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Volume 70 Number 10 Lubbock, Texas 79493 Copyright $12.00 Per Year October 2002 |
Early Days of the Church The True Church Let There Be Light Recovery from "one of those days" Wise Men or Foolish Men Tour through the Bible Perception Finding God Obituaries
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
As Primitive Baptists, we believe the only rule of faith and practice is the Word of God, the Old and New Testament Scriptures. We believe the New Testament in particular provides the pattern by which the Church is to function. Because of this affirmation, the Primitive Baptists enjoy a simple form of worship. In this simplicity can be found a purity; a refreshing purity that is not choked by the inventions of men nor the additions of the world. Such inventions and additions have plagued the Church for centuries and have been the source of much strife and division. Certainly it should be the desire of the Lord’s people to maintain the purity of the Church today, believing this to be most acceptable unto God. Where else should we look but in God’s recorded history of the early days of the Church for the purest and simplest example by which to follow?
In the above verse and the verses following, we see the manner in which the Church functioned soon after the day of Pentecost and how the people conducted themselves. We are able see the activities they were involved in. We can see the display of their attitude and spirit. We see their commitment not only to the Lord but to one another as well. These early believers were together in mind, body, and spirit. They were unified in purpose and served the Lord with gladness in their hearts. We see in the infant stage of the Church the following elements: the proclamation of the gospel, obedience to the gospel, instruction through the gospel, fellowship in the gospel, and sacrifice for the sake of the gospel. These elements often follow one after another and as they do, an obvious pattern develops. The Church today should be no different with respect to these elements and this pattern. Why should we not also expect the same blessings that the early Church enjoyed if we are following this pattern? We may not see 3000 converted in one day, but should we not expect the Lord to add to His Church such as should be saved? But, we must also ask the question: why should we expect the Lord to add to a local assembly that was not unified, not in peace, not committed to Him and to the saints, and not serving with gladness?
The worship of God is the primary purpose and most important activity in which the Church was and ever has been involved. If a Church ever loses sight of the purpose for which she was established in this world, she has lost sight of the Lord Jesus Himself, she has left her first love, as did the Church at Ephesus. At the same time, if a Church determines there is only one way for her to worship and serve God, that being in the public worship service, she is missing out on wonderful opportunities and blessings. If a Church meets for worship on a regular basis, that is good. If a Church is actively ministering to those around her, she is fulfilling her purpose of being salt and light in the community to the glory of God. This is even better.
Believers in the early Church possessed characteristics that moved them into other activities beyond the public worship service. These activities manifested their love for the Lord Jesus Christ and for each other. They not only preached Christ and Him crucified publicly, they put into practice publicly and privately those things that were preached. Some of the characteristics and activities of the early believers included hospitality (Rom.12:13, 1Tim.5:10), sharing of their material goods (Acts 2:44, Acts 4:34, Rom.15:26), distributing to the necessity of the saints (Acts 11:29, 2 Cor.8:1, 2Cor.9:1), supplying the needs of other saints (Phil.2:4, 1Cor.16:1), praying together (Acts 1:14, Acts 12:5), and studying the Scriptures together (Acts 17:11, Acts 20:20). In all of these things, the ultimate purpose was to glorify God. So, too, it should be with us today that we be engaged in such activities if we claim to be the New Testament Church.
In the passage of Scripture under consideration, notice the phrase "continued steadfastly" in verse 42. This phrase has a much stronger definition than it might appear on the surface. If we "continue steadfastly" in an endeavor, we are earnest towards or constantly diligent in following this endeavor. The early disciples were described as being ‘continually steadfast’ in three things: in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Further, this phrase includes two different, yet related, applications. If the disciples were described in this way, it was because of their commitment in two areas. The first application or first area had to do with ‘place’. They did not neglect the ‘place’ that was set aside for them to attend to the doctrine and fellowship, or in breaking of bread, or in prayers. The way they did not neglect the place was to physically be there, to show up at the appointed time! Not only were the disciples "together" in mind and spirit, they were "together" in body. They were diligently committed to the assembling of the saints regardless of the occasion. The phrase literally means ‘to attend to all the services’ connected with the object of their dedication. The second way in which the phrase "continued steadfastly" is applied has to do with the ‘object’ itself, in this case, the Lord Jesus Christ. The application is this. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we show our commitment by dedicating ourselves to Him. By dedicating ourselves, we mean conforming ourselves to look like Him. Is it not to this end that we have been predestinated? In attempting to do this, we commit ourselves to learning more about Jesus Christ (doctrine) and seeking opportunities to put into practice what we have been taught (fellowship).
As we examine this passage of Scripture and look to God’s word for guidance and instruction, may we also examine our churches, our dedication, and ourselves. As a minister, I need to examine my own dedication. As a pastor, I need to encourage the flock to examine themselves on a personal basis, and ask God for enabling wisdom to instruct the flock. As children of God, we need to continually ask if we are growing not only in our knowledge but in our dedication as well; a dedication to follow the pattern for the New Testament Church as it is laid out in Scripture. If God blesses us to do these things, perhaps He will see fit to send renewal and revival and add to His Church, all to His glory and praise.
LOOK FORWARD TO THE BANNER
Enclosed you will find a check for the renewal of Ben Thomas Hart and Mrs. Haden Hart for another year. We both look forward to receiving it each month.
I enjoy reading all of the good writings and hearing when different meetings will be.
God bless you in your good work.
In Christian Love,
Mrs. Nellie M. Hart
Coleman, Texas
She is of divine origin, set up by the Savior Himself during His personal ministry. All other organizations claiming to be the Church have their origin this side of His personal ministry and can be traced to some man. No man made institution has any right to claim to being the Church of Christ.
She is His bride. "The bride, the Lamb's wife." The Savior affectionately calls her "My dove, my love, my undefiled, the only one of her mother." Consequently, He recognizes no other as His bride.
She is also called a city, a house, a tabernacle, the New Jerusalem, a speckled bird, and many other names too numerous to mention.
She is the kingdom of God. God is her king, His children are the subjects of the kingdom. "God is known in her palace for a refuge." Psalms 48:3.
She is built upon a rock "Upon this rock I will build my church." Matt. 16:18. Cor. 3:11. Christ is that foundation and it is builded upon Him. "Except the Lord build the house they labor in vain that build it." Psa. 127:1.
She is above every other institution. "The Mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains and exalted above the hills." Isa. 2:2.
"Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth is Mt. Zion, on the side of the north the city of the great King."Psa. 48:2. So when we try to bring into her sacred precincts any of the inventions of men, we destroy her beauty.
She is going to stand until the Lord returns to "Make up His jewels."
"In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, but it shall stand forever." Dan. 2:44.
How we should prize and appreciate her. How faithful we should be to attend her meetings and encourage each other to press on a short while longer.
Her head and husband, the Lord Jesus Christ is soon to return and take her home to that everlasting eternal city, of which she on earth is the type.
Nothing will be there to mar her happiness, but joy and peace will be here in all eternity. What a glorious hope.
The Banner of Love, March 15, 1940
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Rev. 22:20.
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day;” (Gen. 1:1-5)
What a wonderful blessing that God created light for His world, the light and warmth of the sun, the reflected moonlight, the light coming from the countless stars in His heavens. God saw the light that it was good, and all mankind would agree with that statement. Have you stopped to consider how dark the world would be without His marvelous light? Most of us have never experienced total darkness, Even on a moonless night with cloud cover blanking out the starlight, there is still enough reflected light to make out images. If you’ve ever toured a natural cavern, deep in the earth where no light penetrates, you may have come close. When all lights are turned off, it is so dark that you cannot even see your own hand held up to your eyes. That’s how dark the world would be if God had not said, let there be light”. It’s the kind of darkness the totally blind experience every day.
We are all afraid of the dark to some degree, some more than others We’ve all experienced that warm flush that comes after a long night outside, when the sun begins to peek over the horizon and images get brighter and brighter until the sun breaks the horizon and bathes everything in God’s marvelous light. We suddenly feel better and have a surge of energy for the coming of a new day, being able to bask in God’s natural light.
“God saw the light, that it was good”, and through his grace He allowed mankind to discover that man could get reflected light from a fire so that he could penetrate the darkness a short distance. Through the oils and fossil fuels He provided, He taught mankind to make lamps and candles to push back the night. He allowed man to invent the incandescent light, the fluorescent light, the laser light; but none of these devices would work if God had not said, let there be light”. Thus, God, through his mercy, has allowed us to light our way in a natural sense to see our way home.
The poet tells us of a different kind of light in Psalms 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” And in Psalms 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Here we see that God not only provides the natural light, but provides the spiritual light guiding us along life’s pathway Isaiah 60:1 prophesizes about the coming of Christ, “Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” We see a new light breaking over the horizon, a light that will warm us and light our spiritual way home just as surely as God’s sun lights our way in a natural sense.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through Him might believe. He was not that light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” (John 1:1-9)
Jesus is the Word, and He was there in the beginning when God created the heaven and the earth. Looking down through time, God saw that mankind would be in darkness, and be afraid, and would have nothing to light their way out of the darkness that would be within their hearts. And God said, “let there be light: and there was light”. God sent his only begotten Son into the world to be “the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world”.
And God saw the Light, Jesus; and saw that it was good. “And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from, Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:9-11) Jesus is truly the light that lights every man’s pathway, and God was well pleased with that light. If we follow His light and put our trust in Him, He will lead us into “the old paths, where is the good way” (Jer. 6:16) and through the strait gate so we can walk therein. .
Basking in the marvelous light of Jesus makes us want to assemble ourselves together, to raise our voices to Him in praise, to humbly beg that He will intercede for us in our prayers, and to glorify His name in all our efforts here on this earth. That wonderful light that guides our souls gives us the faith and hope to go on in our pilgrimage here on Earth while we wait for that city on high. This Light can be seen in the uttermost darkness, and can be seen by the totally blind just as well as by those with sight. Like the sunlight guiding us home after a journey on earth, the light of Jesus guides us to a home not made with hands. Even if we follow the world and turn our backs on Jesus for a time, losing sight of the light, we only have to turn back onto His pathway to be bathed in His light again.
In Jesus’ revelation to John, Jesus talks about the eternal light in heaven. “And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” (Rev. 22:5) When we are united with the Lord in heaven, there will no need for earthly light or raiment or treasures, for we shall be raised incorruptible and bask in His eternal light giving glory unto God.
And God said, “let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light that it was good”. As with all our needs, God, through His mercy and grace, has provided the natural light to guide us in this world, the spiritual light to guide the souls of His children along their way; and, when there is no longer, need for earthly light, “the Lord God giveth them light”. His marvelous light is there for us, ‘His children, from in the beginning, until everlasting. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” (Rev.22:13)
MISS OUR FRIENDS
This year has passed quickly. Have enjoyed every issue of the Banner. Please change our address to Wheeler, Texas. We have moved, since we retired after 40 years in Friona, TX. Our roots are deep. Miss our friends, and the Muleshoe and Clovis Churches that we love so very much. We will find a chance to attend. Will have to drive further.
Our love to you.
Teddy and Ruth Tucker
Wheeler, Texas
May I give a slant to the word "Perception" as that of evidence which is the basis for bringing belief, whether natural or spiritual. Belief is always based upon evidence.
You can take valid evidence and tamper with it and cause an intentional false perception. You can do this with design such as is listed in Divine Inspiration - Eph. 4:14 - "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, where they lie in wait to deceive." This will cause a wrong perception, and such is directed, designed, and with malice afore-thought by the "sleight of men and cunning craftiness, as they carefully designed this deception." This was a form of how the terrorist were able to perpetrate the devastation on 9-11-01.
This is done much in the "real" secular world of business, social, political, education, recreational , sports and religious. This is underground intelligence.
For example in - Gen. 37:29---33 - Jacob (Israel) was deceived and had his perception altered by false evidence by his sons who had tampered with the evidence of Joseph's many-colored coat. V.31-32 - "And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no." This caused Jacob to declare - V33 - "And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces." This big "lie" was to cause a change in perception. And it worked for about 17 years. Jacob believed this lie by false evidence and was deceived by being guided into a wrong perception. Most of God's Elect Born-again Elect Children are under the same "Perception" because of false Arminian Doctrines - 2nd Cor. 4:3-4.
Then in Gen. 45 - When Joseph had acquired the permission and approval from Pharaoh to send wagons from Egypt to Canaan to retrieve Jacob and the entire family of all of Jacob's Children and their children and bring them down into Egypt from the famine to where the corn was stored, the servants that went forth = Gen. 45:25----28. V.25-26 - "And they went up out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan unto Jacob their father, And told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob's heart fainted, for he believed them not." Herein is the real truth, but because of previous designed deception, and a false perception, by tampering with the evidence, Jacob did not believe the truth. Again - 2nd Cor. 4:3-4. However, when Jacob finally saw the wagons (Real untampered evidence) his perception was changed back to the correct truth. V27 - "And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived."
Another area of "Perception" that is real and prevalent among us, which is that of ignorantly assigning meanings to words apart from the normal flow of contextual intent. This can be forgiven. However, some will go to great lengths to give the tense, mood and voice of a word to defend a particular angle of view. It is so easy to deceive with this subtle engagement. Take the word "influence" which is a noun, but if we use it in the contextual flow as that of "influenced" we have changed this to a verb. Then we can deduct, falsely, that the entity or subject is only an "influence" when the truth is that the description of the action of the subject is that of a verb, and not that of the subject being a noun. If I say, something is "influenced," I am not saying such is just an "influence." For example, I will state – The wind is "influenced," by the other factors in a certain "weather system." The total weather system itself is designed by a greater power and designer, and not just random. So, I am not saying, that the wind is only an "influence."
Still, the use of another word such as "Nevertheless" which is an adverb will be used, intentionally or ignorantly, as a conjunction. This word is a "contrasting" word of modification. This word is a bridge that spans from one side to the other side, literally or figuratively. While "thus and so" is prophesied to come, nevertheless, meanwhile, back at the ranch, there is still another area of timely action presently still engaged. Before (pre) the "nevertheless," there is a prophesy reaching beyond the present and on into the unknown future, even "beyond time," yet on the other side (post) of "nevertheless," there is the anticipation of the former. Words can be subversively used, even with sincerity, and such becomes tricky, and will mislead the unsuspecting. For example study carefully the word "Nevertheless" in – 2nd Peter 3:13.
One more example is found in the text of – Eph. 2:8-9 – "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." I have heard more different ideas on this text the last 50 years, than I could list here. There are three areas of consideration herein. 1. Grace, 2. Salvation, 3. Faith. It is held by most all Arminians that the Grace and Saving are of God, based upon the (false) premise that the Faith is to be acquired and exercised by the recipient. Some of our own claim that this "Faith" is that of God, while some of our own claim that God does not have Faith, but just deposits such into the recipient, and this person must exercise it in order to obtain the grace and salvation. The contextual flow is simple. The Grace, Saving and Faith are NOT of yourselves as all three entities are the gift of God. If any of these three were to be acquired through the efforts of mental or physical action of the person, then man would have something to boast of, yet the text teaches that all such is "not of works," so man cannot have any latitude to boast whatsoever.
Many are the dissertations written with much verbose wordiness, with strivings to perpetrate a particular view point, whereas in most cases the facts are simple and clear. Look how few words are divinely recorded in Eph. 2:8-9, and the simple truth therein stands the tests of time and "fixings" of men, yet there are thousands of words written about this text, trying to "fix it." It don’t need "no fixing."
Enough, my point is made.
Yet, I must inject herein that there are those who subtly take a "Declaration" and apply it as a "Proposition." That is really crafty. John 3:16 is a clue.
One last point. This very thing - this type of perception - tampered-with evidence to intentionally cause a false view - Perception is done repeatedly with all these various versions of the Holy Word of God.
The conclusion is that "perception can be directed, right or wrong."
Compiled by: Hulan Bass (elder)
Lockhart, Tx.
ENJOY THE PAPER
It's time to renew my subscription. I enjoy the paper filled with so many good articles. I trust I appreciate the time and labor it takes in getting the paper out.
Use the extra as you need.
God be with you in your writing efforts.
Irma Bradley
Hillsboro, TX
HAS BEEN A GOOD YEAR
From the looks of my address label, my subscription is about ready to be renewed, October 02. It has been a good year. We have enjoyed The Banner of Love. Some of the information has helped us to reach our goals. Alice, my wife, and I were baptized into the Lexington Primitive Baptist Church by Elder Michael Gowens in Lexington, Kentucky, on 7-21-02.
Enclosed is money for my new subscription, plus a bit that you can use for postage.
Thank you,
Brother and Sister
Arlon and Alice Click
Nicholasville, KY
Note: Thank you for the extra.
Ever have one of those days with simply not enough hours in the day to get all done that you need to get done?
Too many people relying on you... too many children need your attention... too much work that you do not even have time to plan.
Those kind of days are exhausting. We all have them from time to time; and researchers tell us young working parents are especially apt to have those kind of days.
There are those of us who have the reputation as work-a-holics. Trying to do too much. Do you have a lot of people relying on you or needing you. It gets very frustrating at times, but most people in this situation want to provide help as they are able.
Are you not supposed to help? Are you supposed to turn people away, as the counselors will advise you?
In the gospel of St. Luke, Jesus is quoted as directing a comment to those individuals to whom much talent is given to help: He does not loosen the responsibility placed upon them, commenting "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." Luke 12:47.
So, how does a person busy trying to do the Lord’s work manage? How do you get guidance when you fell overwhelmed by the chores other attempt to place upon you.
Where do you go for help? The answer is that you go to the same source who has provided you the talent, ability, and the burden: Jesus. Follow his example.
For instance, we all may think we have busy days in which too many people are calling on us and relying. Jesus had those same kind of days. Perhaps it might be instructional to go see what he did when he was confronted with overwhelming requests and responsibility.
Read the events detailed in Mark 1:21-39. Jesus there gives us an example for us to follow.
No doubt, Jesus was a person covered by His own instruction at Luke 12:47. Much was given to him, and much was expected of him. It’s very clear the people of Israel expected much.
Let’s look at one of Jesus’ days detailed in the gospel of Mark:
He starts off on Sunday morning preaching in the synagogue, and the people were astonished at his authority in his teaching. Mark 1:21-22. Things then got busier.
As Jesus left the synagogue, he was confronted by a man, apparently possessed. Mark. 1:23-26. Jesus commanded the bad spirit to "come out" of the man. This action amazed his followers and observers, that even the bad spirits followed his command.
Word of Jesus' deeds began to spread. As word spread, so did the people’s expectations and requests on him and his time.
Jesus went to Peter’s house to be ministered, but learned there that Peter’s mother-in-law was sick. Mark 1:29-30. Jesus healed her and she then apparently prepared a meal for him.
That afternoon after sundown, the crowd started gathering at Peter’s house, bringing with them all the city’s sick people. Jesus went about healing many people in the crowd who were suffering from various illnesses and diseases, and cured many who were apparently possessed of devils. Mark 1:32-34.
That had to be a rough day. Jesus had little time to himself, as demands were made upon him all day long. Think of that kind of schedule for one of our ministers. It would be exhausting.
What did Jesus do after such a day. Read the next verse in Mark.
"And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." Mark 1:35.
Jesus started his day early, finding solitude, and praying to his Father for guidance.
When his apostles arose they could not find him and went searching for him. They found him to tell him that the multitude of people were looking for him to help them.
He told them he was ready to continue on to the next town, preaching to the people.
Jesus teaches us here by example. Start your day with prayer. Mark all your important decisions with fervent, persistent, and earnest prayer.
Always start your day with some quiet time to pray. It’s amazing how things will fall into place, and you will find peace within yourself, if you set your priorities in the manner as Jesus set by example.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
Sister Richards: I noticed our subscription has run out. I'm enclosing a check for renewal plus a little extra, which you may use wherever it's needed.
We enjoy the paper and we hope that Lord will continue to bless you to keep up the good work.
Love,
The Spencer's in Memphis, TN
ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING IT
Dear Friends: This is to say, I'm sorry I'm late with my payment. My letter came back and said the address was wrong, so I'm trying again. Am sending $12.00 and hope to hear from you soon.
Yours truly,
Doyle or Zada Benham
Colbert, OK
Note: Sister Benham, if you fail to get your paper, please let us know, as you are still on the mailing list. We did receive your payment... Opal Richards
By Elder Charles Holmes
The scribes and Pharisees were offended when they saw Jesus eating with publicans [tax collectors] and sinners. We have an account of this happening in Matt. 9, verses 9-13, also Mark 2, verses 14-17, and Luke 5: verses 29-32.
Matthew chapter 9 verse 9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom [tax office]: and he saith unto him, follow me. And he arose and followed him. Verse 10, And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meet in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. Verse 11, And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his His disciples, why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? Verse 12, But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. Verse 13, But go ye and learneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
These scriptures begin with the calling of Levi [Matthew]. Levi was a tax collector for the Romans, a hated position by the Jews.
Jesus and his disciples sat at meat with Levi, and this offended the scribes and Pharisees.
The lesson that Jesus taught on this occasion was that the whole need not a physician, but those that are sick. He states that he came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Several years ago, I was preaching at Point Remove Church in Atkins, Arkansas. Elder Huse O'Neal had been pastor there for many years. Sister O'Neal told me some history of her husband's service in the ministry Elder O'Neal had preached to all denominations around except the Catholics. Had he been invited to preach Salvation by Grace there, he would have taken the opportunity.
Preaching to other people did not make him a Methodist, Holiness, or Freewill Baptist. Brother O'Neal preached for the Primitive Baptist for many years, and baptized many into the Church. He performed many weddings, and conducted many funerals for God's humble poor.
The point we wish to make is this: Jesus sat at meat with sinners. Jesus was not a sinner. This happening did not make him a sinner.
We have had many problems among our people [Primitive Baptist] in years past of sound ministers visiting an area where there were unsound ministers present.
The saying of, "Birds of like feather flock together," cannot always apply to God's ministers. His ministers are not birds, but shepherds of the flock, neither are they sheep dogs to run the sheep and keep them in line. God's called ministers, as was the writer of the first Gospel, Matthew, are called to be shepherds over the flock of God that he has purchased with his own blood. Acts chapter 20 verse 28.
We want to be careful not to brand ministers, and receive accusations against them falsely. Many mistakes of the past have happened this way, and many good servants have been cast aside without examination. Hearsay is no way to make judgment upon God's servants. Paul, the apostle, tells us to receive not an accusation against an elder except before two or three witnesses. 1st Timothy, chapter 5 verse 19.
Jesus being with sinners did not make him a sinner. God's servants are to preach the gospel wherever the Holy Spirit directs, no matter of who might be present at the occasion.
Elder Charles Holmes
Mena, Arkansas
LOVE READING THE BANNER
Please renew my Banner of Love for another year and use the rest where needed. I love the Banner so much.
May God bless you all.
Your Sister in hope.
Maude Winchester
Maysville, OK
Note: Thank you, Sister Winchester.
USE THE EXTRA
Use the extra where needed. May God continue to bless you in publishing the paper.
An unworthy brother,
Robert Farmer, Sr.
San Antonio, Texas
THINKING OF EVENTS SINCE
SEPT. 11, 2002
In thinking of the events since Sept. 11, 2002 it's so very precious that our Great God, who is over all His Creation and knows where everyone on earth is and what we are doing is in control of everything.
Genesis 3: 8-9; Genesis 21: 16-17, also John 4: 29-39 is real interesting; also Gen. 16:13.
As we seek to press on Psalms 139: 1-8; also Hebrews 4:14-16 is really encouraging.
May our Dear Lord strengthen His dear ones everywhere in honor to Him. He will see us through.
We can never thank God enough for making us able to overcome.
In Dear hope and Love,
Sister Loretta Lilly
Akron, Ohio
By Elder Dale Magers
{Romans 11:33, 34, 35, 36} "O the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to Him and it shall be recompensed unto Him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen"
How does the sinner find God? Does he simply call God down to him and tell him that he wants to be saved? To call God down he would, first of all, have to know that there is a God! David tells us that there are fools {men dead in sin} that say that there is no God. And that God is not in all of his thoughts {Psalms 10, 14}. That a sinner in this condition will not seek after God! In our text we see that a person dead in sin not only does not seek after God, but could not find him if he did: "how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out"
Can a man even know the mind of God? Our text clearly shows that none of God’s creation has known the mind of God to instruct him. God’s knowledge and wisdom are unsearchable for man. How then does man find god? he doesn’t. God finds man! He created man: John 1:3 "All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made" God through the Spirit calls his people effectually: John 5; 25, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God and they that hear shall live" God speaks and we are created spiritually. "There is none that seeketh after God" {Romans 3: 11} before spiritual creation.
Instead of our knowing the mind of God or being his counsellor, the truth is that loved us, having foreknown us, having predestinated us unto adoption of children, making us accepted in Christ. The Father sent Christ to die in our stead redeeming us from sin on the cross. He became our righteousness. All this he did and much more before he called us! Aren’t you glad he found us? "For of him, and through him, and to him are all things: to whom be glory forever". It is madness to claim any way for salvation other than by Jesus Christ! Thank God for God’s revelation of this to his church! Amen:
In the 7th chapter of Matthew, we find Christ giving us a lot of instruction for our spiritual welfare and telling us to enter at the strait gate, “because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Then as read down to verse 24 & 25 Christ says; “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock.” Is it your desire for your house to stand, that your house will be able to stand against the weather of life, that regardless of how strong the winds of adversity blows, regardless of the flood of troubles that may come your way, regardless of the storms of life that beat upon your house or the afflictions that may come your way, that your house might stand and not be moved. If this is your desire today; start building your house upon a rock, a sure foundation not made with hands, build it upon Jesus Christ, the Rock of our salvation. This Rock has been tried and tested; it has been proved and found strong and unmovable. And Jesus will liken you unto a wise man.
Then Christ says in verses 26 & 27; “And everyone that heareth these saying of mine, and doth them not, shall be liken unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” I worked for a testing and inspection lab for 27 years and when we would go out to do soil testing on a plot of land where a high rise building was in the plans of being built, we would drill test holes around on this plot of land and we would drill down to what we called bed rock, sometimes it might be only a few feet beneath the surface and sometimes it might be 75 to 100 feet beneath the surface. Then after all the testing was complete, we would recommend that this building be built with piers to be penetrated into this bed rock so the building might continue to stand strong. Sand is very unstable to build upon, if it is not confined; it will move this way and that way and eventually the building would or will have some serious problems. Jesus has just said that the winds blew, the rain descended and the floods came upon that house and it fell, and great was the fall of it. The same way in our life when we go to build and place our confidence in the works of the flesh and in the wisdom of men, we are building our house upon the sand, we are building upon a weak foundation, a foundation that will soon crack and fall apart and our house will fall, and great will be the fall of it.
I remember when I first went into the army and the first time that our company went out in the field for a week. We carried our tents on our backs and most of us had never experienced putting up a tent. My roommate and I found a nice little place in the woods to pitch our tent, there was a little washed out place that looked like would be a comfortable place to sleep in our sleeping bags, so we pitched our tent over it. About 2:00 AM the next morning the rains came in and washed us about 20 foot down that wash out and our tent fell. We were wet and cold and could not find part of our tent.
So how are we to build our house? We are to build upon the finished work of Jesus Christ as the chief corner stone, a sure foundation. And how do we build upon that foundation? We do this by hearing the instructions of Jesus Christ and doing them. Lean not upon your own understanding, but turn to the one that has all knowledge and wisdom. We read in Proverbs chapter 9; “That WISDOM hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: She hath killed her beasts: she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.” “And I will liken him unto a wise man that built his house upon a Rock.” AMEN:
ELDER T. J. PITTMAN RETIREMENT PARTY
On September 8, 2002 the Primitive Baptist Church in Wellington, Texas had a beautiful worship service. It was really a bittersweet day. It was the last time that Elder T. J. Pittman would be preaching for us on a regular basis. He is retiring after 50 years of service in the ministry.
He has been coming to Wellington for 21 years, and has served us well. He not only preached sermons that fed our souls, he performed weddings for our children; was there with us in deaths in our families, and was a true friend to us, and he will be missed.
A reception was given in his honor in the dining room of the church at 2:00 P. M. Cake and punch was served to approximately 80 people.
Wellington Primitive
Baptist Church
READ THE BLESSINGS
It's about time for our Banner of love to start another year. It's always a good feeling to find one in our mail box and read the blessings that come from it.
Wilborn's illness has progressed until we are very home bound. Would like to ask all who know him to pray for him, that he be made as comfortable as possible if it be the Lord's will.
Here's a check for our Banner and the other one listed.
Use the extra for office needs.
God Bless you,
Vona Bingham
Big Spring, Texas
Note: We pray for Brother Wilborn's comfort and for God's will in his life. Thanks for the extra. Opal Richards
WOULD ENJOY THE BANNER OF LOVE
My pastor friend of New Garden Primitive Baptist Church, [Excelsior Springs, Mo.] suggested I would enjoy a subscription to the Banner of Love. My great-grandfather was the preacher at New Garden Church for several years.
I am interested in learning more about the faith and message of Primitive Baptists. My check for $36.00 is enclosed.
In Christian Love,
Bob Riggs
Dallas, Texas
Note: Thank you, Brother Riggs, for a three years subscription. You paper is on the way. Opal Richards.
AFTER 54 YEARS IN MULESHOE
After 54 years in Muleshoe, TX, have moved to Idalou, the 28th of September. I have met a lot of nice people here, so, I feel like I am going to like it fine.
I look forward each month to the Banner. See you in Church soon.
Love,
Julia Patterson
Note: Sister Julia, we are looking forward to seeing you. Opal Richards.