In my haste to get last month's paper on the press, I neglected to list the Scripture on which the lead article was based. In case you were confused: "The Priestly Role in the Aaronic Order" was an exposition of Hebrews 5:1-4. E.G.


   The fact that no mention was made of our special meetings, in the June issue of the CLARION HERALD was not intentional. Just one more evidence of forgetfulness.
    Bro. Edward Byrd spoke for Landmark MBC on June 2-9. As always, his messages were both encouraging and challenging. All who attended were richly blessed. We expect to be reaping the benefits for many days yet to come. E.G.


    Though I have not received an official announcement, it is my understanding that the PILLAR BIBLE CONFERENCE, under the sponsorship of the Hallmark Baptist Church, located near Mauldin, S.C., is scheduled for October 15-17.
    Past conferences there have been a blessing to this editor. I trust that a record attendance will be recorded for this Conference, which

    "[It is) a faithful saying: For if we be dead with [him], we shall also live with [him): If we suffer, we shall also reign with [him]: if we deny [him], he also will deny us: If we believe not, [yet] he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself", (2 Timothy 2:11-13).
    These verses need to be considered in connection with the concept of "A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ" as set forth earlier in the chapter. A good soldier: 1) Endures hardness as he stands against the enemy, (vs. 3); 2) Avoids worldly entanglements, (vs. 4); 3) Discerns God's plan for man, as demonstrated in the life and example of Jesus Christ, (vs. 7-9); and is deeply concerned for the ELECT AGENCY through which God is working out His high and holy purpose, (vs. 10).
    In verses 11-13 Paul shows that the "Good Soldier" will follow his Commander with UNWAVERING TRUST. This is set forth under what the apostle calls "Faithful [trustworthy] sayings" - to which he also refers in other places, (I Tim. l:15; 4:9; Tit. 3:8).
will be dealing with the Person of Christ. What a unifying magnetism for those who truly desire His lordship in all things! E.G.

    Paul here sees the "Good Soldier" as fully identified with Jesus Christ as "the Captain of our Salvation". There is only one place that such identity may begin; we must "be dead with Him", (Rom. 6:2-11; 2 Cor. 4:10). This means: 1) Death to SELF - involving the flesh (Gal. 2:20). 2) Death to SIN and SINNING; and 3) Death to THE WORLD and its allurements, (Gal. 6:14).
    Identity with Christ in His death assures our identity with Him in RESURRECTION-LIFE. This suggests a "newness of life" through the power of His resurrection, (Rom 6:4). This "renewal", which becomes our experience through the power of the Holy Spirit, is likened to Christ's resurrection. By its power we are sustained in our daily spiritual walk and warfare. The EFFECT of this renewal is IMMEDIATE, (Rom. 8:11); there is NO EXCUSE for carnality. It is these "mortal bodies" that are so "quickened", by

His "resurrection power", as enables us to serve Him acceptably. Its ultimate fruition is set forth in other scriptures, (I Cor. 15:20-23; Phil. 3:20-21).
    This "renewal" is "through the glory of the Father", (Jn. 11:40; Acts 4:10; 5:30; 10:40; 13:30-37; 17:31; Rom. 4:24; 10:9; I Cor. 6:14; 15:15; 2 Cor. 4:14; 13:4; Gal. 1:1; Col. 2:12; I Thes. 1:10; Heb. 13:28 1 Pet. 1:21). It is to the end that we may, RIGHT NOW, "walk in newness of life" - a life that has been given us from above, (Rom. 7:6; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 4:23-24; Col. 3:9-11).


    Disloyalty in the face of life's trials will DISQUALIFY one for sharing in Christ's reign, (vs. 12).
    To DENY HIM means "to disclaim, disown, renounce or contradict" Him. We must not make the terrible mistake of passing lightly over this concept as being applicable only to LOST men. Paul's CHIEF CONCERN here is for the steadfastness of those who have been enlisted as SOLDIERS OF JESUS CHRIST!
    There are a number of ways in which we MAY deny our Lord. We may deny Him: 1) By deliberately turning aside from known truth and from following His leadership; 2) By being timid, cowardly or ashamed to stand courageously for His Name, (2 Tim. 3:5; contr. Rev. 2:13; 3:8) 3) By disregarding His interests; 4) By rejecting His lordship over our lives; (Lk. 12:9; Jn. 13:38). 5) By the practice or promotion of immorality under the cloak of

religion, (I Pet. 2:1; Jude 4); 6) By refusing to recognize Him as God's anointed King, (I Jn. 2: 22-23); 7) By contradicting God's Word; and 8) By neglecting to "confess" Him before men, (Matt. 10:32-33).
    Those who deny the Lord WILL BE DENIED - disclaimed, disowned, renounced or contradicted. But, let us recognize that Paul is NOT discussing the subject of "lost and saved". He is, rather, discussing true CHRISTIAN MINISTRY (service) and its ultimate reward in the coming Kingdom of Christ. Any claim to faithful service that is not rendered according to God's command, and the pattern so clearly set forth in His Word, WILL BE DENIED, (Natt. 7:21-27). Those who, in spite of their high estimate of their fidelity, have DENIED His lordship over their lives, will be stripped of any claim to reward. Instead of walking with Him "in white", they will walk in nakedness and shame, (Rev. 16:15; I Cor. 3:8, 14; Rev. 3:18, 4-5; 19:14, 7-8). Their life-houses, having been built upon the shifting sands of fables and human opinions, WILL NOT STAND!


    "If we SUFFER [endure] …... we shall REIGN". This word "suffer" carries the basic idea of "faithful endurance", (Jas. 1:12; 5:11); of patient waiting on the Lord, Rom. 12:12; I Pet. 2:20). In a number of His parables Jesus stressed the necessity of such endurance if one is to share in the rule of His Kingdom, (Lk. 9:62; Matt. 24:4-13;

comp. Phil. 3:13).
    All who are LOYAL to Jesus, as Saviour and Lord, will receive a REWARD of inheritance in His Kingdom, (Acts 20:32; 26:18; Eph. 1:13-14; 5:5; Col. 1:2; 3:22-24; I Pet. 1:3-5; 2 John 8; Rev. 11:18; 22:12; Matt. 16:27). "We shall REIGN WITH HIM!" (Lk. 22:29; Matt. 19:28; Rev. 3:21; 5:10; 20:4-6; 22:3-5).


    Though having professed faith in Jesus Christ, and pledged one's loyalty to Him in the act of scriptural baptism, many have, nevertheless, proved to be FAITHLESS in their walk before Him. Like ancient Israel, they have pledged themselves to do whatever the Lord commands, but, in reality, have followed the path of DISOBEDIENCE! We know that this resulted in the FALL of the multitude in the wilderness, (Rom. 3:1-4; 10:16-21; Heb. 4:1-2; I Cor. 10:1-13).
    Even though His covenant-people turn aside to walk in disobedient unbelief, our God is EVER FAITHFUL, utterly trustworthy, (I Cor. 1:9; Deut. 7:9; Isa. 49:7; 2 Cor. 1:18; I Thes. 5:23-24; 1 Thes. 3:1-3)-. He is faithful to His promise of blessings upon those who walk in the way He has appointed. He is just as faithful to His threatening's of judgment upon the disobedient. Faithfulness is in the very nature of His being; He CANNOT DENY HIMSELF! (Num. 23:19; Tit. 1:12).
    "Thy mercy, 0 LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds".

    On August 8-li this editor will be with Pastor J. W. Moreland and the New Hope Landmark Baptist Church, of Moody, Alabama, in a series of revival services.
    Though I do not recall having met Bro. Moreland, I do look forward to this opportunity to share some precious truths that are dear to my own heart.
    Pray with us that hearts may be revived, souls saved and the name of Christ exalted! E.G.


    A recent letter from Pastor Bill Beicher, of the Antioch MBC, of Greencastle, Indiana, announces a 50th Anniversary Fellowship Meeting on September 4-6. Services will begin at 7 P.M. on Wednesday evening and continue through Friday

evening. "ON TO VICTORY" has been selected as a theme for the meeting. Church members expect to provide lodging and meals for all their guests.


    Landmark MBC, of Rockford, Illinois, is planning a 40th Anniversary Fellowship Meeting beginning on Wednesday evening after the second Sunday in June 1991, and continuing through noon on Friday.
    With this announcement made almost a year in advance, we trust that a large number of former members, and brethren from fellowshipping churches, will plan to share with us in this time of thanksgiving, worship, praise and ministry in the Word of God.
    We thank God for what he has wrought through the years and trust that this is only a beginning of what He will yet accomplish through this body for the sake of His glorious name. E.G.


    For refusing to purchase an "occupational license" to preach the gospel in Jefferson County, Kentucky, Pastor John Wayne Lowry, of the Smyrna Baptist Church, in Louisville, was arrested and jailed on May 15, 1991. Current litigation challenges the unconstitutional ordinance that every pastor must apply for an occupational license before preaching in Jefferson County. Liberal politicians and humanistic religionists are working hand in hand to silence the heralding of God's pure word RIGHT HERE IN OUR BELOVED AMERICA!
    Don't assume yourself immune!