It is a distinct privilege to welcome, as our guests, those of you who have come to share the spirit and blessings of this Fellowship Meeting. Landmark Missionary Baptist Church has been richly blessed by the fellowship of those brothers and sisters who, since our first meeting in 1955, have consistently contributed, by their presence and participation, to the enrichment of our lives.
    From the first meeting, the unplanned emphasis of these meetings has centered around the working out of God's purpose, through an elect people to whom he has progressively revealed His purpose in the covenants he has made to men. There has been a common understanding that God is working out His purpose within the concept of "the House of God" - which, in this age, finds its expression in "the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth", (I Tim. :15). We have, further, rejoiced together in anticipation of the ultimate establishment, on this earth, of a righteous kingdom, with Jesus Christ, personally, visibly and bodily reigning from the reestablished throne of His father

    "But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care for me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction", (Philippians 4:10-14).
    Though he has already referred to the generosity of his Philippian brethren (1:5, 7; 2:30), Paul has not previously thanked them for this expression of their love - which he accepts, as they sent it, "in the Lord". He is very sensitive in the matter of finances. At Thessalonica he appears to have been charged with hiding behind a "cloak of covetousness", (I Thes. 2:5). And there are always some who are ready to complain that men have entered the Gospel ministry "just for money".
    At Corinth Paul had defended his RIGHT to claim the support of those to whom he preached, (I Cor. 9:3-18; comp. Gal. 6:6); but, because

cause of their foolish impugning of his motives, he preached the gospel there without accepting anything from them. Even when criticized for so doing, He continued to preach the gospel freely at Corinth - so as to cut off any occasion whereby his enemies might use the money issue against him, 2 Cor. 11:8-12).
    Paul is said to have "robbed other churches" that Corinth might receive the gospel without charge. Yet, when he sent Titus to raise funds to help the poor saints at Jerusalem, some actually presumed to suggest that he would, himself, end up with the money, (2 Cor. 12:16--18). But, Paul worked with his own hands that he might not have to depend on those who were suspicious of his motives, (I Thes. 2:9; Acts 20:33).
    Paul's joy in the Philippians was NOT merely because they supported him; he knew that they understood and TRUSTED him! They had previously supported his missionary

activities in other places. Again and again they had sent offerings to assist in his labors. It had been some time since he had heard from them before the coming of Epaphroditus, (2 Cor. 11:9). And this renewal of their remembrance had been sweet to him - especially since i.t came to him in the midst of sore trials; it was like the appearance of the first flowers of Springtime!
    The apostle does not mean to imply that they had FORGOTTEN him; they had merely "lacked opportunity" to communicate. His joy at this renewed communication was not because he had any great NEED; nor was it because he desired a gift, (vs. ha; 17a). Though it was very USEFUL to him his real joy was in their spiritual prosperity - of which this was a proof! And he certainly does not hint that he desires them to keep the offerings coming! His sensitivity, on the point of financial independence, is far too delicate for that.
    Here is a man who has been "initiated into the secret" of Christian joy, (vs. llb-12). Unlike the Stoics and Platonists, Paul makes no claim to self-sufficiency, (2 Cor. 3:5; 9:8). He has learned the secret of CONTENTMENT - whatever his outward circumstances, (I Tim. 6:6). Not only has he learned to ACCEPT, with humility, what God provides; he is joyful with regard to what God, in His supreme wisdom, WITHHOLDS!
    In, and through, the Lord Jesus Christ the man of God is adequately strengthened for whatever demands are made on him as he walks in the

way of God's appointment, (vs. 13; 2 Cor. 12:10; I Tim. 1:12; 2 Tim. 4
:17; Eph. 6:10; comp. Rom. 8:35-39).
    Lest someone take Paul's words as a reflection on the generosity of the Philippians, he graciously commends their cooperation with Jesus Christ in ministering to his needs -- "communicating", sharing, or fellowshipping in his afflictions, (vs. 14: comp. Heb. 10:33; Rev. 1:9; 2 Cor. 1:7). E.G.

WELCOME! ... CONTINUED David, in Jerusalem.
    Never have we attempted to exclude or intimidate sincere brethren of divergent viewpoints. Though Landmark is not a Calvinistic church, we have respected and welcomed, our Calvinistic brethren as participants in these meetings. And we are most grateful for the fact that none of our brethren have been so high-minded as to feel it their "Christian Duty" to correct the doctrinal views of the host church and pastor.
    True fellowship is based on areas of AGREEMENT. It is our sincere belief that, as brethren continue to "search the scriptures", we will be drawn into an ever deepening and broadening fellowship.
    Again, WELCOME, BRETHREN! We want your visit with us to be a joyful one. So, if there is any way that we can improve the quality of our hospitality, just let us know HOW WE MAY SERVE YOU BETTER.
Does the neighbor next door know that YOU are a Christian?

    An increasing number of brethren are becoming increasingly appalled by what appears to be a total lack of consistency in most interpreters handling of the Holy Scriptures. There can be no doubt that considerable time and energy are expended on: 1) searching out the concordance-usages of specific biblical themes, 2) carefully analyzing the structure of words in those passages, and 3) arranging their deductions in what appears to them an enunciation of specific Biblical Doctrines.
    But, having worked through their list of words (representing doctrines), there appears to be a total lack of consideration given to a consistent INTER-RELATIONSHIP of these isolated teachings! In fact, it appears that few have the vaguest idea that their messages from week to week are blatantly contradictory - the one to the other!
    This problem is greatly magnified when a person: 1) Attempts to clearly enunciate the breadth of spiritual benefits assured to saved men who have opted to serve the Lord OUTSIDE the relationship of covenant-fellowship as set forth in the concept of "the house of God", and 2) When one attempts to formulate a system of eschatology divorced from the clearly enunciated, immutable and eternal purpose of the Almighty concerning man, the earth and the Kingdom purposed from the foundation of the world.
    The divine purpose: progressively

revealed in the covenants God made to men; repeatedly reiterated and more fully enunciated through the Old Testament prophets; confirmed by the Son of Man; proclaimed by the apostles; and the hope of the faithful, in all ages, WILL NOT FAIL! Nor will it be transformed into something of a different nature, or find its fulfillment in a different realm - so as to contradict the earliest enunciation of that purpose.
    There is NO self-contradiction with God! His purpose is consistent; it will not change or fail! His word is consistent - forever settled in heaven! And it is most proper that those charged with the responsibility of leading and feeding His sheep be concerned about consistency also.
    May God, to whom we must ALL

give account, HELP US TO BE FAITHFUL in this matter! E.G.


    The scriptures clearly teach that God created man for His own glory and praise. The Son of God died to save us from condemnation to eternal ruin and restore us to fellowship with His heavenly Father. His word commands us NOT to forsake the assembling of ourselves together with our brethren - where praise, prayer and worship are offered in His worthy name.
    But, how much of your time is actually devoted to Him Who, in His great love, has died to set you free from sin - liberating you unto the liberty that belongs only to the children of God?
    If you should spend an hour in church every Sunday, and pray ten minutes every day for 70 years, at the end of those 70 years you will have devoted only five and one-half months of your life wholly to HIM! This is only two-thirds of one percent of your time!
    Are you really willing to face the master with SUCH A RECORD? OR WITH ONE THAT IS EVEN WORSE?
    0, that, instead of serving "divers lusts and pleasures", (Tit. 3:3), we might learn to "serve the Lord with gladness", (Psa. 100:2); in fervency of spirit, (Rom. 7:6; 12:11); with reverence, godly fear and humility of mind. It is not possible to serve two masters: God and mammon, or God and self. It is well to know that those who, in love, serve the Lord Jesus will be honored by the Father, (Jn. 12:26).