Bible Monitor (1984) (Volume 62)

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BIBLE MONITOR

VOL. LXII

JANUARY 1. 1984

NO. 1

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and
Scriptural in practice.

OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all
the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

OUR GOD, OUR HELP

Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home:

Under the shadow of thy throne,
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting thou art God,
To endless years the same.

The busy tribes of flesh and blood,
With all their lives and cares,
Are carried downward by the flood,
And lost in foll'wing years.

- Isaac Watts

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THE NEW YEAR

At this season there is much interest in the soon-to-come new
year. It is often a season of resolution making. The new year is
looked at as a new beginning. It is a time to start over. Too often
the resolutions anticipating change are not followed by the
necessary activity to bring them into being. While there is alot of
interest in what is new we find that the new year soon becomes a
near carbon copy of the year just past unless there is a change
made in our lives.

We live in a dynamic age. There is much that is new and
exciting. We are living in a time of great knowledge and achieve-
ment. We are in the age of computers. Men speak of more great
achievements ahead. But is this all so new? The wise man
reminds us that there is nothing new under the sun.

While computers as we know them did not exist in Solomon's
day, still they did have basic concepts of mathematics and science
that are a part of the computer. Too often we are liable to claim too
much for our present age. Perhaps we are not as advanced as we
might hope or wish. Archaeologists continue to dig up objects of
the past which show the people of those long-ago-times to be
more advanced than we might wish to give them credit for. We
have allowed evolutionary thought to shape our opinion and belief
about many things including the intellectual attainments of those
of ancient times. While we believe that God created man, we also
think of that man as being slow and unwise. We consider our-
selves to have evolved to be much smarter and more adept than
our long gone ancestors. To consider ourselves so much more
advanced than Adam is to ignore the fact that Adam was perfectly
formed by God. We look back at these ancestors with disdain yet
we must look through gla sses and with other artificial helps.

THE BIBLE MONITOR JANUARY 1, 1984

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BIBLE MONITOR

While we may assail Adam and Eve for their failure to hold on to
perfection, we must realize that we have retained the same human
nature that led them to disobedience. Man may seemingly
advance himself through culture and education yet his nature
remains the same. Men are ever lovers of darkness and sin. Men
have the capacity to lie, cheat, steal and murder. While there may
be a veneer thrown over this nature, it is still there and still leads
us into sin. The rebellious and self centered nature of man
continues to draw him from God and toward the enemy of his soul.

While change is going on about us so rapidly, it is reassuring
to know that God is unchanging. Man can only look back from a
life a few decades at best. He can only look further through the
lessons of history which is an inaccurate account even when most
thoroughly researched. But God looks back through eternity. His
characteristics and attitudes have not changed no matter how
much man changes even in a few years. God has created man and
dealt with him but His ways have not changed. Man may speak of
falling in love and out of love but God's love is ever constant.
Men's views of justice and truth may change through the influence
of pragmatic concerns but God is just and true whatever men's
ideas may be. Men ever change their standards to meet the
immediate situation. God's standards never change. What was
right for Adam and Eve is still right for us today. God's standard
is high and as His people our standards should also be high.

So often we build our lives on the sands of men's ideas and
opinions. We should be thankful that we can build for eternity
upon a Rock instead of the shifting, unstable sands of this world.
We should be thankful the plan of salvation is unchanging. Just
as Jesus, the Rock, is unchanging, so is the plan of salvation,
which is our way to God through Jesus. If the way were constantly
shifting, we could never find our way to Him. If the plan of
salvation and our standards changed with each change of men's
thoughts we would be helplessly confused and lost. Just as a rock
is unyielding so God's plan is sure and steady. In a world of
cosntant change, we can lay hold of that which is solid and
unchanging.

While we think of the new year as a time of change, it is good to
know that God and His relationship with us is unchanging. The
years may change, men's ideas and ideals may shift but God
remains constant. His demands upon us and His love for us
remains the same.

If we seek change with the changing year, then let it be the
change from the fickleness of men to the unchangeableness of
God. Our change should be to be built upon that unchanging
Rock, Jesus Christ so we can enjoy eternity with our God. May

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this new year mean for each one not change but God's solidness
exhibited in each life.

IN THE BEGINNING

John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was
with God, and the Word was God."

This is the time of the year that we think of new beginnings.
Some make New Year's resolutions. Hospitals give prizes to the
first child born in the new year. Some individuals give their house
a good cleaning so none of the old dirt is left.

There are those who would have you believe that the beginning
of Jesus Christ was in a stable in Bethlehem. But as our opening
verse teaches He is eternal, the same as the Father. This verse also
teaches us that, in the mystery of the Trinity, He was indeed, God.
ELOHIM, the Hebrew word for the Trinity, was always in existence.
Our finite minds can not completely fathom this great truth.
Psalms 90:2 "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever
thou hast formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to
everlasting, thou art God."

The name of the first book of the Bible, Genesis, is derived from
a Greek word meaning "origin" or "beginning." In the first book
of the Bible in the first verse we meet the Trinity. "In the beginning
God (ELOHIM) created the heaven and the earth." This is why
Paul could write in Colossians 1:16 "For by him (Jesus Christ)
were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth,
visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or
principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for
him:"

We cannot think of these verses without being reminded of the
diabolical teaching of evolution. The acceptance of this teaching
by many within the earthly church has led to the acceptance by
some of the lie of all lies, the evolution of religion. To accept this
supreme lie is to accept the "fact" that God did not create man
but that MAN CREATED GOD! While some are very outright in
their defense of evolution, the more dangerous thinking is "it
DOES NOT MATTER whether God used evolution or creation."

We are also reminded of the attack upon the truth of the Trinity
by denial or addition. While the cults and false teachers within
the established churches deny the reality of the Trinity, (some
outright and others by denying the virgin birth), the Roman
Catholic church denies it by addition. They would include Mary,
the Mother of Jesus, as a way to the Father and to receive forgive-
ness of sin, along with the office of an "infallible" Pope.

When we think of beginnings we think of our Brethren heritage.

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The Brethren faith came about not because of some supposed
vision or special prophecy, but through a serious study of the
Bible. Our heritage is linked to those throughout the ages who
have sought to live by scripture and to stand against false
teaching. We are linked to such groups as the Waldensians, who
had some light but not completely so. We, personally, believe that
there were small groups that have been lost to history because of
great persecution who held to the truths of scripture ever since the
New Testament church. The Anabaptists had a great influence on
Brethren thought along with the Pietists. We feel there is a real
comparison between the birth of Jesus Christ and the birth of the
Brethren movement. While Jesus Christ was present with the
Father from eternity past, He was born of human form nearly two
thousand years ago. Likewise, while the true Church has always
existed since its birth at Pentecost, we believe it was "reborn" in
the Anabaptist and Brethren movement.

As we stated, the Brethren desire was to "return" to the truths
of scripture. There are those today who teach that we should
always go forward and never look back. In a sense this is true.
The fact is it is impossible to return to the past. But we can
practice the truths of scripture today and desire to keep the faith
for those in the future, if the Lord should tarry.

There have been some "beginnings" which we have serious
questions about. Much is made within Christian circles con-
cerning the "revival movement" of the late 1700's and early 1800's
which continued into the early 1900's. The Brethren refused to
have a part in this movement, and we believe rightly so. While we
would not say that there was NO good that came out of this
movement, we feel there was also much error that came along with
the "good". While we doubt if the early Brethren were as quiet as
their modern counterparts, there was an extreme emotionalism
brought about through this movement. It also carried with it the
false teaching that America is the "New Israel." We also feel that
a lot of the "new light" concerning prophecy that came with this
movement may very well have been "light" from the wrong source!

If you would desire to have a "new beginning" in your life, Jesus
Christ gives you the offer to be "born again" in John 3:3. This is
more than a resolution. It is giving your life over into the hands of
Jesus Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to make you into a new
creature. Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be
baptized every one of you in the name (the power) of Jesus Christ
for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy
Ghost."

Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078

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NEW FOR THE NEW YEAR

A new year, a new day, and a new page on your calendar — what
will you do with it? You can fill it with your same old thoughts and
desires, your same old activities, making it just like the last year.
Or, you can allow Jesus to be Lord of your life, and have a truly
new year, not just an old one which you've patched up with some
soon-forgotten resolutions.

"There is no new thing under the sun." Read Ecc. 1:9-10. What-
ever one finds and thinks is new is not, as it was already here. The
world is the same, man and his ways are the same, God and all
creation are the same. Why then should we concern ourselves
with anything new in our lives? The answer — because man is out
of step with God, and needs to be renewed spiritually.

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because
his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy
faithfulness." Lam. 3:23. If it were not for God's continuing mercy,
new each day, there would be no opportunity to get right with God
and be the new person He wants us to be. His compassion
remains constant, and is manifested to us through Christ.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old
things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
II Cor. 5:17. A new creature is just that — new. Nothing remains
the same. The old creature is not good and needs to be changed.
Mere change alone isn't good, but when Christ does the changing,
the result is good and pleasing to God.

This new creature in Christ has several characteristics. "A new
heart will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you." Ezek.
36:26a. He does not patch up the old mind and heart, but makes it
new. New desires will replace the old ones. New thoughts will fill
the mind, ana be expressed in a new life. This new creature will be
Christ-controlled.

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the
new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true
holiness." Eph. 4:23-24. When this renewal takes place, you will
know it, and others will know it too. A new spirit, a new heart and
mind all make a new man, a Godly one.

"And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our
God; and he shall go no more out: ... and I will write upon him my
new name." Rev. 3:12. When you are made a new creature in
Christ, it is not for just a few years on this earth. God desires that
you will be faithful to Him, and if you are, He will have a special
place for you in Eternity.

"New for the New Year" is what you should be, and then
continue in Christ. Serve Him, be a new person in heart and mind,

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not just an old creature you have tried to patch up. A new year, a
new day, and a new page on your calendar — what will YOU do
with it?

Sister Eileen Broadwater

ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

UNKNOWN JOURNEY

Everyone wants to be a success. No one wants to be a loser.
We have all seen a big strong football player sit on a bench and
cry because his team was losing a football game. Possibly the
world remembers the winner and forgets the loser. We have won
some victories during 1983. Let us thank God for them and give
Him even better service in the coming year. Let us thank God, too,
for another chance.

The dictionary says to succeed is "to attain the desired object or
end." God wants us to be successful. He wants us to be great,
not mediocre. He wants us to be extraordinary and not ordinary.
He wants us to be radiant and bright instead of discouraged and
discontented pilgrims. He wants us to be full of hope and peace
and power and not bound down with the cares and problems of the
world.

We are about to enter a new year. We are taking our journey into
the unknown. With Joshua we can say that: "We have not passed
this way heretofore." I believe that God wants His people to be
happy and He promised this if we follow Him closely. The whole
secret lies in putting Him first in the New Year. Matt. 6 records
Jesus talking about material things and He says, "Seek ye first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall
be added unto you." I believe this is God's formula for prosperity
and happiness in 1984. The Lord will give you the necessities of
life in the New Year and cause your heart to sing with joy IF you
give Him first place in your life.

There are several areas that should become more compelling in
the coming year. 1) Read the Bible more. It will help you meet the
toils and to stand the dangers and overcome the temptations of
life. Earthly foundations will crumble and fall, but God's Word will
stand. GOD IS IN THE BOOK and it comes to us through a river
of blood of martyrs for Christ's cause.

2) Prayer is the vital breath of your spiritual life. You can never
have a strong Christian character until your spend adequate time
with God. There is no winning without it.

3) Live a more consecrated Christian life. AM of your prayers
and Bible reading will go for naught unless it is backed up by

8 BIBLE MONITOR

consecrated living. There should be no compromising with the
world. Walk with God in faithfulness to the church. Walk with Him
in faithful service in the mainstream of the Body. Give your best...
the first fruits... to Him, not the left-overs.

4) Walk with Him in separation from the world. Rom. 12:2
instructs us to not be conformed to this world but be trans-
formed. Transformation represents a drastic change. Make it
NOW!

5) Witness more for Jesus. Look back over the past year right
now. Look back over the past several years... even to the time that
you were saved. Can you remember a soul whom you have
pointed to Jesus Christ? This may be your last chance to earn the
"soul winners crown." Don't face the Saviour empty handed.

If you could know for certain that this would be your last year, I
am sure that you would turn your back on the world and live
sincerely for God until the day of death. Young people, you are
beginning another voyage... truly you are journeying into the
unknown. May God help you to take the Lord with you each day
and never leave His side for a moment during the coming year. In
doing this you can look forward to those sought after words, "Well
done, thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over
a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou
into the joy of thy Lord." Matt. 25:21.

Brother Leonard Wertz

SPIRITUAL EXERCISES FOR THE CONSCIENCE

"And in this do I exercise myself to have always a conscience
void of offense toward God, and toward man." Acts 24:16.

In Acts 23:1 we see Paul before the Hebrew council pleading for
his conscience. "Men and brethren, I have lived in all good
conscience before God until this day."

And now before the Roman Governor Felix, he declared his
soul and mind exercises had been all through his life to keep his
conscience clear of having offended either God or man.

Christian artists have endeavored with pictures to portray this
dramatic scene of Paul's life. But the Bible student will go deeper
as the whole book of Acts is studied; with the epistleary-writings,
and especially the Gospels and Revelations. Praises be to God for
His written Word, Apostles and prophets, and also for this
"Apostle" to the Gentiles, Rom. 11:13.

The Jewish world had been shocked at the spectacle of this
highly trusted Pharisee being turned into a Christian Apostle. His

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plea of a clear conscience seemed contradictory. It called for
more explanation and testimony.

Paul repeatedly confessed that a great light from Heaven and
from a resurrected and ascended Jesus speaking to him was
indeed the cause and start of his conversion to Christ and his
following apostleship.

'The light that shined" had brought the knowledge of the Truth
in Jesus as Saviour and Lord. The Jewish law veil (II Cor. 3:18)
was lifted from his spiritual vision. In Christ's atoning blood his
past sins were covered. His conscience was now cleared in the
marvelous light of the Gospel.

In this great change of his life the former persecutor of the
Christians becomes an exponent of a believer's conscience before
God. Where at one time he would have conspired to compel some
weak Christian to blaspheme the name of Jesus, with no qualms of
conscience, he now was a protector of even the weak brother's
conscience, as he said, "For God hath received him."

We owe much to Paul to properly understand the fact and action
of our own conscience 'Toward God and toward man." Of all the
Bible writers, he uses this word more than any other inspired
writer.

Paul in our study text, intimates that a certain effort is imperative
to keep the conscience clear, so it may properly function before
God. The word exercise should be very suggestive to Christians
today. Modern machinery has so lifted the daily burden of the
toiler, he must find some other exercise to keep a healthy mind and
body. Its benefits are only to those who willingly and enthusiasti-
cally exercise daily.

The conscience is first "toward God", and only by His grace and
power can it withstand the attacks of "seducing spirits and
doctrines of demons." For here indeed the small foxes spoil the
vine, with its tender grapes." Song of Solomon 2:15.

First in permissiveness and complacency; then with a rush of
willful sin "to sear the conscience as with a hot iron." I Tim. 4:2.
The one with the seared conscience soon becomes Satan's tool for
evil.

Christ's true disciple will take the conscience along for
inspection in each secret prayer session with God. Ps. 51:6,
"Behold thou desireth truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden
part (conscience) thou shalt make me to know wisdom." Here
indeed the Holy Spirit brings light, as Christ says, John 16:15 "He
shall take of mine and show it unto you." His heavenly light
illuminates the written words of God to our understanding. (More,

10 BIBLE MONITOR

we can trust Him to give us proper words to speak in every future
emergency.)

This heart searching light has power for beyond the doctor's
x-ray for it, by the Word of God goes deep into soul and spirit.
Heb. 4:12, "For the Word of God is quick and powerful, and
sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing
asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Both open and secret sins are revealed in this heart searching
truth. Both sins of commission and sins of omission appear. The
Word of God also gives the true remedy for this blighting evil seed
of error. For these evil thoughts and intents of the heart that soon
fasten upon the soul as secret habits, secretly enjoyed.

The way to subdue the old nature within, is to first "confess our
sins." We are not to say "we have no sin" and so "deceive
ourselves." The blood of Jesus will cover all confessed sin. The
old sin nature is to be always resisted to eradicate sin habits and
secret enjoyments of them.

Deep rooted sin habits are difficult faults that damage both
conscience and outward testimony for Christ. They stunt all
spiritual growth and tend at times of compromsing with Satan in
careless words and uncertain examples for children and youthful
Christians. As this affects the fellowship of saints, we are directed
in James 5:16 to confess them to a trusted fellow believer. United
prayer for this much desired healing of the conscience has great
promise of reward. "The effectual, fervant prayer of a righteous
man availeth much." Eccl. 4:9-12. "And a three-fold cord is not
quickly broken."

The babe in Christ is leaving that "babe" stage of new life when
self-judgment is learned and the conscience is being disciplined in
this holy spiritual exercise.

I Cor. 11:31-32 "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not
be judged... But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord,
that we should not be condemned with the world."

With other voices shut out, the disciple learns to listen for that
"still small voice of the Holy Spirit". Jesus said, "He shall take of
mine and shall show it unto you." He it is who brings the spirit light
and life of God's Truth from the sacred Word to the understanding
of the heart and mind intellect.

James 1:21, "Wherefore, lay aside all filthiness and all super-
fluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted
word which is able to save your souls."

James D. Cover

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JESUS DISEASE

There is an epidemic disease that is not talked about very
often. This disease can be very contagious but many times it is not
passed from person to person. This disease does not make you
sick with the fever, or put you in the hospital. It is just contrary to
that, everybody rejoices when they get this disease. They do not
know how they survived all these years without this disease. What
is this disease I'm writing of? It is the Lord Jesus Christ!

As Christians we have Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour. We
should not keep Him all to ourselves. Jesus says in Matt. 5:14 "Ye
are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill can not be hid."
If we do not share this experience with others we will not be able to
light the world. We would be just like the man who attended a
Christian Seminar every year, but when he went home he told no
one. He kept everything to himself. He was a Stale Christian. We
should spread His love disease like a grain of mustard seed. "It is
like a grain of mustard seed, which when it is sown in the earth, is
less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it
groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out
great branches so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the
shadow of it." Mark 4:31-32.

Where should we spread this disease? Jesus tells in Mark 16:15
"... Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every
creature." He also tells us to: "Go ye therefore, and teach all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son
and of the Holy Ghost." Matt. 28:19. He says that we should go to
all the nations of this world. That also means our next door
neighbor, our boss, our family, and so forth. They are living in a
nation of this world. So we must not forget them. We do not need
to spread this disease by preaching from the Word everytime we
meet a sinner. We can witness to sinners by the way we live, how
we handle situations, and how we share our love. A little girfonce
said to her mother, "Do you love Jesus?" "Why yes, my child, but
why do you ask?" "Well, Mama, you speak of Papa, of Auntie Mae,
and Uncle Joe, but I never hear you talk about Jesus. I thought if
you loved Him, I'd sometimes hear you say so." From that day on
that Mother was determined to let it be known that she truly did
love Jesus.

How do you show that you love Jesus? Do you care for the poor
and sick? Do you share a sunny day with the shut-in? Do you pray
for those sinners you are witnessing to? Are you constantly
degrading colleagues or do you pray for them and openly love
them? By just letting your light shine and smiling to others, you

12 BIBLE MONITOR

will be sharing and spreading this Jesus disease.

When you go to share this Jesus disease with friends, don't sit
down and prepare a long speech. Jesus tells us; "... take no
thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that
same hour what ye shall speak." "For I will give you a mouth and
wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor
resist." Luke 21 :15. "Which things also we speak, not in the words
which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth;
comparing spiritual things with spiritual." I Cor. 2:13. Since you
have spoken His words you have done the Lord's work. You have
tried to spread this disease.

Speak out for Christ! Stand up for Christ. When Christ's name is
taken in vain, show your love for Christ. To remain silent when
someone uses God's name in vain is: "And if a soul sin, and hearthe
voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known
of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity." Lev. 5:1.
A Godly farmer was attending a meeting of an agricultural society.
Some of the men were freely using the words, "devil", and "hell."
He felt uneasy, but said nothing. Then someone said, "Jesus
Christ!" Immediately the farmer spoke up. "Sir, you may speak
lightly of YOUR master, but when you take MY Master's name in
vain, I object. Talk about your master, the devil, if you want to, but
please leave my Lord out of it."

Has anyone caught the Jesus disease from you? If not, let your
love for Jesus be contagious and let your love shine out to those
who are lost in the depths and darkness of sin.

I want to close with an anonymous poem:

How glad you'll be when life is done,
And when you take that final breath,

To know some word of yours had helped
To save a soul from death!

In Christian love,
Sister Mabel L. Sweitzer
Box 931 Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown, PA 17022

SIXTY YEARS AGO

January 1, 1924

SIN OF ACHAN VERSUS MODERN SIN

H. E. Miller

If we will look back a little over 1400 years ago just as the
children of Israel were passing into the promised land from the

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wandering in the wilderness, in Joshua 7, we will find there
recorded the sin of Achan, and while we find the special sin there
described as that of coveting by his own statement, yet we see that
also it was the sin of disobedience, and pride. Achan disobeyed
the command of the Lord as recorded by Joshua that nothing
should be taken or spared of the accursed city of Jerico, and that
all things therein were accursed, save Rahab and her house, but
when Achan saw the wedge of gold fifty shekels weight, two
hundred shekels of silver and the Babylonish garment, probably
the most beautiful garment he had ever seen, he at once coveted
them.

Just so today, the modern sin, the people are coveting the things
of this world, wearing of gold rings, beads, fancy pins and so forth,
worldly amusements, shows, and the dance. We notice here that
Joshua got busy at once praying to God about their trouble, but,
Brethren, notice will you, God comes on the scene and tells
Joshua that it is no time for prayer (Joshua 7:10 and 11). Why are
you on your face praying? Get up, get busy, get sin out of the
camp. Notice, now, what the Lord said about the sin of Achan.
Israel hath sinned, and have also transgressed my covenant which
I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed
thing, and have stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it
even among their own stuff, noting that the word dissemble means
hiding away or covering up, then we see how the people of today
try to hide away their guilt from the church.

We do not wish to discourage prayer, but we are just wondering
if the time isn't here when we had better take off time from prayer
to hunt up some of the sin in the camp and cast it out. Christ said
through His Word for the church to keep unspotted from the world,
not to be proud, disobedient, boastful; and to keep his command-
ments; and we hear said today, so often, that keeping the
commandments will not save anyone; but these same teachers and
preachers fail to impress on the people that neither can one be
saved that does not keep them; thereby instilling in them a false
doctrine, and instead of teaching against the follies of the modern
religion, leaders are teaching them to caver up with unbelief.
The penalty that Achan paid was, he, his sons, his daughters, and
all he had were burned with fire.

I am made to wonder in this day, by the older ones disregarding
the commandments, and following the fashions of the world if they
can expect anything else than that the children will follow in their
footsteps, and just as sure as God is true they must meet the
penalty. Many leaders and people of today that talk so much about
the love of God do not know what it is. They think that it will be so

14 BIBLE MONITOR

great that people can go along in sin and yet escape the punish-
ment of God; when he plainly teaches that those who have his love
will have to war continually against sin and when they find it in the
church will put it out at any cost. All recognize John the apostle
as one with the love of God. Please read I John 2:3 to 6, and see
what he said it consisted of and follow all through his writings and
on into the Revelation and see what the Love of God is.

THE RIGHT WAY

Beware of those who teach religion,
And really don't care what you do.
If it's not in line with God's Word
There'll be no salvation for you.

Search the Words of the Testament,
(We live under grace, not the law).
And if you wish a Home in Heaven
There's a line that you must draw.

It takes the Word to abolish the world,
No walking with the world - and God.
And if you don't bear a cross below,
Those streets of gold you won't trod.

Man can't obtain his own salvation,
And if deliverance he would have —
He must surrender his will unto Jesus,
For his words are a healing salve.

They will bind up the broken-hearted,
And show them the strait path home;
They will stop him from wandering,
He will no more want to roam.

With quietness of words and works,
Christ came and taught the way —
To all those who would follow Him —
Patiently, as He went, day by day.

Only Christ alone can save your soul,
But you'll have to be born anew,
And have all your sins washed away,
Then His holy will you pursue.

Jesus was baptized, set the example,
Partook of the supper, and washed feet.
Five times we read of the holy kiss
To give Brethren whenever we meet.

BIBLE MONITOR 15

You may say, "Oh, that's not for us,
It was for them — way back when."
If that be right, — then those mansions
Jesus went to prepare, were for "then."

You must not "wrest the scriptures,"
Or depend on the wisdom of men;
Prove all things you hear, by His Word,
Then try to live by God's plan.

His atoning blood will cover all sins;
We must choose the RIGHT HIGHWAY.
Other roads will lead to destruction;
Obey His Word — and get God's pay.

There'll be eternal life with Jesus
In that City with Mansions divine,
We will eat of the Marriage Supper —
In linen robes, so white and fine.

- Sister Irene Stout

NEWS ITEMS

APPRECIATION

I wish to express my appreciation and thanks to all who
remembered me on my birthday and sent beautiful cards, letters
and notes. It was very kind of you. May the Lord bless each one.

Sister Grace Surbey

THANKS

We had the blessing of a safe trip to our home here in Florida,
planning to stay for the winter. Our special thanks to the Brethren
and Sisters who desired to see us with a visit when we were in
Pennsylvania. The blessed promise is to the faithful few.

Brother Joseph and Sister Margaret Marks

• •#••»•

The right angle from which to approach any problem is the
TRY-angle.

There is only one place where success comes before work — the
dictionary.

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DIRECTORY OF BOARDS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dale E. Jamison, Chairman

Quinter, Kansas 67752
Ray R. Reed, Secretary

Box 12, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063
Warren C. Smith, Treasurer

26270 Highway 50

McClave, Colorado 81057

GENERAL MISSION BOARD

Joseph E. Flora, Chairman

R. 3 Box 12, Adel, Iowa 50003
Hayes Reed, Secretary

1433 Overholtzer Dr.

Modesto, CA 95355
William Carpenter, Treasurer

8012 Cavender Street

Morenci, Michigan 49256
Harley Rush

R. 1, Converse, Indiana 46919

Galen Litfin

1314 East 7th St.

Newberg, Oregon 97132
Dale Jamison

Quinter, Kansas 67752
Jacob C. Ness

136 Homeland Rd.

York, PA 17403
Frank Shaffer

13062 Grant Shook Rd.

Greencastle, PA 17225

BOARD OF PUBLICATION

Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

Jacob C. Ness, Secretary

136 Homeland Rd.

York, PA 17403
H. Edward Johnson, Treasurer

5-1307-S.H. 108

Wauseon, Ohio 43567
Allen B. Eberly

R. 3

Ephrata, PA 17522
Warren C. Smith

26270 Highway 50

McClave, Colorado 81057

BIBLE STUDY BOARD

William Carpenter, Chairman
8012 Cavender Street
Morenci, Michigan 49256

Eugene Kauffman, Secretary

R. 6, Box 51

Harrisburg, Virginia 22801
Warren C. Smith, Treasurer

26270 Highway 50

McClave, Colorado 81057
Rudolph Cover

2034 Roble Ave.

Modesto, CA 95351
Dennis St. John

Rt. 1

Bryan, Ohio 43506

RELIEF BOARD

Boyd Wyatt, Chairman

4925 Tegner Rd,

Hughson, CA 95326

(209) 883-4138
Newton Jamison, Secretary

512 Garfield

Quinter, Kansas 67752

(913) 754-3433
Kyle Reed, Treasurer

R. 1, Box 4

Minburn, Iowa 50167

(515) 677-2467
Virgil Leatherman

419 N. Queen St.

Littlestown, PA 17340

(717) 359-5753
Robert Carpenter

R. 5, Box 97

Peru, Indiana 46970

(317) 395-7879

TORREON NAVAJO MISSION

David Skiles, Superintendent

R. 2 Box 8

Cuba, New Mexico 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman

1433 Overholtzer Dr.

Modesto, CA 95355
Kyle Reed, Secretary

R. 1 Box 4

Minburn, Iowa 50167
Newton Jamison, Treasurer

Quinter, Kansas 67752
Harley Flory

R. 4, Defiance, Ohio 43512

All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury,
but sent to the Secretary for his records.

Lester Fisher

4664 N. State Rte. 43

Covington, OH 45318

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL. LXII

JANUARY 15, 1984

NO. 2

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and
Scriptural in practice.

OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all
the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

TWO BECOME ONE

Love is a two-way highway,
Marriage is a two-way street

Where harmony should overflow
Where street and highway meet.

Man and woman become one

When wedding vows are said;
May their lives be in accord

From the day they are wed.
Differences will surely come, —

Two minds aren't the same;
Talking over your two opinions

Perhaps one opinion you'll claim.

Trials come across your path
So keep Christ in your heart,

You'll grow mature in His love
And never want to part.

Sister Irene Stout

BIBLE MONITOR

GETTING EVEN

The international scene is troubled today with many nations
trying to get even with each other. The idea behind the foreign
policy of most nations is to be able to recompense evil for evil.
Many of the activities of nations today are governed by the desire
to get even with another nation for some incident that occurred
many years ago. Militant Armenians seek to kill Turks because of a
Turkish massacre of some Armenians seventy years ago. No
matter that even if they succeed in killing an equal number of
Turks, they can never bring back their murdered countrymen.

This same desire to seek revenge is also seen in family feuds.
Feuds like that between the Hatfields and the McCoys illustrate
how this can last for several generations. Many innocent lives
were lost or shattered by the blind desire for getting even.
Somehow the human mind thinks of one death being balanced by
another death. But too often it does not end with one for one but
soon another is killed and the process continues.

Unfortunately these feuds are not limited to the world, they are
also found within the Church. Lives there may not be ended with
guns and knives and worldly weapons, but Spiritual lives are
ruined by the weapons of the desire to get even. A lack of
Christian love, pride and fear become the weapons that can soon
embroil not only individuals, but also families and congregations
in wars that are Spiritually as deadly as any that nations fight. It
takes only a supposed slur, an ill-chosen word or some other
minor incident to stir up a desire to get even. Then as the real or
supposed wrong is broadcast among friends and relatives, more
people are involved until a whole congregation has chosen sides
and peace and unity have been destroyed. A prosperous, growing
congreg ation can easily be hindered if not totally destroyed when

THE BIBLE MONITOR JANUARY 15, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard

Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Litnographing Co., Rt. 4,

Wauseon, Ohio 43567.

Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio

43567.

Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance.

Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.

MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th St., Beaumont, CA 92223
JAMES MEYERS, Assistant Editor; R. 1, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063
JACOB C. NESS, Associate Editor; 136 Homeland Road, York, PA

17403
RUDY COVER, Associate Editor; 2034 Roble Ave., Modesto, CA 95351

BIBLE MONITOR

this spirit gets among the members. There is surely enough faults
and sins within each member to give occasion to another who
would seek to get even. By the same token, there are enough
faults and sins within each one that each should be more con-
cerned about his own failings. These disastrous feuds within the
Church are provoked and encouraged by Satan who desires to see
the Lord's work hindered by whatever means. Although Satan
promotes the trouble, it is continued by the members who fail to
live up to their vows to live by the law of pardon.

Not only does getting even find an undeserved place in the
family of God but all too often in the natural family. The element of
revenge can too often be seen in troubles between husbands and
wives. Although they are to be joined as one body, flesh of one
flesh and bone of one bone, they may develop stress and division.
Words may be spoken unwisely or heard incompletely. Things
may be done that shouldn't have been done. Whatever the
beginning of the trouble it is blown into something far bigger by a
spirit of revenge. That revenge may take many forms. It may be
harsh words, physical abuse, pouting or indifference. Whatever
form it takes, it is often met with revenge of the same or a different
type. But no matter what type, it is revenge and it calls for more
revenge in return. What may have been very minor in the begin-
ning soon becomes a major disturbance. When enough of these
incidents collect, the marriage itself may be broken up. If marriage
partners could remember to not let the sun set on their anger, most
troubles would be short lived. Also if they could remember the soft
answer that turns away wrath instead of the harsh, the accusing,
the angry, the pouting answer, they would soon solve many minor
problems before they become serious.

The human heart and mind is very impatient. There is a desire
for immediate action to right wrongs. Even Christians forget that
God will resolve the wrongs of this world in His own time. His
justice will be perfect so there is no need for getting even in this
world.

Whether it is ill-will between nations or tribes, or families or
Church members or husbands and wives, it could soon be solved if
the Golden Rule were better remembered. The world's nations and
families will continue to live by the law of "eye for an eye, tooth for
a tooth" philsosphy because they are unregenerate. If Christians,
whether as members of their congregation or as husbands and
wives, would practice this God given rule, much unwholesome
strife would be prevented before it ever erupted. If we would truly
seek the other's good instead of our own desire we would not
seek revenge.

Getting even is expected among children but as maturing
Christians we should no longer be children. Whatever activities we
engage in, we should not be getting even.

BIBLE MONITOR

RUINED BY SELFISHNESS

So many otherwise good relationships are ruined because of
selfishness. It seems that this is the basic cause of many
problems, whether it be between God and man, or person-to-
person. A good relationship simply cannot be built on selfishness,
but that is exactly what some people try to do.

Entering into a relationship with another for self-gratification,
thinking the other person is there for your benefit is very selfish
indeed. Expecting others to always give in to you is both
unreasonable and selfish. Some people consider a friend as a
person who can be used when needed and ignored the rest of the
time. However, true friendship must be based on a mutual concern
for each other.

In our relationship to God, He being sovereign is to be first. Yet,
we want to have our own way, not God's way. We want to please
ourselves rather than to please God. We want God to give to us, to
make our lives richer, full and comfortable, but we don't want to
give ourselves totally to Him. Thus by our own selfishness, we ruin
what could be a blessed relationship.

In our relationship, person-to-person, the same selfish desires
come to the surface. A husband expects his wife to cater to his
every whim, no matter how unreasonable, but never considers her
needs. A man makes improper demands on a woman, ignoring the
responsibility he has before God. A wife nags and criticizes her
husband because he fails to please her in every detail.

As you can see in these examples, there is a problem in the
relationships. The husband isn't basically bossy, but he's selfish.
The man with immoral desires is selfish, thinking only of himself.
The nagging, critical wife is selfish, too, as she wants everything
her own way. They are much like a child who refuses to share his
toys, wanting everything for himself.

Where do you fit in this picture? If your relationship with God
isn't right, none of your other relationships will be either. God is to
be Lord of your life and that means there's no room for selfish-
ness, or self-centered attitudes of any kind. When your will is
yielded to His will, selfishness will leave. You will then desire to
please God, and have genuine concern for others.

Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." In other
words, "If you love Me, do what pleases Me." He also said, "Thou
shalt love the Lord thy God with ail thy heart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy mind," and "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as
thyself." Matt. 22:37,39. Nowhere will you find a verse which says,
"Be selfish" or "Do as you please."

BIBLE MONITOR

Your total desire, total thought and total being are to be united
in loving God. This means you will seek to please Him above all
others. Next comes your neighbor. Loving your neighbor as
yourself is the opposite of being selfish and taking advantage of
him, whatever the situation is.

To get a good picture of what your relationship with others should
be like, read I Cor. 13. In a good relationship, you will have the
love described here. You will be kind, considerate, unselfish, of
proper behavior and so on. You will have the best interest of
others at heart, rather than putting your own interests first.

If you want a good relationship with God, give yourself totally to
Him. If you want a good relationship with family and friends, give
yourself unselfishly to them. Don't ruin your relationships by
selfishness, but determine in your heart to be what God wants you
to be. Then, and only then, can God bless you and make you a
blessing to others.

Sister Eileen Broadwater

ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

"THOMAS, THE OPPOSITE VIEW"

Thomas, the disciple of Christ, was the last member of the
second group of four men chosen. He has received a lot of "bad
press" over the years because we always think of him as the
"doubter." "Doubting Thomas"... how often have we heard this
expression? Yet, he was really better than we give him credit for.
He was not just a doubter... but we know that he had many positive
characteristics.

In John 11:14 we find the Lord is by the Jordan River and the
pressure was great. Then, Lazarus was reported sick. Jesus
tarried longer and the man died. Why the delay? Jesus wanted to
teach an important lesson to His followers. He was going to use
this occasion for one of His greatest miracles. In Matt. 9:15 we see
Thomas saying, "Let's go with Him. " Now Bethany was just two
miles east of Jerusalem and Jesus had to go through there. This
was about like signing his death warrant. Thomas was convinced
that Jesus would be killed. He could see only disaster... but he
wanted to go with Him anyway. Why was he so willing to die for
Him? Because Thomas had a great love for Him... like the Apostle
John. I believe Thomas was excited that he might get to be with
Jesus even after death. Disloyalty... never... death... yes!

We see Thomas again in John 14. In that scripture of "Let not
your heart be troubled..." Thomas said, we know where you are
going... just don't go anywhere that we can't come! This was a

BIBLE MONITOR

statement of a man with a broken heart. He wanted to be with
Jesus.

For the third and last look at Thomas, we go to John 20. Jesus
died. Thomas said... I knew it! He died and I didn't get to go with
Him! This really put him down to a low level. Later when the other
disciples had seen the Lord, Thomas said, except I see His nail
scarred hands and His pierced side, I won't believe it. Now
remember, the other disciples had to be shown also. So, we see
Thomas as not just a doubter, but a loving pessimist.

It is not always bad to be cautious and be sure of things. When
Jesus finally met up with Thomas, he asked him to thrust his hands
into his sides and feel his nail scarred hands that he might believe.
Thomas is spontaneous in his response to his demonstration...
"My Lord and my God," he exclaimed. This is one of the greatest
confessions ever made. It affirms that Jesus is God... to refute the
unbeliever or the cultist today. His diety was confirmed.

Cautiousness is a characteristic that should be a part of each of
our lives. Investigate God's Word thoroughly and rely on the
leading of the Spirit before moving in any decisions that need to be
made... no matter how small they are.

It is said that Thomas went as far as India preaching Jesus. He
died with a spear rammed through his side... reminiscent of what
he once wanted to feel in the side of Jesus. Now he had his own!

Brother Leonard Wertz

WISE AS SERPENTS

Matthew 10:16 I'Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of
wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves."

At first glance this verse seems to be instructing Christians to
act like serpents. To determine if this is true or not we have made a
study as to what the Bible has to say about serpents that we would
like to share.

We first meet the serpent in Genesis 3:1 where the King James
Version says, "Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of
the field which the Lord God had made..." The word "subtil" is the
old English spelling of the word "subtle," which has to do with
deception. This verse brings several thoughts to our mind. If
everything God created was "very good" according to Gen. 1:31,
how can the serpent be deceptive? There are also those who teach
that before the fall the animals had the power of speech. This is
taken from the latter part of Gen. 3:1. We feel this is mere
speculation. This probably is proposed to explain why Eve was not
frightened or surprised to hear a serpent talk. But the Bible does

BIBLE MONITOR

not say she was not frightened or surprised. So again we have
speculation. The first book of the Bible is, of course, Genesis. In
the last book of the Bible, Revelation, in chapter 12 verse 9 we
read, "And the great dragon was cast out, that old SERPENT,
called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he
was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."

It would seem like Satan used the form of a serpent, rather than
an actual serpent speaking. But we still have to ask, "Why?" We do
not want to enter into the popular arena of speculation but we offer
some thoughts for your consideration. It would seem as if all the
speculation centers around the idea of proving that God is not
unfair. Is God unfair if he makes a snake crawl on the ground as an
example of the fallen nature of man? We must remember that God
does not have to answer to any man, but all men must answer to
God! For this reason we leave many popular speculations in the
hands of God. What happens to an individual who has never heard
of the Lord Jesus Christ at death? We prefer to leave this question
in the hands of God, although we do hold a personal OPINION on
this subject. We ask one last question in this area, and this is a
question, not a dogmatic opinion. Is it possible that God
CREATED animals that are meat eaters? The popular opinion is
that animals did not use one another for food until after the fall.
But it would seem that the serpent was "subtil" before the fall.
Snakes often get their prey by lying very still until the last minute,
then striking. This would seem to fit into the category of being
deceptive. We realize this raises questions concerning the perfect
earth at the end of the age. But we do not feel that God would be
unfair in creating meat eating animals. This would be no more
unfair than God slaying the first animal to clothe Adam and Eve,
which instituted the use of animals as a blood sacrifice until the
perfect sacrifice was made.

This leads us into our next thought. In John 3:14 we read, "And
as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the
Son of man be lifted up:" This, of course, refers to Jesus Christ.
The account this verse is referring to is found in Numbers 21. The
people of Israel spoke against God and He sent fiery serpents
among them. When the people repented God instructed Moses to
make a fiery serpent and place it on a pole for the people to look
upon, and live. Why God chose this method is a mystery to us.
But it proves two things to us. Number one, that God is Lord of all
creation. Secondly, that God's ways are not our ways, and we have
no right to judge His actions. In II Kings 18:4 we find that this
brasen serpent became an idol and had to be destroyed. We feel
this is like the cross of Jesus Christ. It is not the cross that is to

8 BIBLE MONITOR

be worshipped, nor even the act of redemption that took place
there. But it is the shed blood that cleanses us from all sin that is to
be remembered, and the LIVING Christ that is to be worshipped.

There are those who claim to love God but refuse to obey His
written word. They confuse the commandments of God with those
of men. A similar group of individuals existed when Christ walked
the earth. They were known as Pharisees. To them Christ said, in
Matt. 23:33, "Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye
escape the damnation of Hell?"

In conclusion, we do not believe Christ is instructing us to be
LIKE serpents in the opening verse. Rather his instructions are the
same as he gave in Luke 16:8, "And the lord commended the
unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of
this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light."
We must have a healthy respect for the wisdom of this world. We
must not consider those who fall for the lie of evolution a bunch of
"dumbheads." Rather we should realize many of them are very
intelligent men. Our defense of Creation should be just as
scholarly. On the other hand, it is not intelligence, but child-like
faith, by which we learn the great truths of scripture.

Let us seek to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves," as
we go forth seeking to do the will of God. If you are serving that
old serpent, the Devil, your end will be eternal punishment.
Repent, be baptized, and serve Him, Jesus Christ, who overcame
the serpent and you will receive eternal life.

Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch Street
Palmyra, PA 17078

OVERCOMING TEMPTATION

Some people may ask, "Is it true that when a person becomes
a Christian all his struggles are over?" or, "Is a Christian promised
immunity from tests and trials?" The Word of God pictures the
Christian life as a warfare, a life long battle with temptation. Yet it
is a battle over which our Lord Jesus Christ has already won the
victory.

It is useless to try to find a place in this world where the
opportunities to sin are not present. Satan misses no one-. The
Bible tells us the world is full of sin and is doomed to destruction
because of it. Read I John 2:15-17. This is why Jesus prayed for
His disciples. "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the
world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil," John
17:15. Jesus realized that we couldn't escape with an evil world,
but He implied that by God's power we could be kept from yielding

BIBLE MONITOR

to temptation. So the Master still urges, "Watch and pray, that ye
enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh
is weak." Matt. 26:41.

Temptation is a universal experience, while we have adequate
provision from God through Christ to resist and to overcome, still
no one can escape being tempted.

The Word of God does not promise immunity from temptation
Mot even for the best Christians. The Bible says, "My brethren
count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations: knowing this'
that the trying of your faith worketh patience. Blessed is the man
that endureth temptation: for when he is tried he shall receive the
crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him,"
James 1:2-3; 12. Jesus lived a holy and perfect life while here on
earth, yet He was not beyond temptation. "Being forty days
tempted of the devil, and in those days he did eat nothing- And
when they were ended, he afterword hungered. And the devil said
unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this that it be made
bread. And Jesus answered him saying. It is written, That man
shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. And the
devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the
kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said
unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for
that is delivered unto me: and to whomsoever I will I give it If thou
therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered
and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written
Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou
serve. And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle
of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God cast
thyself down from hence. For it is written, He shall give his angels
charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear
thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone And
Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the
Lord thy God. And when the devil had ended all the temptation he
departed from him for a season." Luke 4:2-13.

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with
the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as
we are, yet without sin." Heb.4:15. These and other scriptures tell
us that Jesus was tested and tried, and because He was He under-
stands our needs in times of temptation, and is ready to help us if
we only ask Him.

Temptation itself is not sin. Jesus was without sin, yet He was
tempted throughout His life. If we can overcome our frustrations
and temptations, they can be stepping stones to spiritual growth.

The Apostle Peter says you can be full of joy even though you
have to suffer many trials for a little while. These trials will test our

10 BIBLE MONITOR

faith as gold is tested with fire. Our faith is more precious than
gold, for gold can be destroyed. If you stand firm before every trial
Jesus Christ will give you praise and honor and glory when He
comes.

We live on a battleground in the world. The contest between
good and evil, between Heaven and hell is constantly raging. Satan
controls the bad and attacks the good. He is a powerful enemy and
no one is excluded from his plan. Moses, Joseph, David, Job, Paul
and Peter were tested. Yet the victory is won, because God is our
strength. Paul says, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord,
and in the power of his might." Eph. 6:10. We are to put on the
whole armour of God, that we will be able to stand against the
wiles of the devil.

'There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to
man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted
above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way
to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." I Cor. 10:13. A life
yielded to Christ makes the divine power available. There is no
victory apart from Him. So let the Lord give you His power to
overcome the temptations and tests in your life.

Sister Myrtle Broadwater

RD 10, Box 459

York, Pennsylvania 17404

• ••• •••

A Bible that's falling apart often belongs to someone who isn't.

• •••••*

Faith is strengthened by the winds of opposition.

It is not the talented, but the consecrated who serve the
Lord best.

BIBLE MONITOR 11

SIXTY YEARS AGO

January 15, 1924

LINE UPON LINE

B. E. Kesler

There are persons who say that they get tired of going to church
and hearing the same ideas expressed so often. And no doubt
there are ministers who do not always use the best judgment in
their preaching. Still, there are probably not so many unprofitable
sermons preached as some people think. So much depends on the
attitude of the man in the pew. If he goes to the house of the Lord
with his mind full of the Lord's business, it will be a much poorer
sermon than the average if he does not get a blessing from it. But
if he goes with his mind full of his own worth, it will be a sermon
much above the average which can move him, shake off his
thoughts of self and get him into the spirit of worship.

Quite often the exhortations we get most tired of hearing are the
very ones we need to hear — and heed. There is not such a large
number of really vital truths. And these must be repeated time
after time; men must be urged to accept them and live them. So far
as possible, they must be compelled to accept the invitation to the
marriage supper. Even those who have accepted are not always
ready — they may lack the wedding garment. And how many are
there who have taken upon themselves the name of Christ, who
have put on all that should be put on with that name, and have put
off all that should be put off? Is anyone ready to say he is without
sin, that he no longer needs the line upon line and the precept
upon precept?

To grow to the full stature of manhood in Christ Jesus our Lord
is not a matter of a short time or a few efforts. To build a solid
character is the work of years. There is no one without a weak-
ness, and there are few, if any, weaknesses conquered for all time
with the first effort. To resolve is one thing, to put the resolution
into effect is another and much more difficult thing. Sometimes it
takes days and weeks and months and years of earnest, prayerful
effort before we conquer our weakness, our besetting sin. How
many times during the struggle must we repeat to ourselves the
line upon line and the precept upon precept.

All scripture is profitable. We do not get the profit from it by just
hurriedly reading it. We must think, meditate upon it day and
night. David said that when he was musing the fire burned. And if
we, when we go to church, would think more, try harder to get the
full meaning of the passage read for a lesson, there would be far

12 BIBLE MONITOR

less occasion to find fault with the minister.

But the minister is under even greater obligation to study than is
the laymember. Paul wrote Timothy that he should study so as to
show himself a workman who need not be ashamed, rightly
dividing the Word of Truth. Not all do this, and insofar as they fail
in this they fail to become the men they should. A more thought-
ful man in the pulpit will mean more thoughtful men and women in
the pews. The pulpit and the pew react upon each other. The
great thing for both is to have the mind and heart filled with the
things that belong to the time and place. Our business, our
pleasures, our ambitions have no place in God's house. It is to be a
house of prayer, and the one who goes to it in a prayerful spirit will
not be inclined to find much fault with the minister.

Yet we must take heed what we hear. We must have so learned
our line upon line that we can at once detect anything not in
harmony with God's Book. We are not to receive what is not in
harmony with the Book. Jesus said that the words which he spoke
would judge us in the last day. So we must take heed what we
hear. The words of Jesus are spirit and life: words different from
his, not in harmony with them, are without spirit and life.

Let us take heed that we do not form the habit of finding fault
with the other man just because he differs from us. Let us study
and learn whether he is in harmony with God and whether we are
in harmony with God. If two men are not in harmony with each
other one of them, and possibly both of them, must be out of
harmony with God. If we know His will and do His will, we must
also know what is not His will and we shall have no desire to do any
will but His. May he help us in our learning and in our doing.

OUR FAITHFUL FOREPARENTS,
A BLESSED EXAMPLE

The memory of our faithful foreparents can be a blessing to us if
we have received it. Many have followed the way of truth and
righteousness as taught and exemplified by Christ, our Saviour.
Among the rising generation, we often have seen where the good
example of parents is not acceptable to them. The trend has been
in many cases a falling away from the fundamental principles of
the saving Gospel of Christ, not only in wearing apparel but also in
many other ways.

We are living in a time when many professing Christians are an
example of self concern. Christ, when here on earth, did not forget
those who were ill and afflicted in this life. He had time for them
and was a blessing and consolation to them. Through His healing

BIBLE MONITOR 13

power we can be healed from the infirmities of sin. He has given us
a blessed example and told us what is required of us to be
numbered among the faithful. We are living in a time when the love
of many has waxed cold.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son
that we through Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Through Christ's willingness we have the plan of salvation and all
may come to the knowledge of the truth. Let us not lose sight of
the fact that Christ's coming was for all, but lose the desire and
example of self concern. I remember many years ago when many
professing Christians were much concerned about each other
especially those who were ill.

We are living in a time when professing Christendom needs to
turn to the saving Gospel of Christ and accept the way of truth and
righteousness. The Apostle Paul says if we have not charity, we
have nothing. Have we made Christ our pattern? Do we desire His
way in our lives and want to mold and make them after His will?
Often, parents who have done much for their children when they
become old in this life are refused help in time of need. When we
have been blessed with Christian parents we can never repay the
debt of gratitude we owe toward them. Obedience is better than
sacrifice. A faithful Christian life is a blessed example to those
living in darkness. Can we be a blessed example and have no time
for those who are sick and afflicted?

The modern inventions of the past few decades which have
made life easier and more comfortable for mankind are not
appreciated. Wickedness is increasing and the love of many have
waxed cold. We know our Heavenly Father was not pleased with
mankind in the days of Noah. We know he is not pleased with
those who do not obey the commands of the saving Gospel of
Christ, today. When the new life in Christ is accepted, we have a
concern for others. We need the way of truth and righteousness to
receive a blessing and be a blessed example to others.

"Strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life ever-
lasting and few there be that find it." Ours is a privilege and duty to
be among the faithful and be a blessed example to others.

Brother J. F. Marks
Rt. 9 Box 860
Plant City, Florida 33566

• ••••••

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.

14 BIBLE MONITOR

HIS WORD AS A BURNING FIRE

"Then I said, I will not make mention of Him, nor speak any more
in His name. But His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut
up in my bones, and I was weary with forebearing, and I could not
stay." Jer. 20:9.

There was a time in the prophet Jeremiah's life that he got tired
of the burden he had to bear as God's man. He tired of being made
fun of and of being persecuted. He decided he would no longer
speak of God: no longer remind the people to repent and seek the
face of God. But God was so deep in the heart of this man, so
ingrained, that he could not remain silent. The prophet Amos felt
this, and said, "The lion hath roared, who will not fear? The Lord
God hath spoken, who can but prophesy?" Amos 3:8.

Just as Elihu could not be silent at the injustice of Job's friends,
so should the saint of God be vocal in defending Him against the
Devil's forces. In Job 32:19-20 he said: "Behold, my belly is as
wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles. I will
speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer." The
answer of Peter and John to the Jewish Council when they were
told to stop preaching in Acts chapter four typifies the zeal of the
saint of God in the face of adversity. "Whether it be right in the
sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God judge ye.
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and
heard " And as Paul said in I Corinthians 9: "Necessity is laid upon
me- yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel!" Preaching the
gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is not just for the preachers; it is
for all Christians to know and as it says in I Peter, "Be ready always
to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the
hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

The Christian's duty should be present in mind and in heart to
spread and proclaim the precious gospel of Christ. Without this,
the world will never know.

In Christian love,
Brother L. H. Miller
RD #2, Box 572
Newmanstown, PA 17073

• •••#••

Men may be able to polish men, but only God can cleanse them.

BIBLE MONITOR 15

OBITUARY

PEARL TROUTWINE

Sister Pearl (Foreman) Troutwine, daughter of John and
Elizabeth Foreman was born December 7, 1894 near Union City
Ohio and departed this life December 15, 1983 at the Rest Haven
Nursing Home, Greenville, Ohio at the age of 89 years and 8 days.

On October 3, 1914 she was united in marriage to Virgil
Troutwine. She shared the ups and downs of life with her husband
for fifty-nine years before his passing in 1973.

To this union was born one daughter, Alice M. Hubler of
Gulfport, Mississippi and one son, Doyle E. of Greenville, Ohio. In
addition to the children she leaves to mourn her departure; five
grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great
grandchild; also one sister, Clara Niswonger, ot Shirly, Indiana and
a host of other relatives and friends. One grandchild, four sisters
and one brother preceded her in death.

She was baptized into the Church of the Brethren in her younger
years, then in 1926 she transfered her membership to the Dunkard
Brethren Church. To this faith she remained faithful until the Lord
called her home.

She spent the majority of her life in Darke County, Ohio. She
was loved and respected by all who knew her. The life she lived
was consistent with what she professed; a plain and humble life.

The funeral services were conducted by Brethren Dean St John
Paul Stump and William Heisey at the Miller Funeral Home',
Greenville, Ohio. Burial in the Teegarden Cemetery north of
Greenville.

NEWS ITEMS

GET WELL CARD SHOWER

The family of Sis. Hilda Strayer invites all to send her a get well
card. Her address is: Hilda Strayer, c/o Homer Mellott P O Box
81, Oakland, Maryland 21550.

THANK YOU

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

We would like to say thank you for remembering us at the
Throne of Grace, for cards, flowers, gifts or any other deed of
kindness shown to us since our automobile accident May the
Lord bless each one.

Your Brother and Sister in the Lord,
George and Lucille Throne

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR FEBRUARY, 1984
OF THE EARTH

Memory Verse: Ex. 19:5

Now therefore, if ye will obey my

voice indeed, and keep my

covenant, then ye shall be a

peculiar treasure unto me above

all people: for all the earth is

mine:
Wed. 1 - Ex. 19:1-25
Thur. 2 - Ex. 20:1-26
Fri. 3 - Ex. 33:1-23
Sat. 4 - Ex. 34:1-17

Memory Verse: Deut. 10:14
Behold, The heaven and the
heaven of heavens is the Lord's
thy God, the earth also, with all
that therein is.

Sun. 19 - Deut. 28:49-68

Mon. 20 - Deut. 30:1-20

- Deut. 32:1-26

- Deut. 32:27-52

- Deut. 33:1-29
Jos. 2:1-24

Tues. 21
Wed. 22
Thur. 23
Fri. 24 -

Sat. 25 - Jos. 3:1-17

Memory Verse: Num. 14:21
But as truly as I live, all the
earth shall be filled with the glory
of the Lord.

Sun. 5 - Ex. 34:18-35

Mon. 6 - Num. 14:1-24

Tues. 7 - Num. 14:24-45

Wed. 8 - Num. 16:1-22

Thur. 9 - Num. 16:23-50

Fri. 10 - Deut. 4:1-24

Sat. 11 - Deut. 4:25-49

Memory Verse: Deut. 7:6
For thou art an holy people unto
the Lord thy God: the Lord thy
God hath chosen thee to be a
special people unto himself,
above all people that are upon
the face of the earth.

Sun. 12 - Deut. 7:1-26

Mon. 13 - Deut. 10:1-22

Tues. 14 - Deut. 11:1-17

Wed. 15 - Deut. 11:18-32

Thur. 16 - Deut. 26:1-19

Fri. 17 - Deut. 28:1-23

Sat. 18 - Deut. 28:24-48

Memory Verse: Deut. 11:21
That your days may be multi-
plied, and the days of your
children, in the land which the
Lord sware unto your fathers to
give them, as the days of heaven
upon the earth.

Sun. 26 - Jos. 4:1-24

Mon. 27 - Jos. 23:1-16

Tues. 28 - I Sam. 2:1-21

Wed. 29 - I Sam. 2:22-36

Memory Verses: Deut. 32:13
He made him ride upon the high
places of the earth, that he might
eat the increase of the fields; and
he made him to suck honey out
of the rock, and oil out of the
flinty rock;

Jos. 3:11

Behold, the ark of the covenant
of the Lord of all the earth
passeth over before you into
Jordan.

Lester Fisher

4554 N. State Rte. 43

Covington, OH 45313

(USPS 054-780}

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL. LXII

FEBRUARY 1, 1984

NO. 3

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and
Scriptural in practice.

OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all
the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

YOUR LIGHT

Christian, do not hide your light,
Be known by words and deeds,

Stand up! Stand out! For Jesus,
You may fill some sinner's needs.

So let your light shine bright,
It will light the path for men,

Perhaps even a wanderer
Would come to the fold again.

Love is a bright glowing light
That can reach to every nation,

But if your light is not so bright -
Let it shine at your own station.

If you hide your light somewhere
And don't show someone the way,

They may stumble in the darkness
And miss that eternal day.

The true shining light is Jesus,
His light reflects from our heart;

Walk as children in that light -
And never from it depart.

- Sister Irene Stout

BIBLE MONITOR

PEACEMAKERS

On the Western frontier a century ago, there was little law and
order. When the desire for taming the wild elements became
strong, various lawmen were sent there to secure peace and
quiet. Many of these frontier lawmen carried and used a pistol
called 'The Peacemaker."

Today we live in a time of wars and rumors of wars. There is a
definite lack of peace. There have been many plans and schemes
devised to bring peace to this world. This is the original idea
behind the establishment of the United Nations. There have been
various plans for disarmament. Treaties have been written and
signed designed to foster peace, but they have been broken about
as fast as they have been written. One ironic way of seeking peace
has been an increase in military armaments. In fact one of the new
missies being developed is called "The Peacemaker."

The one thread that runs through all of these schemes is they
rely on the wisdom and understanding of men and leave God
completely out of it. Men see only symptoms of peacelessness.
They see the lack of peace among men as they fight and war
among themselves. They fail to see the cause of that peaceless
condition. They forget that as long as men do not have peace with
God, they can not have peace within themselves or peace with
others. As long as men ignore God they can have no hope of
establishing a lasting peace whether through military superiority
or through disarmament. Political and social solutions cannot
solve man's basic problem of alienation from God.

Men may think of guns and missies as peacemakers. They may
award prizes to men as peacemakers. But the greatest peace-
maker is Jesus Christ. For a man to have peace with God the

THE BIBLE MONITOR FEBRUARY 1, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard

Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Lithographing Co., Rt. 4,

Wauseon, Ohio 43567.

Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio

43567.

Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance.

Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.

MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th St., Beaumont, CA 92223
JAMES MEYERS, Assistant Editor; R. 1, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063
JACOB C. NESS, Associate Editor; 136 Homeland Road, York, PA

17403
RUDY COVER, Associate Editor; 2034 Roble Ave., Modesto, CA 95351

BIBLE MONITOR

question of man's sin must be settled. Men cannot have peace
with God as long as sin separates him from God. Separation is a
lack of peace. God did not originally nor does He now desire to
have this separation between Himself and men. Because of His
love He has made a way through His Son to re-establish His peace
with men. When Jesus, the perfect, became sin for mankind the
one way to peace with God was made. It remains only for men to
accept what has been done by Jesus for that peace to be
established. This is an individual choice even though it is avail-
able to all men.

Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be
called the children of God." As the Child of God, He fulfilled that
task of making peace. We are instructed to be more like Him. As
Christians we are to be imitators of Him. To be a Christian we
must first become a child of God by the adoptive process con-
tained in the plan of salvation. Then as imitators of Him we should
be sharing the Gospel of peace with those about us.

Our peacemaking activities are not limited to evangelistic or
missionary endeavors. We also must practice peace with our
fellowmen. Since God through His only begotten child has
practiced peace toward all of mankind, we as a child of His must
also practice peaceful living. Jesus' life was devoted to doing
good for others so must ours. We are told to live peaceably with all
men. There may come many frustrations and provocations but we
are to handle them as peacemakers not as those seeking revenge.

Revenge is to be left to God. He will right all wrongs in His own
chosen time. Peacemakers are to choose the way of peace which
is given us by God rather than the way designed and appreciated
by the understanding of men.

Peace is not forwarded by demonstration or involvement in the
political arena. These ways are the ways that appeal to the
wisdom of men but they are foreign to the wisdom of God. Peace
is not a matter of political decision nor is it a matter of public
opinion influenced by the numbers of marches or demonstrators.
Peace is an individual Spiritual decision.

True peace can never be achieved on this earth until all men
become willing to make their peace with God. This decision must
be made by each individual. Have you made peace with God so
you can have the blessing of beina a child of His?

• •••••«

Friendship with the evil is like the shadow in the morning,
decreasing every hour; but friendship with the good is like the
evening shadows, increasing till the sun of life sets. - Herder

BIBLE MONITOR

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BIBLE MONITOR

EDITORIAL
POLICY

That it be the policy of the Bible
Monitor to exclude controversial
material and material opposing,
questioning or reflecting on decisions
or positions of the Church as
determined by the General Con-
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That supervision over the matter to
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Why Triune Baptism
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Do You Want Salvation?
Bible Teachings
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by setting in the first line of each para-
graph about the space of three letters.

5. Do not crowd your words or
punctuation marks close together. Do
not use slang or abbreviated words
as - "thot" for thought, "2" for two, "&"
for and, etc.

6. Write or typewrite on one side of
the paper only. Double spacing of
lines is much preferred. Do not make
the lines the full width of the sheet,
leave at least one inch margin on each
side of the sheet.

7. Use direct quotations for the
Scripture references, please copy the
wording and the punctuation just as it
appears in the King James Version of
the Bible. Given thus: book, chapter
and verse, "Jesus wept." John 11:35.

8. Frequent mistakes we find:
beleive for believe; recieve for receive;
judgement for judgment; ore for or;
& for and.

BIBLE MONITOR

9. In submitting selected material,
give the name of the author and the
publication in which it appeared, if
known, and add "selected by" and
your name.

10. To be certain that an item is in
a certain issue, your Editor should
have this item at least 30 days prior to
the date of the issue.

11. The Publication Board has
decided that News Items should
contain material of general interest to
the Brotherhood. Therefore items of
only local interest should not be
included in News Items, such as Local
Sunday School officers, District
meeting delegates, minor local church
property improvements and items "In
Memoriam."

12. Read these and then write.

FIXED
COMMUNION DATES

Third Sat. Feb. - Winterhaven, Ca
Third Sat. March - Quinter, Kansas
First Sat. April - Dallas Center, Iowa
Fourth Sat. April - Pleasant Home, Ca.
Last Sat. April - Grandview, Missouri

Bethel, Pa.

Waynesboro, Pa.

Dayton, Virginia

West Fulton, Ohio

Lititz, Pa
Shrewsbury, Pa.

Last Sun. April

First Sun. May

Third Sat. May ■

Third Sat. May ■

Third Sun. May

Fourth Sun. May

Sat. before First Sun. Aug. - Broad-
water Chapel, Maryland

Sat. before Fourth Sun. Aug. - Shallow
Falls, Maryland

Labor Day Weekend - South Fulton, III.

First Sun. Oct. -
Second Sun. Oct
Third Sat. Oct. -
Third Sun. Oct. ■
Fourth Sat. Oct.
Last Sun. Oct. -
First Sat. Nov. -
First Sun. Nov. -
Second Sat. Nov.

Walnut Grove, Md.

. - Waynesboro, Pa.

Dayton, Virginia

- Lititz, Pa.

- Englewood, Ohio
Bethel, Pa.
Newberg, Oregon
Shrewsbury, Pa.

- Pleasant Home, Ca.

MINISTERIAL
LIST

BIRD, WALTER W. (E)
5851N-1350E-34
Converse, Indiana 46919
317-395-3655

BROADWATER, CARL (M)
R. 6

York, Pennsylvania 17404
717-792-1803

BYFIELD, PAUL (E)
R. 7 Box 29-B
Modesto, California 95351
209 523-8412

CARPENTER, ROBERT W. (Ej
R. 5 Box 97
Peru, Indiana 46970
317-395-7879

CARPENTER, WILLIAM (E)
8012 Cavender St.
Morenci, Michigan 49256
517-458-6535

CHUPP, ALVIN (M)
R. 2 Box 166

Dallas Center, Iowa 50063
515-992-3965

COOK, MILTON (M)
1138 E. 12th Street
Beaumont, California 92223
714 845-6231

COVER, RUDOLPH (E)
2034 Roble Ave.
Modesto, California 95354
209 521-5074

EBERLY, ALLEN B. (E)
R. 3

Ephrata, Pennsylvania 17522
717-354-9285

EBLING, DAVID (E)
R. 1 Box 300 A

Bernville, Pennsylvania 19506
215-488-7185

BIBLE MONITOR

FLORA, JOSEPH E. (E)
R. 3 Box 12
Adel, Iowa 50003
515-993-4382

FLORY, HARLEY (E)
R. 4

Defiance, Ohio 43512
419-497-3953

GUNDERMAN, TERRY (M)
22358 C.R. 118
Goshen, Indiana 46526

HARLACHER, GALEN (E)
404 Columbia Dr., N.W.
Newberg, Oregon 97132
503-538-2033

HARRIS, OTTO (E)
Box 131, Antioch Route
New Creek, W. Virginia 26743

HARTZ, PAUL A., Jr. (M)
157 North Lincoln St.
Palmyra, Pennsylvania 17078

HEISEY, JAN (M)
R. 1 Box 45
Nottingham, Pennsylvania 19362

HEISEY, WILLIAM (M)
9956 U.S. Rt. 36
Bradford, Ohio 45308

JAMISON, DALE E. (E)
Quinter, Kansas 67752

JAMISON, GORDON (M)
Quinter, Kansas 67752

JAMISON, HERMAN (M)
Quinter, Kansas 67752

JOHNSON, H. EDWARD (E)
5-1307-S.H. 108
Wauseon, Ohio 43567
419-335-9133

KAUFFMAN, EUGENE (E)

R. 6 Box 51

Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801

703-434-7824

KEGERREIS, DAVID (M)
R. 1
Bethel, Pennsylvania 19507

KEGERREIS, JAMES (E)
R. 1 Box 92

Richland, Pennsylvania 17087
717-933-4665

KEENEY, LAVERNE (E)
R. 1 Box 233A
Lititz, Pennsylvania 17543
717-738-1566

LEATHERMAN, CHARLES (E)
1-18158-H

Wauseon, Ohio 43567
419-337-6593

LEATHERMAN, VIRGIL (M)
419 N. Queen Street
Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340
717-359-5753

LITFIN, GALEN (E)
1314 E. 7th Street
Newberg, Oregon 97132
503-538-2668

MALLOW, ELDON (M)
13102 Grant Shook Road
Greencastle, Pennsylvania 17225

717-597-9615

MARKS, RONALD L. (M)
R. 3 Box 123
Red Lion, Pennsylvania 17356

717-244-1314

MYERS, HOWARD E. (E)
R. 3

York, Pennsylvania 17402
717-755-9812

MYERS, PAUL R. (E)
Box 117

Greentown, Ohio 44630
216-499-6080

NESS, JACOB C. (E)
136 Homeland Road
York, Pennsylvania 17403
717-741-1607

PEASE, WALTER C. (M)
R. 1 Box 173
Quinter, Kansas 67752

PEFFER, JOHN (M)
R. 10 Box 120
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013

717-243-8328

BIBLE MONITOR

PIFER, FRED (M)
R. 3 Box 184
Adel, Iowa 50003
515-993-3187

REED, D, PAUL (E)
R. 1 Box 220-B
Pilot, Virginia 24138

REED, HAYES (E)
1433 Overholtzer Drive
Modesto, California 95355
209-523-2753

REED, RAY R. (E)
Box 12

Dallas Center, Iowa 50063
515-992-3031

REED, W. S. (E)
R.2 Box 135

Dallas Center, Iowa 50063
515-992-3583

REPLOGLE, GEORGE E.
23453 C.R. 42
Goshen, Indiana 46526

(E)

RICE, JOSHUA (E)
10213 Bethel Road
Frederick, Maryland 21701
301-898-9741

RUSH, HARNEY (E)
R. 1

Converse, Indiana 46919
317-395-3751

SCHULTZ, CLYDE E. (E)
1428 Cooper
Turlock, California 95380

SHAFFER, FRANK D. (E)
13062 Grant Shook Road
Greencastle, Pennsylvania 17225
717-597-7282

SHAFFER, RUDY (M)
R. 1 Box 193

Manheim, Pennsylvania 17545
717-655-7061

SHELLY, EMMERT O., Jr. (M)
485 California Road
Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340
717-359-4975

SHUMAKE, L.A. (E)
R. 5 Box 223
Louisa, Virginia 23093
703-967-1993

SKILES, DAVID L. (E)
R. 2 Box 8

Cuba, New Mexico 87013
505-731-2293

SKILES, ORA (E)
3623 Toomes Rd.
Modesto, California 95351
209-545-0551

SMITH, BERTON E. (M)
R. 2
Topeka, Indiana 46571

SMITH, WARREN C. (E)
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057
303 829-4521

SNYDER, JACK L. (M)
R.D. 1

Stevens, Pennsylvania 17578
215 267-3174

ST. JOHN, DEAN (E)
R. 1 Box 146
Montpelier, Ohio 43543

ST. JOHN, DENNIS (M)
R. 1

Bryan, Ohio 43506
419-428-2305

STUMP, PAUL (M)

10340 N. Diamond Mill Road
Union, Ohio 45322
513-836-6559

SWEITZER, MERLE (M)
R. 3 Box 94-1A
Red Lion, Pennsylvania 17356

BIBLE MONITOR

SWIHART, ROY J. (E)
17421 C.R. 14
Goshen, Indiana 46526
219-825-2277

UPLINGER, WILBUR L. (M)
R. 1 Box 11
Mt. Crawford, Virginia 22841

WALKER, HENRY (M)
12413 Delaware Road
Hickman, California 95323

WERTZ, EMERY (E)
33720 Road 26
McClave, Colorado 81057
303-829-4511

WERTZ, LEONARD D. (M)
Box 178
Quinter, Kansas 67752

DUNKARD BRETHREN
DEACONS

Armstrong, Ellis
Beam, Willard
Beeman, Oscar
Bittinger, Lester
Blocher, Stephen
Brooks, Marion
Burkholder, Norman
Burtner, Clair
Carpenter, John
Castle, Keith
Cease, John
Diehl, Forest
Eberly, James
Eberly, Marvin
Flory, Claude I.
Flory, Marvin
Gehr, Clarence
Gibbel, Jacob
Gibbel, Levi
Gilpin, Joseph
Gunderman, Mike
Gunderman, Reinhold
Heisey, Paul
Jamison, Marian
Jamison. Newton

Jamison, Tom
Johnson, Frederick
Kasza, Eugene
Kegerreis, Harold
Kline, Floyd
Kreiner, Lowell
Leatherman, Thomas
Litfin, Doyle
Longnecker, George H.
Longnecker, George T.
Lorenz, Carl
Lorenz, Marvin
Lorenz, Pete
Marks, Charles
Marks, Paul
Meyers, James
Meyers, Martin
Meyers, Roy
Miller, Levi H.
Musselman, Harold
Myers, Nelson E.
Myers, Paul B.
Newman, Dale
Pike, Lowell
Pike, Wayne
Pletcher, Albert
Reed, Carl E.
Reed, Harold, W.
Reed, Kyle
Reed, Leonard
Reed, Oty
Reed, Ross
Rice, S. P.
Roedel, Daniel
Royer, Nathan
Ruff, Harvey
Rupp, Denver
Ruschaupt, John
Sines, Virgil
Sowers, Charles
Stauffer, Edwin
Stump, Delma
St. John, Clifford
St. John, Thomas
Stuber, Ray
Swihart, Roger
Switzer, Charles
Throne, George
Throne, Harvey
Welch, Chester
Wertz, Ivon
Wertz, Richard J.
Wisler, John
Wolfe, Verling
Wyatt, Boyd

10

BIBLE MONITOR

AUDITING
COMMITTEE

Paul E. Heisey
R. 2, Box 55
West Unity, Ohio 43570
419-924-5192

Rudy A. Shaffer
R. 1, Box 193

Manheim, Pennsylvania 17545
717-665-7061

GOSSIP, BOTH

VERBAL AND

BY MAIL

A. Elders, other officials and all
others are admonished that being
busybodies in other men's matters, is
contrary to the Scripture and it should
not be indulged in, as it causes com-
plaint and interference with the
spiritual life and work of those con-
cerned. This applies especially where
there may be trouble in the church,
both to local members and those else-
where, talking and writing about such
matters.

B. When advice is sought of an
official in any church matter he (the
official) should be exceedingly careful
in giving advice, so as not to interfer in
any way with proper care of diffi-
culties, by officials whose business
they are. Elders and all others should,
in seeking advice, begin at home when
at all possible and be careful to pro-
ceed regularly and in brotherly love.

C. In correspondence, care should
be exercised not to make statements
that may be construed as derogatory
to any member. If such things are
done, full responsibility must be
understood as being assumed by the
writer.

D. Caucusing, that is, the taking
over and planning by groups, what to
do or how to move in any particular
matter is unprofitable, causative of
distress and trouble and should not be
indulged in by officials or anyone else.

E. Talking or circulating of what
was done in council, eitherto members
who were not present orto outsiders, is
irregular and unchristian and should
not be indulged in.

CIVILIAN
SERVICE BOARD

Ray R. Reed, Chairman
Box 12

Dallas Center, Iowa 50063
515-992-3031

Jacob C. Ness, Exec. Sec.
136 Homeland Road
York, Pennsylvania 17403
717-741-1607

Charles Leatherman
1-18158-H

Wauseon, Ohio 43567
419-337-6593

Hayes Reed
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, California 95355
209-523-2753

Allen B. Eberly
R. 3

Ephrata, Pennsylvania 17522
717-354-9285

RELIEF BOARD

Boyd Wyatt, Chairman

4925 Tegner Road

Hughson, California 95326

209-883-4138
Newton Jamison, Secretary

512 Garfield

Quinter, Kansas 67752

913-754-3433
Kyle Reed, Treasurer

R. 1, Box 4

Minburn, Iowa 50167

515-677-2467
Virgil Leatherman

419 North Queen St.

Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340

717-359-5753
Robert Carpenter

R. 5, Box 97

Peru, Indiana 46970

317-395-7879

BIBLE MONITOR

11

SCHOOL
ADVISORY BOARD

James Kegerreis

R. 1 Box 92

Richland, Pennsylvania 17087
William Carpenter

8012 Cavender Street

Morenci, Michigan 49256

Joseph E. Flora
R. 3
Adel, Iowa 50003

Galen Litfin
1314 E. 7th Street
Newberg, Oregon 97132

David L. Skiles
R. 2 Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013

LOCATION OF
CHURCH HOUSES

BETHEL, PENNSYLVANIA

Frystown House, located in
Frystown, in northwestern Berks Co.,
one mile south of Route 78 and one
mile west of Route 501.

Milbach House, located halfway be-
tween Kleinfeltersville and Newmans-
town, in Lebanon Co. or halfway
between Schafferstown and Womeis-
dorf, Pennsylvania.

BROADWATER CHAPEL, MD.

From Cumberland, Maryland, travel
west on National Freeway #48, 20
miles to Lower New Germany Road
Exit. Turn left or south under freeway
three-tenths mile, turn right on Lowef
New Germany Road 3.8 miles, left on
Westernport Road 3.8 miles, right on
Savage Road 3.9 miles to church on
left.

From Morgantown, W. Va. area,
travel east on National Freeway #48 to
Lower New Germany Road Exit. Turn
right three-tenths mile, turn right on
Lower New Germany Road and follow
above directions.

Traveling east or west on U.S. Route
#50 take U.S. Rt. #220 north, take
Maryland Rt. #135 at McCoole (just
north of Keyser, W. Va.) seven miles to
Bloomington, Maryland. Turn right on
Savage River Road, 12 1 / 2 miles to
church on right.

CLEARVILLE, PA.

Wards Church, located 14 miles
southwest of Everett, Pa., all improved
roads. From Everett take Rt. 26 to
Clearville, Pa. At Clearville straight
ahead South, leaving Rt. 26, which
turns right, one and one-half miles,
then turn right at fork. Ward's Church
is five miles on the left.

DALLAS CENTER, IOWA

Dallas Center is located on Rt. 44,
twenty-four miles northwest of Des
Moines. Turn north off Rt. 44 on to
County Rd. R16 at west edge of city.
The church is % mile north on the
west side of the road.

DAYTON, VIRGINIA

Turn west from Interstate 81 at

Harrisonburg Exit #63. Go to second

stop light, Rt. 42, turn left to Dayton, (3

miles) right on Rt. 257, two blocks.

ENGLEWOOD, OHIO
Twelve miles north of Dayton, Rt.
440 and Rt. 48 cross at the center of
Englewood. Church house is located
on the right of Rt. 48, one block north
of this junction.

GOSHEN, INDIANA
Located on Green Road, one block
north of County No. 130. Take U.S. 33
or Indiana #15 to Goshen, turn west at
Police booth. Four blocks beyond
bridge, turn right on North Indiana
Ave., one block turn left on W. Clinton
St. One mile to Green Rd., right one
block and church is located on east
side of road.

GRANDVIEW, MISSOURI
The Grandview Church is located
south of Grandview. Take the west
access road of 71 Highway Vh miles
south to 139th St., turn west, go to the
second street and turn south one
block.

LITITZ, PENNSYLVANIA
Coming from the South on Route
501 , turn right at the fourth stoplight in
Lititz, when coming from the North
turn left at the first stoplight, which is
East Lincoln St. Go to first crossroad,
turn right, go to second crossroad,
turn right to brick church on the right.

MECHANICSBURG, PA.
CUMBERLAND CO.
Located between Routes 15 and 11.
The town is bisected by Rt. 114 into

12

BIBLE MONITOR

East and West, and by Rt. 641 into
North and South. The church is
located on West Keller St., or corner of
Keller and Washington St., four blocks
west of Market St. or Route 114.
Leaving the Pennsylvania Turnpike at
the Carlisle interchange, Rt. 11 will
lead east to Rt. 114. Leaving the
Turnpike at Gettysburg interchange,
Rt. 16 will lead west to Rt. 114.
McCLAVE, COLORADO

The Cloverleaf church is located
one mile north of U.S. Highway #50,
four miles west of McClave junction,
or two miles east of Hasty, Colo., on
U.S. #50 and then north one mile.
MOUNTAINDALE, MD.

Seven miles north of Frederick, in
the little town of Mountaindale, Md.,
from east go through town to west on
road from Lewistown to Yellow
Springs, two miles from Lewistown
and three miles from Yellow Springs.
If traveling U.S. 15, this road crosses
#15, half mile west of Lewistown and
six miles south of Thurmont.
PLEASANT HOME, CA.

The Pleasant Home Church is
located at 3960 Sharon Ave., Modesto,
California. The Church's telephone
number is 209-524-8634.

Directions: From the South on High-
way 99 take the Briggsmore Exit to the
right and stay on Briggsmore Avenue
to Claus Road (approximately six
miles), turn left on Claus, one fourth
mile to Sharon Avenue, left on Sharon
Avenue. Church is on the left. Coming
from the North on Highway 99 take the
Briggsmore Exit, turn left and stay on
Briggsmore and follow above
directions.

PLEASANT RIDGE, OHIO

Located in Williams County, four
miles west of West Unity, forty rods
north of Rt. 20 alternate. Two miles
east of junction of Ohio Route 15 and
U.S. Route 20 alternate.

PLEVNA, INDIANA

Route 18 passes east and west
through Converse. In Converse, turn
south at stoplight and go three miles.
Turn right on blacktop road and go
five miles west to Plevna. Or go west
of Converse on Rt. 18 for five miles,
turn left and go three miles south. The
Church is on west side of street near
the square of Plevna.

NEWBERG, OREGON

Highway 99W enters Newberg in
east-west direction. Those entering
from the east on First St., go to third
stoplight, turn right on North Main. Go
four blocks to the church at corner of
N. Main and Franklin Sts. Entering
from the west, turn left at first stop
light onto N. Main and go four blocks
to the corner of Main and Franklin Sts.
ORION, OHIO

Located in northeastern Ohio, on
Orion Road, one fourth mile west of
State Rt. 8 at a point six miles north of
Canton or one and one-half miles
north of North Canton and 17 miles
south of Akron.

QUINTER, KANSAS

Located at the corner of Eighth
Street and Main Street.

S. FULTON, ILLINOIS

Astoria, III., is located on Rt. 24,
coming from east or west, turn south
at the bank corner marked by the big
clock. Two miles south and on the
right at top of hill.

WAYNESBORO, PA.

Church is located in west side of
town, on corner of Ridge and Third
Streets. Turn south of Route 16 on
Fairview Ave., go two blocks and turn
left on Third Street, church house is
one block.

SHREWSBURY, PA.

Fourteen miles south of York on Rt.
111, at the north end of the town of
Shrewsbury.

SHALLOW FALLS, MD.

Traveling U.S. Rt. 50, turn north at
Red house, half way between Clarks-
burg and Winchester, follow Rt. 219 to
Oakland, there turn left on county
road 20. The church is on Rt. 20, about
nine miles north of Oakland. Traveling
U.S. Rt. 40, turn south onto Rt. 219, at
Keyser Ridge, follow Rt. 219 about
four miles past Deep Great Lake, turn
right on county road 20 at a store.
The church is one and one-half miles
Swallow Falls Park.

WALNUT GROVE, MD.

About midway between Frederick,
Md. and Hanover, Pa. One-fourth mile
east of Rt. 194, at an intersection three
miles north of Taneytown, Md.
W. FULTON, OHIO

Near Wauseon, Ohio, located on
U.S. Rt. 20 alternate, three and one-

BIBLE MONITOR

13

half miles west of junction of Ohio
Rt. 108 and U.S. Rt. 20 alternate.
WINTERHAVEN, CA.
Located in Cherry Valley. Go north

of Beaumont on Beaumont Ave., go
right on Brookside (marked with a
Highland Springs sign) to Jonathan,
left to Lincoln and right to the church.

MISSIONS

CLEARVILLE, PA. - In South Central
Pennsylvania, about half-way between
Everett on Rt. 30 and Piney Grove on
Rt. 40. About six miles south of
Clearville, Pa., along hard road a little
east of Rt. 26. Services second, fourth
and fifth Sundays, 10:00 a.m.

TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
Located southwest of Cuba, New
Mexico, 23 miles. Turn on State High-
way 197 in Cuba. Follow Rt. 197 for
19 miles when you will take a
paved road to the left. A mission sign

marks this junction. Proceed 3 miles
to the mission. Present personnel
includes David and Mildred Skiles;
Paul and Sarah Skiles; Mary Alice
Skiles; Scott Mayle and Renita Trujillo.
Visitors would be wise to notify the
Mission in advance. Address: R. 2
Box 8, Cuba, New Mexico 87013;
Telephone - 505-731-2293, unit 3134.'
Please contact for further information.

NOTICE CONCERNING
SUBSCRIPTIONS

Newlywed couples may receive a year's subscription free if a
request is forwarded to the editor with their name and full address.

To those who anticipate moving — please report a change of
address promptly to the editor to prevent the papers beinq
miscarried.

It will also be appreciated if those who send in subscriptions will
give the complete addresses and indicate whether they are new
or renewal subscriptions.

It will be of help to the editor if subscriptions are always sent
in the same name.
Is your subscription renewed?

— Editor

14 BIBLE MONITOR

SIXTY YEARS AGO

February 1, 1924

CHURCH DISCIPLINE

(I Cor. 5)

P. L. Fike

1. The church at Corinth was guilty of tolerating within her
communion one guilty of having his father's wife and the church
was glorying in having this man among them. Perhaps he was an
influential man among some people, or was rich and gave liberally
for church benevolences or possibly there was some relatives of
his whom they were afraid of losing if they dealt with him. Well
some say, "We would not tolerate such in the church now." Are
the churches entirely free today of having in fellowship those living
in adultry? But listen, such are classed with covetous, idolaters,
drunkards, extortioners and revilers, and Paul says deliver such
to satan.

There is an utter lack of discipline in our churches today. Men
and women may conduct their business in such a way that they
become a by-word among the people. Members may speak
reproachfully of the rulings of the church, and ministers may teach
that the Gospel teaches— according to the parable of the tares,
that we have no authority to disfellowship. One of our leaders, a
teacher in our schools said in the Peace Valley Church, "I even
question the position the brethren take in regard to Matt. 18."
And now we hear it said, "We cannot do anything, we can't get rid
of such."

2. Authority for church discipline is not questioned by loyal
members, but by those teachers who wrest the scriptures and
those who are "presumptuous; self-willed and despise govern-
ment," or corrective discipline. This authority is challenged by
some by perverting Matt. 13:30. But remember the Master says the
world is the field, not the church. By questioning this authority, we
question Paul's authority, (see I Cor. 14:37.)

3. The necessity for church discipline; first, is to save the
individual and destroy the flesh and save the spirit. Second, to
keep the church pure, (see v. 6) The Jews were to cast out the
leaven, and doing so, meant death. One rotten apple in a barrel
causes many more to decay.

Achan gives an illustration of leaving sin go unnoticed. The
death of the Paschal lamb put the obligation upon Israel to put
away the old leaven so they might be a new lump; so Christ's death
obligates us to put away sin and live a new life. (7-8 verses) It is
this disregard that has caused barrenness in the church today.

BIBLE MONITOR 15

4. The ground upon which church discipline is to be ad-
ministered, (v. 9-11, II Thess. 3:6)

1st. Licentiousness or loose in morals.

2nd. Covetousness.

3rd. Extortion.

4th. Idolatry. That which is nearest us, our activities tells
what is our idol. With some it is money, with some pleasure
(worldly) lust, beauty, dress, fame.

5th. Revilers. This applies to abusive speech about individuals
or the church, speaking that which is not true.

5. Difficulty of church discipline. Relationship, good payers into
treasury. But perhaps the greatest is, as we hear the cry at other
places, 'They do so and so over there, the elder does not care, and
so forth."

6. The effects of church discipline, in the case mentioned in
I Cor. 5. It meant repentance and restoration. (II Cor. 2.) If you
put a sheep out of a flock the sheep will bleat to get back, but turn a
pig out of a flock and it will try to root out the foundation of the
fence between.

While rigid discipline is taught by Paul, great care should be
taken that it is done in love for the salvation of the individual
and the purity of the church kept in view.

• ••••••

God will not suffer man to have a knowledge of things to come;
for if he prescience of his prosperity, he would be careless; and if
understanding of his adversity, he would be despairing and
senseless. - Augustine

• ••••••

Frugality may be termed the daughter of prudence, the sister of
temperance, and the parent of liberty. He that is extravagant will
quickly become poor, and poverty will enforce dependence and
invite corruption. - Johnson

• •••#••

Frugality is good if liberality be joined with it. The first is leaving
off superfluous expenses; the last is bestowing them for the benefit
of those who need. The first, without the last, begets covetous-
ness; the last without the first begets prodigality. - Penn

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DIRECTORY OF BOARDS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dale E. Jamison, Chairman

Quinter, Kansas 67752
Ray R. Reed, Secretary

Box 12, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063
Warren C. Smith, Treasurer

26270 mghmmy 50

McCiave, Colorado 81057

GENERAL MISSION BOARD

Joseph E. Flora, Chairman

R. 3 Box 12, Adel, Iowa 50003
Hayes Reed, Secretary

1433 Overholtzer Dr.

Modesto, CA 95355
William Carpenter, Treasurer

8012 Cavender Street

Morenci, Michigan 49256
Harley Rush

R. 1, Converse, Indiana 46919

Galen Litfin

1314 East 7th St.

Newberg, Oregon 97132
Dale Jamison

Quinter, Kansas 67752
Jacob C. Ness

136 Homeland Rd.

York, PA 17403
Frank Shaffer

13062 Grant Shook Rd.

Greencastte, PA 17225

BOARD OF PUBLICATION

Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

Jacob C. Ness, Secretary

136 Homeland Rd.

York, PA 17403
H. Edward Johnson, Treasurer

5-1307-S.H. 108

Wauseon, Ohio 43567
Allen B. Eberly

R. 3

Ephrata, PA 17522
Warren C. Smith

26270 Highway 50

McCiave, Colorado 81057

BIBLE STUDY BOARD

William Carpenter, Chairman
8012 Cavender Street
Morenci, Michigan 49256

Eugene Kauffman, Secretary

R. 6, Box 51

Harrisburg, Virginia 22801
Warren C, Smith, Treasurer

26270 Highway 50

McCiave, Colorado 81057
Rudolph Cover

2034 Robte Ave.

Modesto, CA 95351
Dennis St. John

Rt. 1

Bryan, Ohio 43506

RELIEF BOARD

Boyd Wyatt, Chairman

4925 Tegner Rd.

Hughson, CA 95326

(209) 883-4138
Newton Jamison, Secretary

512 Garfield

Quinter, Kansas 67752

(913) 754-3433
Kyle Reed, Treasurer

R. 1, Box 4

Minburn, Iowa 50167

(515) 677-2467
Virgil Leatherman

419 N. Queen St.

Littlestown, PA 17340

(717) 359-5753
Robert Carpenter

R. 5, Box 97

Peru, Indiana 46970

(317) 395-7879

TORREON NAVAJO MISSION

David Skiles, Superintendent

R. 2 Box 8

Cuba, New Mexico 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman

1433 Overholtzer Dr.

Modesto, CA 95355
Kyle Reed, Secretary

R. 1 Box 4

Minburn, Iowa 50167
Newton Jamison, Treasurer

Quinter, Kansas 67752
Harley Flory

R. 4, Defiance, Ohio 43512

All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury,
but sent to the Secretary for his records.

Lester Fisher

4654 N. State Rte. 48

Co '/ing ton, OH 45318

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL. LXII

FEBRUARY 15, 1984

NO. 4

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and
Scriptural in practice.

OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all
the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

WHAT SHALL I RENDER TO MY GOD

What shall I render to my God
For all his kindness shown?
My feet shall visit thine abode,
My songs address thy throne.

Among the saints that fill thine house
My offerings shall be paid;
There shall my zeal perform the vows
My soul in anguish made.

How happy all thy servants are!
How great thy grace to me!
My life which thou hast made thy care,
Lord, I devote to thee.

Now I am thine, forever thine,

Nor shall my purpose move;

Thy hand has loosed my bonds of pain,

And bound me with thy love.

Here in thy courts I leave my vow,
And thy rich grace record;
Witness, ye saints who hear me now,
If I forsake the Lord.

- Isaac Watts

BIBLE MONITOR

PROMISES

Many promises are made but not all are kept. Well-intentioned
people promise what they plan to carry out but are prevented from
it by various circumstances. Sickness, accident and weather
conditions may intervene so the promised tasks can not be done.
There are other promises made which are not intended to be
accomplished. The politician promises often contradictory things
to different groups knowing he can never bring to pass what has
been so glowingly promoted.

Knowing the uncertainity of our ability to carry out simple plans
and promises it is well for us to remember our human frail ity.
Remembering our lives are but as a puff of steam or a so-soon-
wilted flower, we should say we will do as we plan if the Lord will.
When we do not have the promise of tomorrow it is presumptious
for us to promise what we will do or give to another. We are not the
masters of our lives let alone of others.

So remembering our fraility we can make our promises knowing
we may fail but determined to do what we can. This fraility can
give us occasion to pause and thank God for the strength and
ability we do have. If we are able to keep our promise we should be
thankful to God for that.

We can be thankful that He is able to keep His promises made in
His Word. We do not need to worry about circumstances inter-
fering to keep Him from fulfilling His promises. He has given us
many promises ranging from physical and material blessings to an
eternal Home in Heaven. Some of His promises are conditioned
upon our acceptance and conduct.

Promises are an integral part of the wedding ceremony.
Promises are made by the bride and groom that are to be kept
throughout a lifetime. The husband owes certain benefits to the

THE BIBLE MONITOR FEBRUARY 1, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard

Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Lithographing Co., Rt. 4,

Wauseon, Ohio 43567.

Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio

43567.

Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance.

Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.

MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th St., Beaumont, CA 92223
JAMES MEYERS, Assistant Editor; R. 1, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063
JACOB C. NESS, Associate Editor; 136 Homeland Road, YorK, PA

17403
RUDY COVER, Associate Editor; 2034 Roble Ave., Modesto, CA 95351

BIBLE MONITOR

wife, which are parallel with the benefits Christ has secured for His
Bride, the Church. The wife, in turn, has promised to reverance
and treat her husband in a way consistent with the Church's duty
to Her Lord. Too often the promises made on the wedding day are
taken too lightly for they have become largely ceremonial. When
the honeymoon is over and married life becomes an earnest
endeavor, the promises must be carried out. After a number of
years these promises evidently mean very little as the partners
speak disparagingly of their spouses. They find faults where
before the promises were made they found good things. Human
nature and fraility cause each to seek his own will and forget the
promises to love and honor the other.

The couple's wedding vows are very important and sacred. They
are for life. But even more important and sacred are the promises
each Christian makes at the time of his conversion. These
promises made before God and the Church are not only important
during this earthly life but also affect the eternal destiny, life and
reward of that person.

Just as a bride and goom made certain serious promises to each
other so the new Christian makes several serious promises. These
promises are meant to be paid. Vows made to God are not to be
taken lightly but every effort must be expended to keep them. This
is why we are called to love Him with every bit of our being,
physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. It takes that degree of
dedication to carry out these eternal promises.

For too many these promises become of less importance as the
allurements of the world draw their hearts and minds away from
their duties to God. The promises made are not only broad
promises of faithfulness to God and the renouncing of Satan and
his pernicious ways, some are quite specific, yet they oft "times are
not kept.

The promises to hold family devotions is often overlooked. The
fast pace of the world around us draws many different ways
instead of together for devotions. Another promise often ignored
is that of using the Law of Pardon. While we recognize this to be
Biblical, in practice we fail to use it. But it remains a promise we
made. We promised also to receive and give counsel to one
another that each might be encouraged to keep to the way leading
to Heaven. Many other promises both specific and general have
been made but too often are ignored.

Vows are important. We make them that we might be a part of
the Church. We agree by our vows that we will conform to the
order of the Church. We are warned that it is far worse for a person
to make such promises and not keep them than to never vow at all.

Have you made these eternal promises to God? Have you kept
them?

BIBLE MONITOR

WHERE THE HEART IS

"Home is where the heart is", whether it be a little shack in the
hills, or a big mansion on the edge of town. You may live in
England, but if your heart is in the United States, that's where your
home is. That's where you desire most to be. That is where your
heart will be the most at peace and where friends will seem the
dearest.

In a spiritual sense, you are also at home where your heart is. If
your heart is centered on Christ and eternal values, you will be at
home with God's people, not the Devil's crowd. Your social
activities, your goals in life — in fact nearly everything will be at
cross-currents with a non-Christian, and you can't really be at
home where Christ is left out.

"How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?" Psa.
137:4. The children of Israel were not at home in Egypt or any of
the other countries where they were held captive. They just
couldn't put their hearts into worship in a place where they didn't
feel at home nor belong. Neither can you. As an example, there are
temples and churches dedicated to idols and Satan. You cannot
worship God in such a place for it's not home to you and you don't
belong there.

There are many other places and situations in which God's
people do not belong. Each of you must evaluate your own life and
decide what you should or should not do, where you should or
should not go. You must decide on friends and other relation-
ships. There is not one thing in your life about which you can say,
"It doesn't matter what I do". The choices you make affect your
own life, the lives of others and also tells everyone where your
heart is.

"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me
with all your heart." Jer. 29:13. Assuming that you have already
believed and committed your life to Christ, now put your heart into
it. It takes an all-out, wholehearted effort to find God, and He
expects wholehearted service to follow. If your heart is not in
serving God, you're not really at home with Him.

Home is where your heart is and so is your treasure. "For where
your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matt. 6:21. If your
treasure is earthly, so will your heart be. What you have in this life
is yours to use, but you can't buy Heavenly treasure with it.
Heavenly treasure is eternal but the treasures of this life will pass
away.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But

BIBLE MONITOR

lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor
steal." Matt. 6:19-20. Whatever you own in this life, it can be wiped
out in one tragic moment, but such won't happen to Heavenly
treasure.

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth
that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his
heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the
heart his mouth speaketh." Luke 6:45. Whatever is in the heart will
show up on the outside. People will know where your heart and
treasure are.

"Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth
that I desire beside thee." Psa. 73:25. Does this describe your
relationship with God? The Psalmist knew that God was the only
one he could depend on, and he desired to be with God. He was at
home with God, because there was where his heart was.

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I
would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2.
Jesus has a special place for those whose hearts are centered on
Him. We think of it as our Heavenly home. If you are not "at home"
with Jesus here on earth, then this home in Heaven is not for you
either. Your home and your treasure are where your heart is for
now and eternity. Where is your heart?

Sister Eileen Broadwater

THE DANGERS OF CHURCH DRAMATICS AND
RELIGIOUS MOVIES

Brother Harold Martin
Matthew 21:1-13

The early Brethren taught much about church dramatics and
entertainment in the house of God. The most clear statement
probably comes from a book published by the Brethren Publishing
House in 1900, THE BRETHREN'S TRACTS AND PAMPHLETS, in
which there is a chapter entitled CHURCH ENTERTAINMENTby
I.J. Rosenburger. This chapter actually appears twice in the book,
perhaps by design because they felt so strongly in this area, or in
error on part of the printer. But the message is not some queer
quirk of some preacher who is not caught up with the times, but
pointing out an aspect of our heritage which we have stood for
over the centuries, and is Biblically based.

In verse 13 of Matt. 21, Jesus said, "My house shall be called the
house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves." God's house

BIBLE MONITOR

is intended to be a very solemn and sacred place where the
worship of God is a very serious business. In many places today
the pulpit area is often turned into a stage for modified kinds of
theatrical performances, where plays and religious movies often
become the center of attraction, and the purpose is to entertain,
dazzle, and to hold people in suspense. When the Lord was here
on earth He cleansed the temple at least twice; and it is only proper
that we be concerned about the proper worship of God.

It is alway easy for God's people to go wrong, and we tend to
follow the error of the heathen around us. Our subject is directed
at religious dramatics and movies as they are used in an attempt to
impart spiritual truth. Movies in themselves can be used in both
constructive and destructive ways. The movie has been used
successfully to teach Geography, Health, Science, and other such
subjects. The movie spoken about in this message does not
include nature or travel types of films where these are being used
for good purposes. Nevertheless the movie has a very powerful
potential for a wrong use. Most of the Hollywood movies are such
an example. The modern religious movie, is also a harmful misuse
of the film. When I mention the religious movie, I am discussing
the motion picture which tries to deal with a spiritual theme by
means of a dramatic presentation. The pictures are produced by
the acting out of a religious story. An example of such a film could
be the story of the Prodigal Son as given in Luke 15. In such a film
actors would play the part of the prodigal, the father, his brother,
the owner of the swine, and would contain such items as a plot, a
sequence, and a climax to the story. Several recent and popular
movies have been based on the rapture where the actors play the
part of the unbelievers, the believers, and in at least one of the
films, the part of Jesus in His return.

These films are acted out, filmed and shipped to various parts of
the country for people to see. As the services begin, there is often
a short devotion, the lights are turned off, and the message of the
evening is the showing of this particular movie. After the movie,
sometimes an invitation is given, a hymn is sung, and a plea is
made for erring sinners to return to God. What is wrong with this
hypothetical service anyway? Why should a preacher say that a
religious movie is the misuse of an otherwise neutral instrument?
There are some sound and valid reasons for this belief, and we will
try to state them clearly.
1. IT VIOLATES THE SCRIPTURAL LAW OF PREACHING

God's Word is made manifest through preaching as stated in
Titus 1:3. The spoken word should be the central part of every
service. John 5:24 states, "He that heareth my word, and believeth

BIBLE MONITOR

on him that sent me, hath everlasting life," and Rom. 10:17 says
that "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Verse 14 of the same chapter says, "and how shall they hear
without a preacher?" The New Testament simply rules out drama
in any form as a method of bringing spiritual truth to the human
soul. The New Testament pattern is given in Rom. 10:8. 'The word
is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is the word of
faith, which we preach." Clearly, that's God's method for pro-
claiming spiritual truth.

But some say the human mind is constructed in such a way that
the mind receives through the eye five times as much as it receives
through the ear. Surely then, the movie is a much more effective
method of getting across the spiritual truth than the spoken word.
My response is that the principle is true in the external physical
world, but in the spiritual realm that principle simply is not true.
In the spiritual world, the outer eye is not really very important.
God directs His truth to the hearing ear. How many times does the
Bible say, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear what the spirit
says to the churches"? The Apostle Paul states that we look not at
the things which are seen, for the things which are seen are
temporal but the things which are not seen are eternal. Matters
which are eternal cannot be seen with the human eye, so one of the
reasons I object to drama and religious movies, is because these
media focus on means other than hearing God's Word through
preaching.

2. DRAMATICS AND RELIGIOUS MOVIES IMPLY THAT
RELIGION CAN BE MADE A MATTER OF ENTERTAINMENT

This is the second reason I object to dramatics and religious
movies. It implies that religion can become a mere form of enter-
tainment. Religious performers and entertainers are increasing by
leaps and bounds. People frequently look on religion as simply
being another form of entertainment. Religious movies and
dramatics help foster this concept.

The religious film identifies religion with the theatrical world.
Some of the advertising of these movies reek of Hollywood. Not
only are the advertisements similar to the Hollywood movies (so
much so that they could easily be a part of the theatre section of
the paper), but the advertisements are cast in a similar manner
showing a young man and woman in a tender embrace with a
caption emphasizing romance, suspense, and drama. Church
plays and religious movies are intended to move people by
enacting stories in a way that appeals to the flesh. They attempt to
lure with a toy and imply that we Christians just have a jolly good
time. Today, church-goers can go shopping around in the

8 BIBLE MONITOR

Saturday edition of the newspaper and find out what is "playing" in
the local churches. The ads speak of Christian skydivers, Gospel
magicians, Clowns for Jesus, a pastor swallowing goldfish, the
Quartet of Charms, HI Fl Harmonettes, and speakers introduced as
"God's man of the Hour", and so forth. There must be something
new and exciting each and every Sunday... a love for entertain-
ment.

Today, almost every mainline seminary has a course on the art of
clowning in worship. Recently, I attended a mini-conference in the
Mid-Atlantic area and they had a service in which there was
clowning. That was a nauseating experience. But, clowning is not
too much different from another type of service called the "all-
night hymnsing" at which various types of Gospel clowns put on a
kind of entertainment act all night.

I saw an ad from one of our neighboring independent Brethren
churches describing their evangelistic services, and at the bottom
of the ad it said, "Movies, music, and surprises galore". The
church today loves all kinds of entertainment, and one of the most
deceptive kinds of entertainment is the church play, whether acted
out in movie form or in dramatic form. The whole emphasis
follows the pattern of the theater and the methods of Hollywood.
Some people think that the religious play and the religious movie
are blessed of God because some people come away with wet
eyes. If God's blessing is proved because some people have wet
eyes, then what about the movie theatre and the Hollywood enter-
tainers who play on the emotions and move people to tears?
Hollywood plays on the emotions to a great extent with all their
kissing, dying, and murdering, and a lot of people come away from
the theatre weeping. Weeping is not the evidence of the blessing of
God on the service.

Deep spiritual understanding comes not from entertainment, but
from much study, earnest prayer, and long periods of meditation.
Learning spiritual truths is hard work, and each preacher and
teacher must do his best to make the message practical,
interesting and applicable to all of us. We must resolve to zero in
on the simple practical study of God's Word carefully. We don't
need more entertainment in God's church, we need more dis-
ciplined study of God's Word.

To be continued

Selected and transcripted by

Brother Rudy Shaffer

• ••••••

Forms are but symbols; we should never rest in them, but make
them the stepping stones to the good to which they point.

BIBLE MONITOR

ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Friendship

The wise man, Soloman, wrote extensively about friendship and
his statements are epitomized in Prov. 18:24 when he instructs, "A
man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a
friend that sticketh closer than a brother." We read in Prov. 17:17,
"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

The best of men and women are not perfect. We too many times
expect perfection from others which we do not experience in
ourselves.

Can we both love and hate an individual at the same time? This
actually happens in many people and it causes bitterness toward
other people. In fact, it even happens in marriages that are not
centered around God-given principles.

When two people become friends it is critical to understand how
to interact in that relationship. As you become closer and you see
more of each other you will learn as many or more things to dislike
about each other than you like. The more intimate the relation-
ship, the more ambivalence you might experience. We are kind of
like cactus... the closer we get to each other the more it hurts.

What we learn from this is that we should not expect another
person or relationship to be either totally good or totally bad...
excluding the relationship with Jesus, of course.

You will never be content with your friendships as long as you
view someone totally good or totally bad. People have multi-
faceted personalities. There are strong points and weak points to
each of us and at any one time we may relate to one or the other of
them.

We have all known people who have become bosom buddies
with someone and for awhile that person is terrific, possibly
perfect! But sooner or later, something they don't like will surface
and their feelings toward that person will make a complete
reversal. The person they "really liked" now becomes an object for
disdain. And they move on to another hoped-for perfect person
only to be eventually disillusioned once again.

Many of these kinds of people ultimately become cynical and
angry at others and even at the church because of their lack of
perfection and they become "loners." They will finally go into
various states of depression.

We are attracted to a beautiful painting because of its various
shades and tones of color. It has lights and darks and together they
create something of great beauty and interest. The combination
gives the picture its own unique character and identity. If we learn

10 BIBLE MONITOR

to appreciate, or at least, lovingly tolerate different traits and
characteristics in our friends, we will develop long and lasting
relationships that will be fulfilling and we will experience the joy
which Christ desires that we have in friendship.

In Ecc. 4:9 we read, "Two are better than one; because they have
a good reward for their labour." (10) "For if they fall, the one will
lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for
he hath not another to help him up/' Friends are imporant. They
are worth a little extra work and consideration to keep.

Brother Leonard Wertz

Quinter, Kansas

DENYING THE POWER THEREOF

II Timothy 3:5 "Having a form of godliness, but denying the
power thereof: from such turn away."

There is much discussion and various opinions as to what this
verse is referring to. We would not claim to have the knowledge or
wisdom of many of those who make dogmatic statements on this
verse. But we humbly submit what we have come up with after
prayerful reading and study of scripture. We would express love
and forebearance towards those who disagree with our
conclusions.

After careful study, we feel that the "power" that is being denied
is to be found in three areas. Namely the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ,
and the Holy Scriptures. We would like to look at these three areas
in this light.

First of all, let us look at the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 "But ye shall
receive POWER, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:..."
The last part of this verse tells us that this power is given that we
SHALL (not "can") be witnesses of Jesus Christ. If we refuse to
allow the Holy Spirit to have control of our lives we will be impure
witnesses. We believe this is one way we can "deny the power
thereof."

To fully understand how we can do this we have to understand
what the work of the Holy Spirit is. Some speak of miracles and
"speaking in tongues." Others talk about the gift of salvation in
relation to the Holy Spirit. While we believe that both of these may
be valid ways the Holy Spirit works in our life, (He is definitely a
part of our salvation), we feel that scripture goes beyond this.
John 16:8 "And when he (the Holy Spirit) is come, he will reprove
the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement:" Verse 9
tells us that we will be judged of sin because we do not believe on
Jesus Christ. We will be judged of righteousness because Jesus
has gone to the Father and we see Him no more, according to

BIBLE MONITOR 11

verse 10. And verse 11 tells us we will be reproved of Judgement
because the prince of the world (Satan) is judged. To us these
verses mean that we must follow all that Jesus Christ taught while
he was on the earth and everything he taught through the apostles.
These teachings are both negative (sin) and positive (righteous-
ness). To refuse to follow these teachings is to follow Satan
(judgment). Remember these things were spoken to FOLLOWERS
of Jesus Christ. Before we leave this subject, we would make it
clear that we do not believe that "speaking in tongues" is for
everyone and that while God is certainly able to perform miracles
in our day, He usually uses common every day methods to meet
our needs.

Secondly, we would like to look at Jesus Christ. In John 1:12 we
read, "But as many as received him, (Jesus Christ), to them gave
he POWER to become the sons of God, even to them that believe
on his name:" We see from this verse that to be saved we need to
acknowledge the name of Jesus Christ. We believe this means
much more than merely mouthing a name. While there is power in
the name of Jesus Christ, we must accept who He really is. In Luke
1;32-33 we read, "He (Jesus Christ) shall be great, and shall be
called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him
the throne of his father David: And he shall reign overthe house of
Jacob for ever: and of his kingdom there shall be no end." There
are three points of view (at least) on this verse. One holds that both
the fatherhood of God and David are literal because Jesus was
both God and man. Another viewpoint is that Jesus Christ was
ONLY CALLED "the Son of the Highest" (God), but was literally
the son of a descendant of David, namely Joseph. A third view-
point is that God was the ONLY father of Jesus Christ and David
was only "his father" in a spiritual sense. Along with this goes the
argument as to whether the "throne of David" is a future literal
throne or a present spiritual throne.

While it is true that Jesus Christ was both God and man and that
His mother was of the household of David, we still contend that He
only had ONE Father, namely God! In Matthew 1:1 we find,
"... Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." In Genesis
16:7 an everlasting covenant was established between God and
Abraham and his seed after him. In Galatians 3:16 we find that this
"seed" was Christ. Going back to Matthew 1 we find the human
generation goes to Joseph. We do not accept Joseph as the father
of Jesus, therefore we contend that David's "fatherhood" was
ONLY spiritual. Therefore the "throne of David" is ONLY a
spiritual throne. We believe that Jesus Christ is seated on this
throne right now and is King of kings and Lord of lords. For in

12 BIBLE MONITOR

John 17:2 we read, u As thou hast (God has) given him (Christ)
power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as
thou hast given him." Although this was spoken by Christ before
His death, the next verse shows that He foresaw it as already
accomplished in a prophetic sense. We would add that this verse
does not teach Calvanistic predestination, but must be understood
in light of I Corinthians 11:3.

Lastly, we take a short look at the Holy Scriptures. In Rom. 1:16
we find that the gospel of Christ, which we view to be Holy
Scripture, "is the POWER of God unto salvation." Then in
II Timothy 3:16 we find that "all scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness:" To use the scriptures in any other
way is to "deny the power thereof."

Let us seek to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, give Jesus Christ
His rightful place in our lives and recognize Him for who He really
is, and to realize that it is the Holy Scriptures that give us the ability
to do these things, that we may not "deny the power thereof."

Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch Street
Palmyra, PA 17078

SIXTY YEARS AGO

February 15, 1924

"I AM THE WAY"

D. F. Lepley

Jesus said: "I am the way." He also said: "I am the door." And
again he said: "I am the good shepherd."

Then He told us of two ways. One leads to heaven and life, the
other leads downward to hell and misery.

He said that the downward way is broad and easy (at first).

He also said that upward is narrow, restricted, and hard (at first).

Now what does Jesus want us to understand by this language?

He tells us about the "fold", the "sheep", the "shepherd", the
"door" and "the way."

He tells us too, about the one who tries to get into the fold by
climbing in over the back fence instead of coming in along "the
way" through "the door."

Jesus meant us to understand that the "fold" is the "Kingdom of
God," and His church in the world. (As long as the world lasts.) He
meant that the "sheep" are His children, Christians. And that He is
"the door" through which we have entrance into the church.

BIBLE MONITOR 13

He meant that He is "the way" that leads to the "door". The way
that leads into the Kingdom. He is the way we go all along our life's
journey until we come to the Golden Gate, at the end of the
journey, and we have our happy lot in that glory world without end.

Jesus means to tell us that His way is the ONLY way. That His
way must be OUR way. The "back fence" way will never do, it will
never get us "in."

There are church members who say, "yes, I am in the way, I
believe in Jesus, I am busy in His service," but their lives and
actions belie their words. They are on the "back fence" way.

Jesus loved His enemies, He forgave them. He did good to His
enemies, and blessed them, while many church members refuse to
do either; they are not in "the way."

Jesus humbled Himself in full submission to His Father. And all
that He ever thought about was that He might be of useful, helpful
service to some poor, weak soul. But we have church members
whose greatest ambition seems to be to lord it over the common
folks, "the flock," and be looked up to by everybody as the big "bell
sheep," the big leader, and if they cannot be "it", they quit, and will
not do anything, they surely are not in "the way." They are not like
their Master.

Jesus told Nicodemus that if he wanted to get into the "fold" he
would have to change his life, yes, have his life changed and live a
different life from what he had been doing. He would have to let
the Holy Spirit of God control his life and get "born" again, made
over into a new and different man. But there are church members
who do not show any change in their lives at all, they are just as
mean and vulgar and worldly; just as vain and proud and selfish;
just as hard to get along with and unforgiving, and crazy after all
the sinful worldly pleasures as they were before they joined
church. They cannot possibly be in "the way," but are trying to get
into the "fold" over the "back fence" route, and Jesus says we
cannot get in that way, because He is the door through which we
must enter. And that door is straight, so narrow, so confined, that
whoever wants to get through it must strip off of his life all of the
useless and offensive things that Jesus has commanded. He must
get rid of all the things that God will and must rule out of heaven
and keep rid of them until he dies.

There are many poor souls who have the deluded idea that they
are in the church, in the "fold", in the "Kingdom" but have only
gone through the formality of having their names enrolled in the
church, but they themselves have never gone in, and of course, are
not members, they refuse to give up the world and get into "the
way." They refuse to get "born" into the family. They are just plain
outsiders with their names enrolled but do not belong

14 BIBLE MONITOR

It is sad indeed, to contemplate that there will be many poor
souls in "that day", who, deceived by devils in human form will
come to the judgment and claim admission into the "fold" and be
told by Jesus the Shepherd that they are total strangers to Him,
that their names are not enrolled in the "Book of Life."

"But of all the sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these,
'it might have been.' "

Oh! the harrowing tragedy of it all is, that these wasted lives,
many of them, might not have been condemned to an eternity of
misery, had it not been for these devils in "sheep's clothing", these
"pastors" who care not at all for the sheep, but only for the fleece,
and who are filled with an insane ambition for leadership and
honor, for notoriety, applause and a great name in the world, who
"farmed" their flock to gratify their own worldly ambitions.

O, why not, my Brethren, forsake that "broad road" that we have
gotten sidetracked onto, when the devil threw the switch against
us some years ago, while we had nearly gone to sleep, (spiritually)
and get back onto the main road again, "the way" even though it
may mean hard traveling for a while, more self denial, and perhaps
abuse and persecution, but it is safe, Brethren, it is "the way", the
only way there is that leads homeward, but it goes by the way of
the cross. May God help us to find that way and that door.

THE PASSING YEARS

Naomi Merrill

Life is passing by so fast, Lord,

I know I'm sure to miss

A vital part unless you keep

Reminding me of this.

There's so much that I want to do,

A lot I've left undone,

So many plans discarded,

And a few I've not begun.

Life passes by so fast, Lord,
How often I've been told,
It always does around the time
That we are growing old.
"For everything a season"
Is wise as well as just,
But I had rather wear me out,
Than fall apart with rust.

BIBLE MONITOR 15

Life passes by so fast, Lord,
The days, the months, the years,
Lord keep a smile upon my lips,
And blot away the tears.
Teach me to lean upon Your arm,
When pain and sickness strike,
To tell the facts from fancies,
That sometimes look alike.

Life passes by so fast, Lord,

And yet how kind You are,

In granting me the precious years,

That I have had so far.

So let the days grow shorter,

The darkest shadows part,

But put the wrinkles on my face,

... And never on my heart.

Selected by Sister Martha I. Harman

NEWS ITEMS

BETHEL, PENNSYLVANIA

The Lord willing, the Bethel Congregation plans to hold revival
meetings March 18 to April 1, 1984 with Bro. Fred Pifer, Dallas
Center, Iowa as our evangelist.

We invite all who can to come and enjoy these services with us.

During the past summer we were glad for five precious souls
who were received into the Church by baptism.

Sister Fern Kegerreis, Cor.

THANKS

I wish to express my appreciation and thanks to all who
remembered me with cards, flowers, prayers, and words of
encouragement while in the Elkhart Hospital. May the Lord add His
blessing to each one of you.

Sister Meriam Pletcher

• •••••

If a man does not make new acquaintances as he passes through
life, he will soon find himself left alone. A man should keep his
friendships in constant repair. - Johnson

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DIRECTORY OF BOARDS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dale E. Jamison, Chairman

Quinter, Kansas 67752
Ray R. Reed, Secretary

Box 12, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063
Warren C. Smith, Treasurer

26230 Htg*«*ar SO

McClave. Colorado 81057

GENERAL MISSION BOARD

Joseph E. Flora, Chairman

R. 3 Box 12, Adel, Iowa 50003
Hayes Reed, Secretary

1433 Overholtzer Dr.

Modesto, CA 95355
William Carpenter, Treasurer

8012 Cavender Street

Morenci, Michigan 49256
Harley Rush

R. 1, Converse, Indiana 46919
Galen Litfin

1314 East 7th St.

Newberg, Oregon 97132
Dale Jamison

Quinter, Kansas 67752
Jacob C. Ness

136 Homeland Rd.

York, PA 17403
Frank Shaffer

13062 Grant Shook Rd.

Greencastle, PA 17225

BOARD OF PUBLICATION

Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

Jacob C. Ness, Secretary

136 Homeland Rd.

York, PA 17403
H. Edward Johnson, Treasurer

5-1307-S.H. 108

Wauseon, Ohio 43567
Allen B. Eberly

R. 3

Ephrata, PA 17522
Warren C. Smith

26270 Highway 50

McClave, Co lorado 81057

BIBLE STUDY BOARD

William Carpenter, Chairman
8012 Cavender Street
Morenci, Michigan 49256

Eugene Kauffman, Secretary

R. 6, Box 51

Harrisburg, Virginia 22801
Warren C. Smith, Treasurer

26270 Highway 50

McClave, Colorado 81057
Rudolph Cover

2034 Roble Ave.

Modesto, CA 95351
Dennis St. John

Rt. 1

Bryan, Ohio 43506

RELIEF BOARD

Boyd Wyatt, Chairman

4925 Tegner Rd.

Hughson, CA 95326

(209) 883-4138
Newton Jamison, Secretary

512 Garfield

Quinter, Kansas 67752

(913) 754-3433
Kyle Reed, Treasurer

R. 1, Box 4

Minburn, Iowa 50167

(515) 677-2467
Virgil Leatherman

419 N. Queen St.

Littlestown, PA 17340

(717) 359-5753
Robert Carpenter

R. 5, Box 97

Peru, Indiana 46970

(317) 395-7879

TORREON NAVAJO MISSION

David Skiles, Superintendent

R. 2 Box 8

Cuba, New Mexico 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman

1433 Overholtzer Dr.

Modesto, CA 95355
Kyle Reed, Secretary

R. 1 Box 4

Minburn, Iowa 50167
Newton Jamison, Treasurer

Quinter, Kansas 67752
Harley Flory

R. 4, Defiance, Ohio 43512

All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury,
but sent to the Secretary for his records.

aster Fisher

>64 N. State Rte. 48

j/ifigtori, OH 4531.8

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL. LXII MARCH 1,1984 NO. 5

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and
Scriptural in practice.

OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all
the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

THE POWER OF PRAYER

There is an eye that never sleeps,

Beneath the wing of night;
There is an ear that never shuts,

When sink the beams of light.

There is an arm that never tires,

When human strength gives way;
There is a love that never fails,

When earthly loves decay.

That eye is fixed on seraph throngs,

That arm upholds the sky;
That ear is filled with angel songs,

That love is throned on high.

But there's a power which man can wield

When mortal aid is vain,
That eye, that arm, that love to reach,

That listening ear to gain.

That power is prayer, which soars on high,

Through Jesus, to the throne;
And moves the hand which moves the world

To bring salvation down!

John A. Wallace

BIBLE MONITOR

THE CHRISTIAN'S LIFELINE

In His creative genius, God designed the human body so all the
systems of the body work together to produce life, health and
strength. When even a very small organ is diseased or injured, the
whole body suffers. One of the body's major systems is the
circulatory system, which moves the blood from the heart through-
out the body and back to the heart in an unbelievably short period of
time.

The blood is the body's lifeline for the life is in the blood. The
blood not only carries fresh oxygen to the most remote parts of the
body, it also carries back impurities. The blood is a cleansing agent
for the body which is constantly putting off impurities that must be
reprocessed in the heart and lungs.

Not only is the blood necessary for physical life it is also necessary
for Spiritual life. The blood of Christ is a cleansing agent for
removing the impurities of sin. Sin is a constant impurity in the lives
of all men. Even Christians are in need of constant cleansings
through prayer. While the Christian must first come in contact with
the blood of Christ through faith, repentance, baptism and in-
dwelling of the Holy Spirit, he must maintain his lifeline to God
through prayer.

There are many kinds of prayers, which are illustrated in various
incidents in the Bible. Jesus taught His disciples how to pray in the
Sermon on the Mount. He had warned them about unprofitable
repetition and falseness of heart during prayer. He taught them a
prayer that contained all the necessary elements of prayer — praise,
petition and intercession. He instructed them to use this prayer, not
as a meaningless ritual, but as a vital living prayer and as a model for
other prayers. It is reverent, concise and powerful. While much
neglected by most Christians in their public and private prayers, it is
to be the manner of our prayer.

THE BIBLE MONITOR MARCH 1, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Lithographing Co., Rt. 4,
Wauseon, Ohio 43567.

Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio
43567.

Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance.

Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.

MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th St., Beaumont, CA 92223
JAMES MEYERS, Assistant Editor; R. 1, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063

JACOB C. NESS, Associate Editor; 136 Homeland Road, York, PA

17403
RUDY COVER, Associate Editor; 2034 Roble Ave., Modesto, CA 95351

BIBLE MONITOR

Jesus not only taught His disciples how to pray but labored in
prayer Himself. There were many occasions when He separated
Himself not only from the multitudes but also from His disciples that
He might alone approach His Heavenly Father. Many of His nights
were spent in private prayer. The night before His crucifixion He
spent an agonizing time in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. It
was a time of renewal in the hour of struggle. His work must be
completed but there was a moment of weakness. This called for
urgent prayer. There was settled the question of whose will He
would follow. Prayer for the Christian is very needful in the hour of
challenge and weakness. When the enemy is near success, the
Christian needs to turn to the all powerful God of Heaven. Jesus did,
so should we.

Men who served God found many occasions when they needed
to turn to Him in prayer. This included David, who had sinned
grievously in committing adultery with Bathsheba and eventually
engineering the death of her husband Uriah. When Nathan brought
the enormity of his sin before David, we find his broken and re-
pentent heart turning to prayer. His prayer spoke of the gravity of
sin, his need of forgiveness and his determination to go forth in
fruitful service for his God. He realized the depths of sins wheYi he
saw that ultimately he had sinned against God as well as the people
involved. Many times the Christian must go to his knees to seek
forgiveness and cleansing for his sins.

David's descendant Hezekiah also sought God in prayer. His
prayers were offered in times of personal and physical danger.
When informed that death was imminent, he turned to prayer. His
prayer prevailed for he was granted an additional fifteen years of life.
He also prayed for the protection of Jerusalem when the Assyrians
came against it. Their superior force could seemingly easily over-
come the city. But after Hezekiah's prayer, they were no'match for
God's death angel. Deliverance was the result in both instances
because prayer was made. In similar circumstances, the Christian may
yet come unto God for help.

David's son, Solomon, was given the privilege of building the Temple.
When he had concluded the seven year building project he offered a
prayer at its dedication. He prayed for his people. He prayed that they
might be faithful but when they weren't that God would have an open
ear toward them. Even today our nation and its leaders need prayer.
The most pressing need is not for the solution of military and political
issues but of Spiritual issues. Our greatest prayer should be that
individuals would become the children of God through the blood of
Jesus Christ.

The blood is the lifeline of the human body, prayer is the lifeline of
the Christian.

BIBLE MONITOR

ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

"The Unruly Member"

We read in Psalms 141:3, "Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth;
keep the door of my lips." Have you ever had to think, "Why did I say
that?" All of us need discretion... the ability to say the right thing at the
right time. The Psalmist is teaching us to understand that we are in
enemy territory... that sin is everywhere... and we need to be on the
lookout. We could use a good armed soldier to keep us from saying
something unchristian.

As a Godly person, we need to rely on Him for every word. You need
not have a self-conscious fear of opening your mouth, but the con-
fidence that a child has in a parent as he holds on to Dad's hand. It is
the child who goes off by himself who gets into trouble. And, it is the
Christian who thinks he can run his own show who is going to fall.

The old saying that "What exists in the well of the thoughts will soon
come up in the bucket of the speech" is very true. Guarding your
speech starts with guarding your heart. Jealously against another
person can quickly cause an unkind word. Trying to protect your
selfish interests can cause you to lash out at someone else. Unwilling-
ness to see your own faults can make you defensive.

Discretion is rooted in "self-knowledge." We know what we are like:
we are sinful and we have to depend on God. Any pride or cockiness
on our part means we don't know what is in the human heart. Jeremiah
asked about the human heart, "Who can know it?" Of course the
answer to that question is God... and He says it is sinful. Because of
the sin nature, we can't trust our own discretion. We need to learn the
value of Godly silence. Discretion balks at rashness but is quick to
encourage and speak positively.

I frequently tell the story of a woman who came to see her pastor
and admitted, "I have been guilty of spreading false rumorsand now I
want to undo all the damage." The minister told her to take a sack of
goose feathers to the street corner and throw them into the wind, then
gather them all up. To this she replied, "Well, that is impossible!" The
preacher replied, "So it is impossible to take back ill words which have
been spoken."

Words do not just disappear. Your subconscious keeps playing
back what someone has told you. The aftereffects last a long time.
Words can't be erased or obliterated, so you must think how your
words will affect the other person before you say them.

Someone might compliment you on your eyes or your smile... but
possibly the nicest compliment you could ever receive would be on
yourtongue... and how you control and use it in a Christian manner.

BIBLE MONITOR

Two phrases that need to be eliminated from your vocabulary are "I
don't care what anyone says," and "Nobody is going to tell me what to
do." These words and attitudes of the heart cause much personal
injury as well as injury to the Church. The Bible terms these people
"fools" and "scoffers"... and by their words they show their lack of
obedience and willingness to accept correction or Biblical authority.

Your words are truly showing. Are they wickedly causing injury to
someoneorare they blessing God? Togetvictoryfrom thesinsof the
tongue will require much prayer and soul searching, but it is worth it.

Brother Leonard Wertz

THE CHILDREN'S PAGE

WICKED RULERS

Matt. 26:1-5, 14-16

Jesus was too popular to suit the rulers of the Jews. The people
were following Him by the thousands. Jesus healed all manner of
diseases. There was nothing or no one that He couldn't heal. He made
the blind to see, He healed the lepers and raised the dead to life. No
one had ever done the wonderful works and miracles that Jesus did.
Everyone was talking about Jesus.

The common people heard Him gladly. Why not? He fed the
multitudes with the loaves and fishes and healed their diseases. It
didn't take a week or a month or a year to get well. Jesus said to the
man that had a palsy, "Take up thy bed and walk." And the man did.
Instantly he was made perfectly whole. Just a touch of the Master's
hand and those who had been sick were in perfect health! Would you
like to have been there and seen Jesus do those wonderful miracles?

One would think that everybody would love Jesus. He never
harmed anyone but He did tell the Pharisees and rulers of some of the
sinful things they had done. They were jealous of Jesus and planned
many times to catch Jesus in His words or actions that they might
arrest Him. One time they sent officers to take Jesus but when they
heard Jesus speak they returned to the rulers and said, "Never man
spake like this man." There was no way that they could accuse Jesus
of doing wrong because He never did.

Jesus told His disciples that it was just two days till the passover and
that He would be betrayed and crucified. The chief priest, and the
scribes, and the elders of the people assembled together at the palace
of the high priestand they consulted and planned howthey mighttake
Jesus and kill Him. They decided that this couldn't be done on the
Passover day because they feared the people. If they were to cause
Jesus to die, it must be before that time and there were only two
days left.

BIBLE MONITOR

Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve of Jesus' disciples, went unto the
chief priests and said, "What will you give me, and I will deliver Jesus
unto you?" And they agreed to give him thirty pieces of silver. And
from that time Judas sought opportunity to betray Jesus.

How wicked can people be? Judas had seen the mi racles Jesus had
done — He walked on the water, calmed the storm, healed the sick and
raised the dead — yet he let Satan work his will in him — to betray
Jesus. The rulers condemned Jesus because He would not deny that
He was the Son of God.

He was the Son of God and He is the Son of God. He is coming
again and He will come as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Jesus
came to save your soul. Let Jesus come into your heart and He will
make you clean and pure. He died that you might have everlastinq
life!

Brother Rudy Cover

PEACE IN TIME OF TROUBLE

"And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the
ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship,
asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master!
carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind,
and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there
was a great calm." Mark 4:37-39.

It is easy to picture this windstorm, with the white-caps on the
waves. The boat was full of water, and about to sink, with the storm
continuing to rage. The disciples were terrified and their distress was
intensified because Jesus was sleeping. Why, when they needed Him
most, wasn't He paying attention and helping them?

Is there a storm in your life, one which is about to overwhelm you?
You know Jesus came to this earth to make peace with God for us, but
you wonder if it stops there. Or, does His peace cover life's storms?
The answer is yes.

Peace of heart must come before peace of mind is possible.
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through
our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5:1 . After peace with God is established,
and the burden of sin is gone, it brings a calm to your soul. This is
peace of heart.

We need peace of mind also, and we have a promise of this. "Peace I
leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I
unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John
14:27. When Christ's peace is within, the effect of our problem is not
the same, because His peace overrules the distress. This doesn't mean

BIBLE MONITOR

we'll never hurt or get upset, but we can be tranquil and serene, rather
than falling apart emotionally.

"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only
makest me dwell in safety." Psa. 4:8. Another part of peace is resting in
God's care. There's no need of lying awake nights, fearing that He'll
not care for you, or that He will forget you need Him. You can be sure
your petitions have been heard, even though the answer doesn't come
immediately. It's while you're waiting for the answer that you need to
rest in God's care and love. Therein is contentment and peace.

A time of great distress may come before complete peace is given.
"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by
Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect,
stablish, strengthen, settle you." I Peter 5:10. The suffering comes,
then the perfecting and the strengthening. At last you are settled
—restored to calmness. The greatest calm comes after a violent
storm, and so it is in your life.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee:
because he trusteth in thee." Isa. 26:3. Perfect peace is whole,
complete, excellent. It couldn't be better. Seek all that God has for
you. Don't settle for second, third or fourth best, but ask for God's best
in your spiritual life, for the perfect peace He wants you to have.

"And the peaceof God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep
your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:7. Peace in the
timeof trouble? Certainly! How? Through Christandthestrength He
alone can give. If you are depending on yourself, trying to cope with
life alone, no wonder you are in distress. But with Jesus' help, you can
have the peace which passes our understanding and keeps us well-
balanced both spiritually and emotionally. This is the only peace
which will help you in the times of trouble.

Times of trouble and distress will come and our approach to these
times will make a big, big difference in the effect on us and others. It is
not for us to throw up our hands in despair and quit, nor to dump the
responsibility on someone else. The keeping power of Christ has
been promised to us, and with that assurance, we need to continue on,
doing the best we can. If our minds are on Christ, we can have His
peace, even in times of trouble.

Sister Eileen Broadwater

• •••••«

To have freedom is only to have that which is absolutely
necessary to enable us to be what we ought to be, and to possess
what we ought to possess. - Rahel

BIBLE MONITOR

THE DANGERS OF CHURCH DRAMATICS
AND RELIGIOUS MOVIES

Continued from February 15, 1984 Issue

3. RELIGIOUS PLAYS AND DRAMATICS EMBODY ACTING
WHICH IS IN VIOLATION OF SINCERITY

Each individual person is a unique creation from the hand of God.
It is hypocrisy for any person to pretend that he is some person who he
is not. Our word hypocrite comes directly from the Greek theatre, and
that word means to wear a mask, to play a part, or to assume the
character of another. An actor portrays one kind of character, while at
the same time he is a different kind of person. In order to put on a
religious play (acted or filmed) one person must disguise his indi-
viduality and play the part of another. He pretends to pray, he
pretends to be a worshipper, or he pretends that he is sorry. He
pretends to do a lot of things. Every act is faked and every smile is
false and every tone is artificial. It's all put on; none of it is real.

Suppose a child is assigned the part of King Herod in a Christmas
play. Somewhere along the line, that child (in order to act out his part)
must pretend (like Herod) that he is angry, then he is jealous, and
finally in acting his role as Herod, he is to pretend he is going to cause
the murder of thousands of infants. I just recently came across a
Christmas play in which a young man is to pretend that he is the Holy
Spirit and to make advances to the supposed virgin Mary (of all things)
in order to bring about her expectancy of the Christ child.

A religious play... it might be well for us to remember that the Bible
says that fools make a mock at sin (Prov. 14:9). And as far as playing
the part of Christ is concerned, who among us is worthy to pretend
that he is God. Acting out the role of Christ in any kind of play, in my
judgment, is raw blasphemy... a serious sin in the eyes of God.

Drama was first used by the heathen Egyptians, it was further
refined by the ancient Greeks, and then borrowed by the Romans for
their entertainment in the ampitheatre. Then the church borrowed the
idea, and during the Middle Ages they approved of religious plays
known as the Miracle Plays and the Morality Plays. And it was this
period (known as the most corrupt period in all Christendom) which
was called the Dark Ages. The fact is that history shows that there has
never been a spiritual revival when drama played a major role in
the church.

4. THERE IS NO BIBLICAL AUTHORITY FOR THE USE OF
RELIGIOUS DRAMA

The true Bible believing church should be able to give a scriptural
reason for all of her activities. We meet together, we pray together,

BIBLE MONITOR

we hear the Word of God expounded upon, we set aside offerings for
the work of the church, we baptize new converts, practice the feet-
washing service, all of these are taught and exhorted by the Scripture.
We bear one another's burdens, we care for each other, share one
another's sorrows. These activities, and many, many others have New
Testament authority, but where in the Scripture do we find authority
for religious plays and dramatics? Is there any authority fora religious
movie or a religious play? Where is the authority for introducing the
pagan art of acting into the church? Where do you find it in the New
Testament? Anyone who is advocating church plays and drama in
order to get people into the church, let them quote just one verse from
any book of the New Testament to justify their appeal.

The best argument such a person can use is in the argument that we
are living in modern times and a changed culture, and modern times
call for new up-to-date methods. This is the philosophy of the world
around us. God has ordained four methods by which the truth shall
prevail, and thechurch play isnotoneof them. Thefourmethodsare
prayer, singing, proclamation by means of words, and proclamation
by means of good deeds. When the church prays in the Spirit, and
sings in the Spirit, and when the preacher preaches with Holy Spirit
power, the church influences men and women for Christ.

5. RELIGIOUS MOVIES AND DRAMA ARE OUT OF HARMONY
WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE SCRIPTURE.

It is impossible to harmonize the spirit of the religious movie and
play with the Spirit of the sacred Scriptures. Try to imagine Elijah, for
example, attempting to appear before Ahab with a roll of film, or'the
Apostle Peter standing up on the day of Pentecost, and after a brief
introduction of the film, he says, "Lights out please." Or think of
Jeremiah when he was called to preach. He halted and hesitated and
pleaded with God because he was not a fluent speaker, and God said,
"I have put my words in your mouth," and he became a flaming
spokesman for the Lord. Don't you suppose that Jeremiah could have
done even better, or perhaps made it even without the touch of God, if
he would have only had a good 16mm projector and a good roll of
acted-outfilm?

Those who promote preaching the Gospel with the movie concept,
simply cannot compare the shallow presentations of the film with the
spirit of the prophets and the power of the early apostles. It is
impossible to compare those two on an equal basis. Drama is the art
of making an audience believe that real things are happening to real
people, when indeed they are not happening. Whereas, the Scripture,
by contrast, describes the true nature of a witness for Jesus Christ in
Acts 4:20, where we read: "For we cannot but speak the things which
we have seen and heard." Those who witness truly for Christ do not

-10 BIBLE MONITOR

attempt to make people believe something which is not really
happening, but share that which has absolutely been his own
experience. That's a true witnessfor Christ. The Play takes the unreal
and attempts to make people believe that it's real, whereas the
Christian knows what's real, and has simply to share it with others.

6. THE RELIGIOUS PLAYS AND DRAMATICS DEVELOP A
TASTE FOR OTHER DRAMA AND OTHER MOVIES.

The minds of those persons who feed often on religious films, won't
be satisfied for long with the inferior stuff from which religious films
are made. People who see a number of religious films will soon
demand the real thing, and what do we say to those who ask why they
should not attend the secular movie houses. The showing of religious
films with the plot, the sequence, and the climax, causes people to
have a passion to see the secular movies and plays, and it gives some
the incentive to become professional actors themselves. Remember,
back in the history of the early church, one of the jobs that had to be
given up before one could even be baptized, was that of acting. The
church would not receive an actor into fellowship until that job was
totally given up. Sometimeago, a movie produceremployedayoung
girl for the stage and she played her part so well in the testing and
interview, and with such skill from the very beginning, that the
manager asked her, "How could you possibly do so well on your very
first try?" Her reply was, "I've been learning it all along at Sunday
School."

The prevalence of dramatics and religious movies in the church
today is the symptom of the fact that the church is in such a poor state
of spiritual health. Only the absence of Spirit power in the pulpit, and
the lack of real discernment of God's people in our day, can account
for the rapid spread of dramatics and religious films that are all around

us today.

I was preaching at one of the largest churches in the brotherhood
a couple of years ago. It was a Sunday eveni ng service, and there was
to be a series of Sunday evening evangelistic services with a different
speaker each Sunday evening. The congregation at that time had
1063 members, and on that special evening during the evangelistic
series, there were thirty people at the service. The worship leader was
kind of embarrassed and began to make apologies for the lack of
attendance and this is what he said: "The only way we can get a crowd
in this congregation on a Sunday evening, is to give a dramatic
presentation, a religious play or to have a banquet, or some widely
known outstanding gospel group, and if we pick one of those three,
this place is packed out on a Sunday night." But out of 1 063 members
for an evangelistic meeting, there were only thirty people present.

BIBLE MONITOR -,-j

The plain truth is that such are the symptoms of a sick church, and in
fact they are the symptoms of a dead church. It has to rely on plays
and dramatics to attract its carnal people to its services.

I urge each of us to simply draw the line and refuse to follow the
crowd. Let's not participate in attending the church plays and movies.
In this way at least, we'll renounce the spirit of Hollywood and we'll
have a little more time for the careful systematic study of the Word of
God as we continue our spiritual journey.

Of course, I have not said anything yet to this point, about the
blasphemous plays which are so widely advertised such as
GODSPELL, a musical drama based on the book of Matthew. It

pictures Jesus as a singing, dancing clown wearing red makeup on his
nose and a superman tee shirt under his suspenders. And, John the
Baptist takes a sponge and sprinkles people in order to depict
baptism, and the play ends with the dead body of Jesus being carried
out without a resurrection scene. This drama was being acted out in
one of the York, Pennsylvania churches a short time ago.

I make no apology for speaking out on a doctrine which you may
have never heard m uch about before. The early Brethren spoke often
about drama in the church and about entertainment in God's house
and among God's people. The principles of God's Word have not
changed. There is no doubt in my mind that dramatics and movies
have played a big part in the decline and the apostasy in the church in
recent decades.

Selected and transcribed by
Brother Rudy Shaffer

SIXTY YEARS AGO

March 1, 1924

THE WORLD OR CHRIST
B. E. Kesler

When our Master was here on earth He had occasion at various
times to call the attention of His hearers to the fact that there exists
a power which stands in opposition to Him and His work. It was so
in the garden, where the opposing power overcame our first parents
and brought woe into the world. Many of God's servants through the
times of the judges and prophets, felt the same power striving to bring
their work to naught. Jesus was tried by the same power, but came
off conquerer, though the power that makes for unrighteousness was
not driven to his final abode. Those who have lived since the time
when Jesus was here have felt the evil influence of this same hostile
power. And those who shall live after us will continue to feel the evil

12 BIBLE MONITOR

coming from this power to the end of time. So long as man is in the
flesh there is no escape from trial and temptation.

Untold millions of the human race have through the ages been
deceived, have lost much of the real joy which they might have had in
this world in order to gain that which could satisfy but for a moment,
and have lost the hope of life eternal. Every man or woman who has
read the New Testament knows that it is not possible to serve the
world and Christ; for it was Christ himself who said, "Ye cannot serve
two masters." These words are read and re-read by persons who live
in and for the world. None of these things move them to forsake the
world for Christ. Some minds are so peculiar that they can profess to
believe that obedience to Christ is necessary to salvation, and at the
same time expect to be saved while disregarding at least three out of
four of his commands.

Our fathers started out well more than two hundred years ago.
Some generations of them ran well, lived up to their profession by
keeping themselves as much as possible unspotted by the world. But
in recent years the church has lapsed sadly. Judging from the way
it has gone into the world and allowed the world to enter its doors, the
church has decided that it need not come out from the world and be
separate. But those who think so and act so are mistaken, are
deceiving themselves: God is not mocked. This is especially true of
congregations which profess to be up to date. They tell of their
entertainments to raise money; they describe the ways in which they
unite with others who do not even profess to believe that full
obedience is necessary to salvation.

Ye cannot serve two masters, God and mammon, Christ and the
world. And since we cannot serve both, and one of them means life
and the other death, it is a matter of vital importance which of the two
we serve. Choose ye th is day whom ye wi 1 1 serve — the world or Ch rist.
Today we can choose whom we will serve; but we have no assurance
that tomorrow, or next month, or next year we shall be able to choose.
God will not always strive with man; sooner or later the books will be
closed and we shall be judged according to the things written therein.
And from the decision there will be no appeal. Seeing these things
are so, what manner of men ought we to be? To whom should we
render obedience?

Thereare many whodo not like to be reminded of these things. But
that makes it all the more necessary to write and speak of them. If all
who profess to follow Christ kept themselves separate from all the evil
of the world, it would not be necessary to remind one another of this
duty so frequently. It is not a question of what we like or do not like:
the question of greatest importance, the only one that really matters,
is, whether we will be obedient unto life, or disobedient unto death.

BIBLE MONITOR 13

There is no middle ground. The decision is ours; the reward or the
punishment will also be ours.

In the way Christ marked out there must be some self-denial. But
the more we study the Word, the more we see the reasonableness of
it; for nowhere in it is the true follower denied anything that is for the
real good of his body or soul. Nothing is forbidden but what would
be in some way harmful. The great difficulty is that the carnal nature
is not put off at the time when it seems that the world is being forsaken
for Christ. In order to find peace there must be a submission of the
human will to the Divine Will. The carnal mind must be brought under
and the spiritual mind exalted. The flesh is too much pampered, the
spirit too much neglected. And that is why the spiritual plays so small
a part in the world.

We cannot make the choice once for all: it is a daily choosing
between Christ and the world. Paul had something like this in mind
when he said, "I die daily." It was necessary every day to suppress
desires of the flesh which were contrary to the spirit. And it is no less
necessary for us to die daily to all evil desires. When the flesh is
brought into subjection, then there is peace; as long as there is strife
between the carnal and the spiritual, peace is impossible. But the
more the spirit triumphs, the less the flesh strives; and finally the point
is reached where Christ is all and the world, so far as seeming
desireable is concerned, is nothing.

Christ means life; the world means death and separation from
Christ. How can anyone hesitate or fail to choose life?

• «•••••

Generosity during life is a very different thing from generosity in
the hour of death; one proceeds from genuine liberality and
benevolence, the other from pride or fear. - Horace Mann

• •••#•«

All my experience of the world teaches me that in ninety-nine
cases out of a hundred, the safe and just side of a question is the
generous and merciful side, - Anna Jameson

• •••••«

He who gives what he would as readily throw away, gives
without generosity; for the essence of generosity is in self-
sacrifice. - H. Taylor

14 BIBLE MONITOR

OBITUARY

OLLIE MALLOW

Sister Ollie Mable Mallow, widow of the late Elder Owen Mallow,
died at home at Clearville, Pennsylvania on Sunday morning, June 26,
1 983, at the age of 77 years, 5 months, and 1 7 days. She was born on
January 9, 1906, the daughter of Arthur and Clara Harper at Onego,
West Virginia.

On March 28, 1925, she was united in marriage with Owen Mallow.
This union was blessed with ten children. Three children preceded
her in death: a son, Manfred, in 1938; a daughter, Mildred, in 1951 ; and
a daughter, Evelyn, wife of Bernie Moyer, in 1967. Her companion
departed from this life on March 27, 1969.

She and her companion were baptized at the same time and placed
into the Church of the Brethren before their marriage. They came to
the Dunkard Brethren Church in the late 1920's at Onego, West
Virginia. In 1939 they moved to Bedford County, Pennsylvania and
became members of the Waynesboro Dunkard Brethren Congre-
gation and Ward's Mission at Clearville, Pennsylvania.

She is survived by seven children; Loma, wife of Walter Price, of
Everett, Pennsylvania; llda, wife of Glentis Valentine, of Clearville,
Pennsylvania; Eldon, husband of former Angeline Shaffer, of Green-
castle, Pennslyvania; Retha, wife of Robert Matthews, of Annville,
Pennsylvania; Clara Strayer, of Everett, Pennsylvania; Naomi, wife of
Curtis Bickerstaff, of Sellersville, Pennsylvania; Ollie, wife of Thomas
Noecker, of Sellersville, Pennsylvania; eighteen grandchildren;
seventeen great-grandchildren; four brothers; four sisters; and other
relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted on June 29, 1983 at the United
Methodist Church in Onego, West Virginia, by Elder Jacob Ness and
assisted by Elder Frank Shaffer.

Burial was in the Mallow Cemetery, Riverton, West Virginia.

NEWS ITEMS

MINISTERIAL LIST CHANGES

Due to changes made by the Post Office the new address of Bro.
Carl Broadwater is R. 10, Box 459, York, Pennsylvania 17404. The
new address of Bro. Howard E. Myers is 850 Chambers Road, York,
Pennsylvania 17402.

Bro. Herman Jamison should be listed as an Elder.

BIBLE MONITOR 15

1984 GENERAL CONFERENCE
June 9-13, 1984

The Lord willing, 1984 General Conference will be held at Roxbury
Camp Grounds, Roxbury, Pennsylvania.

More detailed information as to directions, lodging and transpor-
tation will be furnished at a later date.

We would appreciate having your reservations as soon as possible.
Write to:

Verling Wolfe

R.D. #1482

Bethel, Pennsylvania 19507

or
Edwin S. Stauffer
Box 291 Sinclair Road
R.D. 1
Newmanstown, Pennsylvania 17073

NEWBERG, OREGON

We are looking forward to our Revival Meetings to be held, Lord
willing, April 1 through 8. Lovefeast Services on the 7th. Bro. Leonard
Wertz will be our evangelist. Pray, come and enjoy these meetings
with us.

Sister Esther Roedel, Cor.
DALLAS CENTER, IOWA

The Dallas Center Congregation will hold their Lovefeast on April
21, the Lord willing. Services will begin 10:45 A.M. Saturday. There
will be services all day on Sunday. The Lovefeast will be held Saturday
evening.

Come and enjoy these meetings with us.

Sister Mary Sue Moss, Cor.

PLEASANT RIDGE, OHIO

The Pleasant Ridge Congregation plans, the Lord willing, for their
revival to begin March 18 through April 1. Our evangelist is Bro.
Eugene Kauffman from Harrisonburg, Virginia.

ThecommunionservicesaretobeMarch31 and April 1, beginning
at 11 o'clock Saturday morning, continuing at 2 o'clock Saturday
afternoon with the Lovefeast Saturday night. There will be services on
Sunday. We send a welcome for all to come enjoy these meetings with
us.

Sister Ruth Kleinhen, Cor.

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DAILY DEVOTIONS
OF THE

Memory Verse: 2 Sam. 23:4
And he shall be as the light of the j
morning, when the sun riseth, even
a morning without clouds; as the
tender grass springing out of the
earth by clear shining after rain.

Thur. 1 -1 Sam. 4:1-22

Fri. 2-1 Sam. 5:1-12

Sat. 3- 1 Sam. 6:1-21

Memory Verse: 1 Kings 8:23
And he said, Lord God of Israel,
there is no God like thee, in heaven
above, or on earth beneath, who
keepest covenant and mercy with
thy servants that walk before thee
with all their heart.

Sun. 4- 1 Sam. 7:1-17

Mon. 5- 1 Sam. 17:38-58

Tues. 6-2 Sam. 23:1-7

Wed. 7-1 Kings 2:1-12

Thur. 8-1 Kings 4:29-34

Fri. 9-1 Kings 8:1-21

Sat. 10-1 Kings 8:22-43

Memory Verse: 2 Kings 19:15
And Hezekiah prayed before the
Lord, and said, O Lord God of
Israel, which dwellest between the
cherubims, thou art the God, even
thou alone, of all the kingdoms of
the earth; thou hast made heaven
and earth.

Sun. 11-1 Kings 8:44-66

Mon. 12- 1 Kings 17:1-24

Tues. 13- 1 Kings 18:1-24

Wed. 14- 1 Kings 18:25-46

Thur. 15-2 Kings 5:1-27

Fri. 16-2 Kings 10:1-17

Sat. 17-2 Kings 10:18-36

FOR MARCH, 1984
EARTH

Memory Verse: 1 Chron. 29:15
For we are strangers before thee,
and sojourners, as were all our
fathers: our days on the earth are
as a shadow, and there is none
abiding.

Sun. 18-2 Kings 19:1-19

Mon. 19-2 Kings 19:20-37

Tues. 20- 1 Chron. 16:1-22

Wed. 21 -1 Chron. 16:23-43

Thur. 22- 1 Chron. 17:1-27

Fri. 23- 1 Chron. 21:1-15

Sat. 24-1 Chron. 21:16-30

Memory Verse: 2 Chron. 6:18
But will God in very deed dwell
with men on the earth? behold,
heaven and the heaven of heavens
cannot contain thee; how much
less this house which I have built!

Sun. 25- 1 Chron. 29:1-15

Mon. 26 - 1 Chron. 29:16-30

Tues. 27 -2 Chron. 6:1-21

Wed. 28 -2 Chron. 6:22-42

Thur. 29-2 Chron. 16:1-14

Fri. 30-2 Chron. 32:1-17

Sat. 31 -2 Chron. 32:18-33

Memory Verses: 2 Chron. 6:33
Then hear thou from the heavens,
even from thy dwelling place, and
do according to all that the
stranger calleth to thee for; that
all people of the earth may know
thy name, and fear thee, as doth
thy people Israel, and may know
that this house which I have built
is called by thy name.

2 Chron. 16:9a

For the eyes of the Lord run to and
fro throughout the whole earth, to
shew himself strong in the behalf
of them whose heart is perfect
toward him.

Lester Fisher

4654 N. State Rte. 48

Coving ton, Oil 45318

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL. LXII MARCH 15, 1984 NO. 6

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all

Scriptural in practice. the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

GOD IS LOVE, HIS MERCY BRIGHTENS

God is love; His mercy brightens
All the path in which we rove:
Bliss he wakes, and woe he lightens;
God is wisdom, God is love.

Chance and change are busy ever;
Man decays, and ages move;
But his mercy waneth never;
God is wisdom, God is love.

E'en the hour that darkest seemeth
Will his changeless goodness prove;
From the gloom his brightness streameth;
God is wisdom, God is love.

He with earthly cares entwineth
Hope and comfort from above:
Ev'rywhere his glory shineth;
God is wisdom, God is love.

- Sir John Bowring

BIBLE MONITOR

LIARS

Any liberty taken with the truth is a lie. Whether we vary the truth
just a little oralot, it is still a lie. We may deceive ourselves by believing
that we can justify a "white lie." We may think that lying is not a
serious sin like adultery or murder, but we can just as readily lose our
Heavenly Home by lying as by killing.

John, the Beloved Apostle, warns about lying. Although John
speaks much about love — Gods and ours, he also speaks of love's
desire for truth. True love does not neglect discipline and warning.
John writes of the truth and men's attempts to change it. Read
I John 1.

The seriousness of lying is manifest when we realize that its source
is Satan. Jesus spoke of Satan as being a liar from the beginning and
the father of it. So being untruthful puts one under the influence of our
soul's worst enemy. Satan is not hindered by the truth when he tempts
men to sin. However he allures one to sin, he will not truthfully show
the results of yielding to his allurements. He paints a picture of
pleasure and profit rather than the true picture of pain and
punishment.

Sin is pictured in the Bible as darkness. In contrast to this dark-
ness, God isexalted as being light. Since God is light, there can be no
suggestion of darkness with Him. The faintest hint of untruth would
be darkness. At the Creation God first spoke light into existence. This
shows the importance of light that it was first. God's holiness and
righteousness is foremost.

As Christians we are to live godly lives, which imitate His righteous-
ness. As imitators of Christ we will have fellowship with the Father
as the Son does. Butthatfellowshipcan be broken by sin. Since God
is light, He can not fellowship with darkness. If we are not like Him

THE BIBLE MONITOR MARCH 15,1984

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BIBLE MONITOR

then we are darkness and out of fellowship with Him. If we claim
fellowship with Him but we do not walk in the light we are then found
to be liars. If liars we are a part of darkness and unable to be in
fellowship with Him. It is far better to be out of fellowship with men
than to be out of fellowship with God.

When in the light and in fellowship with God, we also have fellow-
ship with others who are in the light. Being in the light requires a walk.
It is not just standing still. There is action required to be in that light.
Being in the light also signifies a cleansing through the blood of Jesus
Christ.

To look at ourselves as sinless is to deceive ourselves. We may be
abletocoverourmisdeedsso no other man will know of them but they
can not be hidden from God. Self-deception is so dangerous. If we do
not realize where we are, we will take no measures to rescue our-
selves. If we consider ourselves to be without sin then we will not
implement the Plan of Salvation. It is not only the evil but also many
who are morally good who are self deceived. They are like the one
who looks into a looking glass but very soon afterwards forgets what
he saw there. If the mirror of God's Word does not cause one to see
the ever present sin in his life nothing will. By denying the presence of
sin we are showing the lack of truth within us.

The wonderful message of the Bible is that once sin is acknowl-
edged, there is a remedy. God isfaithful and just to forgive that sin. He
is the only one who can not only forgive sin but also cleanse it away. It
can be buried in the sea of His forgetf ulness. There is no need for one
to fear having his sin revealed, for by its revelation there is the
cleansing necessary to be in fellowship with God.

It is a terrible thing to delude and deceive ourselves by believing
we have no sins. It is an even worse thing to deny the existence of sin
and thereby call God a liar. To attribute a lie, darkness or sin to God is
to commit blasphemy, for He is light. God declares in His Word that all
are guilty of sin. There is not a one who can escape or refute that
charge. It is better to consider all men to be liars than to attribute
untruth to God. If we say He has lied then it is evident His Word is not
in us. We are then in a lost condition, without hope in darkness of the
world. Paul writes, "Be not deceived God is not mocked, For
whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap."

Amongest even worldly men there is little respect for the liar.
Consider then the place of the liar before God. He places himself in
league with Satan and in opposition to God. Sin is rampant in the lives
of all. Confession is the only sure cure. Come out of the darkness
into the glorious light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

• ••• • •

BIBLE MONITOR

EXCUSES, EXCUSES!

"Excuses, excuses — we hear them everyday." So goes a line from
a rather humorous but very true song. Some of the silliest reasons
are given for not doing this or that, or for indulging one's self in some
way or other. We can find an excuse for almost anything, if that's
what we want to do, but excuses never make things right.

The overeater says, "I don't need this, but I do enjoy it." The
drug-user (and there are many) says, "It won't hurt me", and later finds
himself trapped by his own need. An employee says his employer
expects too much, so he shirks his duty on the job. These excuses
are an effort to avoid responsibility for one's own actions, and as
long as we can excuse ourselves in something, we'll never have any
victory over it.

It's hard to say, "I did it" or "It's my fault", but accepting responsi-
bility for our own actions is necessary. Unless and until we accept
such responsibility, we can't be what God wants us to be. It's hard to
say "I haven't been doing a very good job", but we can't blame others
for our carelessness, and expect God to let us get by. Adam blamed
Eve, she blamed the serpent, but God placed the blame where it
belonged.

Oftentimes children will make excuses for not doing what they
should, such as "I don't have time to clean up my room" or "I'm too
tired to do it". Yet there is time for what he or she wants to do, and
energy to spare. We readily see through their excuses, but when
we make excuses to God and to man, we can't see it.

Adam ate the forbidden fruit, Aaron made the golden calf, and
both made excuses which were not accepted. Ours won't be either.
Moses thought he couldn't talk fast enough, and Gideon thought he
wasn't worth anything, but God told them to do the job anyhow.
Jonah tried to excuse his flight to Tarshish by saying he knew God
wouldn't bring the judgment Jonah preached. A poor excuse, to be
sure, and God had to teach him so.

No matter what the situation, we can find an excuse for not doing
the right thing, if we want one. But God doesn't want excuses. He
wants action and for us to be responsible and obedient to Him. God
also expects us to do right by our fellow-man. Whether we work at
home, or away from home, we have certain responsibilities, and
God expects us to take care of these also.

What do we really mean when we offer excuses? For example,
when we say, "I can't", it may mean "I don't want to", or "I'm too lazy
to try". Our excuses are often a cover-up for the real reason for our
actions. These excuses express our unwillingness to accept the
responsibility which is ours. Some changes become necessary when
we face the truth about ourselves, and as long as we can avoid facing

BIBLE MONITOR

the truth, we can avoid changing.

Even so, this does not excuse us, and God will someday require
us to give account for our actions. Jesus said, "If I had not come and
spoken unto them, they had not had sin; but now they have no cloak
for their sin." John 15:22. Wrong-doing cannot be covered up and
there will be no offering excuses to God then, so why try to excuse
yourself now?

We hear all kinds of excuses from people such as the child who
"didn't have time to do his schoolwork", and from adults who excuse
poor-quality work. We hear excuses for not going to Church (don't
have time, the weather isn't suitable, too many hypocrites, and so
forth) but the same people go to work without a problem. We hear
excuses for intemperance and various forms of self-indulgence. In
reality, there are no excuses, no justification for anything which is
contrary to God's will for us.

"And they all with one consent began to make excuse." Luke
14:18a. These individuals were more concerned about their own
affairs than about God's bidding. Whenever we put ourselves and our
desires ahead of our responsibility to God and man, we are in trouble,
and excuses won't help. In your own life, sort out your goals and
desires, and put God first. Accept full responsibility for your actions
before God and man. Don't offer lame excuses.

Sister Eileen Broadwater

DO WE INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE?

Matthew 19:29 "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or
brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands,
for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit
everlasting life."

One of the teachings held by those who teach unconditional eternal
security and those who hold to the postponed kingdom and Jewish
Millenial theory is that Christians do not inherit salvation. We would
agree with this statement as long as they are referring to a FLESHLY
inheritance, but they go beyond that. The strange part is while they
would agree that Christians do not inherit salvation through the flesh,
they try to give such assurance to future Jews in a supposed
postponed kingdom leading up to a supposed Jewish Millenial!

We would like to state that we do not claim to have perfect wisdom
or knowledge. If what we are about to share contains error we ask
the forgiveness of God and man. We confess that for many years we
studied scripture with the purpose in mind to find "hidden meaning" to
vindicate our pet theories. We feel God has recently revealed to us the
simple truths of scripture. These truths were held by our Brethren

BIBLE MONITOR

forefathers and most of the believers of their time. The complicated
interpretation of scripture, which most of our conservative Brethren
and "sister" denominational members seem to hold to, is propagated
by those who follow the teachings of C. I. Scofield, who we view as a
false teacher.

In Mark 10:17 and Luke 18:18 we have an individual asking Christ
what he must do to inherit eternal life. If we do not inherit eternal life
this would have been the perfect time for the Holy Spirit to tell us so!
But nothing is said to make us believe the questioner was in error as
to his statement. The same question is asked in Luke 10:25 by a
different individual. Again we are not told that the question was in
error. We realize that these were Jewish individuals. But certainly
they would not have to wait until some supposed postponed kingdom
came to receive eternal life. We know that the vast majority of the early
New Testament Church was made up of coverted Jews who had
received eternal life.

In I Corinthians 15:50 we read, "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh
and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God: neither doth cor-
ruption inherit incorruption." Paul is making a comparison here.
The first part of his statement reminds us of the statement of
Jesus in John 3:3; 5 and 6. "Jesus answered and said unto
him, verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he
cannot see the kingdom of God. (Nicodemus then asks him how he
can be born twice physically.) "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say
unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot
enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is
flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." If we allow
scripture to interpret itself, we see that what Christ is saying (and Paul)
is that our carnal nature cannot inherit eternal life. One of the
arguments used by those who deny that Christians inherit eternal life
is that we are born into salvation, we do not inherit it. Of course we
are "born" into salvation, but who ever heard of someone having an
i nheritance who was never born? At the same time they try to give this
inheritance to fleshly Jews who they claim are "God's chosen people."
Rev. 3:9 says plainly, "Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of
Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold I will
make them come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have
loved thee." Christ is speaking to the church in Philadelphia when he
uttered these words. We know that only God is to be worshipped. We
believe what Christ is saying is that the Jews of that day, thus the
Jewish people of our day and their descendants must come to the
Church for salvation. We do not hate the Jewish people as some
fanatics of today do. But we love them too much to allow them or their
descendants to look for salvation in some supposed postponed
kingdom of Jewish Millenial. We might also add that we believe all
true Jews accepted the truth of the Trinity.

BIBLE MONITOR

Acts 20:32 tells us we have an inheritance among alt them which are
sanctified. Verses 28 of this chapter tells us this is speaking of "the
church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." This
truth is repeated in Acts 26:17-18. Ephesians 1:13-14 tells us we are
sealed with the holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest (down
payment) of our inheritance. Hebrews 9:15 tells us that Jesus Christ
gives us the promise of eternal inheritance. Colossians 1:12 tells us
we are to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints.

In Rev. 21:7 we read, "He that overcometh shall inherit all things;
and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." We look forward to that
time when our inheritance will be ours in full. Just as an individual
born into a wealthy family has the BENEFITS of his inheritance at
birth and through life it takes a death to make the inheritance final and
truly theirs, so we have benefits of our inheritance but it will be fully
realized when we have our new body in the new heaven and new
earth.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord you
will inherit eternal damnation. This is the result of never accepting the
new nature. We invite you to be "translated into the kingdom of his
dear Son" (Colossians 1:13) and receive the inheritance of eternal life.

Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch Street
Palmyra, PA 17078

THE CHILDREN'S PAGE

WASHING FEET

John 13:1-20

The roads to Jerusalem were dusty and many travelers came to
this city once a year to keep the Passover feast. It was about time for
the Passover and many who lived far away arrived in Jerusalem tired
and dusty. People wore sandals then and it was a custom when
someone arrived at a home of a relative or friend that water would
be brought in a basin so they could wash their feet. If the master of
the house was rich and important, he would have a servant do it.

The Jews knew all about the custom of washing feet. It was a
courteous act on the part of the one who performed it.

Jesus knew that He would soon be betrayed and arrested and
condemned to die and He desired to eat a last meal with His disciples
which we now celebrate as the "Lord's Supper".

Jesus sent two of His disciples to a place that had an upper room
where they were to prepare this meal. The supper was ready to eat
and Jesus stood up and laid aside His garments (I suppose He had on

8 BIBLE MONITOR

a cloak and coat or sweater — probably the one that was woven
without a seam that the soldiers gambled for). Jesus then took a
towel and girded Himself. After that He poured water into a basin
and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel
with which He was girded.

When Jesus came to wash Peter's feet, Peter said unto Jesus, "Thou
shalt never wash my feet". Peter felt Jesus was too great and he was
too unworthy for Jesus to do such a thing for him.

Jesus answered Peter, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with
me." What do you think Peter decided to do then? Peter said, "Lord,
not my feet only, but also my hands and my head." Jesus told Peter
that it was only necessary to have his feet washed. Maybe we can get a
lesson here too. We should not add to nor take away from God's
Word. I think we can see that Peter did not want to be left out if it
meant that he could have no part with Jesus. Jesus was his Master —
his Saviour and his Lord.

After Jesus had washed the disciples's feet and had taken His
garments and sat down again, He said unto them, "Do you know
what I have done to you? You call me your Master and Lord and you
say well; for so I am. If I then your Lord and Master have washed your
feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an
example, that you should do as I have done to you. The servant is not
greater than his Lord... If you know these things, happy are you if you
do them."

Does Jesus mean that His people should wash feet today? Listen
to what Jesus says after He rose from the grave — just before He
ascended up to Heaven. (Matt. 29:19-20) "Go ye therefore, and teach
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son
and of the Holy Ghost: TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL
THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED YOU; and lo, I am
with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

Jesus commanded His disciples to wash one another's feet. He
also commanded them to teach all nations to observe all things that
He had commanded them. Do you want a part with Jesus? There are
many things Jesus commanded us to do and washing one another's
feet is one of them.

Brother Rudy Cover

• •••••

Friendship improves happiness, and abates misery, by doubling
our joy, and dividing our grief. - Addison

BIBLE MONITOR

ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Complaining

Many people today say they find it difficult to find a personal
message in the Old Testament. They think that nothing there applies
to them. If that is your feeling, possibly you have not read it in the
Spirit of the Lord as you should have. A verse that has a great
application to our everyday life is Numbers 11:1. It reads, "And when
the people complained, it displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it;
and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them!
and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp."
God hates complaining! In fact, He sent a terrible fire to burn
some of the tents of the Israelites as punishment for their complaining.
Anothertime, He sent them poisonoussnakes. He had parted the Red
Sea so they could safely escape the Egyptians and slavery. He
drowned Pharaohs army in the same sea. He had given the Israelites
bread from Heaven to eat every day. Yet, they complained.

We look very critically at these people and yet look what God has
done for us. He has saved us from sin through our obedience to His
only Son. He has given us the Bible. We have Christian friends who
care about us, as well as much food, so much, in fact, that we have to
watch our weight. Most of us have a selection of clothing so that we
can't decide what to wear.

But we continue to complain. We complain about high taxes, the
cost of living, America's leaders with whom we disagree, and even the
weather. We complain because we have to go to school or because we
can't, depending which situation we are in. We complain about food,
about responsibilities and even about the church.

Every day, it is complaining. But complaining is sin and God hates
it. This is hard to face because if we understand this, then we have
to say, "If complaining issin, then I'm a sinner!" Complaining is wrong
and is not an atribute of the Godly person. We must stop it. It is a lack
of trust in God and an affront to Him who has done so much for us.
Constant complaining can ruin your personality. Everyone tries to
avoid a chronic complainer. Ask God to help you to become the
positive person you should be and to help you to overcome the sin of
complaining. You DON'T have the RIGHT to vent your feelings in
this way. In Phil. 2:14 and 15, we learn that we are to "Do all things
without murmerings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and
harmless, and sonsof God..." The challenge is yours. Yourhappiness
is at stake as is your responsibility to please and obey God.

Brother Leonard Wertz

10 BIBLE MONITOR

REMEMBRANCE

We are not to be forgetful hearers of God's Word. We are to
remember our Creator. Through our Creator we have the first
command with promise, that it may be well with thee and long life.
This command was renewed to us by Christ. Also reminded to us by
the Apostle Paul, who also said obey your parents in all things, this is
well pleasing unto God. I believe he had in mind Christian parents.

We that have been blessed with Christian parents can never fully
repay the debt and gratitude we owe. We know it was their desire that
we be faithful to the end. We should be thankful for all the blessings of
God. Disobedience to Christian parents was the start to the falling
away from the saving Gospel of Christ.

"Remember thy creator in the days of thy youth while the evil days
come not nor the years draw nigh when they shall say I have no
pleasure in them." Ecc. 12:1. It is an important matter that we all live
Godly in Christ Jesus as we have no promise of tomorrow. We are
living in a day when many professing Christians think they know a
better way than our Christian foreparents. Through disobedience
many have suffered hardships and a short stay here on earth. "This
second epistle beloved I now write unto you in both which I stir up
your pure minds by the way of remembrance." II Peter 3:1. We must
not forget, but remember, what our Saviour has commanded for our
salvation. He has taught by example and precept. Remembertheway
is open for our salvation. It is not God's will that any should perish, but
all should come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved. "Where-
fore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these
things though ye know them and be established in the present truth."
II Peter 1:12.

Remember that which is the most important in life's pathway is our
soul's salvation. We are not to be forgetful hearers but doers of the
Word of God. Keep in remembrance the faithful of the old dispen-
sation and Christ and the faithful, recorded in the New Testament.
Also our faithful foreparents who came here and established Christi-
anity on this American Continent. It is a great blessing, do we
appreciate it as we should?

We can show our remembrance and appreciation by being faithful
and true to the trust Christ left us. Are we pressing onward and
forward toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus? The true Christians have a desire for the salvation of
soulsand are laboring for it. "I will therefore putyou in remembrance
though ye once knew this how that the Lord having saved the people
out of the land of Egypt afterward destroyed them that believed not."
Jude 1:5.

Remember to keep the way of truth and righteousness. If we

BIBLE MONITOR 11

remember and have salvation we are obedient to God's Word.
Remember we like our faithful foreparents need to take the way of the
Cross that leads to the blessed eternal home of joy, peace and
happiness.

Brother J. F. Marks

Rt. 9 Box 860

Plant City, FL

SIXTY YEARS AGO

March 15, 1924

"THE WHITE COLLAR JOB"

A. W. Zeigler

I read an article some time ago, that fit so well for which it was
intended. I thought it fit equally as well to the Christian or the Spiritual
side of life. The more I meditated on the spiritual side, the better I
thought it fit. It was something like this: It has appeared to some
observers that there is such a concerted rush of young people for what
are called, "The White Collar Jobs", that it is becoming difficult to
induce young men to take up trades, as there seemed to be a feeling
that work, which involves the soiling of the hands or clothing was of a
lower type than that carried on in lighted offices or over shining desks.
The cause of the above rush was by an oversight or a mistake of the
young people, and also many older ones. When the manufacturing
industry was in its infancy the man at his trade, whatever line it was,
started out with a small shop, and small equipment. Faithfully and
earnestly, he kept hammering away, and building up his trade until it
had increased so favorably that he had to hire men to attend to the
labor part of the business. The proprietor had all he could do to take
care of the office part of the work. Those were men of business, that
madeasuccessin life, forthey were wellequipped in every detail of the
labor end of the enterprise, which also put them in a position to be well
equipped in the leadership and business part of the industry. If they
would have fitted themselves only for the White Collar Job through
some institution of learning, so as to fill the office duties, they would
likely have failed, as many have failed in the White Collar Job, not
knowing anything about the mechanical part of the concern. In such
procedure, what else could they expect but to fail, not being
acquainted with all the detailsofthe principal part ofthe work. Just so
in the Spiritual side of life.

The church, when in its infancy started out earnestly and faithfully
studying the word of God, and living it. As they lived it and practiced

12 BIBLE MONITOR

what they preached, they built up congregation after congregation,
spreading the good work, and holding to the discipline of the gospel of
Christ and its teaching. But, as soon as they began to cater after
worldly knowledge they began to rush for the White Collar Jobs.
Right now they are just like the man is, in the financial part that was
after the White Collar Job. He found out after going to the wall, he did
not even have the smallest end of the business learned and had
commenced at the wrong end of the business, and they think they
have learned to tell the way of life to others, but have never lived it.
The only way to equip yourself to tell the story to others is to live it in
every detail. When we start at this end of the spiritual life, we will not
be looking for the White Collar Jobs. We have entirely too many of
those fellows to support, that are so much better equipped to tell at
least a part of the gospel, than they are to live it. This is one of the
things that rob the worthy needy. I do not want to be understood that
men can or should live on the wind. I believe the worthy should be well
supported, but I also believe that if living on the wind would bring them
to where they would be willing to preach the whole gospel, then
at least try to live it, it would be a God's blessing for such to have to
live on the wind until they are willing to accept the will of God. May
God help us all to live his will, for there is no better way to tell it. I am
so thankful for the Bible Monitor, and for all those good contributions
that are contained in it. May God bless the Monitor people as long
as they hold to all his truth.

• ••••*

The fortitude of the Christian consists in patience, not in enter-
prises which the poets call heroic and which are commonly the
effects of interest, pride, and worldly honor. - Dryden

• •••••

He that gives all, though but little gives much; because God
looks not to the quantity of the gift, but to the quality of the givers.
- Quarles

BIBLE MONITOR 13

OBITUARY

JOSEPH GILPIN

Bro. Joseph A. Gilpin, 85, of Swanton, Maryland passed away
January 12, 1984 at the Goodwill Mennonite Home. Born in Fairview,
Maryland he was a son of the late Thomas Pierce Gilpin and Mary
Jane (Fazenbaker) Gilpin. He was a member of the Broadwater
Chapel Dunkard Church and has served as deacon of the church.
He was a retired railroader.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Pauline (Carroll) Gilpin.
He is survived by his second wife, Susie (Wisler) Gilpin; two sons,
John Giipin, Hancock, Maryland; Cecil Gilpin, Girard, Ohio; two
daughters, Mrs. Frances Sweitzer, Mrs. Freda Rexroad, both of
Swanton, Maryland; sixteen grandchildren; nineteen great-grand-
children, three sisters, Mrs. Myrtle Brotemarkle, Mrs. Louise Porter,
Mrs. Maleta Butler and many other relatives and friends. One son
preceded him in death.

Funeral services were conducted from the Newman Funeral Home
in Grantsville, Maryland, Sunday at 2 o'clock with Bro. Eugene
Kauffman and Bro. Paul Myers officiating. Interment was in Rhodes-
Gilpin Cemetery.

His Precious Gift
One gift above all others
God gives to us to treasure
One that knows no time no place
And one gold cannot measure.

The precious poignant tender gift
Of memory that will keep
Our dear ones ever in our heart
Although God gives them sleep.

It brings back long remembered things
A song, a word, a smile
And our world's a better place
Because we had them for awhile.

CARD OF THANKS
We are truly thankful and appreciate the kindness in every way our
relatives, neighbors and friends did for us. Also for the cards and
letters during Joe's long illness and in our bereavement. They meant
so much. We pray the Lord will richly bless every one for their prayers
and efforts.

The Gilpin family

14 BIBLE MONITOR

MARRIAGE

STAUFFER - KASZA

Timothy E. Kasza, son of Bro. and Sis. Eugene Kasza and Mary Lou
Stauffer, daughter of Bro. and Sis. Edwin Stauffer were united in holy
matrimony at 4:00 p.m. on December 31, 1983 at the Lititz Dunkard
Brethren Church, Lititz, Pennsylvania.

Bro. Allen Eberly conducted the ceremony and Bro. Rudy Shaffer
had the sermon.

Their address is P.O. Box 102, Blackburn, Missouri 65321.

NEWS ITEMS

NOTICE

Please have all business for General Conference in my hands by
April 15, 1984. Thank you.

Writing Clerk
Brother Joseph E. Flora
R. 3, Box 12
Adel, Iowa 50003

PLEVNA, INDIANA

The Lord willing, the Plevna Congregation will have Pre-Easter

services April 1 8 through April 22. There will be a Lovefeast on April

21. Services begin at 2:00 p.m. with the Lovefeast at 7:30

Bro. Fred Pifer from Dallas Center, Iowa will be the speaker.

We invite all who can to come be with us for these meetings.

Sister Verda Lorenz, Cor.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

We would like to say thank you for remembering us at the throne of
grace during the most unwanted experience. With words we cannot
express our regrets, sorrows and pain. It is over a year now, and the
cut is still very deep. There will be another scar with us for life.
Especially do we want to thank those of you who took the time to write
letters, send cards and to call us, when one hardly knows how to
express themselves. Yourencouragement, concern and your love has
meant so much. I Cor. 13 speaks of charity, the greatest of Christian
virtues. God bless you.

We have to turn to God's Word in times like these. Many thoughts

BIBLE MONITOR 15

have crossed our minds. God humbles us when we are proud. Whom
He loveth He chasteneth. He tries our faith. Many words could be
written concerning these things. We realize that many of you have
had experiences also in life and that we are the least among you. The
Lord allows accidents and troubles to come on us for various reasons.
May we trust Him always that His purpose might be fulfilled in us.

May the Lord bless you all.
Your Brother in Christ
David Kegerreis and family

APPRECIATION

Sister Margaret Marks was taken to the hospital for emergency
treatment and was discharged in eight days. She is improving again.
Your prayers are much appreciated.

Brother Joseph Marks

THANK YOU
I bring you many thanks for remembering me before the Throne of
Grace, for many, many cards, flowers, gifts and many deeds of
kindness and phone calls during my illness.
May our Lord bless each one of you.

Sister Hattie Bickelhaupt

A WORD OF THANKS
I want to thank all the Brethren and Sisters for their visits, cards,
flowers and gifts, while I was in the hospital and since I have returned
home. And also for the many prayers that were offered in my behalf.
May God bless you all.

Sister Anna B. Johns

GRANDVIEW, MISSOURI
The District Meeting of the Third District will be held at Grandview,
the second Monday of April. Services will be held Saturday through
Monday, April 7, 8 and 9.

The Lovefeast Service will be on Saturday evening with services
through Sunday and District Meeting held on Monday.
Come and enjoy these services with us.
May God's Richest Blessings be with you all.

Sister Bertha Jarboe, Cor.

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR APRIL, 1984
OF THE EARTH

Memory Verse: Neh. 9:6
Thou, even thou, art Lord alone,
thou hast made heaven, the heaven
of heavens, with all their host, the
earth, and all things that are there-
in, the seas, and all that is therein,
and thou preservest them all; and
the host of heaven worshippeth
thee.

Sun. 1 - Ezra 5:1-17

Mon. 2 -Neh. 9:1-17

Tues. 3- Neh. 9:18-38

Wed. 4 -Job 1:1-22

Thur. 5- Job 2:1-13

Fri. 6- Job 3:1-26

Sat. 7 -Job 5:1-27

Memory Verse: Job 8:9
(For we are but of yesterday, and
know nothing, because our days
upon earth are a shadow:)

Sun. 8 -Job 7:1-21

Mon. 9 -Job 8:1-22

Tues. 10- Job 9:1-35

Wed. 11 -Job 11:1-20

Thur. 12- Job 12:1-25

Fri. 13- Job 14:1-22

Sat. 14 -Job 15:1-35

Memory Verse: Job 14:7-9
For there is hope of a tree, if it be
cut down, that it will sprout again,
and that the tender branch thereof,
will not cease. Though the root
thereof wax old in the earth, and.
the stock thereof die in the ground;
Yet through the scent of water it
will bud, and bring forth boughs
like a plant.

Sun. 15- Job 16:1-22

Mon. 16- Job 18:1-21

Tues. 17- Job 19:1-29

Wed. 18 -Job 20:1-29

Thur. 19 -Job 22:1-30

Fri. 20 -Luke 23:13-56

Sat. 21 -Job 24:1-25

Memory Verse: Luke 24:25 & 26
Then he said unto them, O fools,
and slow of heart to believe all that
the prophets have spoken: Ought
not Christ to have suffered these
things, and to enter into his glory?

Sun. 22- Luke 24:1-35

Mon. 23- Job 26:1-14

Tues. 24- Job 28:1-28

Wed. 25- Job 30:1-31

Thur. 26 -Job 34:1-37

Fri. 27- Job 35:1-16

Sat. 28- Job 37:1-24

Memory Verse: Job 19:25
For I know that my redeemer liveth,
and that he shall stand at the latter
day upon the earth:

Sun. 29 -Job 38:1-21

Mon. 30 -Job 38:22-41

Memory Verses: Job 26:7
He stretcheth out the north over
the empty place, and hangeth the
earth upon nothing.

Job 35:10 & 11
But none saith, where is God my
maker, who giveth songs in the
night; Who teacheth us more than
the beasts of the earth, and maketh
us wiser than the fowls of heaven?

Job 38:4
Where wast thou when I laid the
foundations of the earth? declare,
if thou hast understanding.

Lester Fisher

4664 N. State Rte. 48

Gov ington, OH 45313

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL LXII APRIL 1, 1984 NO. 7

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all

Scriptural in practice. the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

FOREVER SETTLED IN THE HEAVENS

Forever settled in the heav'ns
Thy Word, O Lord, shall firmly stand;
Thy faithfulness shall never fail,
The earth abides at Thy command.

Thy word and works unmoved remain,
Thy ev'ry purpose to fulfill;
All things are Thine and Thee obey,
And all as servants wait Thy will.

I should have perished in my woe
Had not I loved Thy law divine;
That law I never can forget,
O save me, Lord, for I am Thine.

The wicked would destroy my soul,
But on Thy truth I muse with awe;
Imperfect I have found all else,
But boundless is Thy wondrous law.

BIBLE MONITOR

THE BOOK

The Bible is the Word of God. Other books may be inspirational,
informative or entertaining but not a one of them is the inspired
Word of God. To support their philosophies and doctrines, men
have produced many books that they have elevated to a place
beside the Bible but no other book can be considered equal to God's
Book.

Men can produce books that are helpful and uplifting but they can
not produce a book that is the mind of God. The difference between
good books and the Good Book is the inspiration of God. The
books of the Bible were individually written over a long period of
time by several different men in different languages. These men
were of various occupations; some were highly educated while
others were uneducated. Despite all of these disparities, the Bible is
a compact unit. When books of the natural world are compared over
a much shorter period of time and even without the other
differences, there will be found much that is contradictory. Books
written just a few decades ago are considered quaint and
uninformative. The difference between the books produced by men
in their own wisdom and the Book written by the Wisdom of God is
the Holy Spirit's inspiration. As mortals, wecannot fully understand
how God was able to inspire just what He wanted written. The
writings thus produced are the Word of God, true and reliable in all
matters. While these writings are all the dictation of God yet each
man's personality and style are preserved. We can readily note the
difference of Paul's style from Peter's, James' or John's. Even in the
inspiration of writing of the Bible, God used men, with their
individual styles and personalities. God still uses men as individuals
to do His Will.

The inspiration of God is evident not only in its production but

THE BIBLE MONITOR APRIL 1, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard

Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Lithographing Co., Rt. 4,

Wauseon, Ohio 43567.

Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio

43567.

Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance.

Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.

MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th St., Beaumont, CA 92223
JAMES MEYERS, Assistant Editor; R. 1, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063
JACOB C. NESS, Associate Editor; 136 Homeland Road, York, PA

17403
RUDY COVER, Associate Editor; 2034 Roble Ave., Modesto, CA 95351

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also in its preservation. The Bible has been preserved through
many periods of intellectual darkness and physical persecution

While the Bible was produced over a long period of time, there has
been no additions to it since Revelation. At the close of the
Revelation a very serious warning is given. Nothing can be taken
from the Word of God without paying the most severe penalty
Nothing may be added to God's complete Word without incurring a
terrible punishment. There is no progressive revelation of God's
Will. It is contained in what has been revealed to us in the Bible To
add to it or to take from it, either one, will bring to men sorrow and
suffering. There is no man who can be teacher or counselorof God
so no man can safely add to nor take from what God has given us
He has given us all that we need to prepare ourselves for life in this
world and also for eternity. When we consider that our eternal
destiny is tied to what we do with the Word of God why would we
want to change it?

There are many books written about the Bible. These books
often become popular because the myth has been promoted by a
professional clergy that an untrained membership cannot know
what the Bible means. Therefore they and others produce books
to supposedly point the reader to the correct understanding of the
Bible. These books may be written with good intentions and a
wish to edify but they can become a snare to their readers The
opinions and teachings of men may be promoted above what the
Bible actually teaches. Commentaries, dictionaries and other
study aids may lead people away from the study of the Bible into
the study of men's books. The Bible is its own best commentary
and interpreter. To truly study the Bible will require more effort
than reading other men's books. We are admonished to be
workmen who would not be ashamed but rather approved by God
The Bereans were commended for their studious efforts and it is
doubtful that they depended upon commentaries and other books
Biblical knowledge is not the private domain of professional
ministers or theologians. The Bible was inspired by God's Holy
Spirit. This same Spirit abides in each believer. Therefore each
believer has the potential to read and study the Word of God and to
correctly interpret it. Since that Spirit was sent after Jesus went
away to bring all things to the believers remembrance He will not
lead in any way contrary to the Words of Jesus or any other part of
the Bible. The Mind of God is the same whether revealed throuqh
the Father, the Son or the Spirit.

We do not need the philosophies and doctrines of men, when we
have the Holy Spirit to teach us the Word of God. The doctrines
and ordinances that are contained in the Bible are what we need
for God has placed them there for our benefit.
Have you read your Bible today? Have you prayed for the Holy

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Spirit's guidance in your Bible study, today? Have you become a
workman pleasing unto God?

JUNK FOOD

The third chapter of II Timothy is a prophecy describing the last
days of the Church Age. It is an accurate description of our nation
today. Knowing we are living in the last days is important, but
living in readiness and awareness of the return of Jesus Christ is
what really counts.

Satan is using many tools of deception in these last days. As
believers we must beware lest complacency and lukewarmness
creep into our lives.

II Timothy 3:2 warns that in the last days men shall be lovers of
their own selves. It is easy to list a whole page of ways that the
world is fulfilling this scripture. Mankind is truly seeking to fulfill
the desires of the flesh.

How about us as part of the church? Are we crucifying or
satisfying the flesh? We need to look into the mirror of God's Word
and take a long honest look at our lives.

How I surrendered my life to the Master? Is He truly LORD of my
life? Do I daily present my body, mind, and will a living sacrifice to
God? We need to remember we are not our own. We are bought
with a price; the precious blood of Christ.

God created us for a purpose. That purpose is to glorify God
and to enjoy Him forever. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or
whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." I Cor. 10:31. Are we
meeting the challenge of this verse? If not, why?

In Romans 12:1 and 2 Paul gives us a formula for Christian
victory. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto
God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to
this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect
will of God." For us to have a victory over sin in our lives we need a
transforming of the heart and a renewing of the mind. "As a man
thinketh in his heart, so is he." Prov. 23:7.

The saying is, "we are what we eat." We see a new awakening in
our country prompted by the truth of the previous statement. Many
Americans are suffering serious health problems because of a
poor diet.

The term "junk food" is used to describe food that ranks high in
taste appeal but low in nutritional value. It satisfies the appetite,
but is of little value (and can even be harmful) to the body.

Just as physically we are what we eat, spiritually we are what we
think. That which we take into our mind (via our eyes and ears)

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ends up in our heart. As children of God we are the temple of the
Holy Spirit. We need to take care lest we be guilty of temple
neglect. No matter how strong we may be spiritually, we can never
be our best for the Master if our body is failing because of
improper food.

We have been warned by health authorities about the effect of
poor nutrition on our physical bodies but have we taken time to
consider the effect of "junk food" on our spiritual lives?
Remember, we are what we "eat."

As Christians we are all aware of the struggle we face in our
lives, the spirit against the flesh. Paul describes this inner conflict
in Romans 7. We have two natures battling for dominance in our
lives. We must remember that the nature we feed (whether old or
new) will dominate our lives.

Many years ago the Church took a stand against going to
movies, places of amusement, and having television in our homes
These are known to serve "devil's food." They are obvious poison '
The pure heart will not desire them. But what about the junk food?

What is spiritual junk food? It could be anything that fills us but
doesn't feed us. It doesn't provide for the needs of the soul

The real danger of junk food is that it takes our appetite for qood
food, yea, the Bread of Life.

What about the things we read? Are they of value of just junk?
There are many magazines finding their way into Christian homes
Many of them have little value of this life and certainly do nothino
to feed our new. *

How about the music we listen to? Does it appeal to our flesh or
to our spirit? Music is powerful. It works on our emotions It will
stir us into action, either good or evil depending on who the "cook"
was. Is it devil's food or manna from heaven? Do we listen to
music for the message of the beat of the music?

What about the books we read? Most of the literature on the
market today is either junk food or just plain GARBAGE! We need
to be careful even in the area of "Christian literature." So much of
this is seasoned with the "spice of modernism" and the social
gospel.

Christian book stores are full of books about The Book Even
these can be "junk food." Any book (even if it is good) that takes our
time and appetite for the Bible is "junk food." How can we know if
the book about The Book is any good unless we know The Book?

Dear ones, there is only one book that God ever wrote. That is
the Bible. It is the most pure, wholesome, and nutritious spiritual
food we can feed our soul.

We call the Bible "a lamp to our feet and road map to heaven "
Yet how many of us have read it through, even once, from cover

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to cover? How can we defend or share tne gospel if we don't even
know it? In some parts of the world people are dying (physically)
for a chance to read the Word, while many of our people are dying
(spiritually) for the lack of reading it. It takes only about fifteen
minutes a day to read through the Bible in a year. Is that too much
time for God's Word?

As parents we must be careful to see that our children are
feeding on the Bread of Life and not devil's food. Heb. 13:17 says
we are to "watch for their soul." You can be sure Satan is watching
your child's soul if you aren't. Don't let him take your child "out for
supper."

The junk food on the market today is designed to cause us to
crave for more. It takes self discipline to put it aside to partake of
good wholesome food.

We also need great discipline to live the Christian life. We must
be careful what we feed upon with our eyes and ears. Remember,
we are what we eat.

May we say as Job, "I have esteemed the words of His mouth
more than my necessary food."
May God help us to hunger and thirst after righteousness.

Blessed Bible how I love it!

How it doth my bosom cheer!

What hath earth like this to covet?

Oh, what stores of wealth are here.

Man was lost and doomed to sorrow.

Not one ray of light or bless

Could he from earth's treasures borrow,

Till his way was cheered by this.

Yes, sweet Bible! I will hide thee
Deep, yes, deeper in this heart.
Thou, through all my life, will guide me
And in death we will not part.
Part in death! no, never, never!
Through death's vale I'll lean on thee;
Then in brigher world's forever
Sweeter far thy truth shall be.

-William Beery

Brother Jim Meyers

R.R. #1, Box 109

Dallas Center, Iowa 50063

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STICKS AND STONES

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never
hurt me." You've probably heard this, and may partly believe it.
But Prov. 11:9 says "A hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his
neighbor." In other places in His Word, we are told to put away evil
speaking along with other unholy ways. The truth is, words can
and do hurt, and God recognizes this.

Ecc. 3:7 says there is "a time to keep silence and a time to
speak." The right thing said at the wrong time can do more harm
than good. Feelings can be hurt, anger may flare, and a heart
closes to the truth, all because someone -- you or me - didn't have
sense enough to choose the proper time to speak. Exercising
patience in waiting for the proper time is hard, but it's even harder
to live with the knowledge that you destroyed your opportunity by
being hasty.

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil
speaking, be put away from you, with all malice." Eph. 4:31. Evil
speaking frequently stems from our irritation with someone. We
may merely be impatient with him or her, or we may be angry and
have a deeper desire to injure and cause pain. Whatever the
problem is, speaking evil will not solve it, even if what you say is
the truth.

"The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I
should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary."
Isa. 50:4a. Evil speaking brings discouragement, but kind words
spoken at the right time can bring encouragement. Anyone can
say evil and mean things, but it takes someone with God-given
understanding to encourage and uplift.

"If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his
tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain."
Jas. 1:26. Being very religious will not compensate for a lack of
self-control in speaking. Careless speech, evil speech, falsely-
pious speech will not fool anyone except the person speaking
Especially it will not fool God, for He has already said such a
person's religion is vain, or worthless. No amount of fancy talk can
cover up shallowness in one's own spiritual life.

"For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word
the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body."
Jas. 3:2. A man who is able to control his tongue, who knows to
say the right thing at the right time, has the rest of his life under
control also. His thought-life, his speech and his actions are right
before God -- why? Because he is under God's control.

"Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that
ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." Col. 4:6. Grace
is God-given, it is unmerited favor. It is also the strength and

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ability to do in life what God wants done. His grace shows us how
to answer others, how to admonish and encourage, how to share
our faith without being offensive. Speech without grace will just be
unsavory, unkind -- and rejected by those who hear.

"Whoso privily slandereth his neighbor, him will I cut off." Psa.
101:5a. Slander is evil-speaking about another, saying things to
damage his or her reputation. Privily means privately or in secret.
Another term for this is backbiting, and it is evidence of evil in the
heart. No matter how careful you may be to conceal your evil
intentions, God sees you and will deal with you accordingly.

"Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and
health to the bones." Prov. 16:24. The sticks and stones in the
rhyme were used to hurt someone physically. Harsh words hurt
also, and bring emotional pain and discouragement. What a
contrast between such words and pleasant ones! The pleasant
words are sweet and good and healing. Words can hurt or they
can heal; make yours the healing kind.

Sister Eileen Broadwater
"MYTHS ABOUT JESUS CHRIST"

In a recent church publication the following words appeared in
the editorial page. "The Gospels were not written until many years
after Jesus' death. His life, His sayings were remembered, and
passed on by word of mouth. By the time the Gospels were
written, the 'facts' were no longer consistently recalled; ..." "What
we have preserved in the Gospels is a myth, in a sense. But the
myth is all we need."

This type of thinking is popular in the vast majority of Christian
(by name) circles today. Let us be very emphatic in stating,
THERE IS NO JESUS MYTH as suggested by these teachers! Let
us quote one more sentence from this editorial. "The Jesus myth
leaves us jubilant with happiness." Since they deny that the Bible
is the Word of God, they are not impressed with the facts recorded
there which make their theory to be completely false. This article
is written to warn those who do accept the Bible as the Word of
God to beware of these false teachers.

In John 14:26 we read, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy
Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you
all things, AND BRING ALL THINGS TO YOUR REMEMBRANCE,
WHATSOEVER I HAVE SAID UNTO YOU." Therefore, contrary to
these false teachers, the New Testament (or the Bible for that
matter) was not written from the mere memory of men, but was
written through the power of the Holy Ghost, the third person of
the Trinity! As we read in II Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by
inspiration of God, . . ."

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Since these false teachers do not accept the Bible as the Word of
God, they do not accept Jesus Christ as Lord, (though they do so
by mouth.) Consequently, they arrive at their own "myths about
Jesus." Strangely enough, some who do accept the Bible as the
Word of God also have some "myths about Jesus" they propogate.
Let us now look at some of these "myths about Jesus."

One of these "myths about Jesus" is that He taught political
peace as salvation. Another closely related "myth" is that He
taught that unsaved can live in peace with each other. John 18:36
states "Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my
kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I
should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not
from hence."

Another of these "myths about Jesus" is that He taught love
without responsibility. A closely related "myth" is that He taught
freedom from commandments. In John 14:15 we read, "If ye love
me, keep my commandments." And in Luke 6:46 we read, "And
why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
Also in I Corinthians 13:6 (remember Jesus Christ, through the
Holy Spirit, "spoke" these words also) we read, (Charity, or love)
"Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth."

A popular "myth about Jesus" (among those who do accept the
Bible as the Word of God) is that He taught unconditional eternal
security. We have dealt with this issue in length and will not take
the time and space to go into great detail. Let us look at one
passage of scripture, a favorite of "unconditional eternal security"
teachers. John 10:27-28. "My sheep hear my voice, and I know
them, and they FOLLOW ME: and I give unto them eternal life: and
they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my
hand." We believe in "eternal security" (though we do not use
these words because of their mis-application) as these verses
teach it! If we FOLLOW Christ we are secure and no man can
pluck us out of His hand.

A "myth about Jesus" which is gaining many followers is that He
never spoke out in favor of heterosexuality (thus against
homosexuality). We would again remind you that all of the New
Testament was "spoken" by Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.
In addition to this fact, in Mark 10:6 we read, "But from the
beginning of the creation God made them male and female."

One of the favorite "myths about Jesus" among the cults, and
gaining acceptance among the liberals, is that Jesus Christ arose a
spirit being. Luke 24:39 (after His resurrection) Jesus states,
"Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and
see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have."

The final "myth about Jesus Christ" we would like to look at is

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the myth that He never claimed to be Goa. In John 8:24 we read, "I
said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye
believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." In verse 27 we
find that Jesus was referring to the Father. This verse does not
deny the Holy Trinity, as the "Jesus Only" teachers proclaim. But it
does prove that Jesus Christ was God.

If you have been lead astray by a "Jesus myth" we urge you to
reject it for the true and living Lord. If you have never accepted
Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior we invite you to do so today.
Repent and be baptized by immersion then live the life of holiness,
as the Spirit enables you to. (You will never be "perfect" in this life,
except through Jesus Christ.)

Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch Street
Palmyra, PA 17078

ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

LACKING LOVE

Luke 6 contains a discussion about lacking in love. We read in
verse 33, "And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what
thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same." How many
times have we heard a fellow Christian say, "I just can't stand that
person." "That brother gives me the creeps." "He would do the
church a lot of good if he'd just get out." These are serious
statements. Have YOU ever said or thought things like that?
People show a great lack of love toward others for many reasons:
they sing off-key, they are too friendly, they aren't friendly enough,
they are not as spiritual as I am . . . and so forth. Sometimes we try
to sound good by saying, "I love her, but I don't like her" or "I'd
sure love him if he wasn't so radical!"

Jesus commands us to love one another unconditionally, . .
"This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have
loved you." John 15:12. Jesus loved each of us enough to die for
us while we were still sinners, deserving nothing from Him. If you
say you hate someone and God says you should love her, you
cannot just pretend love or you are a hypocrite. You CAN love
someone whom you don't think you can because God will give you
the power if you totally turn the problem over to Him. You need to
learn to apologize and to make right the problem which exists. If
you can't do this, you will also have no fellowship with Christ. You
see, to be on the outs with a brother or sister is to be on the outs
with God .. . and that is very serious. If you obey God's command
to show love, sooner or later the right emotions will follow.

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The ultimate weapon against an enemy is prayer. God
commands us to pray for our enemies. If you sincerely and
constantly pray for those who seem to be your enemies, something
exciting will happen. For instance, you can't very well hate and
pray at the same time. If you continue to pray, God will
miraculously give you love for those who have wronged you. Also,
God will work in their lives, and they will begin to notice that in
spite of what they have done, you love them. Now, the other
person might not necessarily stop hating you. In fact, he may feel
so guilty that he will treat you even worse. But God will use your
actions to advertise what it is to be a Christian and you will fulfill
your responsibility.

If you as a Christian do not love your enemies, you are no
different from the world. God has made "love your enemies" kind
of love available to all of us. It is genuine, it is sacrificial, and it is
absolutely a must. Satan's lie is to tell you that you do not need to
make restitution with your enemy. But remember, God says you
must and He loves that person just as much as He does you. Who
will you follow? Will you continue in your lack of love or will you
change and live God's way? There can only be one answer. Make
it the right one!

Brother Leonard Wertz

SIXTY YEARS AGO

April 1, 1924

IS THE WORLD GROWING BETTER?

Reuben R. Shroyer

By the expression world, we do not mean the material world, but
the human family. It is said God so loved the world that he gave his
well beloved SON. That expression world means the human family
of course.

The world certainly is growing better, in quick communication,
in quick transportation, in agriculture, in philanthropies, but who
will dare say the world is growing better in Holiness, in purity, and
a greater anxiety to do the will of the Father in Heaven.

Adam started good. He was pronounced good by his creator.
(Gen. 1:31) Did he stay good? How about his descendants?

Well, we know they grew worse, and God declared that all flesh
had corrupted their way upon the earth, and God said behold I will
destroy them with the earth. (Gen. 5:12-13). For two thousand
years it's clear then that man didn't grow better, but worse. God
didn't destroy them because they grew better, just the opposite.

Noah, a righteous man and his family were saved. They
repopulated the earth. They were good, did his descendants stay

12 BIBLE MONITOR

good? How wonderfully God made known to these people his will!
How he dealt with them, leading them, making a great nation of his
people and yet the Jews, God's chosen people, rejected Christ.
Yes, the best people living then did crucify the Lord. So it's clear
the next two thousand years the human family didn't grow better.
How about the trend since Christ's advent? Jesus taught, he lived
among men, set the finest example, established his church, sent
out his disciples to preach the Gospel after his ascension into
heaven. The Holy Spirit was given to aid in the work assigned his
disciples and a wonderful work started to make the world better. I
am glad it's possible for us to grow better, but are the masses
growing that way? Well, the fore knowledge of God, no one can
question, and God has spoken in his word along this line. Let's see
what he says.

The disciples were faithful. They preached the gospel, churches
were established, in fact, the first century they were able to carry
the gospel to the entire civilized world. They needed no boards to
finance them or throw out inducements for them to go. The Holy
Spirit prompted them and they just couldn't do otherwise than to
go. Over in Asia Minor seven churches were established. They
flourished for a time, started good, but finally lost out. The reader
can read the cause in the book. They just drifted away from their
teaching they received and are no more. A warning to us proves
what will happen when we drift away from the teaching of the
word.

We call Paul on the witness stand and ask him whether or not the
world grows better. "And he spoke by inspiration." This is his
reply; "But know this, that in the last days, grevious times shall
come, for men shall be lovers of self." II Tim. 3. That is men will
work for self interest. How clear that is seen in these present days.
Same verse he says, "Men will be lovers of money." MONEY,
MONEY is sought. What a wonderful hold money has on people of
today.

Boastful, proud railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful,
unholy, without natural affection, implacable, slanders without self
control, fierce, no lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, puffed up,
lovers of pleasure, rather than lovers of God." Are these
conditions clearly seen today? Not a better condition, no, but
worse. The doctrine that the world grows better is not taught in
God's word. Over in verse 13 Paul says, "but evil men and
imposters shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being
deceived." That's clear cut and ought to settle the question
absolutely. But we inquire more of Paul. II Tim. 4:3, he says, "for
the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but
having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own

BIBLE MONITOR 13

lusts, and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside
unto fables." Such condition surely is not for the better. We see
that worked out today. A wordly church will hire a wordly pastor.
Such churches will seek a teacher after their own lust. That's a
reason why the pastor business is not for the best. I feel no better
lever can be put in the hands of the devil (by which he can do more
mischief) than a worldly preacher serving a worldly church; he can
make foul look clean, and error seem right.

I Tim. 4, Paul says, "But the Spirit saith expressly that in the later
times some shall fall away from the faith."

Jesus raised this question: "When the Son of man cometh will
he find faith on the earth?" The language implies real genuine
faith will be about gone. II Thess. 2nd chapter, Paul when
speaking of Christ's return says, "It will not be except the falling
away come first." Falling away from what? Why the FAITH. Paul
declared he kept the faith. 'The faith once delivered unto the
Saints." See the definite article "the". One can especially see the
falling away from the faith. Those conditions are on us. Of course
not for the better. I heard a very prominent brother make the
statement when the Inter World Church Movement was on the go,
"If the amount of money was forwarded asked for, the world could
be converted in two years." I just wonder where the book teaches
the world ever will be converted.

Since 1914 more than ten thousand Protestant churches have
closed up in the United States. There are approximately 110
million population here. 63 million make no pretentions
religiously. I wonder how about the nominal church members.
Over 7 mission young men never darken the door of a church.
About 7 million children never seen in Sunday School.

What's the trouble. The church has compromised with the world
and is losing out. There was a time when the world courted the
church. It looks now as though the courting time is over and the
marriage effected and they are now spending their honeymoon. A
remnant will remain faithful. Will we be of that number?

• ••• •••

Life is to be fortified by many friendships. To love and to be
loved is the greatest happiness of existence. - Sydney Smith

• ••••••

Men call fretting a minor fault — a foible and not a vice. But
there is no vice except drunkenness which can so utterly destroy
the peace and happiness of a home. - Helen Hunt

14 BIBLE MONITOR

LIFE'S PATHS

As I travel over life's path

Toward that eternal - heavenly goal,

Many intersections I walk past

For they will lead me away from my goal.

Carefully I must watch

Each step that I am taking

So that I do not fall from my goal.

The path in which I walk

Narrow it may be, overgrown with briers,

Stumbling stones under my feet.

For this path is not used by many

Making each branch off my path

Look so comfortable and facile.

I have the choice to walk a path,

Either one has a goal

Turning to the left or right

Maybe luxury right now

But what will my eternal destiny hold

A burning pit of fiery Hell

Or a glorious, golden Heavenly City.

I've chosen this narrow path

For I've been given a promise

Of a city no man can comprehend.

This path may be hard to follow

But as I walk it with my God

He will pick me up after falling

Guiding me through this narrow way.

If I continue to look ahead

My Savior, I know, He will guide me

When my eyes, I keep on Him

For at the end of my pathway

I see my golden Heavenly Home

That cannot be seen

If I turned to the paths of sin.

Sister Mabel L. Sweitzer

BIBLE MONITOR 15

NEWS ITEMS

McCLAVE, COLORADO

The Lord willing, the McClave Colorado Congregation of the
Dunkard Brethren Church will hold their Spring Lovefeast, April 28
and 29, 1984. Services will start at 11:00 Saturday, April 28.
Lovefeast at 7:30 P.M.

We invite all who can, to come enjoy these meetings with us.
Please come.

Sister Aurelia Wertz, Cor.

PLEASANT HOME, CALIFORNIA

Although our Spring Lovefeast is a fixed date, we extend a
special invitation to all who can enjoy these services with us on
April 28 and 29. At this time and always, may we remember each
other in prayer and with love.

Sister Edith Moss, Cor.

WAYNESBORO, PENNSYLVANIA

The Lord willing, the Waynesboro Congregation plans an all day
service with Lovefeast in the evening on May 6. We invite all who
can to come and enjoy this service with us.

Sister Wilma Eberly, Cor.

THANKS

I wish to thank all the Brethren and Sisters and kind Christian
friends for the cards, gifts, telephone calls and remembrances on
my eightieth birthday.

May God richly bless each and every one.

Elder Paul R. Myers

BIBLE MONITOR

DIRECTORY OF BOARDS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dale E. Jamison, Chairman

Quinter, Kansas 67752
Ray R. Reed, Secretary

Box 12, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063
Warren C. Smith, Treasurer

26270 Highway 50

McClave, Colorado 81057

GENERAL MISSION BOARD

Joseph E. Flora, Chairman

R. 3 Box 12, Adel, Iowa 50003
Hayes Reed, Secretary

1433 Overholtzer Dr.

Modesto, CA 95355
William Carpenter, Treasurer

8012 Cavender Street

Morenci, Michigan 49256
Harley Rush

R. 1, Converse, Indiana 46919
Galen Litfin

1314 East 7th St.

Newberg, Oregon 97132
Dale Jamison

Quinter, Kansas 67752
Jacob C. Ness

136 Homeland Rd.

York, PA 17403
Frank Shaffer

13062 Grant Shook Rd.

Greencastle. PA 17225

BOARD OF PUBLICATION

Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

Jacob C. Ness, Secretary

136 Homeland Rd.

York, PA 17403
H. Edward Johnson, Treasurer

5-1307-S.H. 108

Wauseon, Ohio 43567
Allen B. Eberly

R. 3

Ephrata, PA 17522
Warren C. Smith

26270 Highway 50

McClave. Colorado 81057

BIBLE STUDY BOARD

William Carpenter, Chairman
8012 Cavender Street
Morenci, Michigan 49256

Eugene Kauffman, Secretary

R. 6, Box 51

Harrisburg, Virginia 22801
Warren C. Smith, Treasurer

26270 Highway 50

McClave, Colorado 81057
Rudolph Cover

2034 Roble Ave.

Modesto, CA 95351
Dennis St. John

Rt. 1

Bryan, Ohio 43506

RELIEF BOARD

Boyd Wyatt, Chairman

4925 Tegner Rd.

Hughson, CA 95326

(209) 883-4138
Newton Jamison, Secretary

512 Garfield

Quinter, Kansas 67752

(913) 754-3433
Kyle Reed, Treasurer

R. 1, Box 4

Minburn, Iowa 50167

(515) 677-2467
Virgil Leatherman

419 N. Queen St.

Littlestown, PA 17340

(717) 359-5753
Robert Carpenter

R. 5, Box 97

Peru, Indiana 46970

(317) 395-7879

TORREON NAVAJO MISSION

David Skiles, Superintendent

R. 2 Box 8

Cuba, New Mexico 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman

1433 Overholtzer Dr.

Modesto, CA 95355
Kyle Reed, Secretary

R. 1 Box 4

Minburn, Iowa 50167
Newton Jamison, Treasurer

Quinter, Kansas 67752
Harley Flory

R. 4, Defiance, Ohio 43512

All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury,
but sent to the Secretary for his records.

Lester Fisher

4664 N. State Rte. 48

Covington, OH 45318

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL. LXII APRIL 15, 1984 NO, 8

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all

Scriptural in practice. the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

AN EASTER THOUGHT

I walked among the graves, and there alone,

I scanned the Epitaphs upon each stone, —

Men's names, their deeds, and dates of death and birth;

"Can this be man!" I said, "the lord of Earth!"

Yes, this is man, his lordship here doth cease,

The words proclaim it. May he rest in peace."

I stood upon a hill, at Jesus' tomb,

I saw no epitaph — for there was none;

The Eastern Angel spoke it: "Do not fear,

See Him in Galilee; He is not here,

He's risen, He is risen, as He said."

You cannot find the living 'mong the dead.

'Why this?" I asked, and answered with a sigh: —
"All men are mortal and all men must die;
And Christ, being man, did lie beneath the sod,
But Christ arose again, for He is God."
There in our graves we, too, shall lie, alone,
Till Christ shall lift us up and take us home.

BIBLE MONITOR

RESURRECTION

To our human minds death is so final and permanent. When a
loved one dies, only the body is left for us to see and respectfully
return to the earth. The spirit has fled. There will be no more
conversations. There will be no more pleasant times of fellowship.
There will be no more times of sharing and loving. So death seems
sinister and unyielding.

Yet even death must yield to the almighty power of God. While it
is so permanent in our understanding, it cannot resist the power of
God. During Jesus' ministry, it is recorded that He reversed the
finality of death and restored life three times. He raised the
daughter of Jairus from her deathbed. He raised the widow's son
from his funeral bier. He at last raised Lazarus from the grave after
he had been dead for four days. In each case death was overcome
by the power of God.

These deaths had been caused by disease. When Jesus died on
the cross, His body had been so abused and afflicted that He was
beyond recognition. His hands and fee>t had been pierced with the
nails that held Him to the cross. His brow was bloodied by the
thorns and His side had been riven by the spear. Yet three days later
He came forth from the grave. It is His resurrection that we
commemorate at this Easter season.

His resurrection differed from those three He raised to life. His
resurrection bespoke the acceptance by the Father of the Son's
sacrifice. It also demonstrated His power over the Enemy. He
could overcome death, Hell and the grave.

The Easter holiday has been established to commemorate this
great event, but much of heathenism and nature worship has been
combined with it that there is little sacred about the day. Since that
first Easter was on the first day of the week, every Sunday is in

THE BIBLE MONITOR APRIL 15, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Lithographing Co., Rt. 4,
Wauseon, Ohio 43567.

Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio
43567.

Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance.

Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.

MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th St., Beaumont, CA 92223

JAMES MEYERS, Assistant Editor; R. 1, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063

JACOB C. NESS, Associate Editor; 136 Homeland Road, York, PA
17403

RUDY COVER, Associate Editor; 2034 Roble Ave., Modesto, CA 95351

BIBLE MONITOR

essence an anniversary of Christ's resurrection. As the Lord's day
is the first day of the week so He should have first call upon our
love and service, not just once a week but daily.

His resurrection is closely tied to the plan of salvation. Without
His death on the cross and His resurrection in victory, we could
have no hope of salvation. We could not save ourselves for we
would be unable to wash away our sins. But His sacrifice and His
triumph over death gives us a way to overcome the death sentence
brought upon us by our sins. Since all are guilty of sin, all must
have contact with His cleansing blood and His newness of life. This
operation is neatly pictured in the ordinance of baptism.

The baptismal waters represent death, for it would be an easy
matter to drown in those waters, just as our sins choke our life. The
forward bowing in baptism speaks of Christ bowing His head and
giving up the Ghost on the cross. He could not bow backwards
due to the top of the cross behind His head. As we are plunged
beneath the water three times in representation of the three
persons of the Trinity, we are putting the old man of sin to death.
Since obviously we still have physical life, what is to replace that
old sinful nature lately put to death? While baptized in the likeness
of His death, we come forth from that service in newness of life like
He came forth from that grave. With the indwelling of the Holy
Spirit, that new life is within the baptized believer. With the
darkness of sin replaced by the light of Christ's Gospel, our lives
are changed so they are no longer lived to please self and Satan.
Having our souls cleansed of sins and our minds transformed we
are a new creature in Christ Jesus. We have been changed through
the representation of His death, burial and resurrection.

Our identification with His resurrection does not end with the
beginning of our Christian life. It is further identified at the very
end of our earthly journey. When our physical life is taken from us,
we can look forward to our own resurrection. The physical body is
corruptible. As our journey on earth lengthens the body grows
weaker. Finally death takes its toll. But the Christian has a great
change, the corruptible earthly body is exchanged for an eternal
uncorruptible body. A Heavenly Home awaits those so changed.

Jesus' resurrection is important to us. It is far more important
than an earthly holiday badly corrupted by paganism. It is in
essence our eternal life for without His resurrection we could do
nothing to save ourselves. But with His resurrection we can be
identified with Him through believer's baptism so we can have a
new life. Living a new life will prepare us for our own resurrection
when we exchange time for eternity.

Think not of Easter but of His resurrection.

BIBLE MONITOR

JOY IN THE MORNING

"And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed
Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him." Matt. 27:55. It was a
sad group there as they observed the Crucifixion of Jesus. Just a
short time before this, they were fellowshipping together. Now,
within a few brief hours, He had been tried and condemned to a
shameful death on a cross. What did all this mean? It looked as
though this was the end for Jesus and the end of their hopes as
well.

Jesus had told the disciples what was to be, but they didn't
understand (see Luke 18:31-33). Luke 24:7 says, "The Son of man
must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified,
and the third day rise again." This came as a reminder from the
angels who were at the sepulchre after Jesus' resurrection. Jesus
had informed the disciples, but they couldn't grasp the meaning
until sometime after the events had transpired.

Everything happened as it was supposed to — God saw to that.
Not one detail was omitted. While the two disciples were on the
road to Emmaus, Jesus walked with them and reminded them of
what the scriptures said. Even though they already knew all these
things, it was beyond their comprehension until Jesus opened to
them the scriptures. See Luke 24:25-32. Like them, we also need
Jesus to reveal His Word to us, and until He does, we cannot
understand what His life, death and resurrection can mean to us.

"And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great
joy: and did run to bring his disciples word." Matt. 28:8. The same
women who were saddened by the Crucifixion were now
gladdened by Jesus' Resurrection. They had come to the
sepulchre very early in the morning, intending to complete the
burial preparations. However, their plans were changed and they
left with joy in their hearts because Jesus had risen. This
Resurrection joy did not stop here, but has continued on down
through the years in the hearts of all who believed in Christ and His
power to save.

These women were no doubt filled with a mixture of emotions
that morning — surpirse, joy, fear and whatever else one would
feel at such a time. The angels told them to go quickly and share
the news, which they did. It was a sad procession when they came,
but a joyous one when they left. Like excited children, they ran to
give the disciples the good news. We, too, can share this good
news, and it will bring joy to those who receive it.

"And while they yet believed not for joy . . ." Luke 24:4. Human
minds could not comprehend what had happened. As we would
say, it seemed too good to be true to think that Jesus was alive!

BIBLE MONITOR

Hadn't they seen him crucified and placed in the tomb? But it was
true, He was alive, and eventually they were able to understand
this.' John 20:9 says, "For as yet they knew not the scripture, that
he must rise again from the dead." Even though they were not able
to understand this at first, when they did, I'm sure their joy
increased.

"And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great
joy." Luke 24:52. Doubt was replaced by faith, sadness by
overwhelming joy as their understanding increased. Jesus came
specifically to die for us so we could be saved. He came to give life
and joy to those who believed in Him. We can have this same joy
always, not just in the morning. New joy and a new life in Christ
can be yours — will you accept it now?

Sister Eileen Broadwater

ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

COMPROMISE

Dear young person and adult alike, as fellow Christians in these
last days, we must cleanse ourselves and the church of
compromise. It is such a part of our society, that we seldom are
aware of it. Take a good look at yourself. Do you profess to honor
the integrity of the family, yet do things that pull it apart ? Have you
ever "permanently borrowed" something from work, rationalizing
that they owed it to you? Have you disregarded the law because
you thought no one would ever find out? Do some severe self
evaluation. Just how commonplace is compromise in your daily
life. Think back to each situation. Was there a selfish consideration
that allowed you to eliminate the principles of Christ and the
church? Did you think that God was not concerned or possibly
was not able to meet the real need at hand? There was recent case
of a man who found a sack containing forty-five thousand dollars
on a city bench. He turned it in to the authorities saying that he did
so because he had been born again. That was the showing of a true
uncompromising character. What would you have done?

Men are compromising because they desire to please
themselves rather than God. They will leave the teaching of Christ
and the church behind for the sake of convenience or personal
dissatisfaction with that particular teaching. May God forgive our
arrogance and haughty will.

Look at your life. Has your worship or service to God been
hindered because you have compromised biblical principles? If
you are finding a battle raging in your life for allegiance, you need
to fall on your knees before God and ask for strength to overcome

BIBLE MONITOR

the compromise. Maybe your devotion to the world is greater than
to God. If so, confess that to Him and spend time building your
faith in Him so your devotion and obedience might increase.

Do you remember a time when the Holy Spirit had to warn you
several times before you "got the message?" Why were you so
oblivious to the earlier warnings? Because of selfishness or pride?
Pray for the power to overcome that compromise and praise God
for His abundant grace and patience as He continues to mold you
into a vessel of honor.

The Pharisees were seeking to kill Jesus because He challenged
their convictions in Mark 3:1-6. This is how far people will go to
defend their own actions . . . even if they are deadly wrong.

We MUST NOT allow compromise in the church. It is our duty to
guard the teachings with all of our being. Paul exhorts us to be
alert and sober in I Thess. 5. You may hold fast to the teachings in
unashamed boldness. I challenge you to stand firm even in the
face of critics who would like to take the "easy road" in their walk
with Christ. Stand on the promise that your unswerving character
will be blessed by God. You have been called to a life with an
uncommon standard. As you set forth your unblemished faith,
even though the hindrance of compromise may persist, you will
receive an unmeasurable blessing for staying true to your
baptismal vows.

Brother Leonard Wertz

• ••• • ••

That is a choice friend who conceals our faults from the view of
others, and discovers them to our own. - Seeker

• ••• •••

A true friend is the gift of God, and he only who made hearts
can unite them. - South

• • • • • • •

The loss of a friend is like that of a limb; time may heal the
anguish of the wound, but the loss cannot be repaired. - Southey

BIBLE MONITOR

TOTEM POLE RELIGION

John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the
life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me."

In a previous article printed in Bible Monitor we mentioned the
fact that a totem pole was erected at a worship service during a
World Council of Churches assembly. We stated that, according to
reliable sources, this totem pole was in recognition of the
"evolution of religion." We explained that this was the ultimate lie
from Satan. That in actuality it taught that God did not create man,
but that man "created" God! We have felt led of the Spirit to give
some further thoughts on this subject.

One of the greatest hindrances to sharing the truth of salvation
through the shed blood of Jesus Christ is the liberal element within
the earthly church. They have convinced many individuals that to
state that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to salvation is a form of
bigotry! They twist facts and statements to create the illusion that
those dedicated to the only means of salvation God has given unto
man are not tolerant of others and have a lack of love. As an
example of this, when it is pointed out that a totem is a symbol of
pagan religion, the liberal element will argue that totem poles are
not "gods" that are worshipped. While this statement is true in
itself, totem poles ARE symbols of pagan religion. The American
Indian had a mixture of ancestor worship and worship of nature
known as Animism. In the book "Religions in a Changing World",
from Moody Press the definition of Animism is given thusly. "The
Animist knows of no greater misfortune than to die without
descendants, for such an one has nobody who feels bound to
serve and honour him after his death. The dead demands, with the
instinct of self-preservation, that the living honour him; and he
compels them to do so by afflicting them. Ancestors are honored
because one's own well-being is dependent on them."-Warneck.
Another definition given is, "Animism may be simply defined as
"spirit worship." And it is applied to the most primitive forms of
religion. Tribes involved in Animism have not learned to assign
human or animal forms to their gods, but rather view them as
spirits inhabiting stones, trees, water, the hills, and the air around
themselves and the sky above. Conscious life is ascribed to all
natural objects. Animists also believe in the continued existence
of the human soul after death and in the activity of the soul in the
disembodied state around the area where the person spent his
earthly life. Therefore Animism comes to involve ancestor
worship, as well as fetishism and magic." Now compare this with
the dictionary definition of "totem" i.e. "Totem Pole." "An object
serving as the emblem of a family or clan and often as a reminder
of its ancestry." We feel quite sure that the missionaries to the
American Indians will find this to be an accurate description of the

BIBLE MONITOR

ancient Indian religious practice, with perhaps a minor difference
concerning "animal worship."

While it is true that some fanatical groups would limit salvation
to the "white race" (which does not really exist) or at least give
them a superior position, true Christians realize this is complete
foolishness. But we also realize that no matter what the color of
the skin or who their ancestors were, there is only one means of
salvation. We cannot "mix and match" religions to suit others.
Roman Catholicism has done this down through the years and
made their already false religion to be pagan in many countries.

The conservative Christian movement must also be careful of
"ancestors worship." While it is certainly not wrong to learn what
our Brethren ancestors believed, what we PRACTICE must be
OUR convictions based on the Word of God. Otherwise WE will be
guilty of ancestor worship. On the other hand, let us not allow
"fundamentalists" and other evangelicals to do away with
scriptural teachings just because they are not observed by the
majority of Christianity. It is also wrong to follow the teachings of
Calvin, Luther, Scofield, and so forth as they are not true to the
Word of God. We feel this type of "ancestor worship" has had an
effect on many within the once "plain" churches as well as on
those who still observe the "plain way of life."

While we appreciate the freedoms we have in America, we must
realize that the flag is another type of totem pole. We feel it has no
place in a meeting house and should not be "bowed down to."
Many Christian leaders are putting the pressure on those of the
earthly church to get involved in politics to preserve the "Christian
heritage of America." America was not founded on the Bible and
we feel it is not wise for Christians to get involved in politics. We
can do far more good by telling others of salvation through the
shed blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus taught that His Kingdom was not
of this world. (John 18:36)

Let us be careful that we do not allow the opinions of man to
cause us to compromise the truths of scripture. We must show love
towards all mankind, but this does not mean "accepting everyone
where they are no matter what they believe." If we truly love others
we will share the salvation message of Jesus Christ with them. We
will also hold to the many times unpopular truths of scripture.

If you are not a follower of Jesus Christ we would remind you
that He said in Mark 16:16, "He that believeth and is baptized shall
be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Won't you
accept Him as your Lord and Savior today?

Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078

BIBLE MONITOR

DO WE LACK COMPASSION AND UNDERSTANDING

What does compassion mean? Pity for suffering with desire to
help or to spare, sympathy. Many of us, who don't want to be
bothered, do our own thing at all times. When we see someone
doing for another, are we pleased or does it make us feel guilty?
Then do we use Satan's most valuable tool, the wedge, and put a
division, make heartache and pieces instead of peace? Oh, where
is our compassion? Can we have true compassion without
ourselves suffering? We change our attitude when we are likewise
tested.

Anyone showing any feeling, love and affection are told, "You're
spoiling them." Showing compassion, "You're too soft." Could it
be we who make these remarks lack the ability to show affection
and compassion with sincerity and understanding? Sometimes we
who are not of the affectionate nature will show an unusual
amount of attention to someone when we are wanting our way in
the material line. Is this like Jesus would do? Honoring thy father
and mother is disguised in material greed. Are we walking in His
steps? Matthew 26:41, "Watch and pray that ye enter not into
temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Could it be our enemies at one time will have compassion more
than brethren? The human race lets us down. We are all a part of
this. As the Samaritan had compassion on the man who fell among
robbers. Luke 10:30-35. The priest and Levite passed on the other
side. We assume they were good men but where was their
compassion?

Some of us receive the call and answer to care for loved ones,
while those not answering tell you, "You can't do it forever." No,
because Jesus will come before then. Will He find us mumbling
and grumbling, pushing an already heavily burdened soul down?
Or giving thanks and showing compassion and understanding?
We can be sincerely changed, you know, if we seek it. Could it be
the burdened soul is stronger because they depend on the Lord to
give them what they need to carry on? Matthew 7:12, "Therefore all
things whatsoever ye would than men do to you, do ye even so to
them; for this is the law and prophets." Things done in this life look
different from the inside out, than outside in. Do we help someone
for honor of man and material gain? God forbid. It isn't good for us
to have our way always. We become dominate and selfish,
demanding more.

So we must lean and look to the living God. We think we are
strong and give advice, but when we are tried we find it differently
and become silent. We didn't know as much as we thought. If we

10 BIBLE MONITOR

have compassion and understanding, will we be quick to pass
opinions and take sides? Matthew 25:40. "And the King shall
answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye
have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have
done it unto me." Jesus was born with compassion for mankind. Is
that how we get it? Romans 9:15-16, "For he sayeth unto Moses, I
will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and I will have
compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of
him that willeth nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth
mercy."

Understanding, wisdom, we ask God for it. In faith believing we
do receive but do we want to believe? We shut our minds to what
we don't want to hear. How much of our heart is in what we ask for
and do? Must we lose our sight, hearing, sense of smell, sense of
feeling, unable to talk normal, or walk normal, suffer loss or have
much heartache in order that we have compassion and under-
standing? We refer to those who are unable to see, hear, smell,
feel, with a speech impediment, or walk unusual, or what have you,
as retarded. God has given each a talent they can do better than
others, and they are happy and cheerful with what they can do. Are
we handicapped with too many blessings? We grumble and
complain alot on what we can't do or don't have. Hebrews 13:5,
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content
with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee,
nor forsake thee." We humans have a way of looking at someone
and passing opinion. Man looks on the outside. The Lord looks on
the heart. Where is our compassion and understanding? Does
anyone know we have a heart by what we say and do?

Sister Martha I. Harman

REUNION IN HEAVEN

We are approaching the time of the year when many will gather
for family reunions. Usually they take place at some park or
playground. This may be a good practice if the gathering is in the
name of the Lord. It is more important to be prepared for the great
reunion where the redeemed, those who have washed their robes
and made them white in the blood of the Lamb of God, get home.

Most of us have heard of close relatives who were separated for a
long time. When they came together there was much gladness, joy
and happiness for them. Today we can look forward to the day of
all days when the world shall be judged and the righteous shall
shine like the stars in the sky. May we be among those who shall
live and abide at the Saviour's right hand.

BIBLE MONITOR 11

Our Saviour has told us, "Lo, I go to prepare a place for you, I am
coming again to receive you that where I am ye may be also." He is
referring to His faithful servants. In His Word we are also told of His
unexpected coming and of the great separation in the day of all
days when the world will be judged. Those who have not cleansed
themselves from the marks of iniquity will meet with disappoint-
ment.

Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. Gatherings
and reunions in this land of ours, called America the beautiful,
cannot be compared to the reunion in Heaven. Among the
gathering will be great, faithful servants of God who lived on 4he
earth thousands of years ago and are recorded in God's Holy
Word, and also our blessed Saviour who suffered and died for our
salvation. His faithful followers are going forward and never laying
their armour down looking forward to the Crown of righteousness
at the end of life's pathway. The way of truth and righteousness
leads to the eternal home of Glory through the saving Gospel of
Christ. We can find that way to the home of love and peace and joy.

Most of us who have passed the three score and ten mark know
of many who have passed beyond this vale of tears. When looking
at and reading Bible Monitors that have been printed many years
ago, we find many obituaries and most of the contributors to the
paper are not here now. Their earthly life is past. This reminds us
again we have no continuing city here. We have the privilege to
seek the one to come. When our life's work is past only what we
have done for eternity will last.

Here in this world relatives who have love for each other and are
separated for a long time desire to be together again and rejoice.
Are we prepared to come forth in the first and best resurrection so
we can share in the reunion when all redeemed sinners get home?

John the Revelator gives us a description of the great eternal
city. Will we share in the glory and reunion in that City where "eye
has not seen, ear has not heard, neither has entered the heart of
man the things that God has prepared for those that love him."

Brother J. F. Marks
Rt. 9, Box 860
Plant City, FLA

• ••••••

There is a strength of quiet endurance as significant of courage
as the most daring feats of prowess. - Tuckerman

12 BIBLE MONITOR

SIXTY YEARS AGO

April 15, 1924

THE CHURCH IN THE EARLY DAYS

Grant Mahan

There is a tendency among men to think and speak of "the good
old times," as if there had been at that time no trials to meet, no
enemies to conquer, no rough road in the Master's service. But is
was far from being as persons are prone to thing. Human nature in
the early ages of the church was not materially different from the
human nature of today. No doubt followers of Christ then had to
meet some trials which they do not now; and followers of today
have some to meet which did not exist in those early days.

Discussing conditions in the early church, one writer on church
history said: "The old landmarks betwixt the church and the world
were undergoing a gradual but visible removal. The believer and
the infidel had, in the innocent customs of society, — in dress, in
fashion, in amusements, in social freedom, — an amount of
common ground which was every day enlarging, and which, by a
convenient distinction between precepts of obligation and
counsels of perfection, might admit of such an extension as to
make Christian and heathen ethics substantially the same. In
morals, as in doctrine, the apostolic ship was much covered by the
waves; the apostolic net had many rents in it."

And a little father on we read: "Church rulers were despised,
church laws set at naught. Mixed marriages were common.
Matrons gave themselves to wordly cares and pleasures; and to
please their husbands became extravagant in dress and lukewarm
in religion. Heathen shows and feasts were frequented with little
scruple. Catechumens put off their baptism that they might be
more free to sin. The church's pensioners, the poor, were
grudgingly supported. The pious fervor which good men had really
felt, and which hypocrites had found it necessary to feign as a
tribute to religion, was beginning to die out; and faith was sinking
into a profound and ill-omened slumber."

Still farther along, when summing up the first three centuries of
the Christian era, the same writer says: "The perfect fruit of the
period, its peculiar and supernatural grace, was that of non-
resistance to oppression. Nor was this virtue a mere softness on
the part of Christians — a mere abstinence from riots, insur-
rections, plots, and rebellions. It was an armed watch set at the
very door of the lips. For three hundred years there was a society
prevading the Roman world, consisting of men of every class and

BIBLE MONITOR 13

condition, and horribly oppressed, which, during all that period,
did not even talk or think resistance. However the yoke might gall
them, they simply waited in quietness and confidence till the Hand
that had put it on them should graciously take it off.

"And this quiet persistence was undoubtedly the secret of their
strength. There were, as we have seen, corruptions among the
early Christians, abuses, follies, superstitions. Scandals, perhaps,
were almost as numerous in proportion to the number of believers
as in any other age. Yet, on the whole, amid changes going on all
around, the church alone stood firm and unaltered, witnessing to
the same way, for three hundred years of almost continuous
persecution. During all that period the preacher preached, the
apologist explained, the martyr died, the bishop ruled, the priest
ministered, the deacon gathered the poor, the exorcist banned the
demons, the fossor delved in the bowels of the earth: in a word, the
church kept together. But the same power which kept the church
together, kept the Truth together. When the end of the first trial
came, and the fourth century opened upon a day sevenfold more
laborious than any that had gone before it, it found the mass of the
faithful through the world still united in one doctrine, one
discipline, one worship, one spirit: a unity the more amazing that it
was free and spontaneous, and accompanied with every form of
partial inconsistency and weakness. Where one martyr had bled
two hundred years before, there were now hundreds prepared to
bleed for the same testimony. Now this persistency could proceed
only from faith. And faith in such a connection is but another word
for life. In a living faith, therefore, not only unparalleled in itself,
but exhibited under circumstances without parallel in the history
of mankind, we find the secret of the continued existence, growth,
and triumph of Christianity through the first and critical era of its
manifestation."

In a sense these first centuries were not good times, for those
who held to the Truth suffered every conceivable torture. But in
another sense they were good times, for those who were called
upon to suffer went bravely to meet death. They were glad to be
counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. They had their
trials, and we have ours. The lesson to get from it all is that
whatever victory we gain must be gained through faith, the faith
that takes the Master at his word and endures till death. There is
nothing else that can give such enduring peace in this world and
such glorious assurance for the world to come. Lord, increase our
faith.

14 BIBLE MONITOR

SHEPHERDING

One of the most beautiful concepts of Christ and of the Christian
leader is the idea of being a shepherd.

Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth
his life for the sheep." It was His will that He be in continuous care
for the well-being of His sheep. It was a total preoccupation with
Him. The total of His thought, His time, skill and strength was
directly devoted to this end.

Every child first pictures Jesus as the Good Shepherd. This idea
was woven into the thought and language of the Jewish people.
Even in Psalms 23: we read, "The Lord is my Shepherd . . ." The
dream of God is that the shepherd will be faithful and true. There is
a great condemnation for those who fail in their task. Jeremiah
23:1 says: "Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the
sheep of my pasture."

Jesus, the Good Shepherd was moved with compassion for the
people. His disciples were His own little flock. It is important to
understand that without a shepherd, a flock is helpless and will
scatter. I wonder where some of the shepherds have gone today. In
our mobile society, it seems so easy to motor away from the flock
for many reasons and leave them to fend for themselves. Where are
the shepherds today? The sound of the ocean might call them or
the suns of the desert. A cabin in the woods might take them away
from the flock for many months because of desiring to fulfill the
desires of the flesh. But what of the flock? Jesus showed pos-
session of His lambs and gave Peter the commission to feed them.
That commission continues down to our day. . . to care for the
lambs.

The shepherd of the Bible times was a simple man. He had his
scrip to carry his simple food provisions, a sling to kill preditory
animals, a staff to help him in retrieving straying animals and a rod,
used to steady himself on the rocks and as an additional weapon
against wild animals. He usually wore a skin robe with the fleece
side in for the sake of warmth.

Today our shepherds are armed with a Sword ... or the Word of
God. But can it be used for the protection of the flock if they are far
away from the lambs?

I am reminded that the relationship between the shepherd and
the sheep in Christ's time was different from anything that we
know now, especially in this country. The sheep at this time were
kept for their milk and for wool. Consequently, a shepherd and his
sheep were together for as long as eight or nine years. He liter-
ally had a name for every animal and they knew their names. In

BIBLE MONITOR 15

addition, he did not have to drive them before him. He simply went
in front of them and they followed him. (John 10:4, "He goes before
them and the sheep follow Him.") Often the shepherd had to lead
his flock through the narrow dark passages which were excellent
places for wild beasts and robbers. This so beautifully illustrates the
need for the shepherds in our churches today to be with their
flocks, protecting them and hearing their calls. It is God's will that
the flock not be left with an hireling. In Bible times, an hireling was
sometimes employed on a per day basis to care for a flock. It is
known that they were not really interested in the flock and never
came to know the sheep or their names. They were only interested
in the money ... or in the lusts of this life. In the hour of danger, the
hireling was apt to run for safety. In contrast, the shepherd would
lay down his life for his flock. No danger was too great for him to
defend the sheep whom he had come to love and who had come to
love him.

Would the church shepherd of today be there to carry his
exhausted lamb as is illustrated in Isa. 40:11? Where is the vigil-
ance? How many sleepless nights the Master had for His lambs as
He prayed that they might remain safe and secure in the faith.

Christ illustrates to us in the idea of the shepherd as one who is
strong, courageous, protective, patient and self-sacrificing.

If the wolves of the world are to be kept out of the flocks of
believers today, the shepherds must be there feeding, warning,
and preparing them for the future. If God's man is faithful to put
Christ's motives before his own, and commit himself to lead his
people by doctrine and pattern, the church will remain safe during
these end times.

May we each pray for and work toward Biblical shepherding in
the church today.

Brother Leonard Wertz

NEWS ITEMS

WEST FULTON, OHIO

The Lord willing, the West Fulton Congregation plans to have
Lovefeast Services, Saturday, May 19, with services beginning at
11:00 a.m. All are welcome. Come and enjoy these services with
us.

Sister Carolyn Carpenter, Cor.

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR MAY, 1984
OF THE EARTH

Memory Verse: Psa. 8:1

O Lord our Lord, how excellent

is thy name in all the earth!

who hast set thy glory above

the heavens.
Tue. 1 - Psa. 2:1-12
Wed. 2 - Psa. 7:1-17
Thur. 3 - Psa. 8:1-9
Fri. 4 - Psa. 10:1-18
Sat. 5 - Psa. 12:1-8

Memory Verse: Psa. 24:1
The earth is the Lord's and
the fulness thereof; the world,
and they that dwell therein.

Sun. 6 - Psa. 16:1-11

Mon. 7 - Psa. 18:1-24

Tue. 8 - Psa. 18:25-50

Wed. 9 - Psa. 19:1-14

Thu. 10 - Psa. 21:1-13

Fri. 11 - Psa. 22:1-31

Sat. 12 - Psa. 24:1-10

Memory Verse: Psa. 113:9
He maketh the barren woman to
keep house, and to be a joyful
mother of children. Praise ye
the Lord.

Sun. 13 - Psa. 113:1-9

Mon. 14 - Psa. 25:1-22

Tue. 15 - Psa. 33:1-22

Wed. 16 - Psa. 34:1-22

Thur. 17 - Psa. 37:1-19

Fri. 18 - Psa. 37:20-40

Sat. 19 - Psa. 41:1-13

Memory Verses: Psa. 25:12 & 13
What man is he that feareth the
Lord? him shall he teach in the
way that he shall choose. His
soul shall dwell at ease; and his
seed shall inherit the earth.

Sun. 20 - Psa. 46:1-11

Mon. 21 - Psa. 47:1-9

Tue. 22 - Psa. 48:1-14

Wed. 23 - Psa. 50:1-23

Thur. 24 - Psa. 57:1-11

Fri. 25 - Psa. 58:1-11

Sat. 26 - Psa. 59:1-17

Memory Verses: Psa. 37: 1 & 11
For yet a little while, and the
wicked shall not be: yea, thou
shall diligently consider his
place, and it shall not be. But
the meek shall inherit the earth;
and shall delight themselves in
the abundance of peace.

Sun. 27 - Psa. 60:1-12

Mon. 28 - Psa. 61:1-8

Tue. 29 - Psa. 63:1-11

Wed. 30 - Psa. 65:1-13

Thur. 31 - Psa. 66:1-20

Memory Verses: Psa. 46:10
Be still, and know that I am
God: I will be exalted among
the heathen, I will be exalted
in the earth.

Psa. 61:2 .
From the en'd of the earth will
I cry unto thee, when my heart
is overwhelmed: lead me to the
rock that is higher than I.

Lester Fisher

4654 N. State Rte. 43

Covington, OH 45318

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL. LXII MAY 1, 1984 NO. 9

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all

Scriptural in practice. the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

WHEN MOTHER PRAYED

When mother pray'd! O precious hour
When God would come in might pow'r!

Mem'ry sweet! O hallowed place
Where God did shine in mother's face.

When mother pray'd ah, then I knew
Within my soul that God was true;

1 could no longer doubt his love,
But yielded all — born from above.

And tho' the years may come and go,
This heart of mine can never know
A sweeter time than that blest hour
When Jesus came in saving power.

Tho' other scenes may be forgot,
While life shall last this one cannot;
When mother pray'd! O peace divine!
My mother's God today is mine.

BIBLE MONITOR

FAMILY DAY

In May, we again have the opportunity to honor mothers with a
special day. Certainly mothers are worthy of every honor their
families may wish to bestow upon them. It is questionable whether
the current commercialized celebration is as respectful as it might
be. Too often the gifts, cards and honors are given from a sense of
obligation and peer pressure. Often when the one day of
celebration is over, many feel they have fulfilled their obligation so
mother is neglected the rest of the year.

In June a similar day is dedicated to honoring fathers. Fathers
also are well deserving of their families' respect. Because of
father's position as stern disciplinarian, he may not be
remembered as tenderly as mother, yet he is deserving of his
special honor. Again too often this one day becomes a substitute
for year long devotion.

Perhaps rather than fragmenting the family, by honoring first
one parent then the other, it would be more pleasing and
worthwhile to have one day set aside to honor not just the parents
but the whole family. Today there are many pressures that are
vying to tear the family apart so a day to honor the family might be
a positive step toward drawing families together.

The typical American lifestyle has each member of the family
persuing his own interests. Often families hardly find time to eat
together let alone read, converse or pray together. With the
passing of the family farm and small town business, families have
been separated much of the day by work away from home, school
activities and recreation. The family is fragmented by these
activities so a special day together might be beneficial.

Also as Americans have become mobile and live in smaller
houses or apartments, the extende d family is also affected.

THE BIBLE MONITOR MAY 1, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard

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Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio

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Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance.

Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.

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17403
RUDY COVER, Associate Editor; 2034 Roble Ave., Modesto, CA 95351

BIBLE MONITOR

Children grow up separated by many miles from grandparents,
aunts and uncles and cousins. It is difficult to maintain strong
family ties over the distance.

Even when the family is close there still is not room or inclination
to take the older generation into the home. Rest homes and
nursing homes have taken over the family's duty to their elderly.
While the institution can perform the task more efficiently it is not
without a cost, financially and emotionally. The institution
performs the task so well many family members feel relieved of
their responsibility even to visit their elderly relatives.

In some families the annual family reunion provides a family day.
It gives an opportunity for those separated by the miles to be
together to be reunited in their family ties. Being together, re-
membering old times and thinking of the generations now gone,
serves as a means to make the family stronger. It is good for the
individual family to realize that they are part of a larger family.

The Christian not only has his family according to the flesh but
also the family of God. The Church is a family. The members are
the children of God and Brothers and Sisters through the rebirth
process. The Christian is a part of his natural family by the natural
birth and a part of God's family by the Spiritual birth.

The Christian family is drawn together by being together often
and sharing their joys and worries. Every Sunday and at other
times when the members gather they have the opportunity to be
more fully united. Just as the natural family needs to be together to
be drawn together so the Church needs to be together as often as
possible.

Besides the weekly meetings of the Church, there is also the
opportunity to gather in an annual meeting that is comparable to a
family reunion. Here those who are separated can for a few days be
together to encourage one another in the Christian journey of life.
This time of study and worship brings the family of God together.
As long as Christians have the feeling of the Church as a family
instead of a bureauocratic organization, there will be a drawing
together and a growth for the members. The Church must be
careful to maintain itself as a family without separation between
the members and the ministry. As the members of a family have
differing functions and work to do, so the members of the Church
hav different offices to fill. But these differing functions should
serve to bring God's people together not drive them apart.

The family is very important whether the natural or the Spiritual.
God has His Hand in both, the one through physical creation, the
other through Spiritual recreation. We should strive to have unity
and strength in both families. Neither the natural nor the Spiritual
family can exist at its best without the other. Happy Family Day to
everyone.

BIBLE MONITOR

I CANT GET ANYTHING DONE!

As a mother, I feel at times that I can't get anything done except
just that — being a mother. Between rocking the baby and
entertaining our toddler; taking care of their physical and
emotional needs, there isn't much time left for being a house-
keeper, baker, or seamstress. I have found that this can be very
discouraging. But as I think about it, I realize that perhaps God
doesn't want me to worry myself with these other things. He has
blessed me with the responsibility of children, and, for this period
of my life, that is my job. And the job is a full time one. As quickly
as the years pass by, it won't be long until the children are grown
and gone, and then I will have plenty of time for the house. No
doubt there will be times when I will miss the sound of a baby's cry
and the lisping words of a child.

A cousin and friend of mine who is a busy mother of two, knows
how frustrated a mother can get. Thoughtfully, she sent a poem to
me, saying that it really helped her and she hoped that it would
help me, too. It has, and I would like to pass it along to other busy
mothers who feel that they "can't get anything done."
THOUGHTS OF A BUSY MOTHER

If I can't find time to wash the floor, who will remember or care?

If I don't patch the holes in their old blue jeans, they can wear
another pair.

The dust can sit right where it is for tomorrow there will be more.

If the day's too short to bake a cake, I can always run to the store.

But if I forget to wipe a tear or kiss an injured knee,

To cheer a frown, turn it upside down 'til they're chuckling with
glee;

If I should fail to stop and chat when their tales are filled with
woe,
To listen for unspoken words that only sad eyes show,
If I miss a chance to see the world through precious little eyes. . .
A dandelion, a crawly bug, a rainbow in the sky. . .
Then I missed a chance to share the day with One I hold most

dear,
For God was knocking at, my heart and I was too busy to hear.

— Author unknown

Sister Julie Litfin

• ••••••

The veil which covers the face of futurity is woven by the hand of
mercy. - Bulwer

BIBLE MONITOR

THE TEARS WE CANNOT CRY

There are times when the grief we feel inside can't be expressed
in tears. The pain in our hearts is too intense. We may not be able
to put our feelings into words either — it hurts too much to even
talk about it. Does God see the tears we can't cry? Does He hear
the prayers we can't find words to pray? Surely He does, and He
cares about our heartaches.

There are tears of contrition, tears of sorrow, of intercession and
concern for souls. There are tears of concern which only a parent
can cry. There are tears of joy and happiness, tears of loneliness,
tears of compasssion. Tears provide an emotional release, and
sooner or later in your life, you will find yourself crying for one
reason or another.

There are tears, like Esau's, which come too late. The
opportunity was gone forever, and it couldn't be changed. No
doubt his heart ached many times after he knew he'd missed the
blessing, an ache which tears alone could not relieve. All Esau
could do now was go on and make the best of the time he had left.
He knew where the mistake was, but looking back couldn't change
his future.

Whatever the reason for our tears, someday they will all be wiped
away, if we are God's own. But what about now? Is the pain of
sorrow, failure, or loneliness ours alone to bear, or does God care?
Will He help us, and strengthen us, even when we caused the
problem ourselves? If we come to God for help, He will provide. He
may not wipe out all the pain, but He will help us to face life as it is.

You may be at the point where the tears are over, you simply
can't cry anymore, and yet the pain is still there day in and day out.
Does it matter to God that your distress is so great? If it didn't
matter, He wouldn't have given us Jesus to save us and abide in
our hearts. If it didn't matter, the Holy Spirit - the Comforter - our
Comforter - would not have come. If it didn't matter, our Heavenly
Father wouldn't have made Himself available to us through prayer.

"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and
acquainted with grief . . . Surely he hath borne our griefs, and
carried our sorrows. ... He was wounded for our transgressions."
(From Isa. 53) Jesus knows what it means to hurt, to be grieved, to
be filled with sorrow. He was, and still is, rejected by the very ones
He came to help. In spite of this, He finished what He started and
took the burden of our sin upon Himself. Can you see then how
much Jesus cares for you? He gave all He had to give, just for you.

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee." (Psa.
55:22) "Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the
Lord beholdeth him with his hand." Psa. 37:24. "Casting all your

BIBLE MONITOR

care upon him, for he careth for you." I Pet. 5:7. There are many
causes for grief in our lives and the solutions aren't all the same
either. But our need of the Lord is constant. He alone has the
strength we need, and He has promised us His care in our distress.

What should you do when there are tears you can't cry, when
you are so burdened that you are nearly overwhelmed? Look to
Jesus! In Him, you can find strength and peace. Without Him,
there's only more despair. Even if you can't cry out to Him, you can
be sure He sees your distress, and He cares. Later on, you will be
able to look back and see how Jesus did take care of you.

When Job was overwhelmed by trouble, some of his friends
came and sat silently with him, "for they saw that his grief was very
great." Job 2:13. They didn't understand Job's problem, but at
least they cared enough to be with him. Your friends may not
understand yours either, but share your burden with someone.
Above all else, ask to be lifted up in prayer to the One who does
understand — Jesus.

Joseph's bowels yearned upon his brother, Benjamin (Gen.
43:30). Jacob refused to be comforted when he thought Jesus was
dead (Gen 37: 35). Jesus groaned in the spirit when He saw those
grieving over the death of Lazarus. There was a depth of emotion in
each of these persons which tears and words alone couldn't
express. When you heart is heavy, think of Jesus. Ask Him for help,
for a friend to confide in, just whatever you need. Remember Jesus
cares, even about the tears you cannot cry.

Sister Eileen Broadwater

MIX AND MATCH RELIGION

II Kings 17:32-33 "So they feared the Lord, and made unto
themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which
sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places. They feared
the Lord, and served their own gods, after the manner of the
nations whom they carried away from thence."

First of all, we wish to assure you that this writing is being
presented with the attitude of love and concern. We are, perhaps,
more "ecumenical" in spirit than most of our conservative
Brethren. Therefore we wish to extend our love and respect
towards them also. We also wish to make it plain that we are not
judging any individual's salvation. We feel that is best left in the
hands of God. However, on the other hand, we are in disagreement
with those who teach that our actions have nothing to do with our
salvation. Romans 6:15-16 clearly teaches, "What then? shall we
sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God

BIBLE MONITOR

forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye (Christians) yield yourselves
servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of
sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" To make this
"death" to be physical death is to support the ridiculous teaching,
in our opinion, that God will strike you dead and take you to
Heaven for PUNISHMENT. Also, when taken in context we find
that it is in contrast to everlasting (or eternal) life according to
verses 22 and 23 of this chapter. We know that "eternal life" does
not mean we will not die physically (unless the Lord should
return). Therefore "death" CAN NOT refer to physical death in
verse 16.

We believe that the statement in I Peter 4:17, "For the time is
come that judgment must begin at the house of God: . . .", along
with our opening verses is very apropos to the situation within the
earthly church today. Although there has always been false
teaching and compromise within the earthly church, we believe I
Timothy 3:13 describes the situation well. "But evil men and
seducers SHALL WAX WORSE AND WORSE, deceiving, and
being deceived."

The false "mix and match religion" has even had its effect on the
once "plain" churches. They have accepted the teaching that the
Bible does not really mean what it says in relation to personal
dress and conduct. That a woman is to have uncut hair and man's
short hair is considered to be non-essential. Modest attire for both
sexes is simply not considered. (It is even more inconsistent that
some preachers will speak against men having long hair, but
refuse to speak out on the Bible teaching (I Corin. 11:15) that a
woman should have long hair or the issue of immodest dress (I
Tim. 2:8-9) in their sermons.)

There was once the time that the Church was encouraged to be
separate from the world. This was in accordance with I John 2:15,
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world . . ."
Verse 16 gives us a list of what this referse to "the lust of the flesh,
and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life." Think about these
things in relation to the "Mix and match religion" within the earthly
church. Indiviuals who walk around with more skin exposed than
covered are certainly guilty of "the lust of the flesh." They then are
at least partly responsible for the sin of "the lust of the eyes." This
does not excuse others for allowing themselves to lust after those
who do thing thing. It is also possible to have "the lust of the eyes"
in relation to an individual who IS properly dressed. With so many
professing Christians having television in their homes, this caution
should be taken very seriously. We once had a television and we
know how much could cause "lust of the eyes" at that time. We are
told it is even worse now.

BIBLE MONITOR

The desire to look and act like the world is no more than the sin
of "the pride of life." The acceptance of the entertainment field
into the church has caused the situation of "the world tells the
church how to act and dress rather than the Church witnessing to
the world." It is our personal conviction that we are doing
Hollywood movie and television "stars" a grave injustice by
allowing them to believe they can continue their life style and still
be acceptable in the eyes of God. If you feel this is un-loving,
compare it with I Corin. 13: (the LOVE chapter) 6 (love or charity)
"Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth."

This "mix and match religion" did not appear overnight. It was
brought about by teachers who claimed to love the Lord but
refused to teach unpopular doctrines found in scripture. As it
states in II Kings 17:41. "So these nations (churches) feared the
Lord, and served their graven images, both their children, and their
children's children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day."
May God give us the courage to give a Biblical heritage to our
children. Even if our children refuse to FOLLOW scriptural truth,
the chances are good they will share their parents convictions with
their children. At any rate, our hands are clean if we share the
whole Word of God with them and others.

If you are reading this and have never decided WHAT you will
follow, we urge you to be "born again" by the Spirit of God.
Without this experience you CANNOT follow God. After this
experience the Holy Spirit will give you the strength to follow the
Holy Word of God. Whatever you do, FOLLOW ALL OF IT. The full
revelation of God was given to the New Testament Church. Jesus
Christ is the full and final revelation of God. He said in Mark 16:16
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that
believeth not shall be damned.

Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078

ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

SPIRITUAL WEAKNESS

How often we have sung the phrase, "I am weak but thou are
strong . . ." Do we really understand the depth of the words we are
singing? Jesus wants to be our strength but He can't be unless we
let Him. In order for Jesus to be our strength, we must be weak . . .
by God's definition. We must recognize that we are unable to live
the Christian life on our own. Being weak is not meekly trying to be
nice to a crabby, domineering person and getting a little help from

BIBLE MONITOR

Jesus to help you tolerate it. It is not a matter of witnessing softly
and in embarrassment without God's power behind you. It is not a
sad, downcast look all the time nor is it an out of shape or weak
body which has not been exercised properly. It IS recognizing that
apart from Jesus, you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

Sometimes we use the word "weakness" to cover up sins. We
say, Tm just too weak to stand up to that temptation." That is
simply the flesh having victory in your life. Laziness and excuses
and misappropriation of time and energy are counted as
weakness. Ultimately, these are just problems of selfishness and
disobedience.

Some people say, "the devil made me do it" . . . stating that it is
their humanness that was susceptible to the sin and that it couldn't
be controlled. We are trying to do something under our own power
or something that God doesn't want us to do and we can't expect
His strength for that. It might also be selfishness. This is the age
of self advancement and exaltation. To be dependent on Christ
and your faith is considered weakness in the eyes of the
unbelieving world.

Acquiring God's strength requires submissiveness to His will.
This strength will come when we stop calling sin "laziness" and
disobedience "weakness." We must then pray for the ability to be
God's person in all areas of life. This will include the simple tasks
as well as the complex ones. God will be glorified when you are
constantly seeking His guidance in all of your responsibilities and
relationships.

II Chronicles 16:9 reads, "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro
throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of
them whose heart is perfect toward him. . . " As God's strength
pours into us through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we
will experience strength and power beyond our comprehension.
Further, II Corin. 12:10 teaches us, ". . . for when I am weak, then
am I strong." This scripture illustrates Paul's dependence and
weakness. Power in the church ... he had it! Political power ... he
had it! Personality power, he had that too! But he understood his
position of weakness before the Almighty God. If we acknowledge
our weakness as Paul did, and by faith claim God's strength for our
lives, we will be able to draw on His resources. We will be made
string in our weakness.

Brother Leonard Wertz

10 BIBLE MONITOR

THE POWER AND PERMANENCE
OF THE PRINTED PAGE

Did you know that God is a writer? God Himself wrote the
Decalogue. Why did He write it? Word of mouth is changeable. It
becomes distorted. The printed page stands. God wanted the basic
moral code in writing.

Thirty-two times in the Bible we find the command to write. "And
the Lord said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book"
write, in the context of their own homes, so their children might be
impressed with the truth.

"Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man's pen" (Isaiah
8:1). "Write it in their sight." Why? "That they may keep the whole
form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them."
(Ezekiel 43:11)

Jude "gave all diligence to write." There is a sense of urgency in
the way he found it needful to write. And this urgency does not
diminish. Twelve times John, in writing the Book of Revelation,
was commanded to write. What would we know today about the
teachings of Jesus and the apostles if no one had written?

The power of the pen is proven by history. Civilizations have
been molded and shaped by literature. Their moral standards have
risen and fallen with their literary diet. Empires rose and fell, borne
on the waves of their writings. The Dark Ages were dark party
because of a dearth of good literature. And we dare not overlook
the influence of the Bible in ending this dark period. Wycliff's Bible
in the language of the people appeared about 1382.

The Reformation was certainly carried forth on the wings of
literature. For years Luther averaged a book or pamphlet a week.

If our Anabaptist forefathers would have been as indifferent to
Christian writings as must of us are, we would hardly know there
were Anabaptists. All we would have today would be the distorted
views of their enemies. Twenty-five years after the Anabaptists
movement began, five Anabaptist hymnals had appeared. When
the authorities raided the print shop at Lubeck in the early 1550's,
they found ten tons of books. From 1536 to his death, Menno
Simons wrote numerous books and pamphlets. Most of this time
there was a price on his head and a death penalty for aiding him in
any way. What dedication in the midst of difficulty!

Consider the permanence of the printed page. The printed page
preserves precious pearls, perilous propaganda, and pertinent
doctrine. Foremost of these precious pearls is the Word itself. The
tables of stone on which God engraved the Ten Commandments
are a classic symbol of permanence. "Now go, write it before them
... in a book, that it may be for the time to come forever and ever"

BIBLE MONITOR 11

(Isaiah 30:8). The Bible is a miracle of preservation. It is a proof of
God's interest in the written Word.

Printing also preserves perilous propaganda. Are promofors of
falsehood, in their use of literature, wiser than the children of light?
In 1978 the Jehovan's Witnesses distributed over 257 million
copies of their publications. Communism spends over five billion
dollars a year producing propaganda. That is over $500,000.00 an
hour. In 1980, Handbook of Supernatural Powers sold 208,302
copies. The occultism that is coming in upon us is the dark ages of
our day. What a challenge to meet these thrusts with Christian
literature!

We need to produce Christian books and periodicals to develop
and stabilize our own Biblical faith, and to win others to the faith of
Christ. Johann Gutenberg, the father of modern printing, wrote:
"God suffers because of the great multitudes whom His sacred
Word cannot reach. Religious truth is captive in a small number of
manuscript books which guard the treasure. Let us break the seal
which holds the holy things, give wings to that truth that by a
means no longer written at great expense by the hand that wearies
itself, but multiplied by an unwearied machine, it may fly to every
soul born into the world."

Too long our literature interests have lagged behind. We let the
Calvinists write the commentaries. We let the world write the
textbooks for our schools. We may not have much time anymore.
Our prospect for the future is the second coming of Christ. While
we wait, let us publish and promote that literature which builds the
church. We will pray, preach, write, and proclaim until Jesus
comes. Maranatha!

—Christian Light Publications News Release

SIXTY YEARS AGO

THE SALUTATION OF THE KISS
Charles M. Yearout

"Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss, I charge you by the Lord
that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren." I Thess. 5:26-
27. This Christian greeting has been practiced in the Church of
Christ all down her pathway toward the Heavenly Kingdom.

David James Burrell, has truthfully said: "The two great words of
Scripture are 'Believe' and 'Obey'. No man is saved by merely
believing in Christ. He must obey. Until he does that, he is not a
Christian. As soon as he has accepted Christ as his savior, his
whole obligation is represented in the word 'Obedience,' that is,

12 BIBLE MONITOR

obedience to the moral law as set forth in the teachings of Christ.
But those who are seeking for an excuse for not observing the holy
kiss, will tell you Christ neyer commanded His followers to practice
this apostolic teaching.

The apostles were commanded: teach the baptized believers to
observe all things whatsoever Christ had commanded them. (Matt.
28:18-20). The things the apostles taught were commanded by the
Lord. Jesus says of His apostles: "He that heareth you heareth me;
and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me
dispiseth him that sent me." (Luke 10:16)

The Apostle Paul, who commands the observance of the holy
kiss four times in his epistles to the churches, in his letter to the
church at Corinth says: "If any man think himself to be a prophet,
or spiritual, let him ackowledge that the things that I write unto you
are the commandments of the Lord." (I Cor. 14:37; see also Gal.
1:11-12) Paul commanded the church at Corinth twice to "Greet
one another with a holy kiss." (I Cor. 16:20; II Cor. 13:12)

The salutation of the kiss was evidently practiced by Christ and
His apostles. (Matt. 26:48-49). It is very evident that Judas would
have never betrayed the Heavenly Master with a kiss, had it not
been their custom to greet each other with a kiss when they met.

The apostolic church observed this beautiful token of love, when
taking leave of one another. (Acts 20:27)

The Apostle Peter in writing "to the strangers scattered
throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia" who
were in Christ, says: "Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity,
love, peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen." (I Peter
5:14)

The Church of the Brethren taught and practiced the salutation
of the holy kiss universally so far as my knowledge goes, until in
recent years, it is practically set aside in many places, except on
love feast occasions. This is largely due to unfaithful elders,
pastors and traveling evangelists, who neither teach nor practice it,
but their influence is rather against its practice. The first time I
came in contact with a revolt and disobedience to these New
Testament commands I was shocked. A noted evangelist came
into the church where I held my membership to hold a series of
meetings. Having been acquainted with him in his boyhood, I was
glad for his coming. The first night I met him at the church I made
an attempt to greet him with a kiss, but he stiffened his arm, and
refused the gospel salutation. He said he did not practice it any
more, since he had studied the subject symbolically. The symbolic
study of this gospel teaching dispensed with its practice. He also
stated that the practice of the holy kiss was unhealthful, as

BIBLE MONITOR 13

diseases were contracted through its practice. May God pity such
lack of faith and distrust in Him. The good Lord will take care of
those, who from their heart OBEY his inspired Word. The deadly
serpent did not hurt Paul, though it was on his hand. The caldron
of boiling oil did not kill the Apostle John, though he was cast into
it. The heated furnace did not burn the three faithful Hebrews, but
they walked in the burning flames unharmed. The ferocious lions
did not devour Daniel, though he was with them all night in their
den. Neither will obedience to God's holy commandements bring
disease or hurt to his faithful children. Pride and worldliness in the
member, is the underlying cause for ignoring and disobeying
God's counsel. The salutation of the holy kiss was practiced by the
apostolic church and her successors.

The Waldenses, Albigenses, and number of other persecuted
Trine immersionist churches, practiced the holy kiss. When the
Church of the Brethren was organized for the purpose of restoring
primitive Christianity and the practice of all the commands in the
New Testament, they found the salutation of the kiss was
practiced, and five times commanded in God's plan of human
salvation. It sure must take a stubborn, rebellious christian (?) to
ignore a command of God, five times repeated. This christian
greeting is a token of brotherly love and fellowship. This gospel
greeting was observed in the general church, until pride and a
worldly spirit entered the church, then the holy kiss and other plain
gospel commands were ignored, and cast out as non-essential. We
are living in an age of departures from Bible truths and doctrines.
The departures and changes however, are in men. The blessed Old
Book of God has not changed. The salutation of the kiss has ever
been a peculiarity of the holy brethren or church of Christ all down
the fleeting years, and will continue to be practiced by his humble,
faithful followers until He comes again, though ignored and set
aside by the fleshly world-loving church members.

Brethren, let us walk in the good old paths, and "earnestly
contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. "

HE LEADETH THEM OUT

He leadeth them out, and His sheep gladly follow,

Content to be near Him, where ere it may be,

No longing have they for the world or its pleasure,

While His voice they can hear, and His face they can see.

The voice of the stranger can never allure them,

Away from their Shepherd, away from His fold,

His voice is to them, of all the voices, the sweetest,

His love far more precious than diamonds, or gold.

He leads, and they follow, where dangers are hidden,

14 BIBLE MONITOR

O'er paths that are lonely, where deep waters flow.

The touch of His hand gives them strength for the journey,

As onward and upward and homeward they go.

Though pressed in the conflict, and often so weary,

They know He is near them, each burden to share,

And "filled with the Spirit" they see in the distance

The light of the city, that lieth foursquare.

He leads and they follow, His reproach gladly hearing,

The cross, all their glory, come joy or come pain,

In humble submission, by service, or silence,

No haste, and not worry, impatience, or strain.

How precious to know that He goeth before us,

By faith we can follow where our eyes may not see,

Mid doctrines of demons, and men, so confusing,

We hear His voice whisper, "My child, follow Me."

—Alfred Easterbrook
Selected by Sister Ruth Snyder

NEWS ITEMS

1984 GENERAL CONFERENCE
June 9-13, 1984

Directions to Roxbury Holiness Camp Grounds located Viz mile
south of Roxbury, Pennsylvania on Route 997.

Those traveling on Pennsylvania turnpike (no. 76) exit number
15, take 997 south to camp grounds.

Those traveling Interstate 81 North or South exit on Scotland
Exit take 997 north to camp grounds.

Those traveling on train or plane go to Harrisonburg. Take
Greyhound bus service to Shippensburg, Pennsylvania and call
camp grounds for transportation. Telephone number is 532-2208.

There is plenty of room for campers and trailers. Please bring
sheets and pillow cases.

Are your reservations made? Lodging Committee:

Bro. Verling Wolfe

R. D. #1482

Bethel, Pennsylvania 19507

Bro. Edwin Stauffer

R. D. 1, Box 291 Sinclair Road

Newmanstown, Pennsylvania 17073

BIBLE MONITOR 15

THANKS

We want to thank each one for the prayers, thoughts and cards
on Kyle's behalf. It is hard to express how very much it all means
to have so many Brothers and Sisters so willing to help you over
the hard times. May our Lord and Savior be ever near each of you
also.

Sister Letha Brown

THANKS AND APPRECIATION

I wish to thank every one for the cards, gifts, flowers and

telephone calls during my stay at the hospital in January and since

I have returned home. I especially appreciate the many prayers

that were offered in my behalf. God has been good and there is

much to be thankful for.

God's blessings be with you all.

Sister Ruby Sowers

THANKS

I wish to thank everyone for their every remembrance of me
while I was in the hospital and recuperating at home. Every prayer,
card, visit, telephone call, and act of love was greatly appreciated.
Feeling the supportive love and care of Christ's body for this needy
member and realizing the strength and joy it brought me, made me
think of the joy it brings our Heavenly Father when the body is
loving and supporting its members. May we better appreciate what
Christ has made us partakers of. God bless you each and every
one abundantly.

In Christian love,
Sister Barbara Smith

A NOTE OF THANKS

We want to thank each one who sent us cards for our
anniversary. Each one is very much appreciated.

Brother and Sister Delma Stump

PHONE NUMBER CHANGE
H. Edward Johnson (419) 337-0253

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DIRECTORY OF BOARDS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dale E. Jamison, Chairman

Quinter, Kansas 67752
Ray R. Reed, Secretary

Box 12, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063
Warren C. Smith, Treasurer

26270 Highway 50

McClave. Colorado 81057

GENERAL MISSION BOARU

Joseph E. Flora, Chairman

R. 3 Box 12, Adel, Iowa 50003
Hayes Reed, Secretary

1433 Overholtzer Dr.

Modesto, CA 95355
William Carpenter, Treasurer

8012 Cavender Street

Morenci, Michigan 49256

Harley Rush
R. 1, Converse, Indiana 46919

Galen Litfin

1314 East 7th St.

Newberg, Oregon 97132
Dale Jamison

Quinter, Kansas 67752
Jacob C. Ness

136 Homeland Rd.

York, PA 17403
Frank Shaffer

13062 Grant Shook Rd.

Greencastle, PA 17225

BOARD OF PUBLICATION

Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

Jacob C. Ness, Secretary

136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403
H. Edward Johnson, Treasurer
5-1307-S.H. 108
Wauseon, Ohio 43567

Allen B. Eberly

R. 3

Ephrata, PA 17522
Warren C. Smith

26270 Highway 50

McClave, Colorado 81057

BIBLE STUDY BOARD

William Carpenter, Chairman
8012 Cavender Street
Morenci, Michigan 49256

Eugene Kauffman, Secretary

R. 6, Box 51

Harrisburg, Virginia 22801
Warren C. Smith, Treasurer

26270 Highway 50

McClave, Colorado 81057
Rudolph Cover

2034 Roble Ave.

Modesto, CA 95351
Dennis St. John

Rt. 1

Bryan, Ohio 43506

RELIEF BOARD

Boyd Wyatt, Chairman

4925 Tegner Rd.

Hughson, CA 95326

(209) 883-4138
Newton Jamison, Secretary

512 Garfield

Quinter, Kansas 67752

(913) 754-3433
Kyle Reed, Treasurer

R. 1, Box 4

Minburn, Iowa 50167

(515) 677-2467
Virgil Leatherman

419 N. Queen St.

Littlestown, PA 17340

(717) 359-5753
Robert Carpenter

R. 5, Box 97

Peru, Indiana 46970

(317) 395-7879

TORREON NAVAJO MISSION

David Skiles, Superintendent

R. 2 Box 8

Cuba, New Mexico 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman

1433 Overholtzer Dr.

Modesto, CA 95355
Kyle Reed, Secretary

R. 1 Box 4

Minburn, Iowa 50167
Newton Jamison, Treasurer

Quinter, Kansas 67752
Harley Flory

R. 4, Defiance, Ohio 43512

All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury,
but sent to the Secretary for his records.

Lester Fisher

4564 N. State Rte. 48

Covington, OH 45318

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL. LXII MAY 15, 1984 NO. 10

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all

Scriptural in practice. the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

DO NOT I LOVE THEE

Do not I love thee, O my Lord?
Behold my heart and see;
And turn the dearest idol out
That dares to rival thee.

Is not thy name melodious still

To mine attentive ear?

Doth not each pulse with pleasure bound,

My Savior's voice to hear?

Hast thou a lamb in all thy flock
I would disdain to feed?
Hast thou a foe before whose face
I fear thy cause to plead?

Would not my heart pour forth its blood
In honor of thy name?
And challenge the cold hand of death
To damp th' immortal flame!

Thou know'st I love thee, dearest Lord,
But O! I long to soar
Far from the sphere of mortal joys,
And learn to love thee more.

BIBLE MONITOR

GODS LOVE AND HIS COMMANDMENTS

One of the characteristics of God is love. Without His love we
could neither know what love was or how to share it with others.
God's love is the basis and standard for all love. The world today
often confuses lust and desire for love. Because the world has
gotten away from God, they have also drawn away from His love. As
they have forgotten God, they have forgotten what love really is.

The Christian is the recipient of this love. God's love is available to
the whole world, but most reject it either because of disinterest,
misinformation or misdirection from the enemy of their souls. The
few who do accept it are blessed beyond their own imagining. Not
only do they receive love but they are then able to show love. Any
service for God not motivated by that love is merely good works and
a part of the social gospel. But those works when stimulated by the
love of God become an extension of His love.

God's love is expressed in its highest form by the gift of His Son.
His love was first demonstrated by sending Jesus to the Earth in
human form. Beyond that He willed for Jesus to die as the sin-
bearer for the whole human family. This love was so great that it was
extended to men even while they were yet lost. There was nothing
men could do to lift themselves up so they could become worthy of
this love. Instead this love was given. It was subject only to their
acceptance or rejection. This love could do for them what they
could never do for themselves — save them from theirsins and make
them a part of God's family.

Christians recognize the debt of love that they owe to God. He
loved us before we loved Him, even when we were altogether
unlovely. But because He loved us we have the capacity and the
duty to love Him.

THE BIBLE MONITOR MAY 15, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard

Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Lithographing Co., Rt. 4,

Wauseon, Ohio 43567.

Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio

43567.

Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance.

Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.

MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th St., Beaumont, CA 92223
JAMES MEYERS, Assistant Editor; R. 1, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063
JACOB C. NESS, Associate Editor; 136 Homeland Road, York, PA

17403
RUDY COVER, Associate Editor; 2034 Roble Ave., Modesto, CA 95351

BIBLE MONITOR

Love like faith and other emotions is easy to speak of but hard to
define. Love itself cannot be recognized. Only the service inspired
by love can show the presence of that love. It cannot be seen or felt
except it is revealed through action. Jesus many times spoke of
displaying love so it could be known by others. He spoke of various
earthly deeds that could be done to others signifying this love This
love is portrayed as the giving of a cup of cold water. James writes
of those who would do good to others must do more than mouth
words of love and encouragement, there must be an accompany-
ing action. '

Husbands and wives must be careful that their love does not
flicker and die. If there are no deeds of love, there can be no
assurance in the heart of the other that love is still there. Too often
as couples over the years become more and more familiar with
each other, they take each other more and more for granted Then
they forget to speak to and of each other with the same love
backed words they used in courting days. Little words and deeds
of love (not sentimentality or infatuation) can keep that love vital

Jesus said that those who loved Him would do His
commandments. Many would like to alter those words but it would
be far better if they allowed those words to alter them and their
service to God. Keeping His commandments is not designed just
for His honor but for our good. "For this is the love of God that we
keep his commandments: and his commandments are not
grievous." I John 5:3. The keeping of His commandments not only
shows our love to Him in return. The giving of His commandments
tor us to keep also shows another facet of His love toward us

How could we be sure of how to show our return love to Him if
He did not give us specific commands to do? By providing these
things to do, He gave us the very things that would please Him and
would bless us. Jesus when commanding that feet be washed said
that in so doing we would be happy. So God's love is contained in
the command, for if it is kept, there will be a blessing for the doer

Because His commands are based on His love, they are not
dictatorial nor aimless. They are not too hard to do but rather
designed for our good. If we have the love to keep the command-
ment then we will not find it too hard.

God is love. He constantly displays that love in many ways
Through His Son and His Word He gives us what is necessary to
build a Christian life pleasing to Him. Take advantage of His love
accept it for your soul's salvation and return your love to Him '

•••«•••

He is the freeman whom the truth makes free, and all are slaves
besides. - Cowper

BIBLE MONITOR

OUR "SECURITY BLANKET"

Nearly every little child has a favorite stuffed animal or small
blanket. It is his silent partner when he's tired, hurt or frustrated. It
gives him a sense of security to hold on to it, hence the term
"security blanket." God's children also have a "security blanket",
something to hold on to when troubled and distressed. It is the
promise of God's continual care.

Jesus said, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."
John 14:18. He was to soon leave this earth when He said that, but
He was still concerned about His followers. Jesus knew they were
headed for troubled times, and He promised them that the Holy
Spirit would come after He left. This Comforter would guide and
direct just as Jesus would if He were still on earth. Even though
Jesus Himself would be gone, His followers would still be cared
for.

Someone had used the phrase, "The Comforter cometh", in the
presence of a child. This same child later was trying to comfort
someone else and said, "Don't be afraid, He's coming with a quilt."
Even though this child didn't understand, he did recognize that
there was no need to be afraid. He knew help would come,
because the promise was there. We should recognize also that we
do not need to be afraid because we will be taken care of.

There is security in God's love for every born-again believer in
Christ. The question, "Who shall separate us from the love of
Christ?" can best be answered, "Nothing or no one!" No matter
what happens to you, whether you live or die, you will be kept by
His love. You may lose everything on this earth, but with Jesus,
you still have the best there is. (See Rom. 8:35-39)

When we consider God's love for us, and the promise of His care,
we have plenty of reasons to be uplifted and encouraged rather
than downcast and discouraged. "There is no fear in love, but
perfect love casteth out fear." I John 4:18. When God's love is
perfected in us, we not only have a closer walk with Him, but we
know we don't need to be afraid. We know He will take care of us.

In I Kings 17:13, Elijah said to the widow, "Fear not." Fear not
what? Don't be afraid that you'll starve to death; God is going to
provide! This woman had reached the end, she thought. She was
destitute, the food was almost gone, and now here was a man
asking her to give him what was left. Elijah gave her God's promise,
she believed it, and did as he asked. Her faith was rewarded as
promised and their food lasted until the famine was over.

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy
God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold
thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isa. 41:10. Regard-
less of how helpless and hopeless you may feel, you can rest

BIBLE MONITOR

secure in God's care. In Him, there is help and strength sufficient
for your need.

"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy
name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will
be with thee: and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:
when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned;
neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." Isa. 43:1-2. When you
are secure, you are not afraid, and you can be secure in God's
care. God has claimed you and He will also protect you.

A child finds comfort in his blanket or toy. We are to find our
comfort in God's care and love. When God says, "I will help you"
believe Him. When he said, "I'll protect you", trust Him to do just
that. A little child holds on to a parent's hand, secure in the
knowledge that he'll be safe. Put your hand in God's and you too
will be safe and secure.

This is only a sample of the promises we have of God's care. Do
take His promises to heart and rest in His care. God provides us
with complete security - physical, emotional, and spiritual. As he
has promised, so will He do. This is the Christian's "security
blanket" -- hold on to it.

Sister Eileen Broadwater

SIXTY YEARS AGO
May 15, 1924

THE ADVANTAGE OF BEING RECOGNIZED
Samuel Weiner

There is a great advantage when traveling or otherwise of being
recognized to know where one belongs. In my young days nine
years of my married life were spent in the Greenland congrega-
tion, West Virginia and in that time Elder Jacob Wine of the Flat
Rock congregation of Virginia came over the hills and valleys there
to preach for us. When visiting at one time at my house he told me
that there was a certain prominent brother in the west that he had
heard of and spoken of and he had had a desire to meet that
brother and as he made a trip into the west at a certain time he was
in Chicago and was on the sidewalk of one street and he saw a man
across the street on the opposite sidewalk that he recognized as a
brother by his dress. So he immediately crossed the street to
speak to the brother and behold it was the very brother that he had
a longing desire to meet and see.

And at a certain time when I lived in Michigan I was down in
Indiana and when on my way home soon after I boarded the train,
there came to me a young man and said don't you belong to the

BIBLE MONITOR

Dunkards? I answered yes. He said his father and mother
belonged so he seated himself beside me and we had a long
pleasant visit. Although he was not a brother he was glad to meet
one.

While I was living in Arkansas I made a trip to Minnesota and
north Wisconsin and while waiting in the depot at St. Paul for a
train out, I met Elder P. S. Miller. There we recognized each other
by our dress. I was glad for the good visit I had with him as I never
had met him before. When I traveled on the train I always was on
the lookout to see if I could recognize a brother or sister and at
different times I did and had a visit. I like to look like a brother and
be recognized as one.

ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

"FREEDOM' 1

All of us want freedom, but do we really understand what it is? It
seems that we all believe in freedom, just as we are all against sin,
but the meaning is far from clear. Even the dictionary is shallow in
its definition of freedom as it defines it as the absence or release
from ties and obligations, the power of determining one's own
action without restraint, control, or binding. Far to the contrary,
there is no freedom without responsibility, discipline, sacrifice and
commitment.

Some are so confused that they think of the freest choices being
made with the flip of a coin and that is about how serious most
people take life. This type of freedom only sidesteps responsible
choice. And choice without responsibility is possible only for a
little child. That kind of "freedom" wants to do as it pleases
without concern of others.

The world's freedom is that of non-involvement where a person
can have all the goodies and no responsibilities. This leads to
trophies of shattered lives. They tout us with freedom from re-
sponsibility and free love. Emphatically, if it is free, it is not love!

So, responsibility is the entrance to freedom. The more we
understand and accept responsibility, based on commitment, the
more free we become. The common experience of man for'
thousands of years has demonstrated that freedom is not the
absence of law . . . moral, social, or political. Freedom is the result.
And the greater the commitment, the more the freedom. You
become truly free when commitment comes alive through internal
discipline under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Rebelling against
Christ and the church will NOT bring you freedom. It will only lead
you into evil and discontent. When you are unrestrained, your
urges are unleashed to do what the Prince and Power of this world
wants you to do. It might include partying, cheating, senseless

BIBLE MONITOR

stealing sexual looseness, involvement in alcohol, drugs or rock
music. This rebellion is not just an evidence of the modern societal
crisis, it is more a sign of a lack of spirituality

I challenge you to take the option of accepting and channeling
your energies into acts of real freedom. This will include
interdependence ... not independence relative to your actions
The Bible emphasizes that we all need each other. You'll not find
freedom in a "superiority complex."

Discipline is the price of maturity. There is no achievement
without it. And maturity is not always relative to chronological
age. borne people continue to grow more selfish as they get older
rather than becoming more disciplined and objective An un-
disciplined adult is just a child who has grown old' YOU CAN
GROW OLD WITHOUT GROWING UP! A person who rebels
against responsibility, commitment to moral principle and
personal discipline soon discover themselves even more enslaved
to their passions, anger, hatred, lust and boredom

Ultimately the only free man or woman is the person who
chooses the discipline of following Jesus Christ in-toto Only then
are you freed from your past with its responsibilities and regrets
Only then are you free to be genuine, honest, loving, right and
responsible as God meant you to be. You will then be all that God
intends you to be. Christ will allow you REAL freedom. Open your
life to Him and experience true freedom. Experience forgiveness of
your fumed past and gain strength for your future. Pledge your-

SET YOU °FREeT ' n d ' SC ;!, plined living - LET THE SON OF GOD

Brother Leonard Wertz
IN TIMES OF TRIBULATION

Acts 14:22 "Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting
hem to continue in the faith, and that we must through much
tribulation enter into the kingdom of God "

In the modern day, earthly church, when the word, "tribulation"
is used, with very few exceptions, it is referring to end time events
tJh TJ ? m dlscussion and argument over pre-tribulation, mid-
tr bulation, and post-tribulation theories. It would seem like most
of our conservative Brethren hold to the pre-tribulation theory We

~rpn?. S h We h , 6ld t0 the mid - tri bulation theory until very
recently and aruged for it. y

While we would not deny the real possibility of future tribulation
we believe it is important to realize that the Bible teaches that the
Christian is to expect tribulation in the here and nowi There is a
fine line of differentiation between persecution and tribulation We
are not sure we are able to explain the difference. However we feel

8 BIBLE MONITOR

that tribulation would include persecution but go beyond it.

In Matthew 13, we find the parable of the sower. In verse 21 we
read, "Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while; for
when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by
and by he is offended." We find we can expect tribulation when we
hold to the Word of God. We believe that tribulation comes from
Satan, We disagree with those who teach that God sends
tribulation. It is true that God chastens those whom He loves
(Hebrews 12:5-6), but we do not see this as tribulation. Of course,
Satan uses individuals to do his work, the same as God uses
Christians to fulfill His purposes.

John 16:33 reads, "These things I have spoken unto you, that ye
might have peace. In the world ye shall have TRIBULATION: but
be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Praise the Lord! We
are not alone in our tribulation. Jesus Christ is able to "give us
peace in the midst of the storm," as one of the song writers has
said.

Romans 5:3 "And not only so, but we glory in tribulation also:
knowing that TRIBULATION worketh patience:" Then in Romans
12:12 we find we are to be "patient in tribulation." We confess that
we have not come to the point where we look forward to
tribulation. We find comfort in our good job, nice home, and other
worldly benefits. But we believe if Satan should cause us to lose
these, because of our stand for the Word of God, the Holy Spirit
would give us the grace to "glory in" and "be patient in" tribulation.

II Cor. 1:3-4, "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort: Who
comforteth us in all our TRIBULATION, . . ." Then in II Cor. 7:4, we
find the words, "... I am exceeding joyful in all our TRIBULA-
TION." Not only do we have Jesus Christ on our side during
tribulation but we have the promise of the comfort of the Father.
We know that the Holy Spirit is also called the Comforter (John
15:16). We can say with Paul, "For I reckon that the sufferings of
this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory
which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18.

We would now like to briefly look at tribulation as it is found in
the book of Revelation. What we are about to share is very
controversial. We share it in a spirit of love and understanding
towards those who disagree with our thoughts. We are not great in
wisdom and knowledge and confess that those who disagree with
us are much more learned and intelligent. Yet we greatly
appreciate the simple understanding of our Brethren forefathers
concerning end time events. In essence they said that God will
bring about all end time events in His own way and time.

In Rev. 1:1 we find the things written by John "must shortly come
to pass;". Then in verse 3 we read, "for the time is at hand." It is

BIBLE MONITOR

interesting to us that some Bible scholars say that everything in the
book of Revelation was fulfilled, with the exception of Christ's
second coming, within three hundred years of the vision God gave
John.

In writing to the church at Smyrna in Rev. 2:9 Jesus says
(through John), "I know thy works, and TRIBULATION . . ." Then
in verse 10 we read, ". . . behold the devil shall cast some of you
into prison, that ye may be tried: and ye shall have TRIBULATION
ten days."

In Revelation 2:22-23 we find that God will cast his servants who
commit spiritual adultery into great tribulation. Notice it does not
say that this tribulation comes from God, but that God will cast
them into it. Satan brings tribulation to both those who serve him
and those who oppose him.

There are many, perhaps the majority within conservative
Brethren circles, who state dogmatically that the Church can see
no future tribulation because they will be raptured out of this world
in Rev. 4:1. But this verse does not mention either the Church or
the Saints.

In Rev. 7:14 we find those who have "come out of great
tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in
the blood of the Lamb." Who have washed their robes in the blood
of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) but the Church victorious? There is no
way we can make this verse refer to "tribulation Jews."

In conclusion, there is no mention of a seven year tribulation in
the book of Revelation. This belief comes from a complicated
interpretation of the book of Daniel. We feel very strongly that the
teaching that the Church CANNOT go through a future tribulation
makes weak Christians who fall away in times of tribulation. We
know that God took Noah, Daniel, the three Hebrew children, and
others through great tests of faith (tribulation). None of these were
taken from the world but given safety in the destruction around
them.

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, we
cannot promise you a life without tribulation. In fact, it may cost
you your life to serve Him. But you ARE assured of life eternal and
His strength to take you through all tribulation if you accept Him.

May we as Christians be ready to serve God no matter what the
cost. Let us take great pleasure in the fact that God the Father,
God the Son, (Jesus Christ), and God, the Holy Spirit will give us
strength to meet the tribulation the Bible seems to PROMISE to
those who obey Him.

Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.,
Palmyra, PA 17078

10

BIBLE MONITOR

GENERAL CONFERENCE PROGRAM

of the

DUNKARD BRETHREN CHURCH

to be held at

ROXBURY CAMP GROUNDS
ROXBURY, PENNSYLVANIA

June 9-13, 198^
PREACHING PROGRAM

TIME

SPEAKER

SUBJECT

TEXT

Sat. P.M.

Paul Hartz

Come Ye Apart And Rest Awhile

Mark 6:31

Sat. P.M.

Ronald Marks

To Be Supplied

Sat. Eve.

Warren Smith

Foundations

1 Cor. 3:10-23

Sun. A.M.

Sunday School

for Children

The Conversion of Saul

Acts 9: 1-32

Sun. A.M.

Harley Rush

A Separate People

2 Cor. 6:17
Phil. 2:12
Luke 5:4

Sun. A.M.

Allen Eberly

To Be Supplied

Sun. P.M.

Robert Carpenter

To Be Supplied

Sun. P.M.

Jacob Ness

To Be Supplied

Sun. Eve.

Eugene Kauffman

The Two Heredities

John 3:6

Sun. Eve.

Fred Pifer

To The Young People

Is There Not A Cause?

I Samuel 17:29

Mon. A.M.

Bible Study

Adults: Wisdom

James 13:18

Children: Paul and Silas in Prison

Acts 16:16-40

Mon. A.M.

Jack Snyder

To Be Supplied

Mon. P.M.

Jan Heisey

The Waters of Marah Today

Ex. 15:24,25

Mon. P.M.

Dennis St. John

To Be Supplied

Mon. Eve.

Frank Shaffer

1 Will Trust And Not Be Afraid

Isa. 12:2

Mon. Eve.

Hayes Reed

The Chemistry Of Tears

II Kings 20: 1-6

Tues. A.M.

Bible Study

Adults: Pure Religion

James 1:19-27

Children: Shipwrecked

Acts 27

Tues. A.M.

David Kegerreis

To Be Supplied

Tues. P.M.

To Be Supplied by the Decorum Committee

Tues. Eve.

William Carpenter

Missionary Sermon

And They Went Everywhere
Preaching The Word

Acts 8:4

BIBLE MONITOR n

CARLETTA AND THE MERCHANT

"If I could only have your faith, gladly would I — but I was bom a
skeptic. I cannot look upon God and the future as YOU do."

So said John Harvey as he walked with a friend under a dripping
umbrella. John Harvey was a skeptic of thirty years standing and
apparently hardened in his unbelief. Everybody had given him up
as hopeless. Reasoning ever so calmly made no impression on the
rocky soil of his heart. Alas! it was sad, very sad!

But one friend had never given him up. When spoken to about
him — "I will talk with and pray for that man until I die," he said,
"and I will have faith that he may yet come out of darkness into the
marvelous light."

And thus whenever he met him (John Harvey was always ready
for a "talk"), Mr. Hawkins pressed home the truth. In answer, on
that stormy night, he said: "God can change a skeptic John. He
has more power over your heart than you, and I mean still to pray
for you."

"Oh, I have no objections, none in the world — seeing is
believing, you know. I'm ready for any miracle; but I tell you it
would take nothing short of a miracle to convince me. Let's change
the subject. I'm hungry and it's too far to go up town to supper on
this stormy night. Here's a restaurant: let us stop here."

How warm and pleasant it looked in the long, brilliant dining
saloon!

The two merchants had eaten and were just on the point of rising
when a strain of soft music came through the open door - a child's
sweet voice.

" 'Pon my word, that is pretty," said John Harvey, "what purity in
those tones!"

"Out of here, you little baggage!" cried a hoarse voice, and one
of the waiters pointed angrily to the door.

"Let her come in," said John Harvey.

"We don't allow them in this place, sir," said the waiter, "but she
can go into the reading-room."

"Well, let her go somewhere. I want to hear her," responded the
gentleman.

All this time the two had seen the shadow of something hovering
backwards and forwards on the edge of the door; now they
followed a slight little figure, wrapped in a patched cloak, patched
hood, and leaving the mark of wet feet as she walked. Curious to
see her face (she was very small), John Harvey lured her to the
farthest part of the great room where there were but few
gentlemen, and then motioned her to sing. The little one looked
timidly up. Her cheek was of olive darkness, but a flush rested
there, and out of the thinnest face, under the arch of broad

12 BIBLE MONITOR

temples, deepened by masses of the blackest hair looked two eyes
whose softness and tender pleading would have touched the
hardest heart.

"That little thing is sick, I believe," said John Harvey,
compassionately. "What do you sing, child?" he added.

"I sing Italian or a little English."

John Harvey looked at her shoes. "Why," he exclaimed, and his
lips quivered, "her feet are wet to her ankles, she will catch her
death of cold."

By this time the child had begun to sing, pushing back her hood,
and folding before her her little thin fingers. Her voice was
wonderful; and simple and common as were both air and words,
the pathos of the tones drew together several of the merchants in
the reading room. The little song commenced thus:
"There is a happy land,
Far, far away."

Never could the voice, the manner, of that child be forgotten.
There almost seemed a halo around her head; and when she had
finished, her great speaking eyes turned toward John Harvey.

"Look here, child; where did you learn that song?" he asked.

"At the Sunday School, Sir."

"And you don't suppose there is a happy land?"

"I know there is; I'm going to sing there," she said, so quickly, so
decidedly that the men looked at each other.

"Going to sing there?"

"Yes, Sir. Mother said so. She used to sing to me until she was
very sick. Then she said she wasn't going to sing any more on
earth, but up in heaven,"

"Well — and what then?"

"And then she died, Sir," said the child; tears brimming down the
dark cheek now ominously flushed scarlet.

John Harvey had had a praying mother. His chest labored for a
moment — the sobs that struggled for utterance could be heard
even in their depths — and still those large, soft, lustrous eyes, like
magnets impelled his glance toward them.

"Child, you must have a pair of shoes." John Harvey's voice was
husky.

Hands were thrust in pockets, purses pulled out, and the
astonished child held in her little palm more money than she had
ever seen before.

"Her father is a poor, consumptive organgrinder," whispered
one. "I suppose he's too sick to be out tonight."

Along the soggy street went the child, under the protection of
John Harvey, but not with shoes that drank the water at every step.
Warmth and comfort were hers now. Down in the deep denlike
lanes of the city walked the man, a little cold hand in his. At an

BIBLE MONITOR 13

open door they stopped; up broken, creaking stairs they climbed.
Another doorway was opened, and a wheezing voice called out the
dim arch, "Carletta!"

"O Father! Father! See what I have brought you! Look at me!
Look at me!" and down went the silver, and venting her joy, the
poor child fell; crying the laughing together, into the old man's
arms.

Was he a man?

A face dark and hollow, all overgrown with hair black as night
and uncombed — a pair of wild eyes — a body bent nearly double
— hands like claws.

"Did he give you all this, my child?"

'They all did, Father; now you shall have soup and oranges."

"Thank you, sir — I'm sick, you see — all gone, sir! — had to send
the poor child out or we'd starve. God bless you, sir! I wish I was
well enough to play you a tune," and he looked wistfully towards
the corner where stood the old organ, baize — covered, the baise
in tatters.

One month after that the two men met again as if by agreement,
and walked slowly down town. Treading innumerable passages
they came to the gloomy building where lived Carletta's father.

No — not lived there, for as they paused a moment out came two
or three men bearing a pine coffin. In the coffin slept the old
organ-grinder.

"It was very sudden, sir," said a woman, who recognized his
benefactor. "Yesterday the little girl was took sick and it seemed
as if he drooped right away. He died at six last night."

The two men went silently up stairs. The room was empty of
everything save a bed, a chair and a nurse provided by John
Harvey. The child lay there, not white but pale as marble, with a
strange polish on her brow.

"Well my little one, are you better?"

"Oh no, sir; Father is gone up there and I am going."

Up THERE! John Harvey turned unconsciously towards his
friend.

"Did you ever hear of Jesus?" asked John Harvey's friend.

"Oh yes."

"Do you know who he was?"

"Good Jesus," murmured the child.

"Hawkins, this breaks me down," said John Harvey and he
placed his handkerchief to his eyes.

"Don't cry, don't cry; I can't cry, I'm so glad," said the child
exultingly.

"What are you glad for, my dear?" asked John Harvey's friend.

"To get away from here," she said deliberately. "I used to be so
cold in the winter, for we didn't have fire sometimes; but Mother

14 BIBLE MONITOR

used to hug me close and sing about heaven. Mother told me to
never mind and kissed me and said if I was His, the Savior would
love me and one of these days would give me a better home, and so
I gave myself to Him, for I wanted a better home. And, oh, I shall
sing there and be so happy!"

With a sigh she closed her eyes.

"Harvey, are faith and hope nothing?" asked Mr. Hawkins.

"Don't speak to me, Hawkins; to be as that little child I would give
all I have."

"And to be like her you need give nothing — only your stubborn
will, your skeptical doubts, and the heart that will never know rest
till at the feet of Christ."

There was no answer. Presently the hands moved, the arms
were raised, the eyes opened — yet, glazed though they were they
turned still upward.

"See!" she cried; "Oh, there is Mother! and angels! and they are
all singing." Her voice faltered, but the celestial brightness
lingered yet on her face.

"There is no doubting the soul-triumph there," whispered Mr.
Hawkins.

"It is wonderful," replied John Harvey, looking on both in awe
and tenderness. "Is she gone?"

He sprang from his chair as if he would detain her; but the chest
and forehead were marble now, the eyes had lost the fire of life;
she must have died as she lay looking at them.

"She was always a sweet little thing," said the nurse softly.

John Harvey stood as if spellbound. There was a touch on his
arm; he started.

"John," said his friend, with an affectionate look, "shall we
pray?"

"For a minute there was no answer — then came tears; the whole
frame of the subdued skeptic shook as he said — it was almost a
cry: "Yes, pray, pray!"

And from the side of the dead child went up agonizing pleadings

to the throne of God. And that prayer was answered — the miracle

was wrought — the lion became a lamb — the doubter a believer —

the skeptic a Christian!

A Tract

Children's Edition of TOUCHING INCIDENTS AND

REMARKABLE ANSWERS TO PRAYER
Selected by Sister Mary Lou Kasza

God bless all who read this story that was so special to me. It's
one of forty stories that has such a marvelous message. This book
has stories dating back to 1800's and I'm glad it's still available
today.

BIBLE MONITOR 15

OBITUARY

MARY BROADWATER

Sis. Mary Martha Broadwater, 82, of 307 Avirett Avenue,
Cumberland, Maryland, formerly of R. 1, Barton, Maryland, died
April 21, 1984 at Sacred Heart Hospital, Cumberland, Maryland.

Born at Bond, Maryland in Garrett County, she was the daughter
of the late Ephraim and Ida (Rounds) Broadwater. She was
baptized on September 23, 1917 and was a member of Broadwater
Chapel.

Preceded in death by her husband Gus Broadwater, she is
survived by a son, Gerald Broadwater of Peachtree City, Georgia
and a daughter, Mrs. Freda Hatfield of Cumberland, Maryland.
Three brothers, Darius Broadwater, Edison Broadwater and
Marshall Broadwater all of Westernport, Maryland. A sister, Mrs.
Lucinda Clark of Gilmore, Maryland. Also eight grandchildren and
four great-grandchildren.

Services were conducted by Elder Paul Myers at the Boal
Funeral Home in Westernport, Maryland on Tuesday, April 24,
1984, with interment in Philos Cemetery in Westernport.

••

True fortitude is seen in great exploits that justice warrants and
that wisdom guides. - Addison.

#•

Gambling is the child of avarice, the brother of iniquity, and the
father of mischief. - Washington

••

All gaming, since it implies a desire to profit at the expense of
others, involves a breach of the tenth commandment. - Whately

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR JUNE, 1984

OF THE EARTH

Memory Verse: Psa. 67:4
O let the nations be glad and
sing for joy: for thou shalt judge
the people righteously, and
govern the nations upon the
earth.

Fri. 1 - Psa. 67:1-7
Sat. 2 - Psa. 68:1-17

Memory Verse: Psa. 72:19
And blessed be his glorious
name forever: and let the whole
earth be filled with his glory;
Amen, and Amen.

Sun. 3 - Psa. 68:18-35
Mon. 4 - Psa. 69:1-18
Tue. 5 - Psa. 69:19-36
Wed. 6 - Psa. 71:1-24
Thur. 7 - Psa. 72:1-20
Fri. 8 - Psa. 73:1-28
Sat. 9 - Psa. 74:1-23

Memory Verse: Psa. 73:25
Whom have I in heaven but
thee? and there is none upon
earth that I desire beside thee.

Sun. 10 - Psa. 75:1-10
Mon. 11 - Psa. 76:1-12
Tue. 12 - Psa. 77:1-20
Wed. 13 - Psa. 78:1-25
Thur. 14 - Psa. 78:26-51
Fri. 15 - Psa. 78:52-72
Sat. 16 - Psa. 79:1-13

Memory Verse: Psa. 76:8 & 9
Thou didst cause judgement to
be heard from heaven; the earth
feared, and was still, When God
arose to judgment, to save all
the meek of the earth.

Sun. 17 - Psa. 82:1-8
Mon. 18 - Psa. 83:1-18
Tue. 19 - Psa. 85:1-13
Wed. 20 - Psa. 89:1-25
Thur. 21 - Psa. 89:26-52
Fri. 22 - Psa. 90:1-17
Sat. 23 - Psa. 94:1-23

Memory Verse: Psa. 89:11
The heavens are thine, the earth
also is thine: as for the world
and the fulness thereof, thou
hast founded them.

Sun. 24 - Psa. 95:1-11
Mon. 25 - Psa. 96:1-13
Tue. 26 - Psa. 97:1-12
Wed. 27 - Psa. 98:1-9
Thur. 28 - Psa. 99:1-9
Fri. 29 - Psa. 102:1-28
Sat. 30 - Psa. 103:1-22

Memory Verses: Psa. 96:9
O worship the Lord in the
beauty of holiness: fear before
him, all the earth.

Psa. 102:25-28
Of old hast thou laid the
foundation of the earth: and
the heavens are the work of
thy hands. They shall perish,
but thou shalt endure: yea, all
of them shall wax old like a
garment; as a vesture shalt thou
thou change them, and they
shall be changed: But thou
art the same, and thy years
shall have no end. The children
of thy servants shall continue,
and their seed shall be estab-
lished before thee.

Lester Fisher

4664 N. State Rte. 48

Covington, OH 453 13

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL. LXII JUNE 1, 1984 NO. 11

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all

Scriptural in practice. the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

O LOVE THAT WILT NOT LET ME GO

love that wilt not let me go,

1 rest my weary soul in Thee;

I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.

light that fol'west all my way,

1 yield my flick'ring torch to Thee;
My heart restores its borrow'd ray,
That in Thy sunshine's glow its day
May brighter, fairer be.

Joy that seekest me thro' pain,

1 cannot close my heart to Thee;

I trace the rainbow thro' the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain
That morn shall tearless be.

Cross that liftest up my head,

1 dare not ask to fly from Thee,
I say in dust life's glory dead,

And from the ground there blossoms read
Life that shall endless be.

— George Matheson

BIBLE MONITOR

THE FAMILY OF GOD

In his second epistle, John writes to one identified only as the
"elect lady." This has led some to speculate about who this
individual might be. Others have considered this to be a
congregation not an individual. While either view may be correct it
would seem this picture of the woman and herchildren would better
fit a congregation rather than an individual.

John, the Apostle of love, sees this group bound together like a
family. He speaks of the love that cements them together. That
cement is applicable not only for a congregation but all who believe
and practice as the Word of God dictates. He is concerned not only
with love but also with truth. John is always careful above all things
that the truth be preserved. Throughout First John, hedesiresthem
to believe and follow the record God has given of His Son. He
desires that this would lead to righteous living which would reflect
the light of the Gospel. John sees issues in "black or white,"
"either/or," not in "grey" or in compromise. His ideal of love is not a
compromised love but a working, orthodox love.

John had no new commandments to write to them but a repetition
of the familiar old commandment to love one another. Christianity is
not a system of new commandments to meet new times and new
social situations. Christianity is the same, settled set of old
commandments that are able to meet the situation no matter how
old or new. It is in that which is tried and true that will prove
direction in the time of crisis.

Although there is much rebellion against absolutes, still it is in
the absolutes that a firm foundation is laid that will allow the
building of a faith and love that will withstand the pressures of this
life. If Christians do not build upon the absolutes of the Christian
faith, they will find in trial and temptation that their faith will not

THE BIBLE MONITOR JUNE 1, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard

Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Lithographing Co., Rt. 4,

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stand. The shifting sands of earthly philosophies will not provide a
strong enough foundation to endure.

The commands for Christians to follow are the ones given from
the beginning by Jesus and His Apostles. The New Testament is
the Word of God inspired by the Holy Spirit, whether given
originally in the words of Jesus or in the writings of the Apostels. It
is all the equal authority. It is all God's Word. It behooves the
Christian to know this from the beginning.

Too often we associate the commands of New Testament with
works. But John associates them with love. Love is an emotion
that is difficult to define. It cannot be seen or known except
through the deeds prompted by love. Just as faith cannot be
recognized except by the works it prompts, so love, likewise, must
be shown to be known. God has given commandments to be done
so our love can be expressed. This is our love, first toward Him,
and secondly toward others. We remember that He loved us and
gave His Son for our salvation even when we were altogether
unlovely and sinful. Now we can extend the same kind of love to
others. God's love was proven through the gift of His Son; our love
is shown through following His commands.

John is concerned about the purity of the doctrine of the
Church. He is especially concerned about how people believe
about Jesus. He must be accepted as the Son of God. He is the
Second Person of the Trinity. He is God and yet He dwelt here as
man to become the perfect sacrifice for our sins. We must have this
perfect basis for our Christian lives.

As the time for General Conference approaches let us meditate
upon what the family of God has. We have a perfect Saviour whose
love is the basis for our love. He has given us a way of life that is
love demonstrated through obedience. He has given us a doctrine
that is tried and true and able to support us in the midst of stress
and storm.

As the family of God let us be thankful for what we have
received. Let us live out what we know. Let us love not in word
alone but in deed. Let us be drawn together as those who know
and practice love and truth.

»•••••.

Hardening of the sympathies is worse than hardening of the
arteries.

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CONFERENCE

There is a special time

To all the Dunkards you know,

They all look forward to its coming

As soon as there is no more winter's snow.

It only comes once a year

Around the month of June.

Traveling in various ways

Bus, car, plane, and train too.

The ministers bring the messages

To each and every heart

Touching souls along the way

But you must do your part.

This is a special time

To show your love in singing,

Soprano, alto, tenor, and bass

As the melody is loudly ringing.

A day does not go by

When on our knees we pray

For the ministers and elders

And those who are unsaved.

As the meetings draw to a close

We find our cups over flowing.

To our new friends and old

Farewell we are bidding.

We part with all our friends

By the Lord's will we know

We shall meet again next year

Or in our eternal home.

In Christian love,
Sister Mabel L. Sweitzer

#•

Christians never see each other for the last time.

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THY WORD IS TRUTH

Colossians 1 :5 "For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven,
whereof ye have heard before in the word of the truth of the
gospel."

Our final source of truth is the Holy Bible. Many limit the gospel
to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but we
believe the complete gospel includes all of the teachings within the
New Testament. This is God's full and final revelation. Much of the
New Testament is no longer popular in the earthly church of today.
It is much more in vogue to INTERPRET scripture than to OBEY it.
This is not to say that some scriptures must be understood within
their context without the aid of other scriptures or that all
Christians will always believe exactly alike. We admit that there
are some scriptures that are hard to explain both in the Old and the
New Testament. These are the ones the cults choose to confuse
the unwary. We used to believe the rule, "if it is not found in more
than one portion of scripture it is not to be made binding." But we
came to realize that such truths as the prayer veiling are only found
once in scripture. However, the basic principle on which it is
based, that women are to be in subjection to the man, is found in
many scriptures.

In 1 1 Timothy 2:1 5 we read, "Study to shew thyself approved unto
God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing
the word of truth." Many today are following Luther, Calvin,
Scofield or some other past or present teacher rather than
scripture. We would ask, are we following Alexander Mack and his
spiritual descendants or Jesus Christ? If our belief is based on
Brethren history then our following is in vain. But we believe, for
the most part, that we can follow the Holy Scriptures and be right
in line with what our Brethren forefathers taught.

Along with our Brethren forefathers, we believe that the Bible is
true from Genesis to Revelation. We feel it is no less than
compromise to try to make evolution and creation compatible by
teaching theistic evolution. We believe that God called out a
people to himself through Abraham and that he blessed the Jews
in a special way. We also believe Nehemiah 9:7-8 where it states
that God chose Abraham and brought him forth out of Ur of the
Chaldees and made a covenant with him to give him a certain
portion of the land. Then, according to these verses, God "hast
performed thy words: "We see no reason to make God's promise to
Abraham a future event.

We realize that some of our conservative Brethren will see
scripture in a different light than we do. We feel we must be careful

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in being overly dogmatic in many areas of scripture, especially
prophecy. This is one area where we feel much unnecessary
division has come within the church. But we have found that, in
most cases, it is those who are following the teachings of Scofield
rather than the historic Brethren thinking that are most dogmatic
in their beliefs. This is why the majority of writing by conservative
Brethren concerning prophesy is "Scofield" oriented. While we
feel Christian love and charity towards these individuals, we also
feel a need to present "the other side" of the issue. While we are on
this subject, we would like to share something we never "saw" in
scripture before, although we have read it many times. In Acts
2:30-31 we have found, what to us is, a wonderful truth. We quote,
"Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with
an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh,
he would raise up Christ to sit on this throne;" (this speaking of
David), "He seeing this before spake OF THE RESURRECTION OF
CHRIST, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see
corruption." With all due respect for those who disagree, we can
see no reason for making this a future event, when Peter, through
the power of the Holy Spirit, said it was fulfilled.

In James 1:18 we read, "Of his own will begat he us with the word
of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." The
written word complements the Living Word, Jesus Christ. We
cannot separate the one from the other. The written word tells us
of Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ "spoke" the written word through
the Holy Spirit. We also believe that much scripture is "explained
away" in order to please the flesh. It is not popular in most
Christian circles today to be different from the world. We want to
hold on to those things that are pleasing to us. While many want to
look like the world and still serve Christ, we have to be careful that
our attitude and inner thoughts are pure also. We are slow to judge
who is saved and who is not. We let this in the hands of God. But
we cannot read scripture without seeing open disobedience within
the earthly church.

While the earthly church is not perfect, it is God's choice to offer
salvation. If you do not belong to the true Church, by being born
again and baptized, we invite you to become a member. This is the
only way you can have life eternal according to the word of God.
We invite you to accept the Living Word, Jesus Christ and follow
the written Word, the Holy Bible, for truly His Word is Truth.

Brother James M. Hite

816 E. Birch St., Palmyra, PA 17078

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ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

"TELLING GOD'S STORY IN SATAN'S WORLD"

We are living in the age of advanced scientific information and
it is interesting to note that 95% of all the scientists who have ever
lived are alive today. The proliferation of written and verbal
materials coming from these men have created questions relating to
science, creation and discovery. This is also the age when people
are working for a one-world "super-church." There can be no real
unity within this group because it is trying to form and grow without
the Head. There is notruedoctrineandthebasisfortheirformation
is for social enterprise and social advancement. Efforts are now
underway to merge the Roman Catholics and the Protestants and
also to include worshipers of Buddha, Confucius and Mohammed.
Most modernists lump all of these men together for their
contributions to world "religion."

Paul writes in Colossians 1:18 that Christ "is the head of the body,
the church . . ." Certainly, He is not going to head these apostatizing
citizens of eternal punishment. These people deny absolutes from
God's Word and are opting for relatives. All authority is suspect.
Nothing continues to be sacred. Every man develops his own
"philosophy" and his religion centers around the human mind
where there are no absolutes, just self-made ethics, self-made
experiences and ungodly ethics.

People are looking for the sensational and the sensual. They are
drawn to transcendental meditation, yoga and similar mental arts
because they think these experiences will enable them to see
themselves and "whatever reality exists" more clearly. The truth is
not necessarily sought out. ..only the answer to whether something
works or not to provide this exhilarating experience.

I believe people are asking many questions that we as Bible
believing Christians need to be able to answer today and answer
them confidently and competently. "Will Christ really change my
life?" "Can I find true peace in Jesus?" "Will I find the real meaning
to life if I give myself to Christ?" "Is there really power in Him?" To
these questions we can offer absolutes. Christ is the "image of the
invisible God." (Col. 1:15) He CAN change us and make us holy.
God's Word says we are given a NEW capacity to practice "tender
mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering.
Each desire of man for this life can be made possible through
accepting Jesus with His teachings and being born again with
WATER BAPTISM.

Most people want meaningful and fulfilling relationships, yet
most are lonely and unfulfilled today. They have a difficult, if not
impossible time of trying to build their marriages, their families and

8 BIBLE MONITOR

theircareers. Their ONLY hope is in Jesus. TELL THEM! Study the
book of Colossians as it is an issue solving book. It tells us how to
rescue impossible relationships through Christ.

Current books such as "1984", "Future Shock" and "The
Population Bomb" have made many people aware of the fragile
state of this planet and the fact that secular man is on a collision
course with ultimate disaster. But this does not worry the Christian
and we can share the beauty of scriptures such as: "Giving thanks
unto the Father, who hath made us fit to be partakers of the
inheritance of the saints . . ." and "When Christ, who is our life, shall
appear, then shall ye (the Christian) appear with him in glory."
Christ is the only and eternal solution to the problems of man. Tell
the story well ... of Him being the true head of the church, of Him
being the Creator and Sustainerof this world and of being the ONLY
gate of entry into heaven. He DOES change lives, give joy, love and
peace as well as forgiveness. He is all sufficient and will give a new
capacity for living life to the fullest. He is our Hope, our reason for
living, our coming King. The message must get out to this
generation. Will you accept the challenge of telling the story?

Brother Leonard Wertz

LIFE GOES ON

An elderly man from this area recently died after being severely
burned. His old bicycle still leansagainstthesideof hissmall mobile
home where he left it in April. He used to sit in his lawn swing near
the road, but that too is just as he left it, never to be used by him
anymore. For this man, his life is over on this earth, and he has
passed on to meet his Maker. The record of his life is complete,
but for the rest of us, life goes on.

Whenever someone dies, much of the world continues on as if
nothing had changed. Few people take notice, except those who
are friends or relatives of the deceased. Death is accepted as a part
of life — as long as it happens to someone else. Yet, we all must
face it someday. In the meantime, life goes on, and the question
each of us must answer is "What will I do with my life?"

What will you do with your life? Are you living just for this
moment? If your life weresuddenly interrupted by illness or an acci-
dent, would you be ready for death if it came? If you have focused all
your attention on what you could have in this life, you are not
ready for death. If you have not made peace with God, putting it off
may mean that you will never have the opportunity to do so. It's
what you are doing and can do right now that you must consider,
not what you hope to do in the future.

"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is
your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and

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then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will we
shall live and do this, or that." Jas. 4:14-15. Your plans for today
ought to be centered around God's will, not your own will. For
however long your life goes on, your time ought to be used for the
Lord.

The rich man said, "I will pull down my barns, and build greater.
...Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine
ease, eat, drink and be merry." But God said, 'Thou fool, this night
thy soul shall be required of thee." This man planned for
everything but for Eternity, and now he had been notified that his
time was almost up. There is more to life than things, but that's all
he had, because he had left God out. Read Luke 12:16-23.

For the people around this man, life continued on, but his was
over. They might have learned from his foolishness and included
God in their plans, but for him, it was too late. Have you learned
from his mistake? If so, seek God's direction in your life now while
there is time. Include Him in every aspect of your life, and you will
be free of regrets when it ends.

Life goes on in one way or another, be it for good or ill. People
come and go, they tend to their duties sometimes carelessly, other
times diligently. It is so easy in the busyness of life to concen-
trate on this earthly existence only, forgetting that Eternity is
before us. Then is when life really goes on. There's nothing wrong
with prosperity and diligence in this life, but life doesn't end here
— except for the unsaved.

"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and
lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his
soul?" Matt. 16:26. At this moment, you may be entirely satisfied
with your life. You may think you have plenty of time to get serious
later on, but there's no need to be in a hurry. The time will come
when you will wish you had considered God and your soul's need
so why wait? Do it now while you can and be sure you are at peace
with God, so your life can truly go on!

Sister Eileen Broadwater
Let prayer be our portion, past-time, passion and practice.

Some people pray and talk cream but live on skimmed milk.

10 BIBLE MONITOR

SIXTY YEARS AGO
June 1, 1924

WHY RESIST THE CURRENT?
B. E. Kesler

Men who venture to take a stand in opposition to what the
majority of their fellows do, lay themselves open to attack; and
they must not hope to escape. Majorities are not always right, and
they often show little regard for the rights of minorities.

In these days it seems that most persons have broken loose from
their moorings and are going with the tide. There is not much that
is considered improper or forbidden to those professing to have
taken up the cross of Christ and to have entered on the way of self-
denial. If questioned about it, not a few will reply that nobody
believes in those ideas anymore, that they have but once to live
and intend to get out of life all they can in pleasure. The tide is set
that way, and there is no use to resist it.

Such persons must have taken an unconsidered step when they
entered the church and promised to turn away from evil and live
faithful until the end of life. At various times in the past nineteen
centuries there has been this breaking loose, this denial of the
faith. Following each departure from the Lord there even comes at
least a partial return but never a return of a whole body that went
astray. If God were to withdraw from men as men do from him, it
would not be long until there would be much lamenting and
repenting; for man cannot live without God.

All know that there are two contending powers in the world.
There never have been and never can be more. The one makes for
righteousness and the other for unrighteousness. The one leads to
life eternal in our Father's house; the other leads to outer darkness
and death. Day by day we draw nearer to life or to death. There is
no middle course.

How often we hear the expression, "What's the use?" And it is
almost invariably uttered as an excuse for not doing the thing
known to be right or doing the thing known to be wrong. Very few,
if they would stop for even a moment's earnest consideration
would say this. God has not left himself without a witness in our
hearts. We know that there is much use in obeying the Word.
Without obedience it is impossible to please God, for He desires
obedience rather than sacrifice. No blessing is promised to the
disobedient.

Some thoughtlessly ask what's the use resisting or trying to
swim against the current. And some no doubt think that there is no
use for man to try to resist the tendency of his age. It would be
a useless and hopeless expenditure of effort if man were to try to

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do so alone or in his own strength. The Master said, "Without me
ye can do nothing." And one of the faithful said, "I can do all things
through Christ which strengtheneth me."

There are many and good reasons for resisting the current and
refusing to allow ourselves to be carried away by it. The current is
evil, and we are commanded to resist evil. Looking at it from the
purely human standpoint of what man alone can do, there is no use
resisting; for when we let go of Christ the devil easily overpowers
us. And the only real letting go of him is refusing or neglecting to
obey him. His "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the
world," has a condition attached to it. Every promise in the Book is
a conditional promise.

For several generations our people successfully resisted the
current; and then they began to weaken, and they seem to be
swimming with the current. There are numerous exceptions, but
the majority are no longer trying to keep themselves unspotted by
the evils of the world. Have they lost their faith in God or his Son?
Or have they lost faith in the Bible? Is their treasure laid up on
earth, that they have ceased to take as much interest as at first in
heavenly things? Or have they wandered from the fold and so
fallen an easy prey to man's greatest enemy? Something of vital
importance has been lost.

It is surprising how weak the faith of many has become. It is
difficult to tell who believes as he professes, for on all sides we see
men whom we had believed to be strong falling before the enemy.
These are indeed perilous times. Whether they are the ones
foretold for the last days we do not know; but the result is the same
for those who allow themselves to be led away from the narrow
way. And the fault is their own. If they had remained true no power
m the universe would have been able to pluck them out of the
Father's hand.

It is better to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.
All His power is at our disposal if we but place ourselves in such an
attitude that it can flow from Him to and through us. He is the
power station, the only one that never runs short of power and can
always supply all lawful demands made upon it. It is His command
that we should resist the current of evil which ever threatens to
carry away the unwary. To be carried away by the current means
eternal loss; and this is why we are commanded to come out from
the world and be separate. God help us to obey this command until
life's end.

The greatest oak was once a little nut that held its ground.

12 BIBLE MONITOR

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, THE BODY AND
BRIDE OF THE LORD

WILLIAM ROOT

Now, our subject, 'The Church." First, "What The Church IS
NOT." (1) It is not a continuation of the Jewish Dispensation, but
is a new Dispensation, the New Dispensation of Grace. The church
is not under Moses and the Law, but under Christ and the Gospel
of God's Grace. (2) It is not a fleshly kingdom, but a Spiritual
Kingdom.

Our Second Proposition is, "What the Church is." (1) It is
compared to a "House" (Spiritual House). I Tim. 3:15, "But if I tarry
long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself
in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the
pillar and ground of the truth." This does not mean a material
building, built by man. It is a Spiritual building of doctrine, faith
and practice, which is built upon Christ, who is Truth, upon the
"Solid Rock" Himself, His Word.

(2) It is compared to a temple. Christ was prophesied as the
builder of that "Temple", Zech. 6:12-13. This Word has often been
quoted by the writer upon this subject and we use it again, "And
speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying,
Behold the man whose name is The Branch; and he shall grow up
out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord:" The
Branch is Christ. He came to earth, grew up, on earth, His place
was in Heaven, while here He built the "Temple of the Lord, the
Church," and is still building it. "Even he shall build the temple of
the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his
throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne; and the counsel of
peace shall be between them both." To the writer this means
Christ would build the "Temple of the Lord, the Church," would
bear the glory of it, or for it, that He would "sit and rule upon His
Throne," over His Spiritual Kingdom, the Church, when He comes
back to receive it, and to rule upon His Throne, His sanctified
Throne here on earth. Even NOW He sits at His Father's right hand
ruling over His Spiritual Priesthood, the Church here on earth. He
is our "High Priest" even now. "The counsel of Peace" is between
Christ and the Church, the Spiritual "Temple."

(3) Furthermore the "Church is an In-Dwelling Temple,"
symbolized as dwelling in the temporal bodies of His Spiritual
Believers. I Cor. 3:16-17, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of
God? and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile
the temple of God (his temporal body), him shall God destroy; for
the temple of God is holy (His house of worshhp) which temple ye
are." Hence our bodies are symbols of God's holy Temple and are

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to be kept clean and pure in His sight, just as the Church is also to be
kept pure and white in His sight. Therefore the "Church is a Place of
Worship/' symbolized by Jacob's experience at "Bethel." A place
to meet the Lord, Jacob called it "The House of God," Gen 2822-
23.

(4) The "Church is a Body of Called Out Believers in Christ." An
"Ecclesia", consisting of an assembly of people, of like faith,
human instrumentalities. I Cor. 12:27, "Now ye are the body of
Christ, and members in particular." This shows it to be a visible
body, consisting of many members. Rom. 12:5, "So we being
many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of
another." The writer does not believe that this one "body of Christ"
is one body of people, a large assembly of people, consisting of the
many church bodies of professed Christian believers, and not
possessors of Christ's doctrine, one of which Christ will select His
"Bride." They are every one members "one of another," in "unity"
in faith, in doctrine and in practice.

(5) "Christ is the Head of the Church." Eph. 1:22-23, "And hath
put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all
things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that
filleth all in all." This text is plain; that the Church is the body of
Christ, and that He is the head of the body. To sever the head from
the body would leave a dead body, a non-living body, not Christ's
body at all. A body without Christ's faith, doctrine and practice.
Eph. 4:12, "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the
ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ!" Col. 1:24, "Who
now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is
behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake,
which is the Church." To deny that the church is Christ's body, is
to deny the words of Paul here. Col. 2:19, "And not holding the
head, from which all the body by joints and bands having
nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the
increase of God."

(6) "The Church is the Bride of Christ," Not Yet Married. Eph.
5:23-32, For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is
head of the church; and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as
the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own
husband in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ
also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might
sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that
he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or
wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without
blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He
that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his
own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the

14 BIBLE MONITOR

church. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and
shall be joined unto his wife, and they too shall be made one flesh.
This is a great mystery; but I speak concerning Christ and the
church." In these verses we have the relationship of Christ and His
Church. Christ as the husband and the Church his Wife, or Bride.
That Christ loves her, the Church, just as a husband should love
his wife and they are one. That the church also are the members of
the one body, Christ's, "body of His flesh and of His bones."

We have said that the Marriage is not yet consumated, or has not
yet taken place. For proof of this we give you the following. II Cor.
1 1:2, "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have
espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste
virgin to Christ." This shows the "espousal of the Bride" (the
Church) to the Christ (the Bridegroom). Their Marriage is to take
place in Heaven. Also Rom. 7:4, "Wherefore, my brethren, ye also
are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should
be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead,
that we should bring forth fruit unto God." Language could not
make this plainer than the wording here, that the Body (the
Church) "should be married to another" and is not yet married to
another. This showing that the Marriage is not yet consumated.
Christ the Bridegroom chose His Bride while here in the world.
Jno. 3:29, "He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend
of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth
greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is
fulfilled." John the Baptist knew the Bridegroom, "who hath the
Bride."

By and by the "Bridegroom" is coming back for His "Bride." All
His invited guests to the wedding, will not be prepared to go in
unto the Marriage. Matt. 25:6, "And at midnight there was a cry
made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him."
Dear reader I want to be at that wedding, when Christ is married to
the Bride, which is His Church. Rev. 19:7, "Let us be glad and
rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is
come, and his wife hath made herself ready." Rev. 21:9-10, "And
there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven
vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying,
Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he
carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and
shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of
heaven from God."

The Church is symbolized as the "New Jerusalem" A Prepared
City, for a prepared "Bride" for the "Bridegroom." She will be
adorned in righteousness. Rev. 21:2, "And I saw the holy city, new
Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a

BIBLE MONITOR 15

bride adorned for her husband."

This will be the Triumphant, Everlasting, Heavenly Kingdom of
God. This after that Christ has delivered up the Kingdom (Church)
to His Father. I Cor. 15:24-25, "Then cometh the end, when he shall
have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he
shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he
must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet." Eph. 1:20-
23, "Which he (the Father) wrought in Christ, when he raised him
(Christ) from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the
heavenly places. Far above all principality, and power, and might,
and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this
world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things
under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the
church. Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all."

To Be Continued
Selected by Joseph Lavy

NEWS ITEMS

MECHANICSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA

The Mechanicsburg Congregation extends an invitation to come
and worship with us from June 22 to July 1, 1984. We plan to have
Brother Ronald Marks with us to preach the Gospel. Please pray
for these service.

Sister Mary Hartz, Cor.

BETHEL, PENNSYLVANIA

Revival meetings were held in the Bethel Congregation March 18
to April 1 with Bro. Fred Pifer, Dallas Center, Iowa as our
evangelist. Bro. Fred brought to us many inspiring messages,
admonishing us of our love and work to the church, to the home
and family, and to the world.

We were happy for the five precious souls who gave their hearts
and lives to Christ at this time.

Sis. Diane and children were with us during these meetings and
we enjoyed their visits and fellowship. May the Lord bless Bro.
Fred as he ministers and labors in the Master's service.

Lovefeast services were held April 29 with the following minis-
tering brethren: Laverne Keeney, Jack Snyder, Ronald Marks,
Rudy Shaffer. Presiding Elder Allen Eberly officiated in the
evening.

Sister Fern Kegerreis, Cor.

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DIRECTORY OF BOARDS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dale E. Jamison, Chairman
Quinter, Kansas 67752

Ray R. Reed, Secretary
Box 12, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063

Warren C. Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057

GENERAL MISSION BOARD

Joseph E. Flora, Chairman
R. 3 Box 12, Adel, Iowa 50003

Hayes Reed, Secretary
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender Street
Morenci, Michigan 49256

Harley Rush
R. 1, Converse, Indiana 46919

Galen Litfin

1314 East 7th St.
Newberg, Oregon 97132

Dale Jamison
Quinter, Kansas 67752

Jacob C. Ness
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403

Frank Shaffer

13062 Grant Shook Rd.
Greencastle, PA 17225

BOARD OF PUBLICATION

Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

Jacob C. Ness, Secretary
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403

H. Edward Johnson, Treasurer
5-1307-S.H. 108
Wauseon, Ohio 43567

Allen B. Eberly
R. 3
Ephrata, PA 17522

Warren C. Smith
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057

BIBLE STUDY BOARD

William Carpenter, Chairman
8012 Cavender Street
Morenci, Michigan 49256

Eugene Kauffman, Secretary
R. 6, Box 51
Harrisburg, Virginia 22801

Warren C. Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057

Rudolph Cover
2034 Roble Ave.
Modesto, CA 95351

Dennis St. John
Rt. 1
Bryan, Ohio 43506

RELIEF BOARD

Boyd Wyatt, Chairman
4925 Tegner Rd.
Hughson, CA 95326
(209) 883-4138

Newton Jamison, Secretary
512 Garfield
Quinter, Kansas 67752
(913) 754-3433

Kyle Reed, Treasurer
R. 1, Box 4
Minburn, Iowa 50167
(515) 677-2467

Virgil Leatherman

419 N. Queen St.

Littlestown, PA 17340

(717) 359-5753
Robert Carpenter

R. 5, Box 97

Peru, Indiana 46970

(317) 395-7879

TORREON NAVAJO MISSION

David Skiles, Superintendent
R. 2, Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013

Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

Kyle Reed, Secretary
R. 1 Box 4
Minburn, Iowa 50167

Newton Jamison, Treasurer
Quinter, Kansas 67752

Harley Flory
R. 4, Defiance, Ohio 43512

All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury, but
sent to the Secretary for his records.

Lester Fi3her

4654 N. State Rte. 48

Covington, OH 45310

(USPS 054-78G)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL. LXII JUNE 15, 1984 NO. 12

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all

Scriptural in practice. the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

NEVER ALONE

I go through many hardships
And walk in many trials
Never once was I by myself
Throughout the numerous miles.

I have worked in the heat of the day
And wearied myself to the bone
Not once did He leave me
No I'm never alone.

It may seem my burden is heavy,
But He will gladly carry His share,
For He never will leave me,
I'm always in His care.

If I get lost by the wayside
He will call me back to the path
For He is always at my side
Never once showing His wrath.

Christ is with me each step of the way,

Guiding me to His Heavenly Home

Just trusting in Him

He'll never leave me alone.

In Christian Love,
Sister Mabel L. Sweitzer

BIBLE MONITOR

FAIRY TALES

Children are especially entertained by fairy tales. These stories
are very imaginative and miraculous. They are set in situations far
from reality and include talking animals, flying people and narrow
escapes. While they sometimes have a worthwhile moral to teach,
most often they are childish entertainment.

As we grow up from childhood through adolescence into
adulthood we learn to leave behind fairytales, and become men and
women with the power of discernment. Although most people do
grow up physically and mentally, many do not make a similar
progression spiritually.

While adults would not be comfortable playing children's games
or listening to children's fairy tales, still they accept fairy tales in
place of the Gospel, Many today are not even familiar with true
New Testament Christianity. They do not know what privileges
and responsibilities are given the Christian. Most, if they have any
interest at all, have only a false idea of the teachings that are given
to the Church.

The pagan adaptations and worldly festivities of Catholicism and
worldly Protestantism are the usual concepts believed and
followed by the overwhelming majority. The broad way is full of
the ignorant, uncaring and duped. They go full speed downward
either ignoring the Word of God entirely or only believing it half-
heartedly or refusing to go beyond a mental assent to the
existence of Jesus as a Great Teacher.

The Christian has a faith that produces works as well as words. It
is a faith based, not on fairy tales or cunningly devised fables but
on the Word of God. To place one's faith for his salvation on fairy
tales is not only absurd but dangerous. To believe and follow a
fairy tale will lead to eternal loss so it is important to base that faith

THE BIBLE MONITOR JUNE 15, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Lithographing Co., Rt. 4,
Wauseon, Ohio 43567.

Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio
43567.

Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance.

Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.

MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th St., Beaumont, CA 92223
JAMES MEYERS, Assistant Editor; R. 1, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063
JACOB C. NESS, Associate Editor; 136 Homeland Road, York, PA
17403

RUDY COVER, Associate Editor; 2034 Roble Ave., Modesto, CA 95351

BIBLE MONITOR

on the truth. The inspired Word of God will not lead anyone astray
although it will direct in ways contrary to human understanding.

Popular Christianity has practically become a fairy tale itself.
While good words about God and Jesus are voiced, there is very
little application of the Word of God in daily lives. The one-day-a-
week Christian has become a fairy tale character himself. Going to
Church on Sunday — if not too inconvenient — but living as his
neighbors do the other six.

Other myths and fairy tales have grown up to the extent that they
are accepted by a public, that does not read or know the Bible, as
representative Christianity. Their concept is that Church
membership is having one's name written on a register not in the
Lamb's Book of Life. They hear of a "faith only" gospel that calls
forth no great commitment because eternal life is promised
through "eternal security." If baptism is even thought of it is
merely a custom of no great importance. If it is performed, it is by
sprinkling, pouring or immersion short of trine immersion for the
remission of sins.

If there is enough union in these fairy tale churches to hold a
communion service, it is an abbreviated daytime exercise that only
mocks the Lovefeast service commanded by the Lord.
Feetwashing has nearly disappeared, The Lord's Supper is no
longer a meal but a misnomer for the bread and cup. The com-
munion of the bread and the cup has been individualized instead of
being common.

Without commitment the fairy tale Christian continues to live as
he did before and as his neighbors still do. He has the same social
life as before and continues in the same habits. He is rebellious
against any admonition or rule that would mean a change in his
life. He is especially upset if required to change his usual manner
of dress. He still wants to have his hair long, his chest bare and his
legs showing. His companion will have cut and curled hair, which
would be unsuitable for a prayer covering to be worn over, if
indeed there was any desire toward doing so. She will have her
face painted with the most fashionable cosmetics. Her clothes,
what there are of them, will be form revealing and probably cut in
imitation of men's clothing. She will not be a "keeper at home" nor
will she greatly reverance her husband.

The fairy tale of liberty to do as one pleases and still remain as a
child of God has led many to destruction. When people are reared
in ignorance of the Bible and raised on the myth of evolution it is
little wonder they do not know or recognize the true marks of
Christianity.

Because we know and follow the Word of God we have a godly
duty to live according to what we know. We dare not yield to the
fairy tales around us, we must be firmly builded upon God's Word.

BIBLE MONITOR

DOES DADDY GO?

Daddy had a little boy

His soul was white as snow
He never went to Sunday School

Cause Daddy wouldn't go.

He never heard the words of God

That thrills the childish mind;
While other children went to class

This child was left behind.

As he grew from babe to youth,

Dad saw to his dismay
A soul that once was snowy white

Became a dingy grey.

When he saw his son was lost

He tried to win him back;
But now the soul that once was white

Had turned an ugly black.

At last Dad started back to church

And Bible Study too;
He even begged the preacher

To see what he could do.

The preacher tried, failed and said

We're just too far behind;
I tried to tell you years ago,

But you would pay no mind.

And so, another soul was lost,

Instead of white as snow
Sunday School may have changed his life

But daddy wouldn't go.

-Author Unknown

Selected by Sister Jeanne Sines

»••••••

No man is free who is not master of himseif. - Epictetus

BIBLE MONITOR

STANDING ON THE ROCK

I Peter 2:7-8, "Unto you therefore which believe he is precious:
but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders
disallowed the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of
stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at
the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were
appointed."

Another version renders the last part of this verse, "and to this
doom they were also appointed." We believe that the word
"disobedient" makes it clear that there was individual free will
involved and that this verse is not teaching Calvanistic
predestination.

The "stone" or "rock" to which these verses refer to is, of course,
the Lord Jesus Christ. In Matthew 7:24-27 we have the parable,
which the children like to sing, about the wise man who built his
house upon the rock and the foolish man who built his house upon
the sand. With these thoughts in mind, we would like to think about
four types of "faith" that are to be found in the earthly church.

The first type we would like to look at is the "religionists." This
brand of "faith" would have you believe that all religious are ways
to God. The vast majority of those who follow political pacifism
teach this type of "faith." The Fellowship of Reconciliation is one
of the major groups in this category. This type of thinking is
definitely "building on the sand." We agree with their emphasis of
feeding the hungry and clothing the naked along with striving to
live in peace with all men. But if these actions are not done to
bring honour and glory to Jesus Christ, they are done in vain.

The second type of "faith" we wish to look at is those who call
themselves "christians" (nominal). Certainly we should not be
ashamed to be labeled a Christian. But many who claim this title
do not deserve it. They accept Christ as the best example to follow
but they see no need to affirm the cardinal truths concerning him.
They, also, only follow those teachings that appeal to them and
explain the rest away. We are not sure if the World and National
Council of Churches fits best into this category or the first one
mentioned. Since both are "built upon the sand" it makes little
difference. We feel the cults would fall somewhere in this
category. Many involved in them are not only building on "sand"
but are actually building on "quicksand." It is easier to reach an
individual who has no faith at all than one who has fallen victim to a
false faith. Along with this the old saying that "a little bit of
knowledge is dangerous," holds true here also. Many feel secure
because they have their name on the church role somewhere.
While we believe you cannot separate "the Church" and Jesus
Christ, you can belong to a denomination or group and never
experience the new birth.

BIBLE MONITOR

The next group we wish to look at is the one that causes us the
most concern. This is the type of "faith" which involves those we
label as "believers." Unlike the previous groups they affirm the
need to believe in all the cardinal doctrines concerning Jesus
Christ. These include the virgin virth, the sinless life, the blood
shed for our sins, the bodily resurrection, the ascension to Heaven,
and His coming again. They are certainly "building on the rock."
And yet, in another sense, Jesus Christ is a "stone of stumbling
and rock of offence" to them. We cannot put all "believers" in one
box, so to speak. For this includes many and various individuals
and groups. For some the "stumbling" is Christ's teaching on
Bibllical nonresistance. They either explain away this scriptural
truth or try to give it to supposed "tribulation Jews." For others it is
the scriptural teaching (which Jesus Christ "spoke" through the
Holy Spirit) concerning dress and conduct. We prefer to leave this
group in the hands of God. We do not wish to either assure them
of salvation or reject them as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

The last type of "faith" we wish to look at is that which we label
"followers." The group which accepts this type of "faith"
acknowledges all the truths held by the "believers" but goes
beyond this. They desire to follow all the teachings and
commandments within Holy Scripture. They are more concerned
with obedience than interpretation. They take such verses at
Matthew 7:21 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall
enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my
Father which is in heaven," very seriously. They are willing to be
different from the world and accept the ridicule that often
accompanies this. Much of this ridicule comes from within the
earthly church. Sometimes even more so than from the world. At
the same time they must admit that there is a real testimony given
by being different from the world. We have often asked how many
sisters properly veiled are seen in bar rooms or with a cigarette in
their mouth? The answer of course is none. Unfortunately, the
same cannot be said concerning "brothers" in plain suits. We are
also not saying that some women do not live clean lives who do not
practice wearing the prayer veil. The testimony is only a "by-
product." The reason for wearing it is to be true to scripture.

If you are building "on sand" or have never enjoyed the blessing
of receiving the Rock, Jesus Christ, as your Lord and Savior we
invite you to join the "followers" today. You can join all the Saints
in singing "Rock of Ages, Cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee."
Jesus Christ built His Church on the rock which was Himself.
Repent and be baptized into this Church and Heaven is yours if
you remain faithful until death.

Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA. 17078

BIBLE MONITOR

ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Living CALM in the '8Q's

Mark 4 contains a beautiful story about Jesus calming the sea
which was fully in turmoil because of a great storm. We find our
Lord teaching His disciples a practical lesson. It is one thing to
talk about calmness and to exercise faith in the time of real danger.
Here was a visible answer of the harsh environment to Jesus'
command, "Peace, be still." Such teaching produced a wonderful
effect upon the lives of these men.

Within Jesus there was a great calm and this was to come
streaming from Him on this occasion. Because there was a calm in
Christ for Himself, there was afterwards a calm for others.

Jesus had perfect confidence in God. The waves could roar and
the winds rage, but He was not at all disquieted by their fury. He
knew that the waters were in the hollow of His Father's hand, and
that every wind was just the breath of His Father's mouth. He
could be at ease. Rest came because of confidence in God. What
an example this is for us. We don't have half the confidence in God
that we should have. The Lord deserves our unbounded belief, our
unquestioning confidence and our undisturbed reliance. We need
to totally surrender to Him.

Sometimes we question our right to expect deliverance even
though we don't doubt that Jesus is the Son of God and has the
power to deliver. We must have the full assurance of our sonship if
we are to be at peace with God and exhibit the calmness of a
confident Christian.

Jesus left the total problem with God. If you would set a
watchman to guard your home wouldn't you sleep confidently?
We have a watchman looking over us and still we fear. We are
taught to cast all of our burdens on Jesus because "He careth for
us." (I Peter 5:7) Lay your cares at Jesus' feet and live in calm
confidence.

Having left everything to God, Jesus could sleep soundly. Even
though many people go to bed exhausted today, though they are
weary and worn, they can't sleep. Why? Could it be that we have
not cast EVERYTHING upon Him. Could it be that we fear life more
than God? We fret and we worry when we should be glorifying and
resting. Might we even glorify God in being able to sleep in peace?

Take your burdens to God in prayer . . . and . . . leave them there.
Be still and see the salvation of God. Have a baby's confidence
even when it seems the ship of life is filling with water and is about
to sink. You may stagger a little under the load but your soul can
be tranquil.

We find the disciples in this story giving way to fear. They were

8 BIBLE MONITOR

afraid of losing their physical lives. They had forgotten to tap the
peace and courage which lay near at hand. When Christ is aboard,
there is no sinking, but they didn't realize that. They had seen
many other miracles but it seemed irrational that they could have
safety now. They cried out, "Master, carest Thou not that we
perish?" Was Christ to be accused of such hard-heartedness as to
let His few faithful men perish? Alas, we, too, have been guilty of
similar attitudes. They doubted the wisdom and love of their Lord.

But Jesus produced a great calm. That calmness and peace
which passeth all understanding is ours if we totally trust and
believe. No matter how drear your despondence or how dread
your despair, the Lord can create a great calm and confidence.
What a door of hope this opens to us . . . knowing that Jesus will
speak peace to the tired and troubled heart. Faith was a key factor
in this illustration. Calm and faith go together.

Why can we be calm? Because our sins are forgiven. All
providence works for our good. Eternity has no threat for us. The
Lord is our shield. He will keep us in perfect peace when our
minds are stayed on Him.

Finally, if we have the Lord's peace, we can make peace. We can
speak so as to console others. Our calm can work marvels in the
little ships whereof others are captains. Our confidence can prove
contagious and spread.

Can there be a calm in the '80's? In Christ, there can be.

Brother Leonard Wertz
THEY DON'T LIKE ME

A teenager was getting ready for her graduation from high
school. She was expecting some relatives from a distance, but they
hadn't yet arrived, and it was getting very close to time to leave for
the commencement program. She said rather forlornly to her
Mom, 'They don't like me; nobody is coming." Her distress was
brief, as the expected guests arrived shortly thereafter.

Even though brief, her distress was real. It was very important to
her that her relatives would come for that special event in her life.
It indicated to her that she was accepted, loved, and cared for in a
personal way. She wanted and needed a special place in their
hearts. If they hadn't come, it would have meant to her that they
didn't really care. It was like saying, "I'm not interested in you."

Whether a teenager, golden-ager or somewhere in between, we
all need someone to care, someone to reach out to us in love and
to show a personal interest in us. This is especially true if we are in
trouble or are facing a crisis of some kind. It would have been a
severe blow to this girl's self-esteem if no one had been interested
in this event in her life and showed it. Saying we care is important,
but it's not enough; we must show it also.

BIBLE MONITOR

Jesus cared about people and He showed it in many ways, little
as well as big. First and foremost, He showed His great concern
for our spiritual need by becoming our Redeemer. In His concern
for us, Jesus put first things first, and we can follow His example in
our concern for others. Jesus set aside His own desires to help us,
and sometimes we must do that for others.

We can't do all that Jesus did but we can do some things and
pattern our lives after His selfless life. Jesus comforted those who
sorrowed, and we can do this if we will. It doesn't take a lot of
money or talent, but it does take time and giving of one's self.
Jesus said He wouldn't leave us comfortless but would come to us
(John 14:18). The presence of someone who cares is in itself a
comfort and it's up to us now to go to those who need us, and do
what we can.

Jesus was a friend of Mary, Martha and Lazarus, and He spent
alot of time in their home. When Lazarus died, Jesus came and
comforted and wept with Lazarus' sisters. His actions said, "I love
you. You are important to me." Mary and Martha were not
expecting Jesus to raise Lazarus, but He did. Jesus wasn't
compelled to do this, but was moved by compassion. We also
need to be motivated by compassion for others, to have a deep
concern for them. This means setting self aside in order to be free
to help someone else, but it will be worth it.

Jesus called His disciples friends, and He treated them as
friends. "But I have called you friends; for all things that I have
heard of my Father I have made known unto you." John 15:15b.
Jesus shared many things with the disciples, and passed on to
them the promises of God. It was a personal way of sharing, He
had their best interests at heart and took the time to tell them so.
Again, His actions demonstrated His love for them.

Jesus gives grace and strength to us as needed, knowing we
can't make it alone. We can't do this for others, but we can give our
love and support to them. We can lift people up through prayer
and encourage them in Christ, thus demonstrating our love for
them. Sometimes it only takes a little time and a small deed to
show that we care, and yet how easy it is to neglect other's needs!

Many times Jesus showed His concern and compassion for
others by healing them, both spiritually and physically. We can't do
this either, but we can be a vital part of the healing process in the
emotional sense. People with physical ills return to health faster if
they have a good attitude and plenty of loving support. Those who
are spiritually ill need help, too. Without it, they will continue on in
the same rut and never have what their souls need.

Jesus healed many people of all sorts of ailments. He interceded

10 BIBLE MONITOR

for them and still does for us. We can intercede for others through
prayer. We can also rebuke the gossip and give our support to one
who is being condemned, be it justly or unjustly. When anyone is
not right with God, we should be helping him out of the mire, not
shoving him farther down in it. An uncaring spirit will not
intercede for anyone, but if you have a genuine concern, you will
intercede and give your support where needed, just as Jesus did.
Do your actions say, "I like you, and I care what happens to you,"
or do they say something else? No matter what you say with
words, your actions will speak the loudest. How can you
determine what you should do? The Golden Rule provides a
simple answer for this questioin. "Therefore all things whatso-
ever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them;
for this is the law and the prophets." Matt. 7:12. If you can say
you'd like to be treated as you are treating others, you can be sure
your actions say you care. May God help us all to truly care about
those around us.

Sister Eileen Broadwater

BORN INTO GODS KINGDOM

Jesus told Nicodemus, "Ye must be born again" — have a new
birth after being born in this world. We must be born of water and
of the Spirit to become part of the kingdom of God in this life.
Christ said no man cometh to the Father except by me.

Much is implied in becoming part of the kingdom of God. The
earth and its contents are perishable. We must accept and become
part of the kingdom of God in this world to become heirs to the
great eternal city of God. We are not to be conformed to this world
but transformed by the renewing of our minds. A change takes
place when we are born into the kingdom of God. Old things have
passed away. Sin is desired no more. All things have become new
through the cleansing blood.

When we were down in the liquid stream, we promised to
renounce Satan with all his pernicious ways and the sinful
pleasures of this world. We cannot serve two Masters. Christ gave
to us a perfect example which we must accept.

Have we accepted what is required to become born again
Christians? It is the only way to become part of the kingdom of
God. Do we appreciate the great sacrifice Christ has made for us
and that God has given to us his only begotten Son for our
redemption? Do we have all the fruits of the Spirit and are living
epistles, read and known of all men? Love is the fulfillment of our
duty to our Lord. Are we pressing onward and forward toward the
mark of the prize of the highcalling of God in Christ Jesus?

BIBLE MONITOR 11

The crown of righteousness is not at the beginning of life's
pathway, but is for them who endure faithfully to the end of life's
race. Jesus said my kingdom is not of this world and my servants
do not fight. Those who use the sword will perish with the sword.
In our Lord's prayer, we have, "thy kingdom come, thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven."

The Jews were looking for Christ to set up an earthly kingdom
and many would not accept His doctrine concerning Christ's
teaching. When He was demanded of the Pharisees when the
kingdom should come He answered them and said, "the kingdom
of God cometh not with observation neither shall they say lo here or
to there for behold the kingdom of God is within." Luke 17:20-21.

We are commanded what we must ffo in the saving Gospel of
Christ to become part of the kingdom of God. Referring to this
world we are commanded to come out from among them and be
separate and unite with truth and righteousness of the people of
God. Jesus said except your righteousness exceed that of the
scribes and Pharisees ye shall in no wise enter the kingdom of
heaven. The saving Gospel of Christ will lead us to become part of
the kingdom of God. "For the kingdom of God is not meat and
drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the holy ghost."
Rom. 14:17. We are to be separated from evil.

Have we anchored our soul in the Haven of Rest? Is our name
written there on the page white and fair? Have we received the
new birth and have the Christian spirit living within us and become
a bright and shining light to those who are living in darkness? Are
we prepared for the call to change from time to eternity?

By being faithful and true to the trust Christ left us, we can
become part of God's kingdom in this life if we accept the plan of
salvation to the fullest extent. John the Revelator said, "and I
heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now is come salvation and
strength and the kingdom of our God and the power of his Christ
for the accusers of our brethren is cast down which accused them
before our Lord day and night." When we are a part of God's
kingdom in this world we are a blessed example to others.

Brother J. F. Marks

Rt. 9, Box 860

Plant City, FLA 33566

•••••••

Love reduces friction to a fraction.

12 BIBLE MONITOR

SIXTY YEARS AGO
June 15, 1924

BE NOT DECEIVED — WATCH
T. S. Waltersdorff

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not
come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be
revealed, the son of perdition." (II Thess. 2:3). As we read these
words and look at the times and conditions that are surrounding
us, we must surely acknowledge that we are stepping in these
times, that the apostle tells us that will come before the coming of
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Do we not feel within ourselves
that conditions have changed wonderfully in the last few years,
and yet when we get to talking with men that claim to be followers
of God they will say that the world is getting better and how much
more convenient these modern times are: auto, wireless
telegraphy, airplane, our houses everything so handy, yes, how
careful we are to have everything so convenient. Yes, and it does
please the eye and I just wonder if it doesn't fill our hearts with joy,
too, to have everything so handy. Dear brother and sister, I just
wonder if we have our hearts set on spiritual things as we should
have. Oh, how careful we are when we go to buy a farm, a house,
bank stock, and so on that there is nothing against it, that we get a
clear title and so on. I do not mean to say that that is not right if
this is not uppermost in our heart, but dear reader, let us not
forget that God knows our every thought and how thankful we can
be that God knows, or else thieves and rubbers would enter into
the joys of his rest and the faithful in heart would be pushed back.
So I say again how thankful we can be that God knows our every
heart, Oh, how it pains our heart when we hear the conversation
even of some of our leading brethren. Matt. 12:34 tells us, "for out
of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh."

Dear brother and sister, let us read our Bible carefully and
prayerfully asking God to guide us into all truth, and then we will
not be so easily shaken with every wind of doctrine. One of the
great troubles of the day is when we get to talking to some of our
brethren that are close to our heart about conditions they will say
they do not see so much wrong in this or that but still they will
admit that things are not quite what they should be. Dear brother
and sister, let us not forget in our own way of looking at things and
not taking the Bible at its word, we are getting on dangerous
ground. Let us not forget Mother Eve only ate the apple. Yes, and
we know what God had told them, showing us that God means just
what he says. Let us not forget Lot's wife. She just looked around

BIBLE MONITOR 13

and we know the result, and Moses, that great man, how he was
leading God's people and how God had given him power to do
wonderful things and just for, yes if we use our own poor thoughts
we could say, he just smote the rocks. Yes, but God told him to
speak to the rock. Someone may say he smote the rock before and
got water. Yes, but this time God told him to speak to the rock and
of course we know the result, he could not go into the promised
land. All these years leading God's people and then could not enter
into the promised land. Yes, he could see it but not go in.

Dear reader, let us not forget these things and be as the text
says, "Let no man deceive you by any means." The second verse
in the same chapter says that, "be not soon shaken in mind, or be
troubled, neither by spirit nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as
that the day of Christ is at hand." So when these things come
before us like they are, men are not standing for the Gospel as it is,
that it is just what the text tells us, that day shall not come except
there come a falling away first. Dear reader, when is the promise
ours, when we start in Christian life or in the middle or at the end?
Does not the word teach us that the promise is to those that endure
to the end? Oh, how it pains our heart when we read these eternal
truths and see how the church is drifting away from God's word!
Yes, dear brothers and sisters, that lay close to our heart, as soon
as something new is introduced how ready so many are to take
hold of it and push it along, and then after we hear, "well I did not
know much about it and I was not just in favor of it, but brother
John, or Sister Anna, or one of the brethren at school told me
about it, and of course I brought it before the church. Maybe we
can get something good out of it."

Dear brother and sister, does not the Scriptures teach us that we
are not to be so easily shaken with every kind of doctrine? Dear
reader, let us read our Bible carefully and prayerfully and then if
there is anything comes before us let us lay all self aside, get our
Bible, be in sincerity about it, get on our knees before God
knowing that he is all wise and all able to help us out of the trials
and difficulties and let us stand firm after we have tried the spirit
whether it corresponds with God's word. Someone may say it is
just your way of looking at things. Dear brother and sister, if we
hear a brother say anything and see him stand for what he says let
us look in God's word and if his saying does not comply with God's
word then we have a perfect right to say it is only his own way of
looking at things. But if it is in harmony with God's truth let us not
forget that it is not that brother's own thought, and that we are
rejecting God's word. Dear brothers and sisters when we take hold
of things as they come along whether they are in harmony with
God's word or not, or when we see that conditions are so contrary

14 BIBLE MONITOR

to God's holy writ are we going to help to push that kind of work
along? Are we not brothers and sisters when we look in God's
word going to let it as it is, and not stand firm on that rock that will
stand the test, and whenever difficulties arise show where we
stand? By so doing maybe someone may look more earnestly in
the Lamb's Book of Life, and if we could turn one from error of his
way and save a soul from death, after all, our coming into this
world would be worthwhile, and we can rejoice that we have stood
against that man of perdition (ruin) and are not going with the tide
as it is so rapidly drifting along, and when that great day of final
account comes we can truly say that we stood against things that
are not in harmony with God's word, and that we showed our light
to help those that were falling away to come back to God and
receive a crown that will shine forever.

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, THE BODY AND
BRIDE OF THE LORD

WILLIAM ROOT

In part one we were discussing, What the Church Is. It is said
that the Church is a mystery. It is true, as we have pointed out from
Eph. 5:32, its relationship as being married to Christ, is as Paul has
said a "great mystery." Also we believe the Bible teaches that it is a
mystery in the sense of its nature, being a "Spiritual Institution or
kingdom rather than as a temporal or fleshly Kingly Throne."

The kingdom of Israel, which was a nationality or race of people,
separate from the nations of the world, was no mystery to them.
The Old Testament prophets describe it in glowing terms. Should
the new kingdom which God was to set up (Dan. 2:44) have been
such a mystery to those who were looking for the coming
Messiah? He had been pointed out as the builder of the "Temple of
the Lord." Much had been pointed out, as to what He would be and
do for them, God's people. The mystery seems to be and still is to
some today (many will not accept it), that the Church grew out of
the Kingdom of Heaven.

That the Gentiles were to receive mercy was no mystery, either
to the Prophets of Israel, or the early Church. Hosea 2:21-23, "And
it shall come to pass in that day, I will hear, saith the Lord, I will
hear the heavens, and they shall hear the earth; And the earth shall
hear the corn, and the wine, and the oil; and they shall hear
Jezreel. And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have
mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them
which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say,
Thou art my God." Christ sowed Israel, "He came to His own."

BIBLE MONITOR 15

Through the rejection of the kingdom to Israel, mercy was
extended to the Gentiles. Both Israel and the Church have a
chance to be saved through Christ and the Church.

Also, the Church understood . . . Rom. 9:24-25, "Even us (the
Church), whom he hath called (both Jew and Gentile), not of the
Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also in Osee, I will
call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved,
which was not beloved." The preceding verses read, "What if God,
willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured
with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the
vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory." These
verses teach us, that God would not cast away His people Israel,
who were blinded in part, but would also extend His mercies to the
Gentiles.

Should the Church then have been a mystery, when it came?
Being prophesied so long before? Yes, the prophets did not
understand its nature, just as the Apostles, for a time did not either.
Yet it was no mystery that God called the Gentiles. "And it shall
come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them (the
Gentiles), Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the
children of the living God. Esaias also crieth concerning Israel,
Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the
sea, a remnant shall be saved (through Christ)." "For he will finish
the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work
will the Lord make upon the earth. And as Esaias said before,
Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as
Sodoma and been made like unto Gomorrah." Except God would
have given them His seed and His kingdom the Church, they would
have been cut off and destroyed. "What shall we say then? That
the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained
to righteousness which is of faith." Rom. 9:26-30.

To Be Continued
Selected by Joseph Lavy

••

You may give until you are rich — and keep until you are poor.

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR JULY, 1984
OF THE EARTH

Memory Verse: Psa. 104:14
He causeth the grass to grow for
the cattle, and herb for the
service of man: that he may bring
forth food out of the earth;

Sun. 1 - Psa. 104:1-17

Mon. 2- Psa. 104:18-35

Tues. 3 - Psa. 105:1-22

Wed. 4- Psa. 105:23-45

Thur. 5- Psa. 106:1-23

Fri. 6 - Psa. 106:24-48

Sat. 7- Psa. 108:1-13

Memory Verse: Psa. 105:7
He is the Lord our God: His
judgments are in all the earth.

Sun. 8- Psa. 112:1-10

Mon. 9- Psa. 113:1-9

Tues. 10- Psa. 114:1-8

Wed. 11 - Psa. 115:1-18

Thur. 12- Psa. 119:1-24

Fri. 13- Psa. 119:25-48

Sat. 14- Psa. 119:49-72

Memory Verse: Psa. 119:64

The earth, O Lord, is full of thy
mercy: teach me thy statutes.

Sun. 15 - Psa. 119:73-96
Mon. 16- Psa. 119:97-120
Tues. 17- Psa. 119:121-144
Wed. 18- Psa. 119:145-176
Thur. 19- Psa. 121:1-8
Fri. 20- Psa. 124:1-8
Sat. 21 - Psa. 134:1-3

Memory Verse: Psa. 119:90
Thy faithfulness is unto all gen-
erations: thou hast established
the earth, and it abideth.

Sun. 22 - Psa. 135:1-21

Mon. 23- Psa. 136:1-26

Tues. 24 - Psa. 138:1-8

Wed. 25- Psa. 139:1-24

Thur. 26 - Psa. 140:1-13

Fri. 27- Psa. 141:1-10

Sat. 28- Psa. 146:1-10

Memory Verse: Psa. 121:2
My help cometh from the Lord,
which made heaven and earth.

Sun. 29- Psa. 147:1-20

Mon. 30- Psa. 148:1-14

Tues. 31 - Prov. 2:1-22

Memory Verses: Psa. 138:4
All the kings of the earth shall
praise thee, O Lord, when they
hear the words of thy mouth.

Psa. 148:13
Let them praise the name of the
Lord: for his name alone is ex-
cellent; his glory is above the
earth and heaven.

Lester Fisher

4664 N. State Rte. 48

Covington, Oil 45318

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL LXII JULY 1, 1984 NO. 13

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all

Scriptural in practice. the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

THE DIFFERENCE

I got up early one morning

and rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish

that I didn't have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me,

and heavier came each task.
"Why doesn't God help me?" I wondered.

He answered, "You didn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty,
but the day toiled on, gray and bleak;

I wondered why God didn't show me.
He said, "But you didn't seek."

I tried to come into God's presence;

I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,

"My child, you didn't knock."

I woke up early this morning,
and paused before entering the day;

I had so much to accomplish
that I had to take time to pray.

- Author unknown

Selected by Sister Jeanne Sines

BIBLE MONITOR

A GOD OF ORDER

God in His creation of the earth and all within it brought order
and usefulness out of chaos and void. Before God spoke His
creation into being there was only chaos in the midst of space. But
by His power of verbal creation, He ordered a world in the way of
highest usefulness.

The study of nature confirms the order of God. The movement
of the earth, sun, moon and stars is so precise that scientists can
predict with minute accuracy the date and time of eclipses and
other natural phenomenon years before they happen, This order-
liness has allowed those in the space program to make their
necessary calculations to send men into space. If this world and
its surrounding heavens were not governed by God's order, these
calculations could not be made with such accuracy.

Not only are the heavens and the solar system governed by
God's orderliness, but also the plant and animal kingdoms on
earth. Without His order, botanists and zoologists could not make
their studies concerning plants and animals. The patterns of life
and production of plants are ordered by God. The planting, tilling,
watering and harvesting of grain and fruit is so constant that they
are often used as parables of Spiritual activities. The lives of the
animals speak of the orderliness of life.

God's orderliness is not only found in nature but also in the
affairs of men. God has ordained human governments. Without
governments there would be anarchy. There would be no safety or
protection for individuals if God had not established government
to control crime. Without this control we could not so easily live
quiet and peaceful lives as we are commanded in the New
Testament. The government is to keep the disorderly and criminal

THE BIBLE MONITOR JULY 1, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard

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Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio

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Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance.

Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.
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17362
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17403
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BIBLE MONITOR

activity under control. While, as Christians, we would not want to
use or be active in the police power of the government, we are
willing through our taxes to support this power so we can have a
peaceful atmosphere in which to live. It is always difficult to live in
the midst of confusion. God has therefore, ordained the
government to subdue confusion and bring out of it a situation
conductive to lives lived in accordance with God's Word.

God has not only provided for government over the natural
realm of men but also over the Spiritual realm as well. God desires
orderliness and decency within the Church. The Church is not
only a spiritual body but also an organized body. The services of
the local congregation are to be designed so each member can
freely worship God and have fellowship with others without dis-
rupting others. The organization of the Church is not to be
dictatorial but still able to allay confusion. The purpose of General
Conference is to end confusion by establishing one rule that the
whole Church can act in the same way. When the Church is
troubled over varient beliefs and practices, it has the ability to end
that confusion by assembling in General Conference and
establishing a consenting mind toward the confusion or problem.
By establishing a standard of belief and practice there will be less
confusion within congregations and across the Brotherhood. Paul
had warned the Corinthians, who were badly out of order, that they
must end their confusing practices and dissension.

Not only has God established order in large things such as
nature, government and the Church, He also wishes to bring order
into individuals' lives. Many lives are beset by chaos. There is con-
fusion and disharmony within lives because they are out of tune
with God. When individuals do not believe or accept the
provisions God has made for their spiritual and natural lives, they
will experience confusion and chaos. But God is able to bring
order out of the most discordant lives, if there is a wellingness to
listen and obey. God will not force His order upon anyone un-
willingly. But if one does decide to have God's order in his life, he
must submit to God's will and way.

God is a God of order. He has dealt in an orderly way with man-
kind throughout history. He is never satisfied with confusion and
indecency. He seeks for His order within individual lives and
within the Church. As His children, if is for our benefit that it has
promoted His orderliness. We need to accept His order and live
our lives in a way that will exalt His order within our lives. We are
to be a decent and orderly people.

BIBLE MONITOR

LIVING IN THE DUMP

Some missionaries told of a group of families living in a city
dump in one country. Nearly twenty families live in this dump and
make their living digging through the rubbish, salvaging anything
which can be sold for a few pennies. They live in makeshift, card-
board shacks and raise their families in great poverty — in the
dump.

We who have so much can't really relate to such poverty. We are
blessed above measure with food, clothes, shelter — all it takes to
live comfortably and then some. The thoughts of living in a dump
is disturbing, but the question is, are we willing to share part of our
abundance with those who lack even the most necessary things?
Also, if we help meet their physical needs, is that enough?

Physical needs are easily spotted, especially when someone is
living in a dump. But what about the people who have nothing
spiritually? Some are literally living in a dump, existing in the
rubbish of sin. Others are a little better off (not as deep in sin), but
still living on the trash of life. They never receive good spiritual
food, in fact are in such a state of spiritual poverty that we could
call them destitute.

This sort of poverty exists for several reasons. Some people are
satisfied with life as it is, and don't really want new life in Christ.
Others would like something better (they are sick of sin) but don't
know how to obtain it. Do you care enough to do something about
their need? Or is your concern limited to physical needs?

You may thing that the work of teaching others about Christ is
for missionaries, ministers and so forth. This is true, but there are
mission fields all about us, and we can't push all the work off on
just a few. It takes a caring spirit to reach out in love to help a
person in need physically, and to help spiritually, we must care
about their souls. Do you?

Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they
might have it more abundantly." John 10:10. Jesus has the best
for those who will receive it — the abundant life. It is His desire
that everyone would receive this new and blessed life, and get out
of the dump of sin. He has given us the work of proclaiming the
good news of salvation to those in sin. Are you concerned enough
to do your part, whether it be to pray, preach or teach?

Those families who are present dump-residents could be moved,
cardboard shacks and all, to a spot outside the dump where it
would be cleaner and surely better smelling. But those people
would return to the dump each day to continue their sorting and
digging through the rubbish. Living there just makes their life a bit

BIBLE MONITOR

easier so they stay. If their lives are to be changed, a whole new
environment and a new occupation are needed. A noticeable
change is necessary, not just a superficial change.

People living in a dump spiritually need a complete change, too.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things
are passed away; behold, all things are become new." II Cor. 5:17.
There must first be a change of heart, and only Jesus can do this.
Following a change of heart, a change of environment and living
habits must occur. One cannot continue on in the same old ways,
in fact, one will not want to. This change will mean different
friends, different personal habits, different motivation, maybe even
a different job. In short, we can't have Jesus within and still live in
the dump.

People who are destitute may search through garbage cans for
food, as well as other things. The thoughts of living like that makes
most people sick, but yet the same people will rummage in the
"garbage cans" of sin for whatever thrills they can get. They are
only one step away from living in the dump, but until they
recognize their status before God, they'll not realize what sin is
doing to them.

In your own life, where are you spiritually — living out of
garbage cans or in the dump? Or, have you experienced a new life
in Christ? There is no reason for you to continue on in sin when
Jesus can change your life. It's time now to leave the garbage cans
and dumps behind and let Jesus take over in your life. Will you?

Sister Eileen Broadwater

TAKE TIME TO CARE

I'm old and feeble and can't move about

They say I'm shut in but I'm really shut out.

The world's all around me and passing me by

While I sit here and wonder, "Lord, is it my day to die?"

Oh God if I could only stand up and say

"Good morning, How are you this beautiful day?"

But I speak with my eyes and feel with my heart

As I try to live in this world far apart.

Oh read to me please or sing me a song

Oh show me those pictures I haven't seen for so long.

Oh God let them hear me in some magical way

Let them look in my eyes and see it someday.

I'm lonely, so lonely, I've got endless hours to share

I'll listen forever if they'll take time to care.

- Author unknown

Selected by Brother M. B. Bell

BIBLE MONITOR

JEALOUSY AND RELATED ISSUES

Proverbs 6:34 "For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he
will not spare in the day of vengeance."

Song of Solomon 8:6(b) "jealousy is cruel as the grave: the
coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame."

The type of jealousy described in these verses is a terrible thing.
There is another type of jealousy, however, spoken of in scripture
which we will look at a little later. A subject we see as very closely
related to jealousy is "nit-picking." We believe that a great many of
the divorces, that are so prevalent in our time, are caused by
jealousy. Many times spouses are accused of wrong doings they
are entirely innocent of because of suspicious minds. Ironically
enough, many of those who possess this wrong type of jealousy
are those who are unfaithful to their mate!

The earthly church is full of this type of jealousy along with
much "nit-picking." Those who would never think of holding a
position of leadership often are jealous of those who do hold these
positions. And, unfortunately, there is much jealousy and "back-
biting" among those in leadership positions. There is also much
jealousy and fault finding among those "in the pew." Is it any
wonder that many are turned off by the established church?

One example of "nit-picking" that comes to mind concerns the
wearing of the beard. We are glad that the vast majority of Brethren
do not make having a beard a test of fellowship. On the other side
of the coin, some "fundamentalists" and Holiness preachers argue
that a man is not to wear a beard because it is a sign of worldliness.
Most of the early churches encouraged wearing a beard. This was
in all denominations and sects. Also, with love, we would argue
that this is one sign of manliness that is opposite of being feminine,
which the Bible forbids. We are not speaking against our Brothers
whose convictions do not lead them to grow the beard, but only of
personal convictions.

There are many "church rules" (and we are certainly not
opposed to a church having standards) which can be misused if we
are not careful. Satan would use a good thing to bring discord
within the body of Christ. To show an extreme where we believe we
can be open-minded, we can love a Brother who would choose to
"drive" a horse and buggy or one who would choose to drive a
Cadillac. This example could take on many variations.

In Exodus 34:14 we find a verse that many would be surprised to
find in Holy Scripture. "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the
Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." Here we find the
other type of jealousy we referred to earlier in this writing. Paul
also mentions this type of jealousy in II Corinthians 11:2, "For I am

BIBLE MONITOR

jealous over you with godly jealousy: . . ."

While we have stated that the wrong type of jealousy is
responsible for many divorces, we believe that the correct type of
jealousy can save a marriage! Paul goes on in II Cor. 11:2 to say,
". . . for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present
you as a chaste virgin to Christ." We are aware of the fact that Paul
was speaking in spiritual terms and that the "husband" was Jesus
Christ. But we also have come to realize just how closely linked
the true Church and the marriage covenant is. We believe we
would have far fewer divorces if individuals would be forced to
only have one husband (or wife) as long as the marriage partner
remained alive. For many years this standard was held by the
majority of the earthly church. Today many consider such a
standard to be unloving. We will not belabor the subject, but we
feel the scriptures still teach this principle. True love carries with it
a correct type of jealousy. A husband and wife should so jealously
cling to each other that neither would think of being unfaithful to
the other. Christ taught that adultery starts in the mind.

The same holds true for the truths of scripture. God will not
share the love He gave through the sacrifice of His Son with a false
religion. The act of such organizations as the World Council of
Churches of "flirting" with other religions brings on the jealousy of
God. In I Cor. 10:20-22 Paul, through the Holy Spirit, tells us we
should not have fellowship with devils and that we cannot drink the
cup of the Lord and the cup of devils. He then asks, "Do we
provoke the Lord to jealousy?"

We may be accused of "nit-picking" for standing for scriptural
truths no longer popular in the earthly church. But we should
jealously guard the truth no matter what man may think of us. But,
at the same time, we should be careful that our ATTITUDE is of the
right kind of jealousy. I feel strongly we must be very careful on
judging who is saved and who is not. In fact, our personal
conviction is that this judgement should remain with God.

If you are not a part of the true Church, God loves you so much
He sent His Son to die for you. In the mystery of the Trinity, God
died for your sins. He is not willing to share your love. We are told
that we cannot serve two masters. We urge you to repent and be
baptized by immersion. Acceptance will provide you with eternal
life if you prove faithful to the end. Rejection will assure you of
eternal punishment. But all the rewards are not in the end. Jesus
Christ will go with you in all your trials and troubles in this life. He
is truly, "a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

We feel that we must add before we close that often our love for
others is interpreted as unloving "nit-picking." On the other hand

8 BIBLE MONITOR

those who teach that God does not make any demands on His
children are considered to be very loving. Eternity will prove who
REALLY showed love and who was jealous and "nit-picking." We
believe the truth can already be found in the Holy Scriptures if we
are willing to accept them.

Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Brich St.
Palmyra, PA 17078

ESPECIALLY FOR YOUMG PEOPLE

SPIRITUAL DETERMINATION

In the book of Acts we see the wonderful way in which God
blessed the early Church. The Holy Spirit had come upon the
believers and they had witnessed with great boldness. People were
being saved on every hand. Of course, if the devil hates anything
in this world, he hates to see the Church prosper and souls being
saved ... so he stirred up the religious leaders of the day to bring
persecution upon the Church. This is even true today. When God
blesses a church, when there is a great spirit among the believers,
Satan begins to trouble us and God's work is hindered.

The religious leaders became intensely angry in Acts 4, when
Peter and John healed a lame man in the name of Christ. Here was
a poor lame man, who from his birth had been infirmed, now he is
healed and made strong. But the leaders became angry, their
hearts filled with jealousy and malice toward the disciples. I have
actually seen this happen today, that one person wants to take
credit for the salvation of another, to prove they have the greatest
witness. Shame on us! The calling of the saints is not notches on
our belts.

The first, great opposition to the Gospel occurs here. These
leaders laid hold on Peter and John and put them in prison. What
was their crime? It was preaching the Gospel in its purity and
upholding the principles of the early Church and for healing the
lame man.

There is still much opposition to the Gospel today. If we
continue to preach the gospel in its fullness, if we defy the
modernists and liberals of the day, persecution WILL come. Yes,
the world will be at enmity against God's people and unfortunately,
some of the opposition will come from within the church.

Satan is behind ALL opposition to the Gospel. He began his
work in the world, but now comes into the Body to get a closer
shot. The Church is experiencing modernism. Could it be only a
short way from the social gospel? Modern Christianity is plagued

BIBLE MONITOR

by ritualism and ceremony and there is a great wave of infidelity
and agnosticism there. It is going to be a struggle ... a fight to the
end. Satan hates the blood of the resurrection, the forgiveness of
sin, the salvation of souls and wherever the Gospel is preached, he
is going to oppose it.

We are told that these leaders were grieved over what the
apostles had preached. What had they preached? They had
preached the resurrection through Jesus Christ. The Sadducees,
who led the opposition, did not believe in a resurrection. They
would have given all they had if they could have proven that the
tomb of Christ was still occupied ... but they couldn't do it. The
tomb was empty and Christ was risen . . . ALIVE! This is the
cornerstone of our faith. If Jesus had died as a man and remained
dead, we would not worship Him as God. But He proved that he
was the Son of God.

I admonish you to be more determined than ever before to stay
true to the will of God and to stand firm on the principles and
teachings of Christ and the Church. Yes, opposition will come, but
YOU WILL WIN and God's kingdom will be advanced. This is not a
time for weaklings and turncoats in the Church. This IS the time for
us to give our best. Cut out everything from your life that is not
honoring Christ and plant yourself firmly on His promises.

Brother Leonard Wertz

SIXTY YEARS AGO
July 1, 1924

ORIGIN AND PURPOSE OF THE BIBLT MONITOR

B E. KESLER

During the fall and winter of 1917 and 1918 a series of circular
letters and questionnaires were sent to a number of our elders and
ministers relating to certain innovations that were being introduced
into our church, as well, also, to certain departures from the "faith
of the fathers."

Those innovations and departures were viewed with grave
apprehensions and alarm by the loyal and faithful part of our
Brotherhood on account of their disturbing influences in
destroying the peace and unity of our membership.

The circulars met with such hearty approval that it was decided
to get up a paper setting forth those irregularities and send it to
Annual Conference in the hope that it would eliminate them. The
paper was put into the hands of a committee to report a year later.
This report virtually sanctioned all the irregularities embraced in
the paper and was adopted by a small margin in open Conference.
And, as might have been expected conditions grew worse.

10 BIBLE MONITOR

Meanwhile a Declaration of Principles was being formulated in
harmony with the sentiment of our loyal and faithful elders as
expressed in their replies to the circulars and questionnaires sent
out.

While all this was taking place letters were exchanged with Elder
M. M. Eshelman of Fresno, California and plans were laid and
arrangements were made to start a paper in which those
irregularities could be pointed out and fully and freely discussed,
so that our people could be informed as to real conditions and
dangers confronting us because of the worldward trend of the
church. Just at this stage of our venture Brother Eshelman was
called away by death and the matter was dropped temporarily, to
await developments in the minds of other interested brethren.

Finally communications were had with Brother Cyrus Wallick of
Cerro Gordo, Illinois and others, who strongly insisted and urged
that the matter be taken up again and the paper started. So after
much meditation, thought and prayer, the "Bible Monitor" came
upon the scene October, 1922, its purpose being to uphold and
maintain truth and righteousness and to oppose error, wrong and
evil wherever found.

The Declaration of Principles were printed in the first issue of the
"Monitor" as a foundation upon which to base our efforts to work a
reform in our beloved Brotherhood. These met with such approval
that it was felt some way of uniting the efforts of those interested
should be had. So at a called meeting of those interested in the
work of reform held at Denton, Maryland, September 12, 1923, the
Declaration of Principles was discussed, slightly revised, and
adopted by the meeting.

Another general meeting held at Uniontown, Pennsylvania, June
5 and 6, 1924, approved the Declaration, and ordered that it, with
an explanation of the origin and purpose of the "Monitor", be
printed in convenient form for distribution over our Brotherhood.
This meeting also decided to form a corporation to "publish and
circulate a paper which shall be, and remain, in full accord with the
gospel as understood and practiced by the Church of the Brethren
prior to and including the year 1911." The minor discrepancies, if
any, between this Declaration and the practice of the church up to
date named are easily reconcilable.

So with this explanation, deeply grateful for the approval with
which our efforts are being received, we send forth this
Declaration in the hope that it may be the means of encouraging
the loyal and faithful of our Brotherhood, and of uniting their
efforts in the work of reform undertaken by the Bible Monitor and
its many helpers and that God's name may be glorified and his
church cleansed of the evils that are destroying it.

BIBLE MONITOR 11

IF YOU LOVE JESUS, KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS

From time to time we see bumper stickers which say, "If You
Love Jesus, Honk Your Horn," or "If You Love Jesus, Blink Your
Lights." Some time ago the Reader's Digest had a short item about
a person who saw such a sign and honked his horn. The lady
driving the car with the bumper sign became very indignant at being
forgot to keep sweet in spite of circumstances.

Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." John
14:15. John told his followers that ". . . the love of God, (is) that we
keep his commandments, and his commandments are not
grievous." I John 5:3.

"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments,
is a liar, and the truth is not in him." I John 2:4.

Jesus said: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart
and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind . . . and thou shalt love
thy neighbor as thyself." Matthew 22:37-39.

Jesus also said: "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye
love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one
another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye
have love one to another." John 13:24-25.

"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them
that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and
persecute you." Matthew 5:44.

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of
itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in
me." John 15:4.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33.

"Whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his
commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
And this is his commandment, that we should believe on the name
of his son Jesus Christ, and love one another." I John 2:22-23.

"Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
asked Jesus." Luke 6:46. Why, indeed?

Selected by Brother L H. Miller

.mwwwm.

The world is not through with the kcross, but it will soon be through
without it.

12 BIBLE MONITOR

HE HOLDS THE FUTURE

I do not know what lies ahead,
The way I cannot see;
Yet One stands near to be my guide,
He'll show the way to me.

I know who holds the future
And I know He holds my hand,
With God things don't just happen,
Ev'rything by Him is planned.

So as I face tomorrow
With its problems large and small,
I'll trust the God of miracles —
Give to Him my all.

— Selected by Brother L. A. Shumake

"THE CHURCH OF CHRIST,
THE BODY AND BRIDE OF THE LORD"

WILLIAM ROOT

This was the faith of Abraham, through Christ. We see then, that
the prophets did not seemingly understand all that was God's plan
concerning their salvation. Nevertheless they had the "Messianic"
hope, which was enough to have, and would have saved every one
of them, had they accepted their "Messiah." The Apostle Peter has
said, I Peter 1:9-10, "Receiving the end of your faith, even the
salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have
enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace
that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of
time the Spirit of Christ was in them did signify, which it testified
beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should
follow."

They understood and had prophesied of the suffering of Christ
as we see from Isaiah 53. "Unto whom it was revealed, that not
unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which
are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel
unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which
things the angels desire to look into." Hence we say, it was no
mystery to the prophets, that something glorious was to come after
the suffering of their coming "Messiah," but they did not
understand its nature, or what it was.

It has been said that Jesus intimated that there was to be
something that He called the Church, Matt. 16:13-20. He said He

BIBLE MONITOR 13

"would build His Church." We say that His word was not an
intimation. He said He would "build His Church" "upon this Rock."
Meaning Himself, upon His Word. That he would deliver "the keys
of the kingdom of heaven" to His followers. In fact, we can go
farther and say, He had already started the work of His "Building."
He had organized His called out, into a working body and had sent
them out to preach the kingdom of Heaven, Matt. 10:1-8. True they
were only to preach it to the Jews, at that time, but when they, the
Jews, rejected it, the kingdom was taken from them and given to
the Gentiles, Matt. 21:43.

Hence, Christ delivered "the keys of the kingdom" (the power of
the Holy Spirit, on the day of Pentecost) to the Apostle Peter giving
him the opportunity to open the door of the kingdom to the
Gentiles, through His preaching on that same day of Pentecost.
We realize that the "House of God, the Temple of the Lord, the
coming Kingdom, the Church, should not have been a mystery to
the previous ages. Nevertheless the Heirship of the Gentiles had
not been revealed to the Jews or Israel, before their Spiritual
blindness. That was the great mystery to them, which was also
another reason, perhaps, why they did not understand the coming
Kingdom.

However, this mystery was revealed by the Holy Spirit to the
Apostle Paul. Eph. 3:1-11, "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of
Jesus Christ for your Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation
of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by
revelation he made known unto me the mystery (as I wrote afore in
few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my
knowledge in the mystery of Christ); Which in other ages was not
made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his
holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." This mystery which was
not revealed, was that something, which the prophets had
diligently sought. Which was, the inheritance of the Gentiles, with
them, in God's everlasting covenant, in His everlasting kingdom.

Reading on from our text in Eph. 3, "That the Gentiles should be
fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in
Christ by the gospel. Wherefore I was made a minister, according
to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual
working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all
saints, in this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles
the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is
the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the
world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in
heavenly places might be wisdom of God. According to the eternal

14 BIBLE MONITOR

purpose which he purposed known by the church the manifold in
Christ Jesus our Lord." So we see then, that the church was God's
"eternal purpose," for the salvation of the world.

The Church is an "organism" of God, which is God's
organization. It is not an authorized organization of man. Christ's
Church consists of "One Faith," the faith "once delivered unto the
saints." That "faith" is followed from generation to generation,
regardless of any organization's church name or creed. It is true
faith in Christ, or of Christ. It is a united "Body" of worshippers, of
only one faith or practice. Hence, it is only one organization
affected by God and it has many members. There is only one
Church of the Bible, that is the one built by Christ, and after the
pattern of Christ. Christ's Church can be and has been carried
from century to century, regardless of church name. Many reject
the doctine, that the Church consists of "Organization," yet they
admit that it is an "Organism" of God. We say that Christ built a
visible Church, a visible Organization.

Mr. Webster says, an "Organism is: Any organized body or living
economy; any individual animal, or plant. (2) the state of being
organized. (3) An organized body of people; an organization."
Hence, organism means organization. Now note: his definition for
organization. "(1) The act of organizing: the act or process of
arranging and getting into proper working order. (This is exactly
what the Scriptures teach concerning the Church.) (2) The state of
being organized; that which is organized; an organized body. (3)
Organic structure; the disposition in arrangement of the organs for
the performance of vital functions. (4) the arrangement of the parts
of an aggregate body for work or action; systematic preparation
for action."

Let us get the likeness of the meaning of these two words. The
human body is an organism of God, organized by God into various
members. We all know that his is true, the eye, the foot, the hand,
and so forth. Paul taught, such an organism, or organization, as
being the Church. I Cor. 12:27-28, "Now ye are the body of Christ,
and members in particular. And God hath sent some in the church,
first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that
miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of
tongues." The 26th verse of the same chapter says, "And whether
one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member
be honoured, all the members rejoice with it." When we read and
study I Cor. 12:12-25, it is impossible to deny that the Church is an
Organization.

To be continued
Selected by Joseph Lavy

BIBLE MONITOR 15

NEWS ITEMS

MINISTERIAL LIST CHANGE

The new address of Elder Frank D. Shaffer is 13092 Grant Shook
Road, Greencastle, Pennsylvania 17225.

ENGLEWOOD, OHIO

We the Englewood Congregation are planning, the Lord willing,
to have a Revival from July 22 to August 5. Our speaker will be
Brother Paul Hartz from Palmyra, Pennsylvania. We will end our
Revival with Harvest Meeting on August 5. Brother Dennis St. John
has consented to bring us the Harvest Meeting sermon.

To these services you are invited with services starting each
weekday at 7:45 p.m. and on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Join us in prayer that God's will might be done, that the saints
may become fruitful and there might be those who would want to
follow Christ.

Sister Shirley Fricke, Cor.

HART, MICHIGAN

If it be God's will, the Hart Dunkard Brethren Church, will hold
Revival Meetings August 12 through August 19. Bro. Dean St.
John from Ohio will be our Evangelist.

Pray that the Lord will bless these services; and please come and
worship with us.

Sister Peggy Flory, Cor.

••

Even a mosquito doesn't get a slap on the back till he starts
working.

.mww9m*

The best preparation for the future, is the present will seen to,
and the last duty done. - G. Macdonald

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DIRECTORY OF BOARDS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dale E. Jamison, Chairman
Quinter, Kansas 67752

Ray R. Reed, Secretary
Box 12, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063

Warren C. Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057

GENERAL MISSION BOARD

Joseph E. Flora, Chairman
R. 3 Box 12, Adel, Iowa 50003

Hayes Reed, Secretary
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender Street

Morenci, Michigan 49256

Harley Rush
R. 1, Converse, Indiana 46919

Galen Litfin

1314 East 7th St.
Newberg, Oregon 97132

Dale Jamison
Quinter, Kansas 67752

Jacob C. Ness
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403

Frank Shaffer
13092 Grant Shook Rd.
Greencastle, PA 17225

BOARD OF PUBLICATION

Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

Jacob C. Ness, Secretary
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403

H. Edward Johnson, Treasurer
5-1307-S.H. 108
Wauseon, Ohio 43567

Allen B. Eberly
R. 3
Ephrata, PA 17522

Warren C. Smith
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057

BIBLE STUDY BOARD

William Carpenter, Chairman
8012 Cavender Street
Morenci. Michigan 49256

Eugene Kauffman, Secretary
R. 6, Box 51
Harrisburg, Virginia 22801

Warren C. Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057

Rudolph Cover
2034 Roble Ave.
Modesto, CA 95351

Dennis St. John
Rt. 1
Bryan, Ohio 43506

RELIEF BOARD

Boyd Wyatt, Chairman
4925 Tegner Rd.
Hughson, CA 95326
(209) 883-4138

Newton Jamison, Secreiary
512 Garfield
Quinter, Kansas 67752
(913) 754-3433

Kyle Reed, Treasurer
R. 1, Box 4

Minburn, Iowa 50167
(515) 677-2467

Virgil Leatherman

419 N. Queen St.

Littlestown, PA 17340

(717) 359-5753
Robert Carpenter

R. 5, Box 97

Peru, Indiana 46970

(317) 395-7879

TORREON NAVAJO MISSION

David Skiles, Superintendent
R. 2, Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013

Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

Kyle Reed, Secretary
R. 1 Box 4

Minburn, Iowa 50167

Newton Jamison, Treasurer
Quinter, Kansas 67752

Harley Flory
R. 4, Defiance, Ohio 43512

All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury, but
sent to the Secretary for his records.

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL LXII JULY 15, 1984 NO. 14

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all

Scriptural in practice. the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

"ITS UP TO YOU"

Have you made someone happy

or made someone sad,
What have you done with the

day that you had?

God gave it to you to do just

as you would,
Did you do what was wicked,

or do what was good?

Did you hand out a smile,

or just give 'em a frown,
Did you lift someone up,

or push someone down?

Did you lighten some load,

or some progress impede,
Did you look for a rose, or

just gather a weed?

What did you do with your

beautiful day,
God gave it to you, did you

throw it away?

—Selected by Brother Daniel Noecker

BIBLE MONITOR

A DISCIPLINED CHRISTIAN LIFE

Matthew 28:19-20, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of
the world. Amen."

The Great Commission given the Church by the Risen Jesus
sends her forth into every part of the world preaching the Gospel of
Jesus Christ. A lost and dying world lies out there without hope.
That hope can only be supplied by the Church fulfilling the Great
Commission. The Commission not only sends the Church out to
preach and proclaim the plan of salvation, She is also to baptize
those who would accept and believe the terms of salvation. The
Grace and Mercy of God are unavailing unless accepted by the lost.
Hearing is not enough. Believing is not enough. There has to be a
belief that will take action. That action is baptism.

Jesus gave the Church specific instructions on how to baptize
those who believed the Gospel. He commanded a three fold
immersion, each dip corresponding to the name of each person of
the Trinity. This identification of the believer with the Godhead is
necessary as the first act of faith and as a cleansing medium
representing the cleansing, shed blood of Jesus Christ.

The Great Commission concerning the preaching of the Gospel
has been widely carried out with varying degrees of conformity to
the written Word of God. Even baptism by trine immersion has
been performed by many, thus carrying out the second part of the
commission. But there has been a definite lack of zealous
application of the third part of the commission. After acceptance of
the Gospel followed by Christian Baptism, there is to be a systemic
teaching of all the duties, beliefs and attitudes necessary for a loyal

THE BIBLE MONITOR JULY 15, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard

Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Lithographing Co., Rt. 4,

Wauseon, Ohio 43567.

Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio

43567.

Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance.

Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.
MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th St., Beaumont, CA 92223
ROBERT S. LEHIGH, Assistant Editor; R. 4 Box 4427, Spring Grove, PA

17362
JACOB C. NESS, Associate Editor; 136 Homeland Road, York, PA

17403
RUDY COVER, Associate Editor; 2034 Roble Ave., Modesto, CA 95351

BIBLE MONITOR

Christian life.

For many the emphasis on evangelism has taken away a serious
regard for the need of a consecrated Christian life. The emphasis
often is on the numbers of people supposedly converted. But the
question remains what were they converted for. If there is no
teaching beyond the conversion what change has been wrought or
what difference is there between the Christian and the world?
Today this lack of separation is very evident, showing the Church
has failed to teach the life expected of one who has claimed the
blood of Christ as the basis of his eternal life.

There is, in general, a lack of discipline in the lives of people,
worldly or Christian. In these times of relative prosperity and ease
of living, people live for the present not for the future. There is a
desire for the present comforts of life rather than those in the
future. It is easier to overspend for present desires than to do
without. This same attitude has also adversely affected personal
relationships. There is a present desire for physical enjoyment that
is indulged rather than a commitment to marriage. The break-up
of marriages also shows the lack of discipline needed to keep two
together.

Discipline is also missing in the Church. There is not only a lack
of discipline meted out in love by the congregation but also a lack
of self-discipline by the members. Without self-discipline or
Church discipline, there is no discipline, so the Christian life
becomes a near copy of the world's life style.

The lack of set and sustained standards within the Church has
cost her much influence. There has been a tendency to think that
by lowering standards the Church could more easily influence the
world but the very opposite has happened. The Church in
becoming more like the standardless world has lost much of her
influence. Today the world expects Christians to do about the
same things they do. While the Church may be accepted as a
fellow traveler by the world, she has lost the respect that she
formerly had, even when persecuted by the world.

While the Church has compromised hoping to bring more within
her borders she has failed. Once members are brought into a
compromised body, they may soon tire of her few remaining
restrictions and move on to the world's social club which the
Church but poorly imitates. When the Church has resisted the
pressure to compromise and has maintained her high, Biblical
standards, she may not gain wholesale numbers but she will gain
respect and admiration for herself, her God and her Saviour.

The disciplined Christian life is necessary individually and as a
group. May the standards remain high. May each one of us do our
part to carry out all three parts of the Great Commission. Will you
do your part?

BIBLE MONITOR

THE BREVITY OF LIFE

First of all I want to thank the Lord for allowing me to arrive at
this vantage point in life. The view becomes more wonderful as we
continue our climb in life.

In the 90th Psalm, verse 10, the writer is rather specific when he
measures our brief time by years which we spend here upon the
earth. He writes thus, "Tho days of our years are threescore years
and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is
their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly
away." This is Heaven's eternal decree.

Seeing then that our life is like the grass which crowns the
summer day and then it fades away, or like the opening flower that
later on whithers and decays, this brings us to a new awareness in
life. If our earthly life is to be compared with the fragile grass and
the flower we would better get our priorities straightened out.

What shall we, the creature, implore of the Creator and Preserver
of the universe, the one who holds our lives in the hollow of His
hand? Every breath and heartbeat is by His divine order and
creative power.

The Psalmist answers our question in Psalm 90, verse 12, when
he says, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our
hearts unto wisdom."

For those of us who are nearing the threescore and ten years or
older our earthly future is growing shorter and our past is growing
longer.

My earthly parents have gone on to their eternal reward a
number of years ago and yet, it seems like only yesterday that they
were my age and were alive here upon the earth. This helps me to
number my days.

If we yet wish to accomplish things in this life let's not
procrastinate for it's always later than we think. Three years ago at
our Conference in North Platte, Nebraska, I promised our editor,
Bro. Milton Cook, to write an article but I didn't get started until
now. I offer my apologies to you.

Some time ago a minister pointed out in his sermon that we will
have to live our lives above that of the average Christian if we
expect to get to Heaven. This is something to think about. May we
have faith in the GRACE and MERCY of God and may the delights
of this world have no charm for us but may the higher and the
nobler things always allure our sight.

Humbly submitted,
Brother John H. Kintzel
322 North 2nd St., Apt. 1203
Harrisburg, PA 17101

BIBLE MONITOR

THREE VIEWPOINTS ON "CHRISTIAN" POLITICS

John 18:36, "Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if
my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I
should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not
from hence."

The vast majority of those who claim the name "Brethren" today
are involved in worldly politics to one degree or another. We
believe this is a result of being influenced by today's liberal,
ecumenical movement and the conservative "fundamentalist"
movement. This is one of the many areas where the Brethren of
today have traded scriptural teaching for popular theology. As
always, we write in love towards those who disagree with our point
of view and welcome dialogue.

The first viewpoint we wish to examine is the "Calvanistic
viewpoint." Historically they have stood for a Church-State
situation. Many hyper-Calvanists teach that nations should be
ruled by strict Bible standards. They especially refer to Old
Testament standards. While we are certainly not opposed to "good
laws," we believe very few would be willing to stone a disobedient
son! Deuteronomy 21:18-21. They, of course, teach that it is the
Church's responsibility to try to have an influence on the nation's
politics.

The second viewpoint we would like to examine is the "Lutheran
viewpoint." Historically they have held to a State-Church position.
While it was felt that the Church should not involve itself in politics,
individuals within the Church were expected to be involved in
political matters.

The third viewpoint we wish to examine is the one historically
held by the Brethren, the Anabaptist viewpoint. They taught that
you cannot separate the individual members from the Church.
Therefore, the Church should not make political judgments nor its
members be involved in politics.

The place where the Anabaptists initially disagree with the
Calvanistic political theory was in the definition of "the Kingdom."
While the Calvanists put the Kingdom of God in a future millenial
setting (and made it different from the Kingdom of Heaven), the
Anabaptists argued that the Kingdom was the Church (and there
was no difference between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom
of Heaven.) We believe this position can be proven through a
careful study of scripture. The Calvanistic emphasis of the Church
being directly involved in politics closely resembles the "liberal
Christianity" emphasis. Strangely enough, the "liberals" are often
closer to the truths God gave to and for the Church than the
"Fundamentalist-Calvanists." But the liberals fail to see that a
country cannot be run on Christian principles. An example is the
difference between Romans 13 and Matthews. While a Christian is

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to "Lay down his sword," a leader of a country must insist that it be
militarily equal to (or superior to) another country who proves to
be an enemy. To do less is to "hide your head in the sand." This
brings up the question, what if the leader of the country is a
Christian? As we see it, he has three alternatives. He can declare
himself to be a Calvanist and state that it is his duty to use violence
in the name of the Church. Or he can declare himself to be
"Lutheran" and state that he is not acting in the name of the
Church but as an individual. The last alternative would be (if he
becomes a Christian after being elected or sees the Bible in a
different way) he can follow the TRUE WAY, as we understand it,
and resign from office to follow Jesus Christ as a humble servant.

While Lutheran theology recognizes the "Two Kingdom"
teaching, it puts Christians in BOTH kingdoms. It makes
individuals part of the Church only when in worship or making
decisions as a body. This reminds us of the man who is "married"
only when his wife is close enough to observe his actions!

Anabaptist (Brethren) theology teaches that we who are born
again individuals are a part of the Kingdom of God and not a part
of the world. It teaches that we cannot separate personal life from
corporate Church life. Therefore, we are not to be involved in
political matters. But what do the scriptures have to say on the
matter?

In Luke 16:8 we find a difference between the "children of this
world and the children of light." In John 1:10 we find that "the
world knew him (Jesus) not." In John 14:30 we find that the
"Prince of this world" is not of Christ. In Romans 12:2 we find that
Christians are not to be conformed to this world. In I Cor. 2:6 we
find that Christians are not to use the wisdom of this world. In II
Cor. 2:6 we find that the god of this world is not the true God. In
Gal. 1:4 we find that Christ wants to "deliver us from this present
evil world." In II Tim. 4:10wefind thatwearenotto love this present
world. In James 1:27 we find that we are to keep ourselves "un-
spotted from the world." I John 2:1 5 "Love not the world, neither the
things that are in the world. . . "

end of sickness, pain, and sorrow. But, in reality, this will be the
Church perfected. Jesus Christ is not waiting to be King of kings
and Lord of Lords, but holds that position now in the church. We
are to be concerned with spiritual concerns and not with worldly
politics. Those born again and living the obedient life will make
good citizens. Some of those who are not part of the Kingdom of
God will do evil no matter how good the laws of the land. If you
obey every law of the land and do not accept Jesus Christ you are
bound for punishment (eternal). The most important choice is not
who will rule the land (earthly) but who will rule your life.

Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St., Palmyra, PA 17078

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ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

"Reach out . . . reach out and touch someone. . ."

We read in Luke 8:46, "And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched
me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me."

Our Lord was frequently in the midst of a crowd. His plain and
forceful preaching always attracted a company of hearers. He
often found it difficult to move through the streets because of the
masses pressing upon Him. He expended much energy and virtue
to save one sinful soul.

Someone touched Jesus. We should never be satisfied unless we
get into personal contact with the Master. If we gain this personal
contact, we will receive a blessing. That contact should be the
number one aim of our life.

Jesus touches our soul at conversion, then again at baptism and
then as we keep close to Him, we continue to be blessed with a
stream of love flowing from Him. There is nothing mechanical
about it but rather it is the essence of vital godliness.

We touch Jesus through prayer. Sometimes we are superficial in
our prayer life, so flippant, that we never really touch Jesus. Oh
yes, He is there, but we keep our distance, fearing total surrender.
Don't be content until that total communication is reached.

We touch Christ at the communion table. We touch Him through
the ordinances, through His grace and by fellowship with other
saints.

The woman in Luke 8 felt a compulsion to touch Christ. She did
so under many difficulties. There was a great crowd. She was
diseased and possibly she had to push her way through the crowd
to reach Him. It is not always easy to get to Jesus. Distractions of
life hinder us. Sometimes our minds are filled with a thousand
thoughts and there seems to be no room for spiritual
concentration. We need to notice that the woman touched Jesus
very secretly. She reached out to Him in the closet of her mind and
this is a lesson to be learned.

She reached out to Christ in a very deep sense of unworthiness.
She was ceremonially unclean and might have been stricken with
judgment for such a deed. Had the Levitical law been enforced
strictly, she would have been confined to her house. But though
she was unclean, Christ could cleanse her. Though she was
undone, there was strength and courage for her. She had faith and
this was a prerequisite to her healing. Her approach was right, as
the way for the creature to reach the Creator is on hands and
knees. There is no fear of failing as you journey to Heaven in that
position.

Your lowliness of heart and sense of utter nothingness before
Christ is the proper understanding. The more you lack, the more

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you can receive from Him. Rely on His dying love, His rising
power, His ascended victory.

This woman didn't go away without receiving virtue. The healing
power streamed at once through the finger of faith into her. When
you feel very low spiritually, when the spirit is willing, but the flesh
is weak, reach out . . . the touch of Jesus will stir your life. The
fountain is flowing so come to Him. Whatever your sin, your
doubt, or heaviness, it will depart as He touches you.

If you have touched Christ, reach out and touch someone else.
Tell others about it in order that they may touch Him too. Show
forth the love of Jesus. "Reach out, reach out .. . and touch
someone!"

Brother Leonard Wertz

SIXTY YEARS AGO

July 1, 1924

STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN! ALWAYS THE SAME

H. D. Hoover

What is wrong? How readest thou? Are we not living by the
same word of God that our forefathers read and lived? I say we are
under the same plan of salvation as they were living. Where is the
trouble? I am quite sure it is not with the word of God for it has not
changed, (Matt. 5:18) But the people have somehow been tossed
about by some evil spirit. (Eph. 4:14) For many people read the
Bible and then they say within themselves, "I know the Bible and I
am a Christian." But sorry to say that is only by profession for their
actions are altogether different and they speak so loud that the
world cannot see any good in them; so they have the form of
Godliness and deny the power thereof. (II Tim. 3:5) Just going on
through life with their own determined and stubborn wills and
remaining in the same old rut as before they read God's word.
Jesus says there is a time to change your ways and to walk not
after the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life, for
it will vanish away and all that crave after the same, (I John 2:16)
which many so-called Christians are doing, forgetting that God's
Word has not changed; it is the same. We are told through the
prophet that God made the word so plain and simple that a
wayfaring man though a fool should not err therein (Isa. 35:8); and
yet the so-called Christian and child of the most high God claiming
to be, and holding high offices in the service of almighty God and
an enlightened people of a civilized nation take in their own hands
the authority to thus change God's almighty and everlasting truth,
by teaching by precept and example in their lives by saying there
are unnecessary and nonessential things in the word of God. But I

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pray God that this may spread as an untruth and people may take
God's word just as it is, for it is the same, it has not changed, thank
God. The kind of people that teach thus are nothing more nor
nothing less than a wolf in sheep's clothing. (Matt. 7:15) Watch
and pray lest they lead you astray. God pity and help such to see
the light of the blessed word, for it is the same as ever it was. Look
at the members of the so-called old Dunkard church of twenty-five
years ago. What a vast change and it is not because they have a
different Bible, but it is, I believe largely due to their heads out-
growing the heart or have lost their conversion or perhaps never
have been converted fully. No wonder God's word says they will
heap to themselves teachers having itching ears. And by these are
being led astray from the faith of the so-called old Dunkard
church. I am sorry that so many brethren and sisters are just living
a contrary or different life from the way God's word says, or from
the old way years ago. Oh, I know it isn't popular to be plain or do
some other things that God asks us to do, but that does not change
the word, for which I greatly thank God, that what he has said is
fixed and will not change.

Oh, I guess some will say when they read this write-up, "Oh, that
is some old fogy or religious crank", but I would rather be an old
fogy in the courts of God in the next world than to enjoy the
pleasures of this world for a season. The Lord said come out from
among the world and be separate. (II Cor. 6:17) (I Peter 2:9). This
is the same as ever. The same yesterday, today and forever. (Heb.
13:8-9) Where are we as brethren in Christ? What is wrong? Wake
up! Wake up to this fact. May God help all who read.

••••••*

HOW FAR TO HELL

As a Christian was on his way to a meeting, a young man who
came out of an inn and mounted his horse, said: "Can you tell me
how far it is to Hell?" The Christian paused, reflected for a moment
and then replied: "It is not far off; you may come to it sooner than
you expect." The young man laughed, put spurs to his horse, and
was soon out of sight. The Christian walked on and, as the road
made a turn, he noticed a crowd of people before him. Coming up to
the spot, he saw the young man to whom he had just before spoken
the words of warning, lying a corpse upon the ground. His horse had
become unmanageable and thrown his rider, who, falling on his
head, was killed on the spot.

10 BIBLE MONITOR

"THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, THE BODY AND BRIDE

OF THE LORD"

WILLIAM ROOT

In our last article, we were discussing the Church as an
Organization. Reading from I Cor. 12:12-25, let us note: "For as the
body is one and hath many members, and all the members of that
one body being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one
Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or
Gentiles, whether we be bond or free: and have been all made to
drink into one Spirit, For the body is not one member, but many. If
the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body;
is it therefore not of the body? If the whole were hearing, where
were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one
of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one
member, where were the body? But now are they many members,
yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no
need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be
more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body,
which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more
abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant
comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath
tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour
to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the
body; but that the members should have the same care one for
another."

Let us now sum up our subject concerning the Church. The
Church of Jesus Christ is not made up of, neither can it consist of,
the many professors of Christ, who are not possessors of the Word
of Christ, without unity of faith and practice, being unorganized,
claiming to be "born again Christians," without Church fellowship,
and claiming to belong to the Church of Christ. Let us look at this
subject systematically. First "Christ the Builder." Matt. 16:13-20,
"When Jesus came into the Caesaera Philippi, he asked his
disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
And they said, Some say that thou are John the Baptist; some,
Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto
them, but whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered
and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus
answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bajona: for
flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which
is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and
upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not
prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom
of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be
loosed in heaven."

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From these verses we gather the following truths: Peter made
the good confession of Christ, as being the Son of God. Of which
like confession must be made by all men and women, and would
get into the "Kingdom of Heaven." Second . . . Christ did not say
he would build His Church upon the Apostle, nor any other man.
Neither did He say He would build (as we understand) it upon the
confession of Peter, or of any other man. After Peter's confession
the Master had something more to say to him, that something was
concerning the building of His Church, and upon what He would
build it. The words "And I say also unto thee," prove as much,
when we consider the word "also."

He told His disciples the foundation upon which He would build.
That foundation was the "rock," meaning Himself a solid
foundation, upon His Word, His doctrine. He would then deliver
the "Keys of the kingdom of Heaven" to the Apostle, which "Keys"
represent the "power and authority" of the "Holy Spirit" to open
the door of the kingdom (Church) to the Gentiles. Also they were
the authority for Church Government, the "binding and loosing."
Matt. 18:17-18, also proves it. Upon Christ Himself, the "rock," that
followed the children of Israel in the wilderness. Upon His
authority. Therefore the church is an Organism, an Organization
a Spiritual House, a Temple of the Lord, a Sanctuary, a system of
faith and practice. It is the body of Christ, an assembly of people,
believers, the called out.

The "Rock" who is Christ, was prophesied, as the Builder. Isa.
8:13-14. "Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself (His person); and let
him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a
sanctuary; for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to
both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the
inhabitants of Jerusalem." Also as shown before . . . Zech. 6:12-13,
Isa. 9:6-7, a substantial building is erected upon a firm foundation,
Christ Himself is that foundation, a Rock, the Law Giver. Isa. 28:16,
"Therefore thus saith the Lord God, I lay in Zion for a foundation a
stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation; he
that believeth shall not make haste." There is none other such
foundation, for a spiritual structure. I Cor. 3:11, "For other
foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
That foundation will stand. II Tim. 2:19-20, "Nevertheless the
foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord
knoweth them that are his. And let every one that nameth the
name of Christ depart from iniquity."

For that Spiritual house, He has select material. He selected,
first, material to carry on the work of the Kingdom, which He later
named His Church. He called first Peter and Andrew, then the
other ten. He had work for them to do. Matt. 4:19, "And he said
unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." He at

12 BIBLE MONITOR

once begain to instruct them for material in His Church. He gave
them that great sermon on the Mount, and then He went about
showing them His great compassion on the multitude. "Then saith
he unto his disciple, the harvest truly is plenteous but the labourers
are few."

"Christ's mission" in the world was to "seek and to save that
which was lost." He died to save men and women from their sins.
He completed the work which His Father sent Him to do. He died,
was buried, rose from the tomb, gave His disciples a "Great
Commission" and ascended into heaven, and is seated at God's
right hand interceding for you and me. By and by He is coming
again for His bride the Church, which is His body, of which He is
the head.

The end

Selected by Joseph Lavy

MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD

Jesus was on trail before Pilate, and when Pilate asked, "What
hast thou done?" Jesus replied, "My kingdom is not of this world: if
my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I
should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not
from hence." John 18:36.

During the ministry of Jesus, it was evident that the Jews had
their own concept of the Kingdom. One of the reasons they
rejected Jesus as the Christ was because there was not enough
"pomp" and "Majesty" about it. Their attitude was: "Is not this the
carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren,
James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? and his sisters, are they
not all with us? When then hath this man all these things? And
they were offended in him." Matt. 13:55-57.

Because He was not what they had visualized, Jesus was
rejected. And so was His kingdom. Jesus told the leaders of the
Jews, "Ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye
neither go in yourselves neither suffer ye them that are entering to
go in." Matt. 23:13. Many religious people of today who claim to
follow Jesus have the same concept of the Kingdom as did the
Jewish rulers. They fail to recognize that the Kingdom of Christ is
not in existance, and they look for a future kingdom yet to come on
earth.

The prophet Daniel had promised, "In the days of these kings
(Romans) shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom that shall
never be destroyed." Dan. 2:44. Then Jesus speaking to His
apostles said, "Verily I say unto you, that there be some of them
that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen
the kingdom of God come with power." Mark 9:1. He then told

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them just before his ascension back to the Father, "Wait in the city
of Jerusalem until you be endued with power from on high." Luke
24:49. He further explained the fulfillment of that in Acts 1:8, "Ye
shall receive power when the Holy Spirit is come upon you." When
we turn to Acts 2:1-4 we find the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the
rest of the chapter shows the fulfillment of the kingdom
prophecies. Jesus Christ is now King on David's throne (Acts 2:29-
36) and from this time people enter the kingdom.

Paul said that God "delivered us out of the power of darkness,
and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." Col. 1:13.
Having received the kingdom that cannot be shaken. . ." (Heb.
12:28) and the Apostle John writes in Rev. 1:9, "I John who also am
your brother, and companion in tribulations, and in the kingdom
and patience of Jesus Christ." John and those whom he wrote to
were in the Kingdom.

(The Church is the Kingdom of Christ)

Why some would like to separate them, I have never understood.
But Jesus said, "I will build my church ... I will give unto them the
keys of the kingdom." Matt. 16:18-19. Peter shows the kingdom
was begun (Acts 2:29-36) and the last verse of the chapter states:
"The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

As Christ is king in His kingdom (Acts 2:29-36) He is "head over
all things to the church." Eph. 1:22-23. Jesus said, "Except a man
be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the
kingdom of heaven," John 3:5.

When people did that (Acts 2:36-41) "The Lord added them to
the church." (Acts 2:47)

"Ye are come unto mount Zion, unto the city of the living God,
and heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of
angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which
are written in heaven . . . Wherefore having received a kingdom that
cannot be shaken, let us have grace." Heb. 12:22-28.

Those in the church are in the kingdom, those in the kingdom
are in the church. The two words are simply different descriptions
for the exact same group of people.

(The Kingdom of Christ Is a Spiritual Kingdom)

Because the Jews were looking for a military kingdom, which
would restore the prestige and power of the reigns of David and
Solomon, they refused the kingdom which Jesus did establish.

Many today who are looking for Him to return and set up an
earthly kingdom, are making the same mistake! I don't know how
he could have said it more plainly: "My kingdom is not of this
world, else would my servants fight." But some refuse to believe
that! The Kingdom which Jesus came to establish, and which He
did establish, was "made without hands." (Dan. 2:45)

The borders of that Kingdom cannot be extended with swrods,

14 BIBLE MONITOR

rifles, bombs or rockets. Only the "word of the gospel". I Peter 1:25
can further the cause of that eternal kingdom. For that word is "the
seed of the kingdom." (Luke 8:11).

Some people believe that Jesus will come back to the mount of
olives, enter "old Jerusalem" by the "Golden Gate" and set up His
kingdom upon earth. Their prediction of a terrible war, with blood
filling the Jesreel Valley, is gruesome enough: but to claim that
such a military battle will win the victory for the kingdom of Christ
is blasphemy which ignores every Scripture that shows the
spiritual nature of the kingdom. The kingdom of Christ is NOW.
Jesus reigns as King NOW. AND THOSE WHO BELONG TO HIM
Jesus reigns as King NOW. And those who belong to Him are
citizens in that kingdom NOW. And our battles are not to be fought
with bombs or bullets: "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal".
(II Cor. 10:3) "The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
(Eph. 6:17) is our only weapon.

"But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits
of them that slept. . . Every man in his own order: Christ the
firstfruits, afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then
cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom of
God, even the Father, when he shall have put down all rule, and
authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies
under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." (I
Cor. 15:20-26)

Christ is now reigning. He will not return to set up the kingdom,
but to deliver up the kingdom. He will not begin to reign when he
returns, he will reign until he returns. Friend, don't wait for the Lord
to come and set up the kingdom, but become a citizen in the
kingdom he set up more than 1900 years ago. Those who belong
to the Kingdom Church will be ready to be delivered up to the Father
when the Lord comes.

Brother Isaac Stoll

5605 Alta Vista St.

Sarasota, Florida 33582

•••••••

FRUITLESS BANISHMENT

In the days of severe persecution in England, a judge said to an
old saint: "I will banish you to America." "Very well," said she. "You
cannot send me out of my Father's country."

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NEW ITEMS

CLEARVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA

The Lord willing, we plan to have a two day meeting at Wards
Church, July 28 and 29. Brother David Kegerreis will be our
minister. Preaching will be at 7:30 Saturday evening and 10:00
Sunday morning. Please come and enjoy this time of fellowship
with us.

Brother Daniel Vance

SHREWSBURY, PENNSYLVANIA

The Shrewsbury Congregation is looking forward to our Revival
Meetings, August 5 through August 19. Bro. Leonard Wertz, from
Quinter, Kansas will be our evangelist. Pray forthese meetings, and
come and hear the Word of God. Services 7:30 each evening.

Our spring lovefeast was May 27, and we were happy for those
who came to enjoy the blessings of the day with us. We thank our
visiting ministers who came and shared the Word of God. Brethren
Virgil Leatherman, Emmert Shelly, Rudy Shaffer, Paul Hartz, Frank
Shaffer, Laverne Keeney and Allen Eberly. Bro. Ronald Marks
officiated in the evening.

Sister Fern Ness, Cor.
NOTE OF THANKS

We have just come to the close of our fifty-sixth General
Conference held at Roxbury, Pennsylvania. Again we were a
blessed people that we could gather together from far and near. The
meeting was well attended and God blessed us with beautiful
weather.

Since we did not get to the Conference last year, someone
thought of autograph books for my 70th birthday, and many of you
wrote in it. I want to thank you for it. It brought back to us many
precious memories and also those who remembered to send cards,
God bless you all.

Quite a number of you who were in your teens with us, grew up,
and now at this conference were carrying your grandchildren in
your arms. You are still upholding the faith once delivered to the
saints. Many have been the footprints that we have made through
the various congregations. There are also thoughts that are not so
pleasant and that is to think that some of the congregations are no
more.

Many of you know we have just celebrated our 50th Wedding
Anniversary, and many of you have taken part in it. We want to
thank each one of you for your prayers, gifts and cards. Thank you
again, May God abundantly bless and keep you.

Brother James M. and
Sister Amy M. Kegerreis

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR AUGUST, 1984

The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; By understanding
hath he established the heavens.

Wed. 1 - Prov. 1: 1-20
Thurs. 2 - Prov. 4: 1-27
Fri. 3- Prov. 7: 1-27
Sat. 4- Prov. 8: 1-23
Sun. 5 - Prov. 8: 24-36
Mon. 6 - Prov. 25: 1-13
Tues. 7 - Prov. 27: 1-27

Wed. Aug. 8 - Prov. 30: 1-16
Thurs. Aug. 9 - Prov. 30: 17-33
Fri. Aug. 10- Eccl. 1: 1-18
Sat. Aug. 11 - Eccl. 2: 1-11
Sun. Aug. 12 - Eccl. 2: 12-26
Mon. Aug. 13 - Eccl. 3: 1-22
Tues. Aug. 14- Eccl. 4: 1-16

Wed. Aug. 15- Eccl. 5: 1-7
Thurs. Aug. 16 - Eccl. 5: 8-20
Fri. Aug. 17- Eccl. 8: 1-17
Sat. Aug. 18- Eccl. 9: 1-18
Sun. Aug. 19- Eccl. 10: 1-20
Mon. Aug. 20 - Eccl. 11: 1-10
Tues. Aug. 21 - Eccl. 12: 1-14

Wed. Aug. 22- Isaiah 1: 1-17
Thurs. Aug. 23 - Isaiah 1: 17-31
Fri. Aug. 24- Isaiah 2: 1-11
Sat. Aug. 25- Isaiah 2: 11-22
Sun. Aug. 26- Isaiah 4: 1-6
Mon. Aug. 27 - Isaiah 5: 1-10
Tues. Aug. 28 - Isaiah 5: 11-25

Wed. Aug. 29 - Isaiah 6: 1-13
Thurs. Aug. 30 - Isaiah 8: 9-22
Fri. Aug. 31 - Isaiah 11: 1-9

COMES AS BREEZE

No doubt you have sat under the shade of some large tree on a
summer's day. Its long, drooping branches hung motionless, there
was not air enough stirring to move them. All at once there came a
faint murmur, the leaves above your head moved by a gentle current
of air; then the branches began to sway to and fro, the leaves all
became in motion, and now a soft, rustling sound filled the air. A
breeze of wind sprang up, and that was the cause of the motion in
the tree over your head. So it is, at times, in the experience of all who
are born of the Spirit; when in a state of spiritual stupor, scarcely
able to think a good thought, with heart empty and mind empty,
there comes the sound, the influence of the Divine presence. The
tongue is loosened, we are enabled to sing, to pray to speak. Before
this divine breeze came we were dry, barren and sapless.

Lester Fisher

4564 N. State Rte. 48

Covington, OH 45318

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL LXII AUGUST 1, 1984 NO. 15

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all

Scriptural in practice. the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

MY SOUL, BE ON THY GUARD

My soul, be on thy guard;

Ten thousand foes arise;

The hosts of sin are pressing hard

To draw Thee from the skies.

O watch, and fight, and pray;
The battle ne'er give o'er;
Renew it boldly ev'ry day,
And help divine implore.

Ne'er think the vict'ry won,
Nor lay thine armor down;
The work of faith will not be done,
Till thou obtain the crown.

Fight on, my soul, till death
Shall bring thee to thy God;
Hell take thee at thy parting breath,
To His divine abode.

- George Heath

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I DARE YOU

The story of David and Goliath is the first and best remembered
Bible story of childhood. Not only is it the story of one boy's bravery
when others were fearful and discouraged, it also is a moral
concerning the triumph of good over evil and the righteous over the
wicked . The Giant, who threatened to destroy the army of God's
people, was brought down in what seems a far away time and place,
yet, David's victory can be an encouragement to each of us.

Not only was Goliath an immense man but he threatened the
destruction of God's people. He would have conquered them if
possible. The Israelites were taken aback by the size and ferocity
of this champion of the Philistines. There was a lack of faith and
courage in the Israelite Army. They could not see any possibility
of victory over their enemy. But David, when he arrived on the battle
ground, was not taken aback at this man's boasts, rather he was
dismayed by the lack of faith and courage within Saul's army. They
were overwhelmed by a feeling of impending defeat.

Daily, Goliath hurled verbal challenges at Saul's army. He was
daring them to make their stand for their God. He not only dismissed
them but their God as well. This defiance of God grieved David. He
was disappointed that none would champion the cause of God. The
shepherd boy went forth to face the challenge.

Goliath's challenge was like the challenge faced by many today.
He was saying "I dare you." He was calling them, "yellow" or
"chicken." By many such words people are many times goaded into
doing many unwise things. The dare drives them to prove their
manhood, their daring or their ability. Usually the challenge is to
do some unrighteous deed. This is an especially effective way of
inticing young people into wrong. Not only the young, but even those

THE BIBLE MONITOR AUGUST 1, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Lithographing Co., Rt. 4,
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older also, fall for the dare and are led into ways pleasing to Satan.

A dare or challenge does not have to be slanted towards the evil.
The challenge can be to do good ratherthan evil. Instead of Goliath's
challenge or dare that was aimed at God, we should send forth a
challenge to young and old to dare to be different from the sur-
rounding world, to be godly in life and thought, to be kind and loving
and to be a witness to the lost and dying.

There are many challenges that the Christian must meet and
overcome. Satan should not be allowed to frighten and discourage
the Christian from doing what must be done. With Satan working
busily to lead every one of us off the straight and narrow way, we must
meet the challenge. We dare not be "chicken" enough to fall for his
trap. We do not need to prove our fortitude or courage; we need to
become dependent upon God for what we need in our lives. Having
His help, we should take the action that is necessary to do our part.

Can we meet the challenge to do what is right in the midst of a
crooked and perverse world? Can we dare to be different? There
were scores of Old Testament characters who did dare to be dif-
ferent. In the midst of a people who were often discouraged, defeated
and on the verge of heathenism, there were a few who dared to take
the unpopular stand that favored God instead of Satan. Some paid
dearly for their deeds but they are enrolled in the list of Heroes of
the Faith in Hebrews 11.

Today there is a need for Saints with the same kind of mettle and
desire, who will identify with the Church and hold her high rather
than tear her down. There is always a present need for those who will
live a disciplined Christian life. In the midst of an immodestly attired
world and a professed Christiandom that is little better, it becomes
a real challenge for Christians to dress according to the standards
that are Biblical. It is a real challenge to live a righteous life, when
professing Christians live much like the surrounding world and often
give the Church a disrespectful name. As we go about our lives, we
probably won't feel very much like a David, yet the enemy is
constantly hurling the challenge at us. Will we respond as David did?
We have the opportunity every day.

It is a challenge to us that we be found accepting the godly
challenge ratherthan Goliath's challenge. To accept God's challenge
will bring eternal life through His help while the other challenge will
bring eternal death and separation.

Will you live for God in all areas of your life, no matter how difficult
or misunderstood it may be? I dare you to.

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OVERCOMING THE LUST FACTOR

Have you ever watched men's eyes when a less than modestly
dressed girl walks by? Some men's eyes appear to be glued to her.
They seem to give a frank, admiring stare with no shame whatsoever.
They may even make some suggestive remark describing her.

We who claim to be a people of God are usually much more
discreet with our looks. At the first awareness that a scantily clad
female is nearby, our eyes immediately return to whatever we are
doing. After she walks past, we then quickly make a careful inspection
of the entire area to see if anyone is observing us. If the results of our
inspection prove favorable, we may then allow ourselves a few
glances, all the while pretending to be hard at work!

One problem we can't seem to overcome, however, is the guilt
which sweeps upon us after such an occasion. It doesn't seem to
matter that the glances are few and brief. The fact that we're "only
looking" does not prevent the guilt from coming. The rationalization
that it's not my fault, I can't help she dressed that way, does nothing
to ease ou r conscience. We may even try to blame God for putting the
basic drive in us! But Jesus Christ still teaches, 'That whosoever
looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed ad ultery with her
already in his heart." And He follows that with this gem, "And if thy
right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee..." (Matthew
5:28-29a). Our natural tendency is to become frustrated. We realize
that looking at women for sensual enjoyment is sin, and yet it is so
very enticing. What can be done to overcome this powerful desire
to look?

1. THANK GOD FOR THE DESIRES HE CREATED WITHIN US.
We need to be thankful that we do not desire other men. Be

grateful for eyes which can see. What's important is that we have a
proper attitude toward God and an appreciation for how He made us.
When we think that we're made of the dust of the ground, pretty girls
as well as homely ones, it boggles the mind to think there can be such
a strong temptation to look! Think about it. We have no problem
with lusting after mud. Did you ever hear of anyone taking a picture
of dust and carrying it around in his wallet so he can look at it every
breaktime? And yet God took the dust of the ground, rearranged a
few molecules, and we men can't seem to keep our eyes off His
creation! We can be truly thankful for being fearfully and wonderfully
made. (Psalms 139:14)

2. ASK GOD FOR HELP IN OVERCOMING THE PROBLEM.

The Bible teaches that you need to confess or acknowledge your
sin (Jeremiah 3:13, I John 1:9). Tell God about the problem of the
strong desire to look at women. Ask for strength to not yield to the
lust of the eye. Realize that Satan is the one who gets the victory each

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time you yield.

3. MEMORIZE VERSES AND REPEAT THEM OUT LOUD WHEN
FACING TEMPTATION.

Scripture brings out great truths about this problem. For example,
one solution is to simply watch the road so intently when driving
through town that we see nothing on either side. When our determi-
nation to do this weakens on an unusually hot summer day when
temptation is on every sidewalk, repeat over and over out loud
Proverbs 4:25, "Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look
straight before thee." This verse was written for today!

Another truth is to realize that we were buried with Jesus Christ
by baptism. We are to be dead to sin. Imagine taking a dead man and
propping him against a wall — tying him up so he doesn't fall over.
Now bring in the scantily clad daughter of Herodias and have her do
her dancing. What would be the reaction of our dead man? This is to
be the same reaction we have toward immodesty. In our walk with
Jesus Christ, we are to be totally dead to sin. So as we're faced with
the temptation to lust, repeat out loud Romans 6:1 -10, which contains
these truths.

There is something powerful about going over scripture out loud. I
have found in my own life that i can't look and recite scripture out
loud at the same time. If I repeated scripture out loud, I couldn't look.
And if I looked, somehow I couldn't recite scripture. Just going over
verses in my thoughts didn't seem to have as much power as saying
them out loud. Reciting verses out loud requires more concentration
and an effort — we need to move our mouths, our tongues, and our
voice boxes. So to overcome lust, memorize scripture and recite it out
loud when under temptation.

4. SHARE THE PROBLEM WITH A SPIRITUAL PERSON IN
AUTHORITY.

Suppose a person thanks God for the way he is made, confesses
and repents of his sin of lust, and memorizes the scripture — and yet
does not overcome the sin. There is yet one more step to take. Seek
out someone, whom you can trust, who is a spiritual authority. If
possible, this person could be a father, or minister, or someone to
confide in. Share the problem with that person and ask them to pray
for you.

For some reason, we seem to take a straighter walk when account-
able to someone else. When we know that next Sunday our father is
going to ask how we're making out with the lust factor in our life, it
tends to help our eyes stay focused on the road! I believe that
many times, the reason for failure is our unwillingness to share our
weaknesses with a responsible spiritual confidant. We need to ask
someone to pray for us in our struggle to overcome lust.

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As we fight the battle of lust, remember that overcoming temptation
builds faith, God has promised that He will not allow us to be tempted
above that we are able, but with the temptation will also make a way
of escape. Remember that our permanent home is not on this earth.
"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne."
(Revelation 3:21).

Brother Robert Lehigh

ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

"Drinking"

I can imagine when you read the heading on this article, your first
reaction was.... this doesn't apply to me! I would pray that would be
true from the standpoint of defiling your body, the temple of the Holy
Spirit. But, unfortunately, with all of the pressures of society on old
and young alike, I know this will apply to many of you.

Drinking is one of the hazards or roadblocks that Satan is putting
before Christian people. As Christians, we are somewhat like cars...
being driven and energized by the Holy Spirit. And just like a car
might hit a hazardous place in the road, so we are going to run into
Satan. Some people try to fill their tank with the fuel of alcohol rather
than filling it up with the Holy Spirit.

I am reminded of a story of a farmer who won a car but had never
seen one before. When he got the car delivered to him, he hitched up
his horse to the bumper and rode in style. Sometimes we try to hook
up the horse of the flesh to our lives and allow ourselves to be
hauled around by it.

In Ephesians 5 we learn that before we can be filled with the Spirit of
God, we must give up ALL drinking.

In America, there are over twenty million alcoholics. Joy is being
looked for in a bottle. And, let there be no doubt about it, God wants
YOU to be happy and joyful. But He wants you to find the resource of
joy in the right way. He wants it to be in Him... not by any artificial
means. Frustrated people in our day many times get themselves into
a drunken stupor so they won't have to face the ci rcumstances before
them. Drugs serve the same purpose. People are seeking a form of
escape and their solution simply adds to the problem. Intoxication
is never the remedy for the cares of life.

I would also like to establish another fact... and that is that
alcoholism is not a disease! It is just plain sin. It is something which
has to be dealt with as sin. And you need only to look into God's Word
to see its association with tragedy. Noah became drunk and in his
nakedness acted shamelessly. Lot became drunk and his daughters
committed incest with him. Nabal became drunk and at a crucial time,
God took his life. Elah became drunk and was murdered by Zimri.

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Belshazzar became drunken and his kingdom was ripped right out
from under him. Drinking is always associated with terrible things...
unrestrained living, immorality, wrecklessness and wild behavior. It
also disqualifies a person from spiritual service.

If you have a problem with drinking, God can and will deliver you.
We serve a God of miracles. Being Spirit filled will offer you the
solution for which you seek. Isa. 1:18 says: "Though your sins be as
scarlet, they can become as white as snow; though they be red
like crimson, they shall be as wool."

Paul deals with drinking by contrasting paganism with Christianity.
The pagans actually believed that to commune with the gods, you had
to put yourself in a drunken stupor. It is not so much different in
the Payote church of the Navajo lands of New Mexico and Arizona
today. It was at the root of the Greek and Roman mythological
religious system, Eastern mysticism, and occultism.

The god of Greek mythology was named Zeus. He gave birth to
Dionysius who became the god to control the earth, they said. The
worship of him was characterized by wild music, dancing madly,
sexual perversion and drunkenness. So, Dionysius became known as
the god of wine.

When Paul tells us not to drink wine, he is NOT merely dealing with a
social problem. He is dealing with a theological one at the same time.

The Corinthian church always had a hard time cutting themselves
off from the evil system. They couldn't totally divorce themselves from
the world and managed to drag some of the paganism into the
church. They had even corrupted the Lord's supper. They were
eating and drinking unworthily and apparently had brought drunken-
ness to the Lord's table.

Should Christians ever use alcoholic beverages? A survey taken
recently showed that eight-one percent of all Roman Catholics and
sixty-four percent of all protestants drink. This might even sneak into
some aspects of some conservative churches. But we would like to
establish that it belongs to the former life.

Proverbs tells us that wine is a mocker, A drinker is deceived. In
the twenty-third chapter is an interesting description of drunken-
ness. This person has sorrow, contentions, wounds, immorality and
sickness.

Over in Isa. 28, God gives a scathing indictment against Ephraim...
the children of the Lord. The people lost their proper perspective
towards God because they were drunk. Even the priest and prophet
were drunk. The Bible states, "For all the tables are full of vomit and
filthiness, so that there is no place clean."

To be continued
Brother Leonard Wertz

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AFRAID

Sometimes it is easier to fear than to face the issue and do
something about it. It is easier to fear than to act. For example,
when Jesustoldthedisciplestocastthenetontheotherside, itwould
have been easier to say, "Why should we try anymore?" !t would
have made more sense to argue and not act, rather than risk another
failure. But for them as for us, obedience brought success. Facing
the issue and overcoming the obstacle turned them away from fear of
failure unto a greater faith in Christ.

Fear can be used as an excuse not to do the things we should. "I'm
afraid I can't do it right." "It's too hard; I can't do it." Saying "I can't"
may really mean "I don't want to." Think of Moses when God called
him to lead Israel. He made several excuses, thinking God would give
the job to someone else. But, in effect, God told Moses, "Don't be
afraid of failure. I'll see to it that you succeed." The task was still
Moses', not someone else's.

When we think matters through, common sense will get rid of most
fears, as we'll realize how foolish and unfounded they are. Unreason-
able fears are called phobias, and sometimes special counseling is
needed to overcome those. But whether it's a special fear or a more
ordinary one, God says, "Fear not." "Don't be afraid; trust Me; trust
My Spirit to guide you."

Fear is like a trap, but faith and trust sets us free. Fear paralyzed
Peter when he was walking on the water, and the result was he
began to sink. His fear of the boisterous wind overwhelmed his trust
in the Lord. Elijah had experienced God's care in many ways, but fear
took over when Jezebel threatened him. Fear brought both men much
distress, and it took special help from God to overcome this.

"For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee,
Fear not; I will help thee." Isa. 41:13. It is human nature to fear,
especially in situations where we don't know what to expect. But we
don't need to be afraid because God has promised to help us. He
knows our weaknesses and wants to help us if we look to Him. With
God's help, we can succeed and complete the task which is ours.

Fear kept many Jewish people from publicly confessing their faith
in Christ. Nicodemus came at night to talk with Jesus. Joseph
of Arimathaea was a secret disciple (see John 1 9:38-39). The parents
of the man born blind were afraid to speak out after Jesus healed him.
Sometimes we too are afraid to stand up for what we know is right.
Or when the outcome is uncertain, we are afraid to take a step of faith
and follow the Lord's leading anyhow. Yet Jesus said, "Don't be
afraid." That is a reminder that we can trust Him to take care of us, no
matter what the situation is.

"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy

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name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be
with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when
thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall
the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One
of Israel." Isa. 43:1-3. No matter what comes our way, He will be
with us. Whatever task is ours, God will grant us sufficient strength
to complete that task. God is not limited, so don't limit Him by
doubting. Trust Him — don't be afraid.

Sister Eileen Broadwater

THE ONE WAY TO HEAVEN

John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the
life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me."

Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither
bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in
Christ Jesus."

The subject we wish to look at is very controversial. We write in
love and understanding for those who disag ree with our thoughts. We
confess our lack of intelligence but we hope that the Holy Spirit
provides us with wisdom. If anyone feels we are "riding a hobby
horse" we apologize for our lack of wisdom in this area. Our desire
is not to bring discord among the Brethren, but to contend for the
faith.

While we do not believe our Brethren who follow "Scofield
theology" are strict dispensationalists, we are concerned with two
areas in particular which this theology teaches. The one that seems
close to blasphemy to us is that "Christ offered the Kingdom to the
Jews. When they refused the offer Ch rist changed his mind and went to
the cross!" This is part of the "postponed kingdom" theology. We
realize all dispensationalists do not accept this. The other area of
concern is the possibility of offering the Jewish people salvation
outside of the Church.

We wish to look at Romans the 11th chapter. This chapter, more
than any other, is used to "prove" dispensational teaching. Again
we repeat, if our thoughts are in error we ask the forgiveness of God
and man.

We believe that Paul expresses the major thought of this chapter
in the very first verse. "I say then, Hath God cast away his people?
God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the
tribe of Benjamin." Paul tells us that he is definitely a Jew (an
Israelite). He tells us that God has not cast away his people but gives
them the same opportunity that He gave to him. (We wish to insert at
this point that we can not possibly quote all the scriptures in this
chapter without making this writing entirely too long. We urge you to

10 BIBLE MONITOR

read the 11th chapter of Romans.)

Verses 2 to 12 deal with the fact that Israel was blinded so that
salvation could come to the Gentiles. We do not profess to have
complete understanding on this subject. But it seems clear to us
that Paul is quoting the Old Testament. Therefore, when Paul says
they were blinded "unto this day" (in verse 8) he is not speaking about
his time and certainly not about today. We also believe that salvation
was always available to everyone. But we believe that what is being
referred to is the fact that in the Old Testament era Gentiles would
have been considered "second class citizens" and not allowed to
hold office.

Verse 13 tells us that Paul is speaking to the Gentiles, not primarily
to the Jews. Verse 14 tells us that Paul's desire is to "provoke to
emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them."
Paul wishes to give his fellow Jews the same opportunity that Jesus
Christ gave to him on the road to Damascus. Verses 15 to 25 deal with
the fact that Israel was broken off because of unbelief (verse 20). We
feel verse 23 is important enough to quote. "And they also, if they
abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graff
them in again." In the previous verse (verse 22) God warned the
Gentile believers that they, too, would be cut off if they did not
continue in the faith. (We believe this is the current interpretation of
"which fell.") Eternal security teachers will tell you this has nothing to
do with personal salvation. The only alternative we can think of
is that God would annul His gift of salvation through the shed blood
of Jesus Christ. Such thinking approaches blasphemy in our opinion!

Verses 25 and 26 are the key verses in dispensational thought.
Verse 25 tells us that Israel was blinded "until the fulness of the
Gentiles come in." Is this time fulfilled or yet to come? We can not
take the space to enter into this as f ul ly as we would like to. But briefly,
most Bible scholars would agree that the Old Testament contained
two groups of people, Jews and Gentiles. Our opening verse,
Galatians 3:28 could read, "there is neither Jew nor Gentile" (rather
than Greek) without changing its meaning. Verse 23 of this chapter
reads, "But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up
unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed." Paul then goes
on to say we were under a schoolmaster before this faith came but
now we are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. He concludes
this chapter with (verse 29) "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye
Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." This, we
believe, is the "fulness of the Gentiles come in."

We will only have space for one more verse in Romans 11. The most
controversial verse of all, verse 26. "And so all Israel shall be saved: as
it is written, There shall come out of sion the Deliverer, and shall turn
away ungodliness from Jacob:" All are in agreement that this refers to

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the Lord Jesus Christ. What is not agreed upon is when this will (or
has) happened. We believe the answer is found in the very first
verse of this chapter. "All Israel" will be saved the same way the
Apostle Paul was saved according to him. How was he saved? By
repenting, being baptized and receiving the finished work of Jesus
Christ and allowing the blood of Christ to wash away his sins. (See
Acts chapters 9 and 22.) He also told us inverse 14 that this chapter
was written that it might "save some of them (Jews)". To interpret verse
26 to mean God is going to save an entire nation is doing injustice to
the rest of the chapter.

All Jews, past, present, and future are ultimately saved by the shed
blood of Jesus Christ. All Gentiles are saved in exactly the same way.
There is only ONE WAY to Heaven. Whether you are Jew or Gentile
we invite you to accept the gift of God to all mankind. The time
to do so is now. We see no hope for you after the return of Christ or
death, which ever comes first in your case.

Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch Street
Palmyra, PA 17078

• •• • • ••

WAITING SHARK

One day, while a vessel was sailing in the Pacific Ocean, along the
Mexican coast, a person on board noticed what seemed to be a long,
sharp, pointed knife, rising above the surface and cutting the water,
while it kept along with the ship for an hour or more. On looking
closer, the observer saw that it was the fin of a shark rising from his
back. This creature was following the ship, ready to catch any poor
sailor who might fall overboard. It was very large, and had cold,
cruel eyes, which watched as the monster glided noiselessly along.
Thus the Devil follows men and women, watching an opportunity to
make them his prey.

• •• • • ••

SATAN SURVEYS US

An enemy, before he besieges a city, surrounds it at a distance to
see where the wall is the weakest, where it will be best to batter,
where it is the lowest for scaling, where it may be approached with
the least danger, and where assault will be to the best advantage. So
the Devil surveys us soul and body, in order that he may tempt us at
the weakest point. Thus he discovers whether our understandings
are easier corrupted with error, or our fancies with levity, or our wills
with forwardness, or our affections with sinful excess.

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SIXTY YEARS AGO

August 1, 1924

FAITH AND TRUTH

J. L. Switzer

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (II Cor. 5:7)

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of
things not seen." (Heb. 11:1)

"For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of this mouth cometh knowledge
and understanding." (Prov. 2:6)

"Wise men lay up knowledge." (Prov. 10:14) How? By accepting
these statements as the truth. Hence faith isthefundamental principle
of all knowledge. Not one grain of knowledge do we get from any
source, except by faith. Now, before we go further, I think of one of
Josh Billings' sayings: "I would rather my boy would not know so
much, than to know so much that ain't so."

Faith is a principle, not alone peculiar to the Bible, it's a universal,
fundamental principle of intelligence; and there is faith in that which is
not so, as well as faith in that which is. Hence, faith in order to become
wisdom and knowledge to us, must be united with truth. Do you see
the wise provision of Jesus when he said: "I am the Way, the Truth"?
And again: "Thy word is Truth."

What is faith without truth? A snare, a destroyer, a delsion. The
heathen has faith. He lives by it. If we are justified by faith only,
why go as missionaries? If we believe a lie what is the consequence,
according to Paul? (II Thess. 2:11)

Then faith in lies is not safe. Mother Eve had too much faith in the
one who told her she should not die. So we, as well as she may have
too much faith. Let us see how dependent we are upon faith. Mentally
we are almost nothing else, we are composed almost entirely of it.
How does a child learn, — learn at home, — at schools, learn history,
geography, learn anything? By faith in what it is taught.

It is the same with men. Without faith, — impossible. That is the
sum total; impossible to please God; impossible to please parent,
teacher, pastor; impossible to know, to do, to learn, to be, to grow
in grace. Paul says: "We walk by faith." I will add, we talk by faith, we
write by faith; we are housed up in faith, we are reared by faith,
environed by faith; so that faith is our mental atmosphere, our meat
and drink and the body, soul and costume of the mind and heart. It
makes us what we are, prevents us from being anythi ng else than what
we are, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he."

How careful God was to give precise instructions to the Israelitish
parentforthe instruction of his children. Why? Because the credulity
and trust of the child must have Truth to feed upon in order to grow up

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into a sound antl healthy body of Divinity. "Train up a child in the way
he should go." Feed his mind with fact. "Bring him up in the nurture
and admonition of the Lord." Canaan was destroyed. Why? Because
the mind and heart of the Tribes were so poisoned by mythology
and falsehood that they broiled their little babes in the arms of Moloch,
and danced and shouted around them in revelry to drown their
piercing cries, and then finished the jubilee with all manner of lewd
and lustful practices. So poisoned were they with error that cure was
impossible, and subjugation, to prevent their fiendish cruelties, a
necessity. Ingersol said: "God should have sent them missionaries
instead of soldiers." Ah, yes. God had sent them missionaries, times
without number, but missionaries were rejected, persecuted and
murdered. Love, entreaty, pleadings and mercy were rejected and
powerless to reach them. There was no longer an element of sense or
reform left to work upon; the whole head was sick. The whole heart
perverted and faint. The poison of idolatry had corrupted every fiber,
and death must follow. God knew this. He had tried every other way.

Ingersol presumed to teach God; but he did not practice his own
philosophy. The Colonel went soldiering down South to free the
slaves. Why didn't he go as a missionary? Nothing but conquest
could wipe out southern slavery. Nothing but conquest could cure the
heathen darkness of Canaan. God is wiser and more consistent than
men, and the only right way under heaven for us is to believe God's
word. Then we possess the right kind of faith.

How grand was that reply of our sister, "I dress plainly because God
says I shall." How significant was the judgment of a worldling at the
great Centennial Exhibition, "There goes a virtuous woman." She was
dressed in modest apparel. I have often wondered why the church
should not make provision to have her members clothed in harmony
with the Gospel, as well as to have them fed by it, or in harmony with it.
Are not these supplies of food and raiment the best for us?

Clothes do not make the Christian. No, but the Christian should
make the clothes. Which pattern shall we cut them by, Christ or the
devil? The pattern of holy women of old, or the patterns of harlots of
Paris? "The Lord giveth wisdom; out of his mouth cometh knowledge
and understanding." Well said, Solomon!

After gazing for years upon the shameful and outlandish manipu-
lations that proceed from Sodom, I am constrained to believe the
Lord a bettertailorand dressmakerthan the best in Paris. And I firmly
believe that if a sheep insist upon going to the devil for its wool, the
church should leave the ninety and nine and go out after that sheep.
I furthermore believe that the church that does not do so is not doing
as Jesus did, will soon be as spotted as a leopard, and as raw in its
drill as a band of butternuts of fifty years ago.

Bro. Miller speaks of an old Proverb: "See Rome and die." With the

14 BIBLE MONITOR

Christian, at the risk of using a slang phrase, I will say: "See the
Fashion Plates and Die", unless the church hasacareforherchildren:
"For if ye live after the flesh ye shall die, but if ye through the spirit do
mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." (Rom. 8:13).

Faith must feed upon Truth. The word of God is truth. The
Church is the Ground and Pillar of the Truth. The Church is the visible
representative of the body of Christ upon earth. Its members are
brethren, sons of God, children of God, heirs of God, brethren and
sisters of the Lord Jesus Christ, holy and beloved, sanctified, washed,
a bride, cleansed; and "Jerusalem which is above is the mother of us
all."

Do we not do well, therefore, to have a fervent love and zealous care
for one another? What would our Father say? What does our Mother
say? What does our Elder Brother say? Aye! What do they ail
say? What have they said, over and over again and again? "Love as
Brethren." "Be pitiful; be courteous." "Be kindly, affectioned one to
another with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another."

"So we being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members
one of another." "Restore the erring one in the spirit of meekness."
"Bear ye one anothers burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." "But
if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed
one of another." "Mark them which cause divisions among you."
"Keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace." "Teaching and
admonishing one another."

"See that none render evil for evil unto any man." "Count him not as
an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." "But if he will not hear the
church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man a publican." And then
too, "Let the churches hear what the spirit saith unto the churches."

Remember Lot's wife, and Sodom, and Ephesus, and Smyrna, and
Pergamos, and Thyatira, and Laodecea.

•••••••

DISAPPOINTED DOVE

A boy who had a dove so tame that it would perch upon his
shoulder and take food from his hand, one day held out a tempting
morsel, but, as the boy was in an illnatured mood, he closed his
hand just as the dove was about to eat the food. The bird turned
away disappointed. Again the boy held out his hand. The dove
came forward timidly, but again the hand was closed. With
drooping wings the dove went to the further corner of the room.
Once more the hand was extended. This time the bird hesitated.
Finally it came forward, slowly, hesitantingly. It was just about to
take the food when the hand was again closed. Then the dove
spread its wings and flew away. The boy never saw that dove again.

BIBLE MONITOR 15

MARRIAGE

Sis. Melody D. Stump, granddaughter of Delma and Barbara Stump
of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania and Bro. Dean W. Miller, son of John
and Charlene Miller near Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania were married
May 12, 1984 near Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. Bro. John Peffer had the
meditation and Elder Jacob Ness officiated in the marriage ceremony.
Dean and Melody are living at R. 2 Box 332, Seven Valleys, Pennsyl-
vania 17360.

NEWS ITEMS

BROADWATER CHAPEL, MARYLAND
The Lord willing, the Broadwater Chape! Congregation looks
forward to a week's revival meeting, July 29 through August 5. The
Lovefeast will be held Saturday, August 4.

Bro. Otto Harris of Ridge, West Virginia will be our evangelist. Come
and enjoy these meetings with us.

Sister Lavona Sines, Cor.

A NOTE OF THANKS
We want to express our appreciation to all that remembered us over
the past several weeks. We thank you for all the cards, gifts and visits.
Most of all, we thank you for all the prayers on our behalf. What a
blessing it is to have Christian friends to help lighten a heavy load.
Continue to pray for us.

In Christian Love,

Bro. & Sis. Timothy Siegrist

THANK YOU
I would like to thank all our friends and loved ones for the kind help
and prayerful support after my accident. AN of the gifts, cards and
visits were much appreciated. My hand is healing very well though I
will have one more operation. Thank you.

Brother Melvin, Barbara
and Erin Marks

WAYNESBORO, PENNSYLVANIA
The Lord willing, the Waynesboro Congregation plans a Revival
from September 2 to September 9. Our evangelist will be Bro. Fred
Pifer, Dallas Center, Iowa.
We invite all who can to come and worship with us.

Sister Wilma Eberly, Cor.

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DIRECTORY OF BOARDS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dale E. Jamison, Chairman
Guinter, Kansas 67752

Ray R. Reed, Secretary
Box 12, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063

Warren C. Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057

GENERAL MISSION BOARD

Joseph E. Flora, Chairman

R. 3 Box 12, Adel, Iowa 50003

Hayes Reed, Secretary

1433 Overholtzer Dr.

Modesto, CA 95355
William Carpenter, Treasurer

8012 Cavender Street

Morenci, Michigan 49256

Harley Rush

R, 1, Converse, Indiana 46919

Galen Litfin

1314 East 7th St,
Newberg, Oregon 97132

Dale Jamison
Quinter, Kansas 67752

Jacob C. Ness
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403

Frank Shaffer
13092 Grant Shook Rd.
Greencastle, PA 17225

BOARD OF PUBLICATION

Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

Jacob C. Ness, Secretary
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403

H. Edward Johnson, Treasurer
5-13Q7-S.H. 108
Wauseon, Ohio 43567

Allen B. Eberiy
R. 3
Ephrata, PA 17522

Warren C. Smith
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057

BIBLE STUDY BOARD

Eugene Kauffman, Chairman
R. 6 Box 51
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801

Dennis St. John, Secretary
R. 1 Box 108
Bryan, Ohio 43506

Warren C. Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057

Rudolph Cover
2034 Roble Avenue
Modesto, California 95351

Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340

RELIEF BOARD

Boyd Wyatt, Chairman

4925 Tegner Rd.

Hughson, CA 95326

(209) 883-4138
Newton Jamison, Secretary

512 Garfield

Quinter, Kansas 67752

(913) 754-3433

Kyle Reed, Treasurer
R. 1, Box 4
Minburn, Iowa 50167
(515) 677-2467

Virgil Leatherman

419 N. Queen St.

Littlestown, PA 17340

(717) 359-5753
Robert Carpenter

R. 5, Box 97

Peru, Indiana 46970

(317) 395-7879

TORREON NAVAJO MISSION

David Skiles, Superintendent
R. 2, Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013

Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

Kyle Reed, Secretary
R. 1 Box 4
Minburn, Iowa 50167

Newton Jamison, Treasurer
Quinter, Kansas 67752

Harley Fiory

R. 4, Defiance, Ohio 43512

Ail contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury, but
sent to the Secretary for his records.

Lester Fisher

4664 N. State Rte. 48

Covington, OH 45313

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL. LXII AUGUST 15, 1984 NO. 16

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all

Scriptural in practice. the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

COME, LET US SEARCH OUR WAYS

Come, let us search our ways and see,
Have they been just ^nd right?
Is the great rule of equity
Our practice and delight?

What we would have our neighbor do,
Have we still done the same,
From others ne'er withheld the due
Which we from others claim?

So we, in all we sell or buy,
Integrity maintain?
And knowing God is always night,
Renounce unrighteous gain?

Then may we raise our modest prayer
To God, the just and kind;
May humbly cast on him our care,
And hope his grace to find.

— Isaac Watts

BIBLE MONITOR

ALMOST AND ALTOGETHER

With this rather strange phrase, Paul invites Agrippa to become a
Christian. Although Paul was the prisoner and Agrippa the king, he
was the freer of the two. He wished for Agrippa the same freedom
he had. Although he was behind bars and perhaps in stocks, he
was freer than the king who had the power to free him or detain
him. So Paul could wish that Agrippa would be like himself. He
could wish him to be not almost like him, except for his fetters, but
altogether like him in Spiritual life.

There are many things about Agrippa that could have impressed
Paul. Agrippa was king. He had power, even over Paul's freedom.
He was a man learned in the customs and beliefs of the Jews. Paul
could have deferred to Agrippa, instead he wished him to be a
Christian. Paul knew that power, position, education or even
philanthropy or good-will could not be substituted for the plan of
salvation. Agrippa must make that altogether change if he were to
be a Christian. He could not be half and half. He could not be a
"fence-sitter." Today there are many who might "almost" be
Christians but they refuse to be "altogether" Christians. God will
not accept that almost choice. Joshua said to choose you this day
whom ye will serve. Elijah castigated the people for halting
between two opinions at Carmel. Jesus said a man could not have
two masters. There cannot be total service to both, either one or
the other will predominate.

Many today want to live in a grey shaded area. They do not want
to take a stand for black and white. They want to compromise. But
we find that the Bible writers were not grey men but men who
stood for the Truth. The Apostle John spoke very boldly, not
allowing a grey area to creep in to weaken the witness of truth. The
other writers are just as bold in presenting truth. Jesus could be

THE BIBLE MONITOR AUGUST 15, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Lithographing Co., Rt. 4,
Wauseon, Ohio 43567.

Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio
43567.

Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance.

Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.
MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th St., Beaumont, CA 92223
ROBERT S. LEHIGH, Assistant Editor; R. 4 Box 4427, Spring Grove, PA

17362
JACOB C. NESS, Associate Editor; 136 Homeland Road, York, PA

17403
RUDY COVER, Associate Editor; 2034 Roble Ave., Modesto, CA 95351

BIBLE MONITOR

very meek and mild but yet we never find Him softening truth or
denying His own Godly self.

Today living in a very cosmopolitan world we are apt to hedge a
little on the truth and the standard of righteousness. We do not
wish to offend anyone so we lessen the intent of the Word that
feelings not be hurt. Can truth do its work if it is diluted?

There are many ways the world and "almost" Christians have
had an effect on the message and standard of the Church.
Something a little less than the standard is accepted, so the
standard itself is weakened. Even the weakened standard will be
attacked and weakened even more as the influence of the world
and the "almost" Christian is continued.

One of the examples of this weakened standard is in the area of
modesty. Because the world's standard of modesty is low or even
non-existent, the Christian may very easily lower his own standard.
The clothes that were judged to be indecent a few years before
become acceptable because they are now "more modest" than the
world's current fad.

Can anything be said to be modest which is less than the Biblical
standard of modesty? When we consider modesty we must look at
all parts of the clothing and body arrangement, not just one area.
Modesty is promoted by all the doctrines given pertaining to
personal appearance. This modesty is not often to be found today
even in most Churches.

The hair has a part in modesty. The woman's hair is given to be
uncut and done up in a way that allows the prayer covering to be
placed over it. The man's hair is to be cut short and uncovered in
time of worship. Modesty is found in the face that is not altered by
cosmetics. To change the features that are God-given is to be
immodest for He has designed our features according to His desire
which is modest. The body is to be covered so its form and shape
are covered. Because the world's styles tend to show more and
more of the human body, Christians sometimes feel that they can
wear clothing that while immodest in past times would not be
considered so suggestive in these liberated times. The guidelines
for modesty are valid not only for women but also for men.

Other areas of the Christian life are also in danger of being
compromised away. It behooves the Christian to be careful in
what he allows in his own life and in what he finds pleasure in the
lives of others. Christians dare not be like Agrippa, almost
Christians. They must be altogether Christians like Paul. Which
kind are you?

It is the will, and not the gift that makes the giver. — Lessing.

BIBLE MONITOR

NATURES COURSE

"Let nature take its course/' "Do what comes naturally." You've
heard these comments, no doubt, and maybe even used such
statements yourself. They indicate if you follow your natural
inclinations that things will come out all right. If nature is allowed
to take its course, the situation will get better without help, but will
it? The answer is no and this is a very poor philosophy to follow.

Think a moment about what man's nature is. In the plant and
animal kingdom, nature will generally work things out if allowed to,
but not so in the human race. Man's nature is to sin, not to do good.
Man's natural inclination is to go against God's will for his life. In
short, man's true nature since sin entered in is to do just about
anything except what God intended.

It is common knowledge that you don't have to teach a child to
lie. Instead, you must teach that lying is wrong. The child already
knows how to lie, and if nature is allowed to take its course, the
lying will get worse, not better. So it is with sin in general. Because
the sin-nature is within man, it is natural to sin until, and unless,
Christ is given control.

One basic problem we all have starts with an untamed tongue.
"And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue
among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on
fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell." James 3:6.
The tongue reveals our true nature quicker than anything else.
Unless Christ has control, the tongue will be out of control.

"Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in
the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the
mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others."
Eph. 2:3. Our nature is to do as we please, both in our natural and
our spiritual lives. It isn't natural for us to put others first, nor to
seek God's approval for our lives. Generally, we do what we want
to, whether others like it or not.

There is only one way for this sin-nature and selfish living to be
changed. That is through Christ. Until He transforms us, the old
nature will rule, and this nature will take its course. "But the
natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they
are foolishness unto him." I Cor. 2:14a. The natural man isn't
interested in spiritual things, and truly needs a change of heart in
order to please God.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by
the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good,
and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Rom. 12:2. Man's old
nature and the course it takes will conform him to this world. But
the new nature makes a whole new life possible. A transformation
takes place which will be visible to all, a change which points
mankind to God.

BIBLE MONITOR

"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that
pertain unto life and godliness -- that by these ye might be
partakers of the divine nature." From II Peter 1:3-4. Man needs the
divine nature to take over in his life, but his own efforts to change
will not accomplish this. Through God's power is the only way
man's heart can be changed, and this in turn changes the course of
his life.

Man's nature leads him to a life of sin and separation from God.
When he receives the divine nature, this leads him to a Godly life
and close fellowship with God. Which nature is taking its course in
your life?

Sister Eileen Broadwater

ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

DRINKING
Part 2

God forbids drinking. In the book of Hosea we find it linked with
adultery and prostitution. Any act of drunkenness or drinking, no
matter how minimal, is a violation of God's standard of living in the
Spirit.

When we hear people say that there was some wine drunk in
Bible times this is true. But let's understand something about it
before we make judgments. The most common word for New
Testament wine is OINOS and this simply refers to the juice of the
grape. SHAKER is the Old Testament Hebrew word for wine and it
is a term denoting very strong drink ... as we see today.

New Testament wine was usually mixed with water. It most
always refers to the thick, unintoxicating syrup or jam produced by
boiling to make it storable. Boiling causes evaporation of the
liquid and when the liquid was gone, the fermentation capacity
was lost and it could be stored.

According to Pliny, the Roman historian, this thick syrup was
then dissolved in water and became a drink. There is NO WAY that
wine drinking can be defended today on the basis that they drank
wine in Bible times . . . unless you drink the same unintoxicating
thing that they used.

In the Word, wine that was unmixed with water to dilute it was
considered barbaric. Even a half and half mixture was considered
strong drink and was unacceptable. The dilution would have been
no more than 2.25 to 2.75 percent alcohol which in America would
not even be considered an alcoholic beverage.

Besides, in that time it was sometimes necessary to drink more
purified liquids, but today it is totally past necessity.

In Leviticus 10 the priests were told in verses 8-11, "Do not drink

BIBLE MONITOR

wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go
into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die." They were
called to be separate and on a high level of devotion just as we are
as priests. God wanted their minds clean, clear and pure. He wants
ours the same way.

The Nazarite vow disallowed the use of alcohol. That vow was
the highest act of consecration that a Jew could make.

Jesus said in Matt. 11:11 that John the Baptist was the greatest
man who ever lived and according to Luke 1:15, he drank neither
wine nor strong drink. He was a TOTAL abstainer!

Read in Amos 2 and Jeremiah 35 and see the contrast in allowing
any wine to reach the lips and total abstinance. Has God lowered
His standards for us today? To even touch the unclean thing is sin.
(II Cor. 6:17) The best choice is TOTAL ABSTINENCE.

Pastors are to be blameless, not given to wine. The greek
meaning there is "being beside wine. n That is away from it.

Have we been strong enough? Heb. 2:15 says if you get your
neighbor drunk, God is going to spew on you and make you drink
His cup of judgment.

There is great mental destruction in drinking. One-fourth of the
patients admitted into mental hospitals have alcoholic problems. It
defiles the body . . . causing destruction of the liver. Over forty-one
percent of all violent deaths are alcohol related. Seventy-three
percent of the drivers responsible for accidents are under the
influence of alcohol. It is deadly!

It can well become a stumbling block to the weak and that is
another sin. (See Romans 14:13) If we are to cultivate
righteousness, peace and joy, if we are going to build up others
and not tear them down, we will practice total abstinence.

A drink will also ruin your testimony to others. You will lose your
witness. You must let the world see that there is a total difference
in being a Christian. If you can't do something with a completely
free conscience, believing with all your heart that it is right, don't
do it! If you do, you will push yourself deeper into self
condemnation and self imposed guilt and that, too, is wrong.
Conscience is a tool by which God convicts you. If you violate
your conscience again and again, you will build up so much scar
tissue that when God wants to convict you in a sensitive area, you
won't even feel it!

So then, as we bring to a conclusion the matter of drinking
alcoholic beverages for any reason, let us walk as the wise . . . that
we might be prepared for the glorious coming of the Lord Jesus
Christ and that we might spend eternity with Him. Would you trade
that for a little wine?

Brother Leonard Wertz

BIBLE MONITOR

TRUE UNITY IN CHRIST

John 17:1 1 "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in
the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine
own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one,
as we are." (Prayer of Jesus Christ.)

According to a report we read, the Pope recently addressed an
assembly of the World Council of Churches. According to this
report, he told them that unity can only come by recognizing him
as the head of the church.

While Brethren are not actually Protestants, the Anabaptist
movement actually pre-dates the Protestant Reformation and can
be traced back to the New Testament Church, we do hold them up
as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. However, we cannot have
complete unity with them because they historically refused to
completely come out of Roman Catholicism, a false religion. Un-
fortunately, much of modern Brethren worship practices and
theology is more Protestant than Anabaptist-Pietistic in nature.

Another group which refuses to be classed with the Protestant
movement is the various groups of "Fundamentalists." But we
cannot have complete unity with them either, although we also
recognize them as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Their
unconditional eternal security and military involvement for
Christians is completely opposite New Testament teaching.

Some have accused that many of our Brethren practices came
from the Catholic church rather than scripture. We must remember
that just because Rome practices (or has practiced in the past) a
particular thing it does not automatically make it unscriptural. The
Roman Catholics taught many truths and continue to do so. They
rightly held to a Triune God. They taught the deity of Jesus Christ,
(but then turned around and denied it by making Mary equal with
Him). The Pope rightly opposes abortion and "women preachers"
(which they of course call priests). The Catholics had a type of
prayer veil for women in worship. This was scriptural. We do not,
however, believe that the Brethren prayer veil was a holdover from
Catholic thinking. Likewise, the plain suit for men has nothing to
do with the garb of priests, but was a sign of being nonconformed
to the world. (Romans 12:2)

Today when many groups think of unity they state, "It doesn't
matter what we believe just so we are in the family of God." This
type of thinking is contrary to the bulk of New Testament teaching.
The largest part of the New Testament is warnings against false
teaching and instruction concerning proper dress and personal
habits. All too many Christian gatherings spend more time
explaining why the Bible DOES NOT mean what it says than
prayerfully desiring to follow its teachings! We hold these

BIBLE MONITOR

individuals in living fellowship, but we would not want to be in
"their shoes" when it comes their time to stand before God to be
judged. We are glad a perfect God will decide who enters Heaven
and who spends eternity in Hell. We take the words of Paul to
Timothy (given by the Holy Spirit) very seriously. II Tim. 4:2-3
"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove,
rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time
will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their
own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching
ears;" We believe that although Paul was addressing a minister
(called out) this verse can be used by ail Christians. We also
believe that verse three is true now in much of the Brethren faith.
While we hold them in love, we believe that the Charismatic
movement and the Fundamentalists of our day have come close to
destroying true scriptural belief in many Brethren circles. In a
sense, they are more dangerous than the liberal movements such
as the World and National Council of Churches. We would hasten
to add that we have much more in common with most of the
Charismatic and Fundamentalist groups than we do the liberal
element. In fact, in our opinion, a liberal who denies the virgin birth
and other truths concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ
cannot be saved. He must turn around and fully accept the diety of
Jesus Christ and His shed blood for his sins. This is the teaching
throughout the New Testament.

Another saying we have heard is "We must put people before
things." This has a ring of truth to it. Certainly the scriptures teach
that we must first have love for all men. But when the "things"
referred to are truths God has given us through Holy Scripture, this
saying does not "hold water."

As Brother James Myer (Moderator-elect of the Church of the
Brethren) has stated, "We are ashamed to be Brethren." We
believe with all our heart that Brethren teaching (historical) is Bible
teaching. This does not mean that our forefathers were infallible
or without fault. We are not to worship them but the true God
through our Lord Jesus Christ (who is God the Son). We desire
unity within the earthly church. But we do not believe in unity that
compromises Holy Scripture to make it succeed.

Brother James M. Hite

816 E. Birch St., Palmyra, PA 17078

You may depend upon it, religion is, in its essence, the most
gentlemanly thing in the world. It will, alone, gentilize, if unmixed
with cant; and I know nothing else, which alone, will. — Coleridge

BIBLE MONITOR

HATH GOD CAST AWAY HIS PEOPLE?

(ROMANS 11)

There are a number of questions that are asked in this 11th
chapter of Romans, that we need to face today. Not only are
questions asked, but the answers are also provided that we need
not be in darkness on this subject.

Question #1, verse 1, "Hath God cast away his people?"

Who are "his people" that are herein spoken of? If you will read
chapters 9, 10 and 11, you will see he is speaking of the nation
Israel. Now then, hath God cast away the nation of Israel? Inverse
2 comes the answer, "God hath not cast away his people." Now as
proof of this, we must read verses 2 through 5. Here Elijah is
brought to our attention, and it is pointed out that he made
intercession against Israel and felt that he alone was left. The
answer of God to his silly notion was verse 4 "I have reserved to
myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the
image of Baal." If you will study the history of the children of
Israel, you will find that every time they were displaced by a foreign
power because of their sins, God always reserved a remnant that
they might be restored when they repented and called upon Him.

Now I want to draw your attention to two little words in verse 5.
"Even so", with these two little words God is saying, "Do you want
to understand this? Then compare it with that, because this is just
like that." So at this present time, that is to say in the church age,
there is still a remnant of Israel just like there always has been in
time past.

There are many post millennial Elijahs who "feel" that Israel has
been permanently set aside, because they crucified Christ, and
only the Church remains. This is only feeling and not fact.

Question #2, verse 11 "Have they stumbled that they should
fall?"

That is to say, have they fallen that they should never rise again?
The answer, "God forbid." God has a purpose in their blindness
and stumbling. #1. That salvation should come to the Gentiles. #2.
That this in turn would provoke Israel to jealousy.

Let us as individual Christians, endeavor to win the individual
Jew to Jesus Christ, according to the Gospel. And let us also
praise God for His divine providence in history, as the nation of
Israel is provoked to seek the Messiah whom they crucified,
according to the election. Verse 28.

Question #3, verse 12, "How much more their fulness?"

To answer this question the writer goes to the olive tree.
Comparing natural branches with wild branches, he shows that
Israel will bring forth more fruit than the Church. Now the Church
brings the true riches to the world, which is the message of

10 BIBLE MONITOR

salvation through Jesus Christ; but when Israel turns to God, and
takes her place as the head of the nations, and ushers in the
millennial kingdom; this world will see things it never saw before.
See Isaiah 2:2-4 and 11:6-9.

Let us go back to Elijah and Elisha. When Elijah's ministry was
finished, he was taken up in a whirlwind. A double portion of his
spirit fluttered back on Elisha, who then performed twice the
number of miracles Elijah has performed. Oh, what a day it will be
when the saints are caught up to meet the Lord in the air (I Thess.
4:16-17), and God's Spirit falls on Israel. It will be life from the
dead. Rom. 11:15.
Question #4, "For how long have they stumbled?"
This question is not asked in this chapter, but is anticipated by
the writer. A similar question was on the disciples' minds when
they saw Jesus for the last time. Acts 1:6-8, "Wilt thou at this time
restore again the kingdom of Israel?" Jesus did not tell them that
they were mistaken in looking for the restoration of Israel, but he
instructed them that there would be a time and season of
witnessing. Paul then answers in harmony with this period of
witnessing in verse 25 "until the fulness of the gentiles be come in."
The fulness of the Gentiles, refers to the completion of the
Church. In Luke 21:24 we read "And they shall fall by the edge of
the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and
Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of
the Gentiles be fulfilled." The times of the Gentiles refers to
Daniel's great image of Gentile dominion from Babylon to the
Millennial Kingdom. As the church nears her completion; Israel
will be gathered back to her land, go through great tribulation, and
be converted. Matt. 24:15-21, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Daniel 12:1,
Jeremiah 30:7. "And when these things begin to come to pass,
then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth
nigh." Luke 21:28.
A word of reproof: verse 18, "Boast not against the branches."
Paul used these words to reprove the first roots of post
millennialism that were springing up in the Church of Rome, even
as God reproved Elijah for making intercession against Israel.
Today post millennialism is a full grown system of Bible interpre-
tation. Which says: 1. God is through with Israel as a nation. 2.
The Church takes the place of Israel. 3. The Old Testament
promises to Israel should be spiritualized and applied to the
Church. 4. The Church is the kingdom. 5. We are not in the
Millennial. 6. The devil is now chained up. 7. The book of
Revelation has been fulfilled in past history. This wisdom is
"conceited" (verse 25) and shouldn't be allowed to take root in our
understanding, but rather should be reproved.

BIBLE MONITOR 11

Remember, "As concerning the Gospel, they are enemies for
your sakes; but as touching the election, they are beloved for the
father's sake." verse 28. "And so all Israel shall be saved," verse 26.
"And to this agree the words of the prophets;" "how God at the
first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his
name. After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of
David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof,
and I will set it up:" Acts 15:14-16; Hosea 3:4-5. "O the depth of the
riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how
unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!"
Verse 33.

In Christian love,
Brother Berton Smith

SIXTY YEARS AGO

August 15, 1924

WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?

A. W. Zeigler

We say we believe that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world
and that he has all power in heaven and on earth. If we admit the
above and if we love the Lord our God, with all our heart, soul and
mind (Matt. 22:37) we then have a splendid foundation of faith.

Now then, let us see how our building will line up with our
foundation. In Gal. 5:24, we have this, "And they that are Christ's,
have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." Verse 25
says, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Why
does Paul add this verse? Do we not fully realize if we have
crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts, that we are walking
in the Spirit and are Christ's? Yes, but in this verse we see that
there is danger of living in the Spirit, or rather pretending to live in
the Spirit and yet not walk in the Spirit. (II Cor. 3:2). "Ye are our
epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men." (Verse 6),
"Who has made us able ministers of the New Testament, not of the
letter, but of the spirit, for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."
So here we see again that there is a danger of living in the spirit by
letter and yet not walking in the spirit or in plain words, "He that
saith I know him and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar and
the truth is not in him. (I John 2:4).

So then to walk in the spirit is to keep his commandments. There
is plenty of preaching of the love of God, but scarcely anything
about keeping his commandments. (I John 5:2-3), "By this we
know that we love the children of God when we keep his
commandments, for this is the love of God, that we keep his
commandments and his commandments are not grievous." Now

12 BIBLE MONITOR

then, if we have faith in Christ as our Saviour, and confess before
God and man, and are as Philip said to the Eunuch when he said,
"See here is water, what doth hinder me to be baptized." Philip
said, "If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest." Now we
are living in the Spirit and if we go no further than to be baptized,
we will soon die, spiritually and not realize we are dead, but now
comes the "all things, whatsoever I have commanded you." Here is
where humility begins and where the walking in the Spirit begins,
and where obedience by works comes in, to prove our faith.

It is not so hard to get people to confess Christ, as long as they
can do it with their mouth only but when they must put in practice
the things that are commanded they will not do them. This shows
they are not walking in the Spirit, and are not in Christ and have
not "crucified the flesh with the affection and lusts." If just saying
that we believe in Christ would save us, why would the Lord have
added so many commands for us to do? But that is about all you
hear from the pulpit these days. Just believe. If we had a close
friend of ours that had never told us an untruth and he would tell
you he had put a hundred dollars in your mail box down at the
cross-road for you, do you think you could make anyone believe
that you really believe it is there for you, if you will not go and see?
Anyone with good reason would tell you that you do not believe
that it is there or you would go and see. And yet, we will tell the
people we believe in the Lord Jesus and yet we will not do what he
tells us to do if we want eternal life.

But the chances are we would go and look for the money, even
though we had no faith in its being there. We would take no chance
of losing the money by not going and looking. And here we have
the Lord offering us eternal life by obeying the commands,
something that is worth more than the whole world and still many,
many try to make people believe they love the Lord, but will not do
what he tells them. They may fool some people, but they cannot
fool the Lord. "Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things
that I say unto you!" As long as our faith is not strong enough to
put in practice the things he commands us to do it is not a saving
faith, and we lack walking in the Spirit. We must come out from the
world, and be separate from the world and be ready to lay aside all
worldly things, that are a hindrance in running this race, as Paul
calls it. We must let the word of the Lord decide what is a
hindrance in this race, for He is the one that will give the reward.

Now the affections and lusts of the flesh are the foolish things of
the world, the foolish fashions of dress and decorating our bodies
with jewelry and ornaments and putting this on our children that
are not in harmony with bringing them up in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord. We should always put only such things on
our bodies as will create a likeness of Christ and His teachings. All

BIBLE MONITOR 13

unnecessary things are a hindrance to the cause of Christ, either
directly or indirectly and yet some of our members try to imitate
the world in styles of all sorts, and especially those that are
supposed to be ensamples to the flock. What do they believe? Are
they led by the spirit? Are they walking in the spirit? Do they love
the Lord? They say they do, or do their actions speak louder than
their words? Oh, what a pity. Yes, we will have to say with Brother
Lepley in Monitor No. 6, "What is wrong with our church?" Dear
Brother, does it not press upon our souls when we see the leaders
of a church that once stood for the plain teaching of God's Word
now, as it were, trampling it under foot and who even point the
finger of scorn at those that try to live the Christ life?

IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS

How many times has it really been said,

That the time we need God is when we've been bad?

Or when it looks like our world's crashing in,

Of the headaches and heartaches of our lives in a spin.

Or when it's predicted to rain Saturday,

But we planned to go camping, and paint, and make hay.

Or when we are sick or so near to dying,

That we come to our God on our humble knees crying.

And we beg and we plead until tears come no more,

That God would just hear as we knock at the Door.

"Dear God, can't you see that our plans have been made,

And we need you just now before the daylight will fade.

It's a bad situation — why let it happen to us?

We don't bother you except in a bad fuss."

"You've said it so clearly, my child, quite clear,

But you have it backwards and all wrong, I do fear.

But you have it backwards and all wrong, I do fear.

I want you to talk to me more than you do,

So I've sent you some sickness and unhappiness, too.

Why don't you remember to thank Me each day,

When everything's bright and going your way?

For it's when all is just right and going along fine,

That I want you to visit on Heaven's phone line."

—Sister Marie Eberly

14 BIBLE MONITOR

OBITUARY

DOTTIE PIFER

Sister Dottie Virginia Piter was born October 11, 1926, the first
child of Bro. Jesse and Sis. Emma (Bowers) Sauerwein.

Sister Dottie was born again September 6, 1942 when she
accepted Jesus Christ as her Saviour and was united with the
Church of the Brethren. She became united with the Dunkard
Brethren Church at Quinter, Kansas in 1950. Soon after the family
moved to Pennsylvania in 1951, she moved her membership to the
Walnut Grove Congregation where she faithfully served until her
death, May 22, 1984.

She is survived by her husband, Brother Glenn W. Pifer, her
children, Brother James of Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, Brother
Fred of Dallas Center, Iowa and Sister Linda of Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania; six grandchildren; two sisters, Ruthanna Sauerwein
of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Betty Shelly of Littlestown, Pennsyl-
vania and one brother, Jesse Sauerwein of Taneytown, Maryland.

Funeral services were held at the Mummert's Church of the
Brethren, Abbottstown, Pennsylvania on May 25 with Elder James
Kegerreis in charge assisted by Brother Virgil Leatherman. Inter-
ment was in the adjoining cemetery.

Phillippians 1:20-21 ". . . so now also Christ shall be magnified in
my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is
Christ, and to die is gain."

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to relatives,
friends and neighbors for their visits, prayers, gifts and love during
Mother's illness and this time of bereavement.

NEW ITEMS

PLEVNA, INDIANA

The Lord willing, there will be a Harvest Meeting at the Plevna
Church, September 9, 1984. Elder William Carpenter of the West
Fulton Congregation, Ohio will be our speaker.

We invite all who can to come and be with us on this day of
worship and fellowship.

Sister Verda Lorenz, Cor.

DIRECTORY INFORMATION

If you want your name included in the directory, please send the
information by September 1. Each congregation has a list of the
needed information.

Sister Jolene Andrews

Rt. 2

Raymore, MO 64083

BIBLE MONITOR 15

THANK YOU

A "Heartfelt Thank You" to each one who remembered us with
prayers, letters, cards and telephone calls after Joe's heart attack
and surgery. We appreciate very much the love and concern you
have shown us. We can only thank you but we trust God will bless
you. We still need your prayers as his recovery is slow, but God has
been so good to us and we praise Him. Thank you again.

In His Name,

Bro. Joe and Sister Arlene Flora

GRANDVIEW, MISSOURI

Lord willing, the Grandview Congregation, will have their Revival
Meetings this Fall, September 16 through September 23. Bro.
Dennis St. John, Bryan, Ohio will be our Evangelist.

The Lovefeasf Service will be on Saturday Evening, September
22, with all day services and services through Sunday.

Come, and enjoy these services with us.

Sister Bertha Jarboe, Cor.

MINISTERIAL LIST CHANGE

The new address of Bro. Rudy Shaffer is: R. 2, Box 8, Cuba, New
Mexico 67013. His telephone number is 505-731-2293.

NOTICE

The Lord willing, a series of one week Revival Meetings will be
held at the Strubhauer Church, Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, August
19-26 with Brother Jack Snyder as the evangelist. All who can are
invited to attend these meetings.

•••••».

We are indebted to Christianity for gentleness, especially toward
women. — C. Simmons.

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR SEPTEMBER, 1984
ON THE EARTH

Memory verse: Isaiah 12:5
Sing unto the Lord; for he hath
done excellent things: this is
known in all the earth.

Sat. 1 - Isaiah 12:1-6
Sun. 2- Isaiah 13:1-11
Mon. 3- Isaiah 13:12-22
Tues. 4 ■- Isaiah 14:1-32
Wed. 5- Isaiah 17:1-14
Thurs. 6- Isaiah 18:1-17
Fri. 7- Isaiah 24:1-12
Sat. 8- Isaiah 24:13-23

Memory verse: Isaiah 40:28
Hast thou not known? hast thou
not heard, that the everlasting
God, the Lord, the Creator of the
ends of the earth, fainteth not,
neither is weary? there is no
searching of his understanding.

Sun. 9 - Isaiah 25:1-12
Mon. 10 - Isaiah 26:1-11
Tues. 11 - Isaiah 26:12-21
Wed. 12 - Isaiah 28:1-17
Thurs. 13 - Isaiah 28:18-29
Fri. 14 - Isaiah 30:18-26
Sat. 15 - Isaiah 33:1-24

Memory verse: Isaiah 55:9
For as the heavens are higher
than the earth, so are my ways
higher than your ways, and my
thoughts than your thoughts.

Memory verse: Isaiah 42:4
He shall not fail nor be
discouraged, till he have set
judgment in the earth: and the
isles shall wait for his law.

Sun. 16 - Isaiah 34:1-17
Mon. 17 - Isaiah 35:1-10
Tues. 18 - Isaiah 37:1-38
Wed. 19 - Isaiah 40:1-17
Thurs. 20 - Isaiah 40:18-31
Fri. 21 - Isaiah 41:1-29
Sat. 22 - Isaiah 42:1-25

Memory verse: Isaiah 44:24
Thus saith the Lord, thy
redeemer, and he that formed
thee from the womb, I am the
Lord that maketh all things; that
stretcheth forth the heavens
alone; that spreadeth abroad the
earth by myself;

Sun. 23 - Isaiah 44:1-28
Mon. 24 - Isaiah 45:1-25
Tues. 25 - Isaiah 48:1-22
Wed. 26 - Isaiah 49:1-26
Thurs. 27 - Isaiah 51:1-23
Fri. 28 - Isaiah 52:1-15
Sat. 29 - Isaiah 54:1-17

Memory verse: Isaiah 45:22
Look unto me, and be ye saved,
all the ends of the earth: for I
am God, and there is none else.

Sun. 30 - Isaiah 55:1-13

Memory verse: Isaiah 48:13
Mine hand also hath laid the
foundation of the earth, and my
right hand hath spanned the
heavens: when I call unto them,
they stand up together.

Lester Fisher

4564 N. State Rte. 48

Covington, Oil 45313

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL. LXIi SEPTEMBER 1, 1984 NO. 17

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all

Scriptural in practice. the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

GENTLE SHEPHERD

The Gentle Shepherd leads His sheep

Along the safest route . . .
He won't let them and the lambs

Roam anywhere about.

The Gentle Shepherd teaches them

To give heed to His call . . .
Keeping them close beside Him

So they won't ever fall.

The Gentle Shepherd holds the lamb

In His strong loving arm . . .
And soothes it when it has fear

Of the wolf that would harm.

Who wouldn't want this Gentle One

To warm it when it's cold --
And lead it on the safe route

That ends in Heaven's fold?

— Sister Irene Stout

BIBLE MONITOR

PREJUDICE

We all have prejudices — many of them. We have preferences
toward certain colors, brands of foods, makes of automobiles and
many other things of everyday life. These prejudices are natural
and of no moral importance. But when prejudices affect our rela-
tions with other people, they then become very important.

"Prejudice" means to prejudge. Our minds are made up no
matter what the facts may be. Jurors when enpaneled are
questioned that none who sit on the jury might have made up his
mind before hearing the testimony or seeing the evidence. As
Christians we need to be careful that we are not prejudiced against
others because of their appearance or deeds. We need to be
careful that we have not judged them before we know them. How
often first impressions will give us a false impression because of
the prejudice that we already hold.

As Christians we are instructed by our Saviour that we are to
love our enemies. If we have judged someone prior to knowing
them, they have become our enemy, inwardly, if not outwardly.
Even though we do not approve of that person's lifestyle or beliefs
we still must show the same kind of love for them that Jesus would.
After all we are to be imitators of Him, that is why we are called
Christians. We are to be like Him. We need to overcome the
tendancies of our natural man and allow the love of Jesus, first
shown to us, to flow through us to those we might be prejudiced
against.

To love those with whom we disagree, does not mean that we
must approve or associate with them. But we dare not judge them
for that is God's perogative. God's judgment will be just for He is
True, all-seeing and all-knowing. God is not a respector of men's
persons. God created man in His own image, therefore as the

THE BIBLE MONITOR September 1, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard

Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Lithographing Co., Rt. 4,

Wauseon, Ohio 43567.

Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio

43567.

Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance.

Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.
MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th St., Beaumont, CA 92223
ROBERT S. LEHIGH, Assistant Editor; R. 4 Box 4427, Spring Grove, PA

17362
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17403
RUDY COVER, Associate Editor; 2034 Roble Ave., Modesto, CA 95351

BIBLE MONITOR

highest of His creation God does remember and is mindful of
mankind. He was willing to pay the terrific price that was needed to
redeem mankind. So He does respect men as His Creation. But He
does not respect men on the basis of who or what man is by his
own efforts.

As citizens of the land we respect those who bear the rule over
us, but God does not. We look up to those who have accumulated
houses, lands and riches, but He does not. We cheer the famous
but God does not. God knows already what is inside of man
whatever the outward appearance may be. However hard and
persistently a man may have worked to amass a fortune or to
become famous or to win high position, he could have
accomplished nothing if God had not given him the ability, health
and strength to accomplish all these things. God's provision for
men is not meted out as we would do it. God, in graciousness,
gives even to those we would think not to give to. He does not
show respect due to man's external accomplishments because He
knows that in the Creation He made all men to have one blood.
There may be many races and tribes in this world but under the
outward differences they are all the same. Their physical makeup
is the same. Their emotional and mental frame is the same. Their
Spiritual life is also the same — all have the same natural
tendencies to sin.

From Creation on down through history, God has followed the
course of man. When left to himself man has always gone
downward. Only by God's help could he make any real progress.
Therefore man cannot really impress God thus He does not owe
any special respect to men.

If God does not look at men through eyes blended by prejudice,
then we need to be careful how we view others. We dare not either
lift them up to heights they are unfit for, nor doom them to
undeserved depths. Each person must stand or fall upon his own
relationship and obedience to God. It is not by nationality,
language or heritage that any are accepted or rejected by God. He
is not a respector of persons.

Have the make and model of automobile that you want. Choose
the color you wish. Eat the food of your choice and season it as
you wish. These prejudices are fine. But be careful what
prejudices you have concerning people. As God's child use His
method — love.

Give what you have. To some one it may be better than you dare to
think. — Longfellow.

BIBLE MONITOR

POSITIVE REACTIONS TO NEGATIVE ATTITUDES

Suppose someone died and willed a large estate to a congre-
gation. The members of that congregation begin splitting into one
of two groups: those who would like to keep the estate, and those
who feel it should be sold. There are numerous discussions
among the members, as each side builds its case. Slowly the
"Keepers" tend to shy away from the "sellers." But alas, soon there
are differences of opinion even among the "keepers." Some of the
"keepers" think the church should heed James 1:27 and use the
estate for an orphanage. Others think the church should rent the
estate to a farmer and put the profits into the church treasury.
Their reasoning comes from Matthew 25:14-30, where Christ
related the parable of the talents. They feel that the church
should put to work whatever assets may come its way.

While the two groups of "Keepers" argue among themselves, the
"sellers" take the verse in Matthew 19:21 where Jesus says, "If thou
wilt be perfect, go and sell what thou hast . . ." But the unity of
spirit among the "sellers" soon disappears as they discuss how to
use the money that would result from the sale of the estate. One
groups of "sellers" feels the church should heed Matthew 18:19-20
and use the money for missions. Another group feels that the
congregation could benefit by using the money for a new church
building complete with modern facilities. They refer to I Kings 6
and how Solomon built the Temple of the Lord. Still another group
feels strongly that the money should be put in the bank, as it says
in Luke 19:23, and use the interest as a guaranteed income for the
church treasury.

Instead of a united congregation, we now have a church with five
different schisms. Each group feels very strongly about its
position and most generally feel they have Scripture to back them
up. As this goes on, each begins to feel animosity toward the
others, and never realizes that Satan is the author of all this
contention! All sides think they're on the Lord's side, while feeling
persecuted by those holding opposing views. The contention goes
on and on, expanding to other issues. Sometimes there are sharp
flare-ups, and other times there are smouldering embers. It is
usually unpredictable. We are not discussing issues which are
made clear in the Bible, such as the Virgin Birth, the Deity of
Christ, His atonement for our sins, and so forth. But there are
many issues which are not clearly mentioned in the Scriptures. We
want to consider how to transfer those burning coals into zeal for
the Lord Jesus Christ.

1. A DIRECT APPEAL TO GOD.
The first thing to do when we sense negative attitudes is to bring

BIBLE MONITOR

the situation to God in prayer. In Matthew 18:19, Jesus promises
that "if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that
they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in
heaven." Many times there are two or more persons affected when
negative attitudes are displayed. Thus it becomes possible to
claim this promise of Christ, and pray that contention would cease.
For those who are married, this verse can apply to a husband-wife
team, who can find it possible to become a powerful force under
God.

When an offense is committed, the natural thing to do is to ask
God to curse or "bring down" our enemy. But consider carefully
the results. In Acts 13, we read of the account where Elymas the
sorcerer withstood Paul and Barnabas by seeking to turn away a
deputy who was desiring to hear the Word of God. In verses 10
and 11, Paul tells Elymas, "O full of all subtility and all mischief,
thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou
not cease to prevent the right ways of the Lord? And now behold,
the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not
seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a
mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him
by the hand." Paul appealed to "the hand of the Lord," and Elymas
became blind. But we need to be careful about our motives and
our attitudes.

In the account just cited, the offense was clearly defined, and a
mighty man of God invoked the tremendous power displayed. This
solution is very powerful, and not something with which to trifle.
Remember, Paul was dealing with a sorcerer, a man sold out to
Satan. We should be very cautious before asking God to actually
make someone go blind. Prayer does change things, and we
should pray about our concerns. But before taking such drastic
action, as to pray for a person to become blind, let's explore further
alternatives.

2. THE PRINCIPLE OF MATTHEW 18.

Christ give four clearly defined steps for us to use in dealing with
offenses (Matthew 18:15-17).
Step 1: "Go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone."
Step 2: "Take with thee one or two more . . . that every word may
be established."
Step 3: "Tell it unto the church."

Step 4: "Let him be unto thee as an heathen man and publican."

This is a straightforward and efficient manner for handling

offenses. When there is a specific contention between two or more

persons, the method described in Matthew 18 is God's way of

dealing with the problem. When followed, there will be no

BIBLE MONITOR

festering contention over endless years, no bickering back and
forth in congregations, and no constant criticism of fellow
believers. Let's explore this further.

Step 1: "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go
and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear
thee, thou hast gained thy brother." There are several responses
when a person feels offended. Some constantly remind those
around them of the faults of another, and so there is a steady
stream of nagging and criticism. Others tend to pass things by and
not be very much bothered by small things. But if the offending
person does just one more wrong thing — sometimes the balance
tips in the wrong direction. Then the offended person suddenly
"happens to recall" all those little things done over the years, and
really "blows his top."

But Christ tells us that, in handling the offense, we are to go to
our brother. It is best to cool down first, and get control of oneself.
But go — don't let it fester. Tell him alone. Don't humiliate him in
front of a group of people, and don't get it established in the local
gossip circle! The Bible tells us to keep it between him and you
alone (for this first step). It's wrong to teach a lesson or to preach a
sermon "at" one person for something he did that we feel is wrong.
The Scriptural way is to go to that person as a brother (not as king
or lord over him) and tell him. This gives us an idea of the proper
attitude we should have.

The end for which we are striving is to "gain thy brother." This is
our first goal. Too often, we go with the ultimate goal or
retaliating. He will be able to sense this in our spirit.

Step 2: "But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or
two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word
may be established." This is to insure that proper attitudes are
displayed, and also for the purpose of having witnesses, should it
become necessary to bring the issue before the church. However,
it may be, that during the intervening time God will soften hearts
and by the time the extra witnesses are brought, the conflict can be
resolved. If there continues to be a problem, we are to go on to the
next step.

Step 3: "And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the
church." If the person will not make things right when the
W jt n esses are present, then the issue is to come before the church,
and the church is to try and gain the brother. There may be
different avenues which will be open, but there is a need to become
reconciled.

Step 4: After the proper procedure has been taken, and if there

BIBLE MONITOR

is still no softening of hearts, and no reconciliation takes place,
then the offending person is to be treated as an "heathen man and
a publican." He is no longer a brother. However since even an
enemy is to be loved, we must treat the person with respect (as one
for whom Christ died). Maybe at a later time restoration and
healing can take place. This is the goal toward which we should
strive.

When a person in the church is involved in sins clearly
mentioned in the Bible, such as adultery, fornication, witchcraft,
murders, and so forth, and gives no sign of repentance or
reconciliation, then our course is clearly defined. If he will not
hear one, or several, or the church, he is to be dismissed from
fellowship. This is the clear-cut directive God gives in His Word (I
Corinthians 5:1-13).

But what happens when there is no clear-cut offensive sin. How
about the sin of strife, which is mentioned in the same list as the
aforementioned sins (Galations 5:19-21)? Somehow it's easier to
pinpoint the sin of intentional murder or adultery than it is to
identify the sin of strife. The problem is, that in cases involving
contention, it is usually difficult to name the offense as a clear-cut
sin against God. Often there's not really any specific wrong action
which has been committed. Rather, it is a general undefined
attitude which seems to cause the conflict. Before steps 2, 3 and 4
of Matthew 1 8 are taken, shouldn't we first try and do everything in
our power to fulfill the end of verse 15, which says, "if he shall hear
thee, thou hast gained thy brother?" In the next part of this article,
we will consider how to gain our brother.

To be continued

Brother Robert Lehigh

NO ROOM TO SPARE

"And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly
and the sinner appear?" I Peter 4:18.

Even though we realize the Christian life is serious business, it is
easy at times to get a little careless and let down our guard. Other
times, we might think we've done our duty, and now we can rest.
After all, we can only do so much. But is there a point at which we
can start taking it easy spiritually? Do we ever have room to spare?

We already know the position of the sinners, those who have not
accepted Christ. Eternal life will not be granted to them as long as
they continue in sin and unbelief. But if they seek God and desire
to serve Him, they will no longer be condemned. What then is
expected of those who believe in Christ?

8 BIBLE MONITOR

As a believer, you can never say you've done enough. You can
never say, "I've done my share and now it's someone else's turn."
There is no room to spare, no time to take it easy. Retirement time
for a Christian doesn't come in this life. Instead this is our time to
work for the Lord, and to encourage others when we can. It is also
our time to grow spiritually, and to learn more and more of God's
ways.

When Christ comes into your heart, and you give Him His proper
place in your life, there will be plenty for you to do. This is the
beginning of what should be an active Christian life. You will not
be able to sit around idle and think you've done all that's
necessary. Whatever you do for the Lord, it will never be more than
enough. You can't exceed the amount of service required.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that
ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto
God, which is your reasonable service." Rom. 12:1. It is not
unreasonable to expect you to serve God wholly, to put your whole
heart into it. There is no room for carelessness, for neglecting
one's duty. There isn't any room to spare — complete service is
expected.

"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are
open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them
that do evil." I Peter 3:12. God sees the needs of His own and
hears their pleas for help, but He turns away from those who
ignore His will. No matter what you do, or how good, if you do not
accept Christ as your Savior and Lord, God will not accept you or
your works. There is no leeway, no room to spare.

Either you believe in Christ or you don't. Either you're serving or
you're not. There's no middle road. Good works won't balance out
the bad, and Church membership won't save you either. Without
Christ, there is no salvation, but with Him, there is life everlasting.

"The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous
hath hope in his death." Prov. 14:32. If there's ever a time we need
hope, it is certainly when we face death. For the righteous, there is
hope of eternal life, not because of a good, moral life, but because
of Jesus. This hope must be established before death comes — it
can't wait. There is then no time to spare, no room to change
courses. If the righteous scarcely be saved, there is NO hope for
the ungodly. Where do you stand before God?

Sister Eileen Broadwater

BIBLE MONITOR

ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

"Being Positive"

Although we are to be humble and abased we should never feel
worthless. People today are frustrated because they can't seem to
match up to the criteria that the humanistic society has laid down.
You don't look right, you don't feel as "popular" as you would
desire to be. You seem so powerless to change these situations. I
am amused that we want to be nicely tanned today and consider it
very attractive when several years ago it was considered ugly.
Skinny was once not considered attractive either. The "hefty form"
was considered the ideal, especially for the feminine gender.
Society dictates what we want to be.

God wants you to accept His definition of beautiful and He
desires to make you beautiful from the inside out. God made you
exactly the way you are so you could best reflect His beauty. You
need not remake yourself to be pleasing to Him. Are you to say
that He did a bad job when you were created? How do you like it
when someone tells you something you created is ugly? I feel the
Master Designer of the Universe doesn't appreciate nasty
comments about you either. Ps. 139 says you are "fearfully and
wonderfully made."

"Worthless" and "ugly" have no place in the Christian's
vocabulary. You may seem unco-ordinated but God made you and
your lack of co-ordination will somehow bless Him. You may seem
slow of mind. That was God's way for you. It will bless Him in
some way. You may get tongue-tied every time you try to communi-
cate with someone. So, you are not an orator. Neither was Moses
and God was to use him to lead millions of His people from slavery
to the edge of the Promised Land. You cannot and should not try
to be all things to all people. You will only become distressed or
depressed because you do not recognize your limitations. Use the
positive Characteristics you do have to bless God and others.

Getting out of a low self-image syndrome involves deciding who
is really important to you and who is going to shape your image of
yourself. If you let society do it, you will always come out a loser
because no one can be good-looking, witty, successful, intelligent,
athletic, musical, and well informed, all at the same time. If you are
striving to conform to the image of Christ you have your priority in
the right place. The Word tells us Jesus wasn't particularly
attractive. There wasn't a physical attraction that would draw you
to Him. But there was definitely a spiritual attraction that would
draw you. You would be overwhelmed by His love, His concern
His empathy, His "realness."

10 BIBLE MONITOR

You might feel you'd have better self worth if you married just
the "perfect" person. That would put you in a position of
acceptance. I would warn you that there is just as much insecurity
in marriage as there is in the single life. Married people with wrong
priorities end up competing with each other and sometimes
eventually tear each other down.

If you decide that God is going to be so important in your life
that nothing else matters, you will then have the sense of comfort
and understanding that you have been looking for. The God who
made our universe and controls the galaxies, the One who
presides over history loves you . . . warts and all . . . with a constant
love. "He careth for you." In the light of this fact, should what
other people think about you really be that important? If God is
really FIRST in your life, the opinions of others will never ruin your
self-image.

You are God's creation. You are special. You really can thank
God that you have knobby knees, red hair and freckles and at the
same time confess to Him that your motives are selfish and need to
be changed by Him.

Going around trying to impress everyone with your knowledge
and good qualities is not where it's at either. You will eventually
turn them off and they will see that you are only seeking attention.
Be positive, be sincere, but do not be an egotist. Replace your self-
consciousness with Christ-consciousness.

Finally, live as John the Baptist, understanding that Christ must
increase and that "I" must decrease. Then you will be able to
develop a strategy for coping with feelings of inadequacy and
inferiority.

Brother Leonard Wertz

SIXTY YEARS AGO
September 1, 1924

WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?

Part 2
A. W. Zeigler

I am afraid there are too many of us giving our consent to those
things that we know are wrong, by keeping silent. Do you know
the devil is perfectly satisfied if you only do not oppose him in his
work? We need not roll up our sleeves and help him in his work to
satisfy him. Just don't say anything, the devil will tell you; as sure
as you say anything you will just get into trouble and by this
quotation he satisfies many souls and they sit down feeling

BIBLE MONITOR 11

justified for keeping out of trouble. God bless the soul that will
stand for the truth in Christ, even though it be to his own hurt. Do
we believe what He said? He said we are to keep His Church
without spot or wrinkle. (Eph. 5:27). Can we do that when we are
doing exactly the opposite by mixing up with the world in politics
and helping to enforce laws and discipline of government and
neglecting discipline in the church that was set up by the Lord and
Saviour Himself. It looks as if we are trying to present the world
without spot or wrinkle. Would it not be the safe plan to stick to the
thing God told us to do? I know if the leaders of our church would
have stayed by their job as the Lord intended them to do they
would have the church a lot nearer to His standard than it is at this
time. Then we would have something to induce the people to
come out from the world and live the Christ life, but when we
become so near like the world that they cannot distinguish us from
the world, they may as well stay where they are. So we need not
wonder that the church has lost its power it once had. What do we
believe?

The word says we should let our "light so shine that they may
see our good work," and not put our light under a bushel. Where
are many putting the salutation of the kiss? Where are many of the
sisters putting the prayer covering? What have they done about
Matt. 18? So we might add one thing after another which has been
laid aside by some who have taken up things of their own fancy
instead. Someone may say, "You are saying too much. They are
not laying aside anything." I say again what do we believe? Do we
believe in the holy kiss and at the same time pay out a hundred and
fifty or seventy-five dollars for individual communion cups? Which
speaks the loudest, saying we believe in the kiss of charity and do
not practice it, or spending the money and using the individual
cup? You cannot and dare not try to harmonize the two. If you did,
the very reason you would give, or could give, would debar you
from using individual cups or from practicing the kiss. Oh!
humility is gasping for breath in our church.

Let us double our effort for humility, for it is the keynote of God's
children to hold them to the faith once for all delivered to the
saints. Again do we really believe all of God's Word to be true?
Why He said He is a Spirit; and all that worship Him must worship
Him in Spirit; in truth. Yes, they say they believe that. If they
believe that to be true, what do they want with an instrument in the
worship of God? They can't worship God with something that man
made and that is without life; oh, they say they do not aim to
worship God with the instrument; well do they want something in
the house of God that they cannot worship God with? They admit

12 BIBLE MONITOR

they cannot worship God with the instrument, and then by their
statement they admit they have something in their worship that is
unnecessary, and anything that is not necessary would naturally
fall to the worldly side of the question. They say we can learn to
sing better. How does the Lord say we are to sing? Sing with the
Spirit and with the understanding. They say we can sing better
with something that kills, that has no understanding, and no Spirit.
Have they "crucified the flesh with the affections and lust? Then
comes their last argument when they can find nothing to support
their reason for what tickles their ears; and makes them like other
churches. They say, "well the scriptures do not say that you can't
have instruments in the church for worship"; the very thing they
will not take as a guide in their church policy. What kind of a
church would we expect to have if we would accept that theory as
a guide? What could we do with the use of strong drink as long as
we would not get drunk? What would we do with tobacco,
something that is not mentioned in the Bible? Do we believe what
God says? We can only worship Him in Spirit, and when we use
something in His worship that we can't worship Him with, we are
worshipping the instrument and He said we can't worship or serve
two masters. Is there not plenty of scripture by the tenor of the
scripture? The word "Must", means here if you try to worship Him
in any other way than in the Spirit and in the truth, evidently you
are not worshipping God, but yourself or something else beside
God. Oh, if we would spend more time in meditation of God's
word, instead of just taking things for granted that we hear, we
would give the Holy Spirit a wonderful chance to guide us into all
truth which we cannot do without much meditation.

CHRISTIAN LOVE

Christian love is a never dying love. It is as vital to the Christian
life as the breath of air is to the life of our natural bodies. God so
loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that we
through Him should not perish but have eternal life. Jesus was
always willing to do the will of God. He said this is my command
that ye love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12. He loved
so much He gave His life for us. There is true Christian love
existing among Christians. When Paul spoke of the virtues he said
the greatest is charity. It is a sad condition when enmity takes the
place of love among professing Christians. What is our choice; sin
unto death or obedience unto righteousness? Love thinketh no
evil. False reports originate through the evil one and are a
hinderance to the upbuilding of God's kingdom here on earth. We
know we pass from death unto life if we love the Brethren.

BIBLE MONITOR 13

Husbands are to love their wives and wives are to love their
husbands. There is no true love among people who seek and
obtain a divorce. The Lord intended those that marry to stay
together till death in this life.

It is necessary for us to remain faithful and true to the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus to the end. Many times the lack of
love has caused much trouble among professing Christians. If we
want the blessings of God with us it is necessary to keep His
commandments. Those who have true Christian love abide by the
Golden Rule and have no carnal strife.

Enmity and hatred scatter. Gather them in from the fields of sin.
Love leads to peace. True Christians are a peace loving people.
Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children
of God. Professing Christians who destroy the good reputation of
others in an unjust way have not the love or peace Christ brought
among professing Christians. Where love exists there is peace
and unity. The great sacrifices of our Heavenly Father and His
Only Begotten Son, through their love extended to us, by
accepting it we can become the children of God and be a blessed
example to others. Enmity and hatred brings forth strife. Christian
love brings peace and unity unto righteousness. True Christians
are a bright and shining light to those who are living in darkness.
When love exists where is peace and unity. When we have
Christian love we keep Christ's Commandments and have love and
concern for others as exemplified by Christ. Are we qualified with
true Christian love? True Christian love can be seen by action and
deeds through words and works of righteousness. All things work
together for good to them that love God. Rom. 8:28. Salvation can
only be obtained by obedience to the saving Gospel of Christ. We
prove our love by obedience to the saving Gospel of Christ.

Brother J. F. Marks

R. 9, Box 860, Plant City, FL 33566

THE CHURCH AFTER THE RESURRECTION

"For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which
are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent
them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from
heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the
trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we
which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them
in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be
with the Lord." I Thess. 4:15-17.

After the rapture, we know not how long the marriage of the
Lamb takes place in heaven.

14 BIBLE MONITOR

"And after these things I heard a great voice ot mucn people in
heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and
power, unto the Lord our God:" Rev. 19:1.

"And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the
voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings,
saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be
glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the
Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was
granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for
the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me,
Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of
the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God."
Rev. 19:6-9.

Then the Lord of Lords with His saints comes to earth. "And I saw
heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him
was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge
and make war." Rev. 19:11. "And he was clothed with a vesture
dipped in blood: and his name is called the Word of God. And the
armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses,
clothed in fine linen, white and clean." Rev. 19:13-14. "And he hath
on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS,
AND LORD OF LORD." Rev. 19:16. "And I saw the beast, and the
kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war
against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the
beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought
miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received
the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image." Rev.
19:19-20.

Afterwards the Devil is bound. "And I saw an angel come down
from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain
in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which
is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years." Rev. 20:1-
2. "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was
given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for
the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not
worshipped the beast, neither had received his mark upon their
foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a
thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the
thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed
and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the
second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of
Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years." Rev. 20:4-6.

In Rev. 21:1 we see there will be a new heaven and a new earth.
Then the new Jerusalem comes down from God out of heaven. Rev.
21:2. In Rev. 21:3-4 the church is given great and comforting

BIBLE MONITOR 15

promises which shall be fulfilled hereafter. Rev. 21:5-7 also have
great promises to those who overcome. Later there was an angel
who talked with John, saying, "Come hither, I will shew you the
bride, the Lamb's wife." Rev. 21:9. Rev. 21:10, "And he carried me
away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that
great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God."
Rev. 21 :27, "And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that
defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie:
but they which are wirtten in the Lamb's book of life."

Sister L. E. Flora

NEWS ITEMS

McCLAVE, COLORADO

The McClave Colorado Congregation ot the Dunkard Brethren
Church is looking forward to a one week Revival meeting, from
September 30, 1984 to October 7, 1984. Brother Paul Stump will be
our Evangelist.

Services convene at eleven o'clock on Saturday morning,
October 6, with afternoon and evening meetings and the Lovefeast
at 7:30 P.M.

We hope all who can, will come enjoy these meetings with us.

Sister Aurelia Wertz, Cor.

THANKS
Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I want to thank each and everyone for their gifts, cards, food, visits
and flowers while I was in the hospital and recuperating at home and
especially for your prayers.

There are not words that can express my appreciation for
everything that was done. May God bless everyone of you in a very
special way is my prayer.

Sister Blanche Eberly

WALNUT GROVE, MARYLAND

The Walnut Grove Congregation plans to hold a Revival effort
starting September 30. The Lord willing, Elder Eugene Kauffman
from Harrisonburg, Virginia will be the Evangelist. These meetings
will close with our Lovefeast on October 7.

Pray for God's Blessings and that His Will be done. We invite you
to attend and enjoy these services with us.

Sister Betty Shelly, Cor.

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DIRECTORY OF BOARDS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dale E. Jamison, Chairman
Quinter, Kansas 67752

Ray R. Reed, Secretary
Box 12, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063

Warren C. Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
MeClave, Colorado 81057

GENERAL MISSION BOARD

Joseph E, Flora, Chairman
R. 3 Box 12, Adel, Iowa 50003

Hayes Reed, Secretary
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender Street

Morenci, Michigan 49256

Harley Rush
R. 1, Converse, Indiana 46919

Galen Litfin

1314 East 7th St.
Newberg, Oregon 97132

Dale Jamison
Quinter, Kansas 67752

Jacob C. Ness
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403

Frank Shaffer
13092 Grant Shook Rd.
Greencastle, PA 17225

BOARD OF PUBLICATION

Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

Jacob C. Ness, Secretary
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403

H. Edward Johnson, Treasurer

5-1307-S.H. 108
Wauseon, Ohio 43567

Allen B. Eberly
R. 3
Ephrata, PA 17522

Warren C. Smith
26270 Highway 50
MeClave, Colorado 81057

BIBLE STUDY BOARD

Eugene Kauffman, Chairman
R. 6 Box 51
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801

Dennis St. John, Secretary
R. 1 Box 108
Bryan, Ohio 43506

Warren C. Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
MeClave, Colorado 81057

Rudolph Cover
2034 Roble Avenue
Modesto, California 95351

Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340

RELIEF BOARD

Boyd Wyatt, Chairman

4925 Tegner Rd.

Hughson, CA 95326

(209) 883-4138
Newton Jamison, Secretary

512 Garfield

Quinter, Kansas 67752

(913) 754-3433

Kyle Reed, Treasurer
R. 1, Box 4
Minburn, Iowa 50167
(515) 677-2467

Virgii Leatherman

419 N. Queen St.

Littlestown. PA 17340

(717) 359-5753
Robert Carpenter

R. 5, Box 97

Peru, Indiana 46970

(317) 395-7879

TORREON NAVAJO MISSION

David Skiles, Superintendent
R. 2, Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013

Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

Kyle Reed, Secretary
R. 1 Box 4
Minburn, Iowa 50167

Newton Jamison, Treasurer
Quinter, Kansas 67752

Harley Flory
R. 4, Defiance, Ohio 43512

Ail contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury, but
sent to the Secretary for his records.

Lester Fisher

4664 N. State Rte. 48

Covington, OH 45313

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL LXII SEPTEMBER 15, 1984 NO. 18

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all

Scriptural in practice. the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

SUBMISSION

Submit yourselves to the leading

Of the Holy Spirit,
Of all the good things God offers

There isn't a limit.

He will open yogr eyes to truth,

Show you the way to go,
Increase your faith in the Gospel,

Teach you things you don't know.

But there's a work for you to do . . .

Faith without works is dead,
Obey all the ordinances

And keep pushing ahead.

You can't expect that you will have
A life that's free from care,

Yet faith and trust will stronger grow
In answer to your prayer.

—Irene Stout

BIBLE MONITOR

CONSISTENCY

One of the necessary ingredients for success in any field, whether
temporal or Spiritual, is consistency. A great rush of energy
followed by little effort will pot result in any lasting success. The
need of consistency is shown in the seed sown by the Sower.

The f i rst seed that fel I on the pathway was but easy gotten food for
the bi rds. That seed could not even make an effort to germinate and
grow. The seed that fell on the dust covered rocks did make a
quick effort to grow. But the shallowness of the soil and the heat of
the sun soon discouraged its efforts. It could not consistently
sustain its early success. The seed amongst the weeds in its early
growth grew and developed but the weeds got ahead and soon the
crop from the seed was lost. It was not consistent throughout the
whole season. The last seed which did bring forth bountifully was
consistent. It germinated, it grew because of a good root system
anchored in the deep fertile ground. This seed and its resultant
blade and then its grain continued a consistent pattern from
sowing to harvest. There was no giving up in the middle either to
the elements nor to the weeds. The rain and the sun rather than
hindering actually became a help.

Consistency is needed in each of our lives. Too often we have an
occasional burst of energy. We are on fire for the Lord. We are
interested in Spiritual things. We become great students of the
Bible and great workers in the Church. But by and by, there is a
lessening of our zeal. There is no longer the same rallied
enthusiasm. So eventually lethargy replaces our efforts. The lack
of consistency brings less success than we had desired and can
cause dismaying of ever succeeding so we become discouraged
and give up.

Consistency is important in all types of endeavors. The
businessman who wishes to prosper must be consistent. He must

THE BIBLE MONITOR SEPTEMBER 15, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard

Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Lithographing Co., Rt. 4,

Wauseon, Ohio 43567.

Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio

43567.

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BIBLE MONITOR

keep regular store hours. He must have a line of goods that is of a
consistently high quality. He must have goods or services that a
large number of people want consistently.

A child's parents must be consistent. First they must be agreed
together about how to train the child and what standards of
discipline will be enforced. Then there must be a consistent
application of that standard. The child can be punished severely
one time for doing something wrong and then merely excused the
next time. This creates a quandry in the child's mind about what
standard he is to keep and causes him usually to seek the easiest
way.

A consistent journey through life is one neither frought with
dangerous lows of despair nor excessive highs of ill-considered
effervescense. We find many today who on special occasions can
mount up to great heights of enthusasm in the Lord's work but who
in a short time have exhausted their enthusiasm. A Christian life is
generally a course covering many months, years and decades.
Consistency over the whole span is needed to be successful. There
are many examples of those who have striven for awhile but have
given up because of some opposition or hard place in the way. The
consistent one may not be so dazzling or fast as the other, but
continually striving on he will succeed where the other fails.

The year after year grind of life will in the end determine more of
success than that short period of brilliance that does not last.
Some may become discouraged because they compare them-
selves to others. Even ministers may feel left out if their preaching
does not inspire the popularity and praise of those who hear as
readily as some who are more gifted or audacious. But the one or
two talent man must continue on in his course and be consistent.

The straight and narrow way requires a consistent pilgrim. To
stay within the boundaries or standards of that highway requires a
day by day effort that veers neither toward one ditch or the other.
Each one who sets out on that journey will find many obstacles but
a consistent effort daily will overcome those obstacles more
readily than a somewhat effort at one time and a mighty effort at
another.

The roller coaster may be fun or scary depending on the person
riding but in the end all the peaks and valleys will have gotten him
nowhere for it ends right where it began. The peaceful, placid lake
will offer more of value whether merely for pleasure or for fish. Life
is not meant to be a roller coaster ride nor a sentimental drifting
with no course. Life is serious and demands an effort daily. That
effort will eventually bring forth the success that we seek.
Consistency is a pearl that we each need in our lives.

Are you on course towards that goal that lies beyond this life? Be
consistent and it can be yours.

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ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

'VEILING FOR THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN"

In this modern age, the veiling of women professing the
Christian life has been put totally aside except for a few Bible
believing churches. I am concerned that this modern influence
could creep into even the conservative church today because
many people are vague as to its significance.

It is somewhat incorrectly called the "prayer veiling." It is much
more than that. It is also not just a cultural practice since I
Corinthians 11 teaches it as a vital doctrine.

In this chapter we are taught that keeping the ordinances is
praiseworthy and the wearing of the veil is an ordinance. The
teaching did not just originate in the mind of Paul but is a
commandment of the Lord. It must have universal application and
is in no way cultural. Some today preach that one culture may use
it and another is exempt from it. That is false teaching. If this
chapter can be localized or applied only to a certain culture, then it
would also be true of Chapter 13, the love chapter, or any other
portion of the Word of God.

The wearer of the veil acknowledges the fundamental of divine
leadership. By wearing the covering, the Christian woman shows
her submission to the God-given order of headship. This is God's
plan, not man's. It is wholesome and right and should bless your
life rather than become a bondage. It places the correct emphasis
on the order of Christ, Man, Woman and Children. Without it, the
sister is not in proper submission to man nor to Christ. If the man
tries to bypass Christ to reach God, he is in violation of God's law.
So, also, if a woman bypasses man by not being properly veiled,
she has no access to Christ.

The veil is necessary for right worship and service. It puts her in
a position of honor as she collectively worships with the man. This
does not give her the authority to usurp authority over the man nor
to teach in God's house but allows her to be in harmony with the
collective attitude of the church service.

The veiling shows appreciation for the angels. It allows the sister
to claim the protection of the angels. It shows the fear of the Lord
and we are taught that "the angel of the Lord encampeth round
about them that fear him." To refuse to be veiled shows a spirit of
unbelief or rebellion against the Scriptures and puts the woman in
a very vulnerable position.

In addition, as holy apgels are in subjection to God, so holy
women are in subjection to the man. We learn that the holy angels
covered their faces in the presence of God and likewise, holy

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women cover their heads in the presence of man and Christ.

It is amazing that men today will uncover their head when they
worship and pray but the same men will not apply the rest of the
teaching relative to their women in the church. In the early church
era, it was becoming to a woman to be veiled and not pray or
prophesy unveiled. If she was uncovered, she was considered like
the heathen priestesses who prayed and delivered the oracles
bareheaded or with dishevelled hair. In addition, the hair was
always left long as a mark of their sex, as an ornament of being
female, for its beauty, and as a result of God's command. To cut it
short removed her badge of womanhood and submission.

It is consistent with the scriptures for the sister to be covered at
all times. The kerchief or head scarf should not be substituted for
the veil as it fails to identify your convictions and support of the
church. Usually alternative coverings are worn because they are
less offensive to the world. In other words, there is an attitude of
compromise involved.

It is equally important that the veil remain large enough to cover
the head properly. When the hair becomes more prominent than
the covering, you can be assured that the veil is too small. If you
remember that it is not just a symbol but an actual requirement of
the headship of God, then you will feel comfortable in keeping it an
adequate size to bless Him and show your willing obedience. The
sequence of apostesy is shown in our desire to be minimal in our
standards of Christian obedience, conduct, and dress.

The simple hair style of the Christian woman is the only one that
properly matches the veil. Hair that is styled and cut would be
totally out of context with a covering. Modern styles are designed
to show a woman's independence rather than dependence. They
show aggressiveness rather than submission. They ultimately
show a woman who puts herself above Christ and His demands for
her life. Both the natural covering of the hair and the veiling are
discussed in this chapter and both are of utmost spiritual
significance.

Finally, a life lived inconsistent with the modest dress, simple
hair style and veiling would negate the meanings of these symbols
and ordinances.

In addition, the wrong attitude in being obedient with the
practices we have discussed will ruin the blessing you might
receive. Be content and happy in the position in which God has
placed you and show forth a countenance expressive of your love
for Him.

Brother Leonard Wertz

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POSITIVE REACTIONS TO NEGATIVE ATTITUDES

PART 2

In the first part of this article, we studied two steps in dealing
with contention among brethren: A direct appeal to God, and the
principle of Matthew 18. We will now consider how to gain our
Brother.

3. ADJUST OUR FOCUS

The Pharisees and the Sadducees did not normally get along
with one another. They were two different religious groups with
two different sets of beliefs. Paul used this fact to his own
advantage during his trial in Jerusalem (Acts 23:6-9). The
Sadducees did not believe in a resurrection, or angels and spirits.
But the Pharisees believed in both of these things. So Paul said, "of
the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question."
Immediately the Pharisees and the Sadducees began arguing with
each other, and "the multitude was divided." We find the trial was
over for that day!

Here were two groups of people who argued among themselves
about differing beliefs. They did not agVee and could not
experience fellowship with one another. Yet when an outside force
which was larger than themselves (Paul) threatened their system,
they were able to pool their resources and get along together.

Why not lay down our weapons of bickering and contempt for
one another, and join in the fight for claiming lost souls for Jesus
Christ? Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 that we are to "be strong in the
Lord and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of
God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For
we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:10-13)
Not everyone will agree on the non-essentials, but at least all will
be fighting on the same side. This is certainly far better than
constant bickering and criticisms, and is a step in the right
direction.

We should remember that in any conflict within the Church,
Satan isn't nearly so concerned about who wins as he is about
brokenness and disunity and bitter attitudes toward our Brothers
and Sisters in the Lord. As long as there are bad feelings, Satan is
the winner! So we all need to remember just how cunning our
enemy is, and what the real issues are. But how do we learn to get
along as true brethren?

4. BE A LOVING SERVANT.

When we honestly feel there is a problem, but can't clearly define

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the issues, yet we want to be on the Lord's side, what then? Now
we come to the challenging part. Would you be willing to try an
experiment?

Jesus told His followers, "By this shall all men know that ye are
my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:35) How
can we love the Brother or Sister who is seemingly continually
manifesting negative attitudes toward us? Christ tells us in
Matthew 5:39-42: "But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but
whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the
other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and fake away
thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel
thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee,
and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away." In
fact, the entire Sermon on the Mount is filled with advice which
would have believers display this kind of attitude and spirit.

We who observe the feetwashing ceremony as described in John
13 are displaying that each member is willing to wash any other
member's feet — that is, to take on the role of a servant, to display
the attitude of a servant, and to manifest a servant's spirit toward
his Brother and Sister. We need to take seriously and literally
Christ's commandment to "Love one another." (John 13:34 and
15:12)

Paul continues this thought in Romans 14:13: "Let us not
therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that
no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's
way." This is not a popular message in a day when we are
bombarded on every side with the message, "Stand up for your
rights!" The message on humility does not appeal to any part of us
human beings. Our minds, wills, and emotions feel repelled by
such an idea. The natural part of me would like to emphasize the
first part of Romans 14, where Paul teaches that it's not important
whether or not we eat meats or keep certain days — just live unto
the Lord. But the natural part of me would also like to forget about
the last part of Romans 14, where we are taught to walk charitably
with our Brother and not to offend him. In spite of all the
arguments we can think of opposing this teaching, the Bible
teaching is clear. In fact, Christ tells us of the seriousness of the
situation by saying, "Woe unto the world because of offences! for it
must needs be that offences come: but woe to that man by whom
the offence cometh!" (Matthew 18:7). Suddenly the tables are
turned, and we see that it may be ME that is causing by Brother to
stumble! What a message for a heart whose unregenerate
condition is that of being proud!

The question remains, "What can I do to manifest a servant's

8 BIBLE MONITOR

spirit toward my brother?" This is where the challenge is, and
where we can begin experimenting. We must ask God to show us
how and where we can display a servant's spirit -- and He will do it!
If more than one person is involved, claim the verse in Matthew
18:19 (two agreeing to pray). We will be amazed at how simple and
small the things will be -- and will be even more amazed at how
this principle works! But do not be in a big hurry to see results
right away. God may choose to teach us patience through this
experience. So remember Romans 5:3-4 which ways, "We glory in
tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and
patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not
ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by
the Holy Ghost which is given us." We see then that through these
experiences, we M shed abroad" the love of God, and thus our real
goal -- that of spreading the good news about Jesus Christ --
becomes fulfilled!

When my Brother or Sister sees me going the second mile, his
heart will tend to soften (sometimes unconsciously) and he will be
more open to me as a person. But the largest transformation will
take place in my own heart. In exercising a servant's attitude
toward my Brother, I'm also proving to myself that I love him — and
one day I find that I really do love him — with genuine love which is
of God. Then the smile I give him will be genuine —and he will see
a new warmth in my attitude toward him. The little things he does
toward me will not bother me, because I'm loving him with God's
love. It is then that I can feel that I have truly gained my Brother.

As the healing continues, we will then together be able to take up
the real battle of winning lost souls for Jesus Christ. We then will
truly see a church where Brothers and Sisters in Christ will be
living as the psalmist David longed for so many years ago:
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell
together in unity!" (Psalms 133:1).

Brother Robert Lehigh

"RESPECT AND EXAMPLE"

Since returning home from Conference many thoughts have
passed through my mind. Some have been pleasant ones and
some have not.

As I think of our meeting together from year to year, it should be
a time of sweet fellowship and for the most part I feel it is. Yet I feel
as Christian people we are losing a part of our witness to others.
We know that society has failed in the line of respect but do we as
believing people need to follow after the world?

Do we respect the rules governing the camp grounds where we

BIBLE MONITOR

hold our conferences like we should? I fear many times we do not.
We are asked to be in our rooms and quiet at a respectable time
and there are some who do not respect that rule.

Parents should have their children in bed and quiet at that given
hour. I feel this is important to teach our children respect while
they are young. If we don't set the example, how can we expect
them to show respect, if they don't see it in us?

I couldn't help noticing one evening as I walked out of services
for a few minutes, young couples sitting out under the trees with
their arms around each other. I also saw deacons, ministers and I
heard even elders were outside sitting during the preaching
service. I ask is that being a good example to others? I Timothy
4:12. Where is our respect for God's house, and not only for God's
house but God's servant as he preaches His Word? Would we like
it if our brother and sister sat outside while we preached the Word?

As we think about the conduct of some of our young people at
Conference, the sinful things they do and engage in makes me
wonder what our Church's future is.

Maybe we as parents are not showing the example at home that
we should nor demanding the respect of our children that we
should. I think there is no better place for our young people to
meet than at our Conference, but if we're going there with the
thought of causing trouble and embarrassment, then I feel we
ought to stay home because we certainly aren't bringing glory and
honor to God. I think our young people can have a wonderful time
of fellowship together and in doing that it brings honor and glory
to God and shows respect on your part.

As we meet from time to time and year to year let us show our
respect for each other and be an example of the believers.

In Christian love,
Brother Marty Meyers

SIXTY YEARS AGO
September 15, 1924

THAT OLD BOOK

B. E. Kesler

She was an old lady and her hair was white with the snows of
nearly threescore and ten winters. Her health was not good, and it
would seem that she should have been thinking of something more
important than dress; but when a friend spoke to her of the Bible
teaching about plain dress she said: "That old Book! We don't
want anything to do with that when it comes to our dressing." This
speech was uttered in our town in this year of grace nineteen

10 BIBLE MONITOR

hundred and twenty-four.

In the same town were living other women who by their actions
said the same thing. Some of these women said the Bible should
have nothing to say about their pleasures — they would go where
they pleased and do what they pleased: they would gamble if they
chose, and they would dance. Why should they consult the Bible
about these things?

For the most part they have gotten the ideas from the pulpit, for
the preachers say that one thing is not necessary and another is
not necessary. And so the "Old Book" has but a small part of the
attention and reverence it had years ago. If the commands and
advice contained in it were heeded, there would be much less
crime and sin in the world. People do not stop to think what the
Book contains, what it has meant in the advancement of the race,
giving hope where was despair.

That old Book may be neglected, may be made fun of and
scoffed at; but that does not affect the Book. It is more solid than
the world, and will outlast the world. And it will be just as solid
when the scoffers are swept up like the chaff which is to be burned.
Nor is that all: it will be the law by which all men shall be judged in
the final day. It reveals the Christ, the one before whom every knee
shall bow and every tongue shall confess that he is Lord, to glory
of God the Father.

"That Old Book" was given to man as a guide through this world.
Many attempts have been made by ungodly men to destroy it. In
the olden time one of the kings cut it to pieces and burned it; but he
did not get rid of it in that way. The Book was still his judge, and it
condemned him. So shall it ever be. It is given us as a light to our
path, and if we heed it we shall not walk in darkness.

In my mother's last sickness she asked me to get the Book and
read to her; and after I had read in it for a while she said: 'That is
the best of all." Many of us thank God, have had mothers like that,
who lived by the Book, and when the time came they were not
afraid to die by it, but looked bravely across the river, not heeding
the dark valley of the shadow of death, for their eyes were fixed on
One on the other side. "That Old Book" was their greatest treasure
in life.

We do not believe that the dancing, cardplaying, society women
of this day are making better wives or mothers, nor are they
training up their children to be as good citizens. The leaving of the
Bible out of so much of present-day life is one of the greatest
causes why we have so much crime. Disrespect for the laws of
God cannot inspire respect for the laws of man. It is in God's law
that we have the foundation of right laws. There never has been

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another book like it, and there never will be: it stands alone.

It is an old Book; yes. But it is more than that: it is God's book. It
says, 'Thou shalt", and it says, "Thou shalt not." When men's laws
are disobeyed for a long time and almost universally, they are often
repealed. But that is not the case with God's laws. His own people
tried disobeying them, and we have a record of some of their
sufferings due to their disobedience. Not a prophecy or promise of
it has ever failed when the time for fulfilling came. And there are
some wonderful things foretold in the Book whose time has not yet
come. Among them is the judgment. It will be well for us to study
the Book and learn what it has to say about the great day of God
Almighty. We do not know when the judgment time will come, but
it will be here right on time when God's hour strikes.

As you love your souls, do not scoff at the Book; as you hope for
peace in the world to come, do not neglect to obey the
commandments of the Lord, It has to do with every activity of life.
It is a mistake to think that you can leave it out of any part of your
life; you may think you are leaving it out, but in reality you are only
laying up for yourself sorrow in the great day of the Lord's final
judgment. You cannot afford to do that. Call it the old Book if you
will, but not with disrespect. Reverence it, obey all its teachings,
lay hold of all its promises, and so be prepared when your time
comes to meet your Lord with joy and not with sorrow. Life is
short, eternity is long; what we do in this short life decides our
destiny for that life which shall never end. God help us to obey it in
all that we do as we journey through this world.

WHAT SHALL A MAN GIVE
IN EXCHANGE FOR HIS SOUL?

In Matthew 16:26, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the
whole world and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in
exchange for his soul?" When Jesus came to His disciples saying,
"Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?", some said He was
John the Baptist; some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the
prophets. Then He asked the disciples, "Whom do you say I am?"
Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of
the living God." Simon Peter must have been a blessing to Christ.
If we were to ask many today in our schools, "What do you think,"
would they know anything about the Christ who gave His life to
save their soul? I wonder if you would ask a High School class
what the central theme of the Gospel was, would they be able to
say the story of Jesus?

The words are like seeds which when dropped and faith and
water are added then we have a living thing. Many a time, things

12 BIBLE MONITOR

were said, Peter did not want to hear, because he surely loved the
Lord. If someone was going to take our Master away we would
want to protect Him. His Master was going to be killed. Jesus said
if any man come after me he must deny himself. So many
preachers do not say this today, but Jesus told His disciples that
was the first thing they must do — deny self and then come and be
my disciple.

Jesus tells us to take up the cross and follow Him. This would
mean alot to some people, but in the end it is worth it. Jesus had to
carry His own cross on the way to be crucified. If our load
becomes heavy with the cross we must bear, Jesus is always by
our side to give us help. We are not alone.

If we bear this cross as we journey along the way, we will receive
a crown in the end. When this life is no more, Christ will take us
home to glory. So many of the Apostles lost their lives for the
cause of Christ. If any of us could live to be ninety years old and
feel like the Apostle Paul, when he was near the end and be able to
say, I have fought a good fight and kept the faith and I am now
ready to go. Oh, what would it be like to have gained all of this
world and money and then lose our home in Heaven?

Do we consider the value of our own soul? In the business world
of today we have to watch that we don't go bankrupt, but that is not
as important as watching what condition our soul is in. So often
we get wrapped up in this world's affairs so we forget about our
soul.

When we have an opportunity to do good and help our fallen
Brother or Sister and we fail to do this, we have to answer to our
dear Lord. So many of us have failed because we feel that next
time we can help. Do we all have a second chance to help? Now is
the time, this moment, this day. What we do for Christ will last.

When we sell a piece of land we want to get the best price. When
we come to the price of our soul are we willing to give it away free,
like Esau? Be careful it will cost us dearly. So many today say they
don't have to give their life to Christ as they are living a good life.
The faithful few wll receive a great reward. Will we all be in that
number? I pray we will.

Sister E. M. Alltus

WESLEY'S TWO TEXTS
Wesley was once preaching to a congregation of the honored of
the realm, and used the "generation of vipers" text. A nobleman
afterward said to Wesley: "That text should have been preached at
the prison." "No," replied Wesley, my text there would have been,
'Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.' "

BIBLE MONITOR 13

MARRIAGE

JAMISON-KELLER

Marcie Jamison, daughter of Bro. and Sis. Dale Jamison of
Quinter, Kansas, and Mike Keller, son of Bro. and Sis. Titus Keller
of Manheim, Pennsylvania, were married in an outdoor ceremony
the morning of August 4, 1984. The wedding was held near
Quinter at the home of Rex Reinecker, brother-in-law of the bride.
Bro. Gordon Jamison gave the opening prayer and Elder Dale
Jamison officiated.

Mike and Marcie are living at Rt. 8, Box 55, Manhattan, Kansas
66502.

May God bless this happy couple with many wonderful years
together!

OBITUARIES

EMMA WISE

Sis. Emma K. Wise, widow of the late Bro. Noah W. Wise, passed
away at the Lancaster Osteopathic Hospital, June 6, 1984 at the
age of 86. She was a resident of the Mount Hope Dunkard Brethren
Home, Manheim, Pennsylvania the last six years.

She was born June 19, 1897, the daughter of the late Benjamin
and Ella (Kreider) Bollinger. She joined the Middle Creek Church
of the Brethren in February 1913. She united with the Lititz
Dunkard Brethren Church in January 1934, where she was a
faithful member.

Surviving are a son, Arthur B. Wise, East Earl, Pennsylvania; four
daughters, Esther, wife of David B. Johns, Paradise, Pennsylvania,
Ellen, wife of Laverne Keeney, Lititz, Pennsylvania, Sarah, wife of
Lester Marks, Mountville, Pennsylvania, and Miriam, wife of Jack
Snyder, Stevens, Pennsylvania; nineteen grandchildren and
twenty-six great-grandchildren. Two sisters, Mrs. Anna Horst,
Ephrata, Pennsylvania, Mrs. Mary Butzer, AkrQn, Pennsylvania;
three brothers, Edward Bollinger, Neffsville, Pennsylvania, Alvin
Bollinger, Lititz, Pennsylvania, and Ira Bollinger, Ephrata,
Pennsylvania.

Funeral services were held at the Lititz Dunkard Brethren
Church, June 9, 1984, by Elder James Kegerreis, assisted by Elder
Allen Eberly. Burial in the Middle Creek Brethren Cemetery, Lititz,
Pennsylvania.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks and
appreciation to relatives, neighbors and friends for cards, prayers,
visits and many acts of kindness to Mother at Mount Hope Home
and to us in our bereavement at Mother's passing.

The Family of Emma Wise

14 BIBLE MONITOR

LEONARD REED

Brother Leonard Clarence Reed, 81, died at 10:35 A.M. Saturday,
August 18, 1984, in his home in Carthage, Illinois.

Brother Leonard was born October 9, 1902, in Greenbrier
County, West Virginia. He was the son of Creed T. and Martha
(Howell) Reed.

He joined the Dunkard Brethren Church, September 28, 1924,
attending mostly at Astoria, Illinois.

He married Belle Kern in Carthage, February 23, 1924. She
survives.
Brother Leonard was a farmer in this vicinity.
Also surviving are three brothers, Johnson, William and Floyd,
also nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents
and two brothers.

Funeral services were held at the Neiser Funeral Home in
Carthage, August 21, with Elder Ray Reed in charge assisted by
Elder William Carpenter. Internment in Moss Ridge Cemetery in
Carthage.

We do not lose the ones we love —

They only go before
Where there is everlasting life

Where sorrow is no more.
And there the soul will always live,

And peace is everywhere.
We do not lose the ones we love —
God takes them in His care.

NEWS ITEMS

MINISTERIAL LIST CHANGES

The new address of Elder Eugene Kauffman is R. 3, Box 51,
Harrisonburg, Virginia, 22801. The telephone number is the same.

Add to the Ministerial List the name of Bro. Michael Wray (M),
31111 Combs Ave., Escalon, California 95320. The telephone
number is 209/838-2760.

Elder H. Edward Johnson phone number change (419) 337-0251.

QUINTER, KANSAS

The Quinter Congregation extends an invitation to all who can to
attend our revival meetings, September 23 through 30.

Elder Robert Carpenter of Plevna, Indiana will bring the
messages to us.

Please remember us in prayer.

Sister Julie Litfin, Cor.

BIBLE MONITOR 15

PLEASANT RIDGE, OHIO

We, the Pleasant Ridge Congregation plan, the Lord willing, to
hold our Lovefeast Services, October 6 and 7.

Services will be held at 11 o'clock Saturday, October 6,
continuing at two o'clock in the afternoon and the Lovefeast being
Saturday evening. Services will be held on Sunday also.

We welcome all to come enjoy these services with us.

Sister Ruth Kleinhan, Cor.

WEST FULTON, OHIO

The Lord willing, the West Fulton Congregation plans a revival
meeting starting Friday, October 12, closing with the Harvest
Meeting Sunday, October 21. Bro. Virgil Leatherman will be our
evangelist. Come and enjoy these services with us.

Sister Carolyn Carpenter, Cor.

DAYTON, VIRGINIA

The Dayton Congregation plans, the Lord willing, to hold a
revival meeting, October 14 through 21, 1984. Elder Harley Flory
of Defiance, Ohio will be the evangelist.

The Lovefeast Service will be held the evening of October 20.

A welcome is extended for all to come and enjoy these services
with us.

Brother Eugene Kauffman

WAYNESBORO, PENNSYLVANIA

The Lord willing, the Waynesboro Congregation plans a Fall
Lovefeast, October 12. All are welcome. Come and enjoy this
service with us.

Sister Wilma Eberly, Cor.

THANK YOU

I want to take this privilege to thank all the Brethren and Sisters
and friends for your prayers, cards, gifts, visits and concern while I
was in the hospital and at home. May the good Lord bless all of
you and keep us all faithful until He comes.

Brother George Longenecker, Sr.

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR OCTOBER 1984
ON THE EARTH

Memory Verse: Isaiah 58:14 "Then
shalt thou delight thyself in the
Lord; and I will cause thee to ride
upon the high places of the earth,
and feed thee with the heritage of
Jacob thy father: for the mouth
of the Lord hath spoken it.
Mon. 1 - Isaiah 58:1-14
Tues. 2 - Isaiah 60:1-22
Wed. 3 - Isaiah 61:1-11
Thurs. 4 - Isaiah 62:1-12
Fri 5 - Isaiah 63:1-19
Sat. 6 - Isaiah 65:1-16

Memory Verse: Isaiah 61:11, "For
as the earth bringeth forth her
bud, and as the garden causeth
the things that are sown in it to
spring forth; so the Lord God
will cause righteousness and
praise to spring forth before all
the nations."
Sun. 7 - Isaiah 65:17-25
Mon. 8 - Isaiah 66:1-14
Tues. 9 - Isaiah 66:1-24
Wed. 10 - Jeremiah 4:1-31
Thurs. 11 - Jeremiah 6:1-30
Fri. 12 - Jeremiah 7:21-34
Sat. 13 - Jeremiah 8:1-22

Memory Verse: Isaiah 65:17, "For
behold, I create new heavens and
a new earth: and the former shall
not be remembered, nor come
into mind."

Sun. 14 - Jeremiah 9:1-26
Mon. 15 - Jeremiah 10:1-25
Tues. 16 - Jeremiah 14:1-22
Wed. 17 - Jeremiah 15:1-21
Thurs. 18 - Jeremiah 16:1-21
Fri. 19 - Jeremiah 17:1-18
Sat. 20 - Jeremiah 19:1-15

Memory Verse: Jeremiah 10:11-12,
"Thus shall ye say unto them, The
gods that have not made the
heavens and the earth, even they
shall perish from the earth, and
from under these heavens. He
hath made the earth by his power,
he hath established the world by
his wisdom, and hath stretched
out the heavens by his discretion."
Sun. 21 - Jeremiah 22:1-30
Mon. 22 - Jeremiah 23:1-24
Tues. 23 - Jeremiah 24:1-10
Wed. 24 - Jeremiah 25:1-28
Thurs. 25 - Jeremiah 27:1-22
Fri. 26 - Jeremiah 28:1-17
Sat. 27 - Jeremiah 29:1-19

Memory Verse: Jeremiah 17:13,
"O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that
forsake thee shall be ashamed,
and they that depart from me
shall be written in the earth,
because they have forsaken the
Lord, the fountain of living waters.
Sun. 28 - Jeremiah 31:1-14
Mon. 29 - Jeremiah 33:1-26
Tues. 30 - Jeremiah 34:1-22
Wed. 31 - Jeremiah 50:17-45

Lester Fisher

4664 N. State Rte. 48

Covington, OH 45318

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL LXII OCTOBER 1, 1984 NO. 19

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all

Scriptural in practice. the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

WHOM HAVE WE, LORD

Whom have we, Lord in heav'n, but thee,
And whom on earth beside?
Where else for succor can we flee,
Or in whose strength confide?

Thou art our portion here below,
Our promised bliss above;
Ne'er may our souls an object know
So precious as thy love.

When heart and flesh, O Lord, shall fail,
Thou wilt our spirits cheer,
Support us thro' life's thorny vale, '
And calm each anxious fear.

Yes, thou shalt be our guide thro' life,
And help and strength supply;
Sustain us in death's fearful strife,
And welcome us on high.

BIBLE MONITOR

THE GOOD LUCK CHARM

Even in this supposedly advanced and educated age, many
people still rely on luck. Millions of dollars are wasted on gambling.
Others who would disdain gambling and gaming, still are servants
to luck. They have good luck charms and have many super-
stitions concerning black cats, ladders and certain days. Even
professing Christians are amongst those who have a reliance on
luck and superstition.

In the Bible some of the Jews relied more on a good luck
charm than on God. When Eli was elderly, sickly and nearly
blind, his sons were out of control. They pursued an unholy
course although they were their father's helpers in the priesthood.
As the leadership of the land failed so the people became evil
and idolatrous. They were slack in their worship and service
towards God. When the Philistines arose as God's means of
punishment, the Jews could not resist them. As the battle continued
to go against them, they decided they needed a good luck charm.
They had Eli's sons brought from Shiloh and with them went
the ark. They thought surely this would change their luck in
the battle. The ark and priests were not brought because they
had a renewed desire to worship and serve God. The ark was
brought to be a good luck charm. But it could not deliver them
although it did bolster their confidence for a brief time. The ark
could not save them because it was only a "lucky piece." It
was not the center of their worship. They were not obedient
to the God whom the ark represented. The battle was lost, many
were killed including Eli's sons and worst of all the ark was taken
by the Philistines. Their good luck charm failed them because
they relied upon luck rather than faith and obedience.

THE BIBLE MONITOR OCTOBER 1, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Lithographing Co., Rt. 4,
Wauseon, Ohio 43567.

Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio
43567.

Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance.

Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.
MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th St., Beaumont, CA 92223
ROBERT S. LEHIGH, Assistant Editor; R. 4 Box 4427, Spring Grove, PA

17362
JACOB C. NESS, Associate Editor; 136 Homeland Road, York, PA

17403
RUDY COVER, Associate Editor; 2034 Roble Ave., Modesto, CA 95351

BIBLE MONITOR

Many today rely upon good luck represented by various religious
symbolic items which have become "lucky pieces." These luck
items include crosses, handkerchiefs, or even the Bible itself.
These things have meaning only as good luck charms and have
lost their meaning concerning God's desired use of these things.
These sentimental relics have become charms to use in troubled
times to bring good luck. Prayer and obedience have been shunted
aside as ineffective. There is little interest in what God's Will
is, only in what good luck can be had.

Luck is a desire for all things good and for nothing that would
be uncomfortable. Human minds do not see the need for the
disciplining effects of adversity. So the wish is for all pleasant
things. Having all pleasant things may not be God's Will, so to
wish for luck would be going against His Will.

James admonishes believers when laying future plans whether
long or short term, to say, "If the Lord wills." Our desires may
not always be as He would will. Our idea of gain may not be
the same as His as we are liable to count gain in worldly, material
terms while He counts gain in eternal, Spiritual terms.

Many are drawn into gambling with the idea of winning at
least a little and usually alot more. But for every well-publicized
winner there are multitudes of losers. The jackpot is accumulated
through the donations of each one who covets to have the whole
thing. Gambling has many things against it. It would be suf-
ficiently condemned if by no other than this: Thou shalt not
covet. Gambling is coveting. There is always the thought that
the little put in will produce a great jackpot. Not only is this
the admonition of the old law but even more so in the New
Testament. How many, who can hardly afford the necessities
of life, will gamble away even what they do have? Luck has
robbed many of even the meanest of pleasures and has brought
instead poverty, arguments and laziness. For many luck not only
robs them of ambition to do work for a living rather than throw
away their meager means on gambling but it robs them of future
ambition for they foresee the time when they will hit the jackpot
and not have to labor. God's plan has always been for man to
have work to do.

Christians need to beware of the allurements of "Lady Luck."
It is so easy to be allured by the promise of quick and easy
money. It is appealing to acquire the pleasant things of this life
without a great deal of labor. It is easy to allow even symbols
connected with Christianity to become good luck charms — giving
them a value that God did not intend.

Christians, as the children of God, need to listen to their Heavenly

BIBLE MONITOR

Father knowing He will never leave nor forsake them. Therefore,
they do not need luck. They need faith.
Is it luck or faith that rules your life?

UNTIL IT'S GONE

"You never miss the water till the well runs dry." You've no
doubt heard this or a similar statement many times. It is so
very true and shows our human side. We don't miss water until
we don't have it. In other words, we don't really appreciate it
while we do have it. Neither do we consider what life would be
without a good supply. We simply assume it will always be there.

People don't value what they have until it's gone. Then it is too
late. It may be their health which they fail to appreciate, or it
may be their home and family which they take for granted. What-
ever it is, quite often when the thing of value is gone, it can't
be brought back. In our careless, carefree attitude, we ruined
what was most important, and no matter how sorry we are, we
can't undo the damage done.

Esau didn't miss his birthright until the blessing was gone also.
In Gen. 25:29-34, we are given the story of Esau selling his birth-
right. He probably didn't think anymore about it until the blessing
was gone. After Jacob had cheated Esau out of this blessing,
Esau blamed Jacob for it all. See Gen. 27:36. The fact was
Esau didn't value his birthright and sold it with little thought
Blaming Jacob didn't help Esau and it didn't solve the problem.
His plot to murder Jacob didn't solve anything either.

It never helps to blame someone else, especially when we are
at fault. King Saul found that out when he blamed the people
for his own disobedience. He tried to justify himself until faced
with the consequences — the loss of his throne. Saul didn't
miss God's blessing until it was gone. When we refuse to face
the facts as he did, we only make the problem worse. We are
responsible for our own lives and for the choices we make, and if
we expect to be blessed, we must face up to the responsibility.
See I Sam. 15.

In the parable of the rich and very foolish man (Luke 12:16-21),
it is obvious that he made a bad choice. He put all of his
energy into his possessions and left God out of his life, thus
ignoring the opportunity to get right with God. Now that it was
gone, it was too late because death was at the door. He couldn't
bring the opportunity back and even though he wasn't ready to
face the reality of Eternity, he had to. So it will be with us, if
we don't make use of our opportunity to get right with God today.

In our relationships with people, we often take things for granted.

BIBLE MONITOR

We don't appreciate our friends and family as we should, and our
ungrateful attitude can destroy these relationships. Love and
friendship, when trampled on, will die. It will be like a well which
has gone dry, and there will be no one to blame it on but ourselves.
We can weep and cry and say how sorry we are, but being sorry
won't bring it back. A trust has been destroyed and it takes
time to rebuild it, if it can be done. The time to appreciate
something is while it is here, not after it's gone.

A drug addict no longer has a choice — he must use drugs
to function. He did not appreciate his freedom until it was gone
and he was addicted. The only route to freedom from this craving
is to go through a painful withdrawal. An alcoholic faces a similar
situation. Both have become slaves to the drug their bodies
crave. Neither made a responsible choice, and are paying a high
price for his foolishness.

As you think of these things, you can easily see that trouble
comes when one gets careless. Trouble comes especially when
God is left out. The time to appreciate friends and family is now.
The time to let God have His way in your life is now. If you wait,
it may be too late. "When he would have inherited the blessing,
he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he
sought it carefully with tears." (Heb. 12:17) For Esau it was too
late, and so it will be for us if we wait until our opportunities
are gone.

Sister Eileen Broadwater

ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

"Promises"

In any major election year, politicians make extravagant promises.
We hear them again in 1984! Better housing is in the forecast.
With the help of proper laws, we are informed that we will have
an adequate place to live, we will have energy sufficient for heating
and lighting and we will have all the "things" necessary to make
life and the pursuit of happiness worth-while. For the hungry
nations and for the poor here at home, plans are devised to
distribute food and increase unemployment compensation. Health
insurance is a glowingly pictured way to increase a life span.
Increased old age pensions are promised to remove any cause
for sorrow or pain among the aged. Promises, promises!

John was able by revelation to show us some flashes of the future.
We see in his writings benefits far better than those the politicians
of today eagerly promise. God's fulfillment is glorious beyond
any of our fondest dreams. There will be no need for the sun for
heat or light. There will be no night there as God Himself will be

BIBLE MONITOR

the light. Food will no longer be a problem as spiritual bodies
will feel no hunger or thirst. The great search for ways to increase
man's life span will cease, since death will be no more and the
redeemed will have free access to the water of life. ALL the
problems which are being discussed during these elections are
going to be solved permanently God's way.

Many, if not most of the promises we are hearing today are
only empty words. But God's promises are sure. No govern-
ment today is perfect and no nation today is looking completely
to God for guidance the way it should. Yet God guides the
destinies of nations and He is orchestrating the happenings of this
time from heaven, that His will might be done.

For many years, God ruled His people directly, speaking to them
through Moses and the Judges. But the people murmured against
them and asked for a king. Even though this was not pleasing
to God, He permitted them to have a king. When a bad king
took power, everything went against the people. When the king
was good and looked to God, everything was fine. The righteous-
ness of the nation cameand went, depending upon their government.
Our real government is the Kingdom of Christ. Our leader is
the Lord Himself. As long as we are obedient to Him and carry
His banner high, we will be sufficiently cared for, even in the
face of a decaying society.

We praise God for the freedoms we experienced in this country
but we can never be totally free until we understand our position
in Christ. The freedom that He gives us is hard to understand
in the worldly sense. Paul teaches us that "Against such there is
no law." There is no limit on the practice of Christian virtues.
We have the opportunity to do noble things... to live a life of
service and love, to give our best to Jesus and to help those
around about us. May we concentrate upon these objectives
as the "elect" of the everlasting Kingdom.

Brother Leonard Wertz

LIGHT AND HEAVY WHEAT

A farmer went with his son into the wheat field to see if the grain
was ripe for the harvest. The boy exclaimed: "See, father, how
straight these stems hold up their heads; they must be the best
ones. Those that hang their heads down cannot be good for much."
The farmer plucked a stalk of each kind and said: "See here, foolish
child; this stalk that stood so straight is light-headed and almost
good for nothing, while this one that hung its head so modestly is
full of the most beautiful grain."

BIBLE MONITOR

THERE WERE TWELVE

The number twelve holds much significance in both the Old
and the New Testament of the Bible. The twelve sons of Jacob.
Jesus chose twelve men to assist Him in His earthly ministry.
Twelve apostles initiated the early Christian Church. Many people
do not realize that twelve women played important roles in the
events surrounding Christ's death and resurrection. They came
from all walks of life. We also find there are the books of History
in the Old Testament which are twelve. We also find the Minor
Prophets also are twelve in number.

Some writers say that the twelve women, one was a governor's
wife, three were social workers, two maids, a woman who had
been freed from evil spirits, three mothers, an aunt and a friend.
On the stage of that crucial period, these women were found in
different places; on a porch, in a garden, in an office, by a fire,
in an earthquake, at the cross, in a cemetery, at a door, in a
leper's house, in a crowd, in a palace, in the city. Some watched,
wept, anointed, prepared, purchased,

If Joanna, Salome and Susanna lived today, we would call them
community workers. They cared alot about Jesus and His needs.
The final trip to Jerusalem demonstrated their willingness to be
called His disciples. The Governor's wife could not stand by and
see injustice done. She boldly advised her husband, Pilate, to
release an innocent man.

Through grief and dispair, Jesus' Aunt and His Mother stood
faithfully by Him as He hung on the cross. He understood the
strength of the family ties when they remained to witness His
death. His mother's love was rewarded when a place was ensured
for her in the household of His dear friend. Two women were
grateful that Jesus restored their reputation. No gift could be too
costly for a friend like that. Many who were helped by Jesus
felt the same. Mary Magdalene had been an outcast from society
because of the evil spirits that had possessed her. When Jesus
freed her, she was able to resume her place among her friends
and relatives. She knew that a stone and soldiers were placed
at the entrance to the place where Jesus was buried. She was
determined to embalm His body. Two other Mary joined her
at the tomb the morning of the resurrection, but they were sent to
relay a message to the Disciples.

Christ fulfilled the purpose for which He was sent. The example
set by the twelve women ranks high among Bible scholars today.

Sister E. M. Alltus

BIBLE MONITOR

MONEY CANT BUY

I'll write a few things
That money can't buy...

The air that we breathe;
A soul that won't die.

The Great Love of God —

And of His Own Son
Who died on Calv'ry

To redeem each one.

The Word He left us,
Peace He gives within,

His Spirit to lead
Us away from sin.

We've a mind to think,
And eyes that can see,

Ears for our hearing...
Two hands and two feet.

We have our taste buds

And an appetite,
And when we get tired

We sleep day or night.

There's friends and neighbors

And our families...
Then too — we can worship

Whenever we please.

Money can't buy health —
Of this we do know...

When things are planted
We can't make them grow.

We've water to drink

In a great supply...
For fruits of the trees

On God we rely.

His beautiful flowers

Around us do grow
Because He gave rain

And also the snow.

Now I've touched a part
Of the things that are free —

There's so many more —
Like the shade of a tree.

BIBLE MONITOR

The sun and the moon

And stars you can't count,
Our blessings add up

To a huge amount.

- Irene Stout

CHRISTIAN

Ephesians 4:1-3, "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech
you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing
one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit
in the bond of peace."

We find the word "Christian" only three times in the Bible. It
is believed that this name did not originate among the group of
believers themselves but rather from outsiders. Certainly this is
a special word bestowed upon a special people. It was probably
used with contempt by some who wanted to identify those odd
people who were following the Christ. Undoubtedly it was used
by many in love and kindness.

This name has carried down through the ages and is widely
used today. I believe it covers a much broader area of people
than those who are Christ like or true followers of Jesus.

A Greek soldier was brought to Alexander the Great because he
was remiss in his duties. Alexander asked him his name and he
proudly answered, "My name is Alexander." At this the great
general replied, "Soldier, do your duties or change your name!"

We are wearing the name Christian. Are you worthy of that
name? Am I worthy of that name? It seems that some like to
wear the name like an outer garment and change it occasionally,
or remove it at will.

As the great general did not want a poor soldier to wear his
name, Christ does not want a careless or negligent individual to
wear His.

Let's be worthy of the name Christian!

Brother Roger Swihart
Quinter, Kansas 67752

•••••

• •

The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an
opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good
example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will
make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all men, charity. —

— Balfour

10 BIBLE MONITOR

THE EXECUTION

Psalms 22:10, "I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art
my God from my mother's belly."

The date is set to seal his doom.
The time, the place, and the room.
Which type of death is deemed the best?
Is one more appropriate than the rest?

The victim to be lies so peaceful. What a shame —
to die so young. Known by number, not by name.
But surely he deserves to die, so says the law.
He has no say in the matter, not one last call.

No lawyer is given to hear or plead his case.

He is among the most despised of the human race.

Guilty! Guilty! As decreed by the highest judges in the land.

Fit to be torn apart — his feet, his legs, his hand.

Or perhaps he should be burnt alive, scalded until dead.
More mercy to be shown? Cut off his head!
No type of death is too terrible for one such as he.
Compassion, caring love? These things are not to be.

Who is this despised one, hated with a vengence so?
A killer, rapist, despot king? The answer is, no.
He is a babe, unwanted, conceived "out of his time."
Abortion is his fate. Execution without guilt or crime!

If this poem appears to be too gruesome to you, we believe an
actual abortion is more so!

James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078

SIXTY YEARS AGO

October 1, 1924
"HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE"

John L. Johnson

"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at
first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us
by them that heard him." Hebrews 2:3.

In the Old Testament, we find that Adam and Eve disregarded
God's instructions and sin fell upon all the human race. Moses
disregarded God's instructions when told to speak to the rock;
instead of speaking to the rock, he smote it as he had success-
fully done once before, but in his disobedience to the command

BIBLE MONITOR 11

of God he was permitted to look over into the promised land of
Canaan but was not permitted to go to enjoy living in it. King
Saul, because of neglecting to heed God's command to utterly
destroy the Amalekites and all that they had and spare them NOT,
(I Samuel 15:3) he lost his kingship. David was not permitted to
build the temple, because he was a man of blood. (I Chron. 28:3).
These, with many other cases, are on record to show us that
there always has been penalties attached to disobedience to God's
commands.

HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE? Christ (the Son of God) has in
the New Testament given us a plan of redemption from the "Adamic
sin", through the death of His Son and commandments formulated
and demanded to be obeyed in the church which He has established
(the Church of Christ) and if we neglect to obey them we will
have to suffer the penalties as well as all former people have
(or will have) to suffer.

"He that exalteth himself shall be abased." (A Church or con-
gregation) will meet with the same condemnation. Many leaders
of the (so-called) Christian churches, are going about with their
heads high, their manner, as well astheir teaching, plainly indicating
that they are away beyond our fore-fathers in their knowledge
in knowing how to conduct the affairs of Christ's church. Costly
and elegant church houses, of fine architecture, (many with heavy
debt upon them), musical instruments, gayly bedecked choirs
displayed before their audiences, formality in services along the
lines of all popular churches, together with banquets, socials for
mirth and pleasure, and what not, to get the attention of the
public. HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE?

God despises even a proud look. He is the father of humility
and humbleness and has promised to exalt those that so conduct
themselves. Pride is an abomination in the sight of GOD. He
even goes further by saying, "That which is highly esteemed among
MEN is an abomination in the sight of God." HOW SHALL WE
ESCAPE?

Christ has demanded that His people (His Church) shall come
out from among the world and BE A SEPARATE PEOPLE, then
He will bless them. How can we do this? By being born of the
Spirit of Christ, (not of the nature of the world). If of the Spirit,
we will do as the Spirit demands but if of the world, we will do
as the world demands, and the world's demands are the foremost
thought (it seems) of the present day church behavior. This
exalted idea has gotten many church members, church congre-
gations and districts into heavy debt and caused a shortage in
finances to meet over estimated Mission demands and submerged

12 BIBLE MONITOR

the care of the poor, Old Folks Homes and so forth. HOW
SHALL WE ESCAPE?

We, the supporters of "The Bible Monitor" are making a strong
effort to reverse these late modern thought inovations in our church
and if possible revert to the plain teachings of Christ, for the
operation of the body of His people, in which we have His NEVER
FAILING promise that He some day will come to call as His bride,
but we must be without spot or blemish, or any such thing before
we can expect him to receive us up to glory. The penalties have
always been meted out to the disobedient. HOW SHALL WE
ESCAPE?

What kind of persons did Christ select to be His leaders and
witnesses? Where can we look for church leaders that will measure
up to His requirements? Surely not those that are working so
hard to make worldly institutions out of Christ's humble churches
and members. Let us first seek the Kingdom of God, and his
righteousness, then we will not spend money and time trying to
"build castles in the air" many of which already have the sentence
passed upon them, such as exaltation, pride, and self righteousness,
"I am better than thou", and the many other propensities of the
unconverted church member or worldling.

"If the righteous scarcely be saved where shall the ungodly
and the sinner appear?" The righteous surely is the person who
diligently tries to serve God, and follow Christ, in their never
ending effort to save us from the eternal death. The ungodly no
doubt are those who profess to be Christ's followers, but are
letting the world dictate to them how to do it. Which is "the
devil's gospel." The sinner is one that has but little use for Christ
or His plan of salvation. Which class am I or YOU in? HOW
SHALL WE ESCAPE?

Dear Brethren and Sisters, it does seem to me that if we ever
expect to enjoy the heavenly mansions, we will first have to over-
come our desires to be worldly fashioned and use all the God
given talents that He has blessed us with to overcome the world
in its mad rush for pleasures, pomp, display and selfishness. Where
can we find faithful helpers who are willing to turn from the
crowd that are on the broad and condemned road and are willing
to sacrifice their lives to humbly follow Jesus?

"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in THY name? and in THY name have cast out devils?
and in THY name done MANY WONDERFUL WORKS?" (Matt. 7:23)
"And then will I profess unto them, I NEVER knew you: depart
from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matt. 7:23).

HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE? "Think on these things." (Phil. 4:8).
May the Lord direct our thinking.

BIBLE MONITOR 13

SATURDAY, THE JEWISH SABBATH, OR SUNDAY,
THE LORD'S DAY, WHICH?

William Root

The writer has been requested to give to the readers of the
Bible Monitor the teaching, in God's Word, on the above subject.
First: We are told that the seventh day Sabbath was given to Adam.
Gen. 2:1-2, 'Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all
the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work
which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his
work which he had made." This Scripture does not say a single
word about giving anything. Adam is not named; it only tells
what God did.

The Seventh-day Baptists, of whom, we are sorry to say, a small
group of our beloved fraternity, the Dunkers, were erroneously
carried away with the Sabbath doctrine, early in the eighteenth
century, under the head of the "Eparata Society", the Adventists
and Sabbatarians of all types pretend that the keeping of the
first day of the week, commonly called Sunday, is an invention
of the Roman Catholic church and that Protestants cannot prove
its observance through the Bible, but only through the written
or unwritten tradition of the corrupt church of Rome. Our answer
to this is — We say that Sunday, under other names, namely the
first day of the week, or the Lord's day, mentioned in the New
Testament, was kept and hallowed in the time of the Apostles.

Again we are told that the Sabbath was made for man. Mark
2:27-28, "And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man,
and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord
also of the sabbath." Sabbath was made for what man? For
all (man) men? Verily, no. The following Scriptures will tell us
who the Sabbath was made for, What men. Deut. 5:24. "And
ye said, Behold, the Lord our God hath shewed us his glory and
his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of
the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and
he liveth." Note those words, "We have seen this day that God did
talk with man." Also Psa. 78:25, "Man did eat angels' food: he sent
them meat to the full." Herein is described the man for whom
the Sabbath was made, Israel, "all Israel."

Sabbatarians are endeavoring to prove that the change from
Saturday to Sunday was a heathen institution, dating from the days
of the Emperor Constantine, about A.D. 320. However, we can
safely challenge those who affirm that Sunday was a chief holy
day of paganism, to advance a single passage from either a heathen
or a Roman author which speaks of a weekly holiday in honor of
the Sun. The Romans had an annual holiday in honor of the Sun,
but not a weekly one. It always fell on December 25, which now

14 BIBLE MONITOR

commemorates what the world calls Christmas, or the nativity of
Christ.

(Before we go further in the study of this subject, in support
of our above statement concerning the historical facts of our
beloved church, we quote the following taken from Secular History):
By George P. Fisher's History, on page 565, and we quote "The
Mennonites were early established in Pennsylvania. THERE, ALSO,
the Dunkers, a small part of whom became 'Seventh-day' Baptists...
called in England, Sabbatarians... were planted in 1719." (End quote.)
(This is also established by our own Church Histories. We give
this in passing.)

We are told again, that, 'The seventh day was embodied in the
moral law, and kept by the patriarchs and prophets for thousands
of years." We ask — Where is the proof of the Sabbath previous
to Exodus 16:29? The word Sabbath does not occur in the Bible
until 2500 years after the creation. No allusion to its observance
or violation.

Christians made so by the teaching of the New Testament, who
are the true followers of Christ, base the keeping of Sunday on the
resurrection of Jesus Christ who rose from the dead on the first
day of the Jewish week. We note: that the four evangelists point
out very exactly the day of the Lord's resurrection; a thing which
does not occur in many important events of the life of our Saviour,
namely his birth, baptism, transfiguration and so forth, the Holy
Spirit thus making the day precious and memorable to the followers
of the crucified Jesus. No doubt this is the reason that the
primitive church held her religious meetings on that day and that
the Christians of subsequent ages have followed the apostolic
example.

In Acts 20:7, we are told that Paul remained seven days in
Troas and that on the first day of the week the disciples came
together to break bread. Paul also in his first letter to Corinth
wrote, I Cor. 16:2, "Upon the first day of the week, let every one
of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there
be no gatherings when I come." Although these words do not
directly say that public services, as we understand them, were
held on Sunday, yet they seem to indicate that the first day of
the week was already a holy day (being the resurrection day),
and that deeds of charity were considered as particularly expedient
on that day. Heb. 10:25 shows that the early Christians at
the time the epistle was written had already special meeting
days, and the above mentioned passages show that the keeping
of the Sunday commenced in the time of the apostles.

Sabbatarians must not forget that Paul absolutely rejected the
Sabbath day with circumcision. "Ye observe days, and months,

BIBLE MONITOR 15

and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed
upon you labour in vain." Gal. 4:10-11. Also Gal. 5:2-4, "Behold,
I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit
you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised,
that he is debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no
effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are
fallen from grace." "For we through the Spirit wait for the hope
of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision
availety any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh
by love." verses 5 and 6. Col. 2:16-17, "Let no man therefore
judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day,
of the new moon or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of
things to come; but the body is of Christ."

To be continued
Selected by Joseph Lavy

NEWS ITEMS

MINISTERIAL LIST CORRECTIONS
The correct address and telephone number of Bro. Rudy Shaffer
is R. 2 Box 8, Cuba, New Mexico 87013. The telephone number
is 505-731-2292, which is also the number for Bro. David Skiles
and the Torreon Navajo Mission.

PLEVNA, INDIANA
The Plevna Indiana Congregation plans to hold a two week
Revival beginning October 28 through November 1 1 . Elder Eugene
Kauffman from Harrisonburg, Virginia will be our Evangelist.

Services begin nightly at 7:30 p.m. with services Saturday,
November 10 in theforenoon, afternoon and the Lovefeastthat night.
We invite you to these Revival efforts. If you can't come, please
pray that much good might be accomplished.

Sister Verda Lorenz, Cor.
LITITZ, PENNSYLVANIA
The Lord willing the Lititz Congregation is planning a two-week
revival starting November 5 through 18.

Bro. Leonard Wertz has promised to be with us. May we all
pray for Bro. Leonard and these meetings.
Come and worship with us.

Sister Dorcas Myers, Cor.
THANKS
I wish to thank everyone for the cards, prayers and words of
encouragement during my illness.
May the Lord richly bless each of you.

Brother Pete Lorenz

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DIRECTORY OF BOARDS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dale E. Jamison, Chairman
Quinter, Kansas 67752

Ray R. Reed, Secretary
Box 12, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063

Warren C. Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057

GENERAL MISSION BOARD

Joseph E. Flora, Chairman
R. 3 Box 12, Adel, Iowa 50003

Hayes Reed, Secretary
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender Street
Morenci, Michigan 49256

Harley Rush
R. 1, Converse, Indiana 46919

Galen Litfin
1314 East 7th St.
Newberg, Oregon 97132

Dale Jamison
Quinter, Kansas 67752

Jacob C. Ness
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403

Frank Shaffer
13092 Grant Shook Rd.
Greencastle, PA 17225

BOARD OF PUBLICATION

Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

Jacob C. Ness, Secretary

136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403

H. Edward Johnson, Treasurer
5-1307-S.H. 108
Wauseon, Ohio 43567

Allen B, Eberly
R. 3
Ephrata, PA 17522

Warren C. Smith
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057

BIBLE STUDY BOARD

Eugene Kauffman, Chairman
R. 3 Box 51
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801

Dennis St. John, Secretary
R. 1 Box 108
Bryan, Ohio 43506

Warren C. Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057

Rudolph Cover
2034 Roble Avenue
Modesto, CA 95351

Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.

Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340

RELIEF BOARD

Boyd Wyatt, Chairman
4925 Tegner Rd.
Hughson, CA 95326
(209)883-4138

Newton Jamison, Secretary
512 Garfield
Quinter, Kansas 67752
(913)754-3433

Kyle Reed, Treasurer
R. 1 Box 4

Minburn, Iowa 50167
{515)677-2467

Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, PA 17340
(717)359-5753

Robert Carpenter
R. 5 Box 97
Peru, Indiana 46970
(317)395-7879

TORREON NAVAJO MISSION

David Skiles, Superintendent
R. 2 Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013

Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

Kyle Reed, Secretary
R. 1 Box 4
Minburn, Iowa 50167

Newton Jamison, Treasurer
Quinter, Kansas 67752

Harley Flory
R. 4, Defiance, Ohio 43512

AH contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury, but
sent to the Secretary for his records.

Lester Fisher

4664 N. State Rte. 48

Covington! OH 45313

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL LXII OCTOBER 15, 1984 NO. 20

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all

Scriptural in practice, the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

HOW VAIN ARE ALL THINGS HERE BELOW

How vain are all things here below,
How false, and yet how fair!
Each pleasure has its poison, too,
And ev'ry sweet a snare.

The brightest things below the sky
Give but a flatt'ring light;
We should suspect some danger nigh
Where we possess delight.

Our dearest joys and nearest friends,
The partners of our blood,
How they divide our wav'ring minds,
And leave but half for God!

The fondness of a creature's love,
How strong it strikes the sense!
Thither the warm affections move,
Nor can we call them thence.

Dear Savior! let thy beauties be
My soul's eternal food;
And grace command my heart away
From all created good.

Isaac Watts

BIBLE MONITOR

VANITY

Solomon was a very wise man. He showed his natural wisdom
by asking for wisdom from God, instead of riches, revenge or
rejuvenation. From this wise viewpoint he looked at the philosophies
and activities of men and concluded, "Vanity of vanities, ail is
vanity." He repeated this phrase several times in the Book of
Ecclesiastes.

That which is useless, unwise or false is vain. When men are
conceited they are said to be vain. A conceited opinion of oneself
is vain for the good things one assumes about himself are untrue.
Vain things are mostly hot air. There is no real substance to
back up the exaggerated claims. The vain is useless for it does
not live up to its promise or potential.

Solomon's search of the philosophies of men proved them all to
be vain. Epicurism, the pursuit of pleasure was found vain, for
pleasure can never fulfill the deeper needs of the human soul.
Fatalism, the bleak and pessimistic view of life, is found faulty.
God has put man here for a purpose. When men fulfill that purpose,
it can not be said to be in vain. The love of money is also
found wanting. The value of money can easily erode away. Money
may be pursued and treasured away but there is no guarantee of
who will enjoy it after the collector has passed from the scene.
Money may be useful in many ways but it can not buy salvation or
happiness, nor can it buy even a second more of life. A life of
retirement and sloth is also found lacking for men were created
to be busy.

The wise man could look at all the philosophies and find them
lacking. These same beliefs and activities are still present in
today's world. Pleasure, wealth, laziness and even fatalism are all
a part of the world's system today. Time, money, effort and even

THE BIBLE MONITOR OCTOBER 15, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard

Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Lithographing Co., Rt. 4,

Wauseon, Ohio 43567.

Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio

43567.

Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance.

Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.
MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th St., Beaumont, CA 92223
ROBERT S. LEHIGH, Assistant Editor; R. 4 Box 4427, Spring Grove, PA

17362
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17403
RUDY COVER, Associate Editor; 2034 Roble Ave., Modesto, CA 95351

BIBLE MONITOR

dishonest activity are expended in these false pursuits. The wise
man could see through these disguised allurements of Satan
although like us he was at times tempted by them. In the end,
wisdom prevailed. He found the most important thing was that men
would learn to fear God and keep His commandments. Here was
the basis of eternal life. This was not vain but practical and
uplifting.

Vanity is illustrated by that piece of furniture found in the bed-
room or bathroom of that same name. It is fitting to be so named.
For there is nothing more vain or self-defeating than the habit of
using cosmetics to change the God-given features of our faces and
bodies. God has formed each one with his or her own distinctive
features. These features do not need to be altered by make-up or
otherwise to conform to the fast changing fashions and fads of the
world. Instead of accomplishing the change desired, often damage
is done to the skin or face. Rightly that table is called a vanity
for it is vain to beautify the outside when the inner-person is lacking
beauty of character. Beauty in God's eyes is not that of appearance
but that which is that inner true character. God looks on the
heart, not the artificially produced by cosmetics.

Another vanity soundly condemned in the Bible is taking the
Lord's name in vain. The third commandment in the Decalogue
condemns this as a serious offense. God wants His name to be
spoken and praised but He does not want it used irreverently. He
has reserved the title Reverend for Himself, so to use His Name
in an irreverent way is to use it in vain. It is also in vain for
man to assume the judgmental role of God and condemn another
to damnation. God has reserved this power for Himself for He is
the only One who is All-Knowing. Yet His knowledge is tempered
by perfect love. Men are incapable of either so it is in vain for
men to assume God's abilities or perogatives. Profanity and
blasphemy are in vain for though men would curse and ridicule
God and His Son that way, they can not gain any advantage
over Him.

Christians have the distinct honor of bearing the name of Christ,
the Anointed One. It is an honor to do so. But if Christians do
not live up to that name, then that name is taken in vain. To use
the name carelessly by living a life contrary to His Father's will
is to have that name applied wrongfully and in vain. Christians
must be careful in their walk that it matches their talk or profession.

Vanity is about us on every side. We must reject what is vain
just as Solomon did in Ecclesiastes. We must come to the same
conclusion he did. Our whole duty is to fear God and to keep
His commandments. Have you exchanged vanity for God's
Wisdom?

BIBLE MONITOR

LOOSENESS

By George R. Brunk

This is an age

Of looseness and crime
From the heathen debased

To the rich of the time;
The tendency strong

In Church and in State
Is to go where you please

And leave open the gate.

It may be that old "Dobbin"

Quite stiff in his knees
Will stand in the park

Though not tied to the trees,
And "Spitfire," the colt,

That will never be tame,
Has broken six halters

And made himself lame.

But will this be excuse

To throw halters away,
To let each horse decide

Where to go or to stay?
Then why do MEN fight

Against law and good rules,
For guidance of wise

And restraining of fools?

For horses or men

There is only one hope
If they break their restrictions,

Just double the rope,
And if the good laws

Are wisely applied
They may learn how to stand

Without being tied.

I dislike to see boys

Not high as your shoulder,
That know ten times more

Than persons much older,
And when father and mother

Lay down some restrictions,
Get pouty and sullen

And begin to cause friction.

I never saw Master

Or Miss such a saint
But that they were bettered

By parents' restraint;
But many a one

To the gallows has come
For want of a law

And a rod in the home.

And then when it comes

To the laws of the land,
So many thus tied

Will not even stand;
Some men for a dollar

Will take a man's life;
Or cheat him in trading,

Or marry his wife.

Or steal from his neighbor

His chains or his axes,
Or give him short measure,

Or be dodging his taxes.
But in spite of law-breaking

There is not a man
Not constantly helped

By the laws of the land.

In matters of church

We know very well
No law in itself

Can save one from hell;
Yet by heeding good laws

A man's ways are made clean,
And pitfalls avoided

That he never had seen,

The flesh can be checked

And the conscience alarmed
And evils suppressed

By which others are harmed.
By law man is brought

On this side the grave,
To the point where the Word

And the spirit can save.

BIBLE MONITOR

Now if children are wiser

Than Matron or Sire,
And safely can play

With poison and fire;
And loungers in stores

With soap box for stool,
Know better than Congress

How nations to rule;

And the wisdom of God

In one single brother
Is greater than Bible

And conference together,
Then nail up the church!

Lay the Book on the shelf!
And let every man

Be a law to himself!

If opposers of law

Just only could see
They are cutting a limb

Twixt themselves and the tree,
And if they succeed

They not only will fall,
But down will come home,

Church, nation and all.

If men want no law

But their own precious will
Let them herd with the bushmen

Till they get their fill.
I think one such year

Would certainly end it —
They would favor God's law

And forever defend it.

- selected by Sister Irene Stout
•••••••

SPIRIT'S GENTLENESS

It is curious to remark that wherever the Holy Ghost is spoken of
in the Bible, He is spoken of in terms of gentleness and love. We
often read of "the wrath of God" the Father, as Rom. 1:18; and we
read of the wrath of God the Son, as Psalm 2:12, but we nowhere
read of the wrath of God the Holy Ghost. Matt. 3:1 6 speaks of Him as
a dove.

•••••••

DOUBTERS ANSWERED

A professor in one of the leading colleges went to the president
with his doubts upon the subject of endless punishment, and
confessed that he could "hardly believe the doctrine." "I couldn't
believe it at all if the Bible did not teach it," was the president's reply.
An aged minister once preached on the subject of eternal
punishment. On the next day a young man visited the preacher and
said: "I believe there is a small dispute between you and me, sir."
"Ah, what is it?" asked the minister. "Why," replied the youth, "You
say that the wicked will go into everlasting punishment, and I do not
think that they will." "Oh, if that is all," answered the preacher,
"there is no dispute between you and me. If you turn to Matt. 25:46,'
you will find that the dispute is between you and the Lord Jesus
Christ, and I advise you to go immediately and settle it with Him."

BIBLE MONITOR

WE DON'T HAVE TIME

We live in a very busy world, a very hectic world. The pressure
of all this activity and the demands on us causes some strange
behavior. For example, we don't have time to stop properly at a
stop sign, but we always have time after an accident to go to the
hospital or the cemetery. We don't have time to stop the machinery,
but we always have time to convalesce after an amputation. We
don't have time to do things right, but we always have time to do
them over.

As you can see, thinking we don't have time to do what we should
is very poor reasoning. The saying "haste makes waste" is not
just a saying; it's a fact. Time may be wasted, property may be
damaged, or lives lost, simply because we are in a big hurry and
don't have time to be cautious. There's so much to be done and
so little time to do it in, so we continue our mad rush. We don't
even consider whether it makes sense or not.

There is one matter in life which people ignore until it happens
to them, but when their time comes, they will have time for it. This
matter is death. Death is not a welcome interruption to our plans,
but we can't sidestep it and hurry on. We will face it — ready or
no t _ W hen the time comes. To the rich man, God said, 'Thou
fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee." (Luke 12:20)
This man had been totally concerned about his business affairs
and left God out of his life. He had natural riches but was a
pauper spiritually. He didn't have time for his soul's need, but when
death came, he had time for that.

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of
salvation." (II Cor. 6:2) None of us has any assurance of life
beyond this moment. We need to take time for the Lord now while
we can and not do as Felix did. "And as he (Paul) reasoned of
righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled,
and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient
season, I will call for thee." (Acts 24:25) As far as we know, a
convenient season never came.

It is easy to put things off, to think that we will have more time
later on. The problem is if we're too busy now, we will always
be too busy. The only time we have is now, and now is when
urgent matters should be taken care of. If we don't get the house
cleaned on time or the farm work done on schedule, it won't
matter in Eternity. But the condition of our souls when we enter
Eternity will matter.

It is time now to check up on yourself. Examine your priorities
and put them in the proper order. You will find time for the things

BIBLE MONITOR

most important to you, and your soul's need is the most important
responsibility you have. Put that first and then other matters are
more likely to be in the right order.

"The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved."
(Jer. 8:20) There will come a time when all of our activities in this
life will cease abruptly. When life is over, it's over, and it cannot be
resumed. If we have taken time for the Lord as we should, all will
be well. If we thought we didn't have time and waited for a
convenient season, the opportunity is gone, and now the Lord
won't have time for us.

Are you too busy? Are you waiting for a convenient season?
Do you think you don't have time right now for God? In Eternity,
you'll have lots of time — to think, to regret, to wish you had taken
time for God. So take time for Him now — then you will have
no regrets.

Sister Eileen Broadwater

»•••••

WOMAN OF POMPEII

It is said that among the recent discoveries in the ruins of Pompeii,
a city that was destroyed by volcanic eruption in A.D. 79, was
woman in the act of gathering in her apron, rings, bracelets and
other valuable articles of jewelry. It would seem that some wealthy
persons, aware of the coming destruction, had made their escape
and left these things behind, as worthless in comparison with life;
but she, hoping to save both life and jewels, delayed the time of her
flight, and alas, was overwhelmed in the terrific judgment, and so
lost both her life and the treasure.

»••••••

SENTINEL'S DUTY

A Christian's watchfulness should belikethat of agood soldier. A
sentinel, posted on the walls of a fortress, when he discerns the
enemy approaching, does not attempt to make an attack upon the
foe himself, but informs the commanding officer, and leaves him to
take proper measures to vanquish the enemy. We cannot conquer
so wily and powerful a foe as Satan, but by watching and praying,
we may hope, by the help of God, to resist him.

BIBLE MONITOR

ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

"The Eternal Flame"

When God gave His laws to the Children of Israel, He provided
a way for those laws to be remembered. He commanded the
fathers to teach them to their children generation after generation.
This is somewhat like the picture we see in the torch relay races
of the ancient Olympic games. A lighted torch was passed from
one runner to another until the goal was reached. The flame itself
could not be touched, and so the torch had a handle that enabled
the runner to carry it safely.

We are experiencing "Olympicssmania" in our country this
summer and I am sure we are familiar that the Olympic torch
was carried across our country as a kick-off for those games.
Energy was expended to run the 8700 miles by 4000 runners.
Imagine the impact if that same amount of work and man hours
was exerted in sharing Jesus with this country.

In the days of the Psalmist David, faith in God was kept alive
and progressed to others as it was passed from one to another as
we read in Psalms 78:5. ("For he established a testimony in Jacob,
and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers,
that they should make them known to their children:")

But just as a flame of fire by itself would be very difficult to
pass from one runner to another in a race, so faith itself is difficult
to maintain alone. Just as the torch needs a handle, so our faith
needs a means whereby we can hold it high and keep it brightly
burning. Worship is one means whereby we may exercise our faith
as we express it in hymns and prayers, it is also a means
whereby we convey the faith we have in God to others as we
demonstrate that we believe His commandments and are willing
to follow Him.

Too often today worship in the house of the Lord by those who
profess to be Christian families is put on a low priority basis and
if there is any excuse available to get out of going, people use it.
The flame of faith then becomes a dying ember instead of a
brightly illuminating force. I would encourage you to attend
EVERY worship service and be a viable part of that service. As
with any aspect of life, you will only get out of it what you put
into it.

If you spend much time in worship of the Lord, if you build your
faith into a brightly burning flame, if you use that light to bring
others to the Lord... your life will be successful and happy. You
will experience a zest for living each day that very few people
experience in this life.

Your worship experience should be a source of inspiration to

BIBLE MONITOR

do greater work for Jesus. Will you let Jesus illuminate your life?
Will you carry the torch for Him?

Brother Leonard Wertz

SIXTY YEARS AGO

October 15, 1924

EVOLUTION
J. R. Blocher

The universe of God is a unit, materially, intellectually, and
spiritually. True science, philosophy and scripture all harmonize
and support one another.

There must be a clear distinction made between established
scientific facts and mere hypothesis. An established fact is an
accepted truism having passed the experimental stages of investi-
gation and upon unimpeachable evidence, has won for itself
unanimous acceptance. A hypothesis is the statement of a
proposition, condition, principle or theory not proven, but assumed
for argument, or to explain certain facts. Evolution is not an
established fact, but is a hypothesis, accepted by certain scientific
scholars as an explanation of the riddle of creation.

There are two very distinct things called evolution today, namely,
the cultural development from a lower to a higher form within
a species but not passing from specie to specie. This takes the
wild rose and makes out of it the American Beauty. This takes
the savage human, who is the fallen product of God's original
perfect creation, and especially with the aid of the gospel of
Jesus Christ makes a high-minded, peace-loving and progressive
man out of him. This development is an established fact. There
can be no reasonable ground for its denial. The other theory
claims that in development there is a passing from one specie
to another specie. This is called transmutation. This is the
working hypothesis of certain scholars and is basic in Darwinian
evolution. The attitude of the transmutation evolutionists com-
promises the veracity of the Genesis account of creation as to
its scientific accuracy.

The two divisions of transmutation evolutionists are the atheistic
and the theistic. The atheistic wing ignores the Bible, while the
theistic claim to accept the Bible and then explain away its meaning
where it conflicts with their theory.

They claim that the Bible is a religious book and does not speak
scientifically and that its statements are not scientifically accurate.
It is true that the Bible is not primarily a scientific work, but its

10 BIBLE MONITOR

main purpose is to state the right relationship of man to God or
the salvation of the sinner through the blood of Jesus Christ.
However, where the Bible speaks it is scientifically as well as
religiously true and reliable.

There are no established facts in science that are not supported
by the scriptures. There are no scriptures that are out of harmony
with scientific facts. There are many scientific hypotheses that are
at variance with the scriptures, none of which have nor shall enter
the realm of established fact. The Holy Bible is the canon by
which the scientific speculations shall finally be adjudged.

Science and not the scriptures is on trial when there is a contra-
diction between them. The impregnable Rock of Holy Scriptures
shall stand the cannonade of scientific criticism and not be moved
from its enviable position of supremacy. The Apostle Paul says,
"... avoid oppositions of science falsely so-called." (I Tim. 6:20)

SATURDAY, THE JEWISH SABBATH OR SUNDAY,
THE LORDS DAY, WHICH?

William Root

The Origin of the Sabbath. The first Sabbath was given to
Israel in the wilderness. This is where it was first instituted and
named. In the wilderness, before their eventful halt at Sinai's base,
and that was after the lapse of twenty-five centuries from the history
of man's creation. Exodus 16:29, "See, for that the Lord hath given
you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread
of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out
of his place on the seventh day. So the people rested on the
seventh day." The above text is not only the first record of the
Sabbath law, but it is the first time the seventh day is called
Sabbath. It was not long after this that the Sabbath law was
incorporated in the Decalogue, which was the law given at Sinai.

Which is the fourth commandment, "Remember the sabbath day
to keep it holy." Exodus 20:8. The word "remember" implies that
the law had been previously given, as seen above. For proof we
offer the following. Neh. 9:12-14, "Moreover thou leddest them in
the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to
give them light in the way wherein they should go. Thou earnest
down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven,
and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and
commandments: And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath,
and commandest precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of
Moses thy servant." He does not say "restore" but "madest known;"
hence the Sabbath was a revelation, something they never knew
before.

BIBLE MONITOR 11

Also, Ezek. 20:10-12, "Wherefore I caused them to go forth out
of the land of Egypt, and brought them into the wilderness. And
gave them my statutes, and shewed them my judgments, which if
a man do, he shall even live in them. Moreover also I gave them
my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might
know that I am the Lord that sanctify them." Note this language
carefully, "I gave them my sabbaths." This language clearly indicates
that they did not previously have the sabbaths. Again Israel did
not know how to prepare victuals for the Sabbath. Exodus 16:22-23,
"And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice
as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the
congregation came and told Moses. And he said unto them, This
is that which the Lord hath said, Tomorrow is the rest of the
holy sabbath unto the Lord, bake that which ye will bake today, and
seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up
for you to be kept until the morning." These verses shew that the
Sabbath was a new "Ordinance" to them and not that it was a day
of worship and rest handed down to them from the days of Adam,
for they did not know how to rest, on the Sabbath day.

Exod. 16:26-29, "Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh
day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none. And it came
to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh
day to gather and they found none. And the Lord said unto Moses,
How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?
See, for that the Lord hath given you the sabbath, therefore he
giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every
man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day."
These verses show that the people had not heretofore been observing
the Sabbath as a day of rest. Hence, they did not know how to
deal with the violation of the Sabbath; the circumstance stands
related thus: "And while the children of Israel were in the wilder-
ness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath
day. And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto
Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation. And they put him
in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him."
Therefore we should be impressed with the weight of this last
thought; for it is conclusive, that if the Sabbath had been previously
given to the patriarchs, Israel certainly would have known how to
dispose of an offender.

Note: If God's Sabbath had been observed, previous to the giving
of in the wilderness, then the violating of the Sabbath is not once
named, but after that it was given to Israel, their violation of the
Sabbath is frequently mentioned. Neh. 13:18, "Did not your fathers
thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon
this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaining the

12 BIBLE MONITOR

sabbath." Also Ezek. 20:13, "But the house of Israel rebelled
against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and
they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live
in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would
pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them."
Ezek. 22:8, "Thou hast despised mine holy things, and hast profained
my sabbaths." Sabbatarians vehemently proclaim, that, "The
sabbath was given in the creation week." Also that, "The command
to observe the Sabbath is associated with nine moral precepts;
which are binding upon all men during all time." Their writers say,
"Which day do you keep, and why?" Also they say, "For over four
thousand years this day was sacredly observed by the people of
God." (See "The Christian Sabbath," page 1; see also, "Origin of
Truth Found," page 7.)

But the Word of God says, "And on the seventh day God ended
his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day
from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh
day and sanctified it." Gen. 2:2-3. This text which Moses wrote in
the Pentateuch, affirms three things: (1) God ended His work on
the seventh day, (2) God rested on the seventh day, (3) God
blessed and sanctified the seventh day. It simply tells what God did
on the seventh day, after His Creation, of all things, in the six days
of His Creation. The language is not imperative — nothing com-
manded. Besides, the record does not say when God blessed the
seventh day. Therefore, the theory of founding the Sabbath upon
Gen. 2:2-3, is clearly without warrant. The children of Israel's
deliverance from Egypt beings in a new era in the history of that
people; with this new era there is strong presumptive proof that
there was a change in the reckoning of time. For Exod. 12:2 says,
"This month shall be unto you the beginning of months; it shall be
the first month of the year to you." Hence, in this new era God
gave His people a Sabbath, not named in any previous era.

To be continued
Selected by Joseph Lavy

HOLY SPIRIT

I often think of the sermons we hear about examining ourselves.
David did not want any thing to stand in his way. "Search me
O Lord and try me." Many people today are looking for a sign,
probably now they are not looking for a sign, but waiting for the
shout. How wonderful it is to think the One who made the stars
and this old world, we will meet face to face and hear say "Come
Home." "There is now no condemnation to them that are in Christ
Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

BIBLE MONITOR 13

We are grateful for the many messages we hear, warning those
outside the ark of safety to prepare to meet the Lord who died that
they could have life after death and a Home in Heaven with all the
redeemed. The Devil has a place for the wicked ones, so be careful.
Which place are you preparing for? Let the Holy Spirit be your guide.

Many Saints, I feel, really know the Lord Jesus Christ or the Holy
Spirit, He left us a Comforter after He went to Heaven. He is to
guide us all the way. Jesus knew He was going to die. He told His
disciples He was going away. This was very hard on those who
loved Him dearly, the same as today when some of our own loved
ones leave us to go to their Heavenly Home. He knew the human
ties that were between them. He said He would send the Comforter.
"But if I don't go away, He will not come."

He will tell us what to do, but if we do not obey, it won't do us
any good. We must let the Holy Spirit come into our lives and guide
us in the way of righteousness and help us stay true to our Blessed
Lord. If one who has been His child and won't let the Spirit lead
him, is it any wonder he has gone back into sin? Many times, I
believe, the Spirit has been very close to a lost soul, but until he
or she is willing to say, "I want the Spirit," all will be in vain. Animals
don't like to be led around, so many people are the same when
they don't want to yield to the Spirit.

But when the Holy Spirit does come in, it makes us want to work,
to be a witness to the goodness of Jesus the Lord and Saviour.
Many times we grieve the Holy Spirit. Simeon was told he would
not see death until he saw the Lord Jesus. The Spirit will not come
where He will not be welcome. In this life if you went to a home
and did not feel welcome you would not stay long. When our
lives and the Holy Spirit can be hooked together then we can have
the peace that passes all understanding. Our life in this body is
as a flower, it soon dies and is cut down. Let the Holy Spirit take
hold of your life and live for Him each day until the end.

Sister E. M. Alltus

NEARINGTHEEND

We are nearing the end of the journey,
We have reached earth's hour,'
When love shall be crowned with glory
And justice shall stand in power;
When the forces of wrong, defeated,
Shall cease with the setting sun
As the last great page of this mighty age
Sends forth the decree: It is done.

14 BIBLE MONITOR

We are nearing the end of the journey;

It's only a little way

To the joy of a sinless day.

In the strength of that hope eternal

Let us drop every wearing load.

The triumph of right is now in sight;

We are nearing the end of the road.

- Michael W. Capps

WANTED - WORKERS

God never goes to the lazy or the idle when He needs men for
His service. When He has work to be done, He goes to those
who are already at work. When God wants a great servant, He
calls a busy man.

Scripture and history attest this truth.

Moses was busy with his flocks at Horeb.

Gideon was busy threashing wheat by the winepress.

Saul was busy searching for his father's lost beast.

David was busy caring for his father's sheep.

Elisha was busy plowing with twelve yoke of oxen.

Nehemiah was busy bearing the king's wine cup.

Amos was busy following the flock.

Peter and Andrew were busy casting a net into the sea.

James and John were busy mending their nets.

Matthew was busy collecting customs.

Saul was busy persecuting the friends of Jesus.

William Carey was busy mending and making shoes.

- Author Unknown

Are you going to be a willing worker? "Let us then be up and
doing;" working only for Jesus and the cause of Christ.

We can think of all kinds of excuses like; "The Elder does not
do it so I don't have to;", "it is not mandatory;", "Why should I
waste my time;", "It is not necessary." On and on the excuses go
but EXCUSES WILL GET YOU NOWHERE !

In Christian Love
Sister Shirley Frick

BIBLE MONITOR 15

NEWS ITEMS

ENGLEWOOD, OHIO

The Englewood Congregation plans to have Fall Lovefeast on

October 27. Services starting at 2:00 p.m. All are invited to attend

with us and fellowship together. c . . ou . . c . , ~

H y Sister Shirley Fnck, Cor.

DIRECTORY
The directories are ready for distribution. They are $3 00 each

p0Stagepaid " Sister Jolene Andrews

Rt. 2
Raymore, MO 64083

APPRECIATION
Sister Margaret Marks was taken to the hospital for emergency
treatment. Seemed fully recovered in three days, she was dis-
charged. We ask your prayers. Your words of comfort and your
prayers are much appreciated, realizing we have no promise of
future life on this earth.

Brother and Sister J. F. Marks

THANKS
Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I want to thank each and everyone for their gifts, cards, visits and
flowers while I was in the hospital and recuperating at home and
especially for your prayers. May God bless each and every one of
you is my prayer.

Sister Goldie R. Sweitzer

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation (Act of
August 12, 1970; Section 3685, Title 39, United States Code).
Showing the ownership, management and circulation of The
Bible Monitor, published semi-monthly at Wauseon, Ohio 43567
October 1, 1984.

1. The names and addresses of the editor, publishers, and
owners are: EDITOR, Milton Cook, 1138 East 12th Street
Beaumont, CA 92223; PUBLISHER, Glanz Printing, Inc., 4-4017-1 1'
Wauseon, OH 43567; OWNER, Dunkard Brethren Church, 1138
East 12th Street, Beaumont, CA 92223.

2. There are no stockholders, bond holders or other security
holders.

3. The average number of copies per issue distributed by mail
and otherwise the previous twelve months was 1,452.

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DAILY DEVOTIONS
ONTH

Memory Verse: Jeremiah 51:15
"He hath made the earth by his
power, he hath established the
world by his wisdom, and hath
stretched out the heaven by his
understanding."

Thur. 1 - Jer. 51:7-15

Fri. 2- Lam. 3:22-66

Sat. 3- Ezek. 8:1-18

FOR NOVEMBER 1984
E EARTH

Memory Verse: Ezekiel 43:2
"And behold, the glory of the God
of Israel came from the way of
the east: and his voice was like
a noise of many waters: and the
earth shined with his glory."

Sun. 18 - Amos 8:1-14

Mon. 19- Micah 6:1-16

Tues. 20- Micah 7:1-20

Wed. 21 - Nahum 1:1-15

Thur. 22- Hab. 2:1-20

Fri. 23 -Hab. 3:1-19

Sat. 24- Zeph. 3:1-20

Memory Verse: Habakkuk 2:14
"For the earth shall be filled with
the knowledge of the glory of the
Lord, as the waters cover the sea."

Sun. 4 -Ezek. 31:1-18

Mon. 5 -Ezek. 32:1-32

Tues. 6- Ezek. 34:1-34

Wed. 7- Ezek. 35:1-15

Thur. 8 -Ezek. 38:1-23

Fri. 9 -Ezek. 39:1-29

Sat. 10 -Ezek. 43:1-27

Memory Verse: Ezekiel 34:27
"And the tree of the field shall
yield her fruit, and the earth shall
yield her increase, and they shall
be safe in their land, and shall
know that I am the Lord, when
I have broken the bands of their
yolk, and delivered them out of
the hand of those that served them-
selves of them."

Sun. 11 -Dan. 2:31-49

Mon. 12- Hosea 2:1-23

Tues. 13- Joel 2:1-32

Wed. 14- Amos 3:1-15

Thur. 15 -Amos 9:1-15

Fri. 16- Jonah 2:1-10

Sat. 17- Amos 5:1-27

Memory Verse: Joel 2:30-31
"And I will shew wonders in the
heavens and in the earth, blood,
and fire, and pillars of smoke. The
sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before
the great and the terrible day of
the Lord come."

Sun. 25 - Haggai 1:1-15

Mon. 26 -Zech. 1:1-21

Tues. 27 -Zech. 4:1-14

Wed. 28 -Zech. 6:1-15

Thur. 29 -Zech. 12:1-14

Fri. 30 -Mai. 4:1-6

Memory Verse: Amos 8:9
"And it shall come to pass in that
day, saith the Lord God, that I
will cause the sun to go down
at noon, and I will darken the
earth in the clear day:"

Micah 7:2
"The good man is perished out
of the earth: and there is none
upright among men: they all lie
in wait for blood; they hunt every
man his brother with a net."

Lester Fisher

4564 N. State Rte. 48

Covington, OH 45318

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL LXII NOVEMBER 1, 1984 NO. 21

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all

Scriptural in practice. the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

NO TIME FOR GOD

You've time to build houses, and in them to dwell.
And time to do business, to buy and to sell.
But none for repentance, or deep, earnest prayer;
To seek your salvation you've no time to spare.

You've time for earth's pleasures, for frolic and fun,
For glittering treasures how quickly you run,
But care not to seek the fair mansions above,
The favor of God or the gift of His love.

You've time to take voyages over the sea,

And time to take in the gay world's jubilee,

But soon your bright hopes will be lost in the gloom,

Of the cold river of death, and the tomb.

You've time to resort to woods, mountain and glen,
And time to gain knowledge from books and of men.
Yet no time to search for the wisdom of God,
But what of your soul when you're under the sod?

For time will not linger when helpless you lie;
Staring death in the face you will take time to die!
Then, what of the judgment? Pause, think, I implore!
For time will be lost on Eternity's shore.

- Selected by Sister Susanna B. Johns

BIBLE MONITOR

THE BATTLE

The Apostle Paul refers to an inward battle that he had to
fight, which each Christian must also fight. In Romans 7, he
speaks of that battle that constantly raged within him. Rightly it
is called a battle. Just as a battle fought in natural warfare, so
this Spiritual battle is very decisive not only at the immediate time
but also for the future.

Paul was certainly one of the greatest leaders of the Church to
ever live, yet we find that he had to face the same problems in
his life that Christians do today. He had pictured how terrible sin
was. He showed how it had affected all mankind — Jew and Gentile
alike. He had explained the new birth that would make a man a
new creature in Christ Jesus. Even though a man could now dwell
in newness of life, still sin sought every possible opportunity to
overcome him.

Paul had the feelings that affect Christians who have a desire
to do right. There is within a desire to do the right thing — to
live a righteous life — yet there is still the pull of carnality that
leads a man to do the very opposite. This is that battle which must
be won by the Christian, yet its outcome is so often in doubt.

The Christian desires to do God's will but Satan comes along
with pleasures and enticements that make doing right difficult. As
it is often pictured in cartoons the Christian has an angel at one
ear and a devil at the other whispering and pleading with him to
follow their individual course. This battle is like a dog fight between
a black dog and white dog, only that battle is an internal one within
the Christian. Unlike the fight between two real dogs, the Christian
does have control over which one wins. The Christian has the
power of choice and he must exercise it to determine what will
be the end.

THE BIBLE MONITOR NOVEMBER 1, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard

Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Lithographing Co., Rt. 4,

Wauseon, Ohio 43567.

Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio

43567.

Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance.

Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.
MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th St., Beaumont, CA 92223
ROBERT S. LEHIGH, Assistant Editor; R. 4 Box 4427, Spring Grove, PA

17362
JACOB C. NESS, Associate Editor; 136 Homeland Road, York, PA

17403
RUDY COVER, Associate Editor; 2034 Roble Ave., Modesto, CA 95351

BIBLE MONITOR

This battle against sin is not always so easy to see in black and
white. For the carnal desires of our bodies make what is wrong
to seem right. We persuade ourselves or are persuaded by Satan
that we can do as we please without harm to our Spiritual life. It
is often those things that are good themselves that entice us to
give them place in our lives instead of giving place to those things
that are better and will better us, Spiritually.

How often do good intentions go awry in the Christian's life?
We have the desire to do the right thing not only in morals, but in
our relations with others. We have the intention of writing a letter,
making a visit, paying a compliment but we keep putting it off.'
Too often we procrastinate until too late. The intention was very
good but no one ever knew about it but ourselves. The good
that could have been accomplished never was because we did not
carry out the intention. No one else profited from our desires.
Even we ourselves did not profit from the intention because it was
never carried out. That good and warm feeling when good has been
done for another could never be felt because the deed remained
undone. It is important that we have such good intentions, that
there is a desire to be helpful to another, for our greatest good is to
do good to another. When our intentions are unfulfilled, we have
to that extent left unfulfilled that which Christ would have for us
to do.

As Christians we must measure our progress in the battle by the
example of Jesus. What if He had had only intentions but never
acted upon them? He had His battles also. He had to face and
overcome the temptations of Satan. There by the Word He over-
came, He did not merely intend to overcome. He overcame the
desire to let the cup of suffering to pass from Him. He resolved
that crisis by submitting to the Father. This gives us an example
to follow. We may want what is carnally desirable, but we too can
submit to the Father and do His Will.

The gap between Paul's will and performance weighed heavily
upon him. That gap is present with us and it should not be shrugged
away as being the natural thing. Instead we should find the
same deliverance from it that Paul did. He found the Lord Jesus
Christ. First, he found Jesus as Saviour to deliver him from the
power of sin. He found Him as the One who could deliver him from
death through His atonement on Calvary. Second, he could turn
to Jesus as the One who could help him overcome the carnal
desires that would defeat his Spiritual desires. We have the same
help available to us.

Are you in the midst of this battle? Good! If there is no battle
then you are dead and without hope, but if you are battling to
do good then there is life and hope. Keep on battling and depending
on the Lord to make you victorious.

BIBLE MONITOR

IT'S NOT MY PROBLEM

Pilate said, "I am innocent of the blood of this just person:
see ye to it." (Matt. 27:24) What he meant was "It's not my problem."
When Judas said "I have betrayed innocent blood", the chief priests
and elders said, "What is that to us? See thou to that." (Matt. 27:4)
What they meant was "It's not our problem. You take care of it."
The truth is that they all shared in this problem, but did not want
to accept it.

How many times have you said, "That's not my problem" when
in reality, it WAS your problem? Pilate tried to wash his hands
of his responsibility, but that didn't change it. Judas tried to escape
his responsibility by returning the money he had received. The
chief priests and elders refused to accept any responsibility for the
betrayal, saying it was all Judas' problem. Then they didn't know
what to do with the money, so bought a potter's field with it. It
became known as the field of blood. Trying to evade their responsi-
bilities didn't change the matter, nor did it bring them peace,
and it won't work for you either.

"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."
Rom. 14:12. We are responsible to God for what we do with our
lives and also for what we do or don't do for the people around us.
It IS our problem when someone needs help which we can give.
It IS our problem when we know to do good, and simply refuse to
do it. We can't wash our hands of our responsibility anymore than
Pilate could.

People must accept responsibility for their own lives, but that
doesn't mean we never need to help each other. Some matters
aren't our problem and we do need to learn that. We should not
be nosey and neither should we use "it's not my problem" as a
way to get out of doing what we should. Accepting our responsibility
to others means getting involved where necessary. We should
not be trying to set everyone straight but should have a genuine
concern for them and a desire to help.

Adam blamed Eve for his wrong-doing, and she in turn blamed
the serpent. God still held them responsible for what they had done
and a penalty had to be paid. See Gen. 3:12-19. Blaming someone
else when we have done wrong will not set us free either. We will
still have to face the consequences of our actions. Whoever we
try to blame may be at fault in some way, but God will require us
all to give an account, not just us or them.

Aaron blamed the children of Israel for the golden calf, but Moses
required Aaron to answer for it. He was trying to say "I can't be
blamed for this because it was their idea." This is recorded in
Exodus 32. Note verse 24, where Aaron said he cast their gold

BIBLE MONITOR

into the fire and the calf came out, just as though it appeared
without any help. It sounds like the excuses little children make
sometimes when trying to escape the responsibility for their actions.
Aaron and the people were all responsible and I'm sure they all
suffered for it.

Saying "it's not my problem" is a lame excuse for evading the
issue. It can be an effort to side-step one's responsibility, as King
Saul tried to do when he blamed the people for taking the spoil.
See I Sam. 15 and note verses 9 and 20-23. Saul said he had kept
the commandment of the Lord, but he hadn't. As the king, he was
supposed to make sure things were done right, but he didn't.
Saul paid a bitter price for his disobedience and so will we if we are
disobedient. Blaming someone else won't change it.

Is it someone else's problem? Or, is it really yours? If it is yours,
what are you doing about it? You can try to wash your hands of
it, as Pilate did. You can say "what I did doesn't bother me" as
the chief priests did. You can blame someone else as Adam and Eve,
or Saul and Aaron did. Whatever you do, just remember that you
must give account to God, and it pays to obey Him. There is no
justification in "it's not my problem", or in any other excuse.

Sister Eileen Broadwater

ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

"Why not enough happiness today"

We as Christian people sometimes do not experience the
happiness that we should today. Could the reason be that we are
so busy pursuing it that we don't really understand what it is?
Most people feel they can be happy when everything is going their
way. It is the idea from the song, "I've got a wonderful feeling,
everything's going my way...," but life is not like that. There is
no way that you can expect everything always to go your way. So
if happiness is related to that idea, you will usually settle for a lot
of unhappiness.

The Bible illustrates to us that happiness is not necessarily
related to happings and that it is possible for people to be happy
in difficult and unpleasant situations. Paul talked alot about joy
when he was in prison. Jesus told His disciples to "rejoice and be
exceeding glad" when they were persecuted because they were His.
So obviously happiness and joy are more than just good feelings
resulting from pleasant circumstances.

The Greeks were sure that their gods were always having a
"good time". They used the word, "blessed," to describe it. This
means to be "enriched, contented, and fulfilled."

BIBLE MONITOR

As "blessed" applies to us, we see it in Matt. 5:3, "Blessed are
the poor in spirit." The First Psalm tells us we are blessed or con-
tented and fulfilled if we don't walk in the counsel of the ungodly,
stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of the scornful. The
psalmist makes it clear that happiness will not be found in these
areas. He teaches us that we sometimes chase happiness where it
is not to be found.

Happiness is not found in a life-style that leaves out God. An
atheist has a godless philosophy and he chooses to believe that
God does not exist. He has a major problem in that if there is no
God behind this universe, there is no reason for his own existence.
Both he and his world are just mere products of fate and are
chance products of meaningless events.

Not so alien to the atheist is the person who gives only lip
service to God but doesn't feel it necessary to regard Him as
supreme, at the top of his life. Tensions and unhappiness result
from an unwillingness to follow God's requirements closely. The
person who does not have God at the base of his thinking will have
no guidelines at the root of his behaving and that makes life
unfulfilling and frustrating.

Many young people and older people alike have become cynical
in our day. They have seen so much of the artificial, or the mini-
mized, Christian experience. For this reason, they laugh at divine
standards and principles and become full of anguish at what they
see as a lack of the genuine. This philosophy is doomed to a
disappointing Christian experience. It is enough to remember that
GOD IS!!!! Happiness, then, comes from understanding that we
are personally responsible to the Creator, not just a vague force.
The law of the Lord is perfect and it stipulates what will make us
happy. You have to know the rules and you will only be fulfilled
and understand the "delights" as you assiduously follow those
instructions. The measure you fail to fulfill God's law is directly
proportionate to your happiness. Without your roots penetrating
deep into the river of God's will, you will continue to strain to find
true happiness.

If God puts you in a certain situation, be happy and content in it.
Bring forth fruit for Him. That production will bring about the
happy life.

We are in the Fall season and we see leaves bursting forth with
a splash of color then curling up, falling and experiencing death.
Don't be like them. Be like the stately evergreen, not withering
away but exhibiting consistency and quiet determination.

It is beautiful to see that God promises us prosperity of life rather
than of bank accounts. He assures us if we obey Him and honor

BIBLE MONITOR

Him that in our obedience and trust we will find the enriched life.
This is the source of true happiness.

Don't allow Satan to lead you to be defeated in spirit. Live
fruitful, consistent and encouraged each day for Christ. Be calm
and settled in your soul, knowing with assurance that all is well if
you are honoring God with your life. This assurance is the most
important factor of real happiness. The Lord IS IN CONTROL
of every situation into which His obedient child moves and each
step of the way leads us closer to Glory.

Brother Leonard Wertz

SIXTY YEARS AGO

November 1, 1924
OUR CLOTHING,
James L. Switzer

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that
ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto
God, which is your reasonable service." Romans 12:1.

Does Paul here mean our physical bodies? Certainly he does.
"And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by
the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good,
and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2.

One of the very strong elements of our Brethren's faith, for almost
200 years has been that the Apostle Paul was good authority. The
denying that he is, in some respects, is among us, of only recent
origin. This lamentable fact is surprising testimony that the "falling
away" that is coming in these last days.

How do we present our bodies? How are we to present our
bodies? Why, it has been the unvarying faith of the Brethren that
we ought to present them with clothes on, (not half-naked as some
now do). It would be a surprising thing if some of us would present
our bodies at church, or elsewhere, without any clothes on. That
would indeed be presenting our bodies a living sacrifice! As this
would be unlawful and absurd, the reasonable conclusion must be
that Paul has reference to the clothing we place upon our bodies,
for that is the only way we dare present them. "Not with gold or
diamonds or costly array", says Paul.

That looks, to some of us, like a very broad hint that we better
lay aside the finger rings, wrist watches and diamond breastpins.
And if this is a commandment of God, as Paul says, it is disobeying
him not to do so.

"Oh, clothes don't make the Christian." No, but according to

8 BIBLE MONITOR

Paul the Christian should make the clothing in conformity to the
direction of God. Our apparel is an adorning. That adorning was
regulated for the priests under the Law of Moses. We are priests
under the Gospel, and the Gospel regulates our adorning. To
discard this and adorn ourselves according to the world removes
us from the priesthood and from fellowship with God. In reality,
then, it does make a very considerable difference how we dress.
Such was the faith of the Brethren Church when I became a member
some sixty years ago.

Well, how did it come about that the Brethren, very early in the
history of the church established a uniform order of adornment?
Our brethren convenanted with God to obey his will in all things,
as it is revealed in the New Testament scriptures. The regulation
of the Order of Dress was found to be there. Was found to be a
certainty that it must be observed as given there for both brethren
and sisters. That led them to the certain duty and conclusion that
everything of a worldly and superfluous nature must be discarded,
according to the word and only that which was necessary for their
comfort or welfare might be made use of. We are likened unto sheep,
they said, and we should appear before the world as near alike as
we can. We are soldiers, they said, and our uniform should be
such that we may be known thereby, while we fight the good fight
of faith, and then the world may take knowledge of us that we are
witnessing for Jesus. Then again, we must with one mind and one
spirit strive together for God.

Here is the origin of uniform dressing. And the same good word
of God that gave it existence has perpetuated that splendid order
for nearly two centuries. The one mind and the one spirit — that
spirit of love and fellowship and communion bound our dear
brethren together for many years; to move along amidst darkness,
everywhere displaying the light of the glory of God. Their light
shone as well in their appearance as in their kindly and affectionate
good works. Why should we discard the word of God and our
brethren's example now? Is there any necessity for it? Any
persecution driving us to it? Suppose that while I was in the Union
Army I should have discarded the Blue and donned the Gray. What
would have been the consequence? Suppose I cease witnessing
for Jesus now and begin witnessing for the devil? You remember
what his name is: satan, - an adversary. Apollyon, - a destroyer.
Abbaddon, - the angel of the bottomless pit. Ought our adorning
be a witness for him? It would be a sad and expensive thing to do.
For he has his witnesses changing their adorning very often. Let us
be loyal and true. Let us be consistent. Let us avoid evil and cling
to that which is good and pleasing to our Father which is in
Heaven. It is safer. It is better.

BIBLE MONITOR

UNCLAIMED BLESSINGS

General Conference is past. The tabernacle is closed, the cabins
are empty, and the snack bar is sold out. How different from a
short time ago, when the place was bustling with activity. There
were hundreds of persons moving about the grounds. Some were
hurrying to yet another committee meeting, while others were re-
newing acquaintances. There were grandmothers, granddaughters,
mothers, fathers, teens, adolescents, and babies. And maybe there
was that special someone — that person who is out of their teens,
yet still single; the person around whom had been built a few hopes
and dreams; the person who could rescue you from being an
"unclaimed blessing."

But alas, Conference is over, everyone has gone home, and
nothing has changed. Hopes are dashed and dreams are shattered.
Maybe he was even seen with another girl. Or maybe there just
isn't anyone. And the realization that maybe you'll be an unclaimed
blessing — a person (especially a young woman) who has not been
claimed in marriage — for another several years or even forever,
sweeps over your entire being like a cold wave dashing over your
head and knocking you down hard to the ground.

Being an unclaimed blessing is certainly one of the more frustrating
aspects of life. The single person who finds himself or herself
past the teen years desperately wishes they could apply the brakes
to the fleeting weeks and months. In our particular society, the
accepted pattern of life is to settle down, get married, and raise
a family. Often single people, especially girls, have a deep desire
to do just that.

But that special fellow somehow never shows up. When the phone
rings, it's some lady wanting you to hostess a party or do some
babysitting. The mail brings advertisements, not letters. Revivals
come and go but nothing happens. Anticipation mounts as General
Conference draws near, and depression sets in as it goes by so
quickly and you go unnoticed. A big lump forms deep down inside
near your heart and a tear trickles down your cheek. Your hopes
for a close, loving, romantic relationship seem to be shattered. You
feel alone.

You ask God many times for help, and you hear in return — silence.
Being an unclaimed blessing is a tough row to hoe. Even nature
seems against you as there are more girls than boys in our society.
What can be done about this situation? How can a single person
find purpose in life?

1. EXAMINE YOUR PRIORITIES.
As a Christian, what do you want out of life? Is getting a life's

10 BIBLE MONITOR

partner the most important goal? Whom do you really want to
serve?

Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and
his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."
God desires your affection and love. He wants you to have a
character like that of Jesus Christ. He desires that you be strong
in character and mighty in Spirit. God wants the very best for your
life! So even though your prayers aren't answered by some Prince
Charming appearing in your mailbox, God is working in your life.
His goal is to create in you purity of character, graced with love,
joy, peace, gentleness, and patience. He may even be working on
longsuffering!

Colossians 3:2 instructs, "Set your affection on things above, not
on things on the earth." Too often priorities are set on things
pertaining to self. People can become very possessive about money,
time, and things. Priorities become centered around self, and God
is either completely left out or maybe given a few minutes a week.
It's natural to set a priority on getting a life's partner. But the
Bible doesn't give instructions on husband-hunting. Rather, God
says to set your affections on Him. Instead of seeking for the right
person, become the right person. Put your first priority on seeking
God. Learn all you can about Him. Seek to imitate the character
of Jesus Christ. Spend much time in the Word of God. Pray and
meditate. Enjoy knowing God.

2. STUDY THE BIBLE FOR EXAMPLES.

For men, the Apostle Paul is a great example of service to God.
He had many hard times, but I believe he was fulfilled.

One example for girls is Dorcas (Acts 9). Dorcas was full of
good works and almsdeeds or works of mercy. She made coats
and garments for the widows. People wept when Dorcas got sick
and died. Peter was called and she was raised from the dead.
I believe Dorcas was kept busy serving the Lord by discerning and
meeting the needs of others.

Mary and Martha of Bethany are good examples of offering
hospitality. They served meals to Jesus (John 12). Note that when
Jesus was in Jerusalem, He didn't stay there overnight, but went
to Bethany (Mark 11:11-12). Christ had a place of refuge to get
away from the hustle and bustle and pressures of the city of
Jerusalem. Seek ways of serving the Lord by serving others.

3. SERVE GOD FROM WHERE YOU ARE.

Paul says, that you, as a single person, can care for the things of
the Lord, that you may be holy both in body and in spirit much better
than the woman who is married (I Corinthians 7). There are
opportunities for service that a married woman doesn't have. Use

BIBLE MONITOR 11

your time wisely for activities like visiting old people and widows,
working on crafts, offering to babysit so couples can have an
evening together, and teaching children in Sunday School, if called.
You have more time and energy to put into such activities than a
married person.

When you view service to others as a way to serve the Lord, it
becomes joyful. If the activities are done out of duty, they can
become drudgery real fast. So it's largely due to whether you
choose to be withdrawn and sitting at home pining for that phone
to ring, or whether you choose to be outgoing, vibrant, and fulfilled
in service to the Lord Jesus Christ. It helps a lot to remember
what He did for you on Calvary.

Consider the woman who has been married for several years.
She is a Christian. But for her, the desire for a man in her life
was greater than the desire to care for the things of the Lord. She
dated a non-christian. He went along to church and seemed like
a real decent sort of fellow. It appeared he had good character
qualities. She married him. Today, he never sets foot in a church
and complains if she goes. He cares a lot more about his job and
hobbies than about her. She spends her time working to help meet
the budget, and doing household chores is drudgery due to a total
lack of appreciation. She has given up going to church because
the scene it creates when she comes home just isn't worth it. Her
preschool child's one hope in life is that mommy and daddy would
quit fighting and love each other. Her heart is pierced as her
preschooler takes her hand and her husband's hand and joins them
together in hopes that this will somehow resolve the conflicts.
Her dreams for a close, loving, romantic relationship are shattered.
Instead of closeness, the more he's away the more peace there is.
Love has turned to anger and hate. Romantic feelings have turned
to bitterness. Even though they live under the same roof, their
marriage is dead.

Girls, this is what the devil has to offer. It looks like everything
you always wanted up front, but the end result is brokenness,
bitterness, and shattered lives. God may or may not offer a husband.
But he does offer a fulfilled life in total surrender to Jesus Christ.
What is your choice?

Brother Robert Lehigh

Genius, without religion, is only a lamp on the outer gate of a
palace; it may serve to cast a gleam of light on those that are
without, while the inhabitant is in darkness. — H. More.

12 BIBLE MONITOR

SATURDAY, THE JEWISH SABBATH, OR SUNDAY,
THE LORD'S DAY, WHICH?

William Root

In this article on the above named subject, we begin by pointing
out that God gave the law of His Sabbath to Israel, to those of
their households. God gave that law to Israel in the form of a
Covenant with them and it was a special Covenant with them, which
had not been given to their fathers. Which is another proof that
the patriarchs had not had the law of God's sabbath. Exodus
31:13-15, "Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily
my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you
throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord
that doth sanctify you. Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it
is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to
death: for whosoever doth any work therein, that soul shall be cut
off from his people. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh
is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doth any work
in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death."

After calling all Israel together, Moses uttered words to them
shewing them and us, that this covenant was for them specifically,
and was not given to their fathers. Deut. 5:2-3, 'The Lord our God
made a covenant with us in Horeb. The Lord made not this covenant
with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here
alive this day." There and then, at that very time. God speaking —
by Malachi: listen — This very law or covenant was pointed out by
Malachi the prophet, about the year B.C. 397. Mai. 4:4, "Remember
ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in
Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments." Here we
have Israel's own testimony that the covenant in Horeb was made
not with their fathers but with them.

God Himself names who shall keep His sabbaths, which was
"Israel." In a text previously quoted, God again through the prophet
says, "I made known to them my holy sabbaths." After which it
is said: "So the people rested on the seventh day," in humble
obedience to the new law given. It is further explained that, "One
law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that
sojourneth among you." Exodus 12:49. So we see that Gentile
servants or strangers, tarrying in Jewish families, were required to
obey the Sabbath law. Under similar circumstances common
courtesy requires the same in our society today.

But, alas; alas, the people of our day have largely disregarded
God's law, concerning a holy day of rest, and have made it an
holiday, or just another day of the week. There is nothing strange

BIBLE MONITOR 13

in God's provision, for the Sabbath under ancient Jewish iaw.
Sabbatarians sometimes criticize the expression, "Jewish Sabbath."
We remind them that they use in their writings the expressions,
"Jewish altars," "Jewish synagogues," and so forth. We remind
them also how God's prophet prophesied, shewing God's judgment
for spiritual whoredom, for Restoration of Judah and Israel, for
God's judgments against them, speaking in a parallel sense, "I will
also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons,
and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts." Hos. 2:1 1 .

God speaks of the feast days as "YOUR SABBATHS." Levit. 23:32,
"It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your
souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even,
shall ye celebrate your sabbath." Also Jeremiah speaks of "HER
SABBATHS," Lam. 1:7, "Jerusalem remembered in the days of her
affliction and of her miseries all her pleasant things that she had
in the days of old, when her people fell into the hand of the enemy,
and none did help her: the adversaries saw her, and did mock at
her sabbaths." Now, we want to show that the "Ten Command-
ments," which includes the Sabbath, are embodied in the "Sinaic
Covenant." Sabbatarians deny this. We refer the reader to a
discussion between Eld. Crout of New York and Eld. Cornell of
Battle Creek, Michigan, in the year 1869, both men of ability. On
page 86 of said volume, (we quote) Eld. Cornell said, "All must
agree that Moses used the word covenant in this text, Exod. 24:8,
not as signifying the ten commandments, but the agreement made
concerning them." (End quote.) Exod. 24:8 reads thus, "And Moses
took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold
the blood of the covenant which the Lord hath made with you
concerning all these words." We quote also from a volume, "The
Two Covenants" by J. N. Andrews, as follows, (quote) "We say that
the first covenant was the solemn contract or agreement between
God and the people of Israel concerning the law of God." (End
quote.)

To be continued
Selected by Joseph Lavy

»»••*•

Thoughtfulness for others, generosity, modesty, and self-respect
are the qualities which make a real gentleman or lady, as
distinguished from the veneered article which commonly goes by
that name. — Thomas Huxley.

14 BIBLE MONITOR

A HEAVENLY RAILROAD

Many times I go on the train to our Conference. The thought
comes about a Heavenly Railroad. This one everyone must travel,
which we know will end at the Station which is Heaven.

All must get on board or they will miss that Home, He has
promised to all who will follow Him day by day while living in this
old world. I am sure none want to miss that Beautiful Home. Dear
ones, now is the time to get on board, we must not keep putting
it off from day to day. Now is the day of Salvation. God has made
and planned this railroad. He has the blueprint. The line was
staked out by His own hands. He went to the cross of Calvary and
paid the debt for our sins. He suffered so on that old cross to see
that each one could be on board that train.

Are you on board? If not — why not? This road is a special one.
He laid every rail in place. It is a perfect railroad. No sin can enter
nor any thief can molest you for He has promised to never leave
you if you are willing to follow Him all the way. You will find many
grades and curves along the way, but He will guide you safely if
you are only willing to follow. Some times this road seems to
have some steep mountains but each can get across if you are
willing to suffer a little. Many times your own loved ones will try
to hinder you but you are told you must give up all and come and
be His child.

Dear ones, it is sure worth it to be able to have a home in Heaven
when this life has come to an end. We must fast and pray if we
are able to get on that Heavenly railroad. He will get a ticket for us
when we repent of all our sins and are baptized and have them
washed away. This is a commandment He gave to each of us. Then
we will receive the Holy Spirit and He will help keep us on that
straight and narrow way.

This train never turns back, but we must be very careful we don't
get off when a new passenger is let on board, if we do, Oh how
sad it will be to have to go out again into this old world of sin without
our Blessed Lord and His all-wise hand to guide us. Remember His
Spirit does not always call you back.

This railroad is a straight and narrow way, leading only to Heaven.
It will stop anywhere on the route, at any station, to take on board
a passenger who has followed all the way that which is required
of him.

Dear ones, can't I plead with you to stop and think for just a few
minutes? You can gain much by getting on this train to the
Heavenly Shore. I pray if you read this and are still out in this old
world away from Christ you will pause and ask Christ to help you

BIBLE MONITOR 15

get on board this Heavenly Road. You must be washed in His
precious blood and have your sins forgiven, live for Christ and help
others to follow Him. Then you can come on board for the run to
the depot called Heaven.

No one can get on this road without the requirements being
met which are laid out by Christ, Himself, to all alike. If you do,
you can go to the station and a ticket is waiting to be picked up
by you. Then you are on board and bound for the Promised Land.

Do you feel it is worth your time to see that you are able to go
all the way? Christ is the Conductor and the train is driven by Faith
and Love. Let us study His precious Word daily and pray for help
to be always true to Him.

We know the saved of all ages have traveled on this great road.
Sinner, won't you take passage for Heaven today. There is great
danger in delay. Death may come and you would miss that beautiful
life of being with Christ, our Lord, throughout Eternity.

Sister E. M. Alltus
•••••••

Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent
perspiration.

Thomas A. Edison.

NEWS ITEMS

PLEASANT HOME, CALIFORNIA

"Enter into is gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with
praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is
good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all gener-
ations." Psalms 100:4-5.

Lord willing, Bro. David Skiles will be the evangelist for our
Revival Meeting, November 18 through 25. Lovefeast is to be on
Saturday evening.

Please join us in our services, at this Thanksgiving time, through-
out the week and on Saturday and Sunday.

Sister Edith Moss, Cor.

CORRECTION

The Lord willing, the Lititz Revivals will be held November 11
through 25.

Sister Dorcas Myers, Cor.

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DIRECTORY OF HOARDS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dale E. Jamison, Chairman
Quinter, Kansas 67752

Ray R. Reed, Secretary
Box 12, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063

Warren C. Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057

GENERAL MISSION BOARD

Joseph E. Flora, Chairman
R. 3 Box 12, Adel, Iowa 50003

Hayes Reed, Secretary
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender Street

Morenci, Michigan 49256

Harley Rush
R. 1, Converse, Indiana 46919

Galen Litfin
1314 East 7th St.
Newberg, Oregon 97132

Dale Jamison
Quinter, Kansas 67752

Jacob C. Ness
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403

Frank Shaffer
13092 Grant Shook Rd.
Greencastle, PA 17225

BOARD OF PUBLICATION

Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

Jacob C. Ness, Secretary
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403

H. Edward Johnson, Treasurer
5-1307-S.H. 108
Wauseon, Ohio 43567

Allen B. Eberly
R. 3
Ephrata, PA 17522

Warren C. Smith
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057

BIBLE STUDY BOARD

Eugene Kauffman, Chairman
R. 3 Box 51
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801

Dennis St. John, Secretary
R. 1 Box 108
Bryan, Ohio 43506

Warren C. Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057

Rudolph Cover
2034 Roble Avenue
Modesto, CA 95351

Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340

RELIEF BOARD

Boyd Wyatt, Chairman
4925 Tegner Rd.
Hughson, CA 95326
(209)883-4138

Newton Jamison, Secretary
512 Garfield
Quinter, Kansas 67752
(913) 754-3433

Kyle Reed, Treasurer
R. 1 Box 4

Minburn, Iowa 50167
(515)677-2467

Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, PA 17340

(717)359-5753

Robert Carpenter
R. 5 Box 97
Peru, Indiana 46970
(317)395-7879

TORREON NAVAJO MISSION

David Skiles, Superintendent
R. 2 Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013

Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

Kyle Reed, Secretary
R. 1 Box 4
Minburn, Iowa 50167

Newton Jamison, Treasurer
Quinter, Kansas 67752

Harley Flory
R. 4, Defiance, Ohio 43512

At! contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury, but
sent to the Secretary for his records.

Lester Fisher

4664 N. State Rte. 48

Covington, OH 45313

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL LXII NOVEMBER 15, 1984 NO. 22

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all

Scriptural in practice. the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

GREAT GOD OF NATIONS

Great God of nations, now to thee

Our hymn of gratitude we raise;
With humble heart and bending knee

We offer thee our song of praise.

Thy name we bless, Almighty God,

For all the kindness thou hast shown
To this fair land the pilgrims trod —

This land we fondly call our own.

Here Freedom spreads her banner wide,

And casts her soft and hallowed ray;
Here thou our fathers' steps didst guide

In safety through their dangerous way.

We praise thee that the gospel's light

Through all our land its radiance sheds,
Dispels the shades of error's night,

And heavenly blessings round us spreads.

Great God, preserve us in thy fear;

In dangers still our Guardian be;
O, spread thy truth's bright precepts here;

Let all the people worship thee.

BIBLE MONITOR

THANKFULNESS

The Thanksgiving Season gives us an extra incentive to remember
the things we should be thankful for all year. We can use this
opportunity to further our Christian lives by increasing our thank-
fulness.

We forget that we have received far more than we deserve.
In fact there is nothing that we actually deserve from God but all
is given to us through His love. What He does not give to us directly
He gives to us indirectly through others or through our God given
strength and abilities.

We should be thankful for the tremendous advantage that we have
by living in this greatly blessed land. We are favored with many
freedoms and privileges that are unknown in most of the world.
This freedom allows us to exercise our religious beliefs freely. This
freedom allows those who do not make that choice to also live as
they wish, however foolishly that course may appear. This freedom
allows the separation of Church and State as dictated by the New
Testament. We should be thankful the Church can exist as a free-
will gathering of like-minded believers without being tied to the
government's power. The government rules by force and fear while
the Church rules by love and humble service.

The freedom of this land allows those who depend upon worldly
political action to express themselves as they please. Those who
believe and practice various philosophies are allowed to do so, as
long as they do not harm others. For these freedoms and privileges
we should be very thankful.

We also live in a prosperous land. Although we all may not have
every desire of our material heart fulfilled, we all live so much
better than those anywhere else where many live in the grip of

THE BIBLE MONITOR NOVEMBER 15, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard

Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Lithographing Co., Rt. 4,

Wauseon, Ohio 43567.

Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio

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starvation and malnutrition. There are plagues, epidemics and
famines in many widespread areas of the world, yet we have so much
that we complain when we do not have all that we set our minds to.
These and many other things we should be very thankful for. Yet
these things are material and temporal. As enjoyable and desirable
as all these things are, they are not the most important. The
material and the temporal will only last for a short time.

We, of course, are thankful for our homes, families and friends.
These relationships are very dear to us. And we are thankful for
our memories. Memories not only give us a pleasant feeling of
things past but also serve as instructors for us to improve our
present and future living. They make us remember the con-
sequences, good or bad, of our past actions and thus help us govern
ourselves accordingly.

For all these various things and relationships we are and should
be thankful. The greatest object of our thankfulness is summed up
in Romans 8:1. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them
which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after
the spirit." The gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ should
evoke our greatest thankfulness. It is precious because of the price
God paid for it and it is eternal. Without it we are all under a
condemnation more sure than that of a prisoner on death row.
Men's attitudes change so the prisoner may escape his execution
but God's does not change. Therefore our condemnation is sealed
unless we avail ourselves of God's provision for averting it.

This is available only through Jesus Christ. We must be thankful
that God was willing to send His Son as our hope of salvation and
that Jesus was willing to carry out His Father's Will. Without this
foundation for our salvation we could have no hope. For this gift
of potential salvation we should be most thankful.

We should also be thankful that God does not treat us as mindless
robots but gives us a choice in our lives' character and destiny. We
must choose His plan of salvation for it to be implemented in
our behalf. Also we should be thankful for the effort demanded on
our part in our Christian lives. We are not left with nothing to do.
We have a responsibility to keep ourselves in the pathway He
would set us upon. We are to walk according to the Holy Spirit not
by the wisdom, knowledge or desires of our flesh. We should be
thankful that God has entrusted us with such a tremendous re-
sponsibility. We should show that thanks through our living for Him.
If you think you have nothing to be thankful for this Thanksgiving
season, then look around you, look at yourself and look up to God.
You have much to be thankful for. If you are a Christian be
especially thankful you still have the opportunity. Then avail your-
self of that opportunity so you can be truly thankful.

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LEST WE FORGET

"When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the
Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee... Lest
when thou hast eaten and art full... thou forget the Lord thy God."
(Read Deut. 8:10-14).

When we receive something, we know who the giver is, unless it
is anonymous. Usually we are thankful for what is given to us, and
we say so. If we are not thankful, there is a reason, and it may
be because we feel we deserve it. True gratitude begins when
1) we recognize where the gift comes from, and 2) that we did
nothing to merit the gift. When we earn something, it's not a gift,
and we must remember that we cannot earn what God has for us.

God instructed the children of Israel, His people, to be sure to
thank Him for their blessings. If they didn't, they would soon forget
who the giver was. When they were so comfortable and full, they
did forget many times, and God had to remind them many times.
We think they were very ungrateful, but what about us?

In this land, we have eaten and we are full. But have we blessed
God? We have a good land, but do we know who gave if to us?
Far too many have forgotten God and are going their own way. We
know they are not thankful, but what about those of us who claim
to be God's people? God doesn't expect much from unbelievers,
but He expects alot, and rightfully so, from us who are believers.

God has blessed us all in many ways and we should be grateful.
Our daily needs are provided for us. We are blessed with families,
friends, good health, and so forth. Even if we find ourselves in
need or in distress, we can still find something to be thankful for.
God sees to it that we are taken care of in good times and bad —
do we appreciate it enough to say so? Or have we also forgotten
where our blessings come from?

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ
Jesus concerning you." I Thess. 5:18. Whatever situation we find
ourselves in, God expects us to have a thankful heart. A thankful
heart is a contented heart. A thankful heart is an unselfish heart. A
thankful heart is a generous heart. The list could go on because a
thankful heart reaches out to others and is a giving heart.

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with
praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." Psa. 100:4.
Make thanksgiving your first thought, not your last one. Think
"gratitude", not "give me more." Think "God has been good to
me", not "I have earned all this." If you stop and think where your
blessings come from, I believe you will be grateful. You will see that
God really has been generous, and there is plenty of reason to
be thankful.

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There is something else we should be thankful for, and that is
when God says "no". He saves us much grief by not giving us
everything we want. If we always wanted the right things, there
wouldn't be any problem, but we don't always know what is best.
At times, our prayer requests are selfish and also foolish. If God
granted all our requests, we'd certainly live to regret it.

God has given us much to be thankful for. There are many earthly
blessings which we readily see, but those shouldn't occupy all our
thoughts. Christ and His saving grace should be first in our hearts
and thoughts. Our thankfulness to God should be expressed first
for salvation. If we really want God's blessings, we need Christ
within first. 'Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."
II Cor. 9:15.

We have a day set aside on which to especially thank God for our
blessings, but we owe Him our thanks every day, not just once a
year. As you consider all that God has blessed you with, do thank
Him. He is waiting to hear from you.

Sister Eileen Broadwater

SIXTY YEARS AGO

November 15, 1924

BE YE THANKFUL
B. E. Kesler

We have a wonderful country, and in it we enjoy both civil and
religious liberty. We have a rich country, one of the most prosperous
in all the world. We have had neither famine nor pestilence, nor
any great disaster during the year. We have more blessings than
we appreciate, and yet in spite of that we often complain because
some little and unimportant thing goes wrong for us. We have more
wealth than is for our good, and yet lament because the amount
of it is not larger. And the great majority do not lament because
they want the money for good uses, but because they want it to
consume on their lusts. If it were only the worldly people, those
who make no profession of loving or serving God, it would not be
so bad; but the professed child of God is frequently as loud in his
lamentations as the veriest worldling.

And this is all wrong. Our Father knows what we need, and he
will supply us if we but depend on him, believe him, obey him. He
has told us to be thankful. He has told us not to seek the wealth
that perishes, but that which endures through this world and the
next. That does not mean earthly treasure. We could hardly get
along without a certain amount of that. But again we are told that

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having food and raiment we should be content. And yet we are not.
Why what do we want with more than we need in this world?
Are we afraid of the future, afraid that God will not keep his promise
to care for us?

Each year but adds to the reasons we have for being thankful to
our Father. We may have had some misfortune, some losses; but
if we stop and count the gains, the blessings, we shall see how
many more there are of them and how much greater they are than
the losses. The Lord never lets the worst happen to his children,
but always the best, if we will but trust him and wait his own good
time to see why he suffered certain things which we consider mis-
fortune to come upon us. Looking back over our lives, how many
of us are not able to see that what we at one time considered a
great misfortune, was really a blessing?

"God moves in a mysterious way, his wonders to perform."

Be ye thankful. For what? Nay, rather, what have you that you
should not be thankful for? If there is anything in your life that
worries you, it is there because you have failed in your duty to God.
And just here is where we need to stop and think. Instead of
blaming the Lord for the unpleasant things which sometimes come
into our lives, let us trace them back to the beginning, and there we
shall see that most often, if not always, those things are there
because of our own actions. We forget that we must reap what we
sow. It is as true here as anywhere else in life. If we are really
thankful from the heart for what comes to us, we shall receive
other and greater blessings. This is the law of life; by it we must live,
whether we will or not.

We need something of the spirit of the early Christians, who when
they were called upon to suffer because they were followers of
Jesus, thanked God that they were considered worthy to suffer for
him. We have lost that faith, that love which relies wholly upon the
Lord and believes implicitly, that, whatever he sends or allows to
come upon us is the best thing that could come. And that is a
great loss to the world. Isn't it worth while to strive to regain what
we have lost just here? How much better we should feel and be,
and how much more of a blessing we should be in the world if we
had the faith that they had in those early days. Such faith compels
others to believe as we do. But the weak, complaining faith, which
is in reality no faith at all, repels rather than attracts unbelievers.
Faith without trust is impossible.

Be ye thankful. At this season of the year we are prone to lay too
much stress on the temporal blessings we have received. They are
great, and for them we should fervently thank the Giver. But there
are other and far greater blessings which, if rightly used, will con-

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tinue throughout eternity: they are the spiritual. The temporal
blessings we have for only a few short years here, but the spiritual
we may have here and over there also. It all depends on us. They
have been placed within our reach, and the conditions on which
they may become ours are plainly stated. They are the true riches.
Will we take them or will we leave them? It is the most important
question in our lives, the one on which depends more than all the
wealth and wisdom of Solomon.

Let us be thankful. Not merely now that the season is here; but
every day, every hour which is ours here on the earth. And even
then we could not sufficiently thank Him who has given us all things
richly to enjoy. May he help us to have more faith and trust, and
thankfulness.

ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

"The Humpty-Dumpty Life"

Does your world seem to be falling apart? Are you unfulfilled
in your Christian experience? Why is there so much conflict
around us today? Unrest seems to be on every hand and we ask
why this senseless, humpty-dumpty life exists.

Could the key to the answer to these questions be found in the
second Psalm. "Why do the people imagine a vain thing?" This
relates in the Old Testament sense to emptiness, futility, and
confusion.

The mass media and the humanistic society around us have bom-
barded us with the sensational. We have the horoscope, Eastern
mysticism, Cults, creative therapy and spiritual, social and philo-
sophical confusion. We might feel a doubt whether we can have
an impact and change anything in the world today. But, young
people, indifference is totally inexcusable.

Because we live in a world of sin there is always going to be
great influences exerted on you to lead you in a direction away from
Jesus. Charismatic leaders and world personalities will constantly
try to move you from the stable Christian experience to their
confusion.

The mass media has produced a whole set of new philosophies in
our contemporary society. A slick and sophisticated system is
"taking counsel together" to exert pressures on you contrary to
the Lord's ways. Fallible man has taken over the throne of the
infallible God and error is rampant. Hostility to the Lord is vivid
and open. It is no longer hidden.

Self sufficient man does not want to hear about the self-existent
God. They will always have a determined opposition to God and

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right. The society and leadership we have been revealing will not
recognize God because it would require a total revolution in life-style.

Lucifer was a beautiful angel who had a superb position but it
irritated him that he was not the "Most High." To be restricted in
this part of his experience was more than he could tolerate so he
decided to break the cords of obedience and try to become God
himself. Man has done this ever since.

Even psychologists tell us that Christian values and morality are
outdated and that Christ's principles are repressive. They suggest
solutions of breaking all ties with the conservative Christian com-
munity. "Repressive" becomes their number one term against
the Church.

Don't look for answers from misguided leaders of the world. Be
refreshed in this downcast and depressive situation by taking on
Christ's perspective for your life. God has severe judgment planned
for those who would lead us away from Christ and the Church. The
horrors of judgment will be poured out on those who are creating
the despair of this age. Your only option is to live for Christ and
make your attitudes and goals to be patterned after His perfect
attributes. God does not lose control! You don't either! The self-
exalted men of our society will be abased. Your humble spirit before
Him will be blessed. Identify yourself totally with Christ. Live
according to His status, His expectations, and His intentions for
your life. This view from Christ's side, as you live securely tucked
under His protective wings, yields a striking perspective. While
chaos reigns on earth as the result of the rejection of God, yet you
are seated in the heavens with quiet confidence. Pessimism need
not rule your life in this "humpty-dumpty" world. Don't look down
at the mud but look up to the stars. It is your privilege as a believer
to maintain a peaceful perspective in all of this chaos.

Serve the Lord and rejoice! Submit to Him and be reverent and
you CAN make an impact for Him in this world. Pray for a vital
understanding of His truth and claim His promises for your life.
Remain calm and committed to the Lord. I offer you a life of new
dimensions, a freshness, and challenge in living totally for Jesus in
these end times. Be aware of earth's turmoil but live in an attitude
of heaven's splendor and live fearlessly. "Life can be beautiful" and
truly blessed when you put all of your "trust in Him." (Ps. 2) Don't
give up... look up, because your redemption draweth nigh.

Brother Leonard Wertz

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THERE IS A REASON FOR EVERYTHING

Our Father knows what's best for us,

So why should we complain —

We always want the sunshine,

But He knows there must be rain —

We love the sound of laughter

And the merriment of cheer,

But our hearts would lose their tenderness

If we never shed a tear...

Our Father tests us often

With suffering and with sorrow,

He tests us, not to punish us,

But to help us meet Tomorrow...

For growing trees are strengthened

When they withstand the storm,

And the sharp cut of the chisel

Gives the marble grace and form...

God never hurts us needlessly,

And He never wastes our pain,

For every loss He sends to us

Is followed by rich gain...

And when we count the blessings

That God has so freely sent,

We will find no cause for murmuring

And no time to lament

For Our Father loves His children,

And to Him all things are plain,

So He never sends us Pleasures

When the Soul's Deep Need Is Pain.

So whenever we are troubled,

And when everything goes wrong

it is just God working in us

To make Our Spirits Strong.

- Selected by Sister Meriam Pletcher

A LETTER TO THE DUNKARD CHURCHES IN AMERICA

"I know thy works and thy labor and thy patience and how thou
canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them
which say they are apostles and are not and hast found them liars;
And hast borne,... and hast labored and hast not fainted." And
"I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's
seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my
faith." Also, "I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith,
and thy patience, and thy works; and last to be more than the first."

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"I know... that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold
or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,
I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich,
and increased with goods, and have need of nothing: and knowest
not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and
naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that
thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do
not appear: and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou
mayest see."

Brothers and sisters, the previous words were taken from
Revelation, chapters 2 and 3. It seems as though we all do our
charity deeds and keep the benches warm on Sundays, and even
remain true to our heritage. I believe this is all good and well,
but it's not enough. I think we can be proud and thankful that our
forefathers had enough determination and convictions to instill
their faith in our hearts and lives. Now it is up to us to carry on
and remain faithful.

God's word tells us that "as in the days of Noah so shall the
coming of the Son of Man be." There was a very small remnant
faithful then, and so shall it be again. The mind of mankind today
is a disappointment to me. It seems to continually dwell on one of
three things. These being; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the
eyes, and the pride of life. In study of the human body, we find
that the mind is a very intricate and complex computer. Man could
never make a machine to match its capabilities, and yet we use just
a very small percentage of it. It seems our minds are too full
of trivial things to have time to study, or to teach our children.
Our eyes need to be looking for opportunities to share the love of
Christ with those round about us. It would be our prayer to see
our children carry on those truths which we believe in, but if we
don't live and carry on the teachings of Christ ourselves, we can't
expect too much from our children.

Hebrews 12:13 says "And make straight paths for your feet, lest
that which is lame be turned out of the way, but rather let it be
healed." Consider the words of the apostle. The inspired Word of
God says much in that one verse.

Let us ask ourselves, "Can those round about me tell that Christ
lives within?" I pray that we would all be on fire for Christ, so
that when that Day comes He will not spue us out of His mouth. Time
may be shorter than we think. Are we ready? Do we live as if
there is always a tomorrow? James tells us that life is but a vapor;
here a little while and then gone. Brothers and sisters, if we would
but consider the words that have been inspired by the precious
Holy Spirit, I believe our very lives would change. People around us
would see if, our children would see it. Let us be an example.

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The Bible tells us that a true soldier does not entangle himself
with the affairs of this life, so that he may keep his mind on the
battle. When we get behind the wheel of a car on a stormy night,
we keep our eyes on the road ahead so that we're prepared for
dangers that might come upon us unawares. This we must do in
our spiritual lives also. Let us not dare entangle our lives so that
we would slip and fall in the battle for our very salvation. I know
that we all desire a home in heaven. In our carnal lives, we pursue
something to the uttermost that we really want. Are we doing all we
can to reach our heavenly home? I dare say we need to examine
our stand with Christ and become soldiers that are truly on fire
for Him.

As we bring this article to a close, it would be our prayer that
all the brethren would consider and ask God, "Just where do I stand
in your army, Lord?" After we prayerfully seek that answer, I
believe we'll see a need to get closer to the Lord. I Peter 1:17
says "Pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:"

May God add His Blessings
Brother David Snyder
McClave, Colorado

SATURDAY, THE JEWISH SABBATH OR SUNDAY,
THE LORDS DAY, WHICH?

William Root

Dear Reader, let us now hear what the Word of God says,
Exodus 34:28, "And he was there (speaking of Moses), with the
Lord forty days and forty nights; and he did neither eat bread, nor
drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant,
the ten commandments." Deut. 4:13, "And he declared unto you
his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten
commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone."
Also Deut. 9:9, "When I was gone up into the mount to receive the
tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the Lord
made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty
nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water." That these Scriptures
show the "Ten Commandments" are recorded in the "Sinaic
Covenant," there is no question. Why then do Sabbatarians deny
this? The writer of the Hebrews records in Heb. 9:1-4, "Then verily
the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a
worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first,
wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread;
which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the taber-

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nacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden
censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold,
wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aarons rod that
budded, and the tables of the covenant."

After showing the old covenant was faulty, and the necessity of
a new, a faultless covenant, the writer gives an itemized account of
what was contained in that old covenant. He starts with "ordinances
of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary;... tabernacle,... candle-
stick,... table and shewbread,... and the tables of the covenant."
The texts we have quoted above, are too plain to need comment,
showing the truth of our proposition that "The Sinaic Covenant
included the Ten Commandments." Let us now turn to Josh. 7:11,
"Israel hath sinned, and they have transgressed my covenant which
I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed
thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put
it even among their own stuff." Achan violated the eighth command-
ment, and it is called "transgressing my covenant."

Also Israel in the time of Joshua bowed to and worshipped
other gods; violating the first commandment. It is said, "Ye have
transgressed the covenant of the Lord." A covenant includes a
contract or ag reement; but what is there in an ag reement, or contract,
unless it is associated with the matter agreed about, or upon?
Israel's agreement was, "All that the Lord hath said we will do," this
they made at Horeb. Yet, what is that agreement worth unless we
have the laws and ordinances agreed upon? Therefore, we say, dear
reader, the "Ten Commandments" were included in the covenant
in Horeb.

Our next proposition is "The Sinaic Covenant was to cease or to
be abolished." Turning now to Heb. 8:7-8 we read, "For if that first
covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been
sought for the second. For finding fault with them (Israel), he saith,
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new
covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah."
Christian friends, it would not be difficult to name a number of
objectionable features in that old covenant, hence we see the wisdom
of God in abolishing it. The old covenant was but the shadow; the
new covenant the substance. Therefore, Paul says, "Wherefore then
serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the
seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was
ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator," Gal. 3:19.

To further prove our proposition, we call your mind to the following
Scriptures... Let us look further at the "Limited Dominion of the
Law." Rom. 7:1-6, "Know ye not brethren, (for I speak to them that
know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long

BIBLE MONITOR 13

as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by
the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be
dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while
her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be
called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from
that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to
another man. Wherefore my brethren, ye also are become dead to
the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another,
even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth
fruit unto God. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins,
which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit
unto death. But now are we delivered from the law, that being
dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of
spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter."

The Romans had become dead to the law, it had been abolished,
just as we are to be dead to the world. No law hath power over a
man after that it hath ceased or been abolished, just as is shown in
the law of marriage, which the Apostle has shown in these verses.
Our union with the old covenant law has been dissolved, our relation
therefrom is severed. Israel was delivered from a law, "wherein
they were held," that law being dead. The law that held them was
the law of Moses, the Decalogue and the law of ceremonies. As
they were once "baptized unto Moses," so are we now "baptized
into Christ." Sabbatarians wrestle hard with this figure, this text.
Hence, to make the facts further plain, let us look at it thus. First,
Israel was joined to the law of Moses. Second, Israel joined with
Christ crucified, cancels the law. Third, Israel becomes joined to
the law of Christ. Hence now, true Israel is delivered from the
law, that being dead wherein they were held.

To be continued
Selected by Joseph Lavy

BUILDING A HOUSE

Matthew 7:21-29 is part of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus
began by telling them of the great blessings in store for those who
were willing to suffer. He told them that they were a light to the
world, how to pray and to lay up treasures where moths will not
destroy and how necessary it was to get to that place where
their treasures were.

Whosoever that heard would be like a person who built a house.
It must be on a good foundation. A sandy foundation would not
be wise as it isn't a firm foundation and as soon as a storm would
come the house would fall. It would not be able to stand the test.

When we start to build a house for our home, there are several

14 BIBLE MONITOR

things we want to look into. First, a good location, not close to
a junk yard or such. So many fail to look into these things. It is
a very sad thing.

Finances also play a big part. When we build a natural house we
have to pledge ourself. When we build a Spiritual house we have
to pledge our life. We get so much from the Lord, we should want
to give something in return.

When one hires a good contractor we expect him to build ac-
cording to the specifications. The same in our Spiritual house. We
need a good contractor, one who would build on the solid rock.
There always comes a testing time, if not here, it will be in the
judgment.

A Brother was building a house. His contractor wanted to get the
roof on before the rain but he could not do it alone. He needed
some help so some of the dear Brethren came in and helped. If we
are serving the dear Lord He will help to supply our needs.

In this natural home we want something very durable. How about
in the Spiritual sense? We should try to get something in the
material that is durable. When the house is finished we want to
make sure it has safe locks on the doors and windows. In our
Spiritual house we want to keep out the evil spirits. Christ tells us
to try the Spirits, be very careful that a lot of wrong literature does
not come in and take the place of the Word of God.

We all know it takes a lot of living to make a home. A friend told
me when Grandfather and Grandmother left their home for their
Heavenly home, when she would go back to their home it was just
a house.

Let us build our spiritual house upon the Rock the Lord Jesus

Christ. Abraham was concerned about his Spiritual life and the

Lord blessed him. Moses looked for a city that had a good foundation.

If you are looking to that Eternal Place where there will be no

moths or rust, it will stand the test. If we live the Christian life

our house will stand. In this life we grow old and soon we have to

give up our earthly home and all we own. We are looking for that

day when we will hear Jesus say, I have one built not by hands but

eternal in the Heavens. That to all His children will be a

glorious Day.

Sister E. M Alltus

•••••••

People do not care to give alms without some security for their
money; and a wooden leg or a withered arm is a sort of draft upon
heaven for those who choose to have their money placed to
account there. — Mackenzie

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SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Like the bud of a new rose

Some church-going people grow,
When Jesus touches their heart

Then great love for Him will flow.
As flower buds grow larger

So does the spiritual growth,
When the lost have come to Christ

We see the beauty of both.

No more do they walk in sin -

For they are now "babes" of God,
They will follow their Shepherd

And go the path Jesus trod.
How lovely, - And what fragrance

Comes from a rose in full bloom —
More beautiful the sinners

When their soul has escaped doom.

The sincere "milk" of the truth

Is what they are to be fed —
And the path of righteousness

Is the way they will be led.
Then like the rose, they burst forth -

(Sometimes they're tempest tossed,)
But God's Word they have been fed

Will keep them from being lost.

- Irene Stout

NEWS ITEM

ENGLEWOOD, OHIO

The Englewood Congregation enjoyed added blessings once
more this year. The last two weeks of July, Bro. Paul Hartz labored
to expound God's Word to us. We appreciated Sis. Mary being
here also. May God's blessings be with our brother as he labors in
other fields of labor to bring God's Word of truth to a dying, sinful
people. No souls were added to the church at this time.

On October 27, we enjoyed a fall Lovefeast with forty-seven
surrounding the tables. Visiting brethren were: Bro. Dean St. John,
Bro. Edward Johnson, Bro. William Carpenter and Bro. David Ebling!
We appreciated all the brethren and sisters from Kansas, Illinois,
Indiana and Michigan who came to be with us on this occasion!
God bless each one for coming. Surely, "Our cups are full and
running over!"

Sister Shirley Frick, Cor.

16

BIBLE MONITOR

Memory Verse: Matt. 5:5
"Blessed are the meek
shall inherit the earth."

Sat. 1 - Matt. 5:1-12

for they

DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR DECEMBER 1984
ON THE EARTH

looking after those things which
are coming on the earth: for the
powers of heaven shall beshaken."
Sun. 16 -Luke 23:1-46
Mon. 17 -Luke 24:1-26
Tues. 18 -John 3:22-36
Wed. 19- John 12:23-50
Memory Verse: Matt. 10:34 Thurs. 20 - John 17:1-26

"Think not that I am come to send Fri. 21 - Acts 8:26-40
peace on earth: I came not to send Sat. 22 - Acts 9:1-22
peace, but a sword."
Sun. 2- Matt. 10:1-42
Mon. 3- Matt. 13:1-17

Tues. 4 - Matt. 16:1-20 Memory Verse: John 3:31

Wed. 5- Matt. 18:1-20 "He that cometh from above is

Thurs. 6- Matt. 23:1-37 above all: he that is of the earth

Fri. 7 - Matt. 25:1-30 is earthly, and speaketh of the

Sat. 8 - Mark 4:1-34 earth: he that cometh from heaven

is above all."
Sun. 23- Acts 10:1-48
Mon. 24- Acts 22:1-30
Memory Verse: Mark 4:28-29 Tues. 25 - Rom. 9:1-33

"For the earth bringeth forth fruit Wed. 26 - I Cor. 10:1-33
of herself; first the blade, then the Thurs. 27 - II Tim. 2:1-26
ear, after that the full corn in the Fri. 28 - Heb. 6:1-20
ear. But when the fruit is brought Sat. 29 - Rev. 7:1-17
forth, immediately he putteth in
the sickle, because the harvest is
come."
Sun. 9 -Mark 9:1-10
Mon. 10 -Luke 2:1-20
Tues. 11 -Luke 5:12-39
Wed. 12 -Luke 6:20-49
Thurs. 13 -Luke 12:42-59
Fri. 14- Luke 18:1-43
Sat. 15 -Luke 21:1-38

Memory Verse: Luke 21:25-26
"And there shall be signs in the
sun, and in the moon, and in the
stars; and upon the earth distress
of nations, with perplexity; the sea
and the waves roaring; Men's hearts
failing them for fear, and for

Memory Verse: Rev. 14:6
"And I saw another angel fly in the
midst of heaven, having the ever-
lasting gospel to preach unto them
that dwell on the earth, and to
every nation, and kindred, and
tongue, and people."

Sun. 30 -Rev. 20:1-15

Mon. 31 -Rev. 21:1-27

Memory Verse: Rev. 21:1
"And I saw a new heaven and a
new earth: for the first heaven and
the first earth were passed away;
and there was no more sea."

I, ester Fisher

4664 N. State Rte. 43

Covington, OH 45318

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL LXII DECEMBER 1, 1984 NO. 23

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all

Scriptural in practice. the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

THE CLEANSING WAVE

Oh, now I see the crimson wave,
The fountain deep and wide;
Jesus, my Lord, mighty to save,
Points to His wounded side.

I see the new creation rise,
I hear the speaking blood;
It speaks! poluted nature dies —
Sinks 'neath the crimson flood.

I rise to walk in heav'rVs own light,
Above the world and sin;
With hearts made pure and garments white,
And Christ enthroned within.

Amazing grace! 'tis heav'n below,
To feel the blood applied;
And Jesus, only Jesus knew,
My Jesus crucified.

- Phoebe Palmer

BIBLE MONITOR

THE SWEET AND THE BITTER

John, the Revelator, was given a book that he must eat. To
induce him to eat such an unlikely item he was told that in his
mouth it would be sweet although in his stomach it would be bitter.
It would be easy enough to eat as the sweetness would be enticing,
but the stomach would suffer for it later.

Often we suffer from our poor eating habits. We consume
quickly and ravenously foods that are too sweet or too salty for
our bodies' well being. Because they taste so good we can become
glutinous. Later we suffer. Indigestion or even more serious ills
may vainly protest our intake of such food. If this style of eating
becomes a habit, the extra calories from the sweets may lead to
more general and serious life-threatening diseases. The high salt
intake may also lead to serious illness and affliction. So the first
taste may seem so good and alluring but the end may not be
very sweet.

All that's sweet at the beginning may not end up that way. John
found it to be true with his meal. While his present situation
viewing the glories and powers of Heaven was enjoyable, still there
remained some harsh prophecies and descriptions to be given.
Surely, John would have preferred telling of future bliss but much
of that was ordered to be sealed. Instead he had to tell of terrible
events and judgments yet to come.

The sweet and the bitter often affect our personal relationships.
Friendships and even romances that seemed so sweet at the begin-
ning can become very bitter. Where love is left to diminish and
die, hatred can rise up and bring bitterness. When the giving of a
friendship or romance becomes one-sided, then that unevenness
will cause a jealousy and bitterness to arise. Our friendships must

THE BIBLE MONITOR DECEMBER 1, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard

Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Lithographing Co., Rt. 4,

Wauseon, Ohio 43567.

Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio

43567.

Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance.

Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.
MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th St., Beaumont, CA 92223
ROBERT S. LEHIGH, Assistant Editor; R. 4 Box 4427, Spring Grove, PA

17362
JACOB C. NESS, Associate Editor; 136 Homeland Road, York, PA

17403
RUDY COVER, Associate Editor; 2034 Roble Ave., Modesto, CA 95351

BIBLE MONITOR

be mutual and love continue to flow unhindered by either one.

The sweet and the bitter can also be applied to our financial and
material affairs. With the easy credit offered these days through
charge cards and charge accounts it is easy for a consumer to soon
find himself mired in deep debt. It is far easier to sign a form or
give a plastic card than to pay hard cash. Consequently the sweet-
ness of easy availability may soon turn into the bitterness of being
overextended. The possession of many material things may seem
to make life sweeter and more enjoyable but when the problem of
overextended credit or living beyond one's means is faced there
will be bitterness instead.

There are many areas of life where what appears to be sweetness
at the beginning may turn to bitterness before too long, Satan is
very cunning with his enticements leading us into sin. He does not
paint sin to look like sin but as something very pleasant and
desirable. He makes sin to seem sweet but does not show its true
bitter consequences.

When Satan, the serpent, appeared to Eve in the Garden of Eden,
he did not tell her the true consequences of her disobedience.
He told her she would be as God knowing good and evil. He did
not tell her that sin would separate her from God. He did not tell
her that the wages of sin would be death, both physically and
Spiritually. That forbidden fruit was so enticing. Undoubtedly it
was very sweet in her mouth but how terribly bitter it became. The
bitterness of her sin was not soon allayed, as in the years to come
she had to bear not only the grief of being driven from the Garden
but also the grief of having one son murder the other because of
jealousy wrought by sin growing out of her sin.

Samson certainly did not consider the future bitterness that would
come from his association with the Philistines. By taking a wife
from amongst the Philistines he thought of sweetness but it did not
turn out that way for he had violated his parents wishes and God's
command. His adulterous relationship of Delilah also seemed to
offer sweetness, but in the end cost him his strength and eventually
his life, He found bitterness where Satan promised him sweetness.
This is the same result of sin today. Adultery and fornication
promise a sweet sensuality but bitterness soon becomes the result.
What appeared so pleasureable turned into heartache. Where
physical love was promised, hatred showed itself.

David could well agree that there is only bitterness to be found
in adultery. He paid a great price for his sin. Bathsheba was not
faultless in this affair, as her immodesty was the apparent spark
that enticed David to his deed that ended so differently from their
anticipation. The price of immodesty well be high and unpleasant.

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While it seems so fashionable and alluring, there will be a bitter
price to pay.

Any other sin that seems so sweet at the beginning will eventually
bring forth a bitter harvest. What seems so sweet and easy and
pleasurable will bring suffering, debasement and dishonor.

We need to be aware of the consequences of our sins. Satan is
a liar. He will never tell us where sin will lead us. Sin may seem
very sweet at first but when it has finished its course it will be
anything but sweet. Be careful!

A SMILE IS

A smile is a greeting. When you greet someone with a smile,
you are saying, "I'm glad to see you," Your smile makes that person
feel welcome in your presence, and says to others that you care
enough about them to be pleasant. Your smile attracts people
to you, whereas a scowl or a frown turns them away. Even your
own face appreciates your smile, as it takes fewer muscles to
smile than to frown.

A smile has several other meanings also. One meaning given in
the dictionary is "a contraction of the features expressive of pleasure,
moderate joy, approval or kindness." The opposite of a smile is
a frown or a sad expression. We smile when we are pleased and
we smile when we are happy. We smile when we approve of some-
thing and a smile can also express kindness. Amazing, isn't it,
that some mere muscle contractions can reveal so much?

The Bible doesn't say anything about Jesus smiling, but we can
be sure He did. His smile no doubt showed love, mercy and com-
passion, revealing His concern for those around Him. Jesus was
glad to see those who came to Him for help, and to receive His
teachings. It gave Him joy to see their good response, and I'm sure
Jesus smiled many times.

There were many times when Jesus was sad, too, like when
Lazarus died. Jesus wept over Jerusalem, and I'm sure He looked
sadly at Peter after he had denied Him. But this sadness was
accompanied by great compassion. If we are saddened by something
and cannot smile, we can yet be considerate of others as Jesus
was, and not turn people away with unkindness.

"So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance
was no more sad." I Sam. 1:18. Hannah had a problem and was in
great distress. Not only could she not smile, but she couldn't eat
either. She greatly desired a child, and had to endure much at the
hands of her husband's other wife. Her husband's efforts to console
her failed, but God did not fail her. As soon as she received
assurance that her prayer was heard, it showed on her face. Like-

BIBLE MONITOR

wise our expression should reveal our faith in God's care.

The Bible says there is a time to weep, and a time to laugh.
(Ecc. 3:4) We all know this, as we have times when we are happy,
and others when we feel sad. Whatever feeling we express, let it be
sincere. A smile can be deceitful, projecting something we don't
feel. So also can our weeping be deceitful, if we are just pretending
to be sad or in sympathy with someone.

"A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance." Prov. 15:13a. If
you want to have a smile that is a true smile, it must begin on the
inside — in your heart. If your heart is not in the right condition,
your smile won't be either. A merry heart is one which has some-
thing to rejoice over, and this joy spills over to the outside. This
joy produces a cheerful countenance — a smiling face — and such
a smile lifts everyone's spirits.

A smile can show elation over victory (when did you see a sad
winner?). Sometimes we even smile when we are sad. A smile can
be deceitful, just a cover-up for one's true feelings. But, the best
smile is an encouraging one, especially to someone who has none
to give. Your smile may be the only encouragement that person
gets, and is like a lifeline to one who is drowning in his troubles.
Your smile tells that person that you care. It says, "I know you
are having a rough time, but keep trying. You have my support." A
warm, loving smile is one of the best gifts you can give and it
doesn't cost you a cent. Give one of yours, won't you?

A smile can be many things to many people — what is it to you?

Sister Eileen Broadwater

SERVING GOD WITH ENTHUSIASM

"Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with
singing." Psalms 100:2. Serving God should be a joyful experience!
The second fruit of the Spirit is joy (Galatians 5:22). Yet how many
Christians do we know who are going around just bubbling over
with joy?

Many times the people we're dealing with are not easy to serve,
let alone serve with enthusiasm. A boss may bark out orders that
are nearly impossible to carry out. Customers often make un-
reasonable demands. People these days are demanding their rights
When we walk downtown or in a shopping mall, some folks coming
toward us either look at the sidewalk or up at the sky, or they
look straight ahead right past us, but not at us. They don't care
about us and don't want to be bothered with our cares. Often when
someone asks, "How are you doing?" it is a mere formality rather
than a sincere desire to learn about our cares in life. Many seem

6 BIBLE MONITOR

to be doing their own thing, and woe unto the unfortunate person
who interrupts!

Christian people are not only affected each day by the kind of
people described above, but are often caught up in the same kind
of attitude. We are so busy and there are so few minutes and life
becomes one mad rush. How can we escape being calloused,
unfeeling, and cold?

1. ASSUME A SMILE

One thing we observe about an enthusiastic person is that he
smiles a lot. His face radiates joy and gladness. Maybe our face
will not radiate such good feelings, but we need to make a start
somewhere.

Get up in the morning and smile at the person in the mirror.
Practice smiling until it looks right. We all look better when we
smile! Smile at your wife or husband. Smile at your children. Smile
at the dog. Go through the day with a smile on your lips. After you
wear a smile for a while, you'll find that you will feel like smiling.

When you see someone who is in need of a smile, give him one of
yours. It can be an interesting challenge to see how many people
you can get to smile back at you in a day's time. Cheerfulness rubs
off on people. Many times you'll be able to lift the spirits of the one
to whom you smile.

Smile while you are doing dishes. Smile when taking out the
garbage. Smile when doing a difficult task for a cranky boss. Smile
in church. Smile in the car, at home, in the store, and at work.
Assuming a genuine smile will aid in preparation for the next step
toward enthusiasm.

2. REMEMBER WHO IS BEING SERVED.

We need to constantly remind ourselves that we're serving God.
If we truly love God as we should, anything done for Him will be
done with joy and enthusiasm. And the Bible tells us, "Whatsoever
thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
Doing a difficult task for the Lord is easier than doing it for a
grumpy boss.

God is always with us. We can be joyful in the realization that
God is with us every minute of each day. With such knowledge, it's
easy to go about our daily duties with a smile on our lips and with
joy in our hearts. God loves us. Why shouldn't we love Him back?
We are living this life for the Lord! He loves us and we love Him.

Let's take a lesson from a boy who wants to impress a girl. It's
his first date with her, and he really cares about making a good
impression. Notice how he puts his best foot forward and does it
with enthusiasm!

When the big day comes, he takes a thorough shower — not just

BIBLE MONITOR

washing his hands to the wrists. He doesn't even complain about
the need for a shower. He shaves carefully to make sure no stray
whiskers are observable. Next he combs, slowly. Every single hair
must be exactly in place. Then comes the surprise of the day — he
brushes his teeth thoroughly. He applies deodorant and aftershave,
and dresses up in his finest clean clothes. He even shines his
own shoes!

After careful attention to himself, the somewhat nervous but very
excited boy gets into his car which has been washed, vacuumed,
and maybe even waxed. He leaves early and drives around the
block six times so he can pull into the drive where his date lives
right on the minute! He re-checks his hair — yet never cared before.

During their time together, the young man watches his grammar
and is on his very best behavior — and he loves it. It's not because
he has to, but because he wants to!

Oh, that we may serve our God with as much enthusiasm! The
relationship between God and us is a love affair. He loves us and
we love Him. So let us serve Him with all of our ability, and do it
with joy and enthusiasm!

Brother Robert Lehigh

SIXTY YEARS AGO

December 1, 1924
CAMPAIGN — FOR PRESIDENT OR FOR CHRIST - WHICH

Elizabeth Erb

Another presidential campaign has gone down into history. The
strenuous efforts, the earnest persuasions for candidacy live only
in memory. Results are yet to be tested and tried. Those who are
nearing the three score and ten milestone, need not be over
observing to note many changes in the attitude some of our
brethren take to worldly campaigns. Well do we remember the time
when brethren who were wrought upon to ballot their convictions,
were admonished to avoid all hilarious revelry of the time. Not so
now. Brethren sound their preference from day to day, from the
public thoroughfare, to the once sacred pulpit. How about this
contrast? If those pioneer brethren were right, then we are going
wrong. If we are right, they were wrong.

Who will dare say those brethren were wrong? Those men, men
who labored by the sweat of their brow to provide food and raiment
for their families, who carried the word of God in their pockets daily,
that they might study their sermons at every opportunity available,
who traveled miles on foot or horseback, sometimes fording or

BIBLE MONITOR

ferrying dangerous streams, and in mid-winter facing severe snow-
storms, to give the Gospel message to an eager people? Those
brethren cast their ballots for Christ. They led their families and
others into the church. God blessed their earnest efforts, caused
the church to grow and prosper, and left it to us as a rich heritage.

A minister of this day, one who studies hard to give his congre-
gation the very best, in one of his sermons prior to the June
primaries, first read the names of those suitable for his audience to
vote for, thereby causing the real essence of his sermon to become
hidden in the prelude. Another gave a splendid sermon on the
"Test of Discipleship", but it was so seasoned with influence to
ballot for a worldly kingdom that the soul saving power was almost
lost. Another gave a fine sermon on "What Lack I Yet?", bringing
to our minds many things for serious thought, when at the close of
the service, others brought in our late campaign and the names
suitable for ballot, thus diverting our thoughts from that great
question.

Worldly kingdoms have their place in the world, but not in the
pulpit. Christ said, "My kingdom is not of this world." He went into
the synagogue and taught; from the impressions made we can
know he did not teach for worldly office. From the answers
Felix and Agrippa made, we can know Paul taught of righteousness,
temperance and judgment to come. When Philip joined a traveler
on his way and found him reading the prophecies concerning Christ,
he began at that scripture and taught him Jesus.

Our old brethren, heralds of the gospel in all simplicity and
purity, were loved and respected for their nonconforming and non-
resisting principles. Some claim we should let the world know
where we stand on some of the live issues of the day. A few weeks
enthusiasm may stir sentiment for a worldly campaign, but an
earnest, unwavering, spirit-filled life time is a fine ballot for Christ.
The brother who has lived a good Christian life, has not used tobacco
in any form, I care not whether he be farmer, mechanic or merchant,
has given to all in his employ, and the world around him, his ballot
against tobacco. The sister who rears her family without harmful
drinks in the home at any time is teaching her sentiment on
temperance to all who may cross her threshold.

O brethren and sisters, is it not high time we awake to a realization
we are drifting worldward step by step? Let us renew our covenant
with God, and vote for Jesus Christ, not once in four years, or once
a year, but every day of our lives. Let us vote for him in our con-
versation, our dealings, our appearance; and our purse, and in
every way.

BIBLE MONITOR

ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

"Coping"

We are living in a stress ridden society. Headaches are a common
complaint. We can blame a lot of things: tobacco smoke, smog,
and so forth, but most are emotionally induced. Stress causes
the body to produce adrenalin which makes more blood circulate
in the brain. In turn, the brain swells inside the skull and pressure
is the result.

Now I understand that some degree of stress is unavoidable today.
The death of a spouse would equal 100 units of a stress scale and
Christmas equals 12 units.

David knew something about life shaking experiences. Yet, he
was able to write in Psalm 46, "God is our refuge and strength, a
very present help in trouble." This statement is exactly the opposite
of what our human instinct tells us. It says "run" and the Lord says
"Be still."

To have composure is pretty easy when there is nothing to
"decompose" you. But to be able to react to the unexpected in
God's way is the challenge. To be intuitive in being still in the Lord's
presence should be the goal.

Being still just to meditate some mysterious question or to contem-
plate something humanistic is not the answer. You must concentrate
that stillness on your confidence in God. God must be such
a personal friend and intimate confidant you will be able to feel
His calmness to its fullness.

Remember, intimacy develops with time and experience. You
don't have that feeling about someone in the beginning of a relation-
ship. Learn personally about God's refuge, His strength, His very
present help. To do this you must accept fully His teachings and
be willing to trust yourself to what you have accepted. You need to
learn to seek His protecting and preserving grace continually. This
will even out the valleys and the peaks. Understand that He will
act on your behalf if you are fully leaning on Him and you will
sense His practical every-moment refuge quality. You will also
get to know Him more fully. Many people never deepen their
knowledge of God because they do not give the Lord the opportunity
to show what He can do when things get difficult.

Your friends will not always stick with you in the time of trouble.
When all is well, they will be there. But when things start to come
apart at the seams, they will suddenly become conspicuous by
their absence. This will never happen to your BEST FRIEND,
the Lord Jesus. He will be very present help in your troubles.

If it is true that God is a refuge, it is equally true that those who

10 BIBLE MONITOR

move into Him have nothing to fear. You can say with assurance,
then, "Therefore will not we fear though the earth be removed."
You must move, through maturity, from the stage of acceptance of
Jesus to the point of total dependence and trust in Him. Getting
right theology from your head to your heart so that it affects the
flow of blood from the heart to the head is the key to dealing with
much of the emotional stress to which you are and will be subjected.
You must have a belief that really believes, a faith that really expects
and a trust that really anticipates.

If you are experiencing some sleepless nights, and I know that
it happens to young people as well as older folks, you have not yet
let the Lord indwell you in the fullness of His Spirit. He must be
your strength, your stronghold, and your sufficiency. You can relax
in the Lord and respond to what you know of Him.

Talk to Him in a personal way, depend on Him completely and
you will feel the stress leave and you'll become relaxed in antici-
pation of His blessing.

The history of God's dealings with His people is of immense value
to you if you are living under stress. Review the Word and be built
up in it. Read the incidents of the Old Testament in which God
showed Himself "strong in behalf of them whose heart is perfect
toward Him." Read the Acts of the Apostles and enjoy the things
that He did to establish and build a Church despite seemingly
insurmountable odds.

Praise is another key to the reduction of stress. Lift your head
and your voice to the Lord and feel the uplifting value of a
"Hallelujah!" Review what He has done and relate Him to your
stresses... and see His presence reign in your heart.

Brother Leonard Wertz

THE MASTER IS COMING

John 11:19-28. Many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary to
comfort them concerning their brother. As soon as Martha heard
that Jesus was coming, she went and met Him, but Mary stayed in
the house.

She told Jesus if He had been there her brother would not have
died. "I know even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will
give it thee." Jesus told her that her brother would rise again.
Martha knew he would rise again in the resurrection of the last day.
Here Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life. If any man
believeth on me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."

She went and called her sister Mary and told her the Master

BIBLE MONITOR 11

was there and called for her. Jesus had not come to their home
but was where Martha had met Him. Mary followed her sister. The
Jews thought she was going to the grave to weep. When Mary
saw Jesus she fell at His feet, saying, "Lord if thou hast been here
my brother would not have died."

Oh, the wonderful faith they had in Jesus. Do we have that faith
today? Jesus had wonderful fellowship with this wonderful family. I
wonder, today, do we have this fellowship with our Brethren and
Sisters? I wonder if Jesus would come to our home would we go
call our neighbors, brothers, sisters, sons and all we know, so they
could see Jesus. I wonder what an influence it would have on them.
Here we find Jesus at the tomb weeping. Today, Jesus must be
weeping as He looks down on this old world. He told them to
take away the stone. How many stones do we have that are in our
way, so we cannot follow in the way He has given us to follow? Jesus
is the only one who can remove the stones. Will we give Him a
chance? The sisters seemed to not understand, but He said if
they believed they would see the glory. He knew that they believed
in Him but for the people standing by, Jesus cried with a loud voice,
"Lazarus, come forth." And he came forth.

Often we have heard Jesus as He calleth us to come out from sin,
do we always hearken? Let us help take the chains that bind some
from making a full surrender.

Hannah wanted a son and the Lord remembered her and she bare
a son called Samuel. She promised the Lord if she had a son she
was willing to give him to the Lord. She fulfilled her vow taking him
to the temple and dedicating him to the Lord. We, as parents, should
be a dedicated people of the Lord Jesus Christ, if we want our
children to follow Jesus. The Word of the Lord is precious. It
should be read in every home.

If we follow the Lord and what He would have us do, we are sure
to have a home in Heaven. Let us like Paul, make our calling and
election sure. Let us fight that good fight of faith. We have nc
vision on eternity, no hold on time.

Jesus raised the dead, healed the blind, made the lame to walk
When Jesus was on the way to Jericho a blind man heard thai
Jesus was passing by, he cried, 'Thou son of David, have mercy
on me." He cried for mercy. He did not plead for justice, so Jesus
heard that cry. He had him brought to Him. This is a lesson for us
today. We should bring lost souls to Jesus. Here are some precious
words, "Be of good comfort, he calleth for thee." When the blind
man knew Jesus wanted him to come to Him he layed aside his
garment. We today must lay aside the things that hinder us from a

12 BIBLE MONITOR

full surrender to the Lord who died for us. Jesus said, "Go tny
way, thy faith has made thee whole." He immediately followed Him
all the way. We must answer His call and get ready for our Home
over there. He probably has called you many times but only when
you answer do you receive the blessing.

Sister E. M. Alltus

SATURDAY THE JEWISH SABBATH, OR SUNDAY,
THE LORD'S DAY, WHICH?

William Root

Our next proposition is, "The Ten Commandments were to be
done away." The law was not to be destroyed, but it was to be
fulfilled. Jesus said, Matthew 5:17, "Think not that I am come to
destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy but
to fulfill."

As shown in our last article, the Sinaic covenant, which contained
the "Ten Commandments," was to cease, be abolished, set aside,
for the new law under the Gospel. Hence the "Ten Command-
ments" were to be done away. The Apostle Paul in writing to
Corinth gives us the following, II Cor. 3:7-11, "But if the ministration
of death written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the
children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses of
the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away."
This means that the thing written "the ministration of death" was
"glorious."

"How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?"
Meaning that which should remain. "For if the ministration of
condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of
righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made
glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that
excelleth. For if that which is done away (the Law and the
Commandments) was glorious, much more that which remaineth is
glorious." Meaning the Gospel.

The word "ministration" means service or agency. That the Ten
Commandments were the ministration referred to, is evident, for they
were the only ministration or service ever written on stones. It was
a ministration of death, because the law of Moses, including the
Decalogue, had no grace, no favor, was purely a ministration of
condemnation, of death. Even in the sacrifices there was only a
remembrance of sin. "Life and immortality has been brought to
light through the Gospel." The ministration of the Spirit is the
Gospel, "for my words (says Christ) are spirit and they are life."

BIBLE MONITOR 13

It, therefore, was Gospel, good news, for the apostle to pen for the
Corinthians, and us; that the ministration of condemnation and
death, given at Sinai, which imparted so much fear and terror, had
been abolished; that the ministration of the Spirit, the Gospel,
remained. While the "Ten Commandments," as they were written
in the law, were to be done away, to cease or be abolished, yet
Christ fulfilled the law by bringing over into the Gospel, in Spirit nine
of those "Ten Commandments" in other formation, but the fourth
commandment, "Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy" is not
mentioned in the Gospel.

Please note the Ten Commandments as compared in the Old and
New^ Testament: The Ten Commandments of the Old Testament:

(1) J'Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Exod. 20:3.

(2) 'Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, thou shalt
not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them." Exod. 20:4-5.

(3) "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain."
Exod. 20:7. (4) "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy."
Exod. 20:8. (5) "Honor thy father and thy mother." Exod. 20:12.
(6) "Thou shalt not kill." Exod. 2:13. (7) "Thou shalt not commit
adultery." (8) "Thou shalt not steal." Exod. 20:15. (9) "Thou shalt
not bare false witness." Exod. 20:16. (10) "Thou shalt not covet "
Exod. 20:17.

The Ten Commandments of the New Testament: (1) "Worship
God," Rev. 22:9. (2) "Little children, keep yourselves from idols,"
I John 5:21. (3) "I say unto you, Swear not at all;... but let your
communication be, Yea, yea, Nay, nay." Matt. 5:34-37. (4) "The
seventh day sabbath was not taught after Christ's resurrection."

(5) "Children obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right." Eph. 6:1 .

(6) "Thou shalt not kill," Rom. 13:9. (7) "Neither fornicators, nor
idolators, nor adulters... shall inherit the kingdom of God," I Cor.
6:9-10. (8) "Steal no more," Eph. 4:28. (9) "Wherefore putting away
lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor." Eph. 4:25.
(10) "Covetousness, let it not be once named among you." Eph. 5:3.

The writer will perhaps discuss these commandments farther
along in these writings, so will leave them for the present.
Sabbatarians tell us, "It was the glory of the face of Moses that was
done away." This is unthinkable. Think of the Apostles writing to
the Corinthians for their encouragement, that the glory of the face
of Moses, exhibited at Sinai's blazing summit, had been done away
fifteen centuries after the vernerable patriarch had been dead.

The facts are, the glory was a divine, a heavenly glory. That glory
never has been done away, and it never will be. It may be transferred,
but will always remain. The redeemed will be clad in that glory!
Again, it was further good news for the apostle to tell his brethren

14 BIBLE MONITOR

as he did in Heb. 12:18-24, "For ye are not come unto the mount
that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto black-
ness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and
the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the
word should not be spoken to them any more: (for they could not
endure that which was commanded, and if so much as a beast
touched the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a
dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly
fear and quake:) But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the
city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumer-
able company of angels. To the general assembly and church of
the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of
all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the
mediator of the new covenant, and to* the blood of sprinkling, that
speaketh better things than that of Abel."

When the apostle tells those ancient Hebrews: "Ye are not come
to the mount that might be touched," and so forth he does not mean
the literal mount, for that would be no news to them; they well knew
that. Besides, the terror he describes had ceased long ago; hence,
we believe he meant, they are not come to the law delivered on
that occasion, which we have seen clearly, included the 'Ten
Commandments." The apostle has given us, the gladsome news,
that we are not under the old law, given at Sinai; but are under the
Gospel, have come to the loving Jesus, the Mediator of the New
Covenant. The scene at Sinai was one of fear and dread; even Moses
himself said, "I exceedingly fear and quake." "For they could not
endure that which was commanded." That this had special allusion
to the Decalogue is clear. Who could endure the manner of keeping
the ancient Sabbath? Who could endure the severe penalty of
its violated law? Who, we say who? Let Sabbatarians answer.

- To be continued
Selected by Joseph Lavy

•••••••

CAMEL RIDER'S CALL

When the caravans in the desert are in want of water, they are
accustomed to send a camel with its rider some distance in advance.
Then, after a time, follows another, and then at a short interval
another. As soon as the first man finds water, almost before he
stoops down to drink, he shouts aloud, "Come!" The next man
hearing the call repeats it, "Come!" The nearest man again takes up
the call "Come!" until the surrounding desert echoes with the word
"Come."

BIBLE MONITOR 15

OBITUARY

RUBY SOWERS

Sis. Ruby Sowers, 63, passed away at the Washington County
Hospital, Hagerstown, Maryland, September 25, 1984, after a six
week long illness in her home.

Born in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, June 15, 1921, she was the
daughter of the late Jesse J. and Marjorie C. (Brown) Brown.

She was a faithful member of the Waynesboro Congregation and
taught the children's Sunday School class for many years. She also
helped her companion faithfully as a Deacon's wife. She will long
be remembered for her cheerful, friendly personality.

Surviving are her husband, Charles W. Sowers, Smithburg,
Maryland, five daughters, Alice Bross, Myerstown, Pennsylvania;
Wilma Eberly, Smithsburg, Maryland; Karen Johns, Paradise,
Pennsylvania; Becky Manns, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania and Janice
Sowers, Smithburg, Maryland; ten grandchildren and one great-
grandchild. Five sisters and a brother also survive.

Funeral services were held at the Waynesboro Dunkard Brethren
Church, September 28, 1984, by Elder Jacob Ness, assisted by
Elder Frank Shaffer. Burial was in the Cedar Lawn Memorial Park
in Hagerstown, Maryland.

The family wishes to express thanks and appreciation to all for
the prayers, cards, visits, and thoughtful deeds to Mother during her
illness and to us in our bereavement.

The Family of Ruby Sowers

NEWS ITEM

GRANDVIEW, MISSOURI

We, here at Grandview Church enjoyed a one week revival from
September 9 through September 16, with Bro. Dennis St. John of
Bryan, Ohio, as our minister. We were so glad for the Dear Ones
coming from a distance to worship with us.

As we are few in number we desire an interest in your prayers.

We were happy to have Sis. Donna and little girls to be with us
also. May God bless each and every one is our prayer.

Sister Bertha Jarboe, Cor.
The only thing on earth a man can absolutely gain is heaven.

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DIRECTORY OF BOARDS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dale E. Jamison, Chairman
Quinter, Kansas 67752

Ray R. Reed, Secretary
Box 12, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063

Warren C. Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057

GENERAL MISSION BOARD

Joseph E. Flora, Chairman
R. 3 Box 12, Adel, Iowa 50003

Hayes Reed, Secretary
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender Street

Morenci, Michigan 49256

Harley Rush

R. 1, Converse, Indiana 46919
Galen Litfin

1314 East 7th St.

Newberg, Oregon 97132

Dale Jamison
Quinter, Kansas 67752

Jacob C. Ness
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403

Frank Shaffer
13092 Grant Shook Rd.
Greencastle, PA 17225

BOARD OF PUBLICATION

Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

Jacob C. Ness, Secretary
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403

H. Edward Johnson, Treasurer
5-1307-S.H. 108
Wauseon, Ohio 43567

Allen B. Eberly
R. 3
Ephrata, PA 17522

Warren C. Smith
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057

BIBLE STUDY BOARD

Eugene Kauffman, Chairman
R. 3 Box 51
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801

Dennis St. John, Secretary
R. 1 Box 108
Bryan, Ohio 43506

Warren C. Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057

Rudolph Cover
2034 Roble Avenue
Modesto, CA 95351

Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340

RELIEF BOARD

Boyd Wyatt, Chairman
4925 Tegner Rd.
Hughson, CA 95326
(209) 883-4138

Newton Jamison, Secretary
512 Garfield
Quinter, Kansas 67752
(913) 754-3433

Kyle Reed, Treasurer
R. 1 Box 4

Minburn, Iowa 50167
(515)677-2467

Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, PA 17340
(717)359-5753

Robert Carpenter
R. 5 Box 97
Peru, Indiana 46970
(317)395-7879

TORREON NAVAJO MISSION

David Skiles, Superintendent
R. 2 Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013

Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355

Kyle Reed, Secretary
R. 1 Box 4

Minburn, Iowa 50167

Newton Jamison, Treasurer
Quinter, Kansas 67752

Harley Flory
R. 4, Defiance, Ohio 43512

All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury, but
sent to the Secretary for his records.

Lester Fisher

4684 N. State R'te. 48

Covington, Oil 453 18

(USPS 054-780)

BIBLE MONITOR

VOL LXII DECEMBER 15, 1984 NO. 24

"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"

OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all

Scriptural in practice. the world and preach the gospel.

OUR AIM: Be it our constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.

CHRISTMAS OR XMAS

Oh! Why leave the Christ out of Christmas?

Why substitute X for His name?
There is naught else on earth or in Heaven

Can ever make Christmas the same.

Be it thoughtlessness, hate or indifference,

By the fault I grieve and offend;
When I leave the Christ out of Christmas

I'm slighting my very best friend,

When I leave the Christ out of Christmas,

In vain is my holiday mirth;
For the Christ, God's gift to His children

Is the Christ who brought Christmas to earth.

God forgive me the throughtless omission,

I would not that Christ should depart;
Not only the Christ at the yuletide;

But all of the year in my heart.

- Author Unknown

Selected by Sister Ruthanna Sauerwein

BIBLE MONITOR

AND ON EARTH, PEACE

Peace has been on the minds of men throughout history. Yet
for all the hopes of peace there has been and still is a great lack
of peace. In fact peace is perhaps further from actuality now than
at other times.

The lack of peace between men, as individuals, nations and politi-
cal blocs is related to the lack of peace within men. They lack
peace within because they are not at peace with God.

The announcement of the angels gave men the hope of peace
that they did not have before. Through the One born in Bethlehem
they could have internal and external peace because they could
have peace with God. Men could never be at peace with God as
long as they failed to recognize and resolve the sin question in each
of their lives. Their sins could not be cleared before God without
a sacrifice. Repeated animal sacrifices could never cleanse them.
The angels could speak of peace because they announced the birth
of Jesus who was the sacrifice acceptable unto God because He
was without sin.

The angels could well envision peace on the earth because of
His birth. Yet, how few, over the centuries, have accepted that
perfect gift of God. They have, instead, tried to secure peace by
their own means. Some have thought to secure peace by com-
promise, vacillation, and concession. Others have thought through
strength and number of arms or posture, they could secure peace.
But all of these ways will fail for they do not include the One
saluted by the angels as the Giver of Peace.

Since there is a lack of peace on the earth today, was His
coming in vain? By looking on the outward appearance it might
seem so. His appearance was not vain because God has said so

THE BIBLE MONITOR DECEMBER 15, 1984

Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard

Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Lithographing Co., Rt. 4,

Wauseon, Ohio 43567.

Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio

43567.

Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance.

Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.
MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th St., Beaumont, CA 92223
ROBERT S. LEHIGH, Assistant Editor; R. 4 Box 4427, Spring Grove, PA

17362
JACOB C. NESS, Associate Editor; 136 Homeland Road, York, PA

17403
RUDY COVER, Associate Editor; 2034 Roble Ave., Modesto, CA 95351

BIBLE MONITOR

through His Word. There is recorded the message God has intended
for all men to read and act upon. As the Heavenly Host appeared
to the shepherds they were given these words to speak. God does
not lie, therefore these words must be as true as any other fact
recorded there. This Son must be the means of peace on earth.

His coming therefore could not be in vain. Those who lived while
He ministered upon the earth would know it was not in vain. As
He healed the sick, cast out evil spirits and preached the Gospel
there were a few who gladly received Him although most rejected
Him. Those who were recipients of His healing power would never
say it was in vain. Although all who were near Him or touched Him
or even received a miracle from Him did not believe or follow Him,
still there were those who had peace because He came.

The relatively few who have received Him since His birth can also
say that it was not in vain, for they could find peace with God even
in very difficult times of persecution. Much good has been ac-
complished by those who have lived out lives built upon that peace
He brought.

Whenever people have been at peace with God and within, they
have been able to accomplish many good things. From this peace
has come medical, educational and missionary advances. Without
the stimulation of this peace and God's love, these would not have
been possible. People without these godly traits think only of them-
selves and not of others. Following Jesus' example, men, who have
accepted Him, can also give themselves so others may be bettered
physically, mentally and Spiritually. His coming would never be in
vain for them.

Even today in a world that is seemingly a stranger to peace, this
season of the year will for a few days produce an uneasy peace
among men usually opposed to each other. Political enemies even
military enemies will call a truce for a few days or hours. Many
dollars and hours are donated to various charitable causes. Although
most do not understand the meaning of His coming, still there is
a fascination that makes a temporary change in many. Surely they
would not say it was in vain that He came, nor would those who
receive help at this time.

Whether His coming was in vain or not is not really important to
us as far as the past is concerned. The important question about
His Coming is whether we as individuals have accepted Him. Only
through Him can we have peace with God, peace within and peace
among men. As you contemplate this season of His Coming, have
you accepted Him? Do you have the peace the angels announced?

BIBLE MONITOR

BORN TO DIE

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you
good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto
you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ
the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe
wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly
there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising
God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
good will toward men." Luke 2:10-14.

What comes to your mind when the birth of Christ is mentioned?
The manger? The shepherds? The wise men? Joseph and Mary
going to Bethlehem? Many things could come to mind, most of them
the obvious ones. The thoughts of God's Son being born on this
earth in such a quaint setting may stir our hearts. But, if this
captures all our attention, we will miss the whole point of His birth.

In today's society, many people know where and how Jesus was
born, but they have lost sight of why. They know He was born into
a Jewish family, just as God said His Son would be. Many other
prophecies about Jesus' birth were fulfilled exactly, and we can read
of them in the Bible. Other prophecies were fulfilled when Jesus
died on the Cross, and later was resurrected. Every aspect of His
time on earth was special, not just a coincidence, but let's think right
now about His birth.

Jesus is the only one who has ever been born to die. We will all
die eventually (or be changed at His coming), but we were not born
specifically to die. You may wonder why anyone would be born
to die, and especially, why Jesus, God's Son, and not someone else.
God directed it to be so for one special reason — Jesus was born
to die that we might live.

Jesus is the only one who was qualified to become our Savior. He
said, "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25) and no one
else can make that claim. He also said, "For the Son of man is
come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10. Very
plainly stated, is it not? Jesus had no other purpose in coming to
this earth except to provide for our salvation, and He did exactly that.

"For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:17. God's
purpose in sending Jesus to this earth was to save us. This was
His special gift to us. As you think of Christ's birth, recognize His
purpose in coming. Let it be a time of thankfulness in your heart
for God's love for you expressed in Jesus. "Thanks be unto God
for His unspeakable gift." II Cor. 9:15.

Sister Eileen Broadwater

BIBLE MONITOR

SIXTY YEARS AGO

December 15, 1924

CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS

K. D. Henry

The Christmas time has come again. There is no other time of
all the year when such universal joy and happiness sweeps over the
Christian world as on this, the natal day of our Savior. It is altogether
fitting and proper that this is so, for on this day almost two
thousand years ago was consumated the prophecies and visions
and meditations of four thousand years. In this age of hurry and
hustle we can scarcely conceive of the meditations which must
have filled the minds of devout men and women in the dim shadowy
ages of the long ago.

Meditations so devout and holy that brought the Christ even into
their lives, meditations which enabled Job fifteen hundred years
before Christ's birth to burst forth with the most implicit confidence,
"I know that my Redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter
day upon the earth, and though after my skin worms destroy this
body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself
and mine eyes shall behold, and not another", and enabled David the
man after God's own heart, in spirit to call him Lord, saying, "The
Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou at my right hand, until I make
thine enemies thy footstool." We are often made to wonder what
the result would be if the members of our own beloved church could
say in the fullest confidence and implicit faith, "I know", but so
often we are compelled to cry out in the words of the father of the
child who was possessed of a dumb spirit, "Lord, I believe; help
thou mine unbelief."

The prophecies concerning the birth of Christ are quite numerous.
The first promise given is found in Genesis 3:15, "And I will put
enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her
seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." No
man can justly accuse God of not having thought of us and planned
for our best happiness. Had our first parents not transgressed and
had man continued in innocency, no doubt God would have extended
the borders of Eden until it would have included the entire earth,
and man would still be living under the benign guidance of God
himself in a world free from sorrows. Death would be unknown.
The earth would have yielded its increase abundantly without the
thorn and the thistle and our crops would be free of weeds.

God commendeth his love towards us so much that while we
were yet sinners Christ died for us. When man transgressed and
fell from the high plane on which he had been created and became
subject to sin, sorrow and death, even eternal death. God met his

BIBLE MONITOR

condition by the promise of a Savior who would come as a babe, live
among men thafhe might know how frail we are and how prone to
sin we are, so that he might be our mediator in the fullest degree,
give his blood on the cross so that we through his shed blood might
become heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. Abraham also is
assured that in his seed all nations should be blessed.

This Christ, the Savior of the world, was born of a virgin — a
woman clean and pure physically and spiritually as the new-fallen
snow, a woman whose ancestry could be traced through the long
chain of prophecies to Adam and through Adam — because he was
directly created by God — even to God himself. No wonder God
said, 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Micah, the prophet, sings the birth of the Savior seven centuries
before his birth inthefollowing beautiful words, "Butthou Bethlehem
Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet
out of thee shall come forth unto me he that is to be ruler in
Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."
Hosea refers to the Christ by saying, "And called my son out of
Egypt," referring to the time when his parents were compelled to
flee into Egypt to escape the vengeance of Herod.

Great had been God's concern for fallen man, great his preparation
for the advent of his son, and we need not be astonished that
his birth took place under the most extraordinary circumstances.
Universal peace reigned supreme. Heaven and earth vied with each
other to announce the birth of the Christ, the Savior of the world.
The wise men of the orient were led by the star of the east. The
angel opened the pearly gates of heaven to announce unto the
shepherds, "Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great
joy, which shall be to all people, for unto you is born this day in
the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord", and then
suddenly the gates were opened wide and a multitude of the heavenly
host sang the most exquisite song man ever heard, "Glory to God
in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." This
song has been ringing down through the centuries which separate
us from the birth of the only begotten Son of God. The announce-
ment of his birth is without parallel in the history of the world. No
king or potentate of earth had such splendor, such magnificence as
was displayed in announcing his birth. And yet with the exception
of the absolute purity of the mother, the nobility of character of
the foster father, no child, perhaps was born more lowly than he
who some day shall be king of kings and Lord of Lords.

"He came unto his own, and his own received him not", was true
not only through his entire life but sadly true even at his birth.
Rejected, despised, shunned because they were Galileans, the
parents were compelled to pass the night not in the inn where

BIBLE MONITOR

reposed those of supposedly nobler ancestry, but in the stable so
that they of "higher station" might not be contaminated by their
presence. Even to this day there is no room in the hearts of many
people for him who died for them. Sad, almost unbelievably sad
as this is, the judgment "sad, sad it will be, no room in heaven for
thee," will be infinitely sadder to those who reject him now.

Doesn't it seem strange that all this splendor and magnificence
displayed in the announcement should have been only to the
unlearned shepherds? Not one of the "nobler" Jews, no even those
who were favored with the best the inn could provide suspected
while they reposed on beds of splendor that heaven stooped low to
impart unto these simple folks the greatest message God ever gave
to man. Christ upon one occasion said, "I thank thee, oh Father,
that thou hast hid these things from the wise and the prudent and
hast revealed them unto babes." To the wise everything must be
proved. God's word has been subjected to scientific investigation
and because some things will not bear this scientific investigation
it is not accepted by the learned. Nicodemus, that learned man of
the Sanhedrin failed utterly to comprehend Jesus when he said,
"Ye must be born again." The unlearned fisherman accepted Christ's
teachings and understood, at least partly, later.

The Jews, who should have received the news of the birth of the
Savior of the world with joy unspeakable, received the news with
eyes that saw not, and ears that heard not, and hearts that perceived
not. To this day the Jew is still anxiously expecting the birth of
the Savior, whose birth, according to the Talmud will be heralded
by a beautiful star of six colors. Because of his failure to accept
Christ as the Savior, he is a wanderer today, alienated from his home
land. No wonder Jesus, just a short time before his crucifixion, as
he overlooked Jerusalem, said with an anguish that the human mind
can scarce comprehend, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest
the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often
would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathered
her chickens under her wings, and yet ye would not."

Our present observance of Christmas is a combination of customs
which have come to us from various sources. The giving of presents
was a Roman custom; the Christmas tree originated probably, from
the old Teutonic nature worship by means of the yule tree and yule
log, the lighted tapers, possibly, comes from the Jewish feast of
purification. Altogether, it is a heathenish observance rather than
a Christian observance. In fact there is no Scripture stating or
implying that his birth should be observed in any manner. Christ
very implicitly bade his followers observe his death, but is absolutely
silent concerning his birth.

Christmas certainly should mean much to the Christian. "It

8 BIBLE MONITOR

brought my Savior from above to die on calvary," but unless we
exercise great care in its observance we utterly fail to discern his
birth. Far better would it be to observe the day in prayer, meditation
and fasting, than, as is the usual custom, by feasting and over
indulgence.

A GREAT LOVE

I think it's nice

There was a Christ
Who Shed His blood for me,

His Life He'd give

So I could live
A life from sin set free.

What a great love

Had God above
That He sent Christ to earth

So He could teach

Others to preach
Of that Great Second Birth!

So I can own

A Heav'nly Home
Where there's a Golden Street,

That place where God

And Son do trod
And that I can THEM meet.

None can compare

To mansions rare
Or to those pearly gates,

There is no night

For Christ's the Light
In Glory that awaits.

It is pure bliss

To think of this
And of Saints that will rise,

That there's no tears,

No pain nor fears
Up there beyond the skies.

IF I live true

And YOU do too,
We'll see that Crystal Stream,

That fruit-filled tree,

AND we shall see
FATHER AND SON SUPREME.
- Irene Stout

BIBLE MONITOR

ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

'Tret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious
against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like
the grass, and wither as the green herb." (Ps. 37:1-2)

Now is the time to look back over your year and evaluate your
life. Have you really worked at being God's child? Have you been
envious because others who "weren't as good as you were" seemed
to do so well this past year?

It seems that the unfairness and injustice of life is one of the
hardest things to take, even for the Christian. You may get so
envious of the people who go their "merry way" of irresponsibility
and illegitimacy that you feel your struggle for righteousness is
just futile.

Others seem to get away with murder and you can't get away with
anything. You try to do things right each day, you work towards
honesty and frugality and the more you try to do things right the
more you find you are not appreciated as you should be! You may
even be ridiculed, while the other people go "scott free." Sound
familiar?

Did you know that these thoughts seem to pass through the
psalmist David's mind? They are not unique to you. They are not
totally bad and unproductive because it shows that you are looking
carefully at the society around you. You are honestly judging the
injustices in the world caused by the refusal of men to adhere to
God's principles.

People who try to do things God's way have a difficult road ahead
of them. You are called to a life of conflict. Given a choice between
a life of comfort and a life of conflict, most people naturally choose
the first. But the one who is committed to Christ has, in making that
commitment, chosen the latter. To go Christ's way means exactly
going His way... and His way led to the cross.

Christ suffered not only the agony of Calvary but the anguish of
rejection and the pain of misrepresentation. He knew the literal
meaning of the Psalm that speaks of being "slain for upright
conversation." And your pressure grows!

Turning the other cheek might get wearisome. Giving rather than
receiving seems expensive! Having your good works abused, your
desire to help ridiculed, your sacrificial living mocked, your responsi-
ble life-style turned to the advantage of the ungodly is difficult to
take. But such conflict and sacrifice and discipline are the ingredients
that, mixed with faith, make for a vital spiritual experience.

If you are a hot head, you lost control! Inexperience over-
reacts, experience calculates more carefully.

10 BIBLE MONITOR

Don't give up! Taking that course is not acceptable because it
discounts the Lord. Through all of the turmoil, God will ultimately
triumph. "The Lord upholdeth the righteous." Through your
experiences the Lord will bring you to an inheritance which will be
forever. The forces outside God will not win. They can frustrate,
infuriate and intimidate, but they can not obliterate because the Lord
has reserved the final triumph for Himself. All injustice and disregard
will one day be judged. "The wicked shall perish.' 1 The Lord says
categorically that everyone who is oppressive to the Christian will
someday be judged at the Great White Throne and will spend their
eternity in hell.

If you continue to resistthe pressures and swim against the world's
tide you will finally discover that you chose the right course. You
WILL inherit the earth!

It is important that you continue to cope with injustices God's way.
You will demonstrate to a watching world the reserves of strength
and resources you have for survival that those watching do not
possess. You will have a testimony to the world that is sadly needed
at this time in history.

The Early Church clearly showed to an incredulous world that
Christians could take unbelievable abuse, suffer hardship and
triumph so thoroughly that even her oppressors and abusers were
compelled to come to Christ.

Your trust in the Lord will ultimately triumph and be rewarded.
If you can trust Him to work out the final results, you will not need
to worry about yourself. You will be free to do the right thing,
knowing that God will look after you for it. Don't "pay someone
back!" God will do it in His perfect timing.

The unfortunate thing about injustice is that it makes you concen-
trate on it. When something goes wrong for you, it is sometimes
difficult to remember all the things that have gone right. It requires
discipline of mind and will to delight in the Lord in times of dif-
ficulty. It takes Christ-like desire to work out a reconciliation instead
of concentrating on recrimination.

God is perfecting people for glory rather than protecting people
from unpleasantness. In fact, He uses the injustices as lessons to
lead us further in our relationship with Him. Paul certainly learned
things in prison that he could never have learned anywhere else.
He learned to be patient and faithful in a smelly prison cell.

Three things are a must as you confront injustices. First, do not
fret about it, secondly "cease from anger" and finally, "Depart from
evil." One bad turn does not deserve another. Evil reactions to
evil deeds are still evil... so don't stoop to sin in response to sin.

I believe that those who love Jesus and respect His ways should be

BIBLE MONITOR 11

constantly on the alert for abuses of His principles in society and
should also be ready to act on behalf of the oppressed in the name
of the Lord. But in all their activities they should never stoop to
evil. We can't do evil that good may come of it.

May God bless you with special grace to be an overcomer for
Him in the new year.

Brother Leonard Wertz

BRINGING IN THE SHEAVES

Psalms 126: We all know there is a seed time and harvest; winter,
summer, spring and fall. The Lord has done great things for us.'
They that sow in tears, the heart is made glad, that they will reap in
joy. We are not condemned when we go forth weeping bearing
precious seed. There are times we don't see the fruit of our work.
He that reapeth and he that soweth may rejoice together.

When we plant a seed in our garden it does not look like much but
when it comes forth it is beautiful. Many times as I go down town
and see the sign overhead about water, wealth, contentment, I think
of the wonderful world we are permitted to live in. I often wonder if
we are thankful for this wonderful privilege. We all know it takes
water and plenty of sunshine for seeds to grow. Many times we
have to dig deep to get water.

There are three things important in the parable of the Sower. First,
the sower, next, the seed, and last, the soil. Sowing sparingly we
will reap sparingly. It is the same in the Christian life, if we sow
sparingly, we will reap the same way. We may sow by the wayside,
along the highway, in stony soil, in a thorny ground or in good soil.'
When the seed is sown in the wrong place it can't start to grow as
the wind blows it away. The devil is always out to try to discourage
a Christian. If the seed has no soil or water it will not grow. We
get all worked up when we are among the thistles and briers and
there is no room for Christ to come and work with us. We can get
off our course and fall into the hands of Satan. If we are not
careful the good seed will fall among those who are his followers
who practice adultery, impurity, fornication, and our good seed will
be lost. We need good seed, an honest heart, a tender heart.
An honest heart is one which has known the Lord and followed Him
to the foot of the cross. One who understands, receives the Word of
God and is bringing forth fruit, which is so necessary in this Christian
walk of life. Some bring one hundred fold, some sixty, and some
thirty. One must understand the Word, and go out and work in the
work of the Lord. When we have the joy of salvation, sinners will be
converted. We must be at peace with all the dear ones in the fold

BIBLE MONITOR
of Jesus Christ

s one ready to go out and work with an unsaved soul? If we live
n the spirit we will walk in the spirit. We see the fields are ripe and
abounds are so few. Let us pray the Lord of the harvest to send
more abourers if we sow in the wind we will reap a whirlwind. Be
ZVeTeT G o6 is not mocked. Whatsoever we sow we are sure
to reap. If we go out and sow precious seed, He will come aga.n
rpinirina brinqing in the sheaves.

ZZ to the 9 s P ?rit, helping some soul to give his heart to C nst
This is what Christ expects of you - md.v.d ual wort^ He£ us
Lord to go out and bring souls to the foot of the Cross^ we w.n
see rejoicing and tears will flow before the harvest is ended.

We dTn't'know how long the Lord will tarry andsajjanyares
™,t nf the ark of safety We have to yield our lives into His service
be ore it is too late Help us, Lord, to gather more sheaves into
thefold This is what the Lord expects of His children. Are we doing
our part? If not, why not7 ^ £ M A|ltus

SATURDAY THE JEWISH SABBATH, OR, SUNDAY,
THE LORD'S DAY, WHICH?

William Root
We vindicate our proposition further, using the ^striking jflgure of
Ahraham with his two wives; which is described by Paul in his
Gaatian letter Gal. 4:22-31, "For it is written, that Abraham had two
?ons the one'by a bondmaid, the other by a free woman But he
who was of the bondwoman was bom after the flesh, but he o the
free woman was by promise. Which things are an allegory, for these
Se two covenants; the one from the mount Sine, which gendereth
to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is m ^" t |n s, "^ n a ™S;
and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and I ,s . 'bondage wrth
her children But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is me
moth o us all For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bea est
™t break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate
ah many more children'than she which hath an husband^ Now -we
brethren as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then ne
?ha was'born after the flesh persecuted him that was borr , afterthe
qnirit even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scriptures.
Sou the bondwoman and her son; for the son of the bond
woman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman. So then,
brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but . af th . ree.
'To be heir with the son of the free woman," most emphatically

BIBLE MONITOR 13

means to turn from Sinaic law, the law of Moses, and be joined to
Christ. As Hagar and Sarah could not dwell together, so neither can
the law and the Gospel. Therefore the "Ten Commandments," as
written in the law, was transformed a new law, written in the Gospel
When you arrive at the substance, the shadow ceases. "No man

P Z k J nSW , Pi6Ce ° f Cl ° th unto an old garment," or "new wine into
old bottles , Jesus said. Sabbatarians violate this teachinq- they try
to put a new piece of cloth (the Gospel) to an old garment (ordinances
and i restitutions of the law). They vainly seek to join Hagar and Sarah
As Abraham was called upon to hear Sarah and drive out Haqar'
so are we called upon to hear Christ, "for by the works of the law
shall no flesh be justified." The apostle sums up the proposition by
saying, Gal. 5:1, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ
hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of
uondage.

Our next proposition, of the above subject is, Sabbaths were to
cease. The first Scripture text on this proposition is, We call your
attention again to the Lord's Word, through the mouth of His prophet
Mosea. Hos. 2:11, "| will cause her mirth to cease, her feast days
her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts " This

nn? h 5 rd u a ," d that W ° rd is Sure ' God is a God w ho changeth
not, and His Word is settled in heaven." The text above quoted
clearly includes all the days kept sacred by the Jews, and plainly

thJ Z% 6y , S ^ a " C6ase ' Also this P^phecy has parallels in

the scriptures, and they have a special mission, which is to confront
Judaizmg teachers, who teach throughout the Gospel Dispensation
as they taught m the days of the apostles. Also the apostle Paul in
writing to the Colossians, gives further evidence in support of our
proposition. Col. 2:14-17, "Blotting outthe handwriting of ordinances
that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the
way, naihng it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and
powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of
an holy-day or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days. Which are
a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ

The word "ordinance" is defined, "an established rite, or ceremony"
Hence the keeping of the Sabbath was an ordinance included in
the text. Again, which were against us." The Decalogue was against
us m the following particulars: (1) The penalty was death in nearly
every instance. (2) The manner of keeping the Sabbath (a) They

ExTd '^p^^' (b) ThSy , W6re n0t t0 go out on tne Sab °*th
<« q ^ -?; ( y Were t0 klndle no fires on the Sabbath, Exod.

JO.J. (6) The law of their ceremonies rendered it a burden The
above was surely a part of the yoke "that neither our fathers nor
we were able to bear." The apostle says, as quoted above, "They

14 BIBLE MONITOR

could not endure that which was commanded." He was alluding to
Sinai, hence the Decalogue is clearly included in the law "that was
against us."

Friend, Christ has taken the old law of Moses out of the way,
"nailing it to the cross." Why do preachers of our modern day,
emphasize so strongly that we, the people are to be saved by keeping
the "Ten Commandments," as written in the law?... why not, rather,
point sinners to the keeping of the commandments written in the
Gospel? How clear, that which is written in the Gospel, that, "we
are freed from the law; that being dead wherein we were held!"
Under the old law persons were judged for their meat, their drink,
and their Sabbaths; just like Sabbatarians tell us we should not eat
pork but keep the Sabbath, and so forth. Not so under the Gospel.
Paul further explains, "One man esteemeth one day above another;
another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded
in his own mind." Rom. 14:5. The law governing their ceremonies
being past, hence the ceremonies ceased.

Selected by Joseph Lavy

MARRIAGE

STUMP— HOFFMAN

Sister Donna Stump, daughter of Bro. and Sis. John Stump,
Bernville, Pennsylvania and Carl Hoffman, son of Mr. and Mrs.
Ralph Hoffman, Bernville, Pennsylvania were united in marriage
October 6, 1984 by Bro. Merle Sweitzer at the Camp Swatara
Campgrounds.

The couple will make their home at Box 632, R.D. #1 , Wernersville,
Pennsylvania 19565.

NEWS ITEM

NOTICE

Notice to the teachers of children's Sunday School Classes.
Looseleaf children's lessons with a story on one side and a picture
on the other side are available from the Bible Study Board. These are
the same lessons as the previously used booklet "Favorite Bible
Stories" and are the lessons recommended by the Bible Study
Board for 1985. They are available from Bro. Warren Smith,
26270 Highway 50, McClave, Colorado 81057.

BIBLE MONITOR 15

OBITUARY

MICHAEL W. NOLL

Brother Michael W. Noll entered into Eternal Rest on Friday,
October 19, 1984 at the age of 29 years, 2 months, and 8 days after
an accident at his work.

He was born August 11, 1955 and was the son of Brother and
Sister Vincent Noll with whom he resided. He spent most of his life
in the area near Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, where he was actively
engaged in business with his father.

He became a member of the Dunkard Brethren Church at an early
age. He attended services at Brightbills Meeting House near
Campbelltown, a part of the Mechanicsburg Congregation. He many
times served as an usher and was eager to do what ever he could do
whenever he was needed to help the work of the Lord.

Two brothers, Stephen and Daniel Noll; six sisters, Rachael, Esther,
Rhoda, Lydia and Andrea Noll, and Mrs. Sarah Wolfe, survive him
in addition to his parents.

Funeral services were held at the Hanoverdale Church of the
Brethren near Hershey, Pennsylvania on October 23, 1984 at 2 p.m.
Brother Norman Patrick and Brother Paul Hartz officiated. The
funeral text was Hebrews 9:27. "And as it is appointed unto man once
to die, but after this the judgment." Hymns, "My Jesus as Thou Wilt"
and "Abide With Me" were lined and sung. The Meeting House was
nearly filled with many kindly Brethren and Sisters, and friends who
came to share in the service.

Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.

We want to take this opportunity to thank the Dear Brethren and
Sisters and Kind Friends for the many expressions of love and
sympathy which were extended to us after the passing of our Dear
Son, Michael Noll.
Thank you so much for your loving support.

Brother and Sister Vincent Noll

SPIRIT'S OFFICE

To unconverted persons, much of the Bible resembles a letter
written in cipher. The Spirit's office is to act as God's decipherer, by
letting His people into the secret of those sweet mysteries of grace
which were before as a garden shut up, or as a fountain sealed, or as
a book written in an unknown character. It is the Spirit's influence
that brings men to God, and leads them to yearn for something
purer.

16

BIBLE MONITOR

DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR JANUARY 1985
THE BEGINNING

Memory Verse: Gen. 1:1
"In the beginning God created the
heaven and the earth."

Tues. 1 - Gen. 1:1-31
Wed. 2 -Gen. 49:1-33
Thurs. 3- Exod. 12:1-14
Fri.4- Num. 10:1-13
Sat. 5- Job 8:1-22

Memory Verse: Psalms 119:160
"Thy word is true from the begin-
ning: and every one of thy righteous
judgments endureth for ever."

Sun. 6- Job 42:1-17

Mon. 7- Psalms 119:137-160

Tues. 8 - Pro. 8:1-36

Wed. 9- Pro. 1:1-33

Thurs. 10 -Pro. 9:1-18

Fri. 11 -Pro. 17:1-28

Sat. 12 -Ecc. 3:1-22

Memory Verse: Pro. 1:7
"The fear of the Lord is the
beginning of knowledge: but fools
despise wisdom and instruction."

Pro. 9:10
"The fear of the Lord is the
beginning of wisdom: and the
knowledge of the holy is under-
standing."

Sun. 13 -Ecc. 7:1-29

Mon. 14- Ecc. 10:1-20

Tues. 15 - Isaiah 18:1-7

Wed. 16 -Isaiah 40:1-31

Thurs. 17- Isaiah 41:1-29

Fri. 18- Isaiah 46:1-13

Sat. 19 -Isaiah 48:1-22

Memory Verse: Isaiah 48:3
"I have declared the former things

from the beginning; and they went
forth out of my mouth, and I
shewed them; I did them suddenly,
and they came to pass."

Sun. 20- Isaiah 64:1-12

Mon. 21 - Jer. 17:1-27

Tues. 22 -Ruth 3:1-18

Wed. 23- Ezek. 36:8-38

Thurs. 24- Dan. 9:1-27

Fri. 25- Micah 1:1-16

Sat. 26 -Matt. 14:15-36

Memory Verse: John 1:1-2
"In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God, and
the Word was God. The same was
in the beginning with God."

Sun. 27 -Matt. 24:1-31

Mon. 28- John 15:1-27

Tues. 29- John 7:41-71

Wed. 30- Eph. 3:1-21

Thurs. 31 -Rev. 1:1-20

Memory Verse: Rev. 21:6
"And he said unto me, It is done.
I am Alpha and Omega, the begin-
ning and the end. I will give unto
him that is athirst of the fountain
of the water of life freely."

I John 2:13
"I write unto you, fathers, because
ye have known him that is from
the beginning. I write unto you,
young men, because ye have over-
come the wicked one. I write unto
you little children, because ye have
known the Father."