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Volume 70 Number 8 Lubbock, Texas 79493 Copyright $12.00 Per Year August 2002 |
Commission or Command Sure Foundation Report on Bethel Camp Meeting Our House Chosen Unto Holiness Primitive Association in Madisonville, TX. No Sermon Notes Or Outlines For the good days... and the bad ... And Move Tour Through the Bible Meetings Obituaries
"Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests," [Acts 26:12]. You have just read the one and only time the term "commission" is found in the entire Bible. It was given to Saul to make havock of the Church [Acts 8:3].
"...and many of the saints did I shut up in prison,...and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities." [Acts 26:10-11]
As an Army officer, I was given a commission to support and defend the Constitution of the United States [very broad.] The commission gave me no specific guidance at all. Those early ministers were not given a commission, but a command [very specific].
Consider the Apostles.
"These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The Kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; freely ye have received, freely give." [Matthew 10:5-8]
Look at the signs that followed them as Christ sent them into all the world.
"...In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." [Mark 16:17-18]
Paul, an Apostle: "And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them." [Acts 19:11-12]
Did they fulfill their command? Consider to whom they preached on the day of Pentecost: "And they were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven" [Acts 2:5]. "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world." [Romans 10:17-18]. Paul, speaking to the Gentiles:
"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant" [1 Cor. 12:1]. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way."
[1 Cor 12:39-31]. "But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." [1 Cor 13:10]
The early church did not have the New Testament. They witnessed the miracles personally. We now have a more excellent way. That which is perfect is come. We witness the same miracles and the finished work of Christ through the inspired word of God.
When Christ preached upon the earth, did He do so with a commission or through a commandment?
"For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak." [John 24:49-50]
"For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me." [John 17:8]
The tern "reverend" is used only once in the entire Bible and refers only to God: "He sent redemption unto his people; he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name" [Ps 111:9]. We should not think of applying the term "Reverend" to us today. Likewise, the term "commission" is only used once in the entire Bible-in reference to Saul [Acts 26:12]; neither should we think of applying the term to us today.
There is no Great Commission or a Final Commission taught in the Bible. May we use biblical terms as we "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." [2 Tim 2:15].
Elder Don R. Watson
Canyon, Texas
THANK YOU
Thank you for your patience. I thank you for your special efforts. Am sending a couple of dollars extra for postage, etc. to aid in your distributions.
In Christian Love,
Fern Bulls
Sudan, Texas
Note: Sister Fern, we appreciate you.
"Upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
This is the language Jesus used when talking to Peter. He was going to build His church upon a rock, it was to have a rock as the foundation..
Someone might ask, But where is that rock? Well, Paul says in 1 Cor. 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than is laid, which is Jesus Christ. So, if the church has a rock as a foundation, and Jesus Christ is also the foundation, then He must be the rock spoken of in Matt. 16:18, for no other foundation can be laid except Him. I conclude the rock is where Jesus is.
Then the true church has Jesus Christ as its foundation, if He built it upon the rock as He said He would, "Upon this rock I will build my church." This language denotes that it was His determination and will to build it there. If it was His will to
do that thing, did He do it? Dan. 4:35 says, "He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him. What doest that?" So we can all see that the church was built upon a rock, a sure foundation; built upon Jesus Christ.
I know it had a sure foundation for He said the gates of hell should not prevail against it. It is not like a house built upon the sand. Had not the foundation been sure, the gates of hell might have prevailed, Jesus says, they shall not.
I once heard a preacher say that there was not a man on earth who could trace his church back through the dark ages. It is my opinion that if the church you are a member of cannot be traced back through the dark ages,
you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. Jesus set the church up while He was here on earth. If there was no church through the dark ages, it was because the gates of hell prevailed against it and it went out of existence. But Jesus said they wouldn't, so I say they didn't.
Either the gates of hell prevailed the church of Jesus Christ, or it has been in existence and prevailing ever since He built it, and will continue to prevail until He comes back to earth again. Which will you take?
This is what I think.
A.E. Richards
from The Banner of Love, March 1972
THE 101ST ANNUAL SESSION OF
PROVIDENCE ASSOCIATION
The 101st annual session of the West Providence Association held at Colorado City, Texas was just completed at noon today, August 4, 2002. We feel so thankful for such a wonderful meeting, even though, we did not have a large crowd as we had expected.
Seven ministers were present. Elders: Rose, from south Texas, Howard Jernigan, Gayle McCoy, George Johnson, Gail Faries, Gerald Hand, from New Mexico, and our pastor, Raymond Kirkpatrick. Each were blessed to feed our hungry souls and we thank God for His blessings.
Unworthily,
Mrs. E. L. Edwards
Colorado City, Texas
THE EVENTS OF THIS AGE
In thinking of the events of this age of time, Psalms 42:11, also Psalms 23 and Psalms 46 is really encouraging.
So good to know we always have hope in God, no matter what our experiences may be. Thanks be unto Him for His great love and tender mercy. He will see us through. May He strengthen you all with love.
In Dear Hope in Christ, our Dear lord,
Sister Loretta Lilly
Akron, Ohio
After several months, and last few weeks, Bethel Members have been unified in working together, planning, arranging, fixing up, repairing, building, painting, scrubbing, cleaning, shelling peas, and praying about the Camp Meeting.
On Wed. July 17th, Campers, RV and Motor Homes began arriving. Some even pitched in and helped us with "last minutes" details that afternoon, as well as the same on Thurs. during the day.
The Meeting officially began with a Sandwich Supper at 5:30 P.M. on Thurs. July 18th.
The first Worship Service started at 7 P.M. with wonderful
singing, Prayer by Elder Bill Walden, Sermon #1 = Elder George Walker. He is
Pastor of New Hope PBC, Fort Worth, TX. He preached on the "Doctrines of
Grace." (Powerful & in The Spirit); Sermon #2 - Elder Clifford Gowens. He is
Pastor of 1st Primitive of Dallas, TX. He preached on the text
expositorily on Psalms
27:1-14. Dismissal Prayer by Elder Larry Hausenfluke. There were about 200 in
attendance. The house was full.
Fri. A.M. July 19th =
Singing began about 9:30 A.M. as the house filled with people
and The Spirit. This singing would tingle your spine and touch your soul. Prayer
by Elder Billy Moseley. Sermon #3 = Elder Mike Montgomery. He is Pastor of Old
School PBC, Fort Worth, TX. He preach on the "Daysman" of Job 9:33. Powerful
and Spiritually Felt. Sermon #4 = Elder Sonny Huckaby. He is Pastor of Old Union
PBC., near Hot Springs, Ark. He preached on Rom. 11:33-34 & his subject was
"Past Finding Out." Dismissal Prayer by Bro. Vernon Hurn. About 250 in
attendance.
Fri. A.M. July 19th =
More Spiritual Singing; Prayer by Elder Tony Benitez. Sermon
#5 = Elder Hylton Crain of Arlington, TX. He read Psalms 72:1-20; His Subject
was "Amen" - (So Be It). Very Instructive. Sermon #6 = Elder Chuck Sammons. He
is Pastor of both Snyder, TX. PBC and Andrews, TX. PBC. His Text was Eph.
3:18 and Subject was "Love's Dimensions" He was almost totally overcome
by the Spirit and it was felt reverberating throughout the congregation as he
expounded on the Autopsy in Rom. 3 then, Imputation, Redemption and
Propitiation. Dismissal Prayer: Bro. Norman Gowens.
Prayer for Supper at the Church = Bro. Ray Hanks
Fri. P.M. July 19th =
The crowd has increased in number & intensity as manifested
by the continued Singing.
Prayer: Elder Jeff Moseley; Sermon #7 = Elder Luke Addison from Mississippi. He
is Pastor of Mt. Gilead PBC Meadville, Miss. He was very articulate in
describing the contextual meaning of - Mark 15:31-32 - "He Saved Others, himself
he cannot save." Sermon #8 = Elder Randy Dillion of North Alabama.
He is Pastor of Elgin Cross-Roads PBC He expounded clearly and strongly that
the Eleven Apostles' Commission was Completed, and confirmed such with many
texts.
Sat. A.M. July 20th =
The congregation has not increased in number to about 275 to
300. The quality of the spiritual endowment has also increased. The singing this
morning was overwhelming. Many young people were in attendance, and added
greatly to the enrichment thereof. Prayer by Elder Jesse Stripland. Sermon #9 =
Elder Bill Allen, Pastor of Stephenville, TX. PBC His Texts were Rom. 9:1-11;
Rom. 10:1-18 primarily, with many others as companion
confirmations. It was most spiritual. Sermon #10 = Elder Mark Rowell, Pastor of
Houston P.B.C. His Text was primarily - Jude 3. His Theme was "The Faith" (The
Gospel). He used many other texts. This sermon lifted us all up very high. We do
not see this much, but he was overcome himself, and the Spirit,
Power, Holy Ghost & Much Assurance carried him "beyond himself," at one point.
Sat. 1:45 P.M. Bethel PBC engaged in a "Historical Reflection" as we
celebrated our 150th Anniversary. The Constitution of Bethel PBC was
officially on Sat. June 19th, 1852. Bro. Tom Owen read the old original
Articles of Faith. Bro. Jeb Owen Lined a Song; Bro. Curtis Owen read and
commented on the Written History of the Church from the Historical Minutes.
He was the Church Clerk for 41 years. Bro. George Jones, a long-time Deacon, presented the Church with Bowl that he crafted with his Wood-working tools, lathes, etc., from the Old Mesquite Tree in front of the Old Building (Lunch). This Old Mesquite Tree was climbed upon by great-great grandparents, who are now buried in Jeffrey Cemetery, immediately behind the church, when they were children. Now their great-great grandchildren climb on this same old Mesquite. During this meeting many young visiting children were seen climbing on this old tree every chance they had. Jeffrey Cemetery was named after one of the Founding Families of Bethel PBC There are many, many of the members of Bethel Church buried herein. The Cemetery was started in 1847. There are 12 PBC Ministers buried herein also. Sat. Afternoon Worship Services =
More powerful singing, and Prayer by Elder Chris Blevins. Sermon #11 = Elder Hugh Montgomery; His Text was = John 18:37-38; Subject: "THE TRUTH" It was well presented and scripturally documented. Very able and clear. Bro. Hugh is Pastor at Izora, TX. PBC in the Peabody Community. Sermon #12 = Elder Pat Young, Pastor of Orange, TX. PBC His Text was = Deut. 6:4--10; "The One True & Living God." Very Firmly Presented.
Note: The Weather was just perfect. With a South Breeze, it
counteracted the extremes of humidity, even though the Temp. came up around 90.
Scattered Cumulus Clouds. Just beautiful weather all during the meeting.
Sat. P.M. July 20th =
After more powerful and harmonic singing, not only in the ear but moreso in the heart, we entered into Prayer led by Elder J. R. Haymon of Louisiana. Sermon #13 = Elder James Baker from Amarillo, TX PBC He is the Pastor of the Borger, TX PBC His opening text was 1st Peter 1:1-5; His Subject was "Inheritance." He mostly ably and spiritual confirmed our Wonderful Inheritance both timely in families, in the church, and especially Eternally in Heaven. This was very stirring sermon. This was his first visit in this area. He is certainly invited to return again anytime. Sermon #14 - Elder Mark Richards = His personal demeanor was, upon entering the Pulpit, most spiritual. He was almost over-whelmed right then. His Text was - Psalms 48:1-14. He carefully articulated each verse expositorially. His Subject was the "The Kingdom & His Kingdom." He became almost overwhelmed spiritually during his sermon, just as Elder Mark Rowell had done.
The congregation, ministers, deacons and all were left at the
dismissal with such a spiritual elevation till we sang "There is Coming a Day,"
with a shout or two. Closing Prayer by Bro. Trey Collier. He is to be ordained
to the ministry by the Gulf Coast PBC on 2nd Sat. in December.
3rd Sun. A.M. July 21st =
Again, some of the most spiritual singing, with some "Lining
of Songs." Bro. Phillip Conley, was there and he "Lined" songs two or three
times during the meeting. WOW ! Prayer by: Elder Clifford Gowens; Sermon: #15 =
Elder Cleveland Bass; He is
Pastor of the PBC in Cortez, Colorado, where he currently resides. He is also
Pastor at Bloomfield, N.M. PBC, and he continues to be Pastor at the
Muleshoe, TX. PBC and the Littlefield, TX. PBC. He sure travels a lot
regularly. His opening text was Prov. 25:25. His major thrust was from - 2nd
Sam. 14:14; He dealt with the setting of the "Battle of Armageddon of Rev.
16:16. Verse 17 - "It Is Done." Very Able and Sound. Sermon #16 = Elder Charles
Sandage of Donaldson, Arkansas. He very ably and carefully, in a great teaching
manner defined the preciseness of the context of - Heb. 9:27-28. He being a
retired school-teacher, was able to teach with clarity the Death, and the
Judgment, substantiating such with many other texts, that God is the God of the
Living.
Well, the Campers, RVs & Motor Homes, Cars and Pickup Trucks began leaving,
carrying away the many members of the congregation, leaving us with many
pleasant and lingering memories of our close encounter of the most spiritual
kind, an Oasis in the Church Kingdom here on Earth. Bethel Members began to
clean up, fold up, put away, re-arrange back to the usual all the various
tables, chairs. etc. Then we all gathered into the Lunch (Old) Building and had
a closing prayer of Thanksgiving to the Lord for all His Wondrous Blessings of
these last few days. We all discussed with much fervent spirit, our feelings
about this wonderful experience. We then began to go our different directions to
our own homes, feeling much richer in the Spirit, Grace and Mercy of Our Great
God and His Son, our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our memories will catalog these events and carve them into our very being, as a part of our heritage, and a great expectation and hope for the future.
The CAMP MEETING will convene with the STRATTON PBC next
year - during
the 3rd weekend in July, The Lord Willing.
God Bless you all,
Hulan Bass,
MEANS A LOT TO ME
Dear Friends, please renew my paper. It means a lot to me. I read it over as soon as I get it. I read of old friends I don't get to see.
Our little church at Elmore City is still enjoying services twice each month, 2nd and 4th. We thank God for a dear pastor, Elder Jerry Cottrell, whom we love dearly and thank God for the many blessings, we relive and the fellowship we have.
In Christian Love,
Gertie Cottrell,
Davis, OK
KEEP IT COMING
I want to keep the paper coming. Here is my check for a year.
Faye Jones,
Bloomfield, Iowa
By Elder Dale E. Magers
(2nd. Cor.5:1-4), "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened; not that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life."
We are living in a temporary house that is our home. We have a permanent home, but it is not here upon this earth. When God created man he put him in a garden paradise supplying him everything in nature that he needed, but God gave him a law that he did not keep. This could have been a permanent home on earth but God drove him out because he transgressed the law. God's commandment to him for this was from dust thou art to dust thou shalt return. Man lost his first home and since then every home on earth is temporary, for man dies. No wonder Paul would say, "If our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved." First of all, this house is of the earth, it is our body. When God made Adam he formed him out of the dust of the earth (red clay). God had dwelt with him in the garden, but he cast him out of that home. The house that he carried with him was his body.
A home is the place in which we live. The soul and spirit
lived in Adams house. When God first made Adam out of the dust of the ground and
breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
(Gen.2:7)" Adam was created soul, spirit and body, his house consisting of these
three parts. When he sinned the soul died. "The soul that sinneth it shall die."
(Eze. 18:20} When grace came to him his soul was restored and another resident
moved into this house, the Holy Spirit of God. (Col.1:27)
"which is Christ in you the hope of glory." Therefore Paul speaks of our earthly
house.
However, this house is not only earthly, but Paul says, "of this tabernacle" so we see that the body is the tabernacle just as the children of Israel had a tabernacle in the wilderness that traveled with them where God met them.
This tabernacle in type was a picture of Jesus Christ redeeming us to the sacrifice of his own body. In this tabernacle Christ dwelt there. This tabernacle was a tent that could be taken down and carried from place to place. Christ when he was here as man was crucified in the prime of his life dying for us. This was only a temporary death, for he resurrected that third and appointed morning. "He is our resurrection and life." (John 11)
Our body is also a tabernacle. Why is it called a tabernacle? God dwells in this body. It is not only our body, but Christ has taken up resident in it.
When we are regenerated the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us. "What? Know ye not that your body is the temple (a temple is a place where God dwells and is worshipped) of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body and your spirit, which are Gods."
"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle
were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal
in the heavens." What does Paul mean by dissolved? Does he mean an out right
destruction of the body? Will we no longer have a body? At death the soul and
spirit goes back to God who gave it, but the body becomes a part of the dust of
the earth again. This is not the end of the body; God will raise it again in
power. (1st Cor.16) God in his covenant predestinated us to be conformed to the
image of his Son that he might be the first born among many brethren." (Romans
8:29) Though our house may end here through death Christ has promised us a
better house. In John chapter 14, verse one, "Ye believe in God, believe also in
me, for in my Fathers house are many mansions, if it were not so I would have
told you. I go to prepare a place for you and if I
go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself
that where I am there ye may be also."
A tabernacle was a tent, a temporary building to be moved from place to place and Peter calls his body a tabernacle knowing that he must shortly depart and be with the Lord. (2nd Peter 1:13) We must remember that this earth is not our home, that God will fold it up as vesture just as we fold up a tabernacle when we take it down, but he has provided for us in heaven a far better place to dwell in Ivory Palaces. We will have a new body, yet it will be our old body made new. We anticipate the day! AMEN:
FOR TWO YEARS
Please extend my subscription for two years. Use the rest as needed.
Yours in Christ,
Lucy Crites,
North Little Rock, AR
Note: Thank you, Sister Crites.
USE EXTRA AS NEEDED
Enclosed find check for subscription and $13.00 extra. Please use the extra as needed. We missed you at camp meeting.
Gladys and John Hanson,
Luling, Texas
Note: Thank you, Sister Gladys.
"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love" (Eph. 1.4).
That there is such thing as election none who believe the Bible would dare deny. Paul has just stated it. Also, anyone who can understand plain language can easily date the "time" of election; it was before the creation, before the "foundation of the world." Therefore none can deny that election happened before any good works had been done by those who were elected. Here some will say, however, that the election was because of the good works, God having foreseen them with His all-seeing eye, and He consequently elected those people based upon their foreseen faith and obedience.
Notice the order of Paul's logic, for it plainly refutes the argument of election upon foreseen faith: "chosen . . . that we should be holy and without blame." The holiness and blamelessness flow from the election. That is the obvious intent of the passage. If it had been the opposite, it would have been stated "holy that we should be chosen." The logical order that Paul intends is that holiness is the result of election, and not vice versa.
The same argument is made by these folks regarding regeneration: that it flows from faith and/or obedience. We are required by the Arminian doctrine to believe, and then we are born again as a consequence of that. Paul also dealt with that when he told these same Ephesians that they were "created in Christ Jesus unto good works." This creation is the new birth, or regeneration. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5.17). The reasoning is the same as in the passage in Chapter One. Paul is establishing that our good works result from the new birth. In fact, he plainly established to Titus that good works were not the cause of regeneration when he he said, "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" (Tt. 3.5). If good works result from regeneration, and not the other way around, then it could not be that the new birth is because of or through good works.
ENJOYED ALL WRITINGS
Please renew our subscription for two years. We enjoy the paper very much. Some of your writers we have met, when we wintered in the valley, and some we have not. However, we enjoy all writings.
I admire you for keeping your paper clean such as not printing other church's troubles.
We pray for your continued service toward the paper.
Lois and George Hill
Kirksville, MO
Some have said the reason they use Sermon Notes and Outlines, is because of their poor memories. They say they are not prone to follow the numerical mechanics of chain-link factors, such as one aspect, leads us to the next, and the next and so on to the close of our presentation. One younger brother stated that he did not have "an analytical mind, a systematic mind, nor a mind that just plain remembers very well." So, he writes it out on paper. I have never had any objection to written or typed out sermon outlines or sermon notes, and files full of such written material, but none of this belongs in the pulpit. Many of our old P.B. fathers have written much - books, articles, etc., but I don't believe any, in my awareness, have taken such into the pulpit. The Apostle Paul stated once - Rom. 1:15 - "So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also." We notice that he did NOT say "As much as is in my notepad." Once there was a story of an Old Preacher, in the horse, buggy and wagon days, who was enroute in his wagon, over a rough dirt road, to the Sunday Morning Worship Service. While bumping along the road the tail-gate fell out and also his briefcase. Well another man riding a horse soon met him in the wagon, and shortly he found the tailgate and briefcase. Realizing whose it was, he gathered them both up, turned the horse around and galloped back to catch up with the wagon, and told the man that these two items fell out back up the road. The Preacher Man, in great astonishment and thankfulness said, "Thank You So Very Much, My Sermon for today was in the briefcase."
Well, I have noticed that we never have time for anything, however, we make time for the things that we really want to do. Likewise, we Learn and Memorize what we really are interested in, to the extent that such will reward our drive or zeal, bringing us to the level of retention we desire. Once a Brother in Florida, told me he had a poor memory, and just could not learn the scriptures, and how to link them together into a "rightly divided" picture. I was there on a preaching trip, several years ago now, and spent the night with him and his wife, after the evening Worship Services. The next morning, he got me in his pickup truck and began driving me out over his cattle ranch. He began to name each cow, and how old she was and how many calves she had dropped. The current price of Cattle, and how the market had been up good, but was now back down to such and such. Also how many acres were in each pasture, and when his grandfather had homesteaded this place, and on and on with details. Well, I ask you, did he have a poor memory or not?
Bro. Sonny Pyles once told me, that he was once asked how he could remember all those scriptures, chapters and verses. The query came from a man who claimed to have a poor memory. Bro. Sonny said that he believed that if the United States Government were to put a bounty of $1.00 per verse that each person could memorize, that many of the "no memory" folks' "poor memories" would flash back to full speed overnight.
I just don't accept - "I just can't remember, or my memory is so poor, till I just have to have notes and an outline written down on paper." Even some of our young ministers are claiming such. Now I realize every gift and personality is different, but not that different.
There are many different ways to study, especially for preaching reasons. Some will just use a Text. Many announce a Subject. Others will use just a Word. Then some use a Theme. There are those that go through a few or several verses expositorily. I know some who are analytical, and examine the history, root (etymology) of a word. Many are prone toward grammar & punctuation - tense, mood, voice, etc. I have heard many wonderful sermons, where the preacher just quoted one single text, and then proceeded in an "experimental" way, drawing or painting a beautiful spiritual picture or scene. Some sermons are very profitable mainly amplifying History. However, all should be the exegesis of context. All scriptures must be rightly divided and must stay in context. However, there are those that extract the "timely" lesson, yet magnify the "eternal principle" embedded therein. Most scriptures afford a two-fold factor.
Much study is a weariness of the flesh (Ecc. 12:12), yet much prayerful study is required and then comes meditation. 1st Tim. 4:11 - Paul instructs this young preacher as - "These things command and teach." V12- "..be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." V13 - "..Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine." V14 - "Neglect not the gift that is in thee." V15 - "Meditate upon these things, give thyself wholly to them." V16 - "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them."
This procedure herein will eliminate the tendency or feelings of needing written sermon notes and outlines. My Dad told me many years ago, when he first detected my keen interest in the Holy Scriptures, that a God-called ministry must read, study, learn, meditate and concentrate, prayerfully, till he knows much more about his subject than he will have time to tell.
Finally, may I use a closing illustration. There are three
instruments in the natural world that are beneficial, yet each has a specific
assignment found in its design. First, the Telescope is to bring far distant
factors into close proximity. Next, Binoculars are for closer viewing but most
especially for wide-angle or panorama. Thirdly, the Microscope is for the
Research Laboratory. This is where the scrutiny of fine-detailed, exact and
precise analysis is accomplished. Some will call this "needle-threading," or the
"razor's-edge." I will state that most of the more significant discoveries and
inventions in the natural world have come through the third instrument. None of
these three instruments should require any written sermon notes or outlines in
the pulpit. We should all be much more interested in what is in our hearts and
souls, than something we have written out.
Hulan F. Bass (elder)
Lockhart, Tx.
Special Announcement for Atlanta Area College Students and Their Parents
If you or your child is attending a college or university in the Atlanta area and would like to attend services at Bethany Primitive Baptist Church and need transportation, please contact us at 770-722-2341 or 770-939-1631.
We will be happy to make arrangements to provide
transportation to and from services.
Thank you so much!
Many Blessings,
Sister Marla Kittle
Minister attending the Primitive Association: Front row - Elders Bill Waldon, Anthony Blevins, Mark Richards and Lindsey Blevins. Back Row - Elders Hulan bass, Billy Mosley, Arnold Hendrix, Ron Smith, Jeff Mosley, Pat Young and Tom Hart. Not Pictured: Elder Steve Clark, Elder Don Washek and Elder Bobby Willis.
The Primitive Association was hosted by Fellowship PBC Madisonville, TX. Pastor, Elder Anthony Blevins. Worship Services at 7 P.M. Thurs. Aug. 1st, Songs; Prayer: Bobby Moseley; Sermon: Elder Pat Young; Text: Rom. 15:4; Psalms 12:6-7; Prov. 30:5-6; Subject - "Word of God" - Isaiah 46:9-11; 55:10-11; John 5:39; Matt. 26:52---56; Heb. 3:1; 2nd Kings 19:35; 1st Cor. 15:3-4; 2nd Tim. 3:15-17; 2nd Peter 1:20-21; John 1:11-13; Sermon: Elder Bill Walden; Text: Matt. 26:40-54; Subject: "Prayer" Luke 11:1-2; John 17; Matt. 6:9-13; Psalms 27:10; Isaiah 54:7; Zech. 8:21.
Friday, Aug. 2nd, 2002 Madisonville - Fellowship PBC Worship Services; 9:45 A.M. Songs; Moderator: Elder Anthony Blevins read Deut. 4:1-2, 5-7; Prayer: Elder Tom Hart; Sermon: Elder Mark Richards; Text: Col. 3:1-3; Deut. 27:3--; John 6:1-7, 14-15, 25-34; Subject: "Natural vs. Spiritual" John 4:1-26; Sermon: Elder Hulan Bass; Text: Matt. 15:9; Subject: "Doctrine vs. Doctrines" A. M. Worship Services; Songs; Elder Anthony Blevins read Deut. 8:1 to 5 then; Deut. 7:6-8; Prayer: Gaylon Powell; Sermon: Elder Jeff Moseley; Text: Phil. 4:1-3; Luke 1:35; 1st John 2:1; Mal. 3:6; Isaiah 59:1-3, 20-21; Heb. 7:24-25; Psalms 23:1-6; Subject: "Stay Together" Sermon: Elder Billy Moseley; Text: Acts 17:1-9 (Jason); Deut. 32:44-47; Heb. 13:7-9; Rom. 5:1-5; 3:25; 5:6-8; Then 6:45 P.M. Worship Services; Elder Anthony Blevins read: 1st Cor. 15:1-10; Songs; Prayer: Elder Lindsey Blevins; Sermon: Elder Don Washek; Main Text: Isaiah 65:1-14; 44:21-28; Eph. 2:8-9; Sermon: Elder Bill Walden; Text: Matt. 14:23; Subject: "Prayer" (again); Luke 18:10-14; Gal. 5:17; Luke 15:11-19; Gen. 24:1-13, 33; Finally - The Poor = 2nd Thess. 3:1-2; Heb. 11:6; Gal. 5:22-23; Acts 12:6-16.
Sat. Aug. 3rd, 2002 Madisonville - FELLOWSHIP PBC - 9:45 A.M. Worship Service; Elder Anthony Blevins read = 2nd Peter 1:3-8; Prayer: Paul Montgomery; Sermon = Elder Bobby Willis Text: Psalms 81:10; Deut. 5:6; 13:10; Ex. 20:2 Subject: "Open Thy Mouth Wide" - Matt. 7:7; 10:29-; Phil. 4:13; Sermon: Elder Pat Young; Text: Titus 3:3-5; Ezek. 16:1-8; Eph. 2:1-5. A.M. Worship Services - Songs; Elder Anthony Blevins read Psalms 9:1-5; Prayer: Daryl Inman; Sermon: Elder Steve Clark; Text: 1:11-16; Acts 9:13; Subject = "Listen To God, Not Man" Jonah (Example); Sermon: Elder Mark Richards; Text: 1st Cor. 2:1-2; 1:10; Gal. 2:18-20; Eph. 1:15; Subject: "Christ & Him Crucified" - Cf. Eph. 1:17-23 Usward - Toward Us; vs. Eph. 2:1-10 Toward Christ. At 6:45 P.M. Worship Services - Songs; Prayer: Hulan Bass; Sermon: Elder Don Washek; Text: 2nd Peter 3:1; Subject = Remembrance; John 14:15-21; Ecc. 12:7; Rom. 8:16; Heb. 10:31; Heb. 1;1-3; John 10:29; 6:37-39; Isaiah 40:1-2; John 14:1-3; 1st Cor. 13:12; Matt. 13:11; Sermon: Elder Billy Moseley; Text: Matt. 5:9; Luke 19:1-6 - Zacchaeus; Psalms 89:15; Luke 24:13- 26-32; Ezek. 16:9-14; Rom. 7:25; John 16:17-20 Subject: Rejoice - Texts used but not identified - Matt. 11:1-5; Rom. 15:4 (Jesus Passed By); Phil. 4:4; Matt. 9:18-22; Luke 7:36-48 Gal. 6:7; Rom. 12:1-3; "Sorrow into Joy" 2nd Sam. 9:1---13 - Mephibosheth; 1st Peter 1:8; Luke 15:11-23; Micah 6:8; Gen. 22:6-14; Love, Mercy - Psalms 30:5; Luke 23:43; Matt. 25:31-34, 41; Acts 1:11; Heb. 2:12; 1st Cor. 29:1-; Matt. 11:28-29; This meeting has so far been very High in The Spirit.
1st Sun. Aug. 4th, 2002 Madisonville -
Fellowship PBC by 9:30 A.M. Worship Services started at 9:45 with Songs;
Prayer: Roy Duke Phillips; Sermon: Elder Hulan Bass; Text: Prov. 26:1-12;
Subject: "Fools & Faith" Sermon: Elder Anthony Blevins; Text: John 16:13;
14:18-21; Gal. 3:1-3; John 14:22-27; This was a Wonderful Spiritual Meeting.
Reporter - Hulan Bass
Note of Thanks
Dear Brother and Sisters in Christ,
Just a little note to thank you all for you prayers
concerning our Meeting in June.
It was Wonderful, Blessed, and very Spiritual. Also a special thanks to all the
Ministers and visitors that were able to attend. The Lord has Blessed us
exceeding and abundantly above all that we ever ask or think.
In Christian Love,
The Littlefield Primitive Baptist Church
Eld. Cleveland Bass, Pastor
Bro. Joe Bass, Clerk
Ministers in attendance: Eld. Mark Richards; Eld. Tim Montgomery; Eld. James Baker; Eld. George Johnson; Eld. Henry Newman; Eld. Gail Faries; Eld. Don Martin; Eld. Chuck Sammons; Eld. Norman Jones; Eld. Ray Little; Eld. Gail McCoy and Eld. Cleveland Bass (Pastor)
For the good days . . .
. . . and the bad
I always try to remember to pause at night and express my thanks to the Lord for the blessings of the day. I wish I could say that I do it every night without fail, but I do make an effort to acknowledge God’s blessings to me with some consistency.
Like most people, I use various times during the days, but I want to especially and habitually dedicate time before going to sleep to thank the Lord for a "good day."
When things go right for my kids, when I have a fruitful day at work, or on those occasions when I feel particularly good about some blessing I feel has come my way, I hope I always remember to take time to acknowledge and say thanks to the Lord.
It’s important we thank the Lord for our "good days." And frankly, it is easier to remember to thank him after a particularly good day.
I’ve also had some bad days — days when nothing goes right — and its one long headache from morning until night. There is no way I’m going to thank the Lord for those kind of days. Right? Surely you will agree — there is no need to "thank God" when the day has been horrible. How could it be possible for our good Lord to have any involvement in a day that appears totally without blessing?
Let’s think about that. We know the Lord is responsible for "good days". Now, a "bad day" — is that still a day the Lord has created? Even when we have a "bad day" is the Lord still watching out for us? Has He still blessed us with life, water, food and air? Is His love for us still unconditional — even though we may have lost our job, incurred some illness, or when we have had a friend turn on us?
Should not we thank him for every day — regardless of whether we perceive it as good or bad?
Job had several "bad days" in a row — wherein he lost his family and fortune. His words: "the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Job 1:21. After Job was further stuck acutely ill and his wife encouraged him to curse God, Job said: "What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" Job 2:10.
God may have a wonderful blessing in store for us at the very time we are having a "bad day". Suppose you have to go to the hospital — perhaps God has plans for you to visit with another hospital inmate for either your own good or the other fellow’s.
A "bad" experience for us may be exactly what we need to see real blessing in life.
Suppose we are having a "bad" day -- who is it that comforts us in our tribulations?
The Apostle Paul clearly identifies the Lord as our comforter. He knew that as the tribulations increase, so does the comfort from the Lord: "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." 2nd Corinth. 1:3-6
Paul discovered that his "thorn in the side" was for his own good as the Lord then provided "grace sufficient". 2nd Cor. 12:7-9.
"...I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong." 2nd Cor. 12:10
",,,for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Phil 4:11.
We should thank the Lord every day, for every day. What we may perceive as a "bad" day could be the exact remedy or lesson the Lord desires we encounter. Be content with "good days" and "bad days", thanking the Lord equally for both and trusting in His will and grace.
Thank the Lord for the "good" days. But thank Him equally for the "bad" days — thank him for the blessings of life on those "bad" days as well as the blessings He provides to us through adversities and tribulations to make us stronger.
LOOK FORWARD TO THE PAPER
Enclosed is check to renew my subscription to the Banner of Love. I look forward to the paper and enjoy it so much. Use the rest as needed.
Thank you and God bless you in your efforts.
Hassel Huneycutt
Arkadelphia, AR
NEW SUBSCRIPTION
I am sending a subscription to the Banner of Love to the name listed below. Use the little extra as you see fit.
Thank you for doing a good job with the paper. I enjoy it so much.
I remember the good old days when I was able to go to several associations a year, but can't do that any more on account of my health.
Oh, how I miss that good preaching and singing and praying.
God bless you and keep you is my prayer.
Nellie M. Hart
Coleman, Texas
Note: Thank you for the new subscription and for the extra. May God bless you. Opal Richards
Acts 17:28 "For in him we live, and move, and have our being"
Only God has life in Himself and is the creator of all life both natural and spiritual. Life always precedes action whether natural or spiritual. Man cannot produce life in himself in either case. If man has a spiritual life, he has it because the Spirit of God has created it in the new birth. "In Him we live."
The next phrase in the above verse states also that in Him we "move." As it is true that only in Him we live, it is also true that only in Him we move. Verse 25 in this same chapter states that "he giveth to all life, breath, and all things." Job 12:10 states "In whose hand [is] the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind." These along with many other scriptures prove that God not only gives the life breath to all things, but also holds that life breath in sustaining life.
When God removes that breath, life cannot continue. God has given us life at some time in the past, but now we move because of present action, God sustaining life. As only God can give life, only God can sustain life. This also holds true concerning the spiritual life we have. Only in Him we move spiritually.
Even though our movement and continuation of life depends upon God, this does not mean that God is responsible for our every movement. We cannot charge God with all the things we do or the sins we commit in the flesh. Our sinful thoughts and deeds are chargeable only to ourselves and our betrayed nature received from our father Adam. Yet, if we live in the spirit, we should walk after the spirit. Gal. 5:25. But we do not always follow after the spirit of God within us. Neither can we charge God when we fail to walk in the Spirit. But we should keep our bodies under subjection through the power of the indwelling Spirit. Romans 8:13.
However, if we do walk after the Spirit that dwells within us, we can only do that by the empowerment of the spirit. The ability to walk in the Spirit is not according to man's natural life. We walk naturally, empowered by the natural life we have, and we walk spiritually, empowered by the Spiritual life
we have of God. Though our walk in the flesh is corrupt, our walk in the Spirit is a sinless walk. "Whoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God."
Consider the movements that we make of a spiritual nature. In Galatians 5:22-23, we read of the fruit of the Spirit of God. These are listed as "love, joy peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance." Since these are fruit of the Spirit, we conclude that without the Spirit of God there could be none of these. Therefore if any of these fruit of the Spirit are exercised in us, we know of a certainty that the Spirit of God is in us. And we conclude that the exercise of this fruit is of the Spirit and not of us.
It is impossible to bring forth fruit when there is no tree. And a tree can only bring forth fruit of its own kind. Matthew 12:33 tells us "the tree is known by his fruit." "either make the tree good and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt. If any fruit of the Spirit is produced, the Spirit is present and is the cause and power of the activity of the fruit.
Some believe that the natural man can and must move upon his own power, and must love God in order for God to love him and save him. Some believe that man must work good independent of the spirit, while some believe that the Spirit entices man to do good works and that man must exercise his natural will and ability in order to become good. But, natural man, as a corrupt, depraved tree, can only produce corrupt fruit, and cannot please God. The only way man can perform good works is to have the indwelling Spirit of God, enabling him as "a new creature" to perform good works. So in Him we live, "and move."
Elder Clifford Gowens
NEW MEMBER AT LITTLEFIELD
On May 26th, 2002, Sister Krystal Bass joined our church by water baptism. Sister Krystal was baptized by her uncle, and our pastor, Elder Cleveland Bass. It was such a beautiful service held that afternoon at our church. The Lord has richly blessed us with this new member.
God bless you all.
Love,
Joe Bass, Church clerk