligently sought after Him.
Now don’t say I can’t live up to the marks of the twelve apostles, or Paul even the tall trees of our day. Jesus taught some brought 100 folds some, 60, some 30, Matt 13. He gave to each man according to their ability Mat 25:15. One five, one two, one one, Jesus gave them these talents to work with. Back In Lev. 5, we find if they to offer sacrifices, did not have a, lamb, kid of the goats, it was allowable to bring two turtledoves or two pigeons. Notice even a child could, do this.
God had made or given this great measure of His love to the poor. No man or person is left out, we find this same lesson taught In Ex. 30 regards the ransom lesson Verse l5,16, The rich shall not give more, and the poor less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the Lord, to make an atonement for your souls. In verse 16, This half shekel was for the service of the tabernacle of the Congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before the Lord, to make an atonement for your souls. That no man can say see, the sinner does this for atonement. Just notice Jer. 31:33 Heb. 8:10
I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts; and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people, all ought to read verse 11, 12.
Let us hasten too Peter 2:1, 10 verse 5,9, I quote Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Notice, all, not will be if you do all He asked of you, But ye are these four things. In being these ye should show forth the praises due Him. Each of the four things we are, are, Bible found. Each one needs an article each.
I want this one a royal priesthood, in verse 9, an holy priesthood in verse 5 in both verses to offering up spiritual sacrifices. Webster says a sacrifice, is to give up one thing for another. Also it reads a loss, how is our sacrifices a loss, no, under the law age, and you know I mean the sacrificial law of service. I have 25, lambs, goats, oxen, etc. I take one to the priest to be sacrificed a child in school knows I have one less to sell, I have sacrificed one, but I have given up on thing for another and feel no loss, in other words I have gone up feeling guilty and comeback free of guilt. How so we get this to the new.
Notice the scriptures in Peter 2 are written in the year 60 A.D. Have to be after Jesus set up the gospel age, and we call it the new dispensation. The dispensation now is covered by a priest, found in Heb, 9:24. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; ‘but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. So now each offering is made through Him. See this High Priest again in Heb. 7:25. Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Hasten back to our text, an holy priesthood a royal priesthood. Simply this, each person born of His Spirit, has love shed abroad in their hearts. They should show forth his praises. They are made king and priests unto God: and we shall reign on earth. King rules over our own bodies, let us be kings in this, for a king rules over someone. Now see the priesthood of the gospel church Christ the High-priest.
Each one of this chosen generation, holy nation, peculiar people, royal priesthood, should take their gifts of love sacrifices, for verse 5 says to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Please, always know in sacrifices you give up one thing for another. Present your bodies living sacrifices, holy acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service. But, I might say, I can’t today, I want to go here or there, I have company coming, my way is too poor, and on could we give reasons why not. Always remember how great every sacrifice can be for they go through or by Jesus to God. If I do when I do not feel like it, always it is a sacrifice, for I give something and got something back.
In gospel bonds,
(Elder) IRA M. FRY
"... We preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are CALLED both Jew and Greek, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” I Co~.l:23-24.
It is observed that the preaching of Christ has a vastly different meaning to these who are called from what it means to others. To others, both Jew and Greek, it is a stumbling block or foolishness; but to those which are called, whether they be Jew or Greek, it is the power of God and the wisdom of God. How long do you suppose one would need to preach foolishness to an individual in order to get him to “accept Christ”?
“And we know that all things work together for GOOD to them that love God (what caused them to love God?) to them who are the CALLED according to his purpose..” Romans 8:28.
“For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?” Isaiah 14:27.. We observe that in many texts when the “CALLED” are mentioned, it states that they are called “according to the purpose of God.” “God is faithful by who ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ. “ I Cor. 1:9. Paul told Timothy that God "...hath saved us, and CALLED us with an holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.. “II Timothy 1:9.
The apostle Peter brings the same message as he writes to a particular group of people (not to mankind in general) and addresses them as “elect according to the foreknowledge of God. ..“ I Peter 1:2. He says in chapter two, verse nine, “But ye are a CHOSEN generation, a ROYAL priesthood, an HOLY nation, a PECULIAR people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath CALLED you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
The calling of God is what is known as “effectual calling “. There is a gospel call, and that is to obedience. But the gospel call is only to those who are effectually called. The gospel call is to Jew or Greek foolishness unless they have been “delivered from the power of darkness”. (See Col. 1:12—14.) But unto them which are called, both Jew and Greek, the preaching of the crucified Savior is “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God,”
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, the hour is coming, and now is when the dead shall hear the voice of the son of God (shall be CALLED) and they that hear that LIVE.” John 5:25. I do not think that my preaching, or that of anyone else is going to get any favorable action from the dead, but the quickening voice of the Son of God gives life. “He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death.” Psalms 68:20
Jude wrote his epistle to: “Them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and CALLED,” Here we see the beautiful and effectual work of the Trinity. They are sanctified by God the Father; that is cleansed from the pollution of sin and set apart to a holy use. They are preserved in Christ Jesus; that is, they are kept by His power and in His wisdom, They are CALLED, and that by the Holy Spirit as it shines in their heart to give them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus.
Let us now preach Christ crucified. We must not, nay, God forbid that we should, preach him any other way! “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth, who is he that condemneth? IT IS CHRIST THAT DIED, yea, rather that is RISEN AGAIN...: This Is, to them that are CALLED, Christ the power (ability to save) of God and the wisdom (knowledge of whom to Save) of God.
Now the gospel does call to obedience. The purpose and grace given In Christ Jesus began ”ls now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death (Psa1i~s 60:20) and hath brought life and immortality TO LIGHT through the gospel. ~ II Timothy 1:10.
Light is necessary. In order for anyone to see. But light will not enable a blind man to see, nor will it give life to the dead. However, those who have been quickened rejoice as the light reveals the wonderful works of God to them.
“But the God of all grace, who has called us unto His eternal glory by Jesus Christ, after that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, and settle you.” I Peter 5:10
Elder J. F. Barrington
The year 1970 is over and we have a new year.
Our first meeting was very good one and we feel that the good Lord was so good to us all and we hope that we can turn a new leaf and look for a better day to come.
We have had a lovely year last year and we pray that the good Lord give us all a better understanding how to meet in His name.
Brother Afton, Elder M. W. Smith, is to be in California, and we have arranged for him to be at Lennox, on the 20th of January, 21st at Brother and Sisters Miller’s home, 22nd at the church in Orange, 23rd in the home of Brother Robert Mers, 24th with the group where I preach each second and fourth Sunday at the town hall.
Elder Smith is to be at Lancaster Night of 24th, Elder C. R. Bierbower will arrange for him the rest of his trip. That week Elder Smith will be at the 5th Sunday meeting at Lindsay. May the Lord be with Elder Smith all the way, and may we all thank the Lord for such men.
We want to treat our Dear Elders with much love and hospitality. We feel when we do that the Elders will feel like coming back. Oh how we feel that we must have the fellowship.
Webster, answers for fellowship, one to be friendly, or terms; companionship; partnership; joint interest; an association of persons having the same tastes.
We hope that the Lord will find us more God loving men who will bring us good, news from a far country.
Elder Troy McCarty
5393 Beach St.
Riverside, California
I would like to write about the 5th Sunday meeting at Dublin, Calif. It w s a Soul raising meeting the whole two days a wonderful way to spend the last part of the Thanksgiving weekend.
As we pulled into the town of Pleasanton where Eld. Shamblin lives. We saw the end of a Rainbow, an experience that neither my husband or I could remember seeing before. I told my husband that for me there was no better pot of gold at the end of the rainbow than the church. And that is what we found. There wasn’t any services Friday night but we got to spend the night. with Bro. and Sis. Shamblin. And the evening was spent speaking on scriptures. We almost had services right then and there because Bro. Shamblin was so full of the spirit.
Saturday morning the services Started with Elder Cecil Anderson showing the importance of us good old hardshell’s to turn from worldly things to a closer life with God. Elder Deskin's followed with a picture of our home in the clouds.
In the afternoon Elder Jimmie Thrower preached on how bad too much praise was for a person it could cause a person to preach things which they didn’t really believe and how he had been caused to behave in ways which he felt was wrong because of mans praise, and had caused him for a time to have trouble with his brethren but the Lord had shown him how wrong it was. And he now no longer loved praise of man.
Elder Donohue preached on the dangers of the times, of communism and also welfare. Men encouraged to set around and do nothing and get paid for it. When the Bible says "he who does not work shall not eat.” He also said that if every child was as good as their mothers thought they were this would be a lot better world.
At the close of afternoon services Elder Shamblin got up just to say a few words, he didn’t stand more than 20 minutes it didn’t seem like it anyway every eye in the house overflowed; he mentioned how he had feared to preach for his relatives in time past but he was no longer afraid, he also mentioned that the Baptists had almost quit shouting and saying Amen. He said this was quenching the spirit and he had made up his mind that when he felt like saying Amen he was going to do it.
We went to get a motel room Saturday night because the Shamblins were expecting Elder Sims and his wife. We were slow and didn’t get back for but about half of Elder Keith’s sermon, but I sure wished we could have heard it all. He showed the need of forgiveness and understanding of one another.
Elder John Henry Thrower followed Brother Keith and showed how we were supposed to distinguish between traditions of God and. Traditions of man.
Sunday morning Elder Torn Bonds went forward and preached a quiet and beautiful sermon on the tree of life and the water that flows from the temple and new Jerusalem.
The last sermon preached was from Elder Sims which seemed to make the rafters ring.
Elder Shamblin in his closing remarks, mentioned that someone had teased him and said that his sermon the day before was a nervous fit, Bro. Shamblin went on to say that if his sermon was a nervous fit then he had company because every preachers sermon there was also. He also said that the Scriptures say “Cry loud and spare not” and he felt like it had been fully demonstrated in those two days.
On our way home we saw another rainbow and it seemed to follow along beside us as we traveled. It was a full and complete rainbow which started out very large taking up most of the sky very far away it seemed to get closer and grow smaller and just as it seemed to be about to engulf us the clouds engulfed it and this small part of it traveled with us for miles.
It reminded me of the way the holy spirit works how it can engulf us and then when our sins engulf us it seems to almost go away but it never quite disappears.
This meeting was so much like the meetings I remember when I was a young girl except that it was too short. But if it had been longer maybe we couldn’t have stood it. I hope and pray these kind of services can continue.
In Christian Love
Effle Lou Foss
Having cooked awhile in my own juice. I’ll try to write something beneficial. I know how very difficult this will be; seeing I am failure personified.
First, let me have this present opportunity to thank everyone for the nice remembrances at Christmas for the family and myself. Without you all it would be very lonely in a tomorrow world. By that I can tell you, today is too late, yesterday has gone, tomorrow is our only time.
This is a very poor senseless, unsound reasoning. I personally do believe I can prove it, not only to my satisfaction, yours also, and to God’s glory.
Quite naturally I rely on something more adequate than my own opinions or observations.
Proverbs 2 0-24, Man’s goings are of the Lord; how can a man understand then his own way?
Admitting this truth, I would have to claim some of other source of information. Perhaps intelligence or some other other sources. Jesus, however, put an end to that in Matthew, 11-25, “Thanking his Father for hiding such things from the wise and prudent; and for revealing it to babes. If I do therefore, know anything of Him, it would be on a babes basis. I’ll explain. Could I tell a baby, I’m too busy, tomorrow I‘ll feed you, or do I say to a babe, “I fed you yesterday. No, by no means; babes need now service. That’s what we get from a today God.
I Cor. 2-9 My eyes don’t show me enough to satisfy with yesterday’s blessings; my ear hasn’t heard’ about tomorrow to my good. My heart is only permeated with worldly evils; therefore, I must have a today God. All of the tomorrows can't help my now troubles, or yesterdays consumed blessings aren’t adequate for deliverances at the present.
I have enough evidences only to convince me that I must have the Lord, or defeat will crown todays labor. Jesus knew and perfectly taught it in Matthew 6-34, Take no thought for the tomorrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself; sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
I do believe it takes a now God every day to deliver us to our bids with a satisfaction that at least we tried.
There seems little opportunity for me to shed this shroud of inability; because I hear my beloved frlend in Romans 11-33; O the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his Judgments and His ways past finding out. You see, I can’t Learn to live an all-without Him; only with him.
Someday, the Lord willing, I’ll see about the word “now” in the scriptures. I know it’s not easy; if it were, someone would have already completed it. I am afraid of tomorrow, but I do love today. This Is the time God gave me; tomorrow is His, and yesterday goes with the things that are gone. I am still here, so I believe I’ll have to go for one day at at time, Born one day, died one day, rose again one day. So, you see, one day religion is quite surely my favorite, but God is the author and my strength. I'll never quit. I’ll go someday, Like yesterday. Grant all hearts desires Father, is my payer. Until my day comes, I remain
Yours in a sweet hope,
(Elder) James E. Robertson, Jr.
Abilene, Texas
On Oct. 5, 1970 God called our beloved mother, Mrs. Will Kerzee, home to her eternal rest. She is with her Lord and her husband, whom she loved so dearly and who preceded her in death ten years ago.
She was born Oct. 9, 1887 near Coolidge, Texas. She moved to Mexia while a child and attended school there. She moved to Pt. Enterprise and taught school one year before marring Will Derzee on July 30, 1906. They lived in the Pt. Enterprise community the rest of their lives, and raised nine children who are all still living. We are a close loving family, due to the fact that we had loving Christian parents for which we are ever thankful.
Mama visited us often and attended church with whatever child she was visiting but when her church day came, she wanted to be at home and go to her church. She joined the church forty-seven years ago and was a faithful member and was church clerk for many years before her death.
She was a cheerful, happy and very active person and ‘was looking forward to and preparing for her church meeting on Oct. 3rd and 4th when she had a brain hemorrhage which caused her death.
In her Bible were many clippings from newspapers ect., also some things she herself had written. Among those were these. Her Bible “yea, I have a goodly heritage” Psalms-16:6.
I leave you this old Book, my children, a heritage excelled by none. If you study it with care and with it use both thought and prayer, ‘twill bring you peace and happiness. I’ve found it has the power to bless. If anything is wrong with you, come to this Book and faith renew. And if you’re lost, somehow or other, ‘twill guide you home to God and Mother.
Tell the truth and shun the wrong, then no day will seem too long.
Be normal, be honest, loyal and kind to those who need kindness,. Live within your means, envy no one.
Be humble and work hard at anything you choose for a profession. Always read your Bible for comfort and guidance. You’ll find answerers to problems for your daily living and for your soul and heart comfort. Mama.
Among a host of friends and mounds of flowers services were conducted in the Corley-Porter Funeral Home in Mexia, by her Pastor, Elder J.M. Fannin. Internment in Pt. Enterprise cemetery by Daddy.
Yes, Mama, you have left us a heritage excelled by none. Written in Love and Tears
Her daughter
Willie D. Holt
Smithfield, Texas
I am sending the check again for the Banner of Love.
Dear Sister Richards, I haven’t met you yet, but I. know I love you for I love all the Primitive Baptists everywhere. I do love to go to church and listen to the good preaching. And I love the Banner of Love. I read them and reread them and then pass them on to some one that loves to read them.
I hope you all have a most joyous Christmas and happy New Year. May the Lord of heaven bless you both.
In bonds of love,
Sister Luella, (If I might be called such.)
Mrs. Luella Lester,
Rt. 2, Coldthwaite, Texas