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Volume 70 Number 1 Lubbock, Texas 79493 Copyright $12.00 Per Year January 2002 |
A Narrow Doctrine Be Strong Order Defined He Gave Us His Kingdom God's Blessings Our 70th Year New Church Member Regeneration Pray Tour Through the Bible Church meeting invitations Obituaries
By Elder Dale Magers
There is a Holy Place where God has commanded his people to stand. In Psalms 24 David asked a question in verse 3, "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His Holy place? David answers his own question in verse 4, "He that has clean hands, and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully." God has told us to stand in the Holy place and to ascend into the hill of the Lord [Mount Zion, the church].
When we look at the qualifications for doing this it does seem impossible, even though this is our great desire to live after the example of Christ our Lord. God has commanded his people to be Holy as He is Holy yet, when we look at ourselves we see a natural sinful man that sins daily and cannot keep God's law no matter how hard we try.
Paul testified in the 7th chapter of Romans, "Oh wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"
This was after Paul had been called and had been preaching a number of years. He still felt that from the standpoint of the flesh that he was still a failure in keeping God's law, that he was worthy of death. Is this not the experience of us all? We feel to be the chief of sinners, yet the utmost desire of our souls is to be Holy as Christ.
How can we stand in the Holy place? There is only one way, surely in this 24th Psalm Christ must first occupy this ground, so in verse 7 David says, "Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle." This King is Jesus Christ. He is the only one worthy to stand in the Holy place. He never sins. He kept the law completely, fulfilling it. His hands were clean, his heart pure, He never swore deceitfully nor lifted His soul up unto vanity. He became our righteousness in His death on the cross. His righteousness is the only righteousness that we can plead. We can stand in the Holy place, but only as we stand in Christ.
The Apostle Paul in the 13th chapter of Romans writes this commandment for God's people in verse 12, "The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armour of light, let us walk honestly in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife or envying, but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provisions for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof."
Paul in Ephesians 6 tells us to put on the whole armour of God. We are to stand having our loins girt about with the truth." Our standing and strength is in the Lord. He is our holiness and our righteousness. It is in him that we stand in the Holy place.
By Elder E. J. Norman
Any individual who can speak in terms of my, mine, or ours, does so with a certain degree of pride. I believe Christ gave His kingdom to His children to live in here in this world, to possess it, rejoice in it, and to respect it as the Kingdom of and from our Savior.
Fear not little flock, for it is your father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32.
Jesus taught many parables to His disciples and left them on record for His people even down to this day and are in order to describe this kingdom that we might find it and know it. The prophet Daniel spoke of the coming of the Kingdom. "Which shall never be destroyed; and shall not be left to other people." Let me say here to those who feel to be the least, the poorest and most unworthy, this is your kingdom, with Jesus as your king, also you are joint heirs with the King Himself. The troublesome clouds of loneliness, sadness and sorrow, and perils never get too dense or so heavy to keep this from being true.
Now He wants you to see this kingdom and know what it is when you see it. He describes it from many angles. He describes it as a sower going forth to sow. He describes it as a grain of mustard seed, but when it is grown it is the greatest of all herbs. Yes, the old church from a worldly view point is the most insignificant institution in the world, but when she materializes in glory she is going to be the greatest, most sublime, powerful, most magnificent and glorious kingdom ever in existence and will fill every seat in the temple of heaven. Not one little vacant seat.
He describes this kingdom while it is here on earth as leaven which a woman took and hid three measures of meal.
He describes it as a treasure hid in a field the which when a man hath found he hideth and for love thereof, goeth and selleth all that he hath and buyeth that.
Yes, I have seen them find the old Church and the first thing they would do would be to hide what they would found then they would begin to sell out what worldly possessions they had and when they are completely sold out they will take the Church for their joy, peace, love and riches. Many times it is hard to sell all their worldly cares. Again it like unto a merchant man seeking goodly pearls. It is like unto a fishing net. It is like ten virgins, five wise and five foolish. He mentions many of the things that are in these parables such as the five foolish virgins, the bad fish, the tares, but he says when all he evils are separated from the good, "then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their father.
The Banner of Love, Dec. 15, 1943
Elder E. J. Norman
"Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" [2 Tim. 2:1]. Paul is about to exhort Timothy to conduct himself as "a good soldier," showing that the race he was to run may be compared to a warfare. If there will be conflicts, for the forces of error and evil will constantly oppose the right. Those who would fight in this warfare must be willing to "endure hardness" or difficulty if they are to be worthy of the name of a good soldier. One who only seeks ease and pleasure will never earn that honor.
It takes strength to fight a battle, especially when we consider that this one will last as long as we are upon the face of the earth. Thus Timothy is urged to "be strong." Still, as we consider the scope and nature of the enemies that are to be faced, they constitute a formidable foe. The flesh, the world and Satan and all his henchmen constantly seek our downfall. Human strength is hardly equal to such a struggle.
We would surely be defeated were we to face these enemies putting confidence in our own resources.
Timothy is told, however, to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." He is not to rely on his own strength, but on Christ's. He is not to defeat the enemy by his own might, but by God's grace. Often we worry about the troubles of tomorrow and how we will be able to stand them. To do so is to borrow problems, and we have sufficient temptations today without adding tomorrow's to today's load.
"How will I do it? I don't think I can stand those things I might have to face." Well, you will do it by God's strength and through His grace. Do not even begin to think that you can do it by yourself. And, you will not have strength to face tomorrow's enemies until tomorrow. "As thy day, so shall thy strength be." It will be there, for God promised it. As the hymn says, God is faithful to give us "strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow."
Today, we do not need strength for tomorrow, but we do need hope. Tomorrow we will need tomorrow's strength, but we will not need that particular hope, for it will have become reality. May we be satisfied to live day by day, for that is the way God has designed the pattern of our lives.
Mark Green, [Elder]
SURE ENJOY THE PAPER
Here is my money for 2002. Sure enjoy the paper. We hope you all have a good 2002.
Put the remainder of the money to what ever you need.
We send our love and prayers.
Pete and Joyce McCoy
Alba, Texas
Note: We appreciate the extra. May God bless you all. Opal Richards.
FOR TIME AND EFFORT
Enclosed is $12.00 for a subscription to the Banner of Love. thank you so much for all your time and effort.
God bless you,
Linda Hood
Round Rock, Texas
By Elder Charles Holmes
The Primitive Baptist people have been accused of believing in a narrow doctrine. After hearing a leading Baptist minister on national television a few days ago, I have learned that we are not the ones that believe in a narrow doctrine.
This Baptist minister mentioned stated that Jews and
Arabs are not going to Heaven, unless they have his views on the scriptures. He also stated that no one is saved in Heaven unless they hear the gospel and accept Christ as their savior. Truly, the doctrine of Fuller and Carey has ended up being a narrow doctrine.
An account of the redeemed family of God is stated in Revelation chapter 7, verse 9, and says that it is a number that no man can number. Revelation chapter 5 verse 9 states there are those redeemed to God by the blood of Christ out of every nation, kindred, tongue and people. This narrow doctrine has not, and will not reach all those mentioned here.
We should be looking for those that manifest the fruit of the spirit of God; love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, and faith; Galatians chapter 5 verse 22. Millions of God's people are tied up in false religions and practices throughout the world.
This narrow doctrine being taught today states that a person must hear the gospel and believe the gospel in order to become a child of God. The gospel as a means of bringing eternal salvation to sinners was one of the factors that divided the Baptist in the mid eighteen hundreds. The Apostle Paul asks a question in Romans chapter 3 verse 3. "For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?" Verse 4 states, "God forbid" meaning, "certainly not."
The work of the Holy Spirit is effective in giving eternal life to God's people throughout the world. This we know by the way people show love to their fellow man. The words of Jesus are found in Matthew, chapter 7 verse 20; By their fruits ye shall know them." Many of these humble poor are an oppressed people at the hands of wicked and ungodly tyrants.
This narrow religion would say - No preacher, No gospel, No believing the gospel - No salvation, so millions are doomed to eternal torment.
This teaching would say that Christ cannot save without the efforts of men, a narrow doctrine indeed.
Elder Charles Holmes
Mena, Arkansas
God has blessed us here in this part of the Lord's vineyard this past year at New Hope Church at Tecumseh and at Bethesda Church at Mt. View, OK.
At Tecumseh we were blessed to have Elder Mark Green from Arkansas, who preached very ably for us in April. The 2nd weekend in August was our annual meeting and we were blessed with the preaching of Elder Hylton Crain and Brother Don Wynn. In November, Elder James Isaacs was blessed to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ with much liberty. On the 5th Sundays through the year we were blessed to have our area preachers to be with us and they
were enjoyed by all.
This has been a comforting year for this little church because it has had some bad experiences in years past and is now enjoying peace and unity.
The church at Mt. View, OK is small in number, but very faithful. Elder Norman Jones preaches there on second Sunday and Saturday night before, and I on the 4th Sunday and Saturday morning before. Brother Don Wynn speaks at this church on 1st Sunday and is well received and he is growing in grace.
We experienced sorrow by the loss of a very faithful member in June, Brother Edward Pittman. We miss him, but realize he is in a better place.
At our annual meeting in Sept. we had Elders Billy Moseley and T. J. Pittman and they were blessed to preach good and honoring to the God of heaven.
We would like to extend an invitation to any who would feel impressed to come. We are trying to walk in the old paths and earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints by the Lord and apostles.
Glenn Rooker [Elder]
READING A FRIEND'S
Will you please renew my subscription for the Banner of Love. I let my subscription run out several months ago, by forgetfulness, and have been reading a friends paper. I am ninety-four and forgetful.
Thank you and may God continue to bless you.
Aramenta Roberts
Austin, Texas
This marks the start of the 70th year for the Banner of Love.
As usual, with the start of each year we review our goals, our priorities and the purposes for which this publication was created. We have reviewed our annual statement, as see no reason to make any changes:
Each year at this time we remind ourselves of the Lord’s blessings of another year of publication. Our principles remain the same as in past years.
The Banner of Love has its roots in a publication called "The Glad Tidings". It was started in the 1920s by Elder Wade Hampton "Hamp" Richards, my great-grandfather, assisted by his sons. It published for a number of years, but was an economic victim of the great Depression.
Just before the start of 1933, one of the sons, Elder Hardon G. ("Hard") Richards, received the opportunity to get out of farming and back into the printing business. He and his family took over a small weekly newspaper which had suffered foreclosure. With a pocketful of one-letter-at-a-time handset type, the family learned the weekly newspaper business, and also started, from scratch, another church publication.
My grandfather, like his father, was not interested in publicizing the religious disagreements of the time. He wanted to publish the good news of the church, and to discuss the great joys of the gospel, as his father had done with "The Glad Tidings."
My grandmother named the new publication "The Banner of Love" after passages from Songs of Solomon 2:4 and Psalms 60:4.
With this issue, we again dedicate ourselves to the original purposes of this newspaper: to bring the good news to the readers, and avoid the issues that divide and disturb. It is not always easy.
Our worldly training and education is in journalism and law. In those professions, we find ourselves regularly engaged in the issues of the day. In such roles we are trained not to shy away from issues which may be controversial or present a "bad" picture on news. However, our philosophy with the Banner of Love is not of conventional journalism.
With the Banner of Love, we regularly receive articles submitted which may address some ongoing controversies of various churches or groups or assemblies. The publication of such matters was not the originating philosophy of this paper; and we hope to maintain the original goals. We are regularly challenged on this very matter.
We are required to make certain editorial decisions that try our conscious. Our goal is to give our readers good news and not have to worry or have any concern that when they open The Banner of Love, they can enjoy the fruits of the kingdom without being engaged over disputes that detract from that goal.
We make mistakes. When we do, we hope it is because we err on the side of caution. In pursuit of our goal, from time to time we feel compelled to refuse to publish certain articles submitted to us. We know we are sometimes privately criticized because of our conservative, tight philosophy in this regard.
Our philosophy can be explained very simply: the Banner of Love is not a battleground. It is a parade ground for articles of inspiration and explanation of the fruits of the spirit.
This is not a commercial publication which is intended for financial profit. We do not accept paid advertising. The subscription price is intended to cover the actual "out-of-pocket" costs of publication — primarily printing, mailing, and postage. At many times we have feared for the financial or physical ability to continue. Yet the Lord seems to always provide for us the means to publish another issue.
With this first issue of the new year, we renew our pledge to three basic philosophies, two civic and one religious:
1. First Amendment. First, we strongly support the civic privileges guaranteed in the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. We thus enjoy civil rights that were not guaranteed in the days of Christ: freedom of religion, freedom of speech and press, and the right of assembly. We thus are "guaranteed" the right to enjoy our own religion — even in a time when we witness literally thousands of versions of religious philosophies. With this guaranteed personal civic right comes the corresponding civic duty to respect the rights of other Americans to enjoy the choice of their religious philosophies, or not have a religion at all.
Our rights of free speech protects our many wonderful writers who submit articles for publication to express their personal faith and philosophies. The right of assembly give us a guarantee that we can meet together in groups or in organized churches and worship without government prosecution. Our right of free press gives us the opportunity to present to our readers the Banner of Love without controls or censorship from government. This philosophy allows us to establish our policy of "good news" for our readers.
2. Church and State. To insure these rights are protected and prolonged, we also believe in the philosophy of separation of church and state. We are not all too disturbed by judicial rulings which enforce this concept.
While judges’ decisions many times may, on the surface, appear as an attack on religion, it is actually a guarantee of religious freedom to insure some unwanted religious philosophy is not forced upon us or our family. In this regard, there is nothing in any judicial ruling which prohibits or unduly limits our personal right to worship or believe as we choose. The only basic restriction is that teachers, or other government-employed individuals cannot require we participate in, or be subjected to, a specific religious event or activity.
No one in our government, has ever stopped any of us from praying to our God whenever and where ever we choose. We should teach this to our children. Each of us has prayed in some unusual places, at unusual times. Nothing stops us from teaching and giving examples of this to our children or to others.
3. Religious Philosophy. Exercising our religious freedom, we believe in the religious doctrine generally outlined in the "Articles of Faith" of the Primitive Baptist Church. We are guided by these basic religious concepts in our attempts to write and edit The Banner of Love in accordance with our basic rights of free speech and press.
The most fundamental aspect of this religious philosophy is the doctrine of "sovereign grace" — that being that our Lord is the controller of our eternal fate according to His purpose. (Rom. 8:28). Our eternal destiny is subject to His unconditional love and grace, which was established before each of us was born, or the world formed. (Rom. 9:11; Eph 1:4, 2:8-10; II Tim. 1:7-10; Titus 3:3-8) No man, even ourselves, rises to a level in God’s eyes to be able to earn or justify our own eternal salvation.
Readers of The Banner of Love should expect to see these basic concepts followed in our editorial philosophies.
Finally, we are indebted to our generous and inspired writers. We would not have a newspaper without them. The inspiration in our writers is evident and we encourage and pray for their continued support.
We request your prayers that the will of the Lord will be displayed in all our efforts. It is all in His name; all glory to Him.
Just thought I would announce our happy news. Mariah joined the church and was baptized on October 14, 2001. Elder Steve Clark performed the baptism. She was able to be baptized that day before communion and participate in her first communion with her sister and another little girl from our church.
What a joyous day for her and for us! Trey and I were delighted that both our children are now members of the church. I hope that this note finds you all doing well. We love and miss you dearly. We think of you so often.
Marine Collier
Gulf Coast Primitive
Baptist church
Alvin, Texas
Note: Sister Marina thank you for sending us the good news. We, too, rejoice with you. We still miss you all at our church. May God's richest blessings be with you always....Opal Richards.
FOR TWO YEARS
Please renew my subscription to the Banner of Love for two years and use the remainder as you wish.
Thank you,
K. F. Zimmerman
Mtn. View, OK
Note: We appreciate the extra Brother Zimmerman.....Opal Richards.
This word appears two times in the Scriptures, [see Matt. 19:28, and Titus 3: 5]; being an interpretation of the Greek word, "paliggenesia"; which defines spiritual rebirth, [the state or act], i.e. figuratively spiritual renovation; specifically, Messianic restoration.
The English definition is re-creation, re-formation, etc. Jesus told His disciples those following Him in regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, that they would sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And in Titus it tells of those who, after the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; that being justified by His grace, we should be heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
By these definition, and teachings we can know that regeneration/spiritual rebirth is speaking of being born of the spirit; that the re-creation is being created in Christ Jesus. This is the new creature. See 2 Cor. 5:17, and Gal. 6:15. Christ being the first born, the beginning of this creation, of all that he redeemed by his blood. See Col. 1:14-17, and Rev. 3:14. This is the people spoken of in Ps. 102:18, 148: 5-6, and Isa. 43: 1-7. Thus it is written, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of your selves; it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
The Son of man/God, was conceived in the flesh of a woman, and offered himself [his flesh] unto God; and died on the cross. When He came forth from the grave/ hell all that he died for followed him in regeneration; being washed/ cleansed from sin by His blood.
Clem E. Cook [Elder]
PRAY FOR ALL
If I have kept my records straight, my subscription to the Banner of Love expires this month, Jan. 02. Enclosed find check for the paper for one year and use the rest as you see fit. I enjoy the good articles and pray for all who labor in the publication of the Banner of Love.
May you continue to print the good news of Salvation by Grace, which is my hope.
In Christian Love,
Felix Pair
Hawley, Texas
Note: Brother Pair, we appreciate you. May God bless you. Opal Richards
LOOK FORWARD TO BANNER OF LOVE
I always look forward to getting the Banner of Love. I enjoy it so much.
With best regards,
Ethel Fannin
Corsicana, Texas
1st Cor. 14:40 - "Let all things be done decently and in order."
Strong's Greek #5001 = tagma = from 5021; something orderly in arrangement [a troop], i.e. [fig.] a series or succession; order. #5021 = tasso - to arrange in an orderly manner, i.e. assign or dispose [to a certain position or lot]:-addict, appoint, determine, ordain, set.
This is the only place in the N. T.. where this particular numbered definition appears that is, 1st Cor. 14:40.
Scriptural Commentary = John Gill Commentary, in part=
Verse 40 - "Let all things be done decently and in order." So, neglect not the discipline of the church, but lay on censures, and pass the sentence of excommunication on such as deserve them; keep the ordinances as they have been delivered, particularly that of the Lord's supper; observe the rules prescribed for prophesying and speaking with tongues, and so all these things will be done according to the order of the Gospel; and the words may be considered as a general rule for the decent and orderly management of all things relating to the worship of God, and discipline of his house; that in all things a good decorum, and strict order, be observed, that nothing be done contrary to the rules of decency, and the laws and commandments of Christ.
Hulan F. Bass Commentary= This subject of same faith and order pertains, first to the apostles' doctrine [Acts 2:42] and that we all should "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Jude 3.
That is, we should never attempt to change any part of or even a letter of any word of the K.J.T Word of God. We should never omit or commit, add to or delete from, or altar, modify, twist or wrest such.
We should never attempt to place a connotation or emphasis on any word or phrase of any verse or that of the structured context or tenor of the meaning therein. We should "rightly divide the word of truth"- 2nd Tim. 2:15 - in order to arrive at the correct harmonious unity of the endless chain of Bible Truth.
Next, we address the same order part of this phrase. Doctrine, Practice, Duty and Discipline are the four major areas of identity for the N. T. Church Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, however, we must never sacrifice the element of same order, and that mainly between Sister Churches of the same faith and order.
To more specifically define and identify Church Order we must go to the Holy scriptures = 1st Cor. 12:1--6. This context is directly addressing spiritual Gifts. Paul is very concerned with Church Ignorance in such matters. Ignorance in this area breeds and leads to false worship of "dumb idols." He continues to strive carefully to eliminate such ignorance with the following teachings concerning the diversity and differences found within church order.
Verse 4. "Now there are Diversities of gifts, but the same spirit." There are many varied [diverse] gifts, given for the implementation and execution of the various rules of the N. T.. Church, just as there are various parts or members of your natural body, but yet and still is just one body. Yet, the same Holy Spirit directs all these diversities in unity and harmony.
Verse 5. "And there are Differences of Administrations, but the same Lord."
I must mention that Church Government comes into clear view here and monopolizes our attention. This is the delineation that deserves careful watchfulness. We must honor and respect each local bodies Church Autonomy and Independence; however, each separate body must function in harmony with each other. Things equal to the same thing are equal to each other. These "things" are the unified embrace of the Same Doctrine [faith], practice, duty, discipline, and order.
When I think of church government, I think of the order of the United States of America. Each state has her own government - rules, ordinances, statutes, regulations and order, yet each state must not conflict with the other and still be united in harmony and unity. "States' Rights" do not negate the United States.
Administrations = Strong's Greek #1248 - diakonia - from 1249-attendance [as a servant etc] fig. [eleemosynary] aid, [official] service [espec. of the Chr. teacher, or techn. of the diaconate]; -[ad] minister [-ing, -try], office, relief, services [-ing]. #1249- diakonos- [diako] to run on errands; comp. 1377; an attendant, i.e. [gen.] a waiter [at table or in other menial duties]; spec. a Chr. teacher and pastor [techn. a deacon or deaconess]; deacon, minister or servant. #1377 - dioko- to pursue [lit. or fig.]; impl to persecute; - ensue, follow [after], given to, [suffer] persecute [-ion] press toward.
Webster dictionary - 2 performance of executive duties - management. 3. the execution of public affairs as distinguished from policy-making. 4a. a body of persons who administer.
The N. T.. Church does not have the authority to set rules, but does have the authority to execute the rules of the higher power, the head of the church, namely and only the Lord Jesus Christ, and such rules are found in the N. T.. Word of God. If this is accomplished correctly then harmony prevails within the church body of membership, also and especially between sister churches. Again, we note this verse ends with - "but the same Lord." The one and only head of the church on earth is the only rule and ultimate authority. He sets the policies, and the church body is to execute, implement or carry out his will as prescribed within the Holy scriptures of the N. T.. in which will always be unity and harmony, even and especially between sister churches. Verse 6. "And there are Diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all." See above for the comments on the word "diversity," many and varied, as there are many parts within the machinery
of literal mechanics, and also, in principle, within this Heavenly Organization.
Operations = Strong's Greek #1755 - energema - from #1754, an effect; operation, working. hfb- this is the only use of this particular word in the K.J.T. - N. T.. #1754= energeo - from #1756; to be active, efficient; -do, [be] effectual [fervent] be mighty in, shew forth self, work [effectively in].
Webster Dictionary - 1. The act, process, or method of operating. 2. the condition of being in action or work. 3. a process or action that is part of a series of some work. 4a-any movement or series of movements made in carrying out strategic military planes; also [pl] a center where such operations are monitored and supervised; [hfb- this fits the church]. Operations =1.. in the act or a process of making, working, etc. 2. having an influence or effect; in force.
Finally, and again this verse ends with= "but it is the same God which worketh all in all." It is very interesting and important to be alert and aware to the facts of God's Mysterious Essence, and therein He created the natural Universe in all its diverse complexities, and likewise with just the same careful precision, that of the spiritual creation, including the
Gospel Timely Church Kingdom on earth which is organic, organized, literal, visible and militant.
Ecc. 11:5 "As thou knowest not the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child; even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all."
So, we must conclude that the term same faith and order is a pre-requisite to a harmonically,
unified and functioning N. T.. Church, and then extended carefully and prayerfully to all sister churches local bodies in the various geographical locations on earth.
In a closing word - Church government is the order, and all such must be the same, in each separate local body, as the same Lord rules over them all. He even knows dis-order, can and will discipline such, when ever and where ever. Many "church divisions and/or splits" have occurred during the last 2000 years, and such cannot be the doing of God, nor is Jesus Christ the cause thereof. 1st Cor. 14:33 - "for God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."
God is the author of the Same Faith and Order.
Hulan F. Bass [elder]
Lockhart, Texas
BLESSED MEETINGS
The Snyder, Texas church is doing fine. We have had some very blessed meetings in 2001 and we pray that there will be more of those meetings in 2002. We are having services on 1st and 3rd Sundays with Elder Chuck Sammons and on 4th Sundays with Elder Bernard Gowens.
Please continue to pray for the Snyder Church.
God bless you,
Michael Hackfeld
TO KEEP IT GOING
Enclosed $25.00 for one year. Use the rest to keep it going.
Sister Bertie Beauchamp
Rule, Texas
Note: Thank you, Sister Beauchamp. We love you.
Opal Richards
APPRECIATE YOUR WORK
I appreciate all your hard work publishing the Banner of Love.
Please renew my subscription for another year. Use the extra where it is needed.
Love,
Gene Hood
Sulphur, OK
Note: We appreciate your kindness and appreciate the extra. May God bless you. Opal Richards
As a Christian, we should on a consistent basis, pray:
l. For all those individuals in the world that are suffering from malnutrition that relief is on the way.
2. For individuals that are homeless, in need of a roof over their heads.
3. For those individuals that have just learned that they have a terminal disease, and may God's mercy comfort them.
4. For those individuals that have lost all their possessions by way of a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or tornado.
5. That individuals will make it back home safely from their places of employment, grocery stores, restaurants, movie theaters, public schools, universities, shopping malls, and sporting events.
6. For individuals that have just learned that their job has been terminated.
7. For our Commander-in-Chief, George W. Bush, in these troubled times, that he will make wise decisions.
8. For our nations military personnel that are now on foreign soil that they will be kept out of harms way.
Regarding these eight examples of prayer, where should they take place? Two suitable locations, would be our homes and the church we attend regularly. Fortunately, our prayers are heard by the Lord Jesus Christ, and with Him in control, anything is possible.
May we all pray without ceasing! [1 Thessalonians 5:17.]
Written with lots of love,
Lubbock, Texas