I have had in mind for some time to write on the calling of Ezekiel to the office of prophet, or minister. The vision that Ezekiel saw in chapter one was at the time of his calling by the Lord. Also the vision that Isaiah saw, in the year that king Uzziah died, [who probably was his father's brother; Isaiah's uncle, whom he loved] like Ezekiel, was at the beginning of his calling as a prophet or into the ministry.

The vision of the apostle John recorded in Revelation chapter four is also symbolically speaking of the office of the ministry, and was given for the ministry of the New Testament church shortly after her constitution. There's a considerable likeness in each of these visions, especially the visions recorded in Revelation and Ezekiel. The lessons found in these visions are especially for the New Testament Church and the ministry in particular. However, this is not to infer that Ezekiel's and Isaiah's visions were not profitable for the Old Testament Church. The Lord willing, we will consider these visions as we endeavor to examine "The Calling of Ezekiel."

Before we consider the vision we will give a short biography of Ezekiel. To be better acquainted with the prophet will make our study more interesting.

Ezekiel's name means; God will strengthen. He was a priest, [Ezekiel 1:3]. He probably exercised his priestly office in Jerusalem before his departure in the captivity of Jehoiachin, king of Israel, by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, about 600 B.C. His departure was eleven years before the city of Jerusalem finally fell, [2 Kings 24:15].

Apparently the best of the people were the first that were carried into captivity [Ezekiel 11:16; Jeremiah 24: 2-10]. Believing the prophets they obeyed Nebuchadnezzar's first summons to surrender, which was the only way of safety and was in accord to the warning of the prophets. But the unbelieving were willing to do anything to remain in their native land. Those who stayed in the land despised their exiled brethren claiming they had no claim in the temple or the sacrifices.

Jeremiah was the prophet in Jerusalem with these people, Jeremiah [chapter 28] sent a letter to the exiles in Babylon to warn them against the flattering promises of the false prophets saying, "that they should soon return" Because the captivity would last seventy years. The people in captivity, although their homeland was under Babylonian captivity, were eager to return to Jerusalem, but Ezekiel taught that they must first return to their God.

Ezekiel was called to the ministry in the fifth year of Jehoiachin's captivity [595 B.C.] in Chaldea [Babylon], when he was thirty years of age, at the river Chebar [Ezekiel 1: 1-3]. Jesus was also called in His thirtieth year at the river Jordan [Luke 3:21-23]. Thusly Ezekiel was twenty-five years old when he was carried into captivity. Ezekiel was in exile in Babylon when he saw his vision, the apostle John was in exile in Patmos when he saw his vision.

Ezekiel was married, but the Lord took his wife away by a sudden stroke, see Ezekiel 24:15-18.

Ezekiel was also contemporary with Daniel, whose ministry was in the Babylonian court, while Ezekiel's was among the captives scattered throughout Babylon. Ezekiel prophesied in the captivity, and Jeremiah prophesied before the captivity, and in Jerusalem after the captivity.

Ezekiel and Daniel are the only writing prophets of the Old Testament who lived and prophesied anywhere else but in the land of Israel, except Jonah who was sent to Ninevah to prophesy. Ezekiel prophesied in the beginning of the captivity, Daniel in the latter part of the captivity.

The character of the people improved towards the close of the seventy years captivity, their abandonment of idolatry and return to the law under Ezra, was due in a great measure to Ezekiel's labors, which were directed by the grace of God.

According to the Jewish historians, Ezekiel was put to death by the Jewish captives in Babylon for his faithfulness and boldness in reproving them; it is stated that they dragged him upon the stones of the street until his brains were dashed out.

The book of Ezekiel, in general, contains various visions that the prophet saw; several threatenings against the Jews; prophecies against other nations; and an abundance of comfortable promises of the Messiah, and blessings by Him; and the state and condition of the Gospel church and the worship of it. Ezekiel loved to walk about the temple in his meditations, and he writes considerably, in a symbolic manner, concerning the temple.

The vision that Ezekiel saw in chapter one and repeated or referred to in other places of his book, as we have already said, was at the time of his call to the ministry, and symbolically tells him what is encompassed in the office that he was being called to. It also prophetically speaks of the New Testament [Gospel] church and her ministry The word of the Lord, as well as the vision, was expressly for Ezekiel [chapter 1:3] the priest and the hand of the Lord was upon him; these things were for Ezekiel, they were between the Lord and Ezekiel. The word was expressly given to Ezekiel, he was to give the same word expressly to the church. This is the manner that the Lord sends His messages to the church.

The key for the opening of this visions that which John saw in his vision in Revelation chapter four concerning the beasts which speak of the ministers of the gospel and their characters agree with those in Ezekiel's vision.

The likeness of [not real] the four living creatures [called cherubim in chapter ten], had the general appearance of men; They each had four faces and they seem to have their backs towards the inside forming a square, their faces were toward the outside, the square they formed was by their position one with the other, 'foursquare.' Each creature had four wings, in Revelation and Isaiah they had six wings. The wings seemed to be placed one wing on each side of their bodies; one wing on the front of their bodies, one wing on their back side.

They had the hands of a man under each of their wings. Two of their wings were joined together at their outer ends with each other and they were stretched upward. Each of them covered their bodies with two of their wings. In Isaiah's vision the Seraphims, the creatures or beasts are called there, with two wings covered their face; feeling unworthy to look upon the Lord, with two they covered their feet, feeling unworthy to walk or approach His glory, and with two they flew about and cried their message, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of glory."

Whenever the creatures were inspired by the spirit to go and come, or when the spirit moved they would always follow. The noise of their wings made a thundering noise as the rushing of many waters, 'as the voice of the Almighty.' When they stood still they let their wings down.

In the sky above where they stood, was the likeness of a throne, upon which was the likeness of a man [this was the likeness of Jesus, the Son of God, the Son of man, that would save His people from their sins]. There was a glorious light around Him the color of amber and had the appearance of fire round about and within the throne. He had the appearance of the flaming fire from his loins upward, nd from his loins downward. Ezekiel saw 'the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain.' This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord, and when he saw it, he fell upon his face, and he heard a voice, of one that spake," see Ezekiel 1:27-28. This symbolically shows the Lord looking down on His church and His ministry, which He, as the head over His church, provides for and watches over. The apostle John saw the Lord in his vision, "And he that sat was to look upon like jasper and sardine stone; and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald, [Revelation 4:3].

The hands symbolically indicate that the ministers are to be industrious, actively pursuing the business of the ministry; applying themselves to the study of the word of God, preaching the Gospel wherever the Spirit of the Lord may direct them, and ministering to the Lord's people in the many different ways expected of them as they serve in the Lord's kingdom.

Their hands being under their wings indicates that they should never go about their duties in a boastful manner or to be seen of men, but quietly with frequent fervent prayer in their closets petitioning God for wisdom to serve expectably, Humbly going about their work, always giving the Lord all the praise and being careful to never assume any praise for themselves. "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen." [1 Peter 4:11].

Their four faces were; the face of a man, of a lion, of an oz, and of an eagle. These faces looked upward. Their feet were set straight forward and they left a sole print in the likeness of a calves foot. They always moved together in a straight forward manner, in complete unity, without any deviation. They turned not, 'having put their hand to the plow of the Gospel they neither looked back, nor turned back. They went 'wither the spirit was to go, they went.' The Lord was their only guide and whenever, He directed they responded. Each one of them had the appearance of burning coals of fire [that glowed]. God was their only source of fire to keep the coals burning they had no fire, light, or energy, that could be regenerated by their own power or ability. They also had the appearance of burning lamps, and God not only supplied them with lamps, but He was also their continuing source of fuel for their lamps, that they used to search the word of God; that they might be 'a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.'

Continued in January 2001

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Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."

Matthew 1:18 "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise; When as his mother, Mary, was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost."

Here are two statements. One is the prophesy of the coming of the Son of God, the other one is His birth announcement. "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise." For a good understanding we must be guided by the scriptural account of His birth, which is a far different account than many traditional views. Briefly stated, His birth and death are much misunderstood.

The Good Shepherd entered by the door of prophesy and at the right time: Galatians 4:4, "But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law."

Luke 2:8-10, "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."

No wonder the Apostle Paul could say, "thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." Through the years, for different reasons, there have been many myths about the great event of His birth. If we are to see the miraculous beauty, we must look beyond the tinsel and nativity scenes that, many times, no doubt, sincere people envision replicate the first greeting of our Lord, and further, if we are to understand this great event, we should prayerfully get the correct view. The very best and only perfect commentary on the birth of Christ is the book, the Bible. Isaiah 34:16; "Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them."

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." There is no doubt the light of day was past. The sun had gone down, but spiritually it as a dark time in Israel. Imagine in the dark night, the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and the announcement to the humble shepherds that a Saviour is born and they would find Him wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. The wonder of heaven, the Saviour, was lying in the place where the animals feed. Surely no place in the universe was more guarded that night than a stable where the sinless, spotless eternal Son of God, by whom the heavens were created, was cradled in the arms of His virgin mother.

He was born, according to the scriptures, on this wise, and the surrounding events find the shepherds going to Bethlehem with haste, not to the house, but to the stable. Never has there been another night like this: God's angelic messenger coming to shepherds, the glory of the Lord shining, lighting up the darkness, the heavenly host praising God and the Saviour is born. And...the religious leaders would become very disturbed and their unified cry was "away with Him." About 33 years later the Romans carried out their wishes and crucified Him.

Matthew 2:11 "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."

The very important event in the early life of the Lord Jesus is so misunderstood. Notice, when they were come into the house." Those coming to the house were the wise men, not the shepherds. The fact that Herod slew all the children two years old and under reveals that Christ was in that age group. Herod left a sinful and bloody page of history.

In Matthew, Chapter 2, we have much information regarding the events following His birth. In Verse 1 we have wise men from the East coming to Jerusalem seeking the Lord. So often the scene is set for three wise men, usually depicted as coming to the manger. The Bible says nothing of three wise men; we know there were at least two; there could have been many more. These wise men were guided by the Scriptures in Verses 5 and 6. They, [the scribes] answered Herod's question about his birthplace by citing Micah 5, "But thou Bethlehem, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel whose going forth have been told, from everlasting." There were many prophesies to identify the coming of the Saviour, even to the naming of His birthplace.

The wise men were also guided by a star [Verse 2]. Many times this star is described by the world as being everything from Halley's comet to some other astronomical occurrence. This light that guided the wise men was just as supernatural as was the darkness during His crucifixion. This day, some two thousand years since His birth, truly wise people are still following His Word, guided by His light.

Another important scriptural account is given in Verse 11; the wise men-not the shepherds- came to the house and saw the young child with his mother, Mary, and fell down, and here the Holy Spirit is very emphatic, "they worshipped Him." They worshipped Him and none other; they did not dedicate the house as a holy shrine, or worship His mother; they worshipped Him and they presented unto Him gold, frankincense and myrrh. The gold was a king's offering, but as we study scripture, there was the foreshadowing of death in these gifts also, in the substances used in preparation of bodies for burial.

Because there were three items presented, very likely, is the reason it is supposed by some that there were three wise men, which has about the same credibility as the theory that the age of accountability is "twelve years," because Christ was found in the temple of that age. The more the word of God is embellished and reinforced, the more is taken away from it.

We must not become so caught up in Christmas "rush" that we forget that Christ's birth was "on this wise.' As I write this our country is emotionally and politically divided. May God bless us to understand our greatest hope is not in any political party, but the Babe that was born in Bethlehem who now sits enthroned in glory making intercession for us.

May the Scriptures be our guide and the light of His counsel direct our paths as we recall our Saviour whose first earthly visitors were shepherds and the last friendly voice calling to Him on the cross was a thief.

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise."

Elder Bill Walden

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MARY PONDERED THEM IN HER HEART

This vision of Isaiah is remarkable. About eight hundred years later we read of the angel explaining to a virgin, named Mary, what lay ahead of her, [Luke 1:35] "And the angel answered and said unto her, the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."

Mary, ever submissive, and said, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord. Be it unto me according to thy word and the angel departed from her."

She soon visited her cousin, Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Upon Mary's salutation, the babe, John, leaped for joy within his mother at which time Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost and spoke with a loud voice, "Blessed art thou among women." Mary said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God, my Saviour."

Shortly afterward, Mary, with her espoused husband, Joseph, had to go to Bethlehem in response to a tax decree by Caesar Augustus, where her son was born. In the fields where shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks by night, a beautiful scene occurred. A messenger from the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; the angel realizing they were afraid, comforted them with the good tidings of great joy and proclaimed, "that unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God.

The shepherds decided to go find this babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and they told all they came in contact with what they had experienced. "And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."

When did all this happen? We do not know specifically, but we do know the fullness of the time had come and God had sent forth His Son.

Oh, the beautiful situation of these scenes. No royal fanfare, no great armies, no religionists involved, but as Isaiah said, "The Lord Himself" in His way and at His time handled the glorious events surrounding the natural birth of

His Son. He prepared Him a body and the great choir of the Heavenly host, yes the multitude was dispatched from heaven praising God. "Unto you a child is born, unto you a Son is given."

No wonder Mary kept things and pondered them in her heart.

She did not wonder at the news, she must have known that the son to which she had given birth was indeed that holy thing the angel had confided to her he would be.

Oh glorious thought, Immanuel was here. God was with us. Divinity was the herald of divinity in the words of peace on earth, good will toward men. Yet, it was a child that was born. Angels praised God as His Son lay as a baby in a manger. Thank God, the deliverer had arrived.

God had sent His son. He was here among men. Their eyes had seen the glory of the coming of the Lord. The inspired word of God shares the feeling of the time with us today.

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1. Fixed Number which no man knows, is established in Rev. 7:9.

2. Fixed Number which we all know as established in Matt. 10:1-5, which is twelve [12].

3. Variable number which no man knows, which is established as the N. T. Church which membership fluctuates, changes and varies.

4. Variable Number which no man knows, are those Disciples that followed the very First Disciple which were also the 12 Apostles, and we understand this group follows tenaciously he "Apostles' Doctrine," as those who "continued stedfastly" therein - Acts 2:42. These Disciples, from generation to generation, age to age and dispensation to dispensation continue to vary, as one generation dies, another comes onboard, but not to the exactness of number, as in a relay race, where the baton is handed to the next runner.

5. Fixed number - One Only Forever-The Lord Jesus Christ Himself, as noted and referred to in - Isaiah 42:1-as "Mine elect," and then again in - 1st Peter 2:6-as "Elect Precious."

Now for more details of each of the Five groups =

The fixed number [1] above is innumerable, as the sand of the seashore, and the stars of the sky - Gen. 15:5, as typed in Abraham's Seed, and again listed in Rev. 7:9; Eph. 1:4; 1st Peter 1:2; Rom. 8:33; 9:11-13.

The fixed number [2] above is really the Elite among the Elect, being the first Disciples who were also simultaneously the

Apostles -Luke 6:13.

The Variable number [3] above are those Disciples within the confines of the N.T. Organic, Organized, Visible, Militant Church Kingdom on earth. Notice carefully how this number fluctuates=

Acts 1:15 Total - 120 Members, at this point...

Acts 2:41, 47 3,000 were added..

Acts 4:4 5,000 more added...

Acts 5:14 Multitudes Added...

Acts 6:3, 7 Disciples Multiplied Greatly... Acts 9:31 Churches edified and multipled...

Acts 11:21, 24 great Number of Believers added....

Acts 12:24 Word of God Grew/Multiplied; Not Programs;

Acts 15:17 Residue - Seeking after The Lord...

Acts 16:5 Churches established in The Faith and Increased in Number.

Daily....

Acts 19:20 Mightily Grew the Word of God and prevailed

The variable number [4] above embraces those Disciples who have continued steadfastly in the Apostles' Doctrine and Practice within without wavering, but abiding faithfully and contending for the faith once delivered to the Saints. This variable number changers from day to day, and has for 2000 years, as some die, others come onboard, but not exactly or precisely at the same moment one dies as a new one is added so the number stays the same.

Biblical Teachings sets forth in - Rom. 11:4-5 a lesson brought forth from the O. T. concerning Elijah in 1st Kings 19:10-14. This 7,000 is a "sufficient" number for all occasions and environments through the centuries, as "represented" by the "complete" number of seven, and units thereof. This lesson further extends itself in principle into the church as found in -Acts 6:3-as Seven Deacons were needed. Other local church bodies from century to century varied this "seven number" as the situation required, so this seven number is a "Representative Complete Number of sufficiency." This category of elect is also mentioned in the Holy Scriptures as a 'Remnant.'

I must also mention that Matt. 24:24 where Jesus is speaking says -"Insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." Some have held and continues to hold that this is the Group that I have listed in Group 4- the Variable Number; however, contextually, this verse is referring to the Destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. and Jesus is teaching the Jews here, not to allow false Christs and false prophets to deceive them about the coming destruction, as Jesus initially mentioned in Matt. 24:2.

The test listing the tern "very elect" does not really select out of the Number 1-Entire Elect Family Group, a smaller group within such. However, if the concept of "very" means a "smaller" group, seems plausible to you, then the principle of truth herein would go begging. The Greek word for "Very" means "even." The only "Elite" Elect I can find are he 12 apostles [Group 3], who were also Disciples [Fixed] and those [Group 4] that have followed them in Doctrine and Practice, known as the Remnant.

Now Group 2-Luke 6;13-"And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples; and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles." And Group 4 are those who have earnestly contended for the faith from century to century - Jude 3- and the number fluctuates.

If this is not so, then please explain how Jesus fed 5,000 besides women and children, and they followed him, yet as the True Disciples assembled in Jerusalem waiting for Pentecost, there were only 120. What happened to the 5,000? Also, please answer John 6:66- where these disciples walked no more with him. did the Remnant number decrease here?

Also, if this is not so, then please explain the Primitive Baptist church in 2000 A.D. with about 50,000 members, and a century ago it was over 100,000 members. Now if you feel you can "rightly divide" and set up more or less, categories of the Elect, then I would be pleased to learn from you.

Written in much Concerned Love,

Hulan F. Bass [Elder]

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by Don R. Richards

The recent political environment of the U.S. Presidential election has been intriguing. As a student of politics and government, I have greatly enjoyed all the political maneuvering and the court battles.

I have great faith in our U.S. Constitution, and the basis upon which it was created. I was impressed at the respect it received throughout this process. Many of the men involved made mistakes; but the constitutional basis of our country bore the weight of those errors. When our constitutional process ended, all players respected the process.

In the end, I believe our country is stronger. Our faith in the constitution should be stronger after the process. Many other countries (the majority of them) could not have survived such a political upheaval. There would have been army tanks in the streets, and armed soldiers guarding against overthrow of the government.

I believe this crisis will make our country stronger, because we respected and had faith in the constitutional foundation upon which it is based. In a sense, though, it is a shame that it takes a crisis for our to recognize, appreciate and respect our Constitution.

We have a direct comparison with our religious faith. We rock along day to day, usually taking for granted our blessings and our religious philosophy. Too many times we become lax in our allegiance and praise of our Saviour. Then we hit a crisis.

How do you respond to a crisis in your personal life? Do you have the moral constitution to survive the crisis?

When not in a crisis, do you have the same appreciation and the same respect for your constitutional faith?

I’ve recently been through a personal crisis with regard to my family, primarily involving the acute medical problems of my wife, Melba. It has been a trying time this year for me, our children, my wife, and our families. I know I could not have survived, but for the grace of my Lord — that’s my "constitution" upon which I relied and placed my total trust. As a result, I have even greater appreciation for my Lord and His instruction. I hope I can keep it always in the forefront of my mind and not go lax when times get better.

We are told how to survive a crisis in our life. Jesus gave us this instruction in His Sermon on the Mount.

We are to read Jesus’ instruction in chapters 5-6-7 of Matthew, and to follow those guidelines for living. If we read and study God’s instruction, and apply them daily in our personal lives, then we will survive the crisis and storms that life puts in front of us. Listen to it in Jesus’ words:

"Whosoever, heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock." Matt. 7:24.

Jesus further tells us that those who hear His instructions, but ignores them in daily life, is like the man who builds a house "upon the sand." Matt. 7:26.

When crisis comes like a great storm, the house built upon the solid rock foundation will stand, but the house built on sand will fall — "and great was the fall of it."

If your faith is secure in that it is based on the solid foundation of the Lord’s sovereign grace, you will survive the crisis, and your faith will be stronger after the crisis than before.

Through a personal crisis you can have the security of knowing that the Lord’s grace can always achieve that which mystifies us. You gain this security by studying the Lord’s word and instruction, placing your trust and faith in Him, and praying for His daily intervention in your life.

Without a solid foundation and constitution, you become a victim to every little crisis. However, with a rock solid foundation in the Lord, the crisises will come, but they will also go, and you remain personally secure knowing you faith grows during the crisis.

"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:9.

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This is July 23 in the year of our Lord, 2000. Service being held with the Andrews, Texas Primitive Baptist Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. May God bless.

I thought this morning I'd talk to you a little bit, if the Lord would bless me, concerning some of my experiences and some of the blessings that God has granted me, and has led me by the Holy Spirit through the days of my life. First, we would like to read, a couple of scriptures here that I thought would be appropriate...

"and the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom he had formed." Now, let's go to the 7th verse. ..."And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground. These west Texas people ought to understand something about that nuisance .. that dust ..."And breathed into his nostrils, the breath of life, and man became a living soul."

There's a lot to that. And what I wanted out of that, was "The Lord God breathed into his nostrils...the breath of life. That most wonderful and beautiful third person in the Trinity. The breath of God is formed to that, in the power and the essence of stimulating each one of us, but more important, He also breathed into your nostrils, the breath of life, when He created you...when you were created.

Then, we get to the new creation .. that was a natural breath. But, with His providence and His mighty power, and purpose, and because of the fall of depravity of the first man, [and we all inherited that]. He passes by us, dead in trespasses and sin, found us, as Ezekiel said, [or as it Jeremiah?], polluted in our own blood, and he spake and said, "live". And, what I like about that most of all, is that he said because it was a time of love. Oh, brothers and sisters, 'is a time of love. It was a time of love. It is a time of love. Oh, how God loved you and me, if I'm to be one of His...called one of his.

Even before the world began, how He loved us and His purpose. If it wasn't for that love, you sons of Jacob, would never have been. Of course, that transfers from Jacob, which is the natural representative of God's nature, in man, to spiritual Israel

I want to talk a little bit about a couple of experiences. I want to brag on a fellow I know of...Not only Jesus Christ, the Son of God, but, one of His called servants. I recall, when I was a young man, sometime in the forties, when I came over here, of course, and He established this Church and that as a beautiful thing , but that was in my answering not to an effectual call, but to a call to duty. And, God called each one of His children to duty. We ought to remember that.

And, that duty is the most magnificent and sweetest thing the you can get into. 'Might relieve you from your duties when you discharge that duty, that responsibility, to Him. Not only that, but it helps prosper your friends, your neighbors and your family, and your churches, when you answer that call. That's the call of the gospel call. But, that effectual call comes before then, and that is when you're regenerated.

One of his servants was preaching over the radio, back then at Midland, Texas. Back at that time, word was going around in New Mexico and places, about being prince to the power of the air, and you better get him off that radio. How naive can you be? Well, through listening to that man on the radio, I'd slip up of a morning, get close as I could get to the voice and put the radio antennae over the screen and I never will forget it.

This is an experience of grace. And you each have one and you should thank God for it. It would come through there and the spirit of God was very present. Every Sunday morning, I'd slip in there, while everybody was asleep, and I'd turn that radio on and listen to Brother J. P. Dale preach. He and Brother Howze used to stir up my pure mind. I had a pure mind. You have a pure mind, according to Peter, if you've been regenerated and I'm sure you have been, or you wouldn't be here, because the drawing power of God calls you here and draws you here, to follow the leadership of the spirit. And as he began to preach , that morning, he took a parallel of a text I want to talk to you about, this morning.

You'll find it in the 47th chapter of Ezekiel. It's concerning the love of God, comparing it to a river...water of life. Afterwards, it brought me, again, to the door of the house. The whole waters issued out from under the threshold of the house, eastward. For the forefront of the house stood toward the east and the waters were down from under the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar.

Doesn't that describe the Church of the living God, the pillar ground of the truth? Does that not give you some indication of the value of the Church of the living God and the visible kingdom of God, and the power of the gospel, and the power of almighty God? To the third person in the Trinity, to stir up your pure mind, not only to draw you to the Church of the living God, but you might be faithful to Him, that you might pick up your cross and follow Him.

I listened to Brother Dale preach, then, and I have preached on it several times, since then, but, I want to tell you, I can never make it sound as good as it did to me that morning. After this fellow was brought forward and lifted up and saw the house, he said the man came with a measuring line. If I could describe that line to you, this morning, how, with his purpose, that He measures the depths of your heart, that he measures you, according to a just person, because you're made justified in the eyes of God. He never sees your carnal mind. He never sees your carnalities.

When God of mercy brings love to your heart, and He sees you, and that love begins to come out from under the threshold of the door of the church of the living God. That's a moment of time that's a time of love. It's a time that makes you lay down everything that you have of carnalities, desires and purposes of natural life, and turn to worship your God, as you have, this morning, in such a nice and obedient way. May God bless you for that. He will bless you.

If I could just encourage you, I'd do that. But, he said he measured. The waters issued out from under the door of the Church. The love of God issued out, it said, on the east side, the west side, north side, but he said the waters issued out to the ankles. That's a novice. That's an early child of God, born from above, seeking and desiring more knowledge, more truths, more meat of the coconut.

As he learns from reading the scriptures, as he learns from his everyday experiences, and as he learns, most of all, from the brothers and sisters of the Holy congregation of the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth, along with the sound of the gospel, which God almighty purposed, to comfort and edify, and to lead you on forward, to the day of rejoicing. He said he measured it, again, and the waters were to the knees.

He began to wade out into the promises of God and to exercise his gift, his responsibilities and him being a tree, a fruit of life, given life, that he began to prosper and grow in grace. He said he turned, again and he measured a third time. Now, remember that he's looking at that Holy Church of God. The building may not be Holy, but God's purpose is that we keep it Holy and sanctified and pure from the world. I respect the church and the Holy worship place of our God. No, I don't respect the house, but I respect it while we're holding services in it. And, it's a sin not to.

What did He tell Moses... take off thy feet, because the ground that you're on is holy ground. He was talking to Moses, in the fire, of the burning bush... another experience that teaches you and draws you to the sanctification and the Holiness of the living God. What is being sanctified, separated from sin? There are several different types of sanctification, just like there are in baptism in the faith. There's the sanctification that God did for you, in the eternal covenant before the foundation of the world.

He sanctified you when He chose you out from among the others, in His purpose. When the blood of Jesus Christ was applied to your heart He sanctified you. He separated your self in a purified part. In the eyes of God, you're pure. That's the sanctification of the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, when the wind blew, when the Holy Spirit came down and regenerated you, and called you up, from a death in sin, to a life in Christ Jesus, in that purpose and purified you, you were sanctified. You were separated from the old world.

Now, there's still a natural man, there. There's still a warfare going on. Are you following God's purpose and growing in grace, this morning? I've been proclaiming the gospel, now, for forty years, and I'm still trying to sanctify this old man, here. I know my God has sanctified me in the eyes God in all the fulfilling laws, and I'm just in the eyes of God Almighty, if I'm a child of God, and sometimes, I doubt it. This man measured, again and it was to the waistline. The love of God is going to comfort you. It's going to draw you. You're in love, now.

He said he measured one more time. He measured the waters coming out from under the threshold of the house of God, the love pouring out, proceeding out of the house of God. He said it was a river, a river to swim in. He didn't say to drown in, but, to swim in. What a beautiful thing it was, to me, that morning, and still is.

As I see each one of you and your eyes are for the purpose of and attention of God, and the holiness of God, and the desire to worship Him and to fulfill His purpose in your calling, in this time world, how anxious and enthused you are that you might find your place in the Church of God, and in the river that flows there, that will do to swim in, and the love of God pouring.

Continued in January 2001

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My Mom gave me one of the best birthday presents that I had ever received, my first subscription to The Banner of Love.

I look forward to it monthly. Please renew my subscription and use the rest as you see fit.

Psalms 92, It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy loving kindness in the morning and thy faithfulness every night.

Sharon Runyon

Lampasas, Texas

Note: We appreciate the extra.

"He sent redemption unto His people; he hath commanded His covenant for ever; holy reverend is His Name."

[This is the only time the word, reverend, is mentioned in the Bible].

New Hope Primitive Baptist Church of Broken Arrow, OK was blessed once again to have a wonderful annual meeting the fifth weekend in October 2000.

The Church would like to thank all he people who helped with the planning and preparing the meals, and making everyone comfortable.

We really do appreciate all of the visitors, especially all the ministers who were blessed to come and be with us again this year. We were so happy to see that Elder and Sister M.R. Altom were able to attend. We would like to invite all visitors to come back and be with us every opportunity they have.

New Hope Primitive Baptist Church

Elder Mark Green, Pastor

Lavene Neal, Church Clerk

10517 S 200 E. Ave.

Broken Arrow, OK 74017

918-455-6325

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Dear Ones:

Hosanna! Jesus Reigns!

All power is in His Hand; The trumpet of His gospel sounds salvation through our land The King of Kings He is.

May God strengthen You in Honor to Him

Knowing He will see us Through.

With Love,

Sister Loretta Lilly

Akron, Ohio

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Dear Brother Don and Sister Opal:

In regards to this picture that was in the October Banner. I have the identical picture. I will have to disagree on where it was taken.

It was taken at the Cottonwood Primitive Baptist Church at Afton, Texas. I can identify three of the preachers. They are: front row; Verniel Lowrance and next to him, Elder Jack West. Back row, fourth from left is Virgil Lowrance. Some of the others are very familiar, but I can't put a name to them. I was raised in this little church from the time I as eight years of age, until I was 16, when I moved to Muleshoe. Hope this helps some.

Do hope sister Melba is doing better. Noticed my subscription is about due, so am enclosing a check to cover another year. Enjoy the Banner a lot. Keep up the good work.

With love and prayers,

Julia Patterson

Muleshoe, Texas

Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.

This letter details the true meaning of the holiday season. The true meaning of the holiday season is not:

1. Santa Claus and his reindeer.

2. Christmas trees adorned with dazzling ornaments.

3. Spectacular outdoor displays.

4. A multitude of fancy Christmas cards sent and received.

5. The latest in electronic gadgets and toys for youngsters.

6. Holiday specials on television, Christmas flicks, or the newest in holiday CDs.

7. Buying the most expensive Christmas gifts.

8. Stuffing yourself with too much ham or turkey.

For the true meaning of the holiday season check out Matthew 1:21. It is as follows: And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins

Our Savior came to Earth, born of a virgin, and about 33 years later died a horrible death on the cross, and in the process put away every sin committed by His elect, so that they can dwell with Him in heaven some glorious day.

May we never forget that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Jerry Bass

Lubbock, Texas

[The above is from the Editorial page of the Lubbock Avalanche Journal, Dec. 6, 2000.]

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I see that my subscription is about over. I am enclosing a check for another year. I enjoy the paper. it helps me stay up with what is going on in the churches in the state.

Best wishes for the Holidays.

Mrs. J. M. [Ethel] Fannin

Corsicana, Texas

I am a member of the Elk Creek Church in Oklahoma. I broke my hip and had to move to be nearer my children.

When I get the paper I read it first thing. I pass it on to a cousin that lives here in Fort Worth.

Enclosed is my check for 12.00.

In love,

Nadine Banwart

Fort Worth, Texas

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I would like to write a note concerning Christmas. Why do so many Primitive Baptists celebrate this pagan holiday?

Jeremiah Chapter 10 tells us not to do as the heathen do, doesn’t it? I cannot find the word "Christmas" anywhere in the Bible. Also, I cannot find anywhere in the Bible that it says to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Why don’t the elders preach on this? I only know for sure of one who will stand up and preach against this, and call it what it is, a pagan holiday.

While on this subject of pagan holidays, the way I read in "Vines Expository Dictionary", Easter is a mistranslation of the word "Pascha," and the term "Easter" is not of Christian origin, but is a pagan festival that was introduced into apostate western religion.

We, as members of the Lord’s church, should not participate in these pagan holidays.

Yours in Christ,

Lee and Diane Smith

Bonham, Texas

Editor’s Note:

You have raised an interesting point that reminds me of my father’s (Elder A. E. Richards) teachings.

He preached on a number of occasions, and taught his family, that Christmas Day (December 25) was probably not the birth date of Christ. My father was convinced that Christ was probably born in spring time.

He had spent some time at one point researching the subject, but I specifically recall his point related to Luke 2:8 where the birth of Christ was marked by "shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." He argued that shepherds did not stay in fields overnight, or keep their flocks there, in the dead of winter and its cold with little to graze. Traditional shepherding would have placed the birth in spring.

My father did not care much for the fuss over Christmas nativity scenes (whether in the home or on government property) because he felt it was not historically accurate at Christmas, and it also invaded the Second Commandment. The holiday also has gained too much commercialism.

It is important that parents teach their children the historical significance of Christ’s birth, because it represented the birth of our "Savior". But we also should place as much importance on Christ’s life, His teachings, His death on the cross as a sacrifice for us, His resurrection, and His expected return. We do not need only one special day, one time a year, to remember this — it should be every morning and every night.

There is nothing wrong with us practicing charity at Christmas, sharing ourselves, our time and our gifts with family, friends and our neighbors. Its a good time to practice our alms --- giving anonymously to the poor. Its good to do this at Christmas, but it is just as important year round.

The true "spirit" of Christmas is not the symbolism of a worldly holiday. We should keep in our hearts the spirit of the Lord which we should keep in the forefront every day of the year.

Thank you for your letter. Thank the Lord for His saving grace 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.