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Volume 67 Number 8 Lubbock, Texas 79493 Copyright $12.00 Per Year August 1999 |
Greeting in the Name of the Lord Jealousy .. As Cruel As The Grave Grace Reigns Forever Unleavened Bread Our 66th Year Music Tour Through The Bible Mechanix Illustrated Disorder in the Church In Corinth For God So Loved The World My Aunt Minnie Giving Sister Clara Jenkins Sister Robbie Gardner Raymond Fowler Alta Jane Massagee
Matt. 26:17 Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover? This was the time that the passover was observed each year and the disciples came to Jesus to ask where they would keep the passover. At the passover they were to eat unleavened bread.
What is unleavened bread? It is bread that is made without any seasoning, or yeast. Not any thing that would make the bread to rise, or that would be a preservative.
They came to observe the passover and were to observe it with unleavened bread. The command was given to use unleaven bread when the children of Israel were delivered out of the land of Egypt.
As we come to this time of observance of the Passover, Jesus was going to keep the Passover with His disciples, and introduce the last supper.
Matt. 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, Take eat; this is my body. This bread was not leavened, but unleavened bread. As this bread represents His body, it must be unleavened. The body of Jesus was pure, and holy, nothing in it that would make it be puffed up, nothing in it that would be a preservative, as it would not spoil or become corrupt.
If we use bread that has something in it to preserve it or something in it to cause it to rise, it is not representative of his body. We usually use bleached flour, but the whole wheat flour seems to me to be a better representative of his body.
The question has been asked, why do we use unleavened bread in our communion service? The reason is that the bread is a type or points to his broken body, and his body had no impurities, preservatives or leavening agents, nothing that could cause him to be puffed up, or feeling to be better than anyone. He was the meek and lowly, Lamb of God.
So since this bread is representative of his body, we want to use bread that has no yeast or seasoning in it. To do otherwise is to misrepresent the body of Christ.
When we observe the communion supper, let us use bread that is unleavened, just as his body was free of leaven.
"And suddenly, there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:13-14
Angelic holiness and purity welcomed the condescension of the Son of God; at that moment to the natural eye there was only a baby born in a manger; but to angels, men and women with faith, Salvation had come to fallen man! The fullness of the time had come. Wise men had beheld His Star in the east, and had followed it until it came and stood over where the young child lay. There they presented their gifts of gold, Frankincense, and myrrh. Faithful Simeon, and Anna, who had long waited for the Messiah rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Luke 2:25 -38. Notice the word "Suddenly" the praise came immediately, an inexpressible majesty sent from Heaven. When we walk in a dark room and touch a switch, light instantaneously fills the room; sometimes there is a break in a power line and a while city is in darkness, but when the break is repaired light is restored in a split second. We were in a world of darkness, bondage, sin, misery, death, and despair, but now a child is born, a Son is given, our Emmanuel is here!!! Now, there is hope, peace and Joy! Glory to God in the highest, this is the proper order, first praise, for God is the source of all goodness, and blessings "and on earth Peace" Webster gives a long definition of this precious word, Peace, But the only lasting Peace in this World is the peace that God gives us in Jesus Christ our Lord. He is our peace!
"Good will toward men" What wonderful news is this, Jesus came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them. He came to seek and to save that which was lost! Thou shalt call His name Jesus, For He shall save His people from their sins. We do not have the capacity to really know how great our sins are against a Holy God, but oh, the joy of knowing the debt is paid, and our sins are forgiven!
"Good will toward men" Is there someone you and I, need to exercise good will? Perhaps they owe us money, have broken our heart, have continued to oppose what we believe; they look upon us in disdain and contempt. Is their sin against us greater than our sins against God? A point to ponder in my opinion, What good medicine is forgiveness! The best example I know, Jesus Christ was nailed to a Roman Cross, and He said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do!"
We thank God as this year comes to a close, for His tender mercies, for the Church, for the Word of God, for family, and friends. Let this anthem ring in all the world. "Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth Peace, Good Will Toward Men."
Note: this beautiful article was sent in a Christmas Card, but we thought it was so beautiful, that others might enjoy it, with Elder Crain's permission.
In Roman's chapter 5, verse 21, the Apostle Paul says; That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. This verse is teaching us that sin is reigning in these bodies of flesh that we possess and that sin will continue to reign until these bodies are laid to sleep in death. Then he says, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life.
In chapter 7, verse 18, the Apostle Paul says, For I know that in me [that is, in my flesh,] dwelleth no good thing. Sometimes it is hard for us to face up to the fact that man is totally depraved, that man is so sinful that he cannot come to God based upon his own works, or merit, that he has no goodness or righteousness of his own. He can only come through the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Every funeral that is held testifies to the fact that sin reigns unto death. If sin did not reign unto death, then death would never come.
In Roman's chapter 5, verse 12, the Apostle says, Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: In chapter 6 verse 23; The apostle says; For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Even though sin reigns, it only reigns until death. It is a temporary reign showing that there are better days ahead that we can look forward to. Now, back to chapter 5, verse 21; That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might Grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life.
The words [even so] in this verse is telling us that as sin hath reigned, Grace is also going to reign, but Grace does not stop at death. This Grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Grace does not reign through our righteousness, but through the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
This Grace reigns not unto death, but unto eternal life. This Grace never ends. This Grace reigns over sin, death, hell, and the grave. This Grace started in the covenant of Grace before the foundation of the world. After sin has brought forth death to these sinful bodies and these bodies have decayed in the graves, this Grace is going to bring us forth from the grave. Our bodies are going to be changed and fashioned like unto the body of Jesus Christ.
I am so thankful that Grace reigns unto eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. This life that we are talking about is from everlasting to everlasting. It is eternal, it is forever, there is no end to this Grace. It will take us into eternity to forever live with the Lord. AMEN.
"I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also" [1 Corinthians 14:15]. How are we to praise our Savior through song? Let's study the beginning, use, and ending of musical instruments in praising our Lord.
David, around 970 BC, making Solomon his son King over Israel, "gathered together all the princes of Israel with the priests and Levites. Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand. Of which twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the Lord; and six thousand were officers and judges: Moreover, four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the Lord with the instruments which I made, said David to praise therewith" [1 Chronicles 12:2-5]
Throughout the Psalms, David instructs praise to the Lord with the instruments which he had made.
How were they used" Hezekiah provides detail. "And the Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priest with the trumpets. And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering upon the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the Lord began also with the trumpets, and with instruments ordained by David King of Israel. And all the congregation worshipped and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded; and all this continued until the burnt offering was finished." [Notice that the musical instruments began playing when the burnt offering began and stopped when the offering was finished.]
"And when they had made an end of offering, the King and all that were present with him bowed themselves and worshipped. Moreover, Hezekiah the King and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the Lord with the words [not instruments the offering was finished] of David and Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped." [2 Chronicles 29:26-30]
Remember the words of Christ while upon the cross, "It is finished" [John 19:30]. The perfect sacrifice is finished. The perfect offering: "Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God" [Hebrews 19:14]. We have an altar - which is Christ. "By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name" [Hebrews 13:10-14].
The prophet Amos, preaching 785-740 BC, speaking of this better time "though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them; neither will I regard the peace offering of your fat beasts. Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols" [Amos 5:22-23]. No burnt offerings, no meat offerings, no peace offering of fat beast, and no instruments for melody with the songs. Not only are we instructed to take those instruments away, the Lord does not hear the melody made by them.
Further, "Woe to them...that chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of musick like David." [Amos 6:1,5] - we are instructed not to sing to instruments or invent new instruments to praise using David to justify their use. If melody is not to be made with instruments, then how?
The Apostle Paul to the church at Ephesus; "speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." [Ephesians 5:19] The Lord Himself sang without instruments; "And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives." [Matthew 26:30]
God's children should not sit quietly during the song service because we are afraid someone will hear our imperfect singing voice. We are not singing to those around us, but to the Lord. Let us raise our voices, the harps the Lord has made, in singing to Him.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." [Colossians 3:16].
ENJOY IT SO
Please renew my subscription for another year to the Banner of Love. I do enjoy it so.
Mrs. Deborah Atkins
Elkin, N. C.
APPRECIATE THE BANNER
Dear Sister Opal and Brother Don: Just a note to say that I appreciate the Banner, the articles and all the good information that it contains. Keep up the good work, it is profitable for the Old Baptist.
I am sending in another article to be published if you deem it fit. Pray for us at New Hope Church in Fort Worth, Texas when at the throne of Grace.
In love of Truth,
Elder George Walker
Rhome, Texas
Note: Elder Walker, we appreciate your articles. Thank you for your good writings.
THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST
Keep up the good work you are doing in publishing the good news of Jesus Christ our Lord, good Bible teaching, and report of good meetings.
Murl Dalton
San Antonio, Texas
ENJOYED READING OLD BANNERS
Just a note to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading some of the old Banners that were given to me by my mother, Beth Baker. They were given to her by my great-grandmother, Bonnie Barrington; and the memories of that sweet woman and how she loved the Lord came flooding back.
She always had a song in her heart and it always was something of God. You didn't have to be around her long to feel the love inside her.
I've not received the Banner for a number of years now, and feel compelled to write you and renew my subscription.
The Lord has put a burden in me to read and study from His Word, and to go in and out among His people, and to hear of His people; and the love they share in this publication and others continue to be a great blessing to me.
Please accept my contribution for the subscription and the continuance of this great work.
May the Lord bless you is our prayer,
Brother James Baker
Amarillo Primitive Baptist Church
Note: May God bless you Brother James in His Work.
There is a magazine found on the news stands, book stores, and by subscription available by the name of Mechanix Illustrated, that is, Mechanics of the Structure. This magazine is dedicated to the mechanics, technology, engineering, building and production of cars or automobiles. This magazine is full of details about the materials and manufacturing of automobiles.
There will be numerous illustrations and drawings of various models, both old and classics and the new. It will tell you all about the steel, glass, rubber plastic, fiber and fabrics that are the composites of the finished product, including all the various necessities, luxuries and comforts-accessories. It will further give much information about the various engines of varying horse-power, and indications of performance.
I shall use this as an analogy, for or of the full study of The Holy Scriptures.
MECHANICS OF THE STRUCTURE
The mechanics of an automobile are very important and necessary. The very engine is, the heart-beat of the vehicle, including the engine itself. This is equivalent to the Word itself, the Letter, Legal, Mechanics of God's Printed word. Again, such is a Must, and is very important, and without such there would be no vehicle. I cannot over emphasize this; however, this is just the humble beginning and threshhold or benchmark of activity.
There is much more to this analogy than just the manufacture and finished product. Many people who own a car may never drive or use it. Some more, some less. Some just like the "feel of ownership" without a need or desire for travel, but just to have such vehicle setting in their driveway for prestige or showmanship. Some may wash and polish it, but at the same time having no place to go. All dressed up and no place to go.
Many folks who own Bibles are in this very category. Many others will drive and use it and "run-up the mileage" and still not really go anywhere, but just locally, to the store or office and back. The same with Bible owners. There are some who will take their new car and with purpose and intent by design and planning, go on a long cross-country trip on the summer vacation, and enjoy such much, then once back home, will park the car, and use it very little after their return. The same with Bible owners. I have heard this referred to as "Summer Christians."
UTILITY, FUNCTION, PURPOSE
The next major point of development in this analogy is the reason for the manufacture of the car in the first place. It is a vehicle designed for travel. This is its utility, function, design, and purpose. This does not guarantee that such will be utilized for that purpose however. This is the same for the Word of God - The Holy Bible. It is designed with purpose, function, utility, for communications with, to and for God's children. It is the family car. It is the Parental Guidebook, just like a highway map. Also it must be pointed out that it takes time, saving, money, effort, planning, to first acquire this major investment-The Mechanical Structure itself, and even more so, the utility and maintenance thereof.
The same will be found in the utility, function, purpose and application of studying the Bible. Without "application" the utility, function and purpose of the investment is worthless, except maybe for esthetic or vanity reasons. How many homes have you visited, seeing the big family car setting in the driveway or garage and inside the home, the big family Bible laying artistically on the coffee table in the living room or parlor? Neither, really being used much.
Now, let us consider how much conversation goes on every day, between many varied "car buffs" about the power, speed, gas, mileage, comfort accessories technology, equipment both needed and unneeded, and the specifics of the various components comprising this little sports car, or medium-sized SUV or RUV or RV or MV or Full-sized Van or 4-Wheeler or the big limousine, with all its plush furnishing, the many varied instruments or high tech gauges, navigational gadgetry, yet not ever really going anywhere - out of town or even the county.
I have found the this to be the same situation with owners of the Big Family Bible or the "little sports-car" pocket Bible. Always having such "security blanket" around and available but never really using or applying such. Just enjoy knowing you own such of both the car and the Bible. That is the mechanics of the structure only. That is the same with having the printed Word of God - The Bible and studying such letter or Word from a legalistic angle, but never really "traveling to an intended destination."
Finding all this mechanical information only, The question is, where are you going with the car - Bible? There are so many different models of cars or automobiles available today, and so are there just as many different Translations, Versions and so-called Improved Versions, Revision, etc. Just as one car-maker claims - "The Rules have changed-again"
Once Brother Sonny Pyles of Graham, Texas preached a sermon entitled, "Rightly dividing the Word of Truth" and imbedded in this sermon was much rich material, but one particular point was that, "there are many different shades of meanings of the same word or words." Such specific meaning would by such necessity be regulated and determined by the Contextual Application or Setting of the Usage of that particular word in the sentence structured and "thread woven through the fabric of the scriptures as a whole."
This is such a vital truth. This is the same with particular horse power of an engine in a car. This particular powerful engine might be in a stripped down race car or a big Cadillac, and the engine gearing of the same transmission ratios, wheel-base, front or rear wheel drives, also have a major bearing on the function, utility or force of contextual, application. I again find it necessary to reiterate "There are many different shades of meanings in a word, the specific shade being determined by its usage and contextual application.
CONTEXTUAL APPLICATION
This is probably the heart, apex and crowning major point of this writing. We now have or own a new car or automobile. What are we going to use it for? What is the objective, reason, motivation, driving force behind the purchase? This was probably one of your greater investments in your life, and now, how are you going to utilize such? How much time and energy are you going to employ in this embrace? Are you going to learn more and more about the mechanics as the magazine's name "Mechanics Illustrated"?
Are you going to study more about the technology and engineering of the product itself" Are you going to become a "walking dictionary" about all the dimensions, engine-ratings, torque, fuel-injection, fuel -mixtures, tire size and pounds of inflation, even to knowing the details of the thickness and strength of the steel, glass, plastics, rubber, chrome, fibers, and fabrics and the manufacturing process? As a Bible owner, are you going to do the same, by just only looking at the mechanics of the word or letter, as did the Pharisees, to becoming a worshipper of the jots and tittles., even the number of words and letters in The Bible or are you going to further "put the car on the road" and go somewhere with contextual application?
These rules I learned many years ago from my dad, but such were more clearly stated by Elder Sonny Pyles in a sermon I heard him preach 25 years ago, where he said - The three rules of Bible Study is: 1. Never take a portion on a text, until you are sure what the Bible as a whole has to say about that text. 2. What is the setting, scenery or context. A Text taken out of context becomes a pre-text and thereby is No Text . 3. Last, but not least is the Grammar, Word or Letter itself. l still try to remember these rules every day while I attempt to study. I will add a 4th rule. When you get into your car to go somewhere or you pick up your Bible to read, first Pray for the Directions and Illumination of Understanding by The Holy Spirit [Ghost]. Without such, you can get off course real quick whether in the car or the Bible.
Acts 8:30 - Philip asked the Ethiopian Eunuch- "Understandeth what thou readest?" I have thought many times, and as a young teenage boy, done so, by "just driving around with no objective or destination in mind"-just driving around. Have we ever read the Bible this way? After all, that is a good thing to do, isn't it? That is, "just reading the Bible." Well, what did you read about? I don't really know, but it sounded very confusing to me, so I really don't know what the lesson was. With this scenario in mind and in focus, let me get to the heart of this portion of "Contextual Application." We can get in our car and head off this way or that. We can get on many different roads, major highway, interstate, turnpikes, side-roads, off-roads, through the hills and valleys, across rivers and streams, crossing many bridges, and see an abundance of countryside, some dry and boring and some beautiful and awesome. But what road are we on? Is it productive? Does it lead to something positive? You can drive your car on many wrong roads heading to detours, washed-out bridges and finally find the "road closed.' Next we can drive that car to the wrong destinations, such a night clubs, Dens of iniquity, Sinful immoral and ungodly places of sin. We can also drive this same car to Church. There are many more wrong roads than right roads. You can even be on the right road, but going the wrong direction There is only one Right Road that we should walk therein. Jar. 6:16 tells us of the Old Paths.
Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount, Matt. 7:13, "Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
When Abraham sent his servant to find a bride for his son, Isaac, the servant departed on his very definite journey and when arriving he said - Gen. 24:27- "...I being in the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master's brethren." What a glorious truth of utility, function and contextual application that he acknowledged that it was the Lord that led him to his correct destination. This analogy of the car and your travels therein is the same. Ask the Lord prayerfully, for every journey you take whether in the car or in The Bible, to Lead the Way.
Some folks who are caught up in the mechanics of the Structure itself, may learn a lot about cars but never taking a course in navigation. Where are we going? This is equivalent to the student just only and always admiring the car setting in the driveway. Just looking at and studying the mechanics of the structure only, and never considering navigation, cross-country Course and the objective of Conclusion having considered all the different facets and requirements of planning and needed "pit-stops" for fuel, rest, etc.
Then when they arrive or run out of gas, they really don't know just where they are, and why. The word or letter only becomes an objective and destination within itself. 1st These. 1:5 - speaks of the fuel that propels the engine of the Written Word or Letter of The Holy Scriptures. Paul says to this Church [not unregenerate] - "For our Gospel came not unto you in Word only, but also in Power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in Much Assurance..."
The Power and the Holy Ghost brings the much assurance and not the word only. The Gospel is the Contextual Application, and not the Word only. The "Word Only" is not the Gospel. I must say some more about The Gospel. Jesus Himself, in His Ministry "set the pace" in Matt. 4:23 and "Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Gospel of the kingdom..." Matt. 9:35 -"And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Gospel of the kingdom." The Gospel is where the Power is, is No Where else. Again, some folks, who are interested only in the mechanics of the structure, will make errors thusly. They not only want to drive that big fast car too fast on wrong or dangerous roads, and not only dangerous to themselves, but they love to load up the car with several other folks, and endanger them also. Let us see if this is true in Mechanics of the Word or Letter only. Paul taught in this lesson very clearly in 2nd Tim 2:15-18, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings; for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a cancer; of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the Truth have Erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some." It is so dangerous, not only to yourself, but also to many others round about you, to look at the Mechanics of the structure only - The Word of Letter only...The Study is very necessary to learn all you can about the Mechanics of the Structure, but the "rightly dividing" is where the full application of contextual implementation must be required.
In closing, let us finally consider what is taught in Jude 3, as was written here, let us consider not just the Words of this phrase in this verse, but the full application therein.
"...that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." The words- "The Faith" in this verse is plainly and emphatically teaching us the application of the full necessities of Navigation in Directing the Power of the engine in the right course, because The Faith embraces the entirety of Gospel Truth, which reaches all the way back through the many generations of the saints, even back to the days of the Apostles. That is the Apostles Doctrine- Acts 12:42.
In kindness and a Heart full of Conviction.
Hulan F. Bass, Elder
PRAY FOR ME
I am praying for you and staff. Please pray for me. Thank you for the paper and your prayers.
Alton Hobbs,
Lubbock, Texas
Note: We need your prayers, Brother Hobbs. May the Lord richly bless you.
ENJOYED THE PAPER
Am enclosing a check for $30.00 for three years. We have enjoyed the pictures and histories of the old, old churches you have printed recently, even though, we will probably never get to see them.
Sincerely,
Macie Stark
Lowry City, MO
By ELDER T. A. DUNN
Suspicious fear or watchfulness, especially the fear of being supplanted by a rival - ....Webster
For jealousy is the rage of a man; therefore he will not spare it in the day of vengeance.--Proverbs 6:34.
For love is strong as death, jealousy is as cruel as the grave; coals thereof are coals of fire; which hath a most vehement flame. Sol. Song 8:6.
Jealousy as is described above is not a very good thing and it certainly cannot be found among the fruits of the spirit. It is of the flesh and it causes a lot of trouble. When the woman bragged on David for his great work it caused Saul to manifest that awful spirit of jealousy and he was determined to kill David.
Hamon because of a jealous heart built a gallow to hang Mordecion and got himself hung. Jealousy in the hearts of men will cause conspiracy, - a plot to two or more persons engaged together for an unlawful or evil purpose.... Webster.
Also read 2 Samuel 15:2; Jer. 1:9, Acts 23:13. Yes, jealousy will cause men to seek the life of the most humble God fearing servant in the Church, but usually it has a rebound and it works quite different to what the jealous hearted character intended for it to do. Jealousy in a man's heart will make him believe he can rise on someone else's downfall, so he goes to work to that end and most usually goes lower himself.
Sometimes men will become jealous of a Church that seemingly the Lord is blessing for there is an outside interest, they have good crowds, they are still in peace and the pastor is laboring to keep them in peace.
They are not taking any stock in the foolishness of passing resolutions of non-fellowship against other churches that does not concern them or is none of their own business and let others do the same and as a result they are getting along having no serious trouble.
Sometimes men get jealous of associations. Because this association is having good meetings and people like to go to them because they use the association to meet together to worship God and to see each other and not try to regulate Church troubles nor pass a lot of foolish resolutions of non-fellowship against other Baptists in other parts of the country, which is far beyond the bounds of an association, for they have no disciplinary power whatever.
Well, if you just keep your eyes open you can detect jealousy every time it sticks its head up for these that possess it try to keep it covered; but they are like the little boy who had something in his hand and told another to guess what it was. He was so afraid someone would see it, he held it so far around behind him the boy saw it on the other side.
From the Writings of the late
Elder T. A. Dunn
We, a part of God's chosen people have much to learn about giving. Not that we are bad about giving, but we do not go far enough and in the proper direction. Example - among Old Baptists when someone really has
trouble, sickness, house burns down or death in a family, they really come through and show how to give. We ought to be good at giving because of our understanding of the grace of God.. Woven strands throughout God's word is the message as we count the many ways God has blessed us - We should give of ourselves and our substance.
My father always said and taught me, "you can't out give God." The more we give to God and His cause, the more blessings He pours out on us. Count your blessings, doesn't God really know how to give? He will always give of material things that are good for us, and in abundance [if we will only use those things properly], but thanks to His Holy Name He gives what we hunger for most of all, spiritual blessings.
Our special aspect of giving has been on my heart for more than twenty years now. This we should learn, apply, and start reaping the benefits from now, in our lifetime. Here is the principle! Include in your last will and testaments that portion of your blessing to the Church of God to be used as they see fit. Stop for a minute, just where you are, and think about what I am writing.
God wants us to have good houses to worship where we will be happy entertaining strangers. God wants our ministers to enjoy working and providing for their family, but God does not want the spiritual family to be robbed. Has not the ox been muzzled many times because the shepherd has to leave the flock to provide for his own family?
We can really prove to our natural family how much we love the Lord and the Church that is holding up the banner of truth, not just by what we do while we live to enjoy it but, Even so at death. Let's leave a portion of our Living Will to the Church of our membership, or a faithful church in need. Take heed brethren!
L. Murl Dalton
To have an understanding of the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, it is necessary to examine the local conditions in and about the city where the church was located. We must also consider the religions and political conditions that served to develop the life style and mold the character of many who made up the congregation in the Corinthian Church.
I will give the scriptural references as needed, however, to conserve space I will not copy all of them. The more sincere Bible student should take the time to look up the references. They will serve to give a greater understanding and enjoyment to our study.
When the Apostle Paul entered the city of Corinth [Acts 18:1] in about 52 A.D., he entered one of the best known cities of the world then. Corinth was a city of commerce, culture, religion and vice. It was a small city that portrays quite vividly the era we are living in today.
It has been said that the Corinthian epistles are the most relevant books of the New Testament for this last half of the Twentieth Century. This is a true statement for sure.
Corinth was a small dynasty or territory in Greece. It was a part of the great Roman empire at the time of Paul's epistle to the church there. The city was built at the foot of a high hill, on the top stood a citadel. The circumference of the city was about five miles, not a very large city.
Corinth was situated on a narrow neck of land between two harbors, Cenchreae on the East and Lecaeum on the West. This strategic location gave the city extraordinary commercial advantages. Most inhabitants early turned their attention to commerce, and amassed great wealth. This proved to be the basis for luxury, effeminacy, and vice for which they afterwards became so distinguished.
Corinth welcomed travelers and commerce from evry part of the world. Thus the city became the mart of Asia and Europe. They covered the sea with their ships and formed a navy to protect their commerce. Corinth also became distinguished for building ships of a new and improved design that became the desire of all seamen. Their naval force earned them respect from other nations. It became a city recognized for its wealth, naval force, and commerce.
Besides it maritime position, Corinth lay astride the highway from the mainland of Greece that led to the southernmost part of the country at the Mediterranean Sea. All military movements as well as the commercial traffic, traveling both north and south, passed through Corinth. The result was a city into which great wealth flowed. When Paul spoke of "gold, silver, and precious stones" in chapter three, he used an illustration very familiar to the Corinthians.
Ten miles outside the city the famous Isthmian Games [the mother of our Olympian Games today] were held every fourth year. They were the most splendid and best attended of all the Grecian festivals. Preparation for the games took months and delegates came from everywhere. The big events were racing on foot, chariot races, boxing, wrestling, javelin throwing discus throwing, jumping, etc. The Apostle Paul frequently refers to these when recommending Christian energy and activity. [See 1 Corinthians, 9:24, 26,27; Compare Hebrews 12:1].
There was another source that contributed to the evil, wicked, lewd, and corrupt way of life I refer to their religion. The principal deity worshipped in the city was Venus, as Diana at Ephesus and Minerva Athens. Most ancient cities were devoted to some particular god or goddess and they felt to be under their protection. Corinth was devoted to the goddess of love or licentious passion called Venus.
The magnificent temple of Aphrodite [Venus] was located high on the Acropolis, also called the Acrocorinthus, a mountain a half mile in height on the south of the city. It was ordered by law that one thousand beautiful females should officiate as courtesans, goddesses, or public prostitutes. They were supported chiefly by foreign visitors also by the local clientele. From the income of their vice, a copious revenue was derived for the city. The city was supported chiefly by corruption and vice. Such a city was sure to fall.
Foreign merchants were attracted to Corinth by all of this, and in a few days most of them would be stripped of all their property. Thus it became a well known proverb, "It is not for every one to go to Corinth." Corinth ultimately became the most gay, evil, corrupt, and the most effeminate and feeble portion of Greece.
Long-haired male prostitutes were a common sight on the streets and were the background for Paul's comment in 1 Corinthians 11:14, "Doth not even nature itself teach you that if a man have long hair it is a shame unto him?" Their long hair served to identify them as male prostitutes. This, as Paul points out, was a shame to them.
Many of the disorders that arose in the church at Corinth and moved the Apostle Paul to write the epistle to them were produced by these prevailing conditions. These gross and licentious passions were supported by Corinthian Law. The were commonly practiced as an acceptable way of life by the Corinthians, and supported by public opinion. Please read 1 Corinthians chapters 5 through 7.
Although, Corinth was so evil, immoral and licentious in its character, yet it was distinguished for its refinement, culture, and learning. Every sort of literature was cultivated there, and it was referred to as the light of all Greece. We might ask ourselves, why would God call out a church in such an evil place? However, this he did. See Acts chapter 18 for the facts relating to the birth of the Corinthian Church. We should observe if God would call out a church in such an evil place and continue it [which he did for seven centuries] then He can also continue the church in like circumstances today. The evils of the world, are not what cause churches to fail and go down, but rather, it's the internal strife and the falling away from Godliness that destroys. Historically the church has prospered the most when under the persecution of the world [See Revelation chapters 2 and 3].
When the Apostle Paul came from Athens to Corinth, he first contacts he made were with a married couple, Acquila and Priscilla, victims of a Jewish expulsion from Rome under Claudius Caesar [See Acts 18:2]. They, like Paul were tentmakers. Their home became his whenever he was in Corinth.
Soon Silas and Timothy, who had been in Macedonia, joined Paul and they became a team preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the local synagogue each Sabbath Day. Two influential men were converted; Justus and Crispus, the chief ruler in the synagogue. The church met in Justus' home [after they were forced to quit meeting in the synagogue] which was hard against the synagogue. See Acts 18:9,10.
The team was soon rejected by the Jews, so they turned to the Greeks [Acts 18: 5,6]. However, their embarrassments were immediately met by a gracious promise from the Lord to the Apostle Paul. He promised that he would be with him and would not leave him alone, because it was His purpose to establish a church there.
A New Testament Church was established, including male and female, slave and master, Jew and Gentile; a cross section of the citizens of Corinth. However, it seems that the church was composed mostly of those who were from the more humble way of life. The Apostle Paul seems to speak of this in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 and 6:9-11.
This was an outstanding demonstration of the grace of God, that is, that a church should be organized in such a city of gaiety, luxury, vice, and every conceivable evil Satan can devise. It shows that God's people is adapted to meet all forms of wickedness. His spiritual influence subdues all classes of people.
The Apostle Paul stayed eighteen months at Corinth, teaching, preaching, and organizing the church. Then he moved to Ephesus, where he stayed three years.
While Paul was at Ephesus, letters came from the church at Corinth asking his advice concerning marriage and the problem of meat that had been offered to idols at the nearby temple. However, there were disorders in the church that they purposely failed to mention. However, Paul heard of these from the family of Chloe [1 Corinthians 1:11]. To address these disturbing reports of the decaying conditions in the church and to answer their questions, the Apostle Paul wrote the first letter to the Corinthians.
The Corinthian Church was failing! Instead of light and liberty, there was darkness, bondage, and shame. See 1 Corinthians, 5:1, 2 and 14: 23. See the symptoms of "Corinthianism" as presented by the Holy Ghost by the Apostle Paul and you will know the reason these letters are included in the New Testament. They are a warning to the church in every age, "Beware of Corinthianism."
The Corinthian Church tolerated immorality in its midst. Paul was shocked to learn of a member living in incest with his stepmother. It was such a detestable thing that even the ungodly pagans frowned upon it; "not so much as named among the gentiles," [1 Corinthians, 5:1,2], It is not improbable say the ancients, that this incestuous person was a man held in great esteem. He was likely eloquent in speech and probably the head of at least one party among the Corinthians. The Apostle Paul chastised the Corinthian church with being puffed up on his account.
Some of them were involved with prostitutes [See 1 Corinthians 6:15-18] and needed to be reminded that their bodies were the members of Christ and temples of the Holy Spirit. It is not improbable that such cases had been palatable or vindicated by the false teachers in the church, and it is certain that it didn't cause shame in the church itself, at least before Paul's epistle. Such cases had not been regarded by the Corinthians as criminal before they came to the church. In a city dedicated to Venus, the crimes of licentiousness had been openly indulged, and this was one of the sins in which they were particularly exposed [See 1 Corinthians 6:9-20].
In addition, their love feast that preceded the Lord's supper was marred by gluttony and drunkenness. More practices from their former way of life. See 1 Corinthians 11:20-22.
Also there was an attitude of pride and lack of concern that prevailed among them, "And ye are puffed up and have not rather mourned." [1 Corinthians 5:1-2].
Heresy was infiltrating the church. The doctrine of the resurrection was being questioned by some in the congregation, probably Jews of the sect of the Sadducees, "How say some among you that there is no resurrection from the dead.?" 1 Corinthians 15:12.
Paul was broken hearted when he wrote to the church he had spent much time and effort in teaching. Now it was a church that was stunted in development, charismatic in practice [speaking in tongues], immoral, and heretical in doctrine. The church was in much confusion and disorder.
In 1 Corinthians 12: 2 we read, "When you were idolaters you were carried away," an astonishing statement for sure. It pictures worshippers out of control, in ecstatic states. The historical writers of the mystery religions of Greece picture such devotees caught up in emotional hysteria; shaking and falling prostrate on the ground and babbling in ecstatic speech. Plato records such scenes. As well as Virgil, who lived and wrote before Jesus.
Now, Paul seems to say, that's the way it was then, but it shouldn't be that way now, because you have been led by the Spirit out of ignorance and shown the way of truth [see 1 Corinthians chapter 14].
They were each endeavoring, by their physical demonstration, to bring attention to themselves; speaking in tongues in particular, each one trying to better the other. This was an idolatrous custom borrowed from their former way of life. As far back as history takes us, there is a record of speaking in tongues as part of pagan ceremonies.
Biblically, speaking in tongues was the supernatural ability to speak in known languages but unknown by the speaker. It was not a babbling or ecstatic speech. Speaking in tongues was an early church sign. This was a glaring manifestation of the fulfillment of scriptures for the rebellious Jews [who should have recognized these signs, for they boasted to being the true interpreters of the scriptures] until the destruction of Jerusalem, and the scattering of the Jews. Their blatant disregard of these signs served to add to their crime, "He came to his own, and his own received him not." After this began the times of the church to the gentiles, the church at Corinth was one of these. Bible tongues have ceased; their purpose has been fulfilled; the phenomenon no longer exists.
Tongues were the big thing at Corinth, because speaking in tongues meant to them that they had excelled. This is the only church that the Apostle Paul wrote to in which this was the case. As far as I can find, in every case when the speaking in tongues is mentioned, an apostle performed it, the exception, being here at Corinth.
Speaking in tongues, the gift of performing miracles, and the gifts of healing were all early church signs, authenticating the early church in its establishment by the apostles. Speaking in tongues is no longer with us because the need has passed. Also the other early church signs authenticating the church and its apostles are no longer with us.
When the Holy Spirit controls a Christian he will not be carried away, or be out of control, as the idolaters, were then and today. The Holy Spirit does not exalt Himself, but exalts the Godhead. He does not depreciate God the Father and God the Son by such foolish demonstrations. Being carried away in the flesh and falling to the ground convulsively out of control, and babbling incoherently is of the antichrist. [See 1 Corinthians 12: 1-7].
The Lord pictures the diversity of gifts and talents in unity, diversity of operations, and differences of administration. There is unity in diversity as we have the same Spirit, same Lord, same God. These three are One, and there are no divisions, But Unity!
True Spiritual gifts used as God designs, no matter what that talent might be, serves to Bring the Church Together and they Do Not Drive Apart.
I want to close by saying something about the results of the Apostle Paul's letter to these Corinthian brethren. The success of his letter was all that he could desire, it had the effect to halt their growing strife's, to restrain their disorders, to produce true repentance, and to remove the person who had been guilty of incest in the church. The whole Church was deeply affected with his reproofs, and engaged in a hearty zeal in the works of reform [see 2 Corinthians 7:9-16]
Never was a letter more effective than this one, and never was authority in discipline exercised in a more loving and successful way. Surely, it was a true manifestation of a labor of love, a fruit of fervent prayer, and an operation of grace. Ancient history speaks of this church in the seventh century A.D., six hundred and forty-eight years after Paul's first epistle to the church at Corinth.
May God be Merciful to Us All,
Elder Kenneth W. Clevenger
Cameron, Missouri
ENJOY THE PAPER
Please renew my subscription to the Banner of Love for another year. I enjoy the paper very much.
In Christian Love,
James F. Zimmerman
Mt. View, OK
CONFINED TO HOME
Enclosed is a check for the Banner of Love. We look forward to getting it as we are confined to home on account of my husband's health.
You don't know how much you miss church till age and health catch up with you.
We were blessed this year for the phone calls and visitations from our Littlevine Primitive Baptist Church.
Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Paris
Thorndale, Texas
WE MUST TRUST IN GOD
Dear Brother Don and Sister Opal, enclosed find a check for my subscription to the Banner of Love. If you will, renew my subscription for two years and use the rest as you see fit, I will appreciate it.
I know we can't see what the future holds, but we must trust in God and press on.
God bless both of you as you labor to publish the most precious story of Salvation by God's free and Sovereign Grace.
In Sweet Hope,
Felix Pair
Note: May God bless you Brother Pair, and thank you for the extra. It will be used wisely.
ENJOYING TOUR THROUGH THE BIBLE
Have been enjoying the article of "Tour Through the Bible" by Don R. Richards.
Jesus said in St. John 5:39, "Search the Scriptures in them, you think you have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me!"
Thank you for all your faithful efforts.
Sincerely,
Emma Rosene
Dallas Church
This issue marks the beginning of the 66th year of publication for The Banner of Love. We dedicate ourselves to another year in the same manner we attempt to do each year at this time. Our basic standards remain the same.
First, in a civil and political context, we believe in and endorse our United States First Amendment constitutional rights of Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Speech and of the Press. That is about as political has we intend to ever be in this publication.
Were it not for those basic political rights, we would not have the legal ability and freedom from government intrusion to provide the religious forum we attempt to provide for our readers, or to express our basic belief of the fruits of the Kingdom of Heaven provided for us through the inspired Scriptures contained in the Old and New Testament. We strongly endorse those very basic constitutional governmental and political concepts.
Our publication is intended to be one that provides good news and information to benefit our readers based on the causes, beliefs, and tenets espoused in the foundation and principles of the Primitive Baptist faith. The Banner of Love was established in the early 1930s by Harden G. "Hard" Richards, our grandfather. The publication was named by his wife, Dora Richards, based on the biblical verses at Songs of Solomon 2:4 and Psalms 60:4.
The Banner of Love was a follow up to its affiliated predecessor "The Glad Tidings" which was edited and published in the 1920s by P. W. Hampton "Hamp" Richards, Hard’s father. It became an economic victim of the Great Depression.
This publication, from its start was based on the premise that it would never serve or be used "as a battleground" or similar forum for debates over disagreements. Instead, it was dedicated as a medium to provide good news, information, and basic explanation of God’s historical and doctrinal sovereign grace as instructed in the Scriptures.
We acknowledge and greatly appreciate the articles submitted by our numerous readers and guest writers. We would have no publication but for the inspirations reduced to writing and provided to use for our readers benefit.
The Banner of Love is not a commercial publication. It is not a "for profit" venture -- not "monetary" profit. We accept absolutely no paid advertisements. The subscription price is intended to cover the actual "out-of-pocket" costs of operations, primarily printing and (ever increasing) postage. At various times we have struggled, both economically and physically, to continue its regular and consistent publication. Each time the Lord has provided the means for us meet publication requirements, and continues to so provide.
As we struggle to meet the deadlines and material requirements of publication, our faith rests on God’s spiritual guidance and instruction: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness," and all others things of material need will be provided to us. Matt. 6:33. The Lord has always been good to us far in excess of what we deserve.
As we continue our too-often feeble attempts to provide the "good news" and "glad tidings" to our readers, we seek your written contributions, your critique and your prayers that God’s will be done. Please let us hear from you with your comments and news.
Our new year resolution for each of you: we pray the upcoming year will provide you with the Lord’s guidance and blessings. Take time daily to thank Him for those blessings that we all too often take for granted.
Devote time daily to reading and studying the Bible. In it you will find daily guidance, freedom from the troubles and fears of the world, and the comfort and personal security that only the Lord’s free and unconditional sovereign grace gives you:
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Tim. 1:7.
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." Rom. 8:2.
NOT TO MISS ANY ISSUES
I don't want to miss any issues. Please find an amount to renew my subscription for another year.
We are having good meetings at Elk Creek. Would love to have visiting preachers any time. Our meeting days are 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays. Brother Richards, would love to have you visit us anytime. Elder Henry Newman is our pastor and Elder Norman Jones preaches for us on the 4th Sundays.
May the Lord continue to bless us all .
Vesta Stewart
Dill City, OK
PUBLICATION IS HELPFUL
Enclosed is a check for $30.00; please advance my subscription for one year and use the balance as you so choose.
Your publication is very helpful to our churches and the Cause of Christ.
In Christian Bonds,
Elder Joe Hildreth
Ringgold, GA
Note: Elder Hildreth, we certainly appreciate the extra. It helps our cause.
BIBLE LANDS TOUR
Lord willing, I will be co-hosting a sixth [and final] trip to the Bible Lands beginning August 26th. As always, I am excited about this tour of Israel, the West Bank, Jordan and Egypt. Previous tour members have often emphasized how their Biblical knowledge was enriched by the geography, the customs, the historic sites, and the people of these lands. Please contact me for further
instructions.
Joe F. Hildreth
1012 Poplar Springs Rd.
Ringgold, GA 30736
[706] 965-4646
My Aunt Minnie was born on December 17, 1902 in Hopkins County, Texas to H. I. and Mary Bass, just before Christmas in late fall.
She was the fifth child of fourteen in all.
My Aunt Minnie joined the Primitive Baptist Church over eighty years ago in 1917 and knows that salvation is by grace only. She always knows that because God is always with us, we are never completely lonely.
My Aunt Minnie married S. B. Gowens, a future old Baptist minister on December 7, 1929.
This union, for over 54 years was blessed with faithfulness and indeed, it was a marriage that was as fine as wine.
My Aunt Minnie's and Uncle Sylvester's children were named, Bernard, Gwen, Norman, Geraldine, Clifford and Jimmie, who was the last.
I'm sure all of them have special memories of their parents marriage to recall the past.
Their children occupations ranged from a C.P.A. to a postal clerk,
But I'm sure none of them were immune to hard work.
My Aunt Minnie has more than a dozen grand children, eighteen is the amount.
And a good number of great-grandchildren, too many to count.
My Aunt Minnie has two sons and a grandson that are Old Baptist ministers, the number is three.