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Volume 69 Number 2 Lubbock, Texas 79493 Copyright $12.00 Per Year February 2001 |
Why the King James Part 1 My Prayer for the Banner of Love Personal Grief Services Held for Melba H. Richards Sons of God Some of My Experiences and Blessings of God The Importance of Faith Introductory The Calling of Ezekiel My Hope for The Banner of Love Sweet Dora Regarding Book Publishing Effort Dad in the Hospital Visited the D.C. Area Article on Mathematics But Our God Is In the Heavens Obituaries
PART 1 - INSPIRATION
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." [2 Tim 3:16-17.] Not to obtain sinless perfection, but to be fresh/complete.
What should we know first? "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" [2 Pet. 1:20-21.] These holy men did not apply their own private interpretation but spoke only the words in which the Holy Ghost moved them.
Please note that it is the scripture that is inspired, not the men themselves. Those men have long since departed, but the scriptures, the very words of God, are still with us.
At least 504 times the Old Testament is quote in the New. Christ Himself said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of Me"
[John 5:39]. What scriptures? These words contained in the Old Testament: "For had ye believed in Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words?" [John 5:46-47]
Paul, to the church at Rome: "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" [Rom 15:4].
Christ quoted from the Old Testament when tempted of the devil [Luke 4], His answer "It is written" quoting Deuteronomy 6:13, 10:20, and 6:16. When the Pharisees came unto Him, tempting Him, Christ answered, "Have ye not read" {Matthew 19-4], and to the Sadducees, "Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures" [Matthew 22:29]. Christ also read from Isaiah 61:1-2 while in the Temple [Luke 4:8]. Since "the words of the Lord are pure words: [Psalms 12:6], study why Christ chose the very words HE used in the New Testament. "For I have not spoken of Myself; but the Father which sent me, He gave Me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting; whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the father said unto Me, so I speak"
[John 12:49-50].
Christ speaking to the Father: "For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from Thee, and they have believed that Thou didst send Me" [John 17:8].
Consider this: Our Bible was written over a 1,600 year period on two continents, in three languages, by forty different men; in tents, in cities, deserts, prisons, palaces, etc. by prophets, priests, kings, judges, shepherds, fishermen, a tax collector, a physician, and others-sixty-six books and yet harmonizing beautifully presenting "one body and one Spirit even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all" [Eph 4:4-6] and fulfilling every prophecy [over 80 in the 26th Chapter of Ezekiel alone].
As far as the Apocrypha, dubious writings during the 400 years between the Old and New Testaments, the Greek terms means secret, obscure, to hide away or false, and is never quoted in the New Testament.
Let us present a challenge to those who may not believe every word of our King James' Bible is inspired:
"Produce your case, saith the Lord; bring forth your strong reasons, said the King of Jacob. Let them bring them forth and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come. Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods; yea, do good or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together." [Isa 41:21-23]
The word "truth" is found 234 times in the Bible - 117 times in the Old Testament and 117 times in the New Testament. Let us "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth"
[2 Tim 2:15].
My thoughts this day Feb. 14, 2001
Elder Don R. Watson
Canyon, Texas
My prayer for the Banner of Love is: May its columns be filled with things that the aged may enjoy and receive comfort in their lonely hours. May it be so simple that the little children can enjoy and understand it.
May it be filled with writing seasoned with Grace, and in the Spirit of Jesus. May love and kindness be seen on every page to shine.
May the blessed truths of God's word be plainly set forth. That many poor pilgrims may see the light that shines in the straight and narrow way, and receive courage to get in "The Way." May it seem so much like a letter from home, that all will have a mind to write for its pages. May it be a paper to make us all know and love each other better. May it be filled with good news of good meetings.
May all feel free to tell of your joys and sorrows.
May the articles be the right length and on subjects that will be of interest to many. May it be a paper we will be glad to hand our neighbors.
May the readers be possessed with much charity and patience. May the Editor be possessed with wisdom from above to edit the paper.
With all earnestness I would beg God to bless "The Banner of Love." to the upbuilding of the dear cause of Christ.
Sister Gustave [Richards] Wade. [from The Banner of Love, January 1933.]
This has been a tough month in the Richards’ home. As many of you may know, my wife, Melba, died on January 31, just a few days after we published last month’s issue of The Banner of Love.
We have been overwhelmed by the love, support and sympathy expressed to us by colleagues, family, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. We have received kinds words and expressions of prayer by letter, cards, flowers, e-mail, the telephone and word of mouth through mutual friends. Our local friends and our church family have been supportive with their shower of food and physical support. The turnout at Melba’s funeral memorial service by local and out-of-town friends was humbling.
My two small children and I cannot begin to express our appreciation to all who have expressed their love and understanding in so many ways.
Melba and I had been married for more than 28 years, and had met more than another year earlier than that. After 17 years we started our family and had two children: Reid, now 12, and Raye Marie, now 9.
It is hard to mentally or emotionally accept that she is no longer with us. We are grieving at our tremendous loss of a devoted wife and loving mother.
Melba had been having health problems since March of last year when her doctors discovered a rare form of cancer, "thymoma", growing as tumors on the outside of her lungs. She also developed a severe, related medical condition known as myasthenia gravis ("MG") or muscle weakening.
After conferring with our local doctors and with the physicians at Houston’s M.D. Anderson Cancer Clinic, she underwent six rounds of extensive chemotherapy which, combined with her MG condition, left her in an extremely weak physical condition. She spent much of the summer and into the fall in the hospital, including a total of more than six weeks in the intensive care unit where she fought for her life on several occasions.. Her physical appearance had changed dramatically due to the chemotherapy, her strong medications and other acute medical treatments.
While the actual treatment of her cancer appeared on the verge of success, the MG condition seemed to grow substantially worse, even well after her cancer treatments ended. By year’s end I had become very worried about her decreasing quality of life and the growing physical pain she might have to learn to permanently endure.
In the evening of January 30 I had discussed with her my desire for her to have nursing help during the days. She was lying on the sofa, watching TV and working on needlework for a quilt her mother was making. I went to the bedrooms with our children and returned to our den within minutes to find her unresponsive. I summoned the ambulance as I tried to revive her as our children watched. At the hospital they confirmed to me that she had suffered an aneurysm in her brain, unrelated to cancer or MG, and had immediately gone into an irreversible deep coma within a matter of seconds. She had no sensation of pain. She died shortly before noon the next day on January 31.
Melba was very close to her sister and mother, and they grieve as we do at our loss. For the present I cannot look far past my grief and loss. My children miss their mother. I miss my companion. But our loss is her gain.
I have great hope and faith in my Lord. Faith has sustained me in my times of weakness when I feel so alone and otherwise unable to accept the challenge of raising two small children without Melba’s companionship and without her maternal instincts, wisdom and her caring mother’s touch.
The 13th verse of the 4th chapter of 1st Thessalonians has provided consolation. It is often misquoted by those who do not study it closely, by their mis-stating that the Apostle Paul tells us, with the loss of a loved one, to "Grieve Not!" That’s not what it says. The Apostle Paul tells us to grieve not "as others which have no hope."
We grieve; BUT, we have great hope! We have hope in the Lord and His unconditional love and eternally saving grace. We grieve at our personal loss of our beloved companion and mother, but we rejoice in the knowledge that the Lord has eliminated her pain and suffering and has taken her home.
I am convinced the Lord foresaw for Melba a future of physical pain and suffering. The Lord, by taking her quietly, painlessly, unexpectedly, and unrelated to her current medical problems, robbed Satan of his thunder.
We have been additionally comforted by the spiritual nurturing of our extended circle of family and close friends. Our pastor, Elder George Johnson, has been so kind in his counsel. Our close friend, Elder Steven Bloyd, pastor at Falls Church, Maryland, flew in for the funeral and stayed over for Sunday to preach on the great "mercy" of the Lord, emphasizing 2nd Corinthians 1:3-4 wherein the Lord provides comfort "in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."
A week later on the following Sunday afternoon I received a long distance call from Elder Bloyd, who led his entire Maryland congregation in "Where The Roses Never Fade" for me over the telephone from over almost 2000 miles distance.
Our family expresses its deepest appreciation for all those who have called, provided cards or flowers, sent comforting words, or provided prayers in our behalf. We continue to stand in need of your prayers; but we ourselves pray that the Lord will richly bless each of you as He has blessed us with each of your comforting acts and prayers. The Lord gave us a loving wife and mother for many years. He has now provided her a home free from pain and suffering.
We have personal grief at our loss; but we rejoice at her gain. Praise be to the Lord, whose mercy endureth forever.
Melba Herron Richards, 51, of Lubbock, Texas, died Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2001 in Lubbock’s Covenant Medical Center after an extended illness. Memorial service was Saturday, February 3, 2001 in Lubbock.
She was the wife of Don R. Richards, publisher of The Banner of Love.
The memorial service included a gathering and invocation by the Rev. Keith Wiseman, retired minister of Lubbock’s First United Methodist Church. Soloists were by close friends of Melba: Gail McEachern sang "His Eye is on the Sparrow", and Terry Hawkins sang "Where the Roses Never Fade." Two other close friends provided eulogies: D. Murray Hensley and Mrs. Mickey (Frankie) Sims. Elder George Johnson, pastor of the Lubbock Primitive Baptist Church, concluded the service.
She is survived by her husband, a son Reid 12, a daughter, Raye Marie 9; her mother Mrs. Lucy Brown of Lubbock, a sister, Mrs. Felix (Gayle) Thetford of Dallas, and numerous nephews and nieces.
She was born November 2, 1949 in Brownfield, Texas and was a 1968 graduate of Brownfield High School. She attended Texas Tech University, and received her bachelor of science degree in home economics in 1978 from Texas Woman’s University in Denton and her law degree from Texas Tech University in 1984, where she served as an associate editor of the Law Review.
She was married to Don Richards on August 12, 1972. The couple were married by the late Elder Afton E. Richards in a sunrise ceremony on her sister’s farm in Gaines County near Loop, Texas. She and her husband met when both were employees of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal newspaper where both worked nights to pay their college expenses.
The couple moved to Washington, D.C. in 1979 where she served for three years as a aide on the staff of U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen.
After receiving her law degree she was associated with the Lubbock firm of McWhorter, Cobb and Johnson, L.L.P. She then became Associate General Counsel for Texas Tech University as head of the Self Insurance Division for physicians at the Texas Tech University School of Medicine.
In 1992 she became a name partner with then Lubbock Mayor David Langston in the Lubbock law firm of Langston and Richards, L.L.P. She had recently been in private practice in her own law offices.
Active in public schools activities with her children, she is the immediate past president of the Roscoe Wilson Elementary Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) in Lubbock. She also had served as a volunteer director and counsel for the Lubbock Housing Authority.; and earlier served as an Area Officer of the Texas Young Homemakers Association.
The family requests any memorials be made either to: (1) the Roscoe Wilson Elementary PTA, in care of Mrs. Miriam Lawson, president, 2807 25th Street, Lubbock, Texas 79410; or to (2) the Lubbock Primitive Baptist Church building fund, in care of Bro. Fred Nixon, 1707 Norwich, Lubbock, Texas 79416, or Elder George Johnson, 912 W. 8th Street, Idalou, Texas 79329.
A few years ago, I had the food opportunity to buy the six volumes of the Works or Augustus Montague Toplady, 1740-1778: Printed for Ebenezer Palmer, 18, Paternoster Row, London, in the year of 1828. most of you know this eminent minister and scholar by the Hymn "Rock of Ages". I stand in awe and amazement at his learning and accomplishment in the thirty eight years of his life!
In the first Volume pages 381 - 386, under the heading of, "Judgment of eminent martyrs before the Reformation" I read an account if the death and martyrdom of Mr. Patrick Hamelton on either the last day of February or the first day of March 1527. The account is so interesting, striking, and instructive, in so many ways, I felt a strong impression to share the same with others. In that age, and for the last 1500 years before, God only knows how many died at the hand of others, because of their faith or religious conviction.
Mr. Patrick Hamelton was related to the then reigning king of Scotland, James V, through both his father and mother; but, he by God's grace was made to have a much stronger desire to please the Lord, than to have the preferments of kings!
Very young in life this man's eyes were opened to see the anti Christianism is popery. He traveled in Germany, and there meeting Martin Luther and other learned Protestants, and after his conversion began to preach the doctrine of grace with great zeal.
"At the time he was summoned to appear. Mr. Hamelton arrived early. Being cited to answer before James Beton archbishop of St. Andrews. The prelate, and his consistory bishops and abbots, being totally unable to resist the wisdom and spirit with which he asserted the doctrines of Christ, realized the old popish argument, "you have the word, but we have the sword," by condemning him on the spot: and in such haste were they to dispatch him, he was burned the same afternoon. In the year of 1527"
With this introduction I now present the verbatim account of his faith, which he sealed with his life and dying testimony!
"This great and holy martyr, who was executed in the 23rd year of his age, drew up a short sketch if Evangelical Divinity, which was afterwards published, with a recommendatory preface, by the eminent martyr of our own country, the learned and pious, Mr. John Frith: who suffered death at London, 1553. The whole of this concise treatise is inserted into Mr. Fox's inestimable Martyrology. An extract from it, will, I hope, both please and profit the reader."
"Mr. Hamelton well knew, that half of out religious mistakes arise from not ascertaining the difference between the law and the gospel, and from not exactly distinguishing the true nature of each. This he does with great judgment and accuracy in the following remarks."
"The law saith, pay the debt. (Viz. The debt of perfect obedience to God). The gospel saith, Christ hath paid it."
"The law saith, thou art a sinner; despair and thou shat be damned. the gospel saith, thy sins are forgiven thee, be of good comfort, for thou shalt be saved."
"The law saith, make amends for thy sins. The gospel saith, Christ hast made it for thee."
"The law saith, the Father of heaven is angry with thee. The gospel saith, Christ hath pacified him with his blood."
"The law saith, where is thy righteousness, goodness and satisfaction? The gospel saith, Christ is thy righteousness, goodness, and satisfaction."
"The law saith, thou art bound (over) to me, to the devil, and to hell. The gospel saith, Christ hath delivered thee from all."
"On the subject of faith, he observes, that this important term signified, "To believe in his word, and to believe that he will help thee in all thy need, and deliver thee from all evil." He affirms that "Faith is the gift of God," which he thus proves:"
"Every good thing is the gift of God. faith is good. "Ergo, (therefore) faith is the gift of God." Nor does he stop here: but immediately adds this consecutory proposition: "Faith is not in our power." Which he likewise argues syllogistically: "The gift of God is not in our power. Faith is the gift of god. Therefore, faith is not in our power."
On the doctrine of works, he expresses himself with great perspicuity and strength of reason. "No man," says he, "Is justified by the deeds of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ. Moreover, since Christ, the maker of heaven and earth and all that is there in, behooved to die for us: we are compelled to grant, that we were so far drowned and sunk in sin, that neither our deeds, nor all the treasures, that ever God made or might make, could have helped us out of it. Therefore, no deeds or works (of our performing) may make us righteous." He then obviates an objection, which, he foresaw, either the ignorance or the perverseness of some might possible allege: "If works make us neither righteous more unrighteous, then (wilt thou say) it is no matter what I do. I answer: If thou do evil, it is a sure argument that thou art evil, and wantest faith. If thou do good, it is an argument that thou are good, and hast faith: for a good tree bearth good fruit, and an evil tree evil fruit. yet good fruit makes not the tree good nor evil fruit the tree evil. A man is good, ere he do good deeds: and evil, ere he do evil deeds."
"Whosoever believeth or thinketh to be saved by his works, denieth that Christ is the Saviour. For how is he thy Saviour, if thou mightst save thyself by thy works? Or where to should he die for thee, if any works (of thine) might have saved thee? - What is this, to day Christ died for thee? Verily, that thou shouldst (else) have died perpetually; and that Christ, to deliver thee from death, died for thee, and changed thy perpetual death into his own death. For thou madest the fault, and he suffered the pain. and that for the love he had for thee before thou wast born, when thou hadst done neither good nor evil. Now, seeing he hath paid thy debt , thou needest not, neither canst thou pay it; but shouldest be damned, if his blood were not (shed). But since he was punished for thee, thou shalt not be punished."
"I do not say, that we ought to do no good deeds: but I say, we should do no good works to the intent to get the inheritance of heaven, or remission of sin. For if we believe to get the inheritance of heaven through good works, then we believe not to get it through the promise of God. Or if we think to get remission of our sins by our deeds, then we believe not that they are forgiven us; and we count God a liar. For God saith, thou shalt have the inheritance of heaven, for my son's sake; thy sins are forgiven thee, for my son's sake: and you say it is not so, but I will win it through my works."
"Thus, you see, I condemn not good deeds, but I condemn the false trust in any works: for, all the works, wherein a man putteth any confidence, are therewith poisoned, and become evil.
"Wherefore thou must do good works; but beware that thou do them not (with a view) to deserve any good through them: for if thou do, thou recievest the good not as gifts of God, but as a debt to thee, and makest thyself fellow with God, because thou wilt take nothing of him for naught. And so shalt thou fall, as Lucifer, fell for his pride." (Mr. Toplady continues)
"Is it not astonishing, that so young a man, a native and inhabitant of Scotland, should write with such precision, and in so masterly a style, almost two hundred fifty years ago?" (now nearer five hundred)
In bringing the above reading and incident to the readers of the "Banner of Love", please understand, I'm not an advocate for "Calvinism" (even though we agree on many points) nor for the followers of Martin Luther: I want to be a contender for the faith once delivered to the saints: but, may I assure you of this, I am an advocate for the blessedness of the freedom of expression, concerning our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whether by public speech, or written and printed material. farther, I applaud and praise everyone that has given their very lives, rather than renounce their faith!
Let none of us think the freedom we now enjoy came without suffering and sacrifice, millions in the past gave their lives to this end. The price was high. Let us pray that we may continue to have the blessedness of freedom to worship God according to his holy word.
ANY CHURCH TROUBLES?
Have you any church troubles? If so, keep them at home, we do not care to hear about them. Please do not write us about such things If all will do this, they will do us a great favor, for we will not let this little paper be made the agent of disturbers of the peace of God's church.
Elder H. G. Richards, Editor
[The Banner of Love, January 1933]
It is generally expected that those who start a paper offer some kind of an apology for doing so, but we have none to offer. We do not feel it necessary. However, we shall state briefly some of the reasons that have moved us, and the dear brethren who are associated with us, to put on foot a plan to publish a paper for our dear people, here in the South West.
First, it is a well know fact that our cause is suffering badly for a medium of correspondence. It is true, we have several Old Baptist papers circulating among us, but about all the news contained in them is general and mostly from distant states. We love all these papers and would not supplant them, if we could; nor are we starting The Banner of Love as a rival of them, but on the contrary we shall do our best to promote their circulation among our readers.
Again, we feel that a clean, peace-loving paper here in the South West, can do much towards bringing our people into closer touch with each other. As it has been, for about two years we seldom ever hear of the good meetings among our people. To hear of these good meetings encourages us. And at this time our people need all the encouragement that we can give them.
Therefore, we feel that The Banner of Love can be made a power for great good among us. Let us all pull together and build up the waste places. Let us comfort, console, and encourage the dear little lambs of the Master.
It is not necessary for us to state that we are not starting The Banner of Love as a money making scheme, for we shall have to put it out at a sacrifice for several months, at least.
We have selected the name, "The Banner of Love," because that name better describes the feeling we have for the dear Old Baptists. Yes, we love the Old Baptists; we love the doctrine, for which they so earnestly contend; we love the sweet songs they sing; we love their humility, and the simplicity of their worship. It would take too much space to follow this theme to any length.
Dear Brethren, will you help us to make this paper a symbol of that great love? Will you help us to fill its columns with good spiritual food? Will you go to the great fountain of Love in our behalf? Will you help us to keep out all hurtful things?
Our aim is to ultimately put this little paper in every Old Baptist home in Texas and adjoining states, and make it a means of showing others the truth. Will you join us in this?
We are not so egotistic as to think that we can accomplish this by ourselves, but if we all pull together, it can be very easily done.
We have had papers in the past that were originated as a result of internal warfare among us, but this little paper is being started, as a peaceable one. We do not mean to say that we will allow our brethren misrepresented and slandered to the hurt of the cause, nor, that we will suffer false doctrine or practice introduced among us to the confusion and distress of our people, and never raise our voice against it. But, we do mean that this paper shall not be used to promulgate strife and confusion among God's dear people.
Now, Elder Jack West has struck the Key Note: let us call it "Our" paper.
Will you look over us for good and not for evil?
With this little introductory, we send out the little paper, praying that God will bless it to the comfort of His people, and the up-building of the cause of Christ.
H. G. Richards, [Elder] Editor [from The Banner of Love, January, 1933]
In the Apostle John's vision he saw the beasts [creatures, seraphim as follows: "And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever." Amen [Revelation 4:6-9].
None of the Lord's preachers that I know would ever want to lay down their gift, even if they could, they would rather give up most any other thing in their possession, however, they do need to know that their brethren love them and are praying for them; they are just men. Please pray for your pastor and never take him and his family for granted, and remember they are men like you, except the Lord has laid on them the burden of preaching the gospel for you.
"And the fourth beast was like a flying eagle." The eagle has a keen, sharp eye, and is capable of seeing his prey at a great distance. They fly high when hunting covering a greater area and increasing their range of sight increasing the opportunity of finding their prey Although, they feed on a variety of small animals and birds; their favorite food is fish. They are great fishers.
The Lord's ministers are given a keen eye toward the scriptures and they are constantly hunting in the scriptures for those verses that teach concerning Jesus and His church, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me." [John 5:39], and they are anxious to share their catch with the Lord's people.
The ministry must constantly exercise a keen eye for those things that Satan may attempt to bring into the church, and endeavor to nip those things in the bud. It is certain that the gates of hell will unceasingly endeavor to prevail against the Lord's church.
The Lord makes his ministers to be fishers of men; "And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
[Matthew 4:19]. In many ways the Lord's ministers are like the eagle.
"And out of the fire went forth lightning," [Ezekiel 1:13]. In Revelation 4:5, "And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices." as we all know, there is never any thunder without lightning preceding. The thunder or noise is the result of the lightning; so it is with the Lord's ministers, without the lightning [light from the Lord] there will be no thunder, [voices of preaching]. "And James, the son of Zebedee, and John, the brother of James; and he [Jesus] surnamed them Boanerges, which is The sons of thunder," [Mark 3:17]. Their thunder followed the lightning, that is their preaching followed the light given them by their Lord, which is the course with all of His preachers, it can be emphatically said, 'no man can truly preach unless the Lord gives him light.' No lightning, No thunder.
"And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning," [Ezekiel 1:14]. The creatures performed their duties as the messenger of the Lord, and immediately returned to the Lord, from where all their light and liberty comes. All given by the grace of God; they have no other source.
The whirlwind came from the north, which direction speaks of judgment, the Lord's judgment had been passed on the Jews and He brought them into their present captivity in Babylon. Also he would pass judgment on Babylon for their evil treatment of His people. He has judged and passed judgment on nations in the past. He will pass judgment on nations of people in the future according to their deeds; 'God is a consuming fire.'
However, it seems best to compare the first appearance of the Lord as fire, when he appeared to Moses as a flame of fire in the bush, and His presence as a pillar of fire as He led His people [church] about in the wilderness of Sinai. This is symbolic of the Lord's presence in His church, and although His church may be observed by the world as nothing more than a bramble bush, yet, within it is the fire [spirit, light, glory] of the Lord.
In Ezekiel's vision He is the sole source of light, and fire that supplies the creatures and the wheels that symbolically speak of His ministers and His church. 'for he maketh his ministers a flaming fire.' They are 'living creatures,' the creatures of God; the work of His hands. They are the creation [creatures] of the Creator, as every true minister is.
Each angel, creature, or beast, had one wheel beside him, four creatures, four wheels. Their appearance 'was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.' That is, they were so aligned, one perfectly with the other, that if you were aligned with them at a proper distance, or vantage point, it appeared as though one of the wheels was in the other, they were in perfect harmony with each other, as the church is, no matter where she may be found, the Lord's church is in harmony with all her sister churches in doctrine and practice, there is no difference as if one was in the other.
All the wheels were the same size [none greater or better than the other.] They didn't turn, and "as far for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four. And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them; And when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up. whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them; for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels," [Ezekiel 1:18-20.]
The wheels are symbolic of the Lord's church. They are at the sides of the creatures, 'one by each creature,' each creature had his wheel, or church [pastor] 'the living creature was in the wheels.' The creature position was within the wheels, and in the midst of the creatures was the whirlwind of fire, [pillar of fire, and cloud above] which was symbolic of the presence of the Lord in the midst of His church [as His pillar of fire in the church in the wilderness] and supplying every spiritual need. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." [Ephesians 1:3.]
"They [wheels] turned not when they went." They never moved on their own volition, but only when the Lord moved them. They followed the direction of the Spirit that moved their pastor [creature] and them likewise.
"As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four." [Ezekiel 1:18.] The wheels represent the Lord's church, which is the 'Kingdom of Heaven.' It's the Lord's place here on earth; he is the King of His kingdom and 'head over all things to the church.' It is the highest, most elevated place on earth, a dreadful place, [which means reverence here.] "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it." [Isaiah 2:2]. "In the year that King Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple," [Isaiah 6:1]. It is the only kingdom that is promised to continue until the coming of the Lord. It is a most revered place; it's where the Lord comes to meet with His people.
Well, then how, Brother Hand, do you fall from grace?
You from grace, when you fall out of the grace of God and quit thinking about the things you should be thinking about, and doing the things you should think about, and think you can work your way to heaven...you've just slipped from grace. You fell back into works. You've become an Armenian. That's falling from grace. Not eternally speaking .. impossible! All that the Father giveth me, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, said, "How come in all that He gave me, I shall lose nothing?" That's the eternal phase. That's the phase that the body will be changed like in Heaven and immortal glory. When the trumpet shall sound and the water is running and flowing a river to swim in. And He showed me a pure river of water of life. This is in Revelation, it's the last of the book. I've tried to follow his beautiful thing through, trying to describe, to you, the mercies of God, the attributes of God, the love of God, all the things He has for you and I, not only now, in this time world, but hereafter, also.
Isn't it a beautiful thing to know, isn't it a beautiful thing to have preserved, this little book, here, that's been written by the finger of God...the same God that spoke and it was done. It's written , as if it was the finger of God. Every word, not a contradiction, nothing about it wrong. It's all in harmony...perfect harmony. And, He's preserved it down to this good day.
Just think, over 2000 years since Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and He has had it, and all the history before Jesus Christ brought into the world, and then all the facts and the way the church was supposed to act, and gave us a letter, and in that letter, perfection of how to live practical Godliness, in this time world. Yet, we have that battle, don't we? Yet, we have that warfare. But, thanks to God, we're supposed to strive for perfection, lay hold on eternal life. That's when we sanctify ourselves...not in the eyes of God, but in the eyes of our fellow man. We turn, we purify ourselves.
When our fellow man can see us walking a kind of life that I've tried to describe to you, that God's mercy let me walk in for a little while, from time to time, in this world, when they can see that in it, you've sanctified yourself in the eyes of your brethren, haven't you? You're already sanctified and as pure as you'll ever be, in the eyes of God Almighty, up there in heaven above, but we have something to do, in this time-world.
The answer to the call, when Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the most beautiful text I've ever read, came to me. "All you that labor and heavy laden"...that's a call. That's a call to what? Take up your cross, take up my cross and follow me. That is a beckoning. That's a beautiful thing. When we learn that, we have to sanctify ourselves, from something, don't we?
That's where baptizing comes in. That beautiful thing that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came demanding baptism from John the Baptist...suffer it to be so, now. You're about to see a man sanctify Himself. If you take up the cross and do it. Suffer it to be so, now, because, it becomes us...behooves us...you and me, John. Suffer it to be so, now, because it behooves us, to fulfill all righteousness.
I thought a man couldn't do a righteous act. It's by the Holy Spirit that He leads you, to fulfill all righteousness, in the lower part of the courts, and the courts here, in this time-world, walking in this time-world. Then he says he demands baptism, he's baptized, and in front of everyone else, he's saved himself, too. I thought the blood of Jesus Christ saved. It did, it saved you and me into heaven and immortal glory. That's the first baptism. That's the baptism for re-generation.
In the regeneration of God, you can save yourself of this untoward generation, when you demand baptism. When you demand baptism, what is it for? It's to show your fellow-man that it's to wash away the sins, and the secret sins of your conscience. It's washing them out of your mind, and your conscience. You're sanctifying yourself, and the courts of your neighbors and friends, and the Church of the living God. It's also giving you a clear conscience of past.
And He showed me a pure river water of life, clear as crystal. The pure love of God is clear as crystal. No imperfection, no impurity, of the love of God. You might fall in love with your lovely wife, but it's not pure, because you're still fighting that warfare. I'm not trying to discourage you, because I know by experience, I love my wife more than any woman on earth, but other times, It's not as pure as this love that I'm talking about...God's love. It never is.
Whenever you get out of the way of something, here comes the love in, and the mercy began to slip in. Gave him mercy. That's what he says, whenever God sees those consciences, that it's dirty, or filthy, He says give him mercy. That's an attribute of God and your debt has been paid, in the eyes of Jesus Christ, the son of God. Every debt that you've ever made, every wrong that you've, every wrong that you've ever sown, everything you've ever done wrong, ever said anything wrong, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God, and of the lamb.
Where is the throne of God we're thinking about this morning? I'll try to close on this. Where is the throne of God, this morning? It's where your high priest is. It's where Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was, when He ascended on high, left captivity captive, gave gifts unto men. If He's ever given you a gift, you had better take our cross and pick it up.
My mother had one of the most beautiful gifts in the world. It was the love proceeding from her heart. It was a smile. It was a sweetness. It was prayer. continuously she used to say, "My house is a house of prayer." I want to tell you about her love and it was pure. But, it was dirty, filthy water, considering the one I'm describing to you, now.
I hope when The Banner of Love leaves the home of its birth and the country of its nativity, that its head will be anointed with the Spirit of gladness, its fingers dripping with kindness, its hands perfumed with myrrh, and frankincense, its feet shod with peace and good will to all of its subscribers.
J. S. Newman, [Elder]
From The Banner of Love, January 1933.
"THE BANNER OF LOVE"
The Banner of God's unchanging love is floating proudly o'er
His children, whom He gave His Son, who brought them safe ashore.
For, Love is He who gave us Him and Love is He who bought us,
And by His tender love divine He gently led and taught us
And Jesus is our Captain true, He will not sleep or slumber.
But, stands with loving arms to bear us up when e'er we stumble.
With everlasting love He loves us. and by it He has drawn us,
To be His faithful soldiers true, and follow where He wants us.
And now, dear comrades brave and true, I give this word of warning:
Since we have a "Banner." too, let us keep it free from scornings;
Let us keep its pages always free from things that might confuse;
But, rather, let it be brim full of glorious gospel news.
Let us bravely fight with love, the warfare which He has given.
And, never, never, cross our swords with our beloved brethren.
Rather, let us look to Jesus, who is on His throne above,
And as His faithful soldiers, march under "The Banner of Love."
J. A. Barrington
[From The Banner of Love, January 1933]
To my dear brethren and sisters in Christ: I am thankful to God that we can come to you in behalf of our dear Brother Richards, in his great undertaking to give us a home paper, the title of which is "The Banner of love." I am sure we will all appreciate the paper, and will help put it over.
The price is $1.00 per year. It will come on the first and fifteenth of each month, for a while.
Let us all feel that it is "our" paper, and all take it to themselves, and write often about your good meetings, and the church news in general. But, if you have any church fusses, keep them at home, as they will not be interesting to any one.
Yours in hope,
J. W. West [Elder]
I think I hear the noise of singing
Can it be around God's throne?
I can hear the angels shouting
As they welcome Dora home
Tis, a joy in just knowing
She is free from pain forevermore
But, O Lord, how we will miss her
Till we meet on God's great shore
Let us not mourn for our dear one
Let us not sigh or shed a tear
For she has much more to go for
than she ever did here.
She is rejoicing now with Jesus
her family and many friends
In that place there is no sorrow
of joy and peace there is no need.
[Composed in memory of Sister Dora {Oldaker] Doyle and dedicated to all her loved ones.]
.......By Janie Clark
Note: on the night that Dora left us I was in her room at the hospital, with a room full of her family and friends. They took me home near twelve O'Clock midnight. After an hour or two, I went to bed. I awoke about 3:30 a.m. and somehow I knew I needed to get up and this poem started coming to me. I believe, I truly heard the angels shouting, in my spirit, of course. Dora passed away somewhere around four O'Clock a.m.
May the joy of our Lord be with you all.
Janie Clark
REGARDING BOOK PUBLISHING EFFORT
We wish to give to everyone who has placed an order for our book on the Primitive Baptist Ministers a report on the progress being made towards its publication. Elder David Montgomery has now finished editing the book and has compiled all the information which the publisher will need. He and Elder Mark Green are to meet with the publisher at the end of February to finalize the format.
Then the publisher will take over and have the book printed. When completed, there will have to be another trip made to pick up the finished volumes. Elder Hugh Montgomery will probably be the one to make that trip, as he and Sister Nettie are the ones who will tend to the books' packaging and mailing, which will be done in their home.
The reason that it is taking this long to get the book published is because Brother David had many biographies sent to him for the book that came in rather late. Also, we had to depend on the pre-publication orders to finance the cost of printing, packaging and mailing of the book. We are very thankful that we have now received enough orders to make it possible to meet all of our expenses. We want to thank all of you for sending in your orders and wish to assure you all orders will be honored.
For your information, in order to be able to publish this book, the Primitive Baptist Heritage Corporation was legally set up as a non-profit organization so that we could be able to abide by all the rules set by the IRS. This Corporation has no salaried employees as all work accomplished within it is donated.
A bank account was opened at the First Texas State Bank in Lampasas, TX, where all monies received by those who have ordered the book were deposited. Each order has been duly recorded in the Corporation files, so we have a running account of everyone who has placed an order.
Please feel free to contact either myself or Elder David Montgomery if you have any question concerning your order, which we will gladly answer.
Elder High Montgomery, Treasurer
I READ IT AGAIN
I enjoy my Banner of Love so much, I go back and read them again. Since I don't get to go to church-I enjoy them again.
Enclosed is money for another year of Banner of Love. I sure miss going to my home church at Elk Creek. I love them.
Vesta Stewart
Yukon OK
WONDERFUL SOURCE OF COMFORT AND INSPIRATION
My dear Mom, Maggie Cantrell, passed away in late December. She was 85 years old. She dearly loved reading The Banner of Love and looked forward to receiving it each month. It was a wonderful source of comfort and inspiration.
Please use the enclosed gift as it is needed.
In Christian affection,
Diana Chapman
Beeville, Texas
Note: so sorry of your mother's passing. God bless you for the gift.
A BLESSING TO SO MANY
Thank you and all others responsible for publication of the paper which is a blessing to so many of us.
God bless you,
Marvin Gassaway
Monroe, OK
What is the difference between a Son of God and a Child of God? Can the difference be established Scripturally without any conjecture?
CHILDREN OF GOD=
I read in Matt. 5:9, "Children of God," Heb. 2:13 - refers to the "Children." Luke 20:36 refers to "Children of God." John 11-52 refers to "Children of God." Rom. 8l:16, 21; 9:8, 26; Gal. 3:26; 1st John 3:10; 5:2 all refer to "Children of God."
SONS OF GOD=
Next, "Sons of God" are referred to in - Gen. 6:2, 4; Job 1:6; 2:1; 38; 7; Hosea 1:10;
John 1:12; Rom. 8:14, 19; Phil. 2:15; 1st John 3:1-2.
SONS- Strong's Hebrew=#1121 Note: Same Hebrew & Greek words for Child.
Strong's Greek = #5043; 5207
O.T. #1121= ben - a builder of a family name.
N.T. #5043=teknon-from base of 5088- a child [as produced]=child, daughter, son.
N.T. #5207= huios- appar. a prim. word; a "son" [sometimes of animals] used very widely of immed., remote or fig. kinship-child, foal, son.
Commentary: It seems clear that understanding must come beyond word definitions. It becomes incumbent that such careful applications be found mainly in context. Even to the extent of deter-mination and discernment between the two words Child vs. Son.
Further, it would seem obvious that context would determine the Sons of God and Child of God in comparisons and/or contrast. In some instances context would force the Sons of God as also simultaneously being a Child or Children of God in equality or status. Then there are scriptural applications demanding their separation. So, Sons of God and Child of God are not always one and the same in substance.
With the above distinctions, we can now determine that All Sons of God are always children of God, but all children of God are not always sons of God. What would promote the difference? It would come down simply to "Gospel Timely Obedience," stemming from hearing, understanding, believing, receiving, and keeping the preached word. This would thereby place the subject in a secial category of being a Disciple, especially, that of being a Disciple of Christ. Just being a so-called Christian would not necessarily be enough.
A Disciple is a continuous learner and follower of Jesus Christ. I have heard that many "nominal Christians" are really no more than "summer Christians. That is, they are obedient, only when it is convenient and profitable to themselves. This truly will not identify a real genuine "Sons of God" person.
A true "Disciple" will stay firmly in gospel knowledge and obedience through thick and thin, good and bad, better and worse, richer or poorer, until death ends their earthly sojourn. This particular "child of God," would not, in the strictest sense, be known in the "sons of God" category. Notice: Jesus picked His Apostles from among disciples - Luke 6:13.
Some texts clearly set forth this premise, such as- John 1:12- "But as many as received Him, to them gave he power to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." Verse 13 - really contextually stipulates the required qualification of "sons of God" as first being regenerated, born again, children of God first and hereby advancing from just a "Christian Believer" to an obedient Child of God, which now can be identified as "sons of God." Please notice these two words in V12-receive and believe.
A word must be injected at this point, concerning the identity and definition of the Bible.
Word - SAINT
All Regenerated born-again Children of God are Saints, but whether they qualify as "Sons of God" must be carefully evaluated in its particular context as to whether such same person is also a Saint in Timely Gospel Knowledge and obedient. Incidentally, Knowledge alone does not always qualify such eloquent identity. Obviously one must first be regenerated-born again, before having or possessing the ability to aquire such Biblical spiritual Knowledge, then they must also become obedient to said Gospel knowledge.
Yet, there is still one-fine line point of strict observance before one such said person can truly be identified as "Sons of God Saints," and that clearly and profoundly must be carved in your memory that they must also be continuously obedient, and not as some "summer Christian." Yet, this same Child of God, being a regenerated Born-again saint, may be tossed to and fro' by different "winds of doctrine" Eph. 4:14] and not maintaining relentless obedience to the faith once delivered unto the saints [Jude 3.]
This said description embraces a "child of God Saint," but not necessarily "Sons of God Saints." Yet both are Saints. James 1:5-6- clearly demands that the afore going commentary be correct as per- "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like the wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."
Again, and yet, both the person that does not waver and the one that does, still such does not disqualify either from being Regenerated Born again Saints. You see, a disobedient or obedient goat will always and only be a goat. Conversely, a disobedient or obedient sheep may be lost or found, but they are all ways sheep.
All sheep are Saints, Children of God and Sons of God, yet they must be segregated and categorized timely. A church member may or may not be "Sons of God" in the particular strict sense, yet they are all "Children of God, and "Saints." Finally, none of these above categories are fixed numbers and their numbers do vary, change, waver, increase and decrease, fluctuate, from day to day-timely. Proof: Read James 1:8-"A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." Okay?
One day he may be obedient and the next, not. It is the major thrust of this writing to emphasize the importance of knowing, understanding, hearing, receiving, believing and keeping these fine-lined needle-threading points of distinction, when studying contextually and rightly dividing the Word of Truth- 2nd. Tim. 2:15.
My Dad was in the hospital from Jan. 9th to Feb. 2nd. Visiting nurses came, which was a blessing. He feels better. Thanks so much for praying for us..
Sure hope each of you are enjoying our Dear Lord's blessings each day. He will see us through. May He strengthen you all.
In dear hope,
Sister Loretta Lilly
Akron, Ohio
Eph. 3:20-21 is really encouraging.
LOVE READING THE BANNER
I love reading the Banner of Love. It keeps me up with all my church news and meetings.
Thanks,
Danny and Juanita Anderson
Sundown, Texas
SUCH A BLESSING
The Banner of Love is such a blessing. It fills some of the emptiness I feel since I lost my true love to the Lord, [Elder Ramey].
Thanks again,
Mildred Ramey
Alvin, Texas
THANK YOU
Thank you for your kind words of my mother, Lorene Lee and my dad, Raymond Lee. I know they appreciate your memory of them. Enclosed is $48.00 for my one year subscription and additional money for subscriptions for needy persons or operating expenses, which ever comes first.
May God bless and keep you and your son in your blessed work.
With kindest regards,
Walter L. Lee
Wimberley, Texas
Note: Brother Lee, we appreciate your kindness. May God bless you. .....Opal Richards
The last few months have been busy for us. We moved to the San Antonio area in September and have been attending Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in McMahan.
We were blessed to spend two weeks in the Washington, D. C. area in December. We attended the Bethel-Washington Primitive Baptist Church, where Elder Dwayne Fletcher pastors. It was a blessing to enjoy fellowship with God's people in that part of the country.
I'm thankful that the spirit of the Lord is not bound. He can bless His people wherever they are regardless of the time or distance. He is not a god that has to be carried or transported to other lands like many in the old Testament [i.e. Baal, etc.]
May God bless you all. Thanks for the work you do on the Banner of Love - I'm sure it is a labor of love.
In Christian love,
Dee, Rebecca and William
Crisp
Garden Ridge, Texas
Note: Sister Rebecca, so glad to hear from you all; had wondered where you were. Write us again. .....Opal Richards
In your November issue of The Banner of Love you printed an article I submitted on "Mathematics." It has taken me awhile to write and thank you for your time and effort. I Did receive a copy, and thank you for past issues of the Banner of Love. I personally enjoy reading articles of joy and thanksgiving. May God inspire many to write and glorify His Name.
I keep in touch with pastor Bill Walden and wife, Frances. Please forgive me for taking so long to write.
Sincerely,
Kim Thornsburg
Cuero, Texas
Note: Brother Thornsburg, I'm sure many enjoyed your good article. We hope that you will write again. ....Opal Richards.
APPRECIATE THE GOOD WORK
Brother Don, we appreciate as always, the good work that you do in the cause of Christ and His Churches. Whenever you are in the Dallas area, please come worship with us or visit us.
In Christian love,
Bruce Coates, Clerk
First Primitive Baptist Church
Dallas, Texas.
Here are 8 Old Testament examples that detail God's almighty power. They are as follows:
1. Created the heaven and the earth in 6 days. [Genesis chapter 1.].
2. Caused a great flood to cover the earth which it did for 150 days. Only Noah and his family survived. [Genesis chapter 7]
3. God rains down fire from heaven in destroying wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. [Genesis Chapter 19]
4. Sarah finds out at age 90 that she will bare a son, Isaac. [Genesis chapter 17].
5. With God's protection, David slays Philistine giant Goliath. [Isaiah chapter 17]
6. Daniel cast into lions den and no harm comes to him. [Daniel chapter 6]
7. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego cast into a fiery furnace and no harm comes to them [Daniel chapter 3]
8. For disobeying God, Jonah was in the big fish's belly for 3 days and 3 nights. [Jonah chapter 1.]
Switching over to the New Testament, here are 8 excellent examples:
1. God, in human form comes to earth, born of a virgin. [Luke chapter 2].
2. Jesus walks on water. [Matthew chapter 14].
3. Jesus heals ten lepers [Luke chapter 17].
4. In Cana of Galilee, Jesus turns water into wine. [John chapter 2].
5. Jesus healed a man born blind. [John chapter 9].
6. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. [John chapter 11].
7. Jesus puts away every sin committed by His elect by dying on Calvary's Cross. [Matthew chapter 27].
8. Finally, after 3 days and nights Jesus rises from the dead. [Matthew chapter 28].
As Jesus arose from the grave, so will His elect when He returns a second time. May we rejoice that Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. [Rev. 21:6].
In God's Love,
Jerry Bass
Lubbock, Texas
Psa. 111 Vs. 9 "He sent redemption unto His people; he hath commanded His covenant for ever; holy and reverend is His name."