December                                                                                        February

Understanding Science    Christ As Our Substitute and Surety    Frequently Asked Questions    The Necessity of Love    Two-thirds of a Century    Obituaries    Good Communications (1)   We Can Learn A Lot From A Goose    Tour Through the Bible

UNDERSTANDING SCIENCE

"Children in whom was no blemish, but well favored and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science...."

[Daniel 1:4] These children carried into Babylonian captivity around 605 BC understood true science. God's children should study = not avoid - science, but search out true science. "It is a glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honour of kings is to search out a matter." [Proverbs 25:2]

How do we avoid the "oppositions of science falsely so called"? [1 Timothy 6:20] What should we know first? The Apostle Peter; "Knowing this first that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." [uniformitarianism]. Peter tells us "they willingly are ignorant" of the scientific evidences of the universal flood of Noah. [2 Peter 3:3-7]. Remember, God is not the author of confusion [1 Cor. 14:33]. There is no conflict between true science and the Bible. We know the earth was created with the appearance of age but I think we have much more than that. I think we have "good science", scientific proof that the earth is very young.

1].     Oil gushers, oil bed pressures indicate an age less than 10,000 years. If dinosaurs died out seventy million years ago to become oil beds, even the most dense earth materials could not have prevented these pressures from dissipating long ago.

2].     Carbon 14 disintegration vs. production ; The C-14 clock should have begun between 5,600 11.200 years ago. Scientists know it is physically impossible to use C-14 to determine dates beyond that.

3].     Decay of the earth's magnetic field ; The magnetic field is decaying so fast that an age older than 10,000 years would have resulted in nuclear reactions originally.

4].     Delta filling; By measuring the rate of growth of the Mississippi Delta, it is about 4,000 years old.

5].     History; Human history is only a few thousand years old. The 6th day of creation when male and female were created [Gen. 1:27] was not seventy million years ago; billions of years after creation, "But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female." [Mark 10:6] Notice that plants appeared on the third day [Gen 1:13] and the Sun on the 4th day [Gen 1:19].

6].     Earth spin: Based on the slowing of the earth's spin , the earth cannot be 4.8 billion years old. A leap second was added to our clocks at 6:PM CST December 31, 1998 making the preceding minute 61 seconds long. The National Institute of Standards in Boulder, CO and the U. S. Naval Observatory in Washington DC must make these adjustments every few years. The previous leap second was added June 30, 1997. Without leap seconds, after 10,000 years or so clocks would read noon just as the sun was coming up.

7].     Sun Shrinkage: The Sun is consuming 400 million tons of hydrogen every second shrinking at the rate of about five feet per hour [8.3 miles per year]

Billions of years old? It would have been so large we would have burned up.

8].     Influx of cosmic dust: The measurement of meteoritic dust influx indicates a few thousand years old [14 million tons of dust per year].

9].     Cosmic dust velocities observations of interstellar cosmic dust show velocities of particles are almost static, indicating a young galaxy.

10]     Atmospheric oxygen : The present level of atmospheric oxygen could be generated within 5,000 years assuming no oxygen to start with.

11].     Earth's heat: The earth cannot be billions of years old based on Stefan's law of radiation.

12].     Stalagmites and stalactites. Both have been observed to form rapidly.

13].     Lunar inert gases: If the present concentrations of lunar inert gases are due to solar winds of present-day intensity, it would require less than 10,000 years for the moon and the solar system to form them.

14].     Lunar Orbit: The moon is leaving earth's orbit at about one foot every 30 years. Its closeness indicates youth.

15].     Moon radioactive dust: The surprising absence of the moon radioactive dusts points to a young moon.

16].     Short lived lunar Isotopes U-236 and TH-230 speak for a young moon in terms of thousands of years.

17].     Lunar soil scientists have calculated there should be 54 feet of lunar soil based on old age. Only an average of 6 inches were ever found. A young moon.

18].     Meteorites: Meteoritic impacts on earth , are only found in surface rocks indicating a young earth.

The abrupt appearance of complex life in the fossil record, the systematic gaps between fossil categories, the mathematical improbability of vertical evolution, the genetic limits of viable change [Mendel's laws] are all true science and confirm God's Word. We could go on and on and on!

Our final thought - God created a perfect world. When Adam sinned a natural scientific law began. We know of this law as the second law of thermodynamics. It simply means that left to themselves in nature, things fall apart. They rust, rot, age and die. Just the opposite of what vertical evolution requires. Sin brought this "scientific law" upon us, Noah's flood, in forty days/nights, what would have taken nature millions of years.

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth His handiwork." [Psalms 19:1]

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VOICE OF THE PAST...

One man who was not under the draft law died one who was under the draft law. Therefore, this one for whom he died is dead to that law. If he had died for all who were under the draft law, then all for whom he died would have been dead to that law. Christ died as a substitute.

Therefore all for whom he died must be set free. Jesus suffered the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God. The purpose of this suffering was to bring those for whom he suffered to God. If he suffered for all the unjust, then all the unjust must be brought to God.

To die as a substitute he must die specifically for that one and this is a fact within itself. If he does not die specifically or as a substitute, His death does him no good. The ram was sacrificed in Isaac's stead, therefore Isaac was not sacrificed.

Upon what principle of justice did Christ suffer for the unjust? Upon none other than He voluntarily became their surety and when Christ died they died in Him, and when He arose, they arose in Him. Not actually, but in a representative sense. Therefore their salvation and resurrection to glory is sure. He was made to be sin for His covenant people that they might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

This is the only way His people can have a perfect righteousness. He hath not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, that whether we wake or sleep we shall live together with Him. We learn by this text, God did appoint someone to obtain salvation by Christ who died for them.

They were appointed unto salvation because they were embraced in His covenant, love. His blood is called covenant blood. For this reason they were appointed to obtain salvation by Him. Then all the race will be saved that whether we wake or sleep we shall live in Him because He died for us.

This is ordered in all things and sure. No failures. Some day all the redeemed of every nation will be gathered around the great throne of God, and there sing His redeeming love to His everlasting praise.

What a glorious, happy time it will be. May this be our happy lot.

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A woman can give birth to her child, but without this charity she can never be a real mother to that child. Without charity's loving patience, when her child cries, it's only a nuisance and a bother to her. Many women will, shortly after giving birth, suddenly destroy the life of her new born infant. Only with the charity of God in her heart, can she ever be blest to be able to sit up late at night, and hold and comfort her little baby when they cry. Only charity causes her to be truly a mother.

Without charity human fatherhood is impossible. True fatherhood is a spiritual calling and the natural man has 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 Col. 2:14]. And so, since fatherhood is a spiritually calling, man in his unregenerate state has no desire to be a real father. Ephesians 6:4 says that fathers are not to provoke their "children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."

In order for we men to successfully become a real father, we must have charity in the heart. Because without charity in our hearts we can never hope to nurture our children. To nurture is not just fathering, clothing and providing shelter for a child, but to provide the gentle love and care they need to grow up strong and well balanced in this world.

A real father must have the love of God in order to be a true example of love to his children. Without charity, he will never be able to establish a loving relationship with them. He will only bring them grief and harm, causing them to have difficulty in all their future relationships that will follow in their lives.

Today, a lot of people, but more specifically our youth, have little or no understanding of what a real father is. Without the love of God in their hearts they have fallen into Satan's trap of believing that by simply conceiving a child, that they become a real father by default, never understanding that without charity they rob themselves of all the blessings of fatherhood.

Charity "envieth not," it is not jealous of others' good fortune. When we see others receive blessings, charity enables us to share in their joy. Without charity we will lose all of our sense of generosity, and become distrustful of others. Always feeling that we should have more, and yet we are never able to enjoy what we already have.

Charity "vaunteth not itself," it's never "puffed up." You will never find love being boastful, about having the biggest, not the best! Charity is never Puffed-Up in self-pride.

If we don't exercise charity in our lives, we find that the flesh seizes control of our lives, and we lose our self restraint, and without self restraint we find ourselves unable to control the very day trials that come into our lives. We form destructive habits, such as eating and drinking disorders. We fall into sexual traps that rob us of the joys of life's simple pleasures. Jesus said, "the meek shall inherit the earth," but, without charity we end up being possessed of the earth, along with its corruption.

Charity does not behave itself unseemly, or in bad taste. It's never vulgar, nor rude in it's conduct. It's thoughts and words are clean, because they are a reflection of the love of God that He has placed within us.

Charity "seeketh not her own" way, because it's not greedy nor stingy, but instead is generous, charitable , and unselfish in its giving. Jesus said in Acts 20:35, that "it is more blessed to give than to receive." Without charity in our lives we become selfish, and end up robbing ourselves of the benefits of the blessings that come from giving. Without charity we leave our faith lifeless and dead to us.

The Apostle James in his letter that even "as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without the works of charity "is dead also."

[James 2:26] Without charity, our faith that God has placed within us will not be able to help in life's trials. Charity is a necessity in order for us to live the abundant life of Jesus Christ.

Charity is not "easily provoked," upset and inflamed, but is already to forgive. Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God." Many will go our into the world in the name of peace, but they are of the world, so they can only bring destruction. But those who possess charity in their inner being, are peace makers in their hearts. They are openly shown to be the children of the living God. [see Matt. 5:9]

Charity is courteous to others and is never rude. It speaks to others with respect; in private, as well as in public. It's never self seeking, but it will gladly wash the dishes for her in the morning. [you husbands think about that for a while.]

If we live our lives without charity, we rob ourselves of the only peace that is to be found while we live in this world. We leave ourselves instead with feelings of uneasiness, distress, and disturbance, and always being in a state of agitation. All of these feelings are common to the flesh, but without charity we are left totally defenseless, having no firm foundation to rest upon. [See Mat. 7:24-28].

Charity is the whole armor of God," that enables us "to stand against the wiles of the devil." Eph. 6:11.

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We have enjoyed the Banner for 50 years. Have kept them all, the best past time I know.

May God continue to bless you all in your work.

Wilborn and Vona Bingham

Big Spring, Texas

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It is time to renew; enclosed is my check for another year.

I look forward for the many good articles each month, especially the "Tour through the Bible."

May God bless!

Sincerely,

Sister Emma Rosene

Dallas, TX Church

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Good communications will be found in two [2] categories, that being the Positive and Negative.

Before giving my key opening text I desire starting this New Year. Decade. Century and Millennium with this writing being in "Series Form." One thing I've learned about writing, is that folks will tend to not read an article that is too long. This has been a real problem with me. It is my prayer that you will read each of these serials on this great important subject. If you have not studied ancient history, you may be surprised at the final resulting conclusion of this historical sketch.

SERIAL #1

Matt. 5:37 - Jesus says - "But let your communication be, Yea, yea, nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."

In History, Good communications was essential, even to the extent of life and/or death, and even to the success and/or failure in every endeavor of life, and especially in winning or losing battles. It is said that Ronald Reagan was the Great Communicator. I am persuaded that the Lord Jesus Christ was greater.

I was in the secular professional business for about 35 years, in Public Relations [PR] and in many training classes I learned the most valuable lesson - Learn to speak or write in such manner, not only just to be understood, but in such manner that you cannot be misunderstood. Notice most carefully this historical case in Point which has had a profound effect, even upon the lives today.

Alexander the Great of the Grecian Empire, the 3rd Universal

World Empire, Philip II, King of Macedonia [359-336 B.C.] had been taken captive, in order to guarantee that he would not engage in battle, by one of the kings of Greece, namely, king of Thebes, Apamanondus, who was very intelligent.

Apamanondus had excellent military organization, as well as good organization of his City-State. He was in a fierce struggle in southern Greece with the Spartans. For many years the Spartans had dominated southern parts of Greece and had been able to rule or destroy, as in the case of the Athenians.

In a final battle between the Spartans and the Athenians, the Thebeans were not numbered, but cleverly, strategically and decisively, defeated the Spartans in the "Battle of Lutra."

Thus this battle prove the Minority Group had been able to defeat a very large, well-trained army. This greatly impressed the Macedonian King from the Hill Country, namely, King Philip II. After being released from captivity, and being a most alert, and a very adaptable man, he took all this newly acquired military strategy and organizational data - "The System" and went back to the Hills. While back in the hills , two very important events occurred.

1. He married a woman from a nearby country, Epirus. Her name was Olympias, daughter of Neoptolemus, and, 2. He put into action those strategies he learned while in captivity in southern Greece. The result was most interesting. The marriage to Olympias resulted in one of these things that probably happens only very rarely, that is, a genius child was born, a mortal named Alexander [356-323 B.C.] Now when I say this, I do want you to understand that I am only saying a mortal man; however, a genius child among mortals, with a very high I.Q.

Naturally, Alexander was born at Pella in Macedonia. He was a student of Aristotle, from age 13 to 16. Aristotle highly impressed him and cause his great interest in philosophy, medicine and science. However, Alexander later surpassed, and advanced beyond his Professor. About 337 B,C, Philip divorced Olympias and remarried. Alexander and his mother, Olympias returned to Epirus. [A side note; Later Alexander and his father King Philip II were reconciled, but that is another story.]

Now remember this genius Alexander, having a very I. Q. naturally, [not spiritually], only lived to be 33 years old, then died; is about to display his genius. [Note: We will give more precise detail pertaining to his untimely death later.] this genius Alexander is about to become Alexander the Great...A very well organized country named Macedonia was formed. By the time Alexander was advancing beyond his teacher Aristotle, at age 16, he was already Divisional Commander in his Father's Army. Alexander was a most unusual mortal in every way. In fact, so much so, that when his father was murdered, he came to the throne with much facility. King Philip II was poisoned, supposedly by the Prince of Lyncestis, who Alexander later executed.

Continued in Serial #2.

Compiled by

Hulan F. Bass, Elder

Lockhart, Texas

Will you please renew my subscription?

I enjoy the paper so much, it has lots of good writings.

Thank you for writing for us to read.

In Christian Love,

Bernice Holt

McCurtain, OK

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Dear Brother and Sister Opal:

Just a few words of encouragement in the good work you good people are doing. The Banner is so needful in this sad age of atheism and evolution. This cold and dreadful doctrine worked its way into our institutions of higher learning. Worked it way back down into our high schools and has affected the minds of our fine young men and young women. When people are enslaved under this doctrine it has a damaging effect, not only to our great country but upon the church of our Lord. May we band together and pray, God help America. Having good spiritual meetings at Beulah Church in Saltillo, MS. God has been good to us at Beulah. Our yearly meeting will be 5th Wednesday in April. Services Friday night, Saturday morning and Saturday night, and Sunday morning.

Elder Sonny Pyles of Graham, TX will be our visiting minister. This will make the 18th year Elder Pyles has been to Beulah. We as God's people invite the north and east Miss. area to visit us doing this meeting. We love the fellowship of God's dear children.

If you can't be with us be sure and pray for these services.

Elder Spencer Moore helped to establish Beulah Church many years ago.

Our love and prayers,

Elder Billy Walker

South Fulton, TN

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We Can Learn A Lot From A Goose

By Elder Kenneth Clevenger

As each goose flaps its wings, ir creates an uplift for the bird following. By flying in V-formation, the whold flock adds a 71% longer flying range than if each bird flew alone.

Whenever a goose falls our of formation, it suddenly feels the drop and resistance of trying to fly alone. The quickly get back into formation to take the advantage of the lofting power of the bird immediately in front.

When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation, and another goose takes over at the point position.

The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

When a goose gets sick or wounded or shot down, two geese drop our of formation and follow him down to help and protect him, they stay with him until he is either able to fly again or dies. The the launch out on their own, either with another formation or to catch up with the original flock.

When I read the above, the thought cane to me, "We can learn a lot from a goose." I was made to remember what dad often said to me when I was a lad, "Kenneth, if you had "the good sense of a goose, you wouldn't have done that." Of course, that wasn't a compliment, however, he made his point. he didn't think that a goose was intelligent, and if I had any intelligence that I hadn't used it, he expected more from me. Perhaps some of you know exactly what I'm talking about, if so, welcome aboard.

I don't believe that geese aren't intelligent as we measure intelligence in human beings. However, we should see that the Creator has endowed them with certain innate feelings that serve to their survival and the continuing of their species. This should serve to make the children of God cognizant of His providence for the creatures He has made. They should be encouraged by the fact that He cares for them and is sure to care for His children who are to Him of the utmost importance.

Notice what Jesus said concerning this, "Therefore, I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink; not yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment. Behold the fowls of the air; for the sow not, neither do they reap, or gather into barns, yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit to his stature? Any why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not neither do they spin; And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore, take no thought saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or Wherewithal shall we be clothed? [For after all these things do the Gentiles seek;] for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things, but seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." [Matthew 6:24-34.]

By flying in formation the geese were flying together, each one of them helping each other, by doing this it worked best not only for the flock but for each goose individually. In unity there is strength, in division there is weakness. Let us see what the Apostle Paul said to the church concerning this, "Now, I beseech you, brethren, by the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. [1 Corinthians 1:10].  "For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who dies for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do." [1Thessalonians 5:9-11]

"When a goose falls out of formation" he finds the going tough and he quickly gets back into formation. The most dangerous and fearful place for a sheep to be is away from the flock and out in the world [outer darkness] alone.  he is venerable to the roaring lion [Satan] who will surely attack, tear and destroy, "The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him." [Psalms 37:32] when one of God's little children leaves the flock [Church] and turns to the world for gratification of the flesh, or to serve the Protestant Beast they will not go un-noticed. God's rod of correction shall surely find its mark. "O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters." [Jeremiah 17:13]. However, we must remember, "Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, when he led thee by the way?" [Jeremiah 2:17].

To Be Concluded

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THE GOOD NEWS

Please renew my subscription for one year. I enjoy the Banner and look forward to each issue every month.

May God bless you to continue to send out the good news.

Mrs. C. M. Dillon

Summit, Miss.

Please renew the Banner for another year. I enjoy it so much, for I don't get to go to church but twice a month.

Enclosed is a check for the paper and use the rest as you need to.

Thanks so much,

Olene Lemons

Eufaula, OK

Note: Thank you, dear sister, we appreciate the extra.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Compiled by Elder David Pyles

Question: What is the Primitive Baptist view of the scriptures?

Primitive Baptists view scriptures as the divinely inspired word of God and as the sole rule of faith and practice for the church. It is also believed that the scriptures have been divinely preserved over the ages, and that the 1611 King James version is the superior English translation of the scriptures.

Paul claimed that all scripture is given by inspiration of God (II Tim 3:16). Accordingly, Jesus said that scripture cannot be broken (Jn 10:35). Such infallibility could only occur in writings under the power of plenary (full) inspiration.

The apostle Peter said, ...no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophesy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (II Pet 1:20-21). Hence, scriptural prophecy is void of any private opinions of the writers. They were actually moved by the Spirit of God when writing.

Peter elsewhere tells us (I Pet 1:10-12) that these prophets examined their own writings to gain additional information about Christ and His coming. Such behavior is reasonable only if they wrote under inspirational power.

The assertion of plenary inspiration does not necessarily imply that the Spirit masked or overrode the writing styles or personalities of the writers; however, it does imply that the informational content of the scriptures is of God.

It would be senseless for God to inspire His word but then allow it to be lost to misplacement or mistranslation. In Ps 12:6-7 it is written: The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. If this text has been preserved, then one must conclude that all scriptures have been preserved. Accordingly, Jesus said, Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words shall not pass away (Mt 24:35).

Since the scriptures are the word of God, no man or ecclesiastical body has authority above them. Furthermore, the instructions of the scriptures are sufficiently broad in scope to serve as the sole rule of faith and practice. Paul said that in the scriptures the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (II Tim 3:16-17).

All books of the King James Bible are regarded as scripture. No books apart from these are so considered. The books of the Old Testament are known to be scripture because Jesus and the apostles quoted them as such. The books of the New Testament are known to be scripture because of Jesus' promise that special inspirational guidance would be upon the apostles (Jn 14:26, Jn 16:13). This pertains to Paul also, as is implied by Peter in II Pet 3:15-16.

The inspiration of the Bible is further evidenced by its internal consistency and its historical, scientific, and prophetic accuracy.

Primitive Baptists strongly prefer in the 1611 King James version. This preference is based upon evidence indicating the superiority of its base manuscripts and upon evidence indicating the superior scholarship of its translators.

Question: How do Primitive Baptists use scriptural precedent to resolve questions of church practice?

Primitive Baptists believe that issues of practice which are not explicitly addressed by scriptural commandment should be resolved, where possible, by scriptural precedent. Primitive Baptists are very disinclined to treat scriptural practices as mere cultural fashions of biblical times, and will do so only where this is obviously the case (I Cor 9:19-23).

Scriptures themselves teach that adherence to scriptural example is not a matter of indifference. Paul told the Corinthians, Be ye followers of me, even as I also am a follower of Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances (traditions), as I delivered them to you (I Cor 11:1-2). Accordingly, he told the Thessalonians, Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle (II Thes 2:15). One chapter later he wrote, Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us (II Thes 3:6).

Traditions which have no biblical authority are nonobligatory, and to make them otherwise can reduce worship to vanity (Mk 7:5-13). On the other hand, traditions which have biblical authority are clearly expected of us, and are sufficiently important to be criteria of fellowship.

Since the New Testament church was a highly multicultural institution, being found in many nations of the world, practices uniformly observed in them cannot be dismissed as cultural peculiarities. They clearly expected these practices of themselves as churches of Jesus Christ, and we should view these practices the same way.

Question: How does the typical Primitive Baptist view his or her role in society?

Primitive Baptists cannot consent with those who compromise scriptural commandments in order to gain social acceptance. We deny the claim that terms of truth and morality are to be guided by the ever changing winds of social values (Eph 4:14). Instead, these are defined by our ever constant Lord, and are revealed in His inspired word (Mal 3:6, Lk 21:33, Heb 13:8, I Pet 1:24-25).

Since it is our duty, both to God and man, to teach God's revealed truth, and since we represent ourselves as doing such,any compromise of this truth would deceive and betray our fellow man, even when such compromise would serve to appease him.

However, it is not our purpose to incite hatred or persecution against any man or sector of society. Since our Baptist ancestry was greatly persecuted, and since we are also falsely accused and ridiculed unto this day, conscience forbids that we should bring the same upon others. Instead, the scriptures command us that the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth (II Tim 2:24-25).

Accordingly, we recognize that love and charity are the first test of all that claims to be Christian (Mt 22:36-40, Jn 13:35, I Jn 2:9-11), and though we have all truth, we are but nothing without it (I Cor 13:2).

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I love the Banner and the great writings of the truth. I am so grateful that I am a Primitive Baptist and for my parents who taught me. May the year 2000 be a blessed year for you all as you endeavor to do God's will. I am on a very limited income, but I want to contribute to the cause, for I know that God blesses a cheerful giver and He never will leave the righteous begging for bread.

I ask for your continued prayers for my husband, who has cancer. His name is Charles.

I thank you from my heart for the paper, because being sick a lot myself, I have the paper and my Bible for excellent resources.

I love you all,

Sister Darlene McDonald

Houston, TX

Note: May God bless you and your husband, Sister Darlene. We pray for you. Thank you for the contribution. We love you.

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Would you please advise me of any Primitive Baptist Church near Santa Cruz, or Moss Landing, CA, and perhaps Watsonville, CA.

My daughter and son have moved out to California and I wanted to visit them sometime when I feel better and was wondering about a church near them. They actually live outside in the country near Moss Landing CA.

Thanks and may God richly bless you all.

Darlene McDonald

10911 Sharpview Drive

Houston, Texas 77072

Note: Would someone living in the area that Sister Darlene spoke of, please contact her of your church location. Her address is listed for your response. I am sure she will appreciate hearing from you.

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For several years Mt. Paran Primitive Baptist Church of Paris, Texas has desired to relocate by buying an existing church property or building a new church. The age [100 years old] of our present building which needs numerous improvements, the lack of a baptistery, the location, and inadequate parking have made this a much-needed project for our church family. After a thorough search of properties for sale, we have purchased a lovely 2.5 acre lot at a convenient location within the city. By depleting our building fund and obtaining a small loan, we began our project. It is our desire to be able to construct our new church building as soon as our building fund is replenished to an adequate amount.

We desire an interest in your prayers as we undertake this endeavor. We would also invite any suggestions as to economical construction, convenient arrangement, etc, of our building. We would also appreciate any financial help which you might feel led to offer toward our building fund. Please contact our pastor, Elder Harley Stripland, Rt 2, Box 229, Powderly, TX 75473, phone 903/732-4306.

"Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it."

Submitted by members of Mt. Paran Primitive Baptist Church.

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Enclosed find a check for one years' subscription, and use the extra as you see fit.

May God continue to bless the efforts of all who labor in the publication of the paper and may it continue to be for God's glory.

Your unworthy brother,

Felix Psir

Hawley, Texas

Note: We appreciate the extra Brother Pair. It will be used wisely. Opal Richards

In thinking of the new year, 2 Cor. 5:17, also 1 John 5 are really encouraging. It's so good that God gave us His precious written word. Also gives us understanding.

May He bless you all, He will see us through.

In precious hope,

Sister Loretta Lilly

Akron, Ohio

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The last time I saw my Aunt Gladys was January 1, 1997, the first day of the year .

As she was gravely ill, I knew it wouldn't be long before her spirit was in the presence of the Lord, where there would be no pain, sorrow, or shedding of a tear.

Three days later on January 4, my Aunt Gladys, at 76 years of age, passed away.

But it may not be long before she is resurrected from the grave on that glorious day.

My Aunt Gladys was an excellent mother, and taught her two daughters what was wrong and what was right.

Bringing them up in Christian values would be pleasing in God's sight.

My Aunt Gladys was wed to her husband, Austin Herman for more than forty-four years and experienced many ups and downs. Like any marriage it included many smiles and many frowns.

My Aunt Gladys vacuumed my floors and dusted my furniture when my house was a little bit of a mess.

I will never forget all that she did for me, I confess.

My Aunt Gladys was an awesome cook and could whip up anything with ease.

Like creamy mashed potatoes, white beans, sweet potatoes,

And macaroni and cheese.

My Aunt Gladys was a loyal member of the Muleshoe Primitive Baptist Church, and if able would be there.

Because she enjoyed the song service, a wonderful sermon,

and spiritual prayer, plus nice clothes

This wonderful woman would always wear.

My Aunt Gladys loved flowers,

and in the spring, they did grow.

In her yard there were petunias and Zinnias in many a row.

My Aunt Gladys worked in a school cafeteria for many years

with a multitude of children to feed

A good number of these youngsters needed a healthy meal

as they were just learning how to read.

Of course, my Mom and Aunt Gladys were sisters, and related

When they were fortunate to see each other, I know they were elated.

Even though, I will never see my Aunt Gladys again on this earth, she will always be alive in my heart,

My love for her will always be with me and will never depart.

Written by her nephew,

In loving Remembrance of  Gladys Powell Herman

Jerry Bass Lubbock, Texas

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With this issue of the Banner of Love, we begin our 67^th year of publication. We are informed the publication is one of the oldest continuing religious publications registered by the post office.

The Banner of Love has its roots in a publication called "The Glad Tidings". It was started early in the century by Elder Wade Hampton Richards, my great-grandfather, assisted by his sons. It published for a number of years, but was a victim of the great Depression.

In about 1933, one of the sons, Elder Hardon G. ("Hard") Richards, received the opportunity to get out of farming and back into the printing business. He and his family took over a small weekly newspaper which had suffered foreclosure. With a pocketful of one-letter-at-a-time handset type, the family learned the weekly newspaper business, and started from scratch another church publication.

My grandfather, like his father, was not interested in publicizing the religious disagreements of the time. He wanted to publish the good news of the church, and to discuss the great joys of the gospel, as his father had done with "The Glad Tidings."

My grandmother named the new publication "The Banner of Love" after passages from Songs of Solomon 2:4 and Psalms 60:4.

With this issue, we again dedicate ourselves to the original purposes of this newspaper: to bring the good news to the readers, and avoid the issues that divide and disturb. It is not always easy.

Our worldly training and education is in journalism and law. In those professions, we find ourselves regularly engaged in the issues of the day. In such roles we are trained not to shy away from issues which may be controversial or present a "bad" picture on news. However, our philosophy with the Banner of Love is not of conventional journalism.

With the Banner of Love, we regularly receive articles submitted which may address some ongoing controversies of various churches or groups or assemblies. The publication of such matters was not the originating philosophy of this paper; and we hope to maintain the original goals. We are regularly challenged on this very matter.

We are required to make certain editorial decisions that try our conscious. Our goal is to give our readers good news and not have to worry or have any concern that when they open The Banner of Love, they can enjoy the fruits of the kingdom without being engaged over disputes that detract from that goal.

We make mistakes. When we do, we hope it is because we err on the side of caution. In pursuit of our goal, from time to time we feel compelled to refuse to publish certain articles submitted to us. We know we are privately criticized from time to time because of our conservative, tight philosophy in this regard.

Our philosophy can be explained very simply: the Banner of Love is not a battleground. It is a parade ground for articles of inspiration and explanation of the fruits of the spirit.

With this first issue of the new year, we renew our pledge to three basic philosophies, two civic and one religious:

1. First Amendment. First, we strongly support the civic privileges guaranteed in the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. We thus enjoy civil rights that were not guaranteed in the days of Christ: freedom of religion, freedom of speech and press, and the right of assembly. We thus are "guaranteed" the right to enjoy our own religion — even in a time when we witness literally thousands of versions of religious philosophies. With this guaranteed personal civic right comes the corresponding civic duty to respect the rights of other Americans to enjoy the choice of their religious philosophies, or not have a religion at all.

Our rights of free speech protects our many wonderful writers who submit articles for publication to express their personal faith and philosophies. The right of assembly give us a guarantee that we can meet together in groups or in organized churches and worship without government prosecution. Our right of free press gives us the opportunity to present to our readers the Banner of Love without controls or censorship from government. This philosophy allows us to establish our policy of "good news" for our readers.

2. Church and State. To insure these rights are protected and prolonged, we also believe in the philosophy of separation of church and state. We are not all too disturbed by judicial rulings which enforce this concept.

While it may, on the surface, appear as an attack on religion, it is actually a guarantee of religious freedom to insure some unwanted religious philosophy is not forced upon me or my family. In this regard, there is nothing in any judicial ruling which prohibits or unduly limits my personal right to worship or believe as I choose. The only basic restriction is that teachers, or other government-employed individuals cannot require we participate in, or be subjected to, a specific religious event or activity.

No one in our government, has ever stopped any of us from praying to our God whenever and where ever we choose. We should teach this to our children. Each of us has prayed in some unusual places, at unusual times. I have prayed in classrooms, and I have prayed in courtrooms. Nothing stops us from teaching and giving examples of this to our children or to others.

3. Religious Philosophy. Exercising our religious freedom, we believe in the religious doctrine generally outlined in the "Articles of Faith" of the Primitive Baptist Church. We will not restate them today in this column, but are guided by these basic religious concepts in our attempts to write and edit The Banner of Love in accordance with our basic rights of free speech and press.

The most fundamental aspect of this religious philosophy is the doctrine of "sovereign grace" — that being that our Lord is the controller of our eternal fate according to His purpose. (Rom. 8:28). Our eternal destiny is subject to His unconditional love and grace, which was established before each of us was born, or the world formed. (Rom. 9:11; Eph 1:4, 2:8-10; II Tim. 1:7-10; Titus 3:3-8) No man, even ourselves, rises to a level in God’s eyes to be able to earn or justify our own eternal salvation.

Readers of The Banner of Love should expect to see these basic concepts followed in our editorial philosophies.

Finally, we are indebted to our generous writers. We would not have a newspaper without them. The inspiration in our writers is evident and we encourage and pray for their continued support.

We request your prayers that the will of the Lord will be displayed in all our efforts. It is all in His name; all glory to Him.

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Please change my subscription name to Evelyn W. Williams at the same address. My husband, [Elder Jerald Williams] passed away December 30, 1998.

Jerald and I enjoyed your paper very much and I shall continue to enjoy the good sermons and the news from the brethren and sisters in Texas .

May God bless you.

In Christian hope,

Evelyn Williams

Natchez, Ms.

Note: Sister Williams, I remember meeting your husband once when my husband and I attended a meeting at Arlington, Texas. We also heard him preach there. O. Richards

Thank you for sending us all this gift of love each month. Please renew for another year.

Betty Coleman

Portales, NM Church

Note: Thank you for the extra.

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