December                                                                                             February

All Included    Some of My Experiences    The Calling of Ezekiel    That Holy Thing?    For a Friend    Ordination of Brother William Phillips     The Man Christ Jesus    A New Year    Tour of the Bible    Obituaries

It is written, The scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Also, it is written, For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

These writings are found in Gal. 3:22 and Rom. 11:32, both being in context of teachings concerning Israel.

Concluded is a translation from krino; properly to distinguish, i.e., decide [mentally of judicially]; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.

Proceeding these statements the question, Is the law then against the promises of God? and, Hath God cast away his people?

To the Galatians, the question, Received ye the spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith? And to the Roman's, it was stated, For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

The nation of Israel was the elect nation of God. Ref. Isa. 45:3-6. And it is my belief that the Bible teaches that this physical nation was a type of Spiritual Israel.

In Rom. 3:1 the question is, what advantage then hath the Jew? Or what profit is there of circumcision? Saying, much in every way; chiefly, because unto them were committed the oracles of God. The Jew [the nation of Judaea] was the last representative of the nation of physical Israel The next question in verse 3 states, For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? Thus answered, God forbid.

In verse 9, it is asked, What then? Are we better than they? This is speaking of the unbelievers. The answer, No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin.

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. The word "all" is used to describe every person, or thing under consideration. All mankind have been, are, and will be sinners; and the believer, and the righteous are included. It is only by the selection [elect]. that God moves, will any be redeemed; and they by his grace All are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. And none shall be lost.

Sincerely,

Your Servant in the Word,

Clem E. Cook

Las Animas, CO.

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Continued from December 2000

I want to get back to sanctification, the purpose of God, in purifying you. He did it in the regeneration...you're sanctified, you're separated, from the world, you are bound for heaven, through the blood of Jesus Christ. Glory to God for that. He also cleanses your mind and your spirit and your body, when you're worshipping and honoring him. But that's an addition. We are a two-fold person. We still have an inheritance from the first man, created from the dust of the world, and these old bodies are still there. This old natural man is there.

It was misrepresented by this man he formed from earth and breathed into his nostril the breath of life. That man is a burden and is to be carried the rest of the days of our lives. How sweet it seems, to me, sometimes, when my God tells me, through the word of God, that my God will return and call us... what is it Job says, when he said, I'm waiting for my call in heaven... I'll wait till my change shall come. That's when the change is going to come. It's not talking about regenerating power that I've talked about.

It's talking about that old body, that sinful body, that's ever a warfare that we carry with us this day. The one I carried with me, when I got up and left my home, this morning. Yes, the burdens of it answering the call to my God to be able to come and rejoice in the God of mercy and independence of the Church of the living God and proclaim the truths to my friends and neighbors, especially to the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. But, we're going to have that to carry. When my change shall come, and it will come. That just ended the resurrection. That's when you get into the river that you can swim in... the river of life. When my change shall come. Thou shall call and I will answer. He's talking about the person, the natural man.

The Holy Spirit of God had descended to God, when he died. If I could just separate from you, for just a little bit. The minute that breath of life came out of that body he died. When you pass this world, when that body breathes its last breath, what happens? The soul goes back to God as He gave it. We're talking about resurrection, now. The soul never was, never will be resurrected, it's in heaven and immortal glory.

The minute we separate from our body, when you're talking about the resurrection, and your body shall change, it's talking about the body. It's talking about the carnality change. If the body is sown in corruption, it, the body, is raised in corruption. Do you not see the preciousness of the water flowing, now? Have you not grown in grace, when you can see the difference in the body that's been in agony and pain to you all your life; caused you to say things you should have never said to one another; caused you to think things that should have never been; caused you to commit adultery and murder. No, I've never done it, visibly, but, if I've ever thought it in my mind...do you think that you're better than ol' David was? David, my friend and neighbor, did both of these things, but what did he do, later on, in a time of love? When God passed by and found him in that condition, he was already a child of God. What did he do?

First Psalms, he prayed God to restore the joy of His salvation. How I've begged for that ever since I knelt by the old radio, there, and heard that man preaching the everlasting gospel. How many times have I fallen from grace? Somebody said you can't fall from grace. You certainly can. No, not from an eternal standpoint, no way...a thousand times no. You're already in grace after you've been re-generated. No, He'll never lose a one of them.

continued in February 2001

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With this issue of the Banner of Love, we begin our 69^th year of publication. Each year at this time we remind ourselves of the Lord’s blessings of another year of publication. Our principles remain the same as in past years.

The Banner of Love has its roots in a publication called "The Glad Tidings". It was started in the 1920s by Elder Wade Hampton "Hamp" Richards, my great-grandfather, assisted by his sons. It published for a number of years, but was an economic victim of the great Depression.

Just before the start of 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 also 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.

This is not a commercial publication which is intended for financial profit. We do not accept paid advertising. The subscription price is intended to cover the actual "out-of-pocket" costs of publication — primarily printing, mailing, and postage. At many times we have feared for the financial or physical ability to continue. Yet the Lord seems to always provide for us the means to publish another issue.

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 judges’ decisions many times 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 us or our family. In this regard, there is nothing in any judicial ruling which prohibits or unduly limits our personal right to worship or believe as we 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. 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 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 and inspired 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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continued  from December 2000

'And the first beast was like a lion.' As we have said the faces of the beasts symbolic ally characterizes the Lord's ministers. When they are blessed of the lord to preach the gospel to His people they become as the lion and have no fear of Satan or men, they open their mouth boldly 'to make known the mystery of the gospel.' "The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord God hath spoken, who can but prophesy?" [Amos 3:8].

'And the second beast like a calf.' A young ox, a beast of burden. Oxen were commonly used in those days to pull the plow. They ere usually paired as a team of two. A fit likeness of the Lord's ministers. I will pass on to you some information concerning working oxen given me, many years ago, by a man that use to work oxen when he was a young man. 'Oxen work together very well as a team, pulling the load together. When plowing ground that had never been plowed before, there would be many roots and stumps of the shrubs and trees that had been cut down. The oxen pulling the plow along, would often run into some large roots, when they did they would lay into the yoke together to pull the plow through the roots. Sometimes the root or stump would take all the strength they could muster.

They together as a team would lay into the load and if it should fail to give way, they would back off from the load, and then together. they would lay into the load again, this time they would possibly be down upon their knees so as to put more pushing force into their back legs endeavoring to move the load. If they then couldn't move the load, they would back off, and then in a final effort, would lay into the load pulling with their front legs, pushing with their back legs, with their bellies on he ground and with every muscle of their body dedicated to the load, would give a groan from deep within, and then gave their all to move the load."

Most of the ministers that read this, and have pastored churches very long, will easily see the likeness of the oxen and the ministry Their work in the ministry is always easier when they are pulling together with their ministering brethren. They also know that they often find themselves on their knees before the Lord praying for strength to deal with their burdens; that they may be enabled to bear the load. At times the situation causes them to be prostrate before their Lord because of the pressing situation. The writer understands the likeness very well. Thank God for the throne of grace, and His blessed mercy in giving us the necessary guidance and strength to persevere. Sometimes I feel all alone, however, I have come to know that He is always there. Our prayer is that we will be 'a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine.'

One other point concerning the oxen. My benefactor also told me that when they would break a young oxen to the yoke, that they would always pair them with an older and experienced ox. The older would show the younger how to pull. The young ox soon learned that it was more difficult, if not impossible, to move the load alone, but much more easy when he was pulling together with the older ox. Young ministers will do well to take a lesson from this, and seek the advice of the older and more seasoned minister. Learn from their experiences how to pull, how to move the load.

"The sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot," [verse 7]. I understand that the sole of the calf's feet are tender feet, so they must walk carefully until they grow older and their feet harden. The Lord's ministers, in like manner, must walk carefully and prayerfully, so as not to bring shame on the Lord's church. To walk in such a manner as to set the course for those that he serves to follow. "And this is love, that we walk after His commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it," [2 John 6].

"And the third beast had a face as a man, "The Lord's ministers are men, and like their brethren that they must serve by preaching, and going about the several duties of a minister and pastor, have the same sinful nature to deal with as they do. They have the same needs and desires for the comforts of life and communion with family and friends. They also must endeavor to provide for their families and they tire and have the need for rest, however, they must make time for study of the scriptures and meditation.

This is often done in the early hours of the day before pursuing their secular work, or during the late hours of the evening after most everyone else has retired for the day, but they must make the time. Many times when their families go to school activities and social functions they must use that time for study and meditation. They are called on to travel hither and yon to preach the gospel, sometimes their families go along, other times they must go alone leaving their families behind. Sometimes traveling great distance and arriving home late, however, they must get up and pursue the duties of the next day. They work seven days a week, and the problems arising in Zion are always there.

Sometimes at church meeting time they might feel that they are too tired or ill to go and preach, however, they pray that the Lord will supply the necessary strength, and then many times find that some of their brethren are absent for a number of excuses, but without any good reason. Brethren it's easier not to be a preacher than it is to be one, unless the Lord has called one to preach; then he must go preaching or pay the consequences.

Continued in February 2001

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By Elder Hulan Bass

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."

Elizabeth was expecting the baby, John the Baptist, upon the meeting of these two precious women, caused the babe to leap in her womb, being filled with the Holy Ghost, exclaimed to the Virgin Mary - Luke 1:42 - "And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb."

The Holy Thing being the fruit of her womb, sounds like the baby was part of Mary. Upon closer examination of the language and teaching, we quickly see that the babe was the Fruit of, and not the womb. The womb was a Part of Mary, but not the fruit contained therein. An apple hanging by the stem on the tree is not part of the tree. The tree continues to exist without the fruit attached thereto.

There is an idea or theory that the baby [life] [fetus] that is in the womb is a "part of the woman's body," whereas, the truth is, it is not. "That Holy Thing" is not a part of her - Mary. Jesus Christ was to be born of this virgin, fathered from Heaven. Heb. 7:26 - "For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens."

This clearly proves that the Holy Thing within her was not part of her person. The fruit of the Womb was a separate person. if Christ Jesus was "separate from sinners," then He could not be a part of the mortal [sinner] Mary.

Another phrase and word in this verse "made higher than," indicates that Jesus Christ was "made," or formed into a body formation like unto His brethren [Heb. 2:17], and this "made formation" was "higher" than the heavens - that is, higher than the celestial planets. That puts Him in a "Category of one."

Matthew Henry says of - Heb. 7:26-"Observe the description of the personal holiness of Christ. He is free from all habits or principles of sin, not having the least disposition to it in his nature. No sin dwells in him, not the least sinful inclination, though such dwells in the best of Christians."

John Gill says of - Heb. 7:26 - "separate from sinners" - "not but that he took the nature of sinners, though not a sinful nature; and he was often in the company of sinners, when on earth, and reckoned among them, and as one of them; but he was separated from them in Adam; he was not among the individuals of human nature that sinned in him; and he was brought into the world in a different manner from them, not descending from Adam by ordinary generation; and he had no communion with them in sin; nor did he encourage them to it in the days of his flesh; and now he is removed far from them; and herein he exceeds the priests under the law, and is suitable to us."

2nd Cor. 5:21 - "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." Notice the words "made" twice. God made him to be sin. That we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Just where and when did God make him sin? It was not in Mary's womb, but on Calvary's Cross that he made us righteousness, legally. It was at the moment of Regeneration that he "made us righteousness, legally. It was at the moment of Regeneration that he "made us righteousness," vitally. This was all according the "blood of the everlasting covenant" from the foundation of the world - Eph. 1:4--7; Heb. 13:20. Then our "vile body' will be fashioned like unto His "glorious body" at the End-Time, at His Second Coming-Phil. 3:21.

He never had a "vile body". even being born of the Virgin Mary who was a mortal sinner from Adam's Fallen Race. Yes, He was made to be sin for us; however, compare this to the clear teaching of -Rom. 8:3 - "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.'

Please carefully notice the phrase- "in the likeness of." He was not "sinful flesh," but became such for us on Calvary's Cross, and certainly not while in Mary's womb. Now back to an obvious exegesis of Matt. 1:20 - "But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary, thy wife; for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

The phrase "conceived in her" is not that of Joseph her husband, but that of a "Heavenly Fatherhood," as expressed in the person of the "Holy Ghost." So, the conception was in her, but not a part OF her. Her Adamic Blood did not supply his perfect precious blood [1 Peter 1:19]. His precious blood was supplied from the "Fatherhood" of Heaven, by the Holy Ghost.

1 Peter 1:19 - "But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." This "precious blood" did not, could not, and will never have the "blemish or spot," of Adam's fallen race in him, but such was once put upon Him. Where? Only on Calvary's Cross, and, again, it was not in Mary's womb.

An analysis of the chemistry of blood genetically could be discussed here, but I will refrain in this writing, but will make a short blanket statement. The blood of the mother does not supply the blood for the fetus, but such is caused by the father.. Even the father's blood does not supply the fetus with blood, but does supply the "cause" for the fetus to begin supplying its own blood. Enough.

The Holy Thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God - Luke 1:35 - once more I emphasize the phrase here, "born of thee," which was from conception and separate from her, even though it was in her, and will literally be separated from her, as the Bible word, "estranged" indicates. It was never a part of her.

Putting a wrapped sandwich into a sack, does not cause the sandwich to actually become part of the sack. When I take the sandwich from the sack it is then literally separated from the sack's embrace. However, it was "separate" in both cases, whether in or out of the sack. Clear enough?

Finally, "That Holy Thing," as so precious and holy, till, being in "class all its own," shall be called the Son of God.

Can any other birth in this world of millions and millions of births yearly, ever fit into this "class of one?" He is the only begotten Son of God - John 3:16; Rom. 1:3. He is declared to be the Son of God.

The Virgin Birth must be declared and proclaimed, preached and taught till time shall be no more. - Isaiah 7:14

In Spiritual Love,

Hulan Bass. [Elder]

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Hello, Sister Richards: I hope you have a great New Year. I would like to get the Banner of love for some friends that go to the Gulf Coast church. Their name is Trey and Marina Collier. I think that the paper is the best gift that a person can give. I hope that the Lord will continue to bless you in all your efforts.

Your paper is something that has been in my life from the time I was big enough to know what the paper was. I know that Elder H.G. Richards would be happy to know that you and your family have worked hard to keep it going all these years.

Thanks, again for all your efforts in 2001.

Jeff Moseley

Baytown, Texas

Note: Thank you, Brother Jeff for your kind thoughts, and for the new subscription. Brother Trey and Sister Marina attended our church before leaving the state. We loved them dearly.

Opal Richards

Please renew the Banner of Love. I thank the Lord for so many able ministers that write articles that helps me to understand the scriptures more clearly.

Mrs. Ada Mae Johnson

New Braunfels, Texas

TO THE EDITORS AND FAMILY OF THE THE BANNER OF LOVE

The clouds are in the sky, the snow is upon the Earth.

It is nearing Christmas, the time of our Savior's Birth.

As we walk down the snow white lane and think about His Birth.

Let us follow in His footsteps as we travel thru' this Earth

There will be a lot of side roads that we could take, but Lord

help us to stay upon the main

road, and forgive us of our mistakes.

There will be joys and sorrows as we travel thru' this land.

Lord, watch over us as we travel and forever hold our hand.

Janice Barnard

Cushing, Oklahoma

I see my subscription to the Banner is about to expire; enclosed find check for one year's subscription, and use the extra as you deem necessary.

I enjoy the good articles about God's Sovereign Grace and of His Tender Mercy. Grace and His precious blood that was shed for sinners like me, which I believe is our only hope for Eternal Life.

May God's blessings be with all who labor to prepare and publish the paper.

Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

In Christian love,

Felix Pair

Hawley, Texas

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Sure hope you all are enjoying our Lord's blessings each day; also that the stormy weather by-passed where you all live.

In thinking of the New Year, Lam. 3:21-26 is real encouraging.

So good our Lord gives us the ability to begin again and again. He will see us through.

May He strengthen you all throughout the New Year.

In Dear Hope,

Sister Loretta Lilly

Akron, Ohio

NEW MEMBER

Sister Marie Brothers is our newest member. She was baptized the third Sunday in Nov. 2000 by our pastor, Elder Dale Turner, Jr. Would you please put her on your mailing list for her free first year of The Banner of Love. She enjoys reading The Banner. I usually let her read mine, but am sure she would like one of her own.

We are having good meetings, but we need more visitors. Our meeting days are first and third Sundays. Anyone feeling impressed to visit us, we would sure love to have you.

In Christian Love,

Derrell Sorrells

Rule, Texas

Please renew my subscription for another year. I enjoy all the good writings.

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

Mrs. C. M. Dillon

Summit, Miss.

We appreciate the wonderful job you do in keeping us all informed and on a personal level, especially Brother Don's "Tour Through the Bible." The youngster in our home reads and understands this very well.

Sincerely,

Carl L. Hampton

Sulphur, OK

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We enjoy the paper very much. You do a wonderful job and we appreciate all your work.

I enjoyed the August issue, "A Tribute to Friendship," with the picture of three generations of ministers. Elder Afton visited our church at Mt. View two times. We sure enjoyed him.

Louise Cantrell

Smithville, TN

Note: I was with Elder Richards when he made his last trip to the Mt. View Church. We were guests of Elder and Sister Avery Land. We certainly enjoyed all of you there.....Opal Richards

Thank you so very much for the paper. Appreciate it so much. There are good writings in it of things that I enjoy..

So glad that we have men that write the truth and so good that we can understand it.

By the Grace of God.

I want to renew my paper for another year.

Bernice Holt

McCurtain, OK

P.S. Use what is left for whatever you need.

Note: Thank you.

Dear Brother Don and all the wonderful Staff of the Banner of Love:

I don't remember when I first subscribed to the Banner of Love, probably about 1968, and I have enjoyed it very much!

I appreciate all of you so much, so please extend my subscription for another year.

I baptized my granddaughter January 6, 2001, so let her take advantage of your free one year subscription.

Please send my paper to the address you have sent it to for several years.

Thank you very much,

Elder Jesse Doyle

Poteau, OK

Note: Elder Doyle, your granddaughter, Jessica, is now on our mailing list. We appreciate you sending it.

Sister Opal Richards

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Mt. View Primitive Baptist Church in Smithville, Tenn. met at 2:00 p.m., Saturday afternoon, Sept. 9, 2000 for the ordination of Brother William Phillips to the full work of the Gospel Ministry.

Elder Lynn Russell offered prayer. Seven Elders and six deacons formed themselves into a presbytery. Elder Paul Violet was appointed moderator. Elder Frank Johnson was appointed to served as clerk. Elder Lynn Russell to question the spokesman of the church, Brother Brownie Tittsworth.

Elder James Fentress to question the candidate. Elder Tom Hart to pray the ordination prayer, while the laying on of hands.

Elder Jeff Patterson delivered the charge from I Timothy and II Timothy, while Sister Stacy sat beside her husband.

After the charge, motion was made and carried to accept the work of the presbytery and delivered Elder William Phillips back to the church as a duly ordained minister.

The presbytery was dismissed. The right hand of fellowship was extended to Elder William and Sister Stacy.

Elder Frank Johnson dismissed services with prayer.

Mt. View Church

Sister Louise Cantrell,

Church Clerk

Elders in attendance: Elders Paul Violet, pastor, Houston Patrick, Tom Hart, Lynn Russell, James Fentress, William Phillips, Jeff Patterson, Frank Johnson

Deacons in attendance at ordination: H. J. Judkins, Doyle Phillips, Paul Beard, Jerry Town, Brownie Tittsworth, Seborn Cantrell

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Greetings in the Lord:

I have enjoyed the Banner of Love for so many years! It couldn't hurt anyone to find out how our fellow pilgrims are faring in time of trouble.

Your comments in regard to the election is as fair as anyone can be!

I remember a few remarks once from someone who wasn't settled! Can any good thing come from a particular place? The Lord said three words, "Come and see."

Faye and I are in the process of leaving the business world of Temple, Texas. We have 17, 18 years of good times of being fair and honest with all people, especially the household of faith.

I have enjoyed talking to so many God fearing people. It couldn't hurt anyone, I'm sure.

My health isn't what it was 40 years ago, but who wants to quit?

The Lord willing, we look forward to serving the Lord's humble poor as long as I have an opportunity. I have baptized four wonderful people in six months. I do hope God isn't through with me and my companion of 57 years, just yet.

Keep up the good work and God be with you each always. We do love each one; so proud of God's family in Strict Particular.

Bless you always,

James E. Robertson and Faye

Comanche, Texas

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AN EXCELLENT PAPER

Here is the subscription money for another year, and some left over for your expenses.

The Banner of love is an excellent paper and God bless you and brother Don in your endeavors.

Love,

Bill and Margaret Lewis

Austin, Texas

Note: Sister Margaret, we are glad to hear from you and we appreciate the extra for expenses. May God bless you all.

......Opal Richards

New Hope Primitive Baptist Church of Broken Arrow, OK, originally of Tulsa, OK, was constituted January 23, 1926 at the Jefferson school building in Tulsa, OK. Services were held at the school, city hall, American Legion hall, and at various member's homes until they met for the first time in their own building at 3203 E. 5th St., Tulsa, OK. on April 26, 1941.

In February 1979, Tulsa University notified the church that they wanted the lot where the church was now located. In early 1980 the church voted to let Tulsa University have the lot, so the "church house" was moved to 407 S. Evanston St. next to the university campus. The church remodeled the building, added restrooms on the front and building a new dining room.

In 1996 Tulsa University again advised New Hope Church that they desired the lot where the church house was located. After many meetings with Tulsa University officials, and lots of prayers from the Church Family, Tulsa University agreed to purchase the Pentecostal church building at 1550 E. College St. in Broken Arrow, OK, which is now home for New Hope Primitive Baptist church, and the old church house was torn down.

In commemoration of 75 years of worship, New Hope Primitive Baptist Church will host an anniversary meeting, starting Saturday morning March 10 and continuing through second Sunday March 11. Elder Phil Jones from Mo has committed to be with us during this meeting. We invite all Primitive Baptist ministers and friends to be with us at this time.

New Hope Primitive Baptist church

Elder Mark Green, Pastor

501/675-4406

Lavene Neal, Church Clerk

10517 S. 200 E. Ave

Broken Arrow, OK 74014

918/455-6325

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Vivian Wiedebusch

Hamilton, Texas

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By Elder Cleveland Bass

Jesus was verily God and verily man. He was the eternal Son of God, and was man as he took on Him the seed of Abraham.

Rev. 5:3-5, And no man was found in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

Would we not also weep as John did if we could see our ruined condition and none found worthy to redeem us from our lost condition. Heaven was searched and no man found that could do it, the earth was searched and no man was found there. Seeing mankind was lost and dead in trespasses and sin, therefore, man could not die for any but for his own sins.

Are you not thankful that the angel proclaimed, or rather the elder, "weep not." Verse 5 reads, And one of the elders saith unto me, weep not; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David hath prevailed to open the book and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Here we have heaven and earth coming together in one, Christ Jesus. Psa. 85:10

Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Verse 11, Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

He was truly the Son of God and truly the son of man. Heb. 2:14 For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also himself likewise took part of the same.

The humanity did not reach up and take into union the divinity of Christ, but divinity took humanity into union with itself.

He did not become two persons in one, but two natures in one. He is able to lay His hand on God and on man.

Divinity, and I say this reverently, could not die for sins, humanity being dead in trespasses and sin could not die for another. So, in order for sinners to be redeemed, someone just like one of them, except sin, would have to die for them.

John said, no one in heaven or earth or under the earth could do it, so heaven and earth must come together in order for justice to be satisfied and man be redeemed from sins. This was accomplished when Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary. It must be by man to satisfy justice and by man to suffer the penalty of sin. This man, Christ Jesus, could satisfy the law and also suffer the penalty justly due man.

This He did when He went to the cross and suffered, bled and died for our sins. Transgression of the law demanded death, separation from God eternally. The penalty must be paid in full. Jesus paid it all, not just a part, enough to where we could finish it. Jesus suffered the full penalty and kept the law to a jot and tittle. Therefore, there will not be one lost for whom He died.

This Man in heaven is satisfied; He is not suffering and bleeding because some sinner won't come or some preacher won't preach. He got the job done.

What a wonderful Saviour, Jesus Christ, the man.

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