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Volume 64 Number 8 Lubbock, Texas 79493 Copyright $12.00 Per Year August 1996 |
Passing By Salvation of Sinners The Apostolic Age Baptism? By What Authority Not With Us Anymore Camp Meeting At McMahan Pride Tour Through The Bible Brother Walter Melhart In Love For Nancy Lillie Edna Griggs Sister Zula Brown Sister Nova Lee Rainey Sister Sylvia Ruth Welch Sister Velma Haynes
The term "passing by" is mentioned several times in the Scriptures. Depending on the context and circumstances, the phrase has a number of meanings. Generally, it means "going from one place to another. Our lives are full of movements in many ways like the ebb and the flow of the sea.
There were many instances in the earthly pilgrimage of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, where He is described as "passing by", many times making glad the hearts of His people, as well as agitating others as He interfered with their religions.
"And it came to pass [Luke 18:35-38], that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: and hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me." This poor man cried, "Jesus, thou son of David," He could not look with natural eyes on the countenance of his Lord, but his vision was clearer than the religious leaders of Israel, for he acknowledged Him to be the son of David..
The more he was rebuked, the more he cried to Him for mercy. The cry fell sweetly upon the ears of the Lord and the scriptures say, "He stood". Imagine, the Lord of Glory stopping as He passed by to heal a blind man. Very likely, the ones who tried to silence him were commanded to bring him to Christ. He gave this pitiful man his sight; what a glad day when Jesus passed by and made another stop of mercy on His way to Calvary.
Luke 19:1-4, "And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus which was the chief among the publicans and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way." Nowadays little children sometime sing a song about Zacchaeus climbing the sycamore. This is written in Luke for our learning, and we must not become so fascinated with the little man in the sycamore tree that we forget to look for the one he was trying to see.
As he passed by that day, no doubt Zacchaeus heard words he had never anticipated: "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down for today, I must abide at thy house." Again, the scorners said he was gone to be the guest with a man that is a sinner. We cannot help but wonder at how the little man must have felt as he passed by the scorners with the Lord of Glory at his side going to visit in his home. Even though, we ourselves may feel to be small in our own esteem, it humbles our souls that he would dwell with us. May He indeed be our most honored guest.
Who knows what a day may bring. God's people find that the scenes of life change very quickly: one day through the green valleys of contentment and promise, then the barren desert of disappointment; but whether we are passing through the dreary desert or climbing the bright mountain peaks of hope, the blessed Redeemer is there. Are we not made glad that as we have passed through this very transient life, He has led our feet to many wonderful places and to many wonderful people---companions who make our lives a joy, husbands, wives and children who brighten our existence.
He has shown us the Church whose bright light shines even in this dark day. The inscription on the Statue of Liberty has welcomed those who passed by for many years. She has held up her light beside the golden door for countless millions, for those seeking opportunity and liberty in this land. They passed by her lamp and wept for joy. A few years ago the statue underwent extensive repair and restoration because the storms and ravages of time had taken their toll, but the Church needs no renovation. She has weathered numerous storms from her very beginning, she has withstood the continual attempts by greater and lesser reformers to "restore her to her original beauty," but the years have not dimmed her vision which God gave her. Her beauty is not seen in her changing, but rather her constancy.
As the multitudes pass by, the vast majority will never embrace the church; they object to giving all the glory to her husband for the salvation of His children, and the demand for those who live within her gates to conform to the Scriptures by living Godly lives. The church is like a warm fire in the cold world to His people, and here and there a troubled sinner passes by, feeling to be as an "outcast of Israel." At the midnight of his life the Church rises up to feed him. "She stretches out her hand to the poor; yea, she reaches forth her hands to the needy." [Proverbs 31:20]
If the church attempts to ride upon every wind of doctrine, who will feed the hungry soul and comfort the needy. Joshua told the children of Israel as they were to go into Canaan certain things they must do, how they should march. In Joshua 3:4, he said "You have not passed this way heretofore." We too, pass through life and meet strange and unknown challenges unfamiliar to us, but those who have gone before us also faced problems in their day.
Scripture abounds and history is replete with information letting us know today, their success or failure depended on whether they walked with God or not, and so will ours. The great institution of marriage has not failed; the Church has not failed; truth as it is in Christ has not failed. Mankind has failed in many ways in all of these. Changes can come, radically or in moderation, but in any case, where will the weary children of God rest as they, too, must pass this way.
"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls....." [Jer. 6:16].
The salvation of alien sinners is the work of God. God arranged to save sinners. His arrangement does not save sinners. God saves sinners exactly as He arranged to save them. God's arrangement to save sinners is older than sin. God promised to save sinners and He is not slack concerning His promise. Therefore He will save sinners through Jesus Christ, for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
God knows exactly what is required to save sinners and His arrangement was as perfect as any other part of His work.
Paul in speaking of the certainty of God's work said, "Therefore, it is of faith, that it might be by grace, to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed." Jesus died for His seed, for His people, for His sheep. "I am the good Shepherd, the good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." I am the good shepherd and know my sheep and am known of mine." "And I lay down my life for the Sheep ." Jno. 10.
God's sheep were among Jews and the Gentiles and they will all be saved through Jesus Christ. What say you?
Banner of Love, Oct. 1, 1933
Eph. 2:20 - "And are built upon the foundation of The Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone:"
The Apostolic Age was embryonic foundational beginnings of The N. T. Church/Kingdom. The Church that Jesus Christ built was during the days of John The Baptist, and was divided into three distinct periods.
1. Forerunner: John The Baptist. 2. Apostles with special powers, and 3. The following ministers without special powers. Forerunner: Isaiah 40:3-8, Mal. 4:5-6, Matt. 3:1-2, 11.Apostles Matt.10:1, 19:20, Luke 6:13; Eph. 2:20: Ministry to follow: 1st Tim. 4:13-16; and 2nd Tim. 2:15.
The Apostolic age was divided into two categories: 1.The limited commission - Matt. 10:6-42, then 2.The Great Commission - Matt 28:18-20. The ending of this age was followed by signs of the Lord working with them - Mark 16:14-20. This ended the special powers segment. If a minister since the apostles thinks that he still has the endowment of this apostolic age, then let him also show that snake handling and drinking of poison will not even hurt him. Also they must demonstrate their ability to cast out devils, speak with new tongues, lay hands on the sick causing their recovery. Since the Apostolic Days, The "Church Age" continues without these special powers being performed by the present day ministers.
The Apostolic Age included the following ingredients:
1. Special powers; 2. What to take and not to take - Matt. 10:9-10; 3. Where and when to go - Matt. 10:11-16; Mark 16:20; Luke 24: 48-49; 4.What to speak - Matt. 10:17-20; Mark 13:9-11; 5. Do not premeditate or take any thought for your life or necessities of speech. Matt. 6:25: 10:19, Mark 13:11; 6. Jesus was with them to the end of the age - Matt. 28:20; Mark 16:19-20; 7. Apostolic Age ends and the Study Commission begins.
The Great Commission Age included the following steps: 1. Given: Matt. 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:44-48; 2. Shall be preached - Matt. 24:14, 34:3. must first be published - Mark 13:10; Luke 24: 49-51; Acts 11:2-9, 13; 4. Was preached - Mark 16:20; Inside of Canaan's Land - Acts 10:1--48 to Gentiles, then outside to Gentiles - Acts 13:49; Rom. 1:8, 10:18; Col. 1:5-6, 23: 5. Hence, Completed and Concluded- Luke 10:1--20; 6. There was a false conception Matt. 15:14; 23:15; and 7. Rest from the Apostolic Commission. The Apostolic was a Rest from the O. T. Laws and Prophets, the Apostles Age being the transition from such, and now we even rest from the Apostles Times. We are without signs and wonders as in the days of the apostles. Paul says we now must "walk by faith and not by sight" 2nd Cor. 5:7.
The Apostle Paul begins as the New 12th Apostle after Judas' fall, outside of Palestine to The Gentiles - Acts 13:42-49; Paul knew the O. T. Laws in detail - Acts 5:34; 22:3; 26:3-5; 2nd Cor. 11:22; and Phil. 3:4-7. Paul and Peter both, did not need to Study the N. T. as such information was revealed to them directly from Jesus Christ Himself -Matt. 16:13-17; Gal. 1:10-20. None of the Apostles ever Studied. No scripture supports they studied. Most all of them were unlearned and ignorant men [Acts 4:13], and would not have known how to study, so "revelation" was their only means of knowledge. The rest from the Apostolic Age [Aion- Gk.] Generation or Dispensation was a final rest ministerially.
From this point forward starting with Philip and Timothy, along with the other various gifts given [Eph 4:11] was a "Study Endeavor." Since this Hence this stage of the N. T. Church Age is known as the "Study Commission."
In closing, Ecc. 12:9-12 - tells us that much study is required so as to give "good heed, seek out, and set in order" through reading, meditating and preaching" from God's Holy Word.
We must all continue to study till Jesus Christ's 2nd Advent, Parousia and Final Coming. At this point we will all know even as we were known - 1st Cor. 13:12. Then there will be no more commissions whatsoever!
I have listed several scriptures following each major point of this analysis, so never let anyone misguide you concerning this very important N. T. Church Age area of your spiritual life.
The Proper Reason or Purpose: Water baptism identifies the child of God as being in union with Christ Jesus in this time world. When a man and woman stand before a minister and a congregation to take marriage vows, they do so, "to be publicly joined together as husband and wife." Neither of them are ashamed of the vows they take and they want everyone to know they are married. What would you think of your spouse if he or she wanted to keep your marriage a "secret"? When one is born of God Spirit he is joined unto Christ for all eternity in accordance with God's eternal purpose.
When one believes that "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that He arose again the third day according to the Scriptures" [1 Cor. 15:3-4] that person should desire to be identified with Christ by following Him in Scriptural baptism. It is more than a matter of obedience. Baptism reflects ones love and desire for love and public identification with the Lord Jesus Christ. But, as we have already pointed out, just any form of immersion is not Scriptural Baptism. There remains the question of authority. Have you been baptized? By what authority?
The Proper Authority: John has the authority to Baptize, I believe that authority was passed on from John to Christ himself when he was baptized by John. As the mantle was passed from Elijah [John the Baptist was the Elijah to come - see Matt. 11:14] to Elisha with a double portion of his spirit ]11 Kings 2:9], so it was that authority passed to Jesus, "For God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him" [John 3:34]. I am not dogmatic in this, it is just what I see in the Scriptures. Jesus Himself never did baptize anyone as far as we can tell. But He called His disciples and gave them authority to baptize. Scripture says, Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, though Jesus Himself baptized not, but his disciples, [John 4:1-2]. This does not mean Jesus baptized His disciples --but that the Disciples of Jesus did the baptizing, [See Acts 1:21-22].
This implies the authority to baptize had passed from John to Christ to the Disciples. John had testified, "I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before Him - He must increase and I must decrease - He that hath the bride [or church] is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy is fulfilled" [John 3:28-30]. So the authority has passed to Christ. "He that hath received his [Christ] testimony hath set his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent [Christ] speaketh the words of God" [John 3:33-34a]. Jesus spoke with the authority of God.
All of the disciples that Jesus called to follow him; those disciples whom John referred to as the Bride; those disciples that made up the nucleus of the First primitive, original Church were all men who had been baptized by John. Look again at Acts 1:15-23, and you will see in verses 21-22 that the requirement for the one who was to take the place of Judas, was that he had been with them "all the time that the Lord went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John." The first church was a Baptist Church, if not in name, certainly in practice and authority.
Jesus said, "Upon this rock [speaking of Himself, for He is the rock"--see 1 Cor. 10:4] I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" [Matthew 16:18]. Here we have the authoritative word of God, that His Church will have perpetual existence. It will not fail, it will not dissipate, it will not be overcome by the forces of satan. Jesus gave this Authority to His Church, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations [people]. Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" * but it doesn't end there* teaching them to observe, all things whatsoever I have commanded you": and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world [aion=age]" Matthew 28:19-20].
And so the Authority Passes On. This time to baptize and to teach all the things that our Lord taught. Jesus said to His Church, "But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you----" [Acts 1:8]. The Church that Jesus called out; that He established during His ministry and taught them all things that they should observe, was not going to be without power, Jesus said, "I will not leave you comfortless [without the peace and power of God], I will come unto you" [John 14:15-18, 28].
There was only one Church to start, It was a Baptist church in practice and authority. On the day of Pentecost Peter preached and "They that gladly received his word were baptized [the proper candidates, in the proper mode, for the proper reason, by the proper authority], and the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved. The Church existed prior to Pentecost. You cannot add to something that does not exist already. But baptizing was not all that the church did. It taught the doctrines and practices that our Lord Jesus had taught the Apostles. Read Acts 2:41-47.
The Church becomes Churches: "And at that time there was great persecution against The Church that was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria--" [Acts 8:1]. After Saul was converted on the Damascus road and became Paul the Apostle [Acts 9]. Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea - Galilee and Samaria, and were edified [built up] - walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, [and] were multiplied.
History tells us that a major division of these [Primitive] Churches took place in the third century because some departed from the practice of Scriptural Baptism, infant baptism and baptismal Regeneration were introduced in the departed churches which ultimately became the Roman Catholic Church. The Primitive Baptist Churches would have no part of unscriptural baptism and became known as Ana-Baptist or True Baptist. Through the ages they remained true to the doctrines and practices as they were taught by our Lord. They had the Authority and teachings of our Lord who did not leave them. Primitive Baptist Churches watched with hope as the Protestant Reformation took place. Primitive Baptist are not Catholic or Protestant. The Protestors did not come all the way over to the authorized churches to be baptized. They came out of Romanism, but stop short of coming to the true church.
The Primitive Baptist Churches do not recognize the baptism of unauthorized churches or orders. This does not mean that we consider others of a different order, not to be children of God. Water baptism has nothing to do with the eternal destiny of a child of God; but, Baptism has everything to do with a child of God being obedient to Jesus Christ. When a child of God refuses to submit himself to the authorized baptism of the church, he is disobedient to Christ who told the church to baptize; and he denies the church the blessing of being obedient to Christ. When a child of God refuses to be Scripturally baptized, he denies himself a home in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the righteousness, and peace, and joy, that comes from dwelling in the Kingdom of God here in time.
Have you been baptized? By what authority?
THANK YOU
I want to thank you all at the Banner of Love for your efforts that you put forth in all that you do to get the paper to us.
We enjoy it very much, reading of our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, our Lord.
God Bless you is our prayer,
Elder Howard and Sister Nannie Storey
Norman, OK
LOOKS FORWARD TO PAPER
I look forward to this paper. Enjoy it so much. It's so uplifting. I am 86 and live alone. It's so much good company.
In Christian Love,
Macie Lankford
Houston,Texas
I LOVE THE BANNER
I am renewing my paper, as I don't want to miss a copy. I love the Banner and enjoy reading so many good articles of faith. Brother Don, wish I could hear him in person.
Husband and I joined the Primitive Baptist Church in 1940. It has made many changes in the past years.
Brother A.D. West preached at Davis, OK when we joined them by letter in Shiloh, Sulphur, OK. Brother Manuel Welch was pastor then. Brother Welch baptized us along with Brother Buel Green. Brother John Clouse and Brother Clarence Lagoy, my husband, Oliver Cottrell and Brother Buel Green were ordained as deacon at the same time, 1941 or '42. Brother Buel was our church clerk; always faithful.
Brother H. Bullman; then Brother Marvin Smith, pastor; Brother Homer Warren, pastor, Brother Floyd Griffin, pastor; A Brother Belknap for a while; then Brother Bullman.
Brother Jerry Newman was pastor from 1958 until his death. Brother Bill Caraway filled the first Sunday, along with Brother Jerry Cottrell.
My membership is at Elmore now, but my membership was at Sulphur Church for 54 years. We loved the church. Our children grew up in it and loved it also.
In Christian Love,
Gertie Cottrell
Davis, OK
A SPECIAL DAY
March 30th was a very special day for me.
That was the day that I witnessed the ordination of my cousin, Gail Faries to the full work of the gospel ministry at the Friendship Primitive Baptist Church at Brownfield, Texas.
The Bass family now has seven living Primitive Baptist ministers.
The Andrews Primitive Baptist Church has called him to be their pastor and I know they couldn't have made a better choice.
I am very proud that he is a member of my family. May the good Lord be with him always.
In God's Love,
Jerry Bass
Lubbock, Texas
I am writing you to let you know that Lou Anna Chilcote is not with us anymore. We laid her to rest the 25th of May 1996.
She loved your paper very much, and until she got so bad, looked for it every time. She had cancer. We found out about it about 14 months before she passed away.
Thanks for making her life well lived.
Her sister-in-law,
Dean Witt
Stinnett, TX
FOR ANOTHER YEAR
Please find our check for another year's subscription. You may use the extra $15.00 as needed.
Bill and Anita Goodale
Joshua, Texas
Editor's Note: We appreciate the extra.
A REAL JOYOUS MEETING
Our Dear Lord gave us a real joyous meeting in our home church, July 7th and also a real joyous meeting here, July 14th. So much to thank Him for. Thanks so much for praying for us. He always proves that He will see us through. May He strengthen you all.
In Dear Hope,
Sister Loretta Lilly
Akron, Ohio
RECEIVING GRACIOUS RAINS
Our ranching country has sure been receiving gracious rains from above and we are in "good shape." Praise God for His many blessings! May God bless each of you in your continuing work with the paper.
In Christian Love,
Elaine Stevenson
Amistad, NM
THEY ARE A COMFORT
Enclosed is a check for twenty dollars for my renewal and send paper to address below.
I look forward to my church papers as I don't get to go to church as I have in the past. They are a comfort.
God bless you all,
Bernice Gibson
Eldorado, Texas
BANNER IS SUCH A TREASURE
The Banner is such a treasure to me. I think I have every copy I have received for the last several years. I enjoy rereading from time to time.
I have just moved to a "bachelor" apartment here in Waxahachie. My friends want to know if I am old enough to be on my own. At 85 I am not sure. Truly I do not feel to be on my own. I feel His presence with me even more in these last days.
I pray the Lord will give me a cheerful heart and forbid me to indulge in self pity.
Sincerely and in Love,
Olan Wilson
Waxahachie, TX
HELPING OTHERS
Please send me five copies of the June issue. I know you are busy. You are helping a lot of people, who enjoy the Banner of Love.
God bless you.
Love,
Transie Williams
Ardmore, OK
I ENJOY THE PAPER
Enclosed is a check for another year's subscription to the Banner. I enjoy the paper very much; pray you can continue it in the future.
In Christian Love,
Lucy Crites
N. little Rock, AR
PART OF MY DAILY READING
Have enjoyed reading "Tour through the Bible". Your paper is an important part of my daily reading.
In Christian love,
Julia Hayes
Aberdeen, MD
BANNER NEWS COMES FIRST
Just now noticed my paper was about to run out. Sure don't want to miss a single copy. I look forward to getting it every month.
And like a lot of others, I don't ever put it down till I've read it all.
I had the TV news on the other day when my mail arrived with the Banner. I turned off the TV as the Banner News comes first.
I am sending my love to you for the great job you are doing keeping up the Banner.
Mrs. Charles A. Head
[Lovie B. Head]
Pearland, Texas
A WONDERFUL SPIRITUAL MEETING
I don't think that I ever attended a meeting as large as the camp meeting at Bethel Church, McMahan, Texas held the third weekend in July and with so many ministers in attendance.
The church building could not contain the overflowing crowd. T. V. monitors were set up out under the huge shade trees and seats were furnished for many who used them.
There were 36 ministers in attendance and three of them were preached in three sessions, at morning, afternoon, and night services. Each minister was given thirty-minutes each.
The sessions didn't seem long, as each one came so spiritually filled and humble, and ready to preach Jesus and Him Crucified. I think the ministers did the shouting in this meeting. During one song service, two or three ministers shouted. One young minister got up to preach and was so emotionally overcome that it took him time to gain
his compusure before he could speak, he was so filled. Other preachers shouted during the meeting.
There was a number of young ordained preachers at this meeting. The Lord said He would never leave us without a witness, and all these young ministers certainly showed the future of the Church, just as He promised. That the Church will be here when He comes for His Bride. It was certainly good to be in this spiritual meeting, as we all felt the presence of the Lord, and knew He was there with us.
Opal Richards
NEXT YEAR AT STRATTON CHURCH
The 1997 Camp Meeting will be held at the Stratton Church, pastored by Elder Bill Walden. Also held at the same time, third weekend in July.
This meeting is hosted by three churches, Doss, McMahan and Stratton, and the churches rotate each year.
WIFE OF ELDER BAKER DIES
Dear ones, this leaves me sad and undone. My wife of 46 years went home to be with Jesus after a long bout with damaged liver, which became cancer, a huge tumor.
We brought her home on Thursday evening. She seemed to be free from pain, that time to the end at 3:44 a.m. on the 17th, in answer to our prayers for mercy.
Elder Frank Baker
125 Corbin Lane
Azle, Texas 76020
817-444-3378
A JOYOUS MEETING IN CALIFORNIA
The San Joaquin Primitive Baptist Church of Caruthers, CA. would like to thank all who attended our 50th Anniversary Association, and to help make it a joyous meeting.
We also thank everyone for the love and prayers that were so uplifting on the behalf of this meeting. We felt the prayers were indeed answered.
We were blessed to have Elder Howard Jernigan of Texas, Elders D.A. Layne, Elvin Layne, Richard Fox, Allie Wilson, Jesse Stripland, and Edwin Green of California, churches from Texas, WA, Oregon and CA were represented.
Thanks to all, and May God bless each of you.
Sister Thelma Morrison, Clerk
One of the greatest enemies of the kingdom of God is pride.
It was the chief cause of the fall of his natural kingdom [Israel], and continues to be the number one enemy of his spiritual kingdom here on earth.
Thus the prophet Isaiah taught that the Lord of host has proposed to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth. And when Hannah [Samuel's mother] prayed, in prophesy, she said, "There is more holy beside thee: neither is there any rock [god] like our God. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogance come out of your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed."
My children, when we speak through pride against another it is surely weighed. For it is written, an hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour. And Jesus has told us it is not that which goeth into the mouth that defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
Therefore we should heed the warnings of Solomon; the wise preacher. Reading from the Proverbs, we find these words. To fear the Lord is to hate evil: pride and arrogancy, and the evil ways and the forward [crooked] mouth do I hate. [The word "evil" herein is described as that which is destructive.] When pride cometh, then cometh shame; but with the lowly [humble] is wisdom. Only by pride cometh contention [dispute]: but with the well advised is wisdom. In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before the fall. A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in Spirit.
Therefore, John in his first epistle general, has written, All that is in the world, is the lust of the flesh, and lust of the eyes, and the pride of life; which is not of our Father, but is of the world.
There are ten Hebrew/ Chaldee words, and three Greek words translated as "pride": and are defined as being arrogant, haughty, presumptuously, boastful: to inflate one's self, to have a high or over winning opinion of one's self; aggressively conceited. Ref. Strong's and Oxford's dictionaries. There is no doubt, in my mind, that pride is my worst enemy to my efforts in the ministry. It came in with me, and remains with me to this present day. Therefore, I have a great fear of it's evil force; which can utterly destroy that work, and make my attempts to teach ineffectively. also destroying those who would follow me in my pride.
Likewise, I have the same fear for my fellow yokemen in the gospel; for I have seen some fall into pride's evil ways. It is continuously cropping up in the hearts of God's servants, causing contentions and divisions in the kingdom of God. It is my belief that pride has been the number one cause that leads ministers into dividing and destroying the congregations of God's kingdom here on earth. I know it has been so since I have been a member of the Old Baptist [P. B. Church]: which has been over 51 years. And from this experience, I am sure it was so long before my time, and will be hereafter.
Thus, it grieves my heart when I see or hear, even a touch of pride in one of our ministers. I pray that such will be removed, and our Lord give an humbling spirit unto all who serve in his kingdom.
We should also be careful to remember the teachings of Paul unto Timothy, in it's fullness, concerning the office of a Bishop, before we call for the ordination and the laying of hands on a minister. And I must admit I have not always done so; much to my regret. Be assured that Satan's number one weapon is the pride found in God's servants!
Brother Walter Melhart was born July 26, 1912. He passed this life February 29, 1996, making his stay on earth 83 years, seven months. Walter and Dorothy were married in 1941. They had ten children, all still living, and 19 grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at the Clifford Jackson Funeral Home in Corpus Christi, Texas, March 4, 1996 at 2:00 p.m. Internment was at the Sea Side Memorial Park. Elder Mike Montgomery officiated.
Walter was the manager of the Horn Shop for many years and later bought the business. He and several members of his family worked at the Horn Shop. His goal was to build the business to help all band students to be able to get the instruments they wanted and needed. He always worked closely with the schools. IF he knew of a student that wanted to be in the Band Program and could not afford an instrument, he would somehow come up with the perfect instrument for that child. My own daughters got their horns from him and this was many years before he ever came to the Primitive Baptist Church. This man loved to sing. Just loved music period. He played the trumpet in the Navy Band for ten years and was the Band Master. He played several musical instruments; some being, the cello, trumpet, piano, organ, trombone and tuba.
Many local musicians attended the funeral. I met and talked with the Galvan Brothers, of Galvan Music Co. They wanted to meet Brother Mike, and said many kind words about Walter, "That in the music world, he was known as an outstanding trumpet player and was known as a gentlemen, a man that always put God first." They were also taken with the words that Brother Mike spoke at the service. Many people have told me, several of Walter's children, too, that they were touched by Brother Mike. I felt like God opened Brother Mike's mouth and all the words came out. In a mixed crowd like that, church people, musicians, friends, business people, and a large family, who are from Baptist, Church of Christ, Episcopal, and Catholic friends; he said the sweetest things, bringing out a good part of our beliefs. Yet, even mindful of the other faiths. I'm not sure if "proud" is the word I should use, but that's the way I felt. I felt happy and so good to have known this man and to have Brother Mike make everyone there feel the same way. Thank you, and bless you, Brother Mike.
Walter Melhart came asking for a home in the Church at Corpus Christi on the promise of a letter from Sardis Primitive Baptist Church of Combes, Texas, February, 1981. He was baptized a couple of months before at a meeting in Combes.
Chester Rupe, a professor of music, and one of Walter's best friends, told me that Walter was an example to everyone in the music world. He was a composer and a director, but was always seeking and searching for something, not fully knowing what.
He often walked out on the beach and begged God for the answers to the questions he would not find in other churches. He thought he was the only person that believed the way he did. He was hurting and all the music, his children, his wife, his other churches could not bring him that blessed peace that passes all understanding. He spoke of some of this one day to Murl Dalton, a sheet music salesman from San Antonio, who just happened to be a Primitive Baptist. After several months of these talks, Walter came to a church meeting, heard the truth, his heart was full, he felt peace; obeyed his God and found a home with the Old Baptist. We loved him and he loved us. He served as our church clerk for several years until his health got so bad and he had to miss church often. Until the day he died he rejoiced and was so thankful. He had found his peace on earth.
I came away from his funeral feeling so happy. All the hundreds of people there seemed to feel the same way.
We, the Corpus Christi Primitive Baptist Church shall miss him and his sweet leading voice and sweet smile. But find joy in knowing he is with his Lord and free of pain.
We wish that a copy be spread on the church book, a copy be sent too the family, and a copy sent to the Banner of Love for publication.
Written by request of the Church and with much love.
Vernie Baethge Miller
Nancy Sue Bryan was born October 16, 1929 to Noah and Bessie Bryan at East Mountain, Mineral Wells, Texas at home.
She was married to Frank L. Baker, May 10, 1950 in which union three daughters were given. A daughter preceded her in death, [stillborn]. Survivors are; Carol Walden, and Pamela Neeper, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Nancy was baptized into the Primitive Baptist Church, March 23, 1957, with membership at Indian Oaks since April 1976.
Forty-six years ago we were joined in marriage. We said, "Until death do us part." We kept that vow. There was much joy and some sorrow, but the years seemed to pass so quickly.
Nancy had been plagued with damaged liver since 1966, due to surgery that caused nausea and itching. It got worse so that she could not eat or be near the smell of cooking. She began retaining water; medicine didn't help. A week before she died the hospital found a large tumor. They sent her home with hospice care. Her pain and nausea ceased. Saturday evening her breathing came in long breaths as she slipped into a deeper coma. By Sunday evening her blood pressure was dropping considerably and she never seemed to be in distress. The breathing became normal the last time we turned her in the early morning of Monday, June 17, and it seemed almost normal, only to slow down to shallow breaths, until she breathed her last at 3:44 a.m.
At church, June 23, my hymn book opened to #l3, "How Sweet to Die." I believe it was her message to me. It read, verse 1. "Farewell, vain world I'm going home, my Savior bids me come. Sweet angels beckon from on high; then Oh, how sweet to die. Verse 3, "I praised my Savior while I lived, I'll praise Him after death. I'll praise His matchless name on high, Oh, how sweet to die.
Submitted in Love,
Elder Frank Baker
Funeral services for Lillie Edna Griggs were held Tuesday, May 28th, 1996 at 10:30 a.m. at the Stufflebean Funeral Chapel with Elder Mike Hughes of Oklahoma City, OK officiating.
She passed from this old earth May 24th at the Pauls Valley General Hospital at the age of 97 years. Everyone who knew her was wonderfully blessed to have known such a sister of Zion.
Sister Griggs was born on January 31, 1899 in Arkansas to James and Nancy Jones. She married Luther Griggs in 1917. She was preceded in death by her husband and two sons, Lawrence and Kenneth Griggs.
She united with the Primitive Baptist Church at a very early age and was a faithful and devoted member as long as her health permitted.
Survivors include a daughter, Elzada McGee of Pauls Valley, OK; four sons; Carrol Griggs, Pauls Valley, OK, Ira Griggs of Oklahoma City, OK, Clyde of Eufaula, OK and Burl of Branson, MO; three sisters, Maude Coberly, Nancy Cantwell, and Susie Kay all of Pauls Valley, OK; 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grand-children.
She is now basking in the sunlight of God's heavenly portals.
Written in respect and love for our dear Sister Lillie Edna Griggs.
Elder Bill Huckaby, Pastor
C. L. Hampton, Church Clerk
Sister Zula Bowen, daughter of George and Sister Louise Sandifer Bowen, was born March 6, 1907 at Shamrock, Texas. She departed this life July 21, 1996 at the Cordell Christian Nursing Home at the age of 89 years.
She had lived in this area all of her life, and was a member of Mt. View Primitive Baptist Church. When able to attend she was a faithful member and loved to serve her Lord.
Graveside services were held Wednesday, July 24th at 3:00 p.m. at Page Cemetery near Burns Flat, Okla. with her pastor, Elder Glenn Rooker officiating.
Wayne Spies
Ft. Cobb, OK.
The Lord has called yet another of his sweet children home, Sister Nova Lee Bates Savage Rainey passed on to her Lord, Wednesday morning, June 26, 1996 at the age of 85 years and six months. She had been ill for some months.
Sister Nova Lee is survived by two sons, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, two brothers and a multitude of other loving relatives and friends.
Sister Nova Lee was a very faithful member of the Corpus Christi Primitive Baptist Church for over 54 years. She came to us by a letter in April 1942. She served as church clerk from 1950-1980.
Sister Nova Lee has been a wonderful example of a person who lives with Christ in his/her heart. She came to church during bad times as well as good. Even during this past year when she was feeling so bad, she was at the Lord's door hungry for His word and comfort. Sister Nova Lee drew great comfort from reading her Bible at home, even though she struggled to understand the meaning. She was always giving of herself to others in need as we witnessed over and over again. Whenever the church had a meeting she was there with her share of the food and her good spirits and loving heart.
We will miss our sweet sister and friend. Her seat in church may not remain empty, but there always will be the sweet memory of one who used it for a time while waiting the call of her Lord.
In loving memory,
Corpus Christi Primitive Baptist Church
Elder Mark Rowell, Pastor
Sister Lynette Gerdes, Clerk
On May 5, 1996, it pleased our eternal Lord to call to His Presence our Sister Sylvia Ruth Welch.
She was born October 20, 1934, in Tarzan, Texas. She lived in Farmersville, Texas for twentythree years and moved to the Midland area in 1979.
She was married to Dura Brown, who preceded her in death. She married L. V. Welch on July 21, 1986 in Lenorah, Texas.
Survivors include her husband, a daughter, Rebekah Rohr, two sons, Rodney and Ronald Brown, two stepsons, Mike and Jerry Welch, three brothers, four grandchildren, and four step-grandchildren.
Sister Sylvia joined the Midland Primitive Baptist Church on August 2, 1992, and was baptized by Elder J. E. Barrington. She loved the Lord and the church and the words of this song were very dear to her.
"I heard about a mansion. He has built for me in glory.
And I heard about the streets of gold beyond the crystal sea,
About the angels singing and the old redemption story,
And some sweet day I'll sing up there the song of victory."
Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, May 8, at First Baptist Church in Stanton with Elder Troy Barrington officiating. Burial followed at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland.
We, the Primitive Baptist Church, extend our sincere sympathy to Sister Sylvia's family and we trust our Lord will comfort them with His Divine Presence.
Written at the request of the church while in regular conference, May 12, 1996.
Committee: Sharon Barnes, Elnora Buchanan, Nelle Drummond.
On June 30, 1996, the Wanders Creek Primitive Baptist Church lost a precious sister. Velma Haynes united with the Church, June 20, 1957. She was faithful to attend church.
Services were held at the Community Funeral Home in Vernon, Texas, on July 5, 1996. Elders H. O. Ballard and Terry Patton officiated. Burial was in the Bell Cemetery in Odell, Texas.
Valme Haynes was born March 28, 1910 in Odell, Texas. She died in a Bryan, Texas hospital.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Odie Haynes, and a sister, Audna Shults. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Odie Glenn and Mildred Haynes of Brenham; a daughter and son-in-law, Juanelle and A. W. McClung of Irving; grandchildren and their spouses, Macky McClung, Dan and Lori McClung, Ruth Anne and Richard Norman, Glenna Kaye and Randy Andrews, John Glenn and Alyson Haynes; nine great-grandchildren; and a sister and brother-in-law, Perlina and Joe Sutherland of Amarillo.