The Dynamic Communication Video Series

OUTREACH BIBLE STUDY Out rmcl I Bil,/cSI 111f)1 Teamtraining for evangelistic Bible Studies

An outreach Bible study ministry can be one of the most exciting and productive outreach programs your church can enjoy! Such studies can move your ministry of evangelism offyour church campus into the "turf' of the outsider - a home, office, campus, factory, or even a coffee shop. The Outreach Bible Study video series is taught by Dr. Paul Cedar, through six video taped sessions. You'll receive everything you need to begin, including two VHS format video cassettes, a Facilitator's Manual which provides discussion and format information, and a Student's Manual that allows participants to record key points and make appropriate

The cost forthe series is $149.00 complete. Additional OBS Facilitator Manual, each $25.00 Additional OBS Student Manuals, each $4.00

NIGHT OF CARING Equpping for visitation evangelism

Train your laity in using one night a week as a "Night of Caring" to reach out in love to your church's guests and visitors in a way that will make them want to come back and stay. The thirteen video taped sessions are led by Dr. Paul Cedar who shares visitation strategy and gives insights into the "Do's and Don'ts" of church visitation. The Night of Caring video series includes two VHS video cassettes, a Facilitator's Manual which gives needed discussion and format information, and a Student's Manual which allows participants to follow along personally - giving room for notes and activities. The cost for the series is $149.00 complete. Additional NOC Facilitator Manuals, each $25.00 Additional NOC Student Manuals, each $6.00

By Dr. Paul Cedar: President of The Evangelical Free Church of America 14 Day Free Trial on Dynamic Video Curriculum To order call toll free 1-800-444-BOOK The Beacon Bookstore is owned and operated b:v the Evanl!elical Church of America Contents September 1991 Vol. 64, No. 12 1SSN0014-3332

Directory The Evangelical Free Features Church of America International Offices Imprisoned . . . Dying 4 President and Finally Free Paul Cedar by TracyEichman Editor as told to John Aker Carol Madison Advertising/Circulation Manager Ranelle Kuehl Editorial Secretary Rev. William J. Hamel, God Didn't Give Up! Executive Vice President 7 Kathy Carter by Steve Hansen Circulation Assistants Janice Nielsen, Marlene Odegard Design Kidnapped Barsuhn Design by Sharon Sheppard 8 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS-Thomas A. McDill, Arnold T. Olson, Robert C. Dillon, Bill Heaven Can't Wait Hull, Gene Jones, Kenneth M. Meyer, Kenneth 12 Kantzer, Neil Snider, John Herman,Vilma Gatcher, by Kevin A. Miller James Copeland, Ronald Swanson (EFCC). DISTRICTEDITORS-Kenneth Spence, Martin R. Crain, Wesley Johnson, LaReau Thorwall, Beyond Tiananmen Square David Martin, Robert Page, LeRoy Glover, Leroy 16 Grimm, IvanYork, Harold Friesen, WalterEriksen, William Shaffer, Glen Schrieber, Steve Highfill, Educational Institutions William Kinzie, Roger Fries, Rick Penner, Eugene irrinity Evangelical Divinit School You Can Be Forgiven Swanstrom, Stephen Watkins, George Walker, 2065 Half Day Road 17 Clarence Balmer. Deerfield. IL 60015 by Paul A. Cedar (708)-945-8800 THE EVANGELICALBEACON (ISSN 0014-3332) Dr. Kenneth M. Meyer, is published 12 times per year. Official magazine President What ls A Real Christian? of The Evangelical Free Church of America, 901 20 East 78th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55420 -1360. by Luis Palau Te lephone: (612) 854-1300 (l-800-745-2202). POSTM ASTER: Send address changes to The Evangelical Beacon circulation office: Nothing Spectacular 901 East 78th Street, Minneapolis, 23 MN 55420-1360. by Brad Thompson Subscription price: $12.00 per year (U.S.). Single copy $1.00. Church plan group rate: $8.00 (U.S.). From Tragedy To Unity 24 Second class postage paid at Minneapolis, and additional office. Typesetting by JC Graphics. Printed by Quebecor, St. Cloud, MN. Restoring The First Love 26 Copyright © The Evangelical Beacon 1991. by Sharon Wundrow MEMBER EVANGELICAL PRESS AS SOCIATION Walking Through The Valley Publication of an article or advertisement does not 28 necessarily indicate endorsement by the editorial by Lynn Garrett staff or The Evangelical Free Church of America.

3 , by Tracy Eichman as told to John Aker

As soon as the two men walked into the jail chaplain's office, I knew that one and the babies who would surely die because of my disease. It was in was so familiar-the other a stranger. The first manwas Lt. Jim Mays of the the courtroom when Judge Pirrello passed down his sentence that I looked Rockford, IL, Police Department. I remember, even now, pointing to at him and, for possibly the first time, set aside all my conning skills him and saying, "If you hadn't busted me, I never would have foundJesus." and responded softly, "I am sorry to the city of Rockford. I am sorry I was to come to know the other as John Aker, senior pastor of First for what I have done to my family. I am really sorry before God.'" Evangelical Free Church, who, along with his wife Rose, has become The newspaper quoted me, and that was when Pastor Aker and Lt. a friend. Our brief time shared in that officehelped me to crystallize some Mays decided to visit me. As we met with Chaplain Ron Hoekstra,Janice of the events that had recently taken place. Mathis, and Jean Flores, they reviewed the assurance of salvation with I was arrested in December for prostitution-but it was really more me. Though I had already cried out to God, now I understood that the than that. It was a felony charge for knowingly attempting as a prostitute peace which flooded my soul was an eternal transaction affected by God to transmit the AIDS virus. I spent the holidaysin jail-and then some. Himself-and that regardless of whatever anyone else might think of me, It was now mid-February. and Judge Ronald Pirrello had just given me I was now clean and whole. And though there were those who had num­ a three-year sentence. bered my days, I knew now that I would live forever. During the period from the time of my arrest to the day of sentencing, Pastor Aker's wife, Rose, visited me in my cell. She shared Scripture I was challenged by the jail chaplain's assistant, Janice Mathis, to seek and prayed with me. I remember Rose's gentle hug as she assured me Jesus Christ-to turn to Him in repentance, confessmy sins, and accept of her love and her promise to continue the relationship long-distance the grace He extended. But long before, I had been exposed to people as I faced certain transfer from Rockford to the state penitentiary. who truly knew Jesus. I think with warm affection of Jean Flores, coordi­ Somewhere during that time, I began to consider the whole matter nator of the Manin House's Magdalene program-a very specialmini stry of baptism. When Pastor Aker visited me again later that week, I asked to prostitutes-who had witnessed to me over and over on the streets of if there were any way I might bebaptized at the church. Chaplain Hoekstra Rockford. Even that day in the chaplain's office, I remember her warm informed us that in his four years in the Rockford jail system, no one embrace. I saw so much the love of Jesus Christ in those two dear women. had ever been released for such a purpose. But Pastor Aker contacted But I also saw that love in Lt. Mays, even though he was the one a judge who has a fondregard for the ministry of First Free. Although responsible forthe sweep of Seventh Street, known in Rockford as a center he could do nothing personally, he promised to contact the sentencing forprostitution. There was something about him which spoke of gentle­ judge who had jurisdiction over my case. It was the President's Day ness and a depth to his convictions evidenced in the way he treated us weekend. It seemed so terribly long. There would be no answer until even though we were opposed to all he believed in and all he represented. Tuesday morning and they were scheduling me fora move. But on Tuesday, So at Janice's urging, one night I cried out in my cell to Jesus. I begged Judge Pirrello granted a release that I might be baptized at First Evangel­ His forgivenessfor the marriages I had destroyed, the men I had infected, ical Free Church. The word came down on Friday that I was to be moved CONTINUED

Lt. Jim Mays and Officer Stu Nelson with '!racy.

5 Imprisoned ... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Saturday to the penitentiary. Chaplain Hoekstra interceded and made it mine for sure in Christ Jesus. Her gift, a devotional book entitled My possible for me to be held over until Monday. Father'sHeart, confirmedI was truly His daughter. Finally Pastor him­ Sunday morningtwo of Rockford's finest (I never thought I would call self gave me a giftrepresenting the robe of honor-a simple gold chain them such!) came to take me to church. They were both brothers in with a gold cross and diamond chip in the center. This item was a reminder Christ-OfficerStu Nelson (chaplain of the RockfordPolice Department) that Jesus declared on Calvary's cross that I was precious and worth all and Lt. Jim Mays. In keeping with jail regulations, I had to behandcuffed. He endured to redeem me despite all I had done. But when the unmarked police car finally arrived at First Free for BeforeI leftchurch that day, Pastor invited me to speak to his Sunday that early morningservice on February 24, they immediately removed school class. Imagine that-me talking to people who had been in church the handcuffs and allowed me to enter the kind of place I had spent a most of their Jives! At the end of the class, Pastor asked the two police­ great deal of my lifeavoiding. With these brothers, I walkedinto the House men to pray. I shall never forget how each of them faltered as emotion of God. welled up within them. These were my brothers! I was weak. I was beginning to feel the effects of this debilitating I look back now and never once did I feel less than a very significant disease-knowing that AIDS was surely destroying my body. At the end part of this church family. I wanted so much to somehow become offi­ of the service, I joined Pastor Aker cially a part of that. At their next in the baptistry. He told the congre­ business meeting, TracyEichman , gation that most of them had read 8-21057, Dwight Correctional about me, but that he wanted me to Center, became a member in good be able to share myown story. I told standing at First Evangelical Free the audience aboutmy involvement Church. in drugs, my life of prostitution to On one of Pastor Aker's visits, support that habit, and how I came he shared with me that Judge Pir­ to learn of the dread disease. I also rello had noted in a letter to him, shared how I had, in prison, decid­ "It was especially gratifyingfor me ed to publicly identify with Christ that your congregation would take my Lord through a public profes­ such an active part in such a sim­ sion of faith and by followingHim ple act of kindness towardone who in the waters of baptism. There I embodies so many of the things that stood with those two friends-one your church so actively resists." As who had become my pastor and the Pastor shared with me the judge's other who had arrested me-now feelings about not knowing he had standing in the same waters to bap­ given what might prove to be a life tize me. sentence, I wanted so much to send Afterthat service, Pastor Aker a message back to him. I told him directed the people's attention to a I was hanging tough and growing simple note in the bulletin-a fat­ in Jesus, that I was truly glad not to ted calf, a ring, a robe, and sandals. be out on the streets anymore hurt­ He invited them to join him in a brief reception for me. The fatted calf ing anyone, that I was moved bythe judge and cried when he looked at me, was that reception-a time of refreshment. But it was to be much more and that when I apologized, I really meant it. I thought it was special than that. One of the things that hurt so much in the jail was the complete of him to allow me to be released to be baptized. Most importantly, I isolation I experienced as an AIDS person. Yet those people-hundreds wanted him to know that I'm not playing Christian, but that I really am one. of good, godly, church-going people-stood in line forlong periods of Even as this is being written, my appeal forclemency is beforeGover­ time to throw their arms around me and hug me (several of them kissing nor James Edgar of Illinois. My doctor said ten months ago that I have me), all tellingme they loved me. What was more important-what I was three to eighteen months to live. So there are fewer days now than ever beginning to realize more each day-was that Jesus truly loved me. before. There are people in my church family who are expressing an in­ In the middle of the reception, Pastor Aker invited me to take a break. terest in caring forme should the governor grant that appeal. But until I had to sit because I was so weak. Chaplain Hoekstra then spoke about then, I still have a message to share. I know what it means to live a death­ thering which thefather gavethe prodigal son-the ring which represented like existence, but I thank God for the peace He has given me. authority. He handed me my first leather Bible-the Word of God and My life will have no storybook ending. AIDS is terminal. But I know the new authority in my life. Then Rose Aker, in her sweet way, presented there is hope. There is only hope in Christ Jesus. People need to turn me with a gift symbolizing the sandals-the adoption which was now to Him-and to turn to Him now!

6 ev STEVE HANSEN I must admit, I thought I had the world figured out. But that world crashed in on me when I finally admitted that my marriage was on the rocks. My wife Julie and I had never been strong verbal communicators. The tension had been continuing to build between us for several months. When I finally got up the courage to talk with her, she confessed that she had not had strong feelings for me for the last few years. Assuming divorce was imminent, I moved out. I was unsure of what to do, and after three months of agonizing and feeling sorry for myself, I finally hit rock bottom. At the recommendation of a friend, I contacted a Christian counselor. I wasn't looking for spiritual direction-I just wanted to sleep at night and cope with work during the day. I came face to face with God's love while on a business trip. My counselor had given me some cassette tapes by Bill Hybels, pastor of the Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, IL. I listened to the:m in the car as I traveled to and from Kansas City. Rev. Hybels spoke of God's tremendous love for me and the need to place personal faith in Jesus Christ. Upon returning from the trip, I found it hard to ignore a nagging sense about the need to turn my life over to Christ. But I also struggled with doubt. I feared that I was just experiencing an irrational feeling that would go away. But God continued to convict me, and within an hour the urge was so strong that I picked up the phone to call my counselor. After just three rings, I hung up. Doubt crept in again, and I decided to put off any action until after lunch. God still didn't give up on me. It took another two and a half hours, but I finally gave my life to Jesus by asking forgive­ ness for my sins! I've been living for Jesus Christ since that day. I have never experienced such a peace and joy, as well as a purpose for life. Although I've sacrificed to live the Christian life, I have gained back far more than I've given up. Julie and I have not gotten back together as of yet, but I am so grateful to know that there is complete forgive­ ness for my 39 years of selfish living. I now have a new beginning to life!

Steve Hansen is a member of the Hastings, NE, Evangelical Free Church.

7

Two men dressed in black suddenly materialized out of nowhere. With the flash of a gun, they quickly overpowered her.

by Sharon Sheppard

•

Between jet lag and the flu, Eunice Kronholm feltlousy. During but after a number of turns, Eunice lost all sense of direction as the previous couple of weeks she'd enjoyed the excitement of the car raced along over rough winter roads. Athens, Rome, and Tel Aviv. This week it was back to the realities "What are you going to do with me now?" she asked as they of March in Minnesota: a brisk northwest wind, nasal conges­ pulled her from her car and thrust her into another waiting vehi­ tion, and a frosted windshield. As she wearily scraped the last cle. "We'll tell you when we get there," was the reply. "Just lie swath of ice from the rear window of her Buick Skylark, two men down." Finally the car pulled into a garage. They led her up a dressed in black suddenly materialized out of nowhere. Eerie few steps and into a darkened room. snowmobile masks leftonly their eyes and mouths showing. Her Crouched on the floor with a blanket and pillow, Eunice slept scalp prickled, and raw fear rose in her throat. little that night. Snatches of conversation about ransom money "Get in!" they commanded, grabbing her roughly. and the FBI and someone who'd "bungled it" lefther to ponder She screamed, and for a moment she twisted out of their grasp. her fate. One of her captors stretched out on the floor in front of She struggled as one of the men snatched her again, and she tried the door to catch some sleep, but the reality of the gun was sel­ to bite the hand he quickly clamped over her mouth. Then she dom far from her thoughts. saw the flashof a gun. Swiftlythe two men overpowered her, tied She was appalled at her appearance when they removed the her hands behind her back, and shoved her-facedown-into the blindfoldlong enough forher to wash up the followingmorning. back seat of her car. One grabbed her long scarf, looped it into Her hair was matted and her facehaggard from lack of sleep and a blindfold, and secured it with a rope. the lingering effects of the flu. After she'd done what she could "What do you want?" she asked her captors. to freshen up, one of the men taped a blindfold of gauze snugly "Money," came the answer. over her eyes. "God, oh, God," she prayed. "Jesus, Jesus." "We gotta get outa here," one of the men yelled as he burst into She tried to stay alert and keep track of where they were going, the room. "The landlord's been here. I don't think he's suspicious

9 Kidnapped! CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

She hesitated for a moment, then leaned over and kissed him lightly on the cheek.

yet,but he's coming back in a little while." The men led her down my life.He wanted me to believe that He loved me so much that to the garage. "You're not going to like this," one of them said, He sent His Son, the Lord Jesus, to show us how to live and how "but we're going to have to put you in the trunk fora little while." to love other people. In fact,He loved us so much that He allowed "The trunk? Oh, no! No!" Eunice protested. ''I'll die. I'll His Son to die forour sins. Now all we have to do is accept that smother.Please ...I'll get carbon monoxide. Please don't put me factand ask God to forgiveour sins and take charge of our lives in the trunk. I'll scrunch down on the floor. I'll do anything you and make us into the kinds of people He wants us to be." say, but please don't make me ..." "Sounds easy." "We'll stop in ten minutes and open it up," he said as he slammed A long silence followed,and Eunice silently prayed, "O God, the trunk lid shut. work in his heart. Even through this may he come to know you." "Oh God, do you see me in here? Am I going to die in this To while away the long hours of waiting for the ransom money, trunk?" she prayed. Eunice chatted with her other kidnapper whom she'd dubbed The promised ten minutes stretched into eight hours as the car "Jerry." They talked about his family and about their mothers, seemed to be driving in circles. She could hear dim snatches of and Eunice felta pang of grief as she thought of her own mother conversation, and occasionally they called back to see if she was in a nursing home who by now must have heard the painful news still conscious. She shivered uncontrollably and tried to change of her abduction. her position, but there was no room to maneuver. "I sort of have women on a pretty high pedestal," Jerry con­ Finally she felt the car stop and she heard the welcome sound tinued. "I never saw a woman like you before,though. You're not of a key in the lock. A lumpy mattress had never felt so good. scared. Some women would be crying and hollering.I'm sure glad Across town,Eunice's husband Gunnar,a prominent South St. you're not." Paul banker, paced the floor and fretted about the FBI's aborted As her ordeal stretched into its fourthday, Eunice wondered attempt to drop off the ransom money at the designated spot a few what could be taking so long. She'd realized that it would be hours earlier. A day and a half had passed since her abduction, difficult to get the sum of money her captors were demanding over and nothing seemed to be going right. He agonized over the lack the weekend, but as Monday morning edged toward noon, her of progress. Was she still alive?Was she being tortured?Would strength and her spirits sagged. Food had been scarce over the he ever see his precious Eunice again? past three days,and she had slept only sporadically. Now her sit­ Meanwhile, Eunice's psychology training for her career in uation was beginning to seem hopeless. nursing and social work was beginning to come in handy. "Since "I thought I'd be getting home this morning," she said. "Now I I don't know your name, would it be all right if I made one up findwe're right back where we started." Eunice began to sob.Jerry for you?" she asked her captor. "Why don't I just call you Bill?" came over and knelt down beside her and put his arm around her Eunice chatted on,asking ifhe was married and whether he had shoulder. "You'll be home pretty soon. Don't worry." children. "Bill, you seem to be basically a good fellow. How did She knew that her family and friends were prayingfor her.Now you ever let yourself get into this mess?" as she felt she was reaching the end of her endurance, it suddenly "I needed the money," he said. occurred to her that she should pray very specifically. "God," she "But money doesn't assure happiness. There is much more to prayed, "I'm asking you to get me home by six o'clock tonight." Iife than that." Immediately she was filled with an overwhelming sense of God's "I can't figure you out," he said. "You're ... so calm.And I'm presence. so nervous." Bill had gone out, and she could hear Jerry pacing the length "Well, if I'm calm it's because of my relationship with God. of the house. Eunice occupied herself by listening to Christian He's in control of the situation,and I know He'll take care of me. programs on the small radio at her side.Suddenly a news release Even ifl'm scared,I really have peace in my heart. Do you want interrupted the program with the news that "police have picked to hear more about it?" up a suspect they think was involved in the Kronholm kidnapping "Yeah, I would," he said. case." As the kidnapper and his hostage sat together on the floor like "Jerry,did you hear that?" Eunice called. "Jerry,they picked up a couple of friends at a picnic, Eunice said, "Well, many years somebody. Do you suppose it was Bill?" ago, I found out who God was and what He wanted to do for "I sure hope not!" he snapped. people-forme. He wanted happiness for me more than I wanted Eunice quietly prayed. Would God really come through by it for myself. All He wanted was for me to allow Him to control six o'clock?

10 "Jerry, it's not going to do us any good to be here together," first good look at her captor. she reasoned. "Why don't you let me go now?" "Just remember this, Jerry: I forgive you and God forgives "I'd like to," he said. "I'd like to just walk away from this whole you." She hesitated fora moment, then she leaned over and kjssed mess myself." him lightly on the cheek. "Well, why don't you?" Eunice asked. She could sense he was Without looking back, she slipped out the door, braced herself weakening. against the sharp March wind, and started walking. It wasn't yet "There are workmen right next door," Jerry argued. "It should six o'clock. God was good. be quitting time for them pretty soon. Let's just wait 15 or 20 Months later, after the lengthy ordeal of the trials and the minutes and then we'll see." sentencing had ended, after the relentless glare of media publi­ Eunice put on her boots and coat. city had subsided, Eunice received a letter from Stillwater State After a few minutes he said, "I thjnk we should wait until Prison. "I've found God again," Jerry's letter read. "I feelHe has after dark." Her hopes plummeted. forgiven me, but I need to ask you for your forgiveness too." "You might as well take off your blindfold.It doesn't make any Because Eunice was advised not to have any contact with differenceanymore now," he said. Carefully she removed the taped him, either through letters or visits, she asked a pastor friend to mask from her eyes. She averted her gaze as her eyes adjusted visit him in prison. "Please take him this Bible and tell him that to the light, not wanting to look her kidnapper in the eyes just yet. I'd already forgiven him long before he asked, and I know that "Jerry, where could I go to use a phone?" God has forgiven him, too." He pointed out the window. "Go to the first T and take a left. On her chest of drawers in the bedroom of Eunice's subur­ You'll run right into a shopping center. It's a good hike," he said. ban home stands a walnut jewelry box embellished with intricately "I think I'll go with you," he added. hand-tooled inlaid leather roses. On its cover the man she knew "Oh, Jerry, I think that would be a mjstake. It would be less as Jerry has painstakjngly tooled her name. It stands as a silent conspicuous if we left separately." He appeared to agree. She reminder of God's grace in the lives of two of His children. opened the door. Then turning back fora moment, their eyes met. She took her Sharon Sheppard is a freelance wrirer from Sr. Cloud, MN.

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11 specifically,. n.- A lot of us just don'tthlnk much tiitimlio about heaven. If I were to take a He was eight and a a n ti ol • random survey The saddest day of my life was walking into the funeral with the ques­ home and seeing a tiny white casket at the front of the tion, "Have you room. There lay Jonathan, dressed in a blue and red thought seri­ baseball outfit with a little cap. I almost had to force my­ BY KEVIN A. MILLER ously about self to look at him. But as I did, I knew it wasn't the same heaven in the baby who cried and gurgled for the ICU nurses. last week?" I If you've seen someone who's dead, you know what doubt I'd get I mean. Something about the person-themost impor­ many positive responses. tant part-is gone. That's not too hard to understand. Heaven is, after The Bible teaches us that what is missing is the per­ all, difficult forus to envision. It's so different from what son's spirit. It is the part that lives forever. At death, if we experience now, and supposedly so much better, the person has trusted in Christ, the spirit goes to that it's just plain hard to imagine. Nobody I know has heaven. As Jesus said to the convict who died next to seen it. him, "Today you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke Heaven is an elusive concept also because many of 23:43). us are swamped with things on earth. When the job is It took a death in my family to wake me to the reality a squeeze play, finances are tight, or a relationship is that this earth isn't our final home. Of course, the Bible going sour, it's not so easy to meditate on the celestial is filled with verses about the afterlife, and so as Chris­ glories. tians we have the assurance that heaven really does But perhaps we don't think about heaven because it exist. Jesus spoke frequentlyabout heavenand hell (e.g. brings up painful realities. For all its promised happi­ Matthew 18 and 25). And Paul explained that if there is ness, heaven reminds us that we are not going to live no afterlife, there's not much reason to bother with the forever.We aregoing to die someday and leave our loved risks of the life of faith (1 Corinthians 15:29-32). But it ones behind. We are going to stand before a righteous hadn't hit home until I got near enough to taste it. and holy God and give an account. That's notsomething Once I looked at these versesagain and really started we always want to think about. thinking about heaven, I asked myself some questions. Perhaps you've wondered about these two yourself: RUNNING SMACK INTO HEAVEN What is heaven like? What difference does heaven make while we live here on earth? But we have to think about heaven. As little as we talk or think about it, we can't go far in life before we run smack into it. I discovered this a few years ago when my nephew What can

12 the The at times anctfllti another level of reality, so tfie le I lters use with Intriguing slghts.;...yjorldswithin worlds. My favorite highly picturesque language-rainbows around a experience there Is the Electric Light Parade down Main throne; lightning and thunder and smoke; 24 elders; a Street. Each character and moving vehicle is covered sea of glass (Revelation 4:1-6). We wonder: Will I with hundreds of tiny white lights-and all of it danc­ enjoy that? ing, moving, and spinning in perfect timing with the Let's imagine that I tell my four-year-oldson, "Andrew, music that booms out into the night. when you grow up, if you get married, your honeymoon God can build a much more beautiful Kingdom than will be one of the most delightful and wonderful times Walt Disney and company. He is the ''architect and of your life.'' builder" of heaven (Hebrews 11:10), and He has build­ He says, "Oh, you mean I can take my toy dinosaurs ing materials we've never dreamed of. The Bible along?" describes it with words like emerald and glass and crys­ "Uh, no ...you probably won't want to. But you'll still tal and gold and pearl (Revelation 4:1-6). Think of the have a fantastic time." Grand Canyon, Yosemi�e, the Florida Keys, the Colora­ "Well, can Jeffrey from next door come along on my do Rockies-these wonders can take your breath away. honeymoon?" Yet they pale before the beauty of heaven. "No, sorry," I tell him. WE WILL BE SURROUNDED BY WONDERFUL, CAR­ ''I don't know if I want to go on a honeymoon, Daddy. ING PEOPLE. Think of all the warmth and security you It doesn't sound like any fun." wish your family had provided-youwill find it in heaven. '' Trust me, Andrew. You will enjoyit, even though you Jesus calls heaven '' my Father's house' '(John 14:2-3). can't understandit right now.'' You are going to love your "family" there. They will be Heaven will give us incredible joy-but at a higher, the kind of people everyone wants to be around: brave, richer level than we've ever experienced. It's natural not tender, loving. They will accept you without question to understand it all now. or criticism. As Hebrews tells us, heaven is filled with But even though we don't know the details, we can "righteous men made perfect" (12:23). understand the clear and central teaching of the Bible WE WILL HAVE A FRESH START. When we wake up about heaven. Here are five essential truths: in heaven we'll think, How wonderfulthis is-and it's just GOD IS THERE. The first and most important fact beginning! about heaven is taught in the Lord's Prayer, which be­ I get excited about new things. I remember when my gins, "Our Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:9). We know wife Karen and I bought our first and only new car. The that when wearrive In heaven, God will be there. We will dealer called and said it would be ready, with everything be wel@m.«:t home J>y a loving Father (John 14:2-3). we'd ordered, on Saturday.I woke up early, without an God Is ti of course (Psalm 139:7-12), but alarm. Ka'renand I W8.J1! tripping over each other to get HII pecially in heaven. Why? Be- out thedoor. When wegot our new car, we drove around '?! ntinues, God's will is done exulting In the fragrance of new upholstery. e result of everything doing Heaven Is described as new (Revelation 21 :2,5). Every

13 Heaven Can't Wait CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

day will be its grand opening. What will be new? 16:9-11). No more tormenting "if only" thoughts to • A brand-new body. That sounds pretty good to me, plague us. No fear that we will lose what we love or need since my gums are receding and I need periodontal most. Thieves can't break in and steal heavenly joy, and work. I can't wait to get a new model. Our heavenly moths can't infiltrateand nibble it away (Matthew 6:20). bodies will be much better than the ones we have now. "We are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken" The Bible uses this comparison: If our bodies now are (Hebrews 12:28). like a tent, in heaven they will be like a house (2 Corin­ thians 5:1-5). WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES HEAVEN MAKE? 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 says our bodies will be immor­ tal (they won't wear out); glorious (we will finally like how We know heaven exists.And we can even get a pretty ex­ we look!); powerful (we won't get tired), and spiritual citing idea of what it's going to be like when we get there. (we'll finally getout from under ourphysical limitations). Now it's time to ask, "So what?" What difference • A brand-new nature. We will want to do what's does knowing about this wonderful place make as we right, and we will do what's right. No more blowing up live this week? at the kids. No more guilt from the past that won't go First, knowing there'sa heaven can keep us frommak- away. We will be as pure as Jesus. The Apostle John wrote,' 'When he (Jesus) appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2). • A brand-new vocation. If your place in this world gets you down sometimes, get ready-change is coming. Listen to these statements: "To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne" (Revelation 3:21). We will '' reignforever and ever'' (Revelation 22:5). "Do you not know that we will judge angels?" (1 Corinthians 6:3). We don't know all that we will be do­ ing in heaven, but if we are faithful here, part of our job there will be to oversee things in some way. When David was out on the hill­ side tending sheep, (back in Old Testament times) he never dreamed that one day he ing a terrible mistake with our lives. Each of us has seen would be king of Judah. As you and I wait in bank lines, people throw their lives into a job to such an extent that fight traffic, and struggle to make it through each day, their marriage begins to dissolve and their kids grow it's hard for us to realize that one day we will reign with resentful.We have seen the effects of compromise when Christ. short-term goals usurp long-term values. We have par­ WE WILL EXPERIENCE LASTING CONTENTMENT ticipated in such compromise ourselves. WITHOUT FEAR. In heaven thereis "no more death or When we take heaven into account we must ask our­ mourning or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:4)-the selves, Is this really wise? Am I doing what's really things that cause them won'tbe there. Kids won't rebel. important? Or is theremore that I ought to be living for Cars won't break down. People won't lose their jobs or and getting ready for? their houses. Children will never be abused, and they As excited as I was about that new car we bought, it's won't have defects. No one will get sick and die. now six years old, and rust is eating out the rocker We will experience a complete, relaxed joy (Psalm panels. In another six years the car will sit in a junkyard

14 behind a fence, springs poking out of the seats, crickets and termites crawling around the interior. Things don't last forever. Heaven will. I want to put my energies into the things that will last all the way Into heaven. The people around us are eternal, and we ought to pour Elim Care, Inc. provides our lives into them. The message of , opportunities for service, heaven reminds us to focus on ·r·,."': ·, spiritual growth and what's going to last (Matthew 1 6:19-21). ( _) -"lf personal friendships in Here'sa secondanswer to the "So �� · ' two very special what?" question: Heaven makes a ��- ' retirement communities. differencebecause knowing there's j a heaven can comfortus when times Elim Shores -a neighborly new community are hard. When life begins to cave now open on Eden Prairie's beautiful Mitchell In, heaven remindsus that there's a Lake. For independent living, Elim Shores firm, unshakable shelter above offers 64 rental units with several floor plan (Hebrews 11:9-10). We shouldn't ex­ choices. pect heaven on earth, but praise God there is a heaven after we're 7900 Timber Lake Drive finished here. Eden Prairie, MN 55347 612/934-3005 Right now you may be facing a move, tight finances, an unending Elim Meadows-just Westot Minneapolis in relationship problem, a job with Watertown, MN. Elim Meadows otters eleven conflicting demands, struggles one and two bedroom rental apartments in a with kids, loneliness, or discourage­ comfortable small town setting. Extended ment. Knowing about heaven won't health services nearby. take all your pain away. But It can re­ mind you that what you're going 409 Jefferson Avenue NW Watertown, MN 55388 through now Is like labor pains; 612/955-2691 soon you will be born into a bright, new world, and you will forget the pain of this passage. Elim Care. J nc. a ministry of the North Cent rnl Division of the evangelical '.' cc hurch When times are hard,that's com­ _ : � has sen·cd the Upper Midwest for over 63 years with health care fac1Jitrcs 111 forting to know. While your feet are Princeton, Milaca and Watertown. MN and in Fargo. ND. planted firmly In this world, stop and think about the next one. It's going Where the Unity of Loue Cultiuate.� Seruice. to be wonderful, and it can make a difference in your life today.

Kevin A. Miller, editor of Christian History magazine, lives In Glendale Heights, IL.

15

Trinity Western University... the university with an ongoing mission to develop Godly leaders by providing solid, Christian education.

ight from the beginning, members of the Evangelical Free Church of America dreamed big! RThe plan-to develop a Canadian university with a Bible-centered program. At annual conference in June, 1959, the people adopted the idea. Next, realization of the dream required commitment and hard work. In 1960, the EFC purchased the Seal-Kap farm near historic Fort Langley. An inspiring event followed: EFC's Arnold Olson and Dr. H. Wilbert Norton met with local authorities and officially established Trinity Junior College! Volunteers, including TW staff and faculty, cleared land, refurbished existing buildings, and searched for necessary furniture and equipment. A spirit of giving was evident off campus as well. Money and gifts in kind were given sacrificially. The chapel/library was chosen to be the first 'real' building constructed­ symbolizing a commitment to integrate the Bible with life and learning. Trinity Western opened its doors and accepted 17 students in 1962. Now, we've opened the door to our 30th anniversary year. Trinity Western University has expanded in programs offered and in number of students-some 1350 students. But the vision established by the early founders remains firm today. TWU, an arm of the EFC, offers an excellent liberal arts and science education, all within the framework of a Christian perspective. God has always provided the finances and the people which have enabled TWU to carry out the vision of the EFC. Trinity's "miracle story" reflects the faithfulness of God and the dedication of his people. A.JS� R. Neil Snider, president Trinity Western University

Ad11er1 isemenl 16a TrinityWestern University students focus on theimportant matters of life...

Total Student Development. At Trinity Western University, a unique person made in the students find a lot more than 23 image ofGod.Through them, majors, pre-professional studies, students will discover how to and the Institute of Aviation. integrate academic knowledge We provide an environment with their growing Christian faith. that stimulates a desire to study. In the dorm, students are But while learning, our students welcomed into groups of 16 mature in other areas, as well. people who share ideas, solve problems, pray and share good izen yo1'. sen� yo11r cf1ildre11 We call it Total Student Devel­ Wto a 1111wers1ty, you re very opment. Student involvement at times. Strong friendships de­ confident they' !I receive a thorough TWU becomes an experience of a velop-Peers challenge each other educatio11 that will prepare them for a lifetime-a thrilling adventure in to do what is right and encourage career in the marketplace. personal growth! one another. Friendships rooted in B11t, often, yo11 fear tile unknown In the classroom, highly quali­ Christ endure. i11fl11ences they will face. Y011 don't fied, Christian professors help Daily, optional chapel services know who their professors will be. students explore their potential. give students the opportunity to You wonder about peer relationships. Outside the classroom, their worshipGod. It's just one of many What decisions will they make wizen professors are available. They programs that help students focus they are away from their parents? care. The key-the Christian on the important matters of life At Trinity Western University, we commitment of faculty, staff and and strengthen their personal think we can p11t your 111i11d at ease! advisors, who see each student as walk withGod.

Jennifer Egge already Egge's pastor was one of step (toward various had the money and a the firstto point Jennifer in leadership opportunities). roommate for her secular a new direction. Two of his Especiallythrough being a "school of choice." But daughters had attended resident assistant in the after visiting the school, TWU. Two months later, dorm, the Lord showed me doubts crept in. Jennifer's family delivered that I could be a leader." Knowingthat it was her to TWU's Fraser Hall. "In high school, I didn't quite late to apply to other Now, three years later, schools, Jennifer was do certain things and my Jennifer has just begun her non-Christian friends pleasantly surprised when senior year at TWU. She her parents said, "If you'd knew that. But at TWU, rather go to a Christian knows she's changed since I've learned there's more school, we'll pray, we'll she first arrived. to being a Christian than check out other schools, "The Trinity Western not doing things." we'll apply and see what experience has pushed me "At TrinityWestern, I've happens." to go out and take the first learned not to settle with

16b Ad1'er1 ise111e111 ...glorifying God and serving people, involvedin thegreat conunission!

Students accept leadership roles and apply their faith. The mission of Trinity career; how they inte­ Western University is to grate personal faith into prepare leaders for the a consistent lifestyle. marketplace and for the In chapel, Bible teach­ church-men and ers and missionaries women of recognized share their wisdom. excellence in their fields Students apply their who will be heard with faith through outreach respect by their peers. ministries, Bible studies Biblical leadership­ and mission projects. servant leadership In fact, students Student leadership opportunities. modeled by Christ­ integrate a Christian works. At Trinity West­ commitment as they • Resident Assistants •Clubs •Student government •Chapel ministries ern University, that fulfil leadership respon­ •Sports •Discipleship groups model is demonstrated sibilities at TWU-these •School newspaper • Music opportunities by faculty and staff. opportunities are open •Community service •Campus volunteers Students see how to all students who step • Class activities •Teacher assistants •Church ministries • Yearbook staff others fuse their Chris­ out in faith and accept a •Summer mission trips •Junior staff tian commitment into a leadership role. • Extension ministries •Internships mediocrity. Still, I can be talk, they're available. I "TWU is a university care to counselling fami­ satisfied, knowing I'm even baby-sit for some." and it is Christian... I lies in an office. Someday, doing my best." wanted a university where though, Jennifer hopes to "Even residence life I'd be known, where be a stay-at-home mom. "At TWU, you get what facilitated my spiritual people have strong morals you put into your experi­ growth. Away from and a Christian witness. The Egge's couldn't be ence. Each person here can parents, freshmen tend to Besides all that, TWU is happier about their family offer you so much. They be a bit rebellious. But less expensive than other decision made after challenge and motivate here, you're always schools I considered." consulting friends, reading you to try new things." around older students. catalogs, and praying! "I've made strong Their spiritual maturity So what will Jenniferdo In fact, Jennifer's sister, friendships here. Friend­ surprised me. But it was when she completes her Tiffany, just started her ships in the Lord make also exciting to me." TWU psychology degree? sophomore year at TWU­ them even stronger. "That's still unclear," but that's another story! Teachers can be your Today, Jennifer knows she said. It could range friends, too. If you want to why she came to TWU. from chasing kids in a day See net(tpage -----•

/ld1•ertise111e111 16c Trinity Western University... accomplishing its mission with committed faculty, focusea objectives and your faithful support.

BRITISH COLUMBIA TRINITY WESTERN MAJORS HOPE Business Admin. Chemistry Tri11ity Western Elementary Ed. Social Sciences credits transfer easily Secondary Ed. Religious Studies to graduate programs at universities in the Drama Christianity and CANADA Music Culture United States and ------Canada. USA CommLU1ications Biblical Studies English Cross-Cultural TWU is a member of Philosophy St. /Linguistics two i 111 port ant orga ni­ Physical Education Geography za tions: WASHINGTON -the Christian Appl'd Math/Comp. History College Coalition Mathematics Psychology -the Association of Natural Sciences Fine Arts Universities and Biology Humanities Colleges ofCanada. Please accept our invitation to visit campus. When to apply for admission The best of TWU is intangible! Fall semester: Apply before April 1. So come experience it yourself-Bring Spring semester: Apply before November 1. the whole family. We'll show you the campus and answer your questions. Come during the school year, sit in on a class, attend chapel, be our guest for lunch FINANCIAL AID in the cafeteria, even have your son or American students 3. Christian Leadership daughter stay overnight in the dorm. Just attending TWU are Entrance grant ($2,000 for give us about 10 days to make arrangements. eligible to apply for the one year only). Or send forour colorful, following awards: 4. Stafford Loans (fill out a standard FAF). informative Viewbook. 1. Regular scholarships & Use postage-paid card bound in this issue. grants (up to $1400 per 5. Donor awards (ranging academic year). from $150 to $1,000). 2. President's Entrance U.S. students also qualify Scholarship ($3,000 for for jobs on campus, if �ii,,,.� year 1, $2,000 years 2-4). work is available. UNMRSllY y 7600 Glover Road Costs for a full time student, per semester (1991-92): Tuition: $2516* Room & Board: $1760* Langley, British Columbia Canada V3A 6H4 • U.S. dolJar equivalent based on current exchange rate (subject to change) Phone (604) 888-7511 �··1. . :_,: U.S. Mailing Address: I · .... Box 1409. Blaine, WA 98230 USA

16d ,ld1·ert ise111e111 YOU CAN BE I will never forget the firsttime I met Him. It was incred­ ible-literally indescribable! I remember walking home the evening I met Him feel­ ing like I had never felt before. I was so free and happy and overflowing with joy. I felt like skipping and jump­ ing and singing all at the same time. And, strange as it may sound, I felt clean-wonderfully clean. I had been forgiven! I had heard about Himbefore. In fact, I had heard about Him many times. My parents had told me about Him, some friends had talked about Him, I heard about Him in Sunday school and church, and I even had read some books about Him; but I had never personally met Him until that unforgettable evening when I was just a boy. My life has never been the same since that night. He did something for me that no one else could do-He for­ gave me. He didn't just forgive me of one argument with mybrother. He forgave me for everythingI had ever done in my whole life that was wrong or had fallen short of

what was right or best. I was forgiven! CONTINUED

!0�1PaulcA. CCedar Forgiven CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Who was that remarkable person who so radically of sinners." They used that statement to criticize Him, but changed my life? His name is Jesus. And His very name He accepted their description as a compliment. It described means "forgiveness" or "savior." He came to earth to be Him well. He had come to love and save sinners. Indeed, the Savior of the world; to forgiveus from sin and lostness He wanted to be their friend-and their Savior. and fear and frustration and aloneness and every other However, Jesus was never a friend of sin. He came to set problem we face in our lives-even death! people freefrom sin. He realizedthat sin brought pain and sor­ On the night He was born in the obscure village of Beth­ row and all kinds of problems and, ultimately, eternal death. lehem, the angels of heaven declared His coming to some Jesus invited people to "sin no more'!.._toturn from sin, unsuspecting shepherds who were out in the fields with their to follow Him as Savior and Lord. He said that He would sheep. An angel of the Lord announced to them, "Don't be not only forgive afraid; I have such good news foryou that it will bring joy their sins but to all people who believe it. Tonight a baby has been born would set them Wherever Jesus went, in Bethlehem who is the Savior-the Messiah!" That was free from the wonderful news forstartled shepherds-and it has been for results of sin, He reached out with all of us who have met Jesus and believed in Him. including death John the Baptist shared a similar introduction when Jesus itself. In short, began the three years of His public ministry. John announced, whoever would love to minister to the "Look, there is the Lamb of God who has come to take away believe in Him the sins of the world!" Jesus came to earth forthat purpose­ would not per­ needs and hurts of to be the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the ish, but have world; to be the Savior who would forgiveus of all of our sins. everlasting life! people. He lived that kind of life and carried on that kind of Jesus lived ministry. Wherever Jesus went, He reached out with love the life of love to minister to the needs and hurts of people. He healed the and forgiveness. But even more importantly, He died sick, fedthe hungry, comforted the grieving, encouraged to become our Savior and to forgive us of our sins. That is the disheartened,rebuked the self-righteous, foughtinjustice, the simple and powerfulmessage of His death on the cross. taught the truth of God, and invited people to be forgiven His death was not an accident. Nor was it a great human of their sins. tragedy caused by the betrayal of Judas, the failure of His He never forgotHis major purposefor coming to earth­ disciples, the ineptness of Pilate, the hatred and jealousy to be our Savior. He loved sinners. He said thatHe had come of the religious leaders or even the fickleness of the crowds. to save them, and so He spent His time with them. That an­ Jesus was born forthe very act of dying on the cross in order gered many of the religious leaders who called Hirna "friend to forgive our sins. As Jesus Himself said, "God did not

18 send His Son into the world to condemn it or to bring judg­ The Apostle John addressed the same problem ment upon it, but that through Him the world would be when he wrote, "If we claim that we have never sinned, we saved!" are merely deceiving ourselves. We are denying the truth!" Jesus went to the cross to do forus what no other person The Bible states the truth clearly and succinctly: "Every­ or no other method or scheme could provide. He shed His one has sinned and come short of the glory of God. There blood to forgiveus from our sins. It wasGod's divine plan, is not one single righteous person. Not even one!" and Jesus followed it with uncompromising love and obe­ That is why Jesus came to live among us. And that is why dience. He died and thenconquered the bondage of the grave He died for us. He did not play games with the subject of by rising again to life-so that we could also live. sin. He did not deny it or ignore it. Nor did He compromise As Martin with sin. Instead, He came to deal with it directly. He came Luther once to forgiveus of everything we have ever done which has fallen Dr. Paul Cedar is said, "All of the short of God's standards. He came to forgiveus and to set gospel is found us free from sin and death. He invites us to come to Him president in this nutshell." and to be forgiven. And then he The Apostle John expressed that awesome invitation in quoted John the following wordswhen he wrote, "If we will confess our of The 3:16: "ForGod sins, He can be depended on to be just. He will forgive us, so loved the and cleanse us from every kind of wrong (1 John 1:9)." Evangelical world, that He That's what I did that evening several decades ago. Andthat gave His only is why I was feelingso free and so clean and so wonderful. Free Church of America. begotten Son I had been forgiven by Jesus Christ. He had set me free! (Jesus), that And over the years of my life, I have found Him to whoever would continually forgiveand forget my sinsand failures. I am fre­ believe in Him would not die (be lost), but receive eternallife." quently overcome with His love and patience with me. I am It is human to deny that we have sinned. We have devel­ constantly blessed with His forgiveness and freedom. oped all kinds of "defensemechanisms" to deal with sin and Jesus longs to set us freeday by day as we receive Him as guilt, including denial, sublimating, justifying,comparing our Savior and then follow Him as the Lord of our lives. That ourselves to others, suggesting that we are only human, and is why He lived upon the earth, and it is the reason that He simply ignoring that sin even exists. Such unhealthy con­ died on the cross-to forgive us and to set us free. duct prompted one of the great behavioral scientists of our As I have had the great joy and privilege of being forgiven, day, Dr. Karl Menninger, to write his best-selling book What I pray the same for you. I am delighted to share this good and Ever Happened to Sin? wonderful news with you, "YOU CAN BE FORGIVEN!"

19 Did you know that four out Ask yourself, "Am I a lutely perfect life here on of five Americans today real Christian?" You can earth. Compared with this My-Cb TbRee consider themselves to be know for sure. Maybe you level of perfection, our own RECEIVING A SACRAMENT Christians? That's the latest were raised in a Catholic or goodness looks pretty MAKES YOU A CHRISTIAN word from pollster George Protestant home. Or maybe shoddy. Gallup, Jr. you were brought up in Remember, the world has Maybe you were baptized as But what Gallup didn't some other religion. No always had plenty of "good" a child or young adult. That ask was, What does it take matter what your back­ people. So if goodness were doesn't necessarily mean to make someone a real ground, I encourage you to enough, God need not have you're a Christian. Many of Christian? Suppose you take an honest look beyond sent Jesus. The fact that the most vicious criminals conducted your own opinion the myths about what makes Jesus had to come to die on were baptized years ago. But poll and asked five people someone a Christian. the cross to make our for­ few people would consider to answer that question. giveness possible shows that them Christians. Most likely, you would get Mycb One goodness doesn't make Or maybe you take com­ five different answers! LIVING A GOOD LIFE someone a Christian. munion every Sunday. If I'm convinced that most MAKES YOU A CHRISTIAN you're a Christian, that's people are as confused My-Cb Two great. But I've had someone about this crucial issue as I Living a clean and moral GOING TO CHURCH MAKES tel1 me, "Mr. Palau, I'm was. Even though I grew up life is commendable, but it YOU A CHRISTIAN confused. I take communion attending church and knew doesn't make anyone a Chris­ a lot of Christian songs and tian. Many atheists live People go to church for a Bible stories, for years I decent, straight lives. Be­ multitude of reasons. But wasn't a Christian. Oh, if sides, how good is "good"? does that mean that all these someone asked, I could stand That is the real issue. Most people are Christians? Of up and quote a few Bible people have a warped idea course not. a verses. I could even say a of the true standard against Some people go to church every week, but I don't prayer. But I was only going which our goodness should because it's a social habit. know what it means to be a through a lot of empty reli­ be measured. Others attend because their Christian." gious motions. That is, until Compared to a mass family makes them go. At You see, both baptism someone helped me settle murderer, you may feel the encouragement of a and communion are biblical. the question of whether I you're ready for sainthood. minister, they may even go God commands Christians was a real Christian. Even compared with your to special classes for confir­ to observe these ordinances. God wants each of us to familyand friends you may mation or membership. But receiving either one know where we stand in His come out okay. But God's It is true that Christians won't make you a Christian. eyes. That's why I believe it standard of goodness is very go to church and take an wasn't mere chance that you different. He puts you up active part. But attending picked up this magazine or against His Son, Jesus church doesn't make you a received a copy fromsome­ Christ, who lived an abso- Christian. one who cares about you. =itis But someone can pray and And Nikita Khrushchev, from God. Have you ever Mytb Foat< still not be a Christian. Hin­ the former premier of the owned up to God about BELIEVING IN GOD MAKES dus pray all the time. Mus­ USSR, read the Bible when those things in your life that YOU A CHRISTIAN lims pray five times a day. he was a boy. Yet later, he hurt Him-selfishness, When traveling abroad, the made it his ambition to bury pride, greed, immorality, When asked, most people late Egyptian President the church in the Soviet and all the rest? Have you will say they believe God Anwar Sadat carried a little Union by 1965. Instead, he ever admitted that you've exists. But are they all prayer rug on which to kneel is buried and the Russian been walking in the way of Christians? Colonel James five times daily. But he was Christian church continues death? You see, "the wages Irwin, remembered for his a Muslim, not a Christian. to grow. (penalty) of sin is death" Apollo 15 moon mission, So praying in itself doesn't Read the Bible all you (Romans 6:23). told me that while he was in make someone a Christian. can. It explains how to set­ The Bible also says, ''All the Middle East a Muslim tle this issue once and for have sinned and fall short of leader said to him, "You Mytb Six all. Since it's God's Wo rd, the glory of God" (Romans talk about God so much, READING THE BIBLE MAKES not man's, we can trust it 3:23). That includes you why aren't you a Muslim?" YOU A CHRISTIAN completely. But remember, and me. Is it time to own up Do you see my point? If just reading the Bible won't to God and to receive the you can be a Muslim and Of course Christians love make you a Christian. forgivenessthat He wants to believe in God, then it is not the Bible. Some of us read give you? it daily. But just reading the WHAT MAKES YOU A Second, you must believe Bible doesn't mean that you REAL CHRISTIAN? what Christ has done for are a Christian. you on the cross. The Bible When Karl Marx was 17 You may be wondering by says, "Christ also died for years old, he wrote a fantas­ now, "If living a good life, sins once forall, the just for tic explanation of part of going to church, receiving a the unjust, in order that He "believing in God" that John's Gospel in the New sacrament, believing in might bring us to God" (I makes you a Christian. Be­ Testament portion of the Bi­ God, praying, and reading Peter 3: 18). lief, on its own, makes no ble. Great theologians agree the Bible doesn't make any­ When Jesus died on the difference. with much of what he said. one a Christian, then what cross, He conquered death But Karl Marx eventually does? What is a real so that each of us may be Mytb Five rejected the Bible's authority Christian?" forgiven. We deserve to be PRAYING MAKES YOU and during his adult life Let me tell you how you punished for the wrong we A CHRISTIAN called himself an atheist, a can become a real Christian have done in God's eyes. communist-anything but a -right now, before you But God sent His Son to Certainly Christians pray. Christian. finish reading this article. receive our punishment on First, the Bible teaches His body on the cross. (See that you must admit that your sins separated you Real Christians CONTINUED FROM.PAGE 21

1 Peter 2:24.) It is like a You ask, "How?" The You nowbelong to God's And now, as your Christian judge finding a prisoner Bible says: "If you confess family, and of course you brother, I wantto be the first guilty, taking theprisoner's with your mouth, 'Jesus is will want to get to know to say ... place, andreceiving the sen­ Lord,' and believe in your Him better. The best way is tence himself. ·What mag­ heart that God raised him to read His Word. I suggest Jff!lcome to God's family! nificent love! fromthe dead, you will be you begin reading in the You may not completely saved. For it is with your New Testament. (Start with Luis Palau has expla!ned understandhow Godplaces heart that you believe and John and Acts.) Remember whatit means to become a the penalty for your sin on arejustified, and it is with that theBible is God's way real,Christian to morethan His Son. But you do not your mouth that you confess of speaking to us. So as you nine million people in need to understand every­ and ·are saved" (Romans read, look for examples to nearly 60 nations, plus to thing all at once. God only 10:9-10). follow or instructions to many millions more asks you to believe. The best way I know to obey. Saturate yourself with through televi.sion, video, I have been told that no makeJesus the Lordof your theBible. Your thoughtsand radio, and literature. Dr. one totallyunderstands elec­ life is to simply bow your emotions will begin to Palau is the author of 29 tricity. Scientists talk about head in prayer, admit your change as you daily readthe booksand booklets, includ­ it as a fundamentalproperty sins to God, by faith open Word of God. ing WhatIs AReal Chris­ of all matter. They can your heartto Christ, believe Second, meet with other tian? (MultnomahPress), create electrical charges in Him, and receive Him. Christians. Find a church from which this article is and harnesselectricity. But, If that's your decision, that believes the Bible, adapted. Copyright © 1991 as a prominent scientist then tell God now-silently honors Christ, and teaches by Luis Palau. once toldme, "Electricityin if you wish-right where what a real Christian is. Go its essence is quite you are. You may wish to to church and talk to the Editor'sNote: Ifyou have unexplainable." use this prayer: minister. Say, "I received pmyed to receiveChrist, or When you become a real "Heavenly Father, I want Christ," and see what hap­ ifyou· wouldlike more in­ Christian, you may not to be a real Christian. I pens. Ifthe minister doesn't formatwn, we wouldlove to realize that my sins have understand it all in the be­ separated me from You. seem interested in helping hear from you! We will ginning. But as youread the Please forgive me. I be­ you grow spiritually, then send you some helpful Bible and allow God to lieve in what Christ did find a church that can help materials. Please tum to teach you, your understand­ for me on the cross. I you. don't completely under­ the back cover of this ing will grow. stand it, but I accept it by Third, beginto pray. You magazine and fill out the The final step you must faith. I do want to be · a talkedto the Lord just now. response coupon. take is to confess Jesus child of Yours. Please He answered your prayer. come into my life, Lord You cannot He loves you, He's your Christas Lord. Jesus, andmake me Your inherit faith. It's not enough child right now. I'll fol­ Father. Since communica­ tosay, "My fatherwas a fine low You and obey You tion is the key to any rela­ Christianand I wasbrought forever. Amen." tionship, your relationship up in a fine Christian with God can only grow as home." That will not make AFTER YOU BECOME you talk to Him in prayer. you one of God's children. . A REAL CHRISTIAN If you have truly asked Experience Christ for the Lord Jesus to become yourself. All of us who be­ Have you decided toreceive your Savior, you have taken long to Christ· had to come the Lord Jesus as your the most important step in for ourselves. Have you Savior? If so, you've made your life that's possible. come to Himyet? Have you themost important decision You've begun an exciting ever made that decision? in your life! journeythat only getsbetter!

22 NOTHING SPECTACULAR 8 y 8 R A D T H O M P S O N

he high school student was addicted to cocaine. I knew him as an acquaintance. One day, in the sanctuary of our church, he decided to followJesus Christ. Miraculously, he never touched cocaine again. I witnessed this true episode. Being a young Christian then, this conversion greatly impressed me. Soon I began to hear more true stories of unbelievable changes and deliverancesT experienced by others who had entrusted their lives to Jesus. I found myself to be a fairly typical teenager. I had put my hope into Jesus' care at a young age. I knew I needed my sins forgiven in order to possess both present access to God and future eternity with Him. Yet, being young, I was not in the grips of any flagrant or crippling vices. What slowly began to bother me was that nothing spectacular seemed to have happened to me. I hadn't gone to prison in order to findJesus. When I trusted Christ, I wasn't very emotional, nor was I suddenly delivered from demon possession or drug dependency. Yes, I certainly knew that my sins were forgiven, that I was a follower of Jesus, and that I was experiencing new life in Him. This was real and precious to me. But why hadn't anything extraordinary happened to me? Time allows for the queries of one's youth to find answers through the years. I have pondered this protest of my youth: Was the absence of a spectacular salvation evidence of a withholding of God's favor fromme? Back then, I hadn't realized that, as a follower of Jesus Christ, I had gained something never to be underestimated. I had foundthe presence of God. While tempests have blown on the land­ scape of my life, God's presence has remained. Neither place nor circumstance has been potent enough to remove God's presence. That presence has fortified, challenged, and inspired. You, too, may consider yourself typical. Perhaps you've reasoned that Jesus only gives His attention to those in the most awfuland direst of straights. But did you know that the "average" person is so special to our God, that He literally died for such an ordinary person? Our God does not need to enhance His reputation by saving only those on skid row (though He certainly does!). If you are an average person,don't miss the truly spectacular that awaits your decision to followJesus: the unique presence of God. Armed with purpose in the here and now along with a joyous destiny in the hereafter, life will be fresh and new. The -�---. presence of God will be your most valued friend. Over the years, you will look back upon the season of life you decided to follow Jesus and conclude that the cumulative effect of God's presence is most spectacular!

Re,c Brad Thompson is pasror of E.dgebrook Evangelical Free Church in Chicago, IL.

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To provide this service, u•e will need to know your birtbdates, the cost basis of the asset, and approximate current value. encounter with substance abuse. School teachers and investigating police officers sharedtheir condolences with Bob and Kathy. Phil Alessi, pastor of Beacon Evangelical Free Church, also visited with the family. '�fter the others left, Pastor Alessi read from the Bible, prayed with me, and then hugged me;' said Kathy. "God really used that in my life to point me to Jesus. I knew I needed Him in my life. I then wrote a card to myson and placed it in his casket, telling of my desire to become a Christian:' After the funeral, Bob and Kathy decided to attend church. They felt a warmth from the people and a reas­ surance from the sermon and God's Word. After being apart for six years, they knew they would not be apart again. '�fter we experienced God's forgiveness, we shared that forgiveness with one another,'' said Bob. 'We had a time of mutual confession with one another.'' The first time Kathy publicly acknowledged her My life's greatesttraged y led to mylife's greatestblessing:' commitment to Jesus was at a concert at the church. Bob Kathy and Bob Spier know the depth of tragedy; their joined an early morning men's Bible study. "The guys son Rob died from substance abuse at just 13 years of got me a Bible, which was really precious tome;' he said. age. As Kathy Spier spoke to her church about the reali­ Bob and Kathy recently renewed their vows as hus­ ty of God's work in their lives, she was able to share band and wife in a special ceremony at church. Bob the blessing of coming to know God and His forgive­ is now a security guard at a hospital, which gives him ness through their pain. opportunity to share God's love. To gether they are a part According to Bob, ''\Ale came from a very rough sec­ of a support group of parents who have lost children. tion of Atlantic City. Alcohol and drugs were the way Bob summarized their new outlook on life: 'We have of life there-and it was for us, as well. God had no place experienced the forgiveness of God in our relationship in our lives at that time:' with Him, as well as with each other. God is real and Bob was a commercial fisherman, a job he had pur­ He has made a great difference in our lives. Why not sued since leaving home at age 14. He was nicknamed receive Him today in your heart and experience the new "Sinbad;' a reflection of the life he chose for himself. I ife He gives?" He and Kathy were married very young, and Bob con­ fesses that his life was filled with alcohol and drug abuse, Bob and KathySpier attendthe BeaconEvangelical Free as well as cheating on Kathy. He was away at sea some­ Church in Galloway Township, NJ. times eight months out of the year, and so Kathy basically raised their son Rob on her own. After just eight years of marriage, they broke up. The respect and commit­ ment were gone. "When I left my son on the corner in Atlantic City, I knew by the lump in my throat that I would really miss him;' said Bob. "But my alcohol and drinking buddies, along with my loose living, would help me to forget:' However, Kathy struggled with handling Rob on her own. So Bob left his commercial fishing to take Rob in and raise him. During the next nine months, Bob worked closely with the school principal and others who tried to help Rob. Things seemed to be going well. During that same period of time, Kathy found her spiritual life taking a new direction. "I sensed a real void in my life, and so I began praying. I missed Rob and was really unsatisfied. I knew somehow things needed to change:' Then tragedy struck. Rob died suddenly through an FOR PEACE OF MIND, MINISTERS TuRN To Us SECOND.

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"Everything is going to be alright." more and more distant. As the gap widened between us, we both Those are the words that echoed throughout the disasters that struggled with loneliness. Fortunately, I was spared from seeking plagued our family during 1986. When we left the city in 1977 attention from someone else. But in the midst of the turmoil, to devote ourselves to dairy farming, we had no idea we would Roger turned to affairs to make up forthe lack in our marriage. someday be victims of the devastating farm crisis that put so When he confessed the affairs to me, I felt cheated. Anger many out of business. welled up inside of me. I struggled with those feelings all night. From the very beginning, it was obvious that the farmwas very But when dawn came, by God's grace, I was able to go to my important to my husband Roger. "Owning our own place" had husband in love. He was lying in bed in a trance-like state. After been his dream, and even my "city-girl inclinations" were tem­ a moment of silence, a very broken man spoke to me: "Help pered by his excitement and joy at returning to his farming roots. me. I want so much to kill myself. Please don't leave me alone." It didn't take me long, however, to notice a disturbing pro­ We cried all morning while we did the chores. Hugging each gression. It seemed as though Roger's first Jove was quickly other now and then, we repeated the words over and over again: becoming the farm; the children and I had suddenly taken se­ "Everything is going to be alright." cond place in his priorities. We recognized that Roger needed professionalhelp. After an We devoted ourselves to the success of the farm. But during appointment with a mental health specialist, Roger was diag­ the 1980s, the economy seemed to be dealing a poor hand to nosed as severely depressed and suicidal. He was full of remorse, the dairy farmer's pocketbook. As things got tighter, Roger's guilt, and shame, and it was obvious that a hospital stay was passion forthe farm seemed to develop into an obsession. He crucial to his recovery. As we got Roger settled into a room, could focusonly on the urgency that the farm had to succeed. the nurse on duty stunned me with his kind words: "Everything He slept little and worked feverishly. I took a job to help sup­ is going to be alright.'' plement the family income. As I leftRoger-a broken, despondent, distant man-I knew As the years progressed, the milk prices continued to plummet that God had to pick up many pieces of our lives. "God," I and interest rates contin­ ued to climb. No matter how hard we worked, it wasn't enough. We were good farmers who used all the modern, time­ and money-saving tech­ niques, but the farm continued to slip from our grasp. Roger eventually took another pleaded as I walked that night, "please keep my family together." job driving a school bus, which added even more stress with While I wept over his unfaithfulnessthat night, the Lord began unreasonable work hours. to work in my husband's heart. Roger wrestled with and resist­ We were all on a rapid treadmill with our work demands. ed the prodding of the Spirit to seek Jesus. But by the third day Roger's frustrations translatedinto anger and verbal abuse toward in the hospital when a minister came to visit him. Roger was the children, along with estrangement and abandonment of our beginning to understand the need for a change in his heart. marriage relationship. When I showed him the books and the When I came to visit him that day, I had a new assurance hopelessness of our financial situation, he would respond with about my relationship with the Lord. I also sensed a change in demands that we all work harder. At one point, I even threat­ Roger. He agreed to walk to the hospital chapel with me. Kneel­ ened to leave rather than continue to live with the panic, fear, ing side by side with me, Roger surrendered his life to Jesus threats, and anger. Christ and accepted His full and complete forgiveness. But, miraculously, into the midst of this dark and downward We started our journey to our God hand in hand. Yes, we did spiral came the gentleness of Jesus Christ. lose the farm. But now Roger's "first Jove" is his Lord. And In a very loving way, God dealt with me through a brochure I know that because of the tremendous forgiveness Christ has called "Power for Living.'' I picked up this life-transforming shown me, I can in turn forgive my husband. Jesu • as demon­ piece of literature at a point when our family was in very deep strated forme, day by day, how to forgive and love. I thank Him pain. After reading the brochure, I understood and confessed for restoring the brokenness that reigned in my family. And I my many sins. I prayed for God's forgiveness. That summer day thank Him for my husband, whom I Jove so very much. He is in 1986, I received Jesus Christ as my Savior. The Holy Spirit a new man-forgiven and restored to me and to our God. comforted me with this knowledge: "Everything is going to be alright.'' Sharon and Roger Wrmdrow are members of Faith Evangeli­ The tensions with the farm continued to grow. Roger became cal Free Church in Stanley, WI. FREE CHURCHES FOR RENT FUNERAL DIRECTORS

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27 ganto we rlvltehnH un. •ff retumecifo.r a visit toM alaysia, and I -found I couldnot dQ much walking.'�Y{.hen be returned to nlinois he went to thedoctor. B l0od tests at that timerevealed nothing. By the summer of 1990 his fatigue was crippling. Says Bala, "I would work three hours and sleep the rest of the day." He ran a fever fortwo weeks. Another blood test yielded the devastating news: Bala had Twenty-two years ago, a young Hindu man book, Peace with God. At the closing chap­ leukemia. He wrote to familyand friends, in Malaysia started out on a journey. He ters, I knelt down and believed in Christ. "Carol broke down, and I was stunned." was looking for God, and Manikkam "I didn't know I was becoming a Chris­ Shock and fear washed over them. Says ("Bala") Balasingham found Christ in tian. I knew that I was coming into a Carol, "I felt it was the end of the world. his native Kuala Lumpur when he was relationship with God. That was what af­ It was very dark, like something had come 20 years old. He could not have fully fectedme-not religion, but a relationship to an end." known then what that discovery would later with God." In the midst of this severe trial Bala mean. Bala's life had a new focus. Aftertw o wrote home to familyand friends, "Carol Says Bala, "While I was in college the years of teaching junior high in a secular and I have not fora moment asked the ques-

question of the meaning of life became school, Bala felthe should devote himself tion 'why?' I should say God's presence is important to me. This was the first time I fullyto ministry. Three years later he left so real that the question does not fit at became what I would call an authentic man. teaching to attend seminary in Singapore, all .... The Father in heaven is not just a I was prepared to become a Muslim or a where he earned a bachelor of divinity theological idea; He is a living Father and Christian or whatever, but I needed to clear degree. In 1980 he came to Trinity Evan­ has assured us of His unfailing love. His my doubt about the existence of God." He gelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL, faithfulness-a truth I used to sing, but now decided to study science to try to find an­ to earn M.Div. and Th.M. degrees and a reality I experience." swers. "Through my studies I became then returned to teach at seminaries in Bala's body failed to respond to the drug convinced that this universe had to be put Malaysia and Singapore. interferon, and his condition steadily wor­ into place by some sort of an intelligent be­ Bala married Carol when he was 21 and sened. His doctor raised the possibility of ing. Then I decided to search for God." she was 19. Theyhave two sons, Joel, 16, and a bone marrow transplant, and arrange­ Bala was invited to a screening of a film Noel, 13. Carol's brother was the one who ments were made to have his brother and about Billy Graham's London crusade. "It had invited Bala to the Billy Graham film. three sisters tested in Singapore. But the did something very dramatic to me. My results of these tests dashed the Baiasing­ quest for God was being pointed towards Shadow of Death hams' rising hopes-therewas no match. Jesus Christ." The nextday Balarecognized Then1 one monthafteJ-the disappoint­ that he had been "emotionally inclined',. ing news fromSingapore , thedoctor called to become a Christian, but he decided to again. He had requested moreblood sam­ let his emotions cool and researchthe ques­ ples and had themflown in for testing.Bala tion further befOl'l! makil}g � his rrtmd. · 1milik�b�er ·�� tlbur� that is br<1therwoultt: l,e the. mafub. 1hohabit-throughotit--myChri stianlire'. that On Easter Sunday 1991 Bala attended Manyother pieces had to fallinto place if theLor-d woofd s �t me froma bib­ churoh forthe first time since the surgery. in certain order before the life-saving lical text, ai:11:11:kn'ewJt� whatHespQke He testifiedbefore the congregation that operation could take place, Bala's brother, to me, I hold fastto it.,No matter what the on that Resurrectjon Sunday he felthim­ had only one week's notice to get leave externalcircumstances, I just cling to it." self like a man risen fromthe grave. Bala from his job, get his passport, and make In a letter to family and friends he later and his family attend the Libertyville his travel arrangements.There was no time wrote1 "That morning the Lord spoke to Evangelical Free Church on Sunday morn­ to lose-if Bala's health deteriorated any me, 'Even though I walk through the val­ ings, "where we receive," he says, and on further, surgery would no longer be an ley of the shadow of death, I will fearno Sunday evenings they serve at a church for option. In addition, there were onlyeight evil.' " Bala knew then that although he Indian immigrants in the city, "where we beds available for parients undergoing would pass very close to death, he would give." During his illness, nearly every this type of surgery, and there was a long not die. With that promise from his God, seminary class began with prayer for Bala, waiting list. The final obstacle was Bala's he decided to go ahead with the operation. and each prayer group on campus remem­ condition. Patients in his weakened state The preparation forthe surgery was the bered him at every meeting. His two were not ordinarily accepted for the pro­ most awful part of his illness. He received churches prayed, and WMBI radio in cedure. Usually a patient had to be in chemotherapy and total body radiation. · Chicago even broadcast his need to its remission before the surgery was per­ His skin burned black, and his mouth and hundreds of thousands of listeners. "I got formed. But the interferon was not throat were so severely burned he could hundreds of cards from people I don't

working. and for Bala there was noother not even swallow his own saliva. He later know," marvels Bala. ·'The prayers of hope. wrote, "Carol tells me for three weeks I Christians have sustained us." was in great pain and agony,... but Bala's prognosis now is excellent. His A Terrifying Gamble strangely I do not remember. ... God's doctors say there is less than a five percent tender cushion and the morphine had chance the leukemia could recur. His body One by one the hurdles fell. Ba la's brother wiped them out of my memory.... " Bala's still struggles to recover from the effects was willing and able to come when he was doctor feared he would not survive this of the radiation, which burned his lungs needed. Somehow a bed was made avail- stage of the treatment. But he did, and on and affected his kidney function. Now he able,and Bala was scheduled forsurgery December 14 Bala received his brother's has developed gall bladder disease and will in spite of his rapidly deteriorating con- life-giving marrow. Then came the criti- soon have surgery to remove his gall blad­ dition. At 42, he was by far the oldest of cal two weeks aftersurgery, when his body der. But he is gaining weight and strength the patients in the bone marrow transplant might reject the transplant. The two weeks and looking forward to resuming his unit. "God's hand was in all that too," passed, and Bala was still alive. classes in the fall. says Bala. Thirty-fivedays after surgery, Bala was A cherished relationship began 22 years Still, it was a terrifyinggamble. Without released to continue his recovery at home. ago-a journey hand in hand with a God who hears and acts. That bond was tested the transplant, Bala might manage to live He took drugs to prevent tiis body .from• anotherfew years. Ifhehad the transplant. rejectingthe tr ansp"lant._,This made him and fo1,11;1dtrue. aa1a wrote of the ordeal, it would either kill him or cure him. Facecl vulnerable lo infections and be could not "Even as I went through these months, the with such a harrowingchoice, Bala had de- risk exposure. }:\humorous sign hung on Lord stripped me so naked I was left with cidedno,:roriskhis�d.nte,Jl0\11eveit;;.}, the)) �· to:warna, � Y-i- :au, fl [Mdmy heart CELEBRATE EVENTS RAISE FUNDS OFFER HEIRLOOM QUALITY ITEMS, CUSTOM-IMPRINTED WITH A SKETCH OF YOUR CHURCH OR LANDMARKS.

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Effective Net Annual Yield Earn Simple If Left lb Interest ComQOtmd Demand Certificate (SIOO minimum investment) 7.00% 7.122% HIGH 2-Year Term Certificate' (S500 minimum investment) 8.00% 8.159% Interest Rates 3-Year Term Certificate' (Sl,000 minimum investment) 8.50% 8.680% CHRISTIAN INVESTORS FouNDATION 4-Year Term Certificate' (SS,000 minimum investment) 9.00% 9.202% • Founded in 1959 to help Evangelical Free 5-Year Term Certificate' Churches build with mortgage loans. Its only (S 10,000 minimum inYestment) 9 50% 9.724% business. ' Early redemption penalty retroactively reduces interest earned to Demand Certificate rate. • Deposits exceed 40 million dollars. ) • Never a loss on any loan. YES, we want 10 help build Evangelical Free Churches b ' invest­ ing in Christian Investors Foundation. To receive an Offering • Never missed an interest payment to investors. Circular and Subscription Agreement, please fill out this coupon • Your investment is needed to help churches build and send it 10 Christian Investors Foundation. Christian Investors Foundation will not accept subscriptions from prospective inves­ or remodel. tors in Slates unless applicable securities registration requirements have been met. CHRISTIAN INVESTORS FOUNDATION 901 East 78th Street • Minneapolis, MN 55420-1300 Address.______This a111101111ce111e11t is 1101 an offer to sefl or" solicitlltio11 of an offer to buy the h1vest111e11t Certificates. Tbe offer is made City ______solely by the Offering Circ11lllr. Sme. ______Zip,______INTRODUCING ... TII.E E\C\N(iELIC.\L FHEE Cnrncn OF J\MEHICA

There are nearly 200,000 people across the United States who identify with the Evangelical Free Church. On Sundays they gather in some 1,100 churches to worship God and celebrate their faith in Jesus Christ. In an age when confusing "new religions" seem to be gaining momentum around us, Free Church peo'ple remain committed to the truths of the Christian faith. They don't look to crystals as their energy source in order to "commune with nature." They don't count on dead spirits to guide their destinies and help them make difficult decisions in life. To put it very simply, Evangelical Free Church people believe that Jesus Christ is who He claims to be: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). He was not merely a good man or a "lucky-guess" prophet. He was and is the Son of God who came to earth to die forour sins. He was crucified, buried, and then broke the bondage of sin by coming back to life after three days. Free Church people believe the Bible is the Word of God, and that it contains everything we need to know in the practice of our faith and everyday living. Every doctrine and belief comes right from Scripture-to take away from or add to Scripture is wrong. Knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the basis of the Christian faith, and from that basis comes a very liberating joy. It is the desire of Evangelical Free Church people to share the truth of their faith in Christ with others. By joining churches together of like faithinto a "denomination," they are able to financially and prayerful­ ly support other ministries around the world. The doctrinal position of the Evangelical Free Church is summed up in the following12 -point Statement of Faith: \VE BELIEVE:

(D The Scriptures, both Old and New Testament, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will forthe salvation of men, and the Divine and final authority forChris­ tian faith and life. @ In one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. @ That Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross a sacrifice forour sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily fromthe dead, ascended into heaven, where at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He now is our High Priest and Advocate. @ That the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorifythe Lord Jesus Christ, and during this age to convict men, regenerate the believing sinner, indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service. � That man was created in the image of God but fellinto sin and is therefore lost and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained. @ That the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justificationand salvation forall who believe, and only such as receive Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit, and thus become children of God. (J) That water baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances to be observed by the Church during the present age. They are, however, not to to be regarded as means of salvation. @ That the true Church is composed of all such persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ of which He is the Head. ® That only those who are thus mem­ bers of the true Church shall be eligible for membership in the local church. @ That Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the Church, and that every local church has the right under Christ to decide and govern its own affairs. @ In the personal premillennial and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this "Blessed Hope" has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer. @ In the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord, of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment.