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Volume 58 Number 2 Lubbock, Texas 79493 Copyright $9.00 Per Year February 1991 |
The Thrombosis Theory Acts 4:28 Elder Duane McCarty To Test One's Belief God Answers Prayers Is The Lord Among Us Or Not? Strong Reasons In Memory of C. Z. Hanks Philemon Who Is This That comes from Far The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans Elder Earnest Morrisett Walter Tabor Jeffery Sister Maude A. Hopkins Marshall Milligan Elder A. D. McCarty Sister Maple Norris Sister Audna Shults In This Land of Far Away
Those who say that Christ shed his blood in the Garden of Gethsemane and redeemed his people there, do so on the basis of the word drops in Luke 22:44. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
The word drops in the text is from the Greek word “thrombos”, which according to Strong’s means; a clot, great drop. Now a great drop could be great drop of sweat, or it could be a great drop of blood. Luke said it was great drops of SWEAT. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon gives thrombos as; a large thick drop, esp. of dotted blood. Vine’s Expository Dictionary gives it as; a large thick drop of clotted blood. Funk & Wagnall's Dictionary gives this; Local coagulation of blood in a blood vessel or an organ, forming by its clot an obstruction to circulation.
Personally, I cannot see how large thick drops of “clotted blood” can come through the skin so profusely and fall to the ground as Luke said that Christ’s “sweat” did. I asked a doctor about this and he said “the only way that blood would come through the skin and appear on the surface is as a result of a blood disease and then it would not be large drops, but very small ones.” Now, I do not believe that Christ had a blood disease. The fact is Luke did not say that Christ bled in the Garden; he said he sweat. The word sweat is from the Greek word “hidros’ ‘which means; perspiration, sweat. The word blood from the Greek word “haima”. Luke being a Physician used the words “thrombos haima” for emphasis, teaching that Christ’s sweat was so profuse, and is such large drops, that it fell to the ground as blood would fall. The emphasis is on “falling down to the ground.” To say that Christ sweat blood is to over look the fact that Luke said his HIDROS was AS IT WERE thrombos haima.
Another thing, if Christ bled in the Garden of Gethsemane and there redeemed his people, redemption being a foundational principle of the doctrine of God, why did not Matthew, Mark, John, or Paul teach it. They did not teach it, because it is not the doctrine of God. Luke did not teach “Garden Redemption” either. If Jesus suffered, bled, and died in the Garden of Gethsemane, and there redeemed his people, why did he then go to the cross bearing our sins in his own body? The word of God teaches that Christ put away sin by the sacrifice of himself, Heb. 9:26. If Christ sacrificed himself in the Garden of Gethsemane, then the sins were put away there, and they could not have been borne by him on the tree.
In all the types in the Old Testament the blood was taken from a dead animal. In the Garden of Gethsemane you would have (according to some) a living bleeding lamb. When Christ was hanged on the cross, he not only bled externally from the open wounds on his body, his brow, his hands and feet, but he also bled internally. “I am poured out like water, and my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels” Ps. 22:14. What does this mean, “I am poured out like water”? The word of God teaches that the life is in the blood Le. 17:11.
Jesus laid down his life for the Sheep, no man took it, he laid it down and he took it up again Jo. 10:18. Jesus literally poured out his life’s blood into his body cavity (bowels), therefore the expression: “I am poured out like water, .. .my heart is like wax, it is melted in the midst of my bowels.”
Jesus bowed his head, said “it is finished”, gave up the ghost (spirit of his human body) and died. A little later a Roman soldier pierced his side and there came out blood and water, this shows that the Lamb was dead, for the water had separated from the blood. This is a redemptive blood, it was shed on the cross.
By the late Melvin G. Bass
Acts 4:28 - For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
It was foretold - Psalms 2:1-2 What was foretold we see fulfilled - verse 27, 28 [Acts 4:27-2 8.]
For the Scripture must be fulfilled.
Christianity had not their purses. Vol. 6, page 49- Matthew Henry’s Commentary.
More fully explained: Christianity was not only destitute of the advantage of the countenance and support of kings and rulers (it had neither their power nor their purses) but it was opposed and fought against by them, and they combined to run it down and yet it made its way.
But herein they do that which thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
Jesus was the Son of God; and yet in the work of redemption he acted as His Father’s servant- (Isaiah 42:1).
It was he whom God anointed, both qualified for the undertaking and called to it; and thence he was called The Lord’s Christ-V. 26- The Lord’s anointed.
Now the God that anointed Christ determined what should be done to him, pursuant to that Anointing.
He was Anointed a Saviour, and therefore it was determined he should be a sacrifice to make Atonement for sin. He must die - therefore he must be slain; yet not by his own hands - therefore God wisely determined before by what hands it should be done.
It must e by the hands of those who will treat him as a criminal and malefactor. and therefore it cannot be done by the hands either of Angels or of good men; he must be therefore delivered, (God’s hindering or preventing power withdrawn or held back by Himself thus delivering Jesus into the hands of sinners, (as Job was?- see; Job 16:11). And as David was delivered to Shimei to be made a curse (2nd Sam. 16:11.) The Lord has bidden him. God’s hand and his counsel determined it- his will, his will and his wisdom.
His hand and his counsel always agree: Thus God’s hand determined what should be done; that Christ should be the sacrifice slain. (Not of God’s Acting hand, but his writing hand (Job 13:26) Dan. 10:2 1, Psalms 40:7 - his hand according to his counsel. This commission was given under his hand - not that he caused the executioners to be wicked; but delivered Christ to those already wicked; so it would be done by the wicked and not the good; yet God knew glory and honor and salvation for the elect would come as a gift and great blessing from God it; but not for what the wicked did; for Salvation is not come by works of man, and especially not by the works of wicked and unholy instruments as such men were.
And God’s serving his own purposes by what they did was no excuse at all for their malice and wickedness in the doing of it, anymore than God’s making the blood of the martyrs the seed of the Church extenuated the guilt of their bloody persecutors.
Sin is not the less evil for God’s bringing good out of it, but he is by this the more glorified, and will appear to be so when the Mystery of, God shall be finished - Psalms 76:10. Also see: Matthew Henry’s Commentary - Vol.6. Pare 50.
Written by Melvin G. Bass, Muleshoe, Texas.
(I found this writing of Uncle Melvin’s while going through some materials I had from Dad’s files and Books. This was sent to him [Jesse Bass) from Melvin Bass, many years ago. Probably many of you did not know, but Uncle Melvin was a Deacon in the Primitive Baptist Church, and was a very studious student of the Bible. He passed away in Jan. of 1982. He was the oldest of 13 living children.
Submitted by Elder Hulan Bass
By Johnie Bass
Romans11:16-and if by grace then is it no more works; otherwise grace is no more. But it It be of works, then is it no more grace; otherwise work is no more work.
I once thought that the inability to mix oil and water was a good illustration of why grace (God’s grace) and works (man’s works) would not mix as being effective in the eternal salvation of sinners
After learning that scientists can mix oil and water, homogenize milk by mixing the oily cream and water, orange juice, and peanut butter, etc., I decided to study the scriptures more. Then I concluded that no matter what scientists mix or homogenize, that works of man and grace of God cannot be mixed for eternal life.
In physics class, tests were made by mixing solutions in a test tube or beaker to show what would result. Some mixtures would cause an immediate flame of fire, etc.
I believe that Romans 11:6 is a test for an individual to find out which he believes, Salvation by Grace or Salvation by man’s works or a mixture of the two.
In studying the scriptures, I wondered why the Apostle Paul first used grace, then works; then reversed the order by using works first and then grace.
Now for the test, with our believing (brain and heart) being the test tube or beaker. If we put the belief of salvation by grace in first, then add the belief of works, notice that the last put in completely obliterates the first. That explains why they can never be mixed in eternal salvation because they will not even remain in the same container.
The Apostle Paul then reverses the procedure. If we put the belief of works in first, than add the belief of grace, we really aren’t adding, because again, the last one put in completely obliterates the first.
An example, if I say I believe in Salvation by grace, but that I have I have to accept or believe, I have added works which completely obliterated my belief in grace. Oops! There went the grace, completely obliterated. It is the same as saying that Jesus has done all He can do, and that now it is up to me or us. If God has done all He can do, and it is left to me, then I would be my own savior.
Incidentally, one cannot have the belief that is under consideration because the Scriptures say that it is the work of God that we believe. Also, it would be foolish to accept something as the truth if we do not believe it. We do not do the accepting but God does. Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved.
So, if we say we are saved by grace, but we have to do something, we do not believe it is by grace but works..
An example of the reverse order. I once heard of a woman whose father died. She had. believed in salvation by works, that one had to have water baptism and other things to be saved eternally. After his death, she said, I just can’t believe that daddy is going to hell. I know he loved God. The Bible says we love God because He first loved us. So, God loved daddy and I just know his home is in heaven. She then believed in Salvation by grace, which had obliterated the works of man’s system of belief.
I once had a dear brother of another belief to write me quoting part of Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith. He left off, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God. By leaving off the last part of the scripture, he apparently thought one was saved by his own faith, rather than the faith of God had in the blood of Jesus. If he meant that one is saved by one’s own faith, I would have to ask, Do you mean that I am saved by my, dead faith. I feel certain he would say, No, but by your live faith. James 2:17 says, Even so faith, if it bath not works, is dead, being alone. So, if faith without works is dead, live faith would have to have works. Oops! There went the grace, so he believed in mans’ works saving one eternally.
The Apostle Paul was not saying that maybe it is this way, or maybe it is that way. He wanted the readers to test which they believed as it was only by one way and not a mixture. What we believe has no effects on which it really is.
Paul tells Timothy in 2nd Tim. 2:8 - 9 that it is God who bath saved us, and called us with a 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.
Paul tells Titus in 3:3-7 that we ourselves had done terrible things but. that after the kindness and love of God our Savior, toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing and regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Notice that Apostle Paul did not say that we were offered the Holy Ghost for us to accept or reject but that it was shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior. When it is shed on someone, it reaches him.
I would like to share the sad news about Elder and Sister Ray Pipkin’s. On Saturday morning, 12-29-90 their house burned down and all was a total loss.
God would have it that they were not home, as they were spending the night with one of their daughters, because of the severe cold temperature. At the time of the fire the temperature was 23 below zero.
They have been living in Cashmere, WA. for several years. Elder Ray Pipkin has one Sunday of each month to preach at Dryden, WA.
Your support of love and prayers are greatly needed; and if anyone has a desire to help otherwise it will be appreciated.
Send to:
Elder and Mrs. Ray Pipkin
P.O. Box366
Cashmere, Wa. 98815
Sincerely
Thelma Morrison
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the many cards, phone calls, gifts, flowers, and the many words of comfort we received when my father, Elder A.D. McCarty passed away.
Elder Autry Duane McCarty was born to W.F. and Ollie Thelma McCarty in Afton, TX on July 29, 1934. After a lengthy battle with cancer he departed this life, Nov. 14, 1990 at his home in Tennyson, TX. He was 56 years of age.
On Dec. 19, 1954 he was united in marriage to Bernie Lee Howell in Tennyson, TX. They were blessed to have three daughter's: Zena Fay Paice of Sarasota, Fla.; Ollie Mae Whitaker, Crane, TX, and Salle Gay McCarty of Borger, TX; and also one son, Joe McCarty of Crane, TX.
He is survived by his wife, three daughters and one son, four grandchildren, his brother Billy McCarty of Odessa, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was fond of the years he spent growing up near Dickens, TX and Muleshoe, TX. He was also quite fond of the years when he grew up at Clairette, TX, near Hico, TX. It was here that the family traveled to a many area churches, including the church in. Hamilton, TX, where he heard the preaching of Elder Jasper Chambers. At the age of eleven, he was baptized by Elder Chambers. It seemed that at a very young age he had a love for Christ and a desire to serve.
After graduating from Hico High School he moved to Midland, TX and began working for Texas Electrics warehouse. It was here in Odessa, that he began to raise his family. As he had a mind for numbers, he began to study accounting and in 1965 he became a Certified Public Accountant.
I remember that it was about that time that my father was having difficulty seeing. He once asked me, while we were working at night in our yard, how far I could see? I told him I could see our back fence. He then replied, I’m so glad, because, I can’t see that far.
He was diagnosed as having Retinitis Pigmentosa (an eye disease that destroys the retina.)
We moved to Tennyson, TX in 1972 so that my father could attend San Angelo State University to obtain his degree in Math. We lived in my uncle's rent house and lived on my father’s social security, as he had become legally blind. There were so many tough times. But through the providence of a loving God and many caring friends we managed to get by. We managed to build a very nice house, designed by my father. By 1979 my mother, father and two younger sisters began living in the house.
We attended the Primitive Baptist Church in San Angelo, TX, where my father was ordained as a gospel minister, April 4, 1981 The same year, he became the pastor of the New Hope Primitive Baptist Church in San Angelo, TX., and the Eldorado Primitive Baptist Church in Eldorado, TX. At his ordination, I remember that Elder Freddy Boen told him that the only honorable discharge for a Gospel minister is death. I feel that my dad has been honorably discharged into the tender and loving care of our Redeemer.
He may have been blind, but I sin so glad that I spent some long hours at night talking to him about the Bible and what he believed. I learned to respect his knowledge of scripture, because he had an insight that is hard to find. I’m so glad that I had an opportunity to help him when he needed to go somewhere. Not being able to see where. to go, he was so pleased and fond of those who would visit with him at camp meetings and then lead him to singing and preaching.
Some people are ashamed to be seen with a handicapped person, but seeing and being with my dad has given me an idea of how they might feel. The needs that they have and their desire to be whole. It reminds me of when Christ had compassion on those who desired to be whole. We should all try to be mindful of the handicapped and help them when we can. Romans 15:1.
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
We should always be mindful of those that are weaker in faith than we are. And help them in some way, and listen when we are weak and let those that are strong help.
My father may have been weak in many ways, but I believe be had a very strong faith in God and in the things he had an. opportunity to preach. I feel sure that he has lived a life that to the best of his ability has helped those that were weaker.
I hope that you will continue to pray for my mother and our family. I have lost a very good friend, who I will miss very much.
But I will always treasure having known my father, Elder A. D. McCarty.
In bonds of Christian Love,
Joe McCarty
See Isaiah 63: 1-3
By Elder Alphonso Hurst
For many, many months, the title of this hymn has been on my heart, repetitiously bringing to mind one of the greatest questions on earth. Who is this?
We are living in a country where we are continually receiving strangers from afar. Not one in ten thousand do we ever hear of, or meet, let alone ever see as an individual.
WHO IS THIS THAT COMES FROM FAR
Elder Roland Green, no doubt was very familiar with Isaiah 63: 1-4 and could most likely quote any one of the 19 verses. I wonder how many times this above title had gone through his mind before he arranged our lovely hymn. I too, wonder how many times he had preached from this chapter.
THE LADY WITH A LAMP
In the New York harbor, the lady with a lamp has given rays of hope and light to stranger after stranger. Both the royal, the common, the rich and the poor; red, brown, yellow, black and white alike, on their pilgrimage to our land of the free.
We were those that have cruised the bay with great expectations of freedom and justice for all; as they pointed to our lady with a lamp, so statuesque in her massive dignity and known in all the world as the Statue of Liberty. Only God knows who and how many hundred of millions that have seen her standing so brilliantly attractive in her superficial pose.
ENLIGHTENING THE WORLD
Our lady, though tall, statuesque and massive in her dignity and brilliantly attractive in her stature; has within; no life, no breath, no sense of touch, or spirit; just a tall frame of iron work overlaid with brass. Yet, she is glorious in her apparel originally called liberty enlightening the world. My friend, she too, came from a far country. Given to the United States by the people of France. We, in America, know the value of which she is prized. As she stands graciously with her beckoning lamp over three hundred feet aloft welcoming strangers and immigrants from every nation, kindred, tongue and people.
Yes, who is this holding lamp aloft with hood in hand, and the broken chain of slavery at her feet?
WHO IS THIS THAT COMES FROM EDOM
Esau, Jacobs twin brother, sold his birth right for red pottage and was called Edom. Bozrah was noted for her cloth dyes and famous in every palace for the making of colorful apparel. Bozrah was an important city near the center of Edom. Edom also was noted for sheep and vineyards. We find that Edom was a wealthy nation. Yet this land of Esau (Edom) was made desolate. I read to you, Amos 1:11, 12. Thus saith the Lord; for three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he [Esau] did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pit, and his anger did tear perpetually. My dear friend; you put Esau, Edom and Bozrah together and you have desolation, you have another Egypt ( so to speak). See Hebrews 11:20. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. The things to come you will find in Joshua 24:4. God gave unto Isaac Jacob and Esau. He gave to Esau Mount Seir, to - possess it. But in Mal. 1:1-3 he laid his heritage waste. Esau never entered into the joy of the church in the wilderness. I find no testimony where he called upon the name of the Lord, but I give you Genesis 32, readingalland33:1-11. It is my conviction that the God Lord brought them together by a dream. Chapter 32:24-30 a man (an angel) wrestled with Jacob all night in a dream, his name was changed to Israel (born again). Dear heart, not only are we Jacob multiplied, but we are Esau multiplied until God works a love in our heart so great so heavenly precious that we as Esau (Gen. 33:4) run to meet our brother (or sister) embrace them, fall on their neck and kiss them and weep for joy in the Lord. No wonder Jacob said in Gen. 33:10, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight then receive my present at my hand; for therefore I have seen thy face as though I had seen the face of God and thou wast pleased with me. A glorious reunion.
TWO NATIONS ARE IN THY WOMB
We see that in Joshua 24:4 God gave Esau Mount Seir, which was called Edom. and Jacob went down into Egypt and through Joseph (a figure of Christ). The first Pharaoh (a just ruler) gave Jacob the land of Goshen as a possession the best of the land of Egypt. Thus God loved Jacob. Read Malachi 1:1, 2, 3 and you can plainly see the way he hated Esau. “The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi. I have loved you saith the Lord. Yet we say, wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau, Jacob’s brother? saith the Lord: Yet I loved Jacob and I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.”
Dear friend: Romans 9:13 points us right to Malachi 1:2, 3, which plainly teaches us that he had a heritage. If Esau or Edom represent the eternally lost then all of the Edomites everywhere in every dispensation of time are without hope in this life and also in the world to come. In Romans 8:11 the subject matter is as I see it: not election but what God elected and what He did not. “Not of works, but of him that calleth.” God never elected works, but he elected grace. I give you 1st Timothy 1:9. “Who 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 to us in Christ Jesus before the world began.”
So, dear reader the bottom line in Romans 9:11-13 is the summing up of two nammer of people, or two nations. Esau represents those that sell their birthright (timely). Not only that but he married out lineage; an heir of Ishmael, the son of the bondwoman. Now let us go to gal. 4: 28-30, "Now we brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh (Esau) persecuted him that was born of the spirit (Jacob)." Even so it is now. do read Gen 27: 41`-45 now, verse 30. "Nevertheless what saith the scriptures? Cast out the bondwoman and her son; for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman. Children, I am persuaded that the very day Esau married the Ishmaelite, God laid his heritage waste. Let us ask ourselves, for a morsel of meat; have we sold our birthright to a seat in heavenly places in Christ? Has America gone so deep in to the mountains of Esau with both natural and spiritual adultery that one the grace of God can bring us out?
WHO IS THIS
Who is this that cometh from Edom? Our hymn asks who is this that comes from far? Strong triumphant traveler. We on earth talk about light years of travel. Yes how far the speed of light can travel in one year. My dear friend our blessed Saviour just thought of these two twins, gave Jacob a dream, made Esau his twin brother homesick and a miracle happened. He who travels in the greatness of his strength, brought light where there was no light, love where love seemingly no longer existed and peace that passeth understanding. Praise God! and Esau with his four hundred men came running to meet Jacob, embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him as they wept.
I think that in eternity Jacob and Esau are both in safe hands, don’t you?
GLORIOUS IN HIS APPAREL
In closing, the lady with the lamp, no matter how glorious she is in ker apparel of brass draping over three hundred feet snugging closely to her frame, is nothing to be compared to the glorious apparel of our precious Saviour, who is even now dressed in white, so white as the light not only in New York harbor, but in heaven and where ever he makes himself manifest. Even in Edom. Amen?
Even in your heart and mine. Oh the glory of his apparel and joy of his presence.
I would like to share with you some thoughts I have concerning our faith and trust in God. Paul says that Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Here the word substance means ground or confidence. So faith is the ground hope of salvation.. .that one day we shall see Him as He is ... is secured by our faith. How do we know that God created all that is in only six days? Or how do we know that Jesus came and died on a cross to atone for our sins? We were not there but our faith assures us that these things are so!
We are living in a time when things around us seem to be pretty out-of-control. The nation’s economy seems to be sliding in a downward trend, the nation is at war, and immorality is running rampant. However even in the midst of all of this, God’s children must press onward. During times like these the Christian should hold his head up trusting in God; but, when I look about at others that; have professed God as their Saviour they are walking about in doubt.
This brings me to a question that the children of Israel asked shortly after they had been delivered out of Egypt. Found in the last part of Exodus 17:7, the question reads, is the Lord among us, or not? This is not a question concerning the whereabouts of the Lord but rather is a revealing of the Israelites lack of faith in God.
I see in the actions and fears of others this same question being asked I, today. Is the Lord among us, or not? The Word of God teaches us that we cannot trust in or rely upon the promises of man but it is in the precious promises of the Lord that we can be comforted. To me, one of the sweetest promises for the child of God is found in the thirteenth chapter of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. God has promised to be with his people so why should we walk around doubting.
The children of Israel had not long ago been in Egyptian bondage and bad seen the mighty wonders that the Lord had performed by sending the plagues. They had seen the Red Sea parted by God and were made to walk across it dry shod. They then witnessed the Lord avenge himself upon the pursuing Egyptian army as he released the mighty walls of water upon them. When the Israelites saw this great work they.. .Feared the Lord, and I believe the Lord.. .That is why it is so amazing to find these same people a short time later at the bitter waters of Marsh murmuring and asking, What shall we drink? Of course, the Lord caused the waters to be made sweet! Just a short time later the people became hungry and again complained and murmured. Once again the Lord took care of their needs by sending them manna.
The setting of this question that I am considering follows another bout of complainings and murmurings by the people of God because they were thirsty. The people were in such a fix that they were ready to stone Moses!
The Lord instructed Moses to go and smite the rock in Horeb and when he did water came forth and the people’s thirst was quenched.
It is interesting to note that it says that the people Tempted the Lord, saying, is the Lord among us, or not? Their unbelief tried the Lord.
The Lord’s disciples were much like these people. They had seen the miracle that Jesus had performed but lacked faith when they were in the distressful situation in the ship being tossed to and fro by the boisterous waves. Their cry for help was answered by the Master’s words, O ye of little faith. Notice the comfort and peace that was forfeited because of unbelief.
Paul instructs us to take the shield of faith with us as part of the armour that God has given us. Why take this shield with us? Why do football players wear helmets? To prevent themselves from receiving a damaging injury! Likewise, this shield is to protect the child of God from the fiery darts of satan.
Yes, satan is eager to attack the child of grace every chance he can.. He causes doubts and fears to run rampant in the mind, thus causing spiritual injury. He provokes the child of God to even doubt the ability and power of God! See what he did to our mother Eve. He tempted her into believing that God had lied, by telling her, Ye shall not surely die. This is still one of his tactics today.
Above all....Paul says! Sounds pretty important, doesn’t it? I really doubt that any soldier in his right mind would go to the front lines without the appropriate protective gear on. Likewise, the child of God is to completely suit-up in the appropriate battle gear because we face warfare each day of our life.
So, Paul says that more important that the helmet and the breastplate (not that these are not important, quite the contrary) that we are to take the shield of faith that we will be able to quench (extinguish) all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Looking around us we see people that have evidently left their shield of faith at home. Professing-believers in God are running around worrying themselves about the end of time and about the big war of Armageddon. They are crying that your life bad better be right with God because this is the big one!
These have either not had the truth preached to them in the first place or they are like the Israelites were at the Jordan River. Remember, the Israelites that were brought. up from Egypt did not go into the land of rest because of their unbelief. They had the truth preached to them but it did not profit them because the hearing of the word was not mixed with faith (Heb. 4:1-2). Basically, the Israelites just did not trust in God for their strength in overcoming the giants of the land. Is that not the case with so many today? They are not mixing faith with the truth that is being preached to them. So long as there is no trouble on the horizon, I have got faith! But let trouble come and their lives are shattered to pieces.
James says show your faith by your works. It’s not enough to talk about how much faith you have in God; show it! When the trying times come (and they will) are we to hang our heads in doubts and fears? Of course not! Are we to ask the question, is the Lord among us, or not? Not at all! Look in the twelfth chapter of Hebrews at the catalog of the faithful. Look at how they each faced their particular difficulty. They trusted in God!
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith... We cannot serve God in an acceptable manner if the weight of doubt and the sin of unbelief is upon us. We are to lay aside these things, put them off, and lift our heads up looking unto Jesus as our strength and stay!
Yes I agree, with the world situation is pretty gloomy and the situation here in American is not what we would like it to be but praise be to God He is still On His throne and is still in control!
Let us not be found asking, is the Lord among us, or not? His promise is that He will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. May God bless and keep each of you. In His love.
PLEASE NOTICE TO
ALL CORRESPONDENTS
It will be greatly appreciated, if you would send all type-written articles in double spaced. It makes it for much easier reading for the type-setter.
Thank You,
The Banner of Love
The little epistle of Philemon was written by the apostle Paul in A.D.60. Paul was a prisoner at Rome, in chains at his own hired house under the custody of a soldier.
See Acts 28:30.
Philemon was one of good reputation and probably an Elder in the church at Colosse, a city of Phrygia. He had a servant named Onesimus, who, having stolen some of his master Philemon’s goods, ran away from him, and in his wanderings came to Rome where the apostle Paul was a prisoner.
Onesimus providentially coming under the apostle Paul’s preaching there was by the blessings of God converted. He then ministered for awhile for the Apostle in bonds of servitude, and might have stayed on being closely attached to Paul following his conversion, but Paul, understanding him to be Philemon’s servant, would not detain him and sent him back to his master with a letter. ‘The letter was one of recommendation on Onesimus’s behalf, and Paul earnestly sued for his pardon and kind reception as a brother, not as a runaway slave.
The Apostle Paul began his letter, Paul a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Although be was a prisoner in bonds at Rome, he more importantly considers himself a prisoner of Jesus Christ. To be a prisoner simply is of no comfort nor honor, except to that which the apostle Paul was, for the faith and preaching of. the gospel. This was meant to be a moving reminder, and proper to move Philemon upon the request made by him in Onesimus’s behalf. A petition from one suffering for Christ and his gospel would surely be tenderly regarded by a fellow servant of Jesus. Paul is not slight here in serving this poor convert Onesunus the slave. Now how could such a petitioner be denied? Consider also that Philemon was converted under Paul’s preaching, probably during the Apostle’s residence at Ephesus.
The Apostle Paul sent Onesimus back bearing the letter to Philemon and Apphia, his wife, who likewise was injured and offended by Onesimus. For there should be a complete cooperation with husband and wife in domestic matters whose interests are one.
The epistle was also addressed to Archippus, an elder in the church at Colosse. Philemon’s friend and probably co-pastor with Philemon, who was also an elder in the church there. Paul also charges Archippus to peace making and forgiveness in behalf of Onesimus.
The epistle was also addressed to the church which met at Philemon’s and Apphia’s home, for the Apostle felt that all the members would have some concern in this matter of Onesimus. He pleads to them, also, that their affections should return to Onesimus, and in all their ways further, and not hinder, the reconciliation sought for Onesimus. The church would be offended and concerned in this matter, for it was here that this poor slave was taught the moral course of life, and so it was against them also that this sin was committed. Onesimus must now stand before the church body, here hoping that true Christian love might abound for one who had truly repented of his sins.
The main business of the epistle was to plead with Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, and many strong considerations Paul sets forth for this purpose. Let us observe. First, Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now a prisoner of Jesus Christ. I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds. (Philemon 9,10).
Paul would seem here to suggest, If thou would do anything for a poor aged prisoner to comfort while in bonds and make his chains lighter, then grant me this which I desire, and hereby you will do honor to Jesus by refreshing aged suffering servant of His, which he will doubtless take as done to himself. And although of right and in civil respect Onesimus by thy servant, yet in a spiritual sense he is now a son to me.
Second, I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee. The apostles had under Christ great power in the church over ordinary ministers such as Philemon. They might require of them what was fit and were therein to be obeyed, which Philemon should consider. This was a matter within the apostle’s power to require, though he would not in this instance act up to it. Paul here, although an apostle, entreats where he might have insisted, he argues from love rather than authority, which doubtless must carry an engaging influence with it.
Third, referring to Philemon’s own interest, the apostle pleads for Onesimus with this argument: Which in thus past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me, whom I have sent again; thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels, (Philemon 11:12). He had wronged his master and run away from him, and lived as if he were his own and not his. Yet, as God covers the sins of penitent’s, forgives and does not upbraid, so should men.
Paul pleads so tenderly, not suggesting that Onesirnus’s sin was small, but he having been humbled by it, and doubtless much ashamed of himself, the Apostle would not crush his spirit by continuing to burden him therewith, but speaks tenderly pleading with Philemon not to make severe reflections on his servant’s misconduct, but forgive. His conversion had made him altogether profitable, useful, and a treasure now to his family and the church.
Paul continues, Whom I would have retained with me, that on thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel; But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly, [Philemon 13, 14]. Paul admits that he was denying himself in sending Onesimus back. Yet he would not detain him any longer. Although Paul was now in prison and wanted a friend to act for him and assist him, for which he found Onesimus fit and ready to do, and therefore yearned to detain him to minister to him. He suffers him to return to Philemon, not of necessity and willingly. Furthermore, Onesimus, who had wronged and withdrawn himself to his master’s injury, now felt the heavy burden of his sin and was desirous to return to his duty, and Paul would not hinder this.
Fourth, If thy count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself, [Philemon 17] Paul says to Philemon, if you are truly my partner show thy love to me by receiving one so dear to me, even as myself. Own and treat him as you would me, with a true Christian affection. Please! Receive him with love and don’t abuse him, but keep him from sinking into despondency and encourage him to his duty.
A note to us all here: we should encourage new converts and help them to their church duties as beloved partners, not rehearsing the past, but ever pressing together serving one another in appreciation for our place in the kingdom.
Fifth, Albeit I do say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine ownself besides, (Philemon 19). T he Apostles final argument to Philemon is to call to his remembrance that he is in debt to him far more than Onesimus’s debt would be. The Apostle recalls the benefits he had conferred on Philemon, suggesting that if he were anything in grace and acceptation with God, or if enjoying anything in a right and comfortable manner, -it is under God, and owing to his ministry. For Philemon was converted under the Apostle Paul’s preaching which he is not ashamed to bring to remembrance at this time in Onesimus’s behalf.
By way of illusion in all of this we should see the illustration of Christ’s undertaking for us. We all have revolted from God, and by sin have wronged Him, but Jesus undertakes to make satisfaction for us, and has accomplished such, the just for the unjust that he might bring us unto God.
Our little epistle doesn’t tell us how Philemon, his family, and the church received Onesimus, but I am persuaded to believe that it was a joyous Christian occasion.
May God bless us all,
Elder Kenneth W. Clevenger
Cameron, Mo.
Hope you are well and enjoying the blessings of life in the Lord. Just wanted to write you a few lines in regard to the church here at Texas City. Bay Haven Primitive Baptist Church disbanded Nov. 3, 1990. We had only four members and thought it best that we could serve elsewhere. Wife and I moved our membership to Grace Primitive Baptist Church in Houston; Elder Cleburn moved to First Primitive Baptist Church of Houston. We have sold the property, the proceeds go to the association.
I am enclosing a poem that my sister wrote several years ago. It is a high light of our uncle’s life, who was a Primitive Baptist minister back in the twenty’s and thirty’s. If you can wish you would put it in the Banner. Please find my check for some to extend my Banner for another year and to help send it to others who cannot pay. Hope you have a prosperous year in ‘91. Sister Opal when are you coming to Houston?
Uncle’s name was Charles Zubulon Hanks. He lived around San Saba, Brownwood, Goldthwaite, Mullin, and I’m sure preached with your grandpa, (Brother Don I should have said, great-grandpa I knew “Uncle Hamp”, too; he stayed at our house more than once.
Sincerely,
Oscar Hanks
LaMarque, TX
Editors Note: Brother Hanks, I came ‘to Houston for Christmas, but due to the icy weather was unable to attend church. They had road warnings out. Hope to come back in the spring Opal Richards.
This loved one with curly hair
To Sarah and Jim Hanks was born
On the third of May eighteen-eighty-five
The little county of Bastrop he arrived.
When he was just a little lad
It was the love of the Lord he had
Stowed away in his little heart
And he feasted on it like a lark.
When he was at work or play
He praised the Lord from day to day
To his brothers and sisters he did preach
quoting scriptures and trying to teach
HE listened to several denominations teach
Still believing he was called to preach
Trying to choose the right from wrong
The Primitive Baptist were with him strong
He listened to preaching from day to day
The Primitive Baptist still seemed the way
Always listening to them preach
Trying to learn what they tried to teach
Then as he grew out of his teens
There was a young lady so it seems
Who come into his life so dear
They loved each other from year to year
We remember the day, December 27, 1910
For that was the day when
He taken’ Lora Lee Nunn to be
His wife, and one he love to see
The children born to this union were three
But alas the Angels came to see
Taking two of them away
But the eldest one is with us today
In 1912 to an arm of Center Grove Church while extended,
He came confessing God’s love and pretending
That his desire to preach would cease
This seemed only to give him a new lease
A Deacon then he was ordained to be
That preaching thing he still could see
In the year 1923
He was ordained to the Ministry
He was in the constitution of a Church
Which they named New Providence church
His letter remained there from that day
Until the dear Lord taken him away
In the counties of Bastrop, Kerr, San Saba, Mills
He spent his life trying to do the Lord’s will
But alas, one day, which we repent
An accident happened without intent
As he walked down the street on his way
An automobile struck him that day
Breaking both legs below his knees
Causing much pain, he got no ease
He was rushed to a hospital in Brownwood
Where doctors and nurses over him stood
Trying to fix the wounded parts
One was fixed and other was not
After suffering much anguish and pain
He went to a hospital at Sutherland Springs
Hoping there there he could find ease
Still trusting and praying “Dear Lord” please
He was able to return home, but telling
That his left leg was still swelling
He remained at home for a month, and then,
Returned to the Sutherland Springs again
In just a few days they called us
a vain broke in his leg, so they told us,
Then of course we all wanted to go
To find the cause of all the woe
To Houston they carried him one night
Which they all thought was quite right
There his leg was amputated
What was to happen, we just waited
He gained strength, and feeling fine
He came to Smithville the last time
Going to church and still preaching
He hoped to benefit those he was teaching
IN a few weeks after then
He went back to Mullin to live again
He wasn’t there very many days
Until he began slipping away
A cloud came up one night
The weather man called him, which was right
He and. his wife got out of bed
And took heed to what the weatherman said
What are we going to do, said she
He replied, I’m spitting blood do something for me.
They went to the drug store across the way
But nothing stopped the blood that day
It was then they called us at home
Saying he was real sick and to come
But our Blessed Savior knew best
For that dear one is now at rest
The Angels beckoned him away
AT two o’Clock the 30th of May
To all he was sweet and kind
To be like him we wouldn’t mind
He left to mourn his departed life
His grown son, and sweet loving wife
A mother, who is very old
A brother and four sisters bold
He also leaves some more
Nephews that number four
Nieces which number ten
A great nephew and still then
A host of friends and relatives true
And we trust that they too
Will try to walk in the way
that God commanded from day today
Trusting that we can be reconciled
And be content here for a while
Then we too will leave this place
Still hoping to be saved by His grace
Trusting in the Lord, as our guide
Maybe someday be by his side
There to dwell forever more
On that bright and happy shore.
This I’ve written from the sincere desire of my heart
And not for any praise in my part
This I make as a dedication
To his loved ones and all relations A niece that loved him,
S. Elizabeth Hanks (Beth)
Enclosed is a check for $18.00 for the Banner of Love for two years. We enjoy reading our church paper, Banner of Love very much and don’t want to miss a copy.
We are so thankful for the paper and to .each one that contributes to its publication. We love the Primitives everywhere and would love to have visitors our way to come visit our church at Elk Creek in Oklahoma anytime.
Brother Richards, you are doing a great job for The Banner of Love, and Sister Opal, too.
We love and appreciate you, Mr. and Mrs. James T. Stewart Dill City. Oklahoma
Do we have strong reasons for what we believe? Surely we have enough Bible reasons that our reasons for believing should be strong, unbreakable. First see Ex. 3:7,8, And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people, which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their task makers, for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.
What a promise God has made, and He can fulfill it. The first strong reason we have because God said it would be; that we would be brought out of bondage. One place we read, strong is the Lord your God when we see the word, God, we have a word by itself, we can find no accounting to it; God stands by Himself.
Nest we see God in creation, darkness on the face of the earth and God said, Let there be light, and there was light. Think of the light all through the Bible. We see it strong with King David in Psa. 18:28. For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. Job 29:3 When His candle shined upon my head; and when by His light I walked through darkness. One more on light, speaking of Jesus, John 1:4, In Him was life and the life was the light of men; read from 1, 17, especially V 9. That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. Matthew Henry, suggests every man, natural or supernatural. I do know Jesus lighted every man that came into the spiritual world. For He was to be a light to the Gentiles, Acts. 13:46, 49. Get also Isa.42:5,8. This lesson to me is a strong reason I want to live by it. For before Christ came into my life, and it was because Christ accepted me, then sure 1 accepted Him, for that was what He came for to seek and save that which was lost, and were without Him I was lost, seeks here, is to come to and saved.
Can you believe that anyone is so lost that Christ has to seek, every case in the Bible shows me, He came right to them. He came right to the Apostle Paul; He came right to the lepers, they could not come to Him for they were afar off the distance. In the Bible they had to stay away and cry unclean. To me this is a strong reason in my life for what I believe about God, His son Jesus and the Holy Ghost Holy Spirit in that we are comforted by the Comforter, is a strong reason. Note, I give you the Comforter, I give, then you have it.
Another great strong reason is the days man of Job 19:33, One who goes between, one who say this or that sinner is free, and. if Christ has made you free, you are free indeed. Let us not do as is suggested in Gal. 5:13, For Brethren, Ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love, serve one an other. Look at Isa. 65:5, Jude 19, separate themselves. They cause division, so says my marginal reading and they do this right in the face of 1 Cor. 1:1, 13, Vs, 10 and that there be no divisions among you. Note 13 is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
Back to the strong reasons, Let us go to John 6. start at 26, 71, note 65, And He said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto Him of my Father. From that time many of the disciples went back and walked no more with Him 67, Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away, 68. Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord to whom shall we go? Thou hast the word of eternal life. See John 10:28,29. And I gave unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pinch them out of my Father’s hand, V. 30, 1 and my Father are one.
These are a few of my strong reasons. I beg us all to look at Luke 9:62.
TEXAS
Abilene, 103.7 FM, 81 a.m. Sun.
Big Spring, 103.9 FM, 7 a.m. Sun.
Denton, 1440 AM10:00 a.m. Sun
Gonzales, 1450,9:30 am. Sun.
Graham, 1330 AM 9:15 am Sun.
Houston, 1180,9:30 am Sun.
Kilmer, 1060 AM Sam Sun. -
Lampasas, 1450 AM, 8:45 am Sun.
Lubbock, 92.5 PM 9am Sun.
Stephenville, 1510 AM 8am Sun.
Wichita Falls, 1290 AM, 9:30 am Sun.
Eastland KEAS 97.7 FM/1590 AM
8:30 a.m. Sun- Baptist Bible Hour
NEW MEXICO
Roswell, 1020 AM, am Sun.
OKLAHOMA
Ardmore, 1240 AM, 8:30am Sun.
Norman, 640 AM 8&8:30 am Sun.
Elder E.S. Morrisett was born Oct. 16, 1905 in Limestone Co., TX. Passed from this life Jan. 1, 1991 at Odessa, TX at the age of 85 years, two months, fifteen days.
He is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and Kenneth Marshall of Hemet, Cal.; grandson, Larry Marshall ‘of Irvine, Cal., great-granddaughter, Joanna Marshall of Irvine, Cal., and one sister, Clara Pearson, Wichita Falls, TX.
Elder Morrisett was ordained to the full functions of the gospel ministry on Dec. 4, 1938, pursuant to the call of Salem Primitive Baptist Church at Troup, TX. The presbytery consisted of: Elders: Joe Meece of Teague, TX., E. C. (brother) Morrisett, of Dallas, TX, E.L. Reed of Port Neches, TX and Isaac Terrell of Troup, TX. Deacons: T.W.Phillips of Ballard, TX, W.F. Sides of Tyler, TX, C.L. Hindnurn of Arp, TX, and Percy Rhodes of Warren, TX. Moderator, Joe Meece, Clerk T.W. Phillips.
Elder “Rip” as he was known by his friends, favorite saying was, I had rather wear out then to rust out, and he stayed active in the church to the end, having been instrumental in constitution of several churches in East Texas, as well as the Monahans Primitive Baptist Church at Monahans, TX, of which he is a member and co-pastor at the time of his passing.
Elder Morrisett was laid to rest in the Resthaven Cemetery, Lubbock, TX, Jan. 8, 1991. Funeral services were conducted by Elders Perry L. Ross and Kenneth Martin.
Our thanks and the thanks of the family go to Elder George Johnson and The Lubbock Primitive Baptist Church for their help in providing the singers and pallbearers
Elder Rip can say with Paul, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them that love his appearing. 2 Tim. 4:7-8. One of the songs he had requested to be sung, was When we all get to Heaven, What a great reunion that will be!
Until then, farewell my dear friend, I hope to see you on the other side.
Written in love and hope of Glory, Elder Perry L. Ross, Pastor
Monahans Primitive Baptist Church
The Burnet Primitive Baptist Church regrets the loss of Walter Tabor Jeffery. Brother Jeffery passed from this life Dec. 8, 1990. The Lord gave him 94 years of life. upon this earth before calling him home in glory forever more. Brother Jeffery was born Aug. 29, 1896 in Gatesville, Tx and was the son of James M. Jeffery and Minnie Jeffery.
The funeral service was conducted in the Edgar Funeral Home with Elder Boyd Chambers officiating. Pallbearers were:
Lamar Bear, Gerald Johnson, Cary Taylor, Barney Cannon, Aubrey Poss, and Floyd Cogburn. He was put to rest in the Liberty Hill Cemetery until the Lord comes to take his children home in heaven and immortal glory. His survivors include his wife, Louise Jeffery, of Marble Falls, TX, one sister Billie 0. Williamson of Burnet, TX. Brother Jeffery was a retired welder and veteran of World War I.
Brother Jeffery was a member of the Punitive Baptist Church for many years. He and his wife drove many miles for years, to be able to attend church services. As his health became bad the church members would take him to church. He never felt too bad to go to church. The last few months he was confined to the rest home, but he always liked his brothers and sisters in the church to visit and talk with him.
We, of the Burnet Church at Burnet, TX, bow in humble submission to the will of God in the loss of Brother Walter Tabor Jeffery. The church gives our sympathy and love to his dear wife, Sister Louis Jeffery, his sister, Billy Williamson, and other loved ones.
Elder Boyd Chambers, Pastor
Lamar Bear, Church Clerk
The Burnet Primitive Baptist Church regrets the loss of a sweet sister in Christ and a devoted church member.
The Lord called Sister Maude Arizona Hopkins from this life, Dec. 2, 1994) to her home in glory. Funeral services were held Dec. 4, 1990 at the Edgar Funeral Home in Burnet, TX, with Elder Boyd Chambers officiating. She was placed to rest in the Liberty Hill Cemetery, until the Lord comes to gather his children to be with them in heaven and immortal glory forevermore.
Pallbearers were Scott Hopkins, Gary Hopkins, Jeffery Garner, Michael Garner. John Garner, and Kenneth Gordon.
Sister Hopkins was born on April 14, 1903 in Gatesville, TX. She was the daughter of David Hopkins and Lillie W. Burns. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arbie Hopkins and one daughter, Arlys Garner. Survivors include, two sons, Harold Hopkins of Liberty Hill, TX, Darrell Hopkins of Austin, TX; one brother, Stanley Hopkins of Bertram, TX; ten grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren.
Sister Hopkins devoted her life as a homemaker and a schoolteacher. She was a member of the Burnet Primitive Baptist Church. She loved the church very much and was a faithful and devoted to come to church as long as her health permitted her to do so. Sister. Hopkins home was next to the lot where the Burnet Church building was built. She watched it being built from the ground up and the church members working on it. She acquired a great love deep in her heart toward the church and the devoted members building the building. She soon placed her membership in the church.
We loved Sister Hopkins very much as a dear sister in the church, and we know she will be missed by the members of the church, also, of her family and friends.
We, of the Burnet Church bow in humble submission to the will of God in the loss of Sister Maude Arizona Hopkins. We, the church give our sympathy and love to the family.
May God bless everyone in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ
Elder Boyd Chambers, Pastor
Lamar Bear, church clerk
Sister Barbara Jackson of Floydada, Texas went to Mayo Clinic and Hospital for her clinical testing prior to receiving her liver transplant. After steadily declining for sometime, the testing showed an improvement and the doctor reported that she was in remission. When asked for a medical reason for the improvement, the doctor replied, “There must have been a lot of prayers for her and they have been answered.”
We thank God for hearing the prayers of all those that have remembered- Sister Barbara.
We are so thankful for the blessing given her at this time.
Brother and Sister Jackson have returned to their home at Floydada and hope for continued improvement. Please continue to pray for them.
God Bless All of You,
Her Family
DAUGHTER IN GERMANY WRITES POEM
Our daughter, who lives in Germany, wrote and sent us this poem. Thought we would share it with your readers, if you deem it appropriate.
We have two daughters, four grandchildren, and two son-in-laws living in Germany, employed by the U.S. Government.
Pray for us, God bless you all,
George and Ruby Herriage
Our daughters addrsses are:
Cynthia A. VanVekoven
101st Ordinance Battalion
Box 604
APO, New York 09751-0330
Janice E. VanVekoven
USMC Wertheim
Box 49
APO, New York 09047
We’ve seen many sun’s set to begin a new day
We’ve seen many people of different tongue pass by our way
They have a look dismented - and have not much to say
This is the land we fought so hard to protect
Yet, we are the people they choose to reject
Our children have fought among and spit upon for being Americans free
Then I think how weak is the sword that brings putrid destruction
And how mighty the lamb we turn to on betided knee
Our freedom is ours, and rightfully so, to live in peace and equality.
But humanity with their pompous pride, reaps their reward with immorality.
Yes, here we are, we’ll turn the other cheek
And live for our Saviour a language we need voices to speak
And in this land of faraway
We need to see many more sun’s set to begin a new day
And here we’ll be with many hopes in prayer
We’ll return home again, in our Lord’s precious care.
Cindy VanVekoven
We enjoy reading the paper each month. It has been one of our main church papers in this area for several years.
In Christian love, (Elder) Charles Holmes Mena, Ark.
Jesus speaking to the Church at Ephesus in Rev. 2:6, said, But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Who are the Nicolaitans, and what are they doing to cause Jesus to hate their deeds? Let us search the Scripture and try to find the answer.
Young’s analytical Concordance defines the word nico means to conquer, and Webster defines laity as a religious people distinguished from their clergy.
The word nice can be traced back to Nicodimus (John 3:1) who was a ruler of the Jews, a staunch Pharisee, and a member of the Sanhedrin Court. Peloubet’s Bible Dictionary defines Nicodemus as meaning, conqueror of the people, which is identical to the word, Nicolaitan. Now, Nicociemus, being a Pharisee fits the description.
The Pharisees sit in Moses seat, they say and do not, they lay burdens on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at the feasts, and the chief sits in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi, etc. Please read all of the chapter. (Matt. 23:1-39.)
We know that Nicodemus was a believer in Christ. (John 3:1) and he helped Joseph take down the body of Jesus from the cross. And some seem to think he became a follower of Christ. If he did he must have held to the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. But we see this evil doctrine contend for in the book of Luke 9:48; 22:24, by the Apostles, and it been in the church ever since then.
The Church’s sovereignty has been in danger down through the ages. Let us awake to this evil doctrine, and preserve the Church sovereignty as taught in 1st. Cor. 6: 1-4. Ruling with a rod of iron is not the way to rule a New Testament Church.
Please pray for the Church.
B.N. Mahurin
Andrews, Texas
Marshall Milhigan was born March 22, 1913 at Batesville, Ark. He died Nov. 22, 1990 in the Methodist Hospital in Lubbock, TX at the age of 77 years and eight months.
He married Velma Clotilde Wood on April 10, 1937 in Hollis, Ok. He is survived by his wife, a daughter, Phyllis Angeley; three grandchildren and one great-grandson, all of Muleshoe TX. Marshall is also survived by two brothers; Gaynor Milligan of Pasco, Wash., and J.D. Milhigan of San Antonio, TX and four sisters; Hazel Carter of Houston, Lola Gill of Amarillo, Billie Ballard of Amarillo and Maxine Austin of Borger. TX.
Funeral services were held at the Muleshoe Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Cleveland Bass and Elder Kenneth Martin officiating.
Marshall was a firm believer in the doctrine of grace and defended it well. The language of Jesus portrays his life better than mortal could ever tell; St. Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good.
He will be missed by all who knew him and loved him.
By order of the Muleshoe Primitive Baptist Church while in conference, Jan. 20, 1991.
Written by Morris Nowlin
Been Having Good Meetings
I do enjoy the Banner so much and get all the good news from other churches.
We have been having good meetings at Squaw Creek Church At Doss, TX; also at Gatesville and Waco Church. The Lord has been so good to us. Praise His great and good name.
Please send the Banner to Brother Paul. He saw it and wanted the paper, as it has large print; his eyesight is failing.
May God help you to keep sending out the good news.
In Bonds, Elder Richard Martin Waco, Texas
Sister Maple Estella Norris of 700 S. Ostrom, Eastland, TX, passed away Friday, Dec. 21, 1990. She was born Sept. 27, 1896, making her stay here on earth 94 years, two months and 24 days. Her unwavering faith in her Lord was an inspiration to all that had the privilege of knowing her.
Sister Maple was preceded in death by her husband, Lon Norris. She is survived by one son, Truett Norris of Carbon; two daughters, Lee Ola Hogan of Eastland, and Opal Holiday of Gorman; nine grandchildren, 22 great -grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
Services were held by her pastor, Elder Barry Brown and she was laid to rest in the Murray Cemetery.
We miss Sister Maple very much and wish to express our deepest sympathy to all of her loved ones and pray that she is at rest with sweet Jesus.
Written by the request of the Gorman Primitive Baptist Church while in conference third Sunday of January. One copy to be sent to the family, a copy be sent to The Banner of Love, and a copy to be placed in the church records.
Gorman Primitive Baptist Church
Elder Barry L. Brown, Pastor
Brother Lynden Lasater, Clerk
PAPER IS A GREAT COMFORT
Am enclosing my subscription to the paper for another year. I enjoy it so much that I don’t want to miss one copy. I am 92 years young, live alone, so don’t get around much; so the paper is a great comfort to me. Although I miss the old timers: Brother Redford, O.C. Floyd, Jack West, Brothers Dunn, Collins, C.L. Casey, Newman, Fox, etc.
Also, I miss our good associations every summer. I wish the paper were a weekly; seems along time to wait from time to the next. So, keep up the good work, for it gives a lot of comfort and pleasure to a lot of us shut-in’s.
May God give you many more years for your paper.
A Sister in the Lord, Dona Black
Cross Plains, Texas
Sister Audna departed life on this earth Oct. 17, 1990. She was born Feb. 7, 1905 in Wise County and lived in Wilbarger county since 1906. She was preceded in death by her husband, Garland Shults in 1942, and a son, Keith, in 1968.
Her survivors are two daughters, Emma B. Baker of Burkburnett, TX, Anita Patton of Wichita Falls, TX; two sisters, Belle Southerland of’ Amarillo, TX, Velma Haynes of Chillicothe, TX, and two grandchildren, Terry Patton, and Linda Baker. Her place of interment was in Bell Cemetery, Odell, TX.
Audna joined the Odell Primitive Baptist Church, September 6, 1936 making her a member for 54 years. She served as church, clerk, 36 years and five months.
Sister Audna was one of the most faithful sisters I have known, even after she had a stroke and needed assistance to move around, she still looked forward to church services and attended regularly. She was a woman as described by Solomon, “Her price is above rubies.” Precious indeed are her memories. We here at Odell greatly miss her., but at the same time bow to God’s holy will realizing we had her for 85 years. What a wonderful life and testimony she left all of us. Brother Terry Patton, her grandson, assisted me, H.O. Ballard, in preaching her funeral. Her value to all of us here at Odell was far above rubies.
Written by, (Elder) H.O. Ballard
ENJOYS THE PAPER
Please renew our subscription for two years. We always look forward to getting the paper and keeping up with the good meetings.
Yours in Christ, Mr. and Mrs. Freddie Shipman Oklahoma City, Ok.
WITHOUT PASTOR
We at Northside Primitive Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas are without a pastor. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest (Matt. 9:38). We will continue to meet each Sunday as the lord wills, but we pray the Lord will send us a pastor to live among us and feed the church of God (Acts 20:28).
The minister that feels God is leading him to this place should contact one of the following members for an appointment: (512) 824-3660; 344-5856; 655-0728.
Elder Duane was our pastor at Eldorado Primitive Baptist Church for nine years. He was kind, gentle, witty and never wanted to be pitied. He was respected by all who knew him. He loved the Lord and his Church, his wife children and friends.
He did not shun to declare the whole counsel of God. He lived what he taught. He admonished us, to seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. H is faith never seemed to waiver to the very end of his life. If we believe and keep in memory what he preached to us, we’ll be saved from many heartaches. We have his tapes and they are treasures, most precious.
Since I traveled with the McCartys, I became acquainted with all the family and grew fond of them. There were fun times and there were troubled times.
They had planned a trip to see their daughter and family in Chicago. The Baptist elders had arranged that Elder McCarty preach at several churches along the way.
Before we arrived at Tyler, Texas church, our vehicle refused to run. What did we do? Elder Duane and Sally, apparently without any anxiety, walked about one fourth mile to house. And would you believe, one of Duane’s old friends lived there? In a short time we were on our way and discussing how the Lord looks after His people.
Every trip I ever took with them seemed to be God’s planning. It was good to be in company with these dear people and the many others we met on this trip through several states, where he preached.
And there was the big trip to Cincinnati, Ohio to Elder Bradley’s church. We were to meet Brother Dick’s bus in Ft. Worth, Texas.
Did you ever ride in the car with a blind man, who gave all the directions, called all the shots, and told you when and where to turn? Well, I have. Of course, his wife was the chauffeur and a good one. She never made one wrong turn. We went straight to a friend’s house in Ft. Worth, where we spent the night. They