Spring 1989
Dear Reader

As Jesus taught the Parable of the Sower, His disciples asked of Him why He spoke in parables. The answer that He gave is at the heart of my desire concerning the Banner.

"He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto YOU to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to THEM it is not given" Matt 13:11.

Two types of people were hearing Jesus teach, those whom He identified as being a "you" and those who were a "them." There is a notable difference between these. Those who are a "you" are able to hear, with a spiritual ear, what Jesus is teaching and receive spiritual substance and understanding. Those whom He called a "them" only hear, with natural ears, an interesting story about farming.

It is my prayer that each one who receives and reads the Banner may either "be" or "become" a "you" rather than "being" or "remaining" among those who area "them." My on-going desire is that the Banner will further the intention of Jesus to make known the "Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven."

There are many present day uses of this phrase, "Kingdom of Heaven." When this term is used in the Banner, it acknowledges one who is rightly the King, our Lord Jesus Christ. It seeks to make known the "Mysteries of the Kingdom" to those who have submitted their lives to His Lordship and have made Him King over every facet of their life experience.

Each issue of the Banner is sent to you with this purpose, that each one ofus may better know our Lord and be further drawn into His purposes. The Banner is sent forth as a teaching vehicle that our spiritual ears may better hear, and our spiritual eyes see.

The Banner and the Bible School are ministries of the Spirit. As such, there is an on-going warfare from the powers of darkness against continuation of these ministries. There is an urgent need for those of you who will pray for this ministry, that the Lord will fully have His way and find a ready vehicle through the Banner and the Bible School to express "Present Kingdom Truth" to His people.

I personally, greatly desire your prayers that the Banner will continue to increase in spiritual substance and value. The letters that I receive from many of you are greatly appreciated and are personally answered, as the Lord enables.

I was very pleased with your response to my request concerning the Secret of the Stairs book. The money that was given in return for a copy of the book helped reduce the accounts payable of the Bible School substantially and lifted a great burden from me. I thank you personally for this.

About a year ago, our printing press literally wore out. It was no longer good stewardship to keep putting repair money into it. A new press was purchased, with which we had many problems. This press was not the one that we felt of the Lord we were to have, as the price difference of a better press seemed too great.

An arrangement has been made wherein we received full credit for the purchase price and exchanged it for the better press. Your continued support of this ministry in sending the Banner to you is essential that equipment, paper, and postage costs may be paid.

Again, thank you for being a friend to Pinecrest and for sharing in the ministry of the Banner and the Bible School. May our Lord richly bless you and increase your knowledge of, and love for, Him as you read this issue of the Banner

Wade E Taylor