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Volume 69 Number 11 Lubbock, Texas 79493 Copyright $12.00 Per Year November 2001 |
Impeccability of Christ Jesus Love Cruel Preachers Imputed Righteousness My Best Friend Wearing the Shoes of Others Newspapers serving Primitive Baptist Causes Passed From Death Unto Light The Abomination of Desolation (2) Regarding Korbyn Brown Tour Through The Bible The Lord's Prayer Obituaries
A Brief Introduction
The importance of this inexhaustible subject envelops the idea of God's wisdom concerning what is absolutely necessary to accomplish His purpose in His covenant of redemption. Before the beginning of all chronological time, God, declaring the end from the beginning, chose a special people out of the Adamic race and gave then to His eternal Son to be redeemed from their fallen state in sin.
The elected objects of God's everlasting love were predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son. At God's appointed times, he would make these fallen sinful creatures sinless in soul, spirit, and body. Imperfection would be transformed into perfection, unholiness would be translated into holiness, and peccability would be transposed into impeccability. This transition must be absolutely required of Divine Justice before Heaven can be thronged with God's elected ancestry.
To achieve God's purpose of salvation by redemption from depravity to Glory, absolute Perfection must be sent from Heaven to earth. By covenant agreement and in accord with god's infinite wisdom and will, the Eternal Son of God volunteered to be sent by His Father from Heaven to earth to accomplish the purposed redemption.
Because perfection would be required to redeem the imperfect, the Only Begotten Son of God must achieve a human nature in His Incarnate Image of God and in His likeness of men that would be impeccable-- totally perfect and sinless in every respect. His perfect and sinless body could only contain a Holy and a sinless human nature. Jesus Christ must of Divine necessity be absent any ability to commit any act that would be in defiance of the Godhead. The legacy and reality of Jesus' sinless human nature and physical body must be totally in holy accord with His divine nature. In this Incarnate Human Person of Jesus Christ, the divine Character of the fullness of the Godhead must dwell. Only God could make this provision.
We find this condition if impeccability in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, the worthy redeemer of God's children. It is recorded in Hebrews 10:5, "Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not, but a body hast Thou prepared me." The Holy Ghost prepared the human body of this sinless person by overshadowing the Virgin Mary (cf. Luke 1:35). The human body of Jesus Christ was not of the terra firma of this red earth as was Adam. Rather than being procreated from first Adam, Jesus was the Lord from Heaven (1 Cor. 15:47). Therefore, it should not be assumed that Jesus was composed of a terrestrial body; rather, his body; rather, His body was a material celestial body in that it was supremely good, sublime, and perfectly related to Heaven.
A Biblical composition of the Scriptural teachings of the impeccability of Christ Jesus is inexhaustible and would consist of many specific and important topical headings. These pertinent Biblical teachings would give an exposition of the impeccable nature and reputation of Christ Jesus, which would certainly be required of Him to be a worth Redeemer of his foreknown and chosen people.
We trust these brief remarks shall be enlightening to your mind, a blessing to your soul, and glorifying to God. Amen!
It is true that in the beginning, before the fall, Adam stood in a different category. He had been "created" [not begotten] in the "the likeness of God." and he was created in Paradise. There had been "some good thing" in Adam, though he was human. But there is "no good thing" in any of his posterity; they all have been begotten in "Adam's own likeness," and all are begotten outside of Paradise.
That which is begotten of the flesh "IS" [and remains] flesh. All who are born in the fallen likeness of our first fallen parents are born with "no good thing" abiding in them. The apostle Paul in his latter days said, "For I know that in me [that is, in my flesh], dwelleth no good thing," [Romans 7:18]; and we like Paul, make this same confession.
It is not a question here, or indeed elsewhere, about what man "has done." It is wholly and altogether a question of what man "IS." We are not only lost sinners, but we are fallen creatures.
We are not only "Sons of Men," begotten by Adam, but we are born of Eve, doubly ruined, [if it were possible.] Ruined, not because of what we have "done," but because of what we "are." When Adam sinned as our federal head, it is as if we had been there, and committed the transgression ourselves.
If we had never done anything, good, bad or indifferent, we should still have no right to re-enter the garden, or to go into the presence of God. We should have no right to "The Tree of Life," but should be subject to death. We should still need at least a forensic righteousness; that is to say, we should need to be "acquitted," to be pronounced "not guilty," [like in a court of law] and to be put into a position where our sins would not be imputed to us, and that isn't possible, because all are guilty in the court of God.
However, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile," {Psalm 32: 1-2]. But this is, surely, very different from having a "Divine righteousness imputed to us." The one is negative, and the other is positive. The negative only is all that's usually seen; that is, many may see that they are forensically or judicially acquitted, but fail to see the positive, that is that Divine righteousness is imputed to them.
To see the positive is to see the "complete works" of Jesus Christ, and to see His righteousness "imputed to us." This is revealed by the Spirit of God, but they are few that are made to see this blessed truth. These are taught in the gospel "that brings life and immortality to light." Most endeavor to establish their own righteousness, and never see the complete work of Jesus Christ, and His righteousness imputed to them. For it is impossible to see that His imputed righteousness would be theirs unless they can see that He has completed all that the Father had sent Him to do in their behalf.
In the eleventh chapter of Hebrews there are listed a "great cloud" of faithful witnesses. Those listed are said to have received a "good report," that is they were able to see that the righteousness of their Redeemer would actually become their very own righteousness. They looked far beyond judicial fulfillment in their behalf, to that perfect righteousness they would receive through grace, and this was "a good report" for them.
It is said in verse four that Able "obtained witness that he was righteous." In verse seven it says Noah became heir of "The Righteousness which is by faith," that is, that he could see with an eye of faith that the perfect righteousness of The Son of God would be imputed to him: not just a forensic or judicial righteousness, but that the very righteousness of the Savior would be imputed to him and this was a "good report" within his soul.
Finally consider Abraham's special faith. Abraham, from the time of his call in Genesis twelve, was surely as righteous as Lot. Lot was a "righteous man" {2 Peter 2: 7-8], and yet he is not listed in Hebrews chapter eleven. He no doubt was Judicially acquitted, but was unaware of imputed righteousness. Lot represents then those that believe in a works doctrine, like those in the denominational world today that believe they must do something to help in their eternal salvation, because they don't see the righteousness of Jesus Christ imputed to them. They feel that Christ died for all men [judicially], and all who will accept Him may be saved. But they fail to see that Jesus has saved His people from their sins, and has imputed His perfect righteousness to them; they have not the "good report" of His imputed righteousness in their heart.
In Genesis 13 God made further promises to Abraham, and in Genesis fourteen God had been with him, prospered him, and sent Melchizedek to bless him. But it is not until Genesis fifteen that we read of a very different righteousness which was imputed to him. For now he was "made to see" in the vision, that from his seed, [although he as yet had no child] his Redeemer and his Righteousness should spring, "and he believed in The Lord, and he counted it to him for righteousness," [verse 6]. He received a "good report" within his breast.
There was no more negative blessing of "non imputation of sin." It as no more pronouncement of "not guilty" but it was the positive reckoning of having "righteousness imputed" to him. "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: by whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." [Romans 3: 24-26]. "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; That we might be made the Righteousness of God in Him." [2 Corinthians 5:21]. That is a good report.
My mind this morning is directed to the fourth chapter of John, one which abounds with comfort to the lowly in heart by giving them bright evidences of their acceptance with the beloved. These evidences are those of love. Love is one of the characteristics of a child of God which speaks more forcibly of a change of heart than any other.
First, we want to say that God is the great fountain source from which every principle that goes to make up this love of a godly sort is received. 1 John 4:7: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God." And we will say that no one ever possessed this love which is undefiled who had not previously been touched by the divine power of God in regeneration; for in the same verse as above he says that "Every one that loveth is born of God." Then away with the idea that love is a condition for the ungodly to comply with in order to become a child of God, but the new birth endowing us with a new heart and mind and instilling in our souls the principles of love, we then love because we have been born again. 1 John 4:19: "We loved Him because He first loved us." "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." Oh, dear reader, when did God love you, and what was the result of that love?
God moved by love, sent His Son into this world as a Mediator, whose object it was to accomplish reconciliation for His people. Rom. 5:10: "For if, when we were enemies [then God loved us while enemies to Him], we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Also Paul says in Eph 2:4-5, "But God, who is rich in mercy for His great love wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ."
This shows when God loved us, which was while dead in sins, while we were walking according to the course of this world, while we were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Yes, while we were in open rebellion against Him. It also shows what was effected by that love, which was our being quickened together with Christ, or as the apostle has it, being saved by grace to the exclusion of all works of our own way of obedience, but centralizes the whole matter as a gift of God.
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." By so doing the grace of God that bringeth salvation shall appear to all men, that is, they can see its effects. As our Savior said, John 13:35, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one for another."
Dear brethren, I trust I have found a fulfillment of this Scripture among the Old Baptists, hence, in the language of Ruth, "Entreat me not to leave you, nor from the following after thee." Then allow me to continue in the march with you for victory.
from The Writings of [Elder] S. A. Paine 1874-1910
The "gospel" portion of the prophecy of Isaiah begins with the command to "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people." This is the charge to the gospel minister. There is the duty to reprove, rebuke and exhort, of course, but above all the message of the gospel is the sweet hope and consolation which is found in Christ Jesus. Those ministers are perhaps most beloved who have been blessed with that lovely ability to preach to the encouragement of God's people.
There have been those, however, who, under the guise of gospel ministers, have done just the opposite. Paul records that Hymenaeus and Philetus said that the resurrection was already past, and in so doing had overthrown the faith of some. We can just picture some kind-hearted, trusting old sister, who could hardly bring herself to think ill of any man presuming to preach the gospel, whose mind was so thrown into confusion by their false doctrine that she was cast into the depths of despair.
The apostle tells us that "if in this life only we have hope, we are of all men most miserable."
Only the most hardhearted of individuals would knowing and deliberately cause the misery of another, particularly the meek and lowly followers of the Lord, but that is what these men did.
A man who inflicts misery could certainly be described as a cruel man. A preacher who so perverts the doctrine of Christ so as to overthrow the most precious of hopes is nothing short of a scoundrel. Whatever else we might say about him, this kind of preacher certainly does not reflect the love and compassion of the God of all comfort.
PART II
Now, we must look at another aspect of the prophecy, as recorded in the book of Daniel, chapter 9, verse 27. Here is another spiritual part of this great prophecy, that must be added to what has already been pointed out: Notice that in this verse, it uses the plural application of the word, "abominations."
"And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of this week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, that determined shall be poured upon the desolate."
There can be no doubt, that according to the context, that the sacrifice here was none other than Jesus Christ, himself. However, the word "week" when used in this kind of prophecy does not denote a normal period of seven days, as we view a week. God, the father, did confirm the everlasting covenant with many when he sent his only begotten Son; and he did walk, and talk, and do many miracles in their sight; and they were eyewitnesses: John 1:14 "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, [and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,] full of grace and truth.
This same everlasting covenant was proclaimed by the Almighty God through the prophet Isaiah, in chapter 9:6-8 "for unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. V. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this. V. 8 The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel."
Back to Daniel, 9-27, "and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease." - Messiah; Christ, was cut off, but not for himself-V-26 and he; the perfect sacrifice did cease; for three days and three nights, while his body lay in the tomb. And the oblation was also caused to cease for this period of time, because his disciples, as children still did not understand that he would arise from the dead, obtaining the victory over death and hell for them forever!
-"and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate-the "it" here being Jerusalem, the so-called "holy city". It was made a desolate place because the natural Jews had rejected The Prince of Peace [John 1:11. "He came unto his on, and his own received him not."] but by the spreading of abominations- by their envy, jealousy, and hatred, had refused the evidence of their own eyes; and had taken him with wicked hands, and hung him upon a cross between two thieves. Isaiah 53:12. "and he was numbered with the transgressors."
The "host" spoken of in Daniel 8:12, that had cast down the truth to the ground are they, also; who deny the eternal Sonship of Christ; and that he is God; manifest in the flesh. This abomination is even carried over into these modern times; and they are practicing, and prospering! Many besides natural Jews are doing this.
-"even until the consummation" - this being the consummation of the everlasting covenant, which took place when Christ arose from the grave, and appeared unto Mary, in John 20:16, where he told her in V. 17, "Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father:" then appeared the first time after his resurrection unto the disciples in V. 19-23. After eight days, he appeared unto them the second time in v. 26.
What rejoicing there must have been among the saints of glory, and all the holy angels of God, while the Lamb Triumphant was in their presence!
-"and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate." There are two portions to this statement. First: God the Father had determined to punish the Jews for their disobedience, and faithlessness. This was literally brought to pass with the destruction of Jerusalem, and has been even carried forward into the latter days; because they were scattered among all nations, and he made them a proverb, and a byword among all people. [1 Kings 9:7].
But upon the vessels of mercy; he poured out his precious blood, a ransom for many; Matthew 26:28 "For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."
Children of the Heavenly King, as ye journey, sweetly sing Sing your Father's worthy praise Glorious in his works and ways!
Psalms 27:4-5 "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. V. 5 for in time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion; in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me upon a rock."
Daniel 11:32 again, where it says that - "the people that do know their God shall be strong, and shall do exploits. The word "exploits" does not appear in the Hebrew Lexicon; and was added by the interpreters; but this does not detract from the meaning that it was meant to convey; because God meant to preserve this King James Bible throughout all ages; therefore, if this word had not been used, another descriptive term would have been necessary.
This is explained to my great satisfaction by the Apostle Paul in II Corinthians 10:4-5. "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;] V 5. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."
"Fear not brethren, joyful stand On the borders of your land-Christ your Father's holy Son, Bids you undismayed go on."
Matt. 6:9-13 - Jesus is speaking in the Sermon on the Mount to the 12 Apostles.
"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, for ever, Amen."
It was recently brought to my attention by a precious sister, who has two teen-age children presently, that many of the young children and teen-agers being raised up in the Primitive Baptist Church do not know this Prayer. Some admit they have never heard of "The Lord's Prayer." This should shock most all of the P. B. Ministers.
It shocked me. I pray that all P. B. parents that read this writing will insist that their children and grandchildren read this article.
So, let us study this prayer. First, I must point out that, truly, this really is Not "The Lord's Prayer, but our prayer that the Lord taught us to pray. The real "Lord's Prayer," is in John 17.
Next, I would be remiss if I also did not point out carefully to all of our young people, that this prayer is not for the purpose of teaching us How to pray. Notice this same prayer is listed in Luke 11:1 - "And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. The next verse repeats almost the same words as are found in Matt. 6. However, here is the major lesson. The disciples did not ask Jesus to teach them how to pray, but "teach us to pray."
We all need to remember this great lesson, and be taught to pray. It is very interesting to observe, and we should be keenly aware of the fact that the N.T. Church is a militant, visible, organic, organized kingdom with Jesus Christ Himself the King. And the various statutes to be adhered to, and duties to know to be accomplished in the worship service, has several components. What do you think these components of obedience are, when in the House of The Lord in the worship service? How many do think there are?
Well, first of all let us remember the general format. We arrive and enter into immediate fellowship before we formally engage in the organized worship service. Next, We sing the old Songs of Zion, a complexion of Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Then there usually are some announcement of sickness, or ailments, or operations or even a death.
We then ask for all to pray as some brother is selected to lead the public formal verbal and audible prayer. Then the Pastor-Teacher begins his sermon and preaches on some text, word, phrase, theme, subject, or even expository verse by verse to confirm the contextual lesson, whether it be doctrinal, practical, dutiful or that of discipline. It might even be that of exhortation or reproof.
There are scriptures for all of this. Lastly, in his closing he will give out a formal invitation for anyone desiring to join the church and submit to water baptism, or by letter, statement or relation. As a spiritual closing , there is the singing of a familiar hymn, and usually a confirmation of love and fellowship. Then there is a closing prayer. Even after the dismissal fellowship continues, and some who were stirred by the sermon, usually comes up and has some Bible questions to ask the preacher. All P. B. preachers love this.
Now what component of worshipful activity described above do you think is the most important area in the worship service?
Well, let us consider what the Scriptures teach us on this point. Isaiah 56-7 - "Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people."
This statement here closes with the word phrase - "for all people." This means All O. T. and N. T. worship, which reaches back to the Laws of Moses in the tabernacle and even in The temple. It also reaches forward into the N. T. Church of Jesus Christ. Prayer is the greatest blessed privilege given us in the worship service. This is our real link of communication between you and the Lord- a direct clear channel.
Let's see if we can scripturally prove this. Mark 11:17 - Jesus is speaking - "And he taught them saying unto them, Is it not written, my house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? But ye have made it a den of thieves."
Now, we all realize that- Acts 2:42- speaks of the zeal and sincere dedication of the N. T. Church in its early beginnings - "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." Yes, all the factors of obedient in the N. T. Church as clearly prescribed by Jesus Himself, are very important, but Jesus set the pace and declared the precedent, that the N. T. Church shall be known as My House of Prayer.
Notice that they not only continued, but it was diligently observed stedfastly. When you come to church, the worship service should be in your heart and soul and time of sacred, holy reverential and dedicated convocation of much solemnity. It should be a time of much inward rejoicing, of praise, adoration, honor and extolling to the Blessed Name of Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Oh, dear young people of the Primitive Baptist Church., I beseech you to re-read this writing. Promise yourself to memorize The Lord's Prayer, which is really your prayer. You should say this prayer silently, to yourself, every day, and the Lord will hear it.
One closing thought. At the beginning of this writing, I have quoted the prayer. Did you happen to notice very carefully the exact wording - Matt. 6:10- "Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." The Holy angels in heaven always perfectly and obediently do His will, but we here on earth, who are His sheep, are to pray that His will be done in earth, and not just on earth. In earth means, in you. You have an inward person, which is "Christ in you, the hope of glory" - Col. 1:27.
During a recent sporting event for my son Reid, the officiating of the referees became a topic of discussion. I know I do not have to finish this thought, because you are already ahead of me. There was considerable question over several calls made. Everyone in the stands thought they could call better than the official making the call.
In a recent discussion, a friend told me that there should be several legal requirements of all people. Kind of like required military service, the mandatory payment of taxes or required jury service, he would like to see several other "requirements" added to people’s service in this country. One of them, of course, was serving as a referee at a youth sporting event.
"If people had to wear the shoes of a referee just once, they’d be a little more merciful and understanding of the speed and pressure at which a decision must be made." he said. "They would have more appreciation for the sacrifice someone makes for them in order to serve as the referee — usually for either low or no pay."
There are several jobs that I would place in that category. Having served as a youth athletic coach, and referee, there is a greater appreciation on my part now for when I see an official being berated by the fans. I know there is no great general appreciation for elected officials, but having run for elected office myself, I do have a better understanding and appreciation for the personal and family sacrifices and public pressures and demands our elected officials endure.
We all could better follow the advice of the old Indian saying that we all should "walk a mile in another man’s moccasins" before we criticize his actions. Doing so, we would appreciate exactly the pressures and sacrifices he makes.
I know this is excellent advice as we look upon our ministers today and the sacrifices they make to serve their congregations. Not only their sacrifices, but their spouses and families. There are untold pressures of time and emotion on our ministers to prepare for each Sunday, and to minister to their flocks.
Sacrifice of your time and resource is a tough thing to do. We should appreciate and be thankful of those who do it.
This can be especially true today with our nation’s men and women in military service who are putting themselves in harm’s way for the benefit of the remainder of us. Many of them, no doubt, will give up their lives so that the rest of us can remain free from harm and continue to enjoy the freedoms we have.
There is no greater sacrifice than that of giving life: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13.
At Thanksgiving, let’s be thankful for those people who sacrifice themselves for the rest of us — whether its their time, their resources or their life.
Of course, there is no greater thanks due, than that due to the Lord and His son, Christ for the mercy, and sacrifices made for us. Christ could have all the glory of God, yet put himself in our stead, absorbed our sin, that we might have life. How thankful are we for this overwhelming, undeserved sacrifice?
"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
"And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
"For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
"For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." Hebrews 2:14-18.
Let’s be thankful for Christ.
Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
I pray that this finds all well and enjoying the many blessings that our Lord continues to provide for all of us. We are doing well here in Tenn., enjoying many blessings of visitation with the Savior and the saints. Elvin and I have been blessed to be a part of a loving, caring bunch of saints here. We all love each other dearly but, most of all our Lord and Savior. We would extend to each of you an invitation to come visit and worship with us if you are in the area.
We had two children, ages seven and five years old, come to the church and will be baptized next Sunday, Lord willing. How we rejoice at the knowledge that our Lord is continuing to save a remnant, a promise made long ago! I grew up in this church and have so very many loving memories of those gone on and those left to carry on the Lord's business. My mother, dad, grandad and grandma are lying in the ground awaiting the resurrection. It's good to be home again.
As many of you know, our grandson, Korbyn Brown, has had a pretty rough time so far in this world. But, the Lord has been so merciful and has taken care of the many things wrong in nature and he's on the road to recovery we pray. Without our prayers and the loving touch of the Master's Hand, Korbyn wouldn't have made it. Korbyn turned two in Feb. Oh, what a ray of sunshine he is to his mom and dad and to all the church family and natural family. We love him so very much and pray an unending prayer that the Lord will bless him to grow into a healthy adult. Korbyn had the trech removed in July and has been making progress and has become pretty vocal.
He went into the hospital last week and the doctor completely closed the opening that was left and did the need repair to the stoma. He can really chatter now. Thank you God! Korbyn now has a broken arm and must go to the orthopedic surgeon next week. His bones are somewhat brittle from the medication that he has had to take over his life. Especially, the steroids, and the fact that he's always been fed by tube.. he's lacking in some essentials there. Korbyn is a tough little boy, and we know that he will continue to improve with your prayers and the Lords healing hand.
Please keep him, his parents and the two of us in you prayers.
It's so very hard being so far away during tough times like this. But, I know that God hears my prayers and will answer them just as quick as if I was again by their side. If any of you have the desire to send words of encouragement their e-mail address is kinglehr@swbell.net.
Elvin continues to do well, keeping the diabetes pretty well under control As all of you remember what an eater he is, and that makes it doubly hard on him. He sure enjoys the mountains. He can now understand why my dad always was so very homesick for the "mountain."
Please continue prayerful for our little Korbyn and his folks.
In Christian Love,
A Sister in Christ,
Darlene Dick
Sevierville, TN
In the gospel of John chapter 5, verse 24, we read the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." What is it to be passed from death unto life?
This text is telling us that if we are passed from death unto life that we will not come into condemnation and the evidence of that is that we hear and believe. Hearing and believing the gospel has never been a condition to get life, but is evidence that you already have life In Revelations chapter two and three we read seven different times these words. "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
This indicates that there are those that do not have the ability to hear and if you do not have the ability to hear, then you area dead in hearing. We read in the 5th chapter of Romans, verse 12 these words, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." This is telling us that Adam represented us and that when he transgressed God's divine and Holy law he died in sin and when he died, we died with him. That is, we are dead in trespasses and in sin.
Paul has told us in his letter to the hurch at Ephesus that we were by nature the children of wraft, even as others. That we are born into this world with the nature of Adam, that we are conceived in sin and are by nature the children of wraft and that we are spiritually dead, and that we do not have spiritual life. Then if we do not have spiritual life, then we cannot hear spiritual things and if we cannot hear spiritual things then we cannot believe spiritual things. In the 8th chapter of Romans verses 7 & 8 we read, "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God."
Now we read in Ephesians chapter 2, verses 4 & 5, "But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, [by grace ye are saved;]" In verse 1 of this chapter Paul says, "And you hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins." Other words, we were dead, but we are not dead anymore. You have been quickened, you have been given life this life is eternal, this life is everlasting, this life is forever, this life has no end.
And through this life we are able to hear his word, love his word, believe his word, trust in his word, we are able to hear the gospel preached with hearing ears and believe that Jesus is the Son of the living God. When this takes place in your life, it is because the life of Jesus dwells in you and that life is everlasting we cannot come into condemnation because we have passed from death unto life. You are not dead in sin anymore, but you are alive in Jesus Christ.
In John chapter 5, verse 25 Jesus goes on to say, "Verily, verily I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. This is telling us that the Lord is still on His throne, that he is still speaking to his people that died in Adam and that when he speaks with that life giving voice, they will hear and when they hear they shall live.
All of His people will some day all be passed from death unto life. If you are able to hear the truth preached and believe this wonderful truth, it is because you have passed from death unto life. Amen.
The Lord blessed the Church in Colorado City, Texas with such a wonderful meeting the fourth Sunday in October. Elder Rose from south Texas preached to us from Habakkuk 2:20 and our hearts rejoiced to hear such a wonderful message brought forth so beautifully.
May God be praised for His wonderful blessings.
Unworthily,
Mrs. E. L. Edwards
The word Primitive, is not castigating, it is OK since it means "as at first."
Is there anything wrong with the primitive pictures of primitive saints, scriptures, apostles, or a primitive Christ? [as He is much more; the same yesterday, today and forever.]
Does one err in believing in the primitive church, primitive worship, primitive sermons, truths, doctrines, primitive faith, primitive grace, primitive beliefs or primitive baptisms? Tell me now, is there anything wrong with Christ's primitive words?
Doctrines of commandments of men are, were and will be condemned by Christ. Therefore, this article, it is....As at first, truths, primitive truths!
What Christ taught was the same yesterday, today and forever in purpose. It gets sweeter and sweeter then when first hearing it. This is truly eternally as it was at first. Jer. 6:16., "Thus sayeth the Lord, stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, [primitive, "as at first"] where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."
Heb. 4:1 "Entering into His Rest" V. 3..."they shall enter into my rest."
Thusly, we are called "Primitive Baptist," Jer. 6:16. Little things become large ghosts in worship, sermons, truths, doctrines, beliefs, faith and grace.
Praise God!
Brother Elvin Dick
Sevierville, TN
I have respect for the American Flag. But the Banner that the Lord gives his people is what I love best.
This Banner we do not go around to start a riot with it. But Satan has always been against it and always will. Because he is blind and cannot see and he detests those that have the Banner. Satan has always been an enemy to the ones that have the Banner. We do not go around boasting about this Banner, but we fall down on our knees and thank God for it.
Thank you
Leonard J. Brammer, Elder
I stood a long, long time today,
Thinking of my friend.
He has been so good to me,
I can hardly take it in.
Those mountain peaks that reach the sky
And clouds that hover 'round
Reminds me of my dearest friend
The best friend to be found
These trees that come from tiny seeds
How beautiful they grew
Birds that play among the leaves
Remind me of Him too
All the grasses of the field
And flowers that bloom so fair
Bring to mind this good true friend
Who will forever care.
Where ever I am, He stays with me
Where 'er my feet may trod
He has all power in heaven and earth
For my best friend is God.
Sister Janie Clark
When it comes to providing news and articles of doctrine in support of the Primitive Baptists readers, The Banner of Love is in good company.
There are a number of excellent publications across the United States which, like The Banner of Love, attempt to provide their readers with news of upcoming meetings, death memorials (obituaries) of church members and articles of doctrinal interest.
Here at The Banner of Love, we have watched with great interest over the years as our sister publications have worked at serving various aspects of the Primitive Baptist cause. Many of the publications have been in publication for a long number of years. Like the Banner, these newspapers have continued despite recurring struggles of rising costs of printing and postage, and other matters of tough financial conditions, as well as continuity problems with the papers being passed on to succeeding publishers as death or poor health have claimed older editors and publishers’ staffs.
Here at The Banner of Love offices, we received many of these sister publications. We "exchange" our publication each month with these newspapers which allows each of us to view the articles and news items published in the other newspapers. We have enjoyed the blessings that come with the various approaches taken by each publication. Each of the publications is blessed with its own personality and its own qualities which give it a distinguishing perspective.
In reviewing these publications, we are reminded of the Apostle Paul’s words at Romans 12:6 that, like ministers and church members, "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given us....", each publication reflects the approach to serving the cause from a slightly different perspective.
This summer during a July associational meeting at Oklahoma City, I had a brief, but good fellowship visit over lunch with Elder Mark Green, another publisher from Arkansas. We had a good conversation about common concerns of publishing religious newspapers, but we quickly came to a central agreement — that there is no cause for competition or envy between the various sister publications.
Like ministers, the any differing of the gifts or blessings of publications are solely from the Lord for His purpose and, like ministers, we have no need of jealousy among us. We have been especially pleased with the articles Elder Green has submitted in recent months for publication for the benefit of the readers of The Banner of Love. He is an excellent writer.
Along with this article we are publishing a list of other Primitive Baptist publications with which we exchange on a regular basis. There are probably other excellent publications which are not referenced, but we wanted to encourage our readers to check into these other publications and subscribe to those that will benefit them in their study of the Scriptures and enjoyment of the Spirit.
PRIMITIVE BAPTIST PERIODICALS
The Christian Pathway, P. O. Box 334, Boonesville, AR 72927
The Christian Baptist, P.O. Box 68, Atwood, TN 38220
The Primitive Baptist, P.O. Box 38, Thornton, AR, 71766.
The Gospel Appeal, P.O. Box 2262, Valdosta, GA 31604
Advocate & Messenger, 3687 King Rd., Caryville, FL 32427
In the Master's Service, 225 Sam Pate Dr., Birmingham, AL 35215-7144
Bonds of Love, 918 Heritage Dr., Sylacauga, AL 35150
The Gospel Witness, 4100 East Liberty Lane, Hartsburg, MO 65039
The Baptist Witness, P.O. Box 17037, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45217
Bro. Bob Mize, of Burleson, Texas, is seeking any old tape recordings of sermons delivered by the late Elder Jasper Chambers. He is seeking the tapes to make copies for the benefit of Elder Chambers’ grandson, whom he recently met, but who had never heard his grandfather’s voice or sermons. The grandson was three days old when his grandfather died.
Several old tapes of ministers, including some of Elder Chambers, were recently given away to anyone desiring at the recent meeting of the West Texas Association. Anyone who obtained a copy of a sermon of Elder Chambers there, or others who may have such similar tapes, are encouraged to contact Bro. Mize so that he may make a copy.
Bro. Mize may be reached at 108 Robin Drive, Burleson, TX 76028 or phone (817) 295-1434 or email at "bmizer@aol.com".