A Modern-DayFrontLineFrontLine Macedonian Call • Learning Chinese • Building Bridges to China B R I N G I N G T H E T R U T H H O M E September/October 2004 • $3.95

Bible-believing Contents churches are SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 FRONTLINE MAGAZINE VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 5

MAKING 6 A Modern-Day Macedonian Call 9 Map of China Departments “Jerry” Your planning must THE SWITCH begin with prayer. Use What can you do for China? 4 Mail Bag to Anchor Here are strategic steps that this map to call out to you can take right now! the Lord of the Harvest 5 On the Front Line Sunday School materials! to send forth laborers. 11 China: 21st Century Go, Win, Baptize, Teach Challenge John C. Vaughn Ai Zhong 20 On the Home Front Would you not ask the Lord to give you a great burden 25 Wit & Wisdom for this great nation? David Atkinson 14 Learning Chinese 29 The Evangelist’s Peter McKitrick Corner How long does it take one to learn Chinese? With this The Ethics of the Evangelist introduction, you can find Jerry Sivnksty out what it takes 30 At a Glance A head knowledge of to get started. First Corinthians Scripture is simply not enough. 21 The China Layton Talbert Challenge Anchor materials will give students 33 Newsworthy the knowledge of Scripture that leads Tony Fox Learn to think Scripturally 35 Global Focus 17 Building to a heart knowledge of the Savior. and strategically about China in Your Own Backyard Bridges to China Our systematic approach conveys a more China. Pearson Johnson complete understanding of biblical truth. 26 Holding the Rope Carl Sebris How can churches 38 Behind the Lines Fred Moritz The next generation should know more than evangelize and The Worth of a Soul Independent Baptist church- disciple students who Gordon Dickson just Bible stories. Let Anchor give you the tools es must work together to ful- come from China? to ground them in the whole counsel of God. fill the Great Commission. Editors note: This edition of FrontLine contains articles written under assumed From preschool through adult, names in order to protect the Anchor has what you need for effective training! believers in China.

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©2004 Anchor Church Resources, Inc. Mail Bag On the Front Line

FrontLine A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT We want to hear from you! Let us know what you like or don’t like The Journal of the about FrontLine. Address your comments to Managing Editor, FrontLine Fundamental Baptist Fellowship Go, Win, Baptize, Teach 500 West Lee Road, Taylors, SC 29687. You may also fax your comments to International (864) 322-0838 or send them by e-mail to [email protected]. uch has been said in is the reason we live to go there. of the economic juggernaut reshaping You may request that your letter not be published or that your Editor Board Members this space about fel- Whenever we are blessed to make a China and the world.”1 name be withheld, but anonymous letters will not be accepted. Dr. John C. Vaughn Dr. Rick Arrowood President Dr. James Baker lowship, as it should disciple we see the authority of the The facts in this article are stagger- Rev. Earl Barnett be, since FrontLine is gospel flowing through our witness. ing. None of the things described exist- just read the current Christian Preacher, BJU Managing Editor Capt. Wayne A. Bley, USNR the publication of the But leading a soul into discipleship to ed before 1990, except the massive pop- I issue of FrontLine Review, Leadership, etc. are Dr. Gordon A. Dickson Dr. Charles Britt (May/June) and was never beaten up like this. Dr. Gerald B. Carlson Fundamental Baptist Christ includes the pastoral element ulation. With a population now at 1.3 Publication Editor Dr. Ed Caughill Fellowship. But fel- of teaching obedience. It has been billion, the .3 part of that number is incredibly blessed by this Do you think the mail Mr. Steve Skaggs Dr. Walter Coles particular issue. I normal- carriers have a vendetta Rev. Richard J. Cross lowship is not our said that the Great Commission com- larger than the population of the Publication Dr. Johnny Daniels Mmission, just one of the things we pur- bines “the missionary effort for fetch- United States and is the estimated size ly don’t subscribe, but am against us? Or what? Secretary Dr. Marion Fast wondering if you could Joseph P. Hansen Dr. Collins Glenn pose to maintain in accomplishing ing in, and the pastoral effort for of the new Chinese middle class. There please send me just this Atchison, Kansas Mrs. Carol Logan Dr. Bill Hall that mission. Our mission does not building up.” The first has been sadly are over 100 cities in China with a pop- current issue as the free Dr. S. Bruce Hamilton come from the FBFI constitution but neglected; the second sorely corrupt- ulation in excess of 1 million. Modern Editor’s note: Perhaps the Contributing Editors Dr. Mike Harding sample copy mentioned Dr. Gary Hirth straight from Matthew 28:19, 20. Our ed. We must strive to retard or business districts and airports are pop- postal workers are devour- Dr. Mark Minnick on your website. Thank Dr. Layton Talbert Dr. Sam Horn constitution states, “We purpose to remove the corruption, but we must ping up everywhere. Chinese exports you so much! ing FrontLine articles dur- Dr. David Innes lead an aggressive effort to reach our not tolerate the neglect. to the United States have grown 500% ing their lunch breaks. Design Dr. David Jaspers Kristen Moore Dr. Bob Jones III world for Christ by evangelism and The right kind of fellowship pre- in the last ten years. Foreign invest- Greenville, SC Mr. Mike Moreau Dr. Gary Jones church planting—locally, nationally, pares us for the right kind of fight, but ments in China in 1990 stood at $3.4 bil- Dr. Walter Kirk n Dr. Gordon Dickson’s Executive Officers Dr. Tom Knauf and worldwide.” the fight must be the “good fight.” Paul lion. Last year, they were $53 billion. have truly enjoyed the Iarticle “Real Food for Dr. Thomas Nieman More importantly, our Lord could claim to have fought the good The United States is going to China. FrontLine magazine as I Your Faith” there is an Dr. Chuck Phelps Dr. John C. Mincy I Vice President Dr. Mark Minnick declared our mission when He stated, fight because his love for and loyalty to And here is the point of our com- serve as a missionary in assumption . . . that the Rev. Bob Crawford Rev. Jeff Musgrave “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, Jesus Christ had caused him to give mission; “As you go, make disciples.” Zambia, Africa. two disciples were men. Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Bennie Moran baptizing them in the name of the everything to the spread of the gospel. It remains to be seen what will become Mr. Mike Moreau Susie Kallal I don’t find this in Dr. Gordon A. Dickson Dr. Fred Moritz Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy His tenacious defense of doctrine was of the sleeping dragon of Research Secretary Zambia, Africa Scripture. How would the Dr. Ed Nelson Ghost: Teaching them to observe all not a response to an attack on his Communism, but one thing is for sure: following scenario fit? FrontLine Magazine provides Dr. Les Ollila things whatsoever I have commanded “group,” but on the gospel. He was a the Chinese economy is bringing love FrontLine, and con- Mary, the wife of a forum for God’s people to Dr. Matt Olson Dr. David Pennington you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even man on a mission—the mission— change, big change. We would be wise reverently express a conserva- I sider it unparalleled in Cleophas, was at the cross Dr. Chuck Phelps unto the end of the world.” Failure in which must be our mission. to find the opportunity for the gospel its field as a Biblical, bal- when Jesus died (John tive Christian perspective on Dr. Kevin Schaal pertinent issues. In an effort to fellowship greatly hinders the accom- I have just returned from the Far in that change. Wise indeed is the state- anced, magazine for the 19:27). She and her hus- Rev. Wilbur Schoneweis keep readers informed, quotes Dr. Randolph Shaylor plishment of this Great Commission, East for the first-ever Pacific Rim ment, “It takes evangelistic unction to Fundamentalist Christian. band, Cleopas (note dif- and references to many differ- Rev. Bradley Smith but failure in the Great Commission Fundamental Baptist Fellowship make orthodoxy function.” This is the One observation: just ferent spelling), were en ent individuals and organiza- Dr. John Stevens tions will appear. This does not about every issue I route home to Emmaus Dr. Bob Taylor renders fellowship meaningless. A con- Meeting. More than three times the critical element that drives the mis- imply the endorsement of the Dr. Wayne Van Gelderen Jr. cise mission statement for any Biblical number expected registered for and sionary and pastoral elements. receive comes beaten, when they had a post-res- magazine or its board. Un- Dr. Michael Yarborough ripped, and/or dog- urrection encounter with solicited manuscripts and art- Dr. George Youstra ministry could be built around the attended the conference. Two things Go, win, baptize, and teach are life- eared. Consequently, new the Lord (Luke 24:15–35). work accepted for review. essentials: go, win, baptize, teach. were apparent: Fundamental Baptists less without the promise, “I am with These essentials include the mission- there need our encouragement and you alway, even unto the end of the issues look like it’s years They invited Him into Advertising: For information contact Mike Moreau at old, at least on the out- their home for a meal and (847) 352-4345 or FAX (847) 352-0317. All advertising in ary elements of going, making disci- prayers as they stand against compro- world.” Hear it; “I AM with you.” As side. I notice that other to stay with them. FrontLine is for the sole purpose of sharing valuable ples, and immersing them into all that mise and worldliness. Also, there is a God sent Moses, so Christ sends forth magazines I receive William S. Miller resource materials with our readers. Although we carefully the Triune God truly is. Illustrated by sea change occurring in His disciples with the (unwrapped) like Today’s Taylors, SC screen the materials, we are not giving a blanket endorse- the outward symbol of immersion in the Far East, particularly assurance, “I will be with ment of any products or advertisers. water, there is a vital identification with in China. Consider a you all the days.” We SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION the death, burial, and resurrection of recent article in the busi- have a special claim on FrontLine Magazine Subscription prices for FrontLine Magazine are $19.95 for one year, Christ. A relationship has begun; a ness sections of our news- His assured presence as 500 West Lee Road • Taylors, SC 29687 death and new birth have happened! papers. It reported “But we fulfill our mission to $34.95 for two years, and $54.95 for three years. Call us toll- 800 376-6856 • (864) 292-3010 • FAX (864) 322-0838 free at 800–376–6856 or write to FrontLine Magaz ine, 500West E-Mail: [email protected] • www.fbfi.org The convert now knows God and has the view from the western go, win, baptize, and Lee Road, Taylors, SC 29687. Visa and the spiritual capacity to grow in that bank of the muddy teach.

MasterCard are accepted. COPYRIGHT 2004 FrontLine Magazine. No materials may be knowledge—to become immersed in Huangpu River in China’s 1 reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of the publishers. ISSN 1526-8284 http://www.azcentral.com/ the truth—to be a disciple. largest city [Pudong] real- business/articles/0801china- Wherever we go, making disciples ly drives home the scope main.html DR. JOHN VAUGHN 4 FrontLine • September/October 2004 FrontLine • September/October 2004 5

allowed the unlimited copying in China of their sacred Because of the present situation in China, we have to music CDs. And, counselors and counseling materials are take a different approach to ministry. Unlike in most other starting to make their way to China. countries, missionaries going to China find an indigenous The question that follows is, “What do we do now?” (self-governing, self-propagating, self-supporting) church Let’s start with the old standbys that the Bible gives already active and growing. We should respect the work us—Pray, Give, Go. that the Holy Spirit has done in China over the past fifty Pray—Maybe you remember back during the forty years years and be careful to augment this work rather than between 1949 and 1989 when there wasn’t anything else dilute it. Since the church is already self-supporting, we that we could do other than pray. We did, and God did won- should avoid creating a dependence on foreign money. hat can we do for China?” Everywhere I go people ask ders in China. The church grew from a splintered, foreign- Expand the work of the church by providing helpful mate- me this question. With over a billion people over a vast dependent trickle to a national movement of indigenous rials, but don’t pay salaries or support their ministry land area, China defies a short answer. Since missions networks that is the second largest in the world! Don’t stop monthly. Since the church is already self-propagating, Wgroups can come up with a whole variety of strategies, I think it is praying for China! Organize prayer cells in your church and enhance their outreach by getting tracts and discipleship wise for us to ask the house churches what they see as their great- meet together weekly to pray for God to work in China. materials to them instead of drawing local churches into est need. Yes, they give various suggestions, but one idea keeps Some organizations will give e-mail updates on what is foreign structures that take over their outreach programs. coming to the forefront. One house church pastor said it to me happening in China, and there are some helpful print pub- Since the church is already self-governing, work through succinctly and powerfully: “We need teachers teaching teachers!” lications that will help you pray specifically. the existing authority structure rather than challenging it. All of us immediately think of 2 Timothy 2:2—“the same com- Give—Because mis- As a missionary gets to by “Jerry” “ mit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to sionaries to China cannot know church networks, teach others also.” In keeping with Paul’s be as public about their he can ask the simple missionary strategy, we need to see teaching needs as other missionar- Pray for China! question, “How can we teachers to be the primary focus of our out- ies, you are going to have Pray over a map of China province by province. help you?” At that point reach to China. to take the initiative to 1. he can fine-tune what The house church has grown so fast that find out their needs. Call Pray for the gospel to spread throughout the country. he has to offer in the they need disciple-makers. Maybe you the mission boards that 2. way of teaching, have the idea that the typical Chinese you are familiar with and 3. Pray for discipleship and Bible teaching efforts led by Christian materials, and Christian has been in jail twenty years for ask whether they have locals as well as by foreigners. advice. his faith and has withstood all kinds of missionaries to China. If Because China is a spiritual and governmental attacks. While they give you the names, 4. Pray for visas for missionaries and their freedom to large country and the these are not rare, the vast majority of communicate with them minister unbothered by government officials. Christian church is the Chinese Christians are new believers. discreetly; but if they body of Christ with Perhaps the day you read this article don’t, you can still com- Pray for the dissemination of Christian materials. each member having 20,000 believers will be added to the municate with the mis- 5. differing gifts, we need church. Who will disciple these people? sionaries through the to work together for The house church leaders are over- mission board and ask maximum impact. More whelmed and are crying out to us to come what special projects they and more people are and help them teach. have. Do they give out already embracing an Heresies are spreading throughout the Bibles to Christians or approach that was sug- churches in China. Some heretical groups non-Christians? Do they gested by Mark Vowels: prey on individuals and even subvert whole need funds to purchase doctrinal books that are available Step 1: A long-term missionary, which we will call churches, at times using violent means. What through the government church? Do they need couriers who an “anchorman,” chooses a city and settles down may be more insidious are the heretical teach- can bring in books and other materials to use in their min- there. He makes contact with house churches and ings, extreme views, and odd emphases that istry? Could they use a photocopier to duplicate the materi- builds relationships with the leaders. seep into orthodox churches. The churches als they have permission to copy? Even if your church finds need—and they are humbly begging for— out the names of the missionaries, it may be wise in your Step 2: Over time, English teachers and Christian systematic teaching through the Bible and public prayer meetings to use pseudonyms for them. businessmen come and settle in his town. They Christian doctrine. Go—Put your man in China! It is still possible to go to meet with him for church on Sunday and receive At present the government does not allow house churches to set China and evangelize, disciple, and build up churches. spiritual oversight from him. He suggests up Bible colleges and seminaries. For this generation to prepare the You can’t be a missionary in the traditional sense, but you Christian materials for them to use in evangelism next generation of church leaders, they are going to need wide- can settle down in China long-term, learn the language, and discipleship efforts. He can also give cultural spread, organized teaching. The best strategy will be for us to teach and be dedicated to stay the rest of your life. Choose a tips and share strategies with them. They, in turn, the key house church leaders and then let them teach other leaders location; get in touch with house churches in your area; reach out to the people they are in contact with throughout the house church networks. find out their needs; get Bibles, Christian books, and other daily and find genuine seekers that they can bring It’s true that there is a crying need for Bibles, Christian books, materials to them; share their burdens with people in your to the anchorman for fuller training and to intro- sacred music, counseling, and so on. But the good news is that home country; and coordinate the visits by couriers and duce to a local house church. now Bibles are available legally in some cities. About fifteen doc- short-term teachers. Take heart from the many people trinally sound books are available during specified hours from a already serving in China and join in this needed ministry. Step 3: The anchorman also coordinates foreign few government-sanctioned stores. Some foreigners have Maybe you are asking, “How do we do this?” couriers who bring in books and materials for

6 FrontLine • September/October 2004 FrontLine • September/October 2004 7 use by him, the tentmakers, and the house While you are learning Chinese, work alongside an churches. He also augments his teaching by experienced anchorman, learning from his experience bringing in short-term teachers that come in to and meeting his house church contacts. You can watch help that location. how he teaches the house church leaders and perhaps even take part in the teaching. All along, prepare yourself In one of the locations where I have taught, I have seen to pioneer in a new setting. this method working well: the anchorman oversees one At an appropriate time, move to a city where you can church and is in contact with many others. He gives spir- become an anchorman and begin gathering around you a itual oversight to many tentmakers who live in his city team of other church workers, tentmakers, and short-term and attend the service for foreigners that he holds in his helpers. Contact the house churches in your area to offer home each week. He coordinates book couriers and short- assistance in teaching the Bible and Christian doctrine. term teachers that come to his city. I believe this method The house churches’ Macedonian call today is for anchor- will work for cities all over China. men—long-term Chinese speakers who teach the Bible to “Where do we begin?” house church Christians and coordinate our joint efforts to It is legal to be a language student in China. You can go help them. This is what the house churches beg for. Will you to China as a language student and live there for several answer their call? years as a language student. You can meet people and get to know them and begin sharing the Jerry is the pen name of a missionary gospel with them. Perhaps at first who wishes to remain anonymous. you will need to use English and Have you watched the videos For a list of materials sugges- reach out to the 2% or so that can China Confession and tions for ministry to China go to relate in that language. But as time http://joyabounding.myweb goes by you will be able to reach The Cross in China? .hinet.net/joyabounding/. out to the vast majority who don’t These two videos will show you the speak English. Even if you have a present needs in China and what God *Editor's note: These videos are desire to be a Christian business- is doing. You can order them from helpful in understanding the present man in China or a Christian pro- persecution.com (1-800-747-0085) or situation in China. The discerning fessor, I would recommend that asianbookone.com (1-888-748-4624).* viewer will see the dangers of the you learn Chinese in order to be charismatic movement and ecumeni- calism in the house churches. clearer in your evangelism.

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8 FrontLine • September/October 2004 FrontLine • September/October 2004 9 group of us were running to catch a train in a city of ANHUI Province NINGXIA HUI (autonomous region) Pron.: ahn-hweigh Population: 62 million Pron.: ning-hsee-ah Population: 5.6 million two million in west of Beijing. I was leading the group, not because I could run faster, but because I was the BEIJING (municipality) QINGHAI Province Pron.: bay-jing Population: 7.2 million Pron.: ching-high Population: 5 million Aonly one who had done this before. This was my third trip to China in a year, and I was becoming comfortable with the CHONGQING (municipality) SHAANXI Province Pron.: cheung-ching Population: 30.9 million Pron.: shahn-shee Population: 36 million adventure of cultural challenges faced daily. The only tickets available were standing tickets. I tried to prepare the group for FUJIAN Province SHANDONG Province Pron.: shahn-dong Population: 90 million the possibility of a standing three-hour train ride to the next Pron.: foo-jee-yen Population: 34.9 million Ai Zhong SHANGHAI (municipality) city. We hopped on the first non-sleep- GANSU Province Pron.: shahng-high Population: 13 million ing car, found seats spread throughout Pron.: gahn-soo Population: 25 million the car, and were secretly hoping that SHANXI Province GUANGDONG Province Pron.: shahn-shee Population: 32.1 million no one would come with reserved Pron.: gwahng-dong Population: 86.4 million seats and force us to stand. SICHUAN Province GUANGXI (autonomous region) Pron.: suh-chwahn Population: 86.9 million After sitting down I began reading. Pron.: gwahng-shee Population: 45 million A Chinese man appeared beside me TIANJIN (municipality) GUIZHOU Province Pron.: tee-en-jeen Population: 10 million and asked in English what I was read- Pron.: gwei-joh Population: 35.3 million ing. When I showed him the book TIBET (XIZANG) (autonomous region) HAINAN Province cover he asked, “What testament, old Pron.: hsee-dzahng Population: 2.5 million Pron.: high-nahn Population: 7.8 million or new?” I explained that the book was XINJIANG UIGHUR (autonomous region) HEBEI Province a simply a novel and then asked him if Pron.: hsin-jee-ahng Population: 19 million Pron.: huh-bay Population: 67.4 million he had an interest in the Old and New YUNNAN Province HEILONGJIANG Province Testaments. That led to a three-hour Pron.: yoon-nahn Population: 42.8 million Pron.: hay-loong-jee-ahng Population: 38 million discussion with “Gerry” about spiritu- ZHEJIANG Province al things. He had heard the gospel on HENAN Province Pron.: juh-jee-ahng Population: 46.7 million Pron.: huh-nahn Population: 93 million the radio and seemed to have respond- …………………………… ed to the Savior’s invitation to salva- HONG KONG (admin. region) Population: 6.9 million tion. When I asked about his family, TAIWAN Population: 22.3 million HUBEI Province wife and one child, he told me with Pron.: hoo-bay Population: 57 million great heaviness in his eyes that they HUNAN Province didn’t know about his beliefs, nor did Pron.: hoo-nahn Population: 64.3 million Pray for the government in China. anyone at work. Gerry holds an INNER MONGOLIA (autonomous region) Pop: 24 mil. 1 Timothy 2:1, 2 important position in a government agency and has been elected to a JIANGSU Province Pray for those who minister in China. Pron.: jee-ahng-soo Population: 74.5 million regional government council. I shared Matthew 9:36–38 1 Thessalonians 5:25 with Gerry that his family needed to JIANGXI Province 1 Corinthians 16:9 Romans 15:30–33 Pron.: jee-ahng-shee Population: 41.5 million hear the good news of salvation and that there may be a price Ephesians 6:18–20 Colossians 4:2–4 to pay. Since our divinely arranged meeting we have corre- JILIN Province 2 Thessalonians 3:1, 2 Pron.: jee-lin Population: 27.5 million sponded regularly by e-mail. He has questions from the Bible and from having seen a bootleg copy of The Passion of the LIAONING Province Pray for the congregations in China. Pron.: lee-ow-ning Population: 41 million Christ. How many Gerrys are there in China among its 1.3 bil- 1 Corinthians 14 Philippians 1:9–11 lion people? There appears to be a deep hunger for the truth MACAU (admin. region) Population: 445,000 2 Timothy 2:2 Matthew 28:19, 20 among the unsaved and among believers who have never been grounded in the Word of God. A dramatic shift has taken place in the Christian world in the past decades. The shift has been from the north to the south and from the west to the east. Latin America, Africa,

10 FrontLine • September/October 2004 FrontLine • September/October 2004 11 and Asia now have more believers than North America calling to take the gospel westward toward Jerusalem are being made with theologically sound house church speak on China, and we need to hear them. However, and Western Europe.1 England was the great missionary across Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim lands. They are con- networks, or at least with believers with whom there is many sense that we are at a crucial point in our lives and sending nation of the nineteenth century; the United vinced that God has allowed them to pass the last fifty significant doctrinal compatibility. Along with this we ministries. Many of our churches have lost their sense of States of the twentieth century.2 Many missiologists years in His furnace of testing to prepare them for perse- must avoid a common paternalistic mistake from the past mission, their understanding of God as a missionary believe that the twenty-first century may be China’s cen- cution and martyrdom. of simply transplanting North American issues and tra- God, and their reason for existence. God seems to have tury. God has used each trip I have taken to China to Two questions that I am often asked: ditions associated with our churches that have no rele- opened an extraordinary door for the gospel in China. It increase my awe and fascination with what He has been 1. “What are we doing now?” As a result of our survey vance in China.5 is time to reaffirm our commitment to the missionary and is doing there. Each gathering attended in the house trips in China we have begun to establish contacts with The larger question of missionary allocation should be dis- mandate, to put our resources where they can make the churches has demonstrated the simplicity and authentic- house church leaders. We are presently connected with cussed. China has twenty percent of the world’s popula- greatest impact for time and eternity, and to seize this ity of their practices. and teaching in a house church network in a city in east- tion. Should there not be some proportion in the number moment to display the glory of God among the untold There are tens of millions of Christians in China, far ern China. This network comprises seventeen locations of missionaries sent there? As delicate as this issue may millions in China. more than in the late 1940s when foreign missionaries that meet around the city. They have requested that we be, especially with the strong “call” tradition among were expelled under Mao.3 Chinese believers are sharing provide theological training. We admit that we are independent Baptists, we should at least ask ourselves Ai Zhong is an anonymous pen name. their faith and seeing multitudes come to Christ. They novices, babes in the woods, and are trying to learn from why the majority of missionaries continue to go to the have done this for years others who must same fields where established ministries have existed for with virtually no outside remain unnamed. We years. It may be that God has called them to evangelize 1 Samuel Escobar, The New Global Mission: The Gospel from Everywhere to help. Evangelism will have engaged a transla- and re-evangelize the same nations and people groups Everyone (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2003), 15. God has grown His church in 2 perhaps always best be tor to translate courses that have seen the bulk of missionary endeavors for Ibid., 49–51. 3 done by the Chinese, taught into Chinese so David Aikman, Jesus in Beijing: How Christianity Is Transforming China China for years without our help decades. It is true that every generation in every place and Changing the Global Balance of Power (Washington, DC: Regnery although there is no rea- that these can be presents fresh needs and opportunities. Yet it may also be Publishing, 2003), 7–8. son that we cannot par- and can continue to do so without archived and used at that the Biblical concept of “call” has become so individ- 4 Paul Hattaway, Back to Jerusalem: Three Chinese House Church Leaders ticipate in the joy of see- other sites that develop. ualized and subjective that its corporate and objective Share Their Vision to Complete the Great Commission (Waynesboro, GA: ing precious souls come us. Yet He graciously invites us to 2. “What more can nature is obscured. Gabriel Publishing, 2003). 5 A. Scott Moreau, Gary R. Corwin, and Gary B. McGee, Introducing to Christ. we do?” Briefly, I would I am not a Sinologist. I claim no special insight into World Missions: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Survey (Grand Rapids, Someone might ask, participate in what He is doing. . . . like to make a few sug- God’s ways in China. Many others are better qualified to MI: Baker Academic, 2004), 138. “If the Chinese believers gestions: are doing so well with- Chinese believers are pleading with The near-term ministry out outside help, are we opportunities will need to really needed in China?” us to teach them God’s Word. mature. Ultimately we Recently I was asked would like the teaching why we send educated How can we say no? done in Chinese with- pastors and professors to out the need of transla- teach in China and other tors. There are some countries on a Bible insti- missionaries in China tute level and if this was and in other Chinese- really good stewardship. speaking countries that My response was simply we would like to use for this: “We go to preach this. In the meantime and teach in other places we would like to have not only because we pastors teach in China have a lot to offer but because we have a lot to learn.” God and then return to their churches with a better perspective has grown His church in China for years without our help on what God is doing in China. We exercise extreme cau- and can continue to do so without us. Yet He graciously tion in teaching in the house churches so that the believers invites us to participate in what He is doing, to make Him may not be placed in jeopardy. known, and in doing so we understand more fully His The short-term ministry opportunities with their limita- expansive love and mercy to all peoples. And Chinese tions must not substitute for long-term strategy. We have had believers are pleading with us to teach them God’s Word. many of our young people in China for short-term sum- How can we say no? mer teaching internships. These provide invaluable expo- We all need to ask ourselves what part God has for us sure to the needs and opportunities for evangelism. in His global enterprise. In my opinion, any part we as However, China needs people thoroughly grounded the- twenty-first century Christians may play cannot exclude ologically and missiologically who are committed to or ignore China. We need to begin thinking strategically long-term ministry. A strong preference would be for about how to impact this great nation with its more than seminary training or its equivalent, significant practical 160 cities of over one million people. Many Christians in experience, and proven language acquisition skills. We the house churches are eager to better understand the must realize that for the foreseeable future we will not be Bible and be obedient to the Great Commission.4 China able to plant churches in the traditional sense. Churches has the potential to be the great missionary sending are being planted, although without the public expres- nation of this century. God has burdened many with the sion we enjoy in America. When possible, partnerships

12 FrontLine • September/October 2004 FrontLine • September/October 2004 1213 time. Romanization is useful for reading street signs, facto- nounce the character, he can find it in the phonetic section ry names, and the Romanized New Testament, but it is basi- of the dictionary’s index. (This is not as easy as it sounds. cally a dead language. Two to three hours a day with a pri- There are sixty characters that all have the sound “bi” vate tutor give the student the ability to use every possible with a fourth tone. Not all sounds and tones have that sentence structure and enough vocabulary for daily use— many choices, but some have more.) Once he finds the but not with great boldness yet. sound and tone of the sought word, he scrolls down the After gaining confidence in speaking and in writing choices until he finds the right character with correspon- Romanized Chinese, the building can be erected. Chinese ding number in the dictionary. Each character is assigned characters replace the too-comfortable and familiar, yet a number in the dictionary based on its root meaning and or several years I watched the construction basically useless, Romanized words. Each character must fit number of strokes in the character. of a building from my office window. The symmetrically and aesthetically in the same-sized square. The average Western student typically does not have too construction company bored a hole deep All Chinese characters are the same size, and they must be many characters memorized. So if an aspiring Chinese into the ground, and a man was lowered into the neat and pleasant to the eye. People will pay great amounts speaker sees a character that he does not know how to pro- Fhole to wire rebar together. Then cement filled that of money for calligraphy or even for one Chinese character nounce, how can he look it up in the dictionary? He will hole, after which another hole was bored and that is written with great form, beauty, and balance. For a have to learn another part of the language—the radicals. filled. The four basements required two years to foreigner, these charac- The Chinese language finish. It was hard to detect any ters have to be learned has 213 radicals to measurable progress of that foun- by pure abstract memory which every one of the dation on a day-to-day basis. But Learning Mandarin Chinese does at first. A few of the char- 7500 Chinese daily-use after the foundation was laid, twen- acters express obvious characters belong. The ty-five stories went Peter McKitrick not require talent, but it does pictures like “fish,” radicals include con- up almost one story per “cry,” and “fire.” But cepts like fire, water, month. Later, the temporary scaffolding was require desire, determination, and most of the former pic- metal, air, speech, medi- removed to reveal a beautiful maroon build- tures have evolved and cine, birds, vision, vege- ing. As I watched that building being built, I diligence. It’s helpful to remember streamlined into picto- tation, bamboo, and remembered the building of the Chinese lan- graphic radicals and many more basic roots. guage in my heart and mind. The two that “the desire of the righteous symbolic lines and One must determine the processes were similar, the visible building strokes. Chinese children shall be granted” (Prov. 10:24) and radical of a Chinese symbolizing the invisible counterpart. spend hours memoriz- character and then count Learning Mandarin Chinese does not ing characters, for the “the desire accomplished is sweet to the number of strokes in require talent, but it does require desire, first years with phonetic the character excluding determination, and diligence. It’s helpful symbols written to the the soul” (Prov. 13:19). the radical’s strokes. to remember that “the desire of the right- side but later without There is another index in eous shall be granted” (Prov. 10:24) and such phonetic aids. This the Chinese dictionary “the desire accomplished is sweet to the author spent endless based on the radicals soul” (Prov. 13:19). hours going through a and the number of For the foundation of the language, stack of vocabulary strokes after the radical. Western students must learn all the possi- cards, reading the A foreigner can spend ble Chinese sounds in four different tones. English and translating an hour trying to find These tones are a high-pitched steady tone, into both spoken and one Chinese character in a rising tone, a tone that dips then rises written Chinese from the dictionary during back up, and a sharp descending tone. memory. How thrilling it is to finally be able to read from the first weeks or months of this advanced word study. After mastering all the sounds and tones, the Chinese Bible without scaffolding. But the memory is However, after months of use and practice and drilling, the student puts the sounds together into not always good; so, the student has to finish the building the student (now a graduate) notices that all the scaffold- vocabulary words. Sentence structure and by learning to use the Chinese dictionary. ings are gone. Now he just perfects, beautifies, and main- grammar are added, and then the student First the student learns the thirty-seven phonetic sym- tains the Chinese language—his own prized and hard- continually drills words, sentences, and bols used to pronounce any Mandarin Chinese word. earned possession. grammar. Chinese children learn their own language by mem- These are the symbols Chinese children use in elementary China has simplified its characters and teaches the orizing and drilling, day after day, year after year. Fortunately, school. Some language schools use only this system as the younger generation to read and write a unified Chinese words do not have tense, case, number, or gender, but scaffolding for Americans, but those schools’ students Romanized Chinese to make the language more foreigner- the complexity of the sounds and tones overwhelmingly have difficulty reading road signs and cannot type out a accessible. Signs in China are all written in characters as negates this benefit. Romanized speech for quick reading. So for the Westerner well as Romanized. China is trying to reach out to the Romanized Chinese is the scaffolding temporarily used. The for- it is best to use two different scaffoldings. He learns how world while retaining its language and culture. eign student learns to write Chinese using the twenty-six letters of to write the phonetic symbols in place of the Romanized A question often heard is, “How long does it take one to the English alphabet. This will be used until Chinese characters can sounds; then he can look up any Chinese word by search- learn Chinese?” The answer to that is the same as to the take their place; however, learning to speak Chinese is more impor- ing the index for sounds written in the phonetic symbol question “How long does it take one to become a doctor?” tant than learning to write it in the early stage. The average student order. The first four sounds in the Chinese phonetic Both are never-ending processes, and both depend heavily is incapable of learning both spoken and written Chinese at the same “alphabet” are /b/, /p/, /m/, and /f/. If he can pro- upon mentors, repetition, and research books. But there

14 FrontLine • September/October 2004 FrontLine • September/October 2004 15 comes a time when knowledge alone is sufficient for most situations without dependency on books or aids. It is not a specific point in time; the results of study and hard work just slowly become evident. Not long ago a secular Chinese uni- versity president introduced a summer Carl Sebris Christian team to a group of students. When I accepted the welcome using Mandarin Chinese, the enthusiastic n 1978 Deng Xiaoping (1904–97) came to power and, as David response from the 300-plus students Aikman writes, “opened China up both to its own latent internal cre- was a loud roar of applause. These stu- ative energies and to the outside world with his famous ‘open door’ dents, who struggle greatly to learn policy.”*I Mao Zedong’s (1893–1976) “Cultural Revolution” (1966–76) had English, were quite excited that some- closed China off and isolated the Chinese people from the outside world. one had taken the time and effort to But with Deng Xiaoping’s “open door,” Chinese intellectuals were learn their language. There is no thrill allowed to travel to the West to study in America’s colleges and universi- for a foreign missionary to China like ties. It was in the early 1980s that the first Chinese students and intellec- that of using Chinese to lead a person tuals began to arrive in my home town of Clemson, South Carolina. They to Christ and hearing the salvation were here to begin their studies at Clemson University. The pastor of our prayer in Mandarin. The discipleship church recognized the evangelistic process after that is exciting as well. opportunity of this “open door” and And sharing joys and sorrows in took steps to build some bridges with Mandarin with Chinese brothers and these first Chinese arrivals. The pastor’s sisters is so meaningful. One who tries small home Bible study eventually grew to do the same with simple English ter- as more and more Chinese began to minology cannot obtain commensurate arrive, and a Chinese church was estab- feelings and results. lished in Clemson. A Chinese student went to a Bible How can churches evangelize and college in the States and struggled to disciple students who come from write theses in English. He complained China (or other countries) for under- to the teacher that he was too demand- graduate and graduate training in ing on the foreign students who did not America? The answer is by building have English as a first language. The bridges. This was the Lord’s method teacher admonished the student as one of evangelism and discipleship (John who did not have any faith. The student 3–6) and the method used by the was in effect saying that God could only apostle Paul (Acts 16–19). According bless him in China, but not in the States. to the Webster’s Dictionary, a bridge is Can God bless a Christian only in his “a time, place, or means of connection own language, but not in a second lan- or transition.” Churches can evangel- guage? Is God limited by language, cul- ize and disciple the students from tural, or social barriers? God blessed China by finding “a time, place, or Abram with communication skills means of connection or transition” when he moved to Canaan, and God with them. used Moses’ faltering speech even What are some of these connections though Moses himself focused on his or bridges for evangelism and disci- communication limitations. If a student pleship that churches can make with has a desire to learn Chinese, diligence the Chinese students? One effective and practical way to connect to learn like the Chinese learn, and a with the Chinese is to greet them at the airport when they first determination to overcome many, many arrive. Most of the students arriving from China travel many hours. difficulties, God will bless him with a They arrive weary, lonely, and often very nervous in their new sur- Chinese tongue, Chinese penmanship, roundings. The airport is an ideal place to meet these new students and Chinese dictionary abilities. “The for the first time with the love of Christ. Churches and individuals thoughts of the diligent tend only to can immediately connect with these students by helping them get plenteousness” (Prov. 21:5). settled in the community. This can be accomplished by showing them where to shop and bank, assisting them to find housing, intro- Peter McKitrick is the pen name of a missionary to China who wishes to remain anonymous. ducing them to other Chinese, helping them to gather furnishings and other necessities for their apartments, guiding them to purchase

16 FrontLine • September/October 2004 FrontLine • September/October 2004 17 a safe and reliable automobile, and through a variety of outreaches. athletic tournament (Ping-Pong, (if you are brave) teaching them Day trips to visit local historical soccer, or basketball). Following how to drive. sights and special attractions are a lunch or during the tournament The timeless principle of truth great way to establish relationships awards ceremony the gospel can be recorded in Leviticus 19:34 still and allow for personal evangelism. preached and an invitation given. holds: “But the stranger that English classes to help these new Very often these new international dwelleth with you shall be unto Chinese students (and their spous- students who want to learn about you as one born among you, and es) improve their English vocabu- Christianity and the God of the thou shalt love him as thyself; for lary, comprehension, and conversa- Bible will respond. ye were strangers in the land of tional speech are another means to When asked, many of the Egypt: I am the LORD your God.” get connected and communicate Chinese students will agree to Contact employees at the Bible truth. attend a short (six-to-eight-week) Visit Joppa, Caesara, Mt. Carmel, Sepphoris, and International Students Office on a The holidays are a great point of small group personal Bible Study. Tiberias. Take a boat ride to Capernaum, and see university or college campus and contact. The Chinese New Year is Those interested in Bible truth will Mt. Beatitudes, Cana, Nazareth, and Megiddo. let them know that your church is the most special time of the year for want to continue the study and will Enjoy the beauty of the Sea of Galilee and the available and wants to offer this the Chinese people. A Chinese New often invite friends and neighbors breathtaking view from the Golan Heights. Visit Beit type of practical assistance to the Year banquet is interesting and fun to attend. Typically within a year, Shean, Qumran, Masada, Bethany and Jerusalem. foreign students. E-mail is the most for the American church family and Chinese people will be getting efficient way to get and stay con- will draw many Chinese visitors to saved, and the nucleus for a All hotel accommodations and buffet breakfast nected with the international com- your church who have never before Chinese church will be established. and dinners daily munity. The Chinese (and other heard the gospel. A Thanksgiving Churches can evangelize and nationalities) at most colleges and Day meal or banquet is an excellent disciple students who come from Roundtrip airfare Atlanta (and other major gate- universities have an e-mail list that way to teach the Chinese about the China (or other countries) for ways) to Tel Aviv can be subscribed to and later used spiritual significance of our undergraduate and graduate train- Guided touring in luxury motorcoach and to announce your church’s special American tradition. ing in America by making connec- entrance fees/transfers/porterage events, ministries, and services. An International Saturday at tions and building bridges. You Churches can make connections your church is a practical way to don’t have to go to the other side of Participate in encouraging Bible Study each day and build bridges for evangelism get a large number of international the globe to obey the Great and spend a few life changing days in and around and discipleship with the Chinese students out to your church for a Commission (Matt. 28:19, 20). Galilee and Jerusalem. You will never read visit and a great way to involve the Churches and individuals can the Bible again without seeing in your mind entire congregation in your evangelize and make disciples of where the events happened and the words church’s international outreach. all the nations (and in particular the were written. Depending on your church’s facili- Chinese) right next door on the col- ties (and the size of the internation- lege campus in America. On the day we depart, we will have a brief al community), an International worship service at the Garden Tomb. Day can incorporate a variety of Carl Sebris, formerly International (Chinese) carnival-type games for the chil- Pastor at University Baptist Church in Clemson, South Carolina, now pastors Bible The tour is filling up fast. Call the FrontLine • Brooklyn Headquartered dren, a flea market designed to give Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, Florida. office at 800-376-6856 or e-mail away clothing and other usable • Fundamental [email protected] to sign up or household items to the internation- receive additional information. • Local Church Focused al students and their families, a * David Aikman, Jesus in Beijing (Washington, • Jewish Evangelism Training luncheon on the grounds, and an DC: Regnery Publishing, 2003), 13. $1999 includes $300 reservation fee • Feast Demonstrations (refundable until November 15) • Prophecy Conferences Visa and MasterCard accepted, however, a 3% service charge applies. • Summer Internships for Students

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee...” (Isa. 26:3) P.O. Box 230496 · Brooklyn, NY 11223 (718) 232-8233 Craig Hartman · Director 18 FrontLine • September/October 2004 FrontLine • September/October 2004 1819 On the Home Front INSPIRATION FOR THE PASTOR’S STUDY

FBF NEWS AND EVENTS

Upcoming FBFI October 21–22, 2004 80 Clinton Street New Mexico Satellite Meeting Concord, NH 03301 HOLD FAST THE FORM OF SOUND WORDS—2 TIMOTHY 1:13 Meetings Dr. Dan Mauldin (603) 225-3999 October 4–5, 2004 Grace Baptist Church 2200 N Sullivan Avenue November 11–12, 2004 Mid-America Regional Meeting Farmington, NM 87401 Northern California Regional Dr. Bud Steadman (505) 325-7802 Meeting Community Baptist Church Camp Lucerne 5715 Miami Street November 1–5, 2004 PO Box 487 South Bend, IN 46614 Caribbean Regional Meeting and Lucerne, CA 95458 (574) 291-1884 Fundamentalist Conference Contact Dr. John Mincy First Partaker A meeting of the Pastor’s Roundtable Dr. Johnny Daniels (925) 757-5242 Calvary Baptist Tabernacle on China will convene at this meeting. penetrated nearly every aspect PO Box 3390 “The husbandman Please contact [email protected] for of the civil and religious life of Carolina, PR 00984 The Worthwhile Angels Preparing to Sound that laboreth must more information. the colonies. (787) 750-2227 Company Richard Mather had a hand be first partaker October 18–19, 2004 We are thankful for the many peo- Trumpets in producing the Bay Psalm of the fruits” November 8–9, 2004 ple who subscribe and support South Central Regional Meeting undamentalist seminaries now hold in combination Book, the first volume printed (2 Tim. 2:6) Southern California Regional FrontLine magazine. Some purchase Pastor Larry Karsies Fwhat may be the largest number of ministerial can- in the English colonies. His Meeting the magazine subscription online and Harvest Hills Baptist Church didates ever to be in post-graduate preparation for min- son, Increase, pastored what Camp Ironwood then notice a charge from the 9713 N County Line Road istering to Fundamental churches. It’s a truly encourag- was called the Second or North Church in Boston from 49191 Cherokee Road Worthwhile Company. The Worthwhile Yukon, OK 73099 ing prospect. 1664 to 1723 and was, in addition, president of Newberry Springs, CA 92365 Company is the service that FrontLine (405) 721-1920 Most of these younger men appear to be inquiring Harvard College for seventeen of those years. He was (760) 257-3503 uses to process credit card orders and earnestly into philosophy of ministry. Some of their also appointed as the special envoy of the October 18–19, 2004 (760) 272-1350 to maintain the FBFI website. Each most probing questions have to do with preaching. Not Massachusetts Colony to secure a new charter from Contact: Ron Smith time a charge is contested, a $25 Wyoming Satellite Meeting merely its style, but primarily its substance. What con- England after the Glorious Revolution of 1689. And [email protected] charge is levied against the maga- Pastor Ron Van Hee tent ought they be preparing to preach? he’s credited with being largely responsible for putting zine. Please help us curtail these fees Grace Baptist Church It’s no new question. It’s evidently been asked since an end to New England’s notorious executions for November 9, 2004 by noticing the name of our service Box 1322 (Walnut at Willow) at least New Testament times. Paul himself had to witchcraft. Northeast Regional Meeting provider. If you have any questions, Rock Springs, WY 82901 defend to the Corinthians his deliberate choice of cer- But the most illustrious of the Mathers proved to be Trinity Baptist Church please call the home office. (307) 382-4532 tain themes. Increase’s first child, Cotton, born in 1663 and named Since the question of preaching content has been after his maternal grandfather, the powerful-preaching asked many times before, there are also answers that John Cotton. “If ever Father had a particular faith for a have been given before. I’d like to use this column to child, then I had so for that child,” Increase testified. “I let one of our earliest American preachers express his could with assurance say, ‘God has blessed him, yea, duce convictions. But before doing so, I’ll need to intro and He shall be blessed.’” . him sufficiently to magnify his view Cotton was a child prodigy. As a young boy he read fifteen chapters of Scripture a day. By the age of eleven A Line of Preachers he had read various Latin authors, much of the Greek The pieces of early New England history that can New Testament, and precociously begun his own truly be called important are threaded through for near- Hebrew grammar. Speaking Latin fluently by his early ly a century by the stout cord of three generations of a teens, he would take down sermon notes in that eccle- family named Mather. Beginning with Richard, a siastical tongue while Increase preached in English. At Puritan exile from England who settled in fifteen he graduated from Harvard. Massachusetts to pastor a church in Dorchester for thir- In 1685, when just twenty-two, Cotton was ordained ty-three years, the extended Mather family’s influence and installed as joint pastor with his father of North Church. With its three galleries and regular attendance of 1500 to 2000 persons, North Church ministered to Inside nearly one-half of Boston’s 17th-century population. It Bring . . . the Books—Key books for the pastor’s study ...... 5 was the largest, most influential congregation in Straight Cuts—An exegetical study ...... 6 America. Yet, within three years, the young minister’s Windows—Themed sermon illustrations ...... 7 earnest living, faithful pastoring, and searching preach-

FrontLine • September/October 2004 1 20 FRONTLINE PASTOR’S INSERT • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 ing so commended themselves that the church entrust- Chief of Authors preaching “the unsearchable riches of Christ” he referred I pass on to advise you that the subjects of ed itself into his care alone when Increase was called Despite the demands of a large ministry and the to as the “solemnest work in the world.” To prepare for your sermons be well chosen so that you do the away for his four years of chartering work in England. anxious distractions of persecution and troubles, it, he resolved three days after his ordination that part of a prudent and faithful steward who dis- penses to everyone their food in season. You Cotton Mather somehow found time to become one of It should be my care, that on the close of every Ministry Blessed, Life Troubled America’s most published authors. His own library, would do well to go through the whole body of Mather pastored and preached at North Church for Saturday, the Sabbath find me engaged in some divinity, in a proper method, and therein declare numbering well over seven thousand volumes at his over forty years until his death in 1728. His ministry was fixed meditation on the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh! the whole counsel of God. There are also some death, was judged to be the largest in America. As the blessed with conversions. His preaching on special occa- That I might know Him, love Him, serve Him, now rich portions and paragraphs of the sacred scrip- fruit of his tireless research Mather published 388 sions was eagerly solicited by other churches. He was more than ever! My affectionate thoughts in this tures wherein the Spirit of God lays together an works, the most enduring of which has proven to be a way upon Him will very much befriend me in my deemed one of the best, if not the chief, of New admirable variety of important subjects which church history of early New England entitled doing so. And besides, my preparations for His day, England’s preachers. you would do well to handle in the order where- Magnalia Christi Americana, or The Great Works of will hereby be very much assisted. But his life was one unending trial. Warrants were in he has provided them for you. But that you Christ in America. issued for his arrest, enemies threatened his life, young In this matter of knowing and preaching Christ, may be led from time to time unto such subjects It is another of his works that has given rise to this col- people rioted outside his house and mocked his preach- Mather excelled even beyond all his other virtues. as may best answer the designs with which your umn, however. Published just two years before his death ing, and terrible slanders were publicized about his Since his youth he had lived “in an eminent manner in ministry is to be carried on, you must have your (1726) and titled Student and Preacher, it was the old pas- morals. His first wife, Abigail, bore nine children, but the Mount with God,” a friend recalled after his pass- eyes ever towards the Lord, and with solemn sup- tor’s effort to pass on over forty years of ministerial expe- five died in their youth. A sixth, Nancy, fell into a fire ing. His advice on forming sermons filled with Christ is plications look up to Him who ministereth seed rience to the next generation of evangelical preachers. In to the sower. and was terribly burned on the right side of her face and what all this background has been leading up to. Here’s his subtitle, Mather expressed his view of their prepara- arm. Sixteen years into the marriage, Abigail herself the counsel of this patriarch of the American pulpit, tions gloriously, referring to them in the words of St. John expired after a painful, lingering illness. At her bedside edited out of his chapter, “The Pulpit and Its Glorious as The Angels Preparing to Sound the Trumpets. that last morning the grieving husband took her hand, Work.” My copy of Mather’s counsel is an edition republished “a dear hand, the dearest in all the world.” And then, as in 1781 by John Ryland of Northampton, England. John “Your sermon must also be such that an act of resignation to God’s will he “gently put her out The Pulpit and Its Glorious Work Ryland Sr. both pastored and kept a boarding school. of my hands, and laid away a most lovely hand, resolved you may hope to have the blood of John Ryland Jr. joined his father as co-pastor in the year You are coming into an employment among the that I would never touch it anymore.” Mather spoke of my edition was published (1781). He was the minister people of God in which I wish you may prove to be your Savior sprinkled on it and His it as the “hardest and perhaps the bravest action that who, on October 5, 1783, officiated at what we now like the angel in Revelation, that came down from good Spirit breathing in it. A sermon ever I did,” but confided to his diary that he “had never Heaven and the earth was enlightened with glory. I know was a significant baptismal service. He recorded in seen such a black day in all the time of my pilgrimage.” am now going to bring you into the pulpit. I hope his journal, “This day baptised a poor journeyman shoe- likewise it must be that shall reveal you will ascend it (as Luther says he always did!) maker.” The “shoemaker” was William Carey. with a trembling soul. you to be a workman.” The Rylands taught men to hold the ministry in high The first thing which I have to demand of you esteem. “The office of the Christian ministry rightly Ryland explained that “amongst all is that you will entertain the people of God with Let me particularly commend one piece of the various books which have been understood,” they wrote, “is the most honorable and nothing but well-studied sermons. Employ nothing direction to you, which is that you would be so important that any man in the whole world can ever but well-beaten oil for the lamps of the golden can- well stocked beforehand as never to be at a loss written for the use of students of sustain. It will be one of the wonders and employments dlestick. Heaven forbid that you should be one of what subject your studies are to proceed upon. of eternity to consider the reasons why the wisdom and those pitiful persons who uses other men’s sermons From the lack of this provision, how often have I divinity and Christian preachers, I goodness of God assigned this office to imperfect and rather than making your own. It is true that the known a preacher spend almost as much time in know of none equal to it.” guilty man!” compositions of them who have gone before you determining what subject he should preach upon It was this high estimation that provoked the elder may be of use to supply you with useful hints. Let as he did in making a sermon upon it. And here I Ryland to reissue Mather’s Angels Preparing to Sound the that be as men please. But this I insist upon. That cannot go any further until I have given you my A second marriage, to Elizabeth Clark, produced six Trumpets. Ryland explained that “amongst all the vari- when you are to preach, you should go directly from sentiments upon something that calls for a great more children. Four of these died. Elizabeth too died in ous books which have been written for the use of stu- your knees in your study to your pulpit. And when consideration with you. November 1713, ten days after giving birth to the last dents of divinity and Christian preachers, I know of you are thus on your knees in your study, you Among all the subjects with which you feed of them. In one of his notebooks Mather wrote out the none equal to it.” should bewail the faulty defects in your life which the people of God, I beseech you not to let the names of all his children and then beside the list, Perhaps the primary emphases in Mather’s book was the subject you are treating should lead you to a true bread of life be forgotten. Exhibit as much recorded the terrible tally. “Of 15, Dead 9, Living 6.” one with which he himself had been deeply impressed penitent confession of. You ought also to humbly as you can of a glorious Christ unto them. Yea, Yet he recorded, “O my dear Savior, if thou shalt be from the time of his ordination. On that solemn occa- bewail it that your sermon is no better fitted for the let the motto upon your whole ministry be— most glorified, by my having this taken from me, I sion, he had been formally extended the right hand of awful service that is before you. Christ is all. resign it, I forego it, I am content and willing to be ministerial fellowship by John Eliot, who had by this Your sermon must also be such that you may It has been among the grievous things which without it.” This resignation would continue to be sore- time been a missionary to the North American Indians hope to have the blood of your Savior sprinkled on I have seen in the days of my pilgrimage that in it and His good Spirit breathing in it. A sermon ly tested through his remaining years. Four of the last for over fifty years. As the veteran grasped the younger some of the most celebrated sermons which we likewise it must be that shall reveal you to be a six children would also predecease him, leaving him man’s hand, Eliot asked searchingly, “Brother, art thou a have seen published Christ is not so much as workman. It also should be like the peace offerings once mentioned. Or He is not one tenth so often with just two (Nancy and Samuel) at the time of his lover of the Lord Jesus Christ?” At Cotton’s humble of old. These were oblations in which the people of mentioned as He is in only the first ten verses of own home-going fifteen years later. At his funeral, the affirmative, the aged missionary responded, “Then, I God had their share, but which were actually pre- the first epistle to the Corinthians. I make no testimony was given that “scarce any on earth have pray, feed His lambs.” sented unto the glorious God himself. How such doubt of it, that the almost epidemical extinc- gone thro’ such a great variety and constant succession Mather came to view feeding the lambs as primarily a qualities as these can be compatible with stolen ser- tion of true Christianity in the nations that pro- of extraordinary trials.” matter of telling them about their Shepherd. This mons I cannot imagine! fess it is very much owing to the inexcusable

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impiety of overlooking a glorious Christ in the Savior in order that they may be forgiven and how To the Golden Shore: empty harangues which often pass for sermons. to lay hold on His righteousness in order that they Bring . . . the Books The Life of Adoniram Judson The Holy Spirit forever aims at nothing more, may be accepted with God. Show people how to than what our Savior has declared in that word, overcome and mortify and crucify their evil remember the first time I picked up a copy of Courtney there were ten Burmese con- He will glorify me. That Holy Spirit withdraws appetites by repairing to the cross of our Savior. “. . . when from the ministry which has in it little concern Show them how to derive strength from Him for IAnderson’s biography of Adoniram Judson, father of verts to form a church. Falsely thou comest, to glorify Christ, and it is therefore an unsuccess- the doing and bearing of all that they are called the American missionary movement. I have read biog- arrested in wartime as a foreign ful ministry. unto. Gospelize to them all the commandments of raphies of Edwards, Whitefield, Mueller, Brainerd, spy, Judson spent several bring with thee What I wish for and urge you to is this. That the Law and show them how to obey upon the prin- Lloyd-Jones, Hudson Taylor, and others. Never have I months in the notorious . . . the books” your knowledge of the mystery of Christ may con- ciples of the Gospel. With a strong application been as profoundly moved by the presentation of a life as “Death Prison” in Ava, during (2 Tim. 4:13) spicuously shine in your sermons. That it may be study the covenant of grace and let the Spirit of I was by this book. First printed in 1956, it was reprint- which time their third child, esteemed by you as a matchless grace given you that covenant animate and regulate all your per- ed by Judson Press in 1987 to honor the 175th anniver- Maria, was born. Not long that you may preach the unsearchable riches of formances when you bless the Lord in the congre- sary of the Judsons’ departure for Burma. after, Judson’s wife succumbed to fever and died fourteen Christ unto the world. The heavens do praise the gation. In these truths there are the articles in Raised in the home of a Congregational minister, years after first sailing on the Caravan; their child Maria wonder. The angels in the heavens are swallowed which the church either stands or falls. They will Adoniram at first rejected the faith that he would later followed within six months. up in the praises of that wondrous One! Be like be the life of your ministry. The power of godliness spend his life sharing with the Burmese people. He had Adoniram “began to understand that his real motive them—never so much in your element as when cannot be maintained without them. The loss of been taught the Scriptures from his boyhood. in becoming a missionary had been ambition—ambi- the person, the offices, the benefits, the example, these truths will render the ministry insipid and However, his early love for the Bible was shaken dur- tion to be the first American foreign missionary, the the abasement, and advancement of a glorious unfruitful and procure this complaint about the ing his college years by a close friendship formed with first missionary to Burma, the first translator of the Christ are the subjects of your sermons. Yea, reck- shepherd—that he has not strengthened the dis- Jacob Eames of Belfast, Maine. A committed Deist, Bible into Burmese, first in his own eyes and in the eyes on that the truth is not well discerned, nor the eased neither brought up again that which was Eames influenced Adoniram to become as great an of men.” This subtle spiritual pride masked the ugly word of truth well divided, until you have the driven away. unbeliever as he was. At nineteen Adoniram set forth “lust to excel.” He began giving away all his posses- truth as it is in Jesus. He is that light of God in About the way of studying a sermon, I which you will see light and every other truth will exhort you that all be done in a spirit of piety for Boston and eventually ended up in New York to sions, stopped the work in which he had taken so much be set in its true light before you. and very prayerfully carried on. It is no more pursue his dream of a career in theater. Like the prodi- pride—the translation of the Old Testament into In every particle of the treatises which you than what the nature and intent of the service gal son in a far-off land, young Adoniram soon found Burmese—and absented himself from social company. bring into the assemblies of Zion, ponder upon highly calls for. himself living, as he himself described it, “a reckless, He finally had a grave dug in the jungle and sat beside this. What aspect a glorious Christ has upon the First, look up to heaven with dependence upon vagabond life.” Finally, disgusted and heartsick at it for days meditating on the death of what was hidden truth now before you. Let your hearers be made a glorious Christ. Look for His influences and assis- what he had become, he left New York for home. On in his heart. Yet for all his self-denial, seclusion, and sensible of it. Yea, whatever point you are upon, tances to carry you through what you have in hand. his way he lodged at an inn in a small village beyond sacrifice, the inner peace he sought eluded him. He ask, “What is there in my Savior which this Whenever you return to study after any interrup- Plymouth. The only room available was next to the found that God was in the process of breaking His ser- point leads me to think upon?” If you preach on tion, repeat those invocations with fresh elevations room of a young man who was critically ill and dying. vant in order to make him most usable. the evil of sin and the miseries of man fallen by of your eyes to Him from Whom comes all your Throughout the night he could hear the sounds of Before his death in 1850, Adoniram translated the sin, carry your hearers to their mighty and only help. Say, “O my God and Savior, without thee I agony and distress coming from the adjacent room, Bible into Burmese and completed the monumental task Savior. When you preach on the duties of a godly can do nothing. Help me, help me! Send forth thy and he was troubled with thoughts of death and where of compiling an English-Burmese dictionary. Scores of and sober and righteous life, carry your hearers to light and thy truth unto me!” it would take him. Then he thought of what his Burmese had come to know the Lord as a result of their Savior, not only as affording a pattern for And when you have finished a paragraph of a friend, Jacob Eames, would say: he imagined Eames’ Judson’s life and ministry before he was called home by all those things, but also as offering to live and sermon, I wish it might be a frequent practice with laughter and felt ashamed. The next morning, Judson the One who had called him to Burma. act and work in them as the principle of life by you to make a pause over it and get it into your discovered that the man in the next room had died What affected me most in reading this story of his life which alone they can live unto God. Be a star to heart. I mean, get your heart suitably touched with during the night—a young man named Jacob Eames. was his utter abandonment of everything that I hold lead men unto their Savior, and stop not until what you have prepared and cast it into the mold of This experience led Adoniram back to the faith of his dear in my life in order to obey the call of God in tak- you see them there. sanctifying truths by such confessions and petitions father and, more importantly, to a personal relation- ing the gospel to a people who, for the most part, did Be assured of this, the infinite Son of God is as you may dart up to Heaven upon. To feel what ship with Jesus Christ. not seem to want it! He willingly surrendered to God ineffably dear to His eternal Father. And our you speak. How wondrously will it qualify you to be Adoniram became convinced that God had called those things that I hold most tightly from God—wife, Savior has given us this assurance, If any man a lively preacher! him to invest his life as a missionary. After marriage, family, children, ministry success. This willingness did serve me, him will my Father honor. If you set the Judsons set sail for India accompanied by another not come easily. yourself above all things, to glorify the Christ of As the Stars Forever God, and affect yourself and others with His— Mather concluded his exhortations to young couple, Samuel and Harriet Newell. None of them Not all are called to make Judson’s sacrifices; however, how great the goodness and beauty! If you will use preachers in the following poignant words: “And knew the testings that lay ahead. The Judsons’ first his life stands as an example of what we should all be in all the methods you can devise that He may be now, go thy way, O thou son greatly beloved; and child was born dead on board ship and buried at sea. our heart with willingness to God. I would urge you to exalted and be extolled and be very high, you will work in thy lot lively and prayerfully and cheerfully Roger was born to them and brought them brief get a copy of the book, set apart a weekend, secrete your- be taken in among the favorites of Heaven and be to the end of thy days. And wait and look for what respite from their grief. However, during a time when self away from the routines of life, and get alone with a man greatly beloved. the glorious Lord will do for thee at the end of thy Adoniram himself was suffering the debilitating God to read the story of this great servant. May his spir- Show people how to plead the sacrifice of our days, in those endless joys wherein thou shalt shine effects of fever, young Roger became ill and died with- it infuse our hearts as we seek to invest our life for God as the brightness of the firmament and as the stars in two days. The account of his death and their loss with the same abandon as he. forever and ever.” is heart-wrenching. Dr. Mark Minnick is pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in It took six long years of tireless labor before they saw Greenville, South Carolina. How could any preaching philosophy be any more Dr. Sam Horn is Executive Vice President of Northland Baptist Bible College in unarguably Scriptural? their first Burmese convert. It was two more years before Dunbar, Wisconsin.

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Straight Cuts Windows Attitude in a Time of Crisis

was attitude, which the dictionary “To every preacher of fast toward God. He is fixed in “Rightly n 2 Kings 6 we find Israel in a time of great crisis. The Double-Minded Man: his dedication and commit- IThere was a famine in Samaria, and the city was defines as “a mental position or righteousness as well ment to God. James is not dividing besieged by the armies of Ben-hadad, the king of Syria. state of mind regarding a person, as to Noah, wisdom Wavering Faith or Wavering requiring strong faith. God will the Word People were at the point of starvation, and the king of place or thing.” gives the command, ‘A honor even a timid faith, if it of Truth” Israel blamed Elisha the prophet for the situation and The French artist Renoir suf- window shalt thou fered a great deal from rheuma- Dedication? is offered in the spirit of the (2 Tim. 2:15) threatened to behead him. In chapter 7 we find five make in the ark.’” father in Mark 9:24. But the attitudes toward the crisis. tism. Holding up his arms, stand- noncommitment of the double-minded man under- ing for hours, and clasping his Charles Spurgeon n the midst of trials, Christians often lack the wisdom The attitude of Elisha (verse 1): Something will be mines his faith completely. brush became increasingly painful Ito think and act correctly. That is why James 1:5 says, done. The wavering person is “like a wave of the sea, driv- for him; nevertheless, he contin- “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that The attitude of the lord on whose hand the king en with the wind and tossed.” Like a wave he is always ued painting though he had to do it in a chair. A friend giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it leaned (verse 2): Nothing can be done. responding instead of acting. He is never fixed, steady, who knew of his suffering commented, “You have done shall be given him.” Wisdom comes from God, who The attitude of four lepers (verse 3): Something sure. He is always moving about, depending upon what enough already, Renoir. Why do you continue to tor- gives it upon request, just as He did for Solomon (1 must be done. is pushing him. This instability is the consistent char- ture yourself?” The famous artist looked at his friend for Kings 3:5–15). James gives four encouragements in The attitude of the king of Israel (verse 12): acteristic of the double-minded. a long moment and replied, “The pain passes, but the verse 5 for asking God for wisdom. First, God gives it Skepticism over what was done. Verse 7 reminds the reader, “Let not that man think beauty remains.” This kind of attitude can be helpful to “to all men,” showing no favoritism. Second, God gives The attitude of the king’s servants (verse 13): Let’s that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.” The waver- every Christian. Pain and sorrow may come, but when it “liberally.” Third, God “upbraideth not” in the giv- go and see what’s been done. er has no basis to suppose that God will give him any- the desire for service of eternal value is strong, the bear- ing. Finally, God promises that “it shall be given him.” thing he has requested. Again, this is very strong lan- These same attitudes are present in many of the crises er treats his pains as temporary setbacks, never as stop Verse 6 defines how the asking is to be done: “But let guage to use of someone who merely has a timid faith. we face today. When only the attitudes of the lord and signs. The pain passes, but the beauty remains. him ask in faith, nothing wavering.” Why? First, He is speaking of someone who is not really sold out to king prevail, there is usually disaster. The attitudes of A young mother with four small children was aban- because “he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driv- God fundamentally. “That man” won’t get anything Elisha, the lepers, and the king’s servants contribute doned by her husband. She was left with no visible way en with the wind and tossed.” Second, because (verse from God. He will not have his answer, no matter how greatly to overcoming the crisis. to support herself. When she appeared before the court, 7) the waverer should “not . . . think that he shall small a request he makes. Some years ago a sports magazine carried an article the judge asked, “Do you have any means of support at receive any thing of the Lord.” This doubting waverer In verse 8 James offers two additional descriptions of about a major league baseball team manager who was all?” “Well, your Honor,” she answered. “I have three, is a “double minded man” and, as such, “is unstable in the doubter. He is double-minded, and he is unstable. To successful in turning mediocre players into major to tell the truth.” “Three!” exclaimed the judge. “What all his ways” (v. 8). The believer can always depend on be double-minded literally means to be “two-souled.” league stars. The story included a picture of the man are they?” “My God, my health, and my hands,” she God, but he must be completely devoted to God before James, in typical Jewish fashion, alludes to the command standing in front of a chalkboard teaching his players. replied. The mother was poor in possessions, but rich in he should expect an answer to his prayers. of God in the Law that Israel was to be “whole-souled” He was not in the process of showing them how to wisdom. Though hoping for a better situation in the Some assume that the problem addressed in verses (see Deut. 6:5; 10:12; 11:13; 13:3; and 30:6). The fellow catch a ball, how to throw it, or how to hit it. Neither future, she still planned to carry on with what she had 6–8 is a weak and wavering faith, a timid faith. But in James 1:6–8 is not single-souled. He has a divided alle- was he explaining to them the fine details of sliding available at the present. She recognized her present James’s language indicates that he is going much deep- giance. James is going to use the term again when he says into home plate. Instead he was calling their attention assets, and this one ability kept her from despair. We all er than that. The person who cannot ask in faith dur- in 4:8, “purify your hearts, ye double minded.” The dou- to a list of personal qualities of successful people. The could benefit greatly from this kind of confident atti- ing a time of trial is someone who lacks real dedication ble-minded man’s attachment to other things in the article said that the list was not original with the man- tude. “What’s the best I can do with what I have?” is a to God. The trial itself has turned his heart to God, but place of God makes his heart impure. ager, but he had secured it from one of America’s largest much better question than, “Why can’t I have more?” immediately he faces the reality that he cannot pray in As a result of his double-mindedness he is “unstable industrial firms, which used it in the training program One leads to joy, the other to despair. faith because he knows that he is not completely devot- in all his ways.” This would not be true of the commit- for its employees. The points listed were initiative, A lot of people chuckled when they spoke about the ed to God and to His will. His faith wavers because he ted Christian who just has a timid faith. “An inconsis- thoroughness, concentration, observation, imagina- elderly town eccentric. “He does nothing much but is double-minded. tency of life results necessarily from the dissension of tion, decision, adaptability, leadership, organizing abil- walk around town in those baggy bib overalls,” they’d James states the condition for coming to God positively spirit, the divided heart. . . . Hesitation, inconsistency, ity, expression, and knowledge, but the quality that say. “Even though he’s been retired for years, he has his and negatively. We must positively ask in faith. varying purpose and effort exhibit themselves every- topped the list was attitude. If attitude is so vital that a pockets stuffed with tools and he carries his old oil Negatively, we must not waver. Asking in faith means ask- where in his life” (Johnstone). large corporation believes it to be the first qualification can.” But once the old man had passed their way, they ing with dependence upon God, submission to His will, If in the course of trial a believer needs wisdom, he of success, and if it can help to change a poor ball play- spoke of him with admiration. Whenever he went trust in His Word, and an expectation of response. All of can confidently go to God for it, being persuaded of er into a great one, then this same quality must also be through a door that creaked, he applied a little of his oil these things will be in the mind of the confident asker. His impartiality, liberality, charity, and fidelity. But if important in the Christian life. The New York Times on its hinges. If a gate was hard to open, he would oil James adds “nothing wavering.” This verb refers to a he is an uncommitted Christian, then the trials are once carried the results of a survey on what employers the latch. If a lock was broken or loose, his tools division of mind between two options or opinions. A designed to purge the world out of him. Such were looking for in their employees. What do you think became busy. All over town he repaired little things waverer is one who vacillates, one who “[halts] between Christians cannot have faith because their divided was at the top of the list? It wasn’t rank in their gradu- that needed attention. And he never asked for praise or two opinions (1 Kings 18:21). A person who asks in mind keeps them from being confident of God’s ating class. It wasn’t their degrees. It wasn’t background pay. Someone who paid him tribute said, “He went faith without doubting is a person whose heart is stead- acceptance. They must do what is required to ask in or experience. It wasn’t even their ability to communi- through life lubricating the hard places, and making it faith, and that is to devote themselves utterly, without cate. Although all these things may be important, the easier for those who came after him.” This is what help- Bud Talbert pastors Foundation Baptist Church in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. condition or reservation, to God. quality that concerned employers most in the survey ing is all about—softening the blows of sorrow, pain,

6 FRONTLINE PASTOR’S INSERT • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 FRONTLINE PASTOR’S INSERT • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 7 financial loss, and disappointment that others bear. So no wonder that God says “envy [is] the rottenness of many lives need repairs. Those who have the tools and the bones” (Prov. 14:30). If you are possessed by an the know-how must see them as gifts to be spread about attitude of envy, kill it before it kills you. by an attitude of helpfulness. A woman complained to a friend who was visiting An ultimate act of unselfish giving occurred once at her that her next-door neighbor was a poor house- a service base hospital. In one ward lay an American keeper, her children were dirty, and her yard was a soldier facing blindness. Both of his eyes had been mess. She confessed that she felt disgraced even injured in a shrapnel explosion. Two beds away lay a living near her. “Just look,” she said, “There’s an or decades we Americans have been invoking God’s blessing on sailor with an injured leg. When he learned of the sol- example of what I mean. Look at those black our nation through the song “God Bless America.” I remember my dier’s plight, he insisted on giving him the cornea of his streaks up and down her sheets and pillow cases on teachers in the public elementary school I attended in Orange right eye. “Then we’ll both be able to see,” he said. the line.” Weary of all the criticism she had just FCounty, California, regularly leading our classes in that song. Members When the two men were rolled out to the operating heard, the visitor could not keep silent. “It appears of our Congress sang it on the steps of the Capitol shortly after 9/11. room, the ward burst with cheers. Opportunities for to me, my friend, that the clothes are perfectly Around the same time thousands of Germans in Berlin gathered at the such heroic giving are rare, yet every day there are clean and that the streaks you see are on your own Brandenburg Gate, graciously singing in English the song that they opportunities to give a part of ourselves to someone window.” Who is without fault? No one. How dare thought we would want to hear during our national dismay, “God Bless who needs it. It may be no more than a kind word or a we have such a critical attitude when we ourselves America.” Several other nations did the same. letter written at the right time. It may be only a hand- so often offend? The apostle Paul said, “Therefore Anyone who has spent time in the USA and in other countries can bear clasp. Gracious giving results from the heart and head thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art witness that the Lord has answered that song’s petition. As Americans, we acting together in an attitude of sharing. The impor- that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou Tony Fox live in a time and context of unprecedented resources that God has blessed tant thing about any gift is the amount of ourselves we condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the us with. No nation in the history of this put into it. Someone once said, “The best present is same things” (Rom. 2:1). planet has enjoyed or is enjoying the tied with the heartstrings.” H. Gordon Selfridge of England was the builder and wealth and technological capabilities A tourist in a small village ventured outdoors on a owner of one of the world’s largest department stores. which enable us to travel, communicate, dreary, rainy morning. He chanced upon a shepherd. When interviewed and asked the secret of his success, build, manufacture, and so on with rela- Attempting to be friendly, he asked, “What do you he revealed, “I succeeded by being a leader, not a tive lightning speed. At the same time, think the weather will be the rest of the day?” The boss.” Then he added his own comparison of the two because of our incomparable number of shepherd answered, “It will be what weather pleases types of executives. “The boss drives his men; the Bible colleges, Christian universities, me.” “What do you mean by that?” the traveler leader coaches them. The boss inspires fear; the leader seminaries, conferences, and printing and asked. “Sir, it shall be what weather pleases God,” he inspires enthusiasm. The boss says, ‘I’; the leader, ‘we.’ audio abilities, we American Christians replied, “and what weather pleases God pleases me.” The boss fixes the blame for the breakdown; the enjoy a widespread level of Bible teaching What an attitude of contentment! Many Christians leader fixes the breakdown. The boss says, ‘Go’; the that finds no parallel since the birth of the accept God’s will if the circumstances appeal to leader says, ‘Let’s go.’” Leaders in churches, schools church at Pentecost almost 2000 years them. A few live in a state of cheerful acceptance and families could benefit from the merchant’s rules ago. The combination of these and other and receive the blessings that come with willing con- for success. The leader who inspires his associates blessings bring us to an evident supposi- formity to the will of God. reaps the benefits of having workers with abilities tion: we American believers have The history books tell us of great athletic feats charged to maximum effectiveness by willing atti- unprecedented capacity to carry out our accomplished by the early Greeks. One year, a youth tudes. Are you a leader, placed in authority over at Lord’s Great Commission to make disci- so distinguished himself in the Olympic Games that least one person? Are you willing to work as hard as ples of all nations! In other words, instead his fellow citizens in a burst of appreciation raised you expect that person to work? Do you fill others of interpreting God’s unmatched material enough money to commission a beautiful statue to be with the desire to do each day’s work well? and informational blessings on us as sim- made of him. In this way they hoped to signify and Because of the housing shortage near the military ply for us to enjoy, we are obliged to look perpetuate the victory. But the statue incited the base where he was stationed, a young doctor, his wife, for a Great Commission purpose for all intense envy that already smoldered in the heart of and three children had to live in a hotel in cramped this blessing. another youth whom the hero had defeated several quarters. A friend said to the doctor’s six-year-old China’s Great Commission times. So one night, the jealous youth decided to daughter, “Isn’t it too bad that you don’t have a Potential destroy the reminder of another’s victory. After excru- home?” The little girl replied cheerfully, “Oh, we ciating, prolonged effort, he succeeded in pushing it have a home. We just don’t have a house to put it in.” One potential place for the increasing off the center of its pedestal. But then it fell, and it fell She was wiser in her attitude than many adults are. spread of the gospel is China. We are facing the prospect of the largest one- toward him and crushed him to death. Envy is a killer. Many see possessions and several thousand square time opening of a people group in the history of the Great Commission. The Sometimes the stress of excessive envy does batter a feet of building as a home. But ask someone wise and sheer size of China (1.3 billion people, or 1/5 of the world’s population) is body and contribute to its death. Always, envy deals a he will say, “Home is where love, understanding, for- itself an attention-grabber. Within this huge population, the Lord has moved death blow to a person’s spiritual vitality. No man can giveness, safety, and joy are; and a large house and mightily over the past five decades, almost entirely without help from the hate his brother and love God at the same time. It is many possessions are but a curse if the real building Western church. The wrath of Mao Zedong and relentless Communist per- materials of the family are missing.” Parents, what is secution fanned the flame of the gospel over those fifty-some years to pro- it that you are spending the most energy on—your duce a group of underground believers that by some estimates now num- Dr. David Yearick is Pastor Emeritus at Hampton Park Baptist Church in house or your home? ber over 80 million. The leaders of these believers are very desirous of Greenville, South Carolina. receiving from us Western Christians ministerial training, which has been close to nonexistent in the past. 8 FRONTLINE PASTOR’S INSERT • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 FrontLine • September/October 2004 21 However, there is another attention-grabbing dynamic Our Supporting Role happened in Eastern Europe: running in the back of the to network. The result is disconcerting as, once again, the taking place in China. When I first visited China in the sum- Perhaps the Lord’s purpose for heaping unprecedented pack concerning missions work in China. What’s at stake is main share of influence on the already existing churches mer of 2000, I was expecting to see the same residue of resources upon us 21st-century American Christians at this having an influence on the already existing churches. Lying has fallen to the more coordinated and networked New Communism that I had noticed when I first arrived as a mis- time is so we may assist our brethren in China by prepar- on my desk are printouts of missionary activity in China Evangelical and Charismatic groups. sionary in Eastern Europe in 1992: a generally slow work ing them for their potentially breathtaking role in fulfill- from the websites of the Southern Baptist Convention, the The need to recognize and learn from these mistakes and ethic, thinking steeped in tradition and dictatorial leader- ing the Great Commission. If what happened in Eastern National Presbyterian Church, and even something called approach China differently has motivated some who have ship. I found out that China is surprisingly different. While Europe during the past decade is any indicator, these the Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM). The LHM website been engaged in Fundamental missionary work in Eastern entering the southern city of Donguan, a city of 4 million, I Chinese Christians will carry with them whichever minis- claims that beginning in 1990 “LHM has worked intensive- Europe and/or China to meet together and begin dialoging. was taken aback by the shiny, modern-looking buildings. terial philosophy they are trained in by Western long- and ly . . . [with] China’s 1.2 billion people throughout the This initial meeting was labeled the China Round Table Forum. When I remarked on this to my Chinese host, he informed short-term missionaries. Mainland” and that LHM “has generated a number of suc- The discussions and resultant recommendations of that forum me that three years ago Donguan was all farmland. It was We Fundamentalists, however, need to learn from past cessful programs.” The site goes on to say that “nearly 1.5 led to a second meeting which served as a think tank between permitted to engage in a free-market economy, and this mod- missions experiences in pre-Communist China and, more million audiocassettes have been produced and distributed. likeminded schools and included administrators and missions ern, gleaming city was the result. As we drove on, I made recently, in Eastern Europe as it emerged from Communism. These cassettes include Christian sermons, a 12-cassette directors from eight seminaries, Christian universities, and another remark about the number of BMWs I was seeing on The great mistake in pre-Communist China came from the teaching series based on the Apostles’ Creed, [etc.].” These Bible colleges. The general conclusions of these meetings was the streets. My Chinese host laughed and replied, “Most of West’s failure to indigenize the churches they planted. and other groups are the ones directly or indirectly influ- that Fundamental churches, mission boards, and schools these [car owners] are former farmers—they don’t know Missionaries built Western-style churches but developed lit- encing the theology and ministerial philosophy of the should meet together and look for ways to act cooperatively in how to read!” In three years those people took that opportu- tle Chinese leadership. The church never became truly underground Chinese church. Future Chinese missionaries order to provide a networked approach to China. nity and, with their natural industriousness, performed an Chinese until Mao Zedong, who ironically claimed to have from the myriad of churches will carry the theology and The representatives who attended these two meetings economic wonder! Now those former farmers drive BMWs a “mandate from heaven,” came along. His atheistic, ministerial philosophy in which they have been trained. locked hearts and minds together in recognition that the and shop at the Super Wal-Mart in Donguan! Communist revolution demolished Western church build- They are poised to go throughout the extremely populous astronomical missionary potential of China is bigger than Several other cities affected me the same way. From ings, chased foreign missionaries out of the country, and area of the world that we commonly call the 10/40 Window, all of us and requires something unprecedented among Donguan I traveled to forced Chinese Christ- affecting who knows how many millions as they take the Fundamental churches, mission boards, and schools—a Shanghai, a former fishing ians to go underground gospel westward back toward Jerusalem, the stated destina- cooperative, networked approach. town that is now a sky- A quick browse on the Internet into their own homes. tion of many underground Chinese churches. Our goal is simple: to hear our Master say, “Well done!” scraper megalopolis of But the real God of A second mistake in Eastern Europe was that we when we stand before Him and give an account of how over 13 million. A few reveals that we Fundamentalists Heaven demonstrated Fundamentalists lacked coordination among ourselves. we utilized the unprecedented resources with which God days later I traveled with His power by turning Working separately in different areas of Eastern Europe, has blessed us. Tom and Selva Kweder on currently are headed for a repeat of Mao Zedong’s evil we kept reinventing the wheel rather than building off of Dr. Tony Fox is Vice President of Academic Affairs at Northland Baptist a train to central China. actions into a blessing. each other’s work and experience. By and large, we failed Bible College. After arriving in the town what happened in Eastern Europe: The newly formed house of Yichang, our Chinese churches meshed natu- host took us to see the running in the back of the pack . . . rally with the Chinese largest construction proj- people’s emphasis on the ect in human history: the family. The result was a Three Gorges Dam on the non-Western, genuinely Christian Yangtze River. I’ve seen a Chinese church that Academy lot of manmade things all spread like wildfire over Dublin, New Hampshire over Europe and America, the next five decades. but none of them come Our learning from what Day Students, K–12 close to the enormity of the Three Gorges project. When a task God has done over the last fifty-five years in China is cru- Boarding Students, 7–12 needs to be done, the Chinese people mobilize like armies of cial. A giant, indigenous church movement in China already Bible Based Philosophy ants in massive numbers and accomplish the unimaginable. exists! Our firepower should be concentrated on working Academic Excellence The West is quickly taking notice. Western business periodi- with it instead of trying to start a movement of our own Traditional Curriculum cals are abuzz with articles about the colossal impact of there. Disciplined, Loving China’s emergence on the world economic scene. During the 1990s, Fundamentalist missions as a whole Atmosphere The larger point is this: The combination of an explod- committed two basic mistakes in formerly Communist ing number of believers with a potentially exploding Eastern Europe that we need to learn from as well. First, national economy means that we well may be looking at as a group, we were late in arriving. Cults were the quick- A Boarding School the next great missionary-sending nation of the world. In est to establish a presence in Eastern Europe, even while it Can Make the the not-too-distant future, Chinese missionaries, fueled by was still thoroughly Communistic in the early 1980s. Difference their own indigenous Chinese wealth, may penetrate the Groups like the Jehovah’s Witnesses ravaged some rest of Asia and possibly the Muslim world in a way that churches and gained huge followings. Next came we Western missionaries never could. Simply put, the Charismatic and New Evangelical missionaries. They Office: 603-563-8505 potential of China’s prospective missionary impact is like grabbed the lion’s share of influence on much of the rest Admissions: 800-537-6292 nothing we’ve seen before in the history of the Church. of the already existing churches. Basically, the only group FAX: 603-563-8008 Asia’s turn in the Great Commission is quickly arriving. we Fundamentalists beat was the Mennonites. The Chinese believers themselves realize their missionary A quick browse on the Internet reveals that we www.dublinchristian.org potential and are energized at the prospect! Fundamentalists currently are headed for a repeat of what Does Your Child Belong Here?

22 FrontLine • September/October 2004 FrontLine • September/October 2004 23 BAPTIST WORLD MISSION

PLANTING CHURCHES

WORLDWIDE The Spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions, and the Lord, you know how I loathe this dhal [lentils], but you nearer we get to Him, the more intensely missionary we blessed this same food to your servant Daniel and his must become. —Henry Martyn three companions. . . . Likewise, Lord, bless it to us for Thy name’s sake. Amen. (I ate with relish, one of the If God calls you to be a missionary, don’t stoop to be a nicest meals I had ever eaten.) —Steve Jacobs, India king. —Jordan Grooms A missionary is a person who teaches cannibals to say When they said, “No way at all! Impossible! Can’t be grace before they eat him. —Unknown done.” . . . It was then that God stepped in! —Hester Withey, China That cry, “Kill, kill,” which can never be forgotten when once heard, was shouted by perhaps hundreds of voic- It was useless to stay in China and simply preach Christ es. Yet the Lord brought us through, and “no weapon and not live Christ even before our servants. prospered.” —Rosalind Goforth, China —Rosalind Goforth, China Linguist: a talented person who can make mistakes in P.O. BOX 2149 Nearness to Christ had been so real and blessed [to more than one language. —Unknown DECATUR, AL 35602-2149 Hudson Taylor of China] that any distance from Him was unbearable. —Dr. Howard Taylor I think I can say, through grace, that God’s presence or PHONE: 256-353-2221 absence alone distinguishes places to me. FAX: 256-353-2266 I have but one candle of life to burn and would rather —Hudson Taylor, China E-MAIL: [email protected] burn it out where people are dying in darkness than in a WEB: WWW.BAPTISTWORLDMISSION.ORG land that is flooded with light. —Unknown When God moves by His Spirit, souls are easily dealt with. —Frank Chapman, Spanish Guinea Ancestral worship with the strong clan system will form Traveling? our greatest hindrance—excepting always our own The special person called to do missionary work is selves. —Betty Stam, China every person who is a member of the church of Christ. Vacationing? The call does not come to a chosen few, it is to every But for Jesus, and the fellowship He gave to me there, I one of us. —Oswald Chambers Moving? must have gone mad and died beside the lonely grave. —John Paton, New Hebrides Islands, Where will you attend on the death of his wife church? Only as we are revived can we live up to our personal responsibility in worldwide evangelism. —Charles Keen

Crouching there [to escape the bullets of the Communists], I remembered some years before facing a fuller consecration than I had ever known, taking the Check the internet! identity of the Cross in all it might mean for me. www.findchurch.com —Margaret Williams, China The Find Church When the Spirit of God comes into a man, He gives him Directory a worldwide outlook. —Oswald Chambers The traveler’s church finder. Some wish to live within the sound of church and Find a church by: chapel bell. I wish to run a rescue mission within a yard of hell. —Charles Thomas Studd, Africa I-Highway, and/or State, and/or City, and/or Pastor’s Name. Unless the Lord the Spirit continually uphold and quick- Included are times of services, directions en, oh how benumbing is daily contact with heathenism! to the church, and other information. —Hudson Taylor, China Wit & Wisdom is compiled by Dr. David Atkinson, Pastor, you may submit an online pastor of Dyer Baptist Church, Dyer, Indiana. application to list your church. Code: FL

24 FrontLine • September/October 2004 25

Holding The Rope Fred Moritz he year was 1792. William Carey had challenged his the rope” for them as they embark on their Great A Purity of Position the mission and practice it in their ministries. Mission TBaptist brethren to obey their responsibility to take the Commission task. Mission agencies bear the responsibility to articulate doc- administrators are responsible for different assigned gospel to unreached lands. Baptists of mid-England The history of missions and cooperation between church- trinal and practical positions that are true to the Word of God fields to help the missionaries with any problems they formed the Particular Baptist Society for Propagating the es will fascinate anyone who studies it. There have been and then to consistently maintain those positions. I could cite may face Gospel among the Heathen. They appointed Carey and many instances of harmonious cooperation, and likewise much historical data to emphasize this point but will limit The mission agency helps the missionaries in securing John Thomas to go to India as missionaries. In 1793 Carey many accounts of compromise, personal acrimony, and vio- myself to the case of the Northern Baptist Convention and the various visas and residence permits required for them said a tearful farewell to his church in Leicester, England. lation of New Testament (and thus Baptist) principles. what followed that struggle. to legally live and minister in their countries of service. On a Wednesday the Society came together for a farewell William Carey, after the death of his dear friend Andrew Chester E. Tulga served as Research Secretary for the Foreign governments commonly require certification of service as Carey and his son prepared to leave. Sometime Fuller, found it necessary to separate from the mission socie- Conservative Baptist Fellowship (now the FBFI). In 1950 the their status with a recognized agency. The mission organ- during that all-day meeting, Carey met with the four lead- ty that was formed to hold the rope for him. The issue in that CBF published his book entitled The Foreign Missions ization often guarantees their financial support and ers of the Society. These men promised Carey “that, as he case was that a new generation of men in England tried to Controversy in the Northern Baptist Convention. Tulga began assures that the missionary will conform to the laws of the went forth in the Society’s name and their Master’s, they micromanage the work in India and make decisions that by outlining the controversy over theological Modernism in country while living there. should never cease till death to stand by him.” Andrew should rightly have been left to the missionaries on the field. the 1919 NBC meeting in Denver. That resulted in the for- In financial matters, the mission agency receives and dis- Fuller, one of those men, later described the occasion with Today local churches and mission agencies stand with mation of the Fundamentalist Fellowship of the Northern burses funds for missionaries. The missionary must account an illustration. missionaries and hold the rope for them as they serve in chal- Baptist Convention (later the CBF and now the FBFI) in to the mission agency for the use of his work funds in the Fuller said that the mission to India seemed like a few lenging and sometimes dangerous places around the world. Buffalo in 1920. Baptist Mid-Missions (1920) and the ministry. This satisfies government tax requirements. men who considered going into a deep, unexplored mine. How can we cooperate together to efficiently support the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (1927) were Crises do occur in the lives and ministries of mission- It was as if Carey said, “Well, I will go down, if you will work of God around the world? formed out of this struggle over Modernism. The unscrip- aries. Sadly, disciplinary problems arise on occasion. hold the rope.” The meeting, in Fuller’s mind, was as if he The Primacy of the Local Church tural issue of inclusivism, that is, a mission agency sending Sometimes the mission office learns of the problem first. and the other brethren gave their word that “whilst we both Bible believers and Modernists to the field, was a The service agency should always work in lockstep with lived, we should never let go the rope.” Local churches Scripture teaches that a local church is the only New major point of contention in the debate. the sending church in addressing such problems. and the Society they formed stood behind Carey, and God Testament ecclesiastical authority. The missionary’s relation- Tulga went on to document subsequent years of strug- There may also be illness, accident, unforeseen financial gave him a long and fruitful ministry. ship to his sending church is twofold. The first missionaries gle in the Convention that culminated in the formation of need, a death in the family, or some similar problem. The The churches that formed the first missionary society in were called by the Holy Spirit. The local church in Antioch the Conservative Baptist Foreign Mission Society (now CB sending church should always be in the lead as to appropri- England were small. The greater London area churches commissioned and sent them (Acts 13:1–3). Paul and International) in 1943. Within fifteen years CBFMS capitu- ate action to help the missionary in such a situation. showed little interest initially in the enterprise, though they Barnabas were sent under the authority of their local church. lated to the compromises of New Evangelicalism. Monroe Each missionary should be responsible for giving regular later supported the work wholeheartedly. The rationale We sometimes overlook the second part of their relationship Parker, Ernest Pickering, B. Myron Cedarholm, Bryce reports to his home and supporting churches. behind the formation of the service agency was that local to the Antioch church. They were also accountable to that Augsburger, and many other courageous leaders with- Conclusion churches, working together, could accomplish more than same church. Upon returning to Antioch they gathered the stood the compromise in the Conservative Baptist move- The four leaders of the Baptist Society kept their word they could individually. That same thinking prevailed in church together and gave a full report of their ministry (Acts ment. In 1961 the Conservative Baptist Fellowship called to Carey. They served the society, prayed for Carey, and America when the Congregationalists formed an agency to 14:25–28). Mission boards should function as service agencies for the formation of a new mission organization, and raised needed funds. History records that each man held support Judson and his compatriots in India and Burma. for the local churches and the missionaries they send. They Baptist World Mission was founded that year. I have been the rope until he died. Two hundred and twelve years When the Judsons and Luther Rice became Baptists, Rice should not interfere in the affairs or decisions of local church- honored to serve with this agency since 1981. have passed since Carey first volunteered to go. Times returned to the United States and invested his life in rally- es, but rather serve local churches. This history reminds us that if churches are to cooperate in have changed, and Carey would not recognize our mod- ing Baptist churches to the same unified effort. This Scriptural principle should guide our approach to the the work of world evangelism, service agencies must estab- ern world. Godly missionaries labor for Christ around the Missionaries today continue to go “down into the work of missions: Mission agencies do not send missionaries— lish and maintain a solid foundation of pure doctrine and world today. The work on which Carey embarked and the work mine” seeking to win lost men to Christ, baptize and dis- local churches do! The mission agency can provide important Scriptural practice. We work together based on common doc- missionaries do today is the same. Faithful men held the rope ciple them, and plant New Testament churches. Some go services, which we will discuss later in this article. The trinal and separatist convictions. We must maintain consis- for Carey. With an understanding of the primacy of the to places that are dangerous because of political uncer- agency functions to serve the churches as they support mis- tency in these common persuasions. Our cooperation is vol- local church, with a conviction to maintain purity in doc- tainty. Some go into locales where exotic illnesses threat- sionaries and the missionaries who fulfill the Great untary. Richard V. Clearwaters used to say that in our coop- trine and practice, and with an understanding of account- en. Others go to countries where poverty makes life dif- Commission on the field. erative efforts we are bound together by “a rope of sand.” ability, let this generation of Fundamentalist, separatist ficult or where false religions marshal their forces in Mission agencies should guard carefully against usurping A Proper Accountability Baptists work together to serve our generation by the will opposition to the gospel. All missionaries go to lands the authority of the local church. The missionary is account- of God (Acts 13:38). where people by the thousands need our Savior. These able primarily to his sending church and, secondarily, to his The service agency, then, is responsible for insuring missionaries, like William Carey, need someone to “hold supporting churches. that the missionaries hold the same Biblical position as Dr. Fred Moritz is Executive Director of Baptist World Mission.

26 FrontLine • September/October 2004 FrontLine • September/October 2004 27 The Evangelist’s Corner

The Ethics of the Evangelist

Jerry Sivnksty

e are going to address a matter that we trust will This is heartbreaking to me! No evangelist should ever be pondered over and weighed heavily by our put a price on his head—and he should never let his wife Wdear friends in evangelism. It is my desire to be follow the ushers with the love offering! a help and an encouragement to these fine men who are Another pastor told me of an evangelist he had in his proclaiming the wonderful message of God’s Word. church for a week of meetings. On the last night the pastor Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man walked up to the evangelist at the close of the meeting to sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” A man who is a give him the love offering check. The evangelist looked at true friend will want to help and encourage his friends. the check and exclaimed, “Is this all? Is this all I get? I can’t There is a principle that I first want to establish before we make it on this amount.” The pastor then said, “Well, I discuss the ethics of the evangelist. It will involve a could give you my week’s salary if that would help.” The sequence of verses. First, Proverbs 27:5 says, “Open rebuke evangelist accepted that pastor’s weekly salary. That was is better than secret love.” Second, Proverbs 27:6 says, wrong! That evangelist should have accepted what was “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Third, Proverbs 17:17 given him with a gracious and kind spirit. One of the qual- tells us, “A friend loveth at all times.” Now please follow ifications for the man of God is found in 1 Timothy 3:3: these verses in the same order as I apply them in an illus- “Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre.” tration. Let us say that you are a dear friend of mine and you Another pastor told me of an evangelist who came to his are involved in doing something that is not right. As your church who would find out who the wealthy men were friend, I can walk up to you, grab you by the neck, start slap- in his church. After he left he would write to these busi- ping you across the face, and tell you that what you are nessmen and tell them that he had financial needs. doing is not right! And every time I slap you, you will say Several pastors told me the same thing and said they to me, “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” This is true would never have those evangelists back. friendship! As a friend, I have the right to rebuke you, and My dearest friends are evangelists, and I pray that your response will be one of sincere love to me because I what I am relating will be taken as it is intended. We brought you back to your senses. There was a blind spot in must be careful not to be guilty of doing such things. your life, and as a friend I approached you and dealt with it. Jeremiah 17:5 says, “Thus saith the LORD; cursed be the What we are going to talk about may seem harsh and man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and very “smiting,” but it is intended to help because that is whose heart departeth from the LORD.” When we put a what a friend will do. Pastors are concerned about the ethics price on our heads and foolishly hint for financial needs of evangelists they have had in their churches and have and play up to wealthy individuals, we are trusting in voiced their concerns to me. What I am about to relate are the arm of the flesh. Elisha cursed Gehazi for his deceit- accounts of godly pastors who believe it is time that some of fulness in taking two talents of silver and two changes of these matters be addressed. By the way, these pastors were garments. In 2 Kings 5:26, 27 we read, “And he said unto kind and did not tell me the names of any evangelists. him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man The first concern is about finances. To be honest with turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to you, it is hard to believe that an evangelist would do receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, this, but here are the true accounts. A pastor related that and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, he had an evangelist and his wife for a week of meetings. and maidservants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman When the ushers took up the love offering, the evange- shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he list’s wife followed them out of the auditorium to make went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.” sure the ushers took it to the proper people to count it. Most of the evangelists we know are above reproach On the final night of meetings, the evangelist was tied up with their finances. However, if what we have said applies in conversation with a person, so the pastor walked up to someone guilty of the above, I would encourage you to to the evangelist’s wife and asked if she would please fall on your knees and confess this to your Heavenly give the love offering check to her husband. She looked Father. We all must focus on the teaching of 1 Timothy 6:6: at the check and said to the pastor, “Oh, Pastor, I would “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” be embarrassed to give this check to my husband You may contact Evangelist Jerry Sivnksty at P.O. Box 141, Starr, SC because of the small amount. . . . You give it to him.” 29684 or via e-mail at [email protected].

28 FrontLine • September/October 2004 FrontLine • September/October 2004 29 Written and Compiled by Dr. Layton Talbert Part 4—The Southern Kingdom FIRST CORINTHIANS: PURITY, UNITY, AND THE GLORY OF GOD

ocated on the Isthmus of Corinth, the ancient city of Intellectual stimulation—The Greek infatuation with by Aquila and Priscilla, from whom he hears about Corinthians concerning Christian faith and practice. Corinth commanded a strategic position over both wisdom and elocution is apparent in Paul’s constant con- Corinth. Apollos decided to visit Corinth to contribute Lland routes (north-south routes between Central trast between wisdom and foolishness (e.g., 1 Cor. 1–3). to the strengthening of the ministry there. The Theology Ephesian believers sent with Apollos a letter of com- Greece and the Peloponnesus) and sea routes (east-west First Corinthians contributes to the theological corpus mendation exhorting the Corinthians to be open to his between the Aegean and Adriatic Seas and, hence, between of the NT in four major areas: Asia and Italy). Due to its topographical situation, Corinth Chronological Context: Acts 18 ministry. In Corinth, Apollos edified the saints “great- was a prosperous city with a multifaceted reputation. ly” and refuted the Jews. 1. Nature of Gospel Ministry (1–4) Acts 18:1–3. Given the temporary nature of many of the Divisive party spirit and message of the gospel are reasons for travel to or through Corinth, most of those incongruous Cultural Context: Corinth and Corinthians Correspondence Context: Paul’s Interaction who visited Corinth stayed in tent encampments. The gospel message contradicts worldly wisdom (Generally only the more well-to-do had the resources to with Corinth Note: Unless otherwise noted, Scripture references are to 1 Responsibility of ministers secure the limited hotel accommodations.) It should not 1 Paul spent 1 /2 years in Corinth (Acts 18:11) in A.D. Corinthians. 2. Ethics and Morality (5–10) be surprising, then, that Paul (arriving in A.D. 51) immedi- 51–52; then (after a brief trip to Jerusalem) two years in Religious paganism—The Temple of Aphrodite was Dealing with immorality in the church ately found and attached himself to a local tentmaking Ephesus, before returning to Corinth. reputedly staffed by a thousand temple prostitutes,* mak- Dealing with defrauding brethren enterprise owned and operated by a Jewish husband-wife Paul had already written at least one letter to Corinth (5:9). ing this “religious shrine” a tourist attraction and enhanc- Marriage and singleness team, Aquila and Priscilla, who “just happened” to have The Corinthians’ reply, including additional questions, ing the city’s prestige and prosperity. Christian liberty in a culture of pagan associations recently arrived from Rome (Acts 18:1–3). In fact, F. F. came in the form of a letter to Paul (7:1) along with a love Moral decadence—The Greek verb korinthiazesthai, Bruce has suggested that this couple may have sustained offering from the Corinthians (16:17, 18). 3. Ecclesiology (11–14) “to play the Corinthian” or “to live a Corinthian life,” successful branch operations (A&P Tents, Inc.?) in Rome First Corinthians, then, is at least Paul’s second letter to Worship decorum was coined for describing the practice of fornication. It and Ephesus as well as Corinth, allowing the pair to move them. It was written from Ephesus (16:8, 19a), in response Lord’s Supper is not surprising that the lion’s share of the Greek root back and forth easily between these centers. The presence to their letter to him, as well as news from several sources Spiritual gifts for immorality (porn-) appears significantly more fre- of Aquila and Priscilla was providentially accomplished (1:11; 16:12, 17, 18), and carried to Corinth by Titus. 4. Eschatology (15) quently in the Corinthian epistles than the rest of the NT by the edict of Claudius less than two years earlier (A.D. Paul expected to remain in Ephesus until Pentecost Resurrection and the Second Advent combined. All cognate forms in Corinthians alone 49) expelling all Jews from Rome. (May–June A.D. 54 or 55), and then to pass through account for 27% of their total NT usage and 55% of their Acts 18:4–7. Timothy and Silas arrived from Macedonia and Achaia and pay Corinth an extended Motifs Macedonia, probably bearing a love gift from the epistolary usage (5:1, 9, 10, 11; 6:9, 13, 15, 16, 18; 7:2; visit, perhaps even wintering there (16:5–9), before going Truth and exhortation, theology and ethics, behavior Philippians (2 Cor. 11:9; Phil. 1, 4) that freed Paul to focus 10:8; 2 Cor. 12:21). on to Jerusalem (Acts 19:21). and belief are inextricably linked. Underlying every more of his time and energy on ministry. Having taken the After the uproar in Ephesus (Acts 19:21–41) Paul moral/ethical exhortation is a governing theological Social attractions—Corinth presided over the bian- message “to the Jew first” and reacting to the concerted departed for Macedonia (Acts 20:1). His plan was to truth. And every theological doctrine, whether eschatol- nual Isthmian Games, in which all the Greek city-states Jewish opposition to his ministry, Paul turned the focus of meet up with Titus at Troas along the way, but Titus ogy or ecclesiology or Christology, has moral/ethical participated. In fact, records indicate that the games were his ministry to the Gentiles. 1 was not there. Concerned, Paul proceeded to ramifications. Reading attentively through the letter, one held in A.D. 51, apparently during Paul’s 1/2-year stay in Acts 18:8–11. Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, Macedonia (2 Cor. 2:12, 13), where he finally found Corinth (A.D. 51–52). Cf. 9:24–27. can note the bottom-line themes to which Paul repeated- was also converted, followed by “many of the Titus (2 Cor. 7:5, 6, 13, 14). 1 ly returns, or to which he reduces any given issue that he Corinthians” (cf. 1:14–16; 16:15). Paul remained there 1 /2 Therapeutic benefits—Many came to Corinth’s Paul appears, then, to have written 2 Corinthians addresses. These are the key themes that characterize the years. asklepieion, a shrine dedicated to the deified Greek physi- from Macedonia (9:1, 4), en route to Corinth (between emphases of this epistle. Acts 18:12–17. A persecutorial plot backfired when the cian Asklepius, where suppliants seeking cures often Acts 20:1 and 2). Paul arrived in Corinth and stayed (Note: I know lengthy lists of references are not reader- Jews seek to prosecute Paul and Gallio ordered the court stayed for extended visits. three months (Acts 20:3a), during which time he wrote friendly, and are useful only to the serious student. Yet I must officers to clear the court. Gallio’s inaction set an impor- Political municipality B C Romans. provide some evidence for my assertions that I hope the curious —From 27 . . on, Corinth was tant legal precedent, allowing Christianity to stand as a will find helpful. Bold references indicate key or classic expres- the governmental seat of the province of Achaia. That form of Judaism (rather than a foreign religion), legalizing sions of the theme.) made it the residence of the Roman proconsul—Gallio, in its propagation (for the time being). Epistolary Context: Theology and Theme in other of the famous the time of Paul (Acts 18:12), the br Acts 18:18–23. Paul departed for Syria from Cenchrea 1 Corinthians 1. Glory in and glorify God alone—His wisdom, His calling, Roman philosopher and literary figure Seneca. (the eastern port of Corinth) in the company of Aquila and His grace, His power—for we are and have done nothing; He Economic prosperity—A natural demographic divi- Priscilla, sailed first to Ephesus, then on to Caesarea, Purpose is and has done everything. This emphasis calls for humility, sion existed between the well-off and the poorer working Jerusalem, and Antioch. The function of 1 Corinthians is twofold: (1) to address the gratitude, and self-abnegation. (1:4–9, emphasis on God’s classes, including the slaves required to run many of these Acts 18:24–28. During Paul’s absence from Ephesus, problems in the church as related by the visiting Corinthians, doing; 1:29–31, contextual emphasis on God’s choos- attractions (cf. 11:21). Apollos arrived, preached, and is teachably corrected and (2) to answer questions raised in a letter from the ing; 2:1–5; 2:10ff.; 3:5, 7, 10; 3:21–23; 4:6, 7, contrast with

Continued on next page

30 FrontLine • September/October 2004 FrontLine • September/October 2004 31 At a Glance Newsworthy Compiled by Gordon A. Dickson, Managing Editor (Continued from page 31)

being “puffed up”; 4:9–16; 6:11, 19, 20; 7:32–35; 10:31; The cosmopolitan character of the city and 12:1–11; 15:9–11, 24–28;16:22) church, the strident individualism that emerges in so many of their behavioral aberrations, the arro- 2. Unity as the people of God—among ourselves and before a gance [and ignorance] that attends their under- watching world. This emphasis calls for selflessness, charity, standing of spirituality, the accommodation of the deference, and an others-orientation. (1:10; 3:1–4; 6:1ff.; gospel to the surrounding culture in so many 8:7–13; 9:1–27; 10:1–5, 13, 23ff.; 11:17–22, 33, 34; ways—these and many other features of the A Matter of Life and clearwater.edu/ that grew up in the Anhui Radio Free Asia reported, 12:12–27, emphasis on “body”; 13:1–7, emphasis on Corinthian church are but mirrors held up to the Death love; 14:1–40, emphasis on edification; 16:14–18) church of today (The First Epistle to the chinateamweek3.pl) Province—became “In China it is illegal to Corinthians, pp. 19–20). By January 1, 2005, the Charismatic in their theol- cross a provincial border to 3. Purity as the temple of God—in both doctrine and deportment. Access to the Internet ogy.”—p.81 hold religious meetings This emphasis calls for sobriety. (3:16-17; 5:1-13, emphasis on U.S. Census Bureau indi- cates that the world popu- According to a Chinese without approval from the congregational purity; 6:9-20, emphasis on personal puri- * Gordon Fee and others have dismissed this figure from lation will stand at government report “80 percent of China’s Religious Affairs Bureau ty; 11:27-32; 15:12-34, emphasis on doctrinal purity; 16:13) Strabo as exaggerated. There is a general scholarly bias released on July 21, 2004, Protestant Christian house and the state-sponsored against the reliability of ancient historians. One need not 6,414,228,990. Every 87 million Chinese (6.7% of church members are Three Self Patriotic Theme assume, however, that Strabo’s figure meant that 1000 minute, there are 245 prostitutes were present and available at any given time, births and 107 deaths. This the population) use the women. The figure is Movement (TSPM) church.” The epistles were written not for the benefit of abstract any more that David’s 24,000 priests served in the Temple means that the world pop- Internet regularly. approximately the same in (http://origin.rfaweb.org discussion in an academic atmosphere, nor constructed at one time. The figure could quite naturally indicate a ulation increases by 138 “Beijing has blocked 988 the churches affiliated with 7.22.04) One observer for the homiletical ease of the minister’s outline. total “work force” divided into shifts, so “only” 200 or so precious souls every 60 overseas websites and shut the China Christian reported to this writer Epistolary literature is, by definition, occasional litera- were present at any one time though a total of 1000 were seconds. Hourly, 6437 down 67 local ones as part Council and the Three that the Chinese govern- ture—that is, writing that is occasioned by some specific “employed.” Even if Strabo were being hyperbolic, assum- souls pass into eternity. of a nationwide campaign Self.”—p.98 ment is transplanting ing the actual figure were only one-half (or even one- need(s) or event(s). While the superimposing direction of There has never been a to weed out pornographic willing, peaceable fourth) of 1000 would hardly lessen the impact. The plain the Spirit guided the human author, He did so in the form content on the internet.” — “China’s house church- Chinese to this Muslim implication is that even Corinth’s religion fueled, and was more urgent need for of a letter and in the context of addressing a variety of spe- Christians to carry through Agence France-Presse (July es for the most part don’t region and that Christians fueled by, a massive appetite for immorality. The very 26, 2004) share the same deep theo- from around the country cific issues. Any outline or thematic statement must be notion of prostitution as a “religious act” is shocking on the Great Commission logical reservations about are volunteering to go. derived from the contents as they unfold naturally within enough by itself, regardless of the numbers involved. of Matthew 28:19, 20. Transportation to China women in Christian lead- the epistle. The theme must avoid two extremes: (a) being China so specific as to exclude significant portions of the epistle According to the BBC ership as some Protestant Language education (e.g., “edification” is too narrow), and (b) being so gener- Population news, the U.S. and China groups. . . . However, Today, many kinder- al as to be uselessly indistinguishable from other epistles Estimates from several have signed an agreement China’s strong cultural gartens in China offer (e.g., “practical Christian living”). Even letters generally observers indicate that the to boost the number of inhibition makes it very English education. Since display a thought flow as well as overriding concerns. The population of China grows flights between the two by difficult for women to China began to open up in motifs noted above seem to capture Paul’s major recurring at more than 13 million per 460%. This will increase assume leadership posi- the late 1970s, a great deal emphases in his letter to the Corinthians. A fair statement year. By contrast, the total the number of flights from tions within their Christian of emphasis has been of the overall theme of this letter, therefore, can be population of Ohio is 12 54 to 249 per week over community.”—pp. 107–8 placed on learning English. deduced by relating the major motifs to one another in a million. the next six years. (BBC Formerly taught in high way consistent with their contextual use. I would suggest Infoplease.com lists News, July 25, 2004) “If there is one lesson school, English is now the following theme for 1 Corinthians: Maintaining the Shanghai, China, as the Quotes from Jesus in that virtually every serious viewed as one of the core unity and purity of the church by seeking always the glory of most populous city in the Beijing by David foreign Christian in China courses in many primary God and the good of others. world with a population of Aikman (Washington: has internalized, it is that schools in China. (The New 13,278,500. Beijing, China, Regnery Publishing, foreigners may evangelize, Nation [Bangladesh]) train, encourage, and nur- The government of Modern Context: Pertinence of Corinthians is listed at number 20 with 2003) 7,209,900. (Note that these ture ordinary Chinese, but China sponsors a Chinese to Modern Church “It is possible that refer to the population of that is where it stops: language proficiency com- Christians will constitute Even though the epistles are occasional literature the city proper, not the sur- China’s Christian leader- petition for foreigners 20 to 30 percent of China’s addressing specific first-century issues, those issues are rounding urban areas.) ship, everyone agrees, under the age of 30. The population within three paradigmatic. In other words, both the problems and the In a lecture to the stu- must remain Chinese.” Third Chinese Bridge— decades.”—p.285 principles behind their solutions are representative of the dents from Clearwater —p.280 Chinese Proficiency same kinds of issues, and their pr Christian College, a uni- Competition for Foreign oper resolutions, that the “From the late 1980’s versity professor from Illegal itinerant preaching College Students was held church has faced in every generation. Gordon Fee’s . . . the majority of China’s Chengdu reported that the In an article describing in Beijing on August 7–11. assessment of the relevance of 1 Corinthians to the mod- major house church move- Chinese build a city the the arrest of house church An article posted by ern church, therefore, is valid: ments—particularly size of Houston, Texas, leaders in the northwest Xinhuanet in the July 30, Fangcheng, Tanghe, and A final word needs to be said about the consider- each year. (http://www. Muslim region of Xinjiang, 2004, edition of able importance of this letter to today’s church. two smaller movements

32 FrontLine • September/October 2004 FrontLine • September/October 2004 33 NOTABLE QUOTES Global Focus Chinaview.cn reports, “More worldonline.co.za/tiscali/ than 30 million people around xcerpts from Hudson Taylor in Early Years: news; accessed 8/7/04) the world are learning EThe Growth of A Soul by Dr. and Mrs. Discrimination in China in Your Own Backyard Chinese; some 2,300 universi- Howard Taylor, OMF Books, 1998. Islamic Workplace? ties in 85 countries or regions Pearson Johnson Lina Morales alleges that she have opened Chinese lan- hese things pressed as a burden on the was fired by a Florida telecom- guage courses, and up to heart of Hudson Taylor’s father. “Why do we T munications company because y son and daughter were recently working on a Two pairs of contacts were married couples from mainland 85,000 foreigners are studying not send missionaries there!” he would she ate “a pizza and a BLT” at project in the backyard—a project common to China here in Michigan doing postgraduate work. These peo- Chinese in 395 Chinese uni- exclaim. “That is the country to aim at, with its work. Her former employer, many American children. Its tools consisted of a ple were gladly partnered with ordinary members of our versities or colleges, NOCFL’s teeming population, its strong, intelligent, M Rising Star, reportedly has garden trowel, a bucket, and two pair of grubby hands. What church who would spend time with them, practice English Vice Director Zhang Guoqing scholarly people.” He could not understand the strong Muslim ties. Morales were they doing? They were trying to dig a hole to China. with them, celebrate American holidays with them, and told China Daily Online.” The apathy of the Church about this magnificent said that she had been warned In every American child’s imagination, China lies just a answer their questions about life in America. For Christians, “Chinese Bridge” competition field, the Gibraltar of heathenism. And the lis- about eating pizza in the work- few more feet below the surface of the backyard plot. We these conversations inevitably lead to a discussion of religion was begun in 2002 and is held tening children were confirmed in their convic- place because it contained meat adults all know that China is on the other side of a very large and then to the gospel. Yesterday, for example, I spent time annually. (http://news. tion that this was indeed the greatest, the most that was “unclean.” Local 6 globe, and that the Chinese culture is far removed from our with my Chinese conversation partner Yunhai. He is enrolled xinhuanet.com/english/ neglected and the most promising of mission- News (Orlando) obtained the backyards . . . or is it? One of the greatest in the MBA program and is delighted to 2004-07/30) ary lands.” (p. 52) company’s letter of termination When we talk of strategies of reaching have an American friend. He has expressed Prediction: Europe Will opportunities . . . that verified she was fired for the Chinese, we generally discuss the interest in the Bible and has asked ques- Have an Islamic oung Hudson Taylor wrote, “I have begun to may be to visit violating the policy that pork opportunities on the other side of the tions about it. Of course, I am more than Majority get up at five in the morning, . . . and so Y and pork products were not to globe, the need to go and support cross- your nearest willing to answer them for him. This kind find it necessary to go to bed early at night. I Based on the present trends be brought on company prem- cultural workers, the creative means by of ministry opportunity is available to peo- must study if I mean to go to China. I am fully college campus. in population and migration, ises. Prominently displayed in which we can enter the country, and the ple in churches in most cities in the United decided to go, and am making every prepara- Europe will have an Islamic the Local 6 News story was a finances it will take to be involved. States. All it takes is willingness, time, and tion I can. I intend to rub up my Latin, to learn majority by the end of this quote from Qur’an 5:4 However, statistics and demographics prayer to sow the seed of the gospel. Greek and the rudiments of Hebrew, and to get century. These are the findings “Forbidden to you (for food) indicate there is more of China in our Have you noticed an increasing interna- as much general information as possible. I need of Bernard Lewis of Princeton are: dead meat, blood and flesh backyard than we probably realize. In other words, every- tional flavor in the workplace? It may surprise you that nearly all your prayers.” (p. 87) University. These findings are of the swine and that which one reading this article probably has the opportunity to 20,000 Chinese come to the USAevery year for temporary work largely based on the findings hath been invoked the name reach someone from China without moving anywhere. or for job training, with plans to return to their homeland. We est of all, the conviction had gone abroad that Europeans marry late and other than Allah.”(http://www. Your kids may be on the right track after all! have men in our church who have befriended international that the young missionary had come to have fewer children while B local6.com/money/3614199/ One of the greatest opportunities you may have to reach temporary workers from around the world, including China, Tsung-ming not for pleasure and comfort Muslims marry early in life detail.html; accessed 8/8/04) China through your local church may be to visit your nearest and have had the opportunity to give them the gospel. merely, but to do good, to relieve suffering, and and have more children. If this college campus. According to the Department of Homeland Have you been to a Chinese buffet lately? Do you ever to tell them something everybody ought to trend continues, “Europe will This news is presented to inform Security’s 2002 Yearbook of Immigration Statistics, there were wonder where the people who work there (who also gener- know. (p. 329) believers. The people or sources men- tioned do not necessarily carry the ally speak Chinese) come from and where they live? Ask be part of the Arab west,” endorsement of the Fundamental 68,700 student visas granted to Chinese students during the Lewis said. (http://www. Baptist Fellowship International. 2002 school year for study in the United States. This is truly them! Major Chinatowns exist in San Francisco, Chicago, an astounding number! Our church (Inter-City Baptist New York, Boston, Atlanta, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Church in Allen Park, Michigan) embarked last year on a Philadelphia, San Jose, Washington, Minneapolis, Portland, ministry adventure that has great potential for the cause of and San Diego, but there are pockets of immigrant commu- the gospel. We contacted the Office of International Students nities in most other cities as well. See if you can get togeth- at a university nearby to see if there was a way our church er with them sometime to learn more about their culture could get involved with helping international students. We and interests. You will be surprised to find out how they were welcomed with open arms! will welcome an offer of friendship. Relationships for the This office hosts an international student coffee hour every sake of the gospel here in the US can develop into whole week for which we can provide refreshments and fellowship. networks of relationships in the homeland. They then referred us to their English department, whose It is good to focus on the mission needs of the great land of English Language Institute (ELI) asked us to provide volun- China. As Fundamental Baptists, we should pursue a unified teers to be conversation partners for international students effort in ministering the gospel to the Chinese. As local learning English. This university alone had over 3,000 inter- churches and individual believers, however, do not forget national students enrolled in the 2002/2003 school year. One that ministry to Chinese people can and should take place thousand of these students attended the coffee hours. from our own backyards! Through the ELI, we have been able to befriend about two Pearson Johnson is dozen of these students as conversation partners. Almost all Missions Pastor at Inter-City Baptist Church in Allen Park, of these contacts came to a patriotic outreach event we held Michigan. in July, and some have attended our Sunday services. Most have heard the gospel through their personal contacts.

34 FrontLine • September/October 2004 FrontLine • September/October 2004 35 Church Directory www.ffbc.ws Fellowship of Tri-State Bible Fundamental Camp & Bible Churches Conference PO Box 206 Penns Grove, NJ 08069 Center (856) 299-2118 2 River Road Montague, NJ 07827 A Fellowship of Churches and Pastors (973) 293-3522 [email protected] Independent Fundamental A year round camp and conference O center located in Northwestern O Separated New Jersey. Baptistic O Premillennial Selected Speakers A member of the American Council Dr. Tim Jordan, Dr. Doug Finkbeiner, of Christian Churches. Todd Sivnksty, Craig Hartman, Dr. Chuck Phelps, Lorraine Strohbehn, Dr. John Michael Thomas, Mike Shrock, and Steve Lyon.

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FrontLine • September/October 2004 37 Behind the Lines

The Worth of a Soul

n Friday, October 10, Come—only come at once! I will unto death, and those that are 1856, Hudson Taylor pay you well.” ready to be slain; if though traveled by native junk “How much will you give us?” sayest, Behold, we knew it not; from Shanghai to “Five dollars! Only don’t stand doth not He that pondereth the Ningpo. He later related a talking. Save life without delay!” heart consider it? And He that tragic story from that trip “Too little!” they shouted across keepeth thy soul doth not He to a group of assembled the water. “We will not come for know it? And shall He not ren- O less than thirty dollars.” der to every man according to pastors in Perth, Scotland. The story is quoted here in its entirety.1 “But I have not so much with his works?” me! I will give you all I’ve got.” China might be far off and lit- Among his fellow-passengers, one “And how much may that be?” tle known; we might silence con- Chinese, who had spent some “Oh, I don’t know. About four- science by saying that its vast years in England and went by the teen dollars.” population was largely inacces- name of Peter, was much upon his Upon this they came, and the sible; but every one of those heart, for, though not unacquaint- first time they passed the net men, women, and children was a ed with the Gospel, he knew noth- through the water brought up soul for whose salvation an infi- ing of its saving power. Simply he the missing man. But all Mr. nite price had been paid; every told [the pastors] the story of this Taylor’s efforts to restore respi- one of them had a right to know man’s friendliness and of his own ration were in vain. It was only that he has been ransomed by efforts to win him to Christ. too plain that life had fled, sac- the precious blood of Christ, and Nearing the city of Sung-kiang, rificed to the callous indiffer- to have the offer of eternal life in they were preparing to go ashore ence of those who might easily His Name. While we were busy together to preach and distribute have save it. tracts, when Mr. Taylor in his cabin A burning sense of indignation about other things, quite prof- was startled by a sudden splash swept over the great audience. itably occupied it may be, they and cry that told of a man over- Could it be that anywhere on earth were living, dying without God board. Springing at once on deck people were to be found so utterly and without hope—a million he looked round and missed Peter. callous and selfish! But as the every month in that one land “Yes,” exclaimed the boatmen earnest voice went on, conviction passing beyond our reach. unconcernedly, “it was over there struck home all the more deeply he went down!” that it was unexpected: The articles in this issue of To drop the sail and jump into Is the body, then, of so much FrontLine magazine are designed to the water was the work of a more value than the soul? We acquaint you with the great challenge moment; but the tide was running condemn those heathen fisher- before us in China. Will you answer out, and the low, shrubless shore men. We say they were guilty of the call, or is it “inconvenient”? afforded little landmark. the man’s death—because they Searching everywhere in an agony could easily have saved him, Gordon Dickson is the pastor of Calvary of suspense, Mr. Taylor caught and did not do it. But what of Baptist Church in Findlay, Ohio. If you sight of some fishermen with a the millions whom we are interested in partici- drag-net—just the thing needed. leave to perish, and pating in the Pastors’ “Come,” he cried as hope that eternally? What of Roundtable Discussion on revived, “come and drag over this the plain command, China, please contact him spot. A man is drowning!” “Go ye into all the at [email protected] “Veh bin,” was the amazing world and preach the reply: “It is not convenient.” Gospel to every crea- 1 The extended quotation in “Don’t talk of convenience! ture,” and the search- this column is from Hudson Quickly come, or it will be too ing question inspired Taylor and the China Inland Mission, The Growth of a Work of late.” by God Himself, “If God by Dr. and Mrs. Howard “We are busy fishing.” thou forbear to deliver Taylor (Littleton:OMF Books), “Never mind your fishing! them that are drawn pp. 4–6. GORDON DICKSON

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