Gospel Herald

and The Sunday School Times

Fall Quarter 2012 Minute Meditations

A Living Faith

BY WILLARD A. SCOFIELD

2 September 2012— Read Hebrews 10:23. God gives who say things that upset us? Let us ask the Lord to take us the vision and the hope of fulfillment. Reflect upon away any thoughts that dishonor Him. Let us follow the God’s actions. He will be faithful to complete His prom - examples of Jesus and Stephen. ised plan of salvation. Let the repetition of key verses be 21 October 2012— Read Acts 8:18. Simon complete - a means of strengthening your faith. Share experiences ly misunderstood spiritual power. It comes as a gift of with other believers. They will help build you up. You are God to those He has called to serve Him. There are oth - precious in the eyes of the Lord. er ways to misunderstand God’s power. It does not 9 September 2012— Read Hebrews 11:1. The sub - come through the conferring of academic degrees or stance of our faith is that Jesus will reign as King of kings the blessing of a bishop. God calls and empowers us to and Lord of lords; yet the evidence for this is not yet seen. serve Him. During His first coming, Jesus was despised and reject - 28 October 2012— Read Acts 8:35. Philip under - ed by men. Faith allows us to accept that Jesus will come stood that the first task of an evangelist is to preach the again. He will fulfill His own promise and the prophecies gospel. Let the hearers understand that Jesus died and of the Old Testament that He is the Messiah. rose again. Now He calls on all people to repent and re - 16 September 2012— Read Hebrews 12:1-2. We must ceive Christ. Other teaching may follow. Does everyone be patient as we look for the answers to some of our in your church fellowship know the gospel, and have prayers. In fact, some answers may not come until the they been challenged to make a decision to receive person who made the prayers has passed away. But the Christ? answers will come. God is faithful and will answer the prayers of His servants. 4 November 2012— Read Acts 26:25. When Festus ac - cused Paul of being mad, Paul remained respectful, but 23 September 2012— Read Hebrews 12:28. This verse he did not retreat. Paul knew that he had a message from cautions us not to get upset by every turn of events. The God, and he insisted on proclaiming that message. headlines in our newspapers bring us new and disturbing Whether the persons Paul met were rich or poor, Jews or surprises. But we serve a King whose kingdom is eternal Gentiles, educated or illiterate, he had the task of con - and never changes. Our confidence in an unchanging God fronting them with Christ. should affect the way we behave and should encourage us to remain faithful. God’s plans will be completed. 11 November 2012— Read Acts 27:44. God answered 30 September 2012— Read I Corinthians 13:13. Paul Paul’s prayers for deliverance. God had work for him to proclaimed that while faith and hope are important do, a mission for him to accomplish. Others who were not virtues, the greatest virtue of all is love. A loving act will believers were also saved. Did some of them become be - be remembered by God and will be broadcast throughout lievers? Experience teaches that some are moved to be - the universe when other events have been forgotten. A lieve but that many are not, even when a miracle takes cup of cold water given in the name of Jesus will not be place. We should thank God for this miracle and the ex - forgotten. Let us rethink our priorities. tension of life that Paul was given. 7 October 2012— Read Acts 6:8. Stephen was a fear - 18 November 2012— Read Acts 28:8. We are told here less preacher of the gospel. His preaching saw people how God used Paul to minister to someone who was ill. come to Christ. He had the power to heal the sick. But his Paul prayed and laid hands on the sick person. We can powerful witness for the Lord also brought opposition. We have confidence that God will hear our prayers and that may be certain that our preaching of the gospel will also He will answer in some way. produce opposition. However, we may be sure that such 25 November 2012— Read Acts 28:28. Paul rejoiced preaching will bring conviction to some who may in time that the Gentiles had received the good news of the sav - receive Christ as Saviour. ing work of Jesus Christ. Many had trusted in Christ. 14 October 2012— Read Acts 7:60. Stephen spent the Paul had begun a movement that would proclaim the last moments of life praying for forgiveness for those who gospel throughout the world. People who have lived in were stoning him. He followed the example of Jesus, who darkness will receive the light of the message that Jesus had prayed on the cross, “Father, forgive them; for they loves them and was sent by God to bring them eternal know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Do we forgive those life. # 2 (194) Fall Quarter 2012 Volume 30 Number 4 Gospel Herald and The Sunday School Times

NONDENOMINATIONAL RELIGIOUS QUARTERLY

CONTENTS

FEATURE ARTICLES CHRISTIANITY IN STORY FORM 4 How to Have a Great Thanksgiving Day 32 Adults: Omniscient Override 6 I Love My Job! 36 Teenagers: Real Heroes 8 The One or the Nine? 40 Boys and Girls: Beginning the Forty-Year Journey 10 The Fear of Marriage 12 Pergamum: Where Satan’s Throne Is 14 Music in the Christian’s Life 16 Living Out Our Faith in the Digital Age DEPARTMENTS 29 Encouragement for All Times 2 Minute Meditations 48 Caring and Sharing Ministry: A Biblical Basis 4 From the Editor’s Desk 49 The Fruit of Goodness 7 Our Doctrinal Statement 50 Today 18 Christian Psychology 51 Taking Jesus Behind Bars (Your Prison Ministry) 19 What’s in a Word? 52 Short-term Missions 25 Bible Bookmark 53 My Favorite Verses of Thanksgiving to God 30 Missions 54 The Marriage God Wants for You 34 Counseling Corner 56 A Spiritual Self-Portrait 34 Book Reviews 57 The Replacement Stones 35 Timely Tips for Working with Youths 58 The Homeschool Option 38 For Teens Only 39 Teen Scene WORD OF LIFE 41 Noah’s Ark 20 Sermon: Psalm 90:Living with an Eye to Eternity 42 You and Your Bible 22 Biblical Snapshots of People Who Prayed 43 Wit and Wisdom 23 The Life and Times of Jesus 43 Quote-ables 24 Meditations in Psalms 44 Dad’s Den 45 One Mother to Another TESTIMONIES OF FAITH 46 Family Life 26 Brad Stoner: World Mission Trips 60 Christian Education 28 C. I. Scofield: Study Bible Editor 62 The Pastor’s Study

Front Cover: Geauga County, Ohio

Editor in Chief: Grace M. Todd Rev. W. B. Musselman, Founder Beryl C. Bidlen, President Emeritus GOSPEL HERALD and THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TIMES (ISSN 0746-0880) is edited and published quarterly by THE INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF THE GOSPEL WORKER SOCIETY, UNION GOSPEL PRESS DIVISION, 2000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44109-5812. Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, Ohio. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the GOSPEL HERALD AND THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TIMES , P.O. Box 6059, Cleveland, Ohio 44101-1059. PLEASE SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS four weeks in advance for uninterrupted service. Include old address label with your new address. How to Have a Great Thanksgiving Day

BY LYLE P. M URPHY , D.D.

T just did not seem like Thanksgiving Jane served the meat loaf with my THANKSGIVING DAY IN HISTORY I Day. The day started badly. A heli - favorite, cauliflower. We held hands The Pilgrims, known as Separatists for um-filled balloon crashed at the and prayed. It was truly a Thanksgiv - their opposition to the Church of England Thanksgiving Day parade in New York. ing Day after all. Paul tells us, “In every and for their prayer for a place to worship Two football games featuring average thing give thanks: for this is the will of God and raise their children in the nurture teams were scheduled. Most of our God in Christ Jesus concerning you” and admonition of the Lord, had endured family was out of town—incidentally, (I Thess. 5:18). the hazardous voyage to the New World. catching the flu. Economists predict - I asked my wife whether she had any Their governor, William Bradford, ed anemic sales for the next day’s childhood recollections of outstanding wrote in his “History of Plymouth Plan - Black Friday, the kickoff of the Christ - Thanksgiving dinners. She told me a tation,” “Being thus arrived in a good mas shopping season. Profitable or story that took place on her family’s harbor and brought safe to land, they not, it would start with near riots at the farm. Her mother had cut up several fell upon their knees and blessed the stores as early as 2:00 A.M. choice fruits and placed them in a God of heaven, who had brought them “Do you want turkey?” my wife asked. round dishpan, four or five inches deep. over the vast and furious ocean.” “No,” I replied, as disinterested in To keep the fruit at its best, Mother sent The best-known Thanksgiving Day food as the gray skies that threatened her four children to the smokehouse to was that observed almost a year later, in snow. “Why don’t you make meat take turns stirring the fruit as it chilled. the autumn of 1621. The memorable loaf,” I suggested. The temptation was too strong. When three-day gathering was in celebration “Good choice,” my wife replied— the fruit salad got to the Thanksgiving of a bountiful harvest. The local Indians which told me the hamburger was al - table, it had lost an inch or more of its had a lot to do with that success, having ready thawing. contents. Mother was not pleased! taught the Pilgrims planting and cultiva - tion. The Pilgrims were largely ignorant of farming. Their number included a tai - lor, a cooper, a tanner, and a physician. Governor Bradford sent four men “fowling,” that is, bird hunting. Ninety- one Indian guests brought venison. From the Editor’s Desk Lobster was near at hand. There was fowl. There was no bread or pastry, for flour was in short supply. Fry bread Great Is God’s Faithfulness! made from corn was on the table, but there was no milk, cider, or butter. There is no mention of potatoes, for BY DON RUFF they were considered by some to be poisonous. There was pumpkin—not OOKING back over the past thirty- need of this ministry (cf. Ps. 89:1). pie but prepared as a vegetable. L four years since I accepted Jesus Our readers can look forward to a The Pilgrims were fugitives from reli - Christ as my Lord and Saviour, I can “Memorial” edition of the GOSPEL gious persecution in England. They had give accounts of how faithful God is. HERALD AND THE SUNDAY SCHOOL fled to Holland, only to be distressed by I am daily reminded of how I can do TIMES coming in the Winter Quarter the excesses of their Dutch neighbors. nothing without His gracious provi - 2012-13 issue. This special issue will Mainly for the sake of their children, dence. It is the Lord’s doing that I live contain articles recounting how faith - they left for the New World. That first and breathe (Lam. 3:22). ful God has been—and daily still is— Thanksgiving dinner was a time to re - The hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” in proclaiming His Word through the live their experiences as refugees. (Chisholm) speaks to every Christian’s Gospel Worker Society and Union In June 1676, Thanksgiving was offi - experience. We all have “pardon for sin Gospel Press. cially proclaimed in Charlestown, Mas - and a peace that endureth” that testify Please note: beginning with the sachusetts. No Indians were invited. In to God’s faithfulness. He cheers and Spring Quarter 2012 issue, you can fact, the Pilgrims were rejoicing over guides us, and He gives strength for now read the GOSPEL HERALD AND their recent victory over local tribes. each new day. Christ’s followers have a THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TIMES online! Sara Josepha Hale, a writer and mag - “bright hope for tomorrow” as they face Go to uniongospelpress.com, find azine editor, was the mother of the each day, whether good or bad. Downloads on the main page, and se - American Thanksgiving Day obser - The Gospel Worker Society and Union lect Gospel Herald. Click on the image vance. For seventeen years she wrote Gospel Press have been the recipients of to download the current issue. If you letters to five presidents of the United God’s faithfulness decade after decade. would prefer to read the Gospel Her - States, asking them to declare a special He has guided in every aspect of our ald online instead of receiving it in the national holiday devoted to God and the publishing activities. We can proclaim to mail, please contact our customer family. Miss Hale, the author of the fa - all His great faithfulness in meeting every service depertment at (800) 638-9988. mous nursery rhyme, “Mary Had a Little 4 (196) mention by the man who planted the fellowship. J. Vernon McGee, the great radio pastor/teacher, now with the Lord, said that he suspected that Syn - tyche was president of the choir. He had a friend who suggested that when Satan was cast out of heaven, he land - ed in the choir loft! ( Confidence, Cer - tainty, and Cheer, Thru the Bible Radio Network). However that may be, in the fourth chapter of Philippians, Paul urged the healing of strife by rejoicing, prayer, and thanksgiving (vss. 4-6). Paul reminded us that these admoni - tions are the will of God for us (I Thess. 5:18). Two words in the New Testament speak of the will. Both are sometimes Lamb,” at last was heard. President Lin - the good fight of faith ’” ( Commentary on used without distinction. However, “will” coln called for a day of Thanksgiving in 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Word). as used in our text is the stronger word, 1863. The date was fixed in late Novem - In the second part of I Thessalonians “the will urging on to action.” In Matthew ber until President Franklin D. Roosevelt 5:18, Paul directed, “For this is the will 1:19, this strong word describes moved it to an earlier date in order to ex - of God in Christ Jesus concerning Joseph’s conviction that Mary should tend the Christmas shopping season. In you.” Ward suggested the word “this” not be dealt with publicly because of her 1942, it was returned to its present date, connects true thanksgiving with what pregnancy. As a result of this conviction, the fourth Thursday in November. goes before in I Thessalonians 5:16-17. the second word for “will” is used to say “Rejoice evermore” (I Thess. 5:16) is a that Joseph was sure this was God’s will THANKSGIVING IN THE BIBLE natural accompaniment to thanksgiving. (Berry, Interlinear Greek-English New What did the Thessalonians have to be Thanks and thanksgiving to God are Testament, Baker). thankful for? Salvation, of course! And a prominent feature of the Bible. The experience of the Pilgrim Fa - while some were confused about end- “Thanks” is cited seventy-three times, thers is a triumph of the strong will of time events, Paul’s letter gave them the twenty-three times in Psalms. The word the godly to do God’s will. The great most thorough presentation of the im - “thanksgiving” is found twenty-eight American orator Daniel Webster spoke minent return of Christ in the New Tes - times, eight times in Psalms. Psalms at the two-hundredth anniversary of tament. Each of the first three chapters was the hymnbook of the Israelites. The the Plymouth colony. He said, “Moral of I Thessalonians concludes with some Apostle Paul grew up in worship that in - habits, they believed, cannot safely be cluded paeans of praise to God for His aspect of the Lord’s return, “the blessed hope.” In I Thessalonians 1:10 we are on any other foundation than religious Person and His provision. principle . . . What makes men good In the Passover service, Jews read and told “to wait for his Son from heaven.” Paul spoke of his rejoicing over the Christians, makes them good citizens” sing Psalms 113 through 118, the Hallel. Thessalonian believers “at his coming” (22 December 1820). You may recognize this word as the root (I Thess. 2:19). He prayed for their spir - of the word “hallelujah,” or “praise.” WHY REVIVAL TARRIES itual stability “at the coming of our Lord Psalm 116:13 says, “I will take the cup of Jesus Christ with all his saints” (3:13). Could the Great Commission have salvation, and call upon the name of the Then we have the extended treatment expired? In 2010, the largest American Lord.” The great English pastor and writer of His coming in the air for us (4:13-18). foreign mission society cut five hun - Charles Haddon Spurgeon commented, Next in the three-fold admonition to dred career missionaries. Have all the “[The psalmist] means that he will utter Christians are the words “Pray without lost people been reached? blessings and thanksgivings and ceasing” (I Thess. 5:17). A Bible teacher Some Christians are failing in Christian prayers, and then drink of the cup which of an earlier day wrote that Martin Luther responsibility. It is hard to find a church in the Lord had filled with his saving grace” said, “The whole life of a genuine Chris - our city that has a Sunday evening ser- (The Treasury of David) . tian goes on continually in prayer. For, vice or a midweek service. Have we out - though he is not constantly moving his grown our need for spiritual nourishment, THANKSGIVING DAY FOR lips or multiplying words,” he is in prayer. Bible teaching, and fellowship? BELIEVERS Luther went on to add, “A Christian with - Have you been in a gathering lately Of course, for the Christian, every day out prayer is as a living man without a that was marked by brokenhearted is a day of thanksgiving to God. Dr. pulse” (Lange, Lange’s Commentary on confession? Somehow we have insuf - Ronald A. Ward reminds us of the prop - the Holy Scriptures, Zondervan). ficient time to offer thanksgiving to er attitude of thanksgiving as given in It is clear that a rejoicing, praying God. Our prayer walls are down. I Thessalonians 5:18. We look at two Christian will be a thankful one. Paul We have seen God’s will expressed parts. First, “in every thing give thanks.” wrote to the church at Philippi—a great in I Thessalonians 5:16-18. Revival tar - Ward wrote, “This is sometimes a test of church but one with people problems. ries where prayer and thanksgiving are spiritual ingenuity, as some circum - We are not told what the difficulty be - neglected in the believer’s life. When stances do not obviously inspire thanks - tween Euodias and Syntyche was, but you and I change, we can help others giving. It is given to us to ‘go on fighting it was serious enough to merit special to change. # FALL QUARTER 2012 (197) 5 I Love My Job!

BY MARTIN R. D AHLQUIST

talks about mankind’s years as being “three-score years and ten” (vs. 10). These years are full of misery and fly away quickly. So what is man to do? An older and wiser Moses had an an - swer: “Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it” (vs. 17). Through the fleeting years, one’s work focus should always be on God. We should pray that God’s hand will be on all our labor. Labor principle 6. Only work that in - volves God will last. King Solomon, HAT do white clothing, harvest- from the beginning for mankind to la - the author of Psalm 127, had an inter - W time, end of summer, football, bor and not just be idle. He put man in esting thought on the subject of work: and President Grover Cleveland have the garden with the idea of having him “Except the Lord build the house, they in common? Answer: Labor Day. “to dress it and to keep it.” labour in vain that build it” (vs. 1). Labor Day is an American holiday. In Labor principle 3. With the coming While the primary meaning of “house” 1894, immediately after the end of of sin, all human work was put under in this verse is a reference to the Lord deadly labor union strikes, President the curse. It was not long, however, building the family, there is still a key Cleveland and Congress made Labor before human labor would take on the warning here about physical labor. If Day a federal holiday. What started as a added ingredient of toil. Following the God is not the center of one’s at - labor union festival has developed into eating of the forbidden fruit (Gen. 3:6), tempts, all effort is in vain. Verse 2 says a holiday that marks the end of summer God put a curse on “the ground for thy it all: “It is vain for you to rise up early, and beginning of fall. It has also been a sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all to sit up late, to eat the bread of sor - sign for those interested in fashion that the days of thy life” (vs. 17). From then rows: for so he giveth his beloved white clothing should no longer be on, work would have a cutting edge to sleep.” worn. The traditional start of the football it. Mankind must work for his food, but Labor principle 7. The lowly ant can season is the Labor Day weekend. the ground will fight him back. Anyone teach us about industriousness in Every first Monday in September is who has ever worked up a sweat has work. One of the favorite subjects for marked by picnics, parades, endless felt the effects of the curse. the wise men of Israel was laziness. rounds of political speeches, and the Labor principle 4. God expects that The writer of Proverbs encouraged us closing of schools—all in an effort to humans will take one day in seven to study the ant, who works very hard celebrate the American labor force. away from work to rest. God did not all summer so that it will have food in There are principles in the Bible con - expect that man should work every the winter (Prov. 6:6-8; cf. 10:4-5; cerning labor. All Christians should day of his life, even in his cursed state. 12:27). learn and apply them to their lives. The Sabbath commandment spells Labor principle 8. The sluggard has Labor principle 1. God’s work and out very explicitly that God expects many excuses for not working. Fol - rest in Creation become a pattern for man to take one day off every seven lowing on the heels of a discussion all of mankind’s work and rest. One days (Exod. 20:8-11; cf. 34:21; Lev. about diligent labor, the author of does not have to read very far into the 23:3; Deut. 5:13-14). God even re - Proverbs addressed the sluggard. Bible to be confronted with the glori - quired that animals be given a day off This is the person who wants just a lit - ous realities of labor. Genesis 1 de - from their work (Exod. 23:12). tle more sleep. Regrettably, before he scribes the extensive work of God as Contrary to current practice, the knows it, the opportunity is gone and He created the physical universe and Sabbath day of rest was not explicitly he ends up in poverty (6:9-11). everything needed to make it run prop - intended as a day of worship. Rather, Labor principle 9. Diligent work is a erly. In Genesis 2 one learns that God people were to rest from their labors requirement for high positions in life. rested “from all his work which [He] on that day. While it was a holy day Later on in Proverbs, the reader is told made” (vs. 3). This activity set in mo - with divine focus, it was not a day of that the key requirement for one to get tion a long train of passages that deal extensive worship. That was reserved an important position in life (in the with the importance of human labor. for other days. words of Proverbs, to “stand before Labor principle 2. From the very be - Labor principle 5. Human labor kings”) is diligence (22:29). ginning of Creation, God intended for should be viewed as a divine activity. Labor principle 10. If you want to mankind to work. Genesis 2:15 informs Psalm 90 was written by Moses at the eat, you have to work—one more the reader that it was God’s intention end of the wilderness experience. It thought from Proverbs. This time the 6 (198) principle comes in the form of a con - but Paul also instructs us to work with ent work ethic. They were raised be - trast: “He that tilleth his land shall have all our heart as if we were working for lieving that satisfaction could be found plenty of bread: but he that followeth the Lord (Col. 3:23). Imagine if we were in work itself. after vain persons shall have poverty to focus on others and the Lord—and The type of work or the pay is usu - enough” (28:19). Like so many other not on self—when we are working. ally blamed for lack of job satisfaction. Proverbs, this fact is based on the ob - This one idea could revolutionize It seems natural that a low-paying, servation of the author. The point is many a workday for a lot of people. repetitious, lowly value job would af - easy enough to grasp—if you want to Labor principle 15. A person has no fect one’s job satisfaction level. How - have food, you have to work for it. right to tell others how to work if he ever, this is not always the case. Who Labor principle 11. If you work, you does not work himself. Paul was the has not worked alongside two people should expect to be paid. Our Lord Je - type of person who practiced what he doing the same job with entirely differ - sus Christ had much to say about the preached. He warned the believers in subject of labor. Here is one example: Thessalonica to stay away from those ent attitudes? “The labourer is worthy of his hire” who were idle. In the context of There clearly has not been a better (Luke 10:7). If a person labors, he can II Thessalonians, Paul was using “idle” time for the American worker to hear expect a wage. The implication here is in the sense of one who can work but all the glorious things that the Bible that a person should work in order to does not. He used himself as an ex - teaches about labor. The words of the earn money that he can use for living. ample. He had not been idle while in Apostle Paul are just as relevant for to - This principle speaks both to the em - their midst. Rather he had labored day day’s worker as they were in the first ployer and to the employee. If I work, and night to provide for his needs. He century, when they were first penned: I should expect a wage. If someone reminded them, “For even when we “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to works for you, you are obligated to pay were with you, this we commanded the Lord, and not unto men” (Col. him a fair wage. you, that if any would not work, neither 3:23). # Labor principle 12. There is nothing should he eat” (3:10). wrong with ministers being paid for Paul sounds like the sages of their service. The Apostle Paul built on Proverbs who warn against laziness. If the principle when he addressed the one does not work, neither should he subject of those who serve in ministry. eat. Paul concluded his exhortation: They should expect proper remunera - “Now them that are such we com - Our Doctrinal tion for their work (I Cor. 9:9-12). No mand and exhort by our Lord Jesus one should ever serve in ministry pure - Christ, that with quietness they work, Statement ly for the money earned (I Pet. 5:2), but and eat their own bread” (II Thess. neither should he serve for nothing. 3:12). 1. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testa- ments are verbally inspired by God, are inerrant in the original Paul drew an illustration from the Old Labor principle 16. The believer will writings, are the Word of God, and the final authority in faith and Testament (Deut. 25:4) to drive his spend all of eternity serving God. Just conduct. point home. The farmer was not to 2. We believe in one God, the Creator of man and all things, as the Bible begins with reference to eternally existing in three Persons in a threefold relationship, that muzzle the ox while it was grinding out the subject of God’s work, so it ends of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. the grain. The ox was allowed to eat with the subject of man’s work. The 3. W e believe that Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit, what it wanted to have the strength last chapter of the Bible describes born of the Virgin Mary, and is God incarnate, the God-Man. needed to complete its task. what life will be like for all eternity. The 4. We believe that man was created in the image of God; that Paul was simply taking the Lord’s he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death but also Apostle John described eternity like spiritual death, which is separation from God; that Adam’s sin is broad principle of labor and wages this: “His servants shall serve him” imputed to the whole race of mankind; that all human beings are born with a sinful nature; and that when they reach the state of and applying it more specifically to (Rev. 22:3). Believers will not be idle moral responsibility become sinners before God in thought, those who serve in ministry. throughout eternity. God has a task for word, and deed. Labor principle 13. The reason a them. They will serve Him. They will 5. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins ac- cording to the Scriptures as a substitutionary sacrifice, and that person works is not for selfish gain but definitely have a purpose. all who believe on Him are freely justified before God and stand so that he or she will have the re - A recent survey conducted by The before Him accepted in the character and merit of Jesus Christ. sources to help others. Paul warned Conference Board indicated the star - 6. W e believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, in His ascension into heaven, and that in His present glorified body He his readers in Ephesus that they were tling information that over one-half of is the Head of the church, the Lord of the individual believer, the not to steal the money they needed; the American labor force are dissatis - High Priest over the house of God, and the Advocate in the fam - rather, they were to put in an honest fied with their jobs. This is an all-time ily of God. day’s work (Eph. 4:28). This is not just 7. We believe in the personal, imminent, pretribulational, and low number for job satisfaction for the premillennial second coming of Christ; first to receive His own work for the sake of work. Paul at - last twenty years—ever since the to Himself, and later to set up His earthly kingdom and to reign over redeemed Israel and all nations; that is, to bring peace and tached a goal to a person’s labor: so Board began to release this type of in - blessing to the whole world. “that he may have to give to him that formation. What is even more of a 8. We believe that all who by faith receive the Lord Jesus Christ needeth.” One works not to accumu - concern is the fact that only 39 per - as Saviour are born again of the Holy Spirit and Word of God, re - late wealth for himself but rather to ceive the Holy Spirit and a new nature, and also are baptized by cent of younger workers find satisfac - the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ. have the means necessary to help tion with their work. 9. We believe that God is the spiritual Father of only those who those who are in need. The Conference Board survey indi - trust His Son, Jesus Christ, as Saviour, and that only those saved Labor principle 14. No matter who cated that the older a worker is, the through faith in Christ are spiritual brothers. your earthly boss might be, all believ - more he is satisfied with his job. In a 10. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the un - just; the everlasting blessedness of the saved and the everlast - ers ultimately work for God. Not only sense, this is not a surprise, because ing punishment of the unsaved. should we work to help those in need, the older worker probably has a differ - —Union Gospel Press Division FALL QUARTER 2012 (199) 7 The One or the Nine?

BY TERRY A. C LARK

WO elderly gentlemen met in a cof- T fee shop. They had not seen one another in several months. One of the fellows seemed particularly discour - aged about his situation. “I have so little strength in my arms that I can barely lift this cup of coffee. My arthritis is so bad I will not be able to sit in this hard chair for more than about five minutes. My blood pressure pills make me dizzy all the time. I had surgery on both cataracts, but my vi - sion is still awfully blurry.” The other man, trying to find some way to ameliorate his friend’s distress, asked, “Is there anything you’re happy about?” His friend smiled broadly and an - swered, “Well, I’m thankful that I can still drive!” In America a special time is set aside for gratitude. Thanksgiving has selves but from our Heav - been an official holiday for many enly Father. Many New Testa - years. For some families, it is little ment passages direct us to be more than a time to enjoy a traditional grateful to God. meal and watch a football game on tel - “[Give] thanks unto the Father, evision. For other families, it is a time which hath made us meet to be par - who did not have leprosy. Their dis - to truly contemplate the goodness of takers of the inheritance of the saints ease was considered highly conta - God and to express gratitude for His in light” (Col. 1:12). “Let the peace of gious, and it was probably the most blessings. God rule in your hearts, to the which feared disease in the ancient world. It Thanksgiving presents awkward also ye are called in one body; and be affected much more than the body. moments for those who do not believe ye thankful” (3:15). “In every thing give Because of its contagious nature, in God. To whom are they thankful? thanks: for this is the will of God in leprosy caused its victims to become They might be grateful that they are Christ Jesus concerning you” (I Thess. isolated from other people, including citizens of a free country, that they 5:18). These verses, all penned by the family (Lev. 13:45-46; Num. 5:1-4). have a job, or that they have family and Apostle Paul, give general instruction Jewish lepers were prohibited from friends. Their gratitude, however, is to Christians regarding the simple pro - participation in the life of the local syn - rooted in circumstances and has no priety of being thankful to God for His agogue and the temple in Jerusalem. relationship to a Being who loves them blessings. Lepers simply had to live with other and has blessed them. They might There is, however, one New Testa - lepers. This social isolation was as simply consider themselves lucky and ment passage that powerfully illus - devastating to the spirit as the physi - be thankful for their good luck. How trates the unmistakable fact that God cal manifestations of the disease were sad! expects our gratitude. The passage is to the body. Other folks are more self-centered Luke 17:11-19. In this section of The lepers knew who Jesus was and and self-congratulatory at Thanksgiv - Luke’s Gospel we encounter Jesus as had undoubtedly heard that He could ing. They focus on the material and the He journeyed to Jerusalem for the fi - heal people—even people with lep - financial. Their prosperity is, in their nal time. Jesus was probably accom - rosy. The lepers cried out to Him, ask - humble opinion, the result of their own panied by His disciples. They were on ing for His mercy to be extended to hard work! Their families are to pat the border between the regions of them (Luke 17:13). Jesus responded, them on the back and express their ap - Galilee, Jesus’ home region, and telling the lepers to go show them - preciation for all the overtime hours, Samaria, a region that Jews usually selves to the local priest (vs. 14). His in - promotions, pay raises, and bonuses avoided. struction to the lepers was consistent that have come as a result of talent, As Jesus entered a village, He en - with the procedure that had been man - ability, or the willingness to work very countered ten men who were afflicted dated in the law of Moses (Lev. 13:19; hard. with leprosy (Luke 17:12). The men did 14:1-11). Only a priest could confirm Christians have a different perspec - not attempt to get close to Jesus. the cure of leprosy and permit a former tive on Thanksgiving. We know that Their disease dictated that distance leper to be readmitted to society. our blessings come not from our - be kept between them and people Immediately upon or shortly after 8 (200) turning away from Jesus to go to the was still shoving cookies into her The family may join in prayer, thanking priest, the ten lepers were healed mouth. I told her to stop eating for a God for food, family, and various (Luke 17:14). One of the lepers fol - moment and thank Mrs. Higgenboth - blessings. Most people will feel some lowed the impulse of his heart. He am for the cookies. Mrs. Higgenboth - sense of obligation to follow the rituals quickly forgot about going to the priest am said, “Oh, she doesn’t have to of Thanksgiving. and ran to see Jesus (vs. 15). As he ran thank me. I love making cookies for The time between Thanksgiving and to Jesus, he shouted, praising God. the children.” Christmas gets pretty hectic for most He fell at Jesus’ feet, “giving him Mrs. Higgenbotham was old people. There are lots of plans to make. thanks” (vs. 16). enough to be my grandmother, and I Family get-togethers need to be We can surely empathize with this seldom scold my elders—but I told her scheduled. Travel arrangements may leper. While we may not be fully capa - that she was wrong. I had taught my need to be made. There are always gifts ble of comprehending the horrendous daughter to express her gratitude. I to buy and cards to be sent. This year, devastation of a disease such as lep - had also taught her that failure to ex - put a big circle on your calendar for 22 rosy in the ancient world, we can read - press gratitude was not just socially December. That date is exactly four ily grasp how joyous it would be to unacceptable; it was a sin! Mrs. Hig- weeks after Thanksgiving Day (22 No - know that you were no longer afflicted genbotham seemed very surprised. vember). In the circle on the December with it. The leper, having simply fol - She told me she had not baked the date write the following: “1 or 9?” lowed the impulse of his heart, could cookies in order to gain our gratitude. Four weeks after Thanksgiving, in the do nothing other than run to Jesus and I told her that did not matter. She had midst of a very busy season, use this re - express his heartfelt gratitude. It is at done something kind and generous, minder to evaluate how thankful you this point that we learn something that and to fail to express gratitude for have been since the observance of makes this incident in the ministry of such kindness and generosity was, in Thanksgiving. As the focus of Thanks - Jesus even more intriguing. my opinion, sinful. I am not sure she giving fades and the busyness of the The leper who returned to thank Je - agreed with me, but she continued to Christmas season invades, we fall back sus for his healing was a Samaritan. be a treasured neighbor and baker of into the habit of taking our blessings for Jesus was on the border between Gal- wonderfully tasty cookies! granted. On the date you have circled, ilee and Samaria. Jews lived in Galilee, If we consider it proper and man - take a few moments to read Luke and Samaritans lived in Samaria. As a nerly to express our gratitude to peo - 17:11-19. Then honestly answer the general rule, Jews and Samaritans did ple, how much more should we ex - question “Have I been like the one who not interact. Samaritans were not full- press our gratitude to God? Jesus returned to thank Jesus, or have I been blooded Jews. Hundreds of years ear - expected the cleansed lepers to thank like the nine who failed to thank Jesus?” lier, the Jews living in the region that Him! One of the lepers met His expec - If you are guilty of becoming so busy became known as Samaria had inter - tations. Nine lepers failed to do so. that you have failed to consistently ex - married with Gentiles. The Jews con - Have you met Jesus’ expectations? press your gratitude to Jesus for His in - sidered the descendants of those who You have much for which to be thank - describable gift, then perhaps you had intermarried to be worse than ful. You may live in poverty or be in should get on your knees and ask God Gentiles! poor health, but if you know Jesus as to forgive you for failing to meet His ex - What, then, caused the Samaritan your Saviour and Lord, you have much pectations. Then spend some time ex - leper to be in the company of Jewish for which to be thankful. If you limit pressing your gratitude and praise. lepers? Their leprosy trumped all oth - your thanksgiving to one day per year, There may be some people who er aspects of their lives! Lepers had to Jesus must surely be disappointed. think God is like Mrs. Higgenbotham. live together, regardless of race or re - When we consider what Jesus has They believe God does not expect to ligion or longstanding animosity. done for us, praise and thanksgiving be thanked for His blessings. Some Jesus’ reaction to the leper who re - should flow from our hearts and lips in people may even believe we are turned to Him is interesting and in - an unbroken stream of gratitude. Je - somehow worthy of the blessings of formative: “Were there not ten sus has done far more for us than cure God and thus no gratitude should be cleansed? but where are the nine?” us of a dread disease such as leprosy. expected. God is simply giving us (Luke 17:17). There is an element of Jesus personally suffered the penalty what we deserve! How foolish can we expectation in Jesus’ reaction. He ex - of our sin! On the cross, Jesus became be? pected to be thanked! It is important sin (II Cor. 5:21). He did not become a This Thanksgiving, join with people that we recognize that expectation. sinner. He became sin. Jesus became you love and remind them of the good - Many years ago my family lived next what His Father despised so that we ness of God. Before enjoying your door to a wonderful older lady. We could experience eternal life in heav - meal, read Luke 17:11-19. Encourage were a young family with small chil - en. He bore the burden and penalty of the members of your family to write “1 dren, and Mrs. Higgenbotham delight - sin so that we would not have to ex - or 9?” on their calendars on the twen - ed in spoiling our children. One day perience such agony. If we were to ty-second of December. Explain what she had made chocolate chip-cook - spend every second of the rest of our they are to do that day. ies, which happened to be my daugh - lives expressing our thanksgiving to We know that even in human rela - ter Jennifer’s favorite. Jennifer eagerly God, it would not be enough! tionships it is easy to take the good took the plate, removed the tin foil It is easy to sit at a table laden with things for granted. It is even easier in covering the cookies, and crammed sumptuous food and express thanks - our relationship with God. Make every one in her mouth. giving to God. Most people will, on day a day of thanksgiving. Make every When Mrs. Higgenbotham opened Thanksgiving Day, take a few mo - moment a moment of praise. Be the the door to leave our house, Jennifer ments to talk about their blessings. “1.” # FALL QUARTER 2012 (201) 9 The Fear of Marriage

BY JEFFERY J. V AN GOETHEM

HE foundation of a Christian home couples enter marriage freely and fear - The problem with this view is obvi - T is a good marriage. A happy mar - lessly, with joy—as it seems they used ous—if one goes into marriage reserv - riage gives glory to God and provides to not so long ago? How can the ing divorce as an easy-to-use option, the best scenario for the loving nurture church help reduce the fear and anxi - it creates a certain feeling of inevitabil - of children. However, it has become ety many are experiencing relative to ity. Most married couples go through increasingly obvious that many in our the prospect of marriage? Does the some seasons of difficulty. Those with society, including today’s younger Christian faith speak to the issue of the a temporary view of the marital com - generation, have fears about getting fear of marriage? I think so, but we mitment interpret their difficulties as a married. This fear is present even in must be willing to listen to what God’s sign that it is not going to “work out.” the church. In my years of leading pre - Word has to say. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. marital workshops, I have seen more As soon as the happiness meter drops and more trepidation and uncertainty THE WRONG APPROACH low enough, the temptation to play the in the lives of premarital couples. They Many today are taking the wrong divorce card is very strong. As soon as are afraid to get married. And many in approach in preparing for marriage. we find someone we think is better the older generations are afraid for They look upon marriage as a tempo - than our spouse, the same temptation them. rary agreement or experiment—“If emerges. This is the wrong approach, What is at the root of this fear? The things do not work out as I hope, I can and it fans the flame of the fear of mar - answer to this question seems obvi - depend on divorce to get me out of it.” riage. Sadly, it seems this approach ous enough. Young people look Or “If this partner does not prove to be has become the norm in our happi - around today and see a high divorce the right one for me, I will just get a di - ness-obsessed culture. rate. They may have seen their own vorce and find another one.” home or the homes of their friends It is interesting that there is nothing THE RIGHT APPROACH broken up by divorce. We all realize really new about this approach, al - If we carefully study Jesus’ teach - how painful that is. Also, marriage is though only in recent decades has ing, we learn that He had some cor - regularly portrayed very negatively in American culture by and large bought rective words for the problem of the our culture—on TV, in the movies, and into it. Some of the Pharisees of Jesus’ fear of marriage and the culture of across the media. This has led to some day had a similar philosophy. They easy divorce. regrettable social consequences, came to Him with a question, asking, First, He stated that marriage is to such as the delayed onset of marriage. “Is it lawful for a man to put away his be viewed as a sacred bond (Mark Couples are marrying at a later age to - wife for every cause?” (Matt. 19:3). 10:7). The Lord went right back to the day than at any other time in American Apparently, much like today, many of foundation of marriage in Genesis 2. history. Many are choosing not to get them had a very liberal view of the jus - He taught that a man and a woman married at all. The rate of cohabitation tifications for divorce. They even cited were joined together in marriage by is at an all-time high. Moses’ action in regulating divorce as God Himself. This joining or cleaving is The world has jumped in with its so - evidence for their thinking (vs. 7). stated in the passive voice (Matt. lution—prenuptial agreements and other devices. I recently read about one such agreement between a cou - ple who thought they had it all figured out. Specific promises were spelled out in the prenuptial agreement, such as the requirement that one give the other three back rubs per week and one pay the other five dollars each time a complaint or a nagging incident occurred. They split up after only three months. These contemporary at - tempts at solving the marital crisis in our society are misguided and short - sighted. And so we continue to see a high rate of marital disruption. The fear of marriage is taking a toll. What is to be done? How can we in the church recover our hope for and confidence in mar - riage? How can fathers and mothers prepare their children to look forward happily to marriage? How can young 10 (202) 19:5), which means that the couple When couples begin to look at it giveness, humility, kindness, patience, does not do the joining together. from this perspective, they begin to and renewed love will spring from Rather, they are joined by God. confidently envision what they can such a heart. Actually, I have found Marriage is not to be viewed as a achieve together over a lifetime. The that when couples realize that they temporary arrangement between two concept of legacy enters in. This gives can solve their marital problems on people but as a sacred bond that in - them a goal and a purpose in marriage their knees, as God softens their volves an act of God. God is the main beyond their own selfish interests. hearts, they become filled with hope. strand of the marriage braid. So we are They realize that instead of saying, “I Hope casts out the fear of marriage. not to presume the liberty to separate am unhappy, so I am getting a di - Young couples do not need to fear what God has joined, we do not split vorce,” they will say, “This relationship marriage, despite our culture of di - up what God has connected, and we is more important than my transient vorce. Parents do not need to be do not take apart what God has put to - feelings. I am a part of something that afraid for their children. Pastors have gether (Mark 10:9). is building for the future. I am going to a powerful platform of hope to pro - When couples today learn again to finish what I have begun to the glory of claim the sensibility, hopefulness, enter marriage with this godly convic - God.” and durability of marriage. It all is tion, they will be properly prepared for People anticipating marriage should based in God’s Word, from the teach - the ups and downs of a lifetime of mar - adopt the Lord Jesus’ teaching on ing of Jesus. If our Christian young riage. The bond is sacred, for it has marriage. Parents should raise their people enter marriage schooled in been sealed by the highest and holiest children with this understanding. Pas - these teachings, they have no reason authority in the universe. This is what tors should be teaching this to their to be fearful. parents must teach their children. This congregations. At least within the Review these teachings frequently. is what pastors must preach to their church, we should agree with God on Marriage creates a sacred bond—God congregations. This is what coun - the sacred and permanent nature of Himself joins believers together in selors must stress to their counselees. the marriage bond. And if we are look - marriage. Marriage creates a perma - Correct biblical counseling prepares ing for a spouse, we should look for nent bond of kinship and family—it is couples to confidently enter marriage. one who shares this conviction. If both designed to establish a legacy over a If both parties have this in their hearts, partners agree and each knows the lifetime. The cause of marital rupture is where is the fear? Divorce is taken off other agrees, then there is no reason a hard heart. If we walk with God and the table. God is to be honored. Mar - to fear marriage! Once again, God’s our partner does the same, we have riage vows are kept to the glory of God. Word gives us hope and direction in nothing to fear from marriage. We can I am convinced that in the past that the face of confusing and troubling meet each challenge with God as our was how couples entered marriage— cultural messages. Helper. they committed themselves under God A third aspect of the Lord’s teaching When both partners enter marriage to a lifetime partnership; therefore, relates to the cause of divorce. Jesus aware of and committed to these there were far more intact marriages stated in Mark 10:5 that “hardness” of things, they do not worry about di - and stable families. Then this under - heart is the cause. This term’s root is vorce. They make their covenant of standing of the marriage bond began the same word we use for hardening of marriage on their wedding day, and to break down in recent decades. We the arteries, or sclerosis. It is used only they go on to nurture their marriage should still be working at establishing in this context in the Bible. It is the op - through a heart-softening walk with a biblical standard in the hearts of cou - posite of tender, soft, and willing. It God, confident that any and all chal - ples within the church. When this is speaks of obstinacy or willfulness. It is lenges will be met successfully. When done, it begins to remove the fear of rooted in a prideful assertion of self they are discouraged by their partner marriage that has become so common and a lack of submission to God. Here or by their own shortcomings, they get in our society today. is another insight that can help us on their knees. From that posture Second, the Lord stated that mar - eliminate the fear of marriage. Those comes repentance, forgiveness, love, riage is to be viewed as an indissolu - individuals in our homes and church - and patience—in short, a tender heart. ble bond (Mark 10:8). The Lord called es who are old enough for marriage This is what solves marital problems. a married couple “one flesh.” This is a should be advised to marry someone People with tender hearts do not get term from which we get the idea of a who walks with God. This is the kind divorced. They bring forgiveness and kinship bond. A married couple be - of person who keeps a tender, humble humility into their marriages. come the same flesh and blood. They heart, which is necessary for the chal - Yes, the fear of marriage is promot - are family, in the same way that broth - lenges of a marital relationship. ed in our culture. But the Word of God ers and sisters and parents and chil - Every couple is going to have mari - is the antidote, especially the precious dren are family. This is not something tal problems to one degree or another. instructions of the Lord Jesus con - that can be undone by a legal decree. Every couple is going to have times cerning marriage. His Word casts out Marriage creates an unbreakable kin - and seasons when things are not as our fears. Young Christian couples an - ship and family bond. We also need to good as they once were. There are ticipating marriage should look for - be teaching this to our children and challenges in every marriage. When ward with unmitigated joy to the pros- our premarital couples. They are form - two sinners marry, one can expect pect of their marital unions. Through ing a family, not engaging in a tempo - some discordant moments along the the teachings of the Lord Jesus, this is rary arrangement. They are looking to way! But a soft and tender heart, de - possible. Let us not join in with the establish a legacy for future genera - veloped by walking with God, allows gloom-and-doom crowd of our cul - tions, not merely serving their own for the necessary relational dynamics ture. Let us trust the Lord’s Word and happiness. to overcome these challenges. For - cast out the fear of marriage. # FALL QUARTER 2012 (203) 11 Pergamum: Where Satan’s Throne Is

BY LARRY V. C RUTCHFIELD , P H.D.

PERGAMUM’S PAGAN EXCAVATIONS AT PERGAMUM and Wolfgang Radt began excava - PROMINENCE The ruins of Pergamum, located a tions just below the sloping summit of When Christianity arrived in Perga - few miles from the modern city of Ber- the acropolis (Yamauchi, The Archae - mum in the second half of the first cen - gama, are accessible only by a steep, ology of New Testament Cities in tury (via Paul’s extended ministry; see serpentine road. The ancient city is Western Asia Minor, Baker). Acts 19:1 through 20:1), it encoun - perched atop an imposing thousand- tered a city rich in architectural foot-high overlook that affords spec - ASKLEPIOS AND THE SERPENT grandeur but impoverished by pagan tacular views of the sea, far-off moun - SYMBOL idolatry. The city had been founded at tain ranges, and the purple peaks of The letter to the church at Perga - least from the fifth century B.C. Lysi - Lesbos. Pergamum’s strategic posi - mum is addressed to those who are machus, one of Alexander’s generals tion near important land and sea trad - where Satan lives and where his throne and successors, took over Pergamum ing routes garnered both great wealth is (Rev. 2:13). The Christians in Perga - and transformed it into the most and prestige for the city. And although mum would no doubt have seen a clear prominent city of Mysia (northwestern its place in the biblical record is not as connection between the Lord’s refer - Asia Minor). prominent as that of Ephesus, Perga - ence to Satan (that deceiving serpent Following Lysimachus’s death in mum’s archaeological context reveals of Genesis 3:1-7) and the imagery of serpents in their own city. This was es - 283 B.C., his lieutenant Philetaerus much about the city. In this regard, pecially true of the Asklepieion temple (reigned 283 –263 B.C.) used the late E.M. Blaiklock asserted, “Of all the general’s enormous wealth to estab - seven churches of Asia mentioned in and Asklepios, the god of healing, who lish a Hellenistic (Greek) dynasty of At - Rev 2-3, Pergamum contains perhaps was typically depicted with a serpent. the most archaeological material” According to Unger, Asklepios was talid kings. Attalus I (241 –197 B.C.), a “sometimes referred to as ‘the Perga- nephew of Philetaerus, aided Rome in (Blaiklock and Harrison, eds., The New mene god. ’” But the Asklepieion was its war with Hannibal and was richly International Dictionary of Biblical Ar - famous throughout the whole Mediter - rewarded with enough land to estab - chaeology, Zondervan). German archaeologists have exca - ranean world. John McRay wrote of the lish Pergamum as a powerful kingdom vated the site of ancient Pergamum Asklepieion, which was “Dedicated to (Unger, Archaeology and the New Tes - from the beginning. Throughout the Asklepios Soter” (meaning “saviour”), tament, Zondervan). 1870s, Karl Humann recovered the that it “was a kind of Mayo Clinic of the Merrill F. Unger has noted that great Altar of Zeus along with its ancient world” and “represented the while Attalus I greatly extended the sculptures (Vos, Archaeology in Bible cutting-edge of medical technology in kingdom, he also “adorned his capi - Lands, Moody). The first excavation the New Testament period, although tal city with architectural splendors period proper, however, was conduct - founded much earlier” ( Archaeology that made Pergamum one of the most ed from 1878 to 1886. Humann and and the New Testament, Baker). illustrious cities of the East.” Howev - German colleagues Alexander Conze Pausanias, a second-century A.D. er, it was “Eumenes II (197 –159 B.C.) and R. Bohn directed excavation of Greek geographer and traveler, docu - [who] brought the city to the apogee the upper city (the acropolis) at Perga - mented the association of the serpent of its cultural prominence, establish - mum. The middle and lower districts symbol with Asklepios during his visit ing among other artistic accomplish - of the city were excavated during the to Pergamum. Pausanias described ments, the celebrated Pergamene li - second period (1900 –1913) under the the god Asklepios as “sitting on a brary, containing 200,000 volumes, direction of W. Dorpfeld, H. Hepding, throne with a staff in his hand, and his ... second only in the Graeco-Roman and P. Schatzman (Akurgal, Ancient other hand upon the head of a ser - world to that of Alexandria.” It was for Civilizations and Ruins of Turkey, Uni - pent.” Blaiklock stated that “the ser - the benefit of this great library that versity Museum Publications). pent was, in fact, a totem of the god, parchment, made from sheep or In the third excavation phase and harmless varieties of snakes had goatskins, was invented at Perga - (1927 –1936), Theodor Weigand super - free run of such shrines. The church in mum. vised excavations of the Red Basilica Pergamum obviously found the sur - Attalus III (159 –133 B.C.), the last of (or courtyard), the “heroon” (temple rounding symbolism of paganism the Attalid rulers, transferred the Per- honoring the goddess Hera), Perga - quite diabolical.” gamene realm to Roman rule just be - mum’s arsenals, and its famed The worship of Asklepios continued fore his death. The kingdom entered Asklepieion (Akurgal). Erich Boehr- well beyond the first-century church at Rome’s empire as the province of inger, who had excavated the Asklep- Pergamum. Blaiklock wrote of a Per- Asia. The city of Pergamum itself con - ieion in the 1920s and 1930s, con - gamene coin struck to commemorate tinued to hold a place of prominence, cluded his work there between 1958 the visit of Roman emperor Carcalla but with a new title: provincial capital and 1963 during the fourth excavation (A.D. 211 –217). According to Blaiklock, of Asia. period. Then in 1971, Oskar Ziegenaus the emperor is depicted “standing, 12 (204) ‘where Satan dwells’ (Rev. 2:13, author’s translation). However, Revelation was evidently written in the context of emperor wor - ship (the imperial cult), so it is more likely that Perga - mum’s Temple of Augus - tus—the first provincial temple built to a Roman Emperor in Asia Minor [in 29 B.C.]—was the object of the reference in Revelation 2:13. The Temple of Au - gustus has not yet been identified in the excava - tions, but on some coins minted in Pergamum the head of Augustus is cast on one side and the temple on the other.” Without question, Per- gamum became the pre - Map of the first-century Roman world, with Pergamum circled mier center for emperor worship in Asia. As stated spear in hand, before a great serpent In addition to the gods Asklepios, by William Ramsay, “Here was built the coiled around a bending sapling. The Zeus, and Athena, already named as first Asian Temple of the divine Augus - emperor raises his right arm in the ex - objects of worship at Pergamum, a tus, which for more than forty years was act gesture of the Nazi salute.” number of other gods were honored the one centre of the Imperial religion for there. And reminiscent of Paul’s expe - the whole Province. A second Asian THE GREAT ALTAR OF ZEUS rience at Athens (Acts 17:22-23), an al - Temple had afterwards been built at In his visit to Pergamum, Pausanias tar was found at Pergamum bearing Smyrna, and a third at Ephesus; but they also took note of the spectacular the inscription “To the unknown Gods.” were secondary to the original Augustan throne-like altar to Zeus that sat This discovery, according to McRay, as Temple at Pergamum” (Yamauchi). prominently atop the southern end of well as “the many temples” uncovered Roman emperor worship, or the “im - the city’s acropolis. It too contains ser - at Pergamum, “reminds us that religion perial cult,” was a “religious” practice pent images. The horseshoe-shaped was a pervasive influence on the think - founded upon one simple premise— marble altar measures 112 by 118 feet ing and conduct of the ancients.” the emperor was divine. Evidence and rises to a total height, with its This influence of pagan idolatry in - strongly suggests that the Apocalypse base, of an estimated 50 feet. The al - spired a profoundly negative reaction was written during Emperor Domitian’s reign ( A.D. 81 –96). Throughout that pe - tar commemorates Pergamum’s sec - from many Christians at Pergamum. As riod, emperor worship was prevalent all ond-century B.C. defeat of the Gauls in Yamauchi wrote, “Carl Humann found over the empire and enforced by the their invasion of Asia. that the Byzantines had reused parts of authorities. It was a time when Rome the Altar of Zeus in their fortification The most magnificent feature of the persecuted Christians, forced them to walls in about A.D. 1000.” And in this re - altar is its huge 118-panel frieze, about renounce their faith, and pressured 7.5 feet high by 365 feet long. Only the gard, “E. V. Hansen remarks: ‘The fact them to worship the emperor or die for frieze of the Athenian Parthenon ex - that most of the heads of the gods are their Christian beliefs. ceeds it in length. The subject of the gone probably indicates the zeal of the Antipas of Pergamum (Rev. 2:13), frieze is the legendary battle of the early Christians in destroying all evi - considered the first martyr of Asia, Olympian gods and goddesses with dence of this, the most complete rep - chose the latter course (Ramsay, The the giants. In this regard, Blaiklock resentation of the Greek pantheon. ’” Church in the Roman Empire Before noted, “The giants, in accordance with A.D. 170, Baker). EMPEROR WORSHIP AT Pergamum’s prevailing obsession, are In light of such persecution, torture, PERGAMUM represented as a brood of Titans with and death as the Christians of Perga - snakelike tails.” The Altar of Zeus—and possibly the mum were daily confronted with by the The German excavators transport - temple of Zeus and Athena to which it pervasive influence of pagan idolatry, ed the Altar of Zeus, including the may have been connected—is they could scarcely have failed to real - frieze panels, to Berlin. There it was re - thought by some to be Satan’s ize that they did indeed live in the place constructed and became the focal “throne,” but others are not so sure. where Satan dwelled. At the same time, point for the Pergamum Museum, McRay wrote, “This temple may have however, they witnessed the example which opened in 1930. At the original been in the mind of John when he re - of Antipas, the Lord’s faithful martyr in site of Pergamum, all that remains of ferred to Pergamum as the place Pergamum, who submitted to death the altar is its base. ‘where the throne of Satan is’ and rather than deny his faith. # FALL QUARTER 2012 (205) 13 Music in the Christian’s Life

BY PAULETTE L. R EESE

AKE a joyful noise unto the Lord, humming to themselves. Astronomers and videos is overwhelming. If we do M all ye lands. Serve the Lord with recorded a chorus of immense red gi - not arm our children and teenagers gladness: come before his presence ant stars—each hundreds of times with confidence in God’s Word, we fail with singing” (Ps. 100:1-2). larger than the sun—using NASA’s to do our job. Our enemy does not When I read this particular passage, Kepler space probe.” care whether our child is old enough to I am reminded of a weekend retreat I “‘It’s a red giant concert, ’” said as - comprehend what he is looking at or attended years ago. The psalm was tronomer Daniel Huber at the Univer - listening to. set to an upbeat melody and used as sity of Sydney in Australia.” God’s Word reminds us, “Be sober, the theme of the weekend. “Hallelujah, “‘To measure the size of the star we be vigilant; because your adversary glory hallelujah,” we sang as a chorus essentially measure the tone of these the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh between each verse. musical notes from starlight, ’” said as - about, seeking whom he may devour” Though the Christian artist often tronomer Travis Metcalf at the Nation - (I Pet. 5:8). This passage presents a spends enormous amounts of time al Center for Atmospheric Research in very clear picture of a predator who is trying to find the ideal formula of mel- Boulder, Colorado. not concerned with the intellectual ody and lyrics, I have found the sim - Dr. Carl E. Baugh submitted that ability of his prey. We must help our plest words usually evoke the most “NASA also discovered that not only is children build healthy self-images worshipful attitude in our hearts. God music emitted, but the music being based on faith in the One who loves clearly desires a passionate and jubi - emitted is in a major key. The music them more than the world ever could. lant response from us. What better being emitted from these stars is har - The Christian who believes he can way to worship than with the gift of monious. NASA compared the music listen to music with messages con - music He gave us? being emitted from these star sources trary to God’s Word and not be affect - Music is woven into the very design to the instruments of an orchestra ed by it fools only himself. “Finally, of our universe. Anyone who has tak - that are all in tune with each other” brethren, whatsoever things are true, en a class on music theory will soon (Panorama of Creation, Hearthstone). whatsoever things are honest, what - learn that the language of music is as So Dr. Baugh contends that the stars soever things are just, whatsoever perfect and basic as that of mathe - are still “singing” from the original Cre - things are pure, whatsoever things are matics. ation and that they are actually har - lovely, whatsoever things are of good In Job we find God asking some in - monizing with each other. report; if there be any virtue, and if teresting questions that should lead us Evidence that God designed music there be any praise, think on these to the conclusion that whatever dis - and wants us to use it in our worship things” (Phil. 4:8). covery we stumble upon, no matter of Him is overwhelming. “Sing praises Not long ago I agreed to help out on how magnificent, it was already known to God, sing praises: sing praises unto a youth retreat. Andrew, one of the to our glorious Maker! “Where wast our King, sing praises. For God is the teachers, performed an interesting ex - thou when I laid the foundations of the King of all the earth: sing ye praises ercise with the kids. In it he demon - earth? . . . When the morning stars with understanding” (Ps. 47:6-7). strated the power and influence of the sang together, and all the songs of “Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; music they are often exposed to. He God shouted for joy?” (38:4, 7). sing praise upon the harp unto our asked them to break into groups and The average attendee at a Bible God” (147:7). The scriptural refer - recall, if they could, all the lyrics of the study may have read these passages, ences to music in worship are so nu - most popular secular songs. diligently noting God’s line of ques - merous that attempting to list them all Once all the information had been tioning to Job. Since this is such a sig - here would be difficult. gathered, he asked the youngest nificant conversation, let us examine it Careful study should lead one to member of the group to come forward. again in light of God’s wonderful gift of conclude that our Father designed Twelve-year-old Miranda stepped up, music. Here the Father reminds us that music to be delightful and pleasing, and Andrew turned her toward the “the morning stars sang together” making it easy to enjoy a time of praise crowd. He began mimicking a key - (Job 38:7). What a bold and interesting and worship. However, care needs to board on the top of her head, as statement to make! While getting the be taken that we do not become infat - though everything he said were being stars to sing may be impossible for uated with the means in which we transcribed directly into her brain—his you and me, it is no feat for the One praise Him, making music, rather than point exactly. who spoke creation into existence. God, the object of our worship. Everyone laughed as he tapped at The stars were singing, according to We need only turn on a radio in to - the top of her head and began speak - God, when He “laid the foundations of day’s world to hear that although ing the messages of the combined the earth” (Job 38:4). They continue to God’s design of and intent for music lyrics the kids had offered. The laugh - sing today, according to NASA. Robert are made clear in the Bible, a great ter stopped when they realized the Lee Hotz, who writes a scientific col - majority of people have turned it into things the world had been telling them umn for the Wall Street Journal, had something else entirely. over and over again in song. Accord - this to say on 28 October 2010 The onslaught of violence and sex - ing to the most popular music, they (WSJ.com): “The stars in the sky are ual immorality in today’s musical lyrics were not good enough, not rich 14 (206) enough, not talented enough, not smart enough, not pretty enough, not strong enough, and so on. The message the world is recording right into our children is heartbreaking. They are being told they are worthless and unlovable. They are being pro - grammed to shed modesty, good sense, and discernment and to take on instead the cheap and momentary thrills that come from pleasing only oneself. Conversely, the positive effects of music are just as persuasive and in some cases are beneficial to our health. In an article about stress man - agement, titled “Music and Your Body: How Music Affects Us and Why Music Therapy Promotes Health” (11 No - vember 2007), About.com’s Elizabeth Scott wrote: “Research has shown that music has a profound effect on your body and psyche. In fact there’s a growing icent instrument, I discovered chords God wanted me to have one, He would field of health care known as music by ear. Without any idea what I was provide. They laughed and suggested therapy, . . . Those who practice mu - doing, I felt my way through the music. perhaps that was just what He was try - sic therapy are finding a benefit in us - Though it was admittedly simple, God ing to do! ing music to help cancer patients, chil - helped me to create my first songs. By the time their daughter finished dren with ADD, and others, and even Playing for Him became like water to college and needed the piano back, I hospitals are beginning to use music my thirsty soul. had one of my own. My friends had and music therapy to help with pain Today I realize God started a min - been right about having a piano in the management, to help ward off depres - istry in me as a child. In that small and living room bringing more opportuni - sion, to promote movement, to calm quiet chapel, a work had begun in my ties to learn. At that time I could not patients, to ease muscle tension, and heart that would lead me to a passion imagine going back to not owning one. for many other benefits . . . This is not for spreading the gospel through I had written many songs, played them surprising, as music affects the body song. in church, and even gone to a local and mind in many powerful ways.” As an adult, I still had no idea how studio to record a CD of all original It should not surprise us that we to read music, though after church music. I learned to read chord charts have biological, emotional, and cere - most Sundays I found myself gravi - so that I could play other people’s mu - bral ties to music. God Himself creat - tating toward the piano, where I could sic as well. ed it and gave it to us for His pleasure feel the keys again. I had an electron - God had given me a love for singing, as well as ours. As always, we can ic keyboard at home and was proud songwriting, and playing the piano— honor Him with His gifts or use them to have learned all the keys, A all of which I could offer back to Him instead to glorify and please our - through G. My songs were getting a in a most satisfying way. selves. little more complex, though I rarely I learned that even a difficult task I was a small child when I fell in love shared them with anyone outside my becomes an enjoyable labor of love with the piano. Though we never had family. when it is in God’s will for your life. one in my home growing up and I nev - God decided to further His plans for “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of er took lessons, I always felt inexpli - my music through some dear friends me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: cably drawn to this instrument. God whose children were growing up and and ye shall find rest unto your souls. brought me closer to it in junior high moving out. They would no longer For my yoke is easy, and my burden is when I went to a Christian school that have anyone at home to play their pi - light” (Matt. 11:29-30). was also a church. ano and wanted to know whether I Music is not just an excellent way to Many afternoons or evenings after would enjoy keeping it in my living worship God: it is the very reason He dinner, I would walk back to the school room until their daughter finished col - created it. It never ceases to strength - and sit at the piano in the chapel and lege and bought a home of her own. en my faith that the precious Word of stare out the beautiful stained-glass They said that if I had a piano at home, God, a seemingly innocuous book to windows. I always felt that God met I would have more of an opportunity to the unbeliever, is proved true and flaw - me there, with my childish joy and ex - play and let God work with me musi - less. Who else but the Creator of mu - citement for playing. I loved the si - cally. sic and stars could make a statement lence of the room—but for the piano I felt so unworthy of the gesture that like the one in Job? Surely all things of and the way the keys felt beneath my I scoffed at the idea. I told them that I perfection began with Him, for these fingers. was touched that they would offer things could not be brought about by As I built a rapport with this magnif - their piano to me on loan but that if the finite human mind. # FALL QUARTER 2012 (207) 15 Living Out Our Faith in the Digital Age

BY DAN LIOY , P H.D.

ETWEEN 1940 and 1945, the first congregations use to display announce - text messaging their friends, and B electronic computers were devel - ments, project worship songs, and play spending time on popular social net - oped; but these power-hungry ma - movie clips. Also, e-mail and blogs are working Web sites. In like manner, old - chines were slow and took up as much used to quickly disseminate important er adults might feel compelled to con - space as a large room. Eventually, information. Furthermore, churches stantly check their cell phones, log on large banks of vacuum tubes and re - maintain conventional and social net - to their e-mail accounts, and revisit in - lay switches gave way to much small - working Web sites to signal their pres - formation portals for the latest news. er, more efficient, and more powerful ence to the wider world. Regardless of the gender, age, or pro - integrated circuits and microproces - Digital technology is here to stay. The fession of believers, it is all too easy to sor chips. These advancements challenge, then, is for churches and in - become obsessed with digital technol - paved the way for the manufacturing dividual believers to use these resources ogy. There is a real danger of overstim - of the first personal computers in the in ways that are intelligent, prudent, and ulation and information overload. Like - 1970s. meaningful. As Paul stated in I Corinthi - wise, the above-mentioned outlets can Over the next four decades, engi - ans 10:31, regardless of what we do, all compromise the ability of Christians to neers and other specialists were able our activities—including using the vast concentrate, mature spiritually, and to increasingly miniaturize electronic array of digital tools in ministry—should make a distinction between what is real components and simplify the manu - bring glory to God. Moreover, as James life and what is simulated reality. This facturing process. In turn, this led to a 4:15 declares, regardless of the modern scenario not only puts a strain on one’s dramatic drop in component prices technology Christians deploy, it is the personal relationships but also takes and a sharp increase in the availability Lord who makes it possible for them to away much-needed time with the Lord. of low-cost home computers. Further - “do this, or that.” Perhaps this is an opportunity for more, over the last fifteen years, a wide The preceding observations imply God’s people to take to heart Solo- range of other faster, less expensive, that there are positive and negative as - mon’s admonition in Proverbs 3:5-6. and easier-to-use consumer products pects of technology’s impact on how He enjoined us to wholly trust God— have been developed, including lap - believers live and serve God every day. that is, to acknowledge Him and to tops, cellular phones, touch-screen On the one hand, there are seemingly seek His counsel when making plans. tablets, and portable media players. endless possibilities for these re - The king told his students to avoid During the same period of time, as sources to help in communicating the putting all of their confidence into their computers have progressed and de - gospel, enhancing worship, and ex - own understanding (along with the hu - veloped, so have the types of operat - panding biblical scholarship. An ex - manly derived means for obtaining in - ing systems (or OS) they use. An op - amination of the New Testament indi - creased comprehension). erating system is a software program cates that even someone such as Paul The latter does not mean that be - that enables the computer hardware used the means of his day to proclaim lievers are to set aside their own to communicate and operate with the the gospel and give instruction in knowledge and experience (regard - computer software. Without an OS, a Christian living. less of the source of information). It computer would be useless. That is On the other hand, if Christians are would be foolish to think that after why programmers are constantly try - not careful, they can delude them - spending years of teaching his stu - ing to improve and update these com - selves into thinking that laptops, cell dents wisdom, Solomon would then plex systems. phones, and so on are the basis for tell them to forsake everything they To say the least, modern technolo - their effectiveness in ministry. As Ze- had learned and disregard the means gy is transforming the world at a fast rubabbel learned thousands of years by which they were taught. Instead, pace. By way of example, distances ago, one’s success is not based on the monarch was reminding his pupils between people and places have been human might and strength but on the to acknowledge the true source of dramatically altered. Also, the emer - presence and power of the Holy Spir - their wisdom and experience, as well gence of the World Wide Web, high- it (Zech. 4:6). Scripture also has some - as to humbly admit there was more the speed Internet service providers, and thing to say about the frenetic pace to Lord could teach them. video cameras (to name a few factors) keep up with all the changes in tech - Believers who trust God in this man - has made it remarkably easy to com - nology. Psalm 46:10 directs believers ner (rather than themselves, other peo - municate and telecommute. This, in to stop their anxious striving, seek to ple, or even modern technology) will be turn, has reshaped how professionals be quiet for a few moments, and come rewarded with clear counsel and direc - operate in such industries as educa - to see once again that the Lord is God. tion from the Lord. In turn, the path of tion, healthcare, and the military. When Christians become overly re - their life’s journey will be made straight. The ways believers serve and worship liant on technology, it can become a The image here is one of God clearing the Lord and communicate the gospel hindrance rather than an asset in facil - obstacles from the believers’ path. have also been impacted by advance - itating the development and growth of Those seeing the hilly countryside ments in technology. For instance, it is their interpersonal relationships. For around Jerusalem would have appre - common for local churches to have a example, young people might become ciated this metaphor of a clearly de - large-screen projection system that addicted to playing computer games, marcated and straightened path. 16 (208) Though the actual distance between for satisfaction, joy, or comfort. Rather, munion with the Triune God (cf. I John some towns around Jerusalem was they find these things in God alone. 1:3). short, traveling on foot was often ar - The third beatitude deals with The seventh beatitude is about be - duous. The hills of Israel had to be meekness, or gentleness. These are ing a peacemaker. Instead of being traveled around or climbed over. In a individuals who set aside the world’s sidelined by an obsession with the lat - similar way, the Lord would clear a concerns and stand empty-handed est high-tech gadgets, they affirm the spiritual path for those who made Him before God. They are also totally de - value of cultivating and promoting a the ultimate focus of their trust. pendent on Him for redemption. With Spirit-filled, Christ-centered life. They Believers can regain their perspec - the Lord as their base of support and also deplore those who murder. As tive about living out their faith in the strength, they are able to bear patient - God’s children, they take a stand digital age by considering what Jesus ly the insults and injuries others inflict against marital infidelity and encour - said in the Beatitudes, which are on them. Despite the provocations of age husbands and wives to reconcile recorded in Matthew 5:3-12. This se - others, they remain humble and calm. their differences. They also deplore all ries of brief statements contains God- The fourth beatitude concerns hun - forms of dishonesty, whether it is in the inspired teaching about the blessings gering and thirsting for righteousness. form of stealing or lying, and laud of those who share in God’s kingdom. This means desiring God above all those who are upright. We notice that none of today’s ad - things (including video games, cell The eighth and ninth beatitudes vances in technology receive any phones, and computers) and seeking concern being persecuted for the sake mention in these verses. Also, the to be in a right relationship with Him of righteousness. Admittedly, it is nev - ethics Jesus taught here contrasted and others. While greed, injustice, and er easy to endure suffering when we sharply with the legalism of His Jewish violence are the calling cards of the live for God. This is just as true in an opponents. The Pharisees and scribes unsaved, believers yearn for justice age when the status quo is to take ad - coveted external righteousness. Je - and goodness to be established. vantage of social networking sites to sus sought to overthrow such an ap - The fifth beatitude deals with being garner the approval of others. proach to life. merciful. In contrast to people who are Nonetheless, we are comforted by the The first beatitude talks about being obsessed with keeping up with the lat - promise of eternal reward in heaven poor in spirit, which is a reference to hu - est technological advancements, these and by the fact that others before us have successfully endured hardship mility. Humble people realize their moral Christians strive to maintain a gracious for the cause of Christ. bankruptcy before God. They do not disposition toward others. The merciful Someone once made up the follow - see their own attempt of goodness as a are kind, charitable, and ready to sym - ing illustration: the Maker of all human passport to heaven, and they do not rely pathize with the sufferings of the afflict - beings is recalling all units manufac - on humanly devised means to get there. ed. They show the love of God to all, tured—regardless of make, year, or Rather, they rely solely on the Saviour without partiality or precondition. operating system—because of a seri - for redemption. The sixth beatitude concerns main - ous defect in the primary component The second beatitude concerns taining a pure heart. Among other of the heart. A malfunction occurred in those who mourn over their sin and things, this means avoiding the risk of the original prototype units code- confess their guilt to God. Instead of being overstimulated by digital media. named Adam and Eve, resulting in the being distracted by information over - Put another way, these believers seek reproduction of the same defect in all load, they take time to grieve not only to be genuine and honest in all their subsequent units. This defect is tech - because of their sin but also because dealings. Because the pure in heart nically termed “Substantial Internal of its consequences. They do not look have trusted exclusively in the Messi - Non-morality”—or more commonly, to the electronic trappings of the world ah for salvation, they will enjoy com - SIN—and is primarily evidenced by loss of moral judgment. The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service, free of charge, to cor - rect this pernicious defect. The num - ber for the recall station in your area is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, you will be asked to upload your bur - den of SIN by pressing REPEN - TANCE. Next, you are urged to download J-E-S-U-S into the heart drive. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, the JESUS repair will replace it with (1) faith, (2) goodness, (3) knowledge, (4) self-control, (5) endurance, (6) godliness, (7) mutual affection, and (8) love. Finally, you are directed to see the operating manual, the HOLY BIBLE, for further details on the use of these fixes! # FALL QUARTER 2012 (209) 17 Christian Psychology

Justice or Mercy?

BY A. K OSHY MUTHALALY , P H.D.

F someone you did not like was in a fender go free with new hope and the from their belief in their true sense of I difficult situation, which would you possibility of restoration. It provides justice. They had catalogued 613 laws want for him: justice or mercy? If we another chance to a person who does they were required to follow so that are honest with ourselves, most of us, not deserve one. they would not miss even a small part if asked, would choose justice over Offenders often fear the conse - of God’s law. One would have to com - mercy in any given situation. But what quences when they know that justice mend them for their dedication. They if the situation was changed just a lit - is coming. Justice is the cousin of fear, wanted to be their best. However, if tle bit, and we were in difficulty our - for there is no reprieve. On the other we look at it on the continuum of jus - selves? Would we then want others to hand, mercy knows that the offender tice at one end and mercy at the oth - show us justice or mercy? There is is very much at fault and still chooses er, they fall off the cliff on the side of quite a big difference when we be - to forgive the sinner of his or her justice. And Jesus condemned them come the ones faced with a difficult wrongdoing. Not all fear is bad. It is for that. Their dedication lacked the situation! good for children to grow up with a love to balance their perspective. Judges sit on the bench to interpret healthy fear of disobeying their par - The other problem with the attitude the law in any situation, and they set ents. This is a good kind of fear that of the Pharisees was that they were the punishment or sentence according comes from justice. We need that in literalists. They were careful to obey to the law of the land. That is the pur - order to stay within God’s boundaries every jot and tittle of the law. This suit of justice. People in authority also for us. preocupation led them to neglect have the right to show mercy to those There is also a bad kind of fear that love. One time Jesus responded to who commit offenses. It is important comes when no love is involved. The them by reminding them how they to see that justice fulfills the minimum Apostle John wrote to the early church would pull an ox out of a ditch even legal requirement of the law, while and said, “There is no fear in love; but if it was the Sabbath Day and even mercy goes a step beyond that, show - perfect love casteth out fear: because take the animal to provide it with wa - ing us what forgiveness can do in fear hath torment. He that feareth is ter to drink (Luke 13:15; 14:5). This restoring the person. not made perfect in love” (I John 4:18). example demonstrates how justice As children, we all faced parents Justice, therefore, is validated only was never intended to supercede who showed us different and varying when love is involved. This takes away principles of love. It needs to be tem - degrees of justice and mercy. When I every element of fear. When we scold pered with mercy. had a bad report card to show my par - our children and discipline them, we It is important to see that both jus - ents when I was growing up, I hoped do so out of love. Without love, it tice and mercy are important. Both are to receive mercy, not justice. It is im - would simply be a case of instilling good and necessary, but when they portant to see that justice is not bad. negative fear. work together, it is the very best for the Without it, our society would be in ab - Some very good people in our con - receiver. The only one who has per - solute chaos. There would be no rules gregations are very legalistic. They fol - fectly demonstrated the great combi - or regulations for living, and no one low the path of justice literally, to the nation of the two is our Lord Jesus would set any boundaries for our be - last letter. We must remember that we Christ. Remember that Jesus was a havior. Justice follows the law, and have already established that justice is Jew and was raised knowing the law. that is good. not a bad thing and that it is good. He knew the requirements of the law— What we do need to see, however, However, when justice is carried to the all 613 statutes. He never committed a is that mercy is optional, while justice extreme without any love, there is only sin. But when it came to enforcing the is not. Justice has to abide by the de - literal religious legalism. It was this law, He showed us another way. mands of the law of the land or the law that Jesus condemned in the Phar - Jesus showed us the way of justice of God. But when mercy steps in, it isees of His day. They were pursuing by tempering tough justice with His transcends the law and goes far be - righteousness in the wrong way, even abundance of mercy. It must be noted yond what is required. The law de - though they were people who wanted that Jesus did not in any way compro - mands its pound of flesh. Mercy to do what the law required of them. mise God’s law of justice when He shows compassion and lets the of - The way of the Pharisees came showed us mercy. He simply went be - 18 (210) yond the requirements of the law to show us that He was able to operate What’s in a Word? on a higher plane of forgiveness and mercy. Is that not what all of us would want when we are in trouble and fac - ing condemnation? Justice would in - Decease; Accomplish voke fear, while mercy would bring about hope and restoration in our bro - BY DARRELL W. M CKAY , M.A. kenness. In the very popular story of the prodigal son, Jesus made this point N the preceding issue of this maga- but a trailblazing work that made zine, this column dealt with the word unmistakably clear. The old father I salvation from slavery to sin possi - “transfigured” as found in the account ble. showed his erring son the abun - of Christ’s transfiguration (Matt. 17:2; The other two uses of exodos are in dance of his mercy when he returned Mark 9:2). We commented then that Hebrew 11:22, where it speaks of the home. The older brother, on the oth - although Luke recorded the transfigu - Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt, and er hand, looked at his younger broth - ration of our Lord, he did not use the II Peter 1:15, where Peter used it in re - er through the eyes of justice. The old word. However, it is in the account that gard to his own death. All those who father, who never gave up on his we find ourselves this quarter. There commit themselves to Christ and take wayward son, is a picture of our Lord, are two words used by Luke that add advantage of the way out of slavery to who never gives up on us. He waits so much to our understanding of the sin will also one fine day have an exo - till we receive the offer of His mercy event and that should shape our lives dus from this life into the very pres - within the context of His seemingly today. The first of these words is “de - ence of their Lord. harsh justice. cease,” as found in Luke 9:31. We must not leave this study of ACCOMPLISH justice and mercy without realizing DECEASE Our second word comes from the that expressing mercy or justice is a The Greek word thus translated is same verse as the first, Luke 9:31, choice. Justice demands that the re - exodos. The root word is hodos, where it is said that Moses and Elijah quirements of the law be fulfilled. meaning “way,” and the prefix ex talked to Jesus about accomplishing Mercy demands to step in and take means “out.” Hence, the word His exodus from this life. The word over and cancel those requirements. speaks of “a way out.” We find the “accomplish” used here ( plero ¯o ) In this manner we see that there is word only three times in the New means to “fulfill,” “complete,” or power in mercy. If you thought that Testament: Luke 9:31, Hebrews “make perfect.” We find it in Revela - justice demonstrated power, mercy 11:22, and II Peter 1:15. Other Eng - tion 3:2, where Jesus says to the is even more powerful. It is even lish words like “departure” or “going church at Sardis, “I have not found thy out” are appropriate when translat - more powerful because it expresses works perfect before God.” Here the ing the word. the power of meekness when one idea is that their works were not com - We first find the word in Scripture in can make a gracious choice, given plete or fulfilled—or, as the text says, the Greek translation of the Hebrew two hard options. “perfect.” What happened at the cross of Old Testament (Septuagint, or LXX). In Exodus 19:1 we read, “The children of Some critics of Christ today say Calvary is the greatest expression of that He was just a zealous man who the nature of our God coming to - Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt.” “Gone forth” in the verse tried to make changes but got Him - gether in the combination of both self killed in the process. But the justice and mercy. God Himself translates the Greek word exodos. In time, the word was taken as a title for Bible says He accomplished what stepped in to meet the requirements He came to do. His death as the of the law on our behalf so that we the entire second book of Scripture, for it dealt with the escape from Egypt Scriptures foretold was an accom - might find relief and salvation from by God’s chosen people. They went plishment, not an accident. the burdens of the law. We could not out from slavery into the new life God In the transfiguration account, two do this ourselves. Sinful human be - had for them. Old Testament saints appeared to Je - ings cannot take care of their own In all three accounts of the transfig - sus and encouraged Him to complete sin. Sin could only be taken away by uration of Christ, we find Moses and His calling and go to Jerusalem at the a sinless Saviour. Jesus accom - Elijah mentioned as meeting with Je - appointed time to accomplish the ap - plished this for us on Calvary. sus. But only Luke records the major pointed task given to Him by the Fa - Our response to this divine love that topic of conversation—that is, the ther. brought justice and mercy together “decease,” or exodus, of our Lord. It Later we read that shortly following should be gratitude to God. We must obviously was a reminder of the very the transfiguration, “it came to pass, go beyond justice to show much mer - purpose of Christ’s incarnation: not when the time was come that he cy to others. Justice and holy fear go only to be the Passover “Lamb of God, should be received up, he stedfastly hand in hand, for there is a price to which taketh away the sin of the set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke pay. When mercy steps in, it changes world” (John 1:29), but also to provide 9:51). Bolstered by the reminder of the picture because the demands of sinners a way out of their sorry condi - what was at stake, Jesus headed to - justice have been fulfilled. The debt tion. ward Jerusalem, where He accom - has been paid. # Jesus’ death was not just a death plished His exodus. # FALL QUARTER 2012 (211) 19 Sermon

Psalm 90: Living with an Eye to Eternity

BY MARK J. H IGHMAN

S we grow older, one constant in troduces and relates to verses 5-6 sight are but as yesterday when it is A life that we are very aware of is (stanza 2), and verse 11 introduces past, and as a watch in the night.” A the rapid passage of time. It seems and relates to verses 13-17 (stanza 4). thousand years (a millennium) is a re - that the older we get, the faster time I suggest reading the psalm in this ally long time for us, but it passes like passes! This is a universal constant in manner: verses 1-2, 4 (stanza 1), fol - a four-hour watch in the night for God. our fallen world, and it is even observ - lowed by verses 3, 5-6 (stanza 2). Then That four-hour watch may go slowly able in the Bible. For instance, Psalm read stanza 3, which comprises vers - for a security guard, but that is not the 90 laments the fact that our years are es 7-10, 12, followed by stanza 4, writer’s point. He is writing from the “soon cut off, and we fly away” (vs. verses 11, 13-17. sleeping person’s vantage point. We 10). The first stanza may seem surpris - know how quickly time flies when we Psalm 90 is a community lament ing for a lament; it sounds more like sleep; four hours passes in a flash. In psalm. In the superscription we note verses from a praise psalm. These the analogy, a thousand years in that the ancients ascribed this psalm verses of Psalm 90 celebrate the eter - God’s sight passes just as quickly. to Moses, “the man of God” (cf. Deut. nality of Yahweh God, who is here ad - Time is no issue to our infinite, eternal 33:1; Josh. 14:6). Moses may well be dressed as “Lord” ( adonai) . Adonai God. the author, for he was known for writ - means “the sovereign one” or “mas - The psalmist moves from the eter - ing music (recall the famous “Song of ter” (cf. vs. 17). nality of God to the finiteness of man the Sea” in Exodus 15). Furthermore, The writer begins: “O Sovereign in stanza 2 (Ps. 90:3, 5-6). Indeed, it the distress in the lament can fit Is - Master, You, yes, You (this is em - is his object to compare finite man to rael’s forty years of wilderness wan - phatic) have been our dwelling place the infinite God, for this drives home dering. in all generations” (personal trans.). his point with great gusto. We look re - Observe Psalm 90:7-9, where the This would have been comforting to ally puny when compared with the affliction has to do with the communi - a group of people who were wander - great Yahweh God of the Bible. Our ty’s sin, and verse 15, which suggests ing in the wilderness. It is also com - years are eighty if we are healthy that the affliction went on for years. It forting to us, God’s children, as we enough to live that long (vs. 10), and seems that for the lamenting commu - face troubles and difficulties. Despite that seems like a long time to us. It nity, life, even at its best, was only mis - the trouble we face, even when it is was a very long time for people in the ery and trouble. That would be true if chastisement for our sin, our faithful ancient Near East, where people gen - an entire generation was to die off as God is still our place of protection. erally died much younger. However, it wandered for forty years (cf. Num. That has been true of all time for God speaks in terms of a thousand 14:26-35). The community was under God’s people! years passing like the passing of time God’s judgment. After the opening, the writer gets when we sleep. There is just no com - Psalm 90 can apply to a variety of right to the point of his first stanza. parison! occasions in Israel’s experience. It is “Before the mountains came into be - In Psalm 90:3, the songwriter does equally apropos to us in the twenty- ing, before You gave birth to the earth not speak of man in typical terms, that first century. A key lesson in this psalm and the world, from one end of eterni - is, using the Hebrew word adam. He has to do with how one is to live in light ty to the other, You are God” (person - uses a word that more or less speaks of the truth that time is quickly pass - al trans.). God was here before the ex - of man as mortal or finite ( enosh ). ing. Let us take a closer look at this istence of anything that now exists. Therefore, I translate verse 3: “You psalm. God has always been and will always turned mortal man back to dust and I have found it helpful to consider a be. Everything else exists because then said, ‘Return [to dust] O humani - special literary technique that I feel the God brought it into existence. This ty (ben-adam )! ’” He goes on in verses psalmist employed. Recognizing this shows what great power He has. It 5-6 to lament the brevity of life for us: technique has allowed a smoother also shows why He should be ad - “In the morning [we] are like the grass reading of the psalm for me. The tech - dressed as “the sovereign one” or which groweth up . . . [but] in the nique employed is this: the writer in - “master.” He owns all that exists, in - evening it is cut down, and withereth.” troduces the even-numbered stanzas cluding us humans. In terms of eternity, we are here today with a verse tucked inside the preced - In Psalm 90:4 the writer finishes his and gone tomorrow. Our sojourn on ing odd-numbered stanzas. point on the eternality of Yahweh. He this earth, at this stage of our journey, Here is how it works: Psalm 90:3 in - writes, “For a thousand years in thy is brief indeed. In terms of eternity, it is 20 (212) as short as that brief watch in the Does this remind you of an exhortation Psalm 90:13 asks a pointed ques - night. We are very unlike God. we receive from the Apostle Paul in the tion, one that is typical for a lament: The disturbing note is two-pronged. New Testament? It should. In Eph - “O Lord, how long?” Verse 15 sug - First is the fact that mortal man returns esians 5:15-17 we read, “See then that gests that the affliction that the peo - to the dust from which he came. That ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, ple were suffering had been going on was not how it was supposed to be. but as wise, redeeming the time, be - for years. The community came to However, it has become the reality for cause the days are evil. Wherefore be God and asked how much longer He us mortals in this broken, fallen world. ye not unwise, but understanding would afflict them for their sin. They We all associate similar words with what the will of the Lord is.” were not naive about the reason for death when we hear: “from ashes to One sad result of sin having en - their chastisement, but from their ashes and from dust to dust.” You may tered into the world is that death has vantage point time was flying by, and have heard this at a funeral or grave - come into the world as well. Not one things were not getting any better. side service. of us—rich or poor, young or old— Would Yahweh ever deliver them from The second prong in Psalm 90:3 is can slow down the passing of time. their trouble and turn sorrow into equally disturbing, or maybe even But we can make proper choices in gladness? They certainly hoped so! more so. Note who is acting upon how we live each day. This is espe - So did the psalmist! mortal man in returning him to dust: it cially important in light of something So they prayed, using strong lan - is Yahweh God Himself! “Thou turnest the psalmist may have very well had guage. I offer here a personal transla - man to destruction.” This immediate - in mind, to one degree or another. It tion of Psalm 90:13-15: “Turn, O Yah - ly and properly brings to mind Gene - is revealed to us in Hebrews 9:27, weh. Have pity upon Your servants. sis 3 (cf. 2:16-17). Death entered the which informs us that “it is appointed Satisfy us in the morning with Your world because of Adam’s sin, and it is unto men once to die, but after this covenant of grace and faithfulness God’s judgment upon us all. In Ro - the judgment.” (Hebrew: hesed ). Make us glad for as mans 5 we learn that we inherit One day every human being must many days as You have afflicted us, Adam’s sin and are as guilty as he; stand before the Sovereign One and [for as many] years as we have seen death exists because we are all sin - Creator and give account for how he trouble.” ners (vs. 12). or she lived each day allotted to him. It seems we all have to learn the Death exists as judgment for our sin, Yes, the years do pass quickly— hard way, and these Israelites were no and this reality serves as a natural sometimes frustratingly so. It be - exception. The trouble God brought segue into Psalm 90’s third stanza: hooves God’s people to live with an into their lives helped sober them; it “We are consumed by thine anger, and eye to eternity not only because we caused them to realize how brief life by thy wrath are we troubled. Thou want to live for His glory but also be - was. The years of hardship forced hast set our iniquities before thee, our cause of the reality of judgment that these folks to recognize that how a secret sins in the light of thy counte - follows death. Since living in this man - person lived his or her life each day did nance” (vss. 7-8). God even sees the ner does not come naturally to us as sin that no one else sees; we are ac - fallen people, we need to follow the matter. They hoped the years of afflic - countable for all our actions, thoughts, example of the ancient psalmist. We tion established in them a whole new and motives. “Our days pass away in must ask God to teach us to number approach to living: numbering their your rage; we have finished our years our days so that we may gain a heart days and living wisely. How we live like a sigh” (vs. 9, personal trans.) A of wisdom. each day does matter now and, as we “sigh” is a brief expulsion of air. The Verse 11 appears to introduce the know from the New Testament, in eter - psalmist laments that, comparatively last stanza of Psalm 90 by asking the nity. speaking, the days for the suffering Is - first of two questions: “Who knoweth God had acted in marvelous ways raelites passed similarly. the power of thine anger? even ac - in the past, such as the Exodus from It is with all of this in mind that the cording to thy fear, so is thy wrath.” Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, songwriter pauses with the first and The last part of this verse may seem manna in the wilderness, water from most significant petition in the lament. unclear, but the verse as a whole rocks, and more. The people asked, He penned and sang, “Teach us to seems clear enough. Who knows the “Let thy work appear unto thy ser - number our days, that we may apply full force of Yahweh’s anger or rage? vants, and thy glory unto their chil - our hearts unto wisdom” (Ps. 90:12). No one does. If we did, we would live dren” (Ps. 90:16). They were looking As he saw it, our time on earth is rela - a lot more wisely and more respectful - for a miraculous deliverance from tively brief. For most people in his day, ly toward God than we do. We tend to whatever long-term hardship they eighty years was unlikely; people just skip over the fact that God is a just and were facing. They were interested in did not live that long (a consequence holy God and that He must and will deliverance not only for themselves of sin). What is man to do as the years judge sin. It is convenient to forget that but also for their children, who were fly by like a four-hour watch in the God will one day cast into the lake of suffering because of their parents’ sin. night? We are to learn, by God’s grace, fire the devil, his angels, and all whose Verse 17 concludes Psalm 90 with to number our days seeking to make names are not found written in the the plea “Let the beauty of the Lord our each day count. book of life (Rev. 20:10-15). It is also God be upon us.” Emphatically it is The writer was not asking that peo - foolish! added, “And establish thou the work ple learn to keep track of their days as So again it behooves us to number of our hands.” Echoing Numbers 6:22- if on a calendar. He was interested in - our days so that we may gain a heart 27, the psalmist was praying for the stead that they put thought into each of wisdom. It behooves us to live with Lord to let His face shine upon them day and live wisely as a consequence. an eye to eternity. once again. # FALL QUARTER 2012 (213) 21 Biblical Snapshots of People Who Prayed Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom

BY JOHN ALVA OWSTON , D.M IN .

HERE are a number of Israelite Solomon, however, did not give the ly basis. Sincere prayers for wisdom in T kings who have name recognition typical response to God. Instead, he this regard will be answered by the among most believers, most notably the prayed, “Give therefore thy servant an Almighty. first three: Saul, David, and Solomon. A understanding heart to judge thy peo - There are other ways we can seek considerable amount of space is given to ple” (I Kings 3:9). Because of this re - wisdom besides prayer and the Bible, each one of these in the Bible, and each quest, Solomon was also granted oth - however. One way is to consult godly one is remembered for different reasons. er blessings (vs. 13). people, those who are known for their Solomon is remembered primarily You are probably aware of the fact dedication to God, spend much time for one thing: his wisdom. Three books that Solomon’s wisdom was prover - talking to Him, and are themselves dili - that fall into the category of Wisdom bial. People from faraway places gent students of God’s Word. Since literature are attributed to him: sought him out. “God gave Solomon such people may already be more in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of wisdom and understanding exceeding tune with God than some of us, it can Solomon. much” (I Kings 4:29), surpassing all be helpful to seek them out when we But how did Solomon become so other wise men. Thousands of songs need answers to some perplexing wise? Did he go to a special school or and proverbs were attributed to him, problem. In a sense, we are asking learn it from his father? In all likelihood, and he expanded his learning to many God to give us wisdom through wise Solomon had the best education avail - fields of study (vss. 31-33). All this God people. These may be church leaders, able to him in his day, and he probably graciously gave Solomon because he but some ordinary believers can be learned many things from David, his prayed for wisdom! extremely wise too. father. None of these were the source This brings up a question: Do we In all likelihood, the reason you may of his great wisdom, though. Solomon need to pray for wisdom? Since the be more concerned about receiving got his wisdom directly from God in obvious answer is yes, how and for divine wisdom at certain times is that answer to a prayer for guidance. what should we pray? you are facing an important decision. I As David grew old, he began think - To begin with, the New Testament ex - have a word of caution, however. Do ing about who would ascend the horts us to pray for wisdom. James 1:5 not simply seek out people who agree throne after him. One of his sons, Ado- says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him with you. Listen carefully to those who nijah, wanted to be the next king. ask of God, that giveth to all men liber - may suggest something that you had While Adonijah had some public sup - ally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be not thought of before or something port, it was not God’s will for him to fol - given him.” Clearly, then, we are to pray that might be difficult. Too many times low his father to the throne. This was for wisdom. But what does that mean? we are looking for easy answers to revealed by Nathan the prophet. Although “wisdom” and “knowledge” complex problems. A problem may It was Bath-sheba, Solomon’s moth - are sometimes used interchangeably in have taken years to develop, but we er, who wanted to see him become the the Bible (Prov. 1:7; 9:10), we must dis - expect to pray a quick prayer, get an next king. Chosen by David to be ruler tinguish between the two. Knowledge, instant answer, and have everything (I Kings 1:28-31), Solomon was anoint - of course, can be gleaned from many solved by suppertime. Things rarely ed and ascended the throne. sources. If, for example, you want to in - work out this way, although God can Solomon sought to serve Yahweh. crease your Bible knowledge, you will change hearts and circumstances in a “And Solomon loved the Lord, walking have to read and study the Scriptures. second. If that happens, praise God in the statutes of David his father” Availing yourself of learning opportuni - for it. But if a prayer for wisdom re - (I Kings 3:3). While Solomon was of - ties such as Sunday school, preaching quires more participation on your part fering a sacrifice, God appeared to services, and Bible conferences will in - than anticipated, so be it. Just keep him in a dream and said, “Ask what I crease your knowledge. Reading books praying for more wisdom as each de - shall give thee” (vs. 5). and commentaries that deal with the tail of the solution unfolds. Obviously, there were many things Scriptures can also be helpful. But what Getting back to Solomon, God an - the young monarch could have asked about wisdom? Where does it fit in? It swered his prayer for wisdom, and for: longevity, money, victory over his has often been said that wisdom is the Solomon utilized this divine gift for the foes. It reminds one of a children’s sto - correct use of knowledge. This is where benefit of the nation for many years. ry in which a character is offered three praying for wisdom is vitally important. But when Solomon grew old, he made wishes. Even today, when people are As we study God’s Word, we must con - some very unwise choices. This re - asked what they most want, they often stantly pray that God will give us wis - minds us that just because we ask for answer with things related to health dom concerning it, especially on how to wisdom—and receive it—we may not and wealth. The popular prosperity apply it to our own lives. Knowing Bible always choose to follow that wisdom. gospel offers this to the misinformed content will be of little value if we do not Therefore, pray for God’s wisdom; and gullible. know how to put it into practice on a dai - then follow His leading. # 22 (214) The Life and Times of Jesus The Seeking Saviour

BY JOHN LINEBERRY , M.S.

O seek the lost in evangelism is SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE Holy Spirit places the believer in the fam - T merely to follow the glorious exam - All are sinners and have come short of ily of God. When the believer is born ple of our Saviour. Psalm 45:8 states, “All the glory of God (cf. Rom. 3:23). Salva - again, he not only enters the kingdom of thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, tion is “by grace . . . through faith” (Eph. God (cf. John 3:5); he is also adopted and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, 2:8). Grace is a gift of God. It is unmerit - into God’s family with all the privileges of whereby they have made thee glad.” In ed favor. William May said in a sermon, full-fledged sonship. He has been a fifth-grade class in a Christian school, “Grace is righteous salvation for those blessed with “all spiritual blessings in a teacher asked her group of students to who deserve righteous condemnation.” heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). draw a picture depicting the words “out “Faith” is the arm that reaches out of the ivory palaces.” One student drew for salvation (cf. Rom. 5:1). Christians SANCTIFICATION a picture of an empty throne. believe that Jesus lived and died for Being a child of God means being The Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, them and that He still lives. set apart from the world, the flesh, and Son of God, gave up the glories of heav - The term “salvation” refers to deliver - the devil unto God. “And the very God en for a gory earth. He left the love of the ance from the penalty of sin (cf. Rom. of peace sanctify you wholly; and I Father for the hatred of man. 8:1). Christians are preserved from the pray God your whole spirit and soul In the incarnation, Christ brought power of sin (cf. II Cor. 5:17). They shall and body be preserved blameless God down to man in order to take man be removed from the presence of sin unto the coming of our Lord Jesus up to God. The Sinless One came to when the Lord returns (cf. I Thess. 4:17). Christ” (I Thess. 5:23). bear the sins of man (cf. Luke 19:10; Being sanctified by the Lord is an in - Heb. 2:9). We can say with thanksgiv - THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF centive for the believer to separate ing, “What a Saviour!” SALVATION IN SELF himself from the world and trust the The sacrificial death of Christ at Cal - Holy Spirit to give triumph in his daily The great Charles Spurgeon of Lon - vary is offered to everyone. The grace of life. Practical sanctification means to don’s famed Metropolitan Tabernacle God in salvation may be received by become on the outside what God has said in a sermon, “Trying to save one’s trusting Christ as Saviour (cf. John 1:12; made us on the inside (cf. II Cor. 5:17). self is as impossible as climbing a 3:16; 20:31). Let us consider some the - Believers are to bring forth fruit for sand rope to heaven.” ological terms and phrases relating to victory as they walk with the Lord. “But God’s gracious love and mercy. Salvation is not brought about by a as he which hath called you is holy, so person’s own good works. While salva - be ye holy in all manner of conversa - THE SAVIOUR’S COMPASSION tion ought to result in good works, they tion; because it is written, Be ye holy; “But when he saw the multitudes, he are not the basis for the salvation of the for I am holy” (I Pet. 1:15-16). To be was moved with compassion on them, soul. A person cannot save himself by holy means to love the things God because they fainted, and were scat - good works (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). loves and hate the things God hates. tered abroad, as sheep having no The word “conversation” in this pas - ADOPTION shepherd” (Matt. 9:36). Let us exam - sage refers to one’s lifestyle or manner ine this verse in parts. “The multi - In salvation the believer becomes a of life. The believer must back up his tudes” are the innumerable crowds of child in the family of God (I John 3:1). creed with conduct, turn belief into be - people who are lost, in search of an Sonship is effected by faith in Christ’s havior, and put doctrine into deed. answer to their condition. “Compas - work on the cross. To have faith in The fruit of practical sanctification is sion on them” evokes the teardrops of Christ is to trust in Him, cling to Him, to “adorn the doctrine of God our Sav - Christ’s heart for the lost. John R. Rice and rely upon Him. iour in all things” (Titus 2:10). “Adorn” said once in a sermon, “God uses ten - Adoption is a blessing of salvation. means we make the ways of the Lord der hearts to win hard hearts.” Israel was a son of God by adoption attractive. Although the believer is in That the lost are described as fainting (cf. Rom. 9:4). In adoption they were the world, he is not of the world. points to their weary condition. Christ freed from Egyptian bondage. One of Through deeds of kindness that ex - seeks to give them rest. They are scat - the greatest blessings for the believer emplify Christian graces, the believer tered like sheep without a shepherd. is to be adopted from Adam’s dying will provide a dynamic demonstration This refers to their lost, confused, and race into God’s living family. of the teachings of Scripture (cf. Gal. directionless condition. Christ offers the The word “adoption” in the New Tes - 5:22-23). direction we all need. He fulfills all our tament translates the Greek term huio - The child of God has much for which needs. “In the last day, that great day of thesia, which refers to the placing of an to praise Him. His seeking Saviour the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, adult son in a family. We receive adop - came to give abundant blessings in If any man thirst, let him come unto me, tion wholly by grace (cf. Rom. 8:15, 23; this life and wonders beyond compre - and drink” (John 7:37). Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5). At the new birth, the hension in the life to come. # FALL QUARTER 2012 (215) 23 Meditations in Psalms Psalm 103

BY DON MINNICH

INTRODUCTION Many times since, however, I have HE REDEEMS US FROM I had the privilege of being a student had to ask for the Lord’s forgiveness DESTRUCTION at Piedmont Bible College, now Pied - for ongoing sins, which thankfully is Redemption usually has the meaning mont Baptist College, in Winston- available according to I John 1:9. of buying something back or remaking Salem, North Carolina, from 1953 to I still have a sinful nature, but I have something that has become useless 1957. Dr. Charles H. Stevens was the the Holy Spirit and a new nature to and must be renovated or repaired. founding president of the college, and counteract it. Sadly, I have given in to While this is true of the soul when it is he was also the pastor of Salem Bap - the flesh and not the Holy Spirit on too saved by the Lord, in another sense it tist Church, where I was a member. Dr. many occasions and have had to avail can be true of the physical body. Many Stevens frequently would suddenly myself of God’s forgiveness in order to Christians can testify of narrow es - say from the pulpit, “Now, let’s all say have fellowship with the Heavenly Fa - capes. The Lord saw fit to keep them it together!” We did not have to ask ther restored. from being killed or dying in an acci - what he meant, for we all knew exact - The same opportunities are avail - dent. Spurgeon said that God’s man is ly what he was asking us to do in uni - able for everyone. All receive forgive - immortal until his work is completed. son. That was to quote the first two ness when they trust Christ as Saviour I nearly drowned at the age of eleven verses of Psalm 103: “Bless the Lord, and ongoing forgiveness when they when I fell into the Susquehanna Riv - O my soul: and all that is within me, confess subsequent sin. er at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I was bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O rescued by a father and son in a mo - my soul, and forget not all his bene - HE HEALS ALL OUR DISEASES torboat. It was the only one in sight fits.” Although the Lord uses doctors, and had been hailed by spectators on King David seems to be com - nurses, and medicine, the ultimate the shore. The Lord obviously had manding his soul to remember all of healing comes from Him. He gives work for me to do later as a pastor, the Lord’s benefits. He then went on the knowledge to the medical per - teacher, and writer. When pastoring a (Ps. 103:3-5) to list five wonderful sonnel. church, I had the privilege of honoring blessings from the Lord that are also this rescuer during a service; but I was Although God is certainly able to given to Christians today, as follows: also able to state that it is the Lord who heal today—and often does—it is not saved me from an even worse fate— 1. He forgives all our iniquities. always His will. However, it is always eternal punishment. This salvation is 2. He heals all our diseases. His will for the Christian’s final healing available for everyone! 3. He redeems us from destruction. when he is taken to heaven, where I have also survived an accident 4. He crowns our lives with loving- there is no more sickness, pain, or dis - when rear-ended by a large pickup kindness and tender mercies. ease. truck that did not stop while I was 5. He satisfies our desires with good I can say that I have been wonder - waiting for a red light. I also survived things. fully healed by the Lord of serious ill - another automobile accident when the I will use some personal illustrations ness several times. This healing came heavy electronic gate at a museum to show how the Lord faithfully fulfilled with the help of good doctors. where I worked suddenly closed, side - these blessings in my own life. This is At age nine, I had a tonsillectomy. At swiping the driver’s side of my car. The to glorify the Lord and is in no way in - age twelve, I was healed from serious Lord not only preserved my life but tended to aggrandize myself. bronchitis. At age twenty-nine, I was also gave me a far better car later. healed from a serious malignancy, and HE FORGIVES ALL OUR there has been no recurrence. HE CROWNS OUR LIVES INIQUITIES In 1998-99, I was healed from a se - We live far better than the kings of Iniquities are sins. David was for - verely fractured radius in my right arm olden days. What king could turn on given by looking forward to Calvary. through two operations. In 1999 and an electric light, use electric appli - Believers look backward to be for - again in December 2010, I had hernia ances for cooking, or enjoy heat or air- given. There is initial forgiveness, surgery. conditioning like we have? No king of and then there is ongoing forgive - God was faithful indeed! He appar - ancient times had an automobile to ness. When I accepted Jesus Christ ently wanted this servant to have take him wherever he wanted. God as Saviour at the age of six in a Dai - more years to serve Him as a teacher gives us many blessings. But the ulti - ly Vacation Bible School meeting in of His Word. Certainly there are le - mate blessing is that believers will live which there was a flannelgraph pres - gions of other Christians who can tes - and reign with Christ in heaven (cf. entation of the crucifixion of Christ, I tify of His healing of far worse illness - Rev. 20—22). received forgiveness for my sins. es. (Continued on page 25) 24 (216) Bible Bookmark

Jesus and the Gentile Woman

BY ROBERT E. W ENGER

Q. Was it not out of character for Jesus sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt. to deal harshly with the Gentile woman 15:24). God’s plan would eventually who sought healing for her daughter? include Gentiles on the same level as A. The incident in question is record - Jews, but that time had not yet come. ed in Matthew 15:21-28 and Mark When reminded of His mission, in 7:24-30. Jesus had come into Gentile which she was not included, the woman territory, “the borders of Tyre and Si- gave up all appeals to Jesus’ messi - don.” There He sought a brief respite ahship and cried out in desperation, from the busyness of His Galilean min - “Lord, help me” (Matt. 15:25). Then Je - istry and the heated debates with Jew - sus could answer her on the basis of her ish leaders (6:53—7:23). Though He condition as an outsider: “It is not meet wished to avoid publicity there, word to take the children’s bread, and to cast of His presence drew to Him a Gentile it to dogs” (vs. 26). woman who besought Him to cast a In referring to her kind as “dogs,” was Always Thank the Lord demon out of her daughter (7:26). Jesus not offending her? It is interesting This woman, according to Matthew that the word He used for “dogs” was Let us thank the Lord today 15:22, was of Canaanite descent. not the usual one denoting the scav - For His loving will and way; Mark calls her a Greek and a Syro- enger dogs so common in Palestinian For our parents, home, and food, phoenician (7:26). She lived in Phoeni - towns. It was a diminutive form that And for everything that’s good. cia, a part of the Roman province of could be translated “little dogs” or “pet Syria, and was Greek in language and dogs.” He pictured a family eating a Let us thank Him that we may culture. She may have heard of Jesus meal around a table. The food intended Live for Him another day, from Jews on the Galilean border or for the children should not be given to And for all His gifts of love, traveling through her land. the family pets to eat. Which He sends from Heav’n above. Jesus’ dealings with her seem That the woman was not put off by strange: First, because He initially His analogy is clear from her quick- Let us always thankful be, would not even speak to her (Matt. witted response. She noted that pet Even when we cannot see 15:23). Her persistence in spite of this dogs could at least eat the crumbs That He gives us all we need— irritated the disciples, who urged Je - that fell from the table (Matt. 15:27; But He does, He does indeed! # sus to send her away. They perhaps Mark 7:28). Even if Jesus intended His —Mabel Glenn Haldeman. wanted Him to grant her request so blessings for the Jews, some crumbs that she would stop bothering them. might still be left for the Gentiles. Second, when Jesus did speak to her, Could she not ask Him to spare one of He referred to her as one of the Gentile those crumbs for her? “dogs” (Matt. 15:26), a description com - Seeing this evidence of faith, Jesus mon among the Jews of that day. He (Continued from page 24) healed her daughter (Matt. 15:28). The thus appears to share His generation’s girl was not present; He merely declared Psalm 103 disdain for all non-Jews. This approach her whole. And the mother, returning contrasts sharply with His tender treat - home, found His words to be true (Mark ment of the afflicted in Galilee. HE SATISFIES OUR DESIRES WITH 7:30). Her faith was strong enough to be - But this conclusion would be wrong; GOOD THINGS lieve that Jesus could heal even when He had good reasons for treating her Americans are blessed with an abun - absent. It shamed the unbelief Jesus of - as He did. First, He did not answer her ten found among His own people. dance of food. Any supermarket cer - because she approached Him wrong - tainly demonstrates the availability of all Jesus was not being unfeeling to - ly, addressing Him as “Son of David” ward this Gentile woman. He was types of food. We are blessed with very (Matt. 15:22), a messianic title. While productive farmland by the hand of God. demonstrating, as always, that He He is indeed the Davidic Messiah, she knew exactly what was necessary to as a Gentile had no claim on Him as bring forth the best in her faith. # CONCLUSION such. She could not approach Him as The Lord forgives our sins, heals our a Jew did, for Gentiles were excluded If you have a Bible question that diseases, rescues us from calamities, from Israel’s covenants (Eph. 2:12). you would like us to answer, please crowns us with loving-kindness, and Second, her request did not agree send it to: Bible Bookmark, Union satisfies our desires with good with Jesus’ primary purpose at that Gospel Press, P.O. Box 6059, Cleve - things. # time. He was “sent but unto the lost land, Ohio 44101. FALL QUARTER 2012 (217) 25 The pastor explained the gospel to him, Testimonies of Faith from Jesus’ birth to His death on the cross—facts Brad had heard before. Then the pastor asked him whether he had ever received Jesus as his Saviour. Brad Stoner: World Mission Trips Brad’s response was that he did not know that he needed to. Pastor Pruitt then opened his Bible BY LON F. A CKELSON , T H.D. to John 1:12, and he and Brad read it together: “But as many as received mania, Serbia, and him, to them gave he power to become Uganda. At the time of the sons of God, even to them that be - this writing, Brad had lieve on his name.” The pastor told just completed his thir - Brad that he needed to make his own ty-fifth mission trip. decision to trust Christ as his Saviour. Brad Leland Stoner Pastor Pruitt said, “The church can’t do was born in Guymon, this for you, Brad. Your parents can’t Oklahoma, on 31 Au - do this for you. Only you can make this gust 1956. His parents important decision.” encouraged him and Brad bowed his head, admitted that his siblings to attend he was a sinner, and asked Jesus to church every Sunday. forgive his sins and to come into his Brad was baptized as life. Pastor Pruitt then joyfully shared an infant and was some basic principles of the Christian confirmed and joined faith with Brad. the Lutheran church at When Brad returned home, he was age fourteen. After a changed young man. He went to his graduating from high liquor cabinet and gathered all the bot - school, Brad became tles it held. He then went into the a partner in Jack’s kitchen and poured the contents of all Brad and Angie Stoner Fruit Market, where he of the bottles down his sink drain. He had worked since his next went to his bookcase and threw RAD STONER was interested in sophomore year. away all of the books that he knew B missions but had never gone on Brad had joined a successful pro - were not bringing honor to God. a mission trip. Then, in 1999, a mis - duce business, but it entailed much Soon afterward, Brad told his busi - sionary named Rick Eisemann visited hard work and many long hours. He ness partner, James Morehead, that he his adult Sunday school class. Rick, could take off only every other Sunday. was moving to San Diego to find a dif - who represented E3 Partners, encour - He would go to his church on those ferent job. James agreed to buy Brad’s aged the members of the class to con - days, but he would often go and drink share of the business on 21 August sider going on a short-term mission in bars during the rest of the week. 1981. The transaction was friendly, and trip to Albania that November. In a lat - When Brad was twenty-three years James and Brad are still friends today. er lunch meeting with Brad, Rick re - old, he began attending a Christian When Brad left Guymon, he decid - ported that the Albania trip had had to singles’ group. Something about ed that the next church he joined be canceled but that he would be these people attracted him. Brad would not be for “pew-warmers” only; rather, it would be one that was doing leading a team to Argentina instead. knew they had something he lacked in something for God. Gary Wadley, his Rick’s team that November included his own “Christian” life. One of the singles invited Brad to at - parents’ friend, suggested that Brad Brad. They ministered in a small town tend the “Through the Bible in One Year” look up the Great Commission Church in the Cordoba Province of Argentina. program at Trinity Baptist Church in Guy - when he arrived in San Diego. Brad and the rest of the mission team mon. During this class, Brad heard for the Brad’s first Sunday service in San shared the gospel for a week. Nineteen first time that a person could know with Diego was at a private home where the people received Jesus as their Saviour. certainty that heaven was his home. Great Commission Church was then Brad was thrilled with these results and One Sunday night after the Bible meeting. It consisted mainly of young told Rick that he wanted to continue study class, Brad decided to stay for single people and a few young families. going on these trips. the evening service. During his mes - After attending a few weeks, Brad felt When Brad reported to his church sage, Pastor Morris Pruitt said there is that he had found his new church home. about his first mission trip, this mild- only one way that a person can have About four years later Brad began to mannered man communicated with assurance that he is going to heaven. take an interest in a young lady he knew great enthusiasm what God had When Brad went forward during the in - from there. Brad then lived with three wrought on the trip. vitation, he told Pastor Pruitt that he other men from the church, all of whom Since that first trip in 1999, Brad has wanted to know more about the as - were valuable mentors to him. Angie been on short-term mission trips to Ar - surance of going to heaven. Walters lived with three other women gentina, Austria, Brazil, Cuba, Ecua- Two nights later, on 12 May 1981, from the church. Their respective house - dor, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Lesotho, Ro - Brad met with Pastor Pruitt in his study. holds would get together for fellowship, 26 (218) Bible studies, and other fun activities. Brazil once (at age twelve) and to India did in Cuba. Then one of Brad’s roommates, Doug, four different times. Aaron belongs to a The second memorable mission trip loaned Angie some money, at no inter - missions youth team at his church that was in January 2010, when Brad and est, to buy a car. Each month when she travels to Uganda and to another Angie went together to serve with Lar - brought a payment on this loan to Doug, church team that leads mission trips to ry and Sally Pepper in Lesotho, a small she would also bring him a plate of Ukraine. He currently serves Communi - country surrounded by the Republic of chocolate-chip cookies. Doug shared ty Bible Church as a media technician. South Africa. Larry and Sally both the cookies with his roommates. Brad Brad’s daughter, Stephanie, has been serve with the International Mission began to pray about marrying Angie. to Argentina five times with him (first at Board of the Southern Baptist Church. In Brad’s church, the pastor encour - age eleven) and two times on her own Larry, a doctor, is designated as a med - aged singles to court one another. Af - (along with others from her church). She ical missionary. The Peppers worked ter meeting with his pastors, Brad also has been to Ecuador and Uganda closely with Mission Aviation Fellow - called Angie and asked her whether with youth teams from her church. ship so as to serve those living in the they could meet. On their first date, Stephanie attended the Word of Life mountainous regions of Lesotho. Brad asked Angie whether she would Bible School in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Brad and Angie brought Evange - consider praying about marrying him. While studying there, she met and was cubes, AIDS prevention material, and She said that she would do so. courted by a fellow student, Mitch reading glasses as they teamed up with On 25 January 1986, Brad and An- Smith. The couple married in November the Peppers. They flew into the moun - gie were married at the Clairemont 2010. They currently live in Tampa, Flori - tains from Maseru, Lesotho, with Mission Emmanuel Baptist Church in San da, where Mitch works as an ambulance Aviation planes and landed on a grass Diego. (Their own church then met in driver and serves as a church youth di - runway. The team members carried their rented space in a hotel.) rector. backpacks, sleeping bags, food, and At the time, Brad was working as a Brad began taking his children along medicine to a nearby village. Dr. Pepper driver for a furniture rental company. A on his mission trips in 2000. They im - then treated many people from the vil - friend from his church, Mike Stephens, mediately mirrored his enthusiasm and lage, being assisted by Brad and Angie. who owned a painting company, asked wanted to go on more trips. They dis - They stayed three days in one village and whether Brad had ever considered be - covered that not all people in the world one day in a second village. coming a painter. Brad replied, “No live as they do. They saw their father not The team shared the gospel using way! You guys get way too dirty for me.” only talking about the Great Commis - an Evangecube. They also instructed A short time later, Brad reconsidered sion but actively living it as well. They the village health-care workers in HIV/ and accepted Mike’s offer. After getting observed at first, interacting with native AIDS prevention and distributed read - married, he realized that he needed children; then, on later trips, they wit - ing glasses to the people. more income than he was making at the nessed alongside their father. One night, they showed the Jesus time. So Brad became a subcontractor Although Brad has been on many film in the local language. The villagers to Mike’s painting company. mission trips, two stand out the most to said this was the first time they had Brad worked with Mike for two years, him. The first was in 2001, when Brad ever seen a film! at which time Mike decided to move to had the privilege of ministering in San - Despite heavy rains that night, it Dallas, Texas, to help one of his pastors ta Clara, Cuba. The E3 Partners team seemed the whole village turned out to start a new church. Mike offered Brad received special State Department per - see the film. The Jesus film was project - the painting business, and on 1 June mission to travel to Cuba. They brought ed onto a large screen, and the villagers 1988, Brad became the owner of his in medical supplies as well as Evange - sat on the ground in front of it. Afterward, own painting company. At the time of cubes (pictorial cubes that show signif - fifty people prayed to receive Christ. the writing of this article, Brad L. Stoner icant events of the gospel message). Two Scripture verses have guided Painting, Inc., continues to operate with What struck Brad most was the great Brad in his mission ministry. The first is up to twenty-eight employees. hunger for God’s Word in Cuba. Chris - “Ask of me, and I shall give thee the Brad and Angie added to their fam - tians living there set up appointments heathen for thine inheritance, and the ily with the birth of their son, Aaron Le - for the team to go into people’s homes uttermost parts of the earth for thy land Stoner, on 24 March 1988. Steph- and share the gospel. possession” (Ps. 2:8). We need to ask anie Louise Stoner was then born to Every Cuban who heard a full presen - God to save people and to believe that them on 23 December 1989. tation of the gospel message prayed to He will accomplish this. Brad and Angie continued attending receive Christ as his or her Saviour! They The second verse is “I say unto you, the Great Commission Church until could be likened to low-hanging ripe fruit Make to yourselves friends of the mam - 1997, when they joined Community waiting to be picked. The people had mon of unrighteousness; that, when ye Bible Church. This is the church where, been so heavily persecuted by the Com - fail, they may receive you into everlasting two years later, Rick Eisemann would munists that they were ready to listen habitations” (Luke 16:9). We need to use visit Brad’s Sunday school class. and respond to the truth. Brad never saw our time, talents, and treasure to help Brad, who now serves as an elder and results like this on any other mission trip. people enter the kingdom of heaven. mission committee chairman for Com - Each evening the team would go to Brad Stoner sees the entire world as munity Bible Church, made multiple mis - the home of a Cuban family to which his mission field. If only all believers sion trips each year from 2000 to 2011. neighbors were also invited. Each time, had the same vision! “Ye shall receive His painting company has done so well the home would be packed. People power, after that the Holy Ghost is that Brad has been able to use his prof - would even stand outside near an open come upon you: and ye shall be wit - its to fund his mission trip ministry. window so that they could hear the mes - nesses unto me . . . unto the uttermost His son Aaron accompanied him to sage! Brad was thrilled to see what God part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). # FALL QUARTER 2012 (219) 27 Testimonies of Faith C. I. Scofield: Study Bible Editor

BY ANNE ADAMS

HEN first published in 1909, the ly said that he did not know how to be - Eventually the church constructed a W Scofield Reference Bible became come a Christian. So his visitor took new building that held 1,200 people. The very popular. According to Oswald Allis, his New Testament and read several church planted two mission churches. by 1945 it had sold over two million pertinent passages. Then he repeated After he was invited to speak at the copies in the United States alone his question. Would he accept Christ church of well-known evangelist D. L. (Prophecy and the Church, Presbyterian as his Saviour? Moody, Scofield became a prominent & Reformed). It was also unique, for When Scofield replied that he was Bible conference and convention while other study Bibles were compiled going to think about it, McPheeters re - speaker. Then in 1895 he left the Dal - by many scholars, just one man edited sponded: “‘No, you’re not. You’ve las church to become the pastor of this one. And it all began when a friend been thinking about it all your life. Will Moody’s East Northfield, Massa- asked C. I. Scofield a life-changing you settle it now? Will you believe on chusetts, church. However, in 1902 he question. Christ now and be saved? ’” returned to the Dallas church. Born in Michigan in August 1843, Scofield was silent for a long moment, That same year a friend’s question Cyrus Ingerson Scofield was left then said simply, “‘I will. ’” Then the two sent Scofield in a new direction. Be - motherless at an early age. In 1861, men dropped down on their knees. sides his church and conference work, when the Civil War began, he was liv - “Scofield told the Lord Jesus Christ that the friend asked, “What Bible work ing with family in Tennessee; he quick - he believed on Him as his personal Sav - have you in mind that will remain per - ly enlisted in the Confederate Army. iour, and before he arose from his knees manently after you are gone?” (Trum - After seeing action and being wound - he had been born again” (Trumbull). bull). At that point, Scofield related that ed, he was discharged in 1862. But as he gained a new faith, he lost he was considering publishing a refer - In 1866, he moved to Saint Louis, something else. As Scofield later in - ence Bible to help those who desired Missouri, to live with a sister. There he structed his biographer, “‘Put it in the systematic Bible study. The Scofield studied law and worked in a city office. story, put it big and plain: instantly the Reference Bible was taking form. Family business took him to Kansas in chains were broken never to be forged With the support of his Dallas church, 1869, where he passed the bar exam - again— the passion for drink was tak - Scofield began the process. He did not ination. In 1871 he was elected to the en away . . . . Don’t say: “He strove with want to write a new commentary but to state legislature for two terms. Then, his drink-sin and came off victor.” He provide “just enough help in reference after supporting a U.S. senator, he was did nothing of the kind. Divine power form to keep the reader and student appointed as the attorney general for did it, wholly of grace. To Christ be all close to the Word of God” (Trumbull). Kansas in 1873. At age twenty-nine, the glory ’” (Trumbull). He created a chain reference system he was the youngest man in the U.S. Scofield then began attending church that traced different biblical themes. He in such a position. and studying the Bible intensely. Soon, also wrote introductions to each book Scofield found politics unfulfilling, as he led church meetings and even and section of the Bible. however, so he returned to Saint Louis preached, he felt a call to the ministry. As he worked over the next few to practice law. Yet he had a problem. When he heard of a small, struggling years, Scofield and his wife lived part of As his biographer put it, “The moder - church in Dallas, Texas, he left his Saint the time in Europe, where he found en - ate use of liquor was a commonplace Louis law practice to become the new couragement and assistance from oth - in the life in which he moved and had pastor of the First Congregational er scholars. In 1907 they returned with been reared. He drank as he pleased, Church in Dallas. When he arrived, there their material, ready for the publisher. and, like most men who drink ‘in mod - were only twelve members; but through After it was finished, Scofield met a eration,’ he soon drank too much” his personal ministry, the numbers grew. friend in New York, and they strolled (Trumbull, The Life Story of C. I. Sco- One of the new members was Hetty Van along Fifth Avenue. When the friend field, Oxford University Press). Wart, who became Mrs. Scofield. asked about the publication, Dr. Scofield Then came the query from a pastor When Scofield planned home prayer abruptly stopped. His response sum - and devout Christian, Thomas S. Mc- meetings, one youngster in his church marized his life’s work: “He said: ‘At Pheeters. Once as he left Scofield’s of - invited the preacher to his home. Then 11:00 o’clock last night I came upon fice, McPheeters paused and said, “‘I Scofield learned that the boy’s father those impressive words, “The End.” Yes, want to ask you why you are not a owned a disreputable saloon. When he the work is finished—that is in the sense Christian? ’” arrived at the home, however, he found in which any human work can ever be Scofield responded that the Bible that the boy had somehow managed to finished; for I am confident that there is said that drunkards had no place in fill the front room of the little house. The only one work ever undertaken upon this heaven. “‘And I am a hard drinker. ’” prayer meeting began. The boy’s earth which has in an absolute sense The visitor repeated his question. mother and aunt were saved that night, been finished, to which nothing can ever After another excuse, Scofield honest - and later the father came to belief. (Continued on page 29) 28 (220) Encouragement for All Times

BY ARLIE D. R AUCH

AN EXPERIENCE with words such as “comfort,” “be - son in your local church, every person Some time ago I was experiencing a seech,” “pray,” “exhort,” “intreat,” “de - in your town, state, and even nation. difficult time in the pastorate. I was sire,” and “call for.” The Greek word is a But that is not the end of it. He died for discouraged. Then a phone call came combination of two words meaning every person in the world. He died for that lifted me up. “call” and “to the side.” every person born since Genesis 1 and I am bivocational; I work as a piano Biblical encouragement is speaking for every person yet to be born until the technician too. This provides the to others to let them know they are do - Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. background for the call. ing well, to point them to the right way, 20). Do you see how this expands and The lady who called reported the suc - to warn them of the wrong way, or deepens our sense of His love? It is be - cess of her son at district and state mu - even to urge them in a course of ac - yond our mental grasp (Eph. 3:18-19)! sic festivals, where he had played Bach tion. It may lift their feelings, but it goes The apostle considered the magni - on a bass guitar! She wanted to thank deeper, urging them to become and tude of the love of Jesus’ dying for all. me because her son had learned music do what God wants of them. For be - It was overwhelming, like a huge force on a piano I had rebuilt for them. The pi - lievers, this is true encouragement. being gathered up, channeled through ano had had nostalgic value to their Examples of the word being used in - a funnel, and then impacting him. He family, but it was disintegrating. So clude Barnabas exhorting the believers was lovingly pushed in the direction of years ago I rebuilt it, and it continues as in Antioch “that with purpose of heart living not for himself but for Christ. a useful instrument in the family to they would cleave unto the Lord” (Acts This was his only logical response. which it has always belonged. 11:23); Paul beseeching the believers at Christ’s great love should have the I was truly encouraged! This lady did Rome to “present your bodies a living same effect in the lives of everyone not need to call me. Why did she call? sacrifice” (Rom. 12:1); Peter beseeching who ‘lives’ in the sense of our text. It I attributed it to the providence of God, his audience to “abstain from fleshly actually separates your motive from who knew that I was discouraged and lusts, which war against the soul” (I Pet. your daily circumstances and experi - arranged it for my benefit. 2:11); and Jude exhorting his readers to ences of feeling good and not feeling That was a great experience. But “earnestly contend for the faith which good. It empowers you to live each what do I do when a phone call does not was once delivered unto the saints” moment with purpose and apprecia - come? What do I do when there is no (Jude 1:3). In all these examples, a form tion for what Jesus Christ has done for one to speak words that lift my feelings? of our “encouragement” word was used you and for others. There are biblical examples in which cer - by the writers of Scripture to move be - Regardless of your circumstances, tain heroes of the faith seemingly had no lievers toward all God wanted of them. when you contemplate the amazing human support group. Had encourage - fact that Christ died for all, how can ment from a human source been a re - DIVINE SOURCE His love not impact you? It does not ul - quirement, they likely would have failed. We can find biblical encouragement timately matter whether the phone Think of Job, whose wife and friends in many places, but let us focus on what rings with good news. You already were not helpful during his extreme suf - motivated the Apostle Paul in his life have the best news! fering (Job 2:9; 42:7). Think of Joseph, a and ministry. He reported it in II Co- We need to spend more time thinking foreigner, in the Egyptian prison (Gen. rinthians 5:14-15: “For the love of Christ of and applying the lesson of Christ’s 39 –40). Think of the young captive Is - constraineth us; because we thus death to our lives now. His sacrificial love raelite girl who counseled Naaman the judge, that if one died for all, then were is a great encouragement! It moves us in Syrian to go to Elisha, the man of God, for all dead: and that he died for all, that the direction of living for Him. That is most healing (II Kings 5:2-3). Paul was some - they which live should not henceforth important. And it would not be surprising times encouraged by other people (II Cor. live unto themselves, but unto him if our spirits are lifted as a result! # 7:6-7); at other times he was encouraged which died for them, and rose again.” by God Himself (Acts 18:9-10). We understand that we are saved I am grateful my call came, but there through faith in Jesus Christ because is an even more important source of He paid for our sins in His death on the encouragement that is always avail - cross. That is basic and should never able. There is the possibility of en - be undervalued. But after we come into (Continued from page 28) couragement even when no human the possession of salvation, His work C. I. Scofield: Study Bible Editor being delivers the message. on our behalf has another impact. And this impact remains even if no one else be added and from which nothing can THE DEFINITION on earth ever compliments us. ever be taken away. That is the finished Biblical encouragement is more than Paul was enamored of the fact that work of Christ” (Trumbull). just helping someone feel better. It has Jesus died for all. Let us dwell on that. A new edition of the Scofield Refer - a goal of helping someone become It reveals Christ’s great love as well as ence Bible was released in 1917. Its more Christlike. The Greek verb the Father’s great love, as stated in editor died in 1921. The Scofield Ref - (parakaleo) is used 104 times in the New John 3:16. Christ died in the place of erence Bible continues in print and Testament and is translated variously every person in your family, every per - was revised in 1967. # FALL QUARTER 2012 (221) 29 Missions How God Opened My Eyes to Street Children

BY LORELLA ROUSTER

HEN our family worked as mis- dren were alone. They were not there naps, the street children, likewise, took W sionaries in Zaire (now Democrat - waiting for the train; they lived there. time off from work to rest. It soon be - ic Republic of the Congo), I saw many When they finished begging or can - came a time of evangelism and worship, street children. I had no special sympa - vassing the streets selling petty items rather like a big outdoor Sunday school. thy for them beyond my ordinary love for all day, they congregated after hours in With the generous permission of lo - all children. I knew the children were this place. This was their only “home.” cal police, we were able to meet in that poor; that was true of most of the chil - “What happens when it rains?” I same parking lot where so many chil - dren in that country. What I did not know asked. dren slept at night. The children loved was that after dark, those same children The pastor nodded toward the cov - the Bible stories, songs, and games. curled up on the ground under the rick - ered railway waiting station. It was less The mission soon added a meal to the ety booths where people sold their than one-tenth the size of the parking lot fellowship. We found it cost-effective to wares. I did not know they all huddled where the street people were sleeping. have someone prepare a big cooler full together, trying to stay warm at night. “Then they all have to crowd under that of rice, or a similar dish, and then scoop Some years later, our family was in - cover over there,” he explained. “There’s a sauce over it and add a fish on the side. strumental, along with other Christian not room to lie down or even to sit down Our workers were also able to obtain friends, in helping to found Every Child over there, so they have to stand up all used clothing to give to the children. It Ministries (ECM). We began looking at night.” He proceeded to tell me a horri - was quite a task trying to decide which other African countries and went to ble story of a child who had fallen asleep, article would fit each child! Ghana on an investigative trip. While fell face first into the water collecting Over the next several years, visiting there, we visited several established around the platform, and drowned. teams of American short-term mission - ministries to see what kind of work they When I went home that night, I real - aries helped with the street ministry. were doing. One was an inner-city fel - ized God was opening my eyes, en - They taught the children new songs, lowship headed by a group called Han - abling me to notice the children I had just played games, and distributed hugs and diVangelism. Meetings were held on skimmed over before. He was opening smiles. The children loved the personal Sunday afternoons for handicapped my understanding and my heart to them. attention, and the visiting missionaries people who lived on the streets. It was Soon thereafter, Every Child Min - were deeply affected to see such need a desolate area, brimming with trash istries enabled Ghanaian nationals to up close and personal. Some of them and sewage. Looking up, I could see a meet in our own “street fellowship” with noticed that many of the children were local hotel nearby. I wondered whether children who lived on the streets. Like perpetually struggling with sores on their the people staying there could look out the HandiVangelism group, we found legs or elsewhere. So they brought first- their windows and see the misery of this that Sunday afternoons were the chil - aid supplies and began treating infected community. I wondered whether they dren’s only time of reprieve from beg - insect bites and wounds. could comprehend it. ging or selling. Just as many people The national worker we engaged to I had not yet comprehended it my - went home to take Sunday afternoon lead the street ministry was Pastor self, although I could see that the peo - ple were very poor. Later that day, one of the pastors who was showing us around asked, “Would you like to see how these kids sleep at night?” “Sure,” I responded. Later that night, the pastor picked us up, and we headed back to the down - town area. We passed through a set of big gates that led into the central train station. We were unable to drive into the parking lot, though. Everywhere, people were bedded down on the bare ground. Ragged scraps of cardboard or plastic bags from the dump were their only protection from the damp - ness, the cold, and the mud under - neath them. Many were single women with children, while many other chil - 30 (222) Alex, the man who first introduced us There were other staff problems as Then one weekend, her mother con - to the realities of street life. Every time well. Bernard thought he deserved vinced the grandmother to allow we observed him, he did a fantastic much more money than ECM was able Aishetu to visit her for a weekend out job teaching the children. He was al - to pay him. He probably deserved more on the streets. Unbeknownst to us, she ways enthusiastic, and he delivered a money, but we believed in working with - put Aishetu out to beg in the hot sun sound biblical message. It was evident in the means that God had provided. He without taking her medications. She the children loved him, as they called eventually stepped down; however, begged for two straight days. On the him “our pastor.” God had already prepared another third day she fell ill, and on the fourth There was one big problem, howev - worker within the program to step up to day she died. Only ECM workers at - er. Alex was not providing the monthly the leadership position. Felicia was an tended her funeral, comforted only by reports that we required. We pleaded excellent teacher, tender with the chil - the fact that Aishetu had welcomed Je - with him, explaining how we used the dren and dedicated to the work. In ad - sus to be her Saviour and died safely reports to help promote interest in the dition, she was a pastor’s wife; so her in His loving arms. Although we did not street ministry. He was also associated total support did not depend on what succeed in saving her life, Jesus had with another group that provided fund - we could give her. She remains the already saved her soul. ing to pastor a small church. The church street director to this day. Another aspect of the street ministry required a report only once a year and It did not take long before our workers involved vocational training for some did not ask him detailed questions as recognized the need for a group home of the older children. We were able to we did. Alex had settled into that mode, that would provide shelter and loving arrange apprenticeships whereby a and he just could not see the need for care for some of the children; this is how youth was gradually taught a trade by filing monthly reports. Eventually we Haven of Hope got started. In 2000, a mentor. To date, two young men have had a talk, and both sides agreed that ECM purchased eight acres of land just completed their training and are trying he should step down as director. We still outside the city of Accra. Funds for con - to establish their own businesses in the remain good friends to this day. struction were raised through a radio fields of carpentry and plumbing. Bernard, one of the volunteers who campaign that told of the plight of some Felicia, the street director, three had assisted Alex, became the new di - of the children we had met. times a week visits the children who rector and successfully led the ministry The day after Easter, a four-person remain on the street. She has come to for several years. He was young, strong, team joined Ghanaian national work - know the people of the area so well and energetic. The boys especially iden - ers to begin the project. It was un - that she can instantly recognize when tified with him, and he was able to recruit bearably hot, and the only relief from something is wrong. Several times she many youths as volunteer helpers. the sun was under a small thatch shel - has been able to intervene on behalf of As our staff saw how God was ter. One worker described the experi - children in crisis. blessing the ministry at the train sta - ence as “going from Alaska to work on One day Felicia noticed one of the tion, two women, Evelyn and Abigail, the face of the sun.” They were later market women holding a baby. Realiz - began to reach out to another nearby joined by a fifth American worker. The ing that the baby did not belong to the area. Agbogbloshie Market was a dis - first shovel of dirt was turned, and a woman, Felicia approached her. The mal place to live, but like most open- foundation was set in place. Much of woman literally threw the child at her. air markets in Ghana, it was home to the shell was completed—up to shoul - Another street woman had left the many street children. It was “home” as der level—before the team left. child and a few coins with her, prom - well to many children living with one Haven of Hope opened on 23 No - ising to be right back. She never re - parent, usually in makeshift boxes and vember that year. It consisted of one turned, and the coins did not go far to - other such arrangements. lone building in a huge field of tall grass. ward feeding the child. A child in these Evelyn and Abigail soon had a group The first children who came in from the circumstances usually ends up in the of children meeting regularly. The out - streets lay down and rubbed their hands of child traffickers very quickly, reach also drew children from one of stomachs on the polished terrazzo but Felicia was able to find a loving the worst slums in Ghana, one that floor. They ran their hands up and down home for the child at Haven of Hope. backed up to the market. It was unof - the painted stucco walls. They cuddled Recently, ECM determined to en - ficially called “Sodom and Gomorrah.” in their bunk beds. Most important, gage more workers in a similar way. In Those children proved just as hungry they began to get hugs and stories of 2010, a volunteer named Elisha as the others for the everlasting truth Jesus every day. Since then, Haven of agreed to include in his work regular of the gospel. Hope has grown to include eight build - visitations at the Agbogbloshie Mar - Not everything was a success, how - ings and has become a home to forty- ket. Getting to know the people well ever. We tried to initiate a program by eight vulnerable children. serves the dual purpose of evangeliz - which we helped street children go to Street work is never easy. A young ing and discipling more thoroughly, school. Sponsors were found, and the girl named Aishetu came to Haven of while at the same time working against children started school; but without a Hope. We then learned she was HIV- child-trafficking operations in the area. secure place to store belongings, their positive, and she soon developed As I look back on the development books were constantly being stolen, sores all over her body. Our street staff of ECM’s street ministry, I realize it all and they were unable to complete was able to make arrangements for stems from God opening my eyes that their homework. Not long after we had her to live with her grandmother, and night when I first visited the streets begun, we had to admit that we could her sponsor agreed to continue help - with Pastor Alex. Street ministry can not successfully send street children ing her. It worked well for a while. be heartbreaking, but it is truly anoth - to school. We simply were not ready Aishetu’s health improved, and she er field that is “white already to har - for such a project. seemed to be happy. vest” (John 4:35). # FALL QUARTER 2012 (223) 31 Adults Omniscient Override

(Based on a true event)

BY PATRICIA C. O VIATT

E ought to leave a few minutes that your brain, throat, heart, lungs, as low a profile as possible, she left the W early,” Charlie, Carole’s hus - other internal organs, and limbs are sanctuary. band, said, glancing at his watch. “I’m apparently healthy! We should be hav - The potent cough medicine helped, going to drop you off at the front en - ing a thanksgiving celebration, prais - but it was minutes before Carole felt trance so that you won’t have to be out ing God about all the diseases you she could leave the ladies’ restroom, for long in this wind.” don’t have !” where the tile walls echoed her cough. Her Bible tucked under one arm, Now—at last—they were going to Across the foyer, in a corner by a side Carole leaned over her worktable to church together again. The purple exit, was an L-shaped seat. How jot a note on her steno pad. “Going marker in her Do Book said so. Carole thankful she and the rest of the Cum - to church” she printed under the headed for the car, where Charlie had mings family were for the new building day’s date, using a new purple mark - thoughtfully opened the passenger that God had provided for the growing er. She drew a smiley face beside the door. It was a beautiful fall day, al - congregation! Well, she could check words. How wonderful to finally be though very windy. In a few more “Go to church” in her Do Book, even able to get back to church! She did weeks, the trees would lose all their though she had not actually been in not have time now, but this after - leaves. Carole gave a deep sigh of re - the service long. She wondered, How noon she would scan through her lief as they passed the local hospital. far into the church service does one precious Do Books to see how long She prayed silently for those patients; have to get in order to say, “I’ve been it had been since she and Charlie had many of them would be glad to change to church today”? She settled back been able to attend church together. places with her today. and tried to watch and listen to the They had experienced many family “Let’s sit on the right side, honey,” pastor on the monitor in the foyer. problems this year and really needed Charlie suggested when they entered Just then, from around the corner, a the boost from worshipping togeth - the large new sanctuary. “If you need young woman walked purposefully to - er. to go out to get a drink of water, we’ll ward the large glass exit doors. When Charlie was so understanding. be close to the exit.” she saw Carole, she hesitated, then Some Sundays Carole would insist Carole squeezed her husband’s weakly sat down, perched on the edge that he go to church without her. There hand. It was so good to be meeting to - of the padded seat. was a dependable neighbor who gether with God’s family—such won - Carole noticed after a quick glance could be called if Carole needed help, derful people! Everyone looked so that the woman’s dry blonde hair was but Charlie was still hesitant to leave bright and happy. But Carole knew carelessly pushed behind her ears. his wife home. He remembered the deep down that most of the people Her face was lined with care; tear- frantic feeling he had had when Carole present were facing some sort of diffi - stains were on her cheeks. called him at church, gasping, “Come culty: family, financial, or personal “The wind is bad today,” Carole home, sweetheart. I’m going to need problems. She stood with the congre - said, just to have something to say. to go to the ER.” gation for the singing of hymns but She then reprimanded herself for Out of habit, Charlie had turned his knew better than to trust her own making such a lame attempt at con - cell phone off when he entered church. voice to join them in song. versation. (He did not usually want to receive A soloist brought Carole to tears “Yeah. And then come the holi - calls during prayer or the sermon.) with a new arrangement of an old days,” the woman stated harshly. “I That particular Sunday, as soon as song, “Does Jesus Care?” Carole sure hate November and December. Charlie started home, he had turned silently whispered thanks at the joyous Well, this year there won’t be any hol - his phone back on and heard Carole’s chorus: “Oh, yes, He cares!” idays for my folks to fight with me frantic message. What a frightening As the soloist finished, Carole be - about.” week that was—the first of several. gan to experience the all-too-familiar Something made Carole wait. The The specialists finally “concluded” tightening of her throat. She knew that newcomer continued, “Seven years. that Carole’s problem must be “chron - the next step was a coughing fit. Char - This month he would have been seven ic sinusitis.” lie sensed his wife’s tension and hand - years old.” Carole had been indignant! She had ed her a throat lozenge, but Carole As an experienced teacher, Carole endured eight lengthy physical tests shook her head. No, once the cough - knew that sometimes distraught peo - from head to toe, and all they could ing began, she would have to take a ple just need to be allowed to let it all came up with was “chronic sinusitis”? sip of the strong cough medicine she out. They need a listener, not a detec - Charlie, however, was grateful. “Look had stashed in her purse. “I’ll be all tive or a lecturer. at it this way: we should thank the Lord right,” she whispered. Trying to keep The woman continued, so softly that 32 (224) Later, Carole told Charlie she could not even remember what she had said in her prayer before people had begun coming out the doors. The woman then joined the crowds who were leaving. The last thing Car - ole saw was the long, blonde hair dis - appearing toward the parking lot. As Carole waited for Charlie to bring the car around, she heard a horn toot - ing. A blue pickup truck with a lone oc - cupant paused in the circular drive - way. The driver leaned toward the open passenger window. “Thank you! Thank you!” the woman driver called, her hair blowing in the breeze. “You saved my life.” Carole would like to have replied that it was Jesus who did child of God and have confessed your the saving, but she did not have the sin, in God’s eyes you have been made opportunity. pure and clean. In I John 1:9 we are told “You were placed in that situation ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful for a reason,” Charlie said as they ate and just to forgive us our sins, and to their dinner. “Why, Carole, think about cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’” it—we have never used that particular Carole emphasized the word “all.” exit.” “But He—God—will punish me “I know God could have kept my someday for what I did. That’s what cough from starting, but He used it in - people say. I’d have been better off if stead to time that meeting perfectly,” Carole edged closer in order to hear. Carole said with a smile. She was able I’d robbed a bank.” “My son—I’m sure he’d have been a to enjoy her dinner—with no trace of “It’s true that in this life there are boy—if I hadn’t had an abortion,” the the terrible cough. consequences for our sins,” Carole woman stated hoarsely. “I figure this “I’m so thankful that I could quote said, not wanting to minimize the sin. week he would have been seven.” the right verses,” Carole said as she “But Jesus Christ already took the Carole searched in vain for words to loaded the dishwasher. “You had my punishment for all our sins. God says, bring comfort. She put an arm around Bible. Besides, it would have taken too the woman’s shoulder. ‘As far as the east is from the west, so much time to find those verses.” “I don’t know why I’m telling you far hath he removed our transgres - “This is a happy day for that this,” the woman said. “Last week I sions from us’” (Ps. 103:12). woman,” Charlie said. decided the only way to stop torturing The woman’s shoulders straight - “This is a happy day for me,” Carole myself is to kill myself. Then maybe I’ll ened. Carole supposed she was going added. “Charlie, you just cannot imag - have peace.” to leave, but instead she shifted her ine how much joy I feel from talking to Carole reached for her Bible but re - body, turning to face Carole. “You someone about Jesus! In my Do Book, called that she had left it with Charlie. mean, God allows me to go free— I can mark that I went to church; yet I She prayed that God would bring to even after what I did?” didn’t exactly stay to listen to the mes - mind His Word, His comfort. “There is Carole nodded her head. “God pun - sage. What do you think that means?” no sin too great for God’s forgive - ished His own Son to pay for your sins Charlie hugged his wife. “I think it ness,” she began. and my sins. Jesus paid your sin debt. means that it’s fine to make plans but “Oh, I’m a Christian,” the woman So, yes, if you’ve asked God’s forgive - that we must not be upset when God said. “At least, I asked God to save ness, you are free.” changes them.” me. But I was such a fool when I first The woman swiped at her face to re - “I’ve got to stop calling her ‘that broke up with my husband. I had an af - move the tears. She spoke slowly, as woman.’ I’ll nickname her ‘Blondie.’ fair—a stupid, meaningless affair. To if the truth were just sinking in. “So I Blondie was thinking about how God my family now, I’m nothing but dirt. don’t have to keep paying, because could erase such a terrible sin, and I They remind me especially with the it’s already paid for. I—I never saw it told her it was the blood of God’s Son holidays coming that I murdered their that way before. God has erased my that washed our sins away.” only grandchild. I’m too much of a sin - terrible sin. My family will never forgive “We will pray for ‘Blondie’ and thank ner.” me, but I can feel clean inside.” A God for sometimes overriding our Carole searched for the right re - smile—a genuine smile—lit her face. “I plans.” sponse, but the woman continued. feel like a load is off my heart.” Carole said, “I’m grateful that God “I—I just today decided that I might as Carole could hear the congregation gave me the privilege of meeting her. I well get rid of myself before Christ - inside the sanctuary getting to their did not enjoy my coughing spell, but I’ll mas.” feet. There was little time. “Let’s pray never forget that He can use every ex - Carole’s arm tightened around the together,” she said, drawing the perience to bring glory to Himself and woman’s shoulders. “If you truly are a woman closer. a lot of joy to us.” # FALL QUARTER 2012 (225) 33 Counseling Corner Book Reviews Komoszewski, J. Ed; Sawyer, M. James; and Wallace, Daniel B. Reinventing Jesus. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Kregel Publica - The Big Question tions, 2006. HIS is a welcome publication for all BY DAVID H. W ILCOX , D.M IN . T who are concerned about the re - cent attacks against and denials of the Jesus of Scripture. The authors did not Q. My girlfriend has been coming to decision you make. “If any of you lack write this most informative and helpful church and Bible study with me. I wisdom, let him ask of God” (Jas. 1:5). volume for scholars. They wrote for would like to marry her, but she has not God is faithful. He will not make you “laypersons—motivated laypersons” trusted in Jesus as her Saviour. What feel foolish if you pray sincerely. (p. 16). The subtitle of the work— How should I do? Third, consider these questions. Contemporary Skeptics Miss the Real A. One of the biggest questions you Have you committed your way to the Jesus and Mislead Popular Culture — will ever face in your entire life relates Lord? Have you trusted in God for your highlights the need for answers to the to marriage. God’s original plan in - future ministry and happiness? Are deniers of the Christ of Scripture. structed a man to “leave his father and you willing to seek God first, even be - There are five major parts of the his mother” and “cleave unto his wife” fore you trust your own feelings? book’s contents: I Believe in Yesterday; (Gen. 2:24). Study the following Scriptures. “De - Politically Corrupt? The Tainting of An - “And the Lord God said, It is not light thyself also in the Lord; and he cient New Testament Texts; Did the good that the man should be alone; I shall give thee the desires of thine Early Church Muzzle the Canon?; The will make him an help meet for him” heart” (Ps. 37:4). Divinity of Jesus: Early Tradition or Late (Gen. 2:18). Matthew Henry wrote, “A “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; Superstition?; and Stealing Thunder: suitable wife is a help-meet, and is from and lean not unto thine own under - Did Christianity Rip Off Mythical Gods? the Lord” ( Matthew Henry’s Commen - standing. In all thy ways acknowledge The authors have done a masterful tary on the Whole Bible, Hendrickson). him, and he shall direct thy paths” job of responding to the critics and We live in a time when marriage (Prov. 3:5-6). contending for the faith. Here is a most faces assault from every side. Such G. K. Chesterton wrote, “I have helpful tool for all who love the Christ assaults violate biblical patterns for known many happy marriages, but of Scripture. love and marriage. never a compatible one. The whole Some say, “Break your vows when - aim of marriage is to fight through and Allen, William J. Fractured Fellowships. survive the instant when incompatibil - Bloomington, Indiana: WestBow Press, ever you want.” Others just live to - Division of Thomas Nelson, 2010. gether with no regard for a traditional ity becomes unquestionable” ( What’s The author believes the church today sacred union. Politicians seek to rede - Wrong with the World ). He believed a has lost its first love. He traces the cur - fine marriage. Courts throw out propo - man and a woman are incompatible. rent status of the church back to the sitions passed by the people. Every couple must be willing to work time when this loss began 1,700 years I encourage you to follow God’s pat - through the issues of incompatibility. If you add one more element—an ex - ago. Allen then shows his readers how tern for marriage. Believe that mar - we need to think of the church more as riage is between one man and one tremely significant one—namely, the incompatibility between a Christian an organism than as an organization. woman. Prepare to commit your love Of course, the New Testament deals and devotion to your wife as long as and a non-Christian, you are literally facing an enormous mountain of diffi - primarily with the local church, but it you both shall live. also deals with the universal church, “Let’s be a comfortable couple and culty. I say this for her benefit as well as yours. which is the body of Christ. Allen’s em - take care of each other,” wrote Charles phasis in this volume is on the failure of Dickens. “How glad we shall be, that Fourth, accept the most important Scripture in the Bible on any joint ven - local churches to stay true to their God- we have somebody we are fond of, al - given beliefs and tasks. In his view there ways to talk to and sit with” ( The Life ture between a believer and nonbe - liever: “Be ye not unequally yoked to - is far too much emphasis on church or - and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby ). gether with unbelievers” (II Cor. 6:14). ganizations and far too little emphasis This is what you need to do. First, Finally, speak to your friend about on the spiritual and biblical work of God. you must recognize the serious com - her personal salvation through faith in Allen spends a lot of time pointing out mitment of marriage. The tried-and- Jesus. Christ shed His blood in His the failures and problems in local true ceremony states, “What God has death on the cross to satisfy the right - churches today, but he also highlights joined together, let no man put asun - eous requirement of His Father. God the basic solution to these problems. der.” When you get married, commit wants to forgive her sin and give her The main problem is the departure from yourself to a long life of devotion and the gift of eternal life. # the Bible as the church’s guidebook. The faithfulness to God and your wife. If a solution, therefore, is to return to a con - couple is not committed to the perma - Do you have a question you would sistent emphasis from the pulpit on the nence of marriage, the partners will like answered? Send it to: Counsel - Word of God in all its teaching. This book give up too easily and look for a way ing Corner, Union Gospel Press, needs to be in the hands of God’s peo - out. P.O. Box 6059, Cleveland, Ohio ple both in the pulpit and in the pew. # Second, you must pray about any 44101. —Robert P. Lightner. 34 (226) Timely Tips for Working with Youths The Role of Older Adults in Teen Ministry

BY JAMES P. E CKMAN , P H.D.

ELATIONSHIPS are the most im- generational lines? Perceptively, voice of the Lord” (vs. 25). R portant dimension of a teen’s life. Dr. Rod Mays, national coordinator for The Bible makes it clear (and human Relationships with parents, teachers, Reformed University Ministries, wrote, experience powerfully demonstrates) and other teens define the teenager’s “The church needs the rising genera - that each generation must commit it - world. Is it possible for teens to trust tion to assume the responsibilities of a self afresh to the Lord. The Bible also older Christians enough to enter into a generation of incumbents whose lead - clarifies that it is the responsibility of discipleship relationship with them? ership younger men and women have the older generation to teach, instruct, Can older Christian adults have a vi - doubted and even ridiculed. Older and model the things of God to the able ministry with teens? men and women feel marginalized and younger generation. The biblical answer to both these defensive toward the attitude of enti - The church, therefore, must be de - questions is a resounding yes. But can tlement younger leaders have exhib- liberate in developing and fostering in - we make it work in the real world of the ited. . . . Older generations need to re - tergenerational friendships and rela - church? Youth minister Ron Hutch- discover grace while younger tionships. If the church does not do chraft wrote that an “adult who cares generations need to rediscover holi - this, it will not happen! One possible enough to take the risks of relation - ness” (“Across the Great Divide,” method is telling stories from church ship-building can bring so much hope, Tabletalk, 1 September 2010). history of great faith and grace. Older so much worth into a young person’s Perhaps one of the most powerful Christians can use heroes of the faith life. There is no more compelling pack - ways to build multigenerational trust is to inspire the young. age for the gospel of Jesus Christ than through telling the stories of God’s Think of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, mar - an adult who will wrap that truth in a grace. Deuteronomy 32:7 says, “Re - tyred by the Nazi regime for his stance relationship” ( The Battle for a Genera - member the days of old, consider the for Christ against monstrous evil. Con - tion, Moody). years of many generations: ask thy fa - sider Jim Elliot, martyred for his faith in First Timothy 4 and 5 speak power - ther, and he will shew thee; thy elders, Ecuador in 1956. His famous state - fully to the multigenerational issues fac - and they will tell thee.” Think of what ment, “He is no fool who gives what he ing the church today. The Apostle Paul the older generation of Israel would cannot keep to gain what he cannot laid down guidelines about how the have told the younger generation: lose,” still resonates today! generations are to treat one another (cf. “God heard our cries of oppression. Martin and Katie Luther’s story from 5:1-2). Youths are not to be despised by He delivered us from Egypt. He de - the sixteenth-century Reformation can older believers. The older believer is to stroyed the Egyptian soldiers and still inspire young believers today. Their set an example for the younger believer chariots in the Red Sea. He guided us, love for one another, for their six chil - in areas of speech, conduct, love, faith, sustained us, and provided for us in dren, and for their students is stirring and purity. Older believers are not to be the wilderness wanderings. Finally, He and encouraging, and they provide rebuked by the younger but treated with gave us the Promised Land under worthy models of a husband and wife respect and dignity. Joshua’s conquest—cities we did not who stood for Christ in perilous times. The basic premise of Scripture is that build, wells we did not dig, vineyards Or consider John and Betty Stam, the older Christian is to model the things we did not plant.” The strong counsel Bible college graduates who became of God before the younger. Older Chris - of the Old Testament is that the older missionaries to China in 1934. Al - tians presumably have wisdom, dis - generation must teach the younger though John and Betty were martyred cernment, and understanding about generation about God: His care, His by the Communists under Mao, the life. They have something to say to the grace, and His provision. Stams’ daughter, Helen, miraculously younger generation, but it is difficult for Because each generation has the survived. As a result of their story, hun - the young to listen. Each generation tendency to forget God’s grace, it is dreds pledged their lives to missionary knows its generation best and therefore imperative that the stories of God’s service and specifically to the China In - is often defensive in relating to other grace and faithfulness be told. No pas - land Mission, founded by Hudson Tay - generations. But, as commentator D. sage better demonstrates that need lor. Finally, each church has its own he - Edmond Hiebert appropriately com - than Psalm 106. The Israelites “re - roes of the faith who can encourage, mented about I Timothy 4 and 5, “Paul’s membered not the multitude of thy stimulate, and inspire. mention of fathers, brothers, mothers, mercies” (vs. 7). “They soon forgat his Small group settings made up of sisters, shows that he is thinking of the works; they waited not for his counsel” young people and older adults can be church as a family and each member (vs. 13). “They forgat God their saviour, used by God as forums to tell of His must be treated with family affection” which had done great things in Egypt” faithfulness and grace. Personal stories (First Timothy, Moody). (vs. 21). And they “murmured in their can still inspire and encourage. The How, then, can we build trust across tents, and hearkened not unto the (Continued on page 37) FALL QUARTER 2012 (227) 35 favorite ones out on display. His oth - Teenagers er figures were so numerous, howev - er, that five cardboard boxes were al - most not enough to provide storage for them. It was quite obvious to all his Real Heroes friends that Mark loved super - heroes. When friends visited his BY J. A. L ITTLER house, they marveled at his collec - tion of figures and posters. They ARK was tired of listening to his also stared wide-eyed at the num - M mother. He sat like a statue as he ber of comic books that lined Mark’s leaned on the dinner table, holding his bookshelf and became speechless head between his hands. As Mom con - when he rattled off random facts tinued with “Are you listening to me, about each fictional superhuman. young man?” and “Why are you acting Like a detective looking for impor - this way?” Mark simply rolled his eyes tant facts, Mark had studied every and worked on building mental walls to comic book and cartoon show for stop his mother’s continuous droning from penetrating his brain. This was not the first argument Mrs. Young had had with her son. As she earnestly tried to coax him into re - sponding in a sensible manner, she re - called that Veterans Day was drawing near. Mark seemed to become more and more sensitive to patriotic holi - days as they came up each year. His heart is still broken from his father’s death, she thought. “I just don’t want to hear stories about Dad anymore, OK?” Even though Mark was fourteen, he could still recall faint memories from years earlier of his father playing catch with him, reading him bedtime stories, and taking him fishing at the lake. Mark tried to forget the day his father was called to fight overseas. He tried to forget the floorboards creaked loudly as he the details of his favorite characters. long days of uncertainty. And he espe - stomped out of the room, ignoring the His mother often mentioned that he cially tried to forget the shattering day calls of his mother behind him. should take a break from the super - when, at age seven, that uncertainty Mark raced to his room and slammed heroes and pursue a different hobby, but was answered by the visit from two the door. He looked for peace in his nothing could stop Mark’s admiration for men in uniform who brought the news bedroom, a place of solitude away from the fictional characters who brought him of his father’s death. Whether the mem - the rest of the world. through perilous quests and across the ories were good or bad did not matter Just like his state of mind, Mark’s galaxy of his imagination. to Mark. All he knew was that every one bedroom was cluttered and messy. It was in that world of imagination that of them brought pain—pain he had re - Clothes hung from every piece of fur - Mark found peace—or so he thought. fused to confront for over seven years. niture, old pop cans were stacked on His heart still ached over everything that “I just thought it was a good oppor - his dresser, and his bed looked as if it had happened in his life, especially the tunity to talk about him,” Mrs. Young had not been made in ages. memories of his father. No comic book said in a caring tone. “I want to help His collection of superhero posters could heal that kind of pain. If he could you see how much of a hero for God and action figures, however, stood in fight villains in his imagination, why your dad was.” stark contrast to the rest of the messy could he not fight pain as well? Mark could not take any more. His room. Posters of almost every super - When he was younger—and when heart was beating faster and faster. hero movie filled an entire wall, hung in the obsession was at its peak—Mrs. Every flag reminded him of his father’s order of date and spaced at equal dis - Young had tried to point her son to the uniform. Even the cool breeze flowing tances. The action figures also made for heroes of the Bible. “Look, Mark,” she through the house reminded him of an impressive display, spaced neatly on would say, “Noah spent many years summer memories never to be en - the various shelves and tables. Mark building an ark to prepare for a flood joyed again. He suddenly jumped up knew that at fourteen years old he could even though people of his time had from his chair, shaking the table and be considered babyish to be playing never seen rain before. God used rattling dishes in the process. The with action figures, so he kept only his David to kill a giant. Esther was brave 36 (228) enough to speak to the king of Persia out her heart before God on his behalf, thousand times more real to him than and save her people.” But these sto - Mark turned and picked up the letters. any superhero on TV. They were human ries did not interest Mark. Even though Each letter was wrinkled and covered beings, just like Mark and his father, he had trusted in Christ as his Saviour with a thin layer of dust. International and and they had all faced problems such as a child and went to church with his military stamps covered each one. Even as worry and fear. mother on a weekly basis, Mark felt though the handwriting of his father was After an hour of reading through the the stories of the Bible were not real a bit faded and hard to read, Mark could letters, Mark opened the door of his enough for him. It was not that he nonetheless make out the name in the bedroom and called to his mother to thought they were fake, but he did not return addresses: “Thomas S. Young.” come to his room. With tears still filling see how stories that were so old could Mark read the first letter. Just a sap - his eyes, he said, “I’m sorry for getting have any meaning for him, a twenty- py love note, he thought. But he could upset at dinner again. Would you first-century teenager. not resist moving on to the second, and please forgive me?” The past Sunday in church, the pas - the third, and finally every single letter. “Certainly, honey,” his mother replied. tor had spoken on the Hall of Faith in Each letter his father had written to him They both went back to the kitchen Hebrews 11. Throughout the sermon, and his mother was longer than the one to finish cleaning up, and Mark ex - Mark was continually thinking to him - before it, but he could not stop reading. plained all that God had taught him self, How could things that happened His father’s first letters consisted through seeing his father grow closer to to people thousands of years ago ap - mainly of loving words expressing how God in his letters. He told her how much ply to my life in any way? much he missed his young wife and the Hall of Faith meant to him now that With Veterans Day the next week son. He talked of the hot desert tem - he had finally opened his heart to un - and the discussion of heroes of the peratures and how much he longed for derstanding what it meant to live out his faith, Mark had become very emotion - a taste of his wife’s fresh apple pie. faith in God. “If Dad was able to live out al and upset during the preaching. He In a later letter, however, his father his faith in God after reading Bible sto - did not react openly, but he held anger mentioned a fellow soldier who was ask - ries, I know that I can too.” and frustration deep within his heart. ing questions about his walk with the Mrs. Young silently thanked the He was frustrated that he was living a Lord. The soldier had seen something Lord for this visible change in her son. defeated life and did not feel he could different in Mark’s father and wanted to During the next few weeks, she saw ever become someone who mattered. know why he seemed to enjoy reading Mark gradually reading his Bible more His walk with the Lord felt weak and the Bible so much and did not get in on and more. The stories in the comic distant. Mark was prone to worrying, certain activities or conversations. The books seemed to matter less to him as feeling insecure, and complaining. He very next letter was a story of how that he pored over the stories of faith in the knew something in his life needed to soldier had come to Christ! Bible. Through those accounts of change. Every envelope Mark opened after God’s work in the lives of His servants, The voice of his pastor reading He - that one held another story of how his he found that God was actively work - brews 12:1 still echoed in Mark’s head: father was growing closer to God each ing in his life too. God was helping him “‘Wherefore seeing we also are com - and every day. They included things to worry less and less each day and to passed about with so great a cloud of Thomas Young was learning in his grow into a more mature Christian. witnesses, let us lay aside every Bible reading, prayers being visibly Eventually, as an older teenager, weight, and the sin which doth so eas - answered, and a growing faith that Mark packed up the last of his comic ily beset us, and let us run with pa - Mark had never fully understood or books and posters. He felt a greater tience the race that is set before us. ’” appreciated as a young child. His fa - transformation in his heart than super - All those ancient people could have ther even mentioned learning lessons heroes had ever provided. Through a strong faith in God, but I just can’t, through reading the Bible stories the testimony of his father and reading Mark thought. Why do I worry so about the people the pastor had spo - Scripture, Mark had learned what it much? Why do I get upset so easily? ken of on Sunday. meant to be a real hero. # What’s wrong with me? Thomas Young’s heart for Christ had Mark was suddenly distracted from been poured out onto those pages, and his thoughts by a soft knock on his door. now those words were being poured His mother slowly stepped into the room out in his son’s tears. Mark cried as holding a stack of very old letters. “Hon - years of ignoring the memory of his fa - ey,” she said softly, “I wanted to give ther came to an end. Even more impor - (Continued from page 35) these to you when you were a bit older, tant, Mark realized how real a hero his The Role of Older Adults in Teen Ministry but I think now might be the best time.” father was because of Jesus Christ. When Mark remained standing with The Bible stories of people from thou - his back to her, Mrs. Young laid the sands of years ago, the lessons his church must work to break down the stack of letters on the carpet and mother had been trying to teach him, segregation of age-groups that has fos - stepped out of the room and into the the sermon from Sunday on Hebrews tered so much distrust and suspicion. hallway. She began silently praying for 12:1—they all made sense now. Intergenerational friendships are pos - her son. “Lord, please help Mark un - My father was a hero of faith, trusting sible, and the powerful testimonies of derstand how much You love him. in God like the people in the Bible, Mark God’s faithfulness can stir and awaken Please open his heart to appreciate thought. Suddenly the posters, comic both the young and the old. May He help the heroes of faith in your Word as well books, and action figures did not seem us break down our self-inflicted amne - as the hero of faith his father was.” so important. People like Noah, Moses, sia when it comes to understanding one Unaware that his mother was pouring David, Peter, and Paul now seemed a another across the generations. # FALL QUARTER 2012 (229) 37 For Teens Only What Can I Say?

BY JEANNE MOFFITT

DON’T know what to say!” the young “Recently Brittany chased after an tract. He said he would read it. I teen said between sobs. “When I older woman who walks regularly in Be alert for phrases that you can use was mowing the lawn last Friday, the our neighborhood,” he said, “so she to turn the conversation naturally to Holy Spirit told me to go talk to some could give her a gospel tract.” the need for salvation. “When you see girls who were walking by. But I didn’t. When the lady paused to see what children or girls your age, chat with I knew God wanted me to talk to them, Brittany wanted, it became apparent them,” I suggested to Amy. “Maybe but I didn’t!” Her broken phrases con - that she spoke only Spanish. you could ask about their parents. tinued to be punctuated with tears of “Immediately Brittany ran back home, Where do they work? When you tell sorrow. “I didn’t know what to say!” grabbed a Spanish tract, and hurriedly about yours, say, ‘I have two fathers! ’” I understood. Although I have been ran back to give it to the lady,” he said. Amy would then have the opportu - a believer for several decades, I often With a chuckle, he then told of the nity to share not only a little about her feel the same way. Both Amy and I next incident. “Brittany is usually the one father but also the truth that God is her face the same challenge and difficulty. handing out tracts whenever the chil - Father because of salvation from sin What can I say? How can I initiate a dren go out. The other day Rebecca was through Jesus. conversation about Jesus? How can I shopping with Mom without her sister. Early in the summer, I stopped to talk to people I know—or do not She must have figured she ought to take purchase a lawn tractor belt. When the know—about God’s way of salvation? her older sister’s place. Rebecca gave a clerk told me the price, I exclaimed, If this is God’s plan for me, why is it so tract to someone in the mall parking lot.” “Wow! My husband thought it would difficult? I should be able to obey. The father reported that after walking cost half of that!” To me the conversation was also a a few steps away, Rebecca exclaimed, “Everything’s gone up!” the clerk reminder of God’s greatness. For the “I did it! I did it!” jumping up and down. said. “Food, milk, electricity, clothes, past year I had been burdened about “You probably ought to get a little taxes—” being a faithful witness. God had been further away before you get so excit - “It’s a good thing eternal life is free!” teaching me more about witnessing; ed,” encouraged her mother. I exclaimed as I pulled out a “God’s now I had an opportunity to share It is exciting to share the gospel! Simple Plan of Salvation” tract. I sur - what I was learning with a teen to Everyone can offer a gospel tract to prised even myself when those words whom God had also spoken. anyone. came out of my mouth, but I recognize that God was in it. GIVE A GOSPEL TRACT BE ALERT FOR TALKING POINTS “Keep gospel tracts available,” I en - The server at the classy specialty READ THE SALVATION STORIES couraged Amy. “Although you may not restaurant was good—attentive, effi - OF OTHERS know how to begin a conversation cient, and conversational. Reading biographies and autobi - about God with strangers, you can al - After chatting with him about the ographies of Christians spurs me on in ways hand them a tract.” week our family had spent in the Col - my quest to be faithful to tell people I often ask a store clerk, “Do you like orado mountains, he told about some about Jesus. God uses all kinds of to read?” of his mountain-climbing excursions. people to share His good news. “Go If the answer is yes, I reply, “Here’s Apparently he got a thrill out of scar - ye therefore, and teach all nations” something important for you to read,” ing himself to death! (Matt. 28:19). “Ye shall be witnesses as I hand him a gospel tract such as “Did you hear about the climber who unto me” (Acts 1:8). No child of God is “God’s Simple Plan of Salvation” died a few weeks ago?” I asked. It had excused from sharing the gospel. (Porter, Lifegate, Inc.). been national news. The young climber Mary Slessor, renowned Scottish Ask your parents or pastor to recom - who had been struck by lightning was missionary to Africa, realized her need mend good tracts to use. Special tracts from our town in the Midwest. for salvation because an old widow in are available: art or cartoon forms for “Yep! Lightning is dangerous when her town was burdened for the souls of young people, ones with holiday em - you’re climbing the face of a mountain.” the children who ran about the streets. phasis, ones in other languages. The waiter shared some close calls of his This lady gathered them into her home If the person says, “No, I don’t read own. “But I love the thrill, the excitement, to explain God’s salvation to them. much,” you can say, “Then here is the adrenalin rush!” he exclaimed. “It’s Although William Carey, now known something short for you to read!” I told the only time I really feel alive!” as the father of modern missions, grew Amy, “No matter what the person “That is the thing about life,” I com - up in a moral and spiritually centered says, you can give a gospel tract.” mented. “You need to be ready to die! home, he did not trust Jesus as his Sav - A father recently told me about his Life here on earth is short; eternity is a iour until he was almost eighteen years fourteen-year-old daughter who is long time!” old. Then a fellow apprentice took him dedicated to handing out tracts. After more chatting, I gave him a to a service where the clear message 38 (230) that each sinner must personally trust Jesus was explained. Carey believed. Teen Scene One day a neighbor brought a visit - ing evangelist to my grandparents’ farm. The men talked with Jacob The Purpose of Life Toews and invited him to some special meetings at their church. BY JED N. S NYDER Thirty-five years later Grandpa tes - tified that the messages had seemed sent by God straight to his heart. He Q. A kid in high school asked me this But sin has broken the connection question about himself: “Why am I invited the evangelist to his home, and with God. This connection needs to be alive? What is the purpose of life?” he accepted. restored to find out why we are alive. God sent His Son Jesus to make it “After talking to him, I was convict - A. This, of course, is a vital matter. Many possible to have that connection re - ed of my need of a personal Saviour,” wonder this same thing, but most do stored. The Bible uses a lot of words Grandpa related. “Upon praying the not actually ask the question. I will not to tell us what this means, but the eas - penitent prayer, the burden of my heart give you a canned answer. Another way to approach this ques - iest for me is John 1:12, which tells us was lifted, and I received assurance of tion could be to ask, “What gives me that He gives the believer the right to sins forgiven by faith in the shed blood satisfaction?” It is easy to find happi - be called a child of God. That is it! We of Jesus Christ.” ness temporarily. For some, a nice new are here to become children of God! Study stories of witnessing in the New set of wheels brings happiness. For Wow! What a great truth! Testament. When Jesus talked with the some, winning the championship in a woman at the well, His witness centered sport brings happiness. When I was in Q. How do I know that God hears me? around her daily task of obtaining water. high school, I enjoyed getting A’s on my A. The spiritual loneliness that under - As I learn how God brings people to report card. Some seek happiness by lies your question is a deeply unpleas - salvation in differing ways, I am encour - drinking with their friends. ant experience. Does God really hear aged to be faithful to witness. We must There are many other ways to find my prayer? Does He really care about sow the seed of God’s Word; growing happiness. Happiness, however, me? Does He even know I exist? the fruit is His business (I Cor. 3:6-9). comes and goes rather quickly. A girl The starting point for this answer can who is really pretty and smart smiles at be found as you think about another TELL YOUR SALVATION STORY a guy, and he is happy. But later he question. What is God really like? Is He Your story is one salvation story you sees her flirting with another guy, and here to know about my needs? Does know well. Tell how God worked in your his happiness disappears. That cham - He feel the pain that a woman feels heart to bring you to repentance of sin pionship trophy gets dusty and begins when she is living as a divorced per - and belief in Jesus as your Saviour. to corrode. The new car gets a few son? (Her husband just left.) “And be ready always to give an answer dings, and your friend gets a new and The Bible is the place to start your to every man that asketh you a reason hotter one. Good-bye, happiness. inquiry into the nature of God. As you of the hope that is in you” (I Pet. 3:15). So we can likely say that we are not read it, do not hesitate to ask others to alive to be happy all or even most of the help unpack its meaning for you. The PRAY, PRAY, PRAY time. We can also say that life has a lot Psalms are great for your spirit and After Billy Sunday was converted to of pain and struggle. My dad and mom mind. The psalmist said, “The en - Christ, a Christian man gave him three separated when I was about eight. I was trance of thy words giveth light” simple rules: “Take 15 minutes each day embarrassed that I did not have a “nor - (119:130). So we know that it will help to listen to God talking to you; take 15 mal” family. Later, our granddaughter us understand God. minutes each day to talk to God; take 15 was stillborn. The agony was especial - The more we know God, the more we ly great because it was compounded by minutes each day to talk to others about will know the kind of prayer He will say watching our daughter, the baby’s God.” This is good advice. yes to. If He says no, we can trust Him mother, in such great anguish. Pray “that utterance may be given and be patient. If He says to wait a while, So we can say that these surface we know that He has to give others the unto [you], that [you] may open [your] things do not explain why we are alive. mouth boldly, to make known the mys - respect and dignity that He gives us. He Let me begin by saying that we are all respects us. That is who He is. He gives tery of the gospel” (Eph. 6:19). spiritual beings. Yes, we do have emo - As I told Amy, “What can I say?” is a good gifts to His children, but as with tions and intellect and will, but we can - good human parents, there will be dif - legitimate question for every believer. not explain life without a spiritual part. Ask God for help. Learn the salvation ferences about what is a good gift. The So let us go one step further. The spir - better you know your Heavenly Father, stories recorded in the New Testa - itual part wants to be full. All the usual ment, ask believers to share theirs, the more you will see that He does hear things that fill lives are external and fill you. “Every good gift and every perfect and read Christian biographies. Deter - for only a little while. They do not ex - gift is from above, . . . from the Father of mine to use everyday opportunities. plain the happiness of life or the strug - lights” (Jas. 1:17). # Remember that the Holy Spirit is there gles we all face. So there must be to help you. He convicts of sin (John more. If you have a question you want 16:8). Share the gospel in word and In the first book of the Bible, we find answered, send it to: Teen Scene, deed (tracts). What to say comes more the first part of the answer. God made Union Gospel Press, P.O. Box 6059, easily with practice. # us, and He made us in His own image. Cleveland, Ohio 44101. FALL QUARTER 2012 (231) 39 Boys and Girls

Beginning the Forty-Year Journey

BY RUTH MARIE REVECKY

HEN Laurie and her classmates man,” said Laurie’s mother. honey.” W entered their classroom on “Your mother and I will be sure to in - “Very good,” said Mrs. Chase. “Then Sunday, they discovered they had a vite Charlie’s parents to church,” what did God tell the Israelites to do?” new member. Mrs. Chase introduced added Laurie’s father. she asked. Too soon the bell rang, and the young man to them. His name was The next Sunday, Charlie sat with the class left to join their families. Charlie Meyer. The class then intro - Laurie and her parents in church, but The following Sunday, Sarah began duced themselves to Charlie. before the worship service started by saying, “God told His people to gath - Mrs. Chase quickly began to ask Laurie and Charlie went to their Sun - er manna for six days; but on the sixth questions that had been left unan - day school class. day, He told them to get enough for two swered the Sunday before. “What After Mrs. Chase took attendance, days. He told them the seventh day happened to the people of Israel after Tina told her she would like to contin - would be the Sabbath, a day of rest.” they left Egypt?” ue where they had left off the week be - George added, “Christians have a Roger said, “God guided His people fore. She began by saying, “When the day of rest every Sunday.” to the Red Sea, leading them by a pil - Israelites had traveled three days into Brian raised his hand and said, “The lar of cloud during the day and by a pil - the wilderness, they began to com - Israelites traveled through the Wilder - lar of fire during the night. The Egyp - plain that they were thirsty. The water ness of Sin for forty years before they tians, however, decided to go after the they had found was bitter. They want - got to the Promised Land.” Israelites, who became frightened and ed to return to Egypt.” Then Laurie added, “During that complained to Moses. Moses then Roger asked if he could continue. He time, the Israelites did not obey God all prayed to God. God told him not to said, “God told Moses to find a piece of of the time.” fear because He would save them.” wood and throw it into the water. The wa - “That is correct, Laurie,” said Mrs. “Who can continue?” asked Mrs. ter became sweet. They could drink it.” Chase. “Can you give me another ex - Chase. George raised his hand and said, ample of when they disobeyed God?” “I can,” said Tina. “God moved the “The Israelites were always complain - she asked. pillar of fire between the Israelites and ing. Now they were hungry. God told “Yes. They complained again that the Egyptians after the Israelites Moses that He would give them meat in they were thirsty. God told Moses to find reached the Red Sea. It became im - the evening and bread in the morning. a rock and to hit it with his staff. When possible for the Egyptians to pursue “That night, quail covered the ground. he did, water came out of that rock.” them right then. God then told Moses In the morning, after the dew had disap - Mrs. Chase said, “God found it neces - to raise the staff in his hand. The Red peared, white, flaky objects that looked sary to keep performing miracles in order Sea parted, and the Israelites were like bread appeared on the ground.” to convince the Israelites to continue their able to cross to the other side. Charlie added, “That was called journey through the wilderness. He had “As the Egyptians followed where manna. It was very thin and tasted like to constantly prove to them that He was the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea, God told Moses to raise his hand again. Now the sea rolled back over the Egyptians. They were drowned.” Laurie raised her hand, saying, “The people of Israel praised God because He had saved them. They celebrated by singing a song. Moses’ sister, Miri - am, also sang and danced.” Later, as Laurie was leaving, she turned to Charlie and asked him whether he needed a ride home. Charlie thanked her and walked with her to the parking lot. As Charlie and Laurie got in the car, she introduced Charlie to her parents. He did not live far from Laurie. When they got to his house, Charlie thanked Laurie’s fa - ther. Then Charlie turned to Laurie and said, “I’ll see you next Sunday.” “Charlie seems like a nice young 40 (232) their one and only true God.” The bell cle?” rang, and the class was dismissed. Charlie replied, “After Moses set up Noah’s Ark When they met the following Sunday, the tent outside the camp, God’s glo - Mrs. Chase talked about the battle be - ry filled the tabernacle, and Moses tween the Amalekites and Joshua and could not enter it. When the cloud dur - his Israelite army. Moses told Joshua ing the day or the fire at night rose that God would give them a victory. above the tabernacle, the Israelites Moses went to the top of a hill and raised knew to move their camp.” The bell his staff in the air. Joshua and the Is - rang, and the boys and girls left to join raelites defeated the Amalekites. their families for the morning service. Then Tina said, “I know what hap - The next Sunday Mrs. Chase said, pened next. Moses was reunited with “As the Israelites moved from place to Jethro, his father-in-law. Moses told place, they would reassemble the tab - Jethro about the wonderful things that ernacle. God was constantly in the life God had done for the people of Israel. of His people. They were never hungry He rejoiced. Jethro gave Moses ad - or thirsty, for the Lord provided all their vice, because he thought Moses had needs. The Israelites ate manna for too much responsibility. Moses lis - forty years.” tened and thanked Jethro for his ad - Then Mrs. Chase asked, “Does any - vice. They said good-bye, and Jethro one know what yearly feasts God told went on his way.” the Israelites to observe? Tina, do you Laurie raised her hand and said, know?” The Wallaby “Moses and Aaron were old men when “Yes,” said Tina. “They were the Feast God told them to speak to Pharaoh. of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Har - Moses was eighty, and Aaron was vest, and the Feast of Ingathering.” BY WANDA ERBSE eighty-three.” Mrs. Chase asked, “Now that we “That is correct,” said Mrs. Chase. have finished studying the book of Ex - WALLABY is essentially a small George was about to continue when odus, what can we say about God, A kangaroo. Both are marsupials the bell rang. Moses, and the Israelites?” and members of the macropod family. The next Sunday, George began by “Well,” said George, “from the time of The term “macropod” means “great- saying that Moses and the Israelites the Exodus from Egypt, God was always footed,” and that is a very apt de - journeyed to the Sinai Desert and ar - with His people. He freed them, led them scription of both animals. rived at the bottom of Mount Sinai. to the Red Sea, parted the waters, and The most obvious difference be - God gave Moses and the Israelites the destroyed the Egyptian army. He took tween the wallaby and the kangaroo is Ten Commandments. They heard care of them by giving water and food.” their size. The kangaroo is much larg - God’s voice, and they became fright - er than the wallaby. It has more length ened. Moses then continued to listen Brian said, “God also gave His peo - between its ankles and knees, making to God’s instructions about many ple rules to live by so that they could its legs seem out of proportion with the things, including the building of an al - obey God. He gave them the Ten rest of its body. The world’s largest liv - tar and a tabernacle. The bell rang, Commandments.” ing marsupial is the red kangaroo, and they were dismissed. “Very good,” replied Mrs. Chase. The next week, Mrs. Chase asked Bri - Roger said, “I liked reading about which can grow to a height of over six an to continue where they had left off. how Moses’ face glowed after God feet and weigh as much as two hun - Brian said, “God called Moses to the top talked to him on Mount Sinai.” dred pounds. of Mount Sinai, where he stayed for forty “I did too,” agreed Sarah. “I liked Wallabies were created by God to days and forty nights. The Israelites studying the book of Exodus. I learned have their own unique lifestyles and thought Moses would never return. that God is loving and caring, and we body parts. Rock wallabies live in They went to Aaron and asked him to need to obey Him. God asked His peo - colonies of up to one hundred animals make a god for them to worship. Aaron ple to worship only Him, not a golden in rocky environments. The soles of made a golden calf, and God became calf.” their hind feet have grooved skin, very angry. Moses asked God to forgive “Can you name some of the Ten which helps them grip the rock sur - them. Even though God was not happy Commandments, Charlie?” asked faces they climb. with the Israelites, He said He would Mrs. Chase. There are over thirty known species send them to the Promised Land.” “Yes, I can,” he said. “You shall not of small, ground-dwelling wallabies. A “Excellent, Brian,” said Mrs. Chase. kill. You shall not steal. You shall not wallaby’s coat is typically much Then Charlie told the class that the Is - take the name of the Lord your God in brighter than that of a kangaroo and raelites began to make all the objects vain. And you shall remember to keep comes in a wide range of colors. Their God had told them to make for the tab - the Sabbath Day holy.” thick, coarse fur ranges from yellow - ernacle. Moses told the people to make Addressing the class, Mrs. Chase ish-brown to black on top, with a paler a special tent for God. The tent was added, “I hope that after reading the underside. Most tend to have dark- called the “tabernacle.” Charlie sat book of Exodus you all realize God is colored paws and yellowish cheeks. down. only a prayer away. You should re - God designed their coloring so that Then Mrs. Chase asked, “Charlie, member to pray every day.” they would blend in with their sur - what was special about the taberna - “We do!” the class said in unison. # roundings, making them more difficult FALL QUARTER 2012 (233) 41 for their predators to spot. Their most common predators are dingoes, You and Your Bible hawks, and people. A few species of wallaby have be - BY FAITH STEINKRAUS come extinct due to habitat destruction by humans and the many predators A Room for Elisha they face. The colorful yellow-footed rock wallaby was hunted for its fur; as The Shunammite woman and her husband were kind to Elisha. Find and cir - a result, there are few remaining today. cle the following words from II Kings 4:8-10 in the word search. Wallabies are scattered widely across Australia, New Guinea, Tas - ELISHA SHUNEM WOMAN mania, various small islands. Most EAT BREAD HUSBAND live in remote, heavily timbered ar - HOLY CHAMBER BED eas. After they were introduced to TABLE CANDLESTICK STOOL New Zealand, they were viewed as BCANDLEST I CK pests and often hunted. There are a XCBSGTABLEYW few enclaves of wallabies in the DHT TSQZBA I HO British Isles, including one breeding PAOOEATKWOLM colony of around one hundred spec - LMWOLSGHOLYA imens. PBLL I XBMCHZN After a very short pregnancy, the BEDTSMMXAXZM very undeveloped joeys are born. WRXSHUNEMTYP They weigh about as much as a paper HUSBANDATZSQ clip at birth. Quickly, they crawl up into BREADGPDWZRV the mother’s front-opening pouch and attach to a nipple to gain the nourish - Read II Kings 4:8-10. Fill in each blank with one of the above words. ment that helps them grow. Some marsupials, such as wombats, have 1. The ______of ______gave backward opening pouches, so as the ______to ______(verse 8). female digs a burrow, the pouch does 2. The woman and her ______prepared a not fill with dirt and smother the babies ______(room) for Elisha (verses 9-10). inside. A young wallaby normally stays in - 3. They put a ______, a ______, a ______, side its mother’s deep, warm pouch and a ______in the cham - for approximately eight to nine ber for Elisha (verse 10). months. Then it is ready to come out and explore the world. Adult wallabies can weigh up to six - The Kindness of Elisha ty pounds and may grow to a height of three feet, not including their tails. Read II Kings 4:18-37, and put the following events in the correct order. They travel at night in groups (called 1. ____ When Elisha arrived at the woman’s house, he went to the child and mobs) of up to fifty animals. Their diet shut the door of the room. Elijah prayed to the Lord. of leaves and grasses helps to devel - 2. ____ The woman was thankful that her son was alive and fell at Elisha’s feet. op their strong back legs, which are perfect for jumping. They hop on their 3. ____ The woman traveled to Mount Carmel to see Elisha, the man of God. back legs when they need to move 4. ____ The Shunammite woman’s son was in the field with his father. The son quickly, using their tails for balance. said, “My head! My head!” The motion is similar to bouncing on a spring. It is an energy-efficient way of 5. ____ The son was carried to his mother. By noon, the son died. She laid him traveling great distances. They can on Elisha’s bed. also use their back legs and sharp 6. ____ The child sneezed seven times and opened his eyes. claws to drive away an enemy when needed. Be Kind Christians have a powerful enemy, Satan, who lurks close by and causes The New Testament writer Paul reminds us to be kind. Look up Ephesians us to sin. God desires that we walk 4:32, and fill in the blanks. close to Him and commune with Him in our daily lives. When we regularly “And ______ye ______one to ______.” study the Bible and pray, we can stay Answers: closer to God and be better prepared

to resist our enemy. God’s Word says, . r e h t o n a , d n i k , e b . 5 . 6 ; 2 . 5 : d n i K e

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. B ; 1 . 4 ; 3 . 3 ; 6 . 2 ; 4 . 1 . k c i t s e l d n a c , l o o t s , e l b a t , d e b . 3 : a h s i l E f o s s e n d n i K e h

Resist the devil, and he will flee from T

; r e b m a h c , d n a b s u H . 2 ; a h s i l E , d a e r b , m e n u h S , n a m o W . 1 : a h s i l E r o f m o o R A you” (Jas. 4:7). # # 42 (234) Wit and Wisdom Cartoons Quote-ables

Red Skelton said, “I don’t let old age Life on the Other Side bother me. There are three signs of old age: Loss of memory . . . I forget the Maltbie Davenport Babcock: “May other two.” death be no more than the bell that sounds when school is over, and go - * * * ing home, may I find that I had laid up my treasure in the right place.” “Diets are for people who are thick and * * * tired of it.” Lewis Sperry Chafer: “Anyone can * * * devise a plan by which good people may go to Heaven. Only God can de - “Middle age is when you hope nobody vise a plan whereby sinners, who are will invite you out next Saturday night.” His enemies, can go to Heaven.” * * * * * * “We could use something to eat around here too.” Richard Baxter: “My knowledge of “Education is what you get from read - that life is small, / The eye of faith is ing the small print in a contract. Expe - dim, / But ‘tis enough that Christ rience is what you get from not read - knows all, / And I shall be like Him.” ing it.” * * *

* * * Robert Browning: “On earth the bro - ken arcs; in the heaven, a perfect “The world needs more warm hearts round.” and fewer hot heads.” * * * * * * Alfred Lord Tennyson: “And, doubt - less, unto thee is given / A life that “Miser: one who’s perfectly content to bears immortal fruit / In those great of - let the rest of the world go buy.” fices that suit / The full-grown energies of heaven.” * * * * * *

“It’s not hard to understand modern C. S. Lewis: “Joy is the serious busi - art. If it hangs on a wall, it’s a painting, “One of them is wasting his time.” ness of heaven.” and if you can walk around it, it’s a * * * sculpture.” Martha Snell Nicholson: “O I am * * * weary with waiting, / Sick of this old self of mine! / Come quickly, Lord Je - “Money no longer talks; it just goes sus, come quickly / And give me a spir - without saying.” it like Thine!” * * * * * * John Dyer: “A man may go to heaven “Did I say something that stupid?” without health, without riches, without Procion, Greek statesman-general, to honors, without learning, without an aide when the people of Athens in - friends, but he can never go there terrupted his speech with thunderous without Christ.” applause. * * * * * * John Oxenham: “But, with a word, / just bid me home, / And I will come / Tax cut: the kindest cut of all. # “The energy crunch must be worse than I Right gladly.” —Compiled by Donna Poole. thought.” —Compiled by Donna Poole. FALL QUARTER 2012 (235) 43 Dad’s Den

The Irreplaceable and Indispensable Strength of Fatherhood

BY THOMAS R. C HMURA

WILL love thee, O Lord, my strength. ed in and present in the world that He Brook Adams made this entry: ‘Went I The Lord is my rock, and my has made. fishing with my father—the most won - fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my The Bible reveals that God’s strong derful day of my life!’ strength, in whom I will trust; my buck - presence is a significant aspect of His “The father thought he was wasting ler, and the horn of my salvation, and character. “God is our refuge and his time while fishing with his son, but my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, strength, a very present help in trou - his son saw it as an investment of time. who is worthy to be praised: so shall I ble. . . . Be still, and know that I am The only way to tell the difference be - be saved from mine enemies” (Ps. God: I will be exalted among the hea - tween wasting and investing is to 18:1-3). then, I will be exalted in the earth. The know one’s ultimate purpose in life God our Father is a Person of Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Ja - and to judge accordingly” (Shotwell, strength. In fact, God possesses all cob is our refuge” (Ps. 46:1, 10-11). Homemade, September 1987). strength; He is omnipotent. God de - Godly fathers will imitate God’s na - The ultimate purpose of a Christian sires to share His strength with His ture by offering their families the father is to glorify God. This purpose children so that they can overcome the strength of their presence, which will can be partially fulfilled when he not weakness of the sinful flesh and de - yield numerous benefits to their chil - only offers his family a strong male velop and nurture a successful Chris - dren, both sons and daughters. Dob - presence but also gets personally in - tian character that brings honor and son and Bauer wrote, “Studies show volved with them in a close way. Such glory to Him (cf. Phil. 4:13). that the absence of the father ex - strong involvement finds its genesis in Learning to embrace and demon - presses itself in male children in two a godly, sacrificial love. strate our God’s strength is a neces - very different ways: it is linked to in - The problem facing the body of sary spiritual discipline of godly fa - creased aggressiveness on one hand, Christ is that many Christian fathers thers. The purpose of this article is to and greater manifestations of effemi - seem to be disconnecting from their encourage Christian fathers to pursue nacy on the other. . . . Girls without fa - families. “Josh McDowell has been and nurture this spiritual discipline so thers fare no better. They become sex - trying to find out what dads are doing that their families, especially their chil - ually active sooner and are more likely in Christian families, and the news dren, will increase in vibrant spiritual to have out-of-wedlock children.” isn’t good. In his book The Dad Differ - health. The body of Christ needs fathers ence, McDowell reveals that there who are committed to encouraging seems to be a parenting gap. . . . The THE STRENGTH OF A FATHER’S their families with their strong pres - average teen in our churches spends PRESENCE ence. Christian fathers are called to only 2 minutes a day in meaningful di - “William Bennett put it succinctly in cultivate a family environment of alogue with his dad. 25% of these a 1986 speech on the family in Chica - peace and security, demonstrating teens say they have never had a go when he asked, ‘Where are the fa - that they will not leave but are com - meaningful conversation with their fa - thers? . . . Generally, the mothers are mitted to remaining the spiritual leader ther—a talk centered on the teens’ in - there struggling. For nine out of ten of the home no matter what life may terests” (www.sermonillustrations children in single-parent homes, the bring. As a result, families will benefit, .com). father is the one who isn’t there. One- and God will be glorified. In light of this information, let us fifth of all American children live in consider a possible application of homes without fathers . . . Where are THE STRENGTH OF A FATHER’S Ephesians 6:4, which says, “Ye fa - the fathers? Where are the men? INVOLVEMENT thers, provoke not your children to Wherever they are, this much is clear: Being committed to a fatherly wrath: but bring them up in the nurture too many are not with their children’” strength of presence is one thing; of - and admonition of the Lord.” I always (Dobson and Bauer, Children at Risk, fering fatherly involvement takes pres - understood the term “provoke” to re - Word). ence to another level. “Charles Francis fer to an intentional relational abuse. A Christian worldview believes in Adams, the 19th century political fig - But perhaps the term can also refer to one supreme God, the Creator, who is ure and diplomat, kept a diary. One an intentional, nonrelational absence. a personal being and distinct from the day he entered: ‘Went fishing with my The timeless parenting principle of world that He created. Moreover, the son today—a day wasted.’ His son, Ephesians 6:4 could be an admonition Christian worldview asserts that the Brook Adams, also kept a diary, which to fathers to commit themselves to Creator God remains actively interest - is still in existence. On that same day, (Continued on page 47) 44 (236) One Mother to Another The Secret Meeting

BY RUTH MCDANIEL

ESUS slipped away in secrecy to they might have life, and . . . have it Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). Je - J commune with His Heavenly Fa - more abundantly” (John 10:10), and sus met with His Father “a great while ther. “Rising up a great while before “He brought me up . . . out of an hor - before day” (Mark 1:35). On another day, he went out, and departed into a rible pit, out of the miry clay, and set occasion, “He went out into a moun - solitary place, and there prayed” (Mark my feet upon a rock” (Ps. 40:2). tain to pray, and continued all night in 1:35). Dad would say to listeners, “You can prayer to God” (Luke 6:12). When He No doubt the disciples knew why read. I can’t. Look in the Bible and see taught the disciples about prayer, He Jesus regularly left their company. for yourself. It’s in there.” merely said, “When thou prayest” They may have known the solitary Dad steadily grew in the Word and (Matt. 6:6). place. However, they did not know in trust in God’s love and the promise As both a grandmother and a care - what He prayed. Did they wonder, of forgiveness (cf. I John 1:9). Once he giver for my aging mother, I often start “What is it our teacher does not want made mention of his “solitary place” the day in a hurry. I thank God that He us to hear?” where he met with the Father in secret. hears my prayers even when I am on We might ask, “What is it Jesus Clearly, these were not casual or hap - the run. However, when I am running, wanted His disciples to learn?” penstance meetings but ones with I am doing all the talking, for I cannot Jesus commanded that we too purpose and resolve. It was a resolve listen and run. Hurried times are not meet secretly with the Father. “Enter that grabbed my full attention, causing good devotional times. into thy closet, and when thou hast me to recognize and acknowledge the In addition, waiting for a conven - shut thy door, pray to thy Father which missing link in my own spiritual growth ient time to steal away to one’s prayer is in secret” (Matt. 6:6). process. In addition to our family de - closet is unwise. A mother’s demand - I often muse over memories of my votions, I needed to set aside (and ing schedule always competes with earthly father, who has gone on to be guard) a daily meeting time with the time meant for the things of God. Per - with the Lord. Mornings when my fam - Father in secret. sonal devotions honor the first com - ily would be at work and school, Dad My one-on-one meetings with my mandment—“Thou shalt have no oth - would drop by our house. He was a earthly father enabled me to get to er gods before me” (Exod. 20:3)—and late-in-life believer, excited about his know him on a level unreachable in a empower us to keep God first in our new life in Christ. family setting. Likewise, by following lives (cf. Matt. 22:37). Mothers cannot He would say, “My pastor says I Dad’s example, I soon experienced a risk leaving out those secret meet - cannot lose my salvation if I turn my closer relationship with my Heavenly ings. They are crucial to the tasks back on God” or “Someone told me Father, enabling me to serve in His ahead. that God loves a murderer as much as kingdom work with more power, joy, The disciples knew the source of Je - Christians. What do you think?” and peace. sus’ power and desired that same Dad did not have a formal education I never shared with anyone the closeness with the Father. Likewise, and was dependent on others for Bible things Dad and I talked about. They our children take notice of our quiet instruction. He and I spent many hours were between him and me only. Nor do strength in this chaotic world. discussing verses and passages and I share with anyone about my alone Recently, our daughter Carmen praising the Lord. We talked about liv - time with my Heavenly Father. The called to share a disappointing expe - ing for Jesus while sitting at the words are meant only for my Father. rience in her day. She said, “I have kitchen table or at the local restaurant, Cries of sorrow and heartbreak, Bible study and prayer from 6:30 to outside under a shade tree or driving shouts of joy and victory—all are 7:00 A.M. This morning a friend called through the countryside at record-low meant for His ears alone. Only He un - and interrupted my private time with speed; yet we never ran short of excit - derstands and can comfort, heal, and the Lord. That is my time, and I won’t ing biblical truths and promises to dis - supply all my needs (cf. Phil. 4:19). allow it to happen again!” cuss (cf. Deut. 6:7). Jesus prayed for His people “that She had resolve in her tone, re - In the beginning, Dad lamented they . . . may be one in us” (John minding me of Dad. As we hung up, I much over wasted years and lost op - 17:21). He wanted them to desire to praised God for the precious memory. portunities with his family. He lived know the Father as He did. His disci - Whatever time is possible for your each day with a sense of urgency, al - ples watched His life closely as He schedule is the right time. With open ways searching for a word from the taught in the temple, preached to the Bible and open heart, come before Lord. He memorized verses from the multitudes, and performed miracles. your Creator in secrecy, closing the pastor’s sermons that he later shared His close relationship with His Father door behind you. He promises, “In with friends as well as strangers. Two was clear for all with eyes to see. quietness and in confidence shall be of his favorites were: “I am come that “One of his disciples said unto him, your strength” (Isa. 30:15). # FALL QUARTER 2012 (237) 45 Family Life

Parenting: It Is Lifelong

BY NOEL HARSHMAN

NE of my sisters-in-law once said is written for all ages. Its message is nearby came to offer her a Thanksgiv - O she wished she could skip being timeless. We can safely assume then ing food basket. She thanked him but a parent and go right to being a grand - that Jesus’ invitation to children in - told him they were going home with parent. Some days, most of us have cludes all children. me and to please give the basket to felt that way. We could spoil them and Indeed, if we read Luke 18:9-14, someone more needy. send them home! which shows the difference in the I have seen her fill up her grocery In 1974, my husband and I had the prayers of the Pharisee and the publi - cart more than once to help someone privilege of adopting an adorable ten- can, we see that the Pharisee thought else. We have helped haul bags of and-a-half-month-old girl, Aimee, with himself far superior spiritually to the clean used clothing that her children strawberry-blonde hair and blue eyes. publican. This was an attitude that dis - have outgrown to our church’s Love Little did we know the additional fam - pleased God. Clothing Center for others to receive. ily she would lead to or the add-on Perhaps racism is a product of a It is as if that early acceptance and blessings she would bring. pharisaic mentality. One race views it - love she felt from other Christians has For the past nineteen years, we self as better than others. There resulted in her having a great desire to have helped in the day-to-day raising should be no place for that in our show that love to others who are in dif - of four grandchildren. The oldest are hearts or in the way we accept chil - ficult circumstances. Calvin and Akiem, nineteen-year-old dren or anyone else. Perhaps in your church there are twins. Their sisters are Timia, nine, and The litmus test for our situation was atypical families: single moms, single Amiah, eight. with our church. In 1992, when her dads, grandparents who have adopt - Our daughter has raised them as a boys were born, our daughter feared ed their grandchildren. Often these are single parent and in that process has that our church would not accept them families that are marginalized by our become a strong, resilient Christian. because of their racially mixed back - society and our churches. They may She worked to earn an income while ground. I personally thought the be portrayed in sitcoms, but in reality attending college to become an X-ray church would accept them, but there they do not quite fit in. tech. Then she worked afternoons and was still that bit of trepidation. It would be an incredible blessing if nights in a hospital. We got to spend Accept them indeed! Their race sim - you would seek out one or two people that time with our grandsons. ply was not an issue. For their baby in this situation at work, at church, or She recently earned a bachelor’s shower, all the ladies who crocheted in your neighborhood. Pray for them degree and still works long hours. We made two of everything. The love and and find some way to be a presence in have the blessing of having lots of time acceptance our church showed them their lives. with her daughters. and shows to all people is truly phe - Babysitting, helping their kids with All of our grandchildren are bira - nomenal. homework, including their children in cial—African-American and Cauca- As a single parent, Aimee discov - activities with yours, inviting them to sian. We have encountered people for ered that there is a real bias in the busi - dinner and church—any help could be whom that is a difficulty, and we have ness world against women in her situ - just the encouragement they need and heard of grandparents shunning their ation. She had to become a tough might lead them to Jesus. family in this kind of situation. negotiator. Instead of making her bit - If you are the grandparent of chil - Nowhere in Scripture is there any ter, it has made her more sensitive to dren in a single-parent situation, pray, hint of a rationale for that kind of be - the plight of others. trust God completely, and accept your havior. Indeed, the opposite is true. In I remember that when the boys were grandchildren as a little flock that God Luke we read, “But Jesus called them little, Aimee took a neighbor woman has given you to oversee for Him. unto him, and said, Suffer little chil - from Nigeria (who also was a single Early on, as we saw God working in dren to come unto me, and forbid mom) out to shop. She wanted to the lives of our grandsons, we realized them not: for of such is the kingdom of teach her how to stand up for herself our ministry was first and foremost to God” (18:16). and not be cheated. our family. Our daughter works a great One might say, “But it is doubtful in When she and the boys lived in an - deal on weekends, for illness never that day that there were children of dif - other town for a while, I went to bring takes time off. We were able to make ferent or mixed races being brought to them home for Thanksgiving. While I sure the grandkids were in Sunday Jesus.” Yet we know that God’s Word was there, a man from the church school, church, and youth group. 46 (238) All through school the boys spent There have been times when my Suddenly, out of the rain, a driver time each summer at a Christian husband and I felt we had no life of our coming toward them crossed into their camp. The girls are now following in own. We were consumed with child- lane and hit them head-on. The driver this. care agendas, meals, transportation, was so inebriated he did not even re - Having trusted in Christ as their packing lunches, and homework. Yet alize he was driving. Saviour when they were about eight, we would not trade it for anything. The passenger was treated and re - the boys were baptized at our annual That is why it is so important for our leased. Calvin was hospitalized with Christmas Eve service in December churches to embrace atypical families some broken bones that required sur - 2003. with love and practical help. It is terri - gery and a concussion. We were and Both Timia and Amiah have trusted ble to consider the plight of so many are so thankful God spared his life! Christ as their Saviour. Timia was bap - single mothers who are homeless, un - The head injury proved to be very tized in September 2009. Amiah was deremployed, and looking for help and difficult, and Calvin was treated for baptized in October 2010. solace in the wrong places. many months. Again, our church fam - At our annual youth Sunday in 2008, Every year our church has a back- ily rallied with prayer and acts of kind - Timia volunteered to preach. She to-school party for the church kids and ness to help him get through this. wrote a sermon on how God answers for children and parents who have Now the boys have their own home, our prayers and gave examples from been clients of our Love Clothing Cen - which Mom helped them get as an in - her own life. ter. Last fall it looked like half of Lans - vestment. Both go to college and re - When Calvin and Akiem were sev - ing, Michigan, was there. It was only main active in church. enteen, they were asked to serve on about 103 people, but that is a big Many challenges in our families lie the Christian education and trustee group for a small church to host! ahead for all of us. Yet they are our boards, respectively. At nineteen, both This yearly event gives us just an - ministry, since they are the future par - still serve on these boards. Calvin also other way to reach out to those fami - ents, grandparents, and churches. serves as a frequent lay leader, and lies around us who are in need of Je - May we prayerfully leave them the Akiem is part of the sound system sus’ love and forgiveness. It is a way spiritual legacy found in Isaiah 40:31, team. to let them know they are not alone or which says, “But they that wait upon An unexpected development came forgotten. the Lord shall renew their strength; when, after eight-year-old Amiah was Sometimes as parents, grandpar - they shall mount up with wings as ea - baptized, she said she would like to ents, or even churches, we look at gles; they shall run, and not be weary; serve on a church board. The chair - what we do in terms of how it will ben - and they shall walk, and not faint.” person of the missions and outreach efit us. When we serve in ways to as - Find rest in the One who loves and board took her up on it. There was sist children, it must be with no cares for you and your family. Pass His nothing in the church bylaws to pre - thought of benefit to us but only to love to another family in your neigh - vent it, so Amiah was elected to fill a them. borhood, your workplace, or your one-year vacancy. We are told she When Jesus came to give Himself, church. God has great blessings in contributes well to the discussions His sole purpose was to provide love, store for you and your family. # and promptly does any assigned task. forgiveness, and salvation for us! He Both Amiah and Timia often serve set the standard for us to follow in our as lay leaders or ushers on the first service to Him. Sundays of the month, when our Sometimes it is easy for us to see young people serve in various ways. that nebulous group of those in need Has all of this come about easily or without realizing our own families and (Continued from page 44) as the result of just their mother, their those around us are a ministry God The Irreplaceable and Indispensable grandparents, or the church? Ab - has given us. It is more difficult to min - Strength of Fatherhood solutely not! First, God has brought ister to our families, who know the these things about, working and warts we hide from others. Yet we are blessing mightily. Then it is about called to minister to our families what - parental involvement with their chil - Mom, grandparents, and the church ever the situation. It does not matter dren. This makes sense when we con - working together. whether the family structure is two sider the emphasis of the second half Has it been and is it easy? No. It is parent or single parent, one race or of the verse. Fathers are commanded absolutely exhausting. We have seen many races. We are called to minister to nourish their children toward matu - our daughter listen patiently to her to our families, whatever the chal - rity. Fathers are obedient to this com - children, hugging them close after lenges may be. mand when they train, admonish, and working an exhausting twelve hours at A most frightening challenge in our exhort their children in the Lord. This the hospital. family life occurred in June 2009. Our demands an active, intentional, and We have seen her use a lunch break grandsons had stopped by with a sacrificial involvement. to come see her children do some - friend about 10:00 P.M. on a Friday. thing in a church service. She has re - They drank juice and snacked. Then Dads, let us not be controlled by re - arranged her work schedule many Calvin and his friend dropped Akiem lational fears. Let us overcome our times to attend swim meets for her off at another friend’s home. fears and get closely involved in the boys and to bake brownies as her con - Calvin and his passenger headed to lives of our families with a God-given tribution to the team’s meal afterward. a store a few miles away. It was rain - strength. Let us then stand in awe as She has done the same to attend her ing, but Calvin was being careful and we experience what God does in en - daughters’ school performances. obeying the speed limit. riching our family life together. # FALL QUARTER 2012 (239) 47 Caring and Sharing Ministry: A Biblical Basis

BY FREDERIC R. H OWE , T H.D.

INTRODUCTION notwithstanding ye give them not tients in these places never have a In our everyday lives, we see in our those things which are needful to the visitor! Find out from the nurse on news, whether in the newspaper or on body; what doth it profit?” duty names of those who might need television, incredible stories of people a visit. You could easily share some who are engaged in a caring and shar - PRACTICES IN APPLYING THE quality time with one or more individ - ing ministry. The purpose of this article PRINCIPLES uals whom the nurse suggests. Share is to provide a biblical framework for Now that the groundwork has been a treat or a specific gift. Give them such a ministry and to supply specific laid from the Bible, the outworking of some quality time just to let them talk examples. these principles must be seen by about their life and memories. This specific examples. Being mindful of can be a great service of caring for PRINCIPLES FROM THE BIBLE the fact that this is the fall season someone in need. Deuteronomy 15:11 set the high and Thanksgiving is around the cor - My wife and I recently visited a long - standard for the people of Israel in ner, timely suggestions are offered time friend in a nursing center, and we Old Testament times. This verse high - here. were able to bring some comfort to the person. It was a treat for me as well. lights the need for having a generous In many cities in the United States Seeing the face of this individual light heart and backing up this heartfelt and Canada, there are missions de - up was ample reward for this simple feeling with actual works. The pas - voted to helping people in need. In act. sage declares, “For the poor shall my home city, for example, there is Another possible way of caring and never cease out of the land: therefore one called City Gospel Mission. Many sharing is to send notes of encour - I command thee, saying, Thou shalt examples can be cited in this in - stance. Some leading professional agement to patients confined to a open thine hand wide unto thy broth - nursing home or care facility. Surely athletes volunteer at this time of year, er, to thy poor, and to thy needy in thy any of us can find the time to write especially around Thanksgiving, to land.” notes to such patients. Perhaps a serve in that mission. Their purpose is Another biblical passage on this ac - friend of yours is actually in a long- not to garner praise but to give per - tion of caring and sharing is Leviticus term facility. He or she would certain - sonally—to get involved in the work 25:35: “And if thy brother be waxen ly appreciate either a visit or note. poor, and fallen in decay with thee; of the mission. In conclusion, we should be chal - then thou shalt relieve him: yea, The City Gospel Mission has a very lenged to remember to bring words though he be a stranger, or a sojourn - active follow-up program. It provides of hope to people in these various fa - er; that he may live with thee.” extensive guidance services for peo - cilities. Many of these residents have There is ample biblical exhortation ple who come to them, and there are lost hope and are resigned to a life of to this same spirit of giving in the indeed stories of people who have deep gloom and sadness, even de - New Testament as well. The Apostle overcome obstacles like abuse of spair. Paul cited the words of our Lord drugs or alcohol and demonstrated a In such situations, all of us who are Himself: “How he said, It is more long-term ability to keep right on go - involved with caring and sharing can— blessed to give than to receive” ing! and, indeed, must—be ready to offer (Acts 20:35). Why not find a mission or care facil - words of hope and encouragement, as Galatians 6:10 states, “As we have ity in your own city and then volunteer, well as concern. therefore opportunity, let us do good perhaps even at Thanksgiving? The A passage that is fitting to use here unto all men, especially unto them directors of these missions will usual - comes from several verses in Romans who are of the household of faith.” ly welcome some additional volun - 12: “Be kindly affectioned one to an - James 2:15-16 offers another New teers. Your helping hand would be other with brotherly love” (vs. 10); “Re - Testament example of caring and deeply valued. If you cannot give time, joicing in hope” (vs. 12); “rejoice with sharing, although this example shows donations by check would surely be them that do rejoice, and weep with how thoughtless it is to simply say appropriate. them that weep” (vs. 15). something but do nothing! The pas - Another very positive way to be in - This last segment seems to epito - sage declares, “If a brother or sister be volved with caring and sharing is to mize the really great theme of a caring naked, and destitute of daily food, and consider opportunities in a nursing and sharing ministry. May God grant one of you say unto them: Depart in home. It would be good to check and us His enabling to do this work for peace, be ye warmed and filled; be sure of visiting hours. Some pa - Him. # 48 (240) The Fruit of Goodness

BY CARTER CORBREY

THE sixth fruit of the Spirit revealed GOODNESS IN ROMANS 15:14 believers the basis of his appeals for by Paul in Galatians 5:22-23 is the fruit When Paul wrote to the Christians in them to lead lives in keeping with their of goodness. On the surface, this fruit Rome, he said that he was confident destiny. Christians do not live worthily seems to be the most difficult one to that they were full of goodness ( agath o- in order to obtain salvation but be - define. “Goodness” can be a pretty -syn e-) and filled with knowledge, en - cause they have been granted salva - nebulous term—one that is subject to abling them to admonish and instruct tion.” In line with this, his request for interpretation. What makes a person one another. Knowledge would give the Thessalonians was that “God good? People from a wide variety of them facts, information, and content would bring to full expression every experiences and backgrounds would for instructing one another, whereas good purpose of theirs to glorify God” likely define the word differently, and goodness would give them the char - (Walvoord and Zuck, eds., The Bible one’s definition might drastically con - acter necessary for properly doing so Knowledge Commentary, Cook). tradict what another person might say. with the right motives and intents. Robertson put it another way, writing, It is important to get to the basics and “May the Thessalonians find delight in explore the meaning of the word in the GOODNESS IN EPHESIANS 5:9 goodness, a worthy and pertinent biblical text. In Ephesians 5:9, Paul again spoke prayer.” The word translated “goodness” in of goodness as a fruit of the Spirit. In our modern culture, it seems that Galatians 5:22 is the Greek feminine the basic idea of goodness—of ex - However, in Ephesians Paul listed noun agath o-syn e-. Greek scholar A. T. celling in what we do and in moral only three qualities, and two of Robertson noted that this is a late and qualities—is severely absent. The them—righteousness and truth—are rare form of the Greek word agathos works of the flesh have become more not included in the listing of the fruit (Word Pictures in the New Testament, and more dominant in the twenty-first of Galatians 5. Some expositors B & H Academic). Thayer defined aga- century. By the same token, however, would explain this difference as being thos as “excelling in any respect, dis - this absence of goodness in our cul - due to the use of the word “light” in - tinguished, good” and agath o-syn e- as ture makes the Spirit’s fruit of good - stead of “Spirit” in some Greek texts “uprightness of heart and life” ( Thay - ness stand out more distinctly. A er’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New of Ephesians 5:9. Christian who demonstrates the fruit Testament, Hendrickson). What is critical for our understand - of goodness becomes an exemplary Walter Grundmann concluded that ing of the passage in Ephesians, how - citizen, a welcome friend, and a valued agath o-syn e- refers to the quality of a ever, is that “goodness” is a quality employee. An employer who demon - person and therefore includes “moral that God gives that compares in sig - strates genuine, Spirit-gifted good - excellence as well as goodness.” He nificance with righteousness and ness is a pleasure to work for and in - further noted that as part of the fruit, truth. Wiersbe described goodness spires loyalty among his employees. “its possession constitutes the con - here as “love in action.” He went on to The Holy Spirit is able to use the tent of the life of the Christian” (Kittel, comment that “righteousness means conscientious Christian who demon - ed., Theological Dictionary of the New rightness of character before God and strates the fruit of goodness as a Testament, Eerdmans). rightness of actions before men. Both means of convicting another person of James Swanson included generos - of these qualities are based on truth, sin, merely by example. This is not al - ity in his definition of agath o-syn e- (Dic - which is conformity to the Word and ways welcome. People prefer to feel tionary of Biblical Languages with Se - will of God” ( The Bible Exposition comfortable with their sins. They mantic Domains, Logos Research Commentary, Cook). would prefer to have the approval of Systems). In Ephesians 5:9 the three character - others rather than the guilt they feel in The fruit of goodness would appear, istics of goodness, righteousness, and the mere presence of someone whose then, to be demonstrated by excel - truth reflect the characteristics of God very life is a contrast to their own. lence in morals and character. It would as demonstrated in a Christian’s life. This is the nature of the life the become evident by a striving toward Christian has been called to live. Jesus quality in everything the Christian GOODNESS IN said we are to be salt and light. The does in both private and public life. II THESSALONIANS 1:11 Holy Spirit’s fruit of goodness is one Goodness would be found in our gen - The final passage to examine is aspect of that calling. He enables us to erosity toward others and in our atti - II Thessalonians 1:11. In this passage, live life on a higher level, which enrich - tude that we want to reflect the char - Paul prayed that God would fulfill the es us individually, enhances our fami - acter of God consistently. Thessalonians’ purpose of delighting lies, and enriches and blesses our Agath o-syn e- is used four times in the in goodness as they served and wor - churches. Most important of all, it al - New Testament. Besides its use in shipped the Lord. lows us to bring greater joy and honor Galatians 5:22, it is also found in Ro - With respect to this passage, to the Lord Himself. He is able to see mans 15:14, Ephesians 5:9, and Thomas Constable wrote, “Paul con - us become more like Christ by means II Thessalonians 1:11. sistently made what God has done for of the fruit He gives to us. # FALL QUARTER 2012 (241) 49 Today

BY CYRIL LATZOO

ODAY” is a recurrent and impor- complication lies with the verbs found drove Zacchaeus into Jesus’ “today,” T tant word in Luke’s Gospel. From in Luke 19:8. In Greek they are in the where choices are made clearer. Jesus’ inaugural discourse in the syn - present tense (literally, “I give” or “I re - To accept Jesus’ “today” is to ac - agogue at Nazareth to His death, res - store”). If rendered in the present cept the invitation to change and to urrection, and ascension, “today” tense, they describe Zacchaeus’s cus - conform one’s manner of living to marks the time of Jesus’ ministry as a tomary practices even before he met God’s ways. The psalmist listed special time. It was the period during Jesus. In other words, he was defend - some of the characteristics of such a the decline of Israel and prior to the ing himself against his neighbors’ sus - life: truth, compassion, love, kind - birth of the church, a time when the picions about him. If translated in the ness, goodness, uprightness, humil - Holy Spirit came upon Jesus in power. future tense (“I shall give” or “I shall re - ity, and justice. Even though the In the story of Jesus’ encounter with store”), they imply Zacchaeus’s inten - Christian may often miss the mark, it Zacchaeus, the wealthy tax collector, tion to change his sinful ways and act is precisely to sinners that God “today” occurs twice. The first occur - justly toward his neighbors. makes these divine ways known (cf. rence was when Jesus extended an The King James Version retains the Ps. 25:4-9). invitation to Zacchaeus: “To day I must Greek present tense. Regardless of In addition to accepting the Lord’s abide at thy house” (Luke 19:5). The the tense, Zacchaeus comes across invitation, the believer is also called to second time was when Jesus said to as a sinner in dire need of conversion. fulfill “all the good pleasure of his Zacchaeus, “This day (today) is salva - Zacchaeus’s conversion is made goodness, and the work of faith with tion come to this house” (vs. 9). “To - evident in his claims that he would be power” (II Thessalonians 1:11). Living day” Jesus, the incarnation of God’s (or already was) generous to the poor a Christian life entails imagination and saving power, chose to visit with Zac - and honest in his business dealings. purposefulness. It calls for examining chaeus. He was delighted to welcome Jesus one’s conscience and striving to find Zacchaeus’s neighbors in Jericho into his home. Behind all of this is Zac- ways to become a more obedient child were not so kind. They found Jesus’ chaeus’s realization and recognition of God. “Today” invites the believer to behavior regarding Zacchaeus scan - that with Jesus’ arrival in Jericho, near take the first step, exemplified in Zac - dalous and said, “He was gone to be the end of His long journey from north - chaeus’s enthusiasm, generosity, and guest with a man that is a sinner” (Luke ern Galilee to Jerusalem, the day of conversion. 19:7). Their problem is revealed in salvation was present in the “today” of The story of Jesus’ encounter with Luke’s description of Zacchaeus as a Jesus. It is the presence of Jesus that Zacchaeus reveals God’s willing - chief tax collector and a rich man. That actualized the conversion of Zacchae- description may seem innocent us. ness to reach out to sinners. The sto - enough to us, but to people in Jesus’ Luke’s emphasis on “today” seems ry reminds us of how the immensity time it was disturbing. The crowd to raise as a matter of urgency the of the universe is miniscule com - “murmured.” This is the same term awareness that the Day of the Lord is pared with the boundless love of and the same complaint voiced by the at hand. “Today” also calls for a God. It is God who shows mercy to - scribes and Pharisees when Jesus ate change in one’s mind and heart—a ward sinners. And why does God with tax collectors and sinners (cf. lifelong process of transformation. The show us mercy? It is because of His 15:1-2). “today” to which Jesus invited Zacc- love for His children that He will do In ancient Israel, tax collectors col - haeus is both a turning away from whatever it takes to lead the believ - lected taxes for their Roman occu - whatever inhibits the divine intent for er to live a righteous life. This in - piers. They bid for the contract and mankind and a turning toward the cluded sending “his only begotten were entitled to keep for themselves source of divine love. There is no bet - Son into the world, that we might live whatever they took in above their bid. ter time to begin turning than “today.” through him” (I John 4:9). A wealthy tax collector like Zacchaeus Good intentions to make better The type of love described here is would have been suspect regarding lifestyle choices in the future become not the passion associated with eros his patriotism and honesty. By his oc - empty rhetoric in light of Jesus’ urgent or the friendship identified as philia but cupation, Zacchaeus was probably invitation. “Today” is the opportune the wholehearted commitment of - viewed as a sinner. He was certainly time, the right time. agap e. God’s mercy flows from this not the type of person with whom a pi - This crucial time is marked by the kind of love. The graciousness, mercy, ous Jewish teacher would normally presence of two opposing forces: the and compassion of God are extolled in associate. Holy Spirit, who empowers us to Zacchaeus’s response to Jesus’ “to - Was Zacchaeus a sinner in need of choose what is of God “today,” and day.” It is with these sentiments that conversion? Or was he just the victim Satan, His adversary, who pulls us in Jesus calls the unbeliever to salvation of his neighbors’ prejudices? One the opposite direction. The Spirit “today.” # 50 (242) Taking Jesus Behind Bars (Your Prison Ministry)

BY WILMA J. W ILLIAMS

NE of my favorite Scriptures is At one church, I volunteered with him through the eyes of Christ—and O Matthew 25:36: “I was in prison, one of their women’s prison ministries. Christ sees what a person can be and ye came unto me.” America’s pris - We held monthly Bible studies; we rather than what he is. ons are mission fields. There are op - took Christian magazines, Bibles, ed - When visiting, keep this in mind—an portunities for evangelism behind ucational books, refreshments, and inmate does not want to be judged or bars. As Jesus said, the fields “are greeting cards; we held a concert each condemned by you. He has already white already to harvest” (John 4:35). I Christmas. been sentenced by a human judge. take Jesus’ commission personally, Any church can establish its own Therefore, the fruit of the Spirit is para - and for over thirty years I have been in - ministry by contacting the prison war - mount in witnessing to those who are volved with prisons—a good deal of it den or chaplain. The officials will tell paying the penalty for their crime. at my own expense. you whether you may hold Bible stud - Show love. Be kind, patient, gentle, There are at least four areas of ies, evangelistic outreach, and other and friendly. prison involvement. My love for writing activities and whether they need Bibles These problems may be expected: caused me to volunteer with Prison and books for the inmates’ library. romantic attractions, indifference, re - Fellowship’s Mail Call Pen Pal pro - You may say, “I do not feel ‘called’ jection, asking for money or personal gram. This is a safe way to contact in - to prison ministry.” Not everyone is. favors, being put upon or taken ad - mates behind bars. Writing is also an But is the real reason indifference, lack vantage of, being asked to violate the excellent witnessing tool. For security of desire to reach out to others, or sim - rules or do something that violates purposes, use a postal box or your ply not understanding the biblical your conscience. church’s mailing address. mandate to reach those behind bars Prisoners can be difficult to reach I witnessed to my pen pal, sent him (Mark 16:15)? because of the anger, bitterness, and birthday and Christmas cards, prayed Many are not involved because they frustration of doing time. But just as for him, answered questions about the do not have a relative or friend in Jesus reached out to the thief on the Bible, and encouraged him to live for prison. Others are afraid of being cross with compassionate love (Luke the Lord. It takes time, patience, and locked in with “criminals.” Some fear 23:39-43), so we must do the same for commitment to faithfully write to, pray that prisoners will find out where they the least among us. Be willing to go for, love, and be a friend to the person live. These fears, for the most part, are the extra mile. you are ministering to. unfounded, especially in light of God’s A major hindrance to witnessing in - Visitation is another vital part of Word, which states, “Perfect love side is confronting the false religions prison ministry, and it is my favorite casteth out fear” (I John 4:18). God that are so prevalent in prisons. But part. For many, though, this is a major protects us as we minister for Him. I God’s Word will not return to Him void challenge. Visiting conflicts with their have been “locked in” with the worst (Isa. 55:11). You must meet the chal - schedules. It is too much effort. The and have never been in danger. lenge and allow the truth to overcome prison is too far. The ride is uncom - The following questions may help de - Satan’s lies. Ask God for wisdom and fortable. It is too hot or too cold. The termine whether you are suitable for boldness to present the Word so that bus is too crowded. These may be le - prison ministry: Am I sociable and out - the enemy’s power and influence are gitimate concerns, but they are poor going? Do I love to talk and share? Am overridden. excuses. I an attentive listener? Is my spirit warm Prayer is also important. Pray for Inmates are thrilled that anyone and friendly? Am I patient, kind, and of God to send laborers into His harvest cares enough to take time out of his a gentle demeanor? Can I be inconve - (Luke 10:2). Pray for those imprisoned busy schedules to visit them. Many nienced? Can I fulfill my commitments? (Heb. 13:3). Ask God how you can be prisoners seldom, if ever, hear from Do I mind riding long distances? Do I involved. Pray for prisoners’ salvation family and friends, let alone have visi - like writing and visiting? Am I genuinely and for the safety of those ministering tors. Dedicated Christians can fill this concerned for inmates’ well-being and behind bars. void by showing genuine interest for salvation? Do I really care? A church whose members do not their welfare and eternal destiny. Food Negative answers do not disqualify want to go into prison can have an af - and refreshments are welcomed, but it you, but they may mean that you tercare, or follow-up, ministry for is your presence that means the most. should be involved behind the scenes: parolees transitioning back into socie - With female incarceration on the organizing planning strategy and pray - ty. Some existing programs include rise, there needs to be ongoing min - ing for those who visit. clothing, job preparation, monetary istry within this group. Such ministries Many have been victims of crime; so assistance, transportation, counsel - are essential to help support women when witnessing to inmates, remem - ing, and tangibly showing God’s love and to help reduce recidivism. Follow- ber that forgiveness is a must. Do not so that sinners are drawn to Christ and up programs can assist them spiritual - take their offenses personally. Do not to the new life He gives. ly and also help them transition back see the person (in front of you) as the Last but not least, a prison ministry into society. one who broke into your house. See needs financial supporters. # FALL QUARTER 2012 (243) 51 Short-Term Missions

BY EARL PARVIN , D.M IN .

ERIODICALLY, questions are able to phone in for delivery of materi - state of rapid flux. While the Christian P raised concerning the validity of als as needed. world in the West struggles with its short-term missions trips as com - When the men returned to America, commitment to the gospel, the devel - pared to a lifetime commitment to mis - they had a much greater desire to pray oping world has responded signifi - sionary service. It is important for for and give to the people and the mis - cantly to the message the missionar - church leaders and those who recog - sionaries who benefited from the proj - ies proclaimed. Having been saved by nize that the Lord is speaking to them ect. Having seen the Lord’s blessing on grace and discipled, they are re - about becoming involved in world their sacrifice of time, money, and ef - sponding to the biblical mandate that missionary service to consider the op - fort, many of the men want to go again. they too are responsible to make dis - tions. Second, those with medical training ciples (Matt. 28:19). This means that What does short-term missionary can go on a medical caravan into these third-world believers have now service mean? The editors of the Mis - some remote area where medical help become a significant factor in God’s sion Handbook (21st ed., 2010), pub - is not available. For instance, our eye mandate to evangelize the world. This lished every four years by the Evan - doctor collects discarded eyeglasses signifies that the missionaries did their gelism and Missions Information and then tries to fit nationals on the job well. Service (EMIS), provide us with the field. They end up seeing better than There is much yet to be done to pre - following definitions. Long-term mis - they did, even if not perfectly. Talk pare the bride of Christ before the sionary service applies to those who about recycling! Lord’s return. However, it is important are deployed full-time for four or more Third, perhaps one of the most emo - to note that much of what remains to years. Those who serve one to four tional experiences is visiting a chil - be done evangelistically involves pen - years are called middle-term, and dren’s home. To play with an orphan etrating what has become known as those who serve two weeks to one who has no one who cares, who hangs the “10/40 Window.” That window in - year are short-term. Obviously, those on your every word, and who re - volves the world of North Africa and who serve short-term do not have the sponds with giggles, smiles, and Asia. Essentially, this means the world time to learn the language and cul - laughter is an awesome experience! of the so-called organized world reli - ture. Thus, the service options for You bring an hour or two of love and gions, such as Muslims, Hindus, Bud - them are more limited, but they are empathy into a barren world of pain dhists, and Shintoists. still very valuable in the Lord’s vine - and loneliness. Of course, how do you These peoples have also been yard. handle leaving when the children hang termed the “Resistant Peoples.” How - There has been amazing growth in on to you and beg you to stay (or come ever, it appears that there has been the number of those involved in short- back or take them home with you)? It less of an evangelistic effort put forth term service. Research indicates that is an experience not soon forgotten. by the church in this portion of the in 2005 some 1.6 million people went The senior class of our Christian vineyard. Why? Perhaps it is because on short-term mission trips from U.S. school makes just such a trip to the of the dangers and difficulty involved. churches. In the same year, there were Dominican Republic as a requirement This is not meant to minimize the sac - only 40,000 from American churches for graduation. The students are rifice made by numbers of saints who serving long-term! Nearly 3,000 of stretched by learning a chorus in the have gone or who are currently serv - those serving long-term invested at language; they present a flannelgraph ing or those who were martyred in His least 10 percent of their time in mak - lesson in the public schools; they pro - service, especially in the Muslim ing it possible for the short-termers to vide a meal for workers in the cane world. visit the field. fields; and they visit an orphanage. Expatriate missionaries during the What are the blessings for the local How do you measure the long-term ef - nineteenth and twentieth centuries church of encouraging their members fect on their spiritual lives or the im - were primarily involved in church- to commit themselves to a short-term pact on the parents, relatives, and planting. Because of their success, to - missionary experience, as well as to friends who helped make the trip pos - day such missionaries are more heav - invest the time, finances, and prayer to sible—not to mention those in the lo - ily involved in teaching and maturing make it happen? cal church who passionately prayed the saints who were once evangelized First, one of the most profitable for someone they personally knew by their own nationals. Established short-term experiences involves who went to the mission field? American mission boards have noted sending a work team to build or repair There used to be high hopes that for some time that although the num - a church or mission property. The men those who made short-term visits to a ber of their long-term missionaries is from our church who went on such a mission field would become long-term growing, the growth is due primarily to project are still talking about how missionaries. However, the record is foreign nationals joining the American much they learned about building in a not clear that this happens substan - mission board to serve in their own different culture: a limited variety of tially. But statistics do not always tell country. materials was available to them; they the whole story. Wonderful! God’s directive to go had to take their own tools with them We are reminded that our world is and make disciples knows no nation - on the trip; and they certainly were not now, more than ever in history, in a al boundaries or time restraints! # 52 (244) My Favorite Verses of Thanksgiving to God

BY ELIZABETH WHITNEY CRISCI

HAT a wonderful topic to share niah the son of Micha, the son of Zab - tellers. Some lean on friends to solve W with people! Thanksgiving Day di, the son of Asaph, was the principal their problems. I must turn to my best is a favorite holiday of mine. I enjoy the to begin the thanksgiving in prayer.” friend, Jesus, my Lord and my Sav - menu. I cherish all the family who One of my prayers is that I will always iour! come to share. remember to thank and praise Him. I The Bible teaches that we are to be My heart truly is full of thanksgiving need to share Jesus the way I share “looking unto Jesus the author and fin - all the time, but it might take a whole my recipes, my problems, and news isher of our faith; who for the joy that book to include the many portions of about family. was set before him endured the cross, the Bible that bless me so much. God never gets tired of hearing us despising the shame, and is set down Praise God we have a holiday set say, “Thank You, Lord!” First Chroni - at the right hand of the throne of God” aside for thanksgiving. It is needed— cles 16:34 declares, “O give thanks (Heb. 12:2). That verse may not use lest we forget! unto the Lord; for he is good; for his the word “thanks,” but it is implied. In addition to a daily time with God, mercy endureth for ever.” And it tells the reason for our thanks it is great to have a day to take extra God wants our praise. He is so good and our peace during day-to-day ex - time especially for thanksgiving! Let us to you and to me and to everyone. He istence. actually give verbal thanks on this spe - keeps giving to each of us over and I shiver when I hear people call our cial Thanksgiving holiday. Praise God over again. Praise be to God! holiday “Turkey Day.” It was founded that we have a national celebration set Give thanks to the One who saved us! on the premise that we need to praise aside for appreciating His goodness. Take special note of II Corinthians 2:14: God for the abundance or even for the Take note of Psalm 138:1, which ex - “Now thanks be unto God, which always little He supplies. Paul told the Philip - claims, “I will praise thee with my whole causeth us to triumph in Christ.” pians, “My God shall supply all your heart . . . I sing praise unto thee.” The Bible helps us in every area of need according to his riches in glory On the day of Thanksgiving, try to life. All too frequently, we take for by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). Even take extra time to thank God for your granted the multiple blessings God those who are wealthy should admit blessings; bring verbal thanks to God has poured into our lives. Sometimes that we all need God’s provision. into your celebration. Use the words of we hardly notice them. How can we Life is more than money. Most Psalm 100: “Make a joyful [shout] unto come to Him in prayer with more re - needs are not monetary; they often the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord quests when we have not thanked Him have to do with physical and mental with gladness: come before His pres - for what He has already given us? challenges, family problems, or neigh - ence with singing” (vss. 1-2). We all ought to be aware of Proverbs borhood concerns. Dozens of other It might be fitting and fun for all to sing 8:20-21: “I lead in the way of righteous - circumstances can cause us concern, a well-known hymn of praise like “Great ness, in the midst of the paths of judg - even worry. Another favorite hymn that Is Thy Faithfulness” (Chisholm) as the ment: that I may cause those that love blesses and helps me in many situa - family gathers around the Thanksgiving me to inherit substance; and I will fill their tions is “All Glory, Laud and Honor” table. Our God has put I Corinthians treasures.” Can we read those words (Neale). It is a musical prayer of 15:57 into His Word for a purpose, and without showing and giving lots of praise thanksgiving and praise. Jesus is real, it bears repeating. Let us say it with to our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ? and He is supplying all that we need, meaning on this special occasion: Therefore, let us act on the urge to not all that we want. “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the praise God. Yes, we need to thank Him The lady who led me to Jesus taught victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” all the time: when we see a sunset, me Philippians 4:13, 19 at that time. We should verbalize those words day when we are able to pay our bills, The truths in these verses have proved and night, not just on Thanksgiving Day. when we have food on the table, and golden over the years—never has He On our great and wonderful holiday when we have energy to work! failed! And what a blessing it is to set aside especially to thank our God Here is a good habit to get into: know and repeat Psalm 103:22: “Bless for His blessings, let us offer sincere praise God for everything! Yes, we the Lord, all his works in all places of and audible thanks at our holiday cele - need to thank Him all the time, be - his dominion: bless the Lord, O my bration. In so many homes today, peo - cause every good gift comes from soul.” ple just gobble down the good food God (Jas. 1:17). Praise God for churches that still and then watch a football game. They I believe God wants our praise and have prayer meetings. Those services forget that it is God who supplied all we thanksgiving often. Try praising God are quite important in the life of a enjoy. It is He who should be in our when you receive spiritual food from the church, but they are also the most midst and much praised. He longs for men who faithfully preach God’s Word. poorly attended. Does that not seem our praise and thanksgiving. He should I love the psalms. They are filled with contradictory? and must be honored and glorified in praise. Try underlining praise words. God gave us the psalms, which are our praise not just on Thanksgiving but I often wonder how people handle filled with praise. He tells us to be every day and night. Thanksgiving Day life’s trials if they do not trust the Lord grateful. Let us focus our attention on should be just an extra thankful time. to guide and bless them. Some people His wonderful provision and be truly Nehemiah 11:17 says, “And Matta - turn to psychiatrists, drugs, or fortune- thankful. # FALL QUARTER 2012 (245) 53 The Marriage God Wants for You

BY PAUL R. B AWDEN

access to Christ in prayer, but each one is responsible to the Lord for his or her actions. When attitudes are expressed or words are said that cause division and isolation, the individual who caused such a feeling should be quick to ask forgiveness. The couple who know the Lord personally must focus on being sensitive to the indwelling Holy Spirit. They must seek to build each other up with words of encouragement and grace (cf. Eph. 4:29). When the hus - band and wife forget to whom they are responsible for their actions, they soon lose respect for one another. They become like two strangers living in the same house. Next, never take each other for granted. At the writing of this article, I have been doing some premarriage counseling with a young Christian couple. A woman I had the privilege to dedicate to the Lord as an infant and later baptize now is getting married. It is a treat for both of us! As I observed the couple sitting on the couch across from me during one of our counseling sessions, it was ob - vious that they were very much in love. They have a neat story as to how God OVE and marriage, love and mar- ing marriage) the necessary tools for brought them together. L riage / Go together like a horse having an enjoyable and lasting mar - I reminded them that after they are and carriage / This I tell ya, brother, / riage? married and start living together as You can’t have one without the other.” There certainly are some ingredients husband and wife, they must always Those lyrics, from a popular (al - that can be considered that will cause keep in mind how special it is for them though secular) song of the 1950s, a couple’s marriage to be what God to be married to each other. They must point out how important the compo - wants it to be. get to know each other in a deeper and nent of love is in marriage. If a rela - First, know to whom each of you is more meaningful way. I encouraged tionship between a man and woman is responsible. A selfish husband thinks them to think about the fact that God solely based on physical attraction only of himself and his needs, and the had brought them together and that and self-centered emotions, as it is wife who believes she must see to only their marriage was unique. They would quite often displayed by Hollywood her own needs is self-centered. That is establish a home in the Lord and learn couples, a marriage will not last. If why both the husband and the wife more about the uniqueness of each marriage is just a relationship that can need to make Jesus Christ the center other’s personality, along with sharing be broken at will—which is the idea of their marriage and to focus on what in the many joys of life. presented in our culture today—then it the Lord desires them to be in their re - What a privilege God gives each is no wonder that the institution of spective roles. Christian couple to live together in the marriage is in trouble. Many of Ameri - Peter put it this way in his first letter. most intimate relationship on earth—a ca’s young couples live together with - The husband and wife are “heirs to - Christian marriage! As they go about out getting married! gether of the grace of life” (I Pet. 3:7). their daily tasks, the Christian couple One question that must be asked in That means that the husband and wife should always thank God for each oth - the face of such a reality is this: Are who know Jesus Christ as Saviour are er. Each should let the spouse know there any ingredients that provide a on the same level spiritually. Husband how much he or she appreciates the married couple (or couples consider - and wife are one in Christ. Both have other. Their love should be manifested 54 (246) in service to each other. As that hap - will recognize her insights and be will - ing through the details. The husband is pens, the marriage will take on the ing to think through with her what is usually more task oriented—interest - richness and beauty of Jesus Christ. best for them as a couple. ed in cause, results, achievement— This includes remembering anniver - I heard of a situation in which the and project oriented. saries, birthdays, and other special husband thought some business deal The wife, on the other hand, is fre - days. It means planning times togeth - was the best thing since sliced bread. quently holistic in her thinking. She has er and also doing something together His wife was not so sure. He listened a much greater ability to integrate the spontaneously. When a couple does to his wife and discovered later that he information she receives, using both not demonstrate continued apprecia - had been saved from some dire con - hemispheres of her brain. Being holis - tion for each other, the following may sequences. tic in her thinking, the wife can be more happen. Another example of the differences intuitive and spontaneous. She sees The story is told of a husband who between a husband and wife involves the bigger picture. At the same time, went to a conference for men. He heard shopping for something at a particular the wife is more person-oriented. She about how he should be ministering to store. The husband is a hunter. He is concerned about nurturing, care, his wife and letting her know that he wants to find a particular item, buy it, and the development of relationships. really loved her and cared for her. and go home. The wife, on the other All this means that the husband and One evening as he was driving hand, is a shopper. She may be look - the wife will communicate differently. home from work, he thought he would ing for a particular clothing item, but The husband, who is more compart - surprise his wife by letting her know she will go to one store, browse mentalized in his thinking, will com - that he really loved her. He stopped by through the clothes, touch them, and municate with short and generalized a floral shop and purchased a dozen perhaps even try something on. The responses. Take, for example, the wife roses. As he came in the front door, his husband will tell her that an item looks who asks her husband when he wife was standing near the doorway. wonderful and they should buy it. The comes home from work how his day Her day had not gone well. Their small wife, though, continues to the next went at the office. He probably will say children had been unruly, and she was store—and then the next store. She that it was fine or OK. His wife may not in the best of moods. may not purchase anything. then ask whether he met any interest - The husband handed his wife the By this time, the husband, who is ing people. He may reply by saying, dozen roses and told her that he loved not aware of the difference between “Not really.” her. She looked at him and responded, the way he thinks and the way his wife The wife will not be happy with this “Are you drunk?” thinks in this regard, will become very response. Being more relational, she This is a great reminder not to let frustrated, perhaps even upset. The wants to know what happened in her one’s marriage devolve to such a state husband who understands the differ - husband’s day. She likes hearing that appreciation of one another has ences between himself and his wife about some of the conversations that become so uncommon that when it is will enjoy the “pursuit” with her, know - went on at the office. actually demonstrated, it is not re - ing that spending time with her is a The husband’s responses given ceived as genuine. tremendous way to develop their rela - above are not really satisfying to the Third, in the diversity of personali - tionship. wife who thinks holistically and rela - ties it is possible to find strength and Another way to solve the hunt - tionally. The wise husband who under - unity. Opposites attract in marriages, ing/shopping challenge when at the stands his wife will be alert to the fact but opposites also attack. mall together is to let the husband and that he needs to give her more infor - I had the couple I mentioned earlier wife go their own ways. They will meet mation in a loving way. If he does, he do a Taylor-Johnson Temperament in the mall at a certain place at a cer - will find that his wife is much more Analysis. This particular analysis pro - tain time. My wife and I have done this open to other conversations they have. vides the opportunity for a couple to at times. On other occasions we shop The husband must also be a good evaluate themselves and then to eval - together. Flexibility is the key in any listener. When watching a ball game uate each other. It shows areas in marriage. The couple understands on television, it is easy for the husband which they are more alike and areas each other and is willing to make ad - to not listen to his wife when she is where they differ in their personalities. justments so that their relationship talking to him. She may ask her hus - Since opposites attract in the cou - maintains harmony to the glory of band whether he heard what she was ple relationship, this analysis quickly God. saying, and he may respond by saying shows the differences in the couple’s Finally, we must understand how a “No.” Since the wife is able to multi - personalities. Such differences need husband and wife communicate with task, she can watch television, read not be a negative. Rather, they should each other. I asked a Bible study group the paper, and talk to him. Again, the be looked at as strengths. Actually, the of couples to write down advice that wise husband will stop watching tele - husband and wife complement one they would give to a couple about to vision (or put the program on hold if he another in their differences. be married. Communication was list - has a DVR) and listen intently to his The husband, for instance, may be ed as being vital to a healthy marriage. wife. His focus on what his wife is say - more outgoing and spontaneous in his As a husband and wife differ in per - ing to him will tell her that she is much behavior, while the wife may be some - sonality, so they also differ in how they more important than a ball game. what reserved and more cautious and communicate with each other. The Applying these four suggestions to analytical. The wise husband will listen husband’s thinking tends to be more their marriage in the power of the Holy to his wife when she quietly offers her compartmentalized, using just the Spirit, the Christian couple will experi - opinion—say, about some business right side of his brain. He is usually ence a marriage that is growing in deal that he thinks is tremendous. He more logical and sequential while go - Christ, and God will be glorified! # FALL QUARTER 2012 (247) 55 A Spiritual Self-Portrait

BY DEREK LEMAN

WAS not raised in a home where faith At this time in life, I was open to the As I read the Bible, I realized I need - I was discussed or the Bible read. My idea of God and faith because the Bible ed more training. So, not having fin - childhood exposure to church con - seemed to be a much better book than ished my engineering degree, I headed sisted of a few Vacation Bible School I had been told. The same Christian to Bible college and got a B.A. I then sessions, to which I was invited by a friend loaned me a copy of Mere Chris - wanted more, so I entered a master’s neighbor, and one funeral. I was es - tianity by C. S. Lewis. On a September program at a respected university and sentially an atheist and preferred Isaac evening in 1987, I sat down in my fra - got a master’s in theological studies. Asimov to Isaiah, science fiction to the ternity house to read Lewis. I read The more I read and studied the Bible, Scriptures. about half the book without moving. the more I was convinced of what I had Strangely, I remember that I prayed When I put the book down, I knew God noticed within the first few weeks of to God sometimes, even though I was real and, to my surprise, that Jesus coming to faith: the people of Israel are claimed not to believe in Him. I some - was real and was the Saviour. not a footnote in the Bible. God saves times said a prayer of thanks. I some - I found a large church through rec - the world through His covenant friend - times asked for things. ommendations by friends and joined. ship with Abraham; from the people of It was in college that I began ques - My baptism was a very moving event Abraham He brought forth the Bible tioning my belief that God did not ex - for me. It was about more than church and the Saviour. ist. Many of my fellow students at ritual. I sensed that I had abandoned I served at several churches and Georgia Tech were abandoning their one world—the world of pride in intel - eventually got work as a missionary to childhood faith and joining the wave of lectual achievement—and entered an - Jewish people. My wife and children faith in science (which was connected other one—one where I sought to kept some Jewish ceremonies at home in people’s minds to a lack of faith in know God and the world as the Bible with me. The Jewish mission I worked God). Atheism was a big topic. As I reveals them. for wanted me to belong to a typical heard people argue in favor of athe - Yet my experience at church left me church and not a messianic gathering ism, I noticed their arguments were with some problems. I had many Jew - of Jewish believers. It was my wife who not very convincing. ish friends. I was amazed that the New said she missed having a community of A Christian friend gave me a Bible, Testament taught that Jesus is Jewish. friends keeping Jewish life together. and I began reading in the only place I found that out as soon as I read She asked me to plant a messianic I knew to start: the beginning. Later, Matthew 1:1. I had had no idea Jesus Jewish congregation. when I joined a church, I was told I was Jewish! When I asked church That process led me down a road should have started with John, but I friends about it, they had many differ - that many Christians will find contro - think Genesis was the right place to ent explanations that amounted to one versial. I do not blame people for dis - start. My reading of Genesis through basic thing: it does not really matter agreeing with our family’s decision, but II Kings quickly impressed me with that Jesus is Jewish. we felt strongly that it was among Jew - one thing: there is history in the I did not agree. To me it mattered ish believers that we belonged. We ap - Bible. I had no idea the Bible con - greatly. How did Christianity emerge plied for conversion and became Jew - tained history. from a Jewish teacher? I wanted to ish. While I do not plan to make a full know. biblical defense for our decision, I I met a Jewish Christian named would mention that Caleb from the Paul. I found out about Jewish believ - books of Exodus, Numbers, and ers in Jesus and various organizations Deuteronomy was, quite possibly, not of what were called messianic Jews. I born an Israelite. He became a member started attending meetings of one of of the tribe of Judah. God has allowed these groups, in addition to the ones non-Jews to join with His people. at the large church. Most important, I I started a congregation when I had dropped out of college and used my too little knowledge of Jewish life, but I tuition refund to take a tour of Israel. If quickly made friends with people who anything changed my life and drew me could teach me what I was lacking. I inexorably to Jewish people, it was found over time that Judaism and Chris - that tour of Israel. tianity have much more in common than After that early experience, all with - many people realize. I did not find it nec - in the first year of my faith in Christ, I essary to separate from Christianity in knew the Jewish people were my order to be a messianic Jew. I found community of calling. I found many many Christians who love Jewish prac - Christians and messianic Jews who tices and the Jewish people. were faithful to Christianity and yet I believe that my Jewish sensitivities were also a part of the Jewish world. I have made me a better reader of the read Jewish books. I made more Jew - life and message of Jesus. After all, He Derek Leman ish friends. (Continued on page 61) 56 (248) The Replacement Stones

BY RICHARD A. F ALCONER

N today’s society, we must not deny one is a true believer; only God knows remaining in repentance of sin; pray - I the vast importance of the “vitamins (cf. Jer. 17:9). A person can preach ing the Word of God in faith, praise, and minerals” that are available for our wonderful-sounding sermons, apply - and worship; and simply trusting the consumption through the Word of ing God’s Word to his life, but still be Saviour for the daily sanctification of God. It is also the responsibility of none of His. Adversity and tribulation my life. In the midst of storms and tur - each believer to “hunger and thirst af - have a way of determining whether the moil, we must remember that God ter righteousness” in order to be filled Spirit of the Lord or the spirit of error is has already freely given us victory; (Matt. 5:6). Our Heavenly Father is very operating the control panel of the yet He wants us to claim it and walk serious about the presentation of His heart. in it. If our stones of a separated, de - Word. Therefore, the Holy Spirit has The single most effective book that feated life are truly buried and we proved to be both a filter and a bold I have had the privilege of reading to have become authenticated by being Teacher. strengthen my faith in our Lord and born again by the Holy Spirit, we will Like many people today, I had ar - Saviour Jesus Christ (other than the seek to walk in newness of life. rived at a juncture in my life where I Bible) is the Conquest of Canaan, writ - Demons and evil spirits know the wanted to improve myself and to de - ten by Mrs. Jessie Penn-Lewis (Chris - Word of God just as Satan did at the velop a closer walk with God from an tian Literature Crusade). I had read the temptation of Jesus Christ. The dif - intellectual standpoint. At some point story of Joshua countless times and ference between us and them is au - in my life, I had forgotten that it was not missed the nuggets many times while thority. God has placed fear over our by my strength, good intentions, or gathering only pebbles. Although one enemies, and He asks only that we be skills but by the Spirit of the Lord that might not agree with everything in her strong and courageous through the I would grow (cf. Zech. 4:6). book, it does shed some light on this daily meditation and application of It is very possible to read the Word subject. She correlated the crossing of His Holy Word. Our faith should not of God and intentionally do positive the Jordan River by the Israelites with be limited to a one-time experience, works and still be in unnecessary the cross of Calvary, by which the be - a firsthand miracle, or a few past vic - bondage and suffering from spiritual liever is justified by faith. tories. malnutrition. Self-improvement, moral When the twelve stones were Mrs. Jessie Penn-Lewis wrote philosophy, common psychology, and placed in the Jordan River, God in - about God’s Word as a knife, through worldly wisdom can never replace the tended those stones to remain there. the work of the Holy Spirit, having the engine of God’s grace and the fervor They replaced the stones that were power to sever us from anything that of the Holy Spirit. After laboring hard taken from the Jordan and set up as a antagonizes the will of God in our not to sin and boasting about some of memorial on land. Mrs. Lewis reminds lives. That knife has to be applied the morally incorrect things I did not us that there was no bridge for the Is - do anymore, I was reminded by the raelites to cross over on, meaning they every single day to every single thing Holy Spirit to come to Him so that I were saved by the grace and provision resembling the old stones of the na - could receive rest for my soul (cf. Matt. of God. No bridge also meant no go - ture of sin domination. I had to submit 11:28) instead of being defeated by ing back. my will to the Holy Spirit, who would things I could not control. It became very obvious that every destroy the roots of my problems. I Recently, an elderly woman around time I failed to operate in complete had to humbly give Him full access to the beautiful age of ninety felt a need faith in the Cross and the Word, I was the innermost compartments of my to give me a few books to aid me in like a man venturing back into the mind and heart. understanding God’s Word. We had deep and deadly waters of the Jordan We must continue to die to self and never before seen each other or even to pull up the old stones again. “If any put on the new man if we want our had any correspondence; yet she man be in Christ, he is a new creature: consciences cleared in our witness of was led by the Holy Spirit to send me old things are passed away; behold, all a holy God. Anything short of that will a few books via my beautiful wife. things are become new” (II Cor. 5:17). result in not making the progress that The Lord led me to take the time to “I am crucified with Christ: neverthe - we ask for (cf. Jas. 4:1-3). On the oth - read these offerings and immerse less I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in er hand, when we ask in faith, God will myself in them. me: and the life which I now live in the grant us all that we ask in His name As I venture into reading books that flesh I live by the faith of the Son of (His authority) in order to manifest the I hope will edify me and build my faith, God, who loved me, and gave himself victory in our time of need. “If ye abide I am often reminded to be cautious. All for me” (Gal. 2:20). in me, and my words abide in you, ye Christians need to carefully examine I am grateful that the Apostle Paul shall ask what ye will, and it shall be the faith claims and doctrines es - did not fail to repeat the fact that done unto you” (John 15:7). poused by any religious author. There through the blood of Christ we are not Any book that supports the Word of are authentic Christians, and there are only cleansed but also made free and God and refuses to take from or add to perpetrators of falsehood. We are fi - victorious over the domination of sin. its divine message is worth ingesting. nite creatures, and we cannot fully I am learning to take the position of Thank God for authentic born-again know the truth about whether some - resting in what the Lord has provided, writers! # FALL QUARTER 2012 (249) 57 The Homeschool Option

BY LORELEI GARRETT

HE number of children being many have two working parents. Oth - Homeschooling, Holt Associates). T homeschooled in America ers are single-parent families. Moreover, these studies show that climbed from estimates of approxi - Parents range from those with pro - children educated by their parents “are mately 13,000 in the mid-1970s to fessional degrees to those with GEDs. more likely to have friends of different over 2 million in 2010. The National Homeschooled children are gifted, ages and less likely to engage in . . . ex - Home Education Research Institute good, average, and struggling stu - clusivist behavior” (Farenga). Being reached this estimate using informa - dents. A few have physical, mental, or able to socialize with all ages better tion gathered by government and pri - learning disabilities. prepares a student for adult life, where vate sources. employers, coworkers, and neighbors In spite of the continuing popularity WHY HOMESCHOOL? are seldom in the same age-group. of home-based education, misinfor - The majority of parents who have mation abounds. The purpose of this chosen to homeschool cite their rea - WHY DOES HOMESCHOOLING article is to provide a clearer picture of sons as the need for better education WORK? homeschooling and to offer resources for their children and the desire to One reason for homeschooling’s for obtaining more information. couch that education in the parents’ success is its adaptability to each values and worldview. However, home - child’s needs and interests. For exam - WHAT IS HOMESCHOOLING? schooling provides added benefits. For ple, children come to education with Homeschooling is the new, old- example, home education offers a safe different learning styles: visual, audito - fashioned way of learning. The new learning environment. Children are not ry, kinetic, and a combination of these. part is the name given to this educa - distracted by problems that plague Homeschooling makes it much easier tion option about thirty years ago. some schools, including drugs, gangs, to tailor each lesson to the way each Home-based learning, however, has sexual predators, or bullies. student learns best. been the primary means of educating Furthermore, homeschool provides Students also have different inter - children throughout the world for cen - what many families find in short sup - ests and talents. These can be used as turies. In just the last three hundred ply: time to nurture and strengthen building blocks for lessons. For in - years it has contributed a long list of family relationships. While it will not stance, my son’s fascination with well-known people, including Jona- cure inadequate parenting skills or knights led to study of the Middle than Edwards, Hudson Taylor, D. L. poor parent-child relations, home - Ages, including religious history, liter - Moody, Abraham Lincoln, James Gar- school does give parents the opportu - ature, heraldry, and weaponry. His tal - field, Thomas Edison, Alexander Gra - nity to improve their skills and interac - ent created a cardboard-and-wire ham Bell, George Washington Carver, tions with their children. sword that was so authentic in ap - Winston Churchill, C. S. Lewis, and In addition, numerous studies of pearance that it fooled security guards Anna Mary Robertson Moses (Grand - children educated in different settings at a Renaissance festival! ma Moses). indicate that “homeschooled children Dr. Mel Levine is a developmental- While this type of education is have a more positive self-concept behavioral pediatrician who works in based in the home, schooling takes than their schooled peers, are better the areas of child development, be - place everywhere. Homeschooled behaved in groups, and are at havioral issues, and learning. children learn not only from their par - least as well-socialized as His book A Mind at a Time (Si - ents but also from libraries, museums, schooled children” (Farenga, mon & Schuster) describes in clubs, the Internet, mentors, and from The Beginner’s great detail how differently each other. Guide to each person’s mind is wired Some families, including those with (as he puts it) and how es - single parents, join local homeschool support groups and participate to - gether in assorted activities such as field trips, science fairs, team sports, drama, art, and music.

WHO HOMESCHOOLS? Homeschooling families do not all look alike. They come from diverse re - ligious and ethnic backgrounds. Fif - teen percent are minorities. Military families are increasingly joining the ranks of homeschoolers. Economic levels range from upper- middle class to low-income. Some are two-parent, one-income families, but 58 (250) sential for optimum learning it is to al - tion: How to Decide When It’s Right for information about homeschool and re - low young minds to pursue education Your Family, Palgrave Macmillan). Thus, lated matters than you could ever in a manner best suited to that wiring. at least 95 percent of American colleges hope to know. If that sounds over - I have taught in public schools and accept applications from graduates of whelming, start with these Web sites: in church schools, and I have home - home-based education. www.homeschool.com schooled missionaries’ children in Many homeschool graduates are col - www.moorefoundation.com Brazil as well as my own son in the lege-bound and becoming part of the www.homeedmag.com United States. I took a graduate course workforce. Jennifer Marshall, director of www.christianbook.com in individualized instruction and visited domestic policy studies for the Heritage www.homeschoolinglegal.com a school system that was attempting to Foundation in Washington, D. C., states To obtain more information, talk to implement the concepts of individual - that people are “extremely impressed” homeschooling families, attend a local ized instruction in the classroom. with graduates’ competence, which is a support group meeting, or go to a As a result of these experiences I great testimonial “because there are so state homeschool association confer - can say that good teaching, well-run many of them” (Buss, “Making Their ence that has workshops on a wide schools, and “open classrooms” can Mark,” Citizen, November 2010). variety of topics. make learning fun and instruction Homeschoolers who do not wish to Anyone who is considering home- more effective; but in my opinion, attend college can continue their edu - based education needs to be well-in - classroom education falls short of cation by other means. Dr. Levine re - formed on the subject. While home - what homeschooling can accomplish. marked, “There’s absolutely no need for schooling is legal in all fifty states, This is largely due to the constraints of every kid to attend college. [There are] parents who choose this option often class size, time, resources, and a host plenty of successful adults who never encounter misinformed relatives, of other issues associated with school attended college . . . Many of them own friends, neighbors, and strangers who settings, public or private. the kinds of minds that learn best question the wisdom of this choice. Par - A second aspect of homeschooling through direct experience—tried-and- ents who have thoroughly researched that accounts for its success is its true apprenticing and on-the-job train - and prepared for homeschooling can adaptability to each family’s situation. ing. College may thwart such learners.” not only correct misconceptions but Homeschool is not confined to a par - The bottom line is that homeschool also fortify their own determination and ticular block of time, so studies can be graduates’ plans for higher education encourage other homeschoolers. worked around farm chores, for in - and a career should be based on the stance. A parent who is schooling ele - same anchors that stabilize home - A FINAL WORD mentary-school-aged children while schooling: learning style, interests, When my husband and I began re - also caring for infants and preschool - and needs. searching home-based education, we ers has the freedom to be creative with discovered that it is more than an ed - learning activities in order to meet the LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ucation option. We saw that home - whole family’s needs with less stress. In Pierce v. Society of Sisters and in school falls into step with the biblical Adaptability to changing circum - Farington v. Tokushigen, the U.S. injunction in Deuteronomy 6:4-7 to stances was important to our home - Supreme Court held that while states talk about God’s commandments in school success. A few years after we may require all children to be educat - tandem with daily activities. began homeschooling, my husband ed, they may not require all children to These verses mention relaxed but developed physical conditions that be taught the same way. The court fur - frequent opportunities to relate God’s still require daily medication. He had ther held that parents have a constitu - laws to life’s situations. With home - three surgeries in five years. He went tional right to provide their children school, we could add lessons and oth - through salary freezes and benefit with an education that reflects their er educational activities to these fam - cuts and finally was laid off while I was own principles and beliefs. ily interactions. also dealing with a health issue and Laws regarding homeschooling The more we learned, the more con - was halfway through my third round of vary by state and deal with notification vinced we were that God was calling chemotherapy. of intent to homeschool, ages to which us to homeschool. We counted the Clearly, these circumstances de - compulsory attendance applies, test - cost. It would be difficult to live on one creased our income, increased our ing, record keeping, time required, salary, and we would have to invest bills, and generally messed up daily parent qualifications, and so on. lots of time to do a good job. life. But God provided ways for us to No state requires parents to be We decided to seek God’s will for our supplement our income, pay our bills, trained teachers. “Trained teachers family’s education, and He provided our maneuver educational activities are not trained in teaching but in class - needs (Matt. 6:33). We trusted Paul’s around the detours in our schedule, room management” (Farenga). I can assurance that Jesus strengthens us to and meet all state requirements. testify to the fact that the skills need - deal with our circumstances (Phil. 4:12- ed to homeschool are quite different 13). We found God faithful in all areas. WHAT ABOUT COLLEGE? from those required to instruct a class - We are more than pleased with our College and universities increasingly room full of children. homeschooling experience—not the recognize that students who have been least of which was employing Deu- schooled at home come to them “with TO LEARN MORE teronomy 6:4-7 with our lessons. As a better than average self-motivation and The best resources for homeschool - result, our son, now an adult, exam - purpose, work ethic, and love of learn - ing parents are the Internet and a good ines everything in the light of Scripture. ing” (Rivero, The Homeschooling Op - library. Both can provide links to more We have no regrets. # FALL QUARTER 2012 (251) 59 Christian Education

The Sunday School Librarian: A Position for Serving

BY CHARLOTTE U. S YME

HE pastor mentally reviewed the need,” he told her, “is a Sunday school A very small church might have T previous night’s Christian Educa - library. Now, how do we start, and who nothing more than a table at the rear of tion committee meeting. A number of can we recruit to make it happen?” the sanctuary or in the lobby and some important questions had been raised, donated books that circulate on the and they deserved answers. COMMITTING TO SERVE honor system. The adult teacher had spoken of Suppose you are the person ap - Even the smallest libraries, howev - feeling inadequate to answer some of proached to take on this important er, should have a book pocket with a the insightful questions his class task. What would be your considera - checkout card in each book, plus a file members often asked. Could the pas - tions as you decide whether to accept box to hold checked-out cards and a tor recommend some good commen - the challenge? date stamp to be used in both the taries or other resources to deepen his Be assured—the position is a chal - book (gummed inserts are available) Bible study and ability to respond to lenge. Do not be led astray by anyone and on the card. Stamping each book their inquiries? who waves a hand and says airily, “No with your church’s name is an impor - The recently recruited primary de - problem—there’s nothing to it. You tant step in minimizing losses. These partment leader wondered what just have to be on hand to check materials can be purchased at any books or other resources might be books in and out.” Making a task book or stationery store. available to help her in becoming an sound simple is often just a recruiter’s You certainly need to know the ex - effective teacher. way of filling a slot. tent to which your church can back the The youth leader had sounded par - To be a successful Sunday school li - project. How much space can be al - ticularly frustrated. “A majority of my brarian requires both interest and lotted to the enterprise? Will they add young people have made a profession commitment. Are you a book person? it to their budget? If so, for how much? of faith, and some have even joined Do you recognize the value of such an Ideally, the space chosen should al - the church,” he began. “But they seem enterprise? Are you willing to commit low for expansion. In the church where essentially to look on their profession the necessary time to the job? I served as librarian for about thirty of faith as merely an insurance poli - For starters, you will need to be at the years, we began with one wall and cy—their ticket to heaven. They prefer library before and after each service in eventually required an entire room. to spend time with their non-Christian order to answer questions, make rec - A viable library certainly needs to be friends and to participate in their ac - on the church budget. Your expenses tivities rather than those of our youth ommendations, and check out books. will include not only the purchase of group,” he lamented. You will need time during the week “They also take what is being taught to prepare books for circulation. At the books but also the maintenance of in their school and its textbooks more least, this means making pocket file such incidentals as a file box, file seriously than they do the infallibility of cards. It is also wise to cover the cards, catalog drawers, and rubber the Bible—no matter how contradicto - books, as this will increase their circu - stamps. ry the two may appear to be. lation life. Today, more and more churches are “Pastor,” he concluded, “some do You might recruit an assistant who equipped to keep these records on a text messaging even while you can help with this task and work with you computer. The system is not difficult to preach, and you have seen how many on it. That person might also be your learn. begin to drop out as they approach stand-in to man the library on any Sun - Your church treasurer will want the graduation. Are there any materials day that you are unable to be present. receipts for your purchases. that would grab their attention or give me fresh ideas for dealing with them?” HOW TO BEGIN SELECTING BOOKS The pastor also recalled the recent One good first step of preparation To get started, you can appeal for visit from two homeschooling moms might be to visit other churches in your donated books or “in memory” and “in in his congregation. He had promised area to see what is being done by their honor of” purchases. You will, of to look for suitable supplemental people. Ask questions, getting input course, need to screen these offerings reading to add to the textbooks they from those in charge. Your public li - to assess their suitability for place - were using. brary or school library employees ment in a Sunday school library. After surveying his shelf of books, should also be good sources of help - You will soon need to make deci - he turned to his secretary. “What we ful advice. sions about how to use what funds 60 (252) you are allotted. How will you make Creation, and even the existence of such tasks as covering books, prepar - such decisions? God. The church has a responsibility ing cards, and classifying your new Your pastor will no doubt have some to fortify its young people against acquisitions. recommendations, and so will the read - these attacks, but many teachers— If your church is of considerable ers in your congregation. You should and even some pastors—do not have size, it may appoint a deacon to be also make it a habit to read the book re - the knowledge to do so. part of your team in an advisory ca - views in whatever Christian magazines Happily, the Lord has raised up pacity and to be certain you are ac - are available to you. They will alert you scholarly organizations such as the In - countable to its standards. to helpful and interesting new publica - stitute for Creation Research and An - tions of which you might otherwise be swers in Genesis that research these LOOKING TO THE FUTURE unaware. Read the advertisements as questions and have prepared an Eventually, should your library be - well as the book reviews. abundance of interesting and solidly come extensive, you might want to Keep your varied “customers” in scientific books and other materials learn the Dewey decimal system for mind as you consider, among all the geared to every age-group. Much in - categorizing and shelving the books. It choices, what books to select. What formation about this can be found on is not necessary, however. You can would help your Sunday school teach - their Web sites. easily shelve them by eight major cat - ers? New converts? Teens? Children? egories: Bibles; Bible study, which Is there an active class of young MAKING IT GROW should include dictionaries, concor - married couples or a discussion group Advertise, advertise, advertise! dances, and atlases in addition to made up of stay-at-home mothers? Start a book review corner in your commentaries; biography; children’s Christian fiction and biographies are church bulletin or newsletter. Encour - books; Christian living; fiction; history; popular with them; in fact, they are the age readers to contribute to it. Put up and missionary stories. first choice with all ages. a bulletin board, and attach notices The Sunday school library has a Many of the senior citizens in your about new acquisitions. long and respected history. In our ear - congregation would appreciate having Run a contest. We once had a very lier years as a nation, it was often a large-print editions available for their successful one held in connection with major source of solid Christian materi - reading comfort. our missionary conference. We en - al—which even today can be sparse in People today are increasingly being couraged the Sunday school classes our school and public libraries. drawn to tapes and DVDs rather than to read as many missionary books as As a Sunday school librarian, you will traditional books. Most libraries, both possible that week. For the class with have numerous opportunities to serve public and church, include a section the most books read, we gave a book the Lord and your church and to be an devoted to these media. in their honor to a church-supported influence for good to our rising gener - Children may well become your missionary of their choice. A children’s ation. I only wish that when I first took most enthusiastic patrons. They show that position, I had known what I slow - great eagerness in examining the class won, and a book was sent to a child of one of our missionaries. ly and imperfectly learned over my shelves devoted to their interests years of service in that capacity! # (these offerings should be on your Other occasions can provide similar lower shelves). impetus. Reformation Sunday (the last I still remember one little boy who Sunday in October), for example, approached me clutching a book he might be used to encourage reading in had previously read and dancing in ag - church history. What a great opportu - itation from one foot to the other. Rec - nity our Independence Day and (Continued from page 56) Thanksgiving holidays are for encour - ognizing his problem, I suggested he A Spiritual Self-Portrait take care of it and then check out his aging your school-age classes to read book. “But someone else will get it,” about our Christian heritage, which is he lamented, “and I just have to read it so marginalized or ignored in their his - is Jewish. He gathered a band of Jew - again!” Only when I assured him that tory textbooks. ish disciples, and He led a Jewish the book would be safe with me until Consider the dynamics of your con - movement. I discovered that Paul, as his return did he take my advice. Pro - gregation. Do you have a sizable revealed in the book of Acts, seems in viding a positive influence for children group of the elderly? They would ap - some ways no less Jewish in his con - like this is one of the special joys of the preciate a selection of helpful books tinuing practice than Jesus had been. librarian’s position. that address their concerns. Yet it was clear from Jewish tradition, Over time you will become well You will find other sources of help. I from the Bible, and from Paul that aware of what your congregation googled “libraries” and was surprised Christians do not need to start living wants and needs. If I were equipping that the offerings included a reference like Jews. While I keep command - such a library today, I believe I would to Sunday school libraries. ments such as the Sabbath and di - try to focus on providing material for Try to have a committee. In the be - etary laws, I do not find it necessary to the school-age classes (from primary ginning, this may consist of just one teach non-Jewish Christians to do so. through college). person. That person should be some - Many Christians want to learn from Young people are being constantly one who can be available to stand in me about Jewish customs in the Bible. bombarded with teaching and philos- for you on any Sunday you cannot be Many Jews want to hear how Jesus is ophies that seek to undermine their present. You will also appreciate hav - the Jewish Messiah. I am convinced Christian faith by contradicting such ing one or more helpers who have the more than ever that Jesus is what life basic truths as the Bible’s infallibility, time and interest to work with you in is all about. # FALL QUARTER 2012 (253) 61 The Pastor’s Study

Preach the Word

BY BRIAN DOUD

LL over the world this Sunday til you are prayed out. Read Scripture about their salvation. I submit there is A morning, pastors will be preach - just to rejoice in the Lord. Let Him nothing wrong with creating that im - ing. Each pastor’s circumstances will penetrate into your heart. This is true pression. vary, but each would be wise to care - spiritual riches. If all you ever get out As basic study, I would suggest fully review some basic principles of of this life is getting closer to the Lord, reading the New Testament and that part of his work we call preaching you will die a very rich man. Your dai - Psalms and Proverbs through in their the Word. ly devotional time will be greatly en - entirety each month. It is reported If you are a preacher, first and fore - riched by this short but intense re - that the Chinese house-church pas - most in importance is your daily de - treat. You will never be the same tors commonly do this. This will take votional time. Paul advised Timothy again. you about a half hour a day if you read to take heed to himself and the doc - You might be criticized someday for fast. Do not worry that speed-reading trine (I Tim. 4:16). Make sure of your being impractical or naive about this the Word is disrespectful. The idea own spiritual condition and your call world or some nonspiritually related here is to get an overview, an integra - to preach. I was amazed when I heard subject. But make it your aim in life to tion of elements you have already the testimony of several pastors who never be worthy of the criticism that learned. had been preaching for years but you are not a godly man. You are rep - In the first thirteen-and-a-half days, were later saved at a Billy Graham resenting the Lord Jesus to mankind. you will be in the Gospels. Over time crusade. Think of the time you first Be as much like Him as you possibly in this reading schedule, you will gain trusted in Christ and realized that He can be as you rely on the Holy Spirit to insights into the personality and ap - had saved you. Thank Him again and empower you. proach of the Lord Jesus in His earth - take some time to revel in that won - Our next consideration involves ly ministry. You will gain a feeling for derful application of God’s grace to study and sermon preparation. This is how He thought and what His reac - your own soul. Time thus spent in the also a good time to pray for your peo - tions were. You will sense more of His presence of your Saviour can only ple and for the unsaved about whom compassion for people, His love for add to your effectiveness as a you are currently concerned. The Lord them, and His anger with hypocrites preacher. It cannot detract from it in may give you direction during this and abusers. He met each person any way. prayer time as to the subjects on where he was and brought to each Please, for the sake of all of us who which to preach. You can read all kinds such help as was most needed. The claim to be Christians, make sure that of books on sermon preparation and message was the same, but the appli - God has called you to preach! Many of how to present a series of messages cation fit the person and his circum - us know a dear servant of God who is or follow a yearly calendar. You can get stances. This is essential knowledge a great pastor but a very poor preach - all kinds of prewritten sermons. How - for the preacher. er. Maybe you should be on the staff of ever, nothing comes close to the con - You will also gain a greater appreci - a church as a visitation or counseling viction with which you will preach ation for the whole body of doctrine as pastor. Maybe you are really an evan - when you are convinced that the Lord presented in the Word. Your under - gelist or a soul-winner, not a preacher. has shown you what He wants standing of how each element fits and Get the advice and counsel of godly preached. depends on the other elements will be people in this regard. Charles Spur - My uncle was a Baptist preacher significantly enhanced. geon used to advise the students at who once heard of criticism that he al - Do not neglect the Old Testament. It his college, “Do not enter the ministry ways preached the same sermon— is the basis for the New. Many of the if you can help it” ( Lectures to My Stu - that he just “hollered” in a different doctrines that are developed in the dents ). That most certainly applies to place. He went to the person’s house New Testament are germinated in the preaching. and thanked her for her compliment Old. Basic concepts of God, man, sin, In my opinion, one of the most that he consistently preached the Lord salvation, and righteousness are intro - powerful experiences you can have is Jesus and Him crucified! Well, it is true duced and expounded upon in the Old going on a spiritual retreat by taking that every time I heard him preach, Testament. Great prophecies of Christ two or three days for time alone with there was always a point at which he and of future events are laid out for our the Lord. You do not have to go any - said “You need to be saved!” with instruction. When Paul advised Timo - where; just spend time closed away great conviction and emotion. Anyone thy to study the Scriptures, he was from the world, coming out only for who heard him preach could hardly speaking of the Old Testament. We the basic necessities of life. Pray un - have escaped noticing that he cared neglect it at great peril! 62 (254) When you study the Word, think mitted in preaching is boring people to to do” (Luke 17:10). long and deeply about it. Hold up a tears! If you are excited about what The story is told of a pastor who was verse or a concept, and observe it you are preaching, others will sense driving home with his wife after the from all angles. Take, for example, the that and become excited too. That is evening service. He was still glowing virgin birth. Jesus was the only man one of the best ways of leading your from the sermon and the compliments ever born who was as old as His Fa - people. If you are not excited about he had received about it. His wife was ther and older than His mother. It may the message, maybe it is the wrong silent. When he could stand it no or may not be useful to mention that message for that occasion, or perhaps longer, he said, “You know, there aren’t from the pulpit, but at least you have you are in the wrong spiritual state to many great preachers left today.” His thought about it. be preaching that day. faithful wife quickly replied, “Yes, and Regardless of the form of your ser - Remember, however, that while there’s one less than you think there mon—whether it is a multi-faceted there may be some people in the con - is.” exploration of a subject, or three gregation who are there to be mildly Do not single out the sins or failings points and an illustration, or a point- amused, you are not a comedian. Your of any one person in the congregation by-point exposition of a passage of attempts at humor, even if apparently and preach about them. People will Scripture—I recommend that you successful, may detract from your be - sense this and will never again be able write it all out. Your thoughts will be lievability in serious matters. Nor are to trust you with their confidences. clarified. It is best if you do not feel it you there to comment on the news, necessary to read it from the pulpit weather, sports, or politics. You may They cannot follow you if they do not (unless you are really expert at that), see a necessity to speak out for truth trust you. They need to know that you but the exercise will be greatly bene - and righteousness in a certain situa - love them and understand their strug - ficial to you and your hearers. Redun - tion, but make sure you never use the gles and are prepared to struggle dancies, inconsistencies, and non Scriptures or the pulpit for anything along with them without criticizing or sequiturs can be weeded out. other than exactly what the Lord in - complaining. They need to hear from Remember that there is an emo - tended. You are there to preach the the Lord’s servant that the Lord loves tional content to the gospel. You are Word. them. And they need to hear it in a way not there to teach cold, hard facts or Finally, there is the necessity of liv - that is believable because they hear abstract concepts that have little or ing with your people. You must lead your love for them in the way you no impact on one personally. A per - them from where they are to where preach. son should feel bad when he realizes they need to be. One cannot do this Remember that you can lead that he has sinned and offended God. without thorough knowledge of their someone only where you have gone He should be very happy when he un - spiritual condition. There is no use in yourself. Preaching is not the time for derstands that Christ died for his sins preaching about the finer points of dis - theory or parroting someone else’s and provided him with a perfect sal - cipleship if the majority are unsaved or ideas. It is not the place for a book re - vation. Once saved, a Christian very immature Christians. view, no matter how great the book or should feel bad about his sins and You may discover that third- or how well-disguised your plagiarism failures—bad enough to flee to Christ fourth-generation Christians in your of it. You need to be like a mountain- for confession and forgiveness congregation are just there by tradi - climbing guide: you have forged (I John 1:9). tion. They may not have had any con - ahead and can help others up. The In fact, nothing about the gospel is version experience at all. After many view is better from higher up the a dry, dead academic fact. Many doc - years in the pastorate, I have come to mountain. trines and spiritual stories call for a the painful conclusion that the reason If you are called to preach and called strong emotional response as well as for many church problems, even on to a specific church as a pastor, I be - a response of the will. This does not the deacon board, is that some are lieve you will stand before the Lord mean that your sermon is to be used really not converted at all and are and be asked what happened at your to manipulate people’s emotions, but simply walking in the flesh. I am not church. As His servant, you will have there needs to be a call to respond to judging them in thinking that way; to give an accounting for your actions the Lord in every sermon. This is one their fruit tells me who they are (Matt. or lack thereof. Many years ago, a of the places where you can get 7:17-20). great preacher spoke of his preaching alongside people and urge them to Remember also who you are. You action. are not yet perfected. You have a long “as a dying man to dying men!” (Bax - When your sermon is completed way to go, and so does your congre - ter, Poetical Fragments ). Preach as an and ready for the pulpit, preach it gation. You are there to take them by accountable servant to the Master’s alone with your Lord, the Master the hand and humbly walk together beloved people. Preacher—preferably on your knees— with the Lord. You are not there to be Someday you will read from the pul - Preacher going over every word. Cor - popular or to be praised or even to be pit your last passage of Scripture. rect anything that is the least bit mis - appreciated. If they totally forget your Someday you will offer your last pas - leading, unclear, unkind, not quite preaching but learn to love the Lord toral prayer. Someday you will preach true, or a distraction from the real mes - Jesus, you will have done well. The your last sermon. Make it the right one; sage. When everything is correct and Lord Jesus told His followers, “So like - make it a good one! You can never tell you are sure He approves of it all, you wise ye, when ye shall have done all when your Lord will call you home or are ready to get out there and preach. those things which are commanded your church will send you packing, so Next, there is the act of preaching it - you, say, We are unprofitable servants: make the next sermon you preach the self. One of the worst mistakes com - we have done that which was our duty one you want to bow out on. # FALL QUARTER 2012 (255) 63 Thank You, Jesus

BY MABEL GLENN HALDEMAN Thank You, Jesus, for my home, Thank You for my Sunday school, And my daily bread; For my teacher kind; Thank You for a place to lay Thank You for the way she makes Down my weary head. All her pupils mind.

Thank You for my father dear, Thank You, Jesus, thank You much, And my mother, too; For Your Loving way; Thank You for their loving care, Thank You always, not alone And for all they do. On Thanksgiving Day! #