By Elder Bill Walden

We are reminded of the words of Job: "My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle..." [Job 7:6] Another year is recent history and the events of the past year have given each of us great reason to reflect. We enter the year of 2002 with a different outlook.

As a nation we did not know we were so vulnerable or helpless regarding our physical security. Evil actions were executed with so much destruction to lives and visible symbols of who we are as a people, and we were totally unprepared for these events. Our safety has been invaded and our confidence has been shaken.

What of our future in this New Year? As we cross the threshold there is great reason to be thankful as we go. We have the blest promise from God, Who cannot lie: "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." [Heb. 13:5]

In Acts 20:22, Paul said, "And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me."

From Paul's statement, there were some things he did not know which would befall him, and some things he did. Each of us will experience many things we know will happen with bitter consequences, such as the continuing evil of "man's inhumanity to man," among other things.

It has pleased almighty God to reveal many things, which are written, in His unchanging and infallible word. Turn to it often and prayerfully absorb its meaning. There is no crisis in our lives that can overthrow God's eternal purpose.

In times of trouble, "For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me." [Ps. 31:3], and "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." [Ps 119:105].

In times of loneliness, Ps. 31:9-10, "Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble....For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing...[Vs. 12] "I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel."

Now the comforting thoughts: [vs. 14 and 15] "But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hands of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me."

Then: [Ps. 31:24] "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." [Proverbs 3:5-6] "Trust in the Lord with all thy heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

The sentiment of our prayer for each of you for the coming year is found in Numbers 6:24-26: "The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."

Back to Top

The first thing I want to notice about heirship is the underlying cause of the relationship expressed by the word, for one is an heir because of relationship. I don't think anyone will deny that the heirs of God are made heirs by His will. God in His will made some the heirs of promise. I maintain that He embraced them in His will freely, without either restraint or constraint.

In other words He embraced just as many people in His will as He wished and not one more than He wishes. He elected them sovereignly. Nothing on earth could prevent him from selecting even one person to whom He wishes to bestow that great inheritance. Nothing on earth could induce Him to embrace one to whom He did not wish to bestow it. So the personnel of the heir is determined by the great, merciful , loving, all-wise, omnipotent God of the universe. Who could find fault with it?

Now, let us notice that this is a joint heirship-joint heirs with Christ. The same will that made us heirs made Christ an heir, because the inheritance is a joint one. What ever made Christ an heir made us all heirs. Whatever can disinherit Christ can disinherit us. If nothing can disinherit Christ, then nothing can disinherit us. Why?

Because we are joint heirs with Him. His innocence, righteousness and glory is ours.

To disinherit one of these heirs you would have to break the will. If you decide that one of these heirs is not worthy of the inheritance, upon what grounds will you contest the will? Would you say that God was not sane when He made the will? No? Then the will is a sane one. Would you say that will was a conditional will? If so you would have to say that Christ was an heir of God only conditionally.

Next, let us notice that suffering of the text, I am sure that the suffering is a part of the inheritance for we suffer with Him. Then the suffering is evidence that we are heirs.

Now, let us sum up a little. What is the intent of all of this? Here it is, "That we may be glorified together." Then joint heirship means joint glorification. Then let us not be discouraged because of joint suffering, for the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us.

Please consider that the word joint does not merely mean equal; it means common, or shared by two or more as joint account.

If three people are parties to joint debt, neither is free until the debt is paid. Therefore, the inheritance is not only an equal one, but it is held in common for Jesus and all the heirs, that we may be glorified together.

Back to Top

By Elder George Walker

In Matthew chapter one, verse 18: Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise. In all the history of the world, this was the greatest event that ever took place in the eyes of men. Every year as we approach the Christmas season, we hear story after story of the birth of Christ, yet it seems that people in general know very little about him. If we look at the birth of Christ and can only see a baby lying in a manger named Jesus, then maybe we ought to take another look.

When the angel of the Lord appeared unto Joseph in a dream, he said, Thou son of David fear not to take unto thee Mary, thy wife; for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for he shall save his people from their sins. This birth, is the birth of all births. This birth is the borning of the eternal Son of God into the world. This Son has always been, this son is from everlasting to everlasting, this Son was in the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, this Son took part in that creation, this Son was not only with God, but he was God.

Can you imagine such an event, one that is without sin, one that is holy, one that holds all things in the palm of his hand is going to be born of a woman, that he might live a Holy, Perfect and sinless life, that he might fulfill the law to a jot and to a tittle, that he may go and be taken up of sinful men, nailed to an old wooden cross. There he will suffer as no man ever suffered, that in the space of three hours he will suffer the penalty of eternal hell for us. No, this was not just a normal event to take place in the birth of Christ. This man, Christ, was indeed all man, yet he was all God, He is God manifested in the flesh.

Then in Luke we read these words in chapter two: and Mary brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Oh, what a message that was told to them from the angel of the Lord. This was a personal message to them, this is a personal message to us today.

For unto you is born this day a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. This was the greatest message that has ever been delivered, that the deliverer has come to redeem his people from their sins. Oh! if we could just see the Grace, the Mercy, the Power in the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. If we could only see how far reaching the purpose of God is in this birth.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men. Then later in the same chapter we find a man named Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

As Joseph and Mary brought in the child, Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the Law. then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy Salvation. Can we not say today that we have seen the Salvation of the Lord. Oh! what an event this was and still is.

Then in verse forty we read: And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him. He lived some 33 years upon the earth fulfilling every law that we as sinful men was not capable of doing. He healed the sick, made the lame to walk, gave sight to the blind, raised the dead to live again. He went to the cross taking our sins with him, poured out his blood in his suffering there and raised his head toward heaven and cried with a loud voice, "It is finished."

This was a victory cry, I have finished the work that you sent me here to do, Father into thy hands I commend my Spirit. Deliverance has come to us through the birth, the life, the death, the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. No, he was not just mere man. He was God manifested in the flesh. Should we not give glory to God in the highest. AMEN!

Back to Top

THE FOX AND THE WEASEL

By Elder Charles Holmes

The Bible tells us of many animals. Perhaps the most cunning ones are the Fox and the Weasel.

The Fox is mentioned nine times, and the Weasel only once: Leviticus Ch. 11, verse 29. He is listed as one of the unclean animals under the Law.

Strong's Concordance lists the Weasel this way: to glide swiftly, as a fleeting portion of time, or a short time.

Both these animals live in holes in the ground, and travel at night.

Songs of Solomon, ch. 2, verse 15: "Take us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines: for our vines have the tender grapes." The little foxes look for a small hole in the fence to come in and destroy the vineyard. If the watchman is not on guard, he will do much damage and leave.

The Weasel is small like the fox, long and very slim. He has some ways like him, but many ways different.

My wife and I had an experience a few years ago. We owned a small farm and raised some animals and chickens. We learned some things about this animal. We lost some chickens, and, could hardly find a place animal could enter the building. This animal could go through a hole that mice had made. He would come at night, hook onto the chicken's neck, and suck out the blood. An interesting thing about him is that after he had gone, he left an unpleasant smell much like a pole cat.

We need to learn some lessons from these two animals. Little things come into the church that destroy people's spiritual happiness. The evil one is looking for a hole in the fence where he can enter and bring destruction on the church.

The Weasel is one that lives on the blood [life] of others. After he has come to destroy the good name of a brother or sister, he leaves an unpleasant smell. He is not as sly as the Fox, and much easier to identify.

We should be able to mark those that come our way, do damage to a good name, and leave an unpleasant smell in our midst.

Let us work to keep these two animals out of our vineyard and hen house.

Back to Top

One Resolution

by Don R. Richards

It’s the end of another year.

Do you remember all those promises you made in the past year? How many did you keep? Hopefully, you are not feeling as guilty as I am about those commitments I made that I just couldn’t fulfill.

Gonna make new promises this year? It is that time again. It’s time for our annual new year’s resolution.

I will start again with that extra 15 pounds of body weight I keep promising each year to lose. Of course, I’ll wait to start until after all the holiday meals and the leftovers are gone.

Then I will add on numerous other commitments that I will faithfully promise to myself, my family and my friends. I am sure I will be better this year about keeping them.

Do we ever stop to think about the commitment and resolutions that we make to the Lord? How hard do we try to keep them? How important are our commitments to the Lord, as compared to all those other resolutions about losing weight and improving our personal appearances?

Let us look at one resolution we should make to the Lord. If we were going to decide to make one commitment to the Lord, what would it be? What should guide our decision?

We have all those 10 commandments, and all those old testament laws to choose from and guide us. What resolution to the Lord should we adopt?

Jesus answers that question for us. It is a very simple commitment that should solve our concern about priority of resolutions.

Under the questioning of a lawyer who was trying to tempt him, Matthew 22:35-38 gives us the account of what commitment Christ says should be our top priority:

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." Christ was repeating from Deuteronomy 6:5, 10:12 and 30:6.

That is a pretty simple statement that makes a great new year’s resolution. Go back and re-read it and stop and think about it. Do you simply read the words, or will you implement that directive in your lives. Christ described it at Matthew 22:38 as the "first and great commandment".

Forget about the weight loss resolution; forget about those work commitments; forget about those resolutions to family and friends. Concentrate on "Love the Lord" and everything that entails. Then think that the love of God should be with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, and with ALL your mind.

You do not need any other resolutions. You will be amazed at how quickly your life falls into order.

Your problem, if you are like me, is trusting the Lord to take care of our other problems along with our eternal salvation.

My track record of handling my own problems and promises is not very good. I could certainly use some help. Who can I trust to help me? I know that no one understands my problems.

Proverbs 3:5-6 provides similar guidance:

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

If you have any problems for which you do not have the answer — turn them over to the Lord and trust Him. That sounds easy enough; but the real problem we all have is leaning on our "own understanding". My "understanding" is that no ones knows my problems; that I am the only one who can solve them — yet my track record is not too good.

You must start with the "first and great commandment" — love the Lord thy God with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, and ALL your mind.

Make that your resolution. Practice it daily. You will not need any other resolutions.

Happy holidays, and may God bless you and your family.

Back to Top

CAN MAN ASCEND TO HEAVEN?

In Proverbs 30:4, "who hath ascended up into heaven or descended? Who hast gathered the wind in his fist, who hath bound the waters in a garment? Who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son's name if thou canst tell?"

In John 3:13, "and no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the son of man which is in heaven." In Romans 10:6-7, "But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, say not in thine heart, who shall ascend into heaven? [that is, bring Christ down from above:] Verse 7, "Or who shall descend in to the deep? [that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.] "But what saith it, the word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: That is, the word of faith which we preach."

In Psalms 24:3, "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord or who shall stand in His holy place? Verse 4, He that has clean hands, and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. Verse 5, who shall receive the blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation." Since the fall of Adam in the garden all men live, die, and come short of God's glory for we all died in Adam's transgression. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. [Roman's 5:12]. God created the earth making everything perfect including man. God walked with man in the garden and communicated with him. When man sinned, God separated himself from man and would not hear man.

God gave man a law to keep, but no man kept it; therefore, God sent his only Son into the world, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law. Jesus Christ being the Son of God and the son of man came to earth to keep God's law and fulfill it, to live the life of man without sin, to save God's people from their sins. To do this He must go to the cross and die bearing the wrath of God in their stead going into the grave, becoming worthy to ascend into heaven, which he did by God's power. No other man other than the son of God has been found worthy to ascend into heaven on the basis of his own merit and holiness.

In the 24th Psalm we can see that only a perfect man can ascend into the Holy hill of God. Christ is the only one that can stand in the Holy place. He ascended into heaven in the power of the Holy Spirit. In Romans 8:11 we read, "But if the spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwellleth in you.

What a wonderful Savior we have, who hath ascended up into heaven or descended, who hath gathered the wind in his fist, who hath abounded the waters in a garment, who hath established all the ends of the earth, what is his name and what is his Son's name, if thou canst tell." His name is God the Father, His Son's name is Jesus Christ. He has created all things that have been made.

He is the only man to ascend up into heaven without sin as our substitute to save us and to present an acceptable offering to the Father. Thank God, He was found worthy, this is what we preach, there is only one way of salvation and that is through Jesus Christ the Lord. Thank God, He is our worthiness and righteousness.

Let us praise Him as the only man that has ascended into heaven that was worthy to do so.

Because He has ascended He will come for us. AMEN:

Back to Top

2nd Cor. 13:1-6 I would invite you to read all six verses for the contextual setting. However, I would especially like for you to consider verse 5, as our primary study in this lesson.

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"

Self examination is never really a pleasure. I once read that "We are never so perfect till introspection is a pleasure." Introspection is that of looking within one's own thoughts and feelings; to engage in one's own thought processes, and the contents of one's own mind, including your own sensory experiences. This is exactly what the Apostle Paul is asking the Church at Corinth to do.

We find upon any minor look within ourselves, that we immediately detect that we ourselves are our own worst enemy. Paul wrote this same church in his first epistle to them - 1st Cor. 11:31 - "For if we judge ourselves, we should not be judged." We would tend to "let ourselves off the hook."

Yet, down deep inside of the inward person of a Regenerated Born-Again Elect child of God, we know the truth is looming ever so great within us, the Doctrine of Total Depravity in Fallen Adam.

Yes, we have all during formal schooling and education been forced to "take exams." We have had from very early childhood exams by our family Medical doctor, and sometimes we need a prescription to correct the malady.

Now, I'm not suggesting that you examine yourselves by going to the fortune teller, or reading the zodiac signs in your horoscope in the morning paper. I'm not alluding to your making an appointment with the local psychiatrist or psychologist, but just going to the Holy Scriptures and finding the answers to our "self exam."

Before you go to the Holy Scriptures, let me ask you another serious question. "Do you have high, medium or low self esteem?" This is what is being taught to the masses today. You must have high self esteem. You must think highly of yourself. You must have high self-confidence. You must be very positive about your "self-worth."

Psychiatrists and Psychologists say the main cause of "teenage suicide" is that of "Low self-esteem." I desire to examine this premise carefully. David wrote in -Psalms 26:1-3 - "Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity; I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. For thy loving kindness is before mine eyes; and I have walked in thy truth."

So, we lay a basis premise here. David has established the way to examine yourself, is to go to the word of the Lord, as our guide, and ask the Lord to examine you. Let the measuring device be the "Word of the truth of the Lord." Whatever we find as truth in the Word of the Lord, that should be the path of our walk, and not that which we might deem as appropriate in the eyes of our peers in our secular society.

Now for more specifics. when we begin to examine our selves by the word of the Truth of the Lord, then we will come to the correct conclusion, that of three [3] areas. Remember our text says, "whether ye be in the faith." To be "in the faith," simply means to be "sound in the Doctrine and Practice of the Truth Church." So, we are clearly taught to examine ourselves on the merits of Holy Scripture and not on a "sliding scale" of measurement of "relativity," as is taught today in the world. There are "Absolutes" with God and in God's Word.

So, first, let us consider the faith of =

1. We examine ourselves and find we are fallen in Adam in total depravity, sin and iniquity. Now that is the first test. Does this hurt your "self esteem?" Does this make you feel "Low self -esteem?" Well, this is contrary to the teachings of the world, isn't it? You will never come to a complete understanding and peace until you understand this first premise of "being in the faith." Much more could be said about this, but just know that there is a "way out of this negative dilemma."

2. We examine ourselves and find we are saved eternally in the Blood of Christ. We are in Christ in the Everlasting Covenant, on Calvary's Cross Legally, and in Regeneration, being Born-again, by the application of the Blood of the Cross in the inward man, and that "puts you in Christ.?"

3. Lastly we examine ourselves and find, by studying carefully the word of the truth in God's Word, that we are "In the faith," by being knowledgeable and of complete comprehension of these first two items listed above, and this will be known as being "In the Gospel."

We examine ourselves and find that we are "In the faith," by knowing that we are Fallen in Adam, but saved Eternally in Christ, and again, Saved timely by the Gospel. Now, let us survey our findings in our self examination. The entire human race is a fallen family in the Total depraved Fall of Adam and Eve.

Next, the vast majority of these are Saved eternally in the blood The Cross in Christ Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. We are regenerated in Christ, the agent being His blood. We were "regenerated," in Adam, but that failed, so we needed "Regenerated" in Christ and that was a complete success. Yet, only a small remnant number of those are saved timely, by the Gospel, as most of the saved Elect are in "gospel ignorance," and remain so throughout their earthly lives.

As you look over these areas of your self-examination, do you qualify by the measuring device of God's Word in all three? Or do you find yourself in doubt, fear and negativism? Are you confused as to where and who you are? Does the "Relatives and Norms" of the secular world leave you in much quandary? Well, then, stop, look nd listen. Stop looking to the secular peer pressures around you, and go straight to God's Holy Word, for knowledge, peace and understanding. The "examination of yourself" will be found to be in peace and quietness only in the Holy Scriptures. If you can find yourself "in the Faith," then you are no longer a reprobate.

2nd Cor. 13:5- has a closing phrase- "except ye be reprobates?" What is a reprobate? Well, someone in the various denominational flavors of Christianity will tell you that you are such because you have not "accepted Christ," or have not yet become a "believer." But the truth is, upon "examining" whether you are "in the faith," is truly found in correct interpretation and rightly dividing of the Word of Truth. 2nd Tim. 2:15.

Reprobate= Strong's #96-Greek=adokimos-unapproved; rejected; by implication-worthless; a castaway.

Okay, so that is where we were in step one, in Fallen Adam, but we are In Christ, who is In You, and ye therefore cannot be a reprobate. Neither can ye be a "Gospel Reprobate" either, as you know the Truth, in the finished Work of Christ on the Cross, and in you.

Paul further confirms that this "self-examination" will prove to you that you are not a reprobate.

2nd Cor. 13:6-"But I trust that ye shall Know that we are not reprobates."

In closing I would suggest that for further Biblical reference in your self-examination also read= James 1:22-25; Col. 3:1--3, 5-- 17.

Compiled by Hulan F. Bass [elder]

Lockhart, Texas.

Back to Top

By Brother Bud Lowrance

John 15:3, "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken to you." There are the words of our Blessed Savior, in teaching his disciples that he is the true vine, and his Father is the husbandman. [V.1] A husbandman is the same thing as a "vinedresser," among people who keep vineyards. The vinedresser is one who cultivates, and prunes the grapevines.

In verse 2, he says, "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit."

Note particularly that he says: "Every branch in me-" would the Master Vinedresser then, take one that was in Christ, and cast him into hell?

God forbid that we should even think of it! When the Father finds one bearing no fruit in their walk, he will intervene in their life and discipline them, that they may repent of their sins, and begin to bear fruit in his kingdom. A man who is the owner of a large vineyard says that new branches of the grapevine have a natural tendency to grow down along the ground- but they cannot bear fruit down there. The leaves get coated with dust, and when it rains, they get muddy and mildewed. The branch becomes sick, and useless.

But the vinedresser doesn't cut it off, and throw it away, because the branch is much too valuable for that. He goes through the vineyard with a bucket of water, looking for those branches; and when he finds them, he lifts them up, and washes them off, and wraps them around the trellis, or ties them to it. Soon they are thriving, and able to bear fruit!

For God's children, sin is like the dirt and mud that covers the grape leaves, and blocks out the blessed sunlight of his love. In this condition , we can bear no fruit, but when the Lord God sees that your life consistently bears no fruit of righteousness, then is when he begins to discipline you; that you may bring forth in his kingdom, or vineyard. But as the vinedresser, he also lifts you up, and washes off the dirt, and wraps you around the trellis. Eph. 2:10 "For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

"And every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." When the vinedresser sees that a branch is bearing only a few small grapes; then he begins to prune out the useless leaders, sprouts, and leaves, so that the branch can receive more light; and thus bear more, and better fruit. This pruning process can also be painful; and this is the reason that we often must endure trials and heartaches, that we may learn to discard that which is not useful in his service, while we walk this pathway here below, and begin to bear more fruit in God's kingdom. Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, [that is, this TRUE thing] that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Verse 4: "Abide in me, and I in you. as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me." And in verse 5, he says that "He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit for without me ye can do nothing."

If we are made clean through the word which Christ has spoken unto us; [verse 3] that is; through belief in his the word, and we begin to bear fruit unto repentance; and the Father begins to prune, or purge us, that we bring forth more fruit; then what must follow will be a great desire to draw nearer unto the God of our Salvation. The way to do this, is to abide in the Lord Jesus. And to abide in Christ means that we will actively seek to do the good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in; knowing that this is the way to please God the Father. As we have been made clean through faith in Christ Jesus. [verse 3] The words of the prophet Isaiah are become true to us: "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation." Is. 12:3.

The wells of salvation are literally opened unto him that is athirst; throughout his recorded word; and these wells are supplied with the Living Water that the Lord spoke of to the woman of Samaria at the well in John 4:10. And that Living Water flows from the Living Word of God; Christ himself.

And when we begin to abide in Christ Jesus, our Lord, he will also abide in us; and we shall bring forth much fruit in his vineyard; and that is going to bear witness unto the Father before his children, that God is; and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him . Heb. 11:6.

O worship the King! Isaiah 33:17 says that "thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off." And 33:22 says "For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; he will save us. Little children, if you read the whole chapter of Isaiah 33, I believe you will be amazed at the way it seems to describe our present situation Also chapter 34, and remember who Idumea is; but this is another subject entirely; except to always remember who our souls rely on! Again, I say, O Worship the King!

In His Love,

Brother Bud Lowrance

Our new address is now, Potter, Nebraska. We have been at our new home a week and a half. and have really been busy, and we are thrilled to be here.

The Church at Kimball, [14 miles, north in the country] is a small band of soldiers, that is still meeting, 1st, 3rd and 4th Sundays. Elder Dale Greathouse is their pastor and still drives from Scottsbluff; although in his eighties. We attended their services Sunday, Nov. 4th, and were blessed to feel welcome there. It is about 18 miles from where we now live, to the church house; all of it dirt road, except about two miles.

May the Lord bless you in your work continually. We really appreciate the paper.

In his love,

Brother Bud Lowrance

Potter, Nebraska

Back to Top

He could have been an attorney to see that justice was carried out,

And may be won a big criminal case, there is no doubt.

He could have been a meteorologist and predicted if it would be rain or shine,

And explained to every one what is the significance of a dry line

He could have been an optometrist and aided people in improving their eyesight.

Or a police officer and crime he would fight.

He could have been a butcher in cutting up various types of meat,

Maybe a farmer in growing lots of wheat.

He could have been a postal service employee

And delivered the mail from house to house.

Or a fireman as a big blaze he will douse.

He could have been a zoologist

And study animals of all kinds,

Or possibly a psychologist,

As he would analyze human beings minds.

He could have been a used car salesman

Giving you a good deal,

Or an accomplished chef, Cooking up a tasty meal.

He could have been a doctor and treated individuals

With tender loving care,

Or maybe a barber and skillfully

cut a multitude of hair.

Yes, he could have been many things,

But on this earth he never saw the light of day.

You see, tragically, he was the victim of abortion

One of a great number that are being carried out today.

May we pray for our nations unborn children that they will be delivered into this world safely.

Written with God's love,

Jerry Bass

Lubbock, Texas

Back to Top

On October 28, 2001, Sister Krystan McIntosh joined our church by water baptism. Sister Krystan was baptized by her grandfather, Elder Cleveland Bass.

It was a beautiful service held that afternoon at our church. The Lord has richly blessed us with this new member.

God bless you all,

Joe Bass, Church Clerk

Littlefield Primitive

Baptist Church

ALWAYS ENJOY THE PAPER

Please renew for one year and use the rest. I always enjoy the paper, especially your "Tour through the Bible."

I trust you can keep up the good work.

Sincerely,

Jessie Dixon

Henderson, Texas

Back to Top

We were sorry to hear of Sister [Melba] Richards death. I lost my father to cancer seven years ago, and I still miss him. We pray that the Lord will bless you all in the years to come. I try to remember that neither my dad nor the Lord would want me to weep "as one that has no hope."

I knew that with God's' help, I had to go on and live my life, hopefully, to the glory of God.

Since I wrote you last, we have had an addition to the family, Daniel Jackson Crisp was born October 17th and we are all very happy and thankful.

Please remember us in your prayers. We love you all.

Dee, Rebecca, William and

Daniel Crisp

Garden Ridge, Texas

Note: Sister Crisp, as always we are proud to hear from you folks. We certainly enjoyed the time when you folks were in our congregation. Come to see us. And thank you for the contribution. Congratulations on the little one. ...Opal Richards.

Back to Top

New Hope Primitive Baptist Church of Broken Arrow, OK, held their annual meeting the fifth weekend in September 2001. Again we were blessed to have a wonderful meeting with visitors from a number of surrounding states.

We felt that the Holy Spirit was certainly in our midst with beautiful singing and very able preaching.

We appreciate all the visitors and ministers, who came to be with us and invite them to come and be with us every opportunity they have.

Enclosed is a picture of all the ministers who attended.

In Christian Love,

New Hope Primitive Baptist Church

Elder Mark Green, Pastor

Lavene Neal, Church Clerk

Back to Top