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Volume 67 Number 2 Lubbock, Texas 79493 Copyright $12.00 Per Year February 1999 |
Behold I go Bound Ask For The Old Paths The Parables of the Good Seed and the Tares The Lamb and the Book Right or Wrong Tour Through The Bible Paul's Example for Building a Church The Apocrypha Talking and Listening Obituaries
“And now, Behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there.” Acts 20:22
The Apostle Paul is leaving Ephesus after three years of devoted preaching. He is leaving with heavy chains and a heavy heart concerned about the church, not sure about some of the things that would befall him, but certain about some of the things that were going to happen to the Church in Ephesus. Grievous wolves would enter in among them in his absence and not spare the flock.
As men count years and reckon time, we have recently stepped across the threshold of another new year, and we go into it not knowing what shall befall us. When we look around us today there is a note of uncertainty and trouble that confront the world and the shakiness of world governments, and there seems to be a great fear that grips the hearts of mankind. The emergence of the European common market could be a very clear signal of rapid major changes that would affect us all. What shall befall us?
The Church today is sailing through troubled waters and feels the affects of unwanted and unneeded change. Historically the Church is no stranger to storms since the time she received her chart and compass from her Master some two thousand years ago. Through the years many have sought to, change her course. When wolves enter the sheepfold, sheep are maimed, scattered and killed.
Some things are predictable. Paul’s prediction to the Church at Ephesus certainly occurred. To our knowledge there is no church in Ephesus today that resembles the Church where Paul preached. We read with great delight the letter he wrote them [and us]. Some of the storms the church has endured were caused by some who tried to V add to the perfect work of God. “He is the rock. His work is perfect.” [Deut. 32:4]. “I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever; nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it; and God doeth it, that men should fear before Him.” [Eccl. 3:14]
When men try to improve on God’s perfection in the church by adding and taking away from His Word, whether it be by teaching, or practice, or a lack of scriptural discipline, it will surely result in more trouble. What shall befall us?
We have the advantage of knowing the history of the recurring cycles of Israel and their departure from and refusal to be guided by the oracles of God and making alliances with the nations of the world, to the exclusion of the worship of the true and living God.
One of the saddest statements is recorded in the beginning of the book of Lamentations of Jeremiah. It seems we can see him with his eyes full of tears as he cries, ‘How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people! How is she become as a widow! She that was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary!” [Lam. 1:1].
There is nothing that an circumvent repentance, prayer; and the preaching of the gospel, to correct wrongs in the Church and our personal lives, and not just preaching the gospel, but compliance with its instructions and demands. There IS a very real sense in which we can make the statement with Paul that we do not know what shall personally befall us in the new year ahead. We take great comfort however in knowing that God knows.
There are many at this time who look into the new year and contemplate the loneliness after losing a spouse or other loved one, but God has promised strength as our days. A number of faithful pastors have died, and churches look to the future and. Hope. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus;.” [Philippians 4:19.]
One of the things that may befall us is sickness or death, however, we must all, young and old alike, consider our mortality. ‘The enemy, death, is no respecter of persons; it would just as soon claim the sweet baby as the aged patriarch. The grave always makes its demand and never says “enough”.
May we lift our eyes to heaven, pray for one another and our beloved Zion, and be satisfied with the goodness of His house; We do not know all that will befall us, but out God cannot lie and He said He would never leave or forsake us.
Once the Lord appeared to a young man named Jeremiah, and told him, “Thou shalt go unto all that I shall send thee and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak “and the Lord put His hand on Jeremiah’s mouth and told him, See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms.”
In chapter 6, verse 16 Jeremiah quoting from what the Lord had said, “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.”
Strangely enough, these people refused this good piece of advice and counsel this prophet of God gave them.
The “old paths” spoken of here are not definitely defined, but it is likely he is writing of the paths taken and pointed out by the many priests and kings written about in the first chapter of Jeremiah.
But the point is, this message, which came directly from the Lord was - ask for the old paths - walk in them.
And, it seems to me this advice is just as good today as in Jeremiah’s time. But, now, even as then, we have people who refuse to inquire for the old paths, and those who don’t want to walk in them.
I gladly admit I have had the privilege in my day, of observing some of the paths walked in by some of the great men of God in the latter part of the nineteenth century, and the first half of the twentieth century.
In my time, I have known, and heard preach, such men of God as Elders S. N. Redford, J. S. Newman, W. J. Chambers, J. A. Moore, J. A. Rowell, J. H. Fisher, W. H. Richards, TA Dunn, J. W. Herriage, R. B. Hester, E. P. McNeil, CR Cayce, Lee Hanks, Aaron, Reeder, C. M. Monk, E. J. Norman, J. A. Barrington and many, many others, I could name, all now gone from this life -- all have done great works here in this life, and been called home by the Lord.
Many times, in the past few years, as situations arose, I have, gone to my memories of these men, and the writings they left, in an effort to find the old paths wherein they walked, and to be sure of the examples they set for us who follow them.
I will have to admit a number of years ago, I had a couple of ideas, new ones, which I thought they had not known about, which I thought would be good for the church, they were not.. And I found it out to my sorrow.
Sure, they were men, not just men -- but human beings, men rich with the spirit of God to preach His gospel and to oversee His church. Sure, they sometimes made mistakes, but not all together. And they were, of sound judgment and wisdom, and if they did, they soon were aware of it, and turned back from where they left.
Talk to me about the old paths -- if you want to. Criticize the “customs” that have been established, and the customs which they observed. But, I tell you for sure, you had better have your criticism strongly supported by the word of God, if you expect to move me.
In my growing up in the church, in my trying to serve for more than 15 years as a deacon in the church, and then my trying to serve more than 20 years as a minister of the gospel, and as a pastor of the church, there are two great men, [not counting my father] who contributed greatly and dealt kindly with me, they are my grandfather, W. H. Richards, and my long time pastor, Elder T. A. Dunn, if either of them ever told me wrong, I never detected it. If you want to prove to me either of them held to something that was wrong, or taught me something that was wrong, you had better have your position strongly supported by ‘the Word’ of God -- because they had it.
“Ask for the old paths—walk in them. This still seems to be good advice to me. If someone among us comes up with some ‘‘new paths they want us to try out -- suppose we go at it very cautiously? Agreed? Editor.
The Banner of Love, April 1984
Matt 13:24: The Kingdom of Heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. [The key to this parable is “a man” and “man”.] The man sowed wheat, seed, whereas the enemy sowed the seed of tares; a weed that looks like wheat when they are in their tender state.
When the servants [men; from the Greek word “anthriopos”; a human being] of the householder [from the Greek word, “oikodespotes”; head of the family; master of the house] asked him if they should gather the tares from among the wheat, he said, “Nay, lest while we gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let them grow together until the harvest; and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to bum them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”
Jesus then tells his disciples, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; the good seed are children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; the enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
The Son of man is Jesus, the only begotten of God. The world is translated from “kosmos”; an orderly arrangement; by implication the world is a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants. [Figurative of the nation of Israel; the Jews at the event of Christ Jesus.] Kosmos is a form of the word komizo, which is to tend, take care of; to provide for; receive.
Children of the wicked one are those who are under the influence of the devil; wicked being translated from the Greek word “poneros”. The end of the world “aion”, is the end of that age. ‘The reapers, harvesters, are the messengers; pastors.
When Jesus spoke of building his church [congregation], he told Peter that he would give him the keys of the kingdom of heaven; saying, whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
John writes, He was in the world, and world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received, him not. But as many as received him, to them gave power to become Sons of God, even to them that believe on his name; Which were born, not of blood, nor of the wills of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. The Psalmist wrote of this event, Saying, “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.” See Isa. 53:3.
Luke records in 10:23, where one spoke to Jesus, saying, Lord, are there few that be saved? And Jesus answered, saying, Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut the door and ye began to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, know you not whence ye are;
Then shall ye began to say, we have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you now whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
The word, iniquity was translated from the same as wicked. This showing that those who are wicked, and do work of iniquity are those who are under the influence of Satan. Be assured Satan desires, and will influence every child of God that will allow him to do so. He started with Mother Eve, and has not let up since. He is more subtle cunning, than any living creature; being able to twist the truth, and is transformed into an angel of light [truth].
Sincerely, Your Servant in the Word, Clem E. Cook, Elder
In the fourth through the eleventh chapters of Revelation we have the, account of one of the apostle John’s visions. This was his second vision. The messages in this vision concerns God’s judgment upon the Roman Empire, and His providential and spiritual dealings with the church, and the ‘kingdom of God. Like the Book of Daniel, the Book of Revelation contains God’s message about the kingdoms of the world, the church, and the kingdom of God.
Daniel gives his account of four world kingdoms, and writes about God’s judgment upon three of those kingdoms, to wit, the Babylonian, the Medo-Persian, and the Grecian. Daniel was never permitted to finish the story of the history of the world kingdoms, and of God’s ruling over them. This last part of the world’s history troubled Daniel very much because he was not permitted to understand the things that he saw and heard.
As Daniel wondered about these things, God said to him; “But thou, 0 Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” [Dan. 12:4]. Again, we read, “And I heard, but I understood not; then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, Go thy way Daniel; for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.” [Dan 12: 8-9]
Now, in the Book of Revelation chapter five, verse one we read; “And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.” I understood this book to be the book Which God said was closed and sealed in Daniel 12:4-9. The Apostle John said that he wept much because no man was found worthy to take the book from him who sat on the throne, to open it and read it, neither to look thereon. No, not even Daniel, of all that God Almighty had revealed to him yet he could not read this book. The reason? The time was not right.
Daniel was told that the book was “closed and sealed till the time of the end.” The end of what? The end of the writing of the word of God, or the writing of the book.
God used the apostle John to finish writing the history of the world kingdoms, the history of the church, and the history of the kingdom of God. The apostle John was the last writer, and wrote the last book of the book of books. These are the books that will be opened on the last day, the day of judgment, and the dead will be judged out of those things which are written in the books according to their works. [Rev. 20:12, Jo. 12:48]
When did John write the last book of the Bible? I believe he wrote it in the end of the first century, the end of the apostle’s era, about 96 A.D.
In Revelation chapter one, verse nineteen, we are told what John was to write about. ‘Write the things which thou hast seen [past], and the things that are [present], and the things which shall be hereafter [future].” The things past were those things associated with the first coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, His personal ministry, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. [1 Jo. 1:1]. The things present were those things since the ascension to the present time of writing. The things future were those things from the time of writing. [96 A.D.] to the end, the day of the resurrection, and judgment.
The book of Revelation then, is a book about the gospel, kingdom of God, new heaven and new earth, new covenant, millennial era, as they function during the period of the fourth world kingdom, the “Roman Kingdom.”
As I have already stated the fourth through the eleventh chapters of Revelation deal with God’s judgment upon the Roman kingdom, and His dealing with the church, and the kingdom of God. Revelation 4:1 says, “After this 1 looked, and, behold, a door was open in heaven; and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, “Come up hither and I will shew thee things Which must be hereafter.” The word “hereafter” is referring to the things that were to come to pass after the date of the writing of the book, Rev. 1:19. Chapters four and five of Revelation is a sort of introduction or prelude to the revelation of those events revealed in the vision.
In these chapters we see the church as she worships and adores him who sits on ‘the throne and him who was worthy to take the book and to open the seven seals thereof. In chapters six, seven, and eight we have the opening of the seven seals. Hence, the opening of the book. The first four seals reveal God’s judgment upon the Roman kingdom, and the fifth, sixth and seventh seals speak of God’s dealing with the church, and His kingdom in relation to the Roman kingdom.
There are those who say that the book in the right hand of Him who sits on the throne in Revelation chapter five is the Lamb’s book of Life. However, a close examination of scripture reveals this is not true The fact that the seals were opened and John “saw” and “heard’ what was written, and since then, men and women, boys and girls have read, and seen, and heard what was written, proves that it is not the Lamb’s book of life.
Furthermore the things that were seen were not names, but events, they were the things that “must be hereafter.” Yes, the book was sealed till the time of ‘the end, but that time has come and the book has been opened. Rev. 1:3 says, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”
Praise be to God, because He has opened up to us His mind and purpose as to the unfolding of the events of this world’s history. God spoke to mankind in the Old Covenant, or Old Testament times by the prophets, but has spoken to us in the New Covenant or New Testament times by His Son. It is Christ who is worthy to open to man the things that God would have him to know. In His personal ministry upon the earth He opened His mouth and made known things that had been kept secret from the foundation of the world. [Mat. 13:35]. After His ascension He has made known to us God’s word by revealing it to us through the apostles. [Gal. 1:11-12, Rev. 1:1]. There is no more revelation. All of the books have been written. What we preach is that which has already been revealed by God the Father and His Son through the Spirit
Oh, yes, the book of life will be opened but that is yet to come. It will be opened at the last day at the same time that the books [the Old and New Testaments] are opened. [Rev. 20:12] Again, the book in Revelation chapter five has already been opened, and the events recorded and. prophesied or have been revealed. These events have been unfolding since 96 A.D. and will continue to come to pass until they are fulfilled, and time is no more.
In quest of truth, W. R. Daniels, Jr.
There is a tendency for us all to think that Choices are simple, like up or down, left or right, black or white, but upon considerable reflection and meditation, and study of the Scriptures I have found, and also my experiences tell me that there is only one true right honest, upright Factor while there are many varied wrong directions.
To use something I learned many years ago in Aviation Navigation Training, there is only one true course, while there are 359 wrong courses. If you are seeking to chart a course from point A to point B, then, we must consider there is only one straight line between them. Some seem to get to their destinations most of the time, but it is only after many mid-course corrections, and then only if we make the right correction along the way, at the correct moment in time. Most have missed the mark and never reached their objectives.
“There is many a slip between the cup and the lip.” No matter what area of life you pursue, or what field of endeavor you seek, most fall short and never attain When in our youth most of us have fantasies, and daydreams of what and where and how and when, and even take certain majors in college, only to receive a degree in one field, and find ourselves employed in another. Now these are just general observations of truth, but to be more specific, I turn to The Holy Scriptures.
The Holy Word of God is not just “another way” of pursuit. it is the Way, Truth, and Life. it is the only course that is accurate always. John 14:6- I am The Way, The Truth and The Life, says the Lord Jesus Christ. Divine inspiration has recorded for our benefit, the multitude of variations in. ways, paths, courses, directions, attitudes, concepts, perceptions and conclusions.
Paul once recorded 2 Tim. 3:7-there are those who are - “Ever learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” I have learned, and said, many times “I know many things that do not work, but whether I ever find exactly the right end, I know not.” As I keep making mistakes, I, at least, am eliminating, one item at a time, by trial and error, thereby narrowing the field down, hopefully in the exact single truth.
There are many scriptures teaching these vital principles. Joshua 24:15, Choose you this day, that the pursuit of proper choice is commendable. Notice the context of this teaching is that “if you decide to choose from among the many varied false gods and idols of the world, then, it doesn’t really matter which you choose, because they are all wrong. There was only one true Choice for Joshua and he clearly announced such.
It is in the thought process of natural. man, to use logic, rationale and reasoning to make decisions. Solomon, in all his wisdom stated this premise in Prov. 14:12, There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Again, Prov. 16:25 - There is a way that seemeth right un to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Please observe in both places. he mentions the plurality, of ways. Yes there are many different ways to make mistakes even unto death.
Research and development the Laboratories of major corporations, devote and spend millions seeking the one successful positive, while 90% plus goes into the trash bin and becomes a tax write-off. We are all searching that just right one and only Truth. Few find it. Most all, however, are looking. Long ago, Moses wrote in Deut 30:15- Life and Good, Death and Evil are laying before the children of Israel as they enter into that Promised Land. If we were to continue to read the history of these chosen people, we find that they made Myriad’s of mistakes, years for desecration of the Sabbath. The result of this captivity was that only a, remnant finally returned. The vast majority remains outside of the Promised Land, a beautiful picture of the Church on Earth.
Isaiah told us the main reason why we fail so much, is found in Isaiah 29:13, Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near. me With their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear of me is taught by the precept of men. Further, Jer. 10:23 teaches this point thusly, O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
The Apostle Paul declared before his conversion and major-change on the Road to Damascus [Acts 9] that Acts 26:9,1 verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. But how wrong he found himself to be by his thinking in himself. Jesus confirms this very point distinctly in Matt 15 9. But In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
A JOB WELL DONE
Am enclosing $10.00 for renewal of my Banner of Love.
I enjoy it so much, and thanks to each of you for a job well done.
Mrs. Billy Register
Hamilton, Texas
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
Larissa Nicole Neely was born January 13, 1999 at 11:06 a, M. in Harlingen, Texas at Valley Baptist Hospital. She weighed 7 lbs., 8.6 oz and was 19 1/2 inches long.
Parents are Rodney and Sallie Neeley of Borger, Texas. They are employed by Olsten Flying nurses, traveling nurse agency.
Grandparents are Travis and Berta Neely of Borger, Texas and Bernie McCarty of Tennyson, Texas.
GOD HELP US
Dear Brother Don and Sister Opal: Enjoy the Banner so much, enjoy the good news from all over our Great Country. What a Blessing to live in a wonderful place like America. Let's all join together in prayer that God would help us to leave this good land of Freedom and Liberty to our children and our grandchildren for generations to come.
Having some good meetings at Saltillo, Miss. Elder Sonny Pyles will be with Beulah Church five weekend in May, Friday night, Saturday, night and Sunday morning. This will make the 17th year Brother Pyles has come to Beulah for our yearly meeting. We invite all of our north east Miss. old Baptists, Brothers and Sisters to our yearly meeting. Come help to praise the Lord in song, prayer and preaching His wonderful Gospel.
Keep up the good work in sending out the Banner of Love.
Our love and prayers,
Elder Billy Walker
SNOW BOUND
I am sending $10.00 to renew Sister Rowena Dunn's Banner of Love.
We had so much snow and ice I didn't get out of the house. I was thankful for my Banner of Love and other papers, tapes of singing and preaching. Wasn't able to go to church for three week ends. But, I felt God was with me through all the ice and snow. Had good neighbors to help and check on me.
Sister Brooksie Pitney
Columbus Grove, Ohio
The Apocrypha consists of fourteen [14] books or portions of books of the Old Testament appearing in the Septuagint [Greek] and in the Vulgate [Latin] Bibles, but not accepted as genuine parts of the Biblical canon by the Jews or the Protestants, though sometimes appearing in an appendix in Bibles used by Episcopalians and Lutherans. These writings were spurious and inferior, and of dubious origin.
The Maccabees, two of the books making up the Apocrypha telling about the revolts of Jewish patriots led by the Maccabees against Syria in the 100’s BC Is not a part of the accepted original cannon [World Book Encyclopedia Dictionary].
Apocrypha is a word used for a group of sacred writings. It comes from the Greek end means hidden or concealed. The Apocrypha were written mostly in the two centuries before the time of Christ after the other books of the Old Testament were completed. They are not now usually printed in Protestant Bibles, but most of them are included in the Old Testament by Catholics.
The Apocrypha includes the first and second books of Esdras, Tobit, additions to the book of Esther, the Wisdom of Solomon, the Wisdom of Jesus the son of Sirach [or Ecciesiasticus], Judith, Baruch, the Song of the Three Children, Susanna and the Elders, Bel and the Dragon, the Prayer of Manasses, and the first and second books of Maccabees. [The World Book Encyclopedia].
Apocrypha Greek, to conceal. Literal such things as are not published, but in an appropriate sense, books whose authors are not known; whose authenticity, as inspired writings, is not admitted, and which therefore not considered a part of the sacred canon of scripture.
The Apocrypha books are received by the Romanish Church as canonical, but not by Protestants. [American Dictionary of the English Language by Noah Webster 1828].
The Waldensian manuscripts carried from the churches of Judea, following the destruction of Jerusalem, to the churches of northern Italy (Piedmont] would not have contained the Apocrypha, because these books were never received by them as authentic inspired books. They rejected the mysterious doctrines, the hierarchical priesthood and the worldly titles of Rome, while they clung to the simplicity of the Bible.
The Catholics include the Apocrypha, including the books of the Maccabees, as a part of their Bible, but it was rejected by the True Church.
Although some of the 1611 versions contains the Apocrypha it seems that the True Church has never recognized it as authentic or inspired. It appears that most of the denominational world also rejects the books of Apocrypha.
Our second article of faith says, “We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament [the translation made under the reign of King James] are the Word of God and the only rule of faith and practice.” They, did not name the Apocrypha, although it may have been sandwiched between the New and the Old in some of the 1611 translations, it has never been accepted by the True Church.
PT. ENTERPRISE, TEXAS CHURCH
The Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church at Pt. Enterprise, Texas would like to announce our meeting times, and invite all those that love the Lord and desire to worship in truth and spirit to come and be with us. We meet on third Sundays, and the Saturday night before. For directions to the church, please call Elder Andrew Scull at 281/ 647-3419 or Brother Rudy Kennedy at 254/562-3019.
The Lord has been richly blessing us with His presence in our meetings. We have also had much visitation from area churches on our Saturday night service and we are extremely thankful for this.
Please pray that God will continue to bless our meetings that we might prosper in the Lord.
Elder Andrew Stull, Pastor
Sister Suzanne Blackmon Stull, Clerk
ENJOY THE BANNER
I enjoy the Banner so much. May God richly bless you is my prayer.
Betty Coleman
Portales, N.M.
DON'T WANT TO MISS A PAPER
I don't want to miss a paper. I enjoy them so much, as I don't get to go to church only every other Sunday. My son takes me the first and third Sundays.
May God's blessings be with you.
Olene Lemons
Eufaula, Oklahoma
My mouth gets me into a lot of trouble.
I have been known to have a quick wit, and that does not translate into a "smart" wit. My mouth too many times goes into gear earlier than my brain.
There are a lot of lessons we can benefit from by learning to listen more, and talking less. We especially have a lesson to learn with regard to those times when our mouth shoots off in anger with words we later regret.
I especially see the error of my ways when I attempt to deal with my family. As young kids often do, my kids from time to time do things that they are not suppose to. They either get playful and reckless or they push times I find myself in quick anger at them, only to see the results of my anger and the hurt it causes in their faces.
The way we deal with our families is no different than how we deal with our friends and colleagues. We would so many times be better off listening, than talking. We cannot learn a lot while we are talking; yet it is amazing what we can learn, and the good we can do, when we are good listeners.
The 12th and 13th chapters of Proverbs provide to us teaching tools for our tongue and our ear. We learn we should engage our ears a lot earlier than our tongues.
How many times do we speak in quick judgment without knowing all the facts of a situation?
How may times do we quickly lash out at our spouses and children, without taking a moment to listen and think about the consequences or harshness of our words?
How quick are we to join in the rash judgment (and gossip) by others of a friend?
Our words have a way of piercing others far more powerful than a sword. We use our tongue to punish, when we should listen first and then speak only for constructive purposes.
"There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health." Prov. 12:18. Reckless words hurt us and especially hurt others — far more than a sword. But wise words have real healing power. Think about this. Do we gain by anger and reckless talk in the heat of the moment; or is it better to use kind and firm words out of love, showing our love?
In my business of providing legal advice, one of the primary tools I use for instruction is the advice of silence. Too many times people cause themselves legal problems by speaking too much. They may not have had legal problems, but dig themselves into a legal problem by continuing to talk when they should be silent.
"He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction." Prov. 13:3.
Think about those around you. Are you impressed most by that individual who talks constantly, or by the person who appears wise by his or her careful listening and mysterious silence.
My dad used to tell me occasionally a humorous saying when we jointly observed someone who had put their foot in their mouth: that it was always better for you to keep your mouth shut and let people think you are an idiot, then to open your mouth and remove all doubt of it.
"A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness." Prov. 12:23. We all know of certain television talk-show hosts and so-called political analysts we might suggest read Proverbs.
When we do speak, we should know the importance of the truth. Even though we know the importance of truth, we do not always follow it.
"He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit." Prov. 12:17.
"Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight." Prov. 12:22.
We could also refer to the Ten Commandments: Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
There is great wisdom in listening, and not speaking. A great listener is a cherished friend. Counselors are trained in their art of being listeners as the primary tool for healing.
If we would first listen to our children, listen to our spouses, listen to our families and friends. If we know and understand the facts and problems, speaking comes easier, come wisely, and comes prudently.
There is an art to listening; and a wisdom to knowing when to speak. The book of Proverbs is a good teacher.
MANY SWEET MEMORIES
A note with my check for the continued receiving the paper, Banner of Love. I enjoy reading this paper each month. It brings many sweet memories of my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dennnis Ross of whom were members of the Primitive Baptist Church all my life.
They have been gone many years. Their firm devotion and love for the brothers in the church is one of my memories.
The article of which was published in your paper, [Washington's Dream] came from one of my mother's old papers. She loved her Primitive Baptist papers. She took several. My mother passed away at age 80 in 1948. I took my daddy. He passed away in 1956. I am the only one left in the family of seven children.
I love the Lord and anyone who loves His blessed word.
God bless your work. My check for $30.00. Use the extra any where the need is.
In Christ,
Irene Goodwin
[Mrs. V.E. Goodwin]
Lubbock, Texas
Note: Sister Goodwin, we appreciate the extra and it can certainly be put to good use. May God bless you. Opal Richards
By B. N. [Bob] Mahurin
Paul's main calling was to build churches. He would go into any place to persuade the child of God to follow Jesus Christ. It did not matter where Paul went as long as he was led by the Holy Ghost. In every city Paul entered, he went into the Synagogues, and persuaded many of them to follow Christ.
Some people may accuse Paul of stealing people away from their church. Proselyting is approved if you have the truth. We find the proselyte in some of the churches in the Bible. If someone would refer you to Matt. 23:15, you should answer them. These people were Pharisees, scribes and hypocrites, and they did not have the truth, and when they had deceived them they made them twofold more the child of hell than they themselves were.
No doubt they were taking into their synagogues any one they could convert, whether or not they were elect or non-elect. But Paul's desire was for the elect only.
Paul preached the gospel without charge, lest he hinder the gospel. lst Cor 9:6-22. He told them, I seek not yours, but you. 1st Cor. 12:14. The Apostle Paul was willing to work for the gospel's sake even though he was pleased for the churches which he had constituted, to send him some help. The church at Macedonia--2nd Cor. 11:7-9, and the church at Phillipi.---Phil. 4:13-18.
The minister should work with his hands, until the church grows enough to support him. You cannot preach duty to a church until they are rooted and grounded in love, faith, and settled, established in the faith. Eph. 3:17, Col. 1:23, Col. 2:7.
After Paul constituted a church he would ordain elders in every church. Acts 15:23, Titus 1:5, and to set in order the things that are wanting. Then Paul would go to another city and to gather in the saints and
constitute another church and ordain more elders. Paul did not pastor any church, but he had the care of all the churches. 2nd Cor. 11:28.
Paul expected every one to work. If they did not work neither should they eat. The members worked at secular jobs, and the pastor worked in the ministry. 1st Cor. 9:1-14., 2nd Thess. 3:7-10.
We should follow the pattern laid out for us in the scriptures. I believe they are a guarantee for the prospering of the church.
For your consideration,
B.N. [Bob] Mahurin
THANK YOU
Dear Christian Friends:
We want you to know how much we appreciated, and thank you for your many calls and your prayers for Elder J.P. Dale's stay in the hospital.
So many of you visited him and the Elders have offered up many fervent prayers in his behalf. God bless you!
We thank you for your love and kindness. Please continue to pray for him. He is now in the Knopp No. 2. Nursing Home here in Fredericksburg.
We love you,
Elder and Sister Dale
MANY THANKS
Many thanks for remembering me. May the Lord bless you to keep up the good work Use the extra where needed.
Fred J. Lewis - Brea, California
Note: We appreciate the extra, Brother Lewis.
Real Interesting
Exodus 3 is real interesting, it reminds us that we have no part in God’s Salvation. I believe the words, " pull off thy shoes, for the place wherein thou standeth is holy ground,” is a reminder that God is pleased for us to leave off doing the thing in our human nature and stand in the way He has chosen for us to stand.
He will see us through. May He strengthen His dear ones every where.
In dear hope, Sister Loretta Lilly - Akron, Ohio ... Ps. 29:11 is real encouraging.
ENJOY THE BANNER
I enjoy the Banner so much. May God richly bless you is my prayer
Betty Coleman - Portales, N. M.
DON’T WANT TO MISS A PAPER
I don’t want to miss a paper. I enjoy them so much, as I don’t get to go to church only every other Sunday. My son takes me the first and third Sundays.
May God’s blessings be with you.
Olene Lemons - Eufaula, Oklahoma