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Volume 58 Number 8 Lubbock, Texas 79493 Copyright $9.00 Per Year August 1991 |
Teaching the Church Proclaim Liberty throughout ... Annual Meeting Enjoyed in Smithville, TN Wisdom Hath Builded Her House When to give thanks Ellen Marie Strayhorn Receives Award History of the Baptist Church Imputed Righteousness Remembers Attending Associations Brother Raymond Stone Sister Fannie Harris John Foxworth Myrtle Norwood Elder Robert Moore Sister May Pooley Brother Olie Paul Henthorn Sister Eva Jean Henderson Sister Velma Hall Brother Chester Henderson
One of the most important principles in any church is that of teaching. We can break it down into many phases; who shall teach, when shall they teach, whom shall they teach, where shall they teach, and just how shall they teach. If we have the answer to all these questions, then we surely could lay hold to the claim that we have been properly taught.
First, what shall we teach? We read in Hebrew 8:11: "And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying know the Lord, for all shalt know me, from the least to the greatest." So we, have established a point: no one is to teach another to know the Lord. This is God’s work. If you are worrying about people not knowing the Lord, you are wasting your time because the author of the Book of Hebrews, speaking by inspiration and as the Lord speaking, said all shall know Him, from the least to the greatest.
I am glad this so important a matter has not been left to man. In the hands of God it will not fail; but in man’s hands the work is limited. If you are a member of a religious sect that is accumulating money, means and personnel to teach people to know the Lord, your efforts are doomed before you start. You are taking upon yourself the work of God.
If I were to express my objection to the modern-day Sunday School, this would be it more than any other thing -- most if not all of them have dedicated their whole work to teaching people to know the Lord. They are not impressed with the thought expressed in the above scripture, that teaching people to know the Lord is God’s work, and He will perform it.
Now, to teach people ABOUT the Lord is something else. A person who has been taught OF the Lord (by the Lord) is then ready to be taught more ABOUT GOD, and that is where Primitive Baptists like to begin. That is the person they enjoy telling more and more about the wonderful works of God. They enjoy taking to such people the "knowledge of salvation.".
Fundamentally, the truth of the matter is this: God has ordained two wonderful places of teaching -- the home and the church. Are you, as a parent shirking your duty to teach your children the truths of the Bible? Do you send your children off somewhere, to have, them taught by someone with no one single concept of the real spiritual import of the Bible? If you are, you would do well to stop and think carefully.
I thank God from the depths of my heart for the privilege of being raised in a Christian home and having parents who taught me "about the Lord" in our home and did not pass this important matter along to someone else. I can remember, as a small boy, working in the field chopping or picking cotton, having many interesting conversations with my father "about the Lord".
We were always full of questions, and some of them I now know (since raising sons and a daughter of my own) were far fetched and maybe a bit silly. But he always had a good answer, and we children were always impressed with the thought that if there was anything about the Bible we did not understand, "Daddy knows." If at school, or at play, someone tried to tell us something that did not ring true, we went to Daddy, and we got a simple explanation of the whole matter. This is something that has always been very dear to me, and even yet, I catch myself wishing so very much -- sometimes, when I get tangled up in my mind on some part of the Bible -- that I could just pull up a chair and say "Daddy, tell me what this means." But this is not possible any more..
If you don’t have this relationship with your father and your mother, you are missing one of the most valuable things in the life of any boy or girl God has designed. It is his chosen way that parents teach their children that which is just, and good, and right. There just is not anything else that will do as well.
New, let’s move on. The position of a teacher in the church is a position that requires special ability and a special gift. A teacher in the church should be inspired of God and have a special revelation of the meaning of the scriptures -- a special understanding of their meaning that others do not possess. I will not take space to go into detail to prove this, but read Eph. 4:11 ("And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.") and 2nd Timothy 1:11 ("And I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles"). There are many more such scriptures.
Also, there is no instance in the Bible that I can find where the congregation was divided up into small groups. Too, teaching in the church is limited to the men. Women are forbidden to teach in the church. 1 Timothy 2:12: "But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
Primitive Baptists, in their way and manner of teaching, do not overlook the true meaning of the scriptures, but we like to take them just like we read them. That is the reason we do not divide the congregation into small groups; that is the reason we have only God-called and God-qualified men doing the teaching in the church, and that is the reason the real fundamentals of our Christian religion are taught at home by the parents. (Prov. 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.")
To those who believe strongly in church schools, as they are used in the commonly accepted form, I want to ask you this question, "To what avail are they?" Consider it carefully before you answer.
Let’s start at the top of the training ladder, and work on down and see how much they accomplish. I know men who have spent 12 years in the public schools, four years in a regular college, and then two or more years in a theological seminary, learning "how" to preach. They must outline their sermons minutely, study them carefully, and stick close to their prepared text. If their notes were to blow out the window in the middle of a service, the sermon very likely would be cut short.
Yet in the Primitive Baptist Church, we find men who have never had any formal training at all, preaching a full and complete sermon without any notes. Many times, they are so inspired with their subject matter, they could deal with it interestingly for many hours. They quit at the proper time, only for the sake of decorum and expediency. Their preparation in the ministry has not consisted of being taught by other men, but has been made up of many days, and sometimes years, in close study of the Bible, and in prayer and meditation So, we get back to the question, to what avail is the ministerial school? 1 am not particularly criticizing the right kind of study at any time, but the Primitive Baptists seem to get along pretty well ‘without it.
I know people who have gone to Sunday School almost every week of their lives, sometimes twice each Sunday, yet when you question them, they know hardly anything about the real spiritual values in the scriptures. Maybe they learn the literal lesson, but to many of them, that is all, and some do not learn that much.
I don’t say it boastingly, but as a matter of fact. You can take the rank-and-file membership of the Primitive Baptist Church -- the most of them having never attended any Sunday School during their lives -- and match them person for person with the Sunday school-trained membership of the denominations who boast of their church schools. I feel sure, with all confidence, that they can meet them successfully in a discussion of the Bible. I think Primitive Baptist people as a whole know as much or more about the Bible as any group of people in the world, and they have learned it from their parents in the homes, from the preaching in the church, and from their association with others and in their study.
The gospel minister whom God has called, and the man who is "apt to teach" -- which we learn is one of the requirements of the minister -- should certainly be able to preach to his congregation in such a way that all, both young and old, could benefit from his teaching.
I cannot find any authority in the Bible for appointing one person to teach the adults and another the children, but I do find where God told the same man to teach bath the young and old (John 21:15-17).
One reason I am happy to be a Primitive Baptist is because I like their teaching program. They have the right kind of teachers, they teach the right thing in the right place, and the teachers are the right kind of people.
In the Book of Leviticus, Chapter 25, there is a commandment given to sound the trumpet of jubilee in the Day of Atonement, and proclaim liberty throughout all your land. Saying, Ye shall return every man into his possession and ye shall return every man unto his family. And in Isaiah, Chapter 61, It is written, The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort them that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them the beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they say be called Trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. In Romans 5 we are told that we have been reconciled to God by the death of His Son, and are saved by his life. In understanding this we joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
And it was Jesus Christ that said to those at Nazareth, after reading to them the prophecy of Esias (Isaiah), This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
In these we have the types, the prophecy, the teaching thereof, and the fulfillment in the antitypes; concerning the liberty that was established through the atonement, made by the blood of Jesus Christ. Yet it is, as it was when Jesus spoke to those at Nazareth, not understood by most of those for whom the atonement was made; therefore they continue to labor, as did those in the anti-type; having a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. These are those who continuing trying to gain an atonement through their works of righteousness.
The subject of “liberty” does not end with these truths; for we are instructed to stand fast in the liberty wherein Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage; because anyone who is justified by the law is fallen from grace. Also it is written to those who have been given the understanding of the liberty that is in the atonement, Brethren ye have been called into liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Also saying, Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only deceiving your own selves. Telling us that hearing (understanding the liberty) and not doing as the word instructs us, is like looking into a mirror and then forgetting what we look like. Saying, But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
So, it is written, Beloved brethren let everyone be swift to hear, and slow to speak, and slow to wrath; for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Going on to say, But be not fooled; if there is one that is among you who seems to be religious, and does not bridle his tongue, he is deceiving his own heart, and his religion is vain. It is also said that whosoever shall keep the whole law, yet stumble in one point of it, they are guilty of all points.
Thus we are to be very careful, being free, not use this liberty unwisely, to hide maliciousness; or to let it be a stumbling block to them that are weak; for not all have full knowledge of the word which gives perfect liberty. And we are not to let another’s conscience be the judge of our liberty; we are to do all things to the glory of God.
We are told to follow the Lord and obey his word through that Spirit wherein is liberty; letting no man bring us into bondage. For pure religion, that is holy before God the Father is this, to visit the orphans and widows when they are troubled, and to keep ourselves unspotted from the world. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even this, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy self.
Let us be found walking in the Spirit; therein we shall not follow the desires of the flesh. Nor will we be found offending even one of those that Christ has made the atonement for. Now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three, but the greatest of these is charity.
Your servant in the word.
Clem E. Cook
We were blessed to have a wonderful annual meeting at Smithville, Mt, View Primitive Baptist Church in Smithville Tenn., the first weekend in June, Friday night through Sunday.
Invited speakers were Elder Elas Randal from Wrightsville, GA., and Elder James Land Jr. from Starke, FL. They were both blessed in each service to preach Gods truths and the Spirit of God was felt all through the meeting.
Friday night Elder James Land Jr. preached on The Election of Grace.
Saturday morning Elder Randal too his text on 2nd Chapter of Proverbs.
We enjoyed the sweetest communion service on Saturday afternoon.
Saturday night, six brothers and sisters came forward joining the church. They were: Brother David Sacran, his three sons, Tommy, Louis and Jason; also Sister Debbie, moving her membership here and Sister Anita Moore.
Sunday morning three more joined the church: Brother Derrick Bain, Sister Phoebe Wade, and Sister Mary Runyon. The two sisters were moving their membership here.
Our pastor, Elder Avery Land baptized the sis new members, assisted by Elder James Land. They were: Sister Anita Moore, Brothers Derrick Bain, David, Jason, Louis and Tommy Sacran.
The nine new members included four generations: the three boys, Jason, Louis, and Tommy Sacran; their mother, Sister Debbie, their grandmother, Sister Wade and their great-grandmother sister Runyon.
We are thankful to have had twelve new members this year.
During our meeting we had twelve churches represented and Elders than those mentioned here were: elder Lynn Russell, West Fifth Church, Columbia, TN., Elder Ricky Arnold, New Bildad Church, Smithville, TN, Elder James Fortress, Franklin Church from Nashville TN, and elder Jeff Patterson, friendship Church, Carthage, TN.
To me wisdom is referred to the church. We find wisdom in feminine, and plural gender. You ask me why, and I can only say, as I read from different Biblical writers. Some writers call wisdom a magnificent and munificent queen, very great and very generous.
In my seeking for a better answer for wisdom as we see it here. I take Matthew Henry and Strong. If we, and we must consider in and is wisdom. Look at the church as a queen; she is a generous one. She is so close to God, that God spoke through the wise men and called the church wisdom. At least one reason as the church is so close to God, as said before; God is close to her, the Church.
We think ourselves wise, using the wisdom shown in the church as God, the complete maker, we find in Mk. 14:13. The two of His disciples were to follow a man bearing a pitcher of water. In 22:10, This man bearing a pitcher of water, they were to follow into the house he went in. A side line thought to the one that would say they had no water, we sure find this lesson Jesus could pour water in a basin to wash His disciples feet. One of the things of the wisdom of God. God close to the church, the church close to God, we can see they did have water.
My real reason is Luke 22:11,12 The Master “surely Jesus” saith unto thee, where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples, surely showing this was not only for the 12, but for disciple, that will follow Jesus and He shall show you a large upper room furnished; there make ready. Let no man say that the disciples were to make it ready. Note it is furnished, “established, even by covenant”, that I or you should put a hand to it as did Uzza 1 Chr 14: 19, 10 when he put his hand to stay the ark or look at Heb 82. The tabernacle, which the Lord pitched and not man, pitched, to set up to peg. See the tabernacle of Isa 33:19,21 A tabernacle that shall not be torn down. Let us keep in mind that we are talking about the Church of God.
As I turn to Deut. 4:4,8 please read, get V. 4 Sure, see in V. 6. For this is your wisdom that you do as in V5. His commandments, note surely this great nation, the one in 1 Peter 2:6,10 is a wise understanding people. As we consider the wisdom of God, look at Pro. 3:19, The Lord by wisdom both founded the earth, by understanding, both he established the heavens, Job 26:7 And He hangeth it upon nothing.
As we see God in the great wisdom and understanding, surely if He caused His church to be in the world, He would use some wisdom in setting it up. Look at Pro. 24:18, Through wisdom is an house, builded; and by understanding is it established and by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and. pleasant riches. V. 3,4, Surely we see the chambers, “areas we walk through” as in Psl 48: 11,14, Walk about Zion, etc.
Please read wisdom, portrayed in a line I read, Wisdom looking for a house among men could not find one good enough for her guests, she hath built one. See the one built on sand, and rock in Mat. 7:21,29.
To consider the text a bit closer, we see wisdom, the church, hath not taken the first view she saw, but she hath hewn out her seven pillars. When I name these please know I shall not be able in this writing to go into the depths of these pillars. A pillar is to hold up, or in some cases to beautify.
To name the seven pillars, and justify then as they should be, you dear readers will have to build on them by Bible doctrine, which means principle. See them as follows, Power, if God gave His Son all power in heaven and earth, He must have had it to give. Foreknowledge. He saw the end from the beginning, Isa 46:10, Love, God is love. We love God because He first loved us. Elect, we see this in I Peter 1 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God. Redeem, not with silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Call, behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God. 1 John 3:1,2, Then get Gal. 4:6 Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your heart crying, Abba, Father justify. Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth and whom He justified them, he also glorified. All this in Rom. 8.
We see or read of the good news, “The Gospel”, see in Pro 9 That wisdom hath furnished her tables, she hath sent forth her maidens, who so is simple “unmixed not mixed up on works and grace”. Paul says do not frustrate them. Gal. 2:21, To him that wanteth understanding she saith to him, come eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mingled, thy will quicken me in life and quicken me in death. Forsake the foolish and live, and go in the way of understanding.
In Gospel Bonds,
Ira M. Fry
I recently was working on a major business project with a group of colleagues. It began to seem as though we ran in to a major hurdle each time we tried to find a method to solve a problem which confronted us. About the time we managed to solve, or work around, one problem we then would run right into the next problem, usually of a totally different nature.
Most of the time we could resolve one problem (which involved different personalities), we became frustrated because another person or group entered the picture and threw the so-called monkey wrench into our renewed efforts. By the time we were finally able to put together our plan to the satisfaction of all parties with whom we had dealt and were nearing completion, our entire proposal fell through altogether. It was a total failure, in spite of our best efforts and our best intentions.
That same problem too often seems to also happen in our personal life. It also happens in. the church. It seems we encounter a problem and despite our best efforts the end result is a failure, or at best a frustrating attempt which makes us wonder why we ever attempted to solve it in the first place.
Why are we put to so much trouble for an end result, that in our opinion, is not worth the effort, the frustration, the pain or aggravation that it put us through.
Not only does it result in our being frustrated. But also makes us just downright angry, mad, furious. Sometimes we end up depressed or sulking over the problem, or we turn to drastic measures to relieve our frustrations on the next person.
I know when I get mad or frustrated, especially when I have been working hard in an attempt to achieve some good result, the last thing I want to think about is to whom I should express my thanks for the problem occurring. I am usually thinking in terms of retaliation. giving thanks is the furthest thing from my mind.
However, giving thanks should be the first thing I think of, and the first thing I should do.
The Apostle Paul’s teachings are numerous in his letters to the various churches which are contained in the New Testament. Those teachings are just as important, and just as applicable, today as they were when they were written almost two thousand years ago.
In the first epistle to the Thessalonians Paul closes with several verses of advice to each of them. Two of these verses are especially important for this discussion.
‘Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thess. 5:17-18.
First, we ought to pray constantly. This does not mean we should be making audible prayer 24-hours per day, but it should be regularly and continually a part of our daily lives. We should keep our commitments to specific times of prayer, and we should always have it in the back of our minds throughout the day. We ought to keep our attitude one of prayer as we go about our day.
Second, in our thoughts and prayers, we should give thanks to the Lord for every thing. We should give thanks for both the good and the bad, the pleasant and the unpleasant. We should pray constantly and give thanks in every event or circumstance for the good that the Lord can make of any unpleasant event.
No condition is so bad, but that it could not be worse. We should give thanks for whatever happens -- that it will result in some good for some of the Lord’s children.
The constant attitude of prayer, giving thanks for all things, will help us maintain the proper gratitude, especially in the face of adverse situations.
Ellen Marie Strayhorn, a Snyder Junior High School student, has been named a United States National Award winner in mathematics. This award is given by the United States Achievement Academy. She was nominated by her teacher, Theresa Vest.
Ellen Marie is the daughter of Brother Thomas and Sister Vina [Bass] Strayhorn of Snyder, Texas and the granddaughter of Mrs. Bamma Strayhorn of Snyder and Brother Harvey and sister Marie Bass of Muleshoe. She is a member of the Snyder Primitive Baptist Church, where her father is a deacon and her mother and sister Carol are also members.
Ellen Marie will appear in the Unite States Achievement Academy Official Yearbook, published nationally.
The academy recognizes less than 10 percent of all American high school students each year. Criteria for selection are a student's academic performance, interest and aptitude, leadership qualities, responsibility, enthusiasm, motivation to learn and improve, citizenship, attitude and cooperative spirit, dependability and recommendation from a teacher or director.
By Brother James Gipson Fort Worth, Texas
I feel that there should be an increased interest in and study of the history of the church which has survived from the time of Christ until today despite all manner of opposition. There is an old saying to the elect that “those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it,” and this could very well prove true to our people.
I would like to mention a few points of the history of the true church in the hope it might awaken an interest in some to study further in this important subject. The information listed here is from the writings of Elders Orchard, Redford, and the Hassell father-son team.
The true church was founded by Christ as recorded in Matthew 16:18. He is the rock and only sound foundation that will last forever. His life and teachings were recorded and spread abroad by His apostles, especially Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. His church and its message seemed to spread rapidly in the early years, and this was undoubtedly aided by the size and relative stability of the Roman Empire which permitted commerce and exchange ideas over most of the known world.
The first division in the church was in 252 A.D. The Roman Emperor Decius had persecuted the church for two years (this was the seventh of ten pagan persecutions) Many members had apostasized, but when the persecution eased, many asked to be allowed to return. At the Rome Church, Cornelius favored their re-admission and was elected pastor, but Novation opposed it, so he and his followers withdrew from error and continued the true church which was then called Novationists or Cathari (pure.) The followers of Cornelius eventually developed into the Roman Catholic Church.
The Roman Emperor Constantine proclaimed freedom of worship in 313 A.D.; but after the Council of Nice in 325 A.D., all who did not abide by the decree of this council were again persecuted by the combined forces of the Roman church and state.
Due to the continuous persecution of the true church for many centuries, no unbroken historical records exist, but the true church has been identified in various countries under many names such as (1) Albigenses, Vaudoix and Waldenses - France (2) Novationists, Arnoldists and Paterines- Italy (3) Donatists - North Africa (4) Paulicians -Armenia (5) Anabaptists - many countries. Many brave and capable ministers risked and gave their lives in preaching the true gospel for centuries. One outstanding example was Arnold of Brescia who was forced to leave two churches for preaching the gospel truths and finally went to Rome. His preaching was so powerful that his followers set up a republic in Rome from 1144-1155 A.D. The Pope left Rome and returned with an army in 1155 A.D. Arnold was choked, burned at the stake, and his ashes thrown in the Tiber River.
The Protestant Reformation began in 1517 A.D. when Martin Luther (a Catholic priest) tried to reform his church and was excommunicated. The anabaptists, tried to join ranks with him but he rebuffed them and later began prosecuting them. One thing for our people to remember is that we are not Protestants, as the Protestants came out of the Catholic Church protesting is excesses as they were expelled for trying to reform them.
This is but a brief sketch of some highlights of church history. My purpose and hope in writing this is to arouse interest of others in pursuing the study of this subject further, and then discussing and reporting on the interesting things that they find in their studies.
…From the Baptist Trumpet, August 1991
Click here to see a visual diagram of the history
Cameron, Mo.
It is true that in the beginning, before the fall, Adam stood in a different category. He had been “created” (not begotten) in “the likeness of God,” and he was created in paradise. There had been some good thing in Adam, though he was human. But there is no good thing in any of his posterity; they all have been begotten in Adam’s own likeness, and all are begotten outside of paradise. That which is begotten of the flesh is and remains flesh. All who are born in the fallen likeness of our first fallen parents are born with no good things abiding in them. The apostle Paul in his latter days said, For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing, Romans7:18, and, we like Paul, make this same confession.
It is not a question here, or indeed elsewhere, about what man has done. It is wholly and altogether a question of what man is. We are not only lost sinners, but we are fallen creatures.
We are not only Sons of Men, begotten by Adam, but we are born of Eve, doubly ruined, if it were possible. Ruined, not because of what we have done, but because of what we are. When Adam sinned as our federal head, it is as if we had been there and committed the transgression ourselves.
If we had never done anything, good, bad, or indifferent, we should still have no right to reenter the garden, or to go into the Presence of God. We should have no right to the Tree of Life, but should be subject to death. We, should still need at least a forensic righteousness that is to say, we should need to be acquitted to be pronounced not guilty; and to be put into a position where our sins would not imputed to us. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile, Psalms 32: 1, 2. But this is surely, very different from having a Divine Righteousness imputed to us. The one is negative, and the other is positive. The negative only is all that’s usually seen; that is, many may see that they are forensically or judicially acquitted, but fail to see the positive, that is that Divine righteousness is imputed to them.
To see the positive is to see the complete works of Jesus Christ, and to see His righteousness imputed to us. This is revealed by the spirit of God, but they’re but few that are made to see this blessed truth. These are taught in the gospel that brings life and immortality to light. Most endeavor to establish their own righteousness and never see the completed work of Jesus Christ, and His righteousness imputed to them. For it is impossible to see that His imputed righteousness would be there unless they can see that he has completed all that the Father had sent Him to do in their be behalf.
In the eleventh chapter of Hebrews there are listed a great cloud of faithful witnesses. Those listed are said to have received a good report, that is they were able to see that the righteousness of their redeemer would actually become their very own righteousness. They looked far beyond judicial fulfillment in their behalf, to that perfect righteousness they would receive through Grace, and this was a good report for them.
It is said in verse four that Abel obtained witness that he was righteous. In verse seven it says that Noah became heir of the righteousness which is by faith, that is, that he could see with an eye of faith that the perfect righteousness of The Son of God would be imputed to him. Not just a forensic or judicial righteousness, but that the very righteousness if the Savior would be imputed to him, and this was a good report within his soul.
Finally consider Abraham’s special faith. Abraham, from the time of his call in Genesis twelve, was surely as righteous as Lot, Lot was a righteous man, (2 Peter 2:7:8, and yet he is not listed in Hebrews chapter eleven. He no doubt was judicially acquitted, but was unaware of imputed righteousness. Lot represents then those that believe in a works doctrine, those in the denominational world today that think they must do something to help in their eternal salvation, they don’t see the righteousness of Jesus Christ imputed to them. They feel that Christ died for all men (judicially), and all who will accept Him may be saved. But they do not see that Jesus has saved His people from their sins, and has imputed His perfect righteousness to them, they have not the good report of His imputed righteousness in their heart.
In Genesis thirteen God made further promises to Abraham, and in Genesis fourteen; God had been with him, prospered him, and sent Melchizedek to bless him. But it is not until Genesis fifteen that we read of a very different righteousness which was imputed to him. For now he was made to see in the vision, that from his seed, although he yet had no child, his Redeemer and his Righteousness should spring, and he believed in The Lord, and he counted it to him for righteousness, verse 6. He received a good report within his breast.
This was no more negative blessing of non imputation of sin. It was no mere pronouncement of not guilty but it was the positive reckoning of actually having righteousness imputed to him. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; by whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God to declare, I say at this time his righteousness that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus, (Romans 3:24-26. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21.)
May God bless us all,
Elder Kenneth W. Clevenger
The Primitive Association of Texas has been a wonderful part of my entire life. I can remember attending these Associations when I was a small child.
I have many precious memories of childhood Associations. I remember playing in the sand at (Mexia) Point Enterprise where I would later find my bride. There were times we would leave out in the middle of the night in order to get to the first service being held in those distant lands along the Gulf Coast of Texas. It seemed the world was so much bigger then. That same land I now call my home with my precious wife and children given to me by the Lord I worship.
I remember listening to many dear ministers such as Elder White, Elder A. R. Wilson, Elder J. M. Fannin, Elder J. A. Rowell, Sr., my Grandad, and many others sitting under the shade of a tree to discuss the scriptures after hearing a visiting minister proclaim the true doctrine.
I remember staying in people’s homes, sleeping on pallets on the floor, sleeping in a garage on army cots, or maybe we would stay in the church building pulling two benches together to make a bed. Where we slept did not matter, we were there and enjoying sweet fellowship.
I remember many dear Mothers in Israel that rocked us and loved us as if we were their very own, (and in some ways we were), Sister Bozeman, Sister Polter, Sister Cox and many many others. The main thing I remember was the Holy Spirit manifesting himself at those meetings. The love that the brothers and sisters had toward one another is unforgettable. We could hardly wait for the next year to come around so we could get together again.
Through the years many brothers and sisters, deacons, and elders that we loved have departed to that great inheritance. We will always miss them. We can always count on one thing to remain the same despite changes in locations or faces: The Spirit of Almighty God. The main reason for the Association is to worship God in spirit and truth.
An Association is simply a group of local, sovereign, Primitive Baptist Churches that gather themselves together to worship God at a specified time and place each year declaring they believe the same doctrine and practice.
The term “sovereign” in reference to the local churches means they are free and independent of each other and answers only to their Head, Jesus Christ. Each local body must administer their own business as they are led of the Spirit. When John was given the Revelation of Jesus Christ, he was told to write the letters to the seven Churches of Asia. The Lord informed each church concerning its own specific condition and needs.
Our local churches are authorized to gather together in an Association capacity by the promise of God, that, where two or three are gathered in His name, He would be in the midst of them. We feel this has been the case in the past, and pray it will be the case in the future.
Concerning the care of the Associational business, the scriptures teach, “let all things be done decently and in order.” We are confident our present methods and traditions of conducting the natural business needs of the Association are handled decently and in order, moreover they do not violate the scripture or offend the Spirit. Furthermore, we remember the Association shall not take any action that would interfere with any local sovereign church.
The Lord has blessed the Primitive Association of Texas for 110 years. The Association we were blessed to attend this year in Weches, Texas was one that will be remembered all our lives. Let us pray that Lord will continue to manifest his Spirit in his churches that we may dwell in unity in the House of the Lord all the days of our lives.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
[Ps. 133:1]
By Bill Moseley
Friendswood, Texas
THE 90TH WEST PROVIDENCE Association Meeting was held at the Andrews Primitive Baptist Church, Andrews Texas, August 1st through 4th. The first held in America was called the Philadelphia Baptists Association and took place in 1707. Elders on hand to conduct the meeting included: From left, Elder Neely Richardson, Perry Ross, Cleveland Bass, Jeff Harris, Hulan Bass, Spence Kirkpatrick, and kneeling, Don Farris and Ron Hedges.
Not pictured Elders J. E. Barrington, Gerald Hand, Berwyn Hand, Raymond Kirkpatrick, Ray Little and George Johnson.
Loss of a dear Sister in Christ
SISTER MAY PEARL POOLEY
The Burnet Primitive Baptist Church regrets the loss of a sweet sister in Christ, and a very devoted church member.
Sister May Pearl Pooley was called from this life, March 24, 1991, to be with her Lord.
The Lord gave Sister Pooley 84 years of life here in this world. She was born Oct. 2, 1906 in Smiley, TX She was the daughter of Elder William Young Haire and Annie Rader Polley.
She was a member of the Burnet Primitive Baptist Church where she placed her membership. Sunday Jan. 27, 1980. She married Floyd Pooley, who preceded her in death.
Funeral services were held March 26, 1991 in the Edgar Funeral Home Chapel with Elder Boyd Chambers officiating. Sister Pooley was laid to rest in the Burnet Cemetery under the direction of Edgar Funeral Home of Burnet, until the Lord calls His children home to be with Him in heaven and immortal glory.
Sister Pooley was survived by one son, Billy Pooley of Kingsville, TX; one daughter, Annelle Shelly of Burnet, TX; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Sister Pooley loved her church very much and was faithful to attend regularly. She had a deep feeling in her heart for the church and what it stands for. As long as her health permitted her to come she did so.
She was a devoted wife and mother to her children. She was a homemaker and worked in the church serving her God in every way she could.
We loved her very much as a dear sister in Christ, and will miss her very much.
We, of the Burnet Church of Burnet, Texas bow in humble submission to the will of God. We, the church give our sympathy and love to her family, children, and other loved ones.
May God bless everyone in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Elder Boyd Chambers, Pastor
Lamar Bear, Church Clerk
Whereas our hearts are made sad, when it pleased our heavenly Father to call from our midst Sister Velma Hall. We, the members of Zion’s Rest Primitive Baptist Church, bow in humble submission to God’s Holy Will.
She was born on Jan. 7, 1909 at Booneville, Ark. and departed this life on May 2, 1991, attaining the age of 82 years, three months, nine days.
Sister Hall is survived by her husband, four daughters, four sons, three sisters, one brother and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Be it resolved that we extend our deepest sympathy to her family. Resolved further that a copy of this memorial be placed on our church record book, a copy be given to the family and a copy be sent to a Primitive Baptist publication.
Done by order of the Church while in conference May 12, 1991.
Elder Charles Wortman, Moderator Ada, OK.
A. C. Doyle, Church Clerk
MEMORIES
Dear Publishers of the good old paper, Banner of Love. I read so many things about old timers that my families and my self knew about.
I remember Brother Jack West, Al Chambers, Jasper Chambers and many more, would visit my mother and dad in Coryell County at Gatesville, Texas and spend the nights. We all would get together and sing them good old songs, my mother and dad were, John Loe and Ida Dossery, but both are gone now.
My husband and I joined the Primitive Baptist Church in 1930 in the cow house river. We haven’t gone much in quite a while as we both are in our 80’s. I am 83, and he is 80 we are in poor health. But we still love the good old Primitive Baptists and sure do enjoy the paper very much.
With love and our prayers reach out for everyone.
Mr. and Mrs. S.W. Hair
Post, Texas
The Lampasas Primitive Baptist Church of Lampasas, Texas was saddened by the loss of our beloved brother in Christ, Brother Clifton Henderson, who passed from this life on June 1, 1991 at the age of 90 years.
Services were held at the Lampasas Church with Elder Carl Watson officiating.
Burial was in our Church Cemetery. Brother Henderson was born in Llano County in 1901. He joined the Primitive Baptist Church at the age of 18 and was a member of the Lampasas Church since 1970. Brother Henderson married Sister Climmie Odom in 1920. They had four children: Iva Ruth Henderson, Ollie Jo Henderson Bagley, Bill Henderson and Denny Henderson.
Brother Chester was a man of noble character, loving the Lord, his church, and his family. He knew to pray to the Lord for all things, and did so in a sweet and humble manner. He will be sorely missed by family and friends.
Written by request of the Lampasas Primitive Baptist Church while seated in conference, July 7, 1991; with one copy being sent to the Banner of Love, one copy to the family and one copy for our church records.
Elder Carl Watson, Pastor
Bernice Matchen
Fredda Price
Resolution of Respect for
ELDER ROBERT [BOB] A MOORE
Our beloved pastor, fellow church member, friend, and brother passed away March 20, 1991. He was an only child and was born June 30, 1914. His parents were Robert Franklin and Rebecca Moore.
Services were held on March 23, 199 by Elder George Walker, who portrayed a beautiful tribute. Seven elders attended the service.
Brother Moore had served as pastor for thirty-nine years in different churches. He served the past twenty-five years at the New Hope Primitive Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
He was so dedicated to his precious companion, other family members, and friends. Being at church was his life. He was a kind and gentle person and strived to always do the right thing to keep an orderly church. Two of his favorite songs were “Hungry and Faint and Poor” and “Bless Jesus While in Mortal Flesh.”
He studied his Bible a lot, and his favorite scriptures were contained in the book of Psalms and Song of Solomon. The 23rd Psalms was so precious to him. He mentioned so often that the Lord was our Shepherd.
Brother Moore so enjoyed the things of nature-flowers, birds, animals and was fascinated seeing lightning, clouds, and rainbows. He would say, “These are God’s creations.”
Besides his precious companion, Juanice (Sullivan), whom he married on May 12, 1955, he is survived by two daughters, Tana Knight and Sue Martin; a son, Frank Moore; sons-in-law, Aubrey Knight and Bobby Martin; daughter-in-law, Kathy Moore; 12 grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Wayne Moore, and a grandson, Johnny Knight.
Brother Moore is now free from pain and the toils and trials of this world. We’ll miss him greatly. Our Savior has received a precious jewel.
Written by: Zelma Burt
SISTER FLOYD [EVA JEAN] HENDERSON
The Desert Hope Primitive Baptist Church of Bloomfield, N.M. is saddened by the loss of our dear sister in Christ. We know our loss is her gain and everyone who knew her loved her.
Sister Floyd (Eva Jean) Henderson, after a long brave battle with cancer was taken home June, 6, 1991 She was born at Sand Springs, TX, June 29, 1929. She was raised by her grandmother Witterhus from the age of six. Her aunts and uncles were like brothers and sisters.
Jean graduated from Albuquerque, N.M. High School where she met and married Floyd Henderson. Floyd, being in the army for 20 years and serving in the Korean War, was away from home some, so Jean was near her parents, Roy and Alline Henderson. Many of you at Muleshoe, would remember them when they attended church at Muleshoe during the ‘50’s. They introduced her to the Primitive Baptist, with whom she later joined and was baptized by Elder Jimmie Bass.
She and Floyd had three daughters, who also grieve her passing: Colette Jenson, Olympia, Wash., Toni Ann Hartley and Sally Joe Bay of Palmer, Alaska. Also her brothers and sisters-in-law, J. R. and Opal Henderson, Bloomfield, NM., Jack and Lavonne Henderson, El Paso, TX, Marie Bixler, Calif., Ethel Garlington of Muleshoe, TX, aunts and uncle, Ruth Nance and Marie Carruth and Tom Wetterhus all of Albuquerque, NM. and many other relatives and friends.
Jean was preceded by her grandmother Witterhus and an infant son, Floyd William Henderson, Jr.
Our pastor, Elder Bobby Collins and Elder Tom Hunnicutt of Albuquerque preached the funeral. Jean will surely be missed by all who knew her.
Written by request of the church, while in conference.
Sister Opal Henderson
Sister Tennie C. House
BROTHER OLIE PAUL HENTHORN
The Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church of Hubbard, TX was saddened by the passing of our dear brother, Olie Paul Henthorn, on April 16,1991 at his home after fighting a battle with cancer for the past eight months. Brother Olie was the son of the late R. M. and Flora Henthorn, He married Georgia Jones on Feb. 8, 1947. They reared four lovely children and have been blessed with ten grandchildren.
Brother Olie and his precious wife, Sister Georgia joined the church on March 30, 1985. As a young boy, Brother Olie was taught scripture by his father who was a deacon in the church. It was a pleasure to listen to Brother Olie talk about his church. After his baptism, he stated that he finally had come home to the church, something he had wanted to do since a small boy but had just kept putting it off as so many God’s precious children do.
Brother Olie was very faithful to the elderly in our community. He began visiting the nursing homes while his mother and father-in-law were there. After their passing to meet their Lord, Brother Olie continued his everyday visits to help with entertainment, transportation, and any other way for the dear elderly people he had learned to love in the nursing home. This love was greatly returned to Brother Olie by all patients and employees at the nursing home in Itasca, Texas. Everyone looked forward to his daily visits that continued as long as he was able.
Realizing he had only a short time left upon this earth, Brother Olie said he wanted to go somewhere everyday and not just sit and wait for the Lord to take him home. He was blessed to be confined to the house only the last month of his life. His children being of another faith but having the same Lord were very faithful help their mother care for their father.
We were grieved by the passing of our brother who loved his Lord and Master. We, the Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church bow in humble submission to the Lord’s will. Please pray for Brother Olie’s lovely wife and family.
Written by request of the church,
Sister Autie Pearl Earls
Sister Sylvia Brown
BANNER IS AN INSPIRATION
Enclosed is a check for another year of The Banner of Love, which is an inspiration for all that read it.
May God continue to bless all that have a part in getting the good news in print then distributing it out.
We are having good services at Burnet, Texas and at Izora.
With love to each of you.
I am as ever,
Alpha Littlefield
Burnet, Texas
Resolution of Respect
BROTHER RAYMOND E. STOWE
“If a man die, shall he live again?”
This and other scriptures were quoted by the minister as our brother’s body was laid to rest at Whitehead Cemetery, the ancestral burial ground, on May 12, 1991.
Brother Stowe, whose spirit is with his Savior, was born on Nov. 30, 1917, left his body on May 11, 1991, making his stay here 73 years, five months and eleven days. He had been a Primitive Baptist for many years, and was a member of New Providence Primitive Baptist Church at Cedar Point, Texas at the time of his passing.
He is survived here by his wife, Ethel Stowe of Grapeland; two daughters, three sisters, and one brother, five granddaughters, and seven great-grandsons.
He was a Veteran also. Our brother was a hospitable man who loved to talk about his experiences with his Savior. And, he had many. He enjoyed the company of his church brethren, and we shall miss his smiling, tear-stained face, as he showed his appreciation of hearing his Savior’s greatness and majesty extolled from the pulpit.
Be comforted, dear Sister Stowe, we shall all be reunited at journey’s end. “Just a few more days on earth to spend, And we shall all meet at journey’s end.”
Farewell, dear brother. Go in Christ’s care. “We’ll meet you in the morning.”
Elder Ernest Inman
Elder Raleigh Burran, Pastor
SISTER FANNIE IRIS HARRIS
Another one of God’s chosen has been called home to be with Him in the bright and glorious world we call Heaven. Fannie Iris Harris was born June 24, 1907 in Keokuk Falls, Okla. She passed from this life on May 3, 1991, after a brief illness. She was the age of 83 years, ten months and nine days.
She was a member of the Midland Primitive Baptist Church, Midland, TX. She moved from Midland in 1962 to Winton, CA with her husband, Leonard who preceded her in death. Then she moved to Atwater, Calif.
She was survived by her sons: Leonard and Franklin E. Harris, both of Merced, Calif.; James R. Harris of Reno, Nevada; Howard M. Harris of Midland, TX; Earl F. Harris of Atwater, CA, and Gary K. Harris of Denver, CO; one daughter, Helen Parks of Marble Falls, TX; a brother, J. B. Forrester of Shawnee, OK; seventeen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.
She let her light so shine that at the age of 76, she was voted the most outstanding citizen of Merced County, by the County Board of Supervisors.
Fannie was always a friend, even to a stranger, when she found someone in need. She didn’t have to be asked, she volunteered whatever was needed, if it was in her power to do so. She turned no one out. When a person was in need, she was a friend in deed. She knew there was a Friend that was far better than she could be, even at her best. He was her companion through death, and that Friend is Jesus Christ. He is the Friend that stays closer than a brother.
I thank God for the privilege of having known this sweet shining lady.
Elder R. E. Kirkpatrick
On April 4, 1991, God in His infinite wisdom, called home John Wilmer Foxworth, leaving our hearts saddened by our loss.
Brother Foxworth was born August 19, 1916 and was united in marriage to Beatrice Wagnon, Sept. 2, 1939. Born to this union were a son and a daughter.
He joined Fellowship Primitive Baptist Church in Warren, Texas, August 1948 and moved his letter to Paradise Primitive Baptist Church in Port Neches, Texas, Oct. 9, 1954.
Funeral services were conducted by his pastor, Elder Woodrow Wilson at Pat Riley Funeral Home in Nederland, Texas. Brother
Foxworth was laid to rest in Fellowship Cemetery in Warren, Texas.
Brother Foxworth is survived by his wife, Beatrice Wagnon Foxworth, a daughter, Lance Beagle, a son, Alton W. Foxworth, two sisters, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
We, the members of Paradise Church, will miss Brother Foxworth and we pray the Lord’s blessings on his family.
WE resolve that a copy be sent to his family, one to be placed in the church records and one be sent to the Primitive Baptist papers for publication.
This done by order of the church while in conference April 13, 1991.
Moderator: Elder Woodrow Wilson
Committee: Sister Carole Peet
We, the members of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Fort Worth, TX are saddened at the death of Sister Myrtle Norwood, who passed away May 10, 1991 and buried May 12,1991.
Her funeral was held at Decatur, Texas at Coker Funeral Chapel, and buried in Aurora, Texas Cemetery. Her pastor Elder Weldon Walker officiated.
Sister Myrtle was born Jan. 1, 1920 in Throckmorton county, TX; joined the Primitive Baptist Church in Munday, TX in 1934.
She married Elmer James Norwood, Feb. 24, 1940. To this union was born two daughters, Jean Mishlitrsch, Aurora, Texas and Eleanor Walker, Aurora, Texas; three sons, Floyd Norwood, Rhome, TX, Rex Norwood, of Rhome, Texas, and Dale Norwood of Saginaw, Texas.
She had nine sisters, Lillie Norwood, Midland, Texas, Earline crisp, Midland, TX, Nellie Crisp, Menard, TX, Zoola Norwood, Rule, TX, Christine Brekenfield, College Station, TX., Laverne King, Los Angeles, CA, Bula Doss, Karmack, TX, Ruthie Harris, Monahans, TX, Elizabeth Rawls, Stamp, Ark. and four brothers: Spence Kirkpatrick, Andrews, George Kirkpatrick, Ridge Crest Calif., Monroe Kirkpatrick, Midland, TX, J. H. Kirkpatrick, Midland, Texas.
Seven grandchildren and one sister preceded her in death, Flossie Williamson.
Sister Myrtle lived at Rhome, Texas at the time of her death and buried on Mother’s Day, a memorable occasion, we won’t forget. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Our loss is Heaven’s gain.
Submitted by:
Josie Fowler
LORD HELPS US TO OVERCOME
Since 1971 during July it’s good to try to remember our Dear Lord makes us able to overcome though we are so very weak.
He is so wonderful though we try we can never thank Him enough. He never fails to prove that He will see us through.
May He strengthen each of His dear Ones everywhere in honor to Him.
In Precious Hope, Sister Loretta Lilly
“2 Cor. 1:10 is always so very encouraging.”