June                                                                                    August

 Is this your story?     Incidents in my Ministerial Life  The Final Witness    Tempt   A small light in the darkness    Banner of Love Founding Family Member Dies    Vacation Bible Schools     A Thought    Announcement of new publication for PB Ministers     Tour Through the Bible       No Problem is too big for God    Obituaries

By Elder Stephen Porter

For many years I lived the life of the world without belonging to it. That time of exalted awakening that I felt in my youth, the feelings of being set apart, newly born, that I must begin life afresh or anew, I somewhere laid aside or suppressed. But thru' it all wondering where do I belong? Whose life will I share? I constantly laid aside those things I knew someday I must pick up, believing and rationalizing that there was plenty of time for other things first!

That glorious awakening in my youth had somehow endued a soft, gentle voice that reminded my quietly, complained quietly so that at times I could hardly hear it, "that I was leading a strange life." I was doing many things that were only a game, sometimes cheerful, sometimes experiencing pleasure, but that real life was flowing past and did not even touch me.

Like a ballplayer, I played at my business, with those around me, I watched them, but in my heart, and my real nature, I was not even there and felt at times far away. My real self wandered elsewhere, far away and had nothing to do with my life.

I was sometimes afraid of these thoughts, wished many times I could share everyday affairs of life and job with the intensity of others, instead of having that feeling of only being an onlooker, and only that for a little while. Like a wheel on a bicycle, once put in motion turns for a long time and then slowly, nearly stopping---slowly, like moisture entering a dying tree, slowly filling and rotting it so did the world creep into my soul, made it heavy, made it tired, and almost put that voice to sleep.

Somehow, thru' time, that eager readiness to hear the divine voice within my heart had gradually become a memory, had passed. The only fountain head, which had once been near and which had sung loudly within me, now seemed only a murmur softly in the distance.

Yet, throughout that time I always felt a scorn, disdain and even a feeling of superiority towards others, because I was a Primitive Baptist, but not in practice. Oh, what a hypocrite! I even took on some of the characteristics of ordinary people [perhaps unregenerate ways] placing great importance in the way I lived. But I never was able to be, as they, always in love with themselves, with their honors, plans, hopes and most of all their own goodness.

Like a veil, a thin mist, a weariness seemed to settle on me. Slowly, everyday it was thicker, darker and heavier. The world, my job, etc. like a garment lost its bright colors, became stained and creased, the hems frayed, threadbare in places. That life became old.

The world caught me in pleasure, covetousness, jealousy, selfishness, which I hated. But in this worldly existence I experienced some kind of happiness, some kind of excitement, although, it was nothing but satiated, tepid, insipid existence, [lukewarm and flat].

I would look into the mirror at myself and feel shame and nausea. This only made me flee again in confusion to the passions of the world in a senseless cycle of becoming old and sick.

Like the ancient Romans of old, who would eat and drink too much and run to their vomitoriums and vomit painfully and feel better, so I did feel to rid my self with one terrific heave of these pleasures and habits of a senseless life.

Then that voice of old, of youth and eagerness, came quietly calling, "A path lies before you which you are called to follow and many await you." It seems that slowly and through many twist and turns I changed from a man into a child. I had to experience so much stupidity, so many vices and errors so much nausea, sorrow just to become as a little child and begin anew. I had to experience despair I had to sink to great mental depths in order to experience grace. How I hated that world of pleasures and passions and how I hated myself, and made myself old and ugly; never again will I feel myself to be clever or smart.

I knew as a child that pleasures of the world and riches are not good. I now know it by experience, not only with my intellect, but with my eyes, my heart and stomach.

That sweet bird of worldly mirth and pleasure that I listened to so happily had died within me and I had truly longed for it to perish. It was what I had wished to destroy in my youth, but my pride allowed the world to conquer me again and again. It robbed me of happiness and filled me with awful dread. Now its death is why I feel as a little child, full of trust, happiness, looking to the author and finisher of that soft, gentle voice endued so many years ago. That voice bringing with it a new found strength and power to overcome the world.

[I wrote this about myself about ten years ago.]

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Voice of the Past ...

I distinctly remember some incidents that occurred with me the first little preaching tour I made not long after I was ordained. I have served churches every since I was ordained, but every now and then I would have strong impressions to visit other sections, so much, so that I have visited among the saints in seventeen states in the Union.

I have tried to preach the gospel from coast to coast. I would not say the Lord was in all my going, but will say this: My going among them was worth much to me and I never meddled with strife that did not belong to me; and in all my preaching and writing. I have never been called in question about my doctrinal sentiment I set forth. But back to my first tour:

I had an impression to visit south Texas, but I felt too poor and little to ask for appointments. The Friendship Association met at Paige, Bastrop County and the brethren of Providence Association generally attended and I told my wife to put me in a change of clothes and if they invited me over there, I would go.

I begged the Lord if it was right for me to go, to open up the way and when I arrived on the ground they began to insist that I go home with them, of course, I readily agreed. They were all strangers to me, but the first day at the meeting there was an afflicted sister there and they drove the hack up near the stand where she saw me. She told her husband, that is the man I saw in my dream. When they told me about it I could not help but weep. God had given me a little evidence. She has long since passed on, but I have never forgotten that happy day.

Another thing, old Brother Aran Jeffrey called me off and gave me two dollars and said, You can't go and preach at your own expense, and it is our duty to help you. I did not want to take it, but he insisted. This was the first penny I received and I felt humiliated. I felt my preaching was so poor, it was hardly fit to give away, much less to charge for it. And most of my ministerial life I have felt that way.

Elder Culpepper and I made our way to the Little Flock Association. These people were all strangers to me. There were quite a few preachers there and it seemed when they looked at me, they could look through me. They put me up to preach one night, and I was scared and wished that I was at home. The truth was, I could not preach. Oh, how humiliated I was. I only had one consolation, they would not put me up again.

Elder William Guess met me the next morning and said, "Good morning, Buddy, what are you doing over here trying to preach?" I was already nearly dead, and that finished me. But, to my surprise, they put me up again. Now what must I do? I rambled off down the river to a lonely spot and poured out my petition to God. I did not want to be a big preacher then. I just wanted enough liberty to convince then that I had a gift.

The Lord was good to me, I felt when I commenced talking, a Holy Boldness. Some of them began shouting. Old Brother A. V. Atkins took me in his arms, thus ended my first preaching tour.

A gift will make room for itself and bring us before great men. So, dear young preacher, don't take it to heart too much if you are shut up in darkness, it is good for us sometimes. It drives us to our knees in prayer.

S. N. Redford Valley Springs, Texas The Banner of Love, Jan. 15, 1947

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The Existence of God: Teleological Argument

The Universe Has a Design

The Final Witness

 By Brother Ron Johnson

God's powerful testimony of His creation resides in the simplicity of His blessings. With the abundance of food in our industrialized society, we may not recognize our dependence on the rain and the fruitful seasons. In earlier times' every day was a struggle for even the basic needs of life, and there were ever present reminders of man's dependence on God. In a deeper sense, gladness of heart is more than satisfaction with material sustenance. We are as dependent on God today as in the pas6 for spiritual nourishment as well as natural. As He has blessed us to understand more about our surrounding throughout time, we see His awesome handiwork in the natural realm and therefore praise Him in the spiritual. The simplicity of His goodness (love) remains as the pinnacle of what is truly important in our understand of the attributes of God, for "God is love." (1 John 4:16)

Some continue to deny the evidence of God and His blessings. But what would life really be like if 'survival of the fittist" were the only rule of law? Why is there good in the world at all? Clearly it is because God is good. Some physical blessings are obvious to all "for he maketh His sun to rise in the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust" (Matthew 5:45), even though not all acknowledge Him as the author. James gives us added insight into the depth of God's goodness: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17). Not only do we benefit from the good gifts, but our sense of being is also stabilized by the knowledge of the unchangeableness of God and His purpose. In  world where change influences out lives directly, by some estimates, every one hundred days, the knowledge of the immutability of the goodness of our Heavenly Father is one of our greatest sources of peace. As we learn more about the intricacies of life from a scientific perspective, we are made to bow in adoration and thanksgiving for the beauty and unity of purpose of His designs. As we learn more about His purpose through an understanding of His work, we see the perfection of all His creative work in nature and in salvation, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10).

Some still deny God's power in the creation and his goodness. Some even deny His miracles and would attribute biblical descriptions of such events to natural phenomena interpreted through ignorance of science. However, there is one miracle even beyond the creation of our natural enviornment that makes all the others pale in significance; one that, if one believes its truth, makes all other miracles easy to believe; one that transcends our understanding of physical reality; one that, if not believed, would make us "of all men most miseravle". Of course, this miracle is the ressuraction of Jesus Christ through which He was "declared to be the Son of God with power" (Romans 1:4).

The importance of Christ as the Son of God, relative to our very existance, cannot be emphasized nore than in Colossians 1:16-17:

    For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visable and invisable, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

And in Rev 4:11:

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

It is also clear in God's design that He made man different from animals in very significant ways. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:39, "All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds." When God breathed into man's nostril the breath of life, he gave him more than natural life. he gave him a reasoning power far above His other creatures. So, we see the error Darwinian evolution biblically as well as from scientific investigations.

One hundred years ago an editorial "Prayer for a New Year" was published in what is now the The Orange County Register. It was republished to begin the New Millennium. One of the paragraphs of the New Year Beatitudes says³⁰

    Blessed are they who thrill with the feeling that this vast universe is not a mere chance thing that blind force rent out of chaos, propelling it forward to reach an end of blind calamity.

    Blessed are they in the thrilling; for the hold the key to peace within while perplexity rules without.

"Indeed, it is not a chance thing". God is sovereign over all. We praise His sustaining grace. We exist by His declaration. God has declared His creation with the words "Let there be light". He has declared Christ as the Son of God and the light of the world through His life, and His death and His resurrection. And His declarations continue. he is in control and we take comfort in knowing He is declaring the "end from the beginning" even now.

Remember the former things of old: for I an God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (Isaiah 46:9-10)

God's "declaring" will continue to ring out until "time is no longer". There is no question. He is a personal God.

And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by him that liveth forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer. (Revelation 10:5-6)

We behold the fulfillment of the scriptures and God's impact on our daily lives. We praise Him for it and look forward to an even brighter future.

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We are all familiar with the concept of a small child being afraid of the darkness. Many of us went through this stage as a child, and witness it again as we raise our own children.

Going to bed each night presents this problem. Our children often request some type of night light or an open closet or open hall door with the light left on.

Just a small light can make a lot of difference. Sometimes, even the presence of a small flashlight is sufficient.

I remember traveling as a small boy in our family car across the high Texas plains. Usually we were returning from some church meeting and it was late on Sunday night when we return. Of course we were usually bored as children, tired, sleepy and homesick as we headed home. Dad used to play games with us to relieve our anxieties. We looked at the lights on the horizon.

We talked about the lights of the upcoming town which we could see from some distance off. Because of the flatness of the plains, we could often see the lights of several towns to our left and right as we drove along. We discussed each single light and what it might represent. It meant there was a farmhouse with real people and other children where we could seek refuge in case of trouble.

We are attracted to light, even a single light because we feel secure in the light from the unknown of the darkness.

It is amazing what a small, single light can achieve to relieve a child’s fears of the darkness. The same concept works all of our adult lives. One small light can mean a world of difference in our times of darkness. Many lights are great; but just one solitary light can mean the difference.

The light can come from strange places. Maybe even you.

Jesus talks to us about the light that is each of us. He does not tell us to hide that light, but to let is shine.

Most of us feel our light is small, and alone it cannot do much good. We look around and we see the big lights that we perceive burns in others. Because it is small, we find ourselves embarrassed or shy about using the light and letting it shine. Instead, we cover it up.

Think about the experiences of our childhood, wherein one small, solitary light to us meant a world of security. One light, regardless of its perceived smallness, made the difference.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talks to us about our light. Matt. 5:14-16. He compares the lights in each of us to a "city that is set on a hill" — it cannot be hidden. He tells us that when we need light we do not light the single candle and hide it under a basket. Instead, he reminds us that a single candle, set high on the candlestick, will give light to all that are in the house.

With that analogy, we then instructs us in our daily lives: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Your light may be small, but the Lord put it in you for a purpose. Do not high it under a basket. You need to set that light on a candlestick and let it shine. You do not know what small child is there in the darkness who will get great security from the very light that you think perceive is so small. But for that child who is alone in the darkness, it may be your small light that makes all the difference in a dark world.

And like that solitary farm light in the distance, your solitary light may be used by the Lord provide security to someone without your ever knowing it.

As adults, we remain children in the sight of the Lord. We all need the security that comes from those lights provided by the Lord.

Small lights have made a big difference to me, even in recent days. I thank the Lord for his blessings in each of the people who provided those lights. I pray the Lord will richly bless those lights to let them shine higher and brighter for others to also benefit.

Do not hide your light. Let it shine. You will be blessed and you will greatly ease the insecurity of a child in the darkness.

As an update, my wife Melba was recently released from the hospital after a 35-day stay in the intensive care unit. She remains on oxygen, but it otherwise regaining her strength.

She completed her third treatment of chemotherapy for her rare thymoma cancer; and is scheduled to complete the fourth and final treatment just before Labor Day. We are hopeful her remaining treatment can be done as an outpatient.

--Don R. Richards

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Ima Dora Haile, 84, a member of the immediate family which founded The Banner of Love, died July 5, 2000 at her home in Plainview, Texas.

Family grave site services were held Friday, July 7, 2000 at the Richards’ family burial plot in the cemetery at Anton, Texas. Memorial service was held on Saturday, July 8, 2000 at Lemmons Funeral Home Chapel in Plainview. Conducting the services was Mr. Robert Black, minister of music at the Plainview First Baptist Church, and Don R. Richards, Mrs. Haile’s nephew.

Survivors include one son, James H. ("Jim") Haile and wife Jackie, of Amarillo, Texas.

Mrs. Haile was the daughter of Primitive Baptist minister Elder Hard G. Richards and Sister Dora Richards, founders of The Banner of Love. Her brother was the late Elder Afton E. Richards, longtime publisher of The Banner of Love until his death in 1984. Three other brothers preceded her in death, Alton Richards, Edwin Richards, and William H. Richards (who died in infancy).

She was born April 14, 1916 on the family’s farm in Stonewall County, Texas between Rule and Aspermont. She graduated as valedictorian of her senior class in 1934 at Anton, Texas, and earned college degree in home economics in 1938 at Texas Tech.

She married Cadet James Randolph Haile on Feb. 14, 1943 at Maxwell Field, Montgomery, Alabama. He was a bombardier for the 36^th Division of the U.S. Air Force National Guard in the European Theatre in World War II and was shot down and killed on a mission over southwest Germany on July 12, 1944 leaving Mrs. Haile and their four-month-old son as survivors. He is buried at the U.S. Military cemetery at St. Avoid, near Metz, France.

After receiving her degree, Mrs. Haile taught in Texas public schools for 22 years, primarily in home economics, but also served as girls athletic coach and girls’ activities sponsor. She taught schools in Anton, Winters, Sundown, Slaton, Loop, Ira and at Texas Tech. While teaching, she returned to Texas Tech and received her master’s degree in home economics in 1954.

In 1962 she was hired by the Texas Education Agency, moved to Plainview and for the next 22 years served as area supervisor for a large number of public school home economics programs as well as 260 teachers and the Texas Panhandle Area I Future Homemakers Association and the Area I Young Youngmakers. She retired from public education in 1984 after 44 years.

Mrs. Haile was still in high school in 1932 when, along with her parents and brothers, the family founded and began publishing The Banner of Love. Her primary role in the early days of the Primitive Baptist publication was the individual hand addressing and mailing of the newspaper to subscribers.

After her 1984 retirement, and the death of her brother that same year, longtime Banner of Love publisher Elder Afton Richards, she again joined the Banner of Love staff, providing monthly assistance in the updated mass addressing and mailing of the newspaper. She continued for almost 16 years in that capacity until her health recently precluded her active participation in the spring of 2000.

In retirement she also became active in a number of historical and genealogy organizations, and wrote and published two books. Inspired by the Primitive Baptist roots of her father Elder Hard Richards, and her grandfather Elder Hamp Richards, she researched, wrote and published a book tracing the existence and development of Primitive Baptist church in Texas during the time period of the Republic of Texas. Included in her acknowledgments of the book, she thanked those assisting her including her sister-in-law, Mrs. Opal Richards and the Banner of Love files, Primitive Baptist minister Elder George Hilton Crain of Arlington for his research material, Bro. Harvey Bass of Muleshoe and her son and daughter-in-law Jim and Jackie Haile.

She also researched, wrote and published a book on her family’s genealogy, tracing family roots through six generations of Texas, and additional generations to Tennessee, New England and England.

She was a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Daughters of the American Revolution, Confederacy Colonial Dames, First Families of Texas and First Families of Tennessee. She remained active in the Plainview Toastmaster’s Club and was recognized at Toastmaster of the Year in 1986.

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By Elder Clem E. Cook

It is my belief that this word, and it's various forms, is probably one of the most misunderstood subjects of the Bible.

There are three Hebrew, and three Greek words that were translated as temp, tempted, tempeth, tempting, and temptation. And though, they all have similar meanings each one needs to be understood within the context that they are used.

Oxford's Universal Dictionary of Historical Principles gives these definitions: To test, put to test, try. To try , make a trial of, or to prove. With a secondary meaning of. To try to attract, allure, incite, induce. To try to draw a person to contradict, confute, or commit himself.

Temptation is the act of tempting or fact of being tempted. A thing that tempts; a cause or source of temptation. The action or process of testing or proving: trial, test.

It is the secondary meaning of temp that most will apply to all teachings, and therefore become confused concerning the actual teachings of the Word.

Therefore, as I attempt to write, concerning the various teaching within the word, I will also give you the Hebrew and Greek word and/or it's meaning; as defined by Strong's Dictionary. The first reference is found in Gen. 22:1; with the Hebrew word being "nacah". This word is defined as to test; by implication, to attempt. This word has also been translated to adventure, assay, prove, tempted, and try.

God did tempt Abraham, yet it is written in James 1:13, Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempeth he any man.

The words in this writing, in James, used two of the Greek words; "peirazo" which is to test [objectively]. i .e endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline: and "apoeirastos" which is used to express one who is not temptable: not to he tempted.

To better understand this we turn to Heb. 11:17-19; wherein it states that Abraham was tried in the offering of Isaac. Tried is also translated from peirazo. God did not entice Abraham; but tested his faith. Abraham had the promise of God. That in Isaac shall thy seed [posterity] shall he called [whose surname]. Therefore it tells us that he took this in account: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. Also see Rom. 4:17-21.

Next, I will refer you to Deut. 6:16, where it is written, "Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God." This being [nacah] the same as used in Gen. 22:1. And is referring to Ex. 17:2-7 where it tells how Israel tempted [nacah] God at Massah, and Merihah.

The key to understanding these teachings is how these words are used; nacah is always used to define to test, to prove, to try: such defines that which test the purity of that which is being tempted; and peirazo is not only used as to test, but also to entice. God does not entice with evil, nor can he be enticed with evil: Yet he can be tried.

When the word "prove" is used most readers do not have a problem with what is under consideration. This being because it describes to us that which is tried or tested; to bring forth the genuineness of, quality of, or correctness of that which is to be proved.

Such as God speaks in the Burden of the Lord to Israel by Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove [bachan] me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. David, in the 23rd Psalm speaks of his cup running over.

In Mal. 3:15 the Hebrew word "bachan" is used, saying, They that tempt God are even delivered. This is defining them that investigate: also being translated as examine, prove, try [trial]. Going to Ex. 16:4 we read, Then saith the Lords unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you: and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate [portion] every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law or not. See Ver. 27, 28 for the answer.

Yes, we are to test, prove, our Lord concerning those things promised; not by enticements, but through our good works in faith. But we are not to tempt [test] him through our lack of faith and belief in his word.

This is a very brief study concerning the vast teaching on temp; but is my hope that it will give you a foundation for your studies/reading of the scriptures. If you desire more, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Your servant in the word,

Clem E. Cook

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A new publication providing the biographies of Primitive Baptist ministers in the United States, is nearing its release to the public. It is intended as a continuation of the similar work by the late Elder R. H. Pittman in 1909.

Pre-publication orders are currently being accepted for the book with a pre-publication price of $25.00 postpaid. Shipment is expected by the end of this year. Post publication price is expected to be $30.00.

The book is expected to exceed 900 pages with entries of approximately 1500 ministers, including 500 pictures. It will have a hard-cover binding.

Persons interested in the book should send payment, made out to "Primitive Baptist Heritage Corporation", in care of Elder Hugh Montgomery, P.O. Box 1232, Lampasas, TX 76550.

TO THE BANNER OF LOVE

I am so deeply sorry about Brother Don Richard's wife. I've kept her and the family in my prayers. And remember, God is still God and He knows best. Sometimes when things are so dark, the darkest hour is right before dawn. And sometimes, too, I have noticed to the ones' who are asked to go through more, the greater the rewards and blessings. It's been a personal experience for me.

I love the Banner or Love, and I truly am grateful for our paper, for the writers and the deep love and concern for others. [Enclosed is a small offering]

May God richly bless each of you and keep the wonderful good news and articles of our paper coming.

Your sister in Christ,

Sister Darlene McDonald

Houston, Texas

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NO PROBLEM IS TOO BIG FOR GOD

When things get too hard

to handle for us

It's time to call on God

For His Grace is sufficient

We all know

No problem is too hard

for our Lord

He promises in His Word.

Our Blessed Savior knows

when we are sad,

He is the dearest friend

That we've ever had.

When we lean on Jesus,

and trust His Holy Name

Our problems are solved,

And we'll never be the same.

Darlene McDonald

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THERE IS COMING A DAY

There is coming a day when all of God's children will be dwelling in a place where crying, death, grief, pain, and sorrow will not exist. There will be no more temptations and tribulations to endure.

There will be no more yearning to obtain a bigger car or house. The streets will be made of pure gold and the roses there will not fade. Never more will there be any need for the moon or sun, because Jesus will be the light. Time won't matter any more, so there will be no concern about making it to school or work at a certain hour.

There will be no blizzards, floods, hurricanes, or tornadoes to threaten God's elect. There is a scripture from the book of Romans that is very noteworthy. It is as follows: For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory, which shall be revealed to us. [Romans 8:18].

At the Second Coming, God's children will be changed from corruptible to incorruptible and live eternally with our Savior in a paradise far above the skies.

With sin no longer in existence, it will be unending days of pure bliss. What a glorious day that will be when our Savior returns to take His children home.

Written with God's Love,

Jerry Bass

Lubbock, Texas

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A THOUGHT

Oh, yes, The Lord, He is my Savior.

He walks with me each night and day. He leads my foot steps down each pathway.

He will never lead me astray.

I will follow Him up each hill and down each valley

For I realize He knows the way

And at the end of our journey

There will be a bright and happy day.

As I stand and look up at the mountain

It seems a long way to the top

But with God's help I know that

I can make it all the way up to the top.

God is Good. God is Great

With His help I think that we can Make it all the way

Thru' those Pearly Gates.

Janie Esta Lee [Jackson] Barnard

Cushing, Oklahoma

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By Elder Hulan Bass

Themes for Summer of 2000 in Lockhart, Texas, area.

One area church - Travel back in time with us as the story of Christ comes to life!

This is your life, Jesus Christ, will be the theme of the Vacation Bible School at this church. Students and adults will be able to experience the wonders of Jesus' ministry on earth as they travel to the Sea of Galilee, Cana, and other exciting places. Each night they will visit a Bible Time Marketplace and see a puppet show at the Nazareth Cinema. It will be for the ages of three years to 5th grade, although adults and young people are also welcomed. There will be an open house with homemade ice cream.

Another church of Lockhart, TX invites all children 5-6th grade to join us in The Fantastic Good News Ocean Odyssey.

Still another Lockhart church, Life Center's exciting VBS Program being sponsored also by another church, same faith and then an other one. We will explore and celebrate God's Great Get-Together! Each day we will have skits and games to see the many promises God has made, and faithfully kept. The kids will learn for themselves; how being a member of God's family will help them feel loved and nurtures. It is also interesting to note that these churches are jointly sponsoring.

A non-denominational church will host its Annual VBS the week of June 19--23. [no programs announced].

Another Lockhart Church just completed their VBS with several hundred little children participating in various arts, crafts and activities. There are many others I have not listed.

Commentary: There are 1000's of so-called Christian Churches in America holding VBS during this summer, and hundreds of thousands of little children are attending the various activities, arts, crafts, sports, recreational games and other secular carnal engagements, and are being taught to accept Christ and give their "believing hearts" to the Lord. They are learning this in skits, VCR Films, Puppet Shows, etc. This type of programming is on a roll. It is a well-oiled-lubricated machine. It works. However, it is not found supported by the Scriptures. The Apostles and Jesus never hinted at such procedure.

How are you going to "unteach" them so you can teach them the Gospel Truth? Why don't the parents teach them at home, as the Bible instructs?

From the times of the children of Israel in the Old Testament God taught the parents to teach their children The Word of The Law - Deut. 6:1; 11:18-21. The benefits of such teaching would be that they would inhabit the Land flowing with milk and honey; their days would be multiplied and the days of their children, in the land which The Lord sware unto their fathers to give them, as the days of Heaven upon the earth.

The parents were to teach such, speaking of them when they sitteth in their house, when walking by the way, when lying down, and risest up. These Laws were written upon the door posts of their house and upon the gates. They would possess great and goodly cities, which they built not; houses full of all good things, which they did not have to buy; wells digged, which they diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which they plantedst not. This is the historical picture of the New Testament Church of Timely Gospel benefit.

Solomon wisely wrote in Prov. 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it."

Again he taught in ECC. 12: 1 - Remember now thy Creator in the days of they youth..." Jeremiah taught in -Lam. 3:27 - "It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth." This teaching was to come directly from the Parents. These prophesies point us directly to the same Principle in the New Testament. This text did not say, teach them arts, crafts, recreational sports, etc.

Paul amplifies this principle in 2nd Tim. 1:5, where he relates that young Timothy was taught at home by his grandmother and mother. 2nd Tim. 3:15 - "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures..." There is no scripture teaching us to send our children to some other teaching instructor apart from the parents at home; a God-called Preacher/Pastor/Teacher in the Assembly at Church.

Further, the O.T. procedure for teaching The Law is illustrated in Deut. 31:12 - Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the Lord your God, and observe to do all the words of this law" V. 13 - "And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the Lord your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it."

Therefore, it is clear, that the teaching of children about spiritual matters, is not to be "farmed out" to some other entity [organization], but first by the parents at home, then the Assembly where the men, women, and children are gathered together, and taught by a God-called Minister, mainly the pastor. Separating children and others into various class-rooms by age, sex, marital status, etc., is not scriptural. Yet, this is being "farmed-out" by the hundreds of thousands. Little children are being "programmed" with this "works system" of almost all the various flavors of Christian Denominationalism.

Finally, do you believe that a child should be taught there is a vast difference between Secular and Spiritual Data and Involvement? Most of this children are learning to associate the Worldly Activities of man, secular, social, recreational sports and games right along with God and Spiritual Date, not discerning that only "Spiritual things are compared with Spiritual.

Carnal appetites are being stimulated as a drawing enticement in order for Spiritual Date. Is this not the fulfillment of - Matt. 7:13-14? The wide and broad with many vs. the strait and narrow with only a few?

2nd Cor. 4:4 - "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not, let the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." It sure is difficult to "unblind" their eyes, and "unteach" the errors.

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