can be no more conclusive evidence that we possess the spirit of Satan than the disposition to hurt and destroy those who do not appreciate our work, or who act contrary to our ideas." THE DESIRE of AGES, p. 487. Serendipity

EVERAL months ago I heard the word pliments are like perfume. They are to be S serendipity and its meaning for the first smelled but not swallowed!" Such a man time. It was coined by Horace Walpole inspires confidence in God and His move after his tale of "The Three Princes of ment. Serendip." Evidently these princes had the Communion Embraces ability to accidentally make fortunate dis coveries in their travels. Thus we get the The warmth and enthusiasm of our Ital concept of having delightful experiences ian workers melt the heart. The art of and discovering blessings that come with greeting one another with a holy kiss has out looking or asking for them. not been forgotten in Italy. I wish it could This was my experience on a recent trip be restored round the world. Our meetings through the Southern European Division. in Italy climaxed with a communion serv I constantly discovered people, experiences, ice. The foot-washing experience followed and scenes that brought unsought-for bless by a holy kiss on both cheeks was a sweet ings and joy to my soul. The routine pro simple testimony of the Christian love gram of conducting workers© meetings and cradled in their hearts. I could not under fulfilling speaking engagements over a six- stand their language. I didn©t have to. week period was greatly enhanced by this Truth came through loud and clear in a experience of serendipity. service such as this. Spiritual Democracy Men Make the Movement A secluded spot near Paris was the loca Perhaps my most fortunate discovery was tion for the meeting held for the French Giuseppe Cupertino, Ministerial Associa workers. Sheltered from man-made noise tion secretary for the Southern European and confusion, our souls were opened to Division. You would never suspect that he the inspection of God©s Holy Spirit. Speak is approaching retirement age. His endless ing, praying, discussing, and singing to supply of energy kept our heavy program gether brought us a refreshing revival. moving swiftly and efficiently. We had One unique feature which I am confident never met officially before, but it took only will produce results was the brain-storm a few hours to knit us together in a bond sessions. Small discussion groups made stronger than blood. His knowledge of his numerous suggestions as to what could be tory, geography, religion, and politics made done to win more souls. A secretary from our trip far superior to a Cook©s tour. each group reported to the entire body. Emotional experiences such as praying The suggestions made were the finest I together in Paul©s Mamertine Prison cell, have ever heard. Permitting these men to or in the Church of the Cave in the Wal- express themselves freely did much to make densian Valley, rivet to the soul memories them realize that they were an integral that one would never want to forget. part of the French working force. Frank Pointed illustrations and proverbs were ap ness combined with Christian kindness and propriately brought forth. Once after re courtesy was the rule. Disagreement without ceiving a compliment he exclaimed, "Com disloyalty, conviction without caviling, was

THE MINISTRY: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED MONTHLY FOR THE MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS BY THE REVIEW AND HERALD PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20012, U.S.A. $4.00 A YEAR; 40C A COPY. PRICES SLIGHTLY HIGHER IN CANADA. ADD 25C FOR YEARLY SUBSCRIPTIONS TO COUNTRIES REQUIRING EXTRA POSTAGE. SECOND-CLASS POSTAGE PAID AT WASHINGTON, D.C. EDITORIAL OFFICE- 684O EASTERN AVENUE NW., WASHINGTON, D.C. 20012 CHANCE OF ADDRESS: WHEN WRITING US ABOUT YOUR SUBSCRIPTION OR CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS, PLEASE ENCLOSE THE ADDRESS LABEL FROM YOUR COPY OR FROM THE WRAPPER IN WHICH YOU RECEIVED THE JOURNAL. FEBRUARY, 1965 the order of the day. To me this was con Saragossa—Catholic Mecca crete evidence of Christian maturity. Barcelona, Saragossa, and Madrid were Sweet Felloivship three centers visited on our trip through The beauty of Austria and Switzerland Spain. Religious liberty is gradually coming was surpassed only by the beaut}- of the to this country that formerly oppressed anyone outside the bounds of Roman Catholicism. Perhaps the ever-increasing flood of tourists has helped to mitigate op pressive religious actions. For instance, the government has pre pared an attractive brochure for tourists visiting the city of Saragossa. This large, beautiful metropolis is the Mecca of Ca tholicism in Spain, yet for the first time in the history of our work our two churches are listed in the brochure. This is remark able when you consider that we do not legally exist, that individuals are admitteci through church doors only after being rec ognized by a deacon gazing through a peep hole, and that identifying signs are totally eliminated from any Protestant church building. This seemingly small act was a Saragossa, Spain reverence unlimited. source of enthusiastic jubilation among the workers. Christian fellowship of workers and laity. The eagerness exhibited by these workers Reverence Unlimited to grasp any new ideas or suggestions that would help them in their evangelistic pro Four to five hundred members and gram was gratifying. Each field faces its friends crammed the church auditorium peculiar difficulties, but dedicated men in Saragossa on a Wednesday evening. constantly struggle to achieve a foothold, Long before the 9:00 P.M. deadline when in enemy territory. It was encouraging to the meeting was to begin, scores filed in talk with these men and to get their indi silently and took their places. I watched vidual reports on what they were doing to them enter and quietly walk to their seats. win souls. Reverentlv each one bowed his head in si-

The beauty of Austria surpassed by Christian fellowship. THE MINISTRY French-speaking Swiss workers dedicated to the task of soul winning. lent prayer. There was no talking, no con Some may doubt the relationship of this fusion only total reverence. Never have I earthquake to the fulfillment of Revela witnessed such respect and decorum on the tion 6:12, referring to a specific sign of part of any church group. To preach to Christ©s second coming and stating "there them was not only a privilege but a most was a great earthquake," yet those who rewarding experience. One sensed that ev went through this experience and lived to ery word one said was meaningful. A study talk about it were gripped with the awful of the Scriptures was no commonplace thought that the end of the world had function. They were thankful for every come. One ship©s captain described the minute they were permitted to worship scene in vivid terms to the owners of his God in this auditorium. Perhaps we would vessel. With reference to the fears of the feel the same way if we had to maintain people he said, "The Fear, the Sorrow, the allegiance to the Adventist Church under Cries and Lamentations of the poor In the same circumstances as these folk. To habitants are inexpressible; every one beg have a translator standing beside me who ging Pardon, and embracing each other; had been in prison thirty-eight times for his crying, forgive me Friend, Brother, Sister! faith was spiritually stimulating. They Oh! what will become of us! neither Water know what it means to "rejoice and be ex or Land will protect us, and the Third Ele ceeding glad" when persecuted for the Mas ment, Fire, seems now to threaten our total ter©s sake. A liberal dose of a similar ex Destruction!" SDA Bible Students© Source perience wouldn©t hurt any of us. Book, p. 357. A visit to Lisbon today reveals very little Our Cover Picture of this awful incident, now more than two Our cover picture is not primarily a work hundred years old. The most famous monu of art. Its graceful arches and ancient ment to this sign of the times is the Carmo stones are monuments to fulfilled proph Convent Ruins (see cover picture). The ecy. November 1, 1755, found the churches present floor is a carpet of grass and shrub of Lisbon, Portugal, crowded with people, bery. Its only roof is the sky. Strange, yet for it was All Saints© Day. Suddenly a gi not so strange, that the ruins of a religious gantic shock that affected a tremendous structure have been selected by man to re area of the earth©s surface seemed to focus main as a memorial to this appalling event. on this unfortunate city. One source claims To stand within the abandoned walls of that nearly thirty thousand souls of the this edifice is a solemn experience solemn, city©s quarter of a million inhabitants were not because it is a church but rather be killed in the most terrible earthquake ever cause one senses the nearness of the soon recorded up to that time. coining of Christ. This most famous of all FEBRUARY, 1965 Disagreement without disloyalty sign of spiritual maturity among French workers. earthquakes should be known not for its was built, but has now proved to be too horrible destruction, but rather for its ful small! Our educational program ground fillment of prophecy. There need be no to a halt several years ago when the gov reticence on the part of any Adventist min ernment closed our schools on some flimsy ister to use the Lisbon earthquake as a pretext. In spite of this, special classes are definite fulfillment of God©s Word and a being conducted for consecrated young prominent sign of the soon coming of our men and women who desire to become Lord Jesus Christ. gospel workers. These students met with us during the entire workers© meetings. IVo Schools The work in Portugal is steadily march Altar Calls and Testimonies ing forward, along with the work in the In each country we climaxed the work rest of the Southern European Division. ers© meetings with an altar call. The re We met in the commodious Lisbon church, sponse was unanimous, not because of em which was considered far too large when it ulation but rather of personal conviction.

German-speaking Swiss workers grasped new ideas readily. THE MINISTRY As we stood together, hand clasping hand, vision placed an additional burden on my fervent testimonies and prayers were ut own heart which causes me to pray more tered. The depth of sincerity could be intelligently for my fellow ministers in measured not only by tear-filled voices but this area. Best of all, additional joys will by the silent workings of God©s Spirit on forever be mine as I look back on the every heart. All were in earnest as we precious association with those of like sought to come in closer contact with our faith. Since this trip "serendipity" has be Maker. come a very real part of my vocabulary! My visit to the Southern European Di J. R. SPANGLER

Visiting Our Workers in the Southern European Division

G. CUPERTINO Ministerial and Public Relations Secretary, Southern European Division

HE Adventist Church is a world move the fervent Dominican prior proclaimed, in Tment. This is why the General Confer the very bosom of the Catholic Church at ence sends some of its staff into all countries, the end of the fifteenth century, the power their purpose being to develop the different of the Scriptures. In the convent where he branches of the work and to give of their spent several years of his life, one can see experience to local leading brethren, so today the Bible that belonged to him and that they might get a larger vision of meth the standard with the motto "We preach ods for applying and proclaiming the gospel Christ!" which he carried through the of Christ to the greatest number of people streets of Florence. Before leaving the city possible. Brother Spangler and I bowed in silence The visit to Europe of J. R. Spangler, and emotion in the prison cell where this associate secretary of the General Confer man of God spent his last night on earth ence Ministerial Association, was unavoid before he was hung and burnt on the Piazza ably limited to Italy, France, Austria, della Signoria. Switzerland, Spain, and Portugal. His Back in Rome to take the plane for Paris, presence was greatly appreciated among we visited the prison where Paul spent his our workers in all these fields and he had last days on earth and where he wrote his the opportunity to learn something of our Second Epistle to Timothy. In the dark and division territory and of those who, as God©s damp dungeon are written these words: ministers, serve the Advent cause in this "Thou who passest, listen in silence to the area. terrible or glorious echoes of twenty-five centuries of history." And it is truly a glori Some Impressions on Fields ous echo, challenging the passing of time. That Have Been Visited Paul says: "The Lord stood with me, and Getting out of the plane in Rome, Italy, strengthened me; that by me the preaching Pastor Spangler continued his trip by train might be fully known" (2 Tim. 4:17). If we to Florence, where the first workers© meeting desire today to make known the gospel for the Italian Union was to be held. fully, we must abide in Christ and count Florence, besides its reputation as a city on Him. Therefore we asked the Lord to of art, cherishes the memory of one of the grant us His help and His presence. bravest witnesses of the rights of truth We met with the workers of the Franco- Savonarola. In spite of bitter opposition, Belgian Union at Bievres, France, not far FEBRUARY, 1965 Spanish workers find increasing religious liberty.

from Paris, yet away from the agitation and Pellice, then visited the house where Ellen the noise of the capital. In meditation and G. White stayed for several weeks in 1885. peace we drew near to our divine Master He also went to the Waldensian Museum as we considered together, under His bless and to the Ghieisa d©la Tana a grotto ing, the obstacles the preacher meets today where, in the Middle Ages, the Waldensians and also the encouraging possibilities that met to worship God in secret. Following can be ours as we present ourselves for Paul in Rome and Savonarola in Florence, God©s service. One of the most interesting the Christians of the Piedmont gave an and beneficial aspects of this convention immortal testimony of loyalty to the Word was the group study of evangelistic problems of God. and practical suggestions for more rapid In Switzerland also our workers met in progress of the work. the quiet of an outside site. Two conven Our next stop was with our brethren in tions took place at Oertlimatt, on the shores Austria. They planned the meetings to be of the Lake of Thun. The first was for the held amid the calm and beauty of nature. workers of the German Swiss Conference; Near Villach, Carinthia, at an intersection the second, for the French-speaking Con of the Austrian, Italian, and Yugoslavian ference. Everywhere in our division in such borders, these workers devoted four days to circumstances, we had to face the problem the study of the Word, the evangelization of of translation. However, Brother Spangler their country, and the sanctification of the adjusted himself to the situation with his church at a time when modern life, with usual good humor. We had the pleasure of its numerous attractions and unexpected having with us for a few hours the president changes, makes spiritual work particularly of our work in Southern Europe, M. Fridlin, difficult. But these very attractions may as well as the educational and temperance offer the vigilant minister of the Lord pos secretary, P. Steiner. The former, by a sibilities for progress heretofore unknown. stirring message, stimulated us to plan more These discussions led the participants to powerful evangelistic activities. The latter implore Heaven to give them the grace to emphasized the value of the Five-Day Plan, represent their Master more worthily and a means of gaining liberty from the slavery to live in closer communion with Him. of tobacco. Plans are under way to get this Our third stop was Switzerland. On our social activity started in all our countries. way from Austria to Berne we made a little From Geneva we flew to Spain where, be detour through the Waldensian valleys of cause of particular conditions, three conven the Piedmont. Pastor Spangler preached on tions were to be held in three different the Sabbath in the small church of Torre places. We stopped one day in Barcelona. THE MINISTRY The three churches we have there have the of whom came from neighboring towns, largest number of Adventists that can be were benefited by the teaching and com found in one city in the Iberian Peninsula. fort of the Word of God, of which Elder At the end of our very loaded program and Spangler was the exponent. In Madrid, as before our departure for Saragossa, we well as in Saragossa, the whole church had were invited to admire a caravel that was the privilege of attending one of these meet anchored in the port. It was the exact re ings. production of the Santa Maria of Chris Our itinerary ended in Portugal. The topher Columbus. This sight reminded us Lisbon chapel served as meeting place for of a man who, having as his motto, "I am all our workers throughout the union. Lis looking for a new world," was able to in bon is a famous name in the Adventist vo spire his mariners with the courage and cabulary. It reminds us of the earthquake the faith that enabled them to reach their in 1775, connected in Bible prophecy to goal in spite of severe setbacks. What a signs of the end of a wicked world to which wonderful example of intuitive vision, of a better world must succeed. Visiting the endurance and consecration to a cause is ruins of the ancient church of Carmes, the given us by this outstanding navigator! remains of this famous earthquake, Brother In Saragossa for two days our workers Spangler and I were thinking that even tried to study the evangelistic methods that stones are able to testify of the truthfulness are most efficient in a country as Catholic of prophecy. The series of workers© meetings as Spain. Upon arrival in the city in the organized in Southern Europe closed with a evening, traffic was nearly blocked by the happy note the Portuguese Union had tremendous procession organized in honor reached the highest baptismal goal ever in of the Virgin of Pilar. Masses of people its history. came to kiss devotedly the venerated column, an admirable gesture of sincerity, More Than Ever Convinced of the but revealing to us the need of these souls Authenticity of the Advent Message! for a more thorough knowledge of salva In conclusion, some thoughts on the na tion through faith in Jesus. ture of the teaching given by our guest to Our last convention in Spain took place the workers invited to the different con in Madrid. Some twenty participants, some ventions.

Portuguese workers forge ahead in spite of schools being closed. FEBRUARY, 1965 Not only was Elder Spangler able to gain came here, that we would attend a revival the good will of all by his winning personal meeting, but this truly has been one!" A ity and his conversation, but he succeeded worker on sustentation, though by no means also, in his Bible studies, to present to us a without dynamism, stated: "Absolutely un substantial synthesis of the truth for our heard of!" This expression, though it may time. "The Advent message," he empha not be exactly academic, shows neverthe sized, "is not a modern ideology which is less an honest enthusiasm. And we must added to those which have preceded it. It recognize, when with the eyes of the Spirit is really the revelation of God for our gener we get into the inspired pages of the Bible, ation. The contents of this proclamation is that we discover unsuspected realities which condensed in the threefold message of help us to understand better the words of Revelation 14, which is nothing less than Job: "I have heard of thee by the hearing the everlasting gospel of justification of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee" by faith. Against this gospel, come from (chap. 42:5). God, there is the opposition of Satan, whose history can easily be traced back through the centuries and whose last manifestation All One in Christ will take the special form of a sign: ©The Some who have entered these missionary mark of the beast.© " fields have said: "You do not understand the How to preach efficiently the truth for French people; you do not understand the our time without creating premature op Germans. They have to be met in just such position this was the central theme of a way." development to which Brother Spangler But I inquire: Does not God understand devoted some of his time. Other aspects of them? Is it not He who gives His servants a the evangelical mission of the preacher message for the people? He knows just what were considered. At the end of this series of they need; and if the message comes directly meetings each one of us can no doubt say- from Him through His servants to the people, that using the term of the speaker he it will accomplish the work whereunto it is is "humbly proud to be a Seventh-day Ad- sent; it will make all one in Christ. Though ven tist." some are decidedly French, others decidedly Following a touching consecration serv German, and others decidedly American, they ice, which took place during one of the will be just as decidedly Christlike. Testi conventions, several experienced workers monies, Vol. 9, p. 180. (Taken from an address expressed in different terms one main opin delivered at the European Union Council, ion or thought. "We did not think, when we Basel, Switzerland, September 24, 1885.)

The warmth and enthusiasm of Italian workers melts the heart. 10 THE MINISTRY Is it success you want? Then- Lift Up Your Eyes

ROBERT H. PIERSON

President, Trans-Africa Division

JESUS WAS standing be ism and racialism as they are in our day. side Jacob©s well in Sa In the face of obstacles and opposition, maria. From His vantage pride and prejudice, wine and worldliness, point the Saviour could Christ©s message to His followers was, look out over the fields "Lift up your eyes! Get a new vision! of waving grain about The field is white for the harvest." The Him. As the golden sun Saviour©s words were a message of chal light touched the tender lenge and courage. His was a message to green stalks Jesus knew challenge His workers© vision and to test that it was but a few their courage in the face of a difficult task. weeks until harvesttime. What a message for workers in the cause Here was an oppor of God today! "Lift up your eyes! Raise tunity for the Master to bring home an your sights! Roll back the horizon of your important lesson to His disciples. Looking vision!" Nineteen hundred years later upon the groups of people coming to the God©s messenger to His church echoed the well for water, Christ discerned another words of her Lord: harvest all ready for the reaping. Oh, how I seem to hear the voice day and night, "Say not ye, There are yet four months, "Go forward; add new territory; . . . give the last and then cometh harvest?" the Saviour message of warning to the world. There is no time asked His followers. "Behold, I say unto to be lost." Evangelism, p. 61. you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the I must not be far wrong when I say that fields: for they are white already to harvest" next to his relationship with God a work (John 4:35). er©s value to the cause of present truth is "Lift up your eyes." Jesus was speaking determined by the limit of his vision. The of a spiritual harvest. One looks down and man who thinks a task cannot be done is around to see a temporal harvest. The Mas defeated before he undertakes it. The ter desired His followers to look up. "Raise worker who sees unscalable mountains of your eyes" (Goodspeed). "Raise your difficulty before him will doubtless perish sights!" He might well have said, "Behold in the valley of mediocrity. He who doubts the great potential of your ministry!" has already lost the struggle. Conversely, Jesus discerned what His disciples failed the man of faith and perseverance will to see. He saw candidates for the kingdom fight through the obstacles, turn the tide all about Him. Were there obstacles? Were of defeat, transform the cold water of there problems? Jesus© vision reached be doubting colleagues into steam and use it yond the obstacles, beyond the problems to power his vehicle of victory. To see, to that beset His infant cause. Of course, believe, is half the battle won. there were difficulties ahead. The Saviour The church of God needs workers and knew a great deal about prejudice and leaders whose vision is bright and whose opposition to His cause of truth. In His courage is strong. There is much in the day Jesus faced many of the same prob world today that might well dim the vision lems that confront us now. People did not and dent the courage of workers who have readilv acceot His gospel. They were pre not yet caught the gleam of mission nor occupied. They were steeped in national- the sense of urgency that must characterize FEBRUARY, 1965 disciples of Christ in these closing, thrill action, the obstacles they meet prove to them posi ing days of earth©s history. tive blessings. They gain self-reliance. Conflict and "Where there is no vision, the people perplexity call for the exercise of trust in God and perish," Solomon wrote (Prov. 29:18). for that firmness which develops power. The Min istry of Healing, p. 500. While it is true the wise man was speaking of the prophetic vision in this scripture, it Vision is a divine discontent. It is a holy is equally true that God©s church today thing God plants deep in the heart of man needs inspired leaders men who have that keeps him from becoming satisfied caught the vision of a finished work in this with achievements of the past. He is im generation. Where no such vision chal pelled, compelled ever to move forward lenges them the people must perish short in Heaven©s strength attempting and ac of the kingdom. The remnant church needs complishing greater things for God. Vision leaders with lifted eyes. never allows a man to stop short of his "Vision," according to Webster, is "un projected goal. Somehow, by going around usual discernment or foresight." A leader or over or under the obstacles he fights with vision sees souls in now dark counties. through to victory. He sees church buildings where now there I once heard W. R. Beach say, "Vision are only vacant lots. To the worker with separates the men who do from those who vision there are no Alps, no Rockies, no do not." What a fine definition of vision! Everests! The impediments into dark coun "Raise your eyes!" God speaks to every ties and unentered lands are breached by worker in His last-day movement! "Lift up valiant unfettered faith. Evangelistic ef your eyes! Raise your sights!" Only leaders forts, schools, hospitals, clinics, church with clear vision and raised sights can see a buildings, spring up under the magic of finished work in a world riven with tur the Master©s touch when the man of faith moil and strife. Only leaders with "lifted and vision accepts the promises and the eyes" can discern the great harvest God challenges of the Omnipotent God. desires His church to garner despite the Of course there are problems! Of course trials and the troubles of the last days! there are obstacles! But men of hallowed The leaders in God©s cause, as wise generals, are vision are not turned from their purpose by to lay plans for advance moves all along the line. hardships and obstacles. In God©s strength Gospel Workers, p. 351. they move forward to achievement in spite Only men with lifted eyes can lay such of impediments that would discourage the plans. less intrepid soul. The messenger of the We are altogether too narrow in our plans. . . . Lord makes it clear that circumstances We must get away from our smallness and make must not deter the man of vision and faith. larger plans. There must be a wider reaching forth There is a statement from the pen of for those who are nigh and those who are afar off. inspiration that I have kept in the front Evangelism, p. 46. of my Bible for many years. I needed to Only men with vision and courage can read it frequently while attacking the Gi break the bonds of petty planning and braltar of unbelief in Southern Asia. What small achievements and roll back the hori a challenge these stirring words are: zons of the work. One challenging truth Man can shape circumstances, but circumstances should burn its way into the thinking of should not be allowed to shape the roan. We should every one of us as workers in the cause of seize upon circumstances as instruments by which to work. We are to master them, but should not God an organization seldom achieves permit them to master us. more than its leaders believe it can. Only Men of power are those who have been opposed, infrequently does a local church surpass baffled, and thwarted. By calling their energies into the vision of its pastor. A conference or a

THE HOLY SPIRIT- Christ, the Great Teacher, had an infinite variety of subjects from which to choose, but the one upon which He dwelt most largely was the endowment of the Holy Spirit. What great things He predicted for the church because of this endowment. Yet what subject is less dwelt upon now? What promise is less fulfilled? An occasional discourse is given upon the Holy Spirit, and then the subject is left for after consideration. Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 156, 157. THE MINISTRY mission field rarely exceeds the measure of pie into a latter-rain experience unless we faith manifest by its leaders. With one ourselves have felt the mercy drops water leader the work moves forward. With ing our own souls. If we achieve progress another the work in the same field stag without satisfaction, goals without holi nates. The determining factor may well be ness, our eyes have been lifted in the wrong the measure of the leader©s consecrated direction. If our eyes seek the approbation vision! of man rather than the smile of God©s ap A church, a conference, a mission field, proval there is yet a work of grace to be reflects the spirit of its leader. I have seen done in our hearts. situations fraught with dissatisfaction and God give us vision! Give us lifted eyes, unrest. An unwise or incapable leader had raised sights! So much depends upon work created divisions and tensions among the ers whose eyes are raised heavenward working staff. Relationships with other or above the barren hills of ordinary experi ganizations were coldly strained. Church ence and achievement. What an hour! members and workers alike were restless, What a task challenges us! What an awe almost apprehensive. Morale was at a low some day of opportunity and challenge! ebb. Spiritual fitness suffered as the result From my friend W. A. Higgins I received of tensions. Goals were unreached. There the following statement by Dr. Frank Lau- was no evidence of dynamic faith or con bach, "Heaven trembles lest we may prove secrated pride of achievement. too small and too late, lest we be bound Then I have seen a new leader step in by our weak habits when God summons us and with God©s help transform such a situa to great deeds. ... I©m afraid of some . . . tion almost overnight. The spiritual tide who have neither fire nor vision . . . who turned. Dissatisfaction disappeared. Divi begin to see why this might be hard, or sion gave way to unity. A spirit of hal unprecedented, or premature if not pt©op- lowed zeal possessed workers and church erly surveyed, or too informal, or too big. members alike. Souls were baptized. Goals The put-on-the-brakes type, the go-slow- were surpassed. Dynamic faith and conse type . . . can ruin God©s program. O ye of crated pride took over. The work of God little faith, keep your foot off the brake . . . moved forward on every front. who ever heard of God holding us back? He What was the difference? It was differ is impatient. He weeps over us as He did ence in the spirit and the vision of the over Jerusalem. We have nothing to fear; leader. So much depends upon the leader we shall not fall when God is pushing us. his spirit, his vision! I tell you what we need to fear, fear the way we are now, for we aren©t good "The need of the present hour is for men enough, hot enough, daring enough, far- of vision," I read in a Review and Herald visioned enough, for this splendid hour." editorial. How true! The cause of God Let us all pause a moment and ask our needs men who can dream dreams and selves the question, "How is my vision?" then make those dreams come true! Gazing out of the window is not always a waste of time. Leaders need to spend some time gaz ing out of windows. But we must not limit our accomplishments to idle gazing oth Present Truth in Meekness erwise we become visionaries rather than men of vision. If souls and churches and Be careful messengers. Do not be anxious to clinics and schools and progress do not hear and accept new theories, for often they are such as should never be presented before any follow our dreaming, our gazin

Acquaintance With God

M. V. CAMPBELL

Vice-President, General Conference

I WOULD LIKE to intro All of us know how to make friends here duce my remarks by on earth. However, we don©t see God, and reading from the Gospel we don©t hear Him, we can©t shake hands of John, chapter 17, with Him. The ordinary ways in which we verse 3: "This is eternal learn to know men and women are not life, to know you, the possible with God. Yet it is most important only true God, and him that we know Him and know Him better whom you have sent than we know any human friend. Jesus Christ" (Phillips).* Job recognized the difficulty of contact Here we have two great ing God. You will remember the long trial Christian opportunities he had. During this time God was watching brought to our atten him carefully, but Job didn©t know it. In tion. First, and most important, the oppor the twenty-third chapter of Job he says. tunity to know God, the Creator of the "Oh that I knew where I might find him! universe, and ruler of heaven and earth; . . . Behold, I go forward, but he is not and Jesus Christ, His Son. Resulting from there; and backward, but I cannot per this knowledge and acquaintance with ceive him . . . : he hideth himself on the God, it is pointed out, we will have eternal right hand, that I cannot see him." Job life. was having a most unusual trial, and God I want to talk with you about knowing seemed so far away. Even Jesus Christ, God. But we shouldn©t pass by quickly the when He was hanging on the cross, said, reward that is brought to our attention "My God, my God, why hast thou for here eternal life. None of us are eager to saken me?" There are times in the experi know God only for the reward, but it is ence of all of us when God seems to be far stated here emphatically that those who do away. We wish we could somehow see or know God and His Son Jesus Christ will touch or hear Him and know He is near have eternal life. It is hard for us to visual to sympathize with us and to hear us. ize just what eternal life means. It is life When Job said these words, he knew that without end, life without cessation years God saw him. He continues, "But he and years billions of years. And it isn©t to knoweth the way that I take." Even though be eternal life in a land like this, with all he could not find God by turning to the of its defects and limitations, but a land right or to the left, by going forward or where there is no death, no sorrow, no backward, he realized God knew the way sickness, no sighing a land of happiness that he was taking. Yes, God does know all and joy, a land where we will become better about us. He knows us better than any of acquainted with God every day. our friends know us, better than we know Now there are some difficulties in know ourselves. Jesus said, "I have graven thee ing God. It may not be quite as easy as be upon the palms of my hands." Throughout coming acquainted with our fellow men. eternity Jesus will bear those scars on His 14 THE MINISTRY hands the purchase price of our redemp His presence immediately at a moment©s tion. notice. There are no waits when we talk God wants us to become acquainted to God. Instantly He is connected with us, with Him. Many have done so. Enoch, who and He hears every word and gives atten lived before the Flood, walked with God. tion to it. He knows our hearts and Abraham, after the Flood, was called the thoughts and is interested in hearing our "friend of God," and David was "a man prayers. When we really pour out our after God©s own heart." When the angel hearts to God and tell Him all of our per came to Daniel, he said, "O Daniel, a man plexities, our problems, our worries; when greatly beloved." How we would like to we spend time praising Him for His good have that said to us "greatly beloved"! ness and for the benefits we have received In the Gospel which John wrote are these through Him, we can spend hours in words, "Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, prayer and not worry about the time it and Lazarus." Now we would perhaps say takes. God wants us to converse with Him Jesus loved the whole family, but that isn©t not just say a prayer to Him. There is a the way it was. He loved them individually, great deal of difference between saying a and the reasons that led Him to love prayer and actually praying. God wants us Martha were totally different from those to talk to Him. We are friends of His, and that led Him to love Mary. And He loved you know how friends are when they come Lazarus for still different reasons. He loved together how they chat and tell what has each one individually. And He loves you happened since they last saw one another. and me, just as He loved Mary and Martha The Lord wants us to tell Him everything and Lazarus. that is on our minds. He wants to hear God is no respecter of persons. These from us. individuals had no privileges that you and I was interested in reading a letter writ I lack. We too have the opportunity of ten by Fenelon, the Archbishop of Cam- walking with God just as surely as did brai, written in the seventeenth century. Enoch. God is not partial. He was not par He was a Catholic and a man of God. I tial to Enoch or to Abraham or to any of want to read just a few words that he wrote the others. We can have the same experi to a friend, Vidome D©Aimens. He said, ence that any of them had. We can be the "Tell God all that is in your heart, as one "friend of God." We can be the one unloads one©s heart to a dear friend. Tell "greatly beloved." We can even be the be Him your troubles that He may comfort loved disciple. you; tell Him your joys that He may sober Each time we read the Bible through we them; tell Him your longings that He may read the story of Jesus Christ four times. purify them; tell Him your dislikes that He Perhaps it is four times more important may help you to conquer them. Talk to than anything else in the Bible, but in all Him of your temptations that He may parts of the Bible we read of God. When we shield you from them. Show Him all the read the Word it leads us into fellowship wounds of your heart that He may heal with God, and we think His very thoughts them. Lay bare to Him your indifference after Him. Many people have become ac to good, your depraved taste for evil, your quainted with an author through reading instability. If you thus pour out to Him his books, and we can become acquainted all your weakness, your needs and trouble, with God by reading His Word. There we there will be no lack of what to say. You learn of Christ©s sacrifice for us, of the re will never exhaust the subject, it is con demption He has given us, of the home that tinually being renewed. People who have He is preparing for us, and the promise no secrets from each other never lack sub that He will come again and take us to that jects for conversation. They do not weigh home. their words because there is nothing to be kept back. Neither do they seek for some Just as the Lord talks to us through His thing to say. They talk together out of the Word, so we can talk to God a two-way conversation. We can talk to Him through abundance of their hearts, without con prayer. We have a wonderful opportunity sideration, just what they think. Blessed in talking to God. We can do it at any are they who attain to such familiar un time. We don©t have to make an appoint reserved intercourse with God." I believe ment with Him first. We can come into when we have that unreserved intercourse FEBRUARY, 1965 15 with God where we tell Him everything to God. Jesus said, "Where two or three are that is on our hearts, then we are ac gathered together in my name, there am I quainted with God through prayer. I have in the midst of them" (Matt. 18:20). Now talked with Him, I have felt His presence. when you want to become acquainted with He has answered my prayers. You too have a person you want to be where they are. had the experience, and you know that you We know where God is. He is where His are better acquainted with God for such people meet together. We know Jesus is experiences. here at this moment because we are met We also become acquainted with the together. We are becoming acquainted Lord as we carry on our labor for Him. with Him because He is here and we can Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that la talk to Him. bour and are heavy laden, and I will give Acquaintance with God fills the longing you rest" (Matt. 11:28). Then notice the of the human heart. Every person in this next sentence, "Take my yoke upon you, world, whether or not he knows it, longs and learn of me." There is evidently a con for a knowledge of God. David expressed it nection between bearing Christ©s yoke and this way, "As the hart panteth after the learning of Him. We learn of the Lord by water brooks, so panteth my soul after laboring for Him. Every soul should ask, thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for "What can I do to work for the Master?" the living God" (Ps. 42:1, 2). When we Attending meetings also brings us near know God, it satisfies the longing of our hearts. Jesus desires to make our acquaint ance. He says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him" (Rev. 3:20). We do not have to prepare our heart for Him. Just open it and say, "Lord enter." He will come into that heart, clean it up, and make it a Christian heart. He longs to come into the heart of every person and make true Christians of them. VIEWPOINT The greatest need of our lives is to deepen our acquaintance with Jesus Christ. The greatest need of this world is to know Jesus. I don©t know of any group of peo ple who are better equipped to go out and bring the world to Jesus than those who Anent Pastor J. S. Damazo©s article "Conversion The Baptismal Standard" (September issue) I©d are right here. We know Him. He is a like to raise these questions: How do we know Friend of ours. Every person we meet that a candidate has inwardly put on the Lord should be introduced to our Friend so they Jesus Christ? How do we know that he is truly too may know Him. converted? If Jesus in his li£e is something real, I shall close with this text found in obvious, and recognizable, what are the most re liable marks of it? Does not experience tell us that Hosea, chapter 6, verse 3. Hosea is speaking there were candidates for baptism who had sur about knowing the Lord. ©©Let us know, let rendered, confessed their sins, obeyed what they us press on to know the Lord; his going had known as truth, and had shown changes be forth is sure as the dawn; he will come to fore baptism but had backslidden a few months us as the sho\vers, as the spring rains that after? It is my honest conviction that unless some water the earth" (R.S.V.). This means one makes plain to us these recognizable marks that we should do something about it. We of true conversion, our baptismal standard remains should use our energy, our time, and our dubious. May I suggest, therefore, that another article talent to know the Lord better to in be written on this important subject. For if con crease our acquaintance with Him and to version must be our baptismal standard, reason become true friends of God. Let us press on demands that what is involved in that standard to know the Lord. must of necessity be drawn clearly. MANUEL G. TORTAL * From The Mete Testament in Modern English. © J. B. Phillips 1958. Used by permission of The Macmillan Com Cambodia pany. THE MIVTSTRY Four Mysteries of the Christian Faith (Part 1)

EDWIN W. REINER, M.D.

San Diego, California

THE BIBLE contains four tures. However, putting first things first, amazing mysteries that it is vital for the seeker of truth to recog are fundamental to the nize primary Bible subjects, and then the Christian religion. These important supporting doctrines. There is a basic subjects extend danger in stressing secondary and lesser through the Scriptures. doctrines first, for basic truth might then be A recognition of these overlooked. pillars of the Christian God. Very early in the Scriptures the faith will reveal to the first basic subject is introduced. It is found student a knowledge of in Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning God." the grand central themes Readily it is seen that God is a fundamen of the Bible. He will be tal subject extending from the beginning able to view the Word as a whole and to to the end of the Bible. As finite beings we see the relation of its parts. cannot fully comprehend the greatness and The Christian religion is composed of a glory of God. Profound mysteries surround combination of mysticism and dogma. It this subject, which we are obliged to accept is the mysteries of our religion that inspire by faith. No Christian will doubt the ex reverence and keep people true to their istence of God, for the heavens declare faith. Mysticism, because it is a mystery, His glory. Only the fool has said, "There is must be accepted by faith. Finite human no God." The Holy Scriptures proclaim beings cannot fully understand these sub that God has existed from eternity, and will jects, but if they are accepted they will sup exist into eternity. He is the Supporter of port the doctrines in such a way that they the universe and of all the life therein. It will not be a burden. is further proposed that the Godhead con These four mysteries, because they are sists of three distinct Beings, one in pur fundamental, serve to make the Bible story pose. Deity comprises no secondary beings. more connected and reasonable. Such pri All are original, self-existent, uncreated, mary pillars of truth can be compared with underived. Of this Triad, Christ was the the warp of a piece of cloth, which runs Son of God in purpose from the "founda lengthwise throughout the bolt. It is the tion of the world." He came to earth, in warp that gives strength to material. The fact, as the sinless, spotless Son of God, tak basic colors are found in the warp. Durabil ing up the work of the first Adam where ity is a characteristic of the warp. Con he began (not where he failed). trasted with the warp is the woof, or cross He is called the second Adam, for He wise threads, which the weaver uses to give took the first Adam©s place. Nearly two luster, brilliance, and support to the fin thousand years ago a voice of mysterious im ished product. The latter are the doctrines port was heard in heaven from the throne of religion. of God, saying, "Lo, I come." "Sacrifice The Master Weaver has used important, and offering thou wouldest not, but a body though secondary subjects, to lend support hast thou prepared me. . . . Lo, I come (in to the four central themes of the Scrip- the volume of the book it is written of me,) FEBRUARY, 1965 17 to do thy will, O God" (Heb. 10:5-7). "In . . . the son of Adam, which was the son of these words is announced the fulfillment of God." This passage leaves no room for the purpose that had been hidden from speculation as to what he felt about the ori eternal ages. Christ [the Second Person of gin of mankind. If Adam was the earthly the Godhead] was about to visit our world, father of Christ, it is also logical to believe and to become incarnate. He says, ©A body that he was the father of the human race. hast Thou prepared Me.© Had He ap Reference to the creation of man as re peared with the glory that was His with corded in Genesis forms part of a quota the Father before the world was, we could tion by Christ found in Mark 10:6: "From not have endured the light of His presence. the beginning of the creation God made That we might behold it and not be de them male and female." Paul, who more stroyed, the manifestation of His glory was than any other one man has had a tre shrouded. His divinity was veiled with hu mendous impact upon the thinking and manity, the invisible glory in the visible philosophy of the early Christian church, human form," The Desire of Ages., p. 23. also brings out the fact that the human In correctly interpreting the Bible story, race originated with one man, namely it is important to see that Christ was the Adam (Rom. 1:20, 25; 5:12, 19; 1 Cor. 15: only human being equal to the Law. He 45). Additional evidence among apostolic lived a perfect, sinless life as our substitute writers is found in James 3:9 and Jude 14. and surety, and so could be the Saviour of Approximately twenty of the fifty Biblical mankind. references to Creation appear in the New Creation.—The second great mystery is Testament. We must conclude that these also introduced in Genesis 1:1: "In the be writers were in harmony with Luke. Not ginning God created the heaven and the one of them maintained that humanity- earth." This simple statement lays the very- arose from a long line of germs, mollusks, foundation for the Bible story, for here is and quadrupeds©. where the Bible begins. Creation is indeed (To be continued) a mystery, as are God and the other basic principles of the Christian faith. Who can fully comprehend the mystery of Creation? THE DARKEST THE darkest day was the day Man cannot create in the manner depicted DAY Christ died. It was a dark day for God the Father. He wit in the Scriptures. Neither can he under nessed every moment of His Son©s passion. The stand the God of Creation. So we tend to divine pulse quickened at the pain inflicted on limit God because we do not see how He the Innocent One. There was no joy in heaven could possibly have done it. This is the rea while Christ suffered on earth. son man has doubted this fundamental It was a dark day for the angels. He who had Christian belief, and substituted as truth a been their beloved Commander was now prey for doctrine of men. evil men and angels. They beheld in full grief every act committed against His person. They Creation has been under fire for centu trembled with emotion at His suffering and mar ries, yet it is the only logical explanation veled that He called them not to His aid. for the world and its contents that has It was a dark day for the devil. All during the borne the test of time. If doubted, every life of Christ the devil had tempted Him to sin, belief in God and the Bible would be done but to no avail. Satan©s only hope of success lay in away with. Should God not be the Creator this one prospect. When Christ died without tres of the universe, He is not God. Disbelief passing, the devil©s doom was sealed. It was a dark day for the apostles. Their dreams in one part of the Scriptures tends to cause were of Christ as an earthly ruler, setting up an disbelief in another. Soon one does not earthly kingdom. They would, of course, be His know what to believe, and confidence is co-rulers. They saw in His death the failure of lost in God©s Holy Word. their grand ambitions. Crestfallen, they forsook The inspired writers of the Scriptures Him and fled. were agreed upon Creation. In Genesis the Howbeit, this day that was our darkest is indeed record states, "Let us make man in our our brightest. It was the day the "price" was paid and sin©s dominion broken. It was a day of redemp image, after our likeness." This theme was tion and of the emancipation of the human followed by Luke as he recorded the gen race. It is paradoxical but true that in the "shed ealogy of Christ in unmistakable terms ding of blood" lies remission. His tragedy is our (Luke 3:23-38). "The son of Mathusala, triumph. Thus, this darkest day is our brightest, . . . the son of Enoch, . . . the son of Seth, for on it Christ died for our sins© E. E. c. THE MINISTRY Devotional Given at the Autumn Council

Finishing God's Work

W. E. MURRAY

Vice-President, General Conference

WHEN JESUS was on the as he endeavored to finish the building of earth He endeavored to the Temple after the Captivity. reveal to mankind the You will remember the circumstances fact that He was the di that surrounded this experience. Several vine Son of God. The people had made attempts to rebuild Je people had a hard time rusalem. The foundation had been laid, believing it; He faced the walls had been put up, and a good much doubting and en work had been done, but the work had countered many barri not been finished. Beginning is important, ers. On one occasion He keeping the work going is important, but said, "Believe me that I it is more important to finish the task. am in the Father, and That is our great challenge today to fin the Father in me: or else believe me for ish the work God has given us to do. There the very works© sake" (John 14:11). The were plenty of obstacles in those days. The things that He did, the way He did them, Samaritans came up and hindered the peo when He did them, where He did them ple. They influenced them into thinking all testified to His divinity and to His love it wasn©t time to finish the Lord©s work; it and mercy. In Psalm 111:2 we find these was time to fix up their own places so they words: "The works of the Lord are great, could live in them. In other words, they sought out of all them that have pleasure said, "Our house first, Thy house second." therein." He has made His wonderful But that was not the way God wanted them works to be remembered. O that we would to work. So He told Haggai the prophet work in a way that would be great and to tell the people, "Consider your ways." that we could say, "This is an example of Then we read: "The Lord stirred up the how to work"! God©s workmen would do spirit of Zerubbabel . . . and the spirit of well to understand His ways and His pur Joshua . . . and the spirit of all the remnant poses, for it is through us that His work to of the people; and they came and did work a great degree is to be accomplished. in the house of the Lord" (Haggai 1:14). If we read the last few chapters of The God used the remnant to finish the work Great Controversy we will find described of the Temple. in great detail how God©s work is to be fin We claim to be the remnant church, ished. We can learn how this is to be done God©s remnant people. In the twelfth chap by studying things that have happened in ter of the book of Revelation, we are told the past. The experiences of human beings Satan went to make war with the remnant. as recorded in the Bible are examples of God works with innumerable hosts in the the way God has worked in the past and invisible world, but in the visible world how He may work in the future. He uses only a few. When He wanted to Now when we speak about finishing the make the Jewish nation He called one work of God in the earth there is one ex man, Abram, and said, "Look at the stars. ample that has been a great inspiration to I am going to use you to make a great na my soul. It is the example of Zerubbabel tion." Think of the wanderings of that FEBRUARY, 1965 19 man and his people; building an altar here help us to be true in times of persecution and an altar there, apparently a people and stress. Those who are true to God will without a purpose, but God was using be menaced, denounced, proscribed. Their them to do a great work. Thus it was in only hope will be in the mercy of God. Zerubbabel©s time. A large number of peo Their only defense will be prayer. As we ple had been left behind in Babylon. They face the possibility of persecution, as we were not disturbed about rebuilding the face even the possibility of division in our Temple. But God stirred up a few among own families, in our church, may the God them, and sent them off on a mission to who was with Zerubbabel be with us as we build the city and the Temple once again. finish His work. Zerubbabel was the head of the group and When this is done and Jesus comes, his they finally finished the work. Let us take tory will be an open book, the mysteries of courage, brethren the work of God will the past will be made clear. So let us put be finished by a remnant. our all into the finishing of the work of When God wanted the Temple rebuilt God and so hasten the greatest of all events He said: "Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel the coming of Jesus Christ. . . . ; and be strong- O Joshua, . . . and be strong all ye people." How wonderful it is THE RAT THERE is a business aspect to the that we can draw our strength from God. RACE Christian faith. It has ever been so. When He says, "Be strong," I believe He The Lord©s Supper had to be ar means that we can be strong if we obey ranged. Disciples were appointed to see to every Him and follow His plan. When God com detail. Procedure was established for extracting mands He enables. We are told: "As the the money from the mouth of a fish for the pay will of man co-operates with the will of ment of the Temple tax. The great gathering on God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is the hillside, where thousands were fed with a mini mum of supply, was accompanied with meticulous to be done at His command may be accom organizational detail. Subsequently the business as plished in His strength. All His biddings pects of the work of the church were committed to are enablings." Christ's Object Lessons, Spirit-filled men who were consecrated to this pur p. 333. pose. God©s work needs you, my brethren, but There is a form of fanaticism that would depre you need a thousand times more to be in ciate, if not separate, the Martha-like aspects of God©s work. To everyone who becomes a church work, labeling it as being not the better part. This is not true of the King©s business. Atten partaker of His grace, the Lord appoints tion to detail and financial responsibility are spirit a work for others. Much can be accom ual operations when connected with the church of plished when all work together. God help God. It is a necessary part of the Lord©s program. us today as leaders to carry the message to Equally fallacious is the increasingly popular the our people that all are to have a part in ory that business and administrative work super- the finishing of the work. cedes the preaching of the Word in importance and The work of the Seventh-day Adventist responsibility. The whole question is academic, for one cannot proceed without the other. To sur movement is to evangelize. When the Lord render to the aforementioned concept is to invite Jesus sent out His disciples to do this work, a ministerial rat race in search of the elusive an He said to them, "I am with you alway, swer to the question "Who shall be the greatest?" even unto the end of the world." Men The glorification of church office has stymied many have lived among dangers, men have suf a religious movement toward revival. And it has fered endless sacrifices, but they were sus robbed the pulpits of our cities of some of the most tained by the promise, "I am with you." effective preaching talent. Is it really advancement Today we should have a new awareness of to leave the public desk as a fruitful soul winner for another line of responsibility that precludes the value of that wonderful statement, "I this? This misplaced emphasis can cause history to am with you." repeat itself. Then let the emphasis be placed God©s work is going to be finished in again where it should be. On service, not being the midst of opposition. There was opposi served, on work, not supervision, and on risking all, tion in the time of Zerubbabel, and there and not playing it safe, and the idealism that once will be even greater opposition in our day. fired young hearts to do and die will be rekindled and our pulpits will no longer know the poverty People may scoff and ridicule. That is of numbers. And we will usher in again that long- what they did when the faithful were try departed day when a man will choose to remain on ing to build the Temple, but God brought the front line and fight rather than accept "greater them through and they finished it. God responsibility." E. E. c. 20 THE MINISTRY Communion in the Worship Hour

A. A. LEISKE

Moderator of the American Religious Town Meeting, Inc.

THE PROPER approach to Christian. But it is so easy to unconsciously worship has concerned accept a custom or follow a tradition in faithful men ever since some ritualistic round of religious service the first crime was com and fail to discern that God is not present, mitted by Cain, whose however laudable the method of worship mistaken idea of wor may appear to men. ship led him to murder If the Lord of heaven were to enter into his brother Abel. In our church sanctuary some Sabbath morn the days of Micah the ing we might well be shocked, especially if prophet, the proprieties He were to say to the waiting congrega of worship were again tion: "My thoughts are not your thoughts, brought into focus when neither are your ways my ways. . . . For as he said, "Wherewith shall I come before the heavens are higher than the earth, so the Lord, and bow myself before the high are my ways higher than your ways, and God? shall I come before him with burnt my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isa. 55: offerings, with calves of a year old? Will 8, 9). We all recognize that even after we the Lord be pleased with thousands of have done our best we come far short of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of the standards of God. This should cause us oil? shall I give my firstborn for my trans to give more study to our approach to God gression, the fruit of my body for the sin of in Sabbath services that our worship might my soul?" Then comes the classic answer really be acceptable to Him. "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is The messenger of the Lord counsels us good; ... do justly, . . . love mercy, and to to "weed out of our conversation every walk humbly with thy God" (Micah 6: thing that is harsh and severe." Testi 6-8). monies to Ministers, p. 225. This is good Today in our earnestness for the finish counsel not only for us individually in our ing of the work of God upon earth we everyday life but also for the church as a might be able to paraphrase the questions whole regarding our worship hour. And of Micah by substituting certain promo we as a people would profit greatly if we tional objectives, as for example, in place would accept this counsel as a standard of of "thousands of rams," would it be more conduct in the regular Sabbath services meaningful if we said thousands of sub and especially during the Communion and scriptions for the Signs or These Times? the ordinance of humility. And in place of "ten thousands of rivers of I have found through experience that oil" say ten thousand Silver Vanguards for there is sometimes an unconscious feeling Ingathering? It is good to have goals and of awkwardness among our believers re objectives so long as such goals do not de garding our communion services. This, I stroy humility and get in the way of wor believe, could be removed and changed so ship. that this sacred worship hour might be the The consciousness that the believers© most inspirational of all our services, and worship is acceptable to God brings great be more acceptable to the Holy Spirit as peace and calmness to the heart of every well as to believers and even unbelievers. FEBRUARY, 1965 21 I have also noticed that there is some in the ancient way as was the Sabbath uneasiness in having this sacred service worship in Nazareth when the Scripture conducted during the eleven o©clock hour, says, "And he closed the book, and he especially where we have large congrega gave it again to the minister, and sat down. tions. Instead of seeking to solve the prob And the eyes of all them that were in the lems and remove the awkwardness of this synagogue were fastened on him. And he sacred service, it is shifted to a remote and began to say unto them, This day is this more secluded hour when only believers scripture fulfilled in your ears" (Luke 4: are present. 20, 21). The same inspired counsel quoted above It was customary for the rabbi to be declares that "the prevailing monotony of seated as a teacher when giving forth his the religious round of service in our message. If the communion worship hour churches needs to be disturbed. . . . The were made a real type of the final great Holy Spirit©s power will move upon hearts supper of the Lamb it would have far- when this dead, lifeless monotony is reaching effects upon the congregation. It broken up, and many will begin to work in is always inspiring when the pastor draws earnest who never before thought of being lessons from the Word of God that focus anything but idle spectators." Ibid., p. the attention upon the great marriage sup 204. per of the Lamb, when immortal saints Is there anything the church could do to from all the ages will meet around a table day to change the "monotony" of the Com miles and miles in length and be served munion Sabbath? How might we turn by Him whose victory on the cross makes mere spectators into participants and cre possible our victory over sin. We conquer ate in them the desire to become earnest through the blood of the Lamb. This workers in the cause of God? In answering should be emphasized at every communion these questions let us think of that first service. Lord©s Supper when the Master served His Our congregations need to experience a disciples. This, you remember, was only a new Pentecost, and we believe it will help few hours before His trial and crucifixion. if such a simple plan as this is carried out. First He prepared those who were to par It could well have been that the apostolic take by washing their feet, a beautiful church was seated around the communion symbol of cleansing their hearts. Then He table when the Holy Spirit fell, for we gathered them around Him as He talked read in Acts 2:2: "Suddenly there came a about the divine provision for our victory sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty over sin. wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting." Would it help if our elders, deacons, and deaconesses were to conduct the first serv This suggestion is not an attempt to be ice of preparation between Sabbath school different, but a sincere desire to encourage and church? To prevent undue haste in true fellowship and also break up the "mo this service of preparation it might be wise notony of the religious round of service in to plan an extra ten minutes between Sab our churches," as we are admonished by bath school and the worship hour. It would the messenger of the Lord. not be difficult to have the church mem No service is richer in spiritual possibil bers separate immediately following Sab ities than the communion service, espe bath school; then when the whole congre cially if the choir were to sing quietly that gation meets for the service of worship, in beautiful hymn "Break Thou the Bread of stead of the pulpit being in the center of Life" while the deacons distribute the the rostrum the Lord©s table could be bread to the congregation. And again the there. The elders and pastor could take consecrated choir might echo the feelings their places immediately around the com of all hearts as they sing "My Jesus, I Love munion table, and worship could be led Thee" as the congregation receives the from the table of the Lord. As the pastor wine representing the spilt blood of Christ expounds the Word from his place at the for the sins of the world. head of the table he could more easily lead When the entire membership joins anew the congregation to enter into the spirit of in worship through the communion service real family fellowship, as did the Master they cannot help radiating the love of God and His disciples. And this could be done (Continued on page 32} THE MINISTRY Wines of the Bible

Were They Intoxicating?

RICHARD J. BARNETT

Pastor, Chesapeake Conference

THE SEVENTH-DAY AD- ever language, have reference to only fer VENTIST position on the mented liquor. In some instances this use of intoxicating bev seems almost to be taken for granted, thus erages has ever been con implying a falsehood. Other sources are sistent and Biblical. The more emphatic that the wines used in Bible church has always taken days were, in general, fermented. Dr. Wil the unequivocal stand liam Smith, in his Dictionary of the Bible, that alcoholic drinks are is a case in point. He writes: debilitating to body and It has been disputed whether the Hebrew wine mind, and hence are not was fermented, but the impression produced on the to be used by the child mind by a general review of the above notices of God, for "if any man [Old Testament texts] is that the Hebrew words defile the temple of God, him shall God indicating wine refer to fermented, intoxicating destroy; for the temple of God is holy, wine. Page 997. which temple ye are" (1 Cor. 3:17). Not If the above quotation be even generally only does the use of such beveraees defile true, there would be an evident contradic body and mind but the result of their con tion on the part of Bible writers as to just tinued use makes a person unfit to enter what is signified by the word "wine," a the kingdom of heaven (chapter 6:10). fermented or an unfermented product. Ad Alcohol is formed by the process of fermen mittedly, in a hot climate, without the tation. Fermentation signifies death, death benefit of refrigeration, the pure juice of is the result of sin, hence fermentation is the grape had to be taken soon after it was a type of sin. produced in order to avoid fermentation, There is an obvious disagreement on but even this assumption cannot be taken the part of various students of the Bible to mean that every instance of the usage of as to the use of beverages termed "wine" the word "wine" in the Bible has reference in the Scriptures. Numerous Biblical schol to fermented wine. ars, both past and present, however, are That the Bible writers make a distinc in harmony with the belief that the word tion between the wines of the Bible is ob "wine" as used in the Bible has reference vious. In the Old Testament the Aaronic to an intoxicating beverage. Some have priests were forbidden to drink wine or gone so far as to imply that its use as such strong drink while ministering about the in the Scriptures is with divine approval. tabernacle (Lev. 10:9). Those under the This in turn has served as some sort of Nazarite vow were likewise prohibited license for many to partake of such alco from taking fermented wine (Num. 6:2, holic drinks, and to use fermented wine in 3). These prohibitions cannot possibly the communion service, claiming that the have reference to "the pure blood of the Bible and even Jesus Himself endorse its grape," in which there was "a blessing" use. (Deut. 32:14; Isa. 65:8). Various reference works lexicons, com The New Testament record is likewise mentaries, dictionaries, and encyclopedias consistent. Christ©s first miracle at the mar also seem to be in agreement that "wine" riage feast was to produce "good wine" in and the words answering to it, in what- an emergency. This was the pure juice of FEBRUARY, 1965 23 the grape. Note this inspired statement: 3:1 reveals to the lay reader that the word It was Christ who directed that John the Baptist "wine" has also the meaning of "grapes." should drink neither wine nor strong drink. It was A careful examination of the use of the He who enjoined similar abstinence upon the wife word "wine" in its original setting of the of Manoah. And He pronounced a curse upon Hebrew and Greek will clearly reveal the the man who should put the bottle to his neighbor©s fact that two kinds of wine are used in lips. Christ did not contradict His own teaching. The unfermented wine which He provided for the the Scriptures one intoxicating and the wedding guests was a wholesome and refreshing other unintoxicating. drink. Its effect was to bring the taste into harmony The Hebrew is a very compact language with a healthful appetite. The Desire of Ages, p. and yet it is rich in synonyms. For example, 149. there are thirteen words in Hebrew for the The Saviour©s final act with His disciples English word "man." It has more than was the institution of the Lord©s Supper to sixty different words for the word "take." take the place of the Passover supper. That There are eleven words that are translated the wine used on this occasion was unfer "wine" in our Bibles, but a translation mented is established by the fact that dur that makes one English word stand for a ing the Passover season leaven and all dozen Hebrew words, must certainly de other things fermented were not to be stroy many shades of meaning. The eleven found in any Hebrew home (Ex. 12:15). words we translate "wine" evidently do not It is unthinkable that the wine used to rep all refer to wine as we understand it, in resent His blood (1 Cor. 11:25) would toxicating or unintoxicating, but also to bear the taint of ferment and its cause, other products of the vine. It isn©t neces which is death. Jesus said to the disciples, sary, therefore, to examine all eleven He "But I say unto you, I will not drink brew words translated "wine," for the testi henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until mony of the Hebrew Bible rests largely that day when I drink it new with you in upon three main words and their uses. my Father©s kingdom" (Matt. 26:29). The wine used at the Lord©s Supper was called /. Old Testament the "fruit of the vine." Ferment is a type 1. Tirosh. The examination of the refer of sin, and since in Him was no sin, the ences used where this word occurs leaves lit wine that represents His blood must be tle doubt that the wine referred to is of the without ferment. harmless, unintoxicating variety. The word The Old Testament records that is used thirty-eight times and is always as "mingled" wine was used at festivals (Prov. sociated with that which is good. Tirosh 9:2, 5) and occasions of excess (Isa. 5:22). was given to sustain man (Gen. 27:37); it Such a mixture of wines evidently had a gladdens the heart (Ps. 104:15); it produces delirious effect (Prov. 23:29, 30). It is sig gladness and prosperity (Prov. 3:10); it is nificant to note that "wine mingled with equated with the good fruit of the earth myrrh" was offered to Jesus at His crucifix (Hosea 2:22). (See also Joel 2:19, Micah ion to deaden the pain (Mark 15:23), but 6:15, and Zechariah 9:17.) He refused it because of its stupefying ef fect upon the brain. The Saviour of man 2. Shekar. The word "wine" as trans needed the powers of His whole being to lated from Shekar is always a drink that triumph over the adversary in those last beyond question is intoxicating, and its crucial hours, and thus He refused that general rendering in our English Bibles as which would have helped ease His pain. "strong drink" is quite appropriate. There It should be noted in passing that in is not one instance where this word is sanc Bible times the vine was not cultivated tioned by Divinity. Notice its usage: "Wine wholly for the purpose of producing wine, is a mocker, strong drink is raging" (Prov. but for other products as well. Dr. Eli 20:1); it brings sorrow and contention Smith, who spent years in the Holy Land, (Prov. 23:29, 30); priests and prophets writes, "Wine is not the most important, have erred through strong drink (Isa. 28: but rather the least so, of all the objects 7); woe to them that follow strong drink for which the vine is cultivated." I believe (Isa. 5:11). it is significant that nearly every one of the 3. Yayin. The texts in which this word Hebrew words that stand for the product is found reveal that it is merely a generic of the vine, are each rendered simply as word having reference to wine in general. "wine." The marginal reading of Hosea It is used both with favor and disfavor in 24 THE MINISTRY the Scriptures, the context alone revealing the water wine." The word oinos is used in whether intoxicating or unintoxicating each of the above texts, but obviously dif wine is intended. This word occurs 140 ferent kinds of wine are being set forth. times in the Old Testament. Notice how Some select certain passages in which that both types of wine are signified by the word "wine" is used, not knowing the the word yayin: Noah "drank of the wine, usages in the original languages, thus dis and was drunken" (Gen. 9: 21); "How long torting the true meaning to suit their own wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine" purposes. It is inconceivable, for instance, (1 Sam. 1:14); "Had taken of them bread that Paul would counsel the early church and wine" (Neh. 5:15); "Buy wine and deacons (1 Tim. 5:23) or aged women milk . . . without price" (Isa. 55:1, used (Titus 2:3) to use shekar in the one in figuratively). stance and to shun it in the other, for Hosea 4:11 provides a good example of Paul knew that intoxicating wines were the usage of two of the above Hebrew forthrightly condemned in the Old Testa words: "Whoredom and wine [yayz©n] and ment, the Bible of his day. new wine [tirosh] take away the heart." The study of the wines of the Bible re Notice that yayin, the generic word for veals the fact that for every good thing that wine, and tirosh, the word for unintoxicat God has made, Satan has made a counter ing wine, are here associated with whore feit. Nowhere in the Scriptures can it be dom and are said to "take away the heart." proved that God has put His endorsement This is an indictment against the exploita on the use of intoxicating wine. He has tion of appetite and points to the state of given man the pure juice of the grape for degradation in which all things minister to his enjoyment and benefit. He provided sensuality and the carnal nature. This it as a symbol of the spilt blood of Jesus could well be said in reference to overin- Christ for our sins, and greatest of all, we dulgence of good food and drink as well have the Saviour©s promise: "I will not as intoxicants. drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, //. New Testament until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father©s kingdom" (Matt. 26: There are three Greek words that are 29). ___ translated "wine" in the New Testament. The word used mostly is oinos; however, "Those men who are not called of God are there are two other words that are used generally the very ones that are the most confident once each which have reference to intoxi that they are so called and that their labors are cating wine; they are sikera and gleukos, very important. They go into the field and do not used in the following texts: "(John the generally exert a good influence; yet in some places Baptist] shall drink neither wine [oinos] they have a measure of success, and this leads them and others to think that they are surely called of nor strong drink [sikera]" (Luke 1:15); God. It is not a positive evidence that men are "Others mocking said, These men are full called of God because they have some success; for of new wine [gleukos]" (Acts 2:13). angels of God are now moving upon the hearts The Septuagint uses the Greek oinos to of His honest children to enlighten their under translate both yayin and tirosh—the for standing as to the present truth, that they may mer referring to wine in general, the latter lay hold upon it and live. And even if self-sent men to unintoxicating wine. On the basis of put themselves where God does not put them and this, careful scholarship should attend the profess to be teachers, and souls receive the truth by hearing them talk it, this is no evidence that interpretation of those texts where oinos they are called of God. The souls who receive the is used, taking cognizance of the context truth from them receive it to be brought into trial in which the word is found. This alone de and bondage, as they afterward find that these men termines whether oinos should be rendered were not standing in the counsel of God. Even if as an intoxicating beverage or not. Notice wicked men talk the truth, some may receive it; the usage of oinos in the following texts: but it does not bring those who talked it into any Luke 7:33 "For John the Baptist came more favor with God. Wicked men are wicked neither eating bread nor drinking wine; men still, and according to the deception they practiced upon those who were beloved of God, and ye say, He hath a devil." Luke 10:34 and according to the confusion brought into the "And [the good Samaritan] went to him, church, so will be their punishment. Their sins and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil will not remain covered, but will be exoosed in and wine." John 4:46 "So Jesus came the day of God©s fierce anger." Early Writings, again into Cana of Galilee, where he made pp. 98, 99. FEBRUARY, 1965 2.r> Light by the China Sea

WILBUR E, NELSON, Ph.D.

Ministerial Association Secretary. South China Island Union Mission

"CHINA! CHINA! I can sionary evangelism in China. But today©s not get away from the witness for truth in Hong Kong is not one burden!" It xvas the old pioneer in a tropical helmet boarding voice of an old man, visiting boats from his sampan in the har Abram La Rue, former bor. Now in the little colony there are more gold miner, seaman, than 2,500 students in Adventist schools shepherd, and colpor with an enthusiasm and evangelistic energy teur. His simple, un of unlimited potential. South China Un swerving faith led him ion College at scenic Clearwater Bay is de at an advanced age to veloping into the Chinese training center light the torch of truth of Asia. In the pattern of the pioneer mis by the China Sea in sionary to the Orient and of Christ the Hong Kong. He arrived in 1888, a lone master fisherman, the department of reli fisherman for souls; but his self-supporting gion of the college has sponsored an ad ministry as our first missionary to the Far venture in evangelism, Operation Sea- East has made his experience an inspira Light. tion to those faced with the gigantic chal It has been found that youth evangelism lenge of evangelizing China with a popula should include: (1) A plan which fits into tion approaching one fourth of humanity. the student life, giving proper considera Abram La Rue boarded ships bound for tion to class and school obligations; (2) the ends of the earth and scattered litera a program with activities which challenge ture among men whose hearts were often the faith and imagination of Missionary as troubled as the seas upon which they Volunteers; (3) a location appropriate for spent their lives. Amid the darkness of young workers of limited experience, heathenism he labored to hasten the return where the gospel "fishine" is quite easy. of the Lord whom he followed in a life of Operation Sea-Light, with weekend and sacrificial service. His five years of solitary afternoon evangelistic adventure in vil labor were eloquently brought before the lages near the college campus and aboard assembled General Conference in 1893. A boats in the Hong Kong bays, has pro giant of faith was pleading his cause. vided students with outstanding opportu Stephen N. Haskell, Bible scholar, "father nities to witness for Christ. of the tract and missionary society," pio To begin the program missionary doc neer, and promoter of missions extraordi tors were invited to accompany students nary, was speaking: "Let me speak in be and teachers on friendly medical mission half of China. . . . How many missionaries ary calls to neighboring villages. The regu have we in China? We have one old man lar clinics generously provided by the doc about eighty years old, Brother La Rue. . . . tors during their free time were followed Do you not think God is opening the way up with literature visitation and branch for work in China?" General Conference Sabbath school work. As the students de Bulletin, Feb. 20, 1893, pp. 294-296. veloped in the work they were given train The question must be asked again to ing in child evangelism and assisted in pre day as we face doors that are locked to mis- paring for and the taking of evening meet- 26 THE MINISTRY ings in places where the interest was good. for donors friends of the college the Gil The challenge of isolated coastal com bert Roberts family. The chapel boat an munities and Hong Kong©s 150,000 boat chored in a busy fishing-village bay will dwellers made the need for a boat for seat 75 (but has had as many as 300 aboard evangelism a subject of prayer which God during student evangelism programs) and answered in a most interesting way. On the has two doctors© offices where as many as other side of the Pacific, Dr. Arthur Nelson 75 to 100 patients are seen during the free took time from his medical practice to Sunday clinics held by missionary doctors attend the funeral of a Catholic patient Heald, Young, and Bruske, of the Advent who was a victim of cancer. The widow of ist sanitarium. Boat children enjoy gath the patient, impressed by her Adventist ering on the spacious top deck for stories, doctor©s sympathy, offered him the nearly songs, and pictures presented by the stu completed cabin cruiser her husband had dents as parents listen to other youth evan built. The doctor replied that he did not gelists in the chapel below. Picture pro feel in a position to purchase a boat. "I grams on the deck have transformed wa don©t want to sell you the boat; I want to ters near the Sea-Light into a boat "drive- give it to you!" the lady explained. The in theater." doctor answered that he could not per The college was privileged to have visit sonally accept the gift, but mentioned that ing evangelist H. M. S. Richards address his missionary son in Hong Kong was in the large audience which came for the ded need of a boat and he would be willing to ication service of the chapel-clinic boat on accept it on his behalf, sell it, and forward the beach near the campus. As he spoke the funds for a mission boat if she wished. from a rock pulpit on the shore, students Pleased with the suggestion, the widow were inspired and challenged by the fam agreed and Operation Sea-Light soon had iliar "Voice": "Christianity itself began by its first boat. Today the student evange the sea. Jesus Christ was the first great lism "fleet" in Hong Kong includes: a preacher by the sea. It is very appropriate sturdy Diesel-powered 27-foot Chinese that sea evangelism should be carried on junk, Sea-Light I, which regularly carries here in Hong Kong." students to branch Sabbath schools and Now jointly supported by the college, church services they are conducting; Sea- the mission, and the Adventist sanitarium, Light II, a 15-foot outboard powered sail Operation Sea-Light is an adventure in ing sampan for short trips and visitation fellowship and team evangelism fulfilling work; and the flagship, a unique 37 by 17- again the ancient prophecy: "By the way of foot floating chapel-clinic and sea-evange the sea .. . the people which sat in darkness lism center, the Roberts Sea-Light, named saw great light" (Matt. 4:15, 16).

Dr. A. Nelson at the stern of Sea-Light I. It carries students to branch Sab bath schools and church services which they con duct.

FEBRUARY,1965 27 Faith and the Golden Calf

GARY B. PATTERSON

Pastor, Oregon Conference

FAITH is one of the most hand or a leg. Your faith is not your de important and vital ex nomination any more than your hand is a periences into which the part of your house. Your hand is used in Christian may enter, but the service of your house and your faith is it is also one of the most used in the service of your God. misunderstood and mis applied tenets of Chris Faith Healing tian doctrine. Another error in the understanding of The general opinion the work of faith has come through the exists in the minds of work of so-called faith healers. Though many that faith and the some may claim, and have impressive evi power to work miracles dence of, actual healings, the Scripture are the same thing. Many believe that makes it clear that this is not the proper only those who have such power are true use of faith. It was never designed to be possessors of faith. Miracles surely have used as a tool or as a weapon with which played an important part in the establish man may force God. It was not made to ment of faith, but they are not faith. be a lever that man could place in the heav The results of a great miracle are the enly courts to move heavenly powers to his same today as they were in the days of own ends. Such usage of faith is not Bibli Christ. Almost everyone is forced to be cal and it violates the very nature of God lieve when the strong evidence of the super and His omniscience. natural as seen in a miracle is presented. Many may be heard to say, "I just didn©t Only one who will not see can reject such have enough faith." This may be true, for a manifestation of the power of God. all can see the need of more faith, but the Belief and faith are not the same thing. reason behind this statement is often Many fail to understand that there is a wrong. Those who make it usually have vital distinction. There are those who be passed through an experience in which lieve in God who do not have faith in they were praying for some specific thing Him. There are even those who, in spite that they felt was of utmost importance and of their own desire not to believe in God, their request was not granted in the man believe anyway. An example of this kind of ner they wished. This experience brings belief is recorded in the scripture, "the many to the place where they doubt God devils also believe" (James 2:19). But this because they cannot understand why He belief is not coupled with faith. deals with them in this way. When that which was believed and expected is What Is Your Faith? thwarted they have nothing left. True faith Another common error is often put in in God, however, when put to the test will the form of a question. One may ask you, still cling to God and in Him seek the an "What is your faith?" This is like asking, swer. "What is your hand?" or any other part of There are many examples of faith given you. Your faith is a living, integral part of in the Scriptures, both of true faith and your total being. It is one factor contribut that which springs from belief in God©s ing to the stature of the whole man. With power only. The classic example of belief out faith, man is lacking a part of himself without faith is the story of the deliverance every bit as much as if he were lacking a of Israel from Egypt. 28 THE MINISTRY The ten plagues, which finally convinced After a time God came down on the even Pharaoh of the power of God, were mountain to talk with His people and to truly miraculous. God was working for Is make a covenant with them. Great manifes rael and they all believed in Him. They left tations of power were seen on the moun- Egypt under the direction of the cloud taintop. Thunder and lightning and smoke and the fire and all were confident that that put fear into the hearts of the people. God would work for them. After the covenant was made God called Just out of Egypt trouble began to arise. Moses up into the mountain and he was Pharaoh had second thoughts as to what gone for some time, as Deuteronomy 9:9 in the release of the Israelites would mean to dicates. After five weeks had elapsed the the economic conditions in his land. He people became worried. They knew not realized that none of his people knew how where Moses was nor what had happened to do the work that Israel had been doing to him. This fear brought up the same re for them for more than 400 years, and most action as before doubt of God. This led surely the nation would experience finan them to do a most foolish and rash thing. cial as well as industrial ruin. The only "And when the people saw that Moses de course of action that could save his nation layed to come down out of the mount, the was to recapture his escaping slaves. This people gathered themselves together unto he set out to do, and when Israel saw they Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us were trapped between the sea and Phar gods, which shall go before us; for as for aoh©s approaching armies they forgot all this Moses, the man that brought us up the belief they had in God and the miracles out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what He had done for them. They even forgot is become of him" (Ex. 32:1). the cloud and the fire that were with them. They wanted a new god. The God who They doubted God. had brought them out of Egypt was such a Even in this condition God saw fit to de strange and mighty One. His ways were not liver them out of the hand of Egypt, and understandable to the people of Israel. He He opened the sea before them so that did what He wanted to do instead of what they crossed between its walls on dry the people wanted Him to do. They be ground. lieved in His power, they recognized His superiority over any other power or god, Three short days from the Red Sea ex but they could not understand Him. They perience we find the camp of Israel lack did not have faith, and a lack of faith is ing water. Seeing a desert oasis they rush idolatry, for it is an indication that the faith forward only to find that the water is bit has been put in something else. ter and undrinkable. The memory of the Israel wanted to be the creators of God deliverance less than a week before van rather than the creatures of His creation. ishes. Their belief disappears under the They wanted a god they could control, seeming affliction. The bitter disappoint one they could take where they wanted it ment of the unquenched thirst of the mul to go, one who would not go away on the titude gave name to the place, and it was mountain and do strange things, one who called Marah. Again everyone doubted would serve them rather than one they God and they cried to Moses to give them should serve. Thus they decided to have a water. Under the direction of God, Moses god of gold, not because of their faith in cut down a tree and cast it into the bitter gold but because of a lack of faith in the water and it became sweet and drinkable. true God. Then everyone believed God. The Scriptures give many examples of From Marah we follow Israel to the base idolatry by lack of faith. Though all do not of Mount Sinai. Here the supply of food show their idolatry in the form of worship is beginning to run low and again God is ing a golden calf, it is still the same prob doubted. But He performs another miracle lem that the calf worshipers had a lack of and sends bread down from heaven. Un faith. der the power of this marvelous gift every The allegory of the rich man and Laza one again believes. rus, though often misapplied, is an excel One of the marvels of the Old Testament lent story for illustrating lack of faith on is its record of the long-suffering of God to the part of mankind. The rich man re these people who doubted Him under ev quested Lazarus to go to his five brothers ery trial or test. and warn them of their impending doom if FEBRUARY, 1965 29 they did not change their ways. But the an faith, received not the promise." These had swer was that even a supernatural event faith that stood the test! such as a resurrection from the dead would For a closer look at faith in the test con not convince them (Luke 16:30). No sider the experience of the three young doubt they would have been impressed for men on trial before Nebuchadnezzar. Dan a time and even have believed, but the iel 3:16-18 tells of the understanding these benumbing influence of time and the in young men had of the two tenets of faith. toxication of human reasoning would even First, God can deliver us from your hand, tually convince them that there was really O king, and second, if He does not, it nothing to faith in God. makes no difference; we still will not wor As Jesus hung upon the cross the faith ship your idols. This is a statement of less leaders of Israel stood before Him in faith in the face of death itself, faith so mockery. One said to Him, "Let him now strong the ruler of the world could not come down from the cross, and we will be shake it. lieve him." But would they have believed The classic example of faith comes from and had faith in Him if He had come the book of Job. His immortal words are, down? All the proof needed had already "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in been given in superabundance and they him" (Job 13:15). This is true faith in ac did not believe. tion, true faith in the test, true faith tri Man today is guilty of the same evil in umphant, when one can rely upon his Goo! which the Israelites indulged. If some act even in the face of death and disaster and of God such as Creation, the Flood, or any tragedy. other supernatural event is beyond the There is a modern-day experience which comprehension of man he considers it a parallels the experience of Israel at the fable and some other theory is devised even foot of Mount Sinai. The people said more fantastic than the one being destroyed. Moses had delayed upon that mount. To Natural man limits his acceptance to a day mankind is fulfilling a prophecy narrow scope of things, including only spoken by Christ nearly 2,000 years ago. what he can see, only what he can touch, Speaking in a parable, He said many peo what he can understand. ple in our day would say, "My lord de- Spiritual man, on the other hand, ac layeth his coming" (Matt. 24:48). It is no cepts the two important tenets of faith different in this day than it was in ages all things are possible in Gocl, and God©s past. A lack of faith is still idolatry and will is correct in all things. If these two this belief of a delayed coming of the Lord points could be understood properly one has caused man to make idols of such would possess true faith. things as securities and pleasures of the Look at faith under the test in the Scrip world. tures. Don©t look at the great miracles for Israel was punished for her idolatry. this test the woman touching the gar Moses burned the golden calf and put it ment, the centurion and his healed servant, in the water supply of the camp "and nor the healing of the man born blind. made the children of Israel drink of it" Too many have looked here only and have (Ex. 32:20). It was not a pleasant experi been led astray in their concept of faith by ence. No one likes metallic tasting water, thinking this is the way faith always is to be but it was a mild punishment in compari used. Look past all these to Hebrews 11: son to the punishment for idolators who 36-39. Here lies the secret of true faith, the must "drink of the wine of the wrath of experience of faith under test. These are God, which is poured out without mixture the ones who "had trial of cruel mockings into the cup of his indignation" (Rev. 14: and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds 10). No mixture of mercy will be there at and imprisonment: they were stoned, they that time, and it will be much more un were sawn asunder, were tempted, were pleasant than Israel©s punishment. slain with the sword: they wandered about The reward for those who have faith, in sheepskins and goatskins; being desti however, is markedly different. It is very tute, afflicted, tormented; . . . they wan pleasant. Christ, speaking again in a para dered in deserts, and in mountains, and ble, says, "Well done, good and faithful in dens and caves of the earth. And these servant; . . . enter thou into the joy of thy all, having obtained a good report through lord." 30 THE MINISTRY The Minister's Soul-winning Opportunity

H. W. LOWE

Chairman, Research Committee, General Conference

IF THE empire builder knowledge of the truth. Testimonies to Ministers, Cecil Rhodes could p. 149. couple the immensity Souls Waiting for Baptism of the task of colonizing South Africa with the The church departments are fruitful shortness of time, then fields for soul winning, and since the Sab certainly every alert Ad- bath school embraces everyone from birth ventist preacher should to the end of life, none is a more fruitful think in two terse field for the minister seeking to get every phrases as he couples member of the flock baptized and every the immense task of member stabilized and built solidly into evangelism with the im the truths of the Advent message. Here are minent Second Advent: "So much to do! souls waiting to be "found" in Christ, and So little time!" the man who cannot see them surely needs Intensity of human effort is not the secret a new anointing of the Holy Spirit. in finishing God©s work, however immense If "through the grace of Christ, God©s and urgent it may be. The oft-used phrase ministers are made messengers of light "Let©s rise up and finish the work" is theo and blessing" (The Acts of the Apostles, p. logically wrong, since "he will finish the 278) to the waiting souls on the outside work" ©(Rom.© 9:28). "By my Spirit" is of the church, much more should they be God©s wav, not the way of human might. thus empowered to bring salvation to those Having straightened out our theology to who are attending the church through the that extent, let us not evade the fact that Sabbath school but are not yet baptized God finishes His work by His Holy Spirit into its membership. in surrendered men. Paul forever settled Children can be won for Christ long be this when he gave all the glory for the fore they are considered mature enough to converted life to the Lord Jesus Christ: be baptized. Dedicated and capable teach "The life I now live in the flesh I live by ers, observant and friendly ministers, lay faith in the Son of God," and "it is no men and women who are encouraged to be longer I who live, but Christ who lives in friend the younger members of the flock, me" (Gal. 2:20, R.S.V.). and, above all, parents who are understand Everything in the earthly life of Jesus ing and watchful all contribute some was done in relation to the salvation of thing to the conversion of boys and girls. man. Jesus was the ever-alert soul winner. Their subsequent baptism then is almost a Everywhere He saw souls to be saved. The foregone conclusion. Christian minister whose life is hidden When the youth have passed the junior with Christ in God is both indefatigable in age without baptism, a minister needs to labor and alert in finding souls ready for be doubly alert and prayerfully wise. To the kingdom. Yet none of us is too alert go beyond the age of fifteen or sixteen with nor too perceptive in soul winning. out baptism brings our boys and girls into a By well-directed, persevering effort there might danger area. After this the readiness of the be many, very many, more souls brought to a youth for baptism diminishes, and normally FEBRUARY, 1965 31 each passing year multiplies the difficulty of decision. The soul-winning objective Are You Selling for Christ? for teachers and ministers is to get every young person baptized while the impres Are people really not buying, or are you not selling? There©s a big difference, and it shows up sionable years are on them. Ministers con in other salemen©s order books, according to the tribute greatly to the value of their work National Sales Development Institute. by carefully watching the psychological To demonstrate to his six salesmen that it pays time for unbaptized young people to go to ask for the order, Carl Kissiah, president of a forward in public confession of Christ. heating appliance firm in Charlotte, North Car There will always be some who pass into olina, gave each man $20 and sent them out to the youth group unbaptized for certain shop local stores for items priced at five dollars reasons. They are not easy to work for, or less. He told them to buy everything a clerk and it takes longer to win them at this age made a genuine effort to sell until the money was than in their earlier years. The wise minis gone. ter keeps especially near to this group. "After talking with more than 50 clerks in a couple of dozen stores," says Kissiah, "my men The youth who enter adulthood unbap spent only $11.41 of their $120. This was an in tized are in danger. If they enter marriage structive experiment. It proves the point we and are not church members the danger is wanted to make with our own salesmen. That is,, greater still. But the dedicated minister you©ve simply got to ask for the order." watches over and assiduously cultivates As a minister have you failed personally to ask such people, ever seeking their assent to an interested person if he would be willing to be baptism and responsible church member baptized on a specific date? ship. "A minister may enjoy sermonizing," said Ellen G. White, "for it is the pleasant part of the work Watching for Unbaptized Adults and is comparatively easy; but no minister should In every church there are some unbap be measured by his ability as a speaker. The harder tized adults. For reasons that do not con part comes after he leaves the desk, in watering cern us here, men and women worship with the seed sown. The interest awakened should be followed up by personal labor, visiting, holding us but are unbaptized. A minister works on Bible readings, teaching how to search the Scrip the assumption that regular attendance tures, praying with families and interested ones, should lead logically to full membership. seeking to deepen the impression made upon hearts Such cases may have peculiar backgrounds, and consciences." Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 255. and an extended association for the cultiva If peoples© lives are in accord with our prin tion of confidence may be necessary. But ciples, do not procrastinate; ask them point blank there is a potential baptism or rebaptism if they will make their decision now, not tomor in each of these cases. row, for Christ and His last message. You may be Visitors to our Sabbath schools are a surprised to find how many will accept. But it©s up to you to ask them. I know. I had to be fruitful soul-winning field for ministers, asked! who should endeavor to have all visitors DONALD W. MCKAY together in a class which he should teach. Layman, New York It is logical to expect baptisms from such classes. It is obvious that the Sabbath school is a missionary field for every minister. "The Communion in the Worship Hour Sabbath school, if rightly conducted, is one of God©s great instrumentalities to bring (Continued from page 22) souls to a knowledge of the truth," says the to their neighbors, their fellow men, and servant of the Lord in Councils on Sab to one another. "Then will the church bath School Work, page 115, and the have power to move the world." Christ's minister is involved in this statement be Object Lessons, p. 340. Should we not be cause, though others may figure in the seeking for this power in ways out of the routine conduct of the school, he eventually usual? If this challenge is accepted in the will study the doctrines with the new peo spirit of humility I am confident it will ple and baptize them. bring great blessing to the church. This Using the Sabbath school as a contribut service has been instituted to bring spirit ing agency to the soul-winning program ual strength to God©s people and to lead of the church is surely the mark of a keen, us into a consecration which will prepare alert, dedicated minister. us for the final crisis of this world©s history. 32 THE MINISTRY What Subjects Shall We Advertise? EVANGELISM DANIEL R. GUILD Ministerial Association Secretary, Southeast Asia Union

IN EVANGELISTIC meet ings we spend hundreds ciated. You need not give your name and and even thousands of address." The poll, which covered nine dollars in advertising. subjects, was divided into three sections Are we getting our with three subjects in each. In groups I and money©s worth? Are the II, two so-called doctrinal subjects were needs and interests of pitted against a practical subject. In the people in 1965 essen third group all three subjects were doc tially the same as those trinal in nature. of a generation ago? Do How the Poll Was Taken the titles used by such stalwarts as C. T. Ever- The church members were organized son, J. L. Shuler, and H. M. S. Richards in and provided with a pad of poll sheets. At past decades still draw people today? Could each door the poll taker explained that we appeal to more people by revising our some meetings were to be held in the wom advertising? Which subject should be used en©s clubhouse, and an effort was being to advertise the opening meeting? Which made to discover which subjects the peo topics are the most effective for Sunday ple in the community would prefer to have night meetings during the series? discussed. The poll taker read the three Many factors naturally enter into the ef topics in group I, asked the person at the fectiveness of evangelistic advertising. In door which subject interested him most, terest in a particular subject varies with and marked the sheet accordingly. The each community. The format of the ad or same procedure was followed for the other handbill, the handling of the by-lines, the two groups. illustrations, even the type of ink and After the group choices were made, the paper used, all play a part in determining poll taker then read the top choice in each the reader©s interest in the advertising group and asked the person \vhich of these piece. If it gives the impression that the three topics interested him most. This top meeting is the biggest thing that ever has choice also was recorded on the poll sheet. come to town, the handbill, even without The last question on the sheet was naming a particular topic, will attract some "Should the subjects you have checked be to the lecture out of sheer curiosity. discussed by a lyceum lecturer in your community, would you like to have an an Preparing a Poll Sheet nouncement of the meetings mailed to Some time ago we prepared a poll sheet you?" If the answer was Yes, the person©s in an attempt to discover what type of sub name and address were procured. ject would have the most universal appeal The Results of Poll A in evangelistic advertising. A printed form was used with the words "Poll of Public About one in three persons was willing Opinion" at the top of the form. Under to complete the poll. Of the 300 who com these words the sheet read, "This poll is pleted the entire poll, 45 per cent requested being taken to determine the extent of in that an announcement of the meetings be terest the general public has in the follow mailed to them; 2 per cent of those who ing topics. Your cooperation will be appre- had announcements mailed to them re- FEBRUARY, 1965 33 quested reserved tickets for the opening- clear to those who took the poll that the meeting. This corresponded favorably to subject "How Jesus may be real in your the Voice of Prophecy and Faith for Today life. The secret of happiness" was really mailing-list response. The response from two subjects in one and that this probably the local Bible school was about double, or accounted for its popularity. The value of a 4-per-cent response. the title "Why does a God of love allow The results on the poll were as follows: war and suffering?" was difficult to inter Percentage , . pret because it was pitted against this dual Preference , subjects' topic. Doctrinal and practical titles were so GROUP I intermingled in the poll that their relative 5 Did a good God make a bad devil? value could not be determined. 33 Why does a God of love allow war and A new questionnaire, which we shall call suffering? Poll B, was prepared and completed by 150 62 How Jesus may be real in your life. The people in a nearby community. In Poll B secret of happiness. the title "Did a good God make a bad 100 devil?" was dropped from the poll, and GROUP II the subject "How Jesus may be real in your 57 Peace of mind and release from nervous life. The secret of happiness" was listed tension may be yours! as two topics. Thus there were still nine 12 The Bible predicts the coming crash of titles on the sheet. These nine titles were Communism. so arranged that in Group I all three sub 31 Bible proof that the atomic bomb will not jects were purely practical in nature; in destroy the world. Group II, political; and in Group III, doc 100 trinal. GROUP III The Results of Poll B 29 Will the coming of Jesus to earth be in our Percentage Subjects day? Preference 42 Is heaven a real place? Where is it? When do we go there? GROUP I (Practical) 29 How near are we to Armageddon? The war 28 The secret of happiness. that will end war! 44 Peace of mind and release from nervous ten sion may be yours! 100 28 How Jesus may be real in your life. Order of Popularity of Subjects 26 How Jesus may be real in your life. The secret 100 of happiness. GROUP II (Political) 21 Peace of mind and release from nervous ten 28 The Bible predicts the coming crash of sion. Communism. 12 Is heaven a real place? Where is it? When 24 How near are we to Armageddon? The war do we go there? that will end war! 10 Why does a God of love allow war and 48 Bible proof that the atomic bomb will not suffering? destroy the world. 10 Will the coming of Jesus to earth be in our day? 100 10 How near are we to Armageddon? The war GROUP III (Doctrinal) that will end war! 26 Will the coming of Jesus to earth be in our 8 Bible proof that the atomic bomb will not day? destroy the world. 28 Is heaven a real place? Where is it? When 3 The Bible predicts the coming crash of do we go there? Communism. 46 Why does a God of love allow war and suf 0 Did a good God make a bad devil? fering? 100 100 A Second Poll Order of Popularity of Subjects The results of the first poll made it clear 20 Why does a God of love allow war and that another poll would need to be taken in suffering? 18 Peace of mind and release from nervous order accurately to interpret public inter tension may be yours! est. It was obvious from the first poll that 15 How Jesus may be real in your life. the title "Did a good God make a bad 12 The secret of happiness. devil?" was not good and should be 12 Is heaven a real place? Where is it? When dropped from the poll sheet. It was also do we go there? THE MINISTRY 8 Bible proof that the atomic bomb will not three classes of subjects that are listed in destroy the world. Poll A and Poll B. 6 How near are we to Armageddon? The war Per- Per that will end war! centage centage 5 The Bible predicts the coming crash of Poll A Poll B Communism. 47 45 Practical Subjects 4 Will the coming o£ Jesus to earth be in our 32 36 Doctrinal Subjects day? 21 19 Political Subjects 100 100 100 In each of the two polls the practical Comparison of the Two Polls subjects were the most interesting to nearly Probably the most practical interpreta halt of those polled. The doctrinal and tions that can be made from the two polls political subjects combined seemed to be will be found by a comparative study of the more interesting to a little more than half results of the top choice on each poll. The of those who were polled. The close simi first poll has been designated Poll A and larity of percentage popularity of subject the second Poll B. classes is remarkable because of the fact that the group categories were arranged Comparative Chart differently in the two polls. Order of Popularity of Subjects Conclusions Per- Per- cenl&se cenlage It is evident from these polls that people Poll A Poll B 21 18 Peace of mind and release from nerv are as interested in the practical subjects ous tension may be yours! as they are in the doctrinal and political 10 20 Why does a God of love allow war subjects combined. This fact is markedly and suffering? indicated in the last comparison. It also is 15 How Jesus may be real in your life. clear that doctrinal subjects are still popu 26 12 The secret of happiness. lar with the people. Political subjects such (The two above titles were combined as world conditions reach a certain class of in Poll A.) people, but do not seem to be their chief 12 12 Is heaven a real place? Where is it? When do we go there? interest. 8 8 Bible proof that the atomic bomb will The conclusion seems warranted that we not destroy the world. should take advantage of advertising sub 10 6 How near are we to Armageddon? jects on world conditions and subjects on The war that will end war! doctrine, in order to reach those who are 10 4 Will the coming of Jesus to earth be interested in such topics. But doctrinal and in our day? political titles should be undergirded with 3 The Bible predicts the coming crash by-lines revealing the practical nature of of Communism. 0 Did a good God make a bad devil? the subject advertised, thereby doubling (Not in Poll B.) our advertising effectiveness. As an exam ple, the topic "Armageddon, Coming 100 100 World War as Prophesied in Scripture" The corelation between the two polls may appear very cold to the average reader. is very close. The percentages that indicate The efficiency of our advertising results the top choice are remarkably alike for should increase, however, when this topic most titles in both Poll A and Poll B. is boldly supported by such by-lines as "For One noticeable exception of similarity is your peace of mind, for the inner confi for the title "Why does a God of love allow dence and assurance you need to face the war and suffering?" which was pitted future, you must hear this striking presen against the dual practical subject in Poll A, tation on the war that will end all wars and thereby accounting for the percentage dif usher in lasting peace." ference. It seems safe to conclude that the It is my firm conviction that doctrinal position of the ten subjects listed in the and political subjects draw the people be chart immediately preceding this para cause they reveal questions concerning graph closely indicates the order of their which they have been eager to know the popularity. answers. Most of the Protestant churches Another interesting comparison that can today preach on happiness, peace of mind, be made is the relative popularity of the and other subjects of a practical nature. FEBRUARY, 1965 These things are extremely important, but make these great subjects practical to life. do they constitute God©s distinctive mes To advertise and preach subjects of prac sage for twentieth-century man? Our mes tical godliness for several nights or for sev sage is such that it answers the great ques eral weeks at the beginning of a campaign tions about life, about God, and about the will not answer man©s present need. One future, which men are longing to know. can hear such preaching in almost any It takes the combination of both the prac church on Sunday morning, so why should tical and the political, or the practical and he make the effort to come out on Sunday the doctrinal, to get a man out of his easy night? As Seventh-day Advenlists we have chair, away from his television set, into his a powerful message to preach to the world, car or onto the streetcar on a crisp cool but it is not to be presented as a dry theory. night, and into a meeting hall. It is to be given in all of its converting When this person comes to the service, power. Its very heart and fiber should be the message must be presented in such a way practical in nature and calculated to give that it meets some definite need in his life. joy, release from nervous tension, and This poll reveals that men are longing for bring peace to troubled hearts and minds. a practical message that will bring peace of From the very first night of the series every mind. If our aim is only to impart infor message should be founded in the great mation on some doctrinal theme, then our doctrines of Scripture, and we should also hearers will leave disappointed. When the awaken within the hearts of our hearers a doctrines are related to life, a need is met new love for Jesus and make Him real in and men are drawn closer to Jesus and practical, everyday living. enter into a life of joy and peace. The results of this poll persuade me that In the past we have sometimes made as evangelists we should advertise, preach, grave errors in presenting the theory of and reach hearts with these great doctrinal truth without presenting Jesus in the truth themes, but that we should never forget and making the truth practical to life. The that real religion is not in presenting dry messenger of the Lord has told us: theory but in relating that theory to life. Many of our ministers have made a great mis To present the truth as a mere system of take in giving discourses which were wholly argu theology strips it of its power to reach mentative. There are souls who listen to the theory of the truth and are impressed with the hearts because it is separated from Christ, evidences brought out, and then if a portion of the who is the power and center of the message. discourse presents Christ as the Saviour of the world, the seed sown may spring up and bear fruit to the glory of God. . . . Had Christ and His re deeming love been exalted in connection with the theory of truth, it might have balanced them on Conversions Not Precise His side.—Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 393, 394. (Ital and Methodical ics supplied.) There must be a leading along, Christ must be Those men who calculate just how religious woven into everything that is argumentative as the exercises should be conducted, and are very pre warp and the woof of the garment. Christ, Christ, Christ is to be in it everywhere, and my heart feels cise and methodical in diffusing the light and the need of Christ, as I have, seems to me, never grace that they seem to have, simply do not have felt it more sensibly. Evangelism, p. 300. (Italics much of the Holy Spirit. . . . Though we can supplied.) not see the Spirit of God, we know that men who The prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation have been dead in trespasses and sins, become should be carefully studied, and in connection convicted and converted under its operations. The with them the words, "Behold the Lamb of God, thoughtless and wayward become serious. The which taketh away the sin of the world." Gospel hardened repent of their sins, and the faithless Workers, p. 148. believe. The gambler, the drunkard, the licen The poll shows a heavy demand for mes tious, become steady, sober, and pure. The rebel sages that are practical to daily living in a lious and obstinate become meek and Christlike. confused and frustrating world. The an When we see these changes in the character, we swer to this demand is not to divorce doc may be assured that the converting power of God trine from practical godliness. In the above has transformed the entire man. We saw not the quotations the Lord©s messenger empha Holy Spirit, but we saw the evidence of its work on the changed character of those who were hard sizes the need of making the theory of ened and obdurate sinners. As the wind moves in truth practical by exalting Christ in con its force upon the lofty trees and brings them nection with the theory of truth not that down, so the Holy Spirit can work upon human we should stop preaching the prophecies hearts, and no finite man can circumscribe the of Daniel and Revelation, but that we work of God. Evangelism, p. 288. 36 THE MtNiSTRY The Shepherd and His Flock

J. O. WILSON

Retired Minister. Louisiana

DAVID, THE shepherd- but as gentle shepherds; as Peter says, king of Israel, thought "Neither as being lords over God©s herit of God as the great age, but being ensamples to the flock" (1 Shepherd of His people. Peter 5:3). "The Lord is my shep And not only pastors and leaders but to herd," he sang; "I shall some extent every member of the flock is an not want" (Ps. 23:1). assistant to the Shepherd. For Paul says And this shepherd- that the strong should encourage and help minded, shepherd-na- the weak (Rom. 14:1; 15:1). And no one is tured king of Israel so weak but that there is someone weaker was referred to as a whom he could and should help. Do we type of the coming Mes have the tender heart of the true Shepherd? siah, the real Shepherd of His people (Eze. 34:23). The Purpose of the Church When Christ came to earth and lived The Lord directed His messenger, Ellen among men, He was pleased to refer to G. White, to write these words: "The Himself as the Shepherd of His people: church is God©s appointed agency for the "I am the good shepherd," He said (John salvation of men." The Acts of the Apos 10:11). And when He saw the people tles, p. 9. Those whom the Lord would without proper leadership He had compas save, He leads into His church. "And sion upon them and thought of them as the Lord added to the church daily such "sheep having no shepherd" (Matt. 9:36). as should be saved" (Acts 2:47). Paiil refers to the Messiah as "that great The door of the sheepfold should there shepherd of the sheep" (Heb. 13:20), fore be open to all who are seeking salva and Peter calls Him the "chief Shepherd" tion. And since the Good Shepherd is (1 Peter 5:4). This suggests that those as also the "door," we may be assured that it sociated with the Messiah in the care of His is His will that all who flee to Him for people might be looked upon as assistant safety should be received into the sheep- shepherds or undershepherds. God©s peo fold (the church). He who stands at the ple are repeatedly referred to as a "flock," door of every man©s heart and knocks for and the responsible leaders of God©s peo entrance will surely open the door of the ple as shepherds assistants to the Chief sheepfold to everyone who opens the heart- Shepherd. Paul said to the elders of the door to Him. And all assistants to the Good church at Ephesus: "Take heed therefore Shepherd should be careful that in their unto yourselves, and to all the flock" (Acts zeal to guard the door against those un 20:28); and Peter, giving instruction to worthy of entrance, they do not deny en church elders, exhorts: "Feed the flock of trance to those whom the Lord is calling to God" (1 Peter 5:2). Himself. It is therefore well established that those It is the work of shepherds to guard their appointed as leaders among the people flocks and keep their enemies from enter of God are to consider themselves not as ing in to destroy them. Paul exhorted the police or governors or judges or dictators, elders, as shepherds, to "Take heed ... to FEBRUARY, 1965 37 all the flock. . . . For I know this, that too ready to criticize and censure, and to after my departing shall grievous wolves vote the dismissal of weak and wandering enter in among you, not sparing the flock" fellow members. (Acts 20:28, 29). The earnest appeal to the Lord©s shep It is also the work of shepherds to see herds and to His people to give up their that the sheep are in the fold. To carelessly harsh methods and to cultivate the gentle leave some of the sheep on the outside ness of the True Shepherd was most im while guarding against wolves entering the pressively summarized in the book Shep fold, would be as serious an error as to herd Evangelist, by Pastor R. A. Anderson. fail to guard against the wolves. The shep Every worker in the denomination and herd must care for all phases of his work. every member, if possible, ought to read He must tenderly gather in the sheep, all the wonderful counsel contained in this of them, as well as sternly refuse entrance volume. From the chapter "Reclaiming the to the wolves. Wanderers" we quote the following: "In the New Testament there is scarcely The True Shepherd Heart a suggestion about turning people out of And this is where the heart of the true the church, but all the emphasis is on keep shepherd is most likely to be tested. It is ing them in; or, if some have strayed away, sometimes easier to fight the wolf than to for regaining them and restoring the lost tenderly and patiently lead the sheep. ones to the fold. If, however, because of Sheep may sometimes give trouble. The flagrant, persistent, and defiant apostasy shepherd might then be tempted to say, fellowship has to be withdrawn, the church "Then out you go to the wolves, if you should undertake that awful work with cannot behave in here." He might rashly deep humility and much prayer." conclude that the troublemaker is a "wolf As pastors we do well to study that para in sheep©s clothing" anyway, and should be graph carefully. It says that for the church speedily expelled. But this will never be to have to disfellowship a member is an the attitude of the true shepherd. Not every "awful work," and that when the church troublesome occupant of the fold is neces has to do such an awful thing it should sarily a wolf in sheep©s clothing, to be sum do so "with deep humility and much marily sent out. The shepherd should not prayer." Notice also that it says that to consider tranquillity in the fold more im disfellowship a member is necessary only portant than the salvation of every possible when there has been "flagrant, persistent, occupant of the fold. His chief concern and defiant apostasy." We quote again: will not be to get rid of the troublemaker, "The church is the body of Christ. It is but to patiently teach and train him. the object of His supreme regard. For it He laid down His life. And every individ Appeal for Gentleness ual member is precious to Him. Even the Now, it must be apparent and obvious one who to us may appear naturally un to all, that among the shepherds of God©s attractive is part of His body. And our at flock the chief danger is not in being too titude to such a one is the index of our gentle and too patient but in being too attitude toward the Lord Himself. ready to eliminate those who disturb the "Viewed in the light of Calvary, the most peace of the fold. Pastors and leaders of unlovely of us are worth more than worlds. God©s people have sometimes erred in this We do well to remember this when as pas direction, and our world leaders at the tors we are called to deal with our brethren. time of the 1954 General Conference ses There will come times when the church sion made a most earnest appeal to our should take action concerning some who denominational workers throughout the have made shipwreck of faith. Names may- world to reform in their methods of dealing even have to be removed from the church with God©s people. It was pointed out records. But when such occasions arise that great damage has been done and great (and they should be few and far between), loss sustained through the harshness and the church should humble herself in lack of loving sympathy on the part of those prayer before God. To dismiss a member appointed to be shepherds of God©s people. from church fellowship should be a most Members of the flock have also shared in solemn and heart-rending experience. this grievous error and have been entirely Nothing else in human relationships can 38 THE MINISTRY Soporific Sermons

D. A. DELAFIELD

Associate Secretary. E. G. White Estates, Inc.

EBSTER defines soporific as "causing It is good to check up on yourself as one W or tending to cause sleep." The word is retired preacher did. This sustentee was a compound word coming from the Latin still reasonably active in the churches. He sopor, meaning "a heavy sleep," plus the was one who couldn©t sleep at night and so Latin word facere, meaning "to make." In he would prepare his sermons while he was other words, soporific means to make for a in bed during the wee hours while the heavy sleep. lights were out. He found that as he pre Sermons can be sleep inducing. For evi pared his material he went to sleep! He dence, watch to see if there are sleeping reasoned that if his sermons put him to saints here and there while you are preach sleep he could understand why they put ing. Don©t ignore them; worse still, don©t other people to sleep. Self-analysis can be excuse yourself, saying, "They may have good. eaten too much for dinner or supper," or If sermon preparation fails to thrill you, "They are old and cannot stay awake literally thrill you, with new thoughts during church service." Let every sleep about God and the truth taking shape in ing saint you see be to you like an awak your mind, then your sermon will put peo ening drug, a mind alkaloid, a nerve- ple to sleep too. If your sermon prepara tingling stimulant. It just may be that tion wakes you up, braces you for the bat they didn't eat too much. It just may be tle, puts a new, holy glint in your eye, you that they are hungry and you aren©t giving may be sure that it will be stimulating to them enough spiritual food. Who knows? your congregation as well. Remember that It may be they aren©t so old. But perhaps the God who said, "He giveth his beloved your sermon is, and you©ve preached it sleep," meant the saints in their beds at too many times! And they©ve heard it night, not the saints in the pews on the before. Sabbath day. be compared with it. It is far worse than In the light of these thoughts dismissing death, because if a member falls asleep in members from church fellowship should Christ, and we lay him to rest, it is only occur very rarely. Such awful experiences until ©the day breaks, and the shadows flee should be "few and far between." To be away.© But if one who has walked with us disfellowshiped is "far worse than death." in church fellowship loses his way and cuts And only when a member has cut himself himself off from the gentle wooing and off from the Spirit of God is he to be re entreaty of the Spirit of God, and by his moved from the church records. Continu own unregenerate life ©severs himself from ing, the same author adds: our company (and that is the only condi "Do we sense our responsibility as tion that permits our removing a name church leaders? Are our members and from the church record, according to Scrip church officers fully aware of the respon ture), it is not for time but for eternity. A sibility they assume when wanting to re miracle of grace may, however, restore such move one from the church roll? . . . Some a one to the fold, and for that restoration may have been hurried into church mem we should never cease to work and pray. bership in order to build up records in a Unless that miracle happens, however, he system of competitive evangelism. If that is not only lost to our records, but lost to has been true, then it is tragic. But now the kingdom, and lost forever. How terrible! that they are in, what is the church©s re And yet how true!" sponsibility toward them? . . . FEBRUARY, 1965 39 "Once they have entered into covenant self into the breach. He saved a world by relationship with their Redeemer, it is the the sacrifice of Himself. And what a chal church©s responsibility to help them main lenge comes to us in the example of Moses! tain that experience. . . . Having been He was so united to his people that when baptized, they are now members of the fam the Lord said He would destroy them, ily of God. They are newborn babes and Moses dared to go into the presence of need the nurture and care of the older God and plead that the Lord remove even members of the family. Having risen from his own name from the book of life if He the waters of baptism, they should now could not save those whom He had led ©walk in newness of life.© True, some will from Egypt (Ex. 32:30-32). His flock was be weaker than others. This is to be ex more to him than life more, it seems, than pected. Some infants learn to walk faster even eternal life. Is yours, dear fellow than others. And when little ones begin to shepherd? . . . walk we are not surprised if they are a bit "We need an evangelism that does more unsteady. If they should fall, all the able than bring people in. We need evangelism members of the family fly to their aid. . . . that holds them in. Of what use is it to "It requires no spiritual grace to criti bring new people in the front door of the cize a weaker brother. Human nature is ever church while we permit our own members ready to blame and dispute. But we cannot to slip out the back door? And they do not deal with church members on the mere hu always slip out; sometimes they are driven. man level. They, like ourselves, have been "A few years ago a certain brother was made the children of God; they are ©par appointed to shepherd a church in a rural takers of the divine nature.© (2 Peter 1:4.) area. . . . Coming to this new charge, he And as pastors we should manifest a real very quickly made known his program. concern for them. If there are weak ones, He was going to ©clean up© the church. In then let us surround them with strength, significant irregularities were made the oc sympathy, and brotherly love, considering casion for church investigation and disci ourselves, lest we also be tempted. That is pline. It was not long before that little real Christianity. church of forty-five members was whittled "Our losses in membership should cause down to fifteen! His battle cry as he went alarm. And many of these could be saved forth to war against the weaknesses of the to the kingdom if our attitudes as shep church sounded very orthodox, but his herds were only different or if our concern methods were as merciless as they were for them were only greater." Christless. ©It is better to have six real But a pastor gets a burden to get rid of Christians/ he said, ©than a church full of troublemakers, or to "clean up the records." half Christians.© Such talk is cheap and He recommends the removing of certain foolish. How it must delight the devil! Of names, and the church votes their re course we want real Christians in our moval. And often when such an action is churches. But real fellowship is not built taken "there is no weeping, no special sup up by a dictatorship. Only the Spirit of plication, no fasting, no searching of heart Christ can purify the church of Christ. . . . on the part of the church officers to see, "Our members need more than correc if, perchance, the cause lay with them." tion; they need care. Confidence and love The last sentence challenges serious on the part of the shepherds will do more thought. Could it be that when a member than censure and discipline. The flock is delinquent, obstinate, backslidden, the must be led, not driven. . . . cause of his condition may be found in "Jesus said, ©By this shall all men know the pastor or church officers? Certainly this that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one is cause for heart searching with weeping to another.© And love must express itself and fasting. If pastors and church officers not by noise and clamor but by quiet acts did more of such heart-searching work, and attitudes of devotion. It is to be re there would be far fewer backsliders and gretted that many, ©instead of imitating far fewer dismissals from membership. Christ in His manner of labor . . . are se What a challenge this is to shepherds! vere, critical, and dictatorial. They repulse "How different is the Lord©s method!" instead of winning souls. Such will never Pastor Anderson continues, "When our know how many weak ones their harsh cases were in the balance, He threw Him- words have wounded and discouraged.© 40 THE MINISTRY "It is sobering indeed to realize that hav ing been called to the holy service of win ning men and women to Christ, we may be GOSPEL TENTS actually turning them away from the Sav STEEL-CLAD TABERNACLES iour simply because our spirit repels rather SMITH MANUFACTURING CO., DALTON, CA. than attracts. Over 50 Years in Business "The Master©s method was so different. To Him it was more important to win men than to win arguments. And all types school, we invite our friends to a covered- were attracted to the Saviour. dish social afternoon in the great outdoors. " ©The beauty of His countenance, the This provides not only a pleasant time of loveliness of His character, above all, the Christian fellowship but also the opportu love expressed in look and tone, drew to nity to present to them our health foods at Him all who were not hardened in un their delectable best. belief. Had it not been for the sweet, sym The entree dishes which we serve at pathetic spirit that shone out in every look these picnics are prepared by the women of and word, He would not have attracted the our team and of the church with which our large congregations that He did.© " meetings are connected. So that our guests Of the Messiah, the Chief Shepherd of do not feel left out, we invite them to bring His people, it was prophesied, "A bruised a vegetable salad, frait punch, or a des reed shall he not break, and the smoking sert. flax shall he not quench" (Isa. 42:3). So Along with the meal we provide several long as there is a spark of hope, yes, merely mimeographed sheets with recipes of var a little smoke, in the human heart, the ious dishes, some containing health foods tender shepherd will cherish that individ and others using nuts, grains, et cetera. ual and try to increase his hope and faith Behind the entree dishes containing a and lead him to salvation. Every assistant health food product we place a can of the to the Chief Shepherd should share that health food used, thus acquainting them spirit. May God give us all the true shep by sight and taste with the particular prod herd heart. uct. Much, of course, depends on the way in which we prepare and serve our foods. First impressions are often lasting impres sions. We therefore take great care in seeing Health-Food that our dishes are well prepared, warm when served, and attractive to the eye. We have had good results from our pic Picnic for Our nics. Our guests have shown a great in terest and have been amazed at the great variety of tasty foods available. Where once New Members they wondered how one could get along without flesh foods, they are now trying and ALBERT M. ELLIS enjoying for themselves tasty dishes which are far superior. Pastor, Staunton, Virginia

I HERE are many people in the world CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS Advertisements appropriate to The Ministry, appear 1 today who would enjoy the original ing under this heading, eight cents a word for each insertion, including initials and address. Minimum diet if they would only try it. It is for charge, two dollars for each insertion. Cash required these folks that we have started what is with order Address The Ministry, Takoma Park, Wash called by some the "back-to-Eden picnic" ington, D.C. 20012, U.S.A. in conjunction with our evangelistic meet ings. We find that many of the interested peo RELIGIOUS BOOKS PURCHASED! Send list today. ple are eager to learn how we eat and Looking for an out-of-print book? Write: KRECEL©S how we cook. Therefore, since we lack the BOOK STORE, Dept. M, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503. facilities to conduct a full-fledged cooking FEBRUARY, 1965 41 to join the Seventh-day Adventist Church. "On the Verge A few days later two colporteur evangelists, Arsenio Salazar and Toribio Talidong, struggled through the hazardous twenty- five-kilometer ascent and there found of the Kingdom' many earnest souls thirsting for evangelical refreshing from the presence of the Lord. F. M. ARROGANTE Regular evangelistic meetings, house-to- house visitations, and Bible studies were President, Negros Mission, Philippines conducted by our Bible worker, Eliseo Do- ble. More joined the Adventist meetings from Sabbath to Sabbath. The first baptism of seventy-five precious EARLY three years ago a community souls was held on September 12, 1964, in N leader by the name of Pedro Calijan, the very place where once superstition and of Bagtic, Tayasan, Oriental Negros (Ne idolatry held strong dominance. gros Mission, Philippines), was impressed "All over the world men and women are by a power working within him to lead his looking wistfully to heaven. Prayers and people to worship the true God instead of tears and inquiries go up from souls long continuing the meaningless, superstitious ing for light, for grace, for the Holy Spirit. incantations handed down to them by their Many are on the verge of the kingdom, ancestors. The impression that he got, waiting only to be gathered in." The Acts which he ascribed to the working of the of the Apostles, p. 109. Holy Spirit, is that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord. His acceptance of the Sabbath truth was strengthened when he acquired a Bible, which confirmed his be lief. A group of nearly 200 people (40 fam ilies) joined Pedro Calijan in building a SOME BOOKS I CAN meeting place of cogon, bamboo, and rat tan where they assemble every Sabbath to RECOMMEND worship Jehovah. Their regular Sabbath meetings aroused the attention of the town officials and the surrounding communities. The Will of God, Leslie D. Weatherhead, Abingdon- Inquiries were made for their church iden Cokesbury Press, New York, 1944, 55 pages. tification, to which their only answer was Attitudes to the will of God range from fatalism that they were meeting as a group to wor through indifference to open rebellion. Even de ship God and that Saturday was their day vout Christians may be deeply confused when of worship. struck down by tragedy, or when they look upon a They were to be charged for subversive world in agony. activities unless they would signify to what A saintly friend is killed in a car accident while a religion they belonged. They had been ap desperate sinner goes untouched. Why? Why? is the proached and invited by the different reli insistent question. There is perhaps no rational gious communions to be fused into their answer to that question. Even Job ultimately had to fall back on trust. fellowship, but the group refused "unless But there are helpful ideas that support this they, too, would keep holy the seventh-day faith, and some of them are found in Dr. Weather- Sabbath of the Lord according to the Ten head©s small book. The core of his thought is that Commandments." The situation was seri there are three aspects to God©s will: His inten ous. Pedro Calijan and his community tional will, His circumstantial will, and His ulti looked wistfully to heaven for light and mate will. He then presents six ways in which the guidance. will of God may be discerned; and this is most Upon learning that there was a church important to the seeking Christian. No believer questions that he should be living within the that kept Saturday, the seventh-day, as the sphere of God©s will for him, but untold numbers Sabbath of the Lord, Mr. Calijan, with would like to know precisely what that will is in some companions, got in touch with our given situations. This little book contains some district leader, Pastor A. B. Savilla, in Du- helpful suggestions. maguete City. They expressed their desire G. H. MlNCHIN 42 THE MINISTRY ON TAPE AND IN KODACHROME FILMSTRIPS

THE LIFE and WORK of

NARRATION BY HER GRANDSON ARTHUR WHITE

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Prices Slightly Higher in Canada FEBRUARY, 1965 43 ner, manager of the Anglican Diocesan Church Bookshop which is celebrating its 150th anniver sary in Manchester, England. Mr. Turner said there was no excuse for anyone to lack understand ing of religion today. People are thinking far more seriously about the subject and nearly every pub lisher is producing religious paperbacks. "We are selling five times as many books on religion than NEWS BRIEFS we were ten years ago, and the market is widen ing all the time." This bookshop is the direct successor of the depository of the Society for Pro moting Christian Knowledge (SPCK), which was opened in November, 1814.

Protestant-Catholic "Day of Renewal" Urged \Unless otherwise credited, the following news items tile taken from Religious .Vezts Service.} to Replace "Reformation Day" Dr. Howard Schemer, president of Chicago The New Polish Translation o£ Bible Planned ological Seminary, urged in an address that the A new Bible in modern Polish will be published traditional Protestant emphasis on Reformation in 1966 to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of Day be replaced in future by a joint Protestant- Christianity in Poland. The disclosure was made Catholic-Orthodox Day of Renewal. He said, "In by a Polish clergyman in an address at the Baptist the mind of Christ there can be only one Reforma Church House in London. The four Gospels in tion, even as there is only one church." "The time modern Polish have been published. This year the has finally come," he continued, "for Protestants whole of the New Testament is to be released in to recognize publicly that their I6th Century the new translation and then the entire Bible will Reformation was a failure, and for Catholics to be published in 1966. He added that Polish Baptists recognize publicly that their 16th Century ©Counter- were currently celebrating the 400th anniversary Reformation© was an equal failure. The great of the first baptisms by Protestant believers in this Protestant Reformers never sought less than the land. renewal of the whole church universal, but their sincere, courageous, and devoted efforts were un able to accomplish their noble objective. Excom Ministry to Unchurched Called First Task municated by a Roman papacy that had fallen into sorry days, their life©s labors unexpectedly ended The first task of the church is not to reunite var in the organization of Evangelical Churches pro ious segments of Christendom but to unite men testing Roman abuses and separated from the outside the church to Christ, Baptists were told in great Catholic Church." Asserting that Christians Washington, D.C. According to Carl F. Henry, edi- today can complete the tasks that were begun in tpr of Christianity Today, the ecumenical move the sixteenth century, the seminary president said: ment is but a side issue. "Until Christ returns in "Catholics and Protestants alike are ready today to judgment and blessing," Dr. Henry said, "our job confess that as there is but one God, one Lord is to evangelize a lost generation." It is not a para Jesus Christ, and one Holy Spirit inspiring all mount concern that churches must present a united faithful people, so there is but one church, apos front to those not professing Christianity as their tolic and ecumenical in time and space." faith, he said. "Any impression that unbelief can be overcome more effectively by ecumenical inte gration (union of churches) than by faithful proc World©s Largest Lunch Hour Church Service lamation of Jesus Christ©s triumph is false." Dr. The Reverend Gordon Powell, minister of St. Henry made a plea to Christians everywhere to Stephen©s Presbyterian Church in Sydney, Aus return to the unanimity of doctrine found among tralia, who combines the evangelistic fervor of Billy the early Christians. "The redemption that is in Graham with the religious psychology of Norman Christ Jesus could bring incomparable healing Vincent Peale, conducts a midweek service known to sin-burdened multitudes," he continued. He throughout the island continent as the world©s charged that the danger with ecumenical or mer largest lunch hour church service. The services ger programs is that the believers© union with were started twelve years ago and today are broad Christ and other major theological issues are cast regularly over eighteen stations in five of the pushed to the background in efforts to attain to six Australian states. Films of the services have physical bigness and union. been shown by many Australian television stations. Attendance at the services varies from 1,000, the Religious Paperback Sales on Increase in church©s seating capacity, to 1,600, when closed- England circuit television carries the service to the overflow congregation in a basement auditorium. Although More religious paperback books are being sold St. Stephen©s is a Presbyterian church the mid today than for years past, according to T. F. Tur- week congregation includes people with all kinds 44 THE MINISTRY For everyone who loves to study the Bible The Seventh-day Adventist COMMENTARY REFERENCE SET The Bible Commentary in seven volumes— nearly 8,000 pages

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FEBRUARY, 1965 Editor o£ religious background—and many with none. In ROY ALLAN ANDERSON the 80-voice volunteer choir alone, six denomina Associate Editors tions are represented. Many of the worshipers are E. Earl Cleveland young men and women from the nearby offices. Andrew C. Fearing J. R. Spongier Others are members of parliament, doctors, law Copy editor yers, bankers, and businessmen. Mr. Powell started J. Ina White the midweek services in response to a request by a Art Cditor secretary who pointed out that she and some other T. K. Martin young people were members of suburban churches Consulting Editors—Reuben R. Figuhr, Wal but felt the need of spiritual refreshment in the ter R. Beach, Theodore Carcich, Richard middle of the week. The first service, September 3, Hammill, Edward Heppenstall, R. L. Odom. 1952, attracted 500 persons. A week later the con Overseas Contributors—George Burnsicle, Australia; O. Gmehling, Central Europe; gregation had doubled. Paul Eldridge, Far East; David H. Baasch, Inter-America; Wayne Olson, Middle East; E. E. Roenfelt, Northern Europe; Enoch Oli- Anglicans, Methodists Plan "House o£ Prayer" veira, South America; T. M. Ashlock, South ern Africa; W. H. Mattison, Southern Asia; for Unity G. Cupertino, Southern Europe. Prominent Anglicans and Methodists are opening a House of Prayer in which women will work for the cause of Christian Unity. They disclosed the project in a public letter which referred to it as "the emergence of yet another sign of the CONTENTS growing together of the Christian churches in this Serendipity country" (Britain). The letter bore 12 signatures, ]. R. Spongier ...... 3 including that of Kenneth Slack, general secretary Visiting Our Workers in the Southern of the British Council of Churches. "What we re European Division port," they wrote, "may appear a small thing, G. Cupertino ...... —...——...... - 7 but we believe that its significance is great. It is Lift Up Your Eyes the foundation of an Ecumenical Fellowship o£ R. H. Pierson ...... 11 Prayer for Christian Unity, having as its center Acquaintance With God a house at Farncombe, Surrey, (S. England), M. V. Campbell ...... 11 where a group of women belonging to the Angli Four Mysteries of the Christian Faith can and Methodist traditions intend to live the E. W. Reiner ...... 17 life of Christian prayer of which the primary in Finishing God's Work tention will be the unity of all Christian people. W. E. Murray ...... 19 Communion in the Worship Hour Court Ruling Expected to Slow Down A. A. Leiske ...... 21 Evangelism Among Hindus Wines of the Bible R. J. Barnett ...... 23 The Indian Supreme Court has ruled that con Light by the China Sea verts from Hinduism are not eligible for the W. K. Nelson ...... 26 special privileges extended to "scheduled castes." Once known as "untouchables," scheduled castes Faith and the Golden Calf G. B. Patterson ...... 28 are members of backward communities who are The Minister's Soul-winning Opportunity entitled to reserved representation in civil serv H. W. Lowe ...... 31 ice and in legislatures and several educational Are You Selling for Christ? and social concessions. The court ruled on a suit D. W. McKay ...... 32 filed by a Buddhist convert from scheduled caste What Subjects Shall We Advertise? whose election from a constituency reserved for D. R. Guild ...... 33 "untouchables" was set aside by the election tri The Shepherd and His Flock bunal on the ground that only Hindu members of /. O. Wilson ...... 37 scheduled castes were entitled to seek religion from Soporific Sermons the constituency. Its decision is considered a set D. A. Delafield ...... 39 back to Christian evangelism in India which has Health-Food Picnic for Our New Members drawn many converts in the past from scheduled A. M. Ellis ...... 41 "On the Verge of the Kingdom" castes. This effect results from the fact that such F. M. Arrogtmte ...... 42 conversions will be followed by the loss of gov ernment aid to converts, and which the church Books ...... 42 is not able to make good in the same measure News Briefs ...._...... _....—_...... —...-—..__. 44 from its own resources. Pointers ...... „——...... 48

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SOUTHERN PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION, Nashville, Tennessee FEBRUARY, 1965 47 The closing hymn should have a close relation ship to the sermon. In fact, that preacher is wise who having decided on the theme he intends to present makes his first work that of the choice of the closing hymn. The reason for this is obvious, for this last hymn gives the congregation opportunity to make verbal response to the message. The fact that it is done in concert makes it all the more im POINTERS pressive. If the sermon is an appeal for closer study of the Word of God, it would not be difficult to find a hymn that would reinforce the thoughts presented. Should the message be on missions or on the seri ousness of the times in which we live or the need for personal witnessing in our community, such MAKING JOHN STUART ANDERSON, a young hymns are not difficult to find. The response of the SCRIPTURE British actor, for the past six years people will be more realistic if occasionally the LIVE has been successfully giving solo preacher were to make some reference to the hymn dramatic presentations throughout or the hymn writer, such as the story of how or why England, Europe, and America. Although he pre the hymn was written, or the mention of some sents programs based on secular authors, it is his particular experience associated with it. This will unique Biblical dramas that have created the prepare the congregation to enter into the spirit of greatest sensation. Many ask to see a copy of his it. Paul said: "I will sing with the spirit, and I will "script" and are amazed to learn that he has merely- sing with the understanding also." brought to life the actual words of the Bible. Congregations always sing better when they bet Critics have difficulty in describing what he does, ter understand what they are singing. As leaders but they all agree that his outstandingly musical of worship we should study the hymnbook, for and Hexible voice helps to hold the audience spell there are limitless opportunities for leading our bound while he transforms the written Word congregations into wholehearted praise, prayer, into something that really lives. or surrender through the use of well-chosen hymns. If an actor has succeeded in captivating audi ences by merely repeating sections of the Scrip ture, how much more should those who have been called by God to deliver His truth to the world HUSTLE IN THE hustle and bustle of the new and who believe it use every talent and ability to AND age, the voice of silence is seldom BUSTLE heard. Many and varied are the new deliver God's message effectively. J. R- s. sounds to which our ears have become familiar. The apostle Paul's ears never smarted un HYMNS FEW things in a service of worship der the abuse of the locomotive whistle, automobile AND are more revealing of the leader's horn, telephone bell, the jet sonic boom, radio and WORSHIP knowledge of his responsibilities than television commercials, or the roar of the engine. So the selection of the hymns. Some accustomed are we to the constant sounds of our Christian groups never include sing workaday world that it is difficult to remember the ing in their worship services. The Quakers, or the "good old days" of relative quiet. A challenging Society of Friends, are a noble example of the effec thought for each to ponder is, what would happen tiveness of worship without singing. Yet, the Scrip to our nerves if all motors, horns, radios, television ture reveals that from the earliest times singing has sets, and industrial noises would cease. had a vital part in true worship. The way some We would hear again the music of the birds, the hymns are sung, however, it might be better if sing voice of the turtle, and the gentle babble of the ing were eliminated altogether. When hymns are brook. The sigh of the wind, the rustle of falling sung in a slovenly and bungling manner it brings leaves. In short, the voice of nature would once no honor to God nor inspiration to the people. more sound in our ears. If three hymns are planned, then the first should Perhaps the contrast is most apparent to those be an outburst of praise. Many congregations begin who have traveled to nations where industry is their services with the singing of a doxology, fol limited. The silence at night can almost be felt. lowed by a brief invocation. Even if this custom is In countries where competition for our attention followed, the hymns will be in addition to the dox is greatest, silence must be sought and even ar ology. It is natural for the opening hymn to be ranged. A vacuum in this torrent of sounds must one of praise. This leads to the general prayer or be created. Each man must carve for himself a cave perhaps the Scripture reading. in this mountain of turbulence—a place of quiet If a second hymn is used just prior to the sermon rest. The necessity of daily devotions is accentuated —and this is an excellent plan, for if well chosen it by the bustle consequent to our hustle. There are so conditions the worshipers for the spoken message— many things in our world that outshout God. This then this hymn might be one of consecration, em need not happen in our lives. Indeed, we dare not phasizing some aspect of personal religion. allow it. E. E. c.

48 THE MINISTRY