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Volume 70 Number 6 Lubbock, Texas 79493 Copyright $12.00 Per Year June 2002 |
Absolom's Beauty The Lesson of The Pharisee's Uncle Ed 50th Year in the Ministry Be Still To My Mom and Dad New Heavens and New Earth Tour Through the Bible The Incarnate Christ is Perfect Praying for Problems Meetings Meeting at Old Union Questions of Scripture
Absolom was David's third son. David had a great love for Absolom, who had a wonderful beauty of youth. 2nd Samuel, Ch. 14 verses 25-26 "But in all Israel there was none to be praised as Absolom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. And when he polled [shaved] his head, [for it was at every years end that he polled it; because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it]. He weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king's weight," about seven pounds.
Absolom, in his beauty and youth began to find favor with the people, and he began to build a force against his father, David, who loved his son dearly. After going to battle with David's army and losing, Absolom was riding his mule through the forest of Ephraim. The mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and earth; and the mule that was under him went away. 2nd Samuel Ch. 18 Vs 9.
Absolom caught up in the beauty of youth was hanging on by some of that beauty, when Joab's men thinking of doing David a favor smote Absolom and slew him. Verse 15.
The report of Absolom's death came to David, his father, in verse 32; "The enemies of my Lord, the King, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt be as this young man is."
Davis went to his chamber and wept, and said, "O, my son, Absolom, my son, my son would God I had died for thee." Verse 33.
David's love for his son was great. No doubt David knew Absolom was out to destroy him. His continual cry was, "Do my son no hurt," a great love, indeed.
Elder Charles Holmes, Mena, Ark.
The Banner of Love, Jan. 16, 1965
The Primitive Baptists are called hardshells, eternally speaking, teach that we reap where we have not sown. That eternal salvation is by grace, unmerited on the sinners part, it is unconditional. It is said by some, why preach the gospel at all? Why keep any of the commandments, just as well as bury the gift or talent. God will save you anyhow.
Primitive Baptists don't believe that God saves people anyhow, and that it is by His grace. We serve the Lord because of what He has done for us. 26 verse, Jesus said, Thou wicked and slothful servant, told him what he ought to have done, and commanded the wicked and slothful servant to be cast into outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.
This fellow must have been a Pharisee. We can know by the description given by Jesus in Luke 18:10-13. Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself. God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican [I tell you how good and great I am] I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
The poor publican smote upon his breast saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
Jesus said the publican went down to his house justified rather than the Pharisee. Jesus often rebuked the Pharisees, pronouncing a woe upon them, calling them hypocrites, blind guides. Read the 23rd chapter of Matthew verse 33: Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
The chief priest and Pharisees came together unto Pilate saying, sir, we remember that that deceiver said while he was yet alive: After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day lest his disciples come by night and steal him away and say to the people, he is risen from the dead. So, the last error shall be worse than the first one.
This request was granted. They made the sepulchre as sure as they could sealing the stone and setting a watch.
Well, Jesus came forth, and these watchers knew that it was so. They went and told the elders the truth. The elders gave these Pharisees large sums of money to preach a lie, saying while we slept, his disciples came and stole him away.
A God-sent preacher will preach the truth without money and without price. In Matt. 7:77 we read of some of those Pharisee preachers that came to Jesus saying unto him Lord. Lord, have we not prophesied [preached] in thy name? And in thy name cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? What or how did Jesus answer? Just like He will answer all which are claiming to do great works for the Lord in trying to help Him save sinners. How did He answer? And then will I profess unto them. I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. We learn from this text those who are trying to cast out devils, or trying to help the Lord, so the devil will not get some of His children are workers of iniquity. Jesus or the Lord said, "He looked and there were none to help." Isaiah.
Those who are expecting to live in heaven because of their good works, read the 20th chapter of Revelation 12th and 15th verses. Those who were judged according to their works were not sufficient to save them. Therefore they were cast into the lake of fire.
Those who were found written in the book of life were judged according to the work which Jesus did. Heaven is their home.
Aren't you glad that our home in heaven and our preparedness for that home is all done by the Triune God?
TO RENEW FOR ANOTHER YEAR
We appreciate getting the paper and want to send money to renew it for a year. Use the remainder to help with expenses in sending out the paper.Thanks,
Mel and Linda Kelley
Clinton, OK
Note: We certainly appreciate the extra.
Bill: Well, Uncle Ed, what are you doing out here on the park bench, reading the paper?
Uncle Ed: Well, young fellow, it has been a cold winter, and I have been kept pretty close in the house, and since the sun is shining out so beautifully, I just stopped off on my way back to the house from the post office and was enjoying the beautiful day.
Bill: I have been thinking, and there is something I can't understand, and I thought maybe you could help me with. I don't understand why you Hardshells, I mean Primitive Baptists, don't have Sunday school?
Ed: Well, now, maybe I can. What is the purpose of Sunday school? Do you know?
Bill: Sure, to teach people about the Lord and to teach them the Bible?
Ed: Do you consider that important?
Bill: You know I do?
Ed: then if it is important, you would want the best teacher you could get, wouldn't you?
Bill: That's right.
Ed: I want to tell you about one of your churches I heard of the other day. They had raked and scraped and finally got some money together and borrowed some, they built a big fine temple to the Lord. It cost them nearly two hundred thousand dollars.
About the time they got it built their pastor resigned. They looked all over the country, and prayed, and heard sample sermons to get the best man they could possibly get. They wanted nothing but the best..
Bill: Yes, but I don't see where this effects Sunday schools?
Ed: Just keep you shirt on and we'll get to the point in a minute. They wanted a man called of God, and dedicated to the ministry. They wanted a man who had been trained in the seminary and know how, both to preach the gospel and to teach the word of God. So finally, they found just the man they had been looking for. They had to pay him more salary than the last man but they felt he was worth it, and they thanked the Lord.
The first Sunday he was there they had the whole congregation assembled in the beautiful and spacious new sanctuary, and then they announced it was time for Bible study. And who do you think taught that Bible study?
Bill: I don't know.
Ed: Not this great preacher and teacher the Lord had sent them. Imagine that? They scattered these people out into a bunch of little rooms and they were taught the Bible by a bunch of woman that did not even claim to know anything about the spiritual meanings in the Bible.
Bill: Yes, that is the Sunday School.
Ed: Well, for goodness sakes, they had all the people there together, and they had this great man the Lord had sent them, what was wrong with him doing the teaching?
Bill: Now, I get your point.
Ed: Well, what's wrong with us having the pastor doing the teaching of the Bible, rather than just anybody?
Bill: Oh, I guess it's alright.
Ed: Alright, nothing. If you were on the school board with the responsibility of teaching the children, if you let just any one teach them, you would soon be recalled.
Bill: Well, I am in a hurry. I must go, I'll see you again some time.
Ed: Yes, just any time.
It was with great joy that the members and friends of the Old School Primitive Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas on April 13, 2002, celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the ordination into the ministry of Elder M. R. Altom. This weekend also was the annual communion service for Old School. Services were held Saturday morning and after lunch a commemorative service was held in the lunchroom for Brother and Sister Altom.
Elder Altom was ordained Easter Sunday April 13, 1952. He has pastored four churches during his 50 years in the ministry. He has pastored the Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church in Farmersville, Texas; the Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas; the Old School Primitive Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, and the New Hope Primitive Baptist Church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
He is a member of the Old School Primitive Baptist Church where he has a regular preaching appointment on the first Sunday of every month. The Lord is still blessing him to ably preach the truths of the finished work of Jesus Christ and the salvation of sinners solely by the grace of a sovereign God. He is admired and respected by the ministry and is loved by all who get to know him.
Brother Altom's companion of more than sixty years, Sister Frances, was also honored. She has been a great help to Brother Altom in his ministry, and is well loved and respected by all who have been blessed to get to know her.
May God bless them both in the years to come and may God bless Brother Altom to continue to preach the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ for many more seasons to come.
In Love,
Elder Mike Montgomery
Though, we'll never get over missing our loved ones who have passed from this life, we'll also never get over our Hope to be with them again when our race here in this time world is finished. It's so very precious that our Dear Lord never fails to give us hope in Him. He richly blesses us in knowing that they are waiting for us to finish our race to all to be together rejoicing in our Dear Lord in eternity.
It's wonderful that when we go by the cemetery that we can stand there and that when our Dear Lord returns we shall be with them again to never be parted. Going by the cemetery is good for us in adjusting to them not being here.
Being that we look at the things around us the flowers are also a part in adjusting. I believe God gives us flowers to enjoy and brighten our journey, also to show forth His Heavenly beauty.
Flowers are used in many ways to show forth God's love to us. We have so much to thank Him for. He will see us through. May He bless you all in honor to Him.
In Dear Hope,
Sister Loretta Lilly
Akron, Ohio
1st Thess 4:13-18 is real encouraging.
Be still and know that I am God
The Holy Master said,
Don't you know, I love you?
And suffered in your stead?
Be Calm and Wait upon Me,
The waiting won't be long.
Till in that land so bright and fair
Up There, there will be no wrong.
When problems come and you know
they will,
Just look them in the face,
And let God walk beside you,
So you can win the race.
Then patience you will possess,
Even with the pain you've known,
For in the end, you will
Have won and see Jesus
On His Throne.
Darlene McDonald
Houston, Texas
GREW UP IN MULESHOE, TX
Dear Brother Richards:
I am writing to begin a subscription to the Banner of Love. I am Joel Nowlin's daughter and I grew up in Muleshoe. My first memories of the church were when your father was pastor and I loved both your parents dearly. I am so glad to know that you have carried on the Banner of Love after your father. I regret not having subscribed for the last ten years.
When I was in the home of Charlene and Preston Cargile in October they gave me the February 2001 issue of the Banner. I was very saddened to read of your wife's death in that issue. I had the opportunity to meet her at a fifth Sunday meeting when I was a teenager and I remember following her around that whole weekend. I was very impressed with her and she made me so comfortable. I trust that the Lord is giving you continued grace to bear your loss.
I have now been in California for 20 years - longer than I lived in Muleshoe. Many things have changed for me in 20 years, but one thing remains the same - my love for the Primitive Baptist Church and the Lord's people. I can't imagine how anyone growing up in Muleshoe Church could feel otherwise. I had a wonderful childhood with an entire church who loved and nurtured me. I am thankful to be a part of the churches in California now.
I look forward to receiving The Banner of Love. Thank you for your continued diligence in publishing the Banner. You are appreciated in many places.
Love and prayers,
Linda Mulkey
Valley Springs, CA.
Note: So nice to hear from you, Sister Linda, I remember how sweet and loving you were as a child at the Muleshoe Church. ...Opal Richards
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.
Hebrews 5:9
Christ Jesus could not sin, because He was made perfect. The essence of perfection and the act of sinning are complete opposites and the one contrasted to the other are in no way compatible. Make the essence perfect, and then the resulting and responsive actions can only follow the way of perfection and righteousness. When Jesus bore the sins of His people in His own body on the tree (1Pet. 2:24), He was, at that time, made "to be sin for us" (2Cor. 5:21); however, this is not to say that He was sinning when He bore our sins. To say that Jesus could sin is to contend that He could deny God and violate His own holy commandments.
WHAT IS SIN?
To commit sin is to deny God and to violate His commandments. "To sin" means to perform any thought or act that is "not right." God cannot deny Himself nor violate His own commandments (2nd Tim. 2:13). Jesus is God (John 1:1,14; 1Tim. 3:16) and cannot deny Himself nor violate any of God's commandments; therefore, the Incarnate Christ is not capable of committing sin. Proof that He did not sin is found in 1st Peter 2:23, "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously..."
He didn't sin because He had not the capacity to sin. Jesus did not have the ability to sin because He is God. It was not possible for Jesus to do anything other than to commit Himself to the Righteous Judge.
JESUS IS GOD
Jesus Christ is the Holy and Spotless Son of God. He IS God. He is the Second Person in the Godhead. To deny the impeccability of Christ Jesus is to deny His Deity. John 1:14 reads, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." The Eternal Word (Logos) of God was made flesh (sinless flesh), and dwelt on earth for some 33 ½ years with the effulgent and revealed glory of grace and truth, begotten of the Father (John 3:16; Col. 1:15). He was "full of grace and truth." Being "full of grace," He was and is the very wellspring of grace. One capable of sinning needs grace administered.
Jesus, being made perfect, needed no grace administered to Him, for He was "full of grace." In Him dwelleth (present tense) the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Col. 2:9). Elect sinners are to be the recipients of this sovereign grace, for without grace there is no salvation. Jesus, being sinless, was not in need of receiving grace, for He, Himself, was the very embodiment of justifying grace. It was through His righteousness alone that His chosen "sinners" were justified before God. He always was, and is, the very essence of grace. Also, because He was "full of truth," He did not have the capacity to entertain error. Error is sin. Jesus was without error. He was "full of truth."
JESUS IS LORD
The following scriptures tell us that Jesus is Lord:
John 20:28, "And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God." 1st Cor. 12:3 "Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." Phil. 2:11, "And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
To say that Jesus had the capacity to sin is to say that Jesus had the Adamic sin-nature in Him. To say this is to "call Jesus accursed." No man can say this if he speaks by the Spirit of God. To say that Jesus is "accursed with sin" is blaspheming the name of Christ Jesus (Mt. 12:32). God forbid that we should ever do this. Thomas said, "My Lord and my God." Paul said, "Jesus is the Lord."
Again, he said, "Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (See the above quoted verses.) If Jesus is Lord and God, He does not contain the sin-nature and is, therefore, perfect - impeccable. Jesus Christ Is Deity. He is Divine, yet human; He is human, yet Divine, the "Complex Composite" without the sin-nature.
JESUS IS THE "ANOINTED"
1st John 4:2-3 says, "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." The name "Christ" refers to the "Anointing" (consecrating) of Jesus to the Messianic office, and furnishing Him, in His flesh, with the necessary powers for its administration. It is God that prepared His human body for Him (Heb. 10:5). If Christ (the Anointing of) Jesus is come in the flesh, the "Anointed Jesus" cannot have the capacity to sin.
Where this "Anointing" is, the potential to sin cannot exist. Otherwise, the orderly combination and complexity of Divine Nature and human nature in the person of Christ Jesus are violated as well as all scripture concerning His Deity. 2nd John 1:7 reads, "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist."
If Jesus had the capacity to sin, He could not be the Christ - The Anointed One. Notice the scripture teaches that Christ Jesus is come in the flesh. He came in the flesh anointed with Deity (impeccability) and not anointed with sin or even the nature of it. To believe that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh while having the capacity to sin is to be deceived by the spirit of antichrist. Any spirit that is not of God is the spirit of antichrist, because 1st John 4:1-3 records these words:
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."
The emphasis gathered from these verses is that Jesus is come in the flesh as Christ - the Anointed One Who is "The Lord Our Righteousness" (Jer. 23:6). Jesus could not come in the flesh and be Christ -- "The Lord Our Righteousness," -- were He capacitated to sin. John is teaching that every spirit that does not confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Righteous Branch of God (Jer. 23:5) Who is come in impeccable flesh, is not of God. The spirit that teaches that Christ is able to sin is not of God, because Christ Jesus is, in all verity, "the Anointed of God." Yes, Jesus is perfect. He is God. He is Lord. He is The Anointed. Amen!
LOVE TO READ AND RE-READ THE BANNER
I see my subscription will be out in July 02. Enclosed is the amount for another year and use the rest to help out as needed. I love to read and re-read the Banner.
God Bless each and everyone who verifies and clarifies the Powerful Work of God, as we Primitive Baptists know the Truth.
Thanks,
Darlene McDonald
Houston, Texas
Note: Thank you Sister Darlene for the extra. Nice to hear from you again. Opal Richards
PART TWO
2nd Peter 3:13
John Gill writes on New Heavens & New Earth - 2nd Peter 3:13 (paraphrased): Not figuratively, the world to come in distinction from the Jewish World or State; Not a New Church-State, the Gospel Dispensation, with new ordinances, as Baptism and The Lord's Supper, all legal ceremonies and ordinances being gone, and everything new.
It will be literal, not designed to be as this heaven and earth for natural material substance, but for qualities; the old is burned, melted, dissolved and purged by fire, cleared of everything noxious, needless and disagreeable; the curse removed brought on by Adam/Man sins.
Wherein dwelleth righteousness - Jesus Christ himself; and it is in Christ, and dwells in him, but imputed to them – Not mixed with unrighteousness as during the Church Age.
The Elect - made righteous by the obedience of Christ as in - 2nd Cor. 5:21...
All The Elect will now be gathered in, and Christ, when he comes, will bring all his saints with him from heaven, and will raise their bodies, and reunite them to their souls; and those that are alive will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, and will make up (together) the general assembly and church of the first-born, whose names are written in heaven; and whereas, upon the 2nd Coming of Christ, the present heavens and earth will be burnt or purified by fire.
Hassell's History - Page 251-252 starting with the paragraph - "While John in the Revelation......" and continue reading carefully into the next page (252) through the end of the first paragraph ending with "..... - P. Schaff".... In this dialog we denote that the Destruction of Jerusalem was just a "Small Picture" of the final "Big Picture" - The End-Time itself... I shall include in this writing part of the writing mentioned above. Referring to The Apostle John's Writing - Quote: "He describes the destruction of Jerusalem & the General Judgment in close proximity, as if they were one continuous event.
He sees the end from the beginning. The first catastrophe is painted with colors borrowed from the last, and the last appears as a repetition of the first on a grand and universal scale. It is the manner of prophetic vision to bring distant events into close proximity, as in a panorama. To God a thousand years are as a day. Every true prophecy admits of an expanding fulfillment. History ever repeats itself, though with new variations....."
This analysis, which is very well stated, is worthy of our careful consideration. If you think such Scriptures as: Matt. 24 - the Destruction of Jerusalem is all that is taught in "The New Heavens and New Earth" Subject, then you are LIMITING the vision. If you also, or only see "The End-Time" or "Second Coming", you are seeing the final correct vision, but are missing the "prelude" or "Small Historical Picture" found in the "Destruction of Jerusalem". Both views are correct. The Destruction of Jerusalem is only a view to, pointing you to - The End-Time and Second Coming of The Lord Jesus Christ - Matt. 25:31-34; John 14:1-3; 1st Thess. 5:1-3; 2nd Peter 3:10-13...
Every city in this TIME world sets on a FOUNDATION that is, and can only be TERRESTRIAL... The NEW EARTH is not Terrestrial, but is HEAVENLY (3rd); therefore the NEW HEAVENS sets on the NEW EARTH FOUNDATION - HEAVENLY... See: Rev. 21:10---27... Be sure to most attentively notice that the "CHANGED, GLORIFIED BODY" is now of the SAME MATERIAL (Foundation) as that which the NEW HEAVEN anchors to, or rather, the NEW EARTH in now EQUAL TO the NEW HEAVEN. . .
Verified Note: 1st Cor. 15:42-49; 2nd Cor. 4:7; 5:1; Phil. 3:21; 1st John 3:2 = NEW EARTH is our CHANGED BODY - Manifestly. . .
Rev. 21:14 - This CITY has Twelve (12) FOUNDATIONS, and in them the names of the Twelve (12) Apostles of The Lamb... This IS the NEW HEAVENS and NEW EARTH. The City is "NEW HEAVENS". The Foundations are the "NEW EARTH"... The City lies Foursquare: Rev. 21:16.
Out of Every: Rev. 5:9: 1. Kindred, 2. Tongue, 3. People, 4. Nation
The City is measured as: 12,000 furlongs (1500 miles)= The same in Length, Breadth & Height (Cube). A Cube (HOLY TRINITY) City: 1. The Father 2. The Son 3. The Holy Spirit. God will never come back to this earth, as The Son Jesus Christ, and set foot on this OLD TERRESTRIAL EARTH. God will not built a City with a FOUNDATION on this old earth, that will be 1500 miles square and 1500 miles (high) straight up - ridiculous...
This New Earth FOUNDATION is not Terrestrial, but Celestial not Natural, but Spiritual !
Most carefully observe, this NEW EARTH (BODY) is the FOUNDATION of the NEW HEAVENS, not of ourselves, but our NEW CHANGED EARTH BODY is NOW FASHIONED like unto His (Jesus Christ) GLORIOUS BODY – Phil. 3:21.
Christ’s Body is a ROCK-BUILT FOUNDATION, on which we all stand.
Just as many subjects in the bible are of more than ONE class, phase, aspect or category, so is that of the HEAVENS and the EARTH. As mentioned in the beginning, there is the OLD Heavens, and the OLD Earth. So also there is the NEW in both areas.
Isaiah prophesied of the Literal Timely N.T. Church on Earth, which certainly is a beautiful situation, the joy of the whole earth, which is Mt. Zion, in the mountain of his holiness; however, this is just a small timely picture of the entire fullness of the Eternal and Everlasting completeness of the NEW, also in both areas. The NEW is also prophesied in John’s Writings and Peter’s Writings in 2nd Peter 3 and Rev. 21.
John saw it first as the Church on the Earth, just as Isaiah did, then he was lifted higher in Rev. 21:10 and begins to describe this more elevated dazzle and glisten through the remainder of the chapter. Peter speaks of the OLD passing away with water in Noah’s time, then the coming of the ending of the OLD as with fire. Then he states in 2nd Peter 3:13- Nevertheless, that is after the total burning up of the OLD, without an ash remaining, there is coming, according to His Promise the NEW. 2nd Peter 3:14, he tells us to remain faithful and continue to look for such things, and to "keep on keeping on" in the Church Age, until that unknown moment out in the future – Matt. 24:36.
First, the partial timely, then the full eternal.
Compiled by: Hulan F. Bass (elder)
MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS
Please send the paper for another year. May God continue to bless you in your efforts. Use the balance as needed.
In Bonds of Love,
E. J. Watts Alto, Texas
Note: Thanks for the extra.
We’ve been told always to take our problems to the Lord.
How often do we pray to the Lord when we are not beset with problems?
It’s not hard for me to remember to pray when I am neck-deep in problems. That is always when we feel the most need of the Lord. After we have tried all our own solutions, we finally get around to asking and relying on the Lord — usually when it’s our last resort. When we’ve finished (and failed) to solve our problems ourselves, it’s amazing how we discover the avenue of prayer. Rarely do we go to Him as our first resort.
When we do finally turn to God with our problems, we suddenly become experts at dumping our problems on him. We barely open our thoughts to prayer without starting in at laying out our problems.
It is not as if we have to open up a full discussion with the Lord to fully describe our problems. As Jesus has told us, the Lord knows what we need even before we ask. Matt. 6:8.
Opening prayer with our problems (or limiting our prayer with our problems) is not how we are taught to pray. As stated, the Lord already knows your problem. Praying is about something totally different — it is about placing your trust and dependence on the Lord — acknowledging His power, His glory and His perpetuity.
It’s not really even necessary to go into great detail about our problems. We are taught our primary purpose in prayer is to acknowledge the Lord in His Glory, and our total dependence and reliance on Him.
Our best example is the "Lord’s Prayer" taught by Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount at Matthew 6:9 wherein Christ provides us a guideline for wording our prayers. The point to be made here is to study opening and closing of the prayer. The first, and last, are to be dedicated to our acknowledgment of the Lord and His glory and power — not laying out our problems.
How do you start your prayer — especially when you are finally ready to lay out your problems. Do you start with the problem, or do you start with an acknowledgment of your total dependence on the Lord and His almighty power and glory?
King Jehoshaphat also provides us an example. When Moab was about to invade Judah, as described in the 20th chapter of the Old Testament book of 2nd Chronicles. The king’s aides came to him and described the overwhelming problems arising with a pending invasion of the country. Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast throughout Judah and turned to lead his people in prayer.
Go read Jehoshaphat’s prayer, when he was facing huge problems of an invading army. 2nd Chron. 20:5-12. The king opened his prayer acknowledging the Lord and his power, glory and thanking the Lord for past blessings. It’s halfway through the prayer before the king starts describing his immediate problems.
King Jehoshaphat had a crisis of an impending invasion. He needed immediate help. Yet, he spent half his prayer acknowledging the power and thanking for past blessings. He finally got around to laying out his problem. That’s a lesson we need to learn.
Go read of Job and how he approached the Lord in the times of his problems and how he bemoaned the fact of his problems and of the Lord’s apparent indifference. Job was a good man, but who did not understand how the Lord was using him, and he made the mistake of complaining a little too much about his own integrity and why he was being made to suffer.
Then read God’s lengthy response beginning in Job chapter 38: "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?" The Lord provides us a valuable lesson here in how we should always approach Him in humility for all He has already done and to acknowledge all His power.
Praying only when we have problems, and just about those problems, is our problem. The Apostle Paul tells us to "pray without ceasing," and "in every thing give thanks". 1 Thess. 5:17-18.
We should pray even when we don’t have problems. We should pray and give our thanks to the Lord continually and acknowledge our total dependence on Him. Praying is not about asking help for our problems (the Lord already knows our problems). Praying is about being thankful, and acknowledgment and reliance and humbling ourselves to an all-powerful Lord and Savior. That is our duty, and our privilege, whether we ever get around to mentioning our problems.
TO MY MOM AND DAD WHOM I LOVE SO DEARLY
Such a blessing its been these
Past years to have you both so near me.
I love you both so much, I think
My heart will surely overflow.
Every day of our lives I feel
My love and respect for you grow.
When finally a few years ago
I was able to leave the nest.
I knew I'd miss the two sweetest parents
With which I've been best
Though I was living amongst hoboes
Ex-cons and those who are mental,
Thank God He blessed me to remain
Sane and gentle.
Even then you two, and through
You the Lord Jesus Christ.
Were examples of the right way to live
And thank God I did as you advised.
Through those dark days and months
Even a couple of years.
Thank God I was able to
Turn your disappointed
Sobs into joyous tears.
And always through prayer to Jesus Christ
I climbed out of that old dark pit.
I found that a life sober and honest
Would lead to our dear Lord
ever watching over
Shining His grace upon us.
And through these days of sickness,
Nurses and meds.
The Dear Lord blessed us with
A roof for the rain and
protected us from
Curses in our heads.
Always Mom and Dad, you have
helped me
And given aid.
Though you're not full of wealth,
So many of my bills you've paid.
Every night before bed I pray and
Thank God for carrying me through.
Thank you dear Lord for a Mom
And Dad as caring and
considerate as you.
I love you both so very much.
Lew Poss
THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO
Thanks so very much for all you do so we subscribers can enjoy the Banner of Love. May God richly bless you each one as you strive to serve our Master each day.
In Christ's Love,
Lena Willis
Excelsior Springs, MO
P.S. 2 years subscription.
Having just returned from the meeting at Old Union this weekend I would like to pass on (Lord willing) a few blessings I was privileged to share.
How wonderful the times when we can say that we were allowed to sit in heavenly places and for a brief moment glimpse into the realm where time will be no more.
Such were the hours I was blessed to spend with Old Union Church in Arkansas.
This being their 100th anniversary and being desirous to share some family ties, I traveled out there Friday morning and from the onset it was apparent that the Lord was with us. Not only did He take me by the hand and remind me that He is my constant companion, He allowed me to see into His Bride chamber time and time again.
Old Union hosted two visiting ministers - Elder Chuck Sammons of West Texas ands Elder Mark Quarrels of Mississippi, who were used by God time and again to bring us sweet messages of Zion.
They began Friday morning with Elder Quarrels preaching on the Overruling Providence and Sovereignty of God and how He has done whatsoever He pleased (Psalms 115:3) We need to be mindful of fearing "man" more than we do God (Matt 10: 28-31).
Friday afternoon Elder Whitten was blessed to be with us for a short time and introduced the service speaking to the fact that all the beauties outside (and if you've ever been to Old Union Church you can appreciate that thought) do not compare with the beauties in the house of the Lord.
Followed by Elder Sammons admonition that the Lords company is not optional - it is mandatory and painting a glorious picture of the Ark of the Covenant and it's representation of Christ.
These themes continued through Saturday evening when we were blessed to partake in a beautiful communion service in remembrance of the things that Christ has already done for us concluding this morning with Elder Quarrels preaching about Gideon and the ability of God and Elder Sammons again sharing the word of God on the glories revealed to Moses when he allowed him to see the hinder parts and how glorious that is - it is nothing compared with what is to come.
There is no justice done the messages and were I to go on I could give you many words only to take up just so much paper. For those that are able Brother Harris from Old Union has included these sermons on their web site at "www.oldunionpbc.org" and all who have a mind please hear for yourself the truths declared this weekend.
May God Bless us all to continue to be able to sit in heavenly places and know the fullness of His love from time to time. In Humble submission,
Sister Kira (Kay) Prewitt, Dallas, Texas
FOR MY SISTER
Please enter a subscription for my sister. Enclosed please find a check in the amount of $37.00 for her subscription plus a donation for the paper.
So sorry to read about the discontinuation of the West Texas Association. We are always sad to hear another Old School Baptist tradition that is no more. We hope that The Banner of Love and the churches you feature will continue in the old line and not stray off to the new "stuff" that seems to be invading our churches.
My husband, Greg Dorough, was ordained as an Elder on Feb. 23, 2002. He joined Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church in Amarillo, TX when he was twelve years old. He left Amarillo to serve in the U.S. Army for 30 years. He knew he would come back to the Primitive Baptists some day and now he has and is an Elder. We both firmly believe that the old way is the best way and intend to follow it until we leave this world.
Thank you for your work.
Sincerely,
Nelda Dorough
Fairfax, VA.
Note: Thank you for the donation and thank you for writing....Opal Richards
(Editor’s Note: The following is written in response to a request for a series of scriptural questions to encourage study of the Bible.)
1. Was the heaven of Genesis 1:1 the place where you would find the throne room of God? Did God need to create Himself a place to set up residence? Is god’s throne room eternal?
2. Can darkness exist in the presence of God? (1 John 1:5)
3. Genesis 1:2 tells us the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; that is, the earth was shrouded in darkness. Was this condition in which it was created in Genesis 1:1? Isa. 45:18 informs us that "He formed it and made it. He created it not in vain." (Explain your answer)
4. On the first day we see God simply said: "Let there be light: and there was light." We find it was not until the fourth day that He would place the sun, moon and stars in the created heaven. What was the light that was brought forth on the first day? 1 John 1:5.
5. What was the "firmament" that divided the waters in those early days of the earth’s formation? How would you classify the two bodies of water that were divided by the firmament? (This was prior to the next statement , as there was only water, then he says: "Let the dry land appear." What is the ozone made of?
6. On the third day God made the vegetable kingdom before the sun was made, (from which all photosynthesis action is generated). In what manner did he make them — as seed or as full grown plants? (See Genesis 2:5).
7. What did God make on the fourth day?
8. What did God make on the fifth day?
9. In addition to man, what did God make on the sixth day?
10. Name the first man and the first woman.
(Submitted by Allen Cook: Alonacook@juno.com )
LOOK FORWARD TO THE BANNER
Please renew our subscription for another year and use the balance for whatever can be used.
We look forward each month to your publication and may the Lord continue to bless you and yours in your effort to place the truth before us.
Norman Miller
[Stratton, TX Church]
Note: Thank you Brother Norman, we appreciate the extra and your kind words. Opal Richards.