|
Volume 58 Number 3 Lubbock, Texas 79493 Copyright $9.00 Per Year March 1991 |
Questions on Regeneration He Comes Quickly The Candlestick Only one talent Some Thoughts From the Book of Job Knowledge of Everlasting Life A Treasured Experience Brother J. B. Pete Presgrove Sister Jane Lenoy Arp Nellie Purtle Sister Agnes Baethge Inez Parrish Brother Melvin C. Cook
I recently received a letter and quote in part as follows:
“As a child I sat under the preaching of the gospel, and occasionally I would have questions, but would almost hesitate to ask because I was afraid of the answers. I worried about the terms, “dead, alien sinner and dead in trespasses and sins”, not knowing what they meant. Primitive Baptists have scriptural “clichés” that are used during their sermons, and many times children don’t understand. Some of these questions were: (1) What is a dead, alien sinner? (2) What is the meaning of “dead in trespasses and in sins? (3) Are we able to “get out” of the dead state, and (4) if so, how?
“I know hearing the gospel doesn’t save me for heaven, but if it were not for the gospel, and comforting answers by my mother to my childish questions, I would have been overcome with fear that I was not one of the Lord’s children.
“If you could respond to these questions, I would appreciate it.”
I believe the foregoing letter is probably typical of many questions people have. I have promised the person writing that I would not reveal their name, however, it is with full consent that my answers would be published in The Banner of Love in the hope that it will help someone else.
Questions 1 and 2: Basically these terms are synonymous. A dead, alien sinner is dead in trespasses and sin. To be dead in trespasses and in sins is essentially to be a dead, alien sinner. However, I have only stated the question and have not answered it. The only way I can do that is to go to the Scripture which will take some effort on my part and will require some effort on your part to study through these. It is impossible to deal with the “sin” question without going to the source. We must look at the great transgression of Adam, the federal head of the human race.
In Romans 5:12, the Apostle Paul said, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” It is interesting to note the word “men” is from the word “anthropos”—-all mankind. So all mankind, the human race, died in Adam. They were by representation plunged into the condition of sin and death by the disobedience of Adam (please read verse 19 of Romans 5), in the state of spiritual death which all mankind inherited from Adam. The same apostle said in Romans 8:8, so then they that are in the flesh- can not please God. In the flesh, here, is the same as being dead spiritually, not corporally or physically dead. Read Ephesians 2:1 where Paul is talking directly to people who are alive physically but had been dead spiritually: You bath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and in sins. We see here that the nature we inherited is one that is alien, or foreign, to the nature of God. This is not to say that everyone who is born naturally is born in an unregenerate state or is spiritually dead, for God quickens or makes alive no doubt many times those who are still in their mothers’ wombs, as in the case of John the Baptist. However, by nature we are all the children of wrath, by nature we are the children of Adam.
Let me give you an example of perpetual inheritance and the passing along to our children of our own human nature. My father inherited the sinful and dying nature of his father. He then passed along to me a nature no different to that which he inherited. Some years ago my father was gathered to his people in death. I have a son who has inherited my nature, and looking back through centuries past we find that nothing has changed from Genesis 5:3, ‘and Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth. So we see the inviolable law of God, that each brings forth “after their own kind.” The logical steps of the Lord’s family can be seen as they go from nature to grace to glory.
So, to be a dead alienated sinner, in the context of Ephesians 2’: 1, is to be likened to a spiritual corpse, insensitive and incapable of responding to any external means of men, without any ability or inclination to please God.
The next term we will look at is “alien” or “alienated.” See Colossians 1:21, and you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled.... To be alienated is to be a “non-participant”. By nature, again, we are non-participants in the spiritual realm, until we are called by the Holy Spirit to be participants of His divine nature, at which time we cease to be aliens from this standpoint, and cease to be dead spiritually. The next word is sinner, and there are only two types of sinner: the sinner who is dead in trespasses and in sins .and who is a non-participant or an alien; or the quickened, born-again sinner. The sinner who has been made sensible by the irresistible quickening of the Spirit will surely live with God in Heaven. So, though we may seemingly take for granted that everyone understands the meaning of “dead, alien sinner” it is a descriptive term of the spiritually dead before they are born again, and a scriptural description.
Your next question asks how we get out of the state of death in trespasses and sins. This is a question that has been asked over and over. There are as many so-called answers as there are denominations or religious orders. For your consideration, there is nothing plainer in the Bible than the teaching that God calls His elect from a death in sin to a life in Christ solely and exclusively by the Spirit. A few other popular notions follow. The primary one is that God uses man to preach the gospel to those we have previously described as being dead in sins, and if they respond to gospel demands they will be brought out of the state of death into a life in Christ. However, we find no such teaching in the Scriptures; in no case will life precede action, that is, we do not act spiritually while we are dead spiritually in order to get life. God by His Spirit must make us alive first, then we react. There is a great consolation here, in that all who were embraced in the covenant of grace entered into by God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit will be effectually called by His Spirit at His choosing. “It is written in the prophets, they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that has heard and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.” John 6:45. In verse 37 of the same chapter, you will find that the Lord Jesus is referring to those that were given Him by the Father.
A wonderful statement is made in I Peter 1:23, “being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” The explanation for corruptible is “dying” and for seed is “parentage”, so we received from our dying parents a dying nature. Then, we are born again, not of dying parentage, but by the. Word of God which liveth and abideth forever, so God is the undying Parent who brings us out of the state of death into an undying position in Him (which is sometimes referred to as “eternal security”. To summarize, we are extricated from a. dead state to an alive state exclusively by the work of the Holy Spirit. This is also called “new creation.” Ephesians 2:10, “for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus.”
You mention that you know that hearing the gospel does not save you for heaven. You are right, and first, I will share this with you and then comment. We may forget sometimes what a great blessing it is to be among a people who understand this important fact. I came from another denomination, some of whom believed that the gospel was a universal offer to all men. Some believed that God had “predestinated” that the gospel would be preached to His Elect, which would then be the means of their regeneration. One of my greatest joys today is that I have never heard either of these views expounded among the Primitive Baptists. One of the Articles of Faith of our church at Stratton, which is substantiated by the Scriptures, states, “We believe the gospel is to be preached as a witness to the truth of Jesus Christ for the comfort and instruction of regenerated men, women and children, but deny that it is to offer grace to the unregenerated...” Romans 1:16 says “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth, to the Jew first, also to the Greek.” Paul very plainly states that the gospel is to the born-again believer.
Concerning your questions and fears as a child, we feel very strongly that the very fact that you were sincerely interested in spiritual things is great evidence that God had dealt graciously with you, otherwise, you would have had no interest in your spiritual welfare, and the fact that your mother was able to relieve your fears that you were not one of the Lord’s children was because she had comforted you with the comfort she had been comforted with by hearing the gospel. See2 Cor. 1:4, “Who comforteth us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
This is all the more reason for you to comfort your children with scriptural teaching so that as they grow in years they will look back and draw strength from you as you did from your mother.
The true gospel will interpret the experiences of the Lord’s child whether he is in the depths of despondency and mourning over his sins, or whether he is dwelling on the highest hills of God’s joy. It. is indeed good news from a far country, it always points upward to the very source of all comfort. It saves us from error. It saves us in obedience from many dire consequences that we would otherwise suffer. it is also good news of our eternal salvation. It declares the certainty, rather ‘ than a possibility, or a better life, a triumphant victory, for the family of God.
Rev. 22:20. He which testifieth these things saith, surely I come quickly. Amen. even so, Come Lord Jesus.
Every sincere believer in Jesus has this hope for it is the strong desire from longing hearts that the Lord will come again. This is His promise as He went away, and the last words of the Bible to doubt his return would destroy all faith in his precious promises for he has said, Surely I come quickly. This is a sure promise which believers lay hold and build upon, from their first experience in knowledge that Jesus is their Saviour.
Surely, the aged long for his coming, being tired of the toils and the conflicts of life, realizing with the poet, This world is a wilderness of woe, this world is not my home. They have seen the wickedness in high places, having learned by experience and observation of history of men that there has never been peace in the world. Neither will there be peace until the prince of peace returns to the earth again.
The young who have a hope burning in their hearts though not having the many sad experiences of their elders, yet by faith, they too know that the return of the blessed Saviour will bring in a perfect life. And they can rejoice in their youth that Jesus said, surely I come quickly.
We do not have to speculate upon the millennium to believe in his promise to return having this confidence and trust that He who doeth all things well, has perfection in his purpose, and we will not attempt to probe the mind of God but are willing to rest in peace on his promises and quietly wait upon the Lord.
He said, surely, I come quickly. And we stand firm upon this sure promise that he will come as to his coming quickly, we as his children even as all creation are only now creatures of time and being so a hundred years is to us along time. But God is not as mortal man, but is eternal.
Time means little to him for a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as a day. We creatures of time become impatient but be sure that it is the mind of Christ to’ visit us soon or to come quickly.
The prayer “Even so, Come Lord, Jesus, is the prayer of all believing saints. It is a good prayer, a godly desire. It was the prayer of John and all the apostles. It has been the prayer of his church in all ages. The prayer of our fathers and mothers, and it is our desire and prayer also.
In this life we have many conflicts, trials and temptations, for instance: a little child is taken by death, from the loving arms of its mother and from the care of its father. We do not question the providence of God nor take issue with his purpose. But we bow our heads and weep in grief and sorrow wondering why it must be so. But Christ said that He came to heal the broken hearted and his holy presence can fill the vacancy of an empty heart. He comes quickly to those who mourn and they shall be comforted.
Perhaps some misguided person has said hurtful things about us, even bordering on persecution. But Jesus comes quickly and removes the sting and a spirit of forgiveness prevails and we can do good to those who despitefully use us or who persecute us. We can even pray for an enemy when the Lord is with us.
When we are tempted and would fall, Jesus quickly comes and gives us strength to resist temptation. He knows our weakness and how frail we are but having loved us, he loved us to the end. And has said be will never leave us nor forsake us. This stands as a refuge in time of bodily affliction as we are made to remember that no matter how deeply we suffer or how great our tribulations, our troubles are not infinite. And we have one upon whom we may cast all our cares. Our Saviour whose pain and punishment inflicted for us was infinite and he had to bear it all alone. But he is always present to succor the weak, defend the helpless and comfort the dying.
The church which holds to the faith which was once delivered unto the saints needs not fear although described as an afflicted and poor people, yet it will stand forever. Nations may rise and fall and the church meet with opposition but the Lord will not be left without witness. He will ever be with his church to deliver her. She is his beloved.
The apostle who wrote the words of the text “Even so come Lord Jesus” was an old man when these words were written. He had outlived all the other apostles and was an exile on the Isle of Patmos. Where history says that he had to work in the mines there. Yet his faith and hope did not fail. Surely he longed for the Lord to come in person that he might once again behold his glorious face and perhaps he drew strength from the memory of the time he leaned his head on Jesus breast, but while he waited the spirit of his Lord was with him even as we dare to hope it is with us.
While we wait for his personal appearance we rely upon his promise and are comforted with the fulfillment as in Matt. 18:20.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Down through the ages this has been proven. It is not an illusion but the presence of our Lord is felt as we meet to worship him in spirit and in truth.
Also he comes quickly when with broken heart and contrite spirit we come to him in prayer, confessing our faults and asking his guidance. When we come to the end of our strength and the battle seems lost, and faith fails he comes to supply our need.
When in sublime meditation on his goodness, he comes into our hearts and our soul is raised to share his glory, even when we sing gospel songs, in adoration and praise, we feel his presence in spirit and we are lifted above all our troubles.
Surely he comes quickly when we are assembled to hear the gospel preached and we discern that the Lord is with the minister and inspires him as he is able to reveal the hidden wonders of his written word and we feel that his presence exists in the hearts of the entire congregation as they rejoice together in a Savior's love.
The comfort and solace of the Lord’s promise fulfilled, to be with us as we meet together in his name gives needed strength to fight life’s battles knowing full well that the battle is the Lord’s and that God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Each experience in worship and fellowship builds a stronger faith and a brighter hope, encouraging us to wait a little while longer until the Lord shall come.
A young brother said not long ago, that he had learned that he could not sing a song alone, perfectly, for it takes four parts to sing a hymn, and so he philosophized, we cannot worship perfectly alone. We need the church in which to do this. So the Lord said, where two or three are gathered together in his name, he would be in the midst of them and if Christ is there with them it assures perfect harmony.
So, this same Jesus which is taken up from you, into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. This was the message from the angels. And we hope to die with this faith in our hearts and this hope in our souls. Therefore, we repeat with the apostles. Even so come Lord Jesus.
From the Banner of Love 1964 (submitted by Sister Lutisha Watson)
Much is said of the candlestick in the word of God. As we study the New Testament we see it as the sanctuary or the church as in Heb. 9:2. Three things here spoken of show the church, the candlestick, the table and the shew bread. We see in Rev. 1:11, 20. See the man Christ Jesus V. 13, the seven candlesticks are the seven churches V. 20.
Let us go back to Ex. 25:3 1 we get the first picture of the candlestick. Moses on the mount with God for forty days gets that which came from God; according to the pattern shown in the mount.
In the numerous articles shown was the candlestick, v. 31, And thou shall make a candlestick of pure gold of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: His shaft and his branches, His, bowl, his knops and His flowers shall be of the same. Read on in Vs. 32:40, Note His in this wording, a perfect picture that it is in His church. I want to get more on V. 5,38 to 40 in another writing.
We have the instructions here of the candlestick. See in Ex. 37:17,23 just like the instruction above, and notice the word, His. Also get the beaten oil gold. The fruit of the olive tree treaded out by the foot, it would be a beaten path to tread. Today it would all be done by machinery, and not by foot, see the beaten work, work out. I hope to get more on this in the article, machinery is used today.
We have in Levi. 24:4 when this shall end, it shall not end, it shall be continual. He shall order the lamps upon the pure candlestick before the Lord continually. In the law age we see, there was given in the tabernacle age, some to take care, to move the candlestick as the tabernacle moved with the children of Israel.
Get Num. 3:31, please know today that if it shall be continually, there must be some to take the care of the candlestick, that light may be given to the people who want to follow God. Note, the full days of the year, not one or two days, a month that the light may be there from evening to morning. Get
1 Chr. 13:11 Read what shall be done, and get there is some that will say, Lord, what shall I do, and what to do will be done. I add here, if in the Lord’s appointed time it is not done, He will remove the candlestick. This time of the Lord is not our time so we ought not try to remove.
We pass many places of scripture that declares of the candlestick, and come to Dan. 5:1, get all of 5, for this we see here the feast given by Belshazzar to a thousand of his lords and using the vessels of his father, Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple, the house of God. We see them in a wine feast, so to speak. We see Belshazzar. In the same hour came forth the finger of a mans’ hand and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the kings palace and the king saw part of the hand that wrote. See V. 5,6,7.
We have the writings in 25,28. Let us get the lesson here the time elapsed when Nebuchadnezzar took the vessels. Was approximately 30 years yet, by the light of the candlestick, we see “God’s will be done.” The light from the candlestick, church will shine out, time will not take it away.
In the New Testament we see in Mat. 5:14, 16, Ye are the light of the world, also Mk. 4:21, 23. Let us see a candlestick lighted as it should be. Get Rev. 1:13, Note Jesus among the seven candlesticks, read about the seven in the next two chapters. See those He may remove unless they repent. We find statements in Rev. 11:4 we are at the Temple of God, note in 11:4 These are the two olive trees, and two candlesticks standing before the God of the whole earth. Get sure V. 5.
Let us turn now to Zech. 4, please read it. See in V. 2, see the candlestick V. 3, the two olive trees by it. For sure oil must come from the olive trees if the candlesticks are lighted. See the Lord with seven eyes. These are the eyes of the Lord which runs to and fro through the whole earth. See Zech 3:7,9 for the one of seven eyes. Rev. 5:6, that we may see the way the lamps get their oil, look at Zech. 4:11,14. See V. 12. See the two olive branches through which the golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves in v. 5, 13,14. These are the two olive trees that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.
We see the noble of old Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Noah and the many others that stood under the old. In the new, Mat. Mk. Luke, John, Paul. We see them empty the golden oil out of themselves through the golden pipes into the golden candlesticks; that light may be in the world at least for the remnant of my people, says God. Born. 11:5 Today we have those who stand by the Lord of the whole earth. Thank God for this.
Association Planned At Missouri Church
Just a few lines to let you know we enjoy the paper so much; good to hear from our people in that part of God’s Kingdom. I am. sending a picture of members baptized into the Little Flock Church at Hurley, MO.
The church is prospering, both naturally and spiritually.
Please announce our association, Clear Creek of MO in your paper. It is embracing the 3rd Sunday in Sept. starting Thursday night before. Hope some can come from down that way. All are welcome. Am sending a check to help cover your expenses of paper. Also have a short history of Clear Creek Church. Hope you can print it too. Please pray for us.
In Christian Love, Elder H. H. Tracy Neosho, MO.
Editors Note: Elder Tracy, we did not receive the church history with your letter and picture. Will be glad to print it.
WITHOUT PASTOR
We at Northside church are without a pastor, and would be most grateful if you would insert the attached in the Banner of Love.
We also beg your prayers that the Lord would send us a to serve God’s people. God willing, we will continue to meet each Sunday as long as we can find ministers to fill appointments.
Thank you and may the Lord bless you to continue to contend for the truth as it is in Christ Jesus!
Yours in hope,
Henry M. Smith, Jr.
San Antonio, TX 78233
As we near the summer season we want to encourage everyone to notify us early regarding your planned meetings so that we have plenty of time to publish them in upcoming issues. Also, during and after the meeting we would like to have a picture along with a brief article about your meeting.
We feel one of the main purposes of The Banner of Love is to publicize the church meetings across the country in plenty of time to allow everyone who would like to attend the planning time to arrange transportation and schedule their trips. Please let us know about each and every meeting.
* * *
I many times find myself wishing I had the ability to do certain things. If I could just write better, or speak better, or lead singing … then I could make a contribution that would be really worthwhile.
I see lots of others with abilities and opportunities that if only I had, then I could really accomplish things that would be of real benefit to my family, my friends, my church...
However, I must excuse myself because of my lack of ability in so many ways. There are plenty of others who can do so many more things. They have so many more opportunities than I have. They have more time and therefore naturally they can utilize their opportunities more than I can.
Am I alone in this thinking, or are there others who can agree with me that they face this same problem? If I just bad more ability, then I could do more.
When I think that way, I am wrong. God does not ask me why I have not been able to do more with the ability I do not have. But He does expect me to fully utilize the ability that I have been given, no matter how small or insignificant that ability is. I need to learn the ways to utilize whatever ability I have to the maximum benefit of the Lord’s people, and for the glorification of the Lord. If I can learn to do that, then my abilities will grow.
We have numerous examples of persons utilizing their ability rather than focusing on their limitations. One primary example is in the parable of the “talents’ taught by Jesus is the 25th Chapter of Matthew. It was the servant who was given the single talent, but chose not to utilize It who suffered the consequences.
We are given talents according to our individual abilities. We are not expected to all produce the same results. But we are expected to do the best we can with whatever ability is given to us.
One sermon that has stayed with me and constantly on my mind was preached by Elder G. H. Crain at the Rule, Texas church more than 20 years ago. He told of his purchase of gasoline containers. Instead of utilizing a new container, he placed it back, putting it into storage saving it instead of using it. Later when he went to retrieve it the container had become rusted and was of no value because of non use
The same can happen to each of us with our non use of whatever limited ability we may have. Like the servant who buried his single talent rather than risk losing it by using it, that talent was taken away from him. Those servants who received varying amounts of talents and utilized them gained and were rewarded by theft master.
If we focus on our limitations, instead of our ability, we may lose what ability we db have. However, if we utilize what limited talents we have been given for the Lord’s work, then the Lord will reward us not only with increased ability, but with added blessings.
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.’ Matt. 25:21, 23.
HELPS TO STUDY GODS WORD
Please find my subscription renewal, $60.00 payment to your Christian paper. My subscription expires in June of this year, 1991. 1 very much enjoy all the timely articles. They help me to study God’s word.
Keep them coming.
Love, your brother in Christ,
Ralph E. Knight Fowler, Colorado
MOVED TO CORPUS CHRISTI
Since Allen has been working with his present employment which necessitates us traveling from location to location, we wanted to let everyone know that we are presently back in Texas! We stayed nine months in Augusta, Georgia, where we very much enjoyed the Church there and their humble pastor, Elder Sam Bryant. The state of Georgia has many lovely Old Baptists and we will remember our visit among them always.
The Church here in Corpus is pastored by Elder Mike Montgomery, who preaches every Sunday except second, when he exchanges Sundays with his brother, Elder David Montgomery and goes to the Church in Combes. Both are able gifts and we enjoy their ministry and the fellowship with them and their families so much. We feel we are so very blessed to have the opportunity to associate with such a lovely group of Old Baptists as the Church here in Corpus! And, when the “Winter Texans” show up for service, its just added blessings for everyone!
We enjoy the Banner and appreciate the effort it takes to see that we always get our “good news”. Please remember us in your prayers, if not asking too much.
Allen & Lona Cook
Corpus Christi, TX 78410
In this series of articles we will, the Lord willing, consider some of the lessons taught concerning God’s creation and some of the changes that have taken place since God first made the world and all things that are on it, in it, and all that are about it. We will consider some of the physical, cosmetic, geological, and geographical changes in particular. This is not to deny the many doctrinal lessons taught in the book of Job and we will touch on some of those also.
Some of the information used to compile these articles was taken from a book written by Henry W. Norris titled “The Remarkable Record of Job,” from other books and commentaries in my library, and, not the least, from the Bible.
The book of Job is a fascinating book, often the most forgotten book in the Bible. I feel that its message is needed today more than ever, in these days of widespread humanism and evolutionary science-so called.
The Book of Job is probably the oldest book in the Bible. Its patriarchal setting is before Moses and possibly even before Abraham. Most Bible commentators agree that Job lived before or just after Abraham. Most believe, however, he lived sometime before Abraham.
The events in the book of Job took place before the establishment of Israel as a nation. There is no hint of the nation of Israel, no mention of Abraham, Moses, or any of the judges. There is no mention of the Ten Commandments or any of the Mosaic laws, yet Job knew God’s law for he testified “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than any necessary food” (Job 23:12).
Job lived another 140 years after the events described in the book (Job 42:16). By figuring the approximate number of years he lived prior to these events (the exact number is unknown, but at least enough to have ten grown children) we can place him in the time of the early Patriarchs, perhaps around 2000 B.C.
Interestingly, Noah lived for 350 years and Shem for 500 years after the great flood (Genesis 9:28-11:10, 11), so it is possible that Job's life overlapped the lives of these patriarchs. The name Job has been found in a number of tablets dated 2,000 B.C. (the time of Abraham) or earlier. Job’s total age was probably 205 years or more.
Job and his contemporaries knew and worshipped the same God of Noah and Shem, and apparently had much knowledge of the primeval ages described in Genesis, chapters one through eleven. In fact, Job believed and followed God so fully that God Himself testified, ‘There is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil” (Job 1:8). Job was “the greatest of all men of the east” (Job 1:3), and according to his own testimony, he “dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth mourners” (Job 29:25).
The author of the book of Job must have been Job himself, who wrote as inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16) faithfully reproducing the original events and conversations. Job’s authorship is strongly suggested in his heartfelt cry, “Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock forever!” (Job 19:23, 24).
Many of the views expressed by Job contradict those of his friends, so both cannot be true. All the discourses are divinely inspired in .the sense of being correctly reported. As we read Job we need to keep in mind that not all the statements, with the exception of God’s own words in chapters thirty-eight through forty-two, express divine truth, but all are correctly recorded by divine inspiration. However, those statements that must be divided as true or untrue or insufficiently true (such as those that claim that suffering is always a symptom of guilt) help us understand human nature or some other aspect of truth, which does indeed make it “profitable” for study. All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable” (2 Timothy 3:16).
The book of Job, probably the most ancient book in the scriptures, doesn’t mention paganism. The spreading system of paganism mentioned so much in the scriptures had apparently not yet made a significant impact on Job and his friends.
The book of Job includes many references to the earlier primeval ages; frequent mention is made to creation and the great flood. God Himself speaks much of creation in the final chapters.
The book assumes that God is the creator of all things. There are no references to other gods, and no suggestion that the world evolved out of some earlier form as pagan philosophers taught in ancient times. God is called the “Almighty” more times in Job than in all the rest of the Bible put together.
The great worldwide flood sent as a judgment from God in the days of Noah was much nearer than the creation to the time of Job, so it is not surprising that there are more references to the flood than to creation. It is possible that Job’s experience could have occurred only three hundred or so years after the flood.
The reason God destroyed the earth and all the land animals, except those in the ark, was because “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and “every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5).
The apostle Peter said, “They (scientists, pagan’ philosophers, scoffers of the Lord, etc.) willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: thereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men,” (2 Peter 3:5-7).
Evidence for the cataclysmic violence of the flood is not only found in the Bible but also in geological features all over the earth. This earth-changing, destructive physical cataclysm was well remembered in traditions all over the world, even by Job and his friends. In one of his discourses, Job said, “Behold, he (God) breaketh down, and it cannot be built again he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening. Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up; also he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth” (Job 12:14,15).
The words ‘dry up” probably refer to the “waters above the firmament" (Genesis 1:7) that were established on the second day of creation, resulting in a “greenhouse effect” and there “went up a mist from the earth and watered the face of the ground before the flood in Noah’s day (Genesis 2 :5). This global water blanket, probably water vapor, was withheld from the earth until God used it to overturn the earth, when it came down in a torrential rain for forty days and nights (Genesis 7:4,12; 8:2).
Job said of God “Which removeth the mountains, and they know not which overturneth them in his anger. Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble. Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth up the stars. Which alone spreadeth out of the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea” (Job 9:6-8). This passage also is speaking of God’s destructive work of the flood. Job, again speaking of the great flood, said, “He putteth forth his hand upon the rock; he overturneth the mountains by the roots. He cutteth out rivers among rocks; and his eye seeth every precious thing. He bindeth the floods from overflowing, and the thing that is hid bringeth he forth light.” (Job 28:9-11).
God “shaketh the earth,” God “removeth the mountains; and they know not which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble,” and “He putteth forth his hand upon the rock; he overturneth the mountains by the roots.” The fountains of the deep were opened; the floodgates of heaven released heir torrents; the waters rose higher than the mountains. Such a catastrophe the world had never known, nor shall a likeness of such ever be again, when God, because of His wrath for sin, rose up to “shaketh the earth out of her place.”
Such a demonstration of God’s wrath had never been so violently portrayed than when he shook the earth out of her place. The surface of the earth was greatly changed as the earth’s crust rolled and heaved to the extent that even the mountains were overturned. The contents of the seas were emptied upon the dry ground as their basins were raised. Great caverns, cavities, faults, and separations occurred. The dry land was divided and new nations were formed, “The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof. He divideth the sea with His power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud” (Job 26:11,12). The rates of most geological processes (such as erosion, sedimentation, quaking, and volcanism) were greatly accelerated during the year of the flood. God finally allowed the flood to run its course, after which all these rates gradually slowed, though many residual catastrophes persists even to the present day.
Job refers to this drying-up period, “as the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and dried up (Job 14:11). God also reminded Job of the flood in these words, “Who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, and brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, and said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall the proud waves be stayed?” (Job 3&’ 8-11.) This passage evidently refers to the waters that gushed up out of the subterranean depths on the fearful day that the great flood began, when “the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened” genesis 7:11).
Not only were there these great geological and geographical changes, but there were great climatical changes also when the thermal water vapor blanket (the waters above the firmament) rained on the earth during the flood, the greenhouse environment was lost. Snow began to fall in the polar regions particularly.
Eventually great ice sheets forming into glaciers that fanned out over the northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. This glacial period did not last for a million years or more, but, could have persisted for several centuries.
It must be significant that there are more references to cold, snow, ice and frost in Job than in any other book of the Bible. For example, “Out of the south cometh the whirlwind; and cold out of the north. By the breath of God frost is given; and the breadth of the waters is straightened” (Job 37:9-10). The direct words of God in His final message to Job, “Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who rendered it? The waters are hid as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen” (Job 38:29,30). The picture of ice emerging as from a womb seems most applicable to the slow advance of glaciers.
In closing, I would like to say that, I present all of this in the interest of Zion, and especially to her young folks who are bombarded continually with the humanistic, evolutionistic, and scientific so called) teachings in the world today. I will, the Lord willing, have more to present in articles to follow from the book of Job.
First John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. Keep this in mind.
Man has the desire to live forever. I can understand this. We have heard of the fountain of youth and many other stories like this. Man fears death and he would do anything to escape from it. Some think that this life is all there is. Some think that you can have everlasting life, but you have to do something to receive it. I think men just think too much.
I can understand why man fears to die, because sometimes I, too, do not wish to die there are things I have not done that I would like to do. But, also I am just afraid of dying. This is because of the carnal mind that I have. Knowing that some people don’t have confidence in the resurrection, I see why they are sad and miserable. I am thankful that the Lord has given us the understanding, confidence, faith, and hope of the resurrection of our bodies. The joy of knowing about eternal life with our Lord is what I would like to write about.
OBEDIENCE OF ONE
I would like to mention a little about the subject of the promise of eternal life, the subject of the resurrection, and the subject of belief in eternal life. Before that we must understand what the Lord has done for us and how we are in the flesh today. We see that we are sinners, and we can read in Genesis how we became sinners. We see that the wages of sin is death. Romans ‘3:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ours Lord. We do have the wages of sin within us, but, we also have the gift of God within us which is eternal life. This free gift came through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
In second Corinthians 1:9: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead. Now can we trust in ourselves? It was man who brought sin into the world. We have the sentence of death in us. We have sin in us and the wages of sin is death. How can we trust in sinful flesh? How can we trust in a sinful mind? If we trust in our self then we are putting our trust in sin. Brothers and sisters it is the Lord that raiseth the dead. It is the Lord that blesses us with the Spirit. It is the Lord that foreknew us. It is the Lord that predestinated us. It is the Lord that called us. It is the Lord that justified us, and it is the Lord that will glorify us.
You may ask why the Lord sent Jesus to die for us. The only answer I have as to why is because of His love, grace, and purpose. It was to make us righteous in his eyes. Second Timothy 1:9 Who bath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according Lo our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. Also in Ephesians we read that we are saved by God’s grace. I could get into that, but that is a long subject and a mystery to me. As John put it in First John 3:1, Behold, what manner of love the Father bath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.
TO BE ABSENT FROM THE FLESH
Now eternal life (as we look at. it) is not living in our bodies forever. For our bodies will be placed in the grave. If eternal life is just to live in this world in our sinful flesh what hope do we have? Going to Second Corinthians Chapter five: we read of this sinful flesh and that we wish to be absent from it, because in this sinful flesh we are absent from the Lord. If we are going to be raised from the grave in the same condition as before, we would be as sad and miserable as those who don’t believe in the resurrection. This is because we would still be absent from the Lord and in this sinful body.
Sometimes the child of God is in the flesh, thinks in the flesh, acts in the flesh, and wants to live in the flesh. The fact that we are sinners is the reason for this. Second Corinthians chapter five starting with the first verse: For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, [talking about this body we live in] we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Reading on we see that we groan to be clothed with this house from God. In verse four and five we see that we are burdened: not be unclothed, but to be clothed with this spiritual body. We wish to get rid of this flesh that is sin, and for us to do this, we see in First. Corinthians 15:52 that our bodies must be raised from the grave and changed by God. Back to Second Corinthians in the sixth verse we see: Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord. That is why we sometimes wish to die, because in this body we are absent from God. When we live in the spirit we are not in a spiritual absence but, in a physical absence. When we live in the flesh and sin, then we have not used our spiritual mind as we should. We have turned our backs on God, but God has not turned his back on us. Hebrews 13:5... .1 will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Back to Second Corinthians Verse 8, We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Go to the tenth verse and you will see that we are all to appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Whatever we do while in our bodies whether good or bad Christ will judge. When we wrong and sin Christ is judging us of that sin. Have you ever felt bad when you have sinned? Christ is at that time judging you and condemning you.
Now go to the ninth verse and we see that.... we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. We want to do things right so we will be accepted by Him. Remember when you were a child and you wanted to please your parents? (If you are a child reading this, then remember yesterday or last week.) Our parents taught us the difference between right and wrong, so we wanted to do right to make our parents proud of us. But, it always didn’t work out that way. It is the same with our Heavenly Father. We want to do what is right, but the temptation of the flesh keeps us from doing right some of the time. I am so thankful that we have a God who is rich in mercy. So knowing that we can’t escape from sin because we are sinners, we see why we rather be absent from this flesh.
UNBLAMEABLE
Jesus paid the price of our sins through the shedding of his blood. Now if this is true, and it is, why do we still sin? Jesus died on the cross and sealed our eternal salvation. By his death, God sees as righteous through Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight. In God’s eyes, we are blameless from our sins. But that does not excuse us from sinning. Though we are righteous in the eyes of the Lord, we are still in this sinful flesh. We still live in this sinful world. Therefore, we see again that we wish to leave this body and go Home.
TWO SALVATIONS
I believe in two salvations and I hope you do too. They are eternal salvation and salvation in this time. We see that we are sinners, but we see that Christ died for us. We see that we live in this sinful world, but we see that someday we will die and our spirit will go home. We see that our bodies will go to the grave, but we also see that our bodies and spirit will unite on the last day and go Home to stay forever. This salvation in this time is continually reminding us of our eternal salvation. This salvation is a comfort to the child of God in this life.
There is more to say on this, but I would like to go on to the subjects of belief of eternal life, the promise of eternal life, and the subject of the resurrection. We see that we are sinners and that Christ died for, us. You must realize that you are a sinner and that Jesus died for you to understand the promise of eternal life. You must know that you are a sinner and that Jesus died for you to see the glory of the resurrection. You must know that you are a sinner and that Jesus died for you to have knowledge of eternal life.
PROMISE OF ETERNAL LIFE
The Lord has promised us eternal life. Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth son; and thou shall call his name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins. Luke 1:33 And He shall reign ‘over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Reading from John 10:27-29 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they shall follow me; and I give 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 pluck them out of my Father’s hand. Lets read this bit by bit. My sheep (the children of God) hear my voice. We know that the Lord Jesus Christ and the Father, and I know them, (we seek after the Lord) and I give unto them (his children) eternal life, this is a promise to us for eternal life, and they shall never perish We shall never be eternally separated from our Lord. Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. No man can separate us from Jesus Christ, even ourselves. My father, which gave them me. This is the covenant that God made with Jesus... .is greater than all No one is greater and more powerful than the Lord our God. .. .and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand therefore, if no one is more powerful than the Lord, then nothing can separate us from the Lord. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our lord, Romans 8:38, 39 There are many more verses that we can read, but let’s go on.
By Elder J. E. Newman
We wish to share an experience with you which occurred this past week. It pertains to a request by Brother J.B. (Pete) Presgrove to speak with us. He had been in the Intensive Care Unit of the Duncan Regional Hospital for several days.
He was a member another denomination. However, according to our information, he had never been completely satisfied. Sister Clara has for many years been a devout member of Pilgrim’s Rest Primitive Baptist Church in Duncan. Her maiden name was Risenhoover, a daughter of Brother Ward and Sister Bertha Risenhoover of the Elmore City area.
As we came into his
room, almost immediately, through his oxygen mask, he told me he wished to join
the church. We were thankful he had arrived at this decision and thought how
wonderful it would have been if this had occurred years before. His experience
dated back to his childhood years. His steadfastness and application to
principles had proven what was in
He was a devoted and strong patriotic man.
We informed Brother Pete that the church could not act on his request in his absence and we would gladly make a statement to the church in his behalf, as we felt we knew the facts necessary for the Church to take action.
Following some thought we inquired of Sister Clara if she could absent herself from the Hospital and meet with the church, which she did. Instead of making the statement we invited her to come forward following song service with prayer.
The Church met the same day Brother Pete made the request. We regret not making a tape of the address Sister Presgrove made to the Church that night. However, we doubt a tape could have given proper credit to the experimental words of faith, love, and hope, expressed through tears of sadness and joy to a congregation whose tears, also, flowed freely while she spoke of the Lords wondrous work in the heart of her bedridden spouse. She spoke, of his faults, as the Apostle Paul spoke of his but declared he was hers’. All the Lord’s children have their faults, but they are the Lord’s and He overlooks them and forgives, us no doubt Sister Clara did Brother Pete and he hers.
Only a few days after, we were called by the hospital staff, that we were needed there. We knew Brother Pete had gone home. As we drove to the hospital, we thought how the church had reacted following her statement, They couldn’t give Brother Pete the right hand but they could embrace Sister Clara and express their love, which she expressed to him. No doubt in our mind, he received great satisfaction and peace of mind in his last hours here on earth.
This experience will linger with us and remain as a memorial to the memory of Brother J. B. (Pete) Presgrove of 211 Ash St., Duncan, OK to the closing of your earthly pilgrimage here.
By one who loved him,
J. E. Newman, Elder
ABOUT ELDER NEWMAN’S ARTICLE
Please consider these few words in response to Elder J. E. Newman’s article, A Treasured experience.
The impressive part of that meeting was not my plea for my husband. It was the spirit of love of those who were able to meet. They listened and shed tears of both joy and sadness with me as Elder Newman and I told them about Pete’s sincere request.
Whether or not he ever truly understood as we see it, I do not. know. I do believe however, he wanted to try once more to satisfy a longing to please our God.
I know too, he was and for a long time had been impressed with the simplicity of our worship service. The dedication and humbleness of our dear pastor and his family and of the church body also made an impression.
If I have ever witnessed an act of charity I believe I did at that meeting.
May God bless the Pilgrims’ Rest Primitive Baptist Church of Duncan, OK and all churches of His own right hand planting wherever they are.
Clara Presgrove
With sadness in our hearts, Pilgrim’s Rest Primitive Baptist Church of Duncan, Oklahoma records the death of Brother J. B. Presgrove, the moat recent member of our Church.
He passed from this life on Feb. 13, 1991, at the Duncan Regional Hospital where he quietly and peacefully fell asleep. We realize he is so much better off than we, his battle is over, the world with all its’ toils and troubles are behind him. According to the scriptures we should rejoice, for surely he died in the triumph of a living faith.
Brother Pete was born Sept. 7, 1919 in Velma, OK. Me married Sister Clara Risenhoover on August 23, 1945. He served our country during World War l with the American Division in the South Pacific and was awarded three Presidential citations.
Survivors include his devoted wife of the home, a son and daughter-in-law Brook and Judi Presgrove of Augusta, GA., three brothers, Randall, John, and Bill of Duncan, OK; two sisters, Rita Patterson of Norman, OK, and Sue Hill of Newcastle, OK., and two grandsons, Brian Presgrove of San Antonio, TX, and Zachary Presgrove of Augusta, Ga.
The funeral was conducted by his pastor, Elder J .E. Newman. His body was deposited in the earth at the Duncan Cemetery to await the great morning when the trumpet shall sound and it will hear the voice from heaven, beckoning it arise to be united again with the spirit which at this time is in the very presence of God.
Be it Resolved that this record in memory of Brother Presgrove be placed on our church records, with a copy to be given to the family, and a copy to be sent to the church paper for publication.
May God, whose, mercy endureth to all generations, comfort the bereaved!
Read and approved by the Church in regular conference on Feb. 23, 1991.
Elder J. E. Newman, Moderator
Sister Rita Bostick, Church Clerk
We, the New Hope Primitive Baptist Church of Roswell, N.M. bow in humble submission to the will of our Heavenly Father, in the calling from our midst our beloved, Sister Jane Lenoy Arp.
Sister Arp had been a member of the Roswell Church since Oct. 18, 1990, coming from the Little Flock Church, Salida., CA. Sister Arp was very devoted to the church and loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Sister Arp joined the Little Vine Primitive Baptist Church, Sept. 3, 1944 in Berkley, CA. and was baptized by Elder D. A. Layne.
Sister Arp passed from this life Jan. 23, 1991 at the age of 67, with a massive heart attack. Although, she had gone through several operations in the last few years, she never complained. And was always cheerful, trusting in the Lord to see her through her trials and tribulations.
Sister Janie and her husband, Brother Hubert traveled many miles attending church meetings, making friends wherever they went.
We will all miss her very much, but we are made to rejoice that her spirit is with our Heavenly Father. To await the great resurrection that we are all looking forward to; to be united in heaven with our Lord and Savior, who died to save His children.
Graveside services were conducted, Jan. 2., 1991 for Jane Lenoy Arp at South Park Cemetery In Roswell, N.M. Elder Francis Scott, her pastor, officiated, assisted by Brother R. C. Hand and Elder Gerald Hand. The Roswell Church sang Sister Janie’s favorite songs: Sharpsburg (Bless Jesus while In Mortal Flesh; sessions (To Him Who on the Fatal Tree,) Amazing Grace and How Sweet to Die.
Sister Janie was born May 14, 1923 in. Brook, OK. to Walter and Nina Thompson Copeland, She married Brother Hubert Arp on August 18, 1942 in Moore Park, Calif. He survives her.
Other survivors Include her mother Mrs. Nina Copeland of Roswell, N.M., a son, Jimmy Davis Arp of Taft, Calif.; two grandchildren, Christopher Davis Arp and Duchess Arp of Bakersfield, Calif.; two brothers, David Copeland, and his wife, Alice, and Don Copeland and his wife, Betty, all of Roswell, N.M.; two sisters, Peggy Glass Vinson of Roswell, N.M. and Nina Shannon and her husband, D. M. of Artesia, N.M., and numerous Nieces and nephews, her church brothers and sisters, and many friends.
This was written by request of New Hope Primitive Baptist Church, Roswell, N.M. while seated in conference, Feb. 9, 1991. With one copy to be sent to the family, one to the Primitive Baptist papers, and one place on our church records.
Committee: Sister Dorothy Wright Sister Cheryal Millican
Nellie Jane Katherine Frye was born on April 12, 1904 In Mansfield, Mo. She attended Mansfield schools while helping out on the family farm with her five sisters and brother. She was from childhood a member of the Primitive Baptist Church.
Nellie met her future husband, Charley Purtle, when he visited his uncle on a return trip to Missouri from California. Nellie was employed with her sister, Ruth to work part-time at a service station owned by Charley’s uncles, and the two-some were instantly attracted to each other, marrying seven months later on March 11, 1930. This March would have been their 61st wedding anniversary.
Nellie and Charley had a daughter and a son, both preceding her in death.
Nellie faithfully served her church to the best of her ability and served as clerk of the Lindsay Primitive Baptist Church In California for several years. She had a fine voice and loved to sing whenever such an occasion arose.
Nellie is survived by her husband, Charley; two sisters, Maye Babb of Tulare, Calif., and Ruth Baxley of Grass Valley, Calif.; four grandchildren, Kathy, Cindy, Stephanie, and Stephen and a great-grandson, Anthony.
Nellie’s kind and gentle nature, her generosity to everyone she met, and her love for her family, especially her beloved husband, will be fondly remembered. She will be greatly missed.
Graveside funeral services were held at the Lindsay-Strathmore Cemetery on Jan. 17, 1991, with Elder Cecil Anderson officiating.
in answer to the call of our Heavenly Father, Sister Agnes Baethge passed away on Dec. 23, 1990, at the Hill Country Memorial Hospital In Fredericksburg, Tex. She had attained the age of 83 years and nine months. Funeral services were held at the Beckmann Funeral Chapel with Elder Richard Martin officiating. Interment was at Greenwood Cemetery. We, the members of Squaw Creek Primitive Baptist Church, mourn her passing; but we bow in humble submission to the will of the Lord.
On March 20, 1907, Agnes Lettie Tanner was born to Alonzo Mack and Sarah Elizabeth Clopper Tanner of Blanco, Texas. She taught school as a young woman, and then worked for Bell Telephone Co., prior to her marriage. On Sept. 16, 1928, she married Alfred Baethge, who was co-owner in the General Store at Doss, Texas. She helped with the running of the store until the partnership was dissolved, and then she and her husband spent the rest of their life on their ranch in the same community. To Alfred and Agnes were born two sons: Alfred Jackson, Sr., and Lorin Noell.
Sister Agnes was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred; by one son, Lorin; and four brothers and two sisters. She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Paula Baethge of Harper, Texas by six grandchildren and by 16 great-grandchildren. She also leaves to mourn her passing a host of friends and kinsmen.
On August 3, 1930, during an association meeting, Sister Agnes joined Squaw Creek Primitive Baptist Church of Doss, and she was baptized the following month on Sept. 6, by Elder S.N. Redford. She was blest to attend church to the very end of her life, and she never wavered in her faith. She was one who could be counted on to stand firmly for her belief, and she never let her Church down by shirking her work or responsibilities. Truly, no one can ever fill the vacancy she has left.
Sister Agnes was one of the last of the true pioneers both in action and spirit. She was a strong lady and a hard worker; and she devoted her life to her home and family, community and friends, and church. She was multi-talented person who shared unselfishly with others. She loved to crochet, sew, quilt, or work with crafts; and she likewise was an avid gardener who loved preserving and canning the things she raised. She was a true helpmate for her husband, and a true friend to her friends. She entertained hosts of company in her home throughout the years and always managed to provide for their comforts and treat them royally. Her life was abundant, and her love and generosity were far reaching. Everyone who knew her was touched by her life,
Words cannot express the loss we feel or the void her passing has left. Yet, we have a hope as life unrelentlessly moves onward that some day we will embrace again. Until then, the friendship we have shared with our beloved sister will linger in sweet memories.
Squaw Creek Primitive Baptist Church Committee: Marie Mund and Edna Baethge
Done by the request of the church while in conference on January 19, 1991, with one copy to be sent to the family, one to The Banner of Love, and one committed to the church records.
Elder Richard Martin, Moderator James Baethge, Church Clerk
Little Vine Primitive Baptist Church of Jesus Christ of Livermore, CA, bows in humble submission to the will and mercy of the great God of all grace and truth in that He has seen fit to take from our midst our dear Sister in Christ, Inez Parrish.
Sister Parrish was born on
2, 1911 at
Throckmorton, Texas and passed from this life on Feb. 20, 1991. At the time of
her death she was 79 years, four months and 18 days of age.
She was married to William R. Parrish on Nov. 8, 1931 at the Primitive Baptist Church in Clovis, N.M. She joined that same Primitive Baptist Church shortly after she and Brother Parrish were married. In 1942 she moved with her family to Sheep Ranch, Calif. and later to the Bay Area where they have resided ever since.
Sister Parrish is survived by her husband, Bill of Redwood City, Calif., and by her three children: Charles of San Jose, CA.; Wilma Sollars of Paradise, CA.; and M. Lloyd Parrish of Cisco, Texas. She is also survived by three sisters and two brothers: Opal Dye of Clovis, N.M.; Reba Parrish of Clovis, N.M. and Kitty Ann Huddleston of Bowie, TX: Jay W gore of Nocons, TX and Gene Gore of Bethany, OK. She had nine grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandaughter.
Sister Parrish passed away after a brief bout with cancer at the home of her son San Jose, Calif., shortly after saying she had asked God to let her die. She died peacefully and at ease with her circumstance trusting her Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ.
She was faithful in attendance and service having served as Church Clerk and Treasurer for many years. She constantly showed that she was of a meek and quiet spirit. She was a good example to the younger women of the congregation as well as to others. We will miss her but rejoice that she is now in the presence of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,
Little Vine Primitive Baptist Church
Elder Lyman Little, Pastor
Brother Melvin C. Cook, born Sept. 19, 1918, In Marshall County, Ala,, was called from this life on Dec. 24, 1990, after a lengthy illness, at the age of 72 years, two months and 25 days.
Brother Cook was laid to rest on Dec. 27, 1990. After services held by his pastor, Elder Larry Hausenfluke..
Brother Cook is survived by his wife of 53 years, having passed from this life on that anniversary. Sister Ruby Cook survives, others include: Daughter, Marjorie Stephens and her husband, Charles, one sister, Gertie Campbell of Purvis, Miss., brothers: Johnny Cook, Albertville, Ala., and Clinton Cook of Killeen, TX, two grandsons, Eddie and Dan Stephens and one great grandson, Jordan Stephens.
Brother Cook was a founding member of LaVernia Primitive Baptist Church, where since 1978, he served as deacon and song leader. His devotion to his church serves as an inspiration to all. Brother Cook continued to attend services during his illness and was forced to be absent only a few times. His warm smile and kind words, both gifts from God made this precious brother special in our lives.
The Church will miss him greatly, though we know his battle is over, and he is at rest with His Lord end it is our prayer the Lord will bless and keep us till we are again singing God’s sweet songs together.
Therefore, be it resolved that a copy of this letter be submitted to The Banner of Love for publication, and a copy be presented to the family of Brother Melvin Cook.
Done while in conference, Jan. 19, 1991, Elder Larry Hausenfluke, Moderator
Douglas Wildenstein, Clerk