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Volume 67 Number 11 Lubbock, Texas 79493 Copyright $12.00 Per Year November 1999 |
What Numbers Mean in The Scriptures The Scriptures God Knows Best The Necessity of Love Unaware of Angels Judicial and Temporal Forgiveness New Pastor Ordination of Brother Hedges Sovereignty vs. Power Tour through the Bible Travel Through human Nature Uncle Ed's Philosophy Obituaries
Numbers in the scriptures are significant, they give a greater understanding to the lesson being studied. We will give only a brief meaning to the numbers and not delve into the combination of numbers. The more serious student can examine the subject farther. There are several books that have been written’ on the subject. I recommend, however, that you consult with your pastor before buying or reading any books on numbers.
ONE: There can be no doubt to the significance of this primary number. In all languages it is the symbol of unity, independence, and primary.
As “I am God and there is none other.” “Thou shalt have no other Gods.” “In the beginning God,” and “Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is one Lord” It marks the beginning; we must begin with God, “In the beginning God,” “In the beginning was the word.”
TWO: Is the first number which we can divide another, and therefore is the number of division or difference. As “God divided the light from the darkness,” and an example of difference, “Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated,” “And He shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.” As with Abraham and Lot, Isaac and Ishmael.
THREE: Stands for that which is complete, entire, unity, and divine perfection. God’s attributes are three omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence. There are three great divisions completing time; past, present, and future. Three speaks of the fullness of the Godhead, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one.”
FOUR: is emphatically always the number of creation. When the three divine persons of the Godhead moved in unity then creation came about. [3+1=4].
FIVE: Is the number of grace, mercy and faith, it is particularly ascribed to grace. For example there were five stones in David’s pouch. There are five books of Moses [Pentateuch], all given by God [by grace] in the mountains, which gives which gives us an account of creation, a genealogical account of our ancestors, the history of man before the great flood, the history of the Hebrews, and the early history of Israel. When Israel came out of Egypt, they came out five in rank;
In Exodus 13:18 it says, “the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.” In the’ margin it says, “they went up by five in rank.” “By grace are ye saved.”
Grace appears in 159 verses of the Bible, mercy 261 times, and faith 231 times. ‘The Egyptians consider “five” as an evil number and do not include it on their time pieces. The children of Israel were delivered from Egypt by the “grace” of God.
SIX: Is the human number, the number of man in destitute of God, without God, without Christ. Man was created on the sixth day. It is also the number of labor. “Six days shalt thou labor and, and do all thy work.” Man is [7-1=6] short of perfection seven is the perfect number.
SEVEN: Is the number of spiritual perfection, satisfaction and completeness’. On the seventh day God rested from the work of creation. It was full and complete and good and perfect.. To sum it all up, it is the number of perfection and completeness.
EIGHT; Following the complete and full number “seven” eight means to start over again the first of a new series, a new beginning, it is the number especially associated with Resurrection and Regeneration [both are new beginnings]. Jesus rose from the dead on “the first day of the week” which would be the eighth day, seven days had just passed and a new’ week had just begun. There were eight souls on the ark, that began the proliferation of men in the new world. Noah is spoken of as being the eighth person. “spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly.” [2] Peter 2:5]. The lesser David was the eighth son of Jessie, foreshadowed the Greater David who gave his people a new life, a new beginning [spiritual life] a new home in heaven, etc.
NINE: Is the number of finality or judgment. It is the last of the digits, and thus mark the end or conclusion of a matter. The sum of nine always adds to nine. For example, [2 x 9 = 18], [1 + 8 = 9] [3x9=27] [2+7=9) [6x9=54] [5+4=9] and so on with larger numbers, [52843- x 9 = 475587] [4+7+5+5+8+7=36], [3+6=9]. Nine then represents the sum of all mans works which are finality or judgment.
TEN: Means the perfection of Divine order and righteous testimony of God. It implies that nothing is wanting that the number and order are perfect, that the whole cycle is complete. There were ten commandments in creation. There are ten commandments in the moral law. There were ten plagues brought on the Egyptians.
ELEVEN: Ten marks the perfection of, divine order, then to add one to it makes eleven, the number of disorder, disorganization, imperfection, and disintegration. The number twelve for Instance,. is the number of perfection of divine government, so eleven falls short of it.
TWELVE: Perfection of Divine government; the number of legality.
There were twelve apostles which gave us the divine government laws of His Spiritual Kingdom [church] here in the earth. There were twelve patriarchs [twelve sons of Jacob] Which represent the Old Testament Church. There were twelve patriarchs from Seth to Noah and his family representing the church in the pre-diluvian period.
Twelve and its combinations are frequently used in the description of the New Jerusalem [church] in Revelation chapter twenty-one. It. is the product of three [complete] times [x] four [creation] the sum which is twelve [3x4=1 2] speaks of the Divine perfection in organizations and government of His works of creation.
FORTY: This is the last number we will consider. The numbers between twelve and forty are mainly the combinations of the numbers one through ten, and are not so frequently found as the other numbers. Forty is the number of probation, trial, and chastisement [not judgment, which is represented by the number ‘nine’. The spies were gone to Canaan forty days, which led to the penal sentence of forty years of Israel in the wilderness. Moses’ life was in three periods of forty years. Moses was in the Mount forty days, [Israel failed the test] and Aaron made the golden calf. Elijah was in. Mount Horeb forty days and nights where he was tried Ninevah and Jonah were tried for forty days, [Ninevah passed, Jonah failed]. Jesus was tempted by Satan forty days and forty nights [he passed]. For forty days Jesus was seen of His disciples, after His resurrection, speaking of things pertaining to the kingdom of God [church].
I pray that your study of the Lord’s word will be greatly enriched as you rightly apply the meaning of numbers in the scriptures as you rightly divide the word of truth.
In Old Baptist Bonds
Elder Kenneth W. Clevenger Cameron, MO 64429
By Elder Floyd Pittman
MATT. 24:11.12
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
The scriptures above are statements of facts by our Savior, only are we to recognize the gravity of the matter, that is embraced in them.
How are we, as God’s children, to recognize the false prophets? Surely, there is some mark of identity, as the Savior in Matt. 24, verse 4 says, “Take heed that no man deceive you.” And verse 5 follows, saying, “For many shall come in my name, saying, 1 am Christ; and shall deceive many.
The saying, “I am Christ” is a false assumption, or at least or at least it is implied in verse 5 by Jesus, and this boldness is to be observed in the; false prophets.
Humility, one of the great virtues of the true ministry of Christ. Much patience characterizes their gospel labors. But patience is not in all the acts of false prophets. They cannot endure tribulation.
But Paul says, “We glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulations worketh patience,..”
No, man can of himself assume the qualities that characterizes the Gospel ministers of Christ The difference in the false prophets and the true prophets is, there are no volunteers in the ministry of Christ. For proof of this, it will be noted that Jesus called the apostles from the walks of man, poor fisherman, some of them were, and as Paul said himself, “putting me in the ministry.” “Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble area called” 1 Cor. 1:26.
It may be said. Paul was the exception, Well, is so, Paul used none of these things. But, he described his calling, thus, “Unto me who am less than the least of all saints, Is this grace given that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” - Paul.
The false prophets will seek to be recognized, and will look for the trend of the crowd, the majority, and that regardless of principle, will seek to go with the mighty. A man who may appear to be head and shoulders above his fellows, might. be the deceiver. A true server of Christ, recognizes just that, that he is only a servant. He is satisfied to go where Jesus sends him.
He does not seek his own glory, but that of his Master. Neither does he seek honor for himself. More and more in these times we see the ministry boastful of their honor in the church; and it seems to us they seek it.
In the not too distant past, it was a rare thing to see the ministry sign the word, Elder, to their name. in their regular correspondence; but now it is a common thing or practice. The church makes a great mistake in not waiting to confer such a title upon man, especially, if such as one seems to labor for such honor.
No true minister will seek to use such honors as an advantage to himself. As you go preach, preach Jesus, You will notice that the majority of the ministry, these times converse on everything except Jesus, and in that way iniquity abounds, or perhaps, we should say because in iniquity abounds, [wickedness, sin] in their lives. They do not preach Jesus.
If a man does not live godly how can he preach Christ; With true gospel saving qualities? Watch the ministry; “Take heed that no man deceive you” That’s what Jesus said, and He was warning of false prophets, and he said, "Many false prophets shall rise"
Approve, rebuke, exhort is a gospel command. It is to be done with all long suffering and doctrine. But, do you notice that in these times there is little or no attention to that command? The false prophets speak smooth things, that he might please men. But, Paul says, “For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Gal. 1:10.
Men hated the doctrine, as Christ preached it. It does not seem likely that man will be more receptive, to truth today, than in the time when Christ was here on earth on earth. Who will preach the truth? Are you willing to face the frowns of men? Will ,you obey your master/s command, reprove, rebuke, exhort? Shew Israel their transgressions and Jacob their sins.
Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Surely, Israel is sick, and a need of restrictions for the patient to recover.
Floyd Pittman [Elder]
[Submitted by Brother Ed Pittman of Hobart, OK. He said his dad preached and traveled in Western Oklahoma.]
By Elder Jerry B. Newman
Our Father knows what’s best for us; So why should we complain?
We always want the sunshine, But He knows we need the rain.
We love the sound of laughter and the merriment of cheer,
But, our hearts would lose their tenderness If we never shed a tear.
Our Father tests us often With suffering and, sorrow;
He tests us not to punish us But to help us meet tomorrow...
For growing trees are strengthened When they withstand the storm,
And the sharp cut of the chisel Gives the marble grace of form.
God never hurts us needlessly, And He never wastes our pain,
For every loss He sends to us Is followed by rich gain..
When we count up all the blessings That God has so freely sent,
We will find no cause for murmuring And no time to lament.
For our Father loves His children, And to Him all things are plain,
So He never sends us pleasure When the soul’s deep need is pain...
So, whenever we are troubled And when everything goes wrong,
It is just God working in us To make our spirits strong.
CASSETTE TAPES FOR SALE
By Elder Moe Burns
I have prepared: for sale, 12 cassette tapes in, a nice vinyl album. These tapes were produced by myself,. and, a few more I know, to be solid in “Salvation by Grace”, that was preached by my forbearers ever since Jesus Christ was here on earth in their presence.
Enclosed with the album will be about 14 links of the Primitive Baptist Church, which would prove its succession back to the LORD JESUS’ CHURCH, and also enclosed is the story of the Baptism of George Washington.
You may send your check or money order for $48.00, payable to: Joe Burns. 408 Green St., Baytown, Texas 77520.
SEND US YOUR NEWS
Having good meetings and good fellowship? Baptisms? Special visitors? Report them to the Banner of Love and share them with others.
Biographical Information Is Needed on Ministers
The intended cut-off date for the submission of biographical information for the planned volume bringing forward the valuable work done by the late Elder R. H. Pittman is February 29, 2000. Any of our ministering brethren who have, not submitted a brief sketch of your lives and labors, we urge you to do so. Any readers who have information about the lives of deceased ministers who should be included, we would appreciate that being sent in.
We believe this will be a work of considerable historical importance to the great body of orthodox Primitive Baptists, and we would like to publish it within the year 2000 for obvious symbolic reasons. We have received hundreds of records thus far, but many times that number remain. Please help us, won’t you?
Send information to:
Elder David Montgomery
14302 Walmer
San Antonio, TX 78247
or
Elder Mark Green
P.O. Box 334
Booneville, AR,72927.
SINGING TAPES AVAILABLE FROM MT. CARMEL CHURCH
A congregational hymn singing was recorded at the Mount Carmel Primitive Baptist Church in Churchville, Maryland on Nov. 19, 1994.
The cassette tape includes 25 hymns from the Old School Hymnal and was recorded and produced by Elder Thomas Mann The song service was directed by Brothers Thomas Eranktin and Michael Stewart Tapes may be purchased for$5.00 each by contacting the Mt. Carmel Church, P.O. Box 328, Churchville, MD 21028, phone (410) 838-1681; or by contacting the pastor Elder Steven Bloyd
This week we find Uncle Ed Sitting on a bench on. the south side of the court house, out of the wind. As usual, he is whittling on a piece of soft pine And another man, about his same age, approaches. We learn his name is Earnest Jones.
As he sits down on the bench beside him, Uncle Ed grins, offers his hand and says: “Well, Earnest, it’s good to see you today. How have you been feeling?”
“Fine, fine. Mother has been puny, but she is better. We did not make it to church Sunday, so the pastor came over with his recorder and played us his sermon he preached Sunday. I really enjoyed it.”
Uncle Ed: “That was real thoughtful of him. Yes it was. What did he preach about?”
Ernest: “He was preaching about our great need to take the gospel to the heathens, and he was urging the church to get their money in to support the foreign mission program.”
Uncle Ed: “I see. How are you getting along with your mission program? Are you saving a lot of souls with it?”
Ernest: “Not so well We set aside a certain amount of money in our budget for this. But we have just built our new sanctuary, and it took more than we originally planned, so our budget is out of balance.”
Uncle Ed: “It takes a lot of money to operate a modern church today, I can see. How are you handling your mission program?”
Earnest: “Oh, we send as many missionaries as we have the money for, but we don’t have near enough.”
Uncle Ed: “What Scripture do you have for this?”
Earnest: What Scripture? You know Jesus said to "go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."
Uncle Ed: You are not quite doing it that way. He said to these people to. GO, but you tell me that you SEND. Is that the same?
Earnest:. It amounts to the same thing.
Uncle Ed: Does it? Anyway, that was a special command He gave the apostles, and He gave them special powers to do it.
Earnest: You really don’t think our preaches today are under that command?
Uncle Ed: No, they are not.
Earnest: Then where do they get their authority to preach?
Uncle Ed: They are called of God with a direct operation of the Holy Spirit in their heart. The Church ordains them, and authorizes them to baptize and to administer the ordinances of the church. I asked my pastor about this the other day. He said nothing ever told him to “go” or to ‘send’ either one. He said the Holy Spirit told him to take the oversight of the flock. He said he felt like if the Lord wanted the heathens overseas to have the gospel preached to them, He would reveal himself to men among them, and inspire them to preach the gospel. He said he had plenty of people right in his own community that needed more preaching than he could ever get done.
Earnest: You mean your pastor and you people in general are not burdened with the souls of the heathen?
Uncle Ed: I mean I think its going to take more than even your best missionary can give them, to take care of their souls. But I am not worried about it.
Earnest: Why are you not worried about it?
Uncle Ed: Well, I read where the Father told Jesus, “Ask and I will give you the heathen for an inheritance.” This hinges the whole matter on whether or not Jesus asked the Father - and not on the missionary.
Earnest: Then you don’t think the missionaries do any good?
Uncle Ed: If they preach the truth when they get over there, they can do some good. But it all boils down to this. The gospel, preached by men, is just not God’s way of “saving people” in so far as their eternal destiny is concerned. Understand, I am not against the gospel certainly not! We need more of it preached here, to say nothing of those heathen overseas, but the gospel is for people’s use and joy and happiness while they live - - only the efficacy of the blood of Christ can prepare us for the hereafter.
Earnest: You don’t think we can help each other in being saved?
Uncle Ed: No, I certainly don’t. And I will tell you this. If I thought I could take money and give it to a preacher, and he could use that to go and help people with their soul’s salvation, and thus enable more people to finally live in heaven, I wouldn’t be spending any of it on high priced church buildings, or anything like that I. sure want everyone that can to enjoy that happy place.
Earnest: Don’t you think the Lord wants us to have nice places to worship?
Uncle Ed: Sure He does, Solomon’s Temple is proof of that. But we’re talking about what you think. Do you really think that if you were to take that half million dollars your church spent on their new plant that it could be used in a way to help people to live in heaven?
Earnest: Well, I thought I did, but I know now that I don’t. If I truly thought us taking money that could be used by the missionaries to save souls, and using it for a fine building, would rob just one person of living in heaven, I wouldn’t want it.
Uncle Ed: You know, my pastor was preaching on this just last Sunday. He said a lot of people would really be surprised when they got to heaven and see how many are there. I don’t remember just where he said the Scriptures were, but he said there would be an innumerable host that no man could number. He said they would be in heaven out of every kindred, tongue, nation, and people. He even said they would be there out of every family on earth.
Earnest: Do you really believe that? I always heard it said that you Hardshells believed a lot of people would go to hell without even a chance of being saved.
Uncle Ed: You can hear anything It’s going to take more than a chance to get any of us there -- it will take the love and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you really want to know what Primitive Baptists believe, why don’t you go to church with me some time? .
Earnest: I just might do that one of these days.
Uncle Ed: Well, I gotta be going to the house, It’s nigh on to supper time!
Banner of Love (March, 1960)
Opening Texts:
Deut. 6:4= “Hear, 0 Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord;”
Deut. 32:40 - “For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live forever.”
Isaiah 45:5-6 = “I am the Lord and there is none else, there is not God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That thee may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the Lord, and there is none else!”
Isaiah 46:9- “Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is none else, I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 57:15 “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place...”
Jer. 23:24..”...Do not I fill haven and earth? saith the Lord.”
Rom. 1:20-” For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power, and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”
This is a companion subject with Power of God. I plan to write on Power next Sovereignty - Highest, complete Full Controlling Supreme Authority in the Universe.
Supreme Sovereignty: The ability, Wisdom, Knowledge and Discernment to exercise Authority or rule effectively. The ability to exercise, demonstrate, and still retain might and strength incomparably; also to sovereignly act with Omnipotence. Briefly, the Ability to act. God has and does still abdicate. Yield grant and give power to men, in varying degrees of intensity according to His purpose, but never Sovereignty.
God abdicates, yields, gives and grants Power to men, but never to Sovereignty [control] and always Retains such, never yielding one iota of such and even finally returns all Power unto Lord Himself, also.
Sovereignty is the Authority and Control over All Actions, both animate and inanimate and not one iota of such is ever yielded or granted whatsoever.
This eliminates the Absoluter and his heretical position. Be aware, however of that Sovereignty does not indicate Action, but simply the supervision, superiority and control over Acts or Actions. Power is the Ability to act, but such power may not be utilized or implemented, and all Power in the Universe is subservient to The Powers that be, which is the one and only Godhead,. Rom. 13:1; Acts 17:29; Rom 1:20; Col. 2:9. Funk & Wagnall’s Dictionary - Sovereignty = 1. The stale of being sovereign; supreme authority.
OMNIPOTENCE: Omni [all directions] potence [potential} -reflects the epitome of Absolute Monarchy! without any latent challenge, from subveriency or competition, but Total Sovereignty. Omnipotence is God’s power to do whatever He Wills to do. “This simple idea of the omnipotence of God, that He can do without effort and by volition, what He wills, is the highest conceivable idea of power.” [Hodge Systematic Theology, ‘1,4071.
Omnipotence is God’s producing and energizing power operating in effortlessly and unspent under the control of His wise and Holy Will. Omnipotence is infinite power held under infinite control, unlimited power naturally possessed and wisely used. “God can do all He will,” says Dr. C. A. “Strong, who follows Gill, “but He will not do all He can.”
[Systematic Theology, 287] Contrary to Schleirmacher, who held that the divine causality is fully expressed in the total of the real and the actual, we hold that the reserve of Power in God is inexhaustible. All that God has ever done is but a hint to us of what He could do, if it were His will; otherwise, God is limited not by a “will-power” over his “nature power,” but by self exhaustion as the result of maximum effort. The only limitation on God’s power is self-limitation. Copied from Elder R. V. Sarrell’s “Systematic Theology” Pages 81-83.
Commentary by Hulan F. Bass=
Jesus is given all power in heaven and in earth-Matt. 28:18. Jesus is declared to be equal in the Godhead. Jesus states in Rev. 1:8 --”I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” V. 11, “Saying, I am Alpha and Omega the first and the last.” V.17, “Fear not, I am the first and the last.” Rev. 22; 13, “1 am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and’ the end, the first and the last.” Heb. 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” These verses are saying that “Jesus is all comprehensive.”
To distinguish the difference between Sovereignty and Power on the surface may seem difficult; however, upon careful examination, we find that Power is simply the purposed, allowed and permitted Will of God in Acting or Action taken by man, with such demonstrating the Sovereignty of God, yea, even the Godhead.
Sovereignty and Power may seem to be the same, but they are very different.
Example: I may allow, permit and suffer my children and/or grandchildren ‘the Power to act and take action, dictated by their own volition or will, and play within the bounds of parameters of certain previously announced rules.
The action is displayed and manifested by their own ability - power. At no time during this scenario, do I abdicate, yield or give up one single micro iota of Sovereignty-control over their power. I can increase, decrease, or totally eliminate their power, according to my own will or purpose.
Likewise, God does the same, never becoming subservient to the whims of mortality but in His mercy, and grace, allows to varying degrees, power to act, or take action. God never loses control in His wisdom, Power, Truth, Justice Holiness, Love or Mercy. He never uses more of any of His essence than is necessary to accomplish the particular desired purpose, pleasure, will or choice.
The so-called Absoluter of Absolute Predestination has been mistaught that to limit God’s Sovereignty is to limit His Power, that would “put God in a box.” That is a falsehood and total heresy. That is an absurd impossibility.
God is Sovereign and unlimited in such including all His Divine Attributes. God’s power is only a small fraction of what ingredients comprise the very Essence of God.
Closing text: Rev. 4:11, “Thou art worthy, 0 Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”
Hulan F. Bass [elder] Lockhart, Texas
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. ‘0 magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. Psalms 34: 3-4
It is the Thanksgiving Season. This starts off what we refer to as the annual holiday season.
We traditionally associate a lot of fun and excitement with this season. And rightfully so, it is a time of family gatherings and reunion. It is an especially memorable time for the children.
Three thoughts come to mind as we enter this season:
First, remember to give thanks (you have more blessings than you can count), and remember to whom you are to give thanks.
Second, the best gift you have to offer to a family member (or anyone for that matter) is not material. Your best gift is highly personal. It is you! It is your time, your attention, and your love.
Third, your gifts should not all go to those you know. You have the duty to support even strangers you do not know who are in great need of your help. You never really know who that stranger might be!
First things first. Pause a lot to give thanks a lot. The Apostle Paul instructed us by his actions in every epistle he authored in the Bible, none more clear than the passage he wrote at I Thessalonians 5:16-18:
"Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
Next. Give the best gift you have this Holiday season. Give yourself. Find ways to encourage others. "Let your light so shine" that others will notice and give thanks to God. Matt. 5:16. Spend time with your kids, grandkids, your mother, father and grandparents. Send them a note, a picture or give a call. Give them reason to live, and have hope, and be optimistic. Give them a reason for them to share themselves with others. Age is unimportant: either on the giving end, or the receiving end.
How many specific gifts to you remember getting as a kids? Probably very few. And how many details of special times do you remember when you spent time with a parent or friend? You can create some of those same memories that others in years past have created for you.
Finally, do not limit your giving to those you know. Give to those in need. Do it privately without seeking public recognition.
Do not "do your alms" before men to be seen of men. Do not "sound the trumpet" when you help the needy. Matt. 6:1-4. Instead, secretly provide for the poor and needy. The Lord will see what you do and He will reward you far greater than any human reward. Teach your children this lesson.
Who are you helping when you help a stranger? Do you know whether they are actually a stranger?
"I was hungry and you gave me meat; I was thirsty and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in." Matt. 25:35. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Matt. 25:40.
Remember the teaching of the Apostle Paul at Hebrews 13:1:
Do not forget to entertain strangers: "for thereby some have entertained angels unaware."
Make the holidays a joyful season. In making it joyful for someone else, you will make it joyful for yourself.
To be joyful it does not take money. It takes you. The Lord is watching what you do. He will help you do it.
The Lord’s angels are out there. Whether you know it or not, you might actually help one of His angels. And, whether you know it or not, you might actually be one of His angels.
By Elder Tim Cunningham concluded
First of all, judicial forgiveness has nothing to do with our own personal obedience and separation from ungodliness. Otherwise, eternal salvation would be on the basis of the works of man, and the death of Christ on the cross could be meaningless. I don’t have to belabor the doctrine of total depravity to a group of Primitive Baptists. However, the standard by which we walk in fellowship with God and the people of God while in this world does involve our personal confession, separation and sanctification. Paul makes the truth limpid in 2 Cor 7:1.
Many well-meaning Bible students are attempting to apply the standard of our judicial forgiveness by God in the realm of our temporal forgiveness. They believe that because one has been judicially forgiven and justified by the blood of Christ, this eliminates any need to deal with this subjective reality of sin in daily experience. This causes confusion and results in hurt feelings and misunderstandings between believers. Let me cite a familiar example for your consideration.
During the late eighties a well known “Tele-.evangelist” exposed in a particularly scandalous sexual sin. He gave a moving confession before his congregation, which was broadcast on national television. During that time I remember discussing the matter with some professing Christians who believed that he should be allowed to resume his full pastoral functions following his confession.
Their argument was on the basis of judicial forgiveness by the blood of Christ and the man’s personal confession. It is commendable that a child of God should have a desire to forgive others as we have been forgiven by Christ. But some believed that forgiveness should nullify all of sin’s consequences. My friend with whom I conversed failed to recognize the distinction between judicial arid temporal forgiveness.
Furthermore, they failed to take into account the Biblical requirement for pastors and deacons in the New Testament Church. “A bishop then must be blameless.” I Tim. 3:2; “...then let them use the office of a deacon being found blameless.” 1 Tim. 3:10; “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God..” Titus 1:7 the word “blameless” does not mean “sinless”, otherwise, no one would qualify, it has reference to the man’s public reputation. It means to be above reproach. In other words, there should be nothing in the man’s life which. would prevent him from standing before the flock as an example of consistent godliness. [This thought makes me tremble!]
It is possible for a minister to conduct himself in such a reproachful manner that he disqualifies himself from any future participation in public ministry. Even though God forgives all manner of sin, there is no place in Scripture where He ever promises to remove all the temporal consequences of forgiven sin. In fact, some sins are of such a particularly scandalous nature that the reproach can never be removed in this life.
For example, in Proverbs 6:32-33 we read, “But whoso commiteth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding; he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. A wound and dishonor shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.” This passage does not say that the adulterer cannot repent and receive forgiveness. But it does indicate that the reproach of the sin will never be removed.
The principle of Proverbs 6:32-33 also applies to other sins as well. The sin of murder falls into this category. Murder is irreversible and there is no possibility of restitution. A murderer will always be associated with~ his crime. Certain individuals will always be associated with certain sins. For instance, Richard Nixon will forever be associated with the Watergate scandal. Bill Clinton will forever be associated with Monica Lewinsky, and Miss Lewinsky will live the rest of her life with the stigma of her ungodly liaison with President Clinton.
Anything good, noble, and virtuous ever performed by these individuals will always be overshadowed by their sinful behavior. “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption..” Gal.
A casual examination of the life of King David will reveal the truth of this principle. Even though David confessed his sin and received temporal forgiveness, he continued to live with the consequences of his actions far the rest of his life. The remainder of David’s life following his sin with Bathsheba reads like a tragic novel with one disappointment on top of another.
I’m not attempting to imply that a person who has ever committed adultery, murder, or any other publicly scandalous sin cannot repent of that sin and find a home in the Lord’s Church. But, I am stating that neither judicial nor temporal forgiveness from God automatically removes the consequences of our sinful behavior.
It is possible for a child of God to conduct himself in such a reproachful manner that he disqualifies himself from the fellowship of the Lord’s people in the New Testament Church. [Consider 1 Corinthians chapter 5 for example] The church must judge each case on an individual basis, and not assume that we can simply spread a blanket covering, over each episode by stating, “eternally justified,” “eternally saved.” “If they are good enough to live in heaven, they are good enough to live in the church.” Remember, that kind of thinking employs a faulty standard of judgment, and ignores the plain teachings of Scripture.
God has promised to be merciful to those who confess and forsake their sins. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them Shall have mercy.” Prov. 28:13. But let us never forget that our personal sins do bear consequences. These consequences often reach far beyond our personal lives, to our families, me Church; and others. And sometimes these consequences are irreversible.
Compiled by:
Elder Tim Cunningham [Submitted Elder Hulan Bass]
By Brother Thomas McDonald
What comes to mind when you hear the word “Love?” We read and hear a lot about this subject almost every day in the world, and everybody has an opinion on they subject. A day doesn’t go by without hearing the word Love in some form or fashion. Let’s face it, it’s a part of our natural world, and you can be sure that almost every one in the world has a certain perception of what Love is.
Our popular culture is constantly being saturated by its theme on television, radio, in books and magazines, and lately more even on your computer, through the World Wide Web. You can come, ask those of Christian world and they can without a doubt share with you their particular version of exactly what they believe love is.
So, after we have heard all different opinions, from so many sources what do you conclude? Perhaps, you might say, there doesn’t seem to be anyone who knows what love really is The whole world seems to be rudderless, and lost, without any sense of direction But, really, love, what exactly is it?
In my younger days, I myself have, just like so many others, had the experience of what the world calls Love, which is really only the sensuous lust of the natural flesh. But, I would like to share with you what God has, by His most wonderful Grace, taught me concerning a more perfect way. A love far superior than can be found in our flesh. A love that is essential to our Spiritual well being, as food, water, and exercise are to our natural bodies.
The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 7:18, “I know that in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing.” And that seems to be the problem in the world. ‘There is no good thing” that can be found in the flesh of man. The whole world believes that they can, by simply observing that they see and by natural means, experience. the love they crave!
There a e really only two forms of love in the universe, 1 human love and 2. Spiritual or Godly love. We will start by looking at human love. Human love, or natural love cannot be taken lightly. That simply cannot be ignored. Like it or not it is part of the flesh, designed by the Creator for the express purpose of building a bond between a man and a woman, and forming the fundamental foundation for the family.
This is the very thing that causes the attraction between the sexes, as well as the feeling we feel when we hold our newborn child in our arms for the first ‘time. Human love is a powerful and complex thing.
We need to understand two basic things about human love. First, that its’ always, always based on natural feelings, which are subject to change from one minute to the next. Now stop and think about it for a few minutes, ask yourself how many different feelings do you experience in just one single day? I dare say there will be countless. Right? I would add that you can’t experience anger and human love at the same time.
Secondly, our natural feelings are corrupted by our depraved nature. We inherited our sinful, corrupt and fallen nature from the first man Adam. And this nature is carnal, and only desires carnal or natural things, what it can see, hear, touch and taste. It’s contrary to God, and it will never, ever seek to know Love. Why? Because “God is Love,” and the carnal mind stands as an enemy to all that is God. [1 Jo. 4:8-161.
There is a popular myth that has been passed along by poets and song writers throughout the countless ages. It says that human love will last forever. We hear it so much, and by so many, that we believe that’s what love is all about. Countless numbers of God’s children, both young and old, have fallen into this trap designed by satan. It sounds so good and so sweet, but in the end it brings only sensual lust and ultimately leads only to pain, misery, and destruction, Those that indulge in it believe that they are entering into something that will bring them lasting joy, but they find instead that it brings different types of dangerous diseases that result in wrecked lives. They desire love, but they receive death!
We hear many people say today “I will love this person forever,” and tomorrow we find them in divorce court! Why do you suppose this is?’ The problem lies in the fact that when they said that they loved each other they were experiencing only human love which is based simply on how they felt at any given time, and it faltered and failed, when the trials of this world came upon them!
We, as children of God need to always be aware that we can never rely on our natural, carnal feelings to know, and experience true love, because feelings change, and they will lie to you. So don’t trust them! Love must of necessity be based on something more substantial than ever changing human feelings! They must be based on the eternal love of an Eternal God!
Now, as I have already indicated, man in his natural state can never comprehend love, all he can ever know is the mere lust of the flesh. True love is a thing of the Spirit, and the “Natural man”, [man in his natural state] receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; Neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” [1 Cor 2 14] Love is a thing that comes only through the Holy Ghost, man through his natural flesh will never seek, nor find love. The natural man reasons with a “carnal mind” fleshly, bodily, lewd, stimulating, pleasing, appealing, unspiritual) which is enmity against God for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” [Rom 87] Arid so man, in his fleshly state, is an enemy to all that can truly be called love.
But, a regenerated, and born again child of God has two natures. His inner man is born of the Spirit, while his flesh continues on in its natural sinful nature, leaving him to suffer a warfare in his members. The Apostle Paul writes about this problem in his letter to the church at ‘Rome. He said, he saw a “law in” his members, warring against the law of his mind, and bringing him “into captivity to the law of sin which was in his members.” [Romans 7:23]
Paul is saying that while he had an inner desire of his Spiritual man, which were in direct conflict with the carnal desires of his flesh, he was left in the condition that when he "would do good, evil is present with" him. [Rom 7:21]. So we see that when a child of God tries to rely on the flesh to experience real genuine love, he will fail, falter, and fall in to sin. Why? Because he is a sinner by his nature. [See Eph 2:3] and all that his flesh can’ ever know is lust.
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16.
Predominately, there are those that are cold and those that’s warm. Then, there’s the ones that give and the ones that just take Then those destructive or constructive predominately. There are those that are all head and no heart. Then, there is the human factor, which is that man fails and is imperfect. Many scriptures tell the foregoing about why man is the way he is.
Why does one person have nothing to do with even his parents or children, caring not whether they are dead or alive? Unamiably, human nature does its carving through contentious persecutions
A person tries to live right and live for the Lord and his neighbors, later to find he is an enemy of some, for some mysterious reason and is persecuted for Christ’s sake
The Lord says that is the time to rejoice, Matt. 5:10-12; “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake rejoice. Luke 6:22-3, “Blessed are ye when men shall hate you and they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and shall cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy; for behold, your reward is great in heaven.” Acts 5:40-1 example of persecution to the apostles to not speak Jesus’ name for which they rejoiced to be counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
Js. 4:9-10 “Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” Again, in Psalms 27:6, “And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me; therefore will I offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy;”
Often I’ve asked myself, how can we rejoice in persecution? Someone said, because you will always be in the Lord and He will be with you. I’d say, that’s the way I was before persecutions. How Lord, can I rejoice?
Recently, I heard a hymn with a shining phrase in it, “He Shall Lift You Up.” You rejoice in persecutions for His cause and He will lift you up.
Elder Hylton Cram put a piece in the Banner it Love on a prayer of Elder Kenneth Martin at a recent meeting, on which he stated, you will be lifted up.
So, this dynamic Holy Spirit revealed this to me. This is the way He works, “Another comforter.” in His gracious comforting way as we rejoice. Why? Simply, that He will lift you and I up and then to rejoice. Praise Him, and glory to God! Praise His matchless Name!
God raised up many people in the Bible, like David vs. the giant, or like Job, who were allowed to be put down, and later God raised them up. Jesus became enemy to some men. They killed Him for wanting to do good and He was perfect without sin, allowed to be put down, then raised up highest, enabling us to likewise be raised up to meet Him in the sky.
Loving for the Cause, Elvin Dick
NEW PASTOR AT FREDERICKSBURG CHURCH
New Hope Primitive Baptist Church of Fredericksburg, Texas is happy and pleased to announce that Elder David Montgomery of San Antonio, Texas has accepted our call as pastor of our church. Elder Montgomery along with Elder Charlie Rose have graciously and capably filled our needs since the death of Elder J. P. Dale, Jr. in February of this year.
We have loved and respected Brother David and his precious family for many years and feel God is blessing his ministry. We are humbly thankful for him.
The present arrangements are for Elder Montgomery to preach on first, second, and third Sundays, and Elder Mike Rodgers to preach on fourth Sundays. Elder Rodgers has recently relocated to Leon Springs, near San Antonio. We are thankful for him also, along with his lovely family.
To make our experience even sweeter Elder David and Sister Robbie and Brother Nathan have requested a home with us and were gladly received. What a blessing!
We invite one and all to come visit us any time you can. Pray for us when at the throne of Grace. .
Submitted in love, Elton Faught, Church Clerk
By pre-arrangement in conference the Friendship Primitive Baptist Church has requested a presbytery to be formed consisting of sister churches of the same faith and order to be assembled on this date, October 23, 1999 to ordain Brother Brian Hedges to the full office of the Gospel Ministry.
I. Asked all ordained ministers and deacons to be formed into a presbytery.
2. The church has selected Brother J. C. Dorsett to act as spokesman for the Church.
3. Ask the spokesman if the church is satisfied with the presbytery as formed; answered yes.
4. Before a moderator is selected, we want to state that we have asked Brother Brian for his preferences, if any, and to whom he wants to deliver the interrogation, the ordination prayer, and the charge. His desire was for Elder Wayne Venable to interrogate, Elder Dwayne Shafer and Elder Mark Burress to offer the prayer and Elder Ronnie Hedges and Vernon Venable to deliver the charge, if the presbytery so wishes.
5. Select a clerk for the presbytery to start the minutes. Elder. Dwayne Shafer selected.
6. Now with the subjects desire in mind we ask the presbytery to select a Moderator. Elder Tom Taylor was selected to moderate.
7. What is the presbytery’s mind in concerning selecting the one to interrogate. Elder Wayne Venable was selected.
8. Select the one to offer the ordination prayer - Elder Mark Burress.
9. Select the one to deliver the ordination charge - Elder Ronnie Hedges.
11. Ask Spokesman to please deliver Brother Brian Hedges to the presbytery and seat him.
12. Call for the interrogation.. Answered all questions fully and to the satisfaction of all.
13. Call for ordination prayer and laying on of the hands; Ask subject to remain kneeling at close of prayer for it to lay hands on him.
14. Ask Spokesman to deliver Sister Holley, his wife, to be seated by her husband.
15. Call for charge to be delivered.
16. Ask spokesman if church is satisfied with work of the presbytery. Answered yes.
17. Need motion and second to deliver Brother Brian Hedges back to the church as a fully ordained elder in the Primitive Baptist Church. .
18. Call for reading of the minutes.
19. Need motion and second to approve the minutes and to deliver the minutes to the church for their records.
20. Call for motion to dissolve the presbytery.
21. Memo: Elders and deacons present to. sign the ordination minutes.
22. Presbytery to give right hand of fellowship and love to Elder and Sister Hedges.
23. Then the church is given right hand of fellowship, love, and good wishes to them. Ministers in attendance Elders: Troy Barrington, Jeremiah Bass, Francis Scott, Bernard Gowens, Mark Burress, Wayne Venable, Ronnie Hedges, Dwayne Shafer, Tom Taylor, Vernon Venable. George Johnson.
Deacons in attendance: Hubert Dykes, J. L. Phipps, L. W. [Doc] Jones, J. C. Dorsett; Opal Vandiver, Andy Coats, Ronnie Fowler, Gale McPherson, Darwin Hobbs, Welborn Bingham, Forrest W. Noble, Jack Denton, Fred Nixon, Cecil Pharr, Daniel Gowens
Enclosed is my check for another year. I enjoy this paper so much. We are having wonderful meetings here in Arkansas and love to read of all good meetings everywhere.
Thank you so much. Sister Minnie Lee Janes - Prescott. AR
ANNIVERSARY HOMECOMING MEETING, TULIA, TEXAS
The Corinth Primitive Baptist Church of Christ was host for our 91st anniversary meeting the first weekend in November 1999. We had with us the following Elders: T. J. Pittman of the Wellington Church, Brian Hedges from the Brownfield Church, Don Martin from the Perryton Church, Ronnie Hedges from the Floydada Church, Jeremy Bass from the Abilene Church, George Johnson from Lubbock Church, T. Ray Little from the Albuquerque Church, Gayle McCoy from Levelland Church.
Our meeting began on Friday night, November 5th with a good song service with Brother Jeff Cook offering prayer, with 3rother Riley Ziegler and Brother Bill Hiett preaching for us.
We met again on Saturday morning with a good song service with Elder Ronnie Hedges coming forward and offering prayer, followed with Elder Brian Hedges, Elder T. J. Pittman, and Elder Don Martin preaching for us.
After a good meal that the sisters had prepared for us, we met again and enjoyed another good song service, with prayer being led by Brother Riley Ziegler; followed with Elder Jeremy Bass and Elder Ronnie Hedges preaching for us.
After a few hours of rest we enjoyed another good meal and then, we enjoyed a good, spiritual song service on Saturday night, with prayer being led by Brother Riley Ziegler, followed with Elder T. Ray Little and Elder Gayle McCoy preaching for us.
We are thankful for the presence of these Elders and our visitors.
We met again on Sunday morning, the 7th of November 1999 with another good song service, followed by Brother Curtis Poteet coming forward and offering our prayer, with Brother Jeff Cook from the Littlefield Church introducing preaching services. Our pastor, Elder Francis Scott, came forward and preached for us.
This was our time to call a pastor and a clerk. Motion made and seconded, and carried unanimously that we retain the same pastor and clerk for one more year.
Bill Hiett
319 McArthur
Tulia, Texas 79088-1805
806/ 995-2791
HOMECOMING MEETING BLESSED
The Snyder, Texas church’s Homecoming meeting the past weekend, 5th Sunday in October, was very blessed. The sermons and singing were all edifying to God.
I continue to pray that God will bless The Banner as He has done in the past, so that it can continue to publish His Truth.
God bless you, Michael Hackfeld Loraine, Texas
Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days. Ecc. 11:1
JANUARY 1, 2000
With each passing day, it seems a little closer. What I am referring to is of course, January 1, 2000. When that day arrives a large number of individuals in our nation are expecting a Y2K computer breakdown, resulting in the loss of such vital public utilities as electricity and water for a lengthy time.
They also expect traffic lights to malfunction, that they will not receive their government checks on time and that their bank account will be lost.
Many of these persons in expecting the worst thing to happen will purchase enough bottled water to last several weeks and maybe months into the New Year.
For those individuals who are looking at the glass half empty, when concerning the year 2000, there is a very important scripture from Luke to take note of. It is as follows, “And he said unto the disciples, “Therefore, I say unto you, take no thought for your life, and what ye shall eat, neither for the body what ye shall put on.” Luke 12:22
The Lord knows what His children are in need of and He will provide for them. May we rejoice that our Savior will never leave or forsake us. Hebrews 13:5.
In God’s Love, Jerry Bass
Lubbock, Texas