Testimonytestimony of God, for I Determined Not to Know Anything Among You, Save Jesus Christ, and Him Crucified.‖ I Cor

―And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you TheThe TestimonyTestimony of God, for I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.‖ I Cor. 2:1-2 Verse Of The Month “Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus, which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.” Matthew 27:22 Vol. V April, 2014 No. 4

Crowned Or Crucified? I stood alone at the bar of God In the hush of the twilight dim, And faced the question that pierced my heart: “What will you do with Him? “Crowned of Crucified? Which shall it be?” No other choice was offered to me.

I looked on the face so marred with tears That were shed in His agony; The look in His kind eyes broke my heart, ’Twas so full of love for me. “The Crown or the Cross,” it seemed to say; “For or against Me choose thou today!

He held out His loving hands to me, While He pleadingly said, “Obey! Make me thy choice, for I love thee so,” And I could not say Him nay. Crowned, not crucified; this must it be! No other way was open to me.

I knelt in tears at the feet of Christ, In the hush of the twilight dim, And all that I was or hoped or sought, I surrendered unto Him. Crowned, not crucified! My heart shall know No king but Christ, who loveth me so!

Author Unknown The Testimony

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Teach Me Lord… In countless shattered pieces, My blasted heart does lie, Seeking thru the farthest reaches, For comfort sweet, beneath the sky. Teach me Lord, to watch and wait, And prove your promises so sure, Eagles wings, toward heaven’s gate, Gifts from thee, a sweet overture. Teach me Lord, to ride above, The choking pain, the crushing grief, Teach me Lord, to trust your love, To trust your Word, promised relief! Teach me Lord, when darkness rolls in, When joy has fled, despair with life, That Jesus, is shelter within, A strong tower, refuge in strife! Teach me Lord, along this path, To simply trust, who you are! Knowing, we are not made for wrath, But for joy, coming to thy bar! Galen Mohler

HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING? 3 Editorial

“HOW CAN I KEEP FROM is redeeming Grace for this fallen SINGING?” race. Sometime this old earth will We often hear said that this old be rolled together as a scroll— world is winding down. One said, closed like a book, we might say. ―I’ve never seen it this bad before.‖ Then shall follow a Resurrection of He was only in his thirties. ―It is the just and the unjust, each to his about as bad as it can get.‖ If we own reward. pause to reflect, it could become Robert Lowry (1826–1899) was much worse. We must agree that a preacher, a hymn writer, and a this old earth seems to be shaken. composer of tunes. Lowry’s hymns The rulers of the nations of the were positive and with great feel- earth seem perplexed. The age-old ing. So when despondent try, sing- manner of settling disputes by war ing “I Need Thee Every Hour.” is not working. It never did. When repentant, sing ―The Mis- Weather conditions are in tur- takes Of My Life Have Been moil—undoubtedly cycles set in motion at creation. The economic Many.” When anticipating systems are shaken. Few now re- Heaven, sing, “Shall We Gather At member ―The Great Depression.‖ The River?‖ or “We’re Marching to The family structure is attacked Zion.” When jubilant, sing “How on every side. Probably man has Can I Keep From Singing?” not invented any new sin. Profess- Look up. God will soon come to ing Christians wonder about as claim His own. sheep having no Shepherd—the My life flows on in endless song, natural inclination of man. Above earth’s lamentation; Some say Satan is gaining the I hear a sweet, though far-off hymn supremacy. But there is another That hails a NEW CREATION. possibility held by those who still Through all the tumult and the strife believe in ―the high and lofty One I hear the music ringing. that inhabiteth eternity, whose It finds an echo in my soul; name is Holy…‖ (Isaiah 57:15) How can I keep from singing? There is the possibility that God is allowing the earth and the human race to run their natural courses What though my joys and comforts die? until they reach the point when The Lord my Savior liveth. only God Himself can reign su- What though the darkness gather round! preme. One time, in God’s time, Songs in the night He giveth. the earth and humanity had be- No storm can shake my inmost calm come as bad as they could get. God While to that refuge clinging; sent His Son to bring a New and Since Christ is Lord of Heav’n and earth, Living Way—a Gospel of Salvation How can I keep from singing? to a lost and ruined world. Hu- manity is still lost, but now there Marcus Miller 4 The Testimony April, 2014 General

THE BLOOD saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our From time to time the local works, but according to His own blood bank calls our home and purpose and grace, which was asks if my wife can contribute given us in Christ Jesus before the blood. She has a rare type that is world began.‖ used quite often, so a continual We read in Hebrews 9:22, ―…and need exists for that particular type without shedding of blood is no to be replenished. In Leviticus remission.‖ Throughout the annals 17:11 we read, ―For the life of the of history blood sacrifices have flesh is in the blood: and I have been made by various people. The given it to you upon the altar to Aztec Indians used to sacrifice make an atonement for your souls: thousands of lives yearly in an for it is the blood that maketh an attempt to appease their false atonement for the soul.‖ The key gods. They felt it ridded them of to the blood, then, is that it has guilt. On a high hill overlooking life in it. Unless many people re- Petra, Jordan, is a sacrificial altar ceive new blood, they will die. The universe in space is never- that was used centuries ago. It ending. Within this universe are contains a circular trough in the stars and planets. One of these which blood would blow downhill. planets is the earth. North Amer- And when we read Jewish history, ica is a continent on the earth. we learn that many blood sacri- Within that continent is the fices were made in Old Testament Unites States, and one of these is times. In the New Testament we the state of California. A county in find that blood is mentioned at California is called Stanislaus. In least 255 times. In many false re- the northern part of this county is ligions of the world the shedding Ladd Road, and I find myself liv- of blood has been an important ing in one of the houses on this factor in their ways of worship. road. We humans are inclined to One nation defeats another in war think of ourselves as important. through the shedding of blood. It But really, how important are we? has been said that the red star of If five quarts of blood were Moscow points to the five conti- drained from my body, I would die. nents, and it will take the shed- Apparently God thinks we are im- ding of blood to conquer the world. portant. He loved us so much that A terrible accident on the highway before the foundation of the world sometimes results in the shedding He was willing for His Son Jesus of blood. It incurs suffering, pain, Christ to shed His precious, life- and heartache. giving blood that we might live. II The blood, we read about in Timothy 1:9 reads, ―Who hath Leviticus 17, stands for life. Life THE BLOOD 5 has to be given as an atone- sin, and we will all eventually die ment for sin. This is God- physically. (Read Romans 1 and 2.) mandated. Science has never Ephesians 2:1–3 says, ―And you been able to manufacture life and hath he quickened, who were dead inject it into anything. Our blood in trespasses and sins; wherein in circulates approximately every time past ye walked according to minute throughout our body. It the course of this world, according supplies life and cleanses at the to the prince of the power of the same time. Do we not find the way air, the spirit that now worketh in God has made us to be marvelous? the children of disobedience: A study of the blood should make among whom also we all had our an intelligent person realize that conversation in times past in the there has to be a Divine Creator. lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the de- Even though we are not so intelli- sires of the flesh and of the mind; gent, we absolutely believe in the and were by nature the children of creation by God. We cannot live wrath, even as others.‖ After read- without blood. The life is in it. ing these verses, I realize I may As we consider our subject, we not be as bad as I could be, but I find the human family has a prob- am as bad off as I could be without lem. All of us are related by blood Jesus Christ. Such, then, were you to Adam. Just think of it! Our line- and I. We are or were all guilty age goes all the way back to Adam. before God. Some may not sin as All nations come under the blood much as others, but because of our of Adam. Let us inject a thought father, Adam, we all face the sen- by asking this question, ―How is it tence of death. These are not long possible for relatives to kill each theological phrases, but they do other in war?‖ carry a vital message. Positionally When Adam sinned in the Gar- we are dead and lost, and there is den, the sentence of death was no way we can pull on our own passed on all his posterity. We are bootstraps, so to speak, and raise his posterity. And so, because of ourselves up to sit in heavenly our father, Adam, we are destined places. It takes God. In Ephesians to die, not only physically, but also 2:4–6 we read, ―But God, who is the second death—unless we apply rich in mercy, for his great love the remedy. ―Wherefore, as by one wherewith he loved us, even when man sin entered into the world, we were dead in sins, hath quick- and death by sin; and so death ened us together with Christ, (by passed upon all men, for that all grace ye are saved;) and hath have sinned.‖ Adam rebelled raised us up together, and made against God, and because of this us sit together in heavenly places action all of us have inherited the in Christ Jesus.‖ It is God. It is tendency to sin. The trouble with God that raises us up. Those two the world today is that we have words in verses 4 mean everything been poisoned with the disease of to me: But God! But God! But God! 6 The Testimony April, 2014 Think of it! But God, because He cleansed by the blood of Christ. loved me, He hath raised me up! Oh The whole world seems to be en- how marvelous, how wonderful, how gulfed and enveloped in sin, and it joyful! Because of my willingness to seems to be going right on down a comply with the terms of the Gospel, torrential river that will eventu- He has made me to sit in heavenly ally empty into the gulf of a never- places positionally, and someday we ending eternity completely void of will experience heavenly places in God’s blessing. Why do so many of actuality. Truly, we are the ―riches our friends have no apparent de- of His grace.‖ sire to be saved? Have we lost our When we go out to the ceme- desire to witness? tery, we see many names on When we read the account of stones of people we used to know. Adam and Eve, we realize that They all died. And we will die. A God never intended for man to sin. few years ago Queen Elizabeth of It was never His intention that we England visited California. She become sick or discouraged, or will die, for she is under Adam. that we die. Man was created in We all are. ―The life of the the image of God, and the flesh is in the blood,‖ first pair lived in a but something is perfect paradise. wrong with the And the blood Their environ- blood. Physical shall be to you for ment would disease and death a token… and have been so are symbols of the satisfying in ultimate second when I see the which to live death we will also blood, I will pass but God gave experience if we are over you… man the freedom not in Christ. This of choice, to serve means eternal separa- Him in complete obe- tion from God and a place of dience to His will or to dis- abode in hell. obey Him. Adam chose to disobey I cannot understand why so God’s Word, and God had to keep many people are willing to spend His Word and impose death upon eternity in hell when it is so sim- Adam and the whole human race. ple for us to be born again and to Man has been dying ever since. have our citizenship in Heaven. ―It But God, in His plan, made a is appointed unto men once to die, way by which man could be re- but after this the judgment.‖ God deemed and saved. (Read Ephe- is going to judge men because of sians 2:4–6 again.) We read where sin. Those in Christ will go to Adam tried to hide his sin and re- Heaven. The others will go to eter- bellion from God, but he could not. nal damnation. This is the penalty God knew what had happened. We they will pay because the sin in cannot hide any sin from God. Per- their ―bloodstream‖ was not haps it is possible to keep our sins THE BLOOD 7 from those with whom we associ- the cross as a substitute for us ate, but we cannot hide from God. who really deserved to die on the We were slaves to sin. We were cross. Would we be willing to be lost, lost, separated from God. tested as Abraham was in our (Read verses 2 and 3 again.) This faithfulness to God? Have we is how we walked, and why we really been cleansed by the blood walked this way. to the point where we are willing When God clothed Adam and to give our most precious posses- Eve with the skins of animals, it sion for our Lord? The Word took the shedding of blood. So also speaks of those who someday will it takes the shedding of blood, think they have been cleansed, rather than our works, to save us and they will tell the Lord of the from our sins. We believe in works wonderful works they have done. because the Word of God teaches He will tell them, ―I never knew that a man who receives salvation you: depart from Me.‖ by ―the obedience of faith‖ will In Exodus 12:13 we read, ―And work the works of God in his life the blood shall be to you for a to- entirely through the righteousness ken upon the houses where ye of God, which has been imputed are: and when I see the blood, I into his very being. Just think of will pass over you, and the plague it—we are filled with the right- shall not be upon you to destroy eousness of Jesus Christ! you, when I smite the land of From the very beginning it took Egypt.‖ (Read verses 1–14.) God the shedding of blood to cover for told the Israelites that when He sin. Abel offered a blood sacrifice saw the blood, He would pass over to God which was acceptable. them. This blood was put on the Cain’s fruit sacrifice was not ac- doorposts by faith that God’s ceptable. This brings up another death angel would pass over thought. If we think our goodness them. This blood was a symbol of will merit salvation, we are wrong. the blood of Jesus Christ that in It will be no more acceptable than God’s appointed time would be Cain’s. We have to come to Him by shed for the sins of the whole the blood. It is God’s mandate. It s world. The only way God can ac- the only way we receive forgive- cept us is through the blood of ness. We can read all through Old Jesus Christ. He will pass over us Testament history of many differ- when He sees that blood, and the ent men of faith who offered sacri- life in that blood was His. He fices requiring the shedding of gave His very life through the blood. Even Abraham was willing shedding of His precious blood to shed the blood of his son, Isaac, that we might be forgiven and in order to be obedient to have eternal life. God. But God provided a substi- When we enter the portals of tute ram sacrifice in place of Isaac, Heaven, if an angel should ask us and God offered Jesus Christ on how we got there, what would our 8 The Testimony April, 2014 answer be? We would have to we find where He prayed for us. plead that it is through the blood He suffered and took the rebuke of of Jesus Christ. We have the many people when He could have promise of God that ―the blood of destroyed them. But He would not. Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth But God! But God! But God! us from all sin.‖ When the Savior A crown of thorns was placed on hung upon the cross, and as He the Savior’s head, a spear was was dying, He made that wonder- thrust into His side, and the blood ful exclamation, ―It is finished.‖ flowed. Throughout the New Tes- Do we realize what this means? tament we read about the blood of The work of redemption was fin- Jesus Christ. Jesus knew He ished. He had paid the price for would have to shed His blood. He man’s redemption with His own told Nicodemus, ―And as Moses blood. Do we know the value of lifted up the serpent in the wilder- the blood? Oh, let us take time to ness, even so must the Son of man meditate upon the forgiveness of be lifted up.‖ He voluntarily laid God and what it should mean to down His life and took the penalty us! His blood was shed for all of death that we deserved. Some- mankind, and whosoever will al- times at the Communion table our low it to be sprinkled on the flesh has become tired by the time doorpost of their heart God will the cup is passed. We would en- pass over them and give them courage us to be alert at this time eternal life. that we might more fully know When we take Communion, what our redemption cost our Sav- what does the wine symbolize? ior. ―Forasmuch as ye know that ye The answer is blood. It helps us to were not redeemed with corrupti- remember the precious blood that ble things, as silver and gold, from was shed for our sins. When we your vain conversation received by realize how important it is to re- tradition from your fathers; but member what Christ did for us with the precious blood of Christ, with His blood, we look forward to as of a lamb without blemish and a communion service in which we without spot: Who verily was fore- can be in such close fellowship ordained before the foundation of with Him. We are only worthy to the world, but was manifest in commune because of the blood. We these last times for you, Who by can never make ourselves worthy, him do believe in God, that raised but God can. ―Behold the Lamb of him up from the dead, and gave God, which taketh away the sin of him glory; that your faith and hope the world.‖ Our Lord Jesus Christ might be in God.‖ was the Lamb. We see the Lamb May we always remember that throughout the Old Testament. we are saved by the blood of Je- Isaiah 53 is about the Lamb. sus Christ. We have written When Jesus was on the earth, He enough. But permit us to close wept over Jerusalem. In John 17, with the comforting thought that ―…WILLING TO CONTENT THE PEOPLE…‖ 9 we know the blood of Christ is ―Why, what evil hath he done?‖ cleansing us all the time. This we Yes, Pontius Pilate had a choice to know when we consider the make. Jesus had told him, ―…my words of I John 1:7, ―But if we kingdom is not of this world…‖ walk in the light, as He is in the and ―…for this cause came I into light, we have fellowship one the world that I should bear wit- with another, and the blood of ness of the truth. Every one that is Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth of the truth heareth my voice…‖ us from all sin.‖ Praise God! Pilate was even made to exclaim, ―What is truth?‖ The fact that Pi- Donald Beachler late washed his hands before the multitude, saying, ―I am innocent of the blood of this just person, see ye to it,‖ tells us that he had an understanding of what truth was, yet would not act upon that truth; D “…WILLING TO CONTENT and delivered Jesus to be cruci- THE PEOPLE…” fied. Pilate feared a tumult of the people more than he wanted to This portion of scripture has live the truth. been on our mind for some time How about me? Do I always since we heard it read at a com- speak truth? Do I always do my munion service. We find it in the best to walk in truth? Am I willing 15th verse of the 15th chapter of to content the people instead of Mark. choosing truth when I have a deci- We all know the story. The chief sion to make? We would encourage priests, the elders, and the scribes all to read and meditate on our had delivered Jesus to Pontius Lord’s conversation with Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, so Pilate in the gospels. We believe it that our Lord would be crucified. is a good example of how we as Pilate was put in a position that followers of our Lord Jesus Christ he had choices to make. He knew should respond to the challenging that the chief priests had deliv- people and circumstances we ered Jesus to him for envy, and he sometimes find ourselves in. had recently been warned by his ―But the wisdom that is from wife to have nothing to do with above is first pure, then peaceable, that just man, Jesus. gentle, and easy to be intreated, Yes, even after a lengthy and full of mercy and good fruits, with- intense conversation with our out partiality, and without hypoc- Lord Jesus, Pilate asked the chief risy.‖ (James 3:17) priests and elders, ―…what shall I Humbly submitted, do then with Jesus which is called Christ?‖ Randall Shoup When they answered, ―let him be crucified,‖ Pilate even said, 10 The Testimony April, 2014 THE SUFFERING CHRIST ―When I Survey The Wondrous Dr. Richard Donovan Cross,‖ we read, ―See, from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow As we look forward to Christ’s and Love flow mingled down! Did Resurrection, we need to realize e’er such love and sorrow meet, Or how our Lord suffered and died, thorns compose so rich a crown?‖ not for just you and me, but for the After being so cruelly treated, sins of the whole world. He was He said (Luke 23:34), ―Father, for- taken to Calvary to be crucified. give them; for they know not what He bore such shame and agony! they do.‖ He was scoffed, mocked, spit upon And they parted His raiment and crowned with thorns as they and cast lots, i.e. they gambled for mocked His being a king. His garment. But, we know this We read in Luke, chapter 23 was not the end for Him, because and verse 33, ―there they crucified Our Lord arose from the grave and him.‖ Jesus’ death was certainly a went to be with His Father! unique death, and thought by We read in John 3:16, ―For God many to be due to a heart rupture, so loved the world that he gave his i.e. a ―broken‖ heart. only begotten Son, that whosoever The terrible suffering and pres- believeth in him should not perish, sure on this sinless Man, who was but have everlasting life.‖ bearing the sins of all mankind, ―Now in Heaven exalted high, was too much for His physical Hallelujah, what a Savior!‖ body to stand. Selected from the Brookville We read in John, chapter 19 and Star by verse 34, ―One of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forth- Sam and Eva Boone with came there out blood and water.‖ In verse three of the song

God our Savior daily teach us, Plea For Jesus’ Help What we need from day to day, Natalie Oyler Help us find with each transition, Life is full of traps and dangers, Patience for what comes our way. And we keep on doing wrong, Lord, I need Thee; Come from Life is hard and gives few answers, heaven. So we look to Christ our God. Send to me Your gift of love; Come to me when I am weary; Jesus knows when we are troubled, Shelter me with sweet release. And He knows when we are glad, Jesus sees what e’re befalls us, Lord, I give to You my heartaches; And He helps us through His word. All my sins and strivings, too, Take from me my every longing; Gracious Father, look from heaven, Fill me, Lord, with thoughts of You. On Your children here below, Selected by For we know that You will give us, Stanley Boyd Peace and joy and strength to grow. THE STORM 11

THE STORM dured many a gale. The wind blowing from every angle, rain In Mark 4:37 we find these beating upon it, maybe ice bear- words: ―there arose a great storm.‖ ing it down—possibly enduring a This account is recorded in Mat- fire—shaped that tree into the thew 8:24 and Luke 8:23 as well. inspiration that it is today, ever It is important to note that Jesus clinging with its roots deeper and was with them when the storm deeper to something solid. came. The fact that Jesus was Why do storms come? The Bible with them did not prevent a storm says in I Corinthians 3:13 that arising. Still more profound is the every man’s faith will be tried to see faith and trust of Jesus through what it amounts to. Did you ever the storm. notice the intriguing character of Many storms arise in life. Some portraits or pictures of a mariner or roll in slowly, some arise quickly. sea captain? Those obvious distin- Some last for a short period while guishing features came about by others are in our lives for extended storms at sea. The experienced sea- periods of time. Sometimes the man was trained on rough seas, not effects of the storm linger. smooth sailing. Great men of faith Jesus points out to the disciples in the Bible were no different. Abra- in this account about fear and ham, Moses, Joseph, David and the faith. There is nothing at all list is large—great men and wrong with crying out, ―Lord, save women—great storms and trials. us: we perish!‖ There are several As we walk by faith in this life, interesting accounts about storms may our roots press deeper. May at sea in the Bible. I imagine the our eye be single and our patience hardy fishermen disciples had through endurance of the storm seen their share. As Jesus called to bring us further into the image of them to be fishers of men, He ex- what brings Glory to the Master of posed them to storms in their the storm. growth as disciples. The majestic, chiseled and burly Aaron Garber oak tree that one admires, grew through many storms and en- 12 The Testimony April, 2014 A TRIBUTE TO THE yes, but the bruise to the head of SHEPHERD Satan, culprit of the curse and death, is eternal, for our LORD The day’s work draws to a rose again! For He says, ―I am he close and evening is coming on. that liveth, and was dead; and, Outside, the winter wind causes behold, I am alive for evermore, barren branches to gently sway, Amen.‖ (Revelation 1:18) He’s not and its whistling request to enter just my Shepherd when I feel the house can be heard near the Him close beside me, making me windows. The thermometer dips lie down in green pastures and to single digit degrees as the sun leading me beside still waters. edges toward the western hori- He’s there when I can feel the zon and a pink glow graces the rage of the battle, when I’m in the cold sky. presence of my enemies, and Now I have a few moments by when I walk through dark val- the fireside to open to Psalm 23. leys. His name is ―I AM‖—thus, Regardless of the chill of the white present today. He will be suffi- world and winter wind outside, a cient for today, and for every to- quiet calm fills my soul. These day that follows this one. His sup- words penned and, no doubt, sung ply does not run low. He is by David, the young shepherd boy enough for every person He has who found his rest and trust in the created, for every day of life. Good Shepherd, who was able to The Lord is MY shepherd. man-handle a ferocious lion be- Mine? For real? I can claim Him cause of strength from the Lion of as my own? He promises to be the tribe of Judah—these words he wrote have a way of giving gen- found of those who seek after tle, restful strength, of reminding Him diligently. If He seems far of the sure, steady foundation that off, am I seeking purposefully? is ours for the claiming, for the Thirsting after Him? Longing for building of a life upon. Him? Just what is my heart long- The LORD is my shepherd. The ing after? The choice is mostly up LORD—in all capital letters— to me. He Who leads beside still, Jehovah, ―the existing One,‖ as in refreshing waters, who is the Wa- yesterday, today, and forever. This ter of Life Himself, He is offering is evidence of His trustworthiness. this quenching to the thirsty. (And haven’t we found Him to be (And haven’t we been thirsty?) so?) He changeth not, and in a ―Let him that is athirst come. world of many and rapid changes, And whosoever will, let him take our hearts need something, Some- the water of life freely.‖ Revela- one unchangeable to anchor upon. tion 22:17 May we be among the He is here. Have we found Him, ―whosoever will‖! When we have chosen Him? made Him our own, we find that The Lord IS my shepherd. IS— we need nothing else, for He as in the present tense. It’s easy teaches us what to desire and to think of Him as David’s shep- consequently fulfills those de- herd, and as Noah’s and Abra- sires. He restores the once- ham’s and Moses’ and Esther’s wandering, seeking soul. He di- and the apostles’ shepherd; but rects and corrects us with His rod He still IS today! He died once, and staff. He even leads us on A TRIBUTE TO THE SHEPHERD 13 paths of righteousness (though you want to dwell in His house sometimes fraught with bumps forever? Just when does forever and twisting ways) to higher begin? Does it not begin even now, ground and all this for His here on earth? Does the way I am name’s sake—for His glory. Yes, living today demonstrate that I when we make Him our own, we really do want to live forever with learn that there is a different my Lord? Am I thirstily seeking way of living than the self- after Him? For why would He take centered, pleasure-seeking life someone to live with Him in we had once known. Life for His Heaven who is not living longingly glory becomes the song of the after Him already while on earth? once sullen and silent heart! All of this—from a few words of The Lord is my SHEPHERD. the shepherd boy. This is assur- Shepherd—the One Who guides, ance! This is rest. This is peace. leads, comforts, feeds. To shepherd This is goodness and mercy, and is to tend, and to tend is to care having tasted the sweetness that for, look after, or direct, manage, He brings, we want more of Him. and work in. Haven’t we felt His It’s strange how His quenching care? His oil of healing and fulfilling somehow leaves the heart hun- poured over and into gering for yet us? His filling to more. But per- the overflowing? Haven’t we felt His haps this is Do we have our care? His oil of heal- h o w H e hands open and planned it. cupped to re- ing poured over and We were ceive what He into us? His filling to made for for- gives, to receive ever, weren’t whatever it is the overflowing? we? Not to set- with thanksgiving, tle contentedly because we know into the earthbound Him to be trustworthy? life (though it is His will And because every gift that He that we enjoy it), but to be seeking gives is good and perfect, no mat- after the forever life. ter what it looks like at first sight? There will be cold winters, blus- All things do work together for tering winds, rough pathways. good and His glory, to those who Not every day will draw to a close love Him. (Romans 8:28) Spurgeon so quietly with the backdrop of a once said, ―Beloved, I will ask you soft pink sky. But regardless of now a question. How would it be the outside circumstances of life, with you if God had filled your cup this we have been reminded of in proportion to your faith? How and this we know—the LORD, He much would you have had in your is our Shepherd. This is a place of cup?‖ But He always loves and He rest. Such knowledge is too won- always gives extravagantly, to the derful for me! (Psalm 139:6) point of overflowing. And He works Thank You, Father, for being our in us as much as we allow Him to loving Shepherd. manage our hearts, as a gardener growing our faith in Him. Allison Peters If He reigns over His house with such goodness and mercy, don’t 14 The Testimony April, 2014 THE HEAVENS AWAIT Generally speaking these events A SIGN start with tears and end in tri- umph. Science has proven that The heavens await a sign from these events happened in 1492, God that something big is about to 1948, 1967, and will happen again happen. starting this year. All these events We wish just to stir up your happened with the first red blood pure minds and to take heed what moon on Passover, the second on the Lord says in His Word about (Sukkot) or feast of harvest, the the coming event that the Lord third one on Passover, and the speaks of when He says, ―Behold, I fourth on Sukkot. come quickly.‖ And also when He Now in the series of moons there says ―what I say unto you I say will be a total eclipse of the sun. unto all, Watch.‖ And, ―Therefore Beginning April 15, 2014, will be ye also ready, for in such an be the start of a series of four red hour as ye think not the Son of blood moons. October 8, 2014, will man cometh.‖ be the second red blood moon. This article is not a brain storm March 20, 2015, will be the total of the writer, but only some eclipse of the sun. On Passover, thoughts that the writer has April 4, 2015, will be the third red heard. blood moon. The last red blood Science has proven, with help moon will occur on Sukkot, Sep- from some Christian workers that tember 28, 2015. the Bible is accurate. The sun The blood moons are for Israel, stood still for a whole day during and the eclipse of the sun is a sign Joshua’s time. When Hezekiah for the earth. lived, the sun went backward ten Before 1492 the Jewish people degrees. We are told these changes were persecuted and driven out of have been tracked. Spain under the hand of King Fer- The events we want to bring to dinand and Queen Isabella. The your attention are the coming Jews had two weeks to get out and events of the series of four red blood their property was taken from moons. The prophet Joel (2:31–32) them. and the Apostle Peter (Acts 2:19– In 1492 money was given to a 20) quoted the same identical words Jewish man by the name of Chris- when they said, ―And I will shew topher Columbus to find another wonders in the heavens and in the country for these people to abide earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of in, and so America was discovered. smoke. The sun shall be turned into Prior to 1948 another series of darkness, and the moon into blood, four red blood moons with an before the great and the terrible day eclipse of the sun happened with of the LORD come.‖ These two men millions of Jews killed in WW ll. lived hundreds of years apart and This ended with the return of the quoted the same thing. Is that a Jewish home land and the recogni- coincidence or what? tion of the Jewish State in 1948. THE YOKE AND THE BURDEN 15 The next series of four red blood able; worked by means of a yoke, it moons and eclipse of the sun hap- is light. A yoke is not an instru- pened during the Six Day War, in ment of torture; it is an instru- 1967, with the miraculous defeat ment of mercy. It is not a mali- of the Egyptian army. cious contrivance for making work I just read where the Pope will hard; it is a gentle device to make visit Israel on May 24–26, 2014. hard labor light. Christ knew the difference between a smooth yoke Could this be a sign of things to and a rough one, a bad fit and a come? good one. The rough yoke galled, These red blood moons and and the burden was heavy; the eclipse of the sun will definitely smooth yoke caused no pain and happen, but we may or may not the load was lightly drawn. The see them from our places of abode. badly fitted harness was a misery; These signs are things that the well fitted collar was ―easy.‖ make us stop and think. And what was the ―burden‖? It We do not want to frighten any- was not some special burden laid one, but let us be aware of what is upon the Christian, some unique happening in the world around us. infliction that they alone must It sure seems like this world is bear. It was what all men bear: it changing fast. was simply life, human life itself, Marshall Dutter the general burden of life which all must carry with them from the cradle to the grave. Christ saw that men took life painfully. To some it was a weariness, to others THE YOKE AND THE failure, to many a tragedy, to all a BURDEN struggle and a pain. How to carry this burden of life has been the Henry Drummond whole world’s problem. And here ―Take my yoke upon you, and is Christ’s solution: ―Carry it as I learn of me; for I am meek and do. Take life as I take it. Look at it lowly in heart: and ye shall find from my point of view. Interpret it rest unto your souls. For my yoke upon my principles. Take my yoke is easy, and my burden is and learn of me, and you will find light.‖ (Matthew 11:29–30) it easy. For my yoke is easy, sits Did you ever stop to ask what a right upon the shoulders, and yoke is really for? Is it to be a bur- therefore my burden is light.‖ den to the animal which wears it? Selected by It is just the opposite: it is to make its burden light. Attached to the Kevin and Lori Jacobs oxen in any other way than by a yoke, the plow would be intoler- 16 The Testimony April, 2014 CONCERNS ON WOMEN’S be struggling in an area, and this BIBLE STUDY could be a stumbling block for them, though it may not be for More than ever, I have become us. Let’s say someone in your aware that we need to be careful group is struggling over the head with what material we are reading covering. Could we be leading individually, and in group study. them further astray by having Some books give assumptions of these studies? We need to be care- what they think could have hap- ful and discern what is right and pened in the Bible and asking wrong. We need to pray that what- questions in the study with an- ever we are reading or believing, swers of what the author is look- the Lord would show us if it is ing for and not necessarily all bib- false. This should be our prayer, lical answers. For example, I too, every time the session begins. asked my husband a question that Satan is real and he wants to was in a study, and he could tell deceive and without even reading the book mix truth that the author was assuming a We need to be with error, particular matter. Then when he careful with just like the did look at a few pages he was a serpent in teachings little concerned. There are many the Garden. from women women authors that have really The fruit good topics to encourage woman to who do not looked good be godly woman, and have good cover their to Eve and intentions but are not all biblical she was heads, and are teachings. This can lead us astray not biblically from biblical principles as these tempted to books may mix truth and error. eat it, and modest. We need to be careful with teach- fell. Satan ings from women who do not cover can deceive us in the same way, in their heads and are not biblically any fashion, worldly attractions, modest. We need to be careful, for clothes, etc. He can start working even though it may not affect us, it in and tell us that other Chris- could affect someone else in the tians are doing it. It’s okay. We group. Even if it never did, is it need to be careful. This is a bur- worth the risk if it did? Since we den on my heart as it is evident believe in wearing the covering as this is happening before our eyes. the Bible teaches to cover our We, as women, should not be heads, is it wise to have a group ashamed or embarrassed at the study from an author who does not principles taught in the Bible on support the head covering? If you modesty and head covering. I Co- stop and think about it, it is very rinthians 11:5, says ―But every easy and possible for someone to woman that prayeth or prophe- CONCERNS ON WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY 17 sieth with her head uncovered dis- together in my name, there am I honoureth her head.‖ ―In like man- in the midst of them.‖ (Matthew ner also, that women adorn them- 18:20) But with a study book from selves in modest apparel, with someone else’s opinions, you are shamefacedness and sobriety; not being taught by that person’s view with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, of Scripture, assumptions, or costly array…‖ (I Timothy 2:9) etc. But we need to be careful in Do not let the world rob or devour both areas. ―Work out your own the seeds that have been sown for salvation with fear and trem- you in the Word of God. Luke 8:14 bling.‖ (Philippians 2:12) says, “And that which fell among The Bible is the ONLY Book thorns are they, which, when they that is completely correct and safe have heard, go forth, and are to read as it is the foundation of choked with cares and riches and Truth. ―Sanctify them through thy pleasures of this life, and bring no truth: thy word is truth.‖ (John fruit to perfection.‖ Stand firm on 17:17) I pray we are rooted in the Word of God. Christ Jesus, the source of truth I also want to point out that that we may believe and proclaim, reading a Christian book, if it is ―Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, mixing truth and error, can be and a light unto my path.‖ (Psalm worse than a non-Christian story. 119:105) That is a promise! We I’m not recommending reading need to stand on the Word of God, unchristian books, nor am I want- and not be shaken. Though it’s ing to judge others who are in a hard to understand at times, the study group with books other than Lord will show us, when we sin- just the Bible (for I am in one, but cerely seek Him with all our not sure if I should continue), but hearts. ―Call unto me, and I will we need to be careful. It would be answer thee, and shew thee great wise to ask our husbands, fathers, and mighty things, which thou any godly men to review material knowest not.‖ (Jeremiah 33:3) such as I’m speaking of. Some can The spirit of truth will guide us. say that a normal Bible study is (John 16:13) ―All scripture is given the same way. We need to be care- by inspiration of God, and is prof- ful there, although there is a dif- itable for doctrine, for reproof, for ference. In the Bible study, correction, for instruction in right- woman share their thoughts and eousness:‖ (II Timothy 3:16) opinions on what they think the Written in much love as a sister Scriptures are saying. When in Christ, reading a chapter and sharing as a group, the Spirit will lead when Lisa Bowman we are seeking guidance. ―For where two or three are gathered 18 The Testimony April, 2014 RELATIONSHIP through the form of Biblically- VS. RELIGION ? practicing New Testament assem- blies. Let us move past the appeal There is an unpopular term of contemporary fads, reactions, among professing Christians to- and clichés, and view the Chris- day: ―religion.‖ What crosses your tian religion as it truly ought to mind when you hear somebody be: a relationship with Jesus speak of religion? How do you de- Christ which finds much of its ex- fine ―religion?‖ And how do you pression through willing obedience feel about it? From Facebook vid- to the practical applications given eos to blogs to contemporary in the Word of God. Time and Christian literature, there is a again, Jesus said things to the growing aversion to the word effect we should keep His com- ―religion‖ and, by default, there is mandments, NOT because they a diminishing Scriptural consid- have any power to save us, but eration of its true basis. The com- because we love Him who gave mon cliché is that ―Christianity is His very own life to save us. not a religion, it’s a relationship!‖ The Apostle James came from That sounds great, doesn’t it? In the religious system of the Jews, light of the abuses of the Christian which had essentially turned from religion by some, such reactions the true worship of God unto almost seem justifiable, for how themselves and the works of their often does the word ―religion‖ own hands, and he tells us in bring to mind words like James 1:27 that pure and unde- ―Pharisees‖ and ―dead works‖ and filed religion before God is this: ―hypocrisy‖? Do you think of un- ―To visit the fatherless and widows friendly people working their way in their affliction, and to keep him- along, trying to put everything self unspotted from the world.‖ into perfect little boxes to look Here is religion through God’s ―holy‖ to others, trying to give the eyes as revealed through His impression that they do it ―just Word; a heartfelt willingness to right,‖ letting their sober appear- follow after the heart and the ances become sour ones, and teachings of the Savior. One of our maybe being condescending elder brethren asked this question against anybody else who doesn’t a while back: ―What is religion, quite share their applications or really, but Jesus Christ and Him forms of ―holiness‖? crucified?‖ I suggest to you that, in What is religion, first of all? A religion is most simply defined as spite of the common reactions of a set of practices based upon a set our day, the ―religion‖ of Jesus of beliefs. In keeping with such a Christ is nothing more than the definition, I find myself in serious visible testimony of those lives disagreement with the earlier cli- which have repented of their sin ché separating ―religion‖ and and given themselves wholeheart- ―relationship,‖ especially when it edly into His service, relying fully refers to Christianity. I believe upon the power of the blood and that it is both dishonest and the Spirit for salvation and power, harmful to God’s plan for His peo- proclaiming His Word in its en- ple, as revealed in His Word tirety! RELATIONSHIP VS. RELIGION? 19 Some have let human nature ’twill fit us for declining age, and take the religion of Jesus Christ for the awful tomb. What could be and add burdens to it beyond the more important than knowing and guidance and the tenor of the following in the footsteps of the Scriptures. A result has been Savior? Where else can you turn that many have lost any appre- when the burdens of life bear ciation for the words of old down, or death snatches loved ones hymns such as one written by away, leaving you behind in sor- John Fawcett, which another row? When following His guidance brother used to call for at many calls us to submit to specific appli- of our monthly singings. If we cations taught in His Word, and we can look past the mistakes of the obediently set our hands to what past, I believe it has much to of- He has revealed for our blessing fer by way of meditation. (as congregations or individual be- “Religion is the chief concern of lievers) will people see the religion mortals here below; may I its great of Jesus Christ in our lives? importance learn, its sovereign Oh, may my heart, by grace re- virtue know!” Sometimes the word newed, be my Redeemer’s throne! ―religious‖ is used against some- And be my stubborn will subdued, one as a derogatory term, but His government to own! I fully en- when we get right down to it, dorse the resounding cry of my what is more important than to generation for a relationship with follow after Jesus Christ, to dis- the Savior, yet neither do we dare cern and follow after the will of succumb to the deception that this God for our lives, which He re- relationship can only be attained veals to us through His Word and at the expense of the ―religion‖ of the counsels of our brothers and Jesus Christ. What a blessing to sisters? Is there anything else have a Savior who calls us His that can justly take pre-eminence brothers and sisters, and to have a over Him in our lives? Heavenly Father to whom we may “More needful this, than glitter- come with every burden. Llet us ing wealth, or aught the world be- never forget that it is also to our stows; not reputation, food, nor God Jehovah, the awesome and all health, can give us such repose.” Is -powerful Creator and King of the there anything more necessary universe, to whom we come! than to take of the Bread and Wa- Do we recognize the difference ter of Eternal Life, and then to between being called up to His share it? No pleasure, nor treas- holy standard and bringing Him ure, nor emotional high, nor ex- down to our fleshly desires and perience can ever substitute for perspectives. This lies at the root the peace and the power found in of the cry of ―relationship, not re- a life submitted to the will of God. ligion.‖ At some point, to sacrifice There is little virtue to be found in religion for relationship, or rela- spiritualizing away the applica- tionship for religion, often be- tions of God’s Word rather than comes more of an excuse to allow following after them in the sim- ourselves to remain a little more plicity of a child. ―spotted by the world‖ than we are Religion should our thoughts very comfortable admitting. Con- engage amidst our youthful bloom; trary to the teaching so prevalent 20 The Testimony April, 2014 today, they are not separate, but know that ye are my disciples, if our relationship will lead us into ye have love one to another‖ is the religion, into a conscientious wor- same one who told us that ―if ye ship and obedience to our Father love me, keep my command- in Heaven. ments.‖ How is your relationship Let deep repentance, faith, and with Jesus Christ recognized by love, be joined with Godly fear; others around you? and all my conversation prove my Every one of us must come to a heart to be sincere. The Gospel personal conclusion of whether the message bids us repent and turn teachings of the Word of God are to Christ, that we might be saved, relevant for today, so I ask you and then to follow Him with all again, what is religion but Jesus the love and devotion that lies Christ and Him crucified? If He within us! Through that message, gave up all for you and me when we also learn that we have a He was crucified, and He asks us Guide and a Comforter for our to follow after His commandments lives, One who comes with holy when we entered into a relation- power and direction. Yet still, as I ship with Him. Do you believe read in the pages of His Word of what the Bible says when it tells our intimate access to ―Abba Fa- you that ―His commandments are ther,‖ while we walk this journey not grievous?‖ Let us not misun- of life, I continue to find (from derstand, however; the Bible is not Genesis to Revelation) that He is a simple list of do’s and don’ts, but the Almighty God, and that we rather it is a living, life-changing, shall come before the throne with God-given Word for power and di- all the angels and the saints of the rection in our daily lives as we ages, and we shall fall on our faces walk in relationship with Jesus before Him as our Lord and King, Christ! In essence, the Christian with worship and adoration! ―religion‖ is nothing more than the Preserve me from the snares of rubber of our relationship. Jesus is sin, through my remaining days; the contact with the road of living and in me let each virtue shine to daily with one another, as we obe- my Redeemer’s praise! In our jour- diently apply His Word to our lives ney here, our Heavenly Father and extend His love and message teaches us how our relationship to others. Religion for a Christian with Jesus Christ will take con- brings hands and feet to the rela- crete form through obedience to tionship, in the heart, with Christ! His Word, lest our relationship be The final question comes from one of words and words only. We the above hymn: as we see rela- live in a day when tolerance is tionship and religion to be two considered a supreme virtue, when sides of the same coin for our life Truth is subject to personal inter- in Christ, and in all that we say pretations. It is often considered and do, does He receive the judgmental and even un-Christian praise? to promote ―religion‖ or specific Praising God with you, standards and applications from Christian Filbrun God’s Word. The same Jesus who told us that ―by this shall all men A CHILD’S NEEDS AND A PARENT’S ROLE 21 Home & Family

A CHILD’S NEEDS AND A Their gifts are hidden in their PARENT’S ROLE behavior. There’s a purpose for each child and their unique gifts. Children have many basic needs A parent’s role is to help direct as they grow and mature. We re- these gifts in a right direction. ―As cently found some notes we had arrows are in the hand of a mighty taken from a talk we heard several man; so are children of the years ago. As we read over them youth.‖ (Psalm 127:4) we felt they are still applicable 4. A child is unsure and needs today. We would like to encourage an encourager. parents to consider these needs and then ask the Lord for wisdom Children have many insecurities, in meeting these needs. ―Lo, chil- so encouragement is very important. dren are an heritage of the LORD: ―And all thy children shall be and the fruit of the womb is his taught of the LORD; and great reward.‖ (Psalm 127:3) shall be the peace of thy children.‖ (Isaiah 54:13) 1. A child is lost and needs a guide. 5. A child is energetic and needs a director. ―Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he As the Lord directs the parents, will not depart from it.‖ ( Proverbs then the parents direct the child. 22: 6) A guide is one who leads. ―In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy 2. A child is unlearned and paths.‖ (Proverbs 3:6) needs a teacher. 6. A child is uninhibited, or Don’t assume a child knows eve- open, and needs a listener. rything. Parents must first have the It seems so very important to Word of God in their heart. ―And listen to your children when they thou shalt teach them diligently are small, even the ever so tedious unto thy children, and shalt talk and detailed accounts of events in of them when thou sittest in thine their lives, if we want them to house, and when thou walkest by communicate with us as they get the way, and when thou liest older. ―…let every man be swift to down, and when thou risest hear, slow to speak, slow to up.‖ (Deuteronomy 6:7) wrath.‖ (James 1:19) 3. A child’s gifts can be a mys- 7. A child is undisciplined and tery, so parents need to be needs a father. detectives. ―And, ye fathers, provoke not 22 The Testimony April, 2014 your children to wrath: but bring 10. A child is sensitive and them up in the nurture and admo- needs acceptance. nition of the Lord.‖ (Ephesians ―To the praise of the glory of his 6:4) Please note the order: nurture grace, wherein he hath made us ac- or loving training; then the cepted in the beloved.‖ (Ephesians admonition or reprimand. 1:6) What a warmth we feel when 8. A child is trusting and for- we read these words! Just so, our giving and needs learners. children need to feel and be as- Parents can learn from their sured of our acceptance. children and need to let the them know you appreciate these quali- Why did God give inexperi- ties when you see them. enced parents the responsibility ―Whosoever therefore shall hum- of training children? Might it be ble himself as this little child, the that He wants us to depend upon same is greatest in the kingdom of Him for wisdom and guidance heaven.‖ (Matthew 18:4) and not lean upon our own under- 9. A child is loving and needs standing? The law can correct, love. but love can change. ―I have no Love can be verbal, but must greater joy than to hear that my also be shown. ―And he took them (your) children walk in up in his arms, put his hands truth.‖ (III John 4) upon them, and blessed them.‖ (Mark10:16) According to Roger and Norma Rapp I Corinthians 13, love is an action word. Questions to Ponder

This section offers some questions to think about, or for Sunday afternoon discussions, or to prompt future articles from our readers, etc. Readers are encouraged to offer questions. Question #1—When speaking of Question #2—Jesus, when teach- the death of Jesus, the Scripture ing, even before his death, spoke of often speaks of it as ―His cross.‖ (See His followers also bearing a cross. Colossians 1:20, for example). Was a burden ever called a ―cross‖ Question: Exactly what does ―His before Jesus came? What is the cross‖ refer to? Does this refer to cross that He spoke of, that a disciple His death only? Does it mean also must bear? Was He speaking of His suffering? Does it refer also to just the general burdens and the rejection, mockery, nails, spit- afflictions that all men bear? Or is ting, smiting, and reproach? there something specific? What was the cross of Jesus? What is the cross of the believer? GENERAL ITEMS 23 General Items

BAPTISMS please contact Delvin Brumbaugh at (937) 238-5212, or the packet information March 8, 2014; Bear Creek, OH may be accessed at www.ogbbc.org. Heather Fulmer The packet includes the following in- March 9, 2014; West Manchester, IN formation: Carson Fingerle Directions to the Conference COMMISSIONS Handicap and RV Parking Conference Schedule February 12, 2014; Stillwater, OH Todd Boone (and wife, Connie) Lodging Reservation Ordained to Eldership Meal Reservation Rusty Flora (and wife, Ellie) Communion Survey Called to the Ministry Arrival and Check-in Ben Bayer (and wife, Joy) Preteens Registration Called to the office of Deacon Young Folks Information February 22, 2014; Mt. Zion, PA We are asking that each household Ed Hess (and wife, Ann) planning to attend the Conference to Advanced to the 2nd degree of the please cooperate with our reservation Ministry process by responding to the items in the Information Packet pertaining to COMMUNION NOTICES the plans of each person in their household. Anyone seeking lodging accom- April 5, 2014 ...... Caldwell, ID modations in the university dorm April 5, 2014 ...... Mt. Zion, PA rooms and all who plan to eat meals April 5, 2014 ...... Shiloh, OH provided by the Conference are to April 12, 2014 .New Covenant Brethren, MI have reservation information submit- April 12, 2014 ...... Salem, OH ted by March 28th. Please make use of April 12, 2014 ...... Sugar Grove, OH the response address published in the April 19, 2014 ...... Cutler Ridge, IN Information Packet. Anyone receiving April 19, 2014 ...... Modesto, CA the packet late or deciding at a later April 26, 2014 ...... Bear Creek, OH time to attend the Conference, should May 3, 2014 ...... Cascade Valley, WA submit the reservation information as May 25, 2014 .....Annual Conference, OH soon as their plans are known, even if Nov. 1, 2014 ...... Columbia River, WA it is later than March 28th. Those who decide to attend at the 2014 ANNUAL CONFERENCE last minute can be accommodated at The 2014 Annual Conference of the the Information Desk upon arrival. Old German Baptist Brethren The Information Center is located just Church—New Conference, will be held inside the Stevens Student Center on on May 24 through May 27, Lord campus and will be open from 10:00 willing, at Cedarville University, a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23rd, 251 N. Main Street, Cedarville, and will open at 6:30 a.m. on Satur- Ohio, 45314. This is located approxi- day, May 24th. All Conference atten- mately 11 miles south of Springfield dees should go to the Information Center on State Route 72. Information Pack- upon arrival at the Conference site. ets for the Conferences have been dis- The first worship service is sched- tributed. If you are planning to attend uled to begin at 10:00 a.m. on Satur- and have not yet received a packet, day, May 24th. 24 The Testimony April, 2014

The Communion Committee feels eagerly anticipating this brotherhood they can accommodate all the mem- meeting and extend a warm and bers who wish to commune, and would hearty invitation to our dear mem- like to ask that the out-of-state breth- bers, friends and all who desire to at- ren assist with the serving lines when tend. We look forward to a season of placing the meat and soup on the table worship and the opportunity to en- for The Lord’s Supper. The Ohio courage each other in our walk with brethren will assist with these serving the Lord. Our prayer is that as we lines if needed. Communion bread labor together, we may show forth the baking is planned for May 3rd, 2014, gospel in love, being found as worthy 2:30 p.m. at Allen and Marie Huff- stewards. man’s, 7275 W. Third St., Dayton, OH. In behalf of the Committee of Anyone who wishes to help with this Arrangements, is welcome. All of us from Ohio are Craig Boone, Secretary Poems A SON OF THE CRUCIFIED I say that I know, but I don’t (Colossians 1:27) understand, With His spear pierced side and I know that God is—for He said His nail pierced hand, that ―I Am‖; With faith in His promise, being I know that His Son is the mild true to His Word, gentle Lamb I’m so blessed by the blood of my Who gave His own life thus forgiving Crucified Lord. my sin, And God dwells as the Comforting Marcus Miller Spirit within.

I know that through Faith I accept Him my own. I know that through grace I can CHRIST DIED FOR ME kneel at His throne. I dwell in His Love; obedient The cross displays I am, Love and grace Under the blood of the Crucified Christ died for me my soul Lamb. My dept is paid in full Bought by the blood of the lamb No merit have I. All-saving is He. This is God’s great salvation plan! There dwells no value or virtue in Amazing grace how sweet the sound! me. I once was lost but now I’m found Yet as His creation, He claims me Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine! His son, And I am a child of the Crucified Lisa Bowman One. POEMS 25

IT WAS WORTH IT! I killed the LAMB. I help to lift It’s empty, Sir!” My Savior. The cross. “The tomb? I take the whip Drop it down on Lies! His followers!” And bring it down. A pure Savior. He is seen! He winces, He bleeds He groans in pain. Many believe.” The BLOOD! I laugh. And me? I slap His face. He lays, so quiet. He turns. No cries. The LAMB of God— I slap again No wild thrashing, He rose. And spit, and scorn. No mercy begged. But who was He? I form a crown I lift my hammer— Why so peaceful, Of thorns. Gentle eyes? So calm and still?

Tell me! Carefully press Driving. Forceful. The thorns. I swing. And BLOOD gushes. And flesh is pierced. Your Saviour calls. I kill the LAMB, The LAMB is slain. It is He. Pound the crown in Satan’s laughter Forget the lambs, With glee. Rings out. The sacrifice.

He is the LAMB! The scene changes Up in the air, The ONE! A man. Suspended. With streaming tears “My Father God!” Stumbles along. All support flees. Mine! And I killed A grief etched face He says forgive… The LAMB! He moans. Who, me? But forgiveness— It washes me! We laugh and jeer. My holy duty, The perfect LAMB He falls. To rid Shouts, “It was worth it!” The crowds chanting. All false prophets

We scorn His name. The crazy ones. He tries to rise Ah, duty calls… Janell Mohler To jeers. But peace?

THE FIVE SENSES We shall smell Him, We shall smell Him,

We shall hear Him, The sweet perfume of Heaven. We shall hear Him, When the call comes for us. We shall taste the taste of sweetness

We shall see Him, We shall taste of the taste of glory, We shall see Him, There’s nothing here to compare to In that bright and glorious day! The senses that will be there.

We shall feel Him, We shall feel Him, Esther Lavy When He takes us in His arms. 26 The Testimony April, 2014 THE ULTIMATE BROKEN HEART They say you died of a broken heart Then when and where did the breaking truly start? Was it whipped and pierced when they denied your Name? Or cut to the core when they blushed in shame? Did it start to crumble a little earlier than this? Perhaps when you were betrayed… Betrayed with a kiss. Maybe the first crack came when you healed the blind, sick, and lame, But still, not everyone believed; Maybe they came a few before When Barrabas was charged a thief. So was it the Roman soldiers who tore your body apart? Or did your death cut deeper than flesh… Truly a death by a broken heart. Yes, the whips, scourging, and nails played their role, But the words, ―Crucify Him‖ made their own hole. No, not a bone in His body was broken, But His heart broke slowly in silence. Every tear…a word unspoken, Every drop of blood…no act of defiance. So when this world seems as though it knows nothing but falling apart, Remember and do not forget the Promise made by the One who died of An ultimate broken heart. We were meant to live for so much more Jesus, break our hearts for what breaks yours…

“From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” —Galatians 6:17

“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” —Psalm 34:18

Marin Narayan

POEMS 27

MOUNT CALVARY The Jews and Romans in a band, John A. Granade With hearts of steel, around Him stand And mocking say, ―Come save the land, The Son of man they did betray; Come, try yourself to free.‖ He was condemned and led away; A soldier pierced Him when He died, Think, oh, my soul, that mournful day— Then healing streams came from His side Look on Mount Calvary. And thus the Lord was crucified; Behold Him, lamblike, led along, Stern justice there was satisfied, Surrounded by a wicked throng, Sinners, for you and me! Accused by each lying tongue,

And thus the Lamb of God was hung Behold! He mounts the throne of state, Upon the shameful tree. He fills the mediatorial seat

While millions bowing at His feet ’Twas thus the glorious sufferer stood With loud hosannas tell; With hands and feet nailed to the wood; Though He endured exquisite pains, From every wound a stream of blood He led the monster death in chains; Came freely flowing down. Ye seraphs, raise your loudest strains His bitter groans all nature shook With music fill bright Eden’s plains, And at His voice the rocks were broke; He conquered death and hell! His own disciples Him forsook While spiteful Jews around Him mocked ’Tis done! the dreadful debt is paid, And there laughed at His pain. The great atonement now is made; Sinners, on me your guilt is laid, Now hung between the earth and skies For you I shed my blood; Behold! In agony He dies! For you my tender soul did move, O sinners, hear His mournful cries, For you I left my courts above; Come, see His torturing pain; That you the length and breadth might prove, The morning sun withdrew its light, The depth and height of perfect love, Blushed and refused to view the sight; In Christ your smiling God. The azure clothed in robes of night, All nature mourned and stood afright, All glory be to God on high When Jesus Christ was slain! Who reigns enthroned above the sky, Who sent His Son to bleed and die, Hark! Men and angels, hear the Son! Glory to Him be given! He cries for help, but oh, there’s none; While heaven above His praise resounds, He treads the wine-press all alone, O Zion, shout! His grace abounds! His garments stained with blood. I hope to sing eternal rounds In lamentation hear Him cry, In flaming love that knows no bounds, “Eloi lama sabacthani.” When swallowed up in heaven. Though Death may close His languid eye, Selected by He soon will mount the upper sky, Christian Filbrun The conquering Son of God. 28 The Testimony April, 2014 RESURRECTION DAY God Himself can understand, Even while His man is crying, I can only imagine what it was like Lifting a beseeching hand… To be there on that day, Yet God bends but never breaks To behold the rising of our Lord When man’s good He undertakes; As He came to life; death held no sway. When He uses whom He chooses, And with every purpose fuses When He gave up the Spirit, Man to act, and act to man, When He hung upon the cross, As it was when He began, Did the Father place it in a safe When God tries His splendor out, To protect it from all loss? Man will know what He’s about! Selected by I can only imagine, That as Jesus’ Spirit did depart, Heidi Jenkins The Father placed this precious soul Close to His very heart.

I can only imagine what transpired JUST…WAIT ON THE LORD When the three days had past, Uncomprehendable Glory filled the tomb God stretches our patience When God gave His Spirit back. To engage our faith— So may the Lord bless When dimmed is our way— I can only imagine, To gain light to see— When God whispered in His ear, His grace is sufficient! Perhaps the stone was blown away By the sheer potency of the power. When ―God allows Satan‖ To mar the beauty… I can only imagine, Through His help—we can No mere human could have seen Overcome our trials, The brightness would have overwhelmed We gain courage to see— As Jesus triumphed for the redeemed. We can’t, but He can!

So that trials are blessed, Gloria Wright Through others who love, May we strengthen the stressed— That’s blessed from above! To overcome trials— When we can’t—God can!

THE SHAPING OF A DISCIPLE For sometimes our waiting, Dale Martin Stone We’re never sure why… If God seems belating, When God wants to drill a man, We’ll know by and by! And thrill a man, and skill a man, In season—His reason, When God wants to mold a man Is purposed by His Plan!

To play for Him the noblest part, So in trials we’ll groan— When He yearns with all His heart And yes, tears will fall! To build so great and bold a man But we’re never alone, That all the world shall be amazed, For Father loves us all! Then watch God’s methods, watch His ways! ―His strength is sufficient‖, We couldn't, but God can! How He ruthlessly perfects Whom He royally elects; With prayers, this poem is written for How He hammers him and hurts him many who are presently suffering! And with mighty blows converts him, Vicki Witmer Making shapes and forms which only OBITUARIES 29 Obituaries

OVERHOLTZER — Floyd Emer- Floyd married Vertrilla Ford on son, was born at Shoemaker Avenue, November 6, 1940 on the doorstep of in Modesto, California, on February their house in Ceres, California, after 17, 1921. He was one of 9 children a church singing to which everyone born to Enoch and Martha (Garber) was invited, and served home-made Overholtzer; of which Elva Basque, 88 ice cream. years old, is still living. Floyd was preceded in death by two Floyd lived a full life of 92 years sons, Deryl (age 15) and Drexel (age and 11 months. He passed away on 47). Floyd is survived by his wife Ver- January 18, 2014. trilla and three children: Marqueta Floyd and his twin brother, Lloyd, Overholtzer, Marleta Boone; and Lyn- started building houses when they were dall Overholtzer and his wife Cynthia. 14 due to the untimely death of their Also surviving is Drexel’s wife Glenna father. Floyd learned at an early age to trust in God through Jesus Christ. As Overholtzer; 17 grandchildren, 50 Dad would sometimes say with decent great-grandchildren, 3 great-great- humor, ―I went though High School too, grandchildren, and many relatives in the front door and out the back in and friends whose lives he touched. one day!‖ Included with construction, Floyd’s joy in life was in leading a Floyd obtained a few cows which led to quiet and simple Christian life of hay chopping; the latter of which occu- righteousness, hard work, and helping pied most of his career until he lost his others. True to the faith in the God of hand at work in 1970. his youth, Floyd very seldom, if ever, Floyd demonstrated exceptional complained about the disappointments mechanical abilities, building his own of losing his father, losing his two equipment, considered by many to be sons, losing his hand, or losing his more effective than what you could ability to take care of himself in his buy. After hay chopping, Floyd contin- later years. Floyd also rarely said ―no‖ ued his skills with rentals and farm- to those in need, and readily confessed ing. Floyd loved being among the that all his blessings were from the brethren, He soon started a nut, dried gracious hand of the Lord. Floyd par- fruit and olive business, and once a ticularly enjoyed going to Church, year for more than 20 years, he went having his wife read him the Bible, East selling his goods from brethren location to brethren location. He soon and having his dinner table full of became affectionately known as the family and friends. ―nut man.‖ Floyd was also instrumen- Floyd was truly the best husband, tal in the construction of Sierra Pines father and down-to-earth Christian Church in Twain Harte, and in the friend a person could ever have. construction of Brethren Heritage (Psalm 112:4–7). School, prior to being relocated on Visitation was on Friday, January Dakota Avenue. Floyd remained ac- 24, 2014, and the funeral was Sunday tive at his cherry ranch on Beckwith January 26, at 2 p.m. Both were held Court until he fell out of his pruning at the Modesto meeting house on Rum- tower at age 90. He then spent his ble Road. Officiating at the funeral remaining 2 1/2 years in a slow de- were Elder Roger Gish and Elder John cline in a wheelchair and hospital bed. Fall. Burial was at the Wood Colony Floyd was baptized into the Old Cemetery on Dakota Avenue with German Baptist Church on April 17, Elder Durand Overholtzer officiating. 1938, and remained very faithful until his death. The Family 30 The Testimony April, 2014

GARBER — Paul, loving hus- held Saturday, February 1, 2014, at band, father, grandfather, and great- the First Christian Church. Burial grandfather, passed away on January followed at Pleasant View Cemetery at 25, 2014, at his home, surrounded by Pleasant Grove. his loving family. Preceding him in The family death were his parents, his brothers

Hugh and Earl, and his five sisters;

May, Iva, Ruth, Anna and Mary, and FLORY — Mary Ellen (Kinzie), his son Gordon. daughter of Elso and Alice Paul was born on May 7, 1922 to (Blickenstaff) Kinzie, was born on Noah and Etta Whitstone Garber on September 26, 1921, in Pratt County, the family farm near Sawyer, Kansas. Kansas. Mother peacefully passed He married Neva Crist of Westphalia, from this life into eternity on Febru- Kansas, on June 9, 1945. They were ary 7 , 2014, at the age of 92 years, 4 blessed with 68 years of happy mar- months and 12 days. She confessed riage. Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior To this union five children were and was baptized on October 11, 1940. born: Gordon Garber (deceased), From the day of her public confession Patricia Gleue, married to husband until her death, she enjoyed the rich David, Michael Garber, Priscilla blessings of fellowship in the Old Ger- McPheeters, married to husband Jeff, man Baptist Brethren Church. and Douglas Garber, married to wife On May 17, 1942 she was united in Berniece. Paul and Neva had 13 marriage to Harold Kenneth Flory, grandchildren and 20 great - near Sawyer, Kansas. Together they grandchildren. worshipped, operated a dairy farm, Paul’s father Noah died suddenly traveled, raised four sons, and enjoyed when Paul was only seventeen years 21 years of married life. On September of age. Paul’s brothers had died many 14 , 1963, her husband preceded her in years earlier, so Paul was the only death, after a tragic farm accident. surviving son. In spite of his youth, he Also preceding her in death were her took over the farm and provided for parents; one son, Eldon; three broth- his aging mother. He was employed at ers: Ray, Russell, and John; two sis- Farmland Industries for 24 years and ters: Ethel Beeghley, and Lois Flory; retired in 1985. He and Neva are two brothers-in-law: John Beeghley, members of First Christian Church in and Wayne Flory; one infant grand- Lawrence, Kansas. daughter, one infant great - Paul was a man of deep faith in granddaughter and one infant great- God. In spite of many hardships and grandson. tragedies in his life, he never doubted She is survived by: son Donald and that God is good and loving. Paul wife Kathy; daughter-in-law Cheryl stayed the course throughout his 91 and husband Michael Flory; son years. All those who knew him felt Ralph; son Merle and wife Judith; blessed to know such a good man. Of eight grandchildren, Trenton Flory, him it could be said, ―Well done, thou Kristin Thompson, Tara Pearson, good and faithful servant.‖ Kelly Carr, Katie Mortenson, Levi The funeral service for Paul was Flory, Grant Flory, and Jordan Flory; OBITUARIES 31 seventeen great-grandchildren; and dairy in 1983, she became a faithful two sisters-in-law: Olive Kinzie and vender at the Lawrence Farmers Mar- Anna Kinzie; and one step sister-in- ket and was well known for her many law, Anna Beeghley, as well as neph- varieties of delicious homemade ews, nieces, and friends. breads. These are a few of the pre- The beauty of a little prairie girl’s cious memories she leaves with us. heart, mixed with the reality of hard Mother was a woman of faith and times, and the fleshing out of her faith prayer, possessing the ornament of a in God, is what made up the life we meek and quiet spirit which is of great will remember. Waking up a widow at price in the sight of God. She often 41 years old, cows to milk, crops to used three little words when disap- harvest, wood to chop and boys to pointments came, ―God knows best.‖ raise she was heard to say, ―we are not Memorial services were held on quitting, we are going right on‖ and February 14, 2014 at the Willow she did by the Grace of God and the Springs Old German Baptist meeting help of many neighbors, friends, and house; conducted by Charles Beeghley, brethren far and near. She demon- Allen Markley and Michael Shuck. strated a servant spirit with much Burial was at the Pleasant Hill Ceme- hospitality, joyfulness, flexibility, tery with remarks and prayer by availability, and endurance to the end. Merle Flory. The struggle to embrace her losses, For we know that if our earthly make a living, raise a family, pass on house of this tabernacle were dis- the faith, and bless others, kept her solved, we have a building of God, a heart tender and hands busy night house not made with hands, eternal in and day. Mother spent her time with the heavens, therefore our loss is her gain. dairy herd management, gardening and quilting. Upon liquidating the The Family

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The Testimony is a Christian publi- restore and maintain a fellowship of cation intended for those who desire true primitive Christianity through nourishment in their spiritual walk, the communication of all good things. and for writers who wish to express Send all communication to: witness to the Truth of the Gospel as experienced in their own lives. It The Testimony holds the Holy Scriptures to be its 353 Billman Rd. only Creed. Its purpose is to bear New Paris, OH 45347-9102 witness to the Truth of God’s Word Phone: (937) 437-4685 as it is applied in the daily life of [email protected] committed Christians. It supports the anabaptist and pietist founda- tions of the Brethren of Schwar- The Testimony Committee zenau, Germany (1708) including the Roger Rapp biblical principle of the community of Lowell Miller, Editor believers bound by a confession of Dean Kinsley faith in the Lord Jesus confirmed by Gary Peters adult immersion baptism (Mark Larry Bower 16:16). It strives to promote a life of Associate Editors true living piety among all who con- Marcus Miller fess Jesus as their Lord. It seeks to Darryl Filbrun