Winter 1989
Dear Reader

The foundation upon which any Biblical teaching is developed is of utmost importance. To build upon a faulty, or wrong foundation will ultimately lead to mixture, or outright heretical teachings.

This foundation is clearly established in Scripture. It is the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself. He is the central figure in the Word of God. All doctrines and teachings must adhere to the fact that He is Deity and that salvation comes through Him alone. We must never loose sight of Him, nor of His blood that was shed in our behalf upon Calvary's cross. All of our personal spiritual experiences must agree with the text and context of Scripture.

Each issue of the Banner is sent to you with these principles in view. The emphasis of the Banner is to stir up within us a desire for spirituality, and to encourage our coming to spiritual maturity. The importance of seeking after, and living a Christ centered life is clearly expressed in the Apostle Paul's personal testimony.

"That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto his death, if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" Phil 3:10-14.

Our spiritual life and experiences must be able to stand the test of the Word of God, as well as the attacks of the enemy. Jesus taught about a building that was built upon "sand." This building failed the test of a storm and collapsed. Only the house that was established upon a "rock" foundation was able to stand against the force of the storm. It is my desire that each article in each Banner will help to impart this "rock" foundational quality into your spiritual life and experience.

Many of you have graciously responded to the letter that you received, asking financial help for Pinecrest and offering an autographed copy of the "Secret of the Stairs" in appreciation. I received many complimentary letters about the Banner, along with a gift to help the Bible School. However, I was criticized in a few letters for requesting financial help.

The only alternative to "asking" would be to discontinue the Banner and close the Bible school, as sufficient funds to continue are not available apart from your help. I truly believe that it is the will of our Lord to continue sending out the Banner, and to maintain the Bible School program. Therefore, I have no choice, except to ask for your help.

Also, a few were troubled because I offered to sign my name to each copy of the Secret of the Stairs book. It was said that this is using a "Madison Avenue" tactic to raise money. I can truly say that this was not my intention. I sincerely felt that my signing each gift copy would be an expression of my personal appreciation to each one who gives to this ministry.

I personally want to thank each one of you who continues to support this ministry. There is no other means whereby we can continue as a ministry.

If you have not sent in your gift, along with the form requesting your copy of the Secret of the Stairs, please consider doing so today.

May our Lord richly bless you as you read this issue of the Banner.

 

Wade E Taylor