The Banner of Love He Brought Me to the Banqueting House, and His Banner Over Me Was Love Songs of Solomon 2:4

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1 Page 16 February 2013 The blight of gambling -- From Page one... alarming rates. The impact of gambling on society You can research this for yourself, and I assure you that you will be alarmed at what legalized gambling - not to mention illegal gambling - does to the fabric of society. I recite here but a few of the findings of studies on the effects of legalized gambling: 1) the number of compulsive gamblers increases several fold when gambling is brought into an area; 2) a majority of compulsive gamblers turn to crime to finance their addiction; 3) the crime rate in gambling communities exceeds the national average; 4) the poor who gamble lose the greatest share of their income to gambling; 5) gambling creates no new wealth; 6) it depresses and siphons funds from legitimate businesses; 7) it increases welfare costs; and 8) like alcohol and drugs, it weakens family life. What does the bible say? In this setting, what should the attitude of a disciple of Christ be to gambling? What does the Bible say about gambling? I believe we have a Christian duty to answer these biblically. That is, we should be ready to answer when asked what the Bible teaches about gambling. Gambling, aka gaming in today s political correct sensitivity, involves an agreement between wagering participants to surrender something of value to the one who successfully predicts the outcome of an uncertain event, with the winner receiving the wagered valuable from the loser. Gambling is based on the desire to receive something of value that is owned by another or is within the power of another to provide. Thus, gambling involves coveting something belonging to another. Does the Bible prohibit gambling? Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour s. Tenth commandment, Ex. 20:17. Thou shalt not covet. Rom 13:9. It would be sufficient to rest the case against gambling on these verses alone, but there is support throughout the Scriptures against involvement in gambling. Christ teaches us to focus on loving others, not coveting their belongings, while gambling, based on covetousness, tempts people with the promise of quick and easy riches. The following are but a few of the massive numbers of Biblical admonitions against such. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 1st Timothy 6:10. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have. Hebrews 13:5. Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. Proverbs 13:11. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. Proverbs 23:5. He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. Ecclesiastes 5:10. What about luck? While the word luck - the chance happening of fortunate or adverse events - does not appear in Scripture, its essence can be found. According to Solomon, I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance [to wit, luck ] happeneth to them all. Ecclesiastes 9:11. Solomon is speaking to the world of mankind, and is stating that life is at the mercies of time and chance. But Christians, who seek to follow righteousness, do not live under the uncertainty of time and chance ; rather, they are the beneficiaries of the promises and providence of God as their guide and stay. Matthew 6:31-34 provides the following words of Christ: (31) Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (34) Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. These passages of Matthew do not support slothfulness or lethargy; rather they are passages that attend to the heart and mind of the Christian, as many other scripture passages teach a mindset of industriousness (1st Thess. 4:11-12; Eph. 4:28). It is the seek-ye-first priority to the kingdom of God that is taught here in Matthew. As becometh saints... The apostle Paul s admonition to the church at Ephesus bears directly on this, Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love let not [covetousness] be named among you, as becometh saints; for this ye know, that no covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Eph 5:1-5. As gambling cannot be separated from covetousness, it is clear that disciples of Christ should avoid covetousness and become spokespersons against gambling as an acceptable norm in our society. -- Elder Bill McCarthy Do good people suffer trials? -- From page one... author of sin, yet he sometimes allows trials to come into our lives. Peter acknowledged such: 1 Peter 1:3-7 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Job would also later acknowledge this fact in his own circumstance: Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. The bottom line is that we have numerous biblical occurrences of the righteous suffering while serving God. Experience teaches us this lesson also.the reasons are varied. Perhaps it is a test of faith. It could also be the result of a satanic attack or injury may come at the hands of another. We should expect such as long as we live in this sin cursed world. There will likely be instances of trials in which are absolutely unaware of the source. I believe that to be the case with Job. Our responsibility when such trouble enters into our life is to maintain a God honoring response in spite of the circumstances. In the midst of his trials Job quickly acknowledged such in our opening passage. The Word of Faith Movement/prosperity gospel falls flat when compared with the timeless truth of scripture. Perhaps we may never receive an explanation as to why we are going through a particular trial. If we suffer in spite of faithfully serving God, Lord help us to maintain our integrity and put our trust in the Sovereign God of Heaven and not charge Him foolishly! Blessings, Michael D. Green, Jr. Fort Wayne PBC, Indiana >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> THE TRUTH IS --- That there is no Scripture in the Bible that tells mankind to Accept Christ, but that you are Made Accepted in The Beloved. Eph. 1:6; Accept in its various tenses in the K.J.T. is there 87 times - 60 in the O.T. and 27 in the N.T., but none that tells humans to accept Him. -- Hulan Bass He Brought Me to the Banqueting House, and His Banner Over Me Was Love Songs of Solomon 2:4 Thou Has Given a Banner to Them That Fear Thee, That it Might Be Displayed Because of the Truth Psalms 60:4 Volume 81 - Number 2 Lubbock, Texas Copyright 2013 $12.00 Per Year February 2013 The blight of gambling in today s modern world By ELDER BILL McCARTHY I once had a friend who believed that there is no such thing as luck, and anytime someone would say good luck in his presence, he would quickly point out that there was no such thing. People who share that belief are evidently rare, as many people believe in luck and in their ability to induce it to their good fortune. Exhibit one in evidence to support this is the explosive growth of legalized gambling facilities and the wide spread acceptance everywhere of gambling in today s society, and especially right here in our State [Oklahoma]. Once frowned on by serious minded upright people, and engaged in by less than respectful folks of shadowy backgrounds, gambling now enjoys full blown legitimacy and societal acceptance as a multi-billion dollar industry. For over two hundred years in the history of this nation legalized gambling was largely confined to then unsavory places like Las Vegas and Atlantic City, but today gambling casinos can be found all around us. I dare say that most of us need travel but a few miles to visit a casino that is brightly lighted and no longer concerned about being raided by local authorities. Those of us over forty years of age or so grew up in a Christian nation, and gambling was not much of a factor, if at all, in our lives, except perhaps for friendly bingo games or an occasional raffle ticket. Today, the States not only sanction gambling but actively participate in it. Nearly all of the States have some form of legalized gambling, and in State lotteries and power ball activities, they are reaping what is being sown as gambling addiction and gambling induced crimes grow at Elder Bill McCarthy resides in Oklahoma City, OK where he an attorney and law professor, and also serves as the associate pastor of the Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. His writings may be found on the church s website at pbokc.org. Do good people suffer trials? By ELDER MICHAEL GREEN, Jr. Job 1:21-22 Naked came I out of my mother s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. In the Book of Job we are introduced to a good man. Obviously, there has never existed a sinless man on the earth save Jesus Christ. But Job was a man that strived to please God. The Bible records that his life was completely devoted to his creator. He was a moral man and exhibited a reverential fear of God. Certainly, Job is one the be emulated in this respect. Oh that such would be our legacy! There are some today that claim that such righteous living ensures health, wealth and prosperity. This popular teaching states -- See Back Page Please that godly living will eliminate any suffering or trials in this world. If an individual does suffer physically, relationally or materially, then they must be lacking somewhere in their spiritual lives. This Word of Faith Movement, also known as the prosperity gospel puts emphasis on the power of the individual to name it and claim it and you can have your hearts desire. A casual reading of the first two chapters of Book of Job soundly dismiss this erroneous teaching. Here we have a good man (as much as men are good), living a reverential, upright life. Yet, he suffers unimaginable loss. He lost all ten of his children and his livelihood in a matter of hours. Later he will be plagued with unimaginable physical suffering. Did he conduct himself in a manner to incur the wrath of God? Did he neglect his prayer life or forget to name it and claim it? The answer is clearly NO! Job was not in any manner privy to what was unfolding in the presence of the Lord. He had no say in the events that were unfolding in his life. Granted, we often suffer the consequences of our actions. The Bible teaches the concept of reaping what we ve sown. However, there are times when we suffer trials and troubles that are not of our making. Sometimes we can do everything according to God s standard any yet still be called on to endure tribulations. This should not come as a surprise. In John 16:33 Jesus said, In the world ye shall have tribulation. The good news follows when he says, But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Our Savior certainly did not endorse the prosperity gospel. He was bluntly realistic about the suffering that occurs in His service. The Book of Job is about an upright man being tested. God indeed is not the -- See Back Page Please

2 Page 2 February 2013 February 2013 Page 15 New PBC at Canyon, TX to be constituted on Saturday, April 6 by Borger PBC The Primitive Baptist Church of Borger, Texas is pleased to announce that in its January 27th conference, and with the Lord s help and blessing, we voted to constitute the Fellowship meeting in Canyon, Texas, as the Canyon Primitive Baptist Church on the 1st Saturday in April, the 6th of April This little group has been meeting since October of 2011, and have faithfully been meeting on the 1st and 3rd Sundays. The Borger church recognizes the collective work of these servants and trust our Lord to continue his blessings on them. We fully support their decision and desire to constitute, and trust the Lord to help us in this endeavor. We also enlist your prayers, help and support in this meeting. The churches will meet Saturday morning April 6th starting with song services at 10:30 a.m. the constitution service will commence first, followed with lunch, and then afternoon services, with singing, fellowship and we trust the preaching of the word. This has been a great blessing to all of us in Borger, as well as the folks meeting in Canyon. We trust that the Lord will continue to shower his blessings down on the Canyon church as well as all of his children, and faithful in Christ. The Church in Canyon is located at nd Avenue, in Canyon Texas. There is a map on the church websites if further directions are needed. Please join us Saturday morning for this spiritual time, and observation of one of the true blessings in the furtherance of the gospel. If you can t come, please pray for us. -- Elder James Baker 5126 Temple Dr. Amarillo, Texas Elder Don Watson 81 Jynteewood Canyon, Texas ONE-YEAR FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO NEWLY-BAPTIZED MEMBERS will provide a one-year free subscription to any newly-baptized member of the Primitive Baptist Church. Ministers, church clerks or interested members should send to the Banner of Love the names and addresses of your newly-baptized members, and we will add their names to our mailing list for a free one-year term. Canyon Primitive Baptist Church -- to be constituted April 6 HOUSTON BAPTISM The Grace Primitive Baptist Church of Houston enjoyed a double baptism on Saturday afternoon before the 2nd Sunday in January. Young Brother Reed Barnett had previously joined and was scheduled to be baptized Saturday afternoon. After worship service and before the baptism, Bro. Reed s sister Gracie Barnett also joined and asked to be baptized. Elder Mike Rhodes, their grandfather, is shown just after the baptism, with Sister Gracie, left, and Brother Reed, right. By BROTHER BUD LOWRANCE Revelation 11:4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. No doubt there are many types and shadows in this eleventh chapter; and to say that I understand them all would be a great overestimate of my own knowledge. But if the Lord will be my helper, I would endeavor to shed some light on the subject for the benefit of the sheep of his pasture. Again; there is no doubt that the whole religious world would be greatly shocked at the thought that the physical city that is called Jerusalem, is not the same as the holy city spoken of many, many times in the scriptures. Witness verse 8: And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. If it spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt; then how can it be the holy city? The Lord s children are blessed to understand these things. To get a first view of the two olive trees ; let us go to Genesis 49:22 Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall. Connect this directly with Ephesians 2:13-17 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, (both Jews, and Gentiles) and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace. And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. Can you see then, how that Joseph was a strong figure of Jesus Christ; and how that he was indeed a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall ; and how that this wall is that middle wall of partition that Paul was speaking of? Is this not a beautiful thing to think upon; and that the two olive trees are the Old, and the New Testaments of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? That the two witnesses here in Rev. 11, are synonymous with the two olive trees, and also with the two races of people, both Jews and Gentiles? And the two candlesticks which stand before the God of the earth; and that Two olive trees they give us light with which to view the precious truth in Christ? Matthew 13:52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things old and new. This treasure house is the inspired word of God; both the Old, and the New Testaments. In Exodus 27:20 the Lord God said unto Moses: And thou shalt command the Children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always. The lamp is surely a parallel with the word of God, which gives his children a light unto their pathway and a lamp unto their feet; (Psalm 119:105) and the pure oil olive is also a parallel with the pure word of God; which God wills that that lamp burn always to light up our walk through this world. I cannot imagine walking through this life without that lamp, the precious word of God to guide me and comfort me in times of sorrow, and stress, and disappointment. Praise God, in Christ Jesus holy and beautiful name, for this most precious and blessed book! Please read Romans 11, for another look at the subject of olive trees, as compared to the Jews, and the Gentiles; and then in verses Paul says: And so all Israel (All of the ransomed church of God) shall be saved: as it is written, THERE SHALL COME OUT OF SION THE DELIVERER, AND SHALL TURN AWAY UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB: FOR THIS IS MY COVENANT UNTO THEM, WHEN I SHALL TAKE AWAY THEIR SINS. Little children, I do not understand the book of Revelation, but I do believe it is the inspired word of God through faith; and I believe also that God has given us enough light through faith in Christ Jesus, so that we will never grow tired of it, nor ever be completely discouraged from trying to understand more, and to see more of the boundless treasures that are in his storehouse! My hope, and my prayer is that God will see fit to use this article to help others, to his own glory and praise. Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood Shall never lose its power, Till all the ransomed Church of God Be saved to sin no more. (From There is a Fountain Old School Hymnal number 128). IN HIS LOVE Bro. Bud Lowrance Brother Bud Lowrance Series on church order Elder Mark Green, editor and publisher of The Christian Pathway and The Primitive Baptist of Booneville, Arkansas has now available to the public his series of 42 articles on the subject of Church Order with contributions from Elder James Isaacs, Elder Philip Conley and Elder Adam Green. The booklets are available upon request. The cost, to cover shipping and handling, is $5.00. Orders may be placed by sending payment to P.O. Box 334, Booneville, AR (479) Did God plan and predetermine history? This 31 page booklet by Elder G. Wayne Crocker refutes the idea that God brings about every event of history. There is no charge and no donation is expected of those who would like to have a copy. Please provide your request by mail, , or telephone: G. Wayne Crocker, 1330 Scotts Dr., Cottondale, AL 35453; or phone:

3 Page 14 February 2013 February 2013 Page 3 Meetings... Page 5... Part 3 Doctrine of last things NEBRASKA FELLOWSHIP MEETING 2ND WEEKEND IN JUNE 2013 Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church of Cozad, Nebraska will once again host the Nebraska Fellowship Meeting of Primitive Baptists. The meeting will begin on Thursday, June 6 with supper at 6:30 p.m. followed by an evening of prayer and singing. Services on Friday and Saturday will begin at 10 AM; 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM with lunch and supper being served both days. Services on Sunday, June 9, will begin at 10 AM with lunch being served. Our homes are open to accommodate as many visitors as possible. There are 2 motels in Cozad, Rodeway Inn ( ), and Americas Best Inn ( ). We also have several camper hookups at the church. For more information contact, Elder Thomas E. Bond ( ),thomasbond13@yahoo.com or Deacon Howard Halbgewachs ( ) God Bless, Thomas E. Bond NEW HOPE PBC IN FREDERICKSBURG TO HOST ANNUAL MEETING 3RD WEEKEND IN JUNE The New Hope Primitive Baptist Church of Fredericksburg, Texas will be hosting its Annual Meeting the third weekend in June. The meeting will begin on Friday night with a sandwich supper around 5:30 p.m. and singing and worship services starting at 7:00. There will be morning and afternoon services on Sunday and the meeting will conclude Sunday noon. A cordial welcome is open to everyone who may desire to come to spend the weekend in honor and praise to our Lord as we worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. Preach brethren are especially encouraged to come and take part in the services. For those who plan to come and stay through part or all of the meeting we would suggest you make reservations early, as Fredericksburg is an active town that time of year. Some motel suggestions are as follows: Motel 6 (830) ; Comfort Inn (830) ; Super 8 (830) , Days Inn Suites (830) For more information contact Elder David Montgomery (210) , or Bro. Al Harper (830) AMARILLO TEXAS PBC HOST ANNUAL MEETING 3RD WEEKEND IN JUNE The Amarillo Primitive Baptist Church will host their annual meeting the third weekend in June. We will have a sandwich supper Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. followed by the evening service with singing starting around 7 p.m. The Saturday morning service will begin around 10 a.m. followed by lunch and an afternoon service. There will be no Saturday night service. The meeting will conclude Sunday morning with the song service beginning at 10:30 a.m. followed by lunch. We invite all old line ministers to come and be with use and invite all to come and worship with us. If you are unable to be with us we do ask that you would remember us in prayer. For more information you can contact: Elder Jeremiah Cunningham (806) or cunningham.jeremiah@gmail.com or Bro. Joshua Cunningham (806) or joac83@gmail.com GRACE PBC IN HOUSTON TO AGAIN HOST SINGING SCHOOL JUNE Grace Primitive Baptist Church in Houston will again host a singing school June 16-22, Brother Ron and sister Carolia Johnson will head up the singing school again this year. Room is available forovernight at the church, but please bring your own pillow and blankets. There are some RV hook ups at the church. For more information contact Elder Mike Moseley (281) DENTON PBC TO HOST ANNUAL MEETING 4TH SUNDAY WEEKEND IN JUNE The Primitive Baptist Church of Denton, Texas will host its annual meeting 4th Sunday weekend in June. The meeting begins on Friday with a 5:30 p.m. sandwich spper, with singing at 7 p.m. Saturday morning service begins at 10 a.m., with lunch and afternoon services. Sunday morning singing begins at 10:30 a.m. For more information cntact Elder Vernon Johnson vernon@dentonpbc.org. LITTLEFIELD TEXAS PBC TO HOST ANNUAL MEETING 4TH WEEKEND IN JUNE The Littlefield Primitive Baptist Church in Littlefield, Texas will host their annual homecoming meeting the fourth weekend in June. The church has invited Elder Mike Montgomery, the pastor of the Old School Primitive Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas to be with them at that time. The meeting will start on Friday evening with supper followed by worship services. There will be services on Saturday, with the meting concluding on Sunday morning. The Littlefield Primitive Baptist Church is located at 9th and Park Street s in Littlefield, Texas. For more information, please contact Bro. Elton Bass at elmelbass@suddenlink.net - July FIRST PBC DALLAS TEXAS HOSTS CHAMBERS CREEK ASSOCIATION 1ST WEEKEND IN JULY The First Primitive Baptist Church of Dallas will host the 2013 Chambers Creek Association, beginning on Thursday night July 3rd and continuing through Sunday morning, July 6th. Please make your plans now to attend this meeting, but most importantly please pray that the Lord will be with us in our endeavors to worship Him throughout this meeting. Aside from opening our homes to visitors, we also have limited electrical hookups for campers. For those who would prefer to stay in a hotel, here are two that are relatively close to our Church: Holiday Inn Express (214) , Comfort Inn (972) For more information please contact Bro. Ronnie Mallow at RonnieM227@aol.com (817) , or Elder Clifford Gowens at cbgowens@verizon.net (972) SQUAW CREEK PBC TO HOST ANNUAL CAMP MEETING AT DOSS JULY Squaw Creek Primitive Baptist Church in Doss, Texas will be hosting the 2013 Camp Meeting beginning Thursday evening at 7:00 pm July 18th through Sunday, July 21st. There are camp sites on the church grounds and hotels in Fredericksburg, Texas. Reservations should be made as early as possible for hotel rooms. For more information contact pastor Elder Bill Moseley or bmoseley5@austin.rr.com, Brother Van Mund or vanlmund@yahoo.com, Brother Mike Baethge or vabaethge527@hctc.net. LUBBOCK, TX PBC TO HOST ANNUAL MEETING 3RD SUNDAY JULY The Primitive Baptist Church of Lubbock, Texas will host its annual meeting the 3rd Sunday weekend in July 2013 Invited guest speaker for the meeting is Elder Marty Smith, pastor of Union Primitive Baptist Church in Roswell, Georgia, near Atlanta. The meeting will begin on Friday evening with a sandwich supper at 5:30 p.m. followed by singing at 7 p.m. and preaching at 7:30 p.m. The meeting continues at 10 a.m. Saturday followed by lunch and an afternoon service. There will be no Saturday night service. The meeting concludes with a Sunday morning service at 10:30 a.m. followed by lunch. For more information contact Elder Kenny Venable, pastor (806) CORTEZ COLORADO PBC TO HOST ANNUAL MEETING JULY The Primitive Baptist Church of Cortez, Colorado will host its annual meeting the 4th Sunday weekend in July, The meeting begins Friday with supper at 5:30 p.m. followed by services. The meeting continues through Sunday, with lunch and dinner served Saturday and lunch on Sunday. There are RV hookups at the church and motels, and room at our homes. We invite ministers and all others who can come. For more information contact Elder Cleveland Bass, (970) WE WANT TO PUBLISH Meeting Notices -- Meeting reports/pictures -- Doctrinal articles -- Weddings and Obituaries -- Ordinations -- Biblical History -- Christian experiences ONE-YEAR FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO NEWLY-BAPTIZED MEMBERS will provide a one-year free subscription to any newly-baptized member of the Primitive Baptist Church. Ministers, church clerks or interested members should send to the Banner of Love the names and addresses of your newly-baptized members, and we will add their names to our mailing list for a free oneyear term. SEND YOUR NEWS, ARTICLES TO THE BANNER OF LOVE ON THE INTERNET welcomes and encourages its writers and readers to send their news and articles in for publication via the internet. Regular mail continues to be used to reach us, but more timely publication can be achieved prior to our monthly deadlines by sending the article through the internet. Internet articles may be sent directly to the editor at banneroflove@aol.com. Our postal mail address is P.O. Box 93123, Lubbock, Texas Chapter 18 THE END OF TIME (continued) (Part 3 of 5) By ELDER MICHAEL GOWENS (Introduction) Eschatology is a theological discipline concerned with what the Bible says about last things. It includes such subthemes as the resurrection of the dead, the second coming of Christ, the final judgment, and the eternal state of the righteous and the wicked. What role does eschatology play in systematic theology? It is the final chapter in Gods redemptive program. In 1 Corinthians 15:22-28, arguably the premier eschatological passage in the New Testament, Paul indicates that Gods plan for redemptive history has been moving toward a final goal in which every enemy will be put beneath His feet and every redeemed person will be gathered together in Christ. (The sub-theme of )The Last & General Judgment In His final mediatorial act, the Lord Jesus Christ will sit as judge of all mankind, an event frequently termed the Grand Assize or the Great White Throne Judgment (Acts 10:42; 17:30-31; 2 Tim. 4:1,8). Scripture associates this event with the Second Coming (2 Ths. 1:6-10), suggesting that it will occur immediately after the resurrection. Like the resurrection of the dead, it will be a general judgment the largest conglomeration of human beings ever assembled in history (Mt. 25:31), for everyone who has ever lived, lives now, or will live in the future will gather before His tribunal (Rev. 11:18). God s word always speaks of the day of judgment (Jude 6; 2 Pet. 2:9) as something that is certain and inescapable (Jno. 12:48; 1 Pet. 4:5; Heb. 9:27; Ps. 1;5; Ecc. 11:9; 12:14; Mt. 12:36; Acts 4:25; Acts 17:31). None will escape the judgment of God (Rom. 2:3). What kind of proceeding will it be? It will be a righteous judgment (Rom. 2:5; 2 Ths. 1:5). One day all wrongs will be made right and perfect justice will be done. He will dispense exact retribution against every sin. It will also be a final judgment (Heb. 6:2). The verdict will be eternal, without possibility of appeal. The two key passages regarding the Last and General Judgment are Matthew 25:31-46 and Revelation 20: Both passages indicate a further fact about the nature of the final judgment. It will be judgment of separation. Those who were loved and chosen by the Father in covenant will be declared righteous Elder Michael Gowens is pastor of the Primitive Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. (Mt. 25:34; Rev. 20:15), for their case has already been adjudicated at the cross (Heb. 9:27-28). They are His sheep by Divine election and when He sees the blood, He will pass over them. But those whose names are not found written in the Lamb s book of life the goats will be judged according to their works (Rev. 20:12-13). Then, they will hear the dreadful sentence, Depart ye cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels (Mt. 25:41). (Editor S Note: The above excerpted section is Part 3 of 5 copied from Chapter 18 of Basic Bible Doctrines, authored by Elder Michael Gowens. This excerpt of the chapter is submitted by Bernard Gowens by way of permission from the book s author. Elder David Burris book now available Elder David Burris has written an account of his experiences in the church, and of God s providence in his being led to the state of West Virginia. The book is titled How Great Things. Elder Burris is pastor of Ten Mile Primitive Baptist Church in Clarksville, West Virginia. The book is 80 pages and is well-written and interesting, and well worth the purchase price of $9.95. You may buy it from: Elder David Burris Rt. 1, Box 73 A Salem, WV LUBBOCK BAPTISM Elder Kenny Venable, pastor of the Primitive Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas, is shown baptizing Sister Joni Handley at the close of morning services the 3rd Sunday in February, Sister Handley had joined the church earlier in the month. His Arms Oh Lord, this hour I feel Thee most, I know that Thou hast been my Host, Those days of life with nothing sure, I feel Thy love so close and pure. I look not back on days gone by, I know the life I have will fly, Into the arms of truest care, I shall not leave, but will stay there. Of all my friends I ve had on earth, I ve felt Thy love since day of birth, O worship Thee, I praise Thee ever, Oh Lord, My God, I ll leave Thee never. -- Benny C. Watson Dallas, Texas THE TRUTH IS --- BELIEF (in the Bible) is always an EFFECT or RESULT, and never a CAUSE = 1st John 5:1. Belief is always based upon evidence, seen-natural, or unseen-spiritual. Inward Belief is innate and intrinsic at the point of the New Birth, as the effect of the preceding cause of Faith, long before the Gospel ever comes upon the scene. Heb. 11:1; Rom. 10:10. Hulan Bass

4 Page 4 February 2013 February 2013 Page 13 Meetings... Page 4... ISSN Why pray? P.O. Box Lubbock, Texas USPS is published monthly at th Street, Lubbock, Texas is mailed under a USPS Periodical Postage permit, and is entered into the mails at the U. S. Post Office in Snyder, Texas. Postmaster: Send changes of address to, P.O. Box 93123, Lubbock, Texas is a religious publication, published in the interests of the Primitive Baptists. Subscription rate: $12 per year. Back Issues: $1 each Internet Site: BannerofLove.net H. G. Richards Afton E. Richards Publisher Publisher Don R. Richards Publisher and Editor Copyright Permission is protected by state and federal copyright laws. However, permission is hereby granted to copy, reproduce, reprint or re-publish for any non-profit, religious, or non-commercial use. Attribution to the publication and date of publication is appreciated. Prior permission must be obtained for all commercial or for-profit copying, publication or re-production. I was once asked the question: Why should I pray. God does not respond to me; He certainly does not answer my prayers. I do not think He even hears me. Prayer is, or should be, a fundamental part of our lives. Scripture teaches us so very much about prayer. Yet we see people continue to have so many doubts about it. Does it really work? Does God really have time to hear our payers?, etc., etc. How about you? Do you pray? Do you prayer like you should? Does God hear your prayers? Jesus teaches us that personal prayer is fundamental to our core belief. We have this hotline directly to the throne of God. We are not required to go through an intermediary priest or preacher, but we have immediate, direct access God. Yet, are we using it? Do we really even believe in prayer? At Matthew 15:21 (and Mark 7:24) we are told the story of the gentile woman who appealed to Jesus to heal her sick daughter. Her first appeal was denied by Jesus refusal to even acknowledge her. He simply ignored her as if He was not listening. After she appealed again, Jesus told her He was there to help only the lost sheep of the house of Israel, which clearly she took to mean He was not there to help the non-jew gentiles. A third time she prayed simply Lord, help me. He rejected her again, telling her He could not take from the children s bread and to cast it to the dogs. In essence, He called her a dog (translated as a house pet -- a puppy dog ). Three times she prayed -- three times He refused help. In my simple way of thinking, three strikes and you re out. I might have quit after the first rejection. But not this woman. She responded by asking only for the bread crumbs which fall from the master s table to the benefit of the dogs. Jesus responded strongly: O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was healed. God is always listening, even when we do not think He is. Some times He tests our faith. It is important our faith in Him stay strong, even (especially) when we think He is not listening. In the first chapter of I Samuel we read of a woman named Hannah who had not been able to have children. She prayed to God for a child. Her prayer was short, simple, but very effective. She prayed simply remember me. Hannah s reward was the conception of a son who would become one of the Old Testament s greatest prophets -- Samuel. In the 13 through 16th chapter of Judges we read the story of Samson, a man richly blessed of the Lord with great physical strength and leadership talent. But Samson went astray and violated the commitment made of him to the Lord (see Judges 13:4-5). Samson was indeed blessed of the Lord to be Don R. Richards one of Israel s greatest leaders and warrior, but he committed sins against God by doing the things which had been forbidden of him. Samson ended up captured by his enemies, had his eyes gorged out, imprisoned in a dungeon doing hard labor as a slave. He had once been feared by the enemy, and now he was the enemy s laughing stock. They held him captive, mocking him and treating him the clown. We all know the end of the story where Samson got his strength back and pushed down the weight-bearing columns of a great building, killing 3,000 of his enemy. What we overlook is what Samson did just before he destroyed the building. Samson had to feel as if the Lord had abandoned him as he was blinded, forced into hard labor, spit upon and mocked. Yet, as he put each of his hands on the great columns, he did one other things before he pushed. He prayed. Like Hannah s, Samson s prayer was short and simple, but sincere: O Lord God, remember me. (Judges 16:28) The Lord remembered him immediately, and returned to him the great strength needed to kill 3,000 of Israel s enemy. Like Hannah and Samson, our prayers need not be long and drawn out, they just need be sincere. Our prayers do not need to be complete sentences, or complete thoughts. He understands our groanings. (Rom. 8:26) The Lord knows what we need before we even ask (Matt. 6:8); but He tells us we need to ask: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Phil. 4:6). God makes us an absolute promise to us regarding prayer based on our timely conditional behavior: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways... (II Chron. 7:14). IF we do as He states -- humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from sin -- then He makes an absolute promise to us (as His elect people). He promises first to hear our prayers; then to forgive us of our current sins; AND He promises to heal us. Look at the order that He gives to us at II Chron. 7:14. first we must recognize that He gives this instruction, not to the entire hman race, but to My people. Then, not only does He tell us what we need to do, but He gives us the correct order of how we do it procedurally. We first must humble ourselves before we can pray. We must pray before we are able to seek His face. And we must seek His face before we have the ability to turn from our wicked ways. What God grants to us through prayer is not eternal salvation, but time salvation. He provides to us protection, healing, and relief, to our problems here in time -- today and tomorrow, for us, and our families, and those for whom we pray. We need help. That s why we pray. NEW HOPE PBC, BROKEN ARROW, OK SETS ANNUAL MEETING APRIL 19-21, 2013 The New Hope Primitive Baptist Church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma will host their Annual Meeting fourth weekend in April. The meeting will begin on Friday night, with services on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, please contact Elder Mark Green (michaelspappy@hotmail.com). The New Hope Primitive Baptist Church is located at 1550 East College Street in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma SIX MILE CREEK PBC IN CAULKSVILLE, ARK ANNUAL MEETING APRIL 12, 13, & 14, 2013 Lord willing, the Six Mile Creek Primitive Baptist Church in Caulksville, Arkansas will host their Annual Meeting the second weekend in April (12, 13 & 14), The meeting will begin on Friday night and continue through Sunday. The Church has invited Elder David Montgomery, the pastor of the New Hope Primitive Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, Texas to be with them during their meeting. The church invites everyone who can, to come and worship the Lord with them during their meeting. For more information please contact Elder Mark Green at INDIAN OAKS PBC IN LAKE WORTH, TEXAS ANNUAL MEETING APRIL 19, 20 & 21, 2013 The Indian Oaks Primitive Baptist Church in Lake Worth, Texas will host their annual meeting the third weekend in April (19, 20 & 21), Services will begin on Friday night and continue with three services on Saturday and then concluding with Sunday morning services. The Indian Oaks Church has invited Elder Ricky Harcrow to be with them during their meeting and Lord willing, they will also be able to preach other visiting ministers during their meeting. For more information visit the Indian Oaks Church website or contact Elder Larry Webb by at larrycarole.webb@charter.net Church address is: Indian Oaks Primitive Baptist Church 3229 Shawnee Trail, Fort, Worth, Texas May RULE, TEXAS PBC TO HOST ANNUAL MEETING MAY 3-5, 2013 Once again, the Rule, Texas Primitive Baptist Church will host its annual meeting the first Sunday weekend in May The meeting will begin with a sandwich supper at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 3 and conclude May 5 after Sunday morning services and the noon meal. The Lord has been so good to us here at Rule. We are having good regular meetings and are praying He will bless us during this annual meeting as He has in the past with good singing, good preaching and good fellowship. The Church is located on the corner of 8th Street and Robins Ave. For more information contact Elder Dale Turner ; Brother Mike Crain ; Brother Brad Crain ; Brother Danny Anderson ; Brother Darrell Sorrells FARMERSVILLE, TEXAS PBC HOSTS ANNUAL MEETING/COMMUNION MAY 3, 4, & 5, 2013 The Farmersville Primitive Baptist Church will host their Annual Meeting the first weekend in May. The meeting will begin on Friday night (singing at 7:00 p.m.), with two services on Saturday and it will conclude on Sunday morning with communion services following morning worship services. There will be a sandwich supper Friday at 6 p.m. The Church building is located two miles south of Farmersville on County Rd 557, just off Highway 78. You will see a sign for the Church about three miles south of town on Highway 78. Take C.R. 557 and the Church will be on the right about 1/4 mile. The address is: 1287 County Road 557, Farmersville, Texas For more information, please Elder Owen Rushing at PERRYTON TEXAS PBC WILL HOST ITS ANNUAL MEETING MAY 10, 11 & 12, 2013 The Perryton Primitive Baptist Church, in Perryton, Texas will host their Annual Meeting embracing the second Sunday in May (10, 11 & 12) The meeting will begin on Friday night, services will start at 7 p.m. Services will be held Friday night, Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon. The meeting will conclude with the Sunday morning service. Supper will be served Friday night before the service. Lunch will be served on Saturday and Sunday. Elder Scott Bass now serves as the pastor of the Perryton Primitive Baptist Church. If you desire to stay in a motel, there is The Baymont Inn phone number is (806) , as well as a Best Western phone number is (806) GRACE PBC HOUSTON TO ORDAIN BRAIN RAMSEY MAY 11, 2013 The Grace Primitive Baptist Church in Houston, Texas will host an Ordination Meeting, the second weekend in May, beginning on Saturday morning at 10 o clock Lunch will be served after morning services and the Church has set aside Brother Brian Ramsey to be ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry in the afternoon. We love Brother Brian and his wife, Sister Cathy very much and pray the Lord s richest blessings upon them in his ministry to the Lord s people. The Church is located at 3616 Hurley Street in Houston, Texas. For more information please contact either Bobby Moseley at bmoseley2@comcast.net or Elder Mike Moseley mmoseley01@hotmail.com. You can also visit their website at BETHEL PBC IN OAK GROVE, LOUSIANA ANNUAL MEETING MAY The Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in Oak Grove, Louisiana will host their Annual Meeting the third weekend in May beginning on Saturday May 18 at 10:30 a.m. with lunch to follow; then an afternoon service. The Sunday morning service will begin at 10:30. Elder David Montgomery, the pastor of the New Hope Primitive Baptist Church in Fredricksburg, Texas is the invited minister. Elder Ricky Myers is the pastor. The church address is 504 N. Horner Street, Oak Grove Louisiana. BORGER, TX PBC TO HOST ITS ANNUAL HOMECOMING MEETING MAY 17-19, 2013 It s time again to announce Borger Primitive Baptist Church s desire to host our Annual Homecoming Meeting the thirtd Sunday weekend in May. Our meeting will start on Friday Night, May 17th, Saturday, May 18th (Morning & Afternoon) and conclude on 3rd Sunday, May 19th. Supper will be served in the church starting at 6 p.m. Friday, and Lord willing there will be lunch served Saturday & Sunday after worship services. There is some parking space available at the church for trailers. Also the Huber RV Campground is in town at 1300 Main, which is about 2 miles from the church. Our homes will be open for you also. Borger is home to many nice motels. -- Best Western Borger Inn, S Cedar St, Borger, TX (806) Holiday Inn Express & Suites 1351 W Wilson St, Borger, TX (806) Hampton Inn & Suites 1415 W Wilson St, Borger, TX (806) We pray again the Lord of Hosts will make Himself felt with His Presence. WE INVITE ALL TO COME! Come be with us, this has always been a wonderful time for fellowship and praise to the Lord. The Borger P.B.C. is located about 45 miles North East of Amarillo, Texas, in the Texas Panhandle. From Amarillo, take highway 60 East to Panhandle, Texas, then turn North on Highway 207 for 23 miles. Merge on to SR-246 spur for half a mile (North) continue North on S. Florida for 2 miles. Turn RIGHT (East) onto E. 6th St. for 3 blocks and arrive at Missouri St. Please mark your calendar and come be a part of our Homecoming time! If you can t come please remember us, and know that every time we meet we are also praying for you. In Bonds of Love, -- J.C. Darrow, Church Clerk (806) Elder James Baker, Pastor (806) Home je.baker@suddenlink.net - June JUNE 7, 8, & 9 ANNUAL MEETING IN HOGANSVILLE, GEORGIA The Emmaus Primitive Baptist church in Hogansville, Georgia will have its Annual Meeting the 2nd weekend in June - 7, 8 &9, 2013 Friday through Sunday morning. There will be Friday evening services, Saturday morning and afternoon. Regular services on Sunday morning with communion and lunch following. We are already excited about this meeting and look to the Lprd to bless us. We certainly want to invite all who can visit with us anytime when you are traveling the west Georgia corridor on I-85, or just want to come see us anyway. For further information, please call: Deacon Ken Speir ; or Deacon Mark Puckett ; of Elder Frank Buttrey, Pastor, as (H) , (C) buttrey2000@yahoo.com.

5 Page 12 February 2013 February 2013 Page 5 Meetings... Page 3... The story behind the song MT. PARAN PBC, PARIS, TX, TO HOST 5TH SUNDAY MEETING MARCH 30-31, 2013 The Mt. Paran Primitive Baptist Church in Paris, Texas will host a fifth Sunday meeting in March. There will be services on Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. The Church is located at th Street SW in Paris, Texas. For more information, please visit their website at: or contact Elder Harley Stripland at rstripland@wildblue.net SALEM ASSOCIATION UNION MEETING SET MARCH AT DANVILLE, AR The Salem Association Union Meeting will be hosted by the Mount Pleasant Primitive Baptist Church outside of Danville, Arkansas, beginning on Friday night before the fifth weekend in March. The Mt. Pleasant Primitive Baptist Church is located on State Highway 80, about 16 miles west of Danville. Coming from the west, (from Waldron) it is 29 miles from the intersection of Highway 80 and US 71. Those wishing to stay in a motel can call the Cypress Barn Lodge in Waldron. Their phone numbers are and There are also motels available in Russellville and Booneville. For more information, contact Elder Dennis Horn ( ). The address is listed as Highway 80 - Danville, Arkansas COOL SPRING PBC, LOGANSPORT, LA HOSTS 5TH SUNDAY MEETING MARCH The Cool Spring Primitive Baptist Church near Logansport, Louisiana will host a 5th Sunday meeting March The meeting will begin on Friday, March 29, and conclude with Sunday morning services. Elder Mark Quarles, Madison, Mississippi, and Eder Gary Rhodes of Netherland, TX are guest speakers. For more inforation contacts Brothers Ricky Cash (318) ; Dencen Hall (318) ; Buddy Hall (318) ; or John Stiles (318) TUCSON PBC TO HOST 5TH SUNDAY MEETING MARCH 29-31, 2013 The Lord willing, The Primitive Baptist Church of Jesus Christ in Tucson, Arizona will hold it s annual Fifth Sunday Meeting March 29th, 30th and 31st. Services will begin on Friday evening, March 29th and continue through Sunday, noon, March 31st. Full meals will be served at the Church and there are trailer hookups on property and plenty of space in member s homes. We invite all who are able to please come praying for a spiritual meeting and the fellowship of Christ. We especially want to invite all ordained brethren to meet with us. The Church is located at 5921 E. Lee Street, Tucson, AZ, For specific directions please contact Elder Tim Janes at , or Church Clerk Br. Buddy Janes at Yours in Hope, Br. Buddy Janes, Clerk Tucson Primitive Baptist Church of Jesus Christ - April SMOKY MOUNTAIN SPRING MEETING IN TENNESSEE SET APRIL 1-4, 2013 The 2013 Smoky Mountain Spring Meeting in Pigeon Forge,Tennessee will be held beginning on Monday night, April 1st, and continuing through Thursday morning April 4th. It will be held in the Grand Ball Room of the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The Convention Center is on the Parkway at the South end of town. It is almost directly behind the Cracker Barrel. Rooms are available at the Ramada Inn next to the Convention Center. The motel and the Convention Center share the same parking lot; so the meeting place is easy to get to. The price of the rooms is $45 per night. The reservations number is Be sure to tell them you are with the Primitive Baptist Meeting. If you need a first floor room you need to make your reservation before March 1st. For further information you may call Elder Harold Hunt at NEW CANYON, TX PBC TO BE CONSTITUTED SATURDAY, APRIL 6th BY BORGER CHURCH The Borger Primitive Baptist Church is pleased to announce that in its January 27th conference, and with the Lord s help and blessing, we plan to constitute the Fellowship meeting in Canyon, Texas, as the Canyon Primitive Baptist Church on the 1st Saturday in April, the 6th of April This little group has been meeting since October of 2011, and have faithfully been meeting on the 1st and 3rd Sundays. The Borger church recognizes the collective work of these servants and trust our Lord to continue his blessings on them. We fully support their decision and desire to constitute, and trust the Lord to help us in this endeavor. We also enlist your prayers, help and support in this meeting. The churches will meet Saturday morning April 6th starting with song services at 10:30 a.m. the constitution service will commence first, followed with lunch, and then afternoon services, with singing, fellowship and we trust the preaching of the word. This has been a great blessing to all of us in Borger, as well as the folks meeting in Canyon. We trust that the Lord will continue to shower his blessings down on the Canyon church as well as all of his children, and faithful in Christ. The Church in Canyon is located at nd Avenue, in Canyon Texas. There is a map on the church websites if further directions are needed. Please join us Saturday morning for this spiritual time, and observation of one of the true blessings in the furtherance of the gospel. If you can t come, please pray for us. -- Elder James Baker 5126 Temple Dr. Amarillo, Texas Elder Don Watson 81 Jynteewood Canyon, Texas BURNET, TEXAS PBC SLATES ANNUAL MEETING APRIL The Burnet Primitive Baptist Church in Burnet, Texas will endeavor to host their Annual Meeting the first weekend in April April 6-7, The meeting will start on Saturday morning with services at 10:00. There will be lunch served, followed by an afternoon service. The meeting will conclude with regularly scheduled worship services on Sunday morning at 10:00. The meeting house is located three miles east of Burnet, Texas on Highway 29. For more information, please contact the church clerk, Sister Joy Rucker: (rucker.joy@gmail.com), or their pastor Elder Hugh Montgomery: (pop6@sbcgloral.net) or visit their websiteat LAVERNIA, TEXAS PBC HOSTS FIRST ANNIVERSARY MEETING APRIL 6-7 Lord willing, the LaVernia Texas Primitive Baptist Church will hold its first anniversary meeting the first weekend in April April 6-7, Services will start Saturday morning at 10:00; afternoon services at 2:00; and evening services at 6:00 and conclude with Sunday morning services., Lord willing Elder Sonny Huckaby will be with us for the meeting. We invite all ministers of the same faith and order to come be with us. We will preach all we can that are able to attend. Please come and worship with us if you can. We pray each of you have a good year in 2013, and that the Lord blesses all of us with His presence when we meet to serve Him. Our church house is located in downtown LaVernia at 210 Chihuahua Street. For more information contact Elder Larry Hausenfluke, pastor, at LOUISIANA PB ASSOCIATION SET APRIL WITH NEW PROVIDENCE PBC AT RINGGOLD The Louisiana Primitive Baptist Association Union Meeting will convene with New Providence Primitive Baptist Church, Ringgold, LA beginning Friday morning April 12, 2013, and concluding Saturday afternoon April 13, The church is located on La. HWY 154 East, Ringgold, LA. We extend an invitation to each of you to come worship with us during this meeting and pray the the Holy Spirit will be present as well. For other info contact Elder Joe Asbell (318) or Bro. Benny R. Miers (318) MT. GILEAD PBC OF SMITHVILLE, MS. TO HOST WEST AMITE ASSOCIATION April 25, 26, 27 & 28 4th Weekend The Mt. Gilead Primitive Baptist Church of Smithdale, Mississippi will be hosting the West Amite Association beginning on Thursday evening, April 25 at 7:00. Services will be all day Friday and Saturday and will conclude with service on Sunday. Lunch will be served on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Supper will be served Friday and Saturday. BETHLEHEM PBC IN IZORO, TEXAS TO HOST ANNUAL MTG. APRIL 27 & 28 The Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church in Izoro, Texas will host their annual meeting beginning on Saturday morning before the fourth Sunday in April. The Church has invited Elder Mike Montgomery to be with them during their meeting. There will be services Saturday morning and afternoon but not Saturday night. The meeting will conclude on Sunday morning and meals will be served at the Church throughout the meeting. The Bethlehem Church invites visiting brothers and sisters to come and worship with them. They also extend an invitation to the ministers who feel led to attend the meeting. The church is located on FM 1690 just off Highway 281. From Lampasas go North on Highway 281 to junction with FM 1690 about 11 miles. Take right on FM Go 8.5 miles to Izoro. Keep going North on Highway 281 to junction with FM 1690 for a couple of more miles. The Church will be on the right. For more details contact Elder Hugh Montgomery : pop6@sbcglobal.net. It is well, with my soul... (Editor s note: The background for this story and hymn were taken from the website of Elder David Montgomery). One of the more popular gospel songs is: It is well, with my soul written by Horatio Spafford. in 1873 It was based on a series of personal family tragedies in the lives of he and his wife and family. Living in Chicago In 1871, Horatio Spafford was a prosperous, prominent lawyer and devout Presbyterian church elder. He was a senior partner in one of Chicago s major law firms. His wife was the former Anna Lawson. Anna Larssen, later Americanized to Lawson, was born in Stavanger, Norway, in Horatio was immediately attracted by Anna s beauty and intelligence when she attended his Sunday school class in Chicago. When Horatio realized that Anna, fourteen years younger than he, was only fifteen, he arranged for three years tuition at a boarding school near Chicago before the idea of marriage could be discussed. The couple married in A series of tragedies began in 1871 and lasted to 1880 when their son died from scarlet fever at the age of four. Horatio and Anna were living comfortably with their four young daughters in Chicago. He and his wife were also prominent supporters and close friends of evangelist Dwight L. Moody. Spafford invested extensively in real estate north of an expanding downtown Chicago in the spring of When the Great Fire of Chicago reduced the city to ashes in October 1871, the same year that Spafford invested in Chicago real estate, it also destroyed most of Spafford s sizable investment. Ship cruise across Atlantic turns tragic In 1873, to benefit his wife s health, Spafford planned an extended stay in Europe for his family. Spafford chose Europe knowing that his friend D. L. Moody would be preaching there in the fall. At the last moment Spafford was detained by real estate business, but Anna and the four girls sailed without him to Paris on the steamer Ville du Havre. Within twelve minutes on November 21, 1873, the luxury steamer sank in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean after being rammed by the British iron sailing ship the Lochearn. Anna was picked up unconscious on a floating spar, but the four daughters perished. The Spafford daughters, Annie, Maggie, Bessie, and Tanetta drowned. 226 people lost their lives, including all four of Spafford s daughters. A fellow survivor of the collision, Pastor Weiss, recalled Anna saying, God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand why. When Anna was picked up unconscious by the crew of the Lochearn, the rescue ship itself was in danger of sinking. Fortunately, the Trimountain, a cargo sailing vessel, arrived to save the survivors. Nine days later on Dec. 1, 1873 after the shipwreck Anna landed in Cardiff, Wales, and cabled Horatio, Saved alone. What shall I do... Song written while traveling to pick up wife After receiving Anna s telegram, Horatio immediately left Chicago to bring his wife home. On the Atlantic crossing, the captain of his ship called Horatio to his cabin to tell him that they were passing over the spot where his four daughters had perished. He wrote to Rachel, his wife s half-sister: On Thursday last we passed over the spot where she went down, in mid-ocean, the waters three miles deep. But I do not think of our dear ones there. They are safe, folded, the dear lambs. The Spafford s son Horatio, born three years after the tragedy, died in 1880 at age four. According to Bertha Spafford Vester, a daughter born after the tragedy, Spafford wrote the hymn It Is Well with My Soul on the journey as he passed over the watery grave of his four daughters. The song remains popular and still sung today. The original manuscript has only four verses, but Spafford s daughter states how later another verse (the fourth in order below) was added and the last line of the original was slightly modified. The music, written by Philip Bliss, was named after the ship on which Spafford s daughters died, Ville du Havre. Four days shy of his 60th birthday, Spafford died on October 16, 1888, of malaria and was buried in Mount Zion Cemetery Jerusalem. It is well, with my soul When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul. (Refrain): It is well (it is well), with my soul (with my soul), It is well, it is well with my soul. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul. (Refrain) My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought! My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! (Refrain) For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live: If Jordan above me shall roll, No pain shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. (Refrain) And Lord haste the day, when my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul. (Refrain)

6 Page 6 February 2013 February 2013 Page 11 Monkey on your back Meetings... Page 2... BY BROTHER RANDALL KING The saying monkey on your back is used most often to refer to someone whose addiction to drugs or alcohol is so difficult for them to break that it s like trying to get a monkey off their back when he doesn t want to be forced off. However, in a broader sense it can be applied to any addiction that we re having trouble kicking. God s children can get addicted to all sorts of things: food, sexual pleasures, football, fishing, arts and crafts, TV, or having the best looking lawn in town. Whatever your monkey may be, when it comes to the effect our sin has in separating us from God, a monkey on our back is serious business...as serious as a drug addiction. People sometimes look at a drug addiction as somehow worse than an addiction to these other things, but to do so is rooted in pride. You say, Oh, wait a minute! A drug addiction can take someone s life, but an addiction to TV can t. Yet why do we look at our life in this world as the worst possible thing than can be lost? Such thinking stems from an attachment to this world which is not of the Father. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? - Matthew 16:25-26 BORGER SERVICES The Primitive Baptist Church of Borger, Texas was blessed with a wonderful day of worship the fourth Sunday in December, Elder Trey Collier from the Gulf Coast Primitive Baptist Church and Elder Don Martin from the Muleshoe Primitive Baptist Church were visiting with them. From left, Elder Don Watson, Elder Don Martin, Elder Trey Collier, and Elder James Baker, pastor. Brothers and sisters, until we start looking at the monkey on our own back as seriously as we do a drug addiction on someone else s back, we will not take getting rid of it as seriously as we should. When we fail to see our own sin as seriously as we see someone else s, we have set up a god in our life which we are placing before the true and living God. Our god is whatever we love more than the true and living God the God of heaven and earth. If we are unwilling to give up what we love in this world in order to serve God as he has told us, then we have set up an alternate god (or gods) to serve whether we are willing to admit it or not. We turn to these gods (sex, alcohol, TV, etc.) for relief from the problems of life, when in reality these things become a burden a monkey on our back pulling us downward. My hope is that each of us can be honest within our own mind, and not only be honest but actually apply our changed way of thinking by making positive changes in our actions. In doing so, we kick that monkey off and feel freedom we hadn t previously known. If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart. - Psalm 44: Randall King Lubbock, Texas A New Daily Devotional Elder Dolph Painter has just recently published a Daily Devotional. It has a brief devotional article for each day in the year. The articles are both inspiring and instructive. He has done a very good job in putting them together. The book is worth far more than the $10.00 asking price. Persons should also include $2.50 shipping and handling for the first copy, and $.50 for each additional copy. The books can be ordered from Elder Painter at P. O. Box 263, Hull GA Role of the will in discipleship Now available for order is a new booklet by Elder Joe Holder of California, titled The Will and Its Role in Discipleship. The booklet is 64 pages and provides historical reflections on the absolute presdinarian controversy and related errant doctrines. It may be ordered for $5.00 postpaid from Sovereign Grace Publications, P.O. Box 23514, Lexington, KY ENCOURAGEMENT Dear Ones, In thinking of the new year: Phil 4:19; Psalms 46; Matt. 16:18-19; Rev. 12:11 is very encouraging. Wishing each of you a joyous new year along the way. In dear Hope and love, Sister Loretta Lilly Akron, Ohio MARCH 8, 9, 10, 2013 ANNUAL MEETING AT OLD UNION PBC NEAR HOT SPRINGS, ARK. The Old Union Primitive Baptist Church near of Hot Springs, Arkansas, will host their Annual Meeting the 2nd weekend in March. The meeting will begin on Friday night March 9th and continue all day Saturday and conclude on Sunday morning. For information, contact Elder Adam Green at or at adamandashlie@centurytel.net. Directions: Coming in on-30 take Exit 111 onto Highway 70 towards Hot Springs. Stay on Highway 70 for about nine minutes until you reach Highway 128 Turn right on Highway 128 and follow it until it ends at the intersection of Highway 5. Turn left on Highway 5 and travel about 2 miles until you reach Danville Road. There is a small store on the left where Danville Road is on the right. There is a sign reading Old Union Primitive Baptist Church at the intersection. Turn right on Danville Road and follow it eight miles to the church. GRACE PBC, HOUSTON, TEXAS TO HOST ANNUAL SINGING SATURDAY, MARCH 16 The Grace Primitive Baptist Church in Houston, Texas will host its Annual Singing at 10 a.m. on Saturday before the 3rd weekend in March (March 16, 2013). There will be lunch, followed singing in the afternoon. The Church is at 3616 Hurley Street in Houston, Texas. For more information please contact either Brother Bobby Moseley at bmoseley2@comcast.net or Elder Mike Moseley mmoseley01@hotmail.com. You can also visit their website at: 3-DAY MEETING PLANNED AT LITTLE ZION PBC IN BELLFLOWER CA MARCH 8-10 God willing, the California Fellowship will convene with Little Zion Primitive Baptist Church AT Bellflower, California on Friday, March 9th starting at 10:00 a.m. There will be three services that day with dinner and supper served. There will be two services Saturday, March 9th starting at 10 a.m. with dinner served. Elders Michael and David Montgomery of Texas accepted our invitation to be the visiting ministers. We welcome all visiting ministers as well as other visitors to worship with us. We are so thankful to have this opportunity to meet and fellowship with God s children, and to worship our lord and Saviour in His church. Directions to Little Zion: From the 605 Fwy in Los Angeles, take the Alondra off ramp and go west to Woodruff Avenue. Turn left and approximately ½ mile the church is on the left side at Woodruff next to the bicycle shop. There are many motels in the area within a 10-mile radius of the church. Days Inn and Suites at Pioneer Blvd., Artesia $ Best Western Norwalk Inn at Firestone Blvd., Norwalk (562) $ Studio Inn and Suites Downey at Lakewood Blvd. Downey (562) $ For more information please contact Bro. Larry Lasnik (310) or Bro. Jim Trautner (909) or Elder Joe Holder (951) BETHEL PBC CHURCH - DALLAS ANNUAL MEETING MARCH 15, 16 & 17 Lord willing, the Bethel Primitive Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas will hold our annual meeting the third weekend of March, Friday through Sunday, March 15, 16 and 17, We are planning a light sandwich supper on Friday sometime after 5:00 with services to follow. We desire to continue our worship with Saturday morning and afternoon services (no Saturday night service) and conclude with our regular Sunday morning worship service. Singing for the Saturday morning service will begin no later than 10:00 and lunch will be served both days. We invite all ministering servants and all others who have a desire, to come and worship with us. We expect Elder Charles Whitten, from Jackson, TN, to be with us again this year. Most importantly, we pray that the Lord will bless us with His presence in this series of meetings. The Church is located at Seagoville Road, Dallas, Texas For more information, contact: Elder Dan Newman at or Elder Dave Wattenbarger at LEWISVILLE, TEXAS PBC ANNUAL MEETING 4TH WEEKEND IN MARCH The Lewisville, Texas Primitive Baptist Church wishes to invite you to come and worship with us during our annual meeting. We are thankful to host the meeting beginning on Friday evening and continuing through Sunday morning the fourth Sunday in March 22, 23 and 24, We will serve a light supper on Friday at 5:30 and services will begin at 7:00. There will be three services on Saturday, with the morning service beginning promptly at 10:00. Sunday service will begin at 10:30. The church is located at 1590 Glencairn Lane in Lewisville, Texas. From I-35 take the Lewisville Main St. exit. Go west on Main approximately two miles to Gardenridge. Turn right on Gardenridge and go one block to Glencairn and turn right. We have plenty of room in our homes for out-of-town visitors. For more information please call Elder Mark Hasenmeyer at , or Michael Ivey at Please pray the Lord will richly bless this meeting and all who attend will be comforted, strengthened and grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. FRIENDSHIP PBC -- EL DORADO, ARK. ANNUAL MEETING MARCH Dear Brethren in Christ, We would like to cordially invite you to our 2013 annual meeting at Friendship Primitive Baptist Church in El Dorado, Arkansas. We have invited Elder Danny Loy and Elder Danny Wisner to come speak for us, but welcome other elders also. The meeting will start on Friday, March 22, at 6:30 p.m. with supper being provided prior to the service. The meeting will continue with two services on Saturday morning, and ending after the afternoon service. Lunch will be provided on Saturday. We are praying with anticipation for this service, in hopes that we have good attendance, and that it will be a spirit-filled meeting. We understand if you cannot attend, but please pray for us that the Lord will bless us. For those that have not been at Friendship Church before, it is located at 348 Hinson Road in El Dorado, Arkansas. Contact me at if you need more information. We can arrange hotel rooms if needed. In Christian bonds of love, Elder Myron Ford STEPHENVILLE, TEXAS PBC HOSTS ANNUAL MEETING MARCH 22, 23, AND 24, 2013 The Stephenville Primitive Baptist Church will host its annual meeting on the weekend of the 4th Sunday of March. Services will begin Friday night with a sandwich supper at 6:00 p.m. and singing beginning at 7:00 p.m. Services will continue Saturday with services at 10:00 a.m. and in the afternoon following lunch at the church. Services will conclude Sunday morning at regular time with singing beginning at 10:30 a.m. We invite everyone to come and worship our Lord together with us at this time. A map of Stephenville with the church located and a feature to generate a map to the church from your location can be found at the church webpage: Please be in prayer for us that the Lord will bless this meeting. For more information contact: Elder Bill Allen Pastor wallenpbc@gmail.com or Brother Royce Lee Deacon rlee@erath.net SINGING AND FELLOWSHIP MARCH 24, 2013 RUSHINGS HOUSE, FARMERSVILLE, TEXAS Sister Fran and Elder Owen Rushing will be hosting an afternoon of singing and fellowship at their home outside of Farmersville, Texas. This year is will be on Sunday afternoon, March 24th and will start around 2:30 p.m. All are welcome to come. There are several outdoor activities for the children to enjoy, including and Easter egg hunt. The Rushing s have a beautiful home out in the country, at the corner of FM 1569 and FM 903. Their actual address is 4280 FM If you would like to attend, please contact Sister Fran or Elder Owen at (903) FIFTH SUNDAY MEETING AT UNION PBC IN MISSISSIPPI MARCH 30 & 31 Union Primitive Baptist Church of Ruth, Mississippi will host a Fifth Sunday Meeting beginning Saturday, March 30 at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will follow. Supper will be served at 6:00, with service at 7:00. Service will continue on Sunday morning at 10:30 with lunch to follow. Elder Luke Laird of Akron, Alabama is the invited speaker. MULESHOE TEXAS PBC HOSTING FIFTH SUNDAY MEETING MARCH 29, 30 & 31, 2013 The Muleshoe Primitive Baptist Church are hosting a Fifth Sunday meeting in March (29, 30, 31), Services will begin Friday night with a sandwich supper at 5:30 p.m. It will continue Saturday morning at 10 a.m. followed by lunch and then the afternoon services. We will then have supper and Saturday night services. Sunday morning will begin at 10 a.m. and then lunch following. We invite each of you to come and fellowship with us. We have several motels in the area and our homes are open to you as well. If you need any information you can call Elder Don Martin at (806) or Brother Ken Wilhelm at (806) We beg an interest in your prayers for us and this meeting, It is our desire to worship our Lord and Savior with our fellow saints and sister churches, giving Him all the glory, honor and praise. Elder Don Martin, Pastor Brother Ken Wilhelm, Clerk

7 Page 10 February 2013 February 2013 Page 7 Obituaries Internet: banneroflove@aol.com - February GRACE PBC, HOUSTON, TEXAS TO HOST ANNUAL MEETING FEB. 8-10, 2013 The Grace Primitive Baptist Church in Houston, Texas will host their Annual Meeting, the second weekend in February, beginning on Friday night, with three services on Saturday and concluding Sunday morning. The Church is at 3616 Hurley Street in Houston, TX. For more information please contact either Brother Bobby Moseley at bmoseley2@comcast.net or Elder Mike Moseley mmoseley01@hotmail.com. You can also visit their website at: FLORIDA FELLOWSHIP MEETING SET FOR FEBRUARY 8-10, 2013: KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA You ar e cordially invited to attend the Florida Fellowship Meeting on February 8-10, Friday and Saturday services will be held at the Ramada Inn Gateway, Kissimmee, Florida. Morning services will begin at 10 a.m. (lunch following), afternoon services begin at 2 p.m., evening services at 7 p.m. Sunday service will be held at Little Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Davenport, Florida. This service will begin at 10 a.m. (lunch following). Lodging is within walking distance of the meeting at Ramada Inn Gateway, 7470 Hwy. 192 West, Kissimmee, Florida. Rates: $49.00 per night. Reservations can be made through Kathy Ulmer at Please make your reservations 30 days prior to the meeting to ensure price and availability. Cancellations will be honored, if made four days prior to arrival. Contacts: Elder Mark Nunley , Brother Wendell Ulmer , or Brother Wayne Garvin ELDER SCOTT FROM GEORGIA TO PREACH ARKANSAS APPOINTMENTS IN FEBRUARY Elder John Scott from Statesboro, Georgia has been scheduled for a series of preaching appointments in the Arkansas area during February. See schedule below. - Thursday night February 14, 2013 Reveille Primitive Baptist Church Magazine, Arkansas Elder James Isaacs, Pastor. Friday night February 15, 2013 Pilgrim s Rest Primitive Baptist Church Arkoma, Oklahoma Elder Steve Woods, Pastor. Saturday afternoon and night Meeting Notices... Send in your advance meeting notices February 16, 2013 Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church Mansfield, Arkansas Elder Steve Woods, Pastor. Sunday morning February 17, 2013 Reveille Primitive Baptist Church Magazine, Arkansas Elder James Isaacs, Pastor. Sunday night February 17, 2013 Six Mile Creek Primitive Baptist Church Caulksville, Arkansas Elder Mark Green, Pastor If you would like more information, please contact Elder Mark Green: (michaelspappy@hotmail.com). ORDINATION SLATED AT MISSISSIPPI ANNUAL MEETING FEBRUARY Mt. Gilead Primitive Baptist Church in Smithdale, Mississippi will be hosting its annual winter meeting February15-17, 2013 Friday-to-Sunday beginning at 7:00 p.m. Services will continue on Saturday morning beginning at 10:30 with lunch to follow. A special service will be held after lunch Saturday to ordain Brother Johnny Parsons and Brother Robert Storey to the office of deacon. Supper will be served at 6:00 with services at 7;00. The meeting will conclude Sunday morning with service beginning at 10:30 BETHANY PBC, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS ANNUAL MEETING FEBRUARY 15, 16 & 17, 2013 Bethany Primitive Baptist Church in San Antonio, TX will host its annual meeting the third Sunday weekend in February February 15, 16, and 17, Lord willing, they plan to have Elder Mark Richards, the pastor of the Little Vine Primitive Baptist Church in Austin, Texas to be with them during that time, along with other visiting ministers and guests. If you need additional information or wish for us to make lodging arrangements, please contact them through the address ministry@bethanypbc.net or call Elder Mike Rodgers at MACEDONIA PBC IN MISSISSIPPI ANNUAL SPRING MEETING, FEBRUARY 22, 23, & 24, 2013 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: The members of the Macedonia Primitive Baptist Church located on Hwy 15, six miles north of Ackerman, MS cordially invite each of you to be with us during our Annual Spring Meeting to convene the 4th weekend of February which will be February 22 through 24, (806) P.O. Box 93123, Lubbock, TX This will be an open meeting and we invite each of you to come and be with us.. Lord willing, the schedule for our services is as follows: Friday, February 22: Morning services to begin at 10 a.m., lunch to follow, afternoon service will begin about 1:30 p.m., supper served starting at 5:30 p.m., night services to begin between 6:30-7 p.m. with the same schedule Saturday the 23rd. On Sunday Morning services to begin at 10:30 a.m. with lunch to follow. We sincerely invite you to come and be with us in worshiping our Lord. If not, pray for a spirit-filled meeting and visit us when you can. We are a small congregation and have limited homes available, but there are several hotels in the Starkville, MS area. For more information contact: Elder Tony Lester (pastor) at (cell) - March DEACON ORDINATION SET 1ST WEEKEND IN MARCH AT NEW BETHEL PBC, SNYDER, OK New Bethel Primitive Baptist Church of Snyder, Oklahoma, has voted to ordain Brother Don Mann to the office of deacon. The meeting will begin on Saturday morning March, 2, 2013, with singing at 10 a.m. The ordination will be Saturday afternoon. We will not have a night service, and conclude our meeting Sunday morning. We ask for the ordained help of our sister churches to assist us in this ordination. We invite all to come and worship with us. We are praying that the Lord will bless us with the presence of his Spirit, that His name might be honored. The Church building is located on Highway 183 on the south side of Snyder. We look forward to welcoming you to our homes. We have hookups for campers on the Church grounds. There are also motels in Altus, 22 miles west or Lawton 30 miles east. For more information contact; Elder Norman Jones, , Brother Forest Cook, , Brother Junior Purser, BETHEL PBC CHURCH IN BATON ROUGE ANNUAL MEETING MARCH 1-3 Bethel Primitive Baptist Church of Baton Rouge, Louisiana will be hosting its annual meeting beginning with supper at 6:00 p.m. on March 1, with evening service beginning at 7:00. Services will continue Saturday morning beginning at 10:30. Lunch will be served, followed by an afternoon service. Services will conclude Sunday morning with service beginning at 10:30, lunch to follow. Elder Robert Adam of Edwardsville, Illinois is the invited minister. Brenda Norris BRENDA JOY NORRIS Nov. 15, Dec, 30, 2012 Brenda Joy Norris, 58, of Lubbock has left this world to be with The Lord. She was born in Lubbock on December 15, 1954 to Bob and Ruthie Glasscock. She is survived by her daughter Courtney McArdle, son Colby Norris, granddaughter Hailey McArdle, brother Wayne Glasscock, sister Janna Baker, niece Kayla Baker, and nephews Casey and Colton Baker. She had joined the Primitive Baptist Church at Lubbock in 2003, and later moved her membership to the Tulia, Texas Primitive Baptist Church. Visitation was held Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at Combest Family Funeral Homes. Private grave side services were reserved for family members only. The family requests any donations or memorials donations be made to The Nancy Alexander Fund at any Wells Fargo Bank location. Please celebrate the life of Brenda by visiting What s in your will? Do you have a Last Will and Testament? If so, what s in it? Have you taken this good opportunity to leave a small part of your estate to the church? A will is an excellent opportunity to help provide for the future needs of the church. A small contribution to the church on the event of your death could be used to offset the church s expenses for funeral, but also provide for long term needs for the church building or assistance to the other church members. When you have your will prepared, or updated, consider making the church one of your inheritors. Sister Rossettie Phipps ROSSETTIE PHIPPS June 20, 1918 Aug. 30, 2012 Our Great God, in his love and tender mercy, sent his angles for his precious child, sister Rossettie Phipps,94, of Amarillo, on Thursday August 30,2012. Services were held September 1,2012 in Memorial Park Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, E. Interstate 40, Amarillo, Texas, with Elder Don Martin of Corinth Primitive Baptist Church of Tulia and Elder Cleveland Bass of the Primitive Baptist church of Cortez, Colorado officiating. Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery. Sister Rose was born June 20,1918, in Taylor County, Ky. Sister Rose was a devoted wife and mother. She loved her family and her church. She spent many hours daily in prayer and was faithful to be at church every Sunday that she was physically able. Many times when she was in discomfort. She was delighted to pay for improvements to the church building and paved parking in front of the building. Her yard and flowers were a great delight to her. She kept a tidy, loving home. When she was more able to see, she made beautiful embroidered and pieced family heirloom.quilts. Sister Rose was a great example and inspiration to us all. She leaves a big empty place in our hearts and in our church. She was preceded in death by her husband James Jim Spurgeon Phipps, her parents Alonzo and Julia Ann Darnell,a son Paul Sneed, and a daughter Pearl Johnson. She is survived by one daughter, Mildred Riggs and husband Jake of Amarillo, three sons, Phil Phipps and wife Brenda of Hereford, Lynn Phipps and wife Janet of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Tex Phipps and wife Judy of Belton. 17 grand children, 53 great grandchildren, multiple great-great -grandchildren and a host of friend. Corinth Primitive Baptist Church, Tulia, Texas Elder Don Martin; Moderator June Collier; Church Clerk JAMES THOMAS BECKHAM September 23, 1914 October 23, 2012 James Beckham was born September 23, 1914, near Richland, Texas, to Thomas and Inez Nixson Beckham. He died peacefully of natural causes at his residence in Snyder, Texas, on October 23, 2012 at the age of 98. Growing up, James lived in Richland, New Mexico, and Brenham, Texas. He began working for the Sun Oil Company after graduation from Brenham High School in His job with Sun Oil Company required moves to various oil field locations in West Texas, including Odessa, Kermit and Wink. He was transferred to Snyder in 1954, where he worked until his retirement in He met his future wife, Eura Sneed in Midland. They were married on June 7, After 61 years of marriage, Eura preceded James in death in James was also preceded in death by two daughters -- Marilyn Beckham in 1955, and Gayle Beckham Smith in He was also preceded in death by one sister and two brothers. Brother James is survived by two daughters, Gwen Henry of Pensacola, Florida, and Carolyn Martin of Snyder, Texas, one son and daughter-inlaw, James and Mary Beckham of Odessa, Texas, and one son-in-law, Daun Smith of Granbury, Texas; six grandchildren, Thomas Beckham of Odessa, Texas, Timothy and Jodi Beckham of Ira, Texas, Trent and Annette Martin of Ira, Texas, Reese and Melanie Martin of Abilene, Texas, Amber Smith of Kuwait, and Bradley Smith of Austin, Texas. Also, seven great-grandchildren: Tanner Martin, Nichole, Kristen, David, and Thomas Beckham, Daylon and Dillon Moore, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and a host of friends Brother James joined the Snyder, Texas, Primitive Baptist Church August 18, 1957 and was ordained as a deacon in He was a strong, peace loving worker in and supporter of the church. Brother James and Sister Eura hosted many church visitors in their sweet home through the years. Brother James had a great love for life, his family, and his church. His positive attitude, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor served him well. He had a lifelong interest in his community and world around him. Those who knew and loved him were truly blessed by his life. Funeral services were held October 27, 2012, at Bell Cypert Seale Funeral Home Chapel in Snyder, Texas, with Elder Bernard Gowens, pastor, officiating, and Brother Thomas Strayhorn assisting. Burial was at Snyder Cemetery in Snyder, Texas. Written by request of the Snyder Primitive Baptist Church while in conference. In loving memory. Thomas and Vina Strayhorn.

8 Page 8 February 2013 February 2013 Page 9 Speaking in tongues By Elder Vernon Johnson (Part 2) (Editor s Note: This is the second of a two-parts series by Elder Vernon Johnson, and taken from the website of the Denton, Texas Primitive Baptist Church. Dentonpbc.org ) By ELDER VERNON JOHNSON In this installation, we take a look at the teaching of 1 Corinthians, Chapter 14 with regard to speaking in tongues. This chapter deals with speaking in unknown tongues. Unknown tongues are not mentioned anywhere else in the scriptures, except in this chapter. As we have previously discovered, all previous mentions of tongues in the New Testament, were of known tongues. That is the languages were known by someone who heard the speaker speak. It is very important in our understanding that we consider who the unknown tongue is unknown to in 1 Cor. Chapter 14. Importance of prophesying The chapter begins as follows: 1 Cor. 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. In this passage, Paul shows the greater importance of prophesying over spiritual gifts. Also, note that the man who speaketh in an unknown tongue speaks unto God. The language he is speaking is unknown to other men in the church. They cannot understand him. His speaking in a language unknown to the others in the church means that he must be speaking unto God for no one else in the church could possibly understand him. If anyone else in the church could understand him, then the language would be known to that individual. An example of this would be if I spoke English to a congregation that knew only Spanish. I could speak to God because he knows all languages. However, to the congregation I am speaking in an unknown tongue and they would receive no edifying from my speech. 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. This shows that the speaker knows the language in which he is speaking as he is edifying himself. However, the church is not edified by his speaking unless he speaks in a language they can understand, or else, there is an interpreter to interpret from the speakers language to the congregations language. 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. 6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? Tongues needs interpretation Paul said that in the church the church is not edified or profited by someone speaking to them in an unknown tongue, unless the tongue is interpreted that the church may receive edification by revelation or knowledge or prophesying or doctrine. 14:7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. Paul compares someone speaking in an unknown tongue to a lifeless musical instrument that gives no distinction in the sound so that it cannot be discerned what is being piped or harped. He also compares speaking in an unknown tongue to a trumpet that gives an uncertain sound. The hearers have no idea what they are to do because of the uncertainty. Moreover, he says that someone speaking in an unknown tongue is like someone speaking into the air. It cannot be known what is spoken. Paul also admonishes that we should speak with words easy to be understood. Paul explains unknown tongues 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. 11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Some have taken the position that unknown tongues are those that are unknown to any man or group of men. However, Paul dispels that idea when he said, There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Each voice or language has a signification. Thus, the idea of someone speaking in a language unknown to man would be contrary to the idea that when someone speaks in an unknown language that he is speaking in a language unknown to any man. Moreover, Paul says that for two people to speak in a language unknown to one another is barbaric and makes the two people like barbarians to one another. Edifying the church 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. Paul speaks here of the great need to edify the church and that by interpreting to the congregation what they otherwise could not understand is the only way that the church could be edified. 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. If I could pray in a language that I did not know then my spirit would pray, but my understanding would be unfruitful. In other words, it would have no meaning to me unless I have understanding. Paul affirmed, I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the understanding also. Thus, when we pray we should pray with the spirit in a language we understand. Likewise when singing we should sing in the spirit in a language we can understand. Paul also affirmed that we should pray in a language that the congregation can understand so that they can be edified and say amen at our giving of thanks. 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Paul teaches that it is far more important to just speak five words with understanding in the church than to speak ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. There is no teaching or edifying of the church in speaking in an unknown tongue. It is a senseless exercise to speak in a tongue that is unknown to the congregation. Believers and unbelievers 14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. Speaking in other tongues to a congregation of believers is not a sign to them. The believers need no sign. They are already believers in Jesus Christ. Prophesying is for the believers. Moreover, the Lord said that unbelievers will not hear him even though they see signs. 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. Paul says that if the unbelievers or unlearned come into the church and someone speaks in a language they do not know, then they will say that you are mad. However, if they come into the church and someone prophesies unto them and they are convinced of the truth then they will worship God and report that God is in you of a truth. Obviously, this is just one more argument put forth by Paul that preaching and teaching in the church should be done by words easy to be understand and that speaking in an unknown uninterpreted language should not be done in the church. Interpreter may be needed 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. Once more Paul gives a reason why speaking in languages unknown to the church should not be done unless there is someone to interpret for the church. He says Let all things be done unto edifying. Paul had previously taught that speaking Elder Vernon Johnson is pastor of the Primitive Baptist Church at Denton, Texas, and his writings are available at the church website at dentonpbc.org. in a language unknown to the church was not edifying. Moreover, Paul affirms that if there come those who speak in languages unknown to the church, then someone should interpret, or if there is no interpreter he should keep silence in the church. God is not the author of confusion 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. For someone to speak in a language unknown to the rest of the congregation when there is no interpreter is confusion. God is not the author of such. Elder Vernon Johnson WE WANT TO PUBLISH Meeting Notices Meeting reports/pictures Doctrinal articles Weddings and Obituaries Ordinations Biblical History Christian experiences