…of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17 Verse Of The Month “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 Vol. IX December, 2018 No. 12

THE GLORY OF CHRISTMAS

When first man’s heart was overcast By sin’s benighting gloom; When fear and anguish first had flashed Its death-appalling doom;

When from God’s presence man had fled, To hide his guilt and shame, That caused him first God’s face to dread And tremble at His name;

’Twas then a wondrous scheme began, The task of love divine, To woo man to Himself again, His lost estate to find.

“Did He succeed?” I hear some say, “Was ‘balm in Gilead’ found To heal our hurt, and ope the way? Has One so great been found?”

He triumphs! Angels shout from heaven; Yon virgin bears a Son! By Him the power of sin is riven; By Him the victory’s won.

We worship at Thy feet, O Christ; Thy name we do adore. With Thee we’ll keep a holy tryst, And love Thee more and more!

—V. P. Drake The Testimony

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And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 THE MANIFESTATION OF GOD 3 Editorial

THE MANIFESTATION OF GOD PROPHECY The prophet Isaiah gave us a I doubt that many would argue the glimpse of how this would be accom- fact that godliness is a great mystery. plished. A virgin shall conceive (truly a Mortals can’t comprehend immortali- miracle) and shall give birth to a son ty. Eyes can’t see invisible. Creatures who shall be called Immanuel. This of time can’t grasp eternal. We can all child shall have heavenly attributes echo the conclusive declaration of Paul (Isa. 9:6) and be called The mighty God, in Romans 11:33–34: “O the depth of The everlasting Father. The report in the riches both of the wisdom and chapter 53 revealed that God would knowledge of God! how unsearchable ultimately lay on Him the iniquity of us are his judgments and his ways past all, and He, baring the sin of many, finding out! For who hath known the would pour out His soul unto death, mind of the Lord? or who hath been making intercession for the transgres- his counsellor?” Several times the Bi- sors. Isaiah was prophetically revealing ble gives details concerning God before the final sacrificial lamb slain from the the foundation of the world—before foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8). “cosmos” even existed. This mystery These promises, made before the world was kept secret since the world began. began, gave hope of eternal life to the Is this only wise God, our creator, recipients, for God cannot lie (Tit.1:2). YHWH, enshrouded in a cloak of immor- “When the fulness of time was come, tal and invisible mystery? Are we, the God sent forth his son, made of a wom- human family, hopelessly clueless about an…to redeem them that were under who God is? What He thinks? What His the law…” (Gal. 4:4–5). heart feels? Two words that repeatedly A PERSON accompany the context of mystery in the A virgin. A holy presence. Fear! Bible is “reveal” and “manifest” (or some Gabriel. The annunciation. How?? The variation of them). The biblical word power of the highest! He shall be called “mystery” is defined, not as information “the son of God.” “Thou shalt call his withheld, but information revealed. name Jesus: for he shall save his peo- Ephesians 1 reveals a very unique ple from their sins.” A virgin gave birth glimpse into the mind and forethought to a child. Never before. Never since. of God. He made a choice before the As the prophecy said, he shall be called foundation of the world that sinful hu- Immanuel (God with us)! manity could be made holy before Him Logos—a word spoken to convey a (verse 4). By the “good pleasure of his thought or reasoning; declare, com- will,” He predestinated a way we could municate. The Word, that was from the be accepted as His children (verse 5); beginning, that was with God and was redemption through the blood of His God, became flesh and dwelt among us. son, even the forgiveness of sins (verse This new God/man was the divine ex- 7). According to His good pleasure He pression of creator God—logos. In these purposed in Himself to make known last days, God has “spoken” to us by His unto us the mystery of His will (verse 9). Son…being the brightness of His glory Let’s notice how God has chosen to man- and the express image of His person. ifest Himself to us through prophecy, a (Heb. 1:2–3). God was manifest in the person and by preaching. flesh! He could be seen, heard, touched 4 The Testimony December, 2018 and handled as the Word of Life. John.1:1–3). For generations and centu- Jesus Christ came into the world for ries since, God continues to manifest a very specific purpose: to humbly be- Himself to the global human family by come obedient to the death of the cross, those who “preach the word” (Logos). to shed His precious blood as of a lamb Prophecy points to the person we without spot or blemish, to save sin- now preach. His name is JESUS. He is ners. After He had offered one sacrifice Immanuel—God with us. Years ago for sins forever, He destroyed He manifest Himself to a group of men (rendered powerless) him that had the as a little baby wrapped in swaddling power of death (the devil) at His resur- clothes, lying in a manger! Today He rection from the dead and is now set still manifests Himself to men in vari- down at the right hand of God. ous ways. I am thankful He is mani- PREACHING festing Himself to me! As foolish as it may seem, God, our “Now to him that is of power to stab- Savior, commanded that in due times lish you according to my gospel, and His Word would be manifested through the preaching of Jesus Christ, accord- preaching. Many of these first preachers ing to the revelation of the mystery, were eyewitnesses of Jesus. Paul, as one which was kept secret since the world born out of due time, spoke the hidden began, But now is made manifest, and wisdom of God in a mystery which He by the scriptures of the prophets, ac- ordained before the world to save them cording to the commandment of the that believe (I Cor. 1:21, 2:7). John, who everlasting God, made known to all witnessed God manifest in the person of nations for the obedience of faith: To Jesus firsthand, declared what he expe- God only wise, be glory through Jesus rienced that others would know and Christ forever. Amen” (Rom. 16:25–27). have fellowship with the Father also (I Larry Bower Seasonal

“NOW THE BIRTH OF JESUS the paying of a toll on a highway CHRIST WAS ON THIS WISE…” or paying customs on entering the United States from Canada. Rome Levi was not a man of very high farmed out the tax business to pri- reputation, and he associated with vate citizens. This being a center men of poor reputation. He lived of Jewish settlement, Jews often in the coastal town of Capernaum bid for the job. A Jewish man on the north shore of the Sea of might receive this commission Galilee where men unloaded their and, since it was a busy port, he fishing boats daily, where mer- might have to hire others to work chants met ships laden with cargo under him. Tax collectors often from across distant lands by way charged “whatever the traffic of the Eastern Trade Route, and would bear”—sometimes even to travelers of various sorts disem- the point of extortion. Under- barked. As today, the Roman gov- standably, Jewish tax gatherers ernment found many ways to tax were often hated by their fellow its citizens. A customs tax in those Jews. Zacchaeus (Luke 19:2), days was equivalent in our day to down south at Jericho, a chief pub- “NOW THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST WAS ON THIS WISE…” 5 lican who had men working under had gathered around Jesus. But him, managed a large tax account- the scribes who taught the Law ing firm and had become very rich. and men from the sect of the Phar- In Luke 18:10–13 we read of two isees saw Jesus eating with all men, both Jewish, one a these men of bad reputation and “separated one,” from among the questioned Him, to which Jesus religious sect of the Pharisees. The responded that He had come to other a Jewish tax gatherer. The call sinners to repentance, not those who professed to be first, believing himself to be more “righteous.” There are none right- holy than his Jewish fellows, was eous, so Jesus came to save the fully aware of the public servant reprobate and the self-righteous— praying nearby. His own prayer that’s everyone. reflects his opinion of the other When Levi left his customs man. “I am not like other men— house to follow Jesus, he felt it especially like that one standing necessary to change his name over there. That extortioner, that from Jewish Levi, a son of Jacob, unjust one, that adulterer.” to Matthew which means a “gift “Extortioner!” How that must have from God.” We don’t know if Mat- cut to the soul the publican. thew ever returned to his tax busi- “Unjust!” So treacherous and de- ness. We do know he was num- ceitful. “An adulterer? Am I disloy- bered among the twelve Apostles, al, unfaithful, apostate?” The and that he was a witness to the Pharisee went on to recount to Resurrection and to the Ascension. himself the many good works he Tradition says he preached in Per- had done—fasting and tithing. He sia and Ethiopia. Early reports was probably more faithful in say that he did not suffer martyr- those than most of us! The publi- dom, but other reports say he was can was fully aware of his own stabbed to death while administer- needs and could only smite his ing Holy Communion in Ethiopia. breast in self-abasement and Being a collector of customs, plead, “Be merciful to me, a sin- Matthew may have been fluent in ner.” Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and Arme- In Mark 2 and in Luke 5 we nian. The first Gospel was penned read that Jesus was in Caperna- by Matthew and being written to um where He was received by a the Jewish nation, was probably great press of people. While there, He went down to the docks and, first written in Hebrew. passing by the custom house hap- From the first verse of Mat- pened upon the chief publican thew’s writing he makes it abun- there to whom He said simply, dantly clear that he was not writ- “Follow me.” Levi immediately ing simply of a man who was born turned his business over to fellow in Nazareth of Galilee. It was un- employees. Furthermore, he called doubtedly pleasing to any of Jew- his staff together for a great feast, ish lineage who read Matthew’s along with sinners of various sorts account of the genealogy of Jesus, from among the multitude that the son of King David, the son of 6 The Testimony December, 2018 Father Abraham. But Matthew birth, but born in a stable, laid in a made it clear that this Gospel was manger, and declared to lowly not about Jesus. It was about shepherds. This is the most popu- “Jesus Christ, the son of David, lar account to us today, but it is not the son of Abraham” (Matt. 1:1). the Messiah declared by Matthew. As Matthew wrote to the Jewish Matthew, a Jew (though an outcast nation, their great expectation at because of his employment as a tax that time was the coming of the collector) wrote to his own people Messiah foretold in the Prophets. according to their understanding Therefore, at the very end of the and interest. Any Jewish scholar genealogy, Matthew adds, “…of reading Matthew’s Gospel would whom was born Jesus, who is immediately think of the promises called Christ” (verse 16). Finally, from Genesis, through the Psalms, in verse 17 he adds, “from the car- and according to the prophets rying away into Babylon unto which included Isaiah, Jeremiah, Christ are fourteen generations.” Daniel, Micah, Haggai, Zechariah, Yes, this was the account of the Malachi—The Messiah, The birth of a son to one Joseph and to Anointed One, The Christ who was his espoused wife, Mary. But the to come for to save God’s people. emphasis of the Good News ac- After the formality of document- cording to Matthew was that Mes- ing the lineage of this Jesus, Mat- siah, Christ, The Anointed One thew writes, “Now the birth of Je- had come to save His people. sus Christ was on this wise…” He The Gospels are so rich and di- will not cave to anyone neither at verse in their emphasis. Mark says that time nor in the centuries to nothing of the birth of Jesus but come, who might deny that Jesus begins with the appearance of John is the Christ. From Matthew 1:1 to the Baptist, a messenger sent to the very end, Matthew continually prepare the way for Jesus Christ, held up Jesus as the Christ. Mat- the Son of God. John’s Gospel be- thew records in chapter 27:22 the gins with Jesus Christ, the Son of words of Pilate who asked the God, in the very creation of the Jews and the Jewish nation (and earth, but he says nothing of the every individual since) “What birth. Luke, a later Gentile convert shall I do then with Jesus which is to Christianity and of a more sys- called Christ?” tematic and meticulous disposition, We don’t read much about Mat- approaches the birth in a more aca- thew outside the words of his Gos- demic manner. Luke’s letter was pel. In Matthew 10:3 he names written to Theophilus, a Roman, the Apostles and refers to himself and to Gentile readers. He presents as one saved from a former life of Jesus as a baby, although the Son sin, “Matthew the publican.” of the Highest, but born to a poor When they enumerate the Apos- but pure young girl from Galilee, a tles, neither Mark nor Luke refer child of promise, of noble Jewish to his former life of extortion and THEY CALL ME IMMANUEL 7 deceit. After the last words of Je- there with other women. sus, His ascension, and the ap- Somewhere along the line Mat- pearance of the angels, the Apos- thew began to think, “I must write tles, with Matthew, returned to this down for my people to read! Jerusalem where they met in an Jesus was the Christ! Future gen- upper room. (Acts 1). There they erations must hear the message of continued with one accord in pray- His birth. And each must decide er and supplication. Wouldn’t it for himself or for herself. ‘What have been a wonderful experience shall I do then with Jesus which is to hear them pray one after the called Christ?’ ” other—or all with one voice! I Marcus Miller wonder if the rafters didn’t shake! And the very mother of Jesus was General

THEY CALL ME IMMANUEL Bethlehem, but on my Father’s side, in the New Jerusalem.” Luke 2 says, “The child [Jesus] “What’s your plan?” grew, and waxed strong in spirit, “On my mother’s side, I will be filled with wisdom: and the grace crucified, but on my Father’s side, of God was upon him.” in three days, I will rise again and His parents went to the feast at sit down on my Father’s side.” Passover time. He was twelve No wonder then that “all that years old when they went to the heard him were astonished at his feast. When it was over Joseph understanding and answers.” and Mary started home, but Jesus When His parents missed Him, tarried behind in Jerusalem. “… they turned back and sought Him, after three days they found him in sorrowing. the temple, sitting in the midst of He said to them, “How is it that the doctors [interpreters of the Old ye sought me? wist ye not that I Law], both hearing them, and ask- must be about my Father’s busi- ing them questions.” ness?” “…they understood not the A song writer with an inspired saying which he spake unto them.” imagination thought the conversa- But His mother kept all these say- tion went like this: ings and pondered them in her “What is your name, Son?” heart. His answer was, “On my moth- Let us keep His sayings in our er’s side, they call me Jesus, but heart, too. on my Father’s side, they call me Immanuel.” Darlene Killingsworth “Where do you live?” “On my mother’s side, I live in 8 The Testimony December, 2018 DILIGENCE IN THE BATTLE believe that even after walking around the city for six days and By all appearances, the battle six times on the seventh day there did not seem to be going that well. was even a small crack in the wall It wasn’t that it appeared to be or a loose piece of mortar. Out- going poorly, it just didn’t appear wardly the city appeared no differ- to be going at all! If a group of mil- ent, looking just as strong and for- itary commanders would have midable as it did a week ago. But been brought together to assess the moment had come. Joshua 6:5 the situation, they would likely records God’s promise and instruc- have laughed at even the idea of tion to the people. “And it shall calling what they were seeing a come to pass, that when they battle. Perhaps the people en- make a long blast with the ram’s gaged in the battle even doubted horn, and when ye hear the sound they were in a battle. of the trumpet, all the people shall All week they had been doing shout with a great shout; and the the same thing. Different people wall of the city shall fall down had various positions, but for a flat…” Would God’s promise hold large group the orders were the true? same each day; get up, march qui- I think that faith and expecta- etly around the city one time, and tion in their God must have welled go back to your tent. Day after day up in the people’s hearts as the went by with no visible progress. What kind of doubts would these people have faced? Is this really …the only thing that going to work? Nothing is happen- could have hindered [the ing. This seems to be a silly way to do battle. What do the people look- battle] would have been ing on think of us? Aren’t we wast- the unbelief and disobedi- ing our time? ence of God’s people. Fellow Christian soldier, what would your advice be for these people? Should they regroup and ram’s horn was blasted and they try something different? I know lifted their voices together in a what your answer will be. Of great shout. A brick wall that ar- course not! No doubt you have rec- cheologists tell us was six feet ognized the story I am talking thick and twenty to twenty-six feet about and you know what the out- tall fell like a house of cards. An come is! We would all confidently impenetrable wall that left to it- say, keep going! self would likely have lasted hun- Try to put yourself though, in dreds of years fell at the divinely the shoes of the children of Israel empowered shout of God’s people. on the path around Jericho. I don’t A city that was fortified to hold off DILIGENCE IN THE BATTLE 9 armies for months or possibly even from his home and promised de- years fell in one week. The battle scendants as the stars in heaven, plan had been given by the all- but when he died he had just one wise, all-powerful King of the uni- childless son of promise. Moses verse, and the only thing that spent forty years tending sheep in could have hindered it would have the wilderness which did not seem been the unbelief and disobedience to be doing anything towards ful- of God’s people. filling God’s call on his life. We We are also in a battle that, know however that these three though spiritual instead of physi- patriarchs, along with all the he- cal, has many similarities. The roes of faith in Hebrews 11, would enemy is much bigger and strong- tell us the same thing if they could er than we are. We are called to speak to us today: “God’s promises things that are humanly impossi- are true! Trust Him and keep ble. We are called to do things in fighting even when it appears that ways that make little to no sense nothing is happening!” by human wisdom. We need to be How long must we wait? God reminded that we are in a battle. gave the children of Israel a specif- Many days it looks like nothing is ic time frame at Jericho, but often happening. Day after day goes by that is not the case. Ask and ye and things we have prayed and shall receive. How long between sought God for seem no closer. Are the asking and receiving? Jesus God’s promises true? Satan whis- told us He would build His church. pers many things in our ears. How long will it take? I read of a “This isn’t working. You may as woman God called to pray for a well give up. This is silly. Don’t city in the middle east that had no think you can claim such a lofty Christians in it. Day after day, promise.” And on and on. Fellow month after month, year after Christian soldiers, what should we year she prayed. As far as she say? could tell, nothing was happening. Listen! Do you hear those voic- Thirty-four years later she met a es? It sounds like a great throng of man who was pastoring a thriving witnesses from all ages surround- church in that city! God promises ing us! Their answer to our ques- to transform us into the image of tion swells forth with joyous vol- Christ (II Cor. 3:18). How long? By ume and is united and clear. faith the walls of Jericho fell “Keep going! Keep fighting! Keep down! (Heb. 11:30) believing! God’s promises are true! All the promises of God are in Not one will fail!” Noah worked for Christ yea and amen! (II Cor. 120 years on building a ship that 1:20) Jesus has made every need- until a certain day appeared use- ed sacrifice and provision on our less. Abraham was called away behalf for the fulfillment of God’s 10 The Testimony December, 2018 promises in our lives. He is sitting at the right hand of the Father Dear Children, interceding for us, pulling for us. Our daughter said one time, “Do Let us look unto Jesus, the author you ever feel like you live a life and finisher of our faith! (Heb. without being an example— 12:1–2) After Abraham patiently although you have done your endured, he obtained the promise. best?” (Heb. 6:15) Don’t look for God looks down and sees, in all shortcuts. Wait on the Lord! Even of our lives, how well a job is done. when the wall before us has no Sometimes I have this question: cracks and no loose mortar, keep “What do I bring to my Lord? Did I believing. Keep fighting! Victory is do my best?” I think this is what at hand! God expects us to do.

Webster says being accountable In heavenly armor we’ll enter the land, is being responsible. The battle belongs to the LORD. “Each day I’ll do a golden deed No weapons that’s fashioned By helping those who are in against us will stand, need. The battle belongs to the LORD. My life on earth is but a span When the power of darkness comes And so I’ll do the best I can.” in like a flood, Kindness, and the love we have The battle belongs to the LORD. for others, can be a manner of life. He’s raised up a standard, the When we receive instructions from power of His blood, God regarding these things, is it The battle belongs to the LORD. wiser to obey or disobey? We all know the answer. When your enemy presses in hard, Many of us are like our daugh- do not fear, ter expressed: “What can I do for The battle belongs to the LORD. God?” I really don’t think God Take courage my friend, your re- wants us to count what we’ve demption is near, done! When we realize what all The battle belongs to the LORD. our Jesus has done for us, and how He came and died on the And we sing glory, honor, power cross for our sins, it reminds us of and strength to the LORD! how we all have come so far short! We sing glory, honor, power and God wants to be our Father. He strength to the LORD! wants us to talk to Him, and He wants us to listen while He talks to Tim Rife us! God walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden, before they sinned, and spoke with them face to face. Sin makes it so that we THE UNITY OF THE BODY OF CHRIST 11 cannot see God. But in Christ we the example of his Master. During can know Him! And He has left His Jesus’ final night before His cruci- Word that we should obey Him. fixion, He was thinking of His peo- Yes, God wants to be our Fa- ple, and praying for their unity. ther! He hears our prayers. He “That they all may be one; as thou, sees us daily and hears what we Father, art in me, and I in Thee, say! Oh, yes, we can feel His pres- that they also may be one in us: ence! “Oh that men would praise that the world may believe that the LORD for his goodness, and his thou hast sent me.” for his wonderful works to the In Galatians 2, Paul relates how children of men” (Ps. 107:21)! he had boldly stood for truth, even Sometimes we lay in our beds, in the face of one whom he knew and it just seems no words come. was his senior. But the truth of When that happens, let’s just stop the Gospel was being compro- and listen! And may we all have a mised, and consequently the unity thankful heart! of the Body of Christ, and he could Concerning what we can do for not hold his peace. Peter was hap- God, God will give us the thought, py to eat with the Gentiles, a and then the place to do His work. breach of his Jewish custom, but And the important thing is not when some strict Christian Jews just what we do, but how we do it! came from Jerusalem to Peter in If while we work, we think Antioch, he knuckled under the about doing it for God, will we not peer pressure of their expecta- do the job better? tions. He withdrew himself from table fellowship with the Gentiles. Let us then be up and doing We can feel a degree of sympa- With a heart for any fate, thy. Long tradition had said that Still achieving, still pursuing, Gentiles were unclean, because Learn to labor and to wait. they did not keep the Law. Jesus

had shown Peter in a vision that Vicki Witmer he was not to call the Gentiles

common or unclean. But he was in

this delicate position of deciding

who to offend, and he made the

wrong choice. Wrong, because his THE UNITY OF THE BODY choice amounted to denying that OF CHRIST justification is by faith—not by Blazoned across the pages of works of the law—and because of Paul’s letters, we see testimony to the consequent treatment he was one of his great themes and con- giving to members of the Body of cerns—the unity of the Body of Christ. Christ. In this, he is only following In the Epistle to the Ephesians, 12 The Testimony December, 2018 Paul exalts in the unity that Body of Christ.” This is working Christ has created by bringing toward an end goal, as we find in people into His body. “That in the 4:13. “Till we all come in the unity dispensation of the fullness of of the faith, and of the knowledge times he might gather together in of the Son of God, unto a perfect one all things in Christ…” (1:10). man…” In other words, this new “For he is our peace, who hath man, this Body of Christ, needs to made both one, and hath broken grow up. In fact, it needs to grow down the middle wall of partition up to the “measure of the stature between us” (2:14). Paul is speak- of the fullness of Christ.” This is ing of the fact that Jesus has tak- why the unity of the Body is so en both Jew and Gentile, who important. It is directed toward were separated from each other an end goal—that of perfection. by religion, law, and culture; and God is waiting for something. Ac- has torn down that wall to make cording to Ephesians 4:15, we of the two people groups “one new need to grow up. Presumably man” (i.e. one new humanity). In when that happens, it will be time Ephesians 3, he goes on to say for the consummation, and He that this fact of the creation of will “present it to himself a glori- “one new man” as the Body of ous church, not having spot, or Christ was a great mystery, not wrinkle, or any such thing, but made known beforehand. “That that it should be holy and without the Gentiles should be fellow blemish.” heirs, and of the same body, and But sadly, there are things partakers of His promise in working against the unity and Christ by the gospel” (3:6). perfection of the Body of Christ. In Ephesians 3:21, Paul gives Paul minces no words to the Co- one of the rare references to the rinthians. They ought to be per- universal Body of Christ as “the fectly joined together, in the same church.” He prays that this mind and in the same judgment (I church would bring glory to God Cor. 1:10). BUT, “it hath been throughout all ages. That certain- declared unto me of you, my ly extends to today, and leaves us brethren…that there are conten- with no doubt that there is still tions among you” (I Cor. 1:11). one Church, and one Body, bring- This has been demonstrated by ing glory to God. factionalism and sectarianism. But there is work to do. In Somehow, they are getting some Ephesians 4, Paul explains how self-aggrandizement by picking God gives various ministries in sides, and claiming they are fol- the church “for the perfecting of lowing different leaders. Each the saints, for the work of the claims his leader is the one to fol- ministry, for the edifying of the low, and is smug that he is on the THE UNITY OF THE BODY OF CHRIST 13 right side. “…Every one of you spread to the Lord’s table. “For saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apol- first of all, when you come togeth- los; and I of Cephas; and I of er in the church, I hear that there Christ” (I Cor. 1:12). “WHAT?” be divisions among you; and I Paul says. “Is Christ divided? Was partly believe it” (I Cor. 11:18). Paul crucified for you? Or were ye Apparently, some more well-to-do baptized in the name of Paul?” Corinthians were arriving early to The answers are “No,” “no,” and the meeting, and eating the Lord’s “no.” Since Christ is not divided supper early. Then, when their (even though the Corinthians are poorer brethren (them that have attempting it) there is no excuse not, verse 22) arrived, there was for this kind of factionalism. not enough food left. “…One is These problems are proof of hungry, and another is drunken.” their carnality. “For while one Very likely, these poor brethren saith, I am of Paul; and another, I were slaves, who did not have am of Apollos; are ye not car- much of their own food to bring nal” (3:4)? Paul goes on to say that out of their master’s houses. They there is one foundation. Everyone probably couldn’t come early, be- must be careful how he builds on cause they weren’t allowed off it, or his work will be burned. We work until nightfall. can be assured that the work of The Lord’s supper is a demon- those who have promoted faction- stration of unity and love (I Cor. alism will be burned. There is a 10:17). The error that the Corin- serious word of warning here. “If thians had fallen into by this dis- any man defile the temple of God, regard for one another was so seri- him shall God destroy…” (3:17). ous that Paul says, “You are not We often take this in a personal even eating the Lord’s supper” (I sense, as referring to our human Cor. 11:20)! The ones who were body. But the context is set by not tarrying for the meal and verse 9, where Paul says, “Ye (the sharing with the poor brethren are church) are God’s building.” Else- said to be despising the church of where, the New Testament says God. In I Corinthians 11:29, Paul that the church is God’s temple. So says that he who eats and drinks in context, verse 17 is probably unworthily eats and drinks con- saying that if any man defile the demnation to himself—because he church (the temple), “him shall is not discerning the Lord’s body. God destroy.” It is an appropriate In the context of the discussion, time for Paul to say this because of “not discerning the Lord’s body” the damage he sees the Corinthi- probably refers to their sin of self- ans are doing to the church. ish and un-sharing communion The Corinthians disunity and practices. The Body of Christ is lack of love for each other had His church. 14 The Testimony December, 2018 There is one Body. There is one severe judgment. His judgment Spirit. There is one Lord, one faith was worse than some other serv- one baptism. There is one God and ants who were unprepared, and Father of all. (Eph. 4:4–6) These didn’t do the Lord’s will. They truths are timeless. “The body is were merely to be beaten with one…by one Spirit are we all bap- stripes. He was to be cut in sun- tized into one body” (I Cor. 12:12– der. What was the grave error of 13). There is a grave danger that the first servant? He was beating one part of the body might decide up the bride. The Lord does not it does not need another part. The take well to bride beating. eye might say to the hand, “I have Diotrephes was a bride beater. no need of thee…” (I Cor. 12:21). In III John, John writes to Gaius. But this is a mistake. “There Gaius is walking in truth, but his should be no schism in the elder, or bishop, Diotrephes is not. Body…” says Paul (I Cor. 12:25). (Diotrephes is probably either the elder of the congregation or one of True unity is something the elders because he apparently that happens in the has power to cast people out of the church.) Gaius is faithfully hosting hearts of believers and helping traveling evangelists and is demonstrated (missionaries; verse 6–7). Di- by their actions. otrephes, however, did not receive the brethren (traveling evange- Very sobering are the words of lists), probably because they were Jesus in Luke 12. Jesus tells about a threat to his power and preemi- a servant who receives the ulti- nence. Even more, when others in mate judgment. (We notice in this his congregation did receive them, parable that there are servants of Diotrephes cast them out of the different types, as well as unbe- church (III John 10). How should lievers. Servants probably repre- Gaius respond? John says, sent anyone who is supposed to be “Beloved, follow not that which is one of God’s people.) This servant evil, but that which is good” (III starts as a believer. Otherwise, John 11). there would be no reason to state that his punishment is to be cut in What are we to do? sunder, and appointed to his por- tion with the unbelievers. When he To the natural eye, the body of saw that the Lord delayed His Christ today looks disorganized coming, he began to beat the men- and disunited. Is this the Bride servants and maidens (other be- the Lord is coming back for? Are lievers), and to eat and drink and we to be okay with the current be drunken. He received the most situation? How are we to relate to THE UNITY OF THE BODY OF CHRIST 15 the truth that there is one Body? need for church discipline. Scrip- True biblical unity will never be tural church discipline is a neces- achieved by an organizational at- sity. Jesus intends for us to exer- tempt. Even if we were able to cise church discipline in accord- organize the various denomina- ance with Matthew 18:17, I Corin- tions that contain true believers thians 5:13, and similar verses. It into one organization, our efforts is loving to do so. would only end in failure. That These thoughts about unity has been tried by other denomina- with others of the Body of Christ tions over the years. Other de- can be extended to inter- nominations have the corner on congregational interaction in some the market in terms of claims to respects. One congregation needs hierarchical authority and organi- to relate to another in a biblical zational unity. way. For example, it would be in- True unity is something that appropriate for one congregation happens in the hearts of believers to embrace someone who had been and is demonstrated by their ac- disciplined by another congregation tions. As I relate to any brother or without at least attempting com- sister in the Lord, I can always munication about the situation, have the question before me, “If and hopefully agreeing together on this brother were Jesus Himself, how to relate to the person. Of how would I treat Him?” In a very course, inter-congregational rela- real sense that is the truth. In tionships go far beyond church whatever way we relate to our discipline issues. brother or sister, in the Day of This writing is about the Body Judgment, Jesus will say, “You did of Christ, not about submission it unto me.” None of us can ad- within the body. Yet, I should say dress or fix all the things that are something about that here, lest I amiss in the Christian church. But be misunderstood. I remember it each can decide in every interac- being said sarcastically of some- tion, “How would Jesus relate to one, that “he is in the ‘big this brother?” John tells us what church.’ ” By this, the speaker the results will be in I John 1:7. meant that the individual was not “But if we walk in the light, as he part of or accountable to any con- is in the light, we have fellowship gregation, yet claimed to be part of one with another…” Those who the “universal church.” We are are walking in the light will have told to be “submitting…to one an- fellowship with one another when other in the fear of God” (Eph. they meet, no matter what back- 5:21), and “Likewise, ye younger, ground they are from. submit yourselves unto the elder. Nothing in the above writing Yea, all of you be subject one to should be construed to negate the another, and be clothed with hu- 16 The Testimony December, 2018 mility.” In a general way, this ap- “assembly”) can refer to the local plies to the entire Body of Christ. congregation or the universal If any brother from anywhere in church. However, “body” only re- the world came to me with a con- fers to the Body of Christ. The cern, I should be willing to hear English language has developed him and consider his words. On definitions that allow us to refer to the other hand, these verses about any group of people as a body. But submission cannot be separated we would do better to use the word from the context of relationship. It “body” in a biblical way. Similarly, is those who we work with day by let us use the word “church” as the day that we have to continue get- Bible does, and let us refer to de- ting along with, and bowing our nominations as “denominations.” I wills to. Paul wrote the book of suspect that it was this concern Ephesians “to the saints at Ephe- that caused the German Baptists sus.” When he says they are to prior to 1881 to refer to them- submit one to another, he is writ- selves as the “Fraternity of Ger- ing to a group of believers in a geo- man Baptists.” When we use the graphical area that is working to- words “church” and “body” in a gether. We cannot build a church sub-biblical way, it reinforces un- together without submitting one to biblical concepts about the Body of another. Christ in our minds. There may be times when lead- I will not pretend that all the ers are behaving like Diotrephes. answers are simple. There are In this case, John would tell us members in the Body of Christ “Beloved, follow not that which is who do not understand everything evil, but that which is good.” We in the Scriptures the way that I have all seen people who were not do. Sometimes relating to them is submitting to brothers because uncomfortable. The farther some- they thought they were standing one is away from following certain instead for a scriptural principle, biblical teachings, the less sure I yet they were mistaken in their sometimes am that they are truly emphasis. These questions can be in the Body of Christ. I wish it was challenging, and we must all be easy. But the question is still be- acutely aware of our capacity to be fore me, “How would Jesus relate deceived if we are facing a ques- to this member of the Body of tion in which we think submission Christ?” If you are the eye, it is might be a violation of God’s com- never okay to say to the hand, “I mands. have no need of you.” Using correct terminology is a help toward a proper awareness of Philip Hess the Body of Christ. In the Scrip- tures, the word “church” (meaning WEEPING FOR ZION 17 WEEPING FOR ZION Should I with scoffers join Her altars to abuse? Timothy Dwight, son-in-law of No! Better far my tongue were dumb, the famed preacher Jonathon Ed- My hand its skill should lose. wards, was a brilliant scholar. He read Latin when he was 6, gradu- 3. For her my tears shall fall, ated from Yale University at 17, For her my prayers ascend; began teaching there at 19, and To her my cares and toils be given wrote his first book at 20. Enlist- Till toils and cares shall end. ing as a chaplain in the Continen- Beyond my highest joy tal Army in 1777, he became I prize her heavenly ways, known for writing songs to encour- Her sweet communion, solemn vows, age the soldiers. After the Revolu- Her hymns of love and praise. tionary War, he served as a minis- ter in Connecticut for a time, then 4. Jesus, Thou Friend divine, became president of Yale in 1795. Our Savior and our King, When he returned to Yale, it is Thy hand from every snare and foe said there were possibly only 5 Shall great deliverance bring. professing Christians on campus, Sure as Thy truth shall last, but with Dwight came a fresh spir- To Zion shall be given itual emphasis, and revival soon The brightest glories earth can yield, swept over the university. From And brighter bliss of heaven. those times of revival came this hymn by Dwight, (probably) the Timothy Dwight wrote poetical- earliest American hymn in use ly of the Church of Jesus Christ as today. “her,” but we recognize that in truth, the Church is made up of all 1. I love Thy kingdom, Lord, true followers of the Lord, and The house of Thine abode, might better be referred to as The Church our blest Redeemer bought “they” or “them.” I am thinking With His own precious blood. particularly of our local church I love Thy Church, O God! families just now—it is easy to Her walls before Thee stand, pray for the Church in general, or Dear as the apple of Thine eye even to come to tears for those And graven on Thy hand. brothers and sisters across the world today who are suffering and 2. If e’er to bless Thy sons even dying for their faith. But My voice or hands deny, when is the last time you actually These hands let useful skills forsake, wept over your home congregation, This voice in silence die. whether for conflict or trial among 18 The Testimony December, 2018 them, or simply for their good? this better than children, but it is Does the blessing of regular inter- a truth of our existence, that our action lead you to take them for Creator designed us to shed tears granted? When was the last time when we experience strong emo- you shed a sincere tear in love for tions prompted by love. There the brothers and sisters in your may be a few exceptions, but this immediate church family? I once seems to be the general design for read the statement that “if you men and women. truly love/care for someone, you We find a beautiful illustration will eventually weep ei- in the Bible of two kings who ther FOR them or BECAUSE wept over their people—David OF them.” How true this is! The and Jesus. In II Samuel 15, we previous hymn speaks of weeping read of David fleeing from Jerusa- for the Church of Jesus Christ—do lem as he was betrayed by his we ever do so? dear son Absalom, and stopping “When the LORD turned again on the Mount of Olives to look the captivity of Zion, we were like back on his beloved city. Here we them that dream. Then was our see tears caused by hurt, rejec- mouth filled with laughter, and tion, betrayal, deception, and per- our tongue with singing: then said haps even guilt over his failings they among the heathen, The as a father, all magnified by the LORD hath done great things for tender love of a father for his them. The LORD hath done great wayward son. In fact, we even things for us; whereof we are glad. see David weeping again after Turn again our captivity, O LORD, news was brought of Absalom’s as the streams in the south. They death. We can turn also to Luke that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 19, and read of Jesus coming to He that goeth forth and weepeth, enter Jerusalem on Passion week, bearing precious seed, shall coming as a King in triumphant doubtless come again with rejoic- entry to His city. Knowing of His ing, bringing his sheaves with coming crucifixion, He stopped on him” (Ps. 126). When, then, do the same Mount of Olives and we weep? We may blame it on wept as well; not only were His pain or sorrow or fear, or perhaps tears for the rejection, the denial, even as a result of extreme joy, the betrayal, and the hurt He but at the root, there are only two faced, but even more than King things that will truly cause us to David, He wept out of a love for weep—either our care for others, His chosen people and the conse- or our care for ourselves. Parents quences coming upon them. In and grandparents understand the end, we see that those tears QUESTIONS TO PONDER 19 were followed with a cry of The son of God in tears, “Father, forgive them!” Ephe- Angels with wonder see! sians 4:32 says, “And be ye kind Be thou astonished, O my soul! one to another, tenderhearted, for- He shed those tears for thee. giving one another, even as God He wept, that we might weep; for Christ’s sake hath forgiven Each sin demands a tear; you.” Can it be any simpler? In Heaven alone no sin is found, And there’s no weeping there. Did Christ o’er sinners weep? And shall our cheeks be dry? Christian Filbrun Let floods of penitential grief Burst forth from every eye. Meditations

Jesus Messiah, a messenger of good tidings, peace, and salvation. Don’t be surprised when good things happen to God’s people. The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord. There can be no revival without first being alive. It is not so far from the crib to the cross. Never let man control your destiny. Hallelujah—Praise God. Amen. 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. As we approach the end of the 4. Do you think His coming for His year, our thoughts often go to the saints will be a silent snatching passing of time, and the soon com- away, with hardly anyone noticing? ing of the Lord. Some questions: 5. Where did you get your thoughts 1. Do you ever wonder why the about the nature of His coming? Lord does not come, with evil and 6. How is it that the Lord will be suffering continually rising? coming “with his saints”? Will they 2. Is the coming of the Lord often rise to meet Him, and then return on your mind? Or is it something immediately with Him? Or are you hardly ever think of? they taken up much earlier? 7 3. Do you think the coming of the years earlier? 3 1/2 years earlier? Lord is likely very near? Or many 7. Are you ready for His Coming? years away in the future? 8. Do you long for His Coming? 20 The Testimony December, 2018 General Items

BAPTISMS COMMUNION NOTICES Oct. 22, 2018; Cutler Ridge, IN Jan. 26, 2019 ...... Olive Branch, OH Ambryn Dutter Feb. 2, 2019 ...... Living Epistle Brethren, Nov. 4, 2018; Cutler Ridge, IN Las Cruces, NM Megan Benedict and Garrett Skiles Feb. 9, 2019 ...... Pine Grove, FL Mar. 23, 2019 ...... Fall Creek, IN Mar. 30, 2019 ...... Dallas, OR CASP PROJECT 2019 Apr. 6, 2019...... Mt. Zion, PA Apr. 6, 2019...... Salem, OH Plans for our next project are well Apr. 13, 2019 ...... Caldwell, ID under way. The Lord willing, the pro- Apr. 13, 2019 ...... Cascade Valley, WA ject will involve work on low income Apr. 20, 2019 ...... Fair Haven, KS housing in Hutchinson, Kansas, from Apr. 27, 2019 ...... Bear Creek, OH February 4 through March 1, 2019. Apr. 27, 2019 ...... Cutler Ridge, IN It will utilize 9 young men, and ad- Apr. 27, 2019 ...... Sugar Grove, OH ministrative staff, all of whom have been selected from those who have volunteered. 2018 CONFERENCE We want to commend those who FINANCIAL REPORT have responded to the request for Receipts volunteers. We sincerely appreciate Balance from 2017 ...... $ 72,078.36 the interest and support shown, not Call for Funds Receipts ... $ 200,925.00 only by those who have offered to Donations ...... $ 00.00 participate in a project, but to the Lodging Receipts ...... $ 132,129.00 entire Brotherhood for your contin- Bank Interests...... $ 16.67 ued support. Total Receipts ...... $ 405,149.03 Please pray for the success of this project, for wisdom and direction for Expenses the staff, and for the young men select- Insurance ...... $ 650.00 ed that their conduct and service will IWU Dining ...... $ 123,101.25 reflect the image of Jesus Christ to the IWU Services ...... $ 12,190.05 IWU Facilities Rent ...... $ 12,500.00 glory of God. IWU Lodging Expense ..... $ 123,965.76 In light of our current commitment IWU Y.F. Food Catering .... $ 38,230.92 to this project, donations will be need- Communion ...... $ 1,294.83 ed and may be directed to: Food Committee ...... $ 2,761.83 Brethren Charity Fund Lodging Committee ...... $ 3,846.14 Transportation/Security ...... $ 3,222.03 Nursery ...... $ 2,412.89 Please designate your donations Usher/Audio ...... $ 905.06 specifically for New Conference CASP Preteens ...... $ 627.86 Fund. Young Folks ...... $ 4,272.63 In behalf of the First Aid ...... $ 452.81 Travel ...... $ 5,221.14 Old German Baptist Brethren—N.C. Constituency Committee, Total Expenses ...... $ 335,655.20 John Fall, Secretary Ending Balance ...... $ 69,493.83 POEMS 21

SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL NOTICE We are making our call for subscriptions for the year 2019 at this time. The rate continues at $20 per year. The subscription price for each subscriber should be received by December 1, 2018, from the District Agents. Each District Agent should include an updated list of subscribers, with their addresses. Individual subscriber’s subscription payments should be received by December 1, 2018, as well, if possi- ble, for the 2019 subscription year. We are so thankful that our needs have been supplied each year for this continued work! God is faithful! Philippians 4:19

poems

IT ISN’T THE CHURCH—IT’S YOU So, if you want to have the kind of a church If you want to have the kind of a church Like the kind of a church you like, Like the kind of a church you like, Put off your guile, and put on your best smile, You needn’t slip your clothes in a grip And hike, my brother, just hike, And start on a long, long hike. To the work in hand that has to be done— You’ll only find what you left behind, The work of saving a few. For there’s nothing really new. It isn’t the church that is wrong, my boy; It’s a knock at yourself when you knock It isn’t the church—it’s you. your church; —Unknown It isn’t the church—it’s you.

When everything seems to be going wrong, And trouble seems everywhere brewing; TELL HIM SO When prayer meeting, Young People’s If you hear a kind word spoken meeting, and all, Of some worthy soul you know, Seem simmering slowly—stewing, It may fill his heart with sunshine Just take a look at yourself and say, If you only tell him so. “What’s the use of being blue?” Are you doing your “bit” to make things “hit”? If a deed, however humble, It isn’t the church—it’s you. Helps you on your way to go, Seek the one whose hand has helped you, It’s really strange sometimes, don’t you know, Seek him out and tell him so! That things go as well as they do, When we think of the little—the very If your heart is touched and tender small mite— Toward a sinner, lost and low, We add to the work of the few. It might help him to do better We sit, and stand round, and complain If you’d only tell him so! of what’s done, Oh, my sisters, oh, my brothers, And do very little but fuss. As o’er life’s rough path you go, Are we bearing our share of the burdens If God’s love has saved and kept you, to bear? Do not fail to tell men so! It isn’t the church—it’s us. —Unknown 22 The Testimony December, 2018 DID JESUS KNOW? Life’s heavenly secret was revealed— In Christ all riches are concealed. Did Jesus know when He created the tree We try and fail; we ask, He gives, The agony His body would allow? And in His rest our spirit lives. Did Jesus know when He fashioned the thorn The pain it would inflict on His brow? O peaceful rest! O Life Divine! Mine efforts cannot make Thee mine, Did Jesus know when He made the iron I yield my sinful heart to Thee, The cruel nails would be driven deep? And in Thy love Thou fillest me. Did Jesus know the weight of our sin As He gave His all for His sheep? —Unknown Yes, Jesus knew, how deeply He felt

Each sorrow and tear and grief. He willingly gave Himself for us all, Such love hung betwixt two thieves. GIVE ME LOVE LIKE THIS Such love, such love! For you, for me! Comprehending transcends our minds! Many crowd the Savior’s Kingdom, We can only accept with humble praise Few receive His Cross, Love’s sacrifice for all mankind. Many seek His consolation, Few will suffer loss —Gloria Wright For the dear sake of the Master, Counting all but dross.

Many sit at Jesus’ table, Few will fast with Him FILLED WITH CHRIST’S When the sorrow-cup of anguish FULNESS Trembles to the brim. Few watch with Him in the garden Jesus, my Lord, Thou art my life, Who have sung the hymn. My rest in labor, strength in strife; Thy love begets my love of Thee; Many will confess His wisdom. Thy fulness that which filleth me. Few embrace His shame, Many, should He smile upon them, Long, long I struggled ere I knew Will His praise proclaim; My struggling vain, my life untrue. Then, if for a while He leave them, I sought by efforts of mine own They desert His Name. What is the gift of Christ alone. But the souls who love Him truly I prayed, and wrestled in my prayer, In woe or in sweet bliss, I wrought, but self was ever there; These will count their truest heart’s blood Joy never came, nor rest, nor peace, Not their own, but His; Nor faith, nor hope, nor love’s increase. Savior, Thou Who thus hast loved me,

Mine effort vain, my weakness learned, Give me love like this. Weary, from self to Christ I turned, Content to let His fulness be Amy Carmichael An unbought fulness unto me. Selected OBITUARIES 23 Obituaries

BENEDICT — Reva Catherine grandchildren gave her much joy, and (Bowman), daughter of Ivan and Eth- many hours were passed in various el (Bowman) Bowman, was born May activities with them. She loved flow- 17, 1931, in Covington, Ohio. She ers and tended some beautiful beds at peacefully traded time for eternity, her home in Union City. She also en- September 21, 2018, at the age of 87 joyed writing short articles for publi- years, 4 months, and 4 days. cation and little poems for her chil- As a young woman, Mom gave her dren and grandchildren. Her wit and life to Christ, was baptized November her gracious manner will long be re- 7, 1949, and became a member of the membered. Old German Baptist Brethren Surviving are her children: Solo- Church. On January 26, 1952, she mon and Linda Benedict, Martha was united in marriage to Fred Bene- Montgomery, Sara and Wade Miller, dict. They were blessed with 2 sons Daniel and Angela Benedict; 14 and 2 daughters and for 59 years, grandchildren and 13 great - shared life’s joys and sorrows. They grandchildren; a brother, Myron Bow- made their home in Indiana and later, man, and a sister, Clara and Law- Covington and Union City, Ohio. In rence Crist; sisters- and brothers-in- 2010, they moved to Brethren Retire- law, Frances Skiles, Florence Lyman, ment Community in Greenville. Her Isabelle and Donald Hess, Emma and husband preceded her in death on Nelson Rotz, Laura and Harold February 20, 2011. Slothour, Marjorie and D. Robert We are thankful for the example of Hess, Frank and Doreen Benedict, a godly mother! Some of our earliest Dan and Martha Benedict, and Paul memories were hearing the nightly Riffey; and many nieces and nephews. Bible stories read, sinking our feet Preceding her in death were two into the soft earth of her vegetable great-granddaughters, son-in-law, garden, and hearing her sing as she Lowell Montgomery; her parents; went about her day. She enjoyed sing- stepmother, Dessie Bowman; broth- ings and hearing beautiful songs of ers, Ralph Bowman, Elmer Bowman; praise to the Lord. Mom loved being a sisters, Edith Brubaker, Frances mother and homemaker and with her Boyd, Ruth Riffey, and Virginia Lee artistic abilities, was very creative in Bowman; sisters-in-law, Ellen Bow- her occupation. She was a Longaber- man, Naomi Bowman, Ann Bowman, ger Basket consultant in the 1980s. Lova Fellers, Janet Riffey; and broth- She loved people and could be found er-in-law, Joseph D. Skiles. visiting the neighbors, many times Funeral services were held at the taking some food. She appreciated the Shady Grove meetinghouse on Sep- reunions with her classmates, child- tember 25, 2018, with encouraging hood friends, and cherished visits words from Gene Brunk, Joe Mont- with her church family. She and Dad gomery, and Anthony Miller. Grave- published “Heavenly Recipes from side services were held by Ron Crist, Dunker Kitchens,” a cookbook which at the Sugar Grove Cemetery, Coving- combined her interests with Dad’s ton, Ohio. interest in church history. Countless As the end neared, Mom enjoyed Sunday dinners with company were listening once again to the familiar held around their dining room table. words of Scripture from Handel’s Her grandchildren and great- “Messiah.” It was a special pleasure of 24 The Testimony December, 2018 hers, to listen to the promises from family, friends, and the tireless, devot- God’s Word. “Behold I tell you a mys- ed care of her loving husband. tery: we shall not all sleep, but we shall Beverly is survived by her husband, be chang’d in a moment, in the twin- Calvin Bowman; her children, Dwayne kling of an eye, at the last trumpet.” and Sherri, Philip and Janell, Linda Mom, Grandma, we will miss you and Howard Hess; 19 grandchildren; greatly, yet we have this confidence Clem, Bev Ann Bowman and family, that as a daughter of Zion, you are Stanley, Julia Hess and family, Kristi, rejoicing in the presence of our King! Donald Lesher and family, Clayton, The Family Kimra Hess and family, Brittany, Na- than Shoup and family, Dallas, Jen- nifer Hess and family, Shelly, Trent Graybill and family, Joshua, Layna BOWMAN — Beverly June (King) Bowman and family, Havilah, Abra- entered this life October 30, 1936, and ham Beery and family, Bethany, Dan- returned to her Creator September 26, iel Gascho, Suzannah, Daniel Baker 2018. . and family, Mary Kate, Mason Gordon She was the daughter of Rufus and and son, Brennae Bowman, Gideon Zaida (Boone) King. Beverly grew up Hess, Katrina Hess, Bradley Bowman, in Darke County, Ohio, the fourth Matthias Hess, Heidi Hess, Hosanna child of a loving family of nine chil- Hess; 34 great-grandchildren; 2 sis- dren. ters, Marlene and Charles Brum- Recognizing her need of a Savior, baugh, Connie and Marlin Bowman; 2 she was baptized into Christ and re- brothers, Ronald, Rufus and Penny ceived into the Old German Baptist King; in-laws, Marcella King, Ralph Brethren Church at the age of 21, and Phyllis Brunk, Odell Bowman, where she served faithfully until her Leroy Holsinger, Louise Beachler, passing. Berlin and Laquita Bowman, Dean On September 12, 1959, she was and Martha Bowman; and a host of united in marriage to B. Calvin Bow- nephews and nieces. man, beginning 59 years of a joyful She was preceded in death by her Christian marriage. Beverly support- parents; her husband’s parents; broth- ed and labored with her husband as ers, Paul and Ralston; sisters, Mary he was called into the ministry at a Brunk and Marjorie Holsinger; sister young age, serving with him in the in law, Joanna Bowman; grandsons, Palestine district for 54 years. Ezekiel Bowman, Nicholas Hess; and Two sons and one daughter blessed great-granddaughter, Rael Graybill. their home: Dwayne, Philip, and Lin- Answering Mother’s prayers, God da. Beverly was a happy homemaker gave her a peaceful hour for passing. and wife. Her children cherish fond At 1:26 a.m., with her husband and memories of an energetic, loving moth- children around her, she exchanged er. She enjoyed being with people and this life for LIFE eternal. The funeral especially delighted in traveling. They service was held at the Palestine took many memorable trips as a fami- meetinghouse with Brethren Joe ly and she and Calvin continued to Montgomery, Steven Garber and Mi- travel after the children were grown. chael Wray officiating. Mother’s health declined slowly but Her body was laid to rest in the steadily over the past 15 years. She Miller Cemetery, Palestine, Ohio, to was eventually diagnosed with Park- await the glorious resurrection. As we inson’s disease and became increas- commend her to God, we are left with ingly disabled. She has been blessed to sweet memories and a bright hope! remain at home, being cared for by The Family INDEX 25

HESS — Abram Ben, son of Don- Lymphoma, Type B, Burkitt, a rare na Long Hess and the late Willis C. type of cancer. Even during his poor Hess, was born July 20, 1972, in health, he still had a smile and his Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. sense of humor. Abram peacefully Abram was one God’s special chil- passed away at his home while sur- dren and always lived at home with rounded by his family on Thursday, his parents. At a very young age he September 27, 2018, at 46 years of age. found great joy in carrying his Bible Abram had six siblings: Amanda and flipping through it; he would sel- (passed away on June 23, 2017) wife of dom be found without it all of his life. David Baker; Titus, husband of Loren- Abram went to Franklin Learning da Longenecker Hess; Solomon, hus- Center for special education until he band of Melissa Burkholder Hess; Jar- was 21 years old. Then he worked at ed (passed away October 11, 1983); OSI for 25 years, three days a week, Jude, husband of Jennifer Lesher where he had many friends. Abram Hess; and Christina, wife of Nolan R. also was a part of the family hard- Lesher. His beloved daddy, Willis C. ware store where he enjoyed interact- Hess, preceded him in death on July ing with the employees and many of 26, 2018. Along with his mother, the customers. Abram was athletic. brothers, and sisters who are left to He liked riding his bike and playing mourn, he also will be greatly missed sports with his brothers, nieces, neph- by his Grandma Juanita Long, nieces, ews, cousins and young folks; all real- nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and ly enjoyed seeing him having a good the many that claimed his quiet time while they adapted the game for friendship. him. Abram thoroughly enjoyed trav- A family service was held in the eling with his parents to Love Feast’s Antietam meeting house on October 3, over the brotherhood. One of the high- 2018, followed by a funeral service in lights of his year was attending Annu- an adjoining tent. The services were al Meeting and seeing all of his many conducted by the local brethren. His friends; his big smile will be greatly body was laid to rest in the Antietam missed. Cemetery to await the resurrection. In June 2018, after receiving sur- Holy Bible, valued treasure, I will gery to remove a portion of his small make of thee my choice! intestine, Abram was diagnosed with The Family 2018 Index

EDITORIAL No.-Page GENERAL No.-Page Aristarchus—A True Yokefellow ...... 2- 3 ABCs Of Faith, The ...... 9- 1 Better Is The Poor…In His Integrity… 3- 3 Absolute Surrender ...... 11-13 God Creates Out Of Nothing ...... 8- 3 Adversary Of God, The ...... 4-19 Healing ...... 10- 3 Alexander And Rufus ...... 9-12 Made Alive ...... 4- 3 Ashamed? ...... 5-12 Manifestation Of God, The ...... 12- 3 Call To Brotherhood, A...... 2-17 Oneness ...... 5- 3 Call To Modesty, The ...... 11-18 Paul’s Letter To The Colossians ...... 9- 3 Come To Jesus ...... 11- 9 Relationships ...... 6- 3 Commission, The ...... 10- 6 Tension On The Strap, The ...... 7- 3 Committed To Christ ...... 1-12 “They Sang An Hymn And Went Out And Corrective Grace ...... 9-14 It Was Night” ...... 11- 3 Days Of The Packrat, The ...... 1-15 Time To Take Inventory, A ...... 1- 3 Delighting Of God, The ...... 9- 7 Diligence In The Battle ...... 12- 8 FOR THE CHILDREN No.-Page Distorted View Is Made By You, A ...... 9- 8 Knowing God ...... 6-18 Dressing Modestly ...... 3-14 26 The Testimony December, 2018

Encouragement To Share Jesus Christ HOME & FAMILY No.-Page With Others ...... 5- 6 Peace Or No Peace—Part 1 ...... 8-16 Following Jesus ...... 3-19 Peace Or No Peace—Part 2 ...... 9-17 “Fret Not Thyself Because Of Evildoers” .. 8-11 Peace Or No Peace—Part 3 ...... 10-14 Friends Are Important ...... 1-16 PROPHECY No.-Page Grace And Mercy ...... 7-18 Times And Seasons ...... 1-17 Greatest Journey, The ...... 3-17 Greet one Another ...... 2-12 SEASONAL No.-Page Hospitality ...... 3-12 “He That Spared Not His Own Son…” . 4- 5 Lateness Of The Hour, The ...... 1- 4 Idle Scythes ...... 11-16 “Now The Birth Of Jesus Christ Was On Infallible Proof, The ...... 10- 4 This Wise… ...... 12- 4 Internet Idol, The ...... 4-12 Taken Up ...... 5- 5 ISO 9001 Compliance ...... 6- 4 Thanksgiving’s Gift ...... 11- 4 Lessons Learned From An Orphaned Lamb . 5- 8 Let God Be True… ...... 4-17 POEMS No.-Page Liberation ...... 1- 9 Adjust Our Gaze ...... 4-23 Liberation At Last ...... 1-10 Against A Thorn ...... 7-24 Life’s Gardening ...... 5-11 Appreciation ...... 3- 1 Lord, Help Me Die Today ...... 6-16 As We Trust In Christ ...... 3-23 Be True Thyself ...... 6-20 Meditations On The Book Of Romans— Beauty Of The Moment, The ...... 7- 1 God’s Plan For Salvation ...... 2- 8 By Life Or Death ...... 6-24 Meditations On The Book Of Romans— Circumstances ...... 1-23 Imputed Righteousness ...... 9- 4 Companionship ...... 1-23 Meditations On The Book Of Romans— Contemplation ...... 2-23 Justification By Faith ...... 7- 4 Contentment ...... 11-22 Meditations On The Book Of Romans— Cross, The...... 4-23 Justification Of The Ungodly...... 10-11 Did Jesus Know? ...... 12-22 Meditations On The Book Of Romans— Draw A Little Closer ...... 1-22 Sin ...... 4- 8 Early Morn With Jesus ...... 6-23 New Testament—Our Only Creed, The ... 3- 4 Effort, The ...... 7-23 Olive Tree Grafting And The Holy Spirit ....11- 7 Father’s Joy, The ...... 2-23 One Single Soul ...... 6-17 Filled With Christ’s Fulness ...... 12-22 Patient Continuance In Well Doing ..... 8-14 Final Struggle, The ...... 7-25 Four Score Years ...... 8-24 Perception Problem! ...... 6- 8 Get Somebody Else...... 7-23 Pleased Dutchman, The ...... 5-13 Give Me Love Like This ...... 12-22 Preserving A Childlike Spirit ...... 6-11 Glory Of Christmas, The ...... 12- 1 Reaching The Disconnected...... 2- 4 Go, Ye Heralds Of Salvation ...... 11-22 Rest And Refreshing ...... 6-10 God’s Viewpoint ...... 8-22 Save Your Breath ...... 11-11 Great God, I Stand In Awe ...... 6-22 Self ...... 3-16 Heaven Or Hell ...... 5-21 They Call Me Immanuel ...... 12- 7 How Long, O Lord, How Long? ...... 5-22 Things To Think On ...... 7-16 I Gave My Life For Thee ...... 4- 1 Traveling Home ...... 9- 9 It Isn’t The Church—It’s You ...... 12-21 Twenty-Ninth Chapter Of The Book Of It Takes So Little ...... 2-23 Acts, The ...... 8- 4 Just Me Again ...... 5-21 Unity Of The Body Of Christ, The ..... 12-11 Life Is Eternal ...... 4-24 Unwelcome Demolition ...... 11- 6 Little Grains Of Sand ...... 11-20 Values Commonly Held By Conservative Living Sermon, The ...... 9-23 Longings ...... 4-22 Anabaptists ...... 7- 9 Looseness ...... 3-22 Values Commonly Held By Conservative Lord, Set My Feet On Solid Rock ...... 8- 1 Anabaptists (Cont’d) ...... 8- 5 Morning Thoughts...... 10- 1 Vision, Division, Provision ...... 11-18 Most Sacred Call, A ...... 5- 1 Water Is Precious ...... 5-14 New Leaf, The ...... 1-21 Weeping For Zion ...... 12-17 New Year, The...... 1- 1 What Can I Bring My Lord? ...... 12-10 Now I Can See ...... 10-21 Word Of God, The ...... 7-19 Omnipotence ...... 8-21 INDEX 27

Omnipresent ...... 6- 1 Bowman, Lloyd Daniel ...... 9-25 On Jude ...... 8-23 Bowman, Marianne ...... 8-25 Peter’s Denial ...... 1-23 Bowman, Okey Wayne ...... 2-26 Pleasing God ...... 7-24 Bowman, Vaiden ...... 1-26 Pray With Faith ...... 7-23 Boyd, Margaret L...... 5-24 Reflections ...... 5-18 Brovont, Edis Ruth ...... 2-25 Saving Of My Soul!, The ...... 11-23 Brubaker, Arthena Helen...... 3-25 Scarcely Saved ...... 10-22 Brubaker, Donald Charles ...... 5-25 Some Day ...... 5-21 Denlinger, Loralie ...... 9-26 Stock-Taking ...... 1-22 Fisher, Elmer Lee ...... 7-25 Take Heed ...... 2-24 Flora, Jeffery Dean ...... 5-27 Technology ...... 3-20 Flory, Lois Naomi ...... 5-26 Tell Him So ...... 12-21 Garber, Bernice Lorraine ...... 7-26 Thankful Hearts ...... 11- 1 Garber, Mildred Ann ...... 8-26 That I May Know Him ...... 10-20 Gish, Ronald Herman ...... 3-24 Things That Count ...... 2- 1 Hess, Abram Ben ...... 12-25 Thought Of God, The ...... 8-22 Hess, Willis C...... 10-24 To God From Idols ...... 6-23 Hubbard, Zelma ...... 4-27 Treasure Or A Chain?, A ...... 9-22 Jamison, Vernon Ezra ...... 11-26 True Wisdom ...... 9-23 Jonassen, Suzanne ...... 2-26 Try The Uplook ...... 9-21 Kessler, Irma Charlene ...... 4-25 When Your Heart Is Breaking ...... 6-23 Lavy, Esther Mae ...... 5-24 Worker’s Prayer, The ...... 10-18 Leberknight, Gerald Thomas ...... 4-26 You Have Kept Me ...... 8-22 Metzger, Lester Owen ...... 6-26 Miller, Shirley Arlene ...... 4-26 OBITUARIES No.-Page Mohler, Donna Mae ...... 6-25 Angle, Betty Jane ...... 10-25 Montgomery, Emma K...... 7-27 Austin, Harold Kenneth ...... 3-26 Moore, David Lee...... 9-26 Balsbaugh, Hubert Paul ...... 1-24 Mulder, Dorothy Leah ...... 1-24 Bayer, Donald Lee ...... 10-26 Oyler, Dortha M...... 6-27 Bayer, Peggy Ann ...... 8-25 Reier, Brandy Dawn ...... 11-25 Beachler, Freeda Louise ...... 10-23 Rogers, Eva Irene ...... 6-25 Benedict, Gladys V...... 2-25 Sample, Floyd E...... 11-24 Benedict, Reva Catherine ...... 12-23 Speicher, Ruth M...... 10-26 Bower, Lowell Elmer...... 3-24 Wagoner, Hazel Ruth ...... 1-25 Bowman, Beverly June ...... 12-24 Wolf, Karen Alice...... 9-24 Terms be based on Scripture. References are appreciated. Shorter focused articles Subscriptions should be made are more desirable than articles that through the congregational contact or move from one topic to another. Se- through The Testimony office. Subscrip- lected material will be considered. tion price is $20.00 per year. New sub- Original writings are preferred. It is scriptions should be paid (prorated) recommended that writers submit through the remainder of the current themselves to the Spirit, which re- year. All renewals begin at the first of veals the will of God to the Church in the calendar year. Newly married and every age, according to the varied those unable to pay for a subscription needs and circumstances. may receive a free subscription through Written articles should be legible. the agent of their local congregation. Typed material is preferred and should be double-spaced. Electronic trans- Contributors mission or CD will be accepted. The Authors of essays, devotionals, po- author’s name and address must be ems, etc. are asked to review the included on all material. An attempt Statement of Purpose on the back will be made to contact the author of page of this periodical. Articles should articles that are not accepted.

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