September                                                                                    November

I hear many people on the radio and the news asking the question; "Why did God do this terrible thing in New York City?" Well, God did not do this terrible thing. And I also hear people asking the question; "Why did God allow this to happen?"

This question we may not know at this time and may never know all the reasons, but I believe God did allow this to happen.

A lot of ministers and others say the different reasons they think god allowed this to happen but these reasons are simply speculation. Some of the ideas that the people have may be the true reason, or one of the many reasons, or not any of the reasons God allowed this. But we should not be dwelling in the reason why any of these things happened but we should have our mind. heart and soul on our god and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We can use any of these reasons to put our minds in action to think more on God if it makes on feel better, because some people think they have  to have a reason to look more toward our Lord.

I think about doubting Thomas; he had to see and feel Jesus before he would believe it Jesus said, "Blesses are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

And when I think of Job! He didn't ask why God had allowed these things, but in verse 22 of chapter 1 it says; "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." Oh how we should be not asking why, or pointing blame at anyone but looking into our own faults. God has his reasons and we should be thankful that He has even considered us to be his children. We should humble ourselves and not have a prideful spirit saying, why would he allow this, but Lord have mercy on us as sinners. In Romans it tells, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."

And in Ephesians 2 it tells us, "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; [2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience [3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by mature the children of wrath even as others.

[4]But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love where with he loved us. [5] even when we were dead in sins hath quickened us together with Christ, [by grace are ye saved;] [6] And hath raised us up together in heavenly places; [8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.

So, we being Primitive Baptists and having the understanding that we have been given by God's merciful grace should be the most humble of all of God's children. For I believe to the bottom of my soul that the Primitive Baptist have been given the true understanding of what God has done for us, what he is doing for us, and what he is going to do for us. He will not forsake us, but will always that care of his children in all circumstances. May God richly bless us in more knowledge, understanding and wisdom to use all of these to glorify our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

God Bless and keep you.

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In Romans chapter 1, verses 16-17 Paul says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written. The just shall live by faith."

The first thing that Paul puts out is that he is not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, that this gospel is not his gospel, but this gospel is something that he had not received from man, but from God. He goes on to say that neither was he taught it, but it came through the direct revelation of Jesus Christ. This gospel is not something to be ashamed of, but it is the gospel of Jesus Christ. This gospel is the gospel of the Savior, not only the Savior, but this Savior is the anointed one of God and this is the means by which the truth of God is declared and when it is declared through the unction of the Holy one, it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth. This power of God unto salvation is only to the believers of Jesus Christ This gospel is not the power of God unto salvation to a person that is not a believer, to a person that is not in Jesus Christ person or to a person that is not born of God, that is to a dead man. A dead man does not and cannot receive the gospel of of Jesus Christ. Here in Texas we have some real dry months that because of the lack of water that falls upon the earth, the grass becomes dead and dry. If when the rain begins to fall again and it falls upon dead vegetation, it will only hasten the destruction of it. Yet, on he other hand if it falls upon vegetation that only appears to be dead, yet has life in its roots, it will spring forth and testify that there is life there. In 2nd Timothy chapter 1, verse 10 Paul says, "But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, an hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."

He has just told us that the gospel does not give life to a dead man, but that this is the work of Jesus Christ. Once the Lord has quickened you into divine life, that the manifestation of that life comes through the gospel of Jesus Christ that it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth. The gospel brings that life and immortality that you already have and manifests it to you that the Lord has been gracious and hath quickened you, made you alive in Christ and you have life forevermore.

In Isaiah chapter 55 beginning in verse 10 we read, "For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: It shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the fields shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."

No wonder the Apostle Paul could say that it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith. When this gospel comes to the heart of a saved sinner, it is the power of God. It will make you come forth and bud, it will bring forth water for the thirsty, it will give bread to the eater, it will cause you to go out with joy and be led forth with peace. It will even seem to you that the whole

earth is full of his glory, the mountains will even break forth singing and the trees shall clap their hands, even the heavens declare the work of God.

No wonder the Apostle Paul could say, "or as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel, for I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith. This is the means by which the truth is revealed. It comes through the preaching of God's word. It comes from the faith of God to the faith of the minister and from the faith of the minister to the faith of the believer. It is the power of God unto salvation, it reveals the truth of your deliverance, it relates to you that you are a sinner and that you stand in need of a Savior. Not only does this gospel convict one of their sins but it reveals Christ to the heart telling him that his sins has been paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ. AMEN.

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Voice of the Past...

The True Church

by Elder W. W. Fowler

She is of divine origin, set up by the Saviour Himself during His personal ministry. All other organizations claiming to be the Church have their origin this side of His personal ministry and can be traced to some man. No man made institution has any right to claim to being the Church of Christ.

She is His bride, "The bride, the Lamb's wife." The Saviour affectionately calls her, "My dove, my love, my undefiled, the only one of her mother." Consequently, He recognizes no other as his bride.

She is also called a city, a house, a tabernacle, the new Jerusalem, a speckled bird, and many other names too numerous to mention.

She is the Kingdom of god. God is her King. His children are the subjects of the kingdom. "God is known in her palaces for a refuge." Psalms 48:3.

She is built upon a rock, "Upon this rock I will build my church." Matt16:18. Cor. 3:11. Christ is that foundation and it is builded upon Him. "Except the lord build the house they labor in vain that build it." Psa. 127:1.

She is above every other institution. "The Mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains and exalted above the hill." Isa. 2:2.

"Beautiful for situation, the joy of thewhole earth is Mt. Zion, on the side of the north city of the great King." Psa. 48:2.

So when we try to bring into her sacred precincts any of the inventions of men, we destroy her beauty.

She is going to stand until the Lord returns to "Make up His jewels."

"In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, but it shall stand forever." Dan 2:44.

How we should prize and appreciate her. How faithful we should be to attend her meetings and encourage each other to press on a short while longer.

Her head and husband, the Lord Jesus Christ is soon to return and take her home to that everlasting eternal city, of which on earth is the type. Nothing will be there to mar her happiness, but joy and peace will be hers in all eternity. What glorious hope.

The Banner of Love, March 15, 1940

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Which are you — a giver, or a receiver?

Jesus provides to us what our answer should be — in Acts 20:35: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

We are coming up on the annual holiday, and gift-giving, season. With Thanksgiving and Christmas in front of us we are reminded of the traditions of those seasons. We are about to witness all the merchants start to advertise and display their wares for our consideration.

My children have already started spotting the mail-order magazines, newspaper inserts and catalogs filled with gift-giving ideas for their eyes. We will be deluged with advertising of the message of giving.

How do you feel about the season. You know you have an expectation of giving gifts this season, but do you expect to receive gifts of others? Do you judge the persons on your Christmas card list by the cards you receive from others?

Are you thankful this season for the blessings already given to you, or do wish there were other gifts or blessings coming your way.

This is something I have to remind myself of each year. It’s not a hard lesson, but my human nature keeps requiring this lesson be repeated and that I be reminded.

There are some very simply and clear instructions in the Bible on this issue. We should not have to be reminded. What are your plans this year.

While we should not wait on the holiday season to implement this, this time of the year with its emphasis on thanksgiving and giving is an excellent reminder.

Re-read Acts 20-35, and then Matthew 6:1-4 about the instruction on alms-giving — secretly giving to the poor. Give with no thoughts of receiving any credit. Give secretly, and the Lord will reward you openly. Implement it this year.

Go into this season with one thought in mind — finding ways to give to those in need. Make it a point to yourself to not worry about whether you receive a single gift. Instead, find ways to provide blessings to others — without credit or worry of acknowledgment to yourself.

You gift can be a regular contribution of food or money to the poor, but look about and find some way you can also give of yourself to the church, to your family and to someone you don’t know. Do it without thinking or expecting anything in return.

How much should you give of your time or money? Figure out how much you’ve been blessed: "Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee." Deuteronomy 16:17. "Freely have ye received, freely give" Matthew 10:8. How many of us give our ourselves and our money as freely as the Lord has given to us? Are we net givers, or net receivers?

Examine your priorities to determine how you give. Elder Gail Faries, in a recent sermon in Lubbock reminded everyone to look at their checkbooks to see where their money really goes to determine their priorities. He suggested we should mark down our time to determine our actual "time" priorities. How much of your time is dedicated to giving of yourself, and how much time and money is dedicated to indulging yourself?

We have an interesting lesson throughout the Bible. We cannot be net givers. That’s because we can never give as much as the Lord gives to us. As much as we give, the Lord returns to us more. We give in secret, the Lord gives back to us openly.

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." Luke 6:38.

You cannot out give the Lord. Our job is to give to others— give of our funds, give of our blessings, give of ourselves. We need to give in support of the church, give in support of the poor. Give secretly, without expectation of return.

The Lord rewards your giving. He gives you more than you give to others. He rewards openly what you give in secret.

Approach this season, and all seasons, with the intent of being a giver — not a receiver. If you sincerely attempt to secretly give more than you receive — the Lord will not let you get away with it.

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By Elder Hulan Bass

1st Cor. 1:17- "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect."

This last phrase emphasizes the fact that "if the Gospel of Christ" is not preached correctly, then the "Cross of Christ" can be rendered in the minds of many, leaving them in unbelief of the Truth, and bringing them to confusion not understanding the true facts of what all Christ accomplished on the Cross. That scenario renders complicated error, and thereby leaves the Full Work on the Cross, essentially, of non-effect. IF one single step, small or great, is left out, then such renders the Cross of Christ of one effect.

There are several units and steps of fulfillment, completion and fully executed major requirement for Christ on the Cross, of which not even a jot or tittle can be omitted. First let us consider that Christ was to fulfill the O.T. Law to a jot and tittle.

We find in John 19:28-30 "After this, Jesus knowing that all things ere now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." This all happened at the end of the 9th hour.

Another way to say this is "at the end of the 6 hours on the Cross." Still another way to say it is "at the end of the 3 hours of darkness." We also notice that He recollected through His perfect memory, all the things that were assigned for Him to execute concerning His Father's Will, and the last thing He must do or say, was "I thirst." This fulfilled the prophecy of Psalms 69:20-21. He then realized that all things were not completed, so He bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Col. 1:20 - "And, having made peace through the blood of Christ, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." Here we learn two more entities of His Required Assignment to execute, that being "Shedding Blood," and "Reconciliation."

Next, we observe another requirement he must execute and that being found in the text--Rom. 3:24 - "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Here we learn that there is a vital objective of "Justification." This justification can only come through his redemption, and redemption requires blood shedding.

As we continue this chain of steps, we now go to Rom. 5:9- we further stress the great importance of "Blood Justification." Much more then,

being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." Lastly and yet just as important we finally state that On This Cross, Jesus Christ brought sanctification. 1st Peter 1:2- "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ...

This chain-link scenario was through His Foreknowledge and Jesus Christ stood as a Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Rev. 5:6; 13:8. His blood was the first of these five steps - Redemption requires blood shed; 2ndly, then Atonement comes into play, and He was required to die to satisfy the offended wrath and justice [justification] of God.

Rom. 5:11 - "And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement." 1st Cor. 11:25-26-"After the same manner Also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."

So, we must declare that even the Lord's Supper of Bread and Wine emphasizes the required need for His Blood to be remembered, and following the blood shedding was His death. Atonement requires death.

Redemption then is first, then Atonement is second. This must be remembered and preached till he come. There is no discharge in this duty. Now let us line these five steps up in proper order:

1. Redemption which requires blood shedding.

2. Atonement which requires death.

3. Justification in the Eyes of God.

4. Reconciliation in the Triune Godhead

5. Sanctification now exists in the Eyes of the Godhead.

Conclusion:

God now sees the elect as Sanctified, holy and pure as the driven snow, as He looks through the blood of His Son, thereby being reconciled, at peace, as His offended wrath is now at bay, as He is not satisfied as all requirements are now in balance with no iniquity or trespass existing The death atonement of His Son finalized His sufferings for all the Elect's Sins in this one perfect offering embracing all that are sanctified.

Hebrews 10:14. This death followed His blood shedding Redemption. All five of these entities are tied directly to the first, which was Redemptive Blood Shedding. Further, I would be totally remiss to not close with this statement - "All of these things happened On the Cross." Now there are some steps that followed, or after His being "On the Cross," but that will be another writing.

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The West Texas Association, held at Cone, Texas was just simply wonderful, even though the attendance had decreased this year considerably.

The preaching services consisted of the following:

Thursday night - Elder Travis Brown, "The Everlasting Covenant."

Friday morning - Brother Shane Nix, "Total Depravity."

Elder George Walker - "Final Preservation of the saints."

Friday afternoon - Elder T. Ray Little, "Psalms 73."

Elder Gerald Stanford- "There is no Condemnation for those who are born after the Spirit."

Friday night - Elder Vernis Stanaland, "Why sit we here, until we die."

Saturday morning - Elder Bernard Gowens, "John 5:24 - 29"

Elder Harley Stripland, "Forgiveness."

Saturday afternoon - Elder B. F. Hand, "But God Found Peace in the Eyes of the Lord."

Elder Cleveland Bass - "The Wages of Sin is Death, but the Gift of God is Eternal Life."

Saturday night - Elder Tom Taylor - "God Hates Ungodly Wickedness."

Sunday morning - Elder Gerald Hand, "Romans 8:29."

Elder Ronnie Hedges - "Importance of Prayer."

May The Lord be praised for His goodness to the children of men!

Mrs. E. L. Edwards

Colorado City, TX

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Ralph B. Howell was born July 22, 1911, in Varnell, Georgia. He lived in the north Georgia area during his childhood, until his family moved to Apison, Tennessee. Ralph was raised in a Christian home, but had not heard about the Primitive Baptist faith until he met and started "courting" Lena Mae Peters. If they wanted to see each other on Sunday, her father requested that they attend church. Her family attended Friendship Primitive Baptist Church in Ringgold, Catoosa County, Georgia, where most of her family were members. Ralph feels the Lord led him to Lena Mae and the Primitive Baptist Church.

Ralph and Lena Mae were married on August 3, 1940. They are the parents of three children, [Larry, Lynn, and Faye] and make their home in Ringgold. Ralph and Lena Mae joined Friendship Primitive Baptist Church together on December 9, 1945, and were baptized near the Church in Hurricane Creek by Elder Paul Childers.

Brother Howell was ordained as a deacon on September 7, 1946, with Elder J. W. Dempsey as Moderator. In 1952 he began speaking publicly and was ordained to the full ministry of the gospel on June 12, 1960, by the following presbytery: Elders, Roy Mitchell, Fred Stewart, Earl Meyers, J. W. Dempsey, and Paul Childers as Moderator.

In 1965 Elder Howell followed Elder Childers as Pastor of Friendship Church. He faithfully served as Pastor until 1983. The Church called Elder Wayne Peters as Pastor and Elder Howell as Honorary Pastor. Elder Howell served as Honorary Pastor. Elder Howell served as clerk for the Marietta Association for thirty-two years. At the age of 90, he continues to preach and fill appointments for Primitive Baptist Churches.

[Source of information: Personal and Friendship Church minutes.]

Submitted August, 2001

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We enjoy the Banner very much. We're praying for our nation, and for the peace of Zion.

In His service,

Charles Holmes, [Elder]

Mena, AR

Thank all of you for printing the Banner of Love; it is inspiring to read and enjoy. We enjoy reading it each time we get it and seeing all the meetings across the country, so we can pick put the ones we can plan on going to.

May the Lord bless and keep you.

Thanks,

Elder Steve Clark

League City, TX

I am sending you my new address so that I can continue to get the Banner of Love newspaper. I enjoy reading all the messages in the paper. Every time I get it the sermons get better and news of all the Primitive Baptist Churches. I enjoy so much getting this newspaper.

Randolph Wallen

Visalia, CA.

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THE EVENTS OF SEPT. 11, 2001

In thinking of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, we are better able to understand the things God guided and gave those who run this race before us to write the writings that is really a blessing to us in having freedom to proclaim our belief in Him.

So good that God has given our political leaders the ability to enforce laws so that evil is not allowed to be let go in which He gives us freedom from bondage, so that our brethren can openly proclaim God's Word without being censored in any way.

We have been and are encouraged in being reminded of Rom. 13:1-8.

Our Dear Lord will see us through. May He strengthen His dear ones everywhere.

In dear Hope,

Sister Loretta Lilly,

Akron, Ohio

I am writing this article on August 14, 2001, the 13th anniversary of the day that I returned to the House of the Lord.

After being out of the church for several years, my Aunt, Dorothy Powell came by and picked me up, as our building was located on 44th and Ave.P.

It was such a strange feeling, after being away for so long, as I met a good number of people for the first time. The song service, I am sure, was very enjoyable and I probably heard a doctrinally sound sermon delivered by Elder George Johnson, pastor of the Lubbock Primitive Baptist Church. I stayed for lunch and enjoyed wonderful fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ, and a delicious meal.

To this day, I am still wondering why I stopped attending church on a regular basis. I'll never be able to get back all those wonderful sermons I missed and all those beautiful hymns sung to a glorious melody.

A decision I'll never regret making on March 10, 1996 at the Lubbock Primitive Baptist Church.

I came forward and asked for a home in the Church. A week later on March 17, I took up my cross and followed the Lord in being baptized. I only wish my parents would have been alive to witness this event.

I know we all wish we could go back and correct those mistakes we made. It's a fact that I never will cease going to the House of the Lord at every opportunity. I won't make that mistake again, because once is enough.

Written with much love,

Jerry Bass

Lubbock, Texas

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We have been blessed with many good and spiritual meetings thus far this year. We enjoy your paper so much, the good articles written give much enlightment on various subjects. May God continue to bless your efforts.

Am enclosing a picture of our clerk and her husband, Sister Louise Cantrell, clerk and Brother Seborn Cantrell, deacon. Mt. View Primitive Baptist Church, Smithville, TN recognized the faithful services of Sister Louise as being church clerk for 40 years without missing a conference. The church presented her with a placque for her faithful contributions toward maintaining records for future generations. Sister Cantrell maintains records of every service held during the year by our church and makes them a part of our conference minutes.

One important lesson learned from Sister Louise is "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, [Matt. 6:33] and we will receive great reward. Also, let us continue to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service. Romans 12:1.

Perhaps this will encourage some little child of God to be more faithful in their attendance and devotion.

In brotherly love,

Elder Paul Violet, Pastor

Smithville, Tenn.

While in conference on the second Sunday in July, we, the members of the Philadelphia Primitive Baptist Church unanimously called Brother David Machiavello to pastor the church here in Big Spring. He graciously accepted our call. It is our heartfelt conviction that the Lord has sent Brother David our way, and for this great blessing we are truly thankful.

At our request, on September 15, 2001, Brother David was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry at Tyler Primitive Baptist Church, which is the church in which he has been a member for the past eight years.

To our delight Elder Machiavello, his wife, Sister Terrie, with their children: Joshua, Joseph, Deborah, James, Jacob, Bethany, and Rebekah have now moved to Big Spring. They are all very dear to our hearts.

Adding to our joy, Sister Ginni Metcalf, came requesting a home in the church by experience and baptism on Sept. 12, and was baptized on Sept. 16 with Elder Machiavello officiating. This precious young sister is the daughter of Brother John Wayne and Sister Ginger Metcalf.

Also on Sept. 16, we rejoiced to have Brother David, Sister Terrie, brothers Joshua, James, Jacob, and Sister Deborah join by letter from the Tyler Primitive Baptist Church. Earlier, brother Tony Truelove had brought much encouragement to our congregation when he joined by letter from the Colorado City Church on first Sunday in July. We praise and thank our dear Savior for these many blessings and pray that we will live in a way to never cause regret in the hearts of these precious brethren and sisters for having cast their lot with ours.

We invite all to come and visit with us soon and often. Our worship services are 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. every Sunday and at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday nights. Our Annual Meeting times are the weekend of the Second Sunday in June and October. You will certainly be welcome!

We beg an interest in your prayers as we endeavor to serve and honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In Christian love and fellowship,

Philadelphia Primitive

Baptist Church

Adele Fleming, Church Clerk

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By Elder Charles Holmes

Genesis Chapter 16, verses 11 and 12: "And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren."

We are now quoting from Hassell's Church History, pages 414 and 415. "The religious leader, Mohammed was born at Mecca, Arabia about the year 570 A. D. and died in 632 A.D. He was a descendant of Ishmael, and was related to the Korashites. He restricted ordinary followers to four wives. The number of his own wives varies from 13 to 25. His favorite wife, Ayesha was a beautiful girl of nine years old when he married her.

He was subject to epileptic fits from his childhood, and was in all probability, a partially insane religious fanatic. The so-called revelations he received from the angel Gabriel during his fits were recorded and preserved by others and, after his death, gathered into a book called the Koran-the Muhammadan Bible."

He established the false god, Allah, taking the name of an idol god in the land. Thus a new religion was formed with the statement, "there is one god Allah, and his prophet Mohammed."

Millions of mid eastern people pray five times a day to this false god and a dead prophet. Some lands require these prayers under severe punishment if missed. We have the masses praying to a false god with no better answer from him at the end of the day than at the beginning.

Since a false god is not a true god, this religion gives the evil one, Satan, a great opening to accomplish evil deeds through some of these people all in the name of their god, Allah. The promise of future rewards in Heaven are given to many for their service to Allah. Carnal joys await them if they give their own lives in his service. Many young maidens await them with much joy in the world to come.

The religion of Islam offers no comfort. Cold demands of the Old Testament, and the the Koran have the people enslaved, some to the extent that if a woman raises her shirt and shows her leg, they cut off the leg. Hands are cut off is one is caught stealing. Women are stoned or shot to death for unlawful sexual activity.

We are indeed happy to have a religion in which we can be comforted, and have forgiveness of our sins. We are happy to claim Jesus Christ as our Savior and King, and to confess that he is the Son of God. We do not have a false god and a dead prophet to worship. We have a risen Savior at God's right hand that intercedes for us.

Certainly, we can see that Ishmael is a wild man, and that he dwells among his people in the middle east, and many other places around the world.

We are glad to know that God has a people in every nation, kindred, tongue, and people-Revelation Chapter 5 verse 9. This religion, Islam does not know Christ as the Son of God, and Their Savior. They are promised carnal joys in Heaven. We are looking forward to Spiritual joys in eternity. Even so come Lord Jesus.

Other study references- Encyclopedia Americana volume 15 [Islam], and a History of Arab Peoples by Albert Hourani.

Elder Charles Holmes

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By Brother Norman Gowens

God's word teaches us that all infants who die in their infancy are born-again elect of God. The negative view of this truth is that there is no way any of us can tell whether or not an infant who dies in that state is Heaven bound or hell bound. Many claim that eternal life is only God's business and not ours. I believe the only way we do know any positives in this life is by the inspired word of God. If this isn't true, then the free-will of man may believe whatever suits his fleshly desires.

Once born of the spirit of God, there is no free-will of the child of God. We are duty bound to "thus saith the Lord." Ignorance is no excuse in the laws of God. 2 Tim. 2:15 tells the born-again child of God to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." So we are authorized under the revelation of the Spirit of God to understand God's word, believe it, and practice it.

Common spiritual sense should tell us that God - a God of love and compassion] would not send a dead infant to the lake of fire to live in eternal torment. One may argue that all humanity fell in total depravity by the sin of Adam and if not for the intervening grace of God all elect would be cast into hell with the non-elect. Yes, but who can name one child of God who hasn't committed his own practical sin that condemns him in his state of depravity, except for infants and those of unsound mind?

The lake of fire will be the eternal doom for all non-elect because their sins [inherent and practical] were not atoned for by the blood of Jesus; their souls will not be regenerated; all of which identifies that they were not of the elect of God before the foundation of the world. In contrast, salvation is passively received and unconditionally relegated to the elect. But this is not the case regarding the damnation of the wicked. The wicked do not passively receive damnation. They actively earn the lake of fire by their practical exercise of wickedness during their lifetime. They merit hell not only by their sin nature but also by the evil deeds they commit during their many years on the earth. [Rev. 20:12] Actively committed evil deeds are evidences that all human beings inherit the sin-nature from fallen Adam. The difference is that the sins of the elect are covered by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.

Infants die the same as adults because of the inherited sin-nature of Adam. No human would die without a sin-nature. "The wages of sin is death." [Rom. 6:23.] However, infants who die in their infant state do not commit practical sins. Read Psalm 58:2-5: "Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth. 3. The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies. 4. Their poison is like the poison of a serpent; they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear; 5. Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely." Psa. 5:5 says, "The foolish shall not stand in thy sight; thou hatest all workers of iniquity." Can an infant work iniquity? If so, how? This scripture tells us that the wicked will all live to be old and do wickedly . An infant cannot commit a willful act of wickedness. God could destroy the wicked as soon as they be born from the mother's womb. but God suffers them to live long [at least longer than their state of infancy]. Job confirmed this in 21:7, "Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power? This word, "old", does not mean "old" as in many years, but rather being old enough to exercise their wickedness. The "mighty in power" means the might and/or power they have in exercising their wickedness, rather than a physical power.

We know from sound reasoning that non-elect infants cannot literally begin to speak lies from the womb, but their nature is wicked from conception and their wickedness is the same as spoken lies from conception. They literally grow our of their infant state and commit wicked acts. An infant cannot commit a willful act of wickedness, nor can he literally speak a lie. Therefore, an infant who dies in infancy is not counted among the wicked non-elect. God elected them and predestinated them to Heaven's pure world because He loved them in the covenant of His grace. They are identified, according to Scripture, as being of the elect of God before time began. [Read Job 3:11, 16, 19]. Their inherited sin nature is covered by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.

2 Sam. 12:23 gives proof that David expected to see his dead infant son in Heaven. Isn't this God's inspired word for our learning and comfort in the scriptures, that we may also rest in the hope and assurance that we shall see our children in Heaven who died in their infancy?

These few written words only touch the biblical truth of infant death salvation.

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POSSIBILITY VS. CERTAINTY

By Elder Bill Walden

There is a prevalent school of thought today that God has made eternal salvation a possibility for all mankind, and this is taught in many religions. A "possibility," almost without exception, presupposes a condition or conditions to be met and complied with. Some major denominations teach that some conditions can only be met through a series of reincarnation. Some teach that this is by degrees; many teach that when Christ died heaven became a possibility, and then set forth the condition to be performed in order to make the possibility certain. In order to be as accurate as possible in this statement, this is termed the arminian doctrine. Also, to be fair and accurate, the Arminian doctrine is a body of beliefs bound by the broken threads of "free-willism."

It is not unusual today to hear preachers who espouse this doctrine tell people, even at funeral services, "I'm going to give you the opportunity here and now to make sure you will go to heaven when you die," and at the expense of a grieving family, interrupt the service to ask people to respond to some condition, to only believe or to recite some word in the form of a prayer. All of which, of course, says that all the redemptive work of Christ was in vain unless man condescends to "let God save him." Thank God, there is a more sure way than that. The eternal salvation of God's people is not a mere possibility; their salvation is a certainty, their salvation is just as absolute as God is.

Matthew 28: 16-20: "then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

When the eleven disciples went away into Galilee into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. He charged them to go and teach all nations. As they were charged to go, they were to teach. Notice the sequence again: [1] teach, [2] baptize, and [3] continue to teach. Next the Lord was specific as to what they were to teach; teaching them, [whose whom they had taught and baptized previously] to observe all things He had commanded them.

We know that teaching requires us to be thorough and keep to the textbook, which in this case is the inspired word of God, the Bible. Since we are told that all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, then we know they were to teach the doctrine of Christ, and to do this they must preach the word.

"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine." 2 Timothy 4:2.

It is evident that many religious denominations have moved away from their own historical doctrines during this century. We have a number of documents and "church" handbooks, which verify this. The great thrust behind this effort was to avoid being identified with any regimen. "Believers fellowship" and "non-denominational" are some of their themes. Now, however, many of their leaders are lamenting this move saying their buildings are standing empty and there is great financial difficulty in maintaining their "church plant."

History, both inspired and secular, is replete with evidence that the Church of our Lord has always flown her banner and acknowledged the doctrine of her Lord. Luke said, "forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us"--Luke 1:1. Among the primitive church there are some things most surely believed. We; don't have to grope in darkness to find what those things were and are today.

Let us consider what He told the Apostles here about some of the things they were to teach; teach and baptize believers. The old heresy of baptismal regeneration is still just as much out of place today as it was when it came forth from the father of all lies. John 8:44, "...He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own; for he is a liar, and the father of it." Mark 16:16 plainly states they were to baptize believers: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved..." The people being taught must believe in order to be baptized. What must they believe? What about the person who believes in God, hopes that heaven will be his home some day, loves the Church, but his manner of life is casting shame upon the name of the Lord and would also bring shame upon the Church? What if he is living in a state of adultery, or what if he desires to continue to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers? ; [2 Corinthians 6:14] In light of the scripture, it is quite evident this person is not a fit subject or baptism and Church membership.

Teach and immerse; then the teaching must continue, teaching them to observe. This is a very interesting word--it embraces the meaning "keep an eye on, to guard." This is a military term as a guard detains one in custody. Surely His word has the dew of youth upon it. This is just as meaningful today as it was then; we also must keep our eyes on the things He has commanded.

In acts 20:27 Paul said, "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." All the counsel that God gave to Paul, he taught; he held nothing back. Part of the counsel he gives us is to take heed lest we become consumed of one another. Galatians 5:15. Though the enemies of the Lord are many, God forbid that we consume one another. Even in these dark times we are blessed with freedom of assembly and no one is physically storming our places of worship to bind us or forbidding us to teach these wonderful truths.

Glory is to be ascribed to God in the Church: "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen," [Ephesians 3:21]. Our teaching today will only be meaningful as it complies with His demands. No matter how unpopular with the world, it is not a reason for us to cease observing what He has commanded us to do. Many times the Church seems to be a stranger here, misunderstood by many, ridiculed by some.

She may view herself as a speckled bird, compared to the worldly organizations that boast of great accomplishments. She dares not boast of being instrumental in bringing one unregenerate sinner to Christ, much less bring one to heaven. she rests in the fact that her Husband not only trod the winepress alone, but He looked and there was none to help, and with His own arm He brought salvation. [Isaiah 63:3]. Her husband's assessment of her is quite different: "My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her..." [Song of Solomon 6:9].

"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen." [Jude 24-25]

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