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BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXV
JANUARY 1, 1987
NO. 1
"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"
OUR MOTTO: Spiritualin 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.
O MAGNIFY THE LORD WITH ME
O magnify the Lord with me,
All ye that bear His name;
His faithfulness and sov'reignty
Forever are the same.
He is the soul's unfailing spring,
Its full orbed summer noon;
The autumn of its harvesting,
Its winter's restful boon.
All times and seasons of the soul,
Revolve His will around;
The universe itself pays toll
To make its life abound.
So is its life secure and free
Because He leads the way;
At length it shares eternally
With God His perfect day.
O sing with me, both young and old,
Of His unchanging ways;
And let His goodness manifold
Forever be our praise.
- Calvin W. Laufer
BIBLE MONITOR
THE BEST OF TIMES: THE WORST OF TIMES
As we prepare to exchange an old year for a new, we have the
opportunity to both look back and ahead. As we look back we can
see what has been done, whether it has been what we would like to
have upon God's record of our lives or whether it would displease
Him. Looking back may be very beneficial. History can reveal the
good things of the past and how they came about. As much as we
may enjoy the study of history, let us remember that we are now on
the stage of action. The present is the time for us to be active in
forming our future. Now is the time for us to be putting together
the history that we will be looking back at next year or even further
along the road of time. Now is the time for us to insure that that
future look back will be pleasant and edifying.
As this year closes and the new begins, we are aware of the times
in which we live. In comparison with most other areas in this world
we are living in material luxury. We can enjoy the ease of many
conveniences in our homes and work. We are living in times of
plenty and prosperity. We do not have just the necessities of life,
^which are lacking in many parts of the world. Luxuries have come
to seem like necessities. Even those who seek to live a simpler and
less hectic life find themselves unable to give up many of these
conveniences that were unknown even a generation ago. No
longer is a car for the whole family enough but each driver needs
one. Vacation time, whether in summer or winter, finds people
traveling. Travel is fast, fairly safe and relatively inexpensive.
Unlike in many nations, the stores are stocked often to the ceiling
with the goods people want. And if they become overstocked an
THE BIBLE MONITOR JANUARY 1, 1987
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Printing, Inc., 4017 Co. Rd. 11,
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 Street, 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
advertising campaign with coupons, contests or sale prices will
soon bring customers to empty the shelves. All of these wonderful
things from our investment, manufacturing and merchandising
capacities make our current times the best of times. There are so
many wonders and so many necessary luxuries in our lives that
surely these are the best of times. As we survey the year past and
prepare to move into the new year we can see that our present is
such an interesting time in which to live.
Verily, these are the best of times. But these good times may
actually be the worst of times. Not a one of us would want to give
up the ease of living that we have grown accustomed to. Yet for the
benefit of our souls it might be well for us to find an escape from
the wonderful times we are living in. The material prosperity and
the physical and sensual activities about us have an effect upon our
Spiritual lives. To attain or maintain the material prosperity that is
desired we must invest a great deal of time and effort. This time
and effort may be stolen from that which belongs to the Lord. To
keep the high standard of living we may force ourselves into a
lower standard of Christian living. We do or allow things that a few
years ago were either looked down upon or were outright for-
bidden by the Church.
This decline is shown not only in the things we own, but in the
ways we have acquired them. In order to make the money
necessary to have what we deem necessary to have an enjoyable
life, we have taken jobs that have kept us away from our homes and
our families. We have jobs that seem more important than the
services of the Church. Either we cannot be at the appointments of
the Church or we are so weary that we do not fully enjoy them. Our
employment becomes the highest priority for us. Since we no
longer are a farming people, our hours and activities are controlled
by those who usually have little regard for our Spiritual good.
Being tied to these jobs we not only may miss the regular appoint-
ments of the Church but also funerals, weddings and other special
occasions. Perhaps one of the most serious results is we no longer
have the time to visit one another.
So the best of times may actually be the worst of times. While
financially and materially we may be prospering, we may be failing
in our Spiritual lives. With the ease of obtaining all the objects of
this world it is difficult for us to refrain from having the latest and
best conveniences and luxuries. With easy credit and constant
paychecks we may soon possess all these items along with pay-
ments that seem never to cease and call for more striving within
the world's workshops to keep up.
We are in this world. We need not be of this world. We need to
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examine our priorities to be sure they are centered upon Christ and
the Church. In looking back and ahead at this turning of the
calendar, let us consider whether these best of times have become
the worst of times for our souls.
"N AS IN NOW"
When we talk on the phone, some words are not always easily
understood. This is especially true when we spell a word or a
name. It helps if we say "B as in boy", "C as in cat", and so forth.
Let's consider spelling the words "New Year" over the phone, using
these letters to describe our relationship to God. Think of what you
might say about your own life and your goals. Think also that
whatever you may say, God already knows your heart.
"N as in now" can mean that we are seeking God's Will now, that
we are serving Him now and plan to continue to do so. We could
also say "N as in no". "No, I don't want to get any further involved
in Christian work. It's much too demanding and I won't have
enough time left for myself." Are you a "now" person or a "no"
person? One little letter makes alot of difference, and one little
answer makes alot of difference in our relationship to our Lord.
The next letter is "E as in eternity", or it could be "E as in earth".
We either plan our lives around eternity and lasting values, or we
plan around earthly, short-term values. We can focus our' minds
and hearts on that which God will be pleased with, or we can focus
on things which mainly please ourselves. Which is it for you?
The last letter of "new" is a bit harder to define, but we could say
"W as in whole", meaning wholehearted service. God desires that
we serve Him with our whole heart, not just a part of it. Half-
hearted service can lead to "W as in why", when we question God's
wisdom. "Lord, why do you want me to do all this? Can't someone
else do it? I need more time for my own interests." "Why did this
happen to me? Why not to someone else? I already had enough to
cope with." The "whys" must be set aside if we are to serve God
acceptably.
Year begins with "Y as in yes and yield". As a child of God, you
should be saying, "Yes, Lord, I will yield my will to Yours. I'll let
You have charge of my life." If we don't say "yes" to Jesus, we've
said "yes" to Satan, and have yielded to him. Rom. 6:13 says we
shouldn't yield to sin, but should instead yield ourselves unto God.
Sin is not to reign in our lives, and it won't if we yield to Jesus.
The letter "E as in enrich" is next. We should ask God to enrich
our daily lives, and to lift us up in Jesus. We should ask God to
enrich the lives of those around us, and especially to save their
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souls. "E" could also be as in "empty". That's what we are without
Jesus. If our hearts are empty, our lives will be meaningless. Is
your life empty, or enriched?
Next, we come to "A as in accept and abide". First, we must
accept Jesus without reservation, and then we must abide in Him.
This will be a warm, close fellowship, not a cold, distant formality.
If we abide in Jesus, we won't be afraid. We won't need to fear the
trials of life or the dangers, for our trust will be in Jesus. Which
would you say: "A as in abide", or "A as in afraid?"
The last one is "R as in ready or refuse". If you abide in Jesus,
you'll be ready to serve Him whenever He calls. If your heart is
centered on this life and whatever satisfaction it can give you, you'll
refuse whatever God wants to give you. If you abide in Jesus, you'll
also be ready to leave this world when your turn comes. But if you
refuse Jesus here, and all He has for you, He will refuse to accept
you as His own in eternity.
We either have made a positive, wholehearted commitment to
God, or we are making a negative, halfhearted (or less) approach.
The wholehearted commitment will result in a vibrant, happy life in
Jesus. The other will result in a joyless spirit, and spiritual failure.
It will be one or the other, because we can't succeed as a Christian
while focusing attention on our selves.
We are thinking of a new year. It will be lived one day at a time,
for now is all we have. The Bible says we are to walk in newness of
life (Rom. 6:4) and now is the time to start. "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. For a new year
which ends right, start it right with Jesus, and walk with Him all
year long. "N is for now", the time to serve Jesus.
Sister Eileen Broadwater
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
"87"... beginning or end?
The New Years lesson is taken from Acts, Chapter 2. It is a story
of a beginning. At the beginning of the book of Acts, we see a
waiting Church. Christ had given His commission and blessing
and had ascended into Heaven. Now, they were to receive the
power of the Holy Spirit. It came at Pentecost or the Jewish harvest
festival. This was the time when the Jews came before God,
making their offerings and thanking Him for the harvest. The word
means "fiftieth day." They started counting at Passover and
counted off seven weeks or forty-nine days and the next day was
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Pentecost. Jesus, the true Lamb of God, was slain at the time of the
Passover and came back and remained forty days... the believers
prayed ten days... and now on the fiftieth day, Pentecost had fully
come and God sent His power on them.
What were the people doing? They were gathered in one place
and all of them were of one accord. In order for you as a Christian
to get the blessing and the power, you must be in the right place...
you can't get it out in the world. You can't be a "good Christian"
and not go to church. You may live a good moral life without going
to church, but you will never live a Spirit-filled life. Among God's
people, you will receive blessings and power. Suppose Peter or
James or John had been absent on the day of Pentecost. They
would have missed the blessing and they could never have been
the men of power that they were.
These people were also of "one accord." God never works in
strife and confusion, but in the place of harmony and unity. We
have hundreds of different personalities in our church, but they
must be in perfect accord spiritually if we expect to have God work
mightily among us. If we have factions and divisions, we need not
expect the blessings and the power to come. We are told in
Proverbs 6:19 that God hates "he that soweth discord among
brethren." What a horrible category to be in.
As the people waited in the house, they heard a strange sound. It
didn't come from the market place or from men, but from Heaven.
God was sending down His Spirit. Everything that God sends
down from Heaven is good. He sent His Only Begotten Son and
that was the best gift man has ever received. Now, again, He is
sending down another wonderful gift from Heaven. The sound
they heard was like that of a rushing mighty wind. We in Kansas
can relate to that sound. Sometimes you can actually hear the
wind coming before it arrives. In addition to the wind, a flame of
fire like a cloven tongue sat upon each of them. Fire cleanses,
warms, and empowers, and here, EVERY Christian was cleansed,
warmed and empowered.
The Holy Spirit functioned among these people just as He does
among us today. He brought important spiritual lessons to their
remembrance. He convicted men of sin. He brought comfort and
He empowered them for service. In addition, He brought guidance.
Will you follow That Guide in 1987. If you will say YES to that
question, you will reflect the Spirit filled signs of salvation and it
will truly be the beginning of the rest of your life.
You will CONTINUE STEADFASTLY. You won't just have an
initial experience and go back to the old way of life. You will
continue in the new way. You will be faithful and committed.
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You will continue STEADFAST IN DOCTRINE. To BE some-
thing, you have to BELIEVE something. Some people says, "It
doesn't matter what you believe, just so you are sincere." You
might reach into your medicine cabinet in the dark of night and
take out what you think is cough syrup but drink a poisonous liquid
instead and die. It DOES matter what you believe. Your
conservative faith is very important.
You will continue steadfast in BREAKING OF BREAD. This, of
course, means the Communion. Jesus said, "This do in re-
membrance of me." (Luke 22:19) They came to the table as we do
and the Holy Spirit made them remember. As they partook of the
bread and the cup, they meditated on the broken body and the
spilled blood. The Communion is a fresh reminder of the crucified
Christ and the coming King. Without it, you will be spiritually
weak.
You will continue STEADFAST IN PRAYER.
You will SHARE what you have with others who are in need. The
love in your heart for Christ and others will compel you to share
your blessings. You will also share the gospel. Everyone, rich or
poor, must give something.
You will GO TO CHURCH. If you are a Christian, you can't keep
away from the house of God. You must commit church attendance
as a top priority in your life... ANYTIME there are services being
held there.
You will GO FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE. You will desire to eat
with each other and take your faith into other homes. Fellowship is
very important to our spiritual wellbeing and I fear that it is lacking
in too many churches today. We are too busy for simple fellowship
and sharing of the "good life in Christ."
If you desire a new beginning in your life... if you desire to be
healed of your 1986 complacency, you can find the joy of salvation
through practicing these few principles. Empty your heart of the
world, of wrong attitudes... and surrender completely to Jesus.
You can then experience a fulfilling new year.
Out in the Rockies some years ago an engineer was taking his
fast freight train over a steep mountain grade. Suddenly something
went wrong with the air brakes and soon the train was out of
control. Just ahead was the river and a bridge which would not
stand the impact of this wild train. The fireman jumped to safety on
one side and the conductor jumped to safety on the other side.
When the train hit the bridge, the bridge gave way and the train
plunged down into the water. Later on all the crew was found
except the engineer. They thought he might have run off into the
woods. But his gray-haired mother said, "No, my son was faithful.
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He never left the train. When you lift the wreck you will find him
there." So it was. When they lifted the engine, they found him at
his post and his hand was still on the throttle. That is the kind of
faithfulness you owe Christ! Can that be said of you... "I KNOW
WHERE HE IS... HE IS ON THE JOB FOR ME." Will '87 be the
beginning or the end of your Christian experience? I pray it will be
a year of BEGINNING.
Brother Len Wertz
WHAT WILL WE DO IN THE NEW YEAR?
Again we are approaching the end of another year. What we
have done so far is on record for eternity. Also we are approaching
the beginning of a New Year, will we start the New Year out right?
Our future plans depend on the Lord being willing. We have no
promise of tomorrow in this sinful world. The second coming of
Christ will be in an hour that we think not. I remember an Elder,
many years ago, who always at the close of a church service said if
the Lord willing we will meet and then give the time of the next
service.
Whatsoever we do, do all to the honor and glory of God. I
suppose none of us, if Christ were to come, would want Him to find
us engaged in the using of intoxicating liquor, tobacco or dope that
are harmful to this earthly tabernacle. We are commanded to
present it holy and acceptable unto God which is our reasonable
service. Touch not, handle not the unclean things. The Christian is
the temple of the living God. Whosoever defiles this temple, him
will God destroy.
True Christians will not resort to violence. Do good unto all men
especially unto the household of faith. We should always use a
spirit of love and kindness in giving advice and instructions to
others. We need the fruits of the spirit. If we show envy we may
become stumbling blocks. Deeds of kindness and words of love
make the world an Eden like the Heaven above.
It is sad to know sometimes professing Christians will resort to
placing unjust hardships upon others. Bear ye one another's
burdens and fulfill the law of Christ. In the first part of this century
people were much more to help one another than they are now.
Doing good for others is resorting to the laying up treasures in
Heaven. Are we gathering sheaves for the Master's bouquet
representing flowers that will never decay?
The true Christian has no time for the evils of the world. Today
Satan is out as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.
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It would be of great value for us to meditate upon great men of
God who are recorded in His Holy Word. The record of Christ who
faithfully fulfilled His mission which gives eternal salvation to all
who will receive it. Also the record of other great men of God who
faithfully served the Lord and were determined to go forward and
never lay their armour down and looked forward to the crown of
righteousness at the end of their pathway.
Also meditate upon our faithful foreparents, their labors and their
firm stand against the evils of the world. They did much in the
upbuilding of God's kingdom here on earth, which contributed to
the making of our nation great. Satan is the author of sin and
wickedness which has turned our nation away from the high
standard of morality that existed among our faithful foreparents
many years ago.
The harvest is great and the labourers are few. We should labour
for the Master from the dawn to setting sun. We should not sow to
the flesh but rather sow to the Spirit that will contribute to our
treasures in Heaven if we remain faithful and true to the end. Our
trials and temptations here will only make us richer there. Pro-
fessing Christians who show envy toward others need repentance
and conversion as it hinders the upbuilding of God's kingdom here
on earth.
We should labour for the salvation of souls. We should not be
among the forgetful hearers of the saving Gospel of Christ, who
impose their selfish ideas upon others. The spirit of selfishness
does not exist among those who are filled with the Holy Spirit.
Today there are many who have established their own righteous-
ness and have not the righteousness of God. Let us take the saving
Gospel of Christ as our guide and not man made theorems in
religion. Christ said if ye love Me, keep my commandments. He
taught and exemplified the Golden Rule.
Because of the uncertainty of life in this world we should always
be prepared for the glorious eternity.
Brother J. F. Marks
804 W. Sundial Loop
Plant City, FL 33566
PRESSING FOR THE PRIZE
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:4.
What does it mean to press? We see an example. To press takes
two things, force and a resistance. Now we can see what Paul was
saying in Phillipians. Every Christian who is trying to do what is
10 BIBLE MONITOR
right knows about pressing, first hand. But, there are a couple
things we may not have considered about pressing. The only way
to grow strong is to press. Building muscles requires us to work,
press against a resistance. In the spiritual life that takes on many
different angles. When we pray for patience, God allows us trying
situations to press against. What we expect is for Him to make it
easy. But without pressing we don't develop patience. So when
someone does something to us and we must forgive, we need to
accept this as an opportunity to build forgiveness muscles. How
many times do we react in anger or vengeance? We decide we will
teach them a lesson and justify it by saying it is for their good.
James says, "Count it all joy when ye fall into divers (many
different) temptations." James 1:12.
So even temptations are another way we press. The more
temptations satan sends our way, the stronger we become to deny
our own lusts and submit to God. How many times have we wished
we would never be tempted again. But can we imagine what weak
Christians we would be? just like a man who never worked! The
strongest man ever against temptation, Jesus, was tempted as no
other man!
In Mark 5:25-34 is a wonderful lesson on pressing. This woman
with an issue of blood had to press through the crowd. Get a
picture of her. She was possibly weak due to her physical
condition. But she set her goal on Jesus. Verses 27-28. That must
be our sole purpose for pressing. Anything else is pride. She put
out a great deal of effort to get to Him! Faith that Jesus would meet
her need! Verse 34 "Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go
in peace, and be whole of thy plague." We must have faith that
Jesus is our only answer! We are not pressing just to please
someone else, or to look good, or just to receive in this world. But
we must believe Jesus wil! receive us because He loves us, not
because we are good. So our failures while we are pressing won't
discourage us. Now, the thought in Matthew 11:12 comes to light.
"And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of
heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force."
The devil will oppose our every step as we walk our Christian
walk. He will cause people to insult us, find fault with us.
He will point out our failures, (and nobody is perfect), he is the
accuser of the brethren. Rev. 12:10.
He will discourage us by telling us that we are not accomplishing
anything. It is not by sight but by faith. When we obey God's
calling in our lives, we receive the results by faith.
Or he will tell us we could live a better life if we weren't
Christians, or weren't following God's purpose for our lives. There
BIBLE MONITOR 11
is no joy outside of obedience to God's call on our lives, only
passing happiness or fun. True contentment is to be satisfied
where God has called us. Paul says, "For I have learned in
whatever state I am, therewith to be content. Phil. 4:11.
And the list of oppositions could go on and on....
Let us deny self, have faith in the saving, sustaining love of Jesus,
and press on against the resistance of satan to new strength and
victories through Jesus Christ our Lord!
"Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of
the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature
of the fullness of Christ. That we henceforth be no more children
tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine by
the sleight of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait
to deceive; But speaking the truth in LOVE, may grow up into Him
in all things, which is the Head, even Christ." Eph. 4:13-15.
Brother Paul H. Mellott
R#5 Box163-B, Mellott Rd.
Oakland, MD 21550
SIXTY YEARS AGO
January 1, 1927
HOW SHALL THE YOUNG BE WON?
J. H. Crofford
Christ died for the sins of the whole world, salvation is for all:
"Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely", without
money and without price. The young without financial means have
the same privilege of access to the plan of salvation as the older
ones who are blessed with plenty of this world's goods. They need
no money to spend at church festivals and entertainments, and to
make a show of their giving to Sunday schools on their birthday
anniversaries.
Jesus loves the young as well as the aged, and vice versa. When
he was here upon the earth, he took little children in his arms and
blessed them, and he said: "suffer them to come unto me and
forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven." My dear
young people, He suffered and died for you, He brought for you the
plan of salvation. Love brought Him down, and He "saves us
through grace." He gave you a work to perform to test your love for
Him. The pleasure you derive from this work of obedience to His
will, is the consciousness of pleasing Him, a fear — not an appre-
hension of punishment — of displeasing Him, of doing or leaving
12 BIBLE MONITOR
undone things which, would cause the dear Savior to feel that His
mission into the world was in vain, that there is no love in the hearts
of the people for Him.
His mission in the world was to prepare for Himself a bride, the
church, which must measure up to a standard of perfection, to be
accepted by Him when He comes to take unto Himself His bride.
Remember the ten virgins who were bidding to become this bride
— five dilitary and negligent of their duty, were rejected.
My young sisters, you have some conception of the duties of a
bride; you know the first concern of a true bride is a fear of doing
that which will displease and the pleasure in doing the things that
will please him. One among the first things she does, is to forsake
her former single associates and cleave to her husband, and
associate more with married people. She accompanies her
husband; she does what he bids her do, and attires her person in a
way she thinks most attractive to him.
Now do you know if you (male and female, for it takes both to
make up the bride of Christ) love Jesus more than a bride loves her
husband, you will do more for Him. It will be a pleasure to forsake
your worldly associates and the sinful pleasures of this world for
Him. The bride's mind is renewed or changed from former
associates and pleasures to the pleasing of her husband. Likewise
the bride of Christ is instructed: "Be not conformed to the world,
but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."
The mind being renewed, the desires are naturally changed. You
will not think of bobbing your hair and dishonor your head. You
will not be conformed to the world in your attire: clothes that bare
parts of the body which should be covered, thereby inviting the
approaches of licentious men, seeking the destruction of your
virtue, leading you into the forbidden act of fornication. You will
shun the dancing floor, the object of which is to inflame lust and
overcome your person. You will absent yourselves from picnics,
socials, and all kinds of parties where the doings and conduct are
such that you will not feel to have Jesus come upon you there. The
masquerade parties must certainly be an abomination in His sight,
yet while I am writing these lines, one of the women living next
door to us is spending the evening in hideous attire at just such a
party in one of the parsonages in this town. With the love for Jesus
in their hearts, they could not grieve Him so by turning homes of
the ministry into places of such heathenish performance.
Learn what Jesus has done for you. Learn the character of His
life. Learn to love Him for those things, and the desire to obey His
commands and the church's demands according to the spirit of His
gospel, will naturally follow. Then comes the Holy Spirit, the
BIBLE MONITOR 13
Comforter, to guide you into all truth. He will remain with you as
long as you are sincere and honest in your service; but when doubt
enters your heart and you begin to do the things you know are not
right, like violating the Scriptures and church rules when you think
you are not seen by other members, you begin to weaken, and you
fail to see the Truth; you cannot even be convinced that there is any
virtue in being different from the world, you cannot renew them
unto repentance. (Heb. 6:4-6)
How many old elders and ministers do you know who used to
preach with all the God given power they possessed against the
evils of the world, who now participate in the very things they used
to condemn, and no persuasion now can make them see the wrong
in what they are doing? One of the mainstays in the church in
years gone by, preached in our town three years ago and said in
one of his sermons: "I am ashamed now of the sermons I preached
thirty-five years ago." One good thing is he apparently is shorn of
his power, for he no longer is looked up to as a counselor and
minister as he used to be.
The one great essential to obedience and a Christian life is love.
The pleasures and fashions of the world are inviting and fasci-
nating to the unconverted. The Christ life is just the opposite; it
sees no pleasure in the foolish things of the world, but, the liberalist
says: 'That is narrow mindedness", although the Word says: 'The
friendship of the world is enmity with God." The result is almost all
kinds of amusements that the young love, are introduced or
allowed in the churches in order to entice them into the nominal
church and the result is it is filled with the unconverted. You are
not even taught to love Jesus or His cause sufficiently to give of
your means for its support, without first loving self more, for which
you make purchases or investments to satisfy your appetite or
longings, and call it "giving to the Lord." A festival or big supper
must be prepared and the eats advertised to appeal to the palates
of the people to loosen their purse strings to fill their bellys on
occasions when funds are needed. There is not enough of the love
of Jesus in their hearts for them to walk up to the treasurer and lay
down their offering without receiving something for self.
As for their attire, they cannot deny themselves of the fashions of
the world; the wearing of gold and costly array for the Master, but
how eager they are to don the uniform of any worldly organization
with which they may unite.
Teach the young to consider the position of Jesus when He
enjoyed all the pleasures and beauties of heaven, but for the love
He had for us denied Himself of it all and came down into this world
as the poorest of the poor where He suffered the taunts and jeers of
14 BIBLE MONITOR
the people, and finally suffered that awful death on the cross that it
might be possible for us to enjoy heaven with Him through all
eternity. If He did so much for us we certainly can love Him enough
to suffer some of the remarks which may be made about us for
being different from the world in our dress and deportment while
we live out our short lives, for remember, we only pass through life
once, there will be no coming back to make amends; our mistakes
will be for eternity and His judgment we cannot escape.
OBITUARY
FORREST R. DIEHL
Forrest R. Diehl, age 85 years, 5 months and 6 days, passed away
Monday morning, November 17, at Good Samaritan Hospital. He
was formerly of 10910 Old Dayton Road, New Lebanon, Ohio,
where he was a prominent farmer for many years.
He was a long time member of the Englewood Dunkard Brethren
Church, where he served as a Deacon since 1927.
Forrest is survived by his sister, Ivene, who is residing in the
Brookhaven Rest Home, Brookville, Ohio. Also, one nephew, six
nieces and many other relatives and friends survive. Two brothers
and two sisters preceded him in death.
Funeral services were held on November 20, 1986 at Rogers &
Holp Funeral Home by Brother Edward Johnson assisted by
Brother Paul Stump and Brother William Heisey. Interment was in
the Eversole Cemetery.
NEWS ITEMS
BETHEL, PENNSYLVANIA
The newly reorganized Bethel Congregation held their first
Lovefeast December 6, 1986. Visiting ministers with us during the
day were: Presiding Elder Eugene Kauffman, Frank Shaffer, Merle
Sweitzer, Ronald Marks, Paul Hartz and Virgil Leatherman. Bro.
Leatherman officiated in the evening with approximately ninety
communicants surrounding the tables.
At a recent Council Meeting, the voice of the church was taken to
elect a minister and a deacon. After scripture reading and prayer,
Bro. David Aungst was called to the ministry and Bro. Marlin Marks
was called to the deacon's office. May we remember these
brethren with our prayers, love and support.
BIBLE MONITOR 15
The Bethel Congregation is now worshipping at our school
building located along Route 419, one mile south of Interstate 78
Exit 6. The Lord willing, we plan to begin building a church house
in the spring of 1987.
During this past year, four precious souls were taken into our
number.
To all the brethren and sisters who have remembered this
congregation in prayer, we ask that you might continue to pray for
us as we labor for Christ's kingdom, that Satan be defeated and
that God would "BIND US TOGETHER" in His love.
Sister Fern Kegerreis, Cor.
THANK YOU
Words cannot express our appreciation for the care and concern
shown to us during Harold's illness.
For the greetings, notes and gifts, above all for the many prayers
in our behalf, we say thank you and may God richly bless each one.
In Christian love,
Sister Ruth Kleinhen
THANK YOU
To all of you who wrote to Sister Hilda F. Strayer on her 90th
birthday, thanks so much. If I counted right she got fifty-five cards.
God bless each one.
She still lives with us, Homer and Rosalie Mellott at R. #5 Box
163, Oakland, MD 21550.
In Christian love,
Sister Rosalie Mellott
'TASTY RECIPES" COOKBOOK
The Dunkard Brethren Cookbook, "Tasty Recipes" is still avail-
able at $8.50 per cookbook - price includes postage and handling
-from:
Yvonne Mallow
RD#1 Box22B
Clearville, PA 15535
I've received another shipment and have plenty on hand.
Sister Yvonne Mallow
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
Jacob C. Ness, Chairman
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403
Hayes Reed, Secretary
1433 0verho!tzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Herman Jamison, Treasurer
Quinter, KS 67752
Frank Shaffer
13092 Grant Shook Rd.
Greencastle, PA 17225
Harley Rush
R. 1, Converse, IN 46919
Robert Carpenter
R. 5 Box 97
Peru, IN 46970
Joseph E. Flora
R. 3 Box 12
Adel, IA 50003
Galen Litfin
1314 East 7th St.
Newberg, OR 97132
BOARD OF PUBLICATION
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overhottzer 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
Fred Pifer, Treasurer
R.3Box 184
Adel, IA 50003
Rudolph Cover
2034 Roble Avenue
Modesto, CA 95351
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340
RELIEF BOARD
Boyd Wyatt, Chairman
12124 Washington Rd.
Waterford, CA 95386
(209) 874-3519
Newton Jamison, Secretary
512 Garfield
Quinter, Kansas 67752
(913) 754-3433
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender St,
Morenci, Ml 49256
(517) 458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, PA 17340
(717)359-5753
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
David Skiles, Superintendent
R. 2 Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Harley Flory, Secretary
27505 Flory Rd. R. 4
Defiance, Ohio 43512
Marlin Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, Kansas 67752
James Meyers
R. 1 Box 109
Dallas Center, IA 50063
All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury, but
sent to the Secretary for his records.
i au . Stu tip
•40 N. Diamond Mill
on, OH 45322
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXV
JANUARY 15, 1987
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.
IN GOD WE TRUST
On the money of this nation
"In God we Trust" we read...
Yet so many don't realize
On His Word we should feed.
There's a longing need to seek God —
To know Him through His Word —
And if we search we can find Him
Through preaching that we've heard.
We must also read and study
Our knowledge to improve
So we're not ashamed before God —
To show ourselves approved.
We must rightly divide His Word,
Then obey and love Him...
Never stop trusting that He'll lead,
Or let our light grow dim.
- Sister Irene Stout
R. 1 Box 160
Wabash, IN 46992
BIBLE MONITOR
THE COMMON FAITH
"Faith", like "love", "good" and many other common oft-repeated
words, is easy to use but often hard to define. We know in our
hearts and minds what we mean yet we can not find the right words
to describe it to someone else. "Faith" is a trust or belief yet
somehow it is deeper than our usual understanding of these words.
Faith is also the practical implementation of what we believe. It is
both a mental and emotional process and an obedient, doctrinal
labor in Christian living.
The Apostle Jude speaks of a common faith. Really, in one
sense, it is an uncommon faith for there are relatively few who
exercise it or exercise in it. There are few, just as Jesus said, who
would find and tread the narrow road leading to eternal life. The
narrow way is expounded throughout the Bible but few find it
because it requires humility to submit to the terms set by God.
Faith once found is common because it is the same for all who do
find it. It is not one set of beliefs for one person or group and
something else for another group. There is one God, one Lord, and
one Saviour who is the object of our common belief. Belief may be
expressed in various other philosophies and teachings but the
belief that qualifies for the narrow way is limited to Biblical faith.
Whatever is more or less than the Biblical revelation is in error and
is not the faith that will successfully deliver an adherent to the
blissful shores of Heaven.
Cultural differences are not reasons to change the faith. Paul
calls "for obedience to the faith among all nations." Rom. 1:5b. No
matter what nation, tribe, language or group the Gospel is pro-
THE BIBLE MONITOR JANUARY 15, 1987
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Printing, Inc., 4017 Co. Rd. 11,
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 Street, 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
claimed to, the faith is the same, it does not vary because of past
cultural practices or to appease those who might oppose some of
the seemingly peculiar practices established by the Bible. The
common faith has a common set of beliefs. They cannot vary and
still be common.
The common faith takes in both Jew and Gentile. Though their
backgrounds are so very different, the dividing partition is broken
down and they can be of one belief and practice in Christ. The
Gospel of Christ is "the power of God unto salvation to eve>y one
that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." Rom. 1:16b.
Because Jesus came as a Jew and lived as a Jew, they had first
opportunity to accept Him but they didn't and the Way is now open
to all. Jesus died for the sins of all men. His great substitutionary
gift was not just for one race or tribe. It was for all.
The Jew had an advantage by having the Old Testament. The
Old Testament looked forward to the New Testament. The Jews
should have recognized Jesus as their Christ from what they had
been taught before but they failed to comprehend. "For therein is
the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith." Rom. 1 :1 7a.
The Jews had the Old Testament faith to lead them to the New
Testament faith. Some few during Jesus' ministry did respond to
Him and moved from faith to faith. Over the centuries a relatively
few have continued to move from their old faith to the new faith.
Although the Gentiles lacked the background of the Old Testa-
ment faith, they could still follow the New Testament faith for "The
just shall live by faith." Rom. 1:17b. Those who are justified or
made right with God through their exercise of saving faith in Christ
must continue to live a Christian life by exercising a working faith.
Thus the Jew and the Greek in common have the same Christian
faith although they came to it by different avenues.
The New Testament gives the doctrines and practices that must
be carried out. These teachings bring about a common faith as
those, who will receive and follow them, do the same things.
Believing God's Word, they will do the same things and will have
the same mind. The common faith is unifying. It matters not what
the financial, popular or educational status of each believer for
they must each one subscribe to the same beliefs and practices.
Paul rebuked the Corinthians because of the party spirit that
divided them, but commended them later for giving heed to his
corrective words.
Jude speaks of our faith as common because it was but once
given. This establishes the faith as being unchanging throughout
various eras. Just as Jesus is unchanging, so is the way given for
us to follow Him. Some have tried to change the faith citing the
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differences that have occurred throughout history. They want a
"modern" faith that will allow them the privilege of changing to
meet changing conditions. The once given faith is established for
always and it is us who must change, not it.
Jude tells Christians to contend for the faith so it will affect more
people. Forwarding the faith by living and preaching it will lessen
the need to prove and defend it.
There is a common faith delivered to us — are we living it, are we
contending for it? Praise God, for our common faith.
NO HELP WANTED
Ida, a blind woman, became confused on her way to work one
day, because of a construction area. The noise of the machinery
drowned out the familiar sounds which she depended on for
direction. Another woman saw Ida's distress and took her past the
construction, part way across the street. Then she said, "I'm sure
you know the rest of the way, don't you?" and left Ida before she
could answer.
With cars passing her on both sides, Ida was confused and
scared. She had no idea which way to go and cried out to God for
help. A clammy hand took her arm and guided her across the
street. The person said nothing, not even to Ida's question of
where he was taking her. This frightened her even more, and even
though uncertain of where she was, she jerked away and started to
run. As she ran, she collided with a wall and lost her cane also. In
the Psalms, 22:1, David said, "Why art thou so far from helping
me?" Crying openly, Ida now asked that same question.
But help soon came. A friendly voice said, "My name is John. I
work where you do. Frank here wrote me a note and said you were
in trouble." Ida then knew why the stranger didn't speak. It was
Frank, who had no voice box! He wanted to help, but couldn't tell
Ida who he was, and the resulting confusion caused them both alot
of distress.
Ida couldn't make it alone, yet she refused Frank's help. Why?
Because she was blind and thought he meant to harm her. We, like
her, are often blind too, to our needs, our helplessness, and to the
source of help. We can't make it alone, yet will refuse the help
which is right at our fingertips. Our blindness causes us to turn
away from what we need most, and like Ida, we may not stop until
we run into a wall.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Psa. 46:1 . God has promised to help us if we come to Him, but His
help will not benefit us unless we accept it. Salvation, our first
BIBLE MONITOR
need, is available to all, but it is effective only In the hearts and lives
of those who accept it. It does nothing for the unbeliever who
doesn't want it. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life-
and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of
God abideth on him." John 3:36.
We all need help in some way or other, first from God, and at
times from other people. There is nothing shameful about needing
help. The shame comes when we won't accept it, when we say "no
help wanted." Whatever the problem we have, we must first admit
our need, that we can't handle it alone, and next, accept the help
available for our need. Some who are obviously in need will refuse
help, and they must suffer the consequences. There is no help for
those who don't want it.
"Woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another
to help him up." Ec. 4:10. Ida thought she was alone, but she really
wasn't. She refused Frank's help because of being afraid, but he
understood and got someone else to do what he couldn't He didn't
leave Ida "in the middle of the street", so to speak, but made sure
her need was met. The woman who helped Ida part way across the
street only caused more trouble. It is important to follow through
as Frank did when helping someone, as a halfway job just leaves
them more troubled than before.
Ida couldn't see and Frank couldn't talk, so they couldn't com-
municate. Frank's motive was misunderstood, and Ida's rapidly-
increasing fear took control. We can't always communicate well
either and we don't always trust when we should. This does cause
problems and we need to look for ways to communicate more
easily. Ida gave Frank a Braille identification card, and cautioned
all helpers to not leave her stranded in the middle of a street She
encouraged others by making it easier for them to help her.
"For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee
Fear not; I will help thee." Isa. 41:13. Whether anyone else knows
how to help you or not, God does, and He has promised us His
care. He wants us to trust Him and not be afraid. Just seek God
and accept His merciful care; throw away your "No Help Wanted"
sign. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that
we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need "Heb
4:16.
Sister Eileen Broadwater
Christ is our adornment as well as our atonement.
BIBLE MONITOR
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Jesus who?
One of the most crucial issues in your life as a believer is under-
standing the Lordship of Jesus Christ. This understanding will
determine whether you will be useful to God and His Kingdom. All
of your aspirations, blessings and joys are dependent on your
submission to Jesus as Lord of all. You can not experience His
fullness until you submit to His Lordship.
You might be saying... "well, of course I do that." But I find this
an area of great conflict to both young and old Christians alike.
Understanding Christ's Lordship is not just being baptized. It is not
just being a member of the church. You made an initial commit-
ment to submit to Christ when you first discovered that He was
worthy of your allegiance. But you MUST make a day-by-day
recommitment to the Lord's authority. The Biblical admonition is
that "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and
take up his cross DAILY and follow Me." (Luke 9:23)
You are constantly facing new decisions relating to Christ's
lordship. The battle is constant between you and the world, the
flesh and Satan himself. You are constantly making choices of who
will be first in your life... self, family, friends or Christ.
Is Jesus worthy of being Lord over your life? He reminds us in
Matt. 6:33 that He fills all of our basic needs of shelter, clothing and
food. If we put Him first, His care for us will be complete.
I believe that Jesus must either be Lord of all of your life or He
will not be for any of it. Because he is at the very top of alt things
and is Lord God Almighty, He is worthy of your total submission.
His power is absolute and without end. God's creative ability is
phenominal. It is said that if you were able to fire a bullet in such a
way that it traveled around the world at the speed of light... before
you could completely release the trigger, the bullet would have
gone through your body seven times. This illustrates the awe-
someness of just one part of the Lord's creation... light. And, not
only did He create it, but He also sustains it. All things follow the
laws which God has designed to govern them... except man... who
tries to follow his own will and way. We rebel against Him... we go
our own way... even with His evidence of authority over the
creation all around us.
Now we are not specifically talking to the total rebel here. We are
talking to those who resist His lordship over their life. All of the
problems in a Christian's life can be traced to sin and a lack of
submission to Jesus Christ. We don't ALWAYS want Him to rule
over us. We can't understand why life is filled with problems
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sometimes because we haven't stopped to analyze whether we are
surrendering totally to Jesus Christ as Lord. He wants to give us
the fullest life we could ever dream of and yet through the hardness
of our hearts, we refuse to submit to Him.
THE DEGREE OF ABUNDANCE WE EXPERIENCE IN OUR LIFE
DEPENDS ON HOW MUCH WE ARE WILLING TO SURRENDER
AND SUBMIT TO JESUS AS LORD OF OUR LIVES.
You want to be first in your life... right? After all, you live in a "me
first" world. But you must realize that you are no longer your own.
By virtue of Christ's death on the cross, you now belong to Him.
You have been bought with a price. (I Cor. 6:19-20)
So, now that you understand that you must submit to Christ, how
do you do it? First of all, you must surrender all of your
possessions to Him. This is hard because it is contrary to "human"
nature. But it does separate the true disciple from the "also-run"
Christians. Your home, your car, your boat, your back account...
these must be entrusted to the Lord of all your possessions. THEY
ALL BELONG TO GOD. Let Him be in control of them through
your right attitude toward them.
You must also give Him your daily plans. Remember, His way is
best. If you are led by the Holy Spirit in His fullness, you will work
toward total surrender to God's will. Yes, it is a struggle but you
will never become what God intends you to be without complete
surrender. YOU CANT SERVE TWO MASTERS. CHOOSE YOU
THIS DAY WHOM YE WILL SERVE. (Joshua 24:15) You cannot
remain on the fence. You can't fluctuate between wholeheartedly
serving Jesus and His Church and living in the world as well. Your
ALLEGIANCE must be to the One or to the other. Your life will be
meaningful only as you turn it all over to Him... your vocation,
location, life partner, children, friends, leisure time, education,
plans, time, career, money and possessions.
In reality, God has controlled much of your life up to now without
your input. You didn't decide to be born, who your parents would
be, what country you'd be born in, what color your skin, hair or
eyes would be, how tall you would be and so forth. Let Him have
everything else. Will it cause you some challenge if you have to
bear the cross a little more? Will you have to deny self more?
Probably! But, a disciple is a DISCIPLINED one. He is not
someone who pampers himself by satisfying all his wants and
desires in a self-gratifying way.
Face it... you don't know what is best for you. You don't know
what is in your best interest. Only God knows... the One who must
be allowed to be the TOTAL Lord of your life. Give Him your life...
your past, present and future. Experience the full Christian life you
BIBLE MONITOR
so much desire. JESUS WHO... JESUS THE LORD OF YOUR
LIFE.
Brother Len Wertz
SIXTY YEARS AGO
January 15, 1927
WHICH WAY?
B. E. Kesler
We are all traveling for a short while in what is called time. In a
short time — an hour, a day, a week, a year or longer — we shall be
called from time to eternity. And our final home will depend on the
direction we have been traveling here in this world. So far as our
destiny is concerned, there are only two ways: one leads to life and
the other to death. We are left free to choose our way, but once we
have chosen it and passed over it, we must abide by the con-
sequences. There is no getting away from them.
Sometimes we are inclined to think that a little departure from
the way which leads to life will not matter, that we can get back to it
any time we wish to. But that is not always true; we think it is not
true at all, if we deliberately depart from the way we know to be
right.
There is no end to the number of ways that men and women are
following in this world; but we need to remember that, though there
seem to be many ways, there are only two destinations. It does not
matter how nearly some of the ways seem to correspond with the
way of life, if they differ from it they will not lead us to our desired
haven. No other way is just as good, no other way leads to life
eternal.
It has often been said that it does not matter so much whether we
take a long step or a short one, the all important point being the
direction in which the step is taken. Any step taken on the wrong
way must be retraced if we are ever to reach heaven. And how
many men and women have made shipwreck of their lives while
thinking that they would turn in time and steer the right course.
And the great hulk of persons who go wrong do not go that way
in long steps; a little step aside is thought to be like a white lie. But
we must not forget that there is no such thing as a white lie.
The view given us of the final judgment shows us people
rejected, not because of gross crimes committed, but because of
little duties neglected-, And those who were told to depart were
surprised at their sentience. But the great point was that they had
been on the wrong road; and the only way in which we have any
BIBLE MONITOR
right to expect to reach the desired destination is by traveling on
the road which we know to be right.
There is nothing difficult or complicated about it. We are given a
number of commandments and told that by doing them we shall
enter into life eternal when our life on earth is past; by not doing
them we fail to enter into life eternal with our Father and Savior.
Men have various ideas as to what the other place is like, thinking
they know more about it then the Lord has revealed to us. But no
matter what they think, they must agree that a life of bliss is not
found at the end of the wrong road; and that ought to be sufficient
to make us avoid it.
If our destination is to the north of the place where we are, we
should be foolish to start south and expect to get there. We should
consider a man foolish who did that. And yet is it any more foolish
to do that than for men to take the opposite road from the one
marked out for reaching heaven? If we had the chance to go over
the road the second time and correct our mistakes, we might run
the risk; but we have just one chance, and if we fail, the mistake and
the loss are ours, for we have no excuse for going over the
wrong road and reaching the destination that all would avoid.
And we must not deceive ourselves by believing we are on the
right road just because we have united with a church. That is a step
in the right direction, but it is just a beginning of the journey. There
is not the slightest reason for believing that all church members will
obtain a heavenly mansion at the end of life. We have the word of
Jesus that not everyone that saith unto Him "Lord, Lord" will enter
into the kingdom. The one who does the will of the Father in all
things is safe, but no others.
The choosing of the right road and continuing therein until time
ends for us, is the most important thing in our lives, in the life of
anyone; and yet how many we see who are indifferent, even say it
makes no difference to them which road they travel. What will be
their idea when the final day comes, when everyone of us shall
stand before the judgment seat to receive for the deeds done in the
body?
We are told that there is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but
at the end of it is death.
No place in God's Book can we find more than one safe way
mentioned, whether we search the Old or the New Testament.
Isaiah said there shall be a highway called the way of holiness; and
nothing unclean shall pass over it.
When we can be safe, why do we so often choose to be unsafe?
Is it that we wish to have our own way in the things pertaining to the
kingdom of heaven as well as in those of the earth? Sometimes it
10 BIBLE MONITOR
would seem so, for man refuses to follow God in the most
important thing in life.
Which way are you traveling? And why? We should be able to
give a reason for the faith that is in us. Who is our master, and
under whose directions are we traveling? It is for each of us to say
whether he will be on safe or unsafe ground. We are not compelled
to take the right or wrong road, but we must choose one or the
other. May God help us to choose aright.
THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINES
Confession
J. H. Moore
Hearing leads to believing, believing to repentance, and repent-
ance leads to confession. To confess Christ is to acknowledge his
sovereignty and to accept his teachings. Jesus says, in Matthew
10:32, "Whosoever, therefore, shall confess me before men, him
will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven." Paul
makes confession a condition of salvation. Here is his statement:
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt
believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou
shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteous-
ness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
(Rom. 10:9-10) Before the eunuch was baptized, he made his
confession in these words: "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of
God." (Acts 8:37)
The confession, however, embraces more than merely accepting
Christ. It includes a confession for sins. In I John 1:9 we read: "If
we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Even John the
Baptist, though working in the twilight of the Gospel, taught the
doctrines of confession, for when the people, from all the regions
round about, came to him, it is said that they "were baptized of him
in Jordan, confessing their sins." (Matt. 3:6) It is remarkable, when
we come to consider the matter carefully, how faith, repentance
and confession are related, as so many steps, leading up to
salvation from our sins. In these steps the hand of God is pointing
out the way.
TWO TRUE SONS
A certain man had two sons, and he loved them both very much.
To the first son he gave many wonderful gifts: a beautiful orchard, a
BIBLE MONITOR 11
field planted with grain, a deep well with plenty of fresh water, a
sturdy new plow, and a big, strong draft horse.
To the other son he only gave an acre of fallow ground and a
small donkey. Some people began to think that he was unfair, or
that he loved one son more than the other.
The first son was very grateful. Everywhere he went he told
people about how good his father was to him. He even went to his
brother and said, "Our father is wonderful; see the draft horse he
gave me. I have more than enough grain to feed him. And how can
I ever go hungry? Just look at that orchard. And I will never thirst,
for look at this deep well. And I surely did not deserve any of this or
even ask him for it."
The other son said, "Very nice. Well, I'd like to talk to you, but I
have to be going. My donkey is sick and I have to take care of him."
Now the father paid the first son a visit and said, "How are you
doing?" And the son said, "I am doing well; everywhere I go I never
fail to tell how good you have been to me. I tell them how much
you care for us and how you meet our needs, and I never fail to
explain that we do not deserve what you give us in your great love
for us. And I know that it is not because we even asked, but
because you love us. And no one can deny what I say because you
have obviously given me so much."
And the father said, "All this is of no benefit, for you have
slandered my name." And he said, "Everyone thinks that I am
unfair because I have given you so much. Or else people think I
don't care about them. Take your brother, for example, whose
donkey is sick. He even doubts that he is my son."
And the son said, "But why do you not do for him what you do for
me?"
And the father said, "Because I want you to be a true son. Have
you ever noticed that your brother's donkey does not have enough
to eat? And do you wonder why his land is fallow and dry? You are
both my children, and I love you both equally, but you must both
learn to be my true sons."
So because he was a true son, what do you think the first son
did?
He gathered fruit from his orchard and grain from his field. He
drew water from his well, and he hitched up the plow to his horse
and went to pay his brother a visit. He gave his brother food for his
table and grain for his donkey and helped him plow up and irrigate
his land. And so they began a life of caring for each other. And
throughout the land everyone knew about the great love of the
father. They could tell by looking at his sons.
"But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have
12 BIBLE MONITOR
need, and shutteth up his bowels ot compassion from him, how
dwelleth the love of God in him?" I John 3:17.
"We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we
love the brethren..." I John 3:14.
Selected by Lynn H. Miller
RD 2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
THE INEVITABILITY OF CHANGE
Malachi 3:6a 'Tor I am the Lord, I change not;..."
Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and
for ever."
Revelation 22:18-19 "For I testify unto every man that heareth
the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto
these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in
this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the
book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part of the book of
life, and out of the holy city, and from the things, which are written
in this book."
As we look about us we see change rapidly taking place. With a
few minor exceptions, the corner grocery store has been replaced
by the supermarket. The general store has been replaced by the
shopping mall. Super highways have replaced long crooked
country roads and town traffic congestion when desiring to travel.
The effects of change has not escaped the earthly church. We
sometimes feel like an individual who decides to do some leisure
shopping in a small town by way of a bus that is overcrowded only
to find onesself in the bustle of New York City. Then upon realizing
ones mistake to be told, "Don't worry about it, everyone shops in
New York City. Join the crowd."
We would like to look at three reasons we see for change. Some
of the things we mention are merely given facts and it is not our
intention to oppose or condone these actions. We concede that
change (especially in the church) is a highly charged emotional
issue on two sides.
The first reason for change we would like to think about is
technological advancement. Those that are acquainted with
factory work know that this has become quite an issue in recent
years. Modern machinery and even robots have replaced the
common laborer. Whether or not this has added to the labor
market, as some claim, or taken jobs away is not our concern at this
point. It certainly has made a difference in the type of work that is
available. Even if you are a farmer you are most likely aware of the
BIBLE MONITOR 13
change in work methods that are used today. Because of the high
price of modern machinery many small family farms have ex-
perienced financial disaster in recent years. Many claim that
refusal to use the modern technology leaves an individual unable
to compete with large professional farmers. Most of our homes
and meetinghouses reflect technological advancements. The old
cook stove is a rare sight. You will look long and hard for anyone
that does not have a central heating system in both home and
meetinghouse. In the summer many homes have air conditioning
and some meetinghouses have this luxury. Those who have not
advanced this far have ceiling fans. We drive to church in cars with
heaters for the winter and air conditioning for the summer. The
horse and buggy is a sight so unusual that tourists travel for miles
to see it. For most groups the color of the car is no longer too
important.
The second reason for change that comes to mind is a change in
concepts. Here the issues become more emotionally charged (for
the most part) than with technological advancement. The values of
"the world" have changed drastically over the years. Very few
things are taboo in our modern society. When we think of change
within the earthly church we realize that different groups have
changed at different paces. But some general observations can be
made. Beards worn for reason of conviction are becoming a thing
of the past. Some articles of clothing that was accepted as
necessary for uniformity have been laid aside in many instances.
Some actions that were formerly recognized as sinful are now
considered to be personal preference. Belonging to certain organ-
izations and having insurance has been recognized as a "necessary
evil" by the vast majority of those within the local church.
The last reason for change we would like to think about is by far
the most serious. This is change because of departing from the
Faith. As we stated it is impossible to divorce the first two reasons
from this last one. It will take much Bible study and discussion to
make final decisions on the issues we have raised. We do not
foresee the time when all within the earthly church will be in full
agreement. But what does this say about our opening verses? Are
there areas where change must not be accepted? It is our con-
viction that this must be answered with a "yes." God the Father
said, "I change not." Unfortunately many would have you believe
that the God of the Old Testament is a "different god" than He who
is found in the New Testament. God was and is a God of love and a
God of judgment. He does not change! We may wish to forget
about God's judgment to avoid conviction, but the end result will
be disastrous^
14 BIBLE MONITOR
The Bible says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today,
and forever. This may raise some questions as to His role in Old
Testament wars and such but it is truth nonetheless. We may not
fully understand it but since Jesus Christ taught nothing but love
and nonresistance we have to believe that this was always true of
Him. We can not separate the Trinity, but some things are beyond
human comprehension. The earthly church is to follow the Lord
Jesus Christ. What He has commanded we do not have the option
to change. We have to recognize Him as a virgin born Son of God
and God the Son. We must hold fast to the truth of salvation
through His shed blood.
Of course, if we doubt the validity of the Bible it matters little
what the Lord Jesus Christ said. Our final verses carry a dire
warning. Some argue that these only refer to the book of Reve-
lation. But even if this be so, the truths of scripture are to be
found in this book of the Bible.
Many are concerned about adding to the Bible, and rightly so,
but few seem concerned about taking away from it. We believe that
our verses and scripture as a whole teach us to avoid both. Change
will come if we like it or not. But let us beware of any change that
takes away or adds to Holy Scripture.
There is one change that God desires for you if you have never
accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. He wishes to take
away your stony heart ana give you one of flesh. He wants to
change your life of sin into one of righteousness. He wants to
change your eternal destiny from Hell and eternal punishment to
Heaven and eternal bliss. In this time of change may we all allow
God to be the Master Ruler of our life and change us into the
likeness of His Son.
James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078
NEWS ITEMS
ANNOUNCEMENT
The Bible Study Board has available Sunday School lessons,
with pictures to color, for the Primary and Intermediate Sunday
School Classes. Request from:
Bro. Fred Pifer
R. 3 Box 184
Adel, Iowa 50003
Brother Dennis St. John, Sec.
BIBLE MONITOR 15
A NOTE OF THANKS
I want to thank every one who sent me cards and remembered
me in your prayers while I was in the Hershey Medical Center and
since I am home. May the Lord bless each one.
In Christian Love
Sister Elizabeth Wisler
CONSIDER THE LILY
Do we realize the treasure
That we have in this world,
What God has revealed,
And so marvelously unfurled?
Consider the Lily.
We should gather them in
As a hen doth her chicks.
These most beautiful thoughts
On our mind we must fix,
While we consider the Lily.
As He gives us this light
To walk in each day.
The shadows will leave
And the Day Star will stay,
As we consider the Lily.
The Devil would get us
To worry and doubt,
But we can defeat him
With a song and a shout,
Because we consider the Lily.
Does not God feed the birds
With special direction and care?
Do you think He'll forget you
And that He doesn't know you are there?
Consider the Lily.
This will give us encouragement
And our faith will be strong.
We will find He is faithful,
And to doubt Him is wrong,
As we consider the Lily.
Albert P. Butler
Selected by Sister Ruth Speicher
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR
FEBRUARY 1987
February 1 - The Faith of Abraham - Romans 4:1-25.
1. What is faith? Heb. 11:1.
2. How may we obtain faith? Rom. 10:17.
February 8 - Christ Died for Sinners - Romans 5:1-21.
1. How did sin enter into the world? Cor. 15:21-22.
2. What does Christ's death mean to us? Eph. 2:13-19.
February 15 - The Gift of God - Romans 6:1-23.
1. What is this great gift that God gave to man? John 3:16.
2. What must we do to receive that gift? Rom. 8:32.
February 22 - Holiness of the Law - Romans 7:1-25.
1. What was the purpose of the Law? Gal. 3:24.
2. How do we become free from the Law? Gal. 5:1.
YOUNG PEOPLE'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR FEBRUARY 1987
February 1 - The Touch of Christ - Matt. 8:1-4, 14-15, Mark 7:31-37.
1 . If Christ touched the sick and they were healed, what happens
when He touches our lives?
2. In I Sam. 28 King Saul was out of touch with God. What
happened to him?
February 8 - Widows Mite - Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-8.
1. What made the widow's gift so important?
2. How should gifts be evaluated? Mark 12:44.
February 15 - Five Loaves and Two Fishes - Matt. 14:14-22, Mark
6:31-44, Luke 9:11-17.
1. What was the first thing Jesus did with the loaves and fishes?
2. How many baskets full were taken up? Matt. 14:20. \
February 22 - Contentment - Prov. 15:16, Phil. 4:10-13, I Tim.
6:3-10, Hebrews 13:5-6.
1. What is contentment and what are its virtues?
2. What brings discontentment? What does Timothy say is the
root of all evil?
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXV FEBRUARY 1, 1987 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.
WAIT, AND MURMUR NOT
O troubled heart, there is a home
Beyond the reach of toil and care;
A home where changes never come;
Who would not fain be resting there?
Yet when bowed down beneath the load
By heav'n allowed, thine earthly lot;
Look up! thou'lt reach that blest abode,
Wait, meekly wait, and murmur not.
If in thy path some thorns are found,
O, think who bore them on his brow;
If grief thy sorrowing heart has found,
It reached a holier than thou,
Toil on, nor deem, tho' sore it be,
One sigh unheard, one pray'r forgot;
The day of rest will dawn for thee;
Wait, meekly wait, and murmur not.
- W. H. Bellamy
BIBLE MONITOR
SHARING
Adults differ from children by having the ability to care for and to
share with another. The child from babyhood is self-centered,
crying to have its needs met or to get attention. As a child grows
and matures, he begins to feel a responsibility for others.
Supposedly, an adult has matured, leaving behind the self-centered
feeling of the child so he is able to feel the needs of others and
respond appropriately.
Jesus said that it was more blessed to give than to receive. Our
Heavenly Father has given without measure. Not only has He given
physical, temporal and material gifts for men's enjoyment and
good but He has given Spiritual gifts. Best of all He gave His Son
who gave Himself as the sacrifice for our sins. Eternal life is the
greatest gift of all. Even if we have complied with every require-
ment, eternal life is still a gift from God.
Sharing can take many forms and involve many things. Sharing
may be the giving of our material possessions to others less
fortunate. Paul told the Corinthians to make up a gift to help
relieve the believers around Jerusalem. Sharing may not involve
the material possessions we accumulate in life. It may entail
sharing Spiritual things.
Sharing the Gospel with the lost is one of the highest priorities of
Christians. Through personal counseling and help with problems,
Christians may be able to share the saving Gospel with others. It
may not be through great philosophical statements or over
powering arguments that others may be won but through the
caring help of the Christian. Evangelistic meetings are a more
THE BIBLE MONITOR FEBRUARY 1, 1987
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Printing, Inc., 4017 Co. Rd. 11,
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 Street, 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
public sharing of the Gospel although it may be more through the
example or help of a dedicated Christian than through the actual
spoken word that a lost soul will be brought to Jesus. Still the
power of the preached word should not be overlooked when the
Word of God is shared through the Holy Spirit. It is God's wisdom
to use the foolishness of preaching to win souls.
Sharing spiritual things is not limited to evangelism. Christians
need to share with each other. There are many admonitions given
in God's Word that the Christian must be strengthened. The
Church must be strong itself if it is to win others. So a sharing
among the members is needed to give it that strength.
Attendance at the scheduled meetings of the congregation is a
type of sharing. It tells each present that all have an interest in the
study and proclamation of the Word of God. When members
attend Church services they are telling their neighbors that the
things of God are more important to them than the common
interests of life.
The services themselves become times of sharing. During Bible
Study many thoughts may be shared so each one is enriched
beyond what he has studied the lesson himself. Everyone who
studies and shares helps the other to gain a greater understanding
of the Word. No one can know or even fathom all that the
Scriptures contain.
Sharing may be through prayer. As needs become known they
can be shared before the Throne of Grace. Each can have a part in
seeking the answer to that prayerful request.
Singing involves the sharing of a part of our bodies effort to
worship. The more who share in making a joyful noise unto the
Lord, the more inspiring that portion of the worship service will be.
When an effort is made by each one to use his body's powers to
praise God the total effect is great.
_ The ordinances given by God to the Church are a part of sharing.
Each of the ordinances requires more than one person to partici-
pate. The Holy Kiss requires two to share the love that is sealed by
that kiss. Baptism requires not only the applicant but also the
administrator. Feet washing demands le to wash and one to be
washed. The Lord's Supper being a common meal needs a number
to partake of it. The communion of the Bread and the Cup requires
one to pass each emblem to. Being a communion, it needs those
who are in union with a common purpose. One can not commune
with himself, it must be a sharing with another.
While sharing may involve material items — tor at times those are
the very things needed — often the deeper sharing is in Spiritual
things. Too often we are prone to use the sharing of money or
BIBLE MONITOR
other items as a way to excuse us from giving in a deeper way.
Every one of us has been blessed in so many different ways.
Being so greatly blessed we should, without being compelled,
share the appropriate gift at the appropriate time. Have you
shared with another, of your temporal goods, of your Spiritual
possessions?
THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINES
BAPTISM A NECESSITY
J. H. Moore
There should be no question about the necessity of the rite of
baptism. When Jesus sent forth his apostles to teach or disciple all
nations, he directed that penitent believers should be baptized
"into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost" (Matt. 28:19). He also declared, "He that believeth and is
baptized shall be saved.' 5 (Mark 16:16) Speaking as he was moved
by the Holy Ghost, Peter told those inquiring after their duty to
"repent and be baptized every one of you." (Acts 2:38)
While listening to the preaching of Philip, the eunuch became so
impressed that he even requested baptism. He was then told that if
he believed he might receive the rite. Having made the confession,
we learn that he was baptized (Acts 8:36-38). As fast as the
Samaritans believed the preaching of Philip, they were baptized
(Acts 8:12). Even Cornelius, a devout man, one who feared God
and prayed to God, alway, submitted to the rite of New Testament
baptism (Acts 10:48). Though a chosen vessel, Saul, who in time
beame the prince of Gospel preachers, was instructed by Ananias
to be baptized (Acts 22:16).
In fact, in the time of the apostles no one ever dreamed of
accepting Christ as his Savior without submitting to baptism.
Jesus, the Head of the church, had set the example by receiving
baptism at the hands of John, his forerunner (Matt. 3:13-16). The
apostles also were baptized, and every man, engaged in preaching
the Gospel, seems to have had something to say about baptism.
The necessity of the rite was unchallenged, and wherever
Christianity was introduced, Christian baptism became a recog-
nized necessity.
Carry an appetite to God's house and you will be fed.
BIBLE MONITOR
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BIBLE MONITOR
EDITORIAL
POLICY
That it be the policy of the Bible
Monitor to exclude controversial materi-
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We are submitting several sug-
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1. Become familiar with the Editorial
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A number of short sentences are better
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is difficult to punctuate, and in which
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4. It will beappreciated ifyougather
a particular thought or thoughts and
their proving Scripture quotations, into
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the rest of the article, by setting in
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beleive for believe; recieve for receive;
judgement for judgment; ore for or;
& for and.
BIBLE MONITOR
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MINISTERIAL
LIST
AUNGST, DAVID (M)
R. 3 Box 427
Pine Grove, Pennsylvania 17063
BROADWATER, CARL (E)
R 10Box459N
York, Pennsylvania 17404
717-792-1803
BYFIELD, PAUL (E)
R. 7 Box 29-B
Modesto, California 95351
209-523-8412
CARPENTER, ROBERT W. (E)
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 300A
Bernville, Pennsylvania 19506
215-488-7185
FLORA, JOSEPH E. (E)
R.3 Box 12
Adel, Iowa 50003
515-993-4382
BIBLE MONITOR
FLORY, HARLEY (E)
27505 Flory Road R. 4
Defiance, Ohio 43512
419-497-3953
GUNDERMAN, TERRY (M)
22358 C.R. 118
Goshen, Indiana 46526
219-875-7155
HARRIS, OTTO (E)
Box 131, Antioch Route
New Creek, W. Virginia 26743
HARTZ, PAULA., Jr. (M)
157 North Lincoln St.
Palmyra, Pennsylvania 17078
717-838-1810
HEISEY, JAN (M)
141 Nottingham Rd.
Nottingham, Pennsylvania 19362
717-529-6413
HEISEY, WILLIAM (M)
9956 U.S. Rt. 36
Bradford, Ohio 45308
513-448-2560
JAMISON, DALEE. (E)
Guinter, Kansas 67752
913-754-3416
JAMISON, GORDON (M)
Quinter, Kansas 67752
913-754-3639
JAMISON, HERMAN (E)
Quinter, Kansas 67752
913-754-3686
JOHNSON, H. EDWARD (E)
1307-S.H. 108
Wauseon, Ohio 43567
419-337-0251
KAUFFMAN, EUGENE (E)
R. 3, Box 51
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801
703-434-7824
KEGERREIS, JAMES (E)
R. 1 Box 92
Richland, Pennsylvania 17087
717-933-4665
LEATHERMAN, CHARLES (E)
18158-H
Wauseon, Ohio 43567
419-337-6593
LEATHERMAN, VIRGIL (E)
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 (E)
R. 1 Box 21
Clearville, PA 15535-9710
MARKS, RONALD L (M)
R. 3 Box 123
Red Lion, Pennsylvania 17356
717-244-1314
MEYERS, JAMES (M)
R. 1 Box 109
Dallas Center, Iowa 50063
515-992-3947
MYERS, HOWARD E. (E)
850 Chambers Road
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)
Gove County Long Term Home
Quinter, Kansas 67752
BIBLE MONITOR
PEFFER, JOHN (M)
R. 13 Box 10
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
717-243-8328
PIFER, FRED (E)
R. 3, Box 184
Adel, Iowa 50003
515-993-3187
REED, D. PAUL (E)
R. 1 Box 333
Pilot, Virginia 24138
REED, HAYES (E)
1433 Overhoftzer Drive
Modesto, California 95355
209-523-2753
REED, RAY R. (E)
Box 12
Dallas Center, Iowa 50063
515-992-3031
REPLOGLE, GEORGE E. (E)
23453 C.R. 42
Goshen, Indiana 46526
RICE, JOSHUA (E)
10213 Bethel Road
Frederick, Maryland 21701
301-898-9741
RUSH, HARLEY(E)
R. 1
Converse, Indiana 46919
317-395-3751
SCHULTZ, CLYDE E. (E)
1428 Cooper
Turlock, California 95380
209-632-2701
SHAFFER, FRANK D. (E)
13092 Grant Shook Road
Greencastle, Pennsylvania 17225
717-597-7282
SHAFFER, RUDY (M)
71 Bomberger Rd.
Lititz, Pennsylvania 17543
717-627-3551
SHELLY, EMMERT, O,, Jr. (E)
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
505-731-2292
SKILES, ORA (E)
3623 Toomes Rd.
Modesto, California 95351
209-545-0551
SMITH, BERTON (M)
R. 2 Box 145D
Topeka, Indiana 46571
219-593-2760
SMITH, WARREN C. (E)
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057
303-829-4521
ST. JOHN, DENNIS (M)
21397-B50
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 94-1 A
Red Lion, Pennsylvania 17356
717-244-7445
10
BIBLE MONITOR
SWIHART, ROY J. (E)
17421 C.R. 14
Goshen, Indiana 46526
219-825-2277
UPLINGER, WILBUR L. (M)
R. 1 Box 11
Ml Crawford, Virginia 22841
WALKER, HENRY (M)
12413 Delaware Road
Hickman, California 95323
209-874-2832
WERTZ, EMERY (E)
33720 Road 26
McClave, Colorado 81057
303-829-4511
WERTZ, LEONARD D. (M)
Box 178
Quinter, Kansas 67752
913-754-2390
WOLFE, KENNETH (M)
R. 2
Pine Grove, Pennsylvania 17063
WRAY, MICHAEL (M)
31111 Combs Ave.
Escalon, California 95320
209-838-2760
DUNKARD BRETHREN
DEACONS
Armstrong, Ellis
Beam, Willard
Beeman, Oscar
Bittinger, Lester
Blocher, Stephen
Brooks, Marion
Burgess, Wayne
Burtner, Clair
Carpenter, John
Castle, Keith
Cease, John
Clayton, Lawrence
Eberly, James
Eberly, Marvin
Flory, Claude I.
Flory, Marvin
Gehr, Clarence
Gibbei, Jacob
Gibbel, Levi
Gunderman, Mike
Gunderman, Reinhold
Heisey, Paul
Jamison, Marian
Jamison, Newton
Jamison, Tom
Johnson, Frederick
Kasza, Eugene
Kegerreis, Harold
Kline, Floyd
Kreiner, Lowell
Leatherman, Thomas
Lehigh, Robert S.
Litfin, Doyle
Lorenz, Carl
Lorenz, Marvin
Lorenz, Pete
Marks, Charles
Marks, Marlin
Marks, Paul
Meyers, Martin
Meyers, Roy
Miller, Levi H.
Musselman, Harold
Myers, Nelson E.
Myers, Paul B.
Newman, Dale
Pike, Lowell
Pike, Wayne
Fletcher, Albert
Reed, Carl E.
Reed, Harold W.
Reed, Oty
Reed, Ross
Rice, S. P.
Roedel, Daniel
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
Welch, Chester
Wells, Maurice
Wertz, Ivon
Wertz, Richard J.
Wisler, John
Wolfe, Verling
Wyatt, Boyd
BIBLE MONITOR
11
AUDITING
COMMITTEE
Paul E. Heisey
R. 2, Box 55
West Unity, Ohio 43570
419-924-5192
Rudy Shaffer
71 Bomberger Rd.
Lititz, Pennsylvania 17543
717-627-3551
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 spirit-
ual life and work of those concerned.
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 or to outsiders,
is irregular and un-Christian 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
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
12124 Washington Road
Waterfield, CA 95386
209-874-3519
Newton Jamison, Secretary
512 Garfield
Quinter KS 67752
913-754-3433
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender St.
Morenci, Ml 49256
517-458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, PA 17340
717-359-5753
Martin Meyers
R. 3 Box 250
Adel, Iowa 50003
515-993-3028
12
BIBLE MONITOR
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
The Bethel Congregation is present-
ly worshipping at the school building
located five miles east of Bethel, one
mile south of Interstate 78, exit 6 on
route 419.
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 Lower
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.
Ward's 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, VA 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.
BIBLE MONITOR
13
GRANDVIEW, MISSOURI
The Grandview Church is located
south of Grandview. Take the west
access road of 71 Highway 1 1 /2 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 on Newport Road,
which is about a mile north of Lititz.
Coming from the north turn left on
Newport Road. Go to second cross-
roads, turn right. The brick church
is on the right.
MECHANICSBURG, PA.
CUMBERLAND CO.
Located between Routes 15 and 11.
The town is bisected by Rt. 114 into
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 Turn-
pike at the Carlisle interchange, Rt. 1 1
will lead east to Rt. 114. Leaving the
Turnpike at Gettsburg 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 lo-
cated 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 Ave.
to Claus Road (approximately six
miles), turn left on Claus, one fourth
mile to Sharon Avenue, left on Sharon
Ave. 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 Rte. 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 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 N. 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, ill, 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.
14
BIBLE MONITOR
SHREWSBURY, PA.
Fourteen miles south of York on
Rt. 111, at the north end of the town
of Shrewsbury.
SWALLOW 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 on 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-
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. t along hard road a little
east of Rt. 26. Services second, fourth
and fifth Sundays, 10:00 a.m.
HART, Ml - From Muskegon go north
on Route 31 to Hart exit. Go left
from freeway about Vh miles to tee in
road, turn right, go approximately 1 / 2
mile to church on left side of road.
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 the junction. Proceed 3 miles
to the mission. Present personnel
includes David and Mildred Skiles;
Paul and Sarah Skiles; Dean Shaffer;
Carolyn Carpenter; Cynthia Chupp;
Mary Alice Skiles and Renita Trujillo.
Visitors would be wise to notify the
Mission in advance. Address: R. 2
Box 8, Cuba, New Mexico 87013;
Phone - 505-731-2292. Please contact
for further information.
THREE THINGS TO REMEMBER
REMEMBER the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more
blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35.
REMEMBER the sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou
labor and do all thy work, but the seventh day is the sabbath of
the Lord thy God. Exodus 20:8-10.
REMEMBER them which have the rule over you, who have spoken
unto you the word of God. Hebrews 13:7.
BIBLE MONITOR 15
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 being
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
»•••••
Faint, yet pursuing;
Weak, yet subduing;
Spent, yet renewing;
Christ ever viewing.
»••••••
Fools make feasts, and wise men eat them.
»••••••
Faith honors Christ, and Christ honors faith.
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
McCiave, Colorado 81057
GENERAL MISSION BOARD
Jacob C. Ness, Chairman
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403
Hayes Reed, Secretary
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Herman Jamison, Treasurer
Quinter, KS 67752
Frank Shaffer
13092 Grant Shook Rd.
Greencastle, PA 17225
Harley Rush
R. 1, Converse, IN 46919
Robert Carpenter
R, 5 Box 97
Peru, IN 46970
Joseph E. Flora
R. 3 Box 12
Adel, IA 50003
Galen Litfin
1314 East 7th St.
Newberg, OR 97132
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
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
Eugene Kauffman, Chairman
R. 3 Box 51
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801
Dennis St. John, Secretary
21397-B50
Bryan, Ohio 43506
Fred Piter, Treasurer
R. 3 Box 184
Adel, IA 50003
Rudolph Cover
2034 Roble Avenue
Modesto, CA 95354
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340
RELIEF BOARD
Boyd Wyatt, Chairman
12124 Washington Rd.
Waterford, CA 95386
(209) 874-3519
Newton Jamison, Secretary
512 Garfield
Quinter, Kansas 67752
(913) 754-3433
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender St.
Morenci, Ml 49256
(517)458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, PA 17340
(717) 359-5753
Martin Meyers
R. 3 Box 250
Adel, Iowa 50003
(515) 993-3028
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
David Skiles, Superintendent
R. 2 Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Harley Flory, Secretary
27505 Flory Rd. R. 4
Defiance, Ohio 43512
Marlin Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, Kansas 67752
James Meyers
R. 1 Box 109
Dalias Center, IA 50063
Larry Andrews
312 East Coleman
Raymore, Missouri 64083
All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury, but
sent to the Secretary for his records.
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tO N. Diam m& Mill
Un ; c . , 11 4! ; ;
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXV FEBRUARY 15, 1987 No. 4
"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.
BE CAREFUL
Little feet, be very careful where you go,
As in life you daily travel to and fro;
Never for a moment stray
From the straight and narrow way.
Little hands, be very careful what you do,
Wrong or tho'tless actions you will surely rue;
Into mischief never go,
For 'tis very wrong you know.
Little ears, be very careful what you hear,
When the tempter whispers to you, danger's near;
Tho' he promises ev'rything,
Ev'ry promise is a sting!
Little hearts, be very careful to be true,
Love the Lord and He will surely care for you;
Jesus will not enter in
Where there is the least of sin.
- Charles H, Gabriel
BIBLE MONITOR
LITTLE FOXES
The Song of Solomon 2:15 speaks of the little foxes, which were
destroying the vines. Although they may have been more playful
than mean, still the vines were damaged and the harvest was
hindered. The vines were tender and the playful clawing and biting
of the young foxes were enough to disrupt the flow of nutrients to
the developing grapes.
This allusion to the foxes seems somewhat out of place in the
midst of this love story. This simple story is actually the love story
of Christ and His Bride, the Church. It has meaning beyond the
vineyard or the lovers' pursuit. It is given as a warning to the Bride
to be careful of the little things that could destroy or retard her fruit.
Christians must bear the fruit of the Spirit. Little things can
destroy or retard that fruit, just like the little playful foxes in the
vineyard.
The Wise Man realized that those seemingly innocent, cute little
creatures must be caught so they could not run loose in the
vineyard. It is likewise necessary for the Church and her individual
members to be aware of little foxes that may get in and destroy the
Spiritual fruit. There must be a willingness to get rid of these little
things before the whole Spiritual life is destroyed.
Just like the cute, playful foxes, the little things that attack
Christian's lives are seemingly innocent and harmless. But, alas,
later what seemed innocent will be found to have been deadly. If
the little things are not caught now, by harvest time it will be too
late. There will be no fruit and the vine will be dead. Once the vine
dies there is no way it can be restored.
THE BIBLE MONITOR FEBRUARY 15, 1987
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Printing, Inc., 4017 Co. Rd. 11,
Wauseon, Ohio 43567.
Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio
43567.
Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance.
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MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th Street, Beaumont, CA 92223
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BIBLE MONITOR
The vine can withstand major attacks and not be hurt, but
actually be strengthened. The Christian can withstand many
frontal assaults from Satan and become stronger, but he may be
defeated by little pests that do not seem dangerous.
The little things that prove determental to each Christian vary
from one to another. What is tempting and dangerous to one will
not affect another. But none are untouched by these little things.
None dares to look down upon another, for each has little things to
contend with.
Most Christians do not have serious problems with the large sins
so rampant in today's society. Satan may tempt to seriously stray
from the strait and norrow way, but usually he tempts in more
subtle ways. Full grown foxes in the vineyard would be destroyed,
but the cute little ones would be allowed to live. Though they might
be chased out of the vineyard, they would be free to return at
another time to do more damage. This is the way little things work
to destroy Christians' lives and witness. The Christian is prepared
to meet the challenge of major sins. He is wary of gross deviations
but he may not be so aware of the little things.
Serious sin such as cases of adultery, fornication, drunkeness,
gross immodesty, dishonesty, uncontrolled wrath, stealing, lying
or murder will be quickly and severely dealt with by the Church.
The little things may be overlooked. Not every thing can be
legislated on by the Church. Perhaps even those who do these
little things will not even realize that they are moving a step away
from what pleases God.
The little things can appear in any area of the Christian's life. It
may be a slight compromising of the truth in business dealings. It
may be some unnecessary item on the clothing. Because we now
live in a world where clothes are ready made and bought out of a
store, there may be some compromise in the style, length, color or
cut of the clothes. It may be luxuriousness in the furnishing of the
home. There may be tendency to use leisure time for sports,
hobbies or other activities that become more interesting and
important than Spiritual activities. What the Christian reads or
listens to may subtlely move him from wholesomeness. There are
so many pernicious ways that Satan uses to lead the Christian
astray. These activities may seem harmless and even good but
they become wedges to allow Satan an entrance.
The little foxes can be more destructive than older foxes for they
are not watched as closely because they seem so harmless. They
need to be watched and destroyed.
Are there any little foxes in your moral vineyard? Have you been
deluded by these seemingly harmless creatures? Are you ready to
get rid of them before they do any more damage?
BIBLE MONITOR
MY HALF
One Saturday morning, a little girl was asked by her mother if she
had her room cleaned. The girl promptly replied, "My half!"
Immediately I had a vision of a room with a line drawn down
through the middle. On one side of the line, it was neat and clean,
but on the other side, it was still cluttered. No way was this little girl
about to help her sister clean the other half, because it wasn't her
responsibility.
We laugh about things like this because we know it's typical of
children. They are very careful to do only what they see as their
jobs. When it comes to sharing, a piece of cake must be divided
exactly, and even then, they will complain and say, "He got more
than I did. It's not fair!" Few children understand true responsi-
bility or true sharing. Unfortunately, many adults don't either, and
their actions prove it.
As adults, we should be able to accept responsibility. We should
be able to share what we have without any reservations. Yet, too
often we hear 'It's not my job', 'I worked for this; it's mine' or
something similar. The truth is it just may be our job, and no matter
what we have, it is the Lord's to be used as He directs. We do have
the right to enjoy the fruits of our labors, but never do we have the
right to withhold help from one in need.
Jesus taught the disciples to give and go, to share and do. They
were to be active in helping others, making use of whatever they
had. Jesus said, "Freely ye have received, freely give." (Matt. 10:8)
We, too, have freely received and we ought to freely give. There is
no time when we can say "I've done my half" or "I've given my
share." There is always something else to do, a need to Till
somewhere.
"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them
likewise." Luke 6:31. No matter what situation someone is in, you
can determine his or her needs by considering what yours would
be if it were you. You can't excuse yourself by saying "I don't know
what to do." If a person is lonely, you know he needs a friend. If a
person is grieving, he needs your love and support. Once you see
what the need is, then it is your responsibility to do something
about it.
In one parable, Jesus said, "I was hungry, thirsty, a stranger,
naked, sick, in prison, and you took care of me." (Matt. 25:31-46)
This was spoken to the ones who cared about those around them.
Their concern for others in turn increased their own blessings.
Those who didn't care about those in need obviously cared mostly
for themselves, and serving Jesus was not uppermost in their
BIBLE MONITOR
minds. They were rejected by Jesus and no excuses were
accepted. "I've done my half", "it's not my job" or "I don't see
anything to do" are mostly just excuses, and won't be accepted
either. The halfway point may not be the time to quit, and we must
let Jesus decide when we've done enough.
"Give, and it shall be given unto you... For with the same measure
ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." Luke 638
Simply stated, this means whatever you give you'll get back If
you're generous, you'll receive plenty. If you're stingy you'll
receive little. If you barely give your half, or do your half you will
limit your own blessings.
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men
especially unto them who are of the household of faith " Gal 610'
In some situations, we can't really do anything, but when we can'
we should. The things Jesus mentioned are simple tasks some-
thing which nearly anyone can do. Food, water, shelter clothinq
supporting one in distress are all basic needs, good to consider
when we attempt to help someone.
"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God "
Rom. 14:12. The little girl had to account to her mother about the
condition of her room. If she hadn't fulfilled her responsibility she
would have been required to do so. The time to fulfill our responsi-
bilities is now, before we are asked to give an account. There will
not be time to go back and do things over. We may be limited by
circumstances, but we can still be helpful, and we can pray for
others. Do what you can and God will bless you.
Sister Eileen Broadwater
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
"Personal Time Spent With God"
We build the strongest relationships with those with whom we
SP f n ,*M- m0St 9 ualit y time - ln order to get to know God and have
a fulfilling relationship with Him, we have to spend time in
devotion.
Devotional time is that time set aside for fellowship, worship and
communion with God through reading His Word and by prayer It
is a time of meditation and speaking to God... with Him speaking
Back to us. It is the opportunity to lay at His feet our worship
praise, thanksgiving and our petitions. It is also a special time for
intercession on behalf of others. It is that special time of day when
you recognize the vital importance of getting your guidance from
Him.
BIBLE MONITOR
David had a great desire to have devotional time with God. He
said that as the deer pants for the water brooks... so his soul panted
for God. (Psalms 42:1-2) Throughout the Psalms, ONE THING is
noticed above all others and that is David's desire... his all con-
suming passion... to get to know God better. Do you have this
desire or are you satisfied with your current less than great
relationship? Are you hungry for fellowship with Him?
THE DEVOTIONAL LIFE IS A LIFETIME OF DEVOTION TO
JESUS. How wonderful to realize that when we spend time alone
with God... reflecting on His Word and on His Person... that the
Holy Spirit begins changing our lives to become more like Christ's.
Our attitudes begin to change, our faces take on a new glow the
way we do things and our motivations are transformed to His ways.
I realize that many people have limited time today because of
economic challenges. But even so, some special time must be
spent with God. No matter how small it might be, it should be high
quality time. I believe the Bible indicates that morning... before
starting the activities of the day is a good time but I personally find
evenings more effective for meditation.
Through our personal time sacrifice we demonstrate to Christ
that we love Him. If we love a person, it is evidenced by a desire to
be with that person. We re-arrange schedules routinely to meet
with friends or business associates. Love develops and grows
when we have frequent communication. Man was created to have
fellowship with God. And because of Christ's victory on Calvary,
we have the barrier broken down and have a beautiful access to the
Throne.
Does God have to wait in disappointment to have your time.
Does He ever hear you say, "I love you"? Devotional time will be of
great value to your spiritual life because it provides spiritual food
and strength. It is NOT enough to go to church on Sunday and
worship only there. If that amounts to your total fellowship with
God except for a few memorized meal time prayers, you have a
very basic problem. You will have little strength to face the
onslaught of the satanic society in which you live and function.
Facing temptations of the flesh will destroy you.
Devotional time with God will give us spiritual victory. Victory is
a matter of choice... the choice of devotion to Jesus Christ. We
either choose victory or defeat. We either spend time with God or
we don't!
Our devotional time provides joy. Jeremiah said that he "ate" the
words of God and they were a joy and delight to him. It was
delightful experience.
The two basic elements of devotional time are prayer and
BIBLE MONITOR
reading the Word. The Word, Jesus Christ, speaks to us through
the Bible. Remember to read first that God might speak to you
before you speak to Him, This will help you to know where you fall
short of His will and to know what changes need to be made. The
unfolding words will be a "... lamp to your feet and a light to your
path..."
Prayer is literally the voice of our life. In it, we bring our burdens
and cares to God and our spiritual development is revealed. Prayer
should be prayed in specific requests. Generalities in private
prayer takes away the personal and close communication that can
be experienced.
How many times have I thought about the Muslim adherents who
pray five times each day, bowing in the direction of Mecca.
Shouldn't we as Christians have at least that much commitment in
our worship of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?
A plan that might work for your devotional time is known as
ACTS. In prayer, ACTS means: A-Adoration; C-Confession; T-
Thanksgiving and S-Supplication. Adoration comes first as you
come into God's presence and acknowledge that He is God. Con-
fession is the purification process that allows you to enter into His
courts with a right heart. Thanksgiving expresses your appreci-
ation for all He has done for you... for giving you health, a home,
income, brothers and sisters in Christ, and so forth. And suppli-
cation... lastly... asks God to care for the special needs of others as
well as for your needs.
Carry out your devotions with preparation and with priority and
you will grow in your Christian life and others will know that you
have been with God.
Brother Len Wertz
SIXTY YEARS AGO
February 15, 1927
STOP, LOOK, LISTEN
E.J. SMITH
The above is said to be the danger signal board of a certain R.R.
Company, but in this message we wish to make it a practical life
signal board for surely this is a rushing age and we need many
signals on life's highway. "Stop". In many of our large cities the
precaution is taken to drawing a danger line across each street just a
few feet back from their intersection with the thoroughfare or main
street and on this line in large letters the word "Stop" which means
all vehicles must come to a stop before approaching the main street.
BIBLE MONITOR
Observing this signal has no doubt saved thousands of lives and
tens of thousands of dollars in property. Of how much greater
importance is it that we stop frequently on life's highway, in this fast
age, just before entering upon some of the more important duties of
life and all the more important as the many new plans and schemes
are coming up before us and the cry is coming up from all sides, "It
doesn't matter so much about this and that," "God is not so
particular", and so forth "Just so our heart is right all is right."
Brother and Sister, let's stop and meditate. Did Jesus mean what
he taught while here? To all this we have very tenaciously adhered
ever since we have had an organization until the past few years,
wherein we have most wonderfully drifted. "Stop". Has Jesus' word
changed? No! What then? We are changing! O, how sad! "Look".
And then again what would it amount to if the auto chauffeur
stopped his machine and did not look nor pay any attention to the
signal nor what it meant, but hastily opening the throttle, turning on
the gas, pushing forward again only to confront a speedily moving
train. We all know the result. Death! Destruction of property!
II John says, "Look to yourselves that ye lose not those things
which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward." Here
John would have us "look that we may gain the full reward."
We "stop", we "look" but in competing with this mad rush of this
fast age with only a glance for a "Look" and a slow down for a "Stop",
without taking time to "Listen", the chauffeur again turns on the gas
in haste, rushing on down the line dashing on the railroad crossing
just as a through express dashes around the curve and in a deep cut
which could not be observed except by careful scrutiny. Alas! Alas!
Destruction and death followd. Amidst the groaning one was heard
to mutter "we stopped, we looked, but oh, why didn't we listen? We
could have heard the approaching danger, but now it's too late."
"Listen". I wonder if too many of us are not rushing through this
world altogether too thoughtless, too inconsiderate? A pause for a
"Stop", a glance for a "Look" and our ears stopped to our best
interests for a "Listen". Listen — this signifies all must be quiet, a
voice in our merry crowd must be hushed, even if it were possible,
the birds cease to warble and the winds calm, all nature be still that
we may "Listen" to know if there is danger approaching before ever
our chauffeur shall move a wheel forward. Presently we heard a not
far distant voice cry out, "There she comes!" Another halloos "yes,
she's the flyer and she's sure coming!" We are glad to hear our
chauffeur say "we will wait", and while we wait in safety we sadly
witness the awful abyss and woe of hundreds who rushed madly by
us, not heeding the signal, "Stop, Look, Listen." All seem to be
striving to get there first and their destiny is only a mangled mess on
the track of time.
BIBLE MONITOR
My dear Brother and Sister, will we not just stop and look and
listen for ourselves? Each of us is responsible to God and must
give account to him for our stewardship here.
"O that thou hadst hearkened (listened) to my commandments,
then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the
waves of the sea." (Isa. 48:18) "For the time is come that judgment
must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall
the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the
righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and sinners
appear?" (I Peter 4:17-18)
ONWARD AND FORWARD
The Apostel Paul had a strong determination in hisfaithful service
in the Lord's work. He said I press onward and forward toward the
mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. He never
turned back though he experienced several hardships.
He said that forgetting the things that are behind I press onward
and forward. We believe the Apostle was thinking of his life before
conversion in forgetting the things that were behind. Through a
stroke from Heaven he was completely converted from a destructive
life against Christianity into a loyal and faithful soldier of the Cross
of Christ. In the Bible we have the record of his faithful service
throughout his life unto the end. He labored hard for the spreading
of the Gospel and the salvation of souls. Despite all the opposition
against him, he continued to go onward and forward.
The prophet Jeremiah said, ". . . but they barkened not unto me
nor inclined their ear but walked in the councils and in the
imaginations of their evil hearts and went backward and not
forward." The Lord said unto Moses to speak unto the children of
Israel that they may go forward.
It may be well for us to meditate on the many faithful servants of
God who were determined to go onward and forward and never lay
their armour down. Today how many have promised to renounce
Satan with all his pernicious ways and sinful pleasures of this world
and have not been true to that promise?
Lot and his wife when leaving the wicked city were commanded
not to look back. Lot's wife looked back and became a pillar of salt.
The Lord always required obedience. He established a penalty for
disobedience and a great reward for those who continued onward
and forward in the path of truth and righteousness. We should never
turn back to the sinful life in this world but rather continue onward
and forward in the narrow way of truth and righteousness.
Christ said judge not that you be not judged. The same measure
you use for others you will meet. The Apostle Paul said judge not.
10 BIBLE MONITOR
Often people are judged and condemned by false reports or by
those trying to impress their selfish ideas upon others. By
judging others, some become stumbling blocks and fall in the way
and hinder others from doing good.
In the saving Gospel we are told of better ways to keep union and
peace with others. The true Christian life extends love and kindness
to others.
Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus Going on before! . . .
Like a mighty army Moves the Church of God; . . .
One in hope and doctrine, One in charity . . .
We should never turn back to the beggerly elements of the world.
The Apostle Paul and other faithful Apostles continued to press
onward and forward toward the mark of the prize of the high calling
of God in Christ Jesus. Are we going onward and forward in the right
direction? It should be the greatest concern of our life. Blessed are
they that do His commandments for they shall have a right to the tree
of life and they shall enter in through the gates into the eternal city of
God.
There is no standing still in the way of salvation. We cannot be a
servant of two masters. The Lord requires whole hearted service to
Him. The Crown of Life, the Apostle Paul looked forward to, is at the
end of the true Christian's pathway.
Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Christians have the
promise of not being tempted above that which they are able to bear.
If we continue to be faithful and true to the trust the Lord left us He
will go with us always and through the valley of the shadow of death.
We will be given power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over
all the power of the enemy and noihing shall by any means hurt us.
We should be steadfast unmoveable always abounding in the
work of the Lord. Much evil is done through false imaginations. The
Christian spirit is a spirit of unselfishness. When Christ was here on
earth he was severely tried by Satan.
The older we become in this fleshly body we should continue to
grow stronger in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. Abraham's faith
was severaly tried by God. Surely if we put our trust and hope in God
we need never become discouraged. We should never engage in
placing hardships upon hardships, rather bear one another's bur-
dens and so fulfill the law of Christ.
The Crown of righteousness, the Apostle Paul looked forward to,
is at the end of the true Christian's pathway. It can only be gained by
pressing onward and forward in the path of truth and righteousness
to the end of our life in this world. Have we put on the whole armour
BIBLE MONITOR 11
of God that we may be able to stand against all the wiles of the devil
and go onward and forward to the glorious eternity?
Brother J. F. Marks
804 W. Sundial Loop,
Plant City, FL 33566
THE NEW TESTATMENT DOCTRINES
BAPTISM FOR BELIEVERS ONLY
J. H. Moore
In the great commission Jesus places faith, or belief, alongside
of baptism. To his apostles who were instructed to preach the
Gospel to every creature, he said: "He that believeth and is
baptized shall be saved." (Mark 16:16) In their preaching the
apostles were to do their utmost to reach every creature with their
message, but their instruction limited them to believers in the
administering of baptism. In their work they met two classes who
could not be considered subjects for baptism — those who would
not exercise faith, and those who could not. To the latter class
belonged the children, not capable of understanding. Even in the
cases of whole households, only those of the family, capable of
hearing and believing the Word, were baptized.
It is said that at the home of Cornelius "the Holy Ghost fell on all
them which heard the Word." (Acts 10:44)- This did not include
infants, for the reason that they are not capable of hearing the
Word; that is, accepting it understanding^. Then, from the two
closing verses of this chapter, we learn that baptism was admin-
istered to those who had received the Holy Ghost. This shows that
no infants were among the number who received the rite. In Acts
16:33-34 we have an account of the conversion of the jailer and his
household. But in this instance we are told that the jailer believed in
God with all his house"; or, as the Revised Version has it: "With all
his house, having believed in God." Since all in the household were
capable of exercising faith, it follows that infants did not figure in
the case.
And so we might reason regarding all the households in which
mention is made of baptism. There is not an instance where the rite
was administered to any one not old enough to choose for himself.
By virtue of the atonement, all infants are saved, and therefore
need no baptism. The age of baptism comes when young people
have sufficient understanding to exercise faith, make the good
confession and demand the rite. As regards children, in their
innocent state, the Master says: "Of such is the kingdom of
heaven." (Matt. 19:14), and this, too, without either faith or baptism.
12 BIBLE MONITOR
SIXTY YEARS AGO
February 1, 1927
PRIDE
B. F. Wampler
While the modern dictionary gives several definitions to the word
pride, some favorable and some unfavorable, the Bible condemns
pride throughout, often and in very strong terms, while the modern
world seems to apply the term where it doesn't belong. Hence
justify being proud in many things, while the Bible tells us that
-"Only by pride cometh contention", and "The Lord hateth a proud
look", and "pride goeth before destruction", and a "haughty spirit
before a fall" and "the pride of life is not of the Father, but of the
world". Hence the word justifies it and so must the modern
dictionary in some things even though the Bible says - "Everyone
proud in heart is abomination to the Lord", and "God resisteth the
proud and giveth grace grace to the humble."
And how does God do this in our day? He does it through his
people, that is one of their duties on earth, and will be until "the
Lord will destroy the house of the proud", in order to resist the
proud, the Lord's people must know who they are. Hence he tells
them, they who have a "proud look", and even the dictionary
associates pride with self conceit, self exaltation, self-esteem, vain
glory and vanity, all of which is not only useless, but even sinful,
according to the Bible.
Hence we read, Ephesians 4:17, 'This I say therefore, and testify
in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk in
the vanity of their mind." And as we are warned against false
teachers, puffed up with the wisdom of this world, which is
foolishness with God. II Peter 2:18, "For when they speak great
swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh,
through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from
them who live in error."
While false teachers, puffed up with their worldly wisdom, seek
to lead the world and even the church people astray, through
graduates from theological schools, who will only preach for hire,
there are many other ways of the proud heart. One of the most
common ways now is to seek to destroy the modesty and virtue of
women. While pride once caused women to over dress, even to
wear hoops and skirts so large as even to hide their feet and sleeves
so long as to hide their hands which at least did have a show of
modesty, pride of fashion causes them to now show their arms and
legs which can only appeal to the carnal eye of men, who are bold
to make sport of them and consider them cheap and so long as the
BIBLE MONITOR 13
women have no more respect for modesty and virtue they have no
grounds for expecting respect from men.
We don't object to women being "ornamented" providing it is
done according to the Bible. (I Peter 3:3-4): "whose adorning, let it
not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of
gold, or of putting on of apparel, but let it be the hidden man of the
heart, in that which is not corruptable, even the ornament of a meek
and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."
And if I am qualified to speak for men, I will add that women thus
ornamented are most highly prized by real men and women should
be reminded that "woman was made for man," and not for men, to
be made sport of, and the most modest woman or man has enough
pride for the whole human family, since all pride is condemned
throughout the Bible, and I grant that God, in thus speaking of
man, meant a real man and not a mere imitation of man, and since
"only by pride cometh contention."
Pride is the cause of all church contention, and division, pride of
one thing or other. And since pride is the cause of people seeking
and securing unnecessary things, we should dispense with such
things and be content with things of real worth.
We are informed by the public press that in the great storm in
Florida the real substantial buildings were not damaged much by
the storm, and it is so with people who are well built, without pride.
They can best stand a contentious storm. No amount of flimsy
ornaments will protect a building in a storm and neither will they
protect a person in a storm of contention, but are a real hindrance,
hence we are better off without either pride or a haughty spirit.
Some think pride is necessary in order to be decent, but not so, for
the same Bible that tells us to "let all things be done decently and in
order", condemns all pride. While proud people neither respect
decency or order, if we may judge by their acts and clothing, so the
only safe way to treat the proud is like Christ told Peter, "Get thee
behind me satan, for thou art an offence unto me," and Christ says,
"Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
The proud always make a special effort at Christmas time to
place their vanity and useless products into people's homes, and
thus instead of honoring Christ, they honor Santa Claus, yet
pretend it is in honor of Christ.
••••••
Faith sees God, and God sees faith.
14 BIBLE MONITOR
THE BAPTISM SERVICE
Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38
Baptism is one of the sacred ordinances Christ established for
His Church. He was baptized for our example in the River Jordan
by John the Baptist and gave the great commission to the Church
to baptize all the new followers of His teaching. Matt. 38:19.
The believer first becomes convicted of sin and repents of his
past life. He desires baptism so he can wash away his sins, obtain
pardon and receive the Holy Spirit as a guide through life.
The new convert is buried with Christ in baptism. His old nature
is covered up and he comes out of the water a new person with a
new purpose in life. He now hates the things of the world that
belong to Satan's kingdom and he desires to love and serve Christ.
The new convert is taken into the water where he kneels. The
minister, who is administering the baptism service, asks him three
questions.
1. "Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that
he brought from Heaven a saving Gospel?" Answer is
"Yes", or "I do."
2. "Do you willingly renounce the Devil with all the sinful
pleasures and practices of this world?" Answer is "Yes."
3. "Do you covenant with God through Christ to be faithful unto
death?" Answer is "Yes."
As Christ bowed His head in death so the applicant is bowed
forward in the baptizing ceremony. The three persons in the God-
head are each one honored. He is then dipped three times face
forward in the name of the Father, in the name of the Son, and in
the name of the Holy Spirit.
After the person has been dipped three times, the minister lays
his hands on his head and prays a solemn prayer of consecration.
The person is now born again into the Kingdom of God and his life
is set apart for the Lord's service. He receives the Holy Spirit at this
time. Acts 8:1 7 and Mark 1 :8.
Usually the hymn "Oh, Happy Day" is sung at this time as he
comes back to the shore.
Sister Maxine Surbey
••••••«
Faith gets most, humility keeps most, love works most.
BIBLE MONITOR 15
NEW ITEMS
1987 GENERAL CONFERENCE
Conference for 1987 will be held in the 4th District, June 13
through 17 at Mission Springs Conference Center, Santa Cruz,
California.
From Santa Cruz go 3 1 /2 miles north on route 17 to Mt. Hermon
Road (turn right at Big Basin sign and cross freeway, Route 17). Go
Vh miles on Mt. Hermon Road. Turn right on Lockhart Gulch Road
and go 1 mile to Mission Springs Conference Grounds.
For those coming by bus, train or plane be sure to make your
own arrangements with members or friends for pick-up when you
arrive. If not call 408-335-9133. San Jose is the nearest airport and
train depot.
All blankets, linens, towels, washcloths and soap will be
furnished.
Send your reservations to Bro. Paul Blocher, 12301 Riverside
Ave., Waterford, CA 95386 or to Bro. Rudy Cover, 2034 Roble Ave.,
Modesto, CA 95354.
Due to inflation, the cost of Conference this year will be ex-
tremely high. Please give accordingly (20% to 30% more, de-
pending on the number who come.)
Brother Rudy Cover
A NOTE OF THANKS
I want to thank each of you who remembered me with cards,
letters and prayers. "As in water face answereth to face, so the
heart of man to man." Prov. 27:19. May the spirit of the Lord rest
upon you.
In Christian love,
Sister Ruth Wilson
PLEASANT RIDGE, OHIO
The Lord willing, our evangelistic meetings will be March 15
through 29, with Lovefeast on the 28th, with Bro. Fred Pifer as
speaker. All are invited to attend these services and worship with
us.
Sister Eileen Broadwater
WINTERHAVEN, CALIFORNIA
The Winterhaven Congregation is planning on hosting the Fourth
District Meeting March 20 through 22. The business meeting will be
Saturday morning with Lovefeast in the evening. A welcome is sent
out to those who wish to join us.
Sister Susan Cook, Cor.
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR
MARCH 1987
March 1 - The Flesh and The Spirit - Romans 8:1-13
1 . How do we become free from condemnation?
2. If we walk after the flesh have we been set free?
March 8 - Heirs of God - Romans 8:14-39.
1 . How do we become sons of God?
2. How do we gain victory over the flesh?
March 15 - Children of the Promise - Romans 9:1-33.
1. What was thecause of Israel's fall?
2. Who are the children of the promise?
March 22 - Salvation to Believers - Romans 10:1-23.
1. Is there danger of we ourselves depending on our works for
salvation?
2. Who were the people who found Christ who were not
searching?
March 29 - A Remnant According to Grace- Romans 11:1-15.
1. How is the remnant counted?
2. What is required of all to obtain salvation? Verses 9-10.
YOUNG PEOPLE'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR MARCH 1987
March 1 - The Light of the World - Is. 9:2, John 8:12, Matt 5*14-16
II Cor. 4:3-6, Eph. 5:11-17.
1. What is this light and what is so important about that light?
2. How may the light become darkened?
March 8 - The Woman With the Box- Matt. 26:1-13, John 12:1-11.
1. Who was the woman with the Box and what was inside it?
2. What effect did it have on those that were there and also the
woman?
March 15 - Abundance - John 10:9-10, Phil. 4:18-19, I Peter 1:1-5.
1 . In what are the citizens of this world seeking an abundance of?
2. What are the things of abundance that Jesus promised to
those who follow Him?
March 22 - Our Study - Deut. 17:9-20, Isa. 34:16-17, John 5:34-47
Acts 19:10-13, II Tim. 2:13-15.
1. Why is study so important?
2. Who should we strive to please, God or man?
March 29 - Our Blessings - I Kings 3:11-14, Ps. 68:15-19, Matt.
6:28-34, Mai. 3:10-14.
1. Are blessings earned or are they given free?
2. What are some of the reasons blessings stop coming?
1 3340 N. Diamoi d Mill
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(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
MARCH 1, 1987
VOL. LXV
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 GIFTS OF GOD
His gifts are greater than my dreams,
The gifts of God to me;
As countless as the sunset's golden beams,
As boundless as the sea.
I ask a part, He gives the whole —
Himself, and all beside;
His loving kindness overflows my soul,
In-rushing as the tide.
"His ways are ways of pleasantness,
His paths are paths of peace;"
His hand is ever reaching out to bless;
He bids each sorrow cease.
Within my heart He shall have place
To rule and reign supreme;
My voice will ever praise Him for the grace
Of which I ne'er could dream.
- Jessie Brown Pounds
BIBLE MONITOR
IN THE BEGINNING, GOD
The Biblical account begins with these words, "In the beginning,
God". When men go back to find the beginning of this world's
existence, God will be found there as Creator,
The human mind, though more powerful and compact than any
computer, is incapable of understanding many things that are
beyond its normal understanding. One of these things is eternity.
Human minds are used to the beginning and the ending of things.
The cemetery contains gravestones that give birthdates and death-
dates. God is eternal. This is difficult for human reason to accept.
The Bible makes this statement that must be accepted by faith that
before the world was created, God already existed. When this
world ends God will continue to exist. The many thousands of
years that the world and its population exists will be but a short
time in God's measurement of eternity. God does not look upon
time, days, weeks, years, decades, centuries or millenia as we do.
Although our finite minds cannot grasp the reality of eternity,
nevertheless we may enjoy eternity if we have properly exercised
faith in our belief and living. We can look forward to those
mansions that make up God's House. There, where time will not
limit our enjoyment, we will have access to a city beyond anything
known on this earth for beauty, size or endurance.
Knowing that out of nothing, God could by speaking bring forth
this world and all that is in it, we should be willing to worship Him.
It is far easier to believe that God could create the world and man
than to accept the various theories of evolution that are plausible
only if guesses, chances, great time spans and other impossibilities
THE BIBLE MONITOR MARCH 1, 1987
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Printing, Inc., 4017 Co. Rd. 11,
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 Street, 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
are accepted. There is not one, fully agreed upon theory of
evolution, but many. The Biblical record remains the same since
God moved the writer of Genesis to pen these words.
It should be a comfort to each human to know that he is a created
being not the product of chance. God in His orderly manner
created each part of His creation. The last of this wonderful
miracle was the creation of man.
The creation of man was special. God had made the earth and
the environment, the scenery and the animals. Though living it was
dead Spiritually. Each was made according to God's plan but none
could fellowship with God. So, He made man who, because he had
a soul and God-breathed life, could have fellowship with God. The
potential that this represented was tremendous and even though
this fellowship was broken by Adam and Eve's sin, the difference
between man and beast and flora and fauna and the rest of the
creation is important.
The evolutionist sees man as a product of chance changes until
he took the current form. Therefore, as the evolutionary product of
lower animal life, man is but an animal himself. When people view
themselves as but animals they live like animals. Far better for
humans to understand they are God's creation and realize that they
are not animals but are Spiritual beings capable of having fellow-
ship with God Himself.
People live at the level that they perceive themselves to be at. If
they are constantly told that they are but animals they will live like
animals. They will appear in undress, will not work but what forced
to like a horse or mule, will exhibit no self discipline over their
sensual desires unless forced by someone stronger. On the other
hand, if man realizes he is the creation of God he will control his
natural passions and use his body and Spirit to serve his Creator.
He will serve also his fellow being realizing the sacredness of life,
as God given.
Many implications for our living come from our view of our
origin. Either we live and behave like an animal or we live as God's
created beings. Living as an animal cannot being satisfaction to
our own deeper longings nor to the God who desires that His
creation should please Him. Only by realizing His purpose in our
creation will bring as the fulfillment of our deepest needs.
The rest of God's creation pleases Him but the highest and best
has so often failed to please Him. Even Adam and Eve, who knew
daily communion with God, failed to please Him when they sinned
by eating the forbidden fruit.
God has provided a way that men could again please Him.
Through the gift of His own Son He has made the way that men
BIBLE MONITOR
could please Him and fellowship with Him.
When we go back as far as we can — we find God is there. This
same God still wants us to please Him and if we do, He has given us
the promise of a Heavenly Home. In the beginning, God.... In the
end, God.
THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD FIRST!
This is the central and first commandment of the Bible. On this
commandment and love for your brother, hang the whole Word of
God.
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God
with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy
mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the
second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as
thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law
and the prophets." Matt. 22:37-40.
You do not know God as Saviour if you don't know Him as Lord,
or ruler of your life! Love means to put the loved one first.
Isaiah wrote to a group of people in the first chapter of his book
who didn't put God first. Oh, they did all the right things.
"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto
me? saith the Lord: I am full of the burnt offerings of
rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the
blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye
come to appear before me, who hath required this at
your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain
oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new
moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I can not
away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your
new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth:
they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them."
Isaiah 1:11-14.
They offered their sacrifices of every kind, they came to the
temple, they offered their incense, they kept their sabbaths and
feasts, but God said, "away with them, I can't stand them." Were
these things wrong? No, never. Then what was the problem? They
were following a form of godliness but didn't love God nor their
neighbor.
"Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your
doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to
do well; seek judgement, relieve the oppressed, judge
the fatherless, plead for the widow." Isaiah 1:16-17.
BIBLE MONITOR
Now, let's get this down to us today. They sacrificed, we
sacrifice. We are willing to face a ridiculing world with sacrificial
piety. We do our duty and go to church once a week, as they went
to the temple. They burned incense to God, and we are told in Rev.
8:3 that our prayers are incense before God. They kept their
sabbaths and feasts, we keep the ordinances of the church of Jesus
Christ.
But where is your heart? Do you lust after every scantly dressed
woman you see? do you lust after money and riches? do you seek
an easy life at any cost? are you perfectly honest at all times? do
you take pleasure in reading your Bible? or is it a chore? do you
pray daily and seek God's will in your life? Do you have vengence
in your heart against your fellow man who has wronged you? Do
you demand your rights and your due? does your heart yearn to
see the lost saved? Do hot tears swell up in your eyes for that
neighbor or relative who doesn't know God as their Lord and
Saviour? do you support the missionary who is in the front lines of
life battling for souls' eternal destiny? In short, is your heart in tune
with the heart and will of God? Or are you doing your own thing, in
control of your own life?
What is the answer?
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord:
though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as
snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as
wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good
of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be
devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath
spoken it." Isaiah 1:18-20.
The choice is yours. It is only one of two ways. Either willing and
obedient to God, for God to lead you at any cost or to refuse and
rebel; that is to do it your own way. Remember Israel! They were
religious. They were pious. They kept the letter of the law but their
hearts were not seeking the heart of God.
"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
and with ail thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all
thy strength: this is the first commmandment." Mark
12:30.
Christ tells us here that our whole person must be involved. First,
our heart. This is our spirit, who we really are. That is changed
when we believe in Jesus as our Saviour and Lord. Second, mind
and soul, that's our thought life. We must allow our born again
spirits to bring our thought life into submission to God.
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that
exalted itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing
BIBLE MONITOR
into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
II Corinthians 10:5.
And third, our bodies or strength. When our spirit and mind are in
submission, then our bodies will submit much easier. We, like the
Israelites often get it backwards and try to reform the body when
what we need is converted spirits! Notice again Isaiah 1:20.
"But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the
sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."
If we refuse, there is only judgement waiting here and in eternity,
but if we accept, we will receive benefits here and in eternity.
"If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the
land." Isaiah 1:19.
You can through Christ!
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth
me." Philippians 4:13.
Brother Paul H. Mellott
R. 5 Box 163 B
Oakland, MD 21550
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Real answers to a real problem... Divorce
There is no question that one of the most tragic problems
plaguing the world... and the church... today is divorce and
remarriage. We are alarmed that the divorce rate has reached half
of all marriages... millions of homes shattered annually by Satan's
chaos.
God instituted marriage to join man and woman in a permanent
bond. He never intended for this bond to be broken. A husband
and wife become "one flesh" and are not to be put asunder by man.
(Matt. 19:4-6) As we assimilate the teaching from Matthew, we
learn that there are several ingredients to this holy institution. As
we learn that there is a "leaving" of parents, we see the establish-
ment of a new home and a total new relationship. The in-
corporation of two lives into one means that the new husband is
now the head of the household and the parents of both couples
must realize this and allow the Biblical command for inde-
pendence, as is taught by Christ, to be exercised.
Not only is there separation from parents but there is also a
"cleaving" to each other. This comes from the Greek word, "to
glue." This verifies the permanence of marriage and gives reason
for staying together.
BIBLE MONITOR
To become "one flesh" also gives rise to the idea of a total
involvement of personalities, emotions and spirits of the man and
woman. It is a beautiful entwining of lives in more than just a
physical way. God looks at this instruction and sees only one...
whom He joined together. To put the marriage "asunder" is like the
trauma of severing a part of our physical body. There is pain and
incompleteness.
Divorce has always been condemned by God. In the Old
Testament, it became necessary for Moses to institute laws
governing divorce and he gave the opportunity for divorce as a
protection for the wife. Even as people misinterpret the law today,
so the Pharisees tried to entrap Jesus in an explanation of it in
Matthew 19.
Remember, marriage is a promise to God as well as it is to your
partner. You have no right to break a promise to God or to each
other. If men were to actually love their wives as Christ does the
Church and wives respect their husbands as they would the Lord,
marriage problems would cease and Christ-like love and concern
would reign. As Jesus communicated to the Pharisees, he always
ignored what they said about Moses and the Law relative to divorce
and He would take them back to the beginning where God made no
provision for this situation in His divine plan for marriage.
Malachi, the Prophet, said that God "hateth putting away." He
did not relate a hate for those who were divorced and neither can
we. But neither can we let social standards dictate our stand on
this matter.
In Mark 10:11-12, we read of both the woman and man com-
mitting adultery. Also Luke 16:18 and I Cor. 7:39. These scriptures
teach strongly against divorce. The Matthew 19:9 scripture has
consistently been used incorrectly to show the Lord's acceptance
in cases where one partner has been unfaithful. But this passage
must be accepted In context to the other scriptures and understood
relative to the other clearer teachings on the subject. If we look at
Christ's audience when he made the Matthew statement we under-
stand that He was communicating to the "Jewish mind" and a
special audience. The betrothal in the Jewish culture was made by
the parents. Ultimately when the marriage took place, the contract
was signed and the dowery was exchanged. Even under the
betrothal, Jewish law considered them married, even though both
would return to their respective homes to be with their parents. A
couple spent about a year in actual preparation for the public
wedding.
During the time of the betrothal there could be no intimate
contact by the couple even though by law they were married. This
BIBLE MONITOR
is the reason we find Jews being specific about adultery... the sin
committed by a person whose marriage has been consummated...
or fornication... on the part of the betrothed. Punishment for
intimate contact during the betrothal period was the "putting away"
or divorcing of the offender. The penalty for adultery, on the other
hand, was death by stoning. It would be clear, then, that the
Matthew 19:9 scripture was talking about the betrothal period. He
definitely was not giving permission for divorce and remarriage on
the grounds of unfaithfulness. Remarriage is clearly defined as
adultery.
The Bible teaching always shows adultery as sensual sin
committed by married people and fornication as being committed
by single or "engaged" people. The divorce or putting away could
only take place during the betrothal period... before consummation
of the marriage. The story of Joseph and Mary would illustrate our
conclusion well. Joseph could "put Mary away" or divorce her
because she would have been considered to have committed
fornication. This could have happened outside of an under-
standing of the actual miracle of the Holy Spirit which occurred
here. The Jews understood this practice and the book of Matthew
was written especially to them. THERE IS NO EXCEPTION
CLAUSE FOUND IN THE BIBLE. Divorce is not condoned and
remarriage of divorced people compounds the sin and further
complicates it.
We must understand these teachings and where divorce has
occurred, we must also lovingly share our lives with those who
have experienced its trauma and teach them that remarriage is
impossible under God's law... unless one of the partners is no
longer living. We must strongly uphold this standard and cannot
waver or give in to current trends and false teachings in modern
churches. Careful and loving partner selection must be clearly
taught and understood by the single membership. And under-
stand, this is not a preference or conviction of the church body, but
it is an ABSOLUTE command of God. There can be NO
REMARRIAGE outside of God's clear teaching on the subject. I lay
no options before you. We must put God's teachings above our
desires and sacrifice all for Him. Lay it on the Altar... and there you
will find the REAL answer to this problem.
Brother Len Wertz
•••••••
Don't saw off the branch you are sitting on.
BIBLE MONITOR
SALVATION IS:
Salvation is what we do for Christ? No! Salvation is what Jesus
has already done and will now do for us. Salvation is deliverance
—from evil, from the power and penalty of sin. It is deliverance
from one condition, that of being dead in sin, and made alive in
another. Salvation means a new life in Christ, not just a reformation
of the old life. Salvation is to be saved or redeemed from sin,
something which only Jesus can do.
' In the Old Testament, trust in God and obedience to the law were
jl requirements. Repentance, along with certain sacrifices, was also
commanded. It was a rather complicated process, with periodic
' repetitions of the rituals. They were looking forward to the coming
of Christ while living by the Law. Now, as then, trust in God is of
utmost importance. Obedience follows our step of faith. Rather
than offering sacrifices, we are living sacrifices. "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.
Salvation is deliverance from sin and its power, both in this life
and in Eternity. Sin brought with it a host of heartaches and
problems, and the only solution is salvation. There is a song with
the words "Jesus is right for whatever's wrong in your life." We
need to believe this before we can experience deliverance. Sal-
vation and all its blessings are available to all, but it is received only
by faith. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God." Eph. 2:8.
"Not of works, lest any man should boast." Eph. 2:9. Salvation is
totally undeserved and there's nothing we can do to earn it. It is
available to us because of God's love and mercy. "For God so
* loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoso-
I ever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16. Faith in Christ comes first, then the good works are to
| follow, but we cannot earn salvation.
When we are converted, we turn from sin unto faith in Christ. Old
ways, old habits, old attitudes won't fit in this new life, so we must
be regenerated. This means our sinful nature must change. "There-
fore 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. This
verse tells us that we WILL change if we're in Christ. If we haven't
changed, we haven't been born again.
Our justification comes to us through faith in Christ. Through
faith, we receive forgiveness and are restored to favor with God.
We are given Christ's righteousness and we are adopted. This
10 BIBLE MONITOR
means we now belong in God's family, and are subject to His
control. Naturally speaking, we live by the rules of the family which
we are a part of and this same principle applies spiritually. When
we are in God's family, we live by His rules.
To sancitify anything is to declare that it belongs to God. For us,
this means we are separated from the world and consecrated unto
God. Sanctification begins when we become a Christian and is
completed when we see Christ. In other words, we belong to God
from start to finish in the Christian walk. Regardless of the past
sins, when we come to Christ, all is made new and the sinful past is
left behind.
Conversion, adoption, justification, regeneration, sanctification
— all come under the heading of salvation. All point to a changed
heart, a changed mind, a changed life. "Likewise reckon ye also
yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus
Christ our Lord." Rom. 6:11. Salvation is all that Christ has done
for us. Have you been delivered? Are you now alive in Him?
Sister Eileen Broadwater
THE ORDINANCE OF FEET WASHING
John 13:3-17
The ordinance of feet washing is a sacred rite established by
Jesus, Himself for His Church. Jesus knew He would soon leave
the disciples and He wanted to establish these Church ordinances
which would be helpful in their spiritual life and develop a right
feeling toward each other.
A full evening meal was prepared. As Jesus and His disciples
gathered around the table, Jesus arise, laid aside His outer coat,
girded Himself with a towel and poured water into a basin. He then
washed and wiped the disciples feet.
When Jesus came to Peter, Peter said, "Thou shalt never wash
my feet!" He felt that he was too unworthy for his master to stoop
down and wash his feet.
Jesus answered, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me."
Then Peter was sorry and was willing to have his feet washed.
After Jesus had washed and wiped ail their feet, He sat down
again and said, "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 ye should do as I have done to you." I John
13:14-15.
He also said, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do
them." I John 13:17.
BIBLE MONITOR 11
As water baptism symbolizes an inward cleansing, so feet-
washing symbolizes the continuance of that cleansing. During the
feet washing service, our minds should be directed to the need of
cleansing from sin. We should feel the desire to obtain the spirit of
humble and loving service.
Feet washing brings spiritual blessing, for in keeping this
ordinance, we show our love to Christ.
Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." "And
happy are ye if ye do them."
All those who desire a part in Christ's Kingdom, will be partakers
of this cleansing service that we may be clean before Him and show
our obedience to His perfect example.
Sister Maxine Surbey
AUTHORITY BY SUBMISSION
I Corinthians 11:10 "For this cause ought the woman to have
power on her head because of the angels."
Titus 2:15 "These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all
authority. Let no man despise thee."
James 4:7 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil,
and he will flee from you."
If a group of individuals were asked to define the words
"authority" and "submission," the great majority would no doubt
classify them as opposites. This type of thinking would, of course,
be correct depending on how you use the words. With this in mind
we would like to think about what authority and submission mean
within the context of the Church. But first of all let us think for a
few moments about what these words mean in a secular setting.
When we think of authority probably the first thing to come to
mind is civil government. Essentially we have two types of
government, with variations of each form. One form of government
is totalitarianism and the other is democractic or republic forms of
government. In the former the government heads have complete
control of the population. In the latter the constituents have
control over the leadership. The greatest difference between the
two is that in totalitarianism type of government the people are in
complete submission to the leadership while in a democractic or
republican type of government the leadership must be in sub-
mission to those they serve in order to remain in office. While
many refer to our type of government as a democracy (which is
government directly by the people) there are in actuality very few, if
any, true democracies in existence. Most free governments are in
12 BIBLE MONITOR
reality republic (government by the people through elected leader-
ship) in form.
When we come to "Church government" we enter a whole new
type of thinking. In a sense the Church is a democracy. Everyone
within the true Church has the right to decide who they desire for
leadership and what rules should apply to the group. In another
sense the Church is a republic. God has ordained that we set men
in positions of authority over congregations. While these men are
to rule they are also to be open to the decisions of the laity. But the
Church is also totalitarian in government. This is because the
Church is a theocracy. This means that God is the head and what
He says is the final rule. Now let us look into the "rulebook."
At first glance our first verse may not seem to have anything at all
to do with our subject. But in the Greek the word for "power"
(exousia) can also be translated "authority." Paul has already
informed us that a woman does not have authority over the man in
this chapter. In another of his writings he informs us that a woman
does not have the authority to preach. In verse four of this chapter
he informs us that wearing the prayer veil gives her the authority to
pray and prophesy. Whatever "prophesy" refers to, it can not refer
to preaching in public or Paul would be guilty of contradicting
himself. This authority she possesses is given because she is
willing to submit to the ordained leadership of man and the one
who ordained it, God. This principle is the foundation for true
Church government, as we shall see.
Our second study verse is the last verse of Titus 2. Verse one of
this chapter informs us what is being spoken about. "But speak
thou the things which become sound doctrine." We will not go into
detail on the things that Paul sees as "sound doctrine" but urge you
to read it for yourself. In Ephesians 5 we have very similar
instruction given. In verse 21 we find these words. "Submitting
yourselves one to another in the fear of God." We believe here we
find God instructing us to be bold in our leadership yet to be
submissive to one another. This can only be accomplished when
we recognize the true head, Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. In free
countries, such as America, the ruling document is our Consti-
tution. Both the leadership and the general population is to be
ruled by this decree. In the Church the Holy Bible is to be our final
word for faith and practice, especially the New Testament. There is
an important- difference between the Constitution and the Holy
Bible. If a law within a country becomes unacceptable with the
majority it can be amended and therefore becomes null and void.
Unfortunately, many within the earthly church would like to do the
same with Holy Scripture. But this is not the "submitting your-
BIBLE MONITOR 13
selves one to another" that Paul is referring to. Hather it is "in the
fear of God." The earthly church, to a large degree, has lost its fear
of God. It has replaced it with a syrupy type of "love" of God. This
brings us to our last study verse.
As we look at this last verse we should remind ourselves that in
John 5:26-30 we find that even Jesus Christ, God the Son, willingly
submitted Himself to God the Father. Earlier in this chapter we find
the authority that God the Father gave God the Son. If we desire
authority we must submit ourselves to God. This verse also tells us
who we have authority over, the devil or Satan. We believe the
reason Satan has so much power in and over the earthly church is
because we refuse to submit ourselves to God and His Word. All
too often we desire to rule over one another and use our selfish
desires to try to control the thoughts of others. The "big ME" has
all too often replaced the scriptural "WE." Today this has caused
the majority to be submissive to the ways of the world in place of
God. But this too is foretold in scripture.
To enjoy authority we must first of all submit ourselves to the
saving grace of God through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Then
we must submit ourselves to the leading of the Holy Spirit through
the reading of the Holy Word (The Bible). Last of all we must
submit ourselves one to another in the fear of God. This will bring
true authority over the devil and bring true authority into the
Church.
James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078
SIXTY YEARS AGO
March 1, 1927
THE POWER OF THE CHURCH
B. E. Kesler
Every institution that has a right to existence has certain inalien-
able rights for the regulation of its own government and the
management of its own internal affairs.
The Church as one such institution has such right and no one
but disloyal members denies her this right.
Government in the church, as in other institutions, is the enforce-
ment of certain rules and regulations for the peace and unity of its
membership and for oneness in its practice of the ordinances and
institutions of the body. Without this, "every one becomes a law
unto himself," and confusion and discord is the result.
14 BIBLE MONITOR
The best government is self government, and when this is
properly exercised little external government is needed, but in the
church as in other institutions, there are always some disloyal,
disorderly ones, and even some incorrigibles who must be held
under restraint by the enforcement of external discipline.
"Let a man examine himself" is the law, and when this is done
with a view of keeping in line with the principles and usages of the
church all is well, and harmony prevails. "If we would judge
ourselves we should not be judged." When this is done in the light
of the truth and a desire to be loyal and true to the church, little
need exists for rules and methods of discipline. But, in many
instances, when the guilty alone sits in judgment in his own case,
conviction does not follow for, "the ways of a man," in many
instances, "are right in his own eyes."
The modern plea for internal discipline, or self examination
alone, to the exclusion of Bible discipline by the church as a body
empowered to regulate the life and conduct of its membership, has
broken down all submission to the rightful rule and authority of the
church to enforce discipline upon the unruly and disobedience,
confusion, discord, and division that now exists, in the evidence of
it.
The final resort in case of offenders is "tell it to the church." Why
tell the church? So the offender may be brought into submission
or to make his wrongs right, and if he will not do this, "let him be
unto thee as the heathen man and the Publican," which the last
resort by the church, not only by the offended one as an individual,
but by the church as a body. So we are told to "withdraw from
every brother that walketh disorderly", and this must be done by
the church as a body and not only by the individual. Hence Bible
discipline, enforced through church government.
The "Teach them to observe all things" (Matt. 28:20) applies as
much to the general life and conduct as to the prominent ordi-
nances of the church. Teaching is all right and to the docile, is
all-sufficient, but for the lawless and disobedient more drastic
measures are sometimes necessary.
The loyal citizen is not fined, imprisoned and punished. It is the
disloyal incorrigibles that have to be subject to restraint. So in thee
church laws are not for the loyal and faithful but for the lawless and
the disobedient and the presumptuous who "despise government."
The unfortunate thing in the case is the failure to enforce Bible
discipline impartially. This condition is true to an alarming extent
under civil government. The common citizen is quite often
punished for crimes which certain others commit with impunity.
In the church trivial matters are sometimes made or subjected to
BIBLE MONITOR 15
an action of the council while gross crime go unpunished. It is so
hard to attain to that standard that we "know no man after the
flesh."
The best regulated families we have are those where family rules
and regulations are observed even if they have to be enforced.
Parents have learned to teach and "train up a child in the way it
should go" is fine, but in spite of this there are some incorrigibles
that must be subjected to restraint and that to "spare the rod" often
means to "spoil the child", and even the Father has learned that he
must "chastize" and "scourge" his children sometimes.
Need we then expect less of the church?
Has the State and the family a right to enforce discipline? Why
should not the church have the same authority? It is not supposed
the church should be a tyrant in this matter, any more than the
state or the family should be such, but as in these, in matters of
privilege and propriety, the authority of the church over the
individual is supreme, and peace and order and harmony prevail
without the exercise of this authority.
NEWS ITEMS
NOTICE TO ALL DISTRICT WRITING CLERKS
All material for printing in "Business for General Conference"
must be in my hand by April 15.
Brother William Carpenter
Writing Clerk for General Conference
DALLAS CENTER, IOWA
The Lord willing, the Dallas Center Congregation is planning to
have their Spring Lovefeast April 4 and 5. We invite each one to
come and worship with us. Services begin at 10:45 Saturday
morning with the Lovefeast Service that evening. Services are
planned for all day Sunday. Pray for us.
Sister Becky Funk, Cor.
THANK YOU
God bless all of you for the many cards and letters received by
my Mother, Sister Mary (W.S.) Reed for her 90th birthday. She
enjoyed reading all of them. Thank you very much.
Sister Fae Kasza
16
BIBLE MONITOR
DIRECTORY OF ROARDS
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
Jacob C. Ness, Chairman
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403
Hayes Reed, Secretary
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Herman Jamison, Treasurer
Quinter, KS 67752
Frank Shaffer
13092 Grant Shook Rd.
Greencastle, PA 17225
Harley Rush
R, 1, Converse, IN 46919
Robert Carpenter
R. 5 Box 97
Peru, IN 46970
Joseph E. Flora
R. 3 Box 12
Adel, I A 50003
Galen Litfin
1314 East 7th St.
Newberg, OR 97132
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
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
21397-B50
Bryan, Ohio 43506
Fred Pifer, Treasurer
R. 3 Box 184
Adel, IA 50003
Rudolph Cover
2034 Roble Avenue
Modesto, CA 95354
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340
RELIEF BOARD
Boyd Wyatt, Chairman
12124 Washington Rd.
Waterford, CA 95386
(209) 874-3519
Newton Jamison, Secretary
512 Garfield
Quinter, Kansas 67752
(913) 754-3433
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender St.
Morenci, Ml 49256
(517)458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, PA 17340
(717)359-5753
Martin Meyers
R. 3 Box 250
Adel, Iowa 50003
(515)993-3028
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
David Skiles, Superintendent
R. 2 Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Harley Flory, Secretary
27505 Flory Rd. R. 4
Defiance, Ohio 43512
Marlin Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, Kansas 67752
James Meyers
R. 1 Box 109
Dallas Center, IA 50063
Larry Andrews
312 East Coleman
Raymore, Missouri 64083
All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury, but
sent to the Secretary for his records.
j au 1 Stump
34C N. Diamond Mill
Union, OH 4!
> J is* *-vJ
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXV MARCH 15, 1987 NO. 6
"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 HIDING PLACE
Jesus is our hiding place
In a land of turmoil,
He will shelter us from storms...
Provide our "Lamps with oil."
If we snuggle close to Him
When winds are raging wild -
He will keep us safe from sin
When we become His "child."
Peace He gives unto our soul -
A peace we can't explain...
When the storm has spent itself
The sun will shine again.
While we're living here on earth
On Him we will rely,
He'll guide us through the strait gate
To mansions in the sky.
- Sister Irene Stout
R. 1 Box 160, Wabash, IN
BIBLE MONITOR
REAPING THE WHIRLWIND
Hurricanes and tornadoes are very destructive. When these
whirlwinds go through a community there will be left in their wake
destroyed homes and other buildings, uprooted trees and other
displaced landscape and lost lives. No wonder there is serious
attention paid to warnings given out when these storms are
approaching. People are quick to find shelter to protect them-
selves as much as possible.
As destructive and dangerous as these storms are there is
another whirlwind that has even greater consequences. Jesus
warned, "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to
kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul
and body in hell." Matt. 10:28. A tornado or hurricane may take
away a person's life but it does not determine that soul's destiny.
There is a greater consequence than the body's demise to con-
sider. That is the eternal destiny of the soul.
The Prophet Hosea spoke of the coming of such a whirlwind.
"For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind."
Hosea 8:7a. The Prophet was speaking in particular about the
northern ten tribes, Israel. They had quit serving God and were
now serving idols. They had fallen to the worship of a molten calf
much like what their ancestors had seen in Egypt and had wor-
shipped at Mt. Sinai. Because of this idolatry they would be sent
back into bondage, like it was in Egypt. Israel would soon be
conquered and crushed by Assyria. Their false gods would not be
able to help them no matter how much they might sacrifice to them.
They had left the only God who could have rescued them. They
THE BIBLE MONITOR MARCH 15,1987
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
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Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance.
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17362
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17403
RUDY COVER, Associate Editor; 2034 Roble Ave., Modesto, CA 95351
BIBLE MONITOR
would be reaping the whirlwind.
A wind is a small thing but a whirlwind is great, powertul and
destructive. Sowing the wind is no great thing. It does not take
much effort, but it can bring forth a great destruction. Wind is light
and supposedly of little consequences, but it can soon bring
something larger. Sowing a little wind instead of following the
Holy Spirit brings great consequences. The wind pictures the light
and vain activities of the world. The human heart and mind is
attracted by its cooling breezes and balmy promises. The sowing
of the wind pictures the sowing of sin. It is so easy ana so natural
that little thought is given to it, just like a breeze that precedes a
destructive windstorm. The whirlwind that comes afterward is but
the natural outcome of the wind that is sown, ever so carelessly and
thoughtlessly.
God has established a law concerning sowing and reaping That
law applies naturally and Spiritually. Gal. 6:7, "Be not deceived;
God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also
reap." In the natural when wheat is planted; it is wheat that will be
grown. Corn will produce corn; oats, oats and so on. God has
ordained, since the Creation, that like produces like. One species
does not become another species. What is sown will determine the
harvest!
This same law works in the Spiritual realm also. "For he that
soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption: but he that
soweth to the spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Gal 6-8
If man sows the carnal, lustful and worldly, he will reap the
corruption that is the result. Corruption is the natural end of the
flesh. It decays and dies. Where corruption is, there is no eternal
ife. The deeds that seem so pleasureable and even innocent may
lead to eternal separation from God. Satan lures men into these
deeds by promises of fun, fortune and fame. He never reveals what
the real end of these deeds will be.
The deeds done while sowing to the Spirit will bring everlasting
life. These deeds may not seem so great at the time but they will be
according to God's will. Finding favor with God will bring
blessings in this life, as well as the enjoyable harvest later on
Sowing to the Spirit may involve doing things contrary to worldly
wisdom, but will prove to be the wisest things we could do.
The destruction of our physical lives is of less importance than
the preserving of the soul. To preserve the soul we must sow the
right kind of life. We cannot fool God. He knows what we are
doing. Although we may be able to hide what we're doing from our
friends, relatives and neighbors we cannot hide it from God. He
sees all. He knows all. The minister and the congregation may not
know but God does. He is the One who will judge in the end so it is
BIBLE MONITOR
important that we meet His standard. The whirlwind speaks of His
judgment so if we are sowing the wind we will have to face that
whirlwind. It is better that we sow to the Spirit so we can have life
everlasting.
What are you sowing? What will your harvest be?
OUR CHOICES BECOME BLESSINGS OR CURSES
"Behold I set before you this day a blessing and a curse." Deut.
11:26. This was Yahweh speaking through His servant Moses to
His people. If we are His people it is still an admonition to us, and
also a warning. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday (Old Testament),
and today (New Testament), and for ever." Heb. 13:8. I am
Yahweh, I change not.
Obedience means doing God's works, keeping His command-
ments and receiving His blessings, or disobeying and serving the
carnal man, or Satan, and receiving Satan's curse. John 14:23;
15:10.
Let us notice a few examples: Satan enticed Adam very much as
he entices both young and old today. He causes us to think this is
not very bad and it would be so enjoyable. Adam believed Satan's
lie and chose to do that which God had said, 'Thou shaft not",
traded his luxurious life in the beautiful garden for a life of hardship
and DEATH which the human race still suffers from and always will
as long as time lasts. So when we choose to do wrong, we will also
cause our family and others to suffer because of our choices.
Cain through jealousy chose to kill his own brother Abel, was
cursed with a lifelong mark, went out from the presence of the Lord
and became a vagabond in the earth.
Esau chose to trade his birthright for a mess of red pottage to
satisfy his carnal appetite and lost his soul, though he sought it
carefully with tears. Heb. 12:16-17.
There are many examples in the Bible of many people who made
wrong choices, wrecked their earthly lives, often other people's
also, by choosing to follow carnal lusts and believe Satan's lies.
But some were wise, how they gave us inspiration, when we read
the account of the victorious lives they lived and the blessings they
received. For instance the young man Joseph, a victim of circum-
stances stood severe tests, torn from his home by jealous brothers,
lived the overcoming life in a strange land, was in the end mightily
blessed and became the second ruler in Egypt.
Daniel a captive young man in the barbarous nation of Babylon
stood with his God through many trials including the lions den, was
victorious through wise choices and became the second ruler of
Babylon — not just a kingdom but the world power and kingdom of
his day.
BIBLE MONITOR
Dare to be a Daniel,
Dare to stand alone,
Dare to have a purpose true,
Dare to make it known.
Job, a wealthy king stood for God, lost his family friends
possessions and wealth, everything but his faith in God but in the
before a hi^loss ily ^^ ° f G ° d W ' th tW ° timeS 3S mUCh as he ha <*
Noah obeyed God, spent one hundred and twenty years buildinq
an ark to take his family safely through a world flood though here
had never been ram upon the earth before, and sang praises while
he rain poured down and the great depths were broken up. The
wicked world perished in the flood because they made the choice
of the curse instead of obeying God's warnings through his servant
Noah s preaching. Hebrews 1 1 gives us many examples
The choices you and I have made or will make will also determine
ri ;S' ny '",? i*? 6r blessin 9 s or cur sings just as much s as n
days of these Bible characters. Many are selling their souls to a ife
o rZ'l 3 n d 8to TS damnation for t^ngs of less value than a mess
!™ d ?°} 9Q - [' fe IS uncertain - de ath is sure, and whether we
cross Jordan early or late then time is no longer and eternity has
begun. Our choices here will determine our state while the
m.llemums rail either with Lazarus in glory or the rich man in
torments Luke 16. Their destiny was not determined because one
was poor the other rich, but because of their choices to serve G^d
or not during their lives. Many are called but few are chosen
C S P , e ° ple h re A eCt G ,° d - My prayer is that manv wi " strive to be
as Noah, Joseph, Daniel and Job who have made wise choices
I would like to let a word of encouragement to young here The
wise man, Solomon, said "Remember now thy creator in the days
of thy youth, while the evil days come not..." If you never take the
first drink of alcoholic beverages you will never be a dmnJard il
you never smoke the first cigarette you will never suffer from
nicotine Many other things should never be indulged in such ae
ly.ng, taking that which is not yours, taking drugs, never indulging
in immoral acts, watching television that diverts the mind om God
to sin and so forth. Many are the pitfalls. The choice of a
SEnnn ^ * ' ^^ W " »"**"" ^ °" earth V
pending on our own choice to live for God, and the person we
har? to oJi? Wlth f " iS 6aSy t0 96t inV0lved in sin thatls'extremely
hard to get loose from once we become its servant. The youna
l?, e ?, C v ^ a Straignt path ' but once the way of life has
i" dXultt o e k r e a d se t,S d ' ffiCUlt t0 Str3ighten 3nd & ma - d y reputation
Godly parents who train their children after God's Word are
BIBLE MONITOR
invaluable to their families and other people about them. We as
parents and grandparents should ask ourselves some serious
questions, first about our children's lives.
"If any man love the world the love of the father is not in him."
I John 2:15. We cannot serve both God and mammon.
The choice is ours, our eternal future hangs on our choices.
Today is the day of salvation, tomorrow may be too late. The
things we prize and seek after in this world today may become
ashes to us tomorrow. May God bless you abundantly.
Sister Ruth M. Snyder
R.D. 2 Box 129
Oakland, MD 21550
I WANTED IT THAT WAY
"It made alot of extra work, but, I wanted it that way." "Some
people didn't like it, but I wanted it that way." Sometimes we set
our hearts on having things a certain way — a house, a job, an
activity — and we're not satisfied until it is exactly that way. We
tend to ignore the distress we cause others, the hardships we
impose on family and friends while fulfilling our own wishes. "I
wanted it that way" expresses self-satisfaction, often at the
expense of someone else.
"I wanted it that way" sounds like nothing else matters, that no
one else's wishes are important. The fact is that what we person-
ally want isn't what counts, but what God wants for us. That should
come first. The needs of others must be considered also, as our
own rights stop where someone else's begins. Jesus expects us to
be givers, not takers, and "I want it that way" cannot be the theme
of our lives.
"I wanted it that way" signifies self-indulgence, but Jesus taught
self-denial. "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will
come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and
follow me." Matt. 16:24. Following Jesus requires something of us.
It can't be a passive, care-free relationship, with Nile or no thought
about the welfare of those around us. We must set aside our own
will and desires so we can do Christ's will.
All of us have heard a little child say, "But I WANT that!" Children
become very unhappy at times when required to share, or to stop
playing with a fragile item, and so forth. Parents know that which
their children want isn't always what is best for them. Neither is it
good for adults to always have what they want. Yet some are just
like a child, wanting their own way and becoming very unhappy
when they don't get it.
Jesus expects us to be mature, to share, to be considerate and
kind. He expects us to follow Him in faith and to serve one another
BIBLE MONITOR
in love. Failure to do so indicates we've not yet grown up spirit-
ually. "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a
child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man I put away
childish things." I Cor. 13:11. If you are still wanting your own way,
it's time to leave your childish ways behind and go on to become an
adult. This is what Jesus wants for you.
Sometimes when we say "I want it that way", God allows us to
have exactly what we want. But, as with the prodigal son (see Luke
15), it's not to our advantage. He wanted his own way, but after he
got it, he regretted it very much. He started out in luxury but ended
up with nothing. In due time, this young man did wake up and
acknowledge his wrong. He decided that his father knew best, and
home was where he went. Our Heavenly Father knows best also,
and the sooner we realize it, the better.
When we say, "I want it that way", we should mean that we want it
Christ's way. There should be a determination in our hearts to do
what He wants done. Jesus prayed "Not my will, but Thine be
done" at the most difficult time in His life. He was facing the Cross
and all the intense suffering which went with it. Jesus did that for
us. Can we not then yield to His will, as He did to the Father?
Sometimes we must set aside our desires in order to care for
someone else. The good Samaritan cared for the seriously
wounded man, entirely at his own expense. Whatever plans he had
were set aside until this robbery victim's needs were taken care of.
Read Luke 10:25-37. The Samaritan had a heart of compassion,
and he did all he could to help the injured man. No one had to
remind him to act. No one had to say, 'This is your responsibility."
His actions came from his heart.
Jesus wants us to serve Him with a willing heart. What He wants
should be what we want. This means we'll be considerate of those
around us. When a need arises, we will respond in love, not with a
grudging heart. We will be submissive to Jesus in our everyday
lives and will find joy in so doing, because we know He knows best.
Is it this way in your heart, or are you still saying, "I want it my
way"?
Sister Eileen Broadwater
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
"Watching the Signs"
We are living in a time when the churches of the world are going
through tremendous transition. In the conservative church of the
80's, we need to constantly be measuring what we are doing in the
church with the yardstick of truth, God's Word. I believe we fre-
quently address the perversion of the world and her church but are
BIBLE MONITOR
we watching the signs for apostacy in the true church. Make no
mistake. Satan is working prolifically to make inroads into all
aspects of our faith. We speak easily about the darker pages of
church history and possibly we tend to live in the fruit of the
victories of our fathers. But what do we watch for as CAUTION
signs for both theology and practical church administration?
1. The first danger sign is when the church becomes bent on
quantity at the expense of quality in her membership. We see the
"numbers racket" being played frequently today. Of course we
would appreciate having millions of people in the body but to
sacrifice Biblical principle just to get one member would be an
affront to God.
2. Secondly, a danger sign to watch is a church that is no longer
standing for separation. This has become a gray area for once
fundamental groups of believers. Separation can not be a gray
area to the true church as God requires it of His followers. II Cor.
6:17 teaches us to, "Come out from among them, and be ye
separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will
receive you." It is a sad statement when parents believe this
applies to themselves but when it comes to worldly achievements
for their children, they support them in these activities.
3. Another danger sign is a church that practices discrimination.
This applies to race and in the broader context of the word it
applies to being respectors of persons within the body. You might
feel a person is spiritually inferior if they do not dress exactly as
you do or even if they do not use your choice of pharsiology in
public prayer. Apply caution here.
4. A danger sign of our day is to see the church so carried away
with a false definition of love that it fails to exercise Christ ordained
discipline. Paul tells us in I Cor. 5:13 that members not in
obedience to Christ and the church should be allowed to correct
their lives or be put away. It would appear that churches today feel
love is expressed in allowing sin in the body rather than "lovingly"
correcting it.
5. In addition, another danger sign is thrown up before us if we,
as a church, are unwilling to receive a fallen believer back into our
fellowship after Biblical repentance has been experienced. How is
it that we feel unconditional forgiveness is to come from God to us
but not from us to others? Eph. 4:32 says "...FORGIVING ONE
ANOTHER, EVEN AS GOD FOR CHRIST'S SAKE HATH
FORGIVEN YOU."
6. Watch for a church without an "outreach" and this should be a
sign of weakness in Biblical character.
7. There is a danger sign posted when we see an emphasis on
BIBLE MONITOR
programs in the place of God's Word being proclaimed or dis-
cussed. There are those things done by the world to get the
masses to come in to the church today. Frequently it involves the
wrong use of music, or the wrong kind of music. This is the
"trick-or-treat church" that uses all kinds of gimmicks and ulti-
mately will be tricked by Satan himself.
8. The danger flag is also up when we cease to do things in the
church in order and decently. I will agree that we might become so
formal in our service that we lose the spontaneity of honest
worship but the other extreme is the "open service" that allows for
little dignity in worship.
9. We should see a danger sign when one or two ministers act as
"popes" in their understanding of leadership. The church from its
inception was a theocratic democracy under the leadership of
Christ. This most always leads away from a Christ centered
worship to minister dictated worship. Equally dangerous is when a
church leadership refuses to accept correction. The concept of
servanthood of leaders can never be negated.
10. Watch for the danger sign of people in church leadership
doing things in the body for spite. Paul talks of preaching Christ
"even of envy and strife..." This leads to ultimate disaster for the
body. Again we might look at these dangerous factors of church
leadership: a. When we have a local church mostly governed by
relatives, problems are eminent, b. When male leadership roles
are ursurped by women, disorder will occur as it is out of harmony
with the scriptures, c. Finally, a church with policy dictated from
without that body can be a great danger sign.
11. To have a Biblical polity and not obey it is a danger sign of
spiritual sleepiness. A polity is important because it allows the
church as a whole to make decisions and takes that responsibility
away from individuals. It removes the word "I" and allows "we" to
reign.
12. Danger... when we begin to overemphasize any part of the
spiritual gifts or God's law. This would especially apply to the Holy
Spirit today in failing to glorify God and give the Godhead their
rightful places.
13. Finally, watch for the danger sign of the church preaching
ABOUT the Bible and not preaching what is IN the Bible. Don't be
lethargic but be alert to the signs of the true church verses one
fallen into apostacy. We MUST function at the highest level of
scriptural teaching. WATCH THE SIGNS.
Brother Len Wertz
i
10 BIBLE MONITOR
THE LORD' SUPPER
John 13
The Lord's supper was the last meal that Jesus had the privilege
of eating with His disciples. This was an evening meal where they
were gathered together for a time of fellowship. When the food had
been blessed, they tarried one for the other in brotherly love.
This meal points forward to the time when Jesus is coming again.
It also is a memorial service to remind us of the love of Christ for us.
"Having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto
the end." John 13:1.
We usually have boiled meat and a soup made from the broth,
which has pieces of bread broken into it. There is also bread to eat
with the meat and water to drink. There is one place of meat and
one bowl of soup for each four persons. Each brother or sister
reaches his spoon into the bowl of soup, one at a time, thus taking
turns. Usually the meat is spread on bread and eaten as a
sandwich.
During the time of eating this meal, we should be thoughtful and
quiet, meditating upon the words of Christ when He said, "I appoint
unto you a kingdom, even as my Father has appointed unto me,
that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom." Luke 22:29.
We also think of the marriage supper of the Lamb mentioned in
Rev. 19:9 and look forward in glad anticipation and desire to be
there in His presence.
This service which we observe in obedience with Christ's
teaching, will bring us peace and joy and is a great blessing to us. It
helps us to renew our love for the brethren and sisters of our
church.
Sister Maxine Surbey
BEATITUDES FOR HOMEMAKERS
"Blessed is she whose daily tasks are a work of love; for her
willing hands and happy heart transfers duty into joyous service.
"Blessed is she who opens the door to welcome both stranger
and well-loved friend; for gracious hospitality is a test of brotherly-
sisterly love.
"Blessed is she who mends stockings and toys and broken
hearts; tor her understanding is a balm to her husband and
children.
"Blessed is she who scours and scrubs; for well she knows that
cleanliness is one expression of Godliness. (Somewhat passe',
today.)
"Blessed is she whom children love; for the love of a child is of
BIBLE MONITOR 11
greater value than fortune or fame.
"Blessed is she who sings at her work; for music lightens the
heaviest load and brightens the dullest chore. (Even if you can't
carry a tune?)
"Blessed is she who dusts away doubt and fear and sweeps out
the cobwebs of confusion; for her faith will triumph over all activity.
"Blessed is she who serves laughter and smiles with every meal;
for her cheerfulness is an aid to mental and physical digestion.
"Blessed is she who preserves the sacredness of the home; for
hers is a divine trust that crowns her with dignity."
- Anonymous
Selected by Sister Mary Stump
LIGHT AND DARKNESS
In this life we should be more concerned about spiritual light, our
lifeline to eternal glory. Today there are many professing
Christians who are not a Christian light to those who are living in
darkness in this wicked and sinful world. God is light. The light of
the world is Jesus. Come to the light it is shining for thee. It has
dawned upon true Christians and they have become a bright and
shining light of truth and righteousness in this dark and sinful
world.
Light will not commune with darkness. Turn on a light in a dark
room and the darkness disappears. Jesus said "Ye are the light of
the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." We cannot be
a Christian light to others and engage in the great evils of the
world. What fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness?
What communion has light with darkness? And what concord has
Christ with beliai?
The true Christian is a bright and shining light for Jesus. We are
to be a Christian light to those who are living in darkness. Whoso-
ever hates his brother abides in darkness. We cannot be a bright
and shining light for Jesus without all the fruits of the Spirit. Christ
gave us an example of love and peace.
In the creation of the earth God said let there be light and there
was light. The Psalmist David said the Lord is my light. Christian
light is shown through righteousness. The path of the just is a
shining light. Let your light so shine before men that they may see
your good works and that the Lord may be glorified. Are we letting
our light shine clear and bright in this dark and sinful world.
Many love darkness rather than light because their deeds are
evil. In the scriptures we are told some waited for light then came
darkness. The Apostle Paul said he saw through a glass darkly.
When the light shines in dark places it divides light from dark. They
of the darkness become vain in their imaginations and their foolish
12 BIBLE MONITOR
hearts are darkened. Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works
of darkness but rather reprove them.
For salvation we turn from darkness to the shining light of the
saving Gospel. We have in our day rulers of darkness of this world.
The call is, "Come out of darkness into the marvelous light of the
Gospel." In our Saviour there is no darkness at all.
Christian let your light shine all along the way,
You may guide a wanderer to eternal day.
Here in this world we have light and darkness; in the eternal city
of God there will be no darkness, no storms, no dark clouds, no
night there. The Christian light is the lifeline to eternal glory.' All
those who are living a sinful and wicked life are in darkness. Here
in this world many robberies, burglaries and other evil deeds are
committed in the dark hours of the night.
All true Christian lives are a light to the world. Christ is our light
and lifeline in this world and will be the light in the eternal city of
God.
The call comes from our Saviour, "Come to the light, it is shining
for thee." Are we a bright Christian light in this dark and sinful
world? The Christian light is the lifeline to eternal glory and
opposed to the works of darkness.
Throw out the Lifeline across the dark wave,...
Someone is sinking today.
Only those who walk in the light of our Saviour will be permitted to
live in the eternal city of God where all is light.
Brother J. F. Marks
804 W. Sundial Loop
Plant City, FL 33566
SIXTY YEARS AGO
March 15, 1927
THE INSPIRATION OF THE SCRIPTURES
Charles N. Stutsman
No doubt there are few, if any, of my readers but would readily
answer "yes" to the question, "Do you believe the Scriptures to be
inspired?" But, suppose you were in the place of a local Sunday
School Teacher, who was teaching the lesson of January 16, and
upon coming to the quotation from Paul in II Tim. 3:16, a High
School teacher among your pupils asked, "How do you know they
are?" Are you ready to give real and intelligible reasons for your
belief? J
Nor is this question unimportant, to be cast aside as though
unworthy of serious consideration. For upon the correct answer to
this depends the answer to other vital and related questions, which
BIBLE MONITOR 13
may seem more startling, but which surely follow: such as "Is Jesus
actually risen from the dead?" "Is Jesus really a Virgin's Son?" "Is
Hell a reality, or merely a condition or the dreams of some
disordered mind?"
It is an old and trite saying that "There are two sides to every
question To this particular question there are the Inside and the
™V t I i S the lnternal and the External evidences of Inspi-
ration of the Scriptures we know as The Bible. Thus, within the
Scriptures we find many evidences that they were not original with
the men known as the authors.
thJ*, 6 S K cri P t V re s referred to by the Master when here on earth in
the flesh, and which we know as The Old Testament, were held in
His estimat.on to be one unit and intact as one complete message
With the variety of individual authors, and the widely separated
imes and places of writing, there is no adequate explanation for
he un.ty and consistency of them, except "Inspiration." Why is
there not a variety of themes and conflicting theories of religions
as is found in every group of uninspired writings by even con-
temporaneous writers. The only satisfactory answer is VnspLt^n
- one supreme and all-wise God inspiring them all "
In Matt. 5:18 and in Luke 16:17, Christ emphasizes the sanctity
m«nf H 6 ♦ 6a ! 1 l6tter ° r MterarV PartiCle 0f the " L ™"' Which
I \ h e wntings of Moses. This language of Christ's sounds very
SSli * "V Verbal INSP| RATION, of which so many modern
fo ll 5 r° h re ' 9IOn h3Ve SUCh fear and horror - A 9 a 'n- ™ John
10.34-35, Christ quotes Psalms 82:6, calling them "Scriptures
2^22!?! be B broken " Thus H * ^amps the Psa.ms wif he seal
22 28 ic th'i' SkS? the P ! a !^ iSt W9S th6re qUOtin 9 from Exod ^
fnuoi' h I LaW and Psalms " ar e here linked together as of
Z inff end t ^ Ce ' ' n Luke 16:29 - 31 ' " Moses and the Prophets-
are represented as sufficient revelation for the salvation of an
Israelite so that the prophets are thus added by Christ to the list of
approved authorities. Also hear Him, in Mark 7:10-13 contras
l r a l h M ° SeS S3id " With " Ye sav '" and sum jt a " ^ in the thirteenth
verse by naming what "Moses said" as the word of God This is
why we know they are inspired! In Luke 24:44-45 we find Christ
»C ng ^lir 1 " 98 Which were written " of Him - whether in
in.hH ' u' hS Psa,ms -" or *e "Prophets." These three groups
nclude all of our Old Testament, and were known by the Jews by
these very names here used by Christ. Why could Christ so readily
m.Fh«T k 8Se Scri P ture s? Because He had been with the real
author, who inspired them, and knew their message
T^m 01 ? n l y d06S Cnrist set His seal of a PProval upon the Old
Testament for in John 14:26 we find Him guaranteeing the
t a hfronf Cy «A.. th u- Ap08tolic recol, ection and endorsing the product
thereof. All things shall be brought to your remembrance that I
14 BIBLE MONITOR
have said to you." This means our "Gospels," which are recol-
lected accounts of His words and deeds; our "Acts," which are
historical accounts; and any parts of Apostolic writings were
instructions are given as from the Lord or by His authority. And
again in John 16:12-13, He guarantees the dependability and the
inspiration of all Apostolic teaching and writing, which includes
their letters, General or Special. In fact, that is all of what we know
as New Testament.
But there are also certain External evidences of Inspiration, for
history corroborates this claim to Divinity of Authorship. But
history is nothing more nor less than the certain accounts of events
or experiences of mankind. Note, then that this history shows that
man has not been able to destroy this Bible, though repeated and
concerted attempts have been made. If man had made it, he could
destroy it, for what one has made, he can destroy. This Bible is
therefore not man's product. Again, this Bible contains much
history written in advance of the fact, and accurately detailed.
Never have mere man been able to produce sure and dependable
prophecy such as this. They are therefore not man-made. And this
Bible can and does regenerate men, making them morally, mentally
and spiritually clean. Never has the product of any master been
able to recreate its own Creator. Such a paradox is unthinkable,
but would be the case if these Scriptures were the result of man's
ingenuity. Neither has any literary gem or masterpiece of man
been able to throw off the physical limitations of time and space,
and be always and universally adaptable and dependably practical.
But by Inspiration this Bible has proven the boom of all needs of
the spirit within man at all times and in all places of earth. Nor
should we overlook the repeated testimony and experiences of
those Saints, whose lives reach their climax in that grand song of
victory, "I'm acquainted with the Author, and I know the Book is
true!" No theorizing can successfully contradict the living experi-
ences of God's loyal and true, who have thus given us their
cumulative testimonies.
NEWS ITEMS
McCLAVE, COLORADO
Lord willing, the McClave Congregation will be hosting the
District Meeting of the Third District, the weekend of April 11
through 13. There will be all-day services on Saturday and Sunday
with Lovefeast Service on Saturday evening. The business meeting
will be Monday morning.
BIBLE MONITOR 15
We invite everyone to come and be with us as we enjoy fellow-
ship together.
Sister Rhonda Snyder, Cor.
MODESTO, CALIFORNIA
We greet you in the name of our Lord, Who is worthy of our
honor. It is with praise for Him that we inform you of the addition of
members to the Pleasant Home Congregation. As we were re-
minded, ''Except the Lord build the house, thy labor in vain that
build it..." Psalm 127:1.
Denna Applegate and Brigett Daniels experienced baptism in
January. Mike and Donna Wray and Dwight and Cynthia Winger
were received into membership on previous baptisms.
Please feel welcome to attend our Spring Lovefeast services
April 25 and 26, 1987, or any of our regularly scheduled meetings.
We look forward to seeing many of you at the Annual Conference,
Lord willing.
Sister Edith Moss, Cor.
PLEVNA, INDIANA
The Plevna Congregation plans Pre-Easter Services April 15
through 19. Bro. Terry Gunderman of Goshen, Indiana will be the
speaker.
There will be services nightly with Lovefeast services Saturday
afternoon and that evening at 7 P.M. Services as usual on Sunday.
We invite all who can to come and enjoy these meetings with us.
Sister Verda Lorenz, Cor.
BETHEL, PENNSYLVANIA
The Bethel Congregation held a council meeting, February 28.
Once again the voice of the church was taken to elect two
ministers. After scripture reading and prayer, these lots fell to Bro.
Scott Brossand Bro. Kenneth Wilkerson.
May we give these young ministers our support with love and
prayers.
Romans 10:14-15, "How then shall they call on him in whom they
have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they
have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And
how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How
beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and
bring glad tidings of good things!"
Sister Fern Kegerreis, Cor.
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR APRIL 1987
April 5 -The Root and the Branches- Romans 11:16-36.
1. What is the root, and who is Paul referring to?
2. Why were the natural branches broken off? Who are the wild
branches?
April 12 - Transformation - Romans 12:1-21.
1. What is transformation and how are we transformed into the
new creature?
2. What do we as Christians present to God?
April 19 - Easter (Resurrection) - Mark 16:1-20.
1. Why is Christ's Resurrection so important?
2. What is meant by Christ being the first fruits of them that
sleep?
April 26 - Rulers Ordained of God - Romans 13:1-14.
1. Why is it important that we obey the magistrates and rulers?
2. What part does love have in the fulfilling of the law?
YOUNG PEOPLES SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR APRIL 1987
April 5 - Spiritual Blindness - Isaiah 59:1-10, Matt. 6:22-24, II Cor
4:3-6, Eph. 4:7-24.
1. What is meant by spiritual blindness? How serious is it?
2. How do we receive spiritual vision? What doctor do we need
to come to?
April 12- Raising of Lazarus - John 11:1-45.
1. What words did Martha and Mary say when Jesus came
to them?
2. What effect had the miracle on those standing there?
April 19 -The Resurrection - Luke 24:1-31.
1. What did the women find when they came to the tomb?
2. What effect did this truth have on all who were there and
saw it?
April 26 -Charity- I Cor. 13, I Peter 4:1-10.
1. What prompted the Lord to send His Son to earth?
2. What is the greatest thing in the world and why is it so
great?
t-au] Stump
10340 N. Diamond
Union, Oil 45322
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXV
APRIL 1, 1987
NO. 7
"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 ho| y. and more perfect through faith and obedience.
TREASURE
Precious Bible! what a treasure Does the Word of God afford;
All I want for life or pleasure, Food and med'cine, shield and sword;
Let the world account me poor; Having this, I need no more;
Let the world account me poor; Having this, I need no more!
Food to which the world's a stranger, Here my hungry soul enjoys;
Of excess there is no danger Though it fills, it never cloys;
On a dying Christ I feed, He is meat and drink indeed;
On a dying Christ I feed, He is meat and drink indeed.'
When my faith is faint and sickly, Or when Satan wounds my mind;
Cordials to revive me quickly, Healing med'cines here I find;
To the promises I flee, Each affords a remedy;
To the promises I flee, Each affords a remedy.
In the hour of dark temptation, Satan cannot make my yield;
For the word of consolation Is to me a mighty shield;
While the scripture-truths are sure, From his malice I'm secure;
While the scripture-truths are sure, From his malice I'm secure!
- John Newton
BIBLE MONITOR
STARVING
We hear much about the homeless and starving in this world.
Although we live in comparatively luxurious surroundings, many in
the world are starving. There are many reasons for this condition.
Some are connected with political and economic systems that fail
to provide for their subjects. Some hunger is due to personal lack
of initiative or ability.. A few may hunger through no fault of their
own.
Whatever reason has brought about this condition, it remains
that some, even in our own land, do go hungry. More in our land go
hungry, through no lack of food, but through a lack of wholesome
food. Many have enough food as far as quantity is concerned but
they eat food that is not nutritious. Junk food has become the diet
of many. Although they seemingly have enough to eat, they are
starving because that food is mainly sugar, salt and fat. These
foods give only empty calories not real nutrition for the body.
People are not only physically hungry but also many are Spirit-
ually starving. Some are hungry because they have totally ignored
the food needed by their souls. Others are hungry because they
have been fed upon Spiritual junk food.
Some through personal choice and others because of re-
strictions placed upon them do not feed upon the Word of God. In
our own land a person, if he would choose to, could have a Bible to
read and study. Often they are even free. So there is little excuse
for a lack of Spiritual food except by personal choice.
As there is opportunity to have Spiritual food, there is also the
danger of getting Spiritual junk food, instead of that which is
THE BIBLE MONITOR APRIL 1,1987
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
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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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BIBLE MONITOR
wholesome. There is much taught, that is unBiblical and un-
christian, although given in the name of true Bible food. Many
have failed to receive the Word of God as God's standard for their
lives. To them it is a book of history and past morals but not a book
that applies to their present lives. Misinterpretations and private
desires often rob the Word of power in their lives. They would
rather please themselves than apply the Word to their lives. Many,
even using the opportunity to attend Church, do not profit from it
for they either consider it boring, or merely as a social meeting,
rather than a source of food for the soul.
Food to be of any value to the body must be digested. Spiritual
food must also be digested to be profitable. Sitting under the
sound of the Gospel does not guarantee proper results from it.
There must be not only a willingness to hear it as the Word of God
speaking to the needs of the heart but also a willingness to do it.
Digesting the Word of God comes through study.
The diet can become lopsided if there is not a balance of the
various food groups. The Spiritual diet can become lopsided if
there is not a variety of Spiritual food. One subject or one type of
preaching will cause an unbalanced view and will be unhealthy.
There are many types of food found within the Word of God and
each one is necessary for a well-balanced Spiritual diet.
Many today are ever trying to lose weight. They are prone to
follow many ill-advised diets that can be dangerous. Many in their
Spiritual diets also follow after fads, following first one teacher,
then another. They may become discouraged, when their partic-
ular fad passes, and resist all Spiritual food. There is a great need
for a Spiritual diet that is sound and well rounded. It needs to be
time tested and true.
There is a great need for a proper Spiritual diet while on this
earth. There is a Heavenly diet prepared for those who have a
place in that Eternal City. The Lord will come forth Himself to serve
the Saints over there. He will not only welcome us to the Marriage
Supper of the Lamb but He will continue to feed us and to give us
drink throughout Eternity. If there is a need for Spiritual food in
that Perfect Place then surely we have a great need for Spiritual
food while we are in this imperfect world.
Famine, pestilence and other conditions come upon the earth to
cause a shortage of food. When this happens people die or suffer
from malnutrition. Today there is a Spiritual famine in the land,
although there is no good reason for it. People do not choose to go
hungry or starve to death but they will starve themselves Spirit-
ually. The consequences of this starvation are far more serious
than physical starvation.
BIBLE MONITOR
While many are starving, not for lack of food, but for a lack of
good food, are you getting a balanced diet? Are you living on the
Word of God and growing thereby? Are you staying away from
Spiritual junk food? If so, happy eating and happy growing.
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
"Limiting God"
One of the greatest tragedies of our time is that many Christians
are limiting God in their lives. Of course past history gives us
illustrations of others who have done the same. The Children of
Israel limited God. In Psalms 78 we read, "... Yea, they turned back
and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel." These
people, of their own free will, shut God up in a wilderness. They
pushed Him into a little corner. They deliberately chose to limit
Him in their lives.
They limited what God could do FOR them and finally they
limited what God could do THROUGH them. What could have
been accomplished in their journey in a matter of days took forty
years. What should have been a forward movement... a time of
pressing on and counting on God's promises... became a failure.
They lost their vision of the Promised Land and were CONTENT
with a low standard of spiritual life. They got to the point where
they accepted dissatisfaction, disappointment and disaster as a
way of life. Disobedience became an accepted norm. GOD WAS
LIMITED.
God absolutely wanted to take these people into Canaan land
and free them from bondage and suffering but they limited Him.
How typical this situation is in our lives today. Through our
disobedience and disregard of God's instruction, we lose the
wonderful blessings He has in store for us and we limit Him. Of
course, when we limit Him, we limit ourselves. The Jews possessed
nothing... yet everything was theirs. The moment they left Egypt,
God would give them everything. All they had to do was to possess
their possessions. They wouldn't claim their blessings and many
times we won't either. We choose not to experience all Christ has
for us.
We have been redeemed from Egypt, from the world which held
us in the bondage of sin. We have been redeemed by the blood of
the Lamb... Christ our sacrifice. Therefore, if we are in Christ we
should be a new creature; old things should be passed away and all
things should be new. (II Cor. 5:17) If we have limited God in our
lives, we are not fully the new creature He desires for us to be. We
are stuck in the wilderness. Wandering is the word that character-
BIBLE MONITOR
izes a wilderness and just as the children of Israel wandered
around in circles, so many people are doing that spiritually today.
We are showing well externally... our flowers and leaves are shiny...
but we are bearing no fruit. Why? We have limited God. We have
accepted of the Gift... Jesus; we have believed in His Word... but we
seem to be going nowhere. We are talking the talk and not fully
walking the walk. "God brought us out so He could bring us in." IN
CHRIST WE ARE NEVER LIMITED. With Him, problems, fear,
anxiety and frustrations melt away. You can expose your problems
to Him and He WILL perform. That is the real practical expression
of the new life.
We will see God in His fullness when we have our priorities right.
If God is limited in what He can do, then He will also be limited in
what He can do THROUGH us. This was true of the Israelites. God
could have done so much more if they would have been cooper-
ative. They would not only have been greatly blessed but they
themselves would have been a great blessing to others. Likewise, if
we reflect the joyous blessing of Christ's presence, He will in turn
bless others through us. His work will be unhindered because of
our positive enjoyment of Him.
The children of Ephraim turned back in the day of battle (Ps. 78).
They had talked, planned, prepared and yet, when the critical
moment came, they turned back. They had all gotten God's
guarantees and they were carrying their bows but they limited what
God could do through them. Their bows were slack (deceitful). A
limp bow string shoots a totally ineffective arrow. There is no
power there. It also gives no purpose to the bow nor does it give
pleasure. The Scriptures indicate many of us are like a slack bow.
We could be very effective in the hands of God if we were not so
weak and slack. Our prayer life is slack... our Bible study is slack...
our life is backsliding and that comes from "slack-abiding."
If you dare to really believe in God's promises, your life will stand
out like a jewel amid the dust of defeat. A boxer... one who has
been defeated... is sometimes called a horizontal boxer... because
he is flat on his back. Equate this to defeated, horizontal Christians.
God's Word calls for us to STAND. Our faith and obedience must
be vertical, not horizontal. Rather than a conqueror... we become
the conquered. The attitude that I have been baptized now and I
am home free is dangerous and limits God. It is putting on the
armour for the battle and sitting down in a field of flowers. Our
Christian battle must be fought with conscious deliberation. It is
then that we will see victory.
Is your school life horrible? Business a shambles? Health a
wreck? Church life a burden? God cares and He will help you if
BIBLE MONITOR
you do not limit Him and paralyze His efficacy. Turn from failure
through TOTAL TRUST in Christ and His power. He desires that
you prove Him. He desires to infuse you with inner strength.
DON'T LIMIT THE LIMITLESS... YOUR GOD.
Brother Len Wertz
I SHOULD, OR I WILL?
The minister walked slowly to the back of the church, feeling as
though he'd just completed a full day's work. Funny how it seemed
to drain him of all his strength, speaking God's words to the people.
Only a few moments earlier, he'd been standing before the congre-
gation, delivering a powerful, God-given message. With the Spirit
of God resting mightily upon him, he had poured out his whole
heart to the people who sat before him. "Oh, Lord," he cried in his
spirit, "please let each person take Your words into his heart and
live them!" But now, as the people came to greet him with words
like, "Nice sermon," "Enjoyed your message," "Good thoughts. We
should do that more," the minister's heart grew heavy with sadness.
His eyes were moist as he listened to the people now laughing and
chatting about the weather, the ballgame, fishing, and sewing. "Oh,
Father, have they so soon forgotten? Or did they hear?" Just then,
the minister felt a light touch on his shoulder. He turned to
encounter a tall man looking at him with serious eyes. The man
lowered his head and said humbly, "God convicted my heart this
morning. I have been saying, 'I should' too much lately. With His
help, I am going to start today, and do what He told me I must do."
A light came over the minister's face and he breathed, "Praise
God!"
How many times do you or I say, "I should pray more," "I should
study the Bible more," "I should visit people more," and so forth? I
have to seriously wonder if God gets weary of all our "I shoulds." I
believe He would be much happier with "I will," and then see us act
upon that statement.
Listen to this: "I will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I
will shew forth all Thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice
in Thee: I will sing praise to Thy Name, O Thou most High." (Psalm
9:1-2) Now read it again and put the word "should" in place of the
word "will." If David would have said, "I should praise Thee, O
Lord... I should sing praises to Thy Name," it wouldn't be much of a
witness or encouragement to us, would it? There is an unspoken
word that goes along with the word "should." I SHOULD... BUT.
Let's be honest with ourselves now. In Bible Study we say, "Yes,
we really should do that more." But do we do it? THAT'S what
BIBLE MONITOR
matters to God! God wants a resounding, "WE WILL!"
There are many "I will" verses in the Bible. Why not take some
time now and look them up? Read them out loud, and then DO
what you said! It's exciting!
"I will bless the Lord..." (Psalm 16:7)
"I will love Thee, O Lord..." (Psalm 18:1)
"I will call upon the Lord..." (Psalm 18:3)
"I will declare Thy Name..." (Psalm 22:22) (A good one for church
growth!)
"I will extol Thee, O Lord..." (Psalm 30:1)
How many more "I will" verses can you find?
Let's THINK about what we say. "I should" isn't good enough for
God. He wants to hear a definite "I WILL!" and then see us do it.
With His help, we can!
WILL YOU?
Sister Julie Litfin
Quinter, KS
JUST ONE
"In years past, the chemical value of the human body was about
98C worth of iron, calcium and other minerals. Now, in this nuclear
age, the atoms in the body constitute a potential energy source of
more than eleven million kilowatt hours per pound. This makes us
worth approximately $85.5 billion apiece." (Anon.)
As you can see, we're not worth much from a chemist's point of
view, but as a potential source of atomic energy, the value of one
person is multiplied by many thousands of dollars. Being told we
are worth only 98<P is enough to give us an inferiority complex. Yet,
we can comprehend that amount much better than the $85.5
billion. But no matter what we are worth in dollars and cents, we
are worth far more to God, our Creator.
God doesn't measure our value in dollars and cents, but Jesus
did ask us a question to put our value in perspective. "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. Mankind judges our worth by what we are in this world, but
God is concerned about eternal values. Compared to this world
which is worth many billions of dollars (by man's standards), one
soul — just one — is worth more than all that.
Just one! That's you and that's me. Each of us is worth more
than whatever the world is worth. Jesus said, "For God so loved
the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
BIBLE MONITOR
believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John
3:16. God's love is manifested to us in a one-to-one relationship.
"Whosoever" is just one — you, me, whoever will believe.
Jesus considered us worth dying for. Surely we should consider
Him worth living for. Jesus said, "There is joy in the presence of
the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Luke 15:10. We
know Jesus died so all could be saved, but the joy is just as great
over one as over many. We have a very personal relationship to our
Savior, and He cherishes that closeness. So should we.
Jesus said, "Every one that asketh receiveth." (Matt. 7:8). There's
more to this verse, but the thought is the seeking individual. Every
one — each person, every person — who asks will receive. It
doesn't have to be a group effort to obtain God's care. Each one
will receive what? The good things of God — His mercy, His care,
His love. If we are not receiving from God, the problem lies with us,
not with Him. God will give if we will just ask.
"For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of
the grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth
away." I Peter 1:24. No matter what we are in this life, no matter
what we have, someday it will all pass away, just like withered-up
grass. We will pass out of this life, just one at a time. Our
possessions won't matter, but how we have lived will matter. We
will face God and give an account, one at a time. If we have
pleased God in this life, we will be rewarded. If not, we must suffer
the consequences, but whatever Eternity holds, we face it indi-
vidually.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power
of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." Rom. 1:16.
There is just one Savior, not several, and there is just one gospel
—His. Christ's saving power is granted to each one who believes.
The whole community may believe and that's good, but until you
personally believe, you can't be saved. The Apostle Paul was not
ashamed of Jesus or His Gospel; are you?
"But God commendeth his live toward us, in that, while we were
yet sinners, Christ died for us." Rom. 5:8. It took just one to save
us — that one is Christ. It takes one act of faith to establish that
personal bond between us and Christ. It takes just one heart fully
committed to Christ to serve Him acceptably. It's true that some
things require a group effort, but we are still separate units.
Individually, we live, and serve. Christ died for you. Will you
receive Him into your heart and serve Him?
Sister Eileen Broadwater
BIBLE MONITOR
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT FASTING
Emmanuel, who lives in Nigeria, had some questions about
fasting. Following are his questions, along with the answers.
1. What is fasting? Fasting is to go without food. It is when
someone decides to give up eating food for a certain period of time.
2. Why fast? In the spiritual sense, we fast when we have a
burden or special concern on our heart (Matthew 17:21). That is,
when we have a very deep concern about someone or something,
and feel the need for a special time with the Lord (Acts 13:2). Some
people fast on a regular basis (such as once a week), as a part of
their regular spiritual exercise. (See Acts 10:30).
3. How long should one fast? Fasting can range from missing
one meal, to one day, three days, a week, or even longer. I would
suggest not fasting for extended periods of time unless you see a
doctor and he says it's okay. If a person has any health problems at
all, he or she should consult a physician before fasting. I Corin-
thians 7:5 suggests fasting for shorter periods of time.
4. How to start a fast? You prepare your heart by reading the
Bible and praying, communing with God. Then DO NOT EAT at
the time you normally would eat.
5. What to do during a fast? Prayer and fasting go together. At
the time you normally would be eating, pray about the issue over
which you are fasting. Every time you get hunger pains, let this be
a signal or reminder to pray. You will go about your regular duties
of life, except you will not eat. The people around you will not
necessarily know you are on a fast (Matthew 6:16-18).
6. What to expect during fasting? Expect the Devil to attack
you. We read of one time when Jesus fasted and how the Devil
attacked Him (Matthew 4:1-20). You will get hungry and your
stomach will not feel good. Do not worry! You may even feel like
being in a bad mood, and want to be mean to people around you.
You may feel that because you are doing without food, you have a
right to be short-tempered. But do not yield to these false thoughts
and moods! Do not let Satan make you angry because you are
giving up food! Sometimes you will see immediate answers to your
prayer and sometimes you will not. Do not despair. God hears
you! He promises, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee."
(Jeremiah 33:3)
7. How to break the fast? Eat light foods that are easy to digest.
Go slowly, and soon you'll be eating as normal.
8. Who should fast? Any Christian who has a sincere desire for
a deeper, closer walk with God should consider fasting. Some-
times when you have a bad problem, you will not feel like eating. If
10 BIBLE MONITOR
someone you love is very sick, you might want to pray and fast for
them. I especially recommend prayer and fasting for spiritual
problems, and when making decisions.
9. Who should not fast? Pregnant women and nursing mothers
should NOT fast. They and their children need all the nutrition
they can get! Also, older people, those who are weaker, or sickly
people who are not in the best of health should not fast. If you
suspect any health problem whatsoever, consult a physician before
attempting to fast.
10. Can I drink water when I fast? Yes, you can and should drink
water during fasting. If you go too long without water, you could
die. And the purpose of fasting is to draw closer to God, and to
further serve Him, not to die!
Fasting is a subject that is not too popular in our age of self-
gratification. But Jesus says, "But thou, WHEN thou fastest, anoint
thine head, and wash thy face." (Matthew 6:17) Fasting should be
given some place in our Christian experience. Let us each give
serious consideration to this seldom-discussed subject.
Brother Robert Lehigh
THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINES
Baptism, the Purpose
J. H. Moore
Baptism is a New Testament institution for all penitent believers
seeking salvation. It is an act of obedience, through which one
enters Christ, for Paul says that "so many of us as were baptized
into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death." (Rom. 6:3) This
makes it clear that the penitent believer gets into Christ by being
baptized into him. The same principle is affirmed in Gal. 3:27,
where we read: "For as many of you as have been baptized into
Christ have put on Christ."
From this we may learn that baptism is the visible, initiatory rite
of the church. It is not the sign of the initiation but the initiation
ceremony itself. It is not the outward sign of an inward initiation,
but the visible act of the initiation. In fact, it is the outward part of
the initiation process. In this process there is an outward as well as
an inward part, and baptism has been made the outward part. It is
not an outward sign that the inward change of being born again
has already taken place, but it is the external part of the act.
Baptism may be an evidence of the inward change, made necessary
for an entrance into the kingdom, but can not be a sign of an
entrance that has already taken place. The work of grace in the
BIBLE MONITOR 11
heart, — faith, repentance, confession, regeneration and baptism
— may be regarded as parts of the process that makes one a new
creature in Christ Jesus. They are parts of the process that consu-
mates, true conversion. In this process baptism is the visible part,
and belongs to the process, as much so as faith or repentance. We
have no more right to eliminate baptism than we have to exclude
any other part of the divine process.
Baptism is not only the divinely-appointed initiatory rite of the
church, but Peter, when instructing the penitent believers on the
Day of Pentecost, gave them to understand that the rite, when
preceded by faith and repentance, is "for the remission of sins"
(Acts 2:38). Saul, having shown evidence of faith and repentance,
was told by Ananias to "arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy
sins." (Acts 22:16) These two citations show clearly that the
initiatory rite figured in the remission of sins, not because there is
merit in the service, but because God demands it, and promises a
blessing on condition of its performance.
SIXTY YEARS AGO
April 1, 1927
REST
L. W. Beery
It is a very evident fact there is something wonderfully lacking in
the human race in this day and age. There is a continual striving
and seeking after something that will give them lasting satisfaction.
Men are rushing to and fro over this whole earth seeking something
they seem not able to find, a wonderful unrest.
It seems only natural to me that it should be so. Human society is
made up of families. Father, mother and the children. As the
children grow up they usually go out into the world to make their
own living. Often their work or calling takes them many miles from
home. It seems that no matter how far the distance or what we are
doing, there is always a desire to go back to the old home, a kind of
home sickness. We desire to go home to father and mother and
strengthen the ties of love and what a sense of security and rest it
gives us when we go back and meet loved ones again. Yes, many
are the tears of joy that are shed on such occasions.
So it is in the spiritual realm. This never dying soul of ours
comes from our Father in heaven, therefore the home of the soul is
with God. When we consider the sinful condition in which we are
living is it any wonder that man should be in such unrest. The soul
desires to go home to the Father that it might be at rest.
12 BIBLE MONITOR
As long as the soul is in this body of flesh it cannot go to the
Father, but he has made it possible that we might have this rest
while we yet live in this world. (Matt. 11:28-30) Jesus says, "Come
unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me for I am meek and
lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke
is easy, and my burden is light." Jesus came to this earth that we
might have rest; yet how few really accept and enjoy it.
Since it is a fact that we can have this rest, there must be some
way, some door, by which we can enter it. (John 10:9) "I am the
door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in
and go out, and shall find pasture."
(John 6:35) Jesus said unto them, "I am the bread of life: he that
cometh to me shall not hunger, and he that believeth on me shall
never thirst." (Matt. 16:24) "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, if
any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up
his cross, and follow me."
Tis through Jesus that we enter this rest. He is the door, the
way, and he alone. We can come to him, yielding ourselves unto
him, and partake of the spiritual bread and water, and enjoy rest
indeed; rest of the soul. There must be a self denial, a yielded life to
enjoy this rest.
This does not mean that we will not have to work and strive
against the evil one, as long as we are on this earth we will have
trials, temptations and sorrows but we can enjoy this rest of the
soul through it all.
There are some things about this rest that to me are very
interesting. It is free and to all people. "Freely ye received freely
give without money and without price." We cannot buy our way in
with all the money in the world, yet we can have it for the asking,
"whatsoever will, let him take of the water of life freely." The great,
the small, the white, the black, the rich, the poor and all have to
accept it on the same plane.
It is an abiding rest. When we have Jesus he abides with us. He
is with us in the morning, at the noontide or at the midnight hour.
He is with us in joy, and best of all, he is with us in sorrow. When
troubles and trials come upon us and it seems we are about to be
overcome; if we come to our closet in prayer and cast our cares
upon Him who knows all, He comforts, cheers and delivers us.
What a privilege this is to us.
We find this rest is everlasting and eternal. In this world we have
time. We measure it by hours, weeks, years. There is a limit to
time. Sometime maybe soon, time will cease, then will be eternity
which we cannot measure. It goes on and on forever. If we have
BIBLE MONITOR 13
this rest within us we need not fear as long as time shall last and
when eternity dawns upon us we will be prepared for it. Jesus is
calling, "Come unto me and I will give you rest." Freely an abiding,
everlasting and eternal rest that cannot be taken from us. A
wonderful rest, a blessed rest.
There are some things this rest gives us that the world knows
nothing of nor experiences. It gives us joy, peace and happiness.
Oh, yes, there are things in this life that give us these for a season;
but it does not last. Soon they lose their charm and fade away. Not
so with what Jesus gives us, it is everlasting. Lasting joy, sweet
peace the gift of God's love and happiness that cannot be
expressed.
It also gives us satisfaction. We know how to satisfy our physical
appetite. If we are hungry, we sit down to a well prepared meal and
eat till we are filled. Our body seems satisfied. So it is with our
spirits. If we come to Jesus and partake of the spiritual bread and
water, he fills us and gives us satisfaction indeed. Jesus satisfies
the soul.
Not only that, it gives us contentment. In our daily lives we meet
people from all walks of life and how many do we find contented?
Most of them are striving for a little more money, a finer home or a
high worldly position. You will find contentment only in the hearts
of those who are really followers of the meek and lowly Jesus. The
beggar in his rags or the poor widow can be contented.
Jesus is calling, come unto me and I will give you rest. Rest unto
your soul. Not so with the wicked. (Isa. 57:20-21) "But the wicked
are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up
mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." In
the light of this scripture is it any wonder there is so much unrest
and dissatisfaction in this world when wickedness is so rampant.
What a privilege the Christian has, to let his light shine in this
age. Weary traveler Jesus is calling, "come unto me, and I will give
you rest." Rest unto your soul. If you are out on life's troubled sea
tossed to and fro by doubts, fears and uncertainties, come, anchor
your soul in the haven of rest and rest and abide in Jesus now and
evermore.
••••••<
Good sermons need not be long, and bad ones ought not to be.
14 BIBLE MONITOR
OBITUARY
MARGARET MARKS
Sister Margaret E. (Orner) Marks, wife of Joseph F. Marks passed
away March 17, 1987 at the age of 73 years, 1 month and 2 days.
She is survived by her husband, two sons, Lester C. Marks,
Mountville, Pennsylvania, Clarence E. Marks, York, Pennsylvania
and one daughter, Evelyn E. Eberly, Lancaster, Pennsylvania; six
grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, James
Orner, Wilmington, Delaware and George Orner, Sunbury, Penn-
sylvania.
She was a member of the Shrewsbury Dunkard Brethren Church
for fifty-six years.
She had been in ill health for many years. Five years ago she had
a hard stroke that left her paralized to the extent that she could
never walk again.
She was a loving mother in the home. Through her loving and
friendly way of life she had many friends. She will be missed here.
We believe the Lord knows best.
Funeral services were held at the Shrewsbury Dunkard Brethren
Church conducted by Elders Jacob Ness, David Ebling and James
Kegerreis. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery.
A HOME
In the Christian home in glory
There remains a land of rest
There is rest for the weary
And there is rest for you.
Jesus blessed rock of ages
I will hide my self in thee
In the rifted rock I am resting
And safely sheltered I hide.
Now I am resting sweetly resting
In the cleft once made for me,
In the promised home in glory
In the land of blissful rest.
Rest for all who come to Jesus
Yes, rest for you and me.
We thank and appreciate the many prayers, words of comfort
and cards we received during her long illness and the time she was
being prepared for burial.
The family
BIBLE MONITOR 15
NEWS ITEMS
GRANDVIEW, MISSOURI
The Lord willing, we, the Grandview Congregation, are planning
our Lovefeast for April 25. There will be services all day on
Saturday with Communion in the evening. We plan to have
services on Sunday morning and afternoon also. We would love to
have those who are able, to come worship with us.
Sister Mary Lou Kasza, Cor.
WEST FULTON, OHIO
The Lord willing, the West Fulton Congregation is looking
forward to their Lovefeast, May 16 and 17. We invite everyone to
come and worship with us. Services will begin at 11:00 a.m.
Saturday. Pray that the Lord's work will be carried out.
Sister Dianne Heisey, Cor.
HE MAKETH NO MISTAKE
My Father's way may twist and turn,
My heart may throb and ache,
But in my soul I'm glad I know,
He maketh no mistake.
My cherished plans may go astray,
My hopes may fade away,
But still I'll trust my Lord to lead
For He doth know the way.
Tho' night be dark and it may seem
That day will never break;
I'll pin my faith, my all in Him,
He maketh no mistake.
There's so much now I cannot see,
My eyesight's far too dim;
But come what may I'll simply trust
And leave it all to Him.
For BY and BY the mist WILL lift
And plain it all He'll make.
Through all the way tho' dark to me,
He made not one mistake.
- A. M. Overton
Selected by Sister Almeda Strayer
16
BIBLE MONITOR
DIRECTORY OF ROARDS
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
Jacob C. Ness, Chairman
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403
Hayes Reed, Secretary
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Herman Jamison, Treasurer
Quinter, KS 67752
Frank Shaffer
13092 Grant Shook Rd.
Greencastle, PA 17225
Harley Rush
R. 1, Converse, IN 46919
Robert Carpenter
R. 5 Box 97
Peru, IN 46970
Joseph E. Flora
R. 3 Box 12
Adel, IA 50003
Galen Litfin
1314 East 7th St.
Newberg, OR 97132
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
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
21397-B50
Bryan, Ohio 43506
Fred Pifer, Treasurer
R. 3 Box 184
Adel, IA 50003
Rudolph Cover
2034 Roble Avenue
Modesto, CA 95354
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340
RELIEF BOARD
Boyd Wyatt, Chairman
12124 Washington Rd.
Waterford, CA 95386
(209) 874-3519
Newton Jamison, Secretary
512 Garfield
Quinter, Kansas 67752
(913)754-3433
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender St.
Morenci, Ml 49256
(517) 458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, PA 17340
(717)359-5753
Martin Meyers
R. 3 Box 250
Adel, Iowa 50003
(515) 993-3028
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
David Skiles, Superintendent
R. 2 Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Harley Flory, Secretary
27505 Flory Rd. R. 4
Defiance, Ohio 43512
Marlin Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, Kansas 67752
James Meyers
R. 1 Box 109
Dallas Center, IA 50063
Larry Andrews
312 East Coleman
Raymore, Missouri 64083
All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury, but
sent to the Secretary for his records.
: aui Stump
10340 N. Diamond Mill
Union, Oil 45322
{USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXV
APRIL 15, 1987
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.
IF YOU LOVE ME
If you love, as my disciples,
You wi
You w
And w
You w
And w
You w
And w
You wi
And w
You wi
And w
You w
And w
You w
II let your love appear;
II keep my words and precepts,
II not deny me here.
II shun all sin and evil,
II learn to watch and pray;
II take the cross I give you,
II bear it all the way.
II love and help each other,
II walk in truth and light;
II look to me in trouble,
II know that all is right.
II be my true disciples,
II dwell in peace and love;
II watch and be in waiting,
Till I call you home above.
- E. A. Barnes
BIBLE MONITOR
ACTIVE LOVE
Love is usually thought of as an undefinable emotion. There is
no simple way to describe just what love is. Even though we have
each experienced it, both by giving and receiving it, we still can not
accurately describe it. We know love when we experience it.
Love is more than mere words. Words can express love but
words can also deceive and not express the heart's true feelings.
The flowery words of love may be spoken to deceive for material
gain or to fulfill the body's lust.
Love that is active is more than an emotion. It is more than
words, either true or untrue. Active love is a giving, doing love that
shows love more than words. The Bible speaks many times about
the love of God but within the Bible there are more concrete
examples of His Love. God did not merely say that He loved us, He
did something about it.
What God did to express His love for us is the greatest love story
this world has ever known. His love impelled Him to empty
Heaven's treasure of the Pearl of Great Value. He gave His only
begotten Son.
He not only sent Him to earth to live among men for a short time,
He actually gave Him as a sacrifice for men's sins. Not only did
Jesus completely identify with men by taking upon Himself the
form of man but He humbled Himself so completely that He
suffered death — the most agonizing death possible. His death
was not because of any crime or sin that He had committed. He
suffered death as the perfect sacrifice for their sins. They did not
deserve such a sacrifice but because of His love it was made.
THE BIBLE MONITOR APRIL 15, 1987
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Printing, Inc., 4017 Co. Rd. 11,
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 Street, 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
After He died and was buried, the tomb could not hold Him. The
love of God would not allow Him to leave Jesus in the grave. While
in the grave, it would seem that Satan and death could conquer
Him and thus thwart His sacrifice for our sins. But when that
morning dawned above that empty grave, it was known that He was
all powerful. He conquered sin, death and the devil. His love for us
was active. He did what love demanded.
How active is our love for Him? Is it expressed only in words?
Just as His love was expressed in the very deeds of His giving so
our love for Him should be expressed in our activity for Him. Jesus
spoke how it might be shown. Just before the agonizing hour in
the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus told His followers that there was
a test for their active love. "He that hath my commandments, and
keepefh them, he it is that loveth me." John 14:21a. "If a man love
me, he will keep my words." John 14:23b. "He that loveth me not
keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine,
but the Father's which sent me." John 14:24. These are not idle
words.
We have no excuse for not doing His commandments. We know
them for the Bible is readily available to us. We can carry out His
commands without governmental persecution. We can actively
demonstrate our supposed love for Him by our obedience. Jesus'
words are established as being the words of the Father as well.
There are any number of commandments recorded within the
Bible so we may demonstrate our love for Him. By doing these
commands, He has even more blessings for us when we do them.
We receive more than the effort we have invested, for we cannot
out give God.
One of the commandments given by Jesus that demands our
active involvement is baptism, which is a part of the plan of
salvation. Without it we can not actively show our love, for it brings
us next to the love of God. Baptism is an action that pictures the
active love of God. Baptism is a death, burial and resurrection. We
are baptized in the likeness of His death — face forward. We are
buried in the water — completely covered by it. We are resurrected
as we come forth from what could well have been a watery grave.
The old man of sin is dead and the new man, indwelt by the Holy
Spirit, is alive. This is a picture of God's active love toward us and
our active love toward Him.
At this resurrection season it is well for us to realize that great
love God has actively bestowed upon us. It is a good time for us to
consider how we might actively show our love for Him. First we
must not neglect His love. We must accept it or else it will do us no
good and what was designed for our good will be turned into
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judgment. Having accepted His love, let us actively show that love
in keeping His commandments and in doing good for our fellow
man. Let our love be active, more than mere words. Are you an
active lover?
IT WAS FOR ME
"O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: never-
theless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." Matt. 26:39. The time had
come! Jesus had completed His ministry and now He was facing
the Cross. The anguish was intense, the sorrow overwhelming.
Jesus told His disciples, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even
unto death." (v. 38) Because of His agony, "His sweat was as it
were great drops of blood falling down to the ground." Luke 22:44.
This agony, this suffering was for me.
Jesus' cup of suffering is beyond our comprehension. Three
times He asked the Father to remove this cup; three times He said,
"Not as I will, but as thou wilt." This too was for me. Jesus didn't
suffer because of something He had done. It was entirely because
of, and for, mankind — for you and me, for us in our sins. Jesus
endured this suffering because He wanted to do His Father's will
and because He loved every person.
While Jesus prayed in agony in the Garden, His disciples slept.
Immediately after Jesus finished praying, the group came to arrest
Him. "Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled." Matt. 26:56.
Not a one of these men who'd been Jesus' companions for about
three years stayed close by. It is understandable that they were
afraid, but it seems that when Jesus needed their support the most,
they let Him down. I wonder — do I let Him down, too?
"Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others
smote him with the palms of their hands, saying, Prophesy unto us,
thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?" Matt. 26:67-68. No one
likes to be slapped or spit on, or made fun of. Yet, they did this to
Jesus and He endured it without resisting. It was for me that He
suffered like a common criminal. Jesus wanted me to have the
opportunity to be saved, and no matter how terrible it was, He
endured all the abuse preceding the crucifixion — for me.
It is easy to keep still when we're guilty, but very difficult when
we're not. Jesus was accused before Pilate, but answered nothing
in His own defense, even though He was not guilty of any wrong
doing. Jesus acknowledged that He was King of the Jews, but He
did not ask to be set free. The Cross was waiting, and Jesus had
committed Himself to dying on that Cross. For whom? It was for
me, it was for you.
BIBLE MONITOR
Jesus, the Son of God, was given a scarlet robe, a crown of
thorns, and a reed in His right hand. The soldiers even bowed
before Him, but it was all just to make fun of Jesus. They took great
delight in abusing Jesus, as though He deserved it. The truth is,
you and I deserve to suffer for our sins, but Jesus suffered so we
wouldn't have to. All the agony, all the shame was heaped on
Jesus, and He willingly bore it for us.
The mockery and the suffering intensified while Jesus was on the
Cross. The people made fun of Him, the physical pain was beyond
description, but I believe the greatest agony came in bearing our
sins. Jesus was without sin, but He endured the shame of ours. He
knew it was the only way we could be set free from sin's power.
Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
There apparently was some time when God turned away from
Jesus, because of our sins. This too He endured — for me.
Jesus' sole purpose in coming to this earth was to make salvation
possible. His work was finished when He voluntarily yielded up His
spirit. Life then left the physical body which He had here on earth.
Three days later, that body received new life and Jesus came forth
from the grave, the victor over all. This too was for me. If Jesus
had not risen, then no human being ever would either, but He did,
and we will!
After the Resurrection, Jesus spent a short time here on earth.
He reassured His followers and completed the instructions for the
work they were to do. When all things were ready, Jesus left them
and returned to Heaven, and "sat on the right hand of God." Why?
Again, it was for me. Jesus is there interceding for me. He knows
my limitations and He knows what it's like to be tempted. He has
compassion on me in my weakness.
This article has only touched the surface of the Crucifixion and
all related events. It is stated in a personal way because our
relationship with Jesus is very personal. What He did for me, He
did also for you. His love, His mercy, His care is very personally
yours — if you want it. Do you?
Sister Eileen Broadwater
SIXTY YEARS AGO
April 15, 1927
THE RESURRECTION
B. E. Kesler
Of all the "exceeding great and precious promises" to God's
children as revealed in the scriptures, there is none more com-
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forting and encouraging than the promise of eternal life through
the resurrection of the body.
Of all the mischievous teachings of evolution none is more dis-
heartening to the faithful children of God than the indirect denial of
the resurrection of the body and eternal life through Christ Jesus
our Lord.
Viewing the subject from every angle in which the finite mind is
capable of thinking we are unable to account for a resurrection of
our bodies. True, from what we know annual and perennial plants
we reason on the probability, the plausibility and the reasonable-
ness of a resurrection. But who of us has seen new life developed
or reestablished in the bodies of our dead, or seen new life bursting
from the graves from those who sleep in them? Who of our loved
ones has returned from the tomb wherein we placed them to prove
the resurrection? Not one. Whence then our faith and hope of a
resurrection? Whence this "lively hope whereunto we have been
begotten again?" Answer: the resurrection of Jesus Christ from
the dead. But whence our knowledge of his resurrection? Answer:
God's Word. When evolution denies the virgin birth of Christ, it
indirectly denies his resignation, and, denying his resurrection, it
indirectly denies a resurrection to us.
So that our faith and hope in a resurrection and immortal life
through Christ Jesus our Lord is based on the specific statement of
the scriptures.
None of our friends has assured us on any authority other than
the scriptures that without the resurrection all is vain, but Saint
Paul by divine inspiration tells us "if Christ be not raised" our faith,
our hope, our all is vain. So that when our faith in the truthfulness
of God's word is gone through evolution on any other species of
infidelity, for it is infidelity, our hope in a resurrection with all the
consequent joy and happiness of the future life is gone. But
"thanks be to God" who has given us an abiding and confiding
faith, an overcoming faith through an overcoming and a victorious
Christ "who was raised up from the dead by the glory of God the
Father, whereof he has given assurance to all men" if they would
receive it, that in God's own time he will raise them up likewise, to a
life of eternal felicity if found worthy.
God's people in all the ages past have hoped in a future life,
which can be possible only through the resurrection. Job inquired,
"if a man die shall he live again"? Then he answers, "I know that
my Redeemer liveth", and Job died in full assurance of a future life
and that in the last days he should "see him face to face."
David likewise believed in the future state, a future life. His
departed son could not "return" to him but he could "go to the
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child", said he.
And so on down through the ages holy men of God believed in a
future life, a belief and a life made possible by the God who made
us and the resurrection of his own Son from the dead. This great
truth along with other of God's will being revealed to them through
his holy prophets.
"MY JESUS, CRUCIFIED"
"I can't believe that Jesus lives",
Said Thomas to the others.
"I had hoped that He would be our King,
And we could live as brothers."
"You say He lives and breathes again
And walks around like me.
I saw them pierce His tender side
Upon Mount Calvary."
"No, I will not believe, unless -
My fingers in the nail prints place
And thrust my hand into His side,
And see Him face to face."
Jesus appears so suddenly
And calls to Thomas as he gazed
Upon the nail prints - the pierced side;
He trembles and he is amazed.
"Place your fingers in the prints -
Thrust your hand into my side -
Be not faithless, but believe;
Evermore with Me abide."
Thomas cried out, "My Lord, my God!
And may it ever be -
That you, my God, will be alive
Throughout eternity."
And so it is with us today
As we live side by side,
By faith we see whom Thomas saw,
My Jesus, crucified."
- Brother Rudy Cover
BIBLE MONITOR
GIVING
Matthew 6:1-4
There is a natural disposition within men to pay tribute, vows or
burn incense to a god to be worshipped. Even the heathen, who
know not the true God, exercise the impulse to give fruits, cattle,
grain. Even children are sacrificed to appease their god. I say it is
a universal impulse within humanity to give to some one we love. It
is a tradition or instinct that is deep rooted in the human family. It
is greatly increased at the celebrating of the birth of our Lord. I
have failed to find a command to justify the commercial storm of
buying, selling and giving. I am not saying not to give as tokens of
affection to our loved ones — there is, too, a need to reach the
unfortunate, sick, homeless, and to brighten the lives of the
discouraged.
"Gratitude" like the word, "Trinity" is not found in the Bible, yet
the Sacred Scriptures contain many sentiments on both of these
subjects. Gratitude is justly said to be the mother of most virtue,
because that from one fountain so many riverlets arise: as that of
reverence unto parents and masters, friendships, love for our
country, and obedience to God.
What shall I render to my God? David said I will take the cup of
salvation. I will pay my vows to God. Yes, we owe a life of service
of love and gratitude and praise for His sacrifice for our re-
demption. He delivered us from the bondage of sin and everlasting
punishment. Yes, we should rejoice and praise Him every day.
"What doth the Lord require of thee (Deut. 10:12) but to fear the
Lord thy God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, and to serve
the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul."
Jesus spoke strongly to the Scribes and Pharisees. They paid
tithes of mint, anise and cummin and omitted the weighter matters
of the law of judgment, mercy and faith. These you ought to have
done and not leave the other undone.
Under the law one tenth was levied for the support of the priests.
The Levites had no inheritance with the Israelites.
Jesus gave Himself out of His poverty that we might be made
rich.
John 3:16. Jesus commended the poor widow who gave her all
(about 2 1 /2 cents in our money). Further teachings tell us we should
give as the Lord hath prospered us. The Macadonian Brethren first
gave themselves then received the blessing.
We have the question of ownership. God's first command to
Adam was to be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth and
subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the
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fowls of the air, and every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Gen. 1:28. Jesus speaking to His disciples said, "The kingdom of
heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own
servants, and delivered unto them his goods." Matt. 25:14. To one
he gave five talents, another two and another one. Psa. 50:10. God
declared the earth is His, the fullness there of the earth, cattle and a
thousand hills are mine. If I were hungry I would not ask thee. We
are only stewards of what we possess. We are responsible for what
He has entrusted to us. Why do we spend our money for that which
is not bread? A certain rich man had a steward: the same accused
him of wasting his goods. He called him, and said unto him, How is
it that I hear of thee? Give account of thy stewardship for thou
mayest no longer be steward.
There is a penalty for holding back that which rightfully belongs
to God. An example, Acts 5:1-2, Ananias and Sapphira.
The doctrine of giving goes deeper in our lives than the giving of
presents or a few dollars dropped in the collection basket. It means
the giving of our all. "What? know ye not that your body is the
temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God,
and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore
glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."
I Cor. 6:19-20. Present your bodies a living sacrifice. Rom. 12:1-2.
Jesus became our sacrifice.
Some years ago a man went to California, when gold was
discovered, to seek his fortune. He sent home some tokens of
affection each month. After years his wife wrote him that she
appreciated his offerings but the time has come that we want you.
God has given us His only Son because of His great love and to
redeem us from the sin inherited from the garden and to purify unto
Himself a peculiar people of good works. Titus 2:14. By accepting
Jesus we are assured of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Other gifts bestowed upon us are: The Holy Spirit - James 4:6,
Wisdom - James 1:5, Faith - Ephesians 2:8, Rain and fruitful
seasons - Genesis 8:22, Wisdom to the wise - Daniel 2:21. Thanks
be unto God for His unspeakable gift. II Corinthians 9:15.
We have some unfinished business from last year. We think and
even reverence the last words of our loved ones. Among Jesus' last
words to His disciples were, "Go into all the world and preach the
Gospel." I am concerned about the greatest unfinished business in
the world. The most neglected. Why is it not finished? The
importance of the task depends on the authority of the one
assigning the task. It should be plain to anyone that He who said
"upon this rock I will build my church" has a right to tell the Church
what to do. What is our requirement for the work that is before us
10 BIBLE MONITOR
the coming year, should Jesus tarry? Pray that our lives be rededi-
cated upon the altar of sacrifice,
A man in Nebraska who owned a three thousand acre ranch,
attended a revival, was convicted of sin and resolved to spend his
life preaching the Gospel. He gave up his ranch entirely. The next
day a neighbor who heard of his decision said, "Well, if George can
give up his ranch for Christ, I can use my farm to support him." It is
a solemn thought to be a Christian. It is laying our all upon the
altar of sacrifice. Paul said, "... for I determine to know nothing but
Christ and him crucified. That I may know him, and the power of
his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made
conformable unto his death; ...Brethren, I count not myself to have
apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which
are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:10-14. Paul was a great missionary and a
natural example of true evangelism.
Some time ago I stopped at a restaurant. I saw over in the back
yard a barrel. A sign on it said "Ashes Only". Something struck
me. A second look gave me the secret of true evangelism. As I
thought upon these words, I realized they apply to every thing not
vitally connected with soul giving. Christian, take these words with
you this very hour. Write it across your dearest possession, across
your home, automobile, your clothes, your check book, your wife,
your children, your sweetheart, father, mother. Except ye forsake
all, ye cannot be my disciple. This commandment we have from
Him that He who loveth God loveth his brother also. I John 4:21.
Paul, the greatest missionary, wrote inspired letters while in
prison with chains on his hands and suffering. Read II Cor. 11:23-
28. Paul could see through tears, the joys of the greatest reward
prepared for those who love God. The Christian way of life is a
beautiful way. Though trials and discouragements may come,
persecutions (all that live godly shall suffer persecutions) we know
we are on the right road for it is uphill.
"But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings;
that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad a lc ~ with
exceeding joy." I Pet. 4:13. When we reduce our desires, our
sacrifice, our ALL to ashes we will receive the blessing here in this
life and unspeakable joy in Heaven. Job suffered the agony in the
flesh all reduced to ashes. God blest him, giving him twice as much
as he had, and he lived 140 years in prosperity.
Let us dedicate our lives to His service. It is more blessed to give
than to receive.
Brother L. A. Shumake
BIBLE MONITOR 11
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Marriage
Marriage is a God-ordained institution and relationship that is
second only to our relationship with the Lord Himself. For this
reason and due to the fact that the marriage relationship is being
attacked from every side, I feel Spirit-led to share thoughts on this
important topic in the next few issues.
Marriage can be a relationship in which each person develops
and enhances his or her own life and helps the partner to do the
same; or it can be marked by disdained stagnation. Stagnation in
marriage is a lot like a stagnant pool of water. It is bitter and makes
for just a miserable coexistence or in extreme cases, dissolution of
the marriage. Since neither of these should be Christian options,
we look to God for help in this area.
For a marriage to develop to its full potential, the partners need
to plan, accept and be flexible. They need to realize that the
principles of dealing with people in the church and with those
outside of the Body apply with even more emphasis in the
rriarriage. The crisis in American family life today is well docu-
mented and I fear this crisis is finding its way into the conservative
Christian family of believers. According to reliable research,
seventy-six percent of all families are "in trouble." This trouble is
emphatic in certain areas of marriage and the family. Items such as
inattentive parents, substandard religious and spiritual foun-
dations, materialism, financial pressure and divorce head up the
problem list. Statistically and in order, the following reasons are
identified as the greatest causes of marriage failure: Immaturity,
selfishness, a lack of mutual interests and goals, third-party
entanglements, personality conflicts, poor physical relationship
adjustment, job pressures and the burden of children. The ultimate
conclusion is that the church is losing its influence on family life...
thus the trying conflicts.
I fear greatly when I see the lack of preparation and instruction of
conservative youth in this area. If we are going to strengthen
marriage and family life we are going to have to be knowledgable of
God's will for our lives in this institution.
We have to begin building the marriage with strong bricks of love
(Agape first), cemented by the mortar of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Marriage must have COMPLETION (Gen. 2:18, 24) Men and
women who complete each other are real friends. A friend is one
with whom you feel comfortable, one who believes in you and who
shares your concerns and hurts. It must have COMMUNICATION
12 BIBLE MONITOR
(Phil. 2:1-4) Couples have a special opportunity to become a
channel of God's healing grace. To speak words of encourage-
ment and to support your spouse will fill this most crucial need.
Your marriage must have CONSOLATION. (Prov. 25:11) This
most special of relationships gives you the opportunity to become
a channel of God's healing grace. To really be happy is to under-
stand this need for consolation in our spouses life.
The need for CREATION in marriage is given by God and is
absolutely necessary for the perpetuation of the Church. I don't
see it as an option... not to have children... unless God has not
allowed you to have children because of physical or medical
restrictions.
Marriage must have CORRELATION. (Eph. 4:15-16) The
husband and wife relationship and the family life developed there
should be a church in miniature so that they reflect to the people of
the community what the larger Body of Christ is like.
Ultimately, your marriage must have CHRISTIANIZATION.
(Josh. 24:15) This illustrates a home which is headed by Christ and
one that shows the world what He can do in lives to perfect them
and make them happy. This is the ultimate in evangelization.
These factors will determine whether a marriage is a "duel" or a
"duet." At this point we must remember that marriage is a climb
and as long as we are holding on to the hand of God, the sights will
be wonderful. Many people see marriage as just the opposite... to
their demise. They see it starting on a romantic "ski-lift" which
carries them to the top of the mountain of romance and then just
allows them to "slalom" down the mountain with ease, across the
steep slope that lies ahead. MARRIAGE DOES NOT BEGIN AT
THE APEX... SPIRITUALLY, PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY. It is a
programmed growth process.
You might be saying at this point... well, this is all MY business.
Wrong! It is God's business. When a child builds a house with
blocks, he builds just as large a house as he has blocks with which
to build. With God's blocks of success in marriage, we build in a
definite way and we build to completion. The building created in a
beautiful God ordained marriage as one of the greatest methods
He uses in revealing Himself to the world. He explains Himself in this
way. Let God's hand fashion each of you so as to help you grow
into His own glorious character and likeness. Work to attain the
highest degree of perfection in God's most profound human
relationship.
Brother Len Wertz
BIBLE MONITOR 13
THE COMMUNION OF THE
BROKEN BODY OF CHRIST
Luke 22:19, I Cor. 11:27-28
After the feet washing service is ended and the Lord's Supper is
eaten, the next step in the Communion Service is the breaking of
bread.
This bread has been made by the sisters of in the church, usually
the deacons' wives. The bread is made without yeast, since leaven
is often referred to as sin in the Bible. This bread is to represent the
sinless body of Christ.
The scripture reads, "And he took bread, and when he had given
thanks, he brake it, and gave it them saying, this is my body which
is given for you: this do in remembrance of me." Luke 22:19.
The officiating elder takes this bread which has been broken into
long strips, and asks the Lord's blessing upon it that it may be
consecrated from a common bread to a sacred emblem, repre-
senting the broken body of Christ.
He then breaks a piece of it to a brother and hands one to a sister,
these in turn breaking off a small portion to the one seated next to
them saying, "Dear Sister, or Brother," as the case may be, "This
bread, which we break is the communion of the body of Christ."
The bread is passed around the table till each person has a small
portion. They then eat this bread in solemn, holy reverence,
meditating on the great suffering and sacrifice of our Lord, when
he gave his life that we might have eternal life.
"I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man
eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give
is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." John 6:51.
"And Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, except
ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no
life in you." John 6:53.
Self-examination, before partaking of these sacred emblems is a
very serious matter for each person surrounding the Lord's table.
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith." II Cor. 13:5.
Also, "Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread
and drink of that cup." I Cor. 11:28. "Wherefore whosoever shall
eat this bread, and drink of this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be
guilty of the body and blood of the Lord." I Cor. 11:27.
It is necessary for our heart to be right before the Lord so that we
do not eat in an unworthy manner and cause condemnation to our
souls.
Sister Maxine Surbey
14 BIBLE MONITOR
THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINES
Immersion, the Mode
J. H. Moore
The mode of baptism, as set forth in the New Testament, ought
not to be difficult to determine. The people to whom John the
Baptist preached, understood what was meant when baptism was
mentioned. When Jesus told his apostles to teach or disciple all
nations, "baptizing them into the name of the Father, and the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost" (Matt. 28:19), they understood just what
was meant by the word baptize. There was no controversy about
the meaning of the word in those days, and there ought to be none
now.
The books composing the New Testament were originally written
in the Greek, and the Sacred Volume has come down to us in that
language. Now, in order to ascertain what mode was taught by
Jesus, and practiced by the apostles, it is only necessary to note
what Greek word was used to designate the rite, and then to
ascertain the meaning of that particular word.
There are three words to be considered, and each one has a
specific meaning. There is rantizo, to sprinkle; and ekcheo, to pour
out. On examining the great commission (Matt. 28:19), we find that
the Master made use of neither of these words. Not only so, but
there is not an instance in the entire New Testament, relating to
baptism, where either rantizo or ekcheo is employed in describing
the act. Had those who wrote the New Testament understood that
Jesus taught sprinkling in his commission, it would have been easy
enough for them to write the word rantizo. Had this been done,
then everybody would know, as a matter of certainty, that the
Master meant to teach sprinkling. But since they did not use the
word rantizo, meaning sprinkling, it follows that there is no ground
whatever for sprinkling in the commission. The same course of
reasoning disposes of ekcheo, to pour out. In the New Testament
there is no authority, whatever, for pouring as baptism.
There remains one more word to examine; viz., baptize, and this
is the very word found in the commission. Furthermore, it is the
word employed, in some of its forms, to describe the act in every
instance where baptism is mentioned in the New Testament, save
in the few instances where baptism is compared to a washing. Its
meaning may easily be determined by its use in the Old Testament.
We cite the instance regarding Naaman, where we read: "Then
went he down and dipped himself seven times in Jordan" (II Kings
5:14). Baptizo is the word employed in the Greek text, and is here
BIBLE MONITOR 15
very properly rendered dipped. The meaning of the word is to dip
or to immerse, and is so rendered in every Greek Lexicon of note in
the world. There is not a Greek scholar of reputation who would
venture to render baptizo by either sprinkling or pouring.
OBITUARY
BULA M. STAMBAUGH
Sister Bula M. Stambaugh, 91, of Astoria, Illinois passed away
March 18, 1987 in the Astoria Healthcare Center following a
lengthy illness.
She was born August 30, 1895 in Red Cloud, Nebraska, a
daughter of Emanuel and Amanda (Schisler) Fitz. On November
30, 1947 she married John W. Stambaugh, who died January 23,
1965. One sister also preceded her in death and a stepson Willard
Dean Stambaugh.
Surviving are three stepsons, Willis of Robinson, Illinois; Verle
and Dale both of Astoria, Illinois; a stepdaughter, Mrs. Lois L.
Shawgo of Springfield, Illinois; twelve step-grandchildren, fourteen
step-great-grandchildren; a nephew, Milton D. Rust of Colorado
and a cousin, Sister Beulah M. Fitz of Dallas Center, Iowa.
At an early age Bula and her mother came to Astoria. A member
of the Church of the Brethren, she later joined the South Fulton
Dunkard Brethren Church, of which she was a charter member.
Funeral services were held March 20 in the Shawgo Memorial
Home in Astoria with Elder Ray Reed of Dallas Center, Iowa
officiating. Burial in the Astoria Cemetery.
Sister Bula donated her eyes that someone would be privileged
to read their Bible as she did.
NEWS ITEMS
BETHEL, PENNSYLVANIA
The Lord willing, the Bethe! Congregation plans to have a
Lovefeast, Saturday, May 9, beginning at 2:30 P.M. Services also
Sunday morning.
We invite all who can to come and worship with us.
Sister Fern Kegerreis, Cor.
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR
MAY 1987
May 3 - Follow After Peace - Romans 14:1-23.
1. What name is given to peace makers? Matt. 5:9.
2. How do we become peacemakers? Verse 19.
May 10 - Mother's Day - II Kings 4:8-37.
1. What are the duties of mothers in the home? Proverbs 31:27.
2. Are all mothers good instructors? I Kings 22:52.
May 17 - A Minister of Christ to the Gentiles - Romans 15:1-33.
1. To whom did Christ come to minister? Verse 12.
2. In verse 6 whom are we to glorify?
May 24 - Wise Unto That Which Is Good - Romans 16:1-27.
1. What warning does Paul give in verse 7?
2. How do we become wise to do good?
May 31 - Christ Crucified - I Corinthians 1:1-31.
1. What gospel did Paul preach? Verse 23.
2. Whom did Paul say God had chosen to preach the gospel?
YOUNG PEOPLE'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR MAY 1987
May 3 - First Miracle at Cana - John 2:1-11.
1. What prompted the Mother of Christ to tell Him they had
no wine?
2. What advice did she give the servants?
May 10 - Mothers - Gen. 21:14-20, Ex. 2:1-10, I Kings 3:23-28
John 19:15-27.
1. Why did God tell Abraham He would make Hagar's son a
great nation?
2. Where did Moses' mother hide Moses?
May 17 - Cheerfulness - Pro. 15:9-16, John 16:1-8, 32-33, Acts
27:21-36.
1. What brings cheer to an individual?
2. What great truth did Jesus give in John 16:33.
May 24 - Fear - Deut. 10:11-14, Ecc. 12:13-14, Matt. 10:22-31
I Pet. 1:13-19.
1. What command did God give Moses to the children of Israel?
2. Why did Peter tell us we are to sojourn here in fear? I Pet. 1:17.
May 31 - Reality - Gen. 3:1-24, Matt. 3:1-9, James 4:13-14.
1 . What did God promise Adam and Eve if they disobeyed?
2. What does James tell us about life in James 4:13-14?
{ au i Stump
10340 N. Diamond Mill
Union, Oil 45322
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BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXV
MAY1, 1987
NO. 9
"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.
HAPPY THE HOME
Happy the home, when God is there,
And love fills ev'ry breast;
Where one their wish, and one their pray'r,
And one their heav'nly rest.
Happy the home where Jesus' name
Is sweet to ev'ry ear;
Where children early lisp his fame
And parents hold him dear.
Happy the home where pray'r is heard,
And praise is wont to rise;
Where parents love the sacred Word,
And live but for the skies.
Lord! let us in our homes agree,
This blessed peace to gain;
Unite our hearts in love to thee,
And love to all will reign.
- Selected
BIBLE MONITOR
MOTHERHOOD
God, in His wisdom, made mothers. Beginning with Eve, He has
used mothers to not only populate the world but to nourish and
inspire their offspring. There is something extra special about
mother!
She, who conceives that child, carries it within her body, often at
great discomfort. By her pains and even endangerment the child is
delivered. Her connection with the child does not end at delivery
—she has a long time service before her in caring for that child,
who is unable to care for his own needs.
The physical exertions demanded of the mother, though tiring
and time consuming, are not her most important duty. The
Spiritual training she gives her children by precept and example is
her greatest legacy. Her family may not appreciate this part of her
service to them while young, but in after years it will be this training
that will cause them to praise her the most. While being trained
there were desires of their hearts that were denied as she looked
out for their best interests even when they did not fully understand
what was best for themselves.
Her Spiritual teaching is reinforced and made easier if the father
also favors and actively promotes the same lessons. Her lessons
may lose some of their power when the father lives and even works
against them. United parents can accomplish much. However,
mothers often can overcome indifference and even opposition
from their mates. Mothers have an influence because they are the
ones who care for the children when they suffer their little bruises
and cuts. Mothers are the ones who care for the children when
they are seriously ill. While Father ma y have a deep love and
THE BIBLE MONITOR MAY 1,1987
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BIBLE MONITOR
concern, he does not possess the tenderness of mother.
Mother's influence is not usually instilled by force but by tender-
ness. She may not give much instruction along doctrinal lines but
she by example and suggestion can mold their lives along practical
lines. By her willingness to participate in the activities of the
Church she shows the children the most significant activities for
their lives. She shows a willingness to help others and to do the
less-than-glamorous jobs that must be done either at home or at
the meetinghouse. She extends hospitality to those who enter her
home. She shows thereby the practical side of love.
Love for the children can best be shown through the love of the
parents for each other. This shows what love is and teaches them
how to love. Mother by her love for father, even if he is not all that
he could be, shows true love. It would be easy to love that which is
perfect but when she can show the same intense love for her
imperfect mate, she shows true love. Many may be the faults of the
father but if Mother has that great love, she will hold that father up
as a worthy parent before the children.
Mother will demonstrate a great Christian virtue in her life if she
has a submissive spirit. If she is willing to be submissive even when
she feels she knows best and would do differently, she shows that
spirit for all to learn. It may not always be easy for her to yield but
the rewards for her submissiveness will be greater than the price
she pays. If she has no other reason than that of following Christ's
submissive example it will bring her a great reward. Exaltation
does not come without submission.
Mother will be an attentive attendant at worship services. She
will not become so busy with activities that she cannot be present
for services on a regular basis. She should lift her voice in song
and her heart in prayer.
Mothers have a special relationship with their children from the
time of conception until adulthood. Because of their intimate
involvement with the life of a child they have the opportunity to
mold that life. First while carrying the child they can be careful of
their activities. They have a special desire not only for the health of
the child but the continuation of its existence until birth. Just as a
mother is concerned with her own nutrition as it affects her unborn
child so she is going to be concerned with the child's nutrition after
birth. Not only will she be concerned about the child's physical
nutrition but even more importantly its Spiritual nutrition.
Motherhood is not easy but it has many blessings. God created
mothers and gave them not only their duties and responsibilities
but also their talents and love for their families. Who else should be
so highly honored here on earth as mothers? Their husbands
BIBLE MONITOR
should adore and uphold them. Their children should exalt them.
Mothers are very special people.
WHAT DOES YOUR MOTHER DO FOR YOU?
Honor thy Mother.... Eph. 6:2
She greets you with a loving smile,
Each morning when you wake.
The kitchen is her workshop, while
She fixes you good things to eat.
She wants her children to be healthy and strong,
And so she works the whole day long.
There's washing and ironing and beds to make,
Dishes to wash and cake to bake.
Furniture to dust and rugs to sweep,
Floors to mop, now, the room looks neat.
She sends you to bed to get your rest,
Knowing tomorrow will be a test.
She wants you to do your best in school
And learn to live by the golden rule.
She sews and mends your clothes so neat,
She dresses you warmly from head to feet.
She settles your squabbles and drys your tears,
She hushes your cries and calms your fears.
When you are ill, there's just no doubt,
That with her care you'll soon be about.
She teaches you, your Bible to read,
You'll learn God's will, church doctrine and creed.
Honor the Sabbath and fear the Lord,
Now love and obey God's Holy Word!
What Can You Do For Mother?
- By Sister Maxine E. Surbey
ONCE A MOTHER
Once a mother, always a mother. Even if you're a grandmother,
you are still a mother, just in a different phase. Very simply stated,
a mother is a female parent, but being a parent isn't simple. A
mother is one who cares for, nourishes and protects her young.
She stays up nights when necessary, and seldom, if ever, takes a
day off or a real vacation. Being a mother is not a job in the sense
that paid employment is, but it is a position with plenty of work and
responsibility. The pay? That comes later.
BIBLE MONITOR
Sometimes during the month of May, a day is always set aside
especially for mothers. If you are a mother, you know your day is
really every day. Each day is a time to tend to household duties, to
cope with minor tragedies such as cuts and bruises. It is a time to
wrap up each day in prayer, a day to think about serving Jesus in
every little act. It is a day to teach little minds, to correct them, to
love them. As children mature, you use a more mature approach,
but the basic principles remain the same.
If you want security in a position, you will have it as a mother. It
is true that the initial responsibility is the greatest, and the mother-
child relationship changes, but it does continue. As you progress
through the various stages, your responsibilities will change, but
they too continue on. From mother to mother-in-law to grand-
mother, maybe even to great-grandma, indicates a title change, but
you're still a mother. There is never a time when you can look at
your child and say, "Now I'm all done."
God expects parents to teach their children properly and He will
bless those who are faithful in this. Every mother (and father) has a
spiritual responsibility which surpasses the responsibility to
provide food, clothes, and so forth. Christian mothers are noted for
watching over their children in prayer, and this care and concern
continues throughout life. She doesn't forget about spiritual needs
just because a child leaves home.
One of many examples in the Bible of a good mother is Samuel's
mother. Hannah prayed for a son and promised that he would be
the Lord's. She kept her promise, and even though her child was
out of sight, he was not out of her mind. Each year, she made a
little coat for him, and I believe she continued to pray for him. For
the complete story, read I Samuel 1-3. Hannah was a woman of
faith and commitment. Being a mother was serious business with
her, and it should be with every mother.
Naomi was an outstanding mother-in-law. She must have been
for Ruth to be so determined to go where Naomi went. Naomi was
grieved for her daughters-in-law because they were both widows.
(See Ruth 1:13) She urged them to return to their own people. Ruth
refused, saying, "Whither thou goest, I will go" and "thy people
shall be my people, and thy God my God." (Ruth 1:16) Ruth was
blessed for her care of Naomi in many ways. She later became the
wife of Boaz, and the great-grandmother of King David. Naomi's
faithful life helped bring out the best in Ruth. Mothers-in-law, take
notice!
In the New Testament, there is a grandmother mentioned, it is
Lois, the grandmother of Timothy. There is a simple statement
about her faith in II Timothy 1:5, also that of her daughter and
BIBLE MONITOR
grandson. Faith isn't inherited, but the influence of a mother's faith
does continue on. Lois' faith was still evident in the life of her
grandson, Timothy. Her Godly life had a direct influence on him as
well as her own daughter. A child must be trained in the things of
the Lord from the very start to insure the best result, and I believe
Lois did this.
Once a mother, always a mother! If you don't want a lifetime
responsibility, don't become one. It's not an easy task, but God will
help you to do your best. No mother is perfect, but if you are
faithful to God, He will bless you. You are helping to shape a life
—do it faithfully for the Lord. As your children mature, they may
not do everything you'd like them to do, but even so, you must do
your part. Finish what you start, and you won't be sorry, even
though it takes a lifetime to get the job done!
Sister Eileen Broadwater
EARLY MORNING CHOICES
Good morning! When you wake up each morning, we become an
active person; active in making choices — hopefully to the glory of
God.
The first thing we think and say may be more important than we
think. (Matthew 12:34-37) We are a people created by God with
the ability to choose. We are also a people of habit, able to do
things without thinking. This is something God watches, because
"out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." What we
do off "the top of our head" shows what the inner man is really like.
All things kept in secret are eventually revealed. (Luke 8:17)
God really does notice everything we choose to do, good or bad.
This is why, as Christians today, we need to choose Jesus as Lord
of our life every day, every hour, every minute.
When we first wake up, it's best to wait, listen, and think. Brain,
body, and soul all need to wake up and listen to the Spirit of God.
We must let God, by His Spirit, fill us with His perfect love. (II
Timothy 1:7; I John 4:13-21)
Now that we're awake, we think, "Why was I created?" We are
created to please God. (Revelation 4:1 1 ) He desires our complete
love. (Mark 12:30-31) It's up to us to make the choice. Will we
please Him and love Him, or not? How are some ways we can
please God? We need to look into God's Word for answers. Here
we find that we must believe in our heart and confess with our
mouth that Jesus is our Lord and Saviour. (Romans 10:9-10);
confess our sins to Jesus (I John 1:9); ACCEPT God's love and
forgiveness; ACCEPT the leading of the Holy Spirit; offer up praise
BIBLE MONITOR
and thanksgiving; pray for others; and let the fruit of the Spirit flow
as we share the testimony of the saving blood of Jesus.
Again, we can choose whether we will make God happy, like
David (Psalms 108:1-5; Acts 13:22), or angry, as Moses once did.
(Exodus 4:1-14).
It's up to us how we start the day. Early in the morning we can
choose self-will, or we can choose to worship God our Creator with
all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. And as we go throughout
the day, we can choose whether we just keep the wonderful
thoughts of Jesus in our heart, or whether to share them with
others. (Romans 10:9-15; Psalms 96:3; Malachi 3:16) The choice is
up to each one of us.
"Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation. Harken
unto the voice of my cry, my King and my God: for unto Thee will I
pray. My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the
morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up."
(Psalms 5:1-3)
God bless each one of you.
Brother Roy Litfin
Quinter, KS
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
MARRIAGE
Part 2
In this issue, we will attempt to share some thoughts relative to
the Christian marriage problem of excuses and elements and
expectations that are encountered. These problems are not unique
to young marrieds but seem to plague many marriages throughout
life. It is our goal to identify some typical excuses people use
which hinders marital and spiritual growth and apply Biblical
teachings as solutions to these problems.
Marriage is a pilgrimage from individual self-centeredness to a
fuller corporate life. In reality, it is the laying down of one's life for
the other, not in self-martyrdom but in joy of service. I have heard
it said that fifty-fifty is the formula for divorce. If this is true, one
hundred percent giving to another is the equation for blessedness.
A corporate life is the sign of maturity and self-centeredness shows
immaturity. We can literally measure our distance from real life in
Jesus by the degree of our regression into selfish thought and
demands. Conversely, proximity to Jesus is shown by its fruit in
the ease of our giving and sharing.
One of the tendencies of human nature is to place blame on
BIBLE MONITOR
others for difficulties we are experiencing. When people have
problems in marriage they usually resort to two procedures: (1)
they defend themselves and (2) they try to discover why the other
person does what he or she does. They seem certain they will be
happy if they just know WHY the other person acts "that way." In
reality, knowing why an individual does something doesn't neces-
sarily solve a problem. In fact, finding out "why" is not always
important... nor is it always possible. What IS important is
spending time determining what is going on in a relationship and
making plans for solving the difficulties or making necessary
changes in a Biblical way. Sometimes reasons become important
and at other times they just become "excuses."
What are some typical excuses used when a marriage isn't what it
should be? Some people blame their HEALTH. (I am just tired all
of the time. My metabolism is just different than yours.) Some
blame their FEELINGS. (My nerves are so shaky and you don't
help them at all. I've been depressed. The children make me so
upset.) Other people blame their NATURE. (I'm just this way and
always have been. I can't change.)
Some people blame OTHERS. (Her mother is always...! It's the
children!) Some blame the PAST. (She has always been that way.
My parents always used to put me down.) Secular psychologists
patronize this excuse a lot. Some people blame their PARTNERS
for all of the problems. (He makes me so upset I could scream! If
only he'd listen to me and be quiet.) Finally, some people blame
the three letter word "why?" (Why don't we communicate? If only I
could understand why he does that!) Are these recognizable
excuses that are creating barriers in the marriage of someone you
know? As you see them on the written page, do you see the
unChristlikeness of them?
Proverbs 25:1 1 teaches us that "A word fitly spoken is like apples
of gold in pictures of silver." Proverbs 18:13 communicates, "He
that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame
unto him." These verses share with us the importance of
COMMUNICATION. A person who makes excuses may feel
threatened or insecure and may have a poor self image. This leads
to a lack of communication and admission of the real problem.
Admission of problems is Biblical in all phases of life and is
especially applicable in marriage. Not only must there be forgive-
ness but there must be a support of the forgiveness. People need
to stop making excuses about what seemingly can't be done in the
marriage and put forth solid efforts in building the marriage to
God's ordained heights. Excuses create problems and postpone or
negate solutions.
BIBLE MONITOR 9
To be fulfilled in marriage, there are several suggestions that can
be made. First, there must be COOPERATION with your spouse in
every effort to improve and enhance the marital relationship. It
would be typical that one person might have a greater concern
about upgrading the marriage than the other. You need to be
happy, full of sympathy toward each other, loving, tender hearted
humble and FORGIVING. You can't repay evil for evil and have a
transformed marriage just as you can't have proper Christian
relationships under the same condition. You must be careful not to
snap back at the other person when you are feeling badly. Instead,
pray that God's power might work mightily in them and that He will
do His perfect will in the person's life.
Secondly, you need to give praise and appreciation instead of
seeking it for yourself. People too often go about seeking to have
their own needs met first and only after these are satisfied do they
attend to the spouse's needs. (Read Phil. 2:4) Compliments should
be paid frequently to your spouse and they must be fresh and true.
Wives can thank their husbands for the effort they put in in
providing for the family and for providing a home. Wives can be
thankful for a clean house, meals properly prepared and for their
care for the family. Thanksgiving is thanksgiving and this leads to
answers to problems and excuses.
Third, the evening time should be a time of love and affection
instead of a time of complaints and demands. What occurs in the
first few minutes after the husband comes home from work usually
sets the tone in the home for the remainder of the evening.
Finally, responsibilities and decision making should be defined
in the context of Biblical teaching. We seem to understand
submission in the church relationships when we don't always
understand it fully at home.
God REQUIRES that marriage partners be patient with each
other. At times you just expect too much of the other person and
because of their personality or background, these demands are
unrealistic. ALWAYS... the marriage partner must be looked upon
as another "child of God." You can love them, not in terms of what
you think they should be, but what God has created them to be.
You love their potential. You love their uniqueness. You must, "in
honour, prefer one another." Ultimately, you must give your needs
over to the lordship of Christ... not just in word, but in fact LOVE
AND FORGIVENESS ARE THE POWER THAT WILL GUARANTEE
STRENGTH IN MARRIAGE... not excuses. Excuses lead to
bondage and decay.
Brother Len Wertz
10 BIBLE MONITOR
SIXTY YEARS AGO
May 1, 1927
NON-CONFORMITY
Theodore Myers
Some twenty years ago when I joined the Church of the
Brethren, one of the outstanding and distinctive doctrines was that
of non-conformity. Today all you can hear along that line is "the
simple life." I guess a softer and more modern term.
It would be well to study these two terms and see if they both fill
the gospel requirements, especially in the light of what has taken
place within the church since working on the latter basis. I believe
after careful study, all will agree that it is possible to follow a simple
life program and still be conformed to this world, even in our
manner of dress. But what starts out to be simple does not remain
so too often.
I realize that many do not think the church had a right to set a
certain standard of dress. Let us consider that for a moment. It has
always been considered that where the gospel was definite that
should be the guide by which to go. When it was not specific on a
certain point then try and follow the spirit or intent as the best light
and judgment would dictate.
I have often wondered how anybody could say that a sister or
brother dressed in accordance with the decision of Annual
Conference (1911) in any way violated any letter or spirit of the
gospel, (providing the life matched the dress). The brethren prayed
so earnestly for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in forming a
conclusion as to what would be the proper way for a Christian to
appear in the matter of clothing when confronted by the ever
changing styles and fashions dictated by ungodly men and women
for the purpose of making money and to which styles thousands
are mere slaves.
I have the first person that will say that their prayer was not
answered and that they were not guided by the Holy Spirit in
coming to the conclusion they did. The best proofs that they were
so led, are that the garb recommended for both brethren and
sisters meets every Bible requirement, and what it has done for the
church in holding the bond of unity, and the results that have
followed since members have so generally violated the decision.
I do not believe there ever was a church that made so radical a
change in so short a time as has the Church of Brethren. Other
churches once stood where she stood along this line but where are
they today, numbered with the slaves of fasion, but theirs was a
more gradual transition.
BIBLE MONITOR 11
Our church fathers were constrained to form a separate organ-
ization not being able to satisfy their souls' need and longings in
any other organization of their day. I am wondering if those
organizations have so completely reformed that those fathers
could fit in now, or if they would be willing to be just mere
followers, or if they would not be as they were in their day — real
leaders.
Eternity alone will reveal the good our special garb has done to
the souls of men and women. I am sure it has kept many away from
questionable places, because they knew their garb did not cor-
respond with the character and conditions of the place that they
otherwise would have gone. Neither do I believe there is a sister in
the brotherhood that wears a bonnet that has, or even is tempted to
have her hair bobbed. Should there be one, what a combination!
True, all too true, there are those who do not live up to what their
clothing would indicate, and what publicity they do receive! But
how mighty little is said of the thousands of good, honest, sincere
and Spirit filled godly men and women, as your father and mother,
perhaps were. Neither do you hear of lack of spirituality of the
bobbed hair sisters, and the "flapper Christians" if there can be
such a thing.
Some how these two types of members are seldom mentioned, it
is usually some pious looking deacon who has done something to
betray his trust that is thrown upon the screen (all for a purpose).
So much is said these days of compelling people to do so and so.
I fail to see the ground for these statements. We are surrounded by
all types and kinds of churches and before anybody joins any of
them they should count the cost and understand what they are
joining, what the certain church stands for, if it happens to stand
for anything.
Now if I of my own free will, after due consideration of polity and
doctrines of a church, make application to join any church whether
it be Methodist, Catholic or Dunkard Brethren, it is my bounden
duty to obey the rules that govern that body. Then why should and
do people join a church that does not believe in conforming to the
world in the matter of dress and promise to be true and faithful till
death then violate that sacred promise but still desire to be
members? When there are so many churches that do not consider
this a violation.
A lodge or any organized body must have some rules and
regulations whereby it is governed. Then why not do what we have
promised? I am sure a sister or brother whose life will correspond
can find no other garb that will become them any better, that is the
injunction, to dress as becometh men and women professing
Godliness.
12 _^__ BIBLE MONITOR
I am sure I have seen lodge men and women parading the streets
in paraphernalia that if the church would ask them to do so for
Christ's sake they would rebel. Why not be as true to your church
as the lodge members are to their lodge?
So often we are ashamed to be seen on the streets and be
recognized as Christians. Beware! Jesus says "whosoever is
ashamed of me in this sinful generation, of him will I be ashamed
when he comes with the holy angels."
I am sure the wrong party is ashamed, for those who are but half
dressed and look as if they were dipped in a flour barrel, and so
forth, are the ones who would really have reasons to be ashamed.
Brethren, let us hold fast our profession. Let us pray for more
grace and strength to live in this present world as we ought.
THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINES
THE MEANING OF BAPTIZO
J. H. Moore
Did space permit, we might quote from scores of lexicons and
encyclopedias, showing that the Greek word baptizo, the word
employed by the New Testament writers to describe baptism,
means "to dip," "to immerse," or "to immerge" in some manner, but
in this connection we present a few only.
Bretschneider - "Baptizo: properly, to dip repeatedly; ... to
immerse into water, to submerge."
Donnegan - "Baptizo: to immerse repeatedly into a liquid; to
submerge, sink."
Grimm - "Baptizo - to dip repeatedly, to immerge, submerge."
Liddell and Scott - "Baptizo: to dip in or under water."
Stockius - "Baptizo: generally and by force of the word it has the
notion of dipping in and of immersing."
Thayer - Baptizo: to dip repeatedly; to immerge, submerge."
To the above we may add the testimony of Professor Charles
Anthon, a man of fine scholarship, well acquainted with the ancient
languages, and the author of a number of books, including Greek
and Latin textbooks for colleges and universities. Being asked the
meaning of the Greek word baptizo, he gave this answer: "The
primary meaning of the word is to dip or immerse, and its sec-
ondary meanings, if it ever had any, all refer, in some way or other,
to the same leading idea. Sprinkling and so forth are entirely out of
the question." Professor Anthon does not differ from other dis-
tinguished scholars, for all of them, as stated before, are united in
defining the word as here given.
But there is another very simple way of getting at the exact
BIBLE MONITOR 13
meaning of baptizo, and this is to study the meaning of the word in
connection with the instances where baptism is described in the
New Testament. In Matt. 3:5-6 we read that the people of Jeru-
salem, all Judea and the region round about, on accepting the
teachings of John the Baptist, "were baptized of him in Jordan." In
the same chapter (verses 13-17) we are told how Jesus came from
Galilee to John, and was baptized of him, and then "went up
straightway out of the water." This can mean nothing short of
immersion, for those who have the water sprinkled or poured on
them do not have to come up out of the water. The mere fact that
Jesus came up out of the water is positive proof that he was
immersed.
In Acts 8:36-39 we have an account of baptism that is too plain to
be misunderstood. We read that Philip and the eunuch "came into a
certain water." Then, the record says, after the chariot had
stopped, "They went down both into the water, both Philip and the
eunuch." After they got into the water, it is said that Philip baptized
the eunuch." Surely, the baptizing was done in the water, for that is
why the two went down into the water. In the closing part of the
narrative we read: "And when they were come up out of the water."
If this plain account of the baptismal scene does not mean
immersion then it means nothing. A narrative in favor of immersion
could not be made plainer.
All the accounts of baptism in the New Testament might be taken
up and shown to be on the side of immersion, but we will let one
more suffice. Turning to John 3:23, we have this reading: "And
John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was
much water there: and they came and were baptized." For baptism,
John sought out places where there was much water. People
flocked to him by the hundreds, and as he immersed those who
accepted his teachings, much water became a necessity. If sprink-
ling or pouring had been the rule, there would have been no
occasion for "much water."
For the information of those who care to make use of a very
interesting way of ascertaining the meaning of the Greek word
baptizo, - the word employed by the Savior to describe the rite of
baptism, we suggest this: In this country may be found hundreds of
Greeks, whose mother tongue is modern Greek. Most of them read
the New Testament Greek with the same ease we read the English.
In the presence of some of these Greeks, dip an object in water
repeatedly, and ask them for the Greek word describing the act,
and they will invariably give baptizo. Then sprinkle water and ask
for the word expressing that idea, and they will give the Greek word
for sprinkling. Ask them for the word representing pour, and the
Greek word for pouring will give given. They understand their own
14 BIBLE MONITOR
language, the language of the New Testament, and never become
confused about the word baptizo. They all say it means to immerse,
and with them it is not even a debatable question. The Greeks, who
use the Greek New Testament in their service, always have prac-
ticed immersion.
NEWS ITEMS
NOTICE
The Trustee Board needs funds to meet its obligations by the end
of General Conference.
Brother Dale Jamison, Chairman
1987 GENERAL CONFERENCE
Conference for 1987 will be held June 13 through 17 at Mission
Springs Conference Center, Santa Cruz, California.
From Santa Cruz go 3 1 / 2 miles north on Route 17 to Mt. Hermon
Road (turn right at Big Basin sign and cross freeway, Route 17). Go
1 1 / 2 miles on Mt. Hermon Road. Turn right on Lockhart Gulch Road
and go 1 mile to Mission Springs Conference Grounds.
For those coming by bus, train or plane be sure to make your
own arrangements with members or friends for pick-up when you
arrive. If not call 408-335-9133. San Jose is the nearest airport and
train depot.
All blankets, linens, towels, washclothes and soap will be fur-
nished.
Send your reservations to Bro. Paul Blocher, 12301 Riverside
Avenue, Waterford, CA 95386 or to Bro. Rudy Cover, 2034 Roble
Avenue, Modesto, CA 95354.
Brother Rudy Cover
LITITZ, PENNSYLVANIA
The Lord willing, we will be having our lovefeast the third Sunday
of May. Anyone who can come is more than welcome.
Sister Dorcas Myers, Cor.
MINISTERIAL LIST CHANGE
The new address of Elder Howard Myers is: 2845 Stoney Point
Road, East Berlin, PA 17316.
BIBLE MONITOR
15
GENERAL CONFERENCE PROGRAM
of the
DUNKARD BRETHREN CHURCH
to be held at
MISSION SPRINGS CONFERENCE CENTER
SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
JUNE 13, 1987 through JUNE 17, 1987
TIME
PREACHING PROGRAM
SPEAKER SUBJECT
TEXT
Sat. P.M.
To Be Supplied
Sat. P.M.
Bro. Henry Walker
I Have No Man
John 5:7
Sat. Eve.
Eld. Virgil Leatherman
To Be Supplied
Sun. A.M.
Sunday School
for Children
The Calling of Moses
Ex. 3
Sun. A.M.
Eld. Ora Skiles
Heaven Bound
Sun. A.M.
Eld. Allen Eberly
To Be Supplied
Sun. P.M.
Eld. Dale Jamison
To Be Supplied
Sun. P.M.
Eld. David Skiles
To Be Supplied
Sun. Eve.
Eld. Edward Johnson
To Be Supplied
Sun. Eve.
Bro. Len Wertz
Young People
Cold Fish from Refrigerato
' Matt. 5:1-9
Christianity
Rev. 3:14-22
Mon. A.M.
Bible Study
Adults: The Christian
and Nonresistance
Rom. 12:14-21
Children; Leaving Egypt
Ex. 14
Mon. A.M.
Bro. Paul Stump
To Be Supplied
Mon. P.M.
Bro. William Heisey
Redeeming the Time
Eph. 5:16
Mon. P.M.
To Be Supplied
Mon. Eve.
Eld. Ray Reed
The Principles Of The
Doctrine of Christ
Heb. 6:1-2
Mon. Eve.
To Be Supplied
Tue. A.M.
Bible Study
Adults: The Christians
Relationship To
Higher Powers
Rom. 13:1-7
Children: Spying Out The
Promised Land
Num. 13 & 14
Tue. A.M.
To Be Supplied
Tue. P.M.
Decorum Committee and Missionary Program
Tue. Eve.
Eld. Galen Litfin
Missionary Sermon
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
Jacob C. Ness, Chairman
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403
Hayes Reed, Secretary
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Herman Jamison, Treasurer
Quinter, KS 67752
Frank Shaffer
13092 Grant Shook Rd,
Greencastle, PA 17225
Harley Rush
R. 1, Converse, IN 46919
Robert Carpenter
R. 5 Box 97
Peru, IN 46970
Joseph E. Flora
R. 3 Box 12
Adel, IA 50003
Galen Litfin
1314 East 7th St.
Newberg, OR 97132
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
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
21397-B50
Bryan, Ohio 43506
Fred Pifer, Treasurer
R. 3 Box 184
Adel, IA 50003
Rudolph Cover
2034 Roble Avenue
Modesto, CA 95354
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340
RELIEF BOARD
Boyd Wyatt, Chairman
12124 Washington Rd.
Waterford, CA 95386
(209) 874-3519
Newton Jamison, Secretary
512 Garfield
Quinter, Kansas 67752
(913) 754-3433
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender St.
Morenci, Ml 49256
(517)458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, PA 17340
(717)359-5753
Martin Meyers
R. 3 Box 250
Adel, Iowa 50003
(515)993-3028
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
David Skiles, Superintendent
R. 2 Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Harley Flory, Secretary
27505 Flory Rd. R. 4
Defiance, Ohio 43512
Marlin Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, Kansas 67752
James Meyers
R. 1 Box 109
Dallas Center, IA 50063
Larry Andrews
312 East Coleman
Raymore, Missouri 64083
All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury, but
sent to the Secretary for his records.
Paul Stump
10340 N. Diamond Mill
Union, OH 45322
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
May 15, 1987
VOL. LXV
No. 10
'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.
STEPPING IN THE LIGHT
Trying to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Trying to follow our Savior and King;
Shaping our lives by His blessed example,
Happy, how happy, the songs that we bring.
Pressing more closely to Him who is leading,
When we are tempted to turn from the way;
Trusting the arm that is strong to defend us,
Happy, how happy, our praises each day.
Walking in footsteps of gentle forbearance,
Footsteps of faithfulness, mercy and love,
Looking to Him for the grace freely promised,
Happy, how happy, our journey above.
Trying to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Upward, still upward, we'll follow our Guide;
When we shall see Him, "The King in His beauty/
Happy, how happy, our place at His side.
— E. E. Hewitt
BIBLE MONITOR
MENS PLANS
As the highest part of God's creation, men have been given
minds and memories capable of devising many intricate plans for
their lives. They become involved with various projects and pro-
grams that they believe will better their lives, politically, financially,
socially or religiously. These plans may be devised for a single
individual's benefit or they may be for a group or even for a nation.
God has wonderfully endowed men with this mental and emotional
capacity.
Men have these abilities but they do not always profit from what
God has given them. Men become forgetful. Either they ignore the
lessons of history or they ignore the instructions and command-
ments they are given.
There are many instances recorded in the Bible of men who
made plans contrary to the plans that God had made for them.
They chose to ignore God's direction and went ahead with their
own plans.
Abraham was given many promises by God, including one that
he would have innumerable descendants. This promise seemed
unobtainable since he did not have a child. Especially as Abraham
and Sarah grew older this promise looked more and more unob-
tainable. So the plan of God was tampered with and their own plan
was put in its place. They helped God carry out His Promise!
Sarah was willing for Abraham to use her Egyptian servant as a
surrogate mother. Abraham at eighty-six was becoming weary,
waiting for God to fulfill that promise, so he consented. The power
of suggestion and the availability of alternate means was enough
to allure Abraham into trying to help God out. Satan is always
THE BIBLE MONITOR MAY 15, 1987
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Printing, Inc., 4017 Co. Rd. 11,
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 Street, 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
available to suggest that which is contrary to God's will. Within the
world there are always alternate means available. Hagar bore
Abraham a son, Ishmael.
It soon became evident to Sarah, that she had made a mistake.
She began to persecute Hagar, because she had been able to give
Abraham the child, Sarah had been unable to conceive. There were
many hard feelings which were prophetic of troubles that continue
to exist between Sarah's and Hagar's seed yet today.
With the good intention of helping God out, Sarah and Abraham
actually became involved with worldly ideas and doings, which
became sin. Sin always demands a price and their deed, no matter
how well-intentioned, brought grief and trouble to them and their
descendants.
They had grown impatient with God's timetable for fulfilling His
promise. They needed to wait another fourteen years rather than
use their own ideas to help God out. Their plan may have seemed
sensible and the best alternative available, but it was wrong.
After Isaac's birth there was continual tension between Isaac
and Ishmael, Sarah and Hagar. This was only the beginning of the
troubles between the Jews and the Arabs. Not only does this
misdeed forshadow a major conflict in the world, but it speaks of
the tension between the righteous and the wicked.
Christians, as the Spiritual descendants of Abraham, are looking
forward to many fulfilled promises given by God in the Bible. Often
like Sarah and Abraham, they listen to Satan's suggestions on how
they might help God fulfill His promises. However his suggestions
always are flawed because they involve a subtle worship of Satan
as a wise advisor and a willingness to adopt the ways of the world.
There is a mixture of the true and false. When a plan to help God is
formulated, it seems so good but before long problems begin to
show up. The Godly and the Satanic cannot coexist in the lives of
Christians without a decisive choice being made. No person is able
to serve two masters.
Today there is much turmoil and tension within individuals
because they have tried to serve two masters. Sin brings an unrest
and lack of peace. We find troubles all over the world, and
problems, both social and moral, in our own country. We find
people confined not only to prisons for their aggressions against
others but also confined to mental institutions because of the lack
of peace within. Unfortunately many of these disquited souls are
Christians. They have tried to help God with their own ideas and
plans. They have brought the world's ideas and viewpoints into the
Church. Their ignorance of or unwillingness to comply with God's
will and Word has brought trouble and stress into their lives.
Sarah's plan seemed reasonable, but the results have brought a
BIBLE MONITOR
terrible legacy into the world. The choices made by Christians
today are just as important. Unrest and the other results of sin will
be brought into our lives if we are not careful about fulfilling God's
Will
We each need to learn from the examples of old. The Bible is
ours to profit by.
PRECIOUS AND BLESSED MEMORIES
AND MEMORIALS
We are approaching the time of year, our government has
declared a day specially for the memory and memorial for soldiers
of our country who have rendered faithful service for its protection.
Many have sacrificed their lives for our country. Christians have a
more precious and blessed memory and memorial than this. We
should "render unto Caeser the things that are Caeser's and unto
God the things that are God's."
Christians have the precious and blessed memories and mem-
orials of our Saviour and faithful soldiers of the Cross of Christ. For
some the threat of death in this life did not hinder them from the
Lord's labor, as some were put to death for their faithful labor in
the Lord's work. We also have the memory and memorial of our
faithful foreparents who have cared for us before we could do it
and contributed to the spiritual welfare of our never dying souls
and also contributed much to the spiritual welfare of others. It was
their desire to go forward in the work of the Lord and never lay
their armour down. We also have the record of many faithful
servants of God of the old dispensation. Some stood firm. The
threat of death did not hinder them from being faithful and true to
the Lord.
We, who have been blessed with Christian parents who now are
laid to rest, can never repay the debt of gratitude we owe them. In
the old dispensation they were commanded to honor father and
mother which was the first command with promise. Christ renewed
that command. The Apostle Paul said we should obey this God
given command. To obey it is to receive a promise of well being
and long life.
In our short lifetime we have seen many who have ignored this
command.
Through disobedience and turning to a sinful life, they had a
short stay here on earth. The wages of sin is death and the gift of
God is eternal life. The most important thing in this life is our
spiritual welfare. True and brave soldiers of the Cross of Christ are
holding the highest possession in the world.
In memory, above all, we should render our faithful service to
BIBLE MONITOR
our saviour, who sacrificed His life for our redemption from sin and
promised to go with us through the valley and shadow of death. We
have the record of many soldiers of the Cross of Christ in the
saving Gospel who were faithful to the end of their lives on earth.
Some experienced death in this life for their faithful service to the
Lord, realizing it is more important and of much more value for
them to gain the much better life to come after this life is over.
Those who were faithful and true to the end deserve our honour,
praise, memory and memorial.
The most precious and blessed memories and memorials for the
Christian in this life is of those who made great sacrifices for the
spiritual welfare of others who contributed to the better life to
come. Those who are laid to rest who have been a precious
blessed Christian example deserve our memory and memorial.
Blessed are those who are laid to rest in Christ Jesus. Their works
do follow them.
In our life time we have seen where the rising generation did not
accept the Christian example of their faithful foreparents. God's
Word changes not. It is forever settled in Heaven. We all must face
the judgment seat of Christ, there to give an account of our deeds
done in this robe of flesh.
Many precious and faithful servants of God recorded in His
Word deserve our memory and memorial. A blessed reward is
theirs for their faithful service to the Lord. For their faithful service,
they always had God's protection. Precious memories how they
linger and how they flood our souls. The blessed memories and
memorial of the many faithful servants of God that have left this
wicked and sinful world should encourage us to press onward and
forward in the narrow way to eternal glory. We know it was their
desire to meet other faithful servants of God in the greater life to
come.
It is God's will that all come to the knowledge and be saved. He
sacrificed His only begotten Son for our redemption. Christ's
coming was for all to be saved. Professing Christians who demon-
strate their desire to put others out of the Church are not led by the
Good and Holy Spirit. True Christians are laboring for the sal-
vation of others. Christ calls all to come unto Him and He will give
them rest for their never dying souls. The memories and memorials
of faithful servants of the Lord are precious and a blessing to us.
We had the blessing of being raised on a farm on which is a
cemetery where soldiers of the Cross of Christ are laid to rest. It
was father's desire that it be protected and cared for, as many of
our ancestors are laid to rest there. When father passed away the
Lord entrusted it into my care. I am willing and believe it is my duty
to see that it is protected and cared for. I have heard where some
BIBLE MONITOR
family cemeteries have been destroyed and are used for farming
ground. I am made to believe this is a very bad deed and example
to others. It showed no respect for their foreparents and others, I
always believed. We should respect our foreparents, the living and
those laid to rest from the cares of this life. The Saints of the Lord
are precious in His sight.
In some of these aged cemeteries on tombstones are recorded
Bible verses and the words, "Gone Home To Rest." What a grand
thought. Christ said this do in remembrance of me. Let us honour
and respect the dead in Christ.
Brother J. F. Marks
RD 3, Box 509, York, PA 17402
THE DASH BETWEEN THE DATES
Colossians 3:23-25 "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to
the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall
receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
But he that doeth wrong shall receive forthe wrong which he hath
done: and there is no respect of persons.
Once again Memorial Day is before us. I would like to share a
poem titled, 'The Dash Between the Dates", by Lucille Britt.
Although it mentions Memorial Day, that really isn't what the poem
is about. It's about you, it's about me, and it's about the time that
God has given to each one of us.
THE DASH BETWEEN THE DATES
Memorial Day was over now,
All had left and I was alone.
I began to read the names and dates
Chiseled there on every stone.
The dates which showed whether it was Mom or Dad
Or daughter or baby son.
The dates were different but the amount the same,
There were two on every one.
It was then I noticed something,
It was but a simple line;
It was the dash between the dates
Placed there, it stood for time.
All at once it dawned on me
How important that little line.
The dates placed there belonged to God,
But that line is yours and mine.
BIBLE MONITOR
It's God who gives this precious life
And God who takes away;
But that line between He gives to us
To do with what we may.
We know God's written the first date down,
Of each and every one,
And we know those hands will write again,
For the last date has to come.
We know He'll write the last date down,
And soon, we know, for some.
But upon the line between my dates
I hope He'll write "Well Done."
—Lucille Britt
If we follow the advice of verse 23 and live heartily as unto the
Lord, I'm sure that when God analyzes our life He will write "Well
Done" on the dash between the dates.
Brother Roger Swihart
Quinter, Kansas
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
MARRIAGE
Part 3
FORGIVENESS — We pray a lot about forgiveness. Each time
we pray the Lord's Prayer we ask God to forgive us as we forgive
others. What a demanding prayer that is. We must understand the
forgiving is not just a nice option. If we do not forgive ... we will
not be forgiven. Countless times we have seen Christians not
applying forgiveness and in their refusal to forgive, their carnality
rules. This principle is absolutely mandatory in marriage.
Each day of our lives we have many irritations and marriages are
not void of some of these. For this reason, forgiveness is central to
the marriage unit. If it is not there, the marriage will "self-destruct."
A marriage can't afford the luxury of even one grudge. Whatever is
not forgiven will work like a cancer to eat out the vitality of the
family life. It will color like dye all of the other seemingly unrelated
areas. The simplest resentment for failing to come home on time
for supper or the like can affect the ability to express affection, the
freedom of sharing in conversation, physical health and so on. A
grudge held is like sand thrown into a well-oiled machine.
Could there be a problem at times in thinking we have forgiven
BIBLE MONITOR
when we really haven't? It may seem easy to say the word but is it
as easy to make the heart follow? Sometimes, because of our sin
nature, we fool ourselves. Whatever hurts us registers in the heart
and demands a response. The mind and lips can say "it's o.k."
while the heart still hurts and demands a response which is
different. We must constantly be in prayer that God will change our
hearts and through His transformation, we will be able to meet the
demands that are before us.
Here are some simple guidelines for forgiveness. First of all, if
you have not made the hurt a matter of specific confession of
resentment and hate in prayer, it is not a completed matter. Only
Jesus can anoint you with true peace. Only at the cross is any
matter ultimately finished. If it has not been relinquished in prayer,
it is still lodged in the "never-forget-anything" bank of your
computer . . , waiting to be recalled to action somewhere, sometime.
When you discover that a seed of resentment is sending taproots
down into your heart, then you must enter into a discipline of
forgiveness. First, you need to identify the resentment. You need to
face facts squarely. Accepting these facts, you can say to Jesus,
"Take every anger out of me to the cross. Don't let me hold any
resentment, whether I am aware of it or not." In a way, we take that
resentment to Gethsemane. Gethsemane was the place of prayer
where Jesus laid aside His righteousness and became all that we
are. As we recognize our sin nature and go down deep into our
soul, we begin to see that our personal sin of lacking in forgiveness
is causing us to create barriers in our relationship. The visit to
Gethsemane is not complete as long as we are still inwardly
marshaling our defenses of our own Tightness and cataloging the
other person's sins.
Why must we go through the Gethsemane of brokenness? If you
do not come through the loss of your own self-righteousness and
identification with your personal sin, you will never be free be-
cause you will always feel noble and self-martyring that you
forgave the other person. And then each time you have to repeat
forgiveness, you will grow that much more self-martyring and
noble and of course better than your marriage partner. You must
come down from the pedestal.
Then, we need to claim Jesus' forgiveness. We can't change our
heart . . . only Jesus can enter into it and change it. (Jer. 13:23) Is
the process now complete? Not yet. I Peter 3:9 tells us to now bless
the person who has despitefully used us. This means we will invest
our love in a special way in his or her behalf. Romans 12:14-21
confirms this part of the process. We are to overcome evil with
good. What does it mean to "heap coals of fire on his head" and
how does this apply to marriage? In Biblical times, there were no
BIBLE MONITOR
electric ranges or matches. Fire was a precious commodity, scarce
because fuel was scarce. Therefore, one man in a village was
appointed to keep a fire going all night. In the wee hours of the
morning, he built it up and let it burn down to hot coals. These he
scooped into a metal brazier which he sat on a wood block on his
head. Then he went with tongs from kitchen to kitchen so every
housewife could have hot coals for her day's cooking. It became an
idiom that "to heap coals of fire on his head" meant to turn a man
into a spreader of warmth in the community. This principle in
marriage illustrates that by love and warmth . . . instead of
bitterness and unforgiveness . . . you can create an environment of
peace in the home. Until you complete the process of forgiveness
by blessing your partner, you have not overcome and followed
through to resurrection living. Blessing the one who hurt us is thus
not a nice option for those who can do it ... it is another absolute
necessity if we are to be whole and continue in a Christ-like
relationship. The flesh can never do this. Only the spiritual person
can experience it. Pray together . . . letting the other person share
in and hear your forgiveness, love and blessing on him. If you
really love Jesus, you cannot abide with a grudge in your heart
knowing that it grieves Him. Forgive God's way and understand the
fullness of restoration in marriage.
Brother Len Wertz
SIXTY YEARS AGO
May 15, 1927
POWER OF THOUGHT
E. L. Withers
Every sound man or woman is blessed with a greater or lesser
amount of thinking power, which should be used to the honor and
glory of God. Yet we are free moral agents to do and think as we
please, so long as we keep in the bounds of the law.
But God's children are taught to work out their "own salvation
with fear and trembling," and this would require much thinking,
meditating and prayer. Paul tells us to think on the things that are
true and honest and just and pure and lovely and of good report
and virtue and praise. (Phil. 4:8)
Too many in the churches of today are permitting their preach-
ers and pastors to do their thinking for them and in this way they
are led from the truth and are made to believe they are building on
the rock Christ Jesus, when they are only building on the sand,
and it may be too late. They will discover their great mistake in not
thinking and working out their own soul's salvation.
12 BIBLE MONITOR
"Wherefore let him that thinketh he stand take heed less he fall."
(I Cor. 10:12) It Is by deep thinking and hard studying and much
prayer that we improve our talents.
Thinking for ourselves is often a difficult gift. But it is the
foundation of progress both in the church and in the governments
of the world. Paul says, "Let this mind be in you which was also in
Christ Jesus." If the mind of Christ is in us and we use our minds or
thinking power we will accomplish the things that will be to the
honor and glory of God. What we are and what we accomplish
depends to a great extent on what and how we think. Emerson
said, "Beware when the great God lets loose thinkers on this
planet." Why? Because they are going to stand for what they
believe and be right even though the majority is against them.
But not all great thinkers are from God. Satan has his thinkers by
the thousands and they are a very busy crowd thinking out plans
how they can deceive if it were possible the very elect. Some of his
best and most successful workers are trained up in our church
colleges. They have learned to draw the line so close that unless a
true Christian is careful and prayerful in discerning of spirits he
may be deceived. Jesus says "the children of this world are in their
generation wiser than the children of light." (Luke 16:9) Why'?
Because as a rule they work harder, think harder, sacrifice more to
accomplish the object in view. It may be to win members for some
secret oath bound lodge or advertising some show or selling life
insurance, or explain away some of Christ's plain teachings or
whatever it may be, they use all the wisdom and thinking power
possible to accomplish their object.
But how about God's children? Are they as a rule publishing
abroad the glad tidings of salvation? Thinking and praying for
wisdom that they might be able to win souls for the kingdom of
God. Brother, sister, let us think prayerfully on these things. If we
have God's love in our hearts, let us tell the world about it. Let us
think about his word while engaged in our daily labors and when
we sit down to rest and when we lie down at night and when we rise
up in the morning.
The life of the church is the rising up of great thinkers scattered
through its history like mountains on the horizon, from Christ and
his disciples even down to our time. We are made to think of such
great thinkers as Alexander Mack, Christopher Sower, Eld. James
Quinter, Eld. D. L. Miller and we might go on and name many
others who towered high as great thinkers and workers for the
great cause they loved so dearly. And last but not least our dear
brethren who are at the head of the organization known as the
Dunkard Brethren, which is only another work of reform which
always becomes necessary when Satan's strongholds gain too
BIBLE MONITOR 11
much power in the church. There is but one thing to do and that is
for God's true followers to come out from among them and be
separate, and when this becomes necessary, God always raises up
some real thinkers, to lead his children out just as he raised up
Moses to lead the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt. God is
always equal to the occasion and when he wants a man or woman
to fill a certain place he can always find them. Too many of us get
into a mental rut and the longer we travel in it the deeper it gets. We
forget to do any thinking and praying for ourselves. The only way
out of this rut is prayer and thought. We often have heard it said by
professing Christian people, that if they knew of any organization
that lived closer to the word of God than the one they belonged to,
they would change at once for the better one. But, alas, when they
find a people who have banded themselves together to walk in all
the ways and observe all the teachings of their master how hard it
is to get out of the old rut and rally to the support of those who are
his true humble followers. We often sing that beautiful song,
"Follow, follow, I will follow Jesus, anywhere he leads me I will
follow on." But are we willing to do it?
It is our praying and thinking and deep meditating on the word of
God that will make you strong enough in Christ to be able to follow
him even when it may become necessary to lose some of your best
friends, or withdraw from a people who have been very dear to you,
in order to be with those who have proved to be obeying the
Master's teachings more fully in all things. The question may be
asked how can we become thinkers for ourselves instead of
imitators? The answer is by thinking and asking for Divine help.
James says, "If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God that
giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given
him." (James 1:5)
Men become good singers by singing, swift runners by running,
good merchants by merchandising, good writers by writing, great
preachers by preaching, good Christians by Christian living.
No one just happens to true success, it requires hard efforts.
Thinking is a business of itself. It cannot be done while engaged
in some game or play or telling foolish stories, or reading novels or
going to dances or picture shows. The world today is living for
pleasure and are fast forgetting God, as they did in the days of
Noah. The churches of today are playing and feasting instead of
praying the fasting. No wonder Satan is gaining such headway.
To improve our thinking we should rather engage in conversa-
tion with those more intelligent than ourselves and by reading
good books, silent meditation alone with God in secret prayer,
association with God's children, reading often in the Bible, all goes
to increase our thinking power and make us strong in the Lord.
12 BIBLE MONITOR
Deep thinking is not always pleasant but sometimes difficult and
painful. We accomplish our ambitions only by hard struggles and
continual efforts and patience and prayer. It is said that not one in
a million includes important processes of human life and yet it is
the only important process. Out of your own praying, thinking and
meditating will come anything of which you are capable. Out of no
thinking, praying and meditating comes nothing but routine. Dear
Brother and Sister, let us pray more, think more, on the word of
God, read more good books and papers and tracts and above all
the word of God.
Let us fast more and feast less and our reward will be great and
we shall be the children of the most high. Thank God for the great
thinkers in the church who are led by the Spirit of Christ.
THE NEW TESTATMENT DOCTRINES
TRINE IMMERSION, THE FORM
J. H. MOORE
We have seen that immersion is the baptism taught in the New
Testament, and now it is in order to consider the form embodied
by the Founder of the church, in the baptismal formula, which he
gave to his apostles just before he took his departure from the
earth. There is a form for all the doctrines taught by Christ, and in
Rom. 6:17 we read about obeying "from the heart the form of doc-
trine" delivered unto the saints. It is not only the doctrine that must
be respected, but the form as well.
The form of baptism is set forth in the baptismal formula as
recorded in Matt. 28:19, reading thus in the Revised Version: "Go
ye therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them into
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost "
Since there are three Persons in the Trinity, as indicated in the
formula, and since each one is to be duly honored in the baptismal
ceremony, it follows that there should be three actions in the per-
formance of the rite, the three actions symbolizing the three
Persons of the Godhead. If there were but one person named in
the formula, then but one action would be required, but since
there are three names and the baptism is to be into each name, there
must, of necessity, be three actions, in order that the demands
of the formula may be complied with.
The meaning of the formula is very forcibly presented in the
following paraphrasing by Alexander Campbell: "This is a purely
Christian institution; not of Moses or the prophets; hence the
formula is a perfectly original and unprecedented' institution.
BIBLE MONITOR 13
There had been washings, cleansings and purifyings among the
Jews, Samaritans and Gentiles, by various authorities and enact-
ments; but not one like this: 'into the name of the Father, and into
the name of the Son, and into the name of the Holy Spirit.' " —
American Christian Revision, Vol. X, No. 39. Also "Quinter and
McConnell Debate," page 61.
To baptize "into the name of the Father, and into the name of the
Son, and into the name of the Holy Spirit," — and this is certainly
the meaning of the formula, — can mean nothing short of a
threefold immersion. A careful reading of the formula, as it stands
in the Revised Version, placing the emphasis on the and, where it
properly belongs, also brings out the idea very clearly, — "Bap-
tizing them into the name Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost." There is probably no better way of emphasizing the trine
action, which the formula was evidently meant to teach.
In John 19:19, R.V., will be found a sentence very much like the
baptismal formula in construction, reading thus: "And it (the title)
was written in Hebrew, and in Latin, and in Greek." That Pilate had
to write three times, in order to place the title in the three
languages named, is self-evident. The very construction of the
sentence shows this. Now, if Pilate had to write three times, in
order to write the title in Hebrew, and in Latin, and in Greek, — and
he surely did, — then it certainly follows that one must dip his
candidate three times, in order to baptize him 'Into the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." From this
conclusion there is no logical escape.
As the closing paragraph of this chapter, we offer the following,
which, in the estimation of not a few, is looked upon as a clincher:
During a public discussion on the form of baptism, one of the
disputants passed a copy of the New Testament to the judge of a
court, who happened to be present, and asked him to write his
name in the book of Matthew, and of Mark, and of Luke. The Book
being returned to the speaker, the judge was asked how often he
had written his name. He answered, "Three times." "Then," said
the speaker, "if the judge could not write his name in the book of
Matthew, and of Mark, and of Luke, without writing three times,
pray tell me, how one can baptize 'into the name of Father and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,' without dipping his candidate
three times?"
••••••
Give benefit of doubt, until the truth is fully out.
li BIBLE MONITOR
NEW ITEMS
THANK YOU
Bill and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members
of the Dunkard Brethren Church for all their love, support prayers
cards and money which were sent our way during Bill's illness
We certainly appreciated all the thoughtfulness toward us
We can only say "Thank you", but may God richly bless you.
In Christian Love,
Bill and Maria Eby
OBITUARY
MARY JANE REED
Sister Mary Jane (Jameson) Reed, age 90, of Dallas Center
Iowa, died February 12, 1987, at the hospital in Marshall Missouri'
She was born January 28, 1897, in Greenbriar County West
Virginia, the daughter of Sandy and Annie (Brown) Jameson Mary
was a school teacher before her marriage to William Sherman
Reed on January 17, 1917 at her parent's farm home near Renick
West Virginia.
After their marriage, they moved to Swift Current, Saskatch-
ewan, Canada where her husband worked as a well driller for a
year.They moved to central Illinois where she faithfully served her
minister, farmer husband. To this union eleven children were born
They moved to Iowa in 1943 and continued on the farm at
Ankeny and Waukee. They retired in Dallas Center in 1957 For the
past year she had made her home with her daughter at Malta Bend
Missouri.
Survivors include seven sons and three daughters: Elbert Des
Moines, Iowa; Lloyd, Bethel, Pennsylvania; Millard, Manteca' Cal-
ifornia; Ray, Dallas Center, Iowa; William, Quinter, Kansas- John
Des Moines, Iowa; Fae Kasza, Malta Bend, Missouri- Edna Wertz'
McClave, Colorado; Oty, Montrose, Colorado; and Ruth Halde-
man, Adel, Iowa; forty-three grandchildren, seventy-six great
grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews
She was preceded in death by her husband; oldest son Kyle two
brothers, three sisters, one grandchild, two great grandchildren
and one daughter-in-law. She was a charter member of the
Dunkard Brethren Church at Astoria, Illinois, and remained faithful
to the church until her death.
BIBLE MONITOR 15
She was quite active in the missionary work of the church, serv-
ing with her husband on numerous missionary journeys in south-
ern states and to the Dunkard Brethren Navajo Indian Mission in
Cuba, New Mexico.
Funeral services were held February 15, 1987, at the Dallas
Center Dunkard Brethren Church conducted by Brethren Fred
Pifer, Alvin Chupp and James Meyers. Interment was in the
Brethren Cemetery.
SOME TIME WE'LL UNDERSTAND
Not now, but in the coming years,
It may be in the better land,
We'll read the meaning of our tears,
And there, sometime, we'll understand.
We'll catch the broken thread again,
And finish what we here began;
Heaven will the mysteries explain,
And then, ah, then we'll understand.
We'll know why clouds instead of sun
Were over many a cherished plan.
Why song has ceased when scarce begun;
'Tis there, sometime, we'll understand.
Why what we long for most of all,
Eludes so oft our eager hand;
Why hopes are crushed and castles fall,
Up there, sometime, we'll understand.
God knows the way, He holds the key,
He guides with unerring hand;
Some time with tearless eyes we'll see;
Yes, there, up there, we'll understand.
Then trust in God thro' all the days;
Fear not, for He doth hold thy hand;
Though dark thy way, still sing and praise,
Some time, some time, we'll understand.
•••••••
Gentle words fall lightly, but they have great weight.
Jj> BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR JUNE 1987
June 7 — The wisdom of God — I Cor. 2:1-16
1. How do we obtain wisdom? Job 28:28, Matt. 7:24.
2. How do we understand the difference between worldly wis-
dom and Spiritual wisdom? James 3:17.
June 14 — Building Upon the Foundation — I Cor. 3:1-12
1. What is the building referred to in verse 10?
2. Why is it important that we use the right material? Verse 13.
June 21 — Fathers Day - Luke 1:57-80.
1. What reason did the friends have for wanting him called
Zacharias? Verse 59.
2. What reason did the Father have for asking for paper to write
on? Verse 63.
June 28 — Temperance — Titus 2:1-15.
1. What is temperance?
2. Can we engage in sin as long as we are temperate in what
we do?
YOUNG PEOPLE'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR JUNE 1987
June 7 — The Good Seed — Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43.
1 . Who is the sower of the good seed? What is the seed?
2. Who are the tares? Who sows them? Who will do the reaping?
June 14 — Our Understanding — I Cor. 2:1-16.
1. How do we get understanding? Where does it come from?
2. Can the world receive understanding?
June 21 - Father's Day — Gen. 37:1-4, Job 1:1-5, Mark 5:21-23,
35-43.
1. Why did Jacob love Joseph more than his other brothers?
2. Why did Job offer burnt offerings for his children?
June 28 — Temperance — Luke 1:13-17, Rom. 14:14-20, John 3:
y~i 3.
1. What is temperance? How can the world tell if we are
temperate?
2. In James 3:9-13 the tongue is mentioned. Are we to be temp-
erate with our tongues?
Pau i Stump
•0340 N. Diamond Mill
Union, OH 45
TO* >
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
JUNE 1, 1987
VOL. LXV
NO. 11
"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.
LET ME GROW
"Lord, I humbly come to thee,
Bowing now before thy throne,
I need your loving hand to guide —
Nothing can I do alone.
May I be submissive, Lord,
Not usurp authority,
Nor to be provocative -
I beg with sincerity.
Lord, you know how I desire
To be purer in my mind,
So help me now to show forth
Your quiet spirit divine.
Each day draw me closer Home,
Each day let me grow in grace,
All my thanks and praise I give
Hoping soon to see Thy face."
- Sister Irene Stout
R. 1 Box 160, Wabash, IN 46992
BIBLE MONITOR
METAMORPHOSIS
We all enjoy butterflies. Perhaps they are more important to us
now as population, pollution and pesticides have decreased their
numbers. It is a beautiful sight to see them gliding through the air.
Not only do butterflies add beauty to our surroundings but they are
helpful in controlling other insects. The butterfly's life span lasts
from a few days to nearly a year.
The stages of the adult butterfly's development are interesting.
From the egg comes the caterpillar which in turn becomes a
cocoon which produces the full grown butterfly. It is hard to
believe that the beautiful butterfly flying about was once a cater-
pillar crawling about. The caterpillar which is ugly goes through a
change in the cocoon stage that results in the adult butterfly. This
change is called a metamorphosis. This metamorphosis is a total
change in outward and inward form. The beginning creature is
very little like the final creature. Not only is there a great change in
appearance but in usefulness. The caterpillar when destructive of
plants, invites its own destruction but after being changed it
becomes useful as well as ornamental.
"Metamorphosis" is a Greek word which means to change from
one form to another. It is a word found in the New Testament to
describe a change made in appearance and In Spiritual inner
direction.
"Metamorphosis" is used to describe the transfiguration of
Jesus. There was a wonderful change in His bodily appearance
before His apostles. His body was glorified becoming whiter and
brighter than His usual earthly appearance. It struck awe in the
hearts and minds of those viewing this special sight. They were
THE BIBLE MONITOR JUNE 1, 1987
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
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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
JACOB C. NESS, Associate Editor; 136 Homeland Road, York, PA
17403
RUDY COVER, Associate Editor; 2034 Rohle Ave., Modesto, CA 95351
BIBLE MONITOR
further awed by the words of the Father, "This is my beloved son, in
whom I am well pleased, hear ye Him." This glimpse of His
Heavenly glory should inspire us to want to hear and obey Him.
Not only does metamorphosis speak of a change in outward
appearance but also of a change within. II Cor. 3:18 speaks of a
change that comes through the Holy Spirit's direction. When we
clearly behold Christ we are changed into an imitation of Him. We
become like Him. Although He is the only begotten Son of God,
through Him we may become adoptive sons of God. As adoptive
sons we are to show forth the characteristics of Christ in our lives.
We should reflect His ways through our lives. There must be this
inward change if we are to live a Christian life.
In Rom. 12:2, we are told to not be conformed to the world
around us. We can not live the same life style as those around us
who follow the dictates of Satan. We must be conformed to Christ
but unconformed to the surrounding world's lifestyle. We can only
have this nonconformity if we have been transformed. This trans-
formation is a metamorphosis. It is a transformation of our
thinking and emotions. When the inward man is transformed there
will be a corresponding change in the outward appearance and
actions.
By the renewing or changing of the mind, there will be a desire to
do those things that may seem odd and peculiar to the world about
us but will seem reasonable to us for we will have the mind of
Christ. The mind of Christ is the mind obedient to the will of God.
As the temple of God our body will reflect the will of God being
wrought inwardly and outwardly.
This Spiritual metamorphosis is comparable to the change made
in the butterfly coming from the caterpillar. It is a change from
being destructive to becoming useful. There is an accompaning
change in appearance. The butterfly looks far different than the
caterpillar. The Christian must look alot different from the
surrounding world's ideals of beauty. The Christian's life can no
longer be self-centered but centered upon Christ which will
produce actions that will help others.
The Christian's metamorphosis must be twofold. It is inward and
outward. One without the other is foundationless and unpro-
ductive. If there is a change in outward appearance without an
inward change, it will be superficial and likely will not long endure.
It will be false. An inward change without an outward change, that
reflects it, will be shallow and soon snuffed out. Both changes
must be made, it is the Christian's transformation. To emphasize
either one at the expense of the other is to do a disservice to the
Gospel of Christ.
BIBLE MONITOR
The caterpillar makes a great change to become a butterfly, but
change it must. Have you had your metamorphosis?
A NOBODY FOR JESUS
Sometimes in this life, the simple tasks go begging for someone
to do them. No one wants a thankless job. Yet there are always
many little things to do, things which are more time-consuming
than exciting. The little jobs may not seem important, but when
they are left undone, the neglect is obvious. Even some big jobs
don't seem very important, but someone must do them. Not
everyone can have a so-called important job.
Christian living brings with it many simple tasks too. Whether
they seem important or not, Jesus expects us to be faithful in the
little things as well as the big things. We are called to be servants,
not celebrities. We are to be faithful, but not necessarily famous.
Jesus was faithful in what God expected of Him and we need to be
faithful also.
"Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to
minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." Matt. 20:26-28.
These verses make it very plain that the way up is down.
Christian people become great by being a servant, not by doing
great things. A servant is at the bottom in the chain of command,
and he does what someone else wants him to do. As Christian
people, we serve the Lord, doing what He wants us to. Being a
servant may seem like a nobody's job, but being a "nobody" for
Jesus makes us a somebody!
Jesus Himself was a servant. He came to minister to our needs,
and to give His life to redeem us. Considering the position Jesus
had in Heaven, He really became a "nobody" on this earth. He lived
very simply, getting along with far less than most of us. His main
concern was to help others, not to make a name for Himself. Jesus
was given the task of redeeming mankind, not a desirable position,
but He did it for us. What will you now do for Him?
In the parable of the talents, Matt. 25:14-30, each man employed
as a servant was given something to do. The responsibilities were
passed out according to their abilities. No one was given a job too
big to handle. The Lord of those servants expected them to
continue to serve him, even while he was gone, and two of them did
so. The third man had a different attitude. His job wasn't very big,
but he didn't even do that much! He just did what was given to him.
BIBLE MONITOR
He apparently didn't see any value in being a nobody for his
master.
This unprofitable servant made lots of excuses for his laziness,
but it just got him in more trouble. We generally have the same
problem when we don't do what we are supposed to. Our excuses
won't relieve us of our responsibilities either, not even in the
"nobody" jobs. The man in the parable had an opportunity to
serve, but he apparently didn't want the responsibility. His neglect
hindered his master's cause, just as we hinder the cause of Christ
when we neglect to serve as He has directed.
The Psalmist said, "I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of
my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." Psa. 84:10.
Being a doorkeeper is not a high position, but it is better than living
in sin. If is better than doing nothing for our Lord, and only living to
please one's self. The measure of a Christian is not how lofty his
position is, but how faithful he is in it. Whether you are a somebody
for Jesus, or a nobody, the important thing is to be faithful in
carrying out His will in your life.
"And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a
cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto
you, he shall in no wise lose his reward." Matt. 10:42. No matter
how small the deed, God notices it. No matter how lowly the task,
He is pleased when you do it well. Whenever an opportunity
comes, do what you can and God will bless you.
"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." Matt. 25:40. You won't get your
name in the paper for doing little things to help others, but Jesus
will see what you do. Your reward is to come from Him, not from
mankind, and you need to seek His will for your life. He may give
you small assignments to test your faithfulness, following with
greater responsibility as your faithfulness increases. He wants you
to glorify Him, not yourself. "He that is least among you all, the
same shall be great." Luke 9:48. Are you a nobody for Jesus?
Sister Eileen Broadwater
THE VICTORIOUS RESURRECTION
When Christ was here on earth He said that three days after His
death He would rise again. His enemies remembered this, so after
His death on the cross when He was laid in the tomb, a large stone
was laid to close the entrance of the tomb and soldiers were set to
watch to make sure His body would stay in the tomb.
BIBLE MONITOR
The power of God was manifested and the soldiers became as
dead men and the stone was rolled away and:
... Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes;
He arose a victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign...
His resurrection was a blessing and a victory for all mankind who
accept His plan of salvation. An angel of the Lord appeared at the
tomb and said to those who came there, "Why seek ye the living
among the dead? He is not here he is risen."
When He was here on earth He taught by example and precept
that we should do good. He did much for the comfort and con-
solation of the ill and helpless. He taught love and sharing in the
bearing of burdens. He performed miracles of healing and raised
the dead to life. After He did much good for others He suffered the
cruel death on the cross. Jesus said when He was here, "I am the
resurrection and the life." "No man cometh unto the father, but by
me." He proved to have that power.
He taught blessed are the poor in spirit, they that mourn, the
meek, those that hunger and thirst after righteousness, the
merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers and those that are
persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven. The Apostle Paul said, "... that I might know Him and the
power of His resurrection." As in Adam all die even so in Christ
shall all be made alive. Christ said, "He that heareth my words and
believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not
come unto condemnation but is passed unto life. Verily I say unto
you the power is coming and now is when the dead shall hear his
voice of the son of God and they that hear shall live."
There shall be a resurrection of the just and the unjust. For the
just a victorious resurrection into the glorious place that John the
Revelator reveals to us. He also describes the place prepared for
the unrighteous. Christ has gone to prepare a place. Where He is
we may be also.
Also He is coming again to receive His faithful servants. Enoch
prophesied, "... behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousand of his
saints to execute judgment upon all." The Apostles spoke of our
Lord Jesus Christ and said in the last time there shall be mockers
walking after their ungodly lusts. John the Revelator tells us of the
reaction of the unprepared, who will try to hide themselves from
the appearance of our Saviour at His second coming. It will be a
dreadful day for those who have failed to wash their robes and
make them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Here in this world many people are laboring and claiming
BIBLE MONITOR
blessings and victories that in time to come will benefit them
nothing. The Apostle Paul in his labor for Christ met with great
hardships in his fight for the victorious Jesus. Though he met with
much evil opposition he never became discouraged but pressed
onward and forward toward the blessed victory that some day
would be his.
We are to seek and set our affections on things that are above the
perishing things of this world. Are we partaking of the bread of
Spiritual life and living water that we will never hunger or thirst?
Jesus said he that cometh to me shall never hunger and he that
believefh on me shall never thirst. The Apostle Paul said in his time
many who claimed to be Christ's followers were in reality His
enemies.
Many evil victories are won today. People are told and pressed to
believe the untruth that there is no victory after this life is over. Let
us accept the plan of salvation through Christ our Saviour that after
the end of this life on earth we can look forward to the victorious
resurrection. We need all the fruits of the spirit. Obey all the
commandments of Christ our Saviour for the victorious resur-
rection to spend the ceaseless ages of eternity with Him.
Brother J. F. Marks
R. 3 Box 509
York, PA 17402
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
MARRIAGE
Part 4
THE WIFE. The Bible tells us that in marriage, the couples
become "one flesh." This means that there is a commonality of
feelings, one way of thinking, one way of setting goals. You do not
become each other. You do not lose your identity but through your
unitedness, you complete each other.
Wives are to be "subject to your own husband as to the Lord. For
the husband is the head of the wife, AS Christ is head of the
church." How are we subject to the Lord? Freely, through love for
Him. Submission, then, is voluntary. You desire to submit out of
love you give to him.
Proverbs 31:10-12 teaches us: "Who can find a virtuous woman?
for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth
safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil." From the
beginning (Gen. 2:18) woman was conceived as the gift to man.
BIBLE MONITOR
She was to be a companion, a friend, an helpmeet and "to do him
good all the days of her life."
It is God who brings the woman to the man. (Gen. 2:22) God's
providence connects you to the right one for you. It is through
your sin and confusion that this plan is thwarted. What sometimes
seems to be chance or circumstance is definitely not that if you are
a child of God. When God settles the decision for marriage in your
heart, it is a RIGHT decision.
The wife is admonished to be gentle and meek and in doing this,
she will open fully her wisdom to the husband and will complement
him in his thinking and actions.
Gen. 3:16 indicates that the desire of the wife would be to the
husband and he would rule over her. This is God's word and
obviously does not fit the teaching of an irreverent, humanistic
society. This indicates that there is a reverence involved. But it
does show a beautiful cooperation of the couple and a liberation in
God's way. It never indicates oppression but rather becomes a
loving relationship to give and take under the headship system
created by God. You become co-heirs, co-partners with the
Creator. Self-advantage and personal advancement is gone and
you lose yourself in your husband and in God's will for your life.
Your husband is not THE LORD, but you relate to him as to the
Lord, voluntarily and lovingly giving, self-sacrificing, trusting and
risking all that you are in faith that your life might be within the will
of God.
Too many women today have a reticence to submit to their
husbands due to the fear of being somehow diminished or
swallowed up in his life. This submission, however, does not wipe
out individuality but offers an opportunity to the couple to comple-
ment each other in a unique God given way and enables the Lord to
bring a new dimension of life to each one.
Your role, in being submitted and committed to your husband,
fills an important place in your happiness and in the fulfillment of
the marriage relationship. The "wonder-woman" of Proverbs 31
was engaged in planting, making clothing for herfamily, preparing
food for the household, delivering handcrafted goods to merchants,
ministering to the needy, was strong, courageous, wise, kind and
blessed by her children... whom she obviously had not neglected
through all of this activity. Now, is that a boring life? She was
fulfilled in those things which God had ordained for her. Life was
exciting with a potential for expression in unlimited directions.
And to top it all, this good wife was simply an extension of her
husband. But what was the prerequisite here? She feared the Lord
and was in obedience to the perfect order of the almighty God.
BIBLE MONITOR
Real freedom in not just doing what one pleases to do. In the world
today, it seems to mean doing your own thing... doing what YOU
want to do, going where YOU want to go, being what YOU want to
be. God says, to go where I want you to go, be what I want you to
be, to do what I want you to do. As you express His will for your
life, you will be operating under the principles that will allow you
real freedom and happiness in your life. This illustrates the nature
of Jesus, the dying self, the loss of life for His sake. And... it is
beautiful.
Have you considered that the "needy" in your life might well be
your husband... your family? This might come as a stark revelation
but those who have been entrusted to your care give you a unique
opportunity to fulfill the nuturing of those in need. Yes, you will
have activities... fellowship, youth activities, Sunday school,
personal study, community service... but your first response is to
your husband. Your priorities must first be ordered to care for your
husband (and family) and then care for the other parts of your life
and ministry. The Lord has established an holy order for multi-
plying and distributing blessings to the wife and as energies and
priorities are made by His will, true and lasting fulfillment will be
achieved. The Lord will multiply the offering of your life to
overflow the basket.
Always remember this. You are the ONLY wife God has called
and provided for your husband and you are uniquely and irreplace-
ably important to him. Invest your life in him and in the home
rather than outside the home. Launch out in faith against the
heretical mis-teachings of our society. Be complete and fulfilled...
God's way.
Brother Len Wertz
SIXTY YEARS AGO
June 1, 1927
YE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
(Matthew 5:14)
R. R. Shroyer
When the good man is spoken of in the scriptures the highest,
the most valuable objects are used to symbolize him. He is spoken
of as a palm tree, as a cedar of Lebanon, but when Jesus set forth
his opinion of his disciples to all ages, he uses no mean figures, but
the very highest. In the scriptures or rather our subject text speaks
of them as the light of the world.
10 BIBLE MONITOR
What does the statement suggest? First it is full of suggestions
as to the character of their life.
It is Christ like. We are not to think the light of a Christian is
underived, that it is in him independent of any source outside, as
the light of our sun is independent of the light of other suns. The
Christian's light is not his own. It is derived from Jesus who is the
great source of all Spiritual light among men. The disciple of Jesus
should be looked upon as a reflector of the light that Jesus shines
in him. Then the light of the disciple is the same as the light of the
Master. The real Christian is then a reflection of the character of
Christ. His life harmonizes with the life of the Lord. This is living
on a high plane. It is living a high life. So many so-called
Christians today are accepting a low standard of Christian
conduct, losing sight of the real nature of the Christian life and its
high character. It should ever be borne in mind that the true
disciple of Jesus is in character like his Lord. Paul said for me to
live is Christ.
Light is self evidencing. Where light exists it shows itself. God
said let there be light and its existance was at once evidence by
shining.
It is just so with Christian light. It shines wherever it goes. It is
not a secret something whose existence is whispered but not seen,
where it does not shine it does not exist. The Christian life is public
as well as private. It shines in the home. In the sanctuary. It shines
in the social walks, and in the pursuits of business. It shines
everywhere the Christian goes. It requires no effort for light to
shine. It shines on mountains and seas. It enters the home of the
pauper as well as in the palace of the king. So it is with the
Christian. His light requires no effort to shine. It is not hard to live
out the life of Christ, if it is within.
Light is pure — because this is the character of light that it is
used to symbolize the highest beings and truths.
God himself is light. God's word is light.
Light is the thing in our world which retains its glorious nature,
notwithstanding that it comes into contact with the vile and impure.
Fire and water and wind do not escape contamination. Water may
come rippling with celestial purity down the mountain side, but it
cannot touch the unclean without partaking of its nature. It may
wash the foul garment clean, but it retains for a time the foulness.
The wind may carry with it the poison of the plague. Fire may
evaporate impurities that may cause death wherever such vapors
come, but light cannot be contaminated. As pure as when in the
morning it gilds the mountain peaks, those towers of the world, is it
at the time of the sun's setting though it has in the meantime visited
BIBLE MONITOR 11
dens of vice, scenes of pollution, the gutter and the cess pool — yet
it carries no disease on its wings. It keeps itself clean of ail
contagion. So the light of the Christian is pure.
It is Christ like and cannot be contaminated. Jesus was spotless,
and the true Christian is undefiled by his environment. His
character is not a mixture of worldliness and Godliness.
Light is democratic. Light is no respector of persons. It has as
much regard for one man as for another. He will give as much of
his light to the poor man, as to the rich. He will hasten with his
cheering beams to the sick in the dug out as to the royal patient
who sighs for his appearance. This is also true of the Christian. He
is no respector of persons. The Christian manifests the Spirit of his
Lord, and he was the friend of all men. The Christian like his Lord
cares for his fellow man because he is a man.
Light is independent.
Nothing can conspire among the worlds of space to put out the
light of the sun. It matters not what may be the state of our
atmosphere, or what conditions of nations whether in peace or war
>or what the phenomena of the sky, or earth, the sun cannot be
affected. It shines serenely on. This is true of the Christian light. It
is independent. It matters not what men may say or do against it,
they cannot put it out. They cannot extinguish it in the soul. They
burned the Christians at the stake, and tortured the followers of
Jesus but their light shone on. The followers of Jesus therefore are
of great importance to the world. It is not said that Christians are
lights in the world, but, the light of the world.
Christians form the Spiritual sun on earth, each having his own
part in the shining. Jesus puts his disciples in a most conspicuous
place in relation to earth's peoples. There have been many lights
among men. Intellectual lights, social lights, religious lights, but
Jesus because of their importance to the race puts his true
followers above them all. He says of them, they are the light of the
world.
They dispel darkness.
There is the darkness of ignorance regarding God and man's
relation to him. There is much darkness as to how men should live.
There is wide spread ignorance as to life's true aim.
The Christian's light dispels this darkness. Christians tell men
about God and their relation to him through sin. They declare to
them the way of Salvation. They tell men that life is for noble
purpose, not to get fame, but to become Christians.
Light is attractive. Light attracts. How eagerly do men and
women watch for its coming in the regions where winter is long,
and what delight when the sun begins to appear. So also is
12 BIBLE MONITOR
attractive the Christian life, men love to behold it. Its influence on
men in early days was one of the facts that caused religion to
spread so rapidly. Men do admire goodness. There is nothing so
lovely as a truly Christian life. Surely the real Christians are of
great importance in the world. Their testimony, their teaching and
their Godly conduct is of great value.
The world is in need of their light. Christ expects his disciples to
shine in your homes, in their business walks, in the slums and the
dwelling of the civilized. Christ is depending on the light of
Christian teaching, testimony and living to lead men to see their
need of salvation of their souls. So may all who claim to be the
people of God let their light shine,
BINDING UP WOUNDS
Luke 10:33-34 "But a certain Samaritan, as he jouneyed, came
where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and
wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and
took care of him."
All Bible readers will immediately recognize the opening verses
as being part of the parable of the Good Samaritan. This portion of
scripture has been the text for many sermons and articles. Many
interpretations and applications have come forth in exhortations
and articles. We are aware of the danger of stretching the appli-
cation of a portion of scripture beyond acceptable limits. We pray
that we will not do so as we share what we feel the Holy Spirit has
given us.
We believe there are three areas where God has called the
Church to be active in binding up wounds. The first of these is a
literal interpretation and application of the parable of the Good
Samaritan. We believe we should support those of the medical
profession who give of their time to go to foreign lands and do
medical missionary work. We also believe God is pleased with the
Church having part in the care of the elderly. On a more personal
basis, we believe that we should be willing to give whatever aid we
can to anyone needing medical attention. In our day of sueing for
almost anything the temptation may be great to "pass over on the
other side."
The second area where we believe God is calling the Church to
bind up wounds is the area of relationships. While we reject the
teaching that Jesus Christ shed His blood on the cross to heal
relationships, we do recognize the need of a healing in this area.
There is a need of healing between local congregations. All too
often even those of the same denomination are at odds with one
BIBLE MONITOR 13
another. This does not mean we do not voice our concern about
trends in the earthly church that we see to be contrary to Holy
Scripture. But it means that we do so in a loving manner that seeks
reconciliation rather than division. There is often divisions within a
local assembly. The Apostle Paul addressed this problem in his
writings. He said such things should not be. Can we love a brother
or sister in the Lord enough to be willing to lay our life down for
them if we cannot even agree on scriptural interpretation? Our
goal should be to be "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit
in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3) In Ephesians 4:13 Paul tells
us that the leadership and laity of the Church should work together
"till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of
the Son of God,..." This sounds far different to us from the popular
teaching that God made us each an individual and thus we each
have our own likes and dislikes which we bring into our community
of faith. Salvation is a very personal matter between an individual
and his or her Lord. Each of us must repent of our sins and allow
the Holy Spirit to clean up our lives. The Bible also teaches the
necessity of water baptism. We repeat, salvation is a very personal
matter. But it becomes a communal affair as we follow our Lord in
obedience. We will avoid the very controversial area of just who
will enter into the glories of Heaven. But we will state that
scriptural healing of a relationship is not recognizing the right of an
individual to do as he or she feels is right for himself. Rather it is
praying for the Holy Spirit to lead us all into truth in "grey" areas
and to be willing to be faithful in clear scriptural instructions. We
realize in saying this that there is a wide range of interpretation
within the earthly church making very little of scripture absolute in
their eyes. An example of this was the answer to an individual's
question regarding feet washing in a "prophecy" magazine. The
editor's reply was that in our society the washing of feet, literally,
was as much out of place as the holy kiss! It proved to us once
again how unwilling most that call themselves Christians are to
follow Holy Scripture. Many have let worldly society interpret the
scriptures for them! As someone has wisely said, "The church is
becoming very worldly and the world is becoming very churchy."
This brings us to our last point.
A third area where we believe God is calling the Church to bind
up wounds is in the spiritual area. We must be careful that we do
not fall into the trap of cultic "spiritual healing." This teaching is
heavily based on the false teaching of "self-love." II Peter 2:24 tells
us "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that
we being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness, by whose
stripes ye were healed." The Church is called to proclaim the truth
of salvation through the shed blood of Christ. We will not take the
14 BIBLE MONITOR
space to go into detail, but we see that we are not only "dead to
sins," but that we should "live unto righteousness." We must also
remember that a part of the body that is cancerous or otherwise
"dead/ 1 must be cut on as painful as this is. God can raise the dead
but there is no help in binding up wounds in this case. However,
within the local congregation we should seek to bind up the
wounds of error that have blinded some individuals. If they
continue in their error they will "bleed to death."
God desires for the Church to be a loving fellowship. We should
be willing to help to bear one another's burdens. Let us never
become so self righteous that we fail to bind up the wounds that we
come into contact with. If God treated us the same as we often
treat others we would be in a terrible fix. God never excuses sin but
he gives us a choice to repent. We should also remember if we had
to be "perfect" (of our own righteousness) Heaven would be empty
except for the Trinity and the faithful angels.
James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078
THE COMMUNION OF THE CUP OF THE
NEW TESTAMENT
Mark 14:32, Luke 22:20, I Cor. 11:25
The communion of the cup of the New Testament, is a symbol of
the shed blood of Christ and is equally important with the bread,
which represents his broken body. This is the last of the three
sacraments of the Communion Service.
The blood is the life-giving fluid of the body. The unfermented
grape juice is used to represent Christ's shed blood. If fermented
or intoxicating wine would be used it would be the same as
leavened bread and could not properly represent the blood of the
sinless Son of God.
Jesus said, "This cup is the New Testament in my blood; this do
ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me." I Cor. 11:25. He
has also commanded us to drink His blood that we may have life in
us and thus have the promise of eternal life.
After the 19th chapter of John is read, the officiating minister
asks God's blessing upon this cup that it may be consecrated from
a common use to a sacred emblem, representing the shed blood of
Christ.
He then pours the grape juice into two glasses from the large
pitcher. He passes one glass to the brethren's table and one to the
BIBLE MONITOR 15
sister's table, saying, "This cup of the New Testament is the
communion of the blood of Christ."
Each person takes a sip Trom the glass and repeats the same
words as they pass the glass on to the next person. Usually a hymn
is sung at this time. The songs that are frequently sung are the old
time favorites, "Alas and Did My Savior Bleed," 'Tis Midnight on
Olives Brow," or "My Jesus I Love Thee."
When we take a portion of this fruit of the vine, we renew our
pledge that we believe that Jesus' blood has cleansed us from sin.
Those who continue to live faithful, obeying Christ's commands
and teaching as given in the Bible, will continue to have the
assurance of eternal life. This service strengthens our faith.
Sister Maxine Surbey
OBITUARY
MARY REED
Mary Naomi (Light) Reed, 67, of Minburn, Iowa, died of cancer
on May 4, 1987 at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. Her
body has been donated to science.
She was born October 1, 1919 in Clarence, Iowa, the daughter of
Jacob Roy and Bertha Jane Light. She graduated from Colo High
School in 1936. In 1937, Mary was baptized into the Dunkard
Brethren Church to which she dedicated a lifetime of untiring
service. She was married to Kyle T. Reed on May 26, 1946. In 1947
she graduated from Iowa Lutheran Hospital as a registered nurse
and joined Kyle in China, where they completed three years of
relief work with the Mennonite Central Committee. In 1949 they
moved to Minburn, Iowa to raise their family. Mary served as
school nurse at Central Dallas in Minburn from 1964 to 1966. She
assisted Kyle in his business, Farm-El Services, from 1965 to 1983.
She also found time to care for her mother and mother-in-law in
her home as the need arose. The past seven years were high-
lighted by the young children in the community that she babysat
for.
Mary is preceded in death by her mother, father, husband, a son,
her mother-in-law, father-in-law, and a sister-in-law. Survivors
include a son, Howard, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; five daughters, Mary
Jane Swihart, of Quinter, Kansas; Doris Hemphill of McClave,
Colorado; Margaret Ratcliff, of New Sharon, Iowa; Myrna Palmer,
of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Dorothy Hartley, of Springfield, Missouri;
a brother, John Light of Minburn; and six grandchildren.
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
Jacob C. Ness, Chairman
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403
Hayes Reed, Secretary
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Herman Jamison, Treasurer
Quinter, KS 67752
Frank Shaffer
13092 Grant Shook Rd.
Greencastle, PA 17225
Harley Rush
R. 1, Converse, IN 46919
Robert Carpenter
R. 5 Box 97
Peru, IN 46970
Joseph E. Flora
R.3Box 12
Adel, IA 50003
Galen Litfin
1314 East 7th St.
Newberg, OR 97132
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
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
21397-B50
Bryan, Ohio 43506
Fred Pifer, Treasurer
R. 3 Box 184
Adel, IA 50003
Rudolph Cover
2034 Roble Avenue
Modesto, CA 95354
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340
RELIEF BOARD
Boyd Wyatt, Chairman
12124 Washington Rd.
Waterford, CA 95386
(209)874-3519
Newton Jamison, Secretary
512 Garfield
Quinter, Kansas 67752
(913) 754-3433
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender St.
Morenci, Ml 49256
(517)458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, PA 17340
(717) 359-5753
Martin Meyers
R. 3 Box 250
Adel, Iowa 50003
(515) 993-3028
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
David Skiles, Superintendent
R. 2 Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Harley Flory, Secretary
27505 Flory Rd. R. 4
Defiance, Ohio 43512
Marlin Jamison, Treasurer
Box 1 00
Quinter, Kansas 67752
James Meyers
R. 1 Box 109
Dallas Center, IA 50063
Larry Andrews
312 East Coleman
Raymore, Missouri 64083
All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury, but
sent to the Secretary for his records.
Pau l Stump
10340 N. Diamond Mill
Union, OH 45322
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXV
JUNE 15, 1987
NO. 12
"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.
WHO WILL FOLLOW JESUS?
Who will follow Jesus, Standing for the right,
Holding up His banner In the thickest fight?
List'ning for His orders, Ready to obey,
Who will follow Jesus, Serving Him today?
Who will follow Jesus In life's busy ways,
Working for the Master, Giving Him the praise;
Earnest in His vineyard, Honoring His laws,
Faithful to His counsel, Watchful for His cause?
Who will follow Jesus; When the tempter charms,
Fleeing, then, for safety To the Savior's arms;
Trusting in His mercy, Trusting in His pow'r,
Seeking fresh renewals Of His grace each hour?
Who will follow Jesus In His work of love,
Leading others to Him, Lifting prayers above?
Courage, faithful servant! In His work we see,
On our side forever Will this Savior be.
E. E. Hewitt
BIBLE MONITOR
PUT YE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
There is quite a question in many people's minds about what
they will wear. It is important to them that their clothes reflect the
latest fashion. They want to be known as followers of the very
latest style. The cut of the clothes is more important than whether
they are functional or not.
Adam and Eve could dwell in the Garden of Eden naked, without
shame or guilt. After they became sinners clothes became neces-
sary. Their first efforts at covering their nakedness with fig leaves
are comparable with modern men and women's attempts at partial
covering of their nakedness. They were satisfied with their attempt
but God wasn't. The more complete covering afforded by the
animal skin was God's idea of clothing.
It cost the life of the animal giving up its skin, giving Adam and
Eve and all their descendants a picture of the needful sacrifice of
Christ to cover sin. None can escape the teaching of the necessity
of a blood sacrifice. Cain was guilty of bringing a dead sacrifice
but he had no excuse, for Adam and Eve had been clothed by the
blood sacrifice which met God's requirement.
Many today are more interested in wearing fig leaves than the
attire designed and approved by God. God wanted Adam and Eve
to wear substantial clothing that would be modest and provide
warmth and protection for the body. Clothing might vary some
according to climatic conditions but it still must be modest to
warrant God's approval.
Adam and Eve were satisfied with their fig leaves. Today people
are not only satisfied with fig leaves for their physical clothing but
THE BIBLE MONITOR JUNE 15, 1987
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Printing, Inc., 4017 Co. Rd. 11,
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 Street, 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 Rohle Ave., Modesto, CA 95351
BIBLE MONITOR
also for their spiritual clothing. They are satisfied with man made
and approved means of Christianity. They do not want to be
associated with anything so cruel and bloody as the sacrifice of
Jesus Christ on the cross for their sins. They want instead to use
"fig leaf" methods to cover their sins. Fig leaves did not properly
cover Adam and Eve and "fig leaf" methods of salvation will not
succeed either.
Anything less than the total acceptance of the substitionary
sacrifice of Jesus Christ the Son of God on Calvary and His
resurrection is but "fig leaf" religion. The Bible describes the
necessary belief and action needed to be covered by the sacrifice
of Christ. To follow any other plan will be to lose the desired result.
While there is a will to be rescued from sin and to gain an eternal
abode with God, just any method to obtain it will not suffice. The
method must be God's Way. Not all clothes, though stylish and
high in public opinion, are suitable or meet God's approval.
Putting on clothes we cover ourselves. The blemishes and
unsightly areas are covered when clothed. The putting on of
Christ, Spiritually, covers the blemishes and unsightly places in our
lives. Our sins, which are common to all men, must be covered by a
perfect sacrifice. Jesus is the only perfect sacrifice available to us.
Putting Him on involves the heart and mind's acceptance of the
need of His sacrifice and the willingness to let Him be that sacrifice
rather than trying to contrive some other "fig leaf" way. There is a
need for a turning away from sin. Not only must there be a sorrow
for getting caught in it but in the grief it causes God. Baptism
symbolically brings the cleansing away of the old sins and readies
the applicant for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. With the coming
of the Spirit, Christ is put on. We become little imitators of Him.
Our thoughts and actions must then reflect the mind and actions of
Jesus. Putting on the Lord Jesus intimates that He is now the
Master of our lives. A lord has total supervision of his servants.
They are bound to serve as he directs. The Lord Jesus should have
the same total rule over our lives. His rule should be as thorough as
the covering afforded by our clothes. If we have only Spiritual "fig
leaves" then His control over us will only be minimal and we will be
putting ourselves in danger.
Putting on the Lord Jesus Christ means to not make provision for
fleshly desires. We are tempted and yield to carnal desires all too
readily without contriving ways of fulfilling these fleshly desires.
As putting on Christ relates to our physical dress, it would be wise
to consider if the clothing we wish to wear would be the type and
style of clothing that Jesus would wear. If we have put on Jesus,
then whatever we wear is what we would consider that Jesus would
wear.
BIBLE MONITOR
Have you put on the Lord Jesus Christ? Then dress, act and
think like you have. Don't be caught in a fig leaf like Adam and Eve.
A FATHERS LOVE
"My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come
and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall
live." Mark 5:23. This plea for help came from Jairus, one of the
rulers of the synagogue. He was an important man, but he was
helpless in this crisis. He realized that his daughter needed help
which man could not give, and he pleaded with Jesus for help.
Jesus honored his request and restored this girl to life and health.
Jairus was really concerned about his daughter and he didn't let
public opinion keep him from Jesus. As you know, Jesus was not
popular with the Pharisees and such like. They found fault with
Jesus and His followers, and Jairus was surely at risk of being
rebuked, if not something worse. Even so, his love for his child
moved him to do what was best for her regardless of what others
may have thought.
We hear alot about a mother's love and its far-reaching effect, but
a father's love is important also. He may express it differently, but
when a father loves his children, it will be revealed in one way or
another. It may be in something as simple as fixing a broken toy, or
as difficult as watching over a very sick child. Love is revealed
when a father properly disciplines his children, when he plays with
them or shares his faith in God with them. His entire relationship
with his child reveals the depth of his love.
Sometimes a father's love is revealed when he lets a child go. A
son or daughter may foolishly insist on freedom before the
maturity is there to handle it. Father is on the spot, and may not
want to release his child. However, he may do so to teach the child
a lesson. The prodigal son is an example of this. His father no
doubt knew what would happen, but allowed his son to go. This
father still loved his foolish son, and was waiting for his return.
A father's love is revealed when he forgives. Luke 15:20 says,
"But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had
compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." This
son had really messed things up, but his father forgave him. He
didn't seek to shame and humiliate his son, but instead welcomed
him with open arms. He did not cover-up the sin; he simply forgave
his son.
We too have messed things up in this life. We've gone our own
way, we've taken the good things in life and wasted them. We've
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rejected the wise counsel given to us. But because of a father's
love, our Heavenly Father's, we can be forgiven. He is waiting and
will welcome us with open arms if we'll return to Him. God has
already made a way for us to put our life of sin and shame behind
us, and will help us to be a true child of His.
A father's love for his family gives them a basis for understanding
God's love. A father's love is self-sacrificing, seeking to do what's
best for his family even at his own expense. The parent-child
relationship here on earth helps us understand what our relation-
ship is to be with our Heavenly Father. When we have had a loving,
caring father, we can more readily understand God's love for us!
We are more willing to give our lives over to His control, knowing
He has our best interest at heart. Trust in God comes to us more
easily when we first have had a father to trust.
The absence of a good father-child relationship does not mean
that we can never learn to trust God. But a father who forsakes or
in some way mistreats his children does hinder them spiritually. If
God treated us as some fathers treat their children, none of us
would trust Him. Trust is basic to Christian living, and is possible
because God is trustworthy. God cares for His own in love and we
can be sure He will lead us in the right way.
Fathers, do you love your children? Are you worthy of the trust
they place in you? God doesn't expect you to be perfect, but He
does expect you to meet some basic needs. The Bible contains the
guidelines; follow them, and you will be glad you did. So will your
children.
Sister Eileen Broadwater
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
MARRIAGE
Part 5
THE HUSBAND. Our lives are formed and sometimes deformed
by the experiences we have in early childhood. We often see
wrong examples of what a husband is to be and this carries right on
into our own marriage. As we would share about the dynamics of
being a Godly husband, we do so prayerfully, that right values
might be given to the second most important responsibility you will
be given in this life... that of being a husband and father. This is
topped only by your acceptance of Christ as your Saviour.
First of all, the husband needs to be dead to self. That is what
God asks of all His followers. Yes, you must be devoted, a good
example, gentle, kind and wise... but you must also be dead... dead
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to self. A real transformation of the inner-man of the husband is
desperately needed for the restoration of the Christian family
today. You have a powerful opportunity to minister for God as you
assume your role for Him and surprisingly that role includes the
obligation of servanthood. Now being a servant doesn't sound
much like being a leader but it is a necessary component of a
Godly man's life. Modern psychology has persuaded men that they
must be macho... have an aggressive self-image. Self "anything"
takes Christ off of the throne and places you there. Your real image
is that of a sinner... saved by grace. You are confident only as you
walk after God and not after the flesh. (I Cor. 1:26-31)
GOD has to be first and last in the man's life in marriage. Self
ambition leads to only unruly passions of the flesh... and passion is
no reason for marriage or sustinance of marriage. Just look at your
responsibility. If you have a wife and possibly children SUBJECT
to you, you must bless their lives and surrender self in doing so.
Pride and fleshly jealously have to be put away.
Genesis 4:1 says that Adam KNEW his wife. We often see this as
only in a physical way. In reality, the word "know" in the Greek
means "to meet, experience and embrace." It is a word that shows
a man's complete commitment to the one whom he calls his wife. It
is a word of fidelity. The flesh is conquered and there is a noble
and wonderful relationship experienced.
Many Christian families fall apart because the husband has not
accepted the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Headship is actually a
responsibility to serve. Service is a showing of greatness. (Matt.
20:26-27) The "serving" leadership role of the husband in the home
is not demanding but is rather protective and enabling. A Christian
husband must earn the right to be in command of his home
through his submission to God.
A husband is given to bless and fulfill his wife's life. Husbands
who want to quit a marriage because they "can't find happiness
with THAT woman" reveal that they never understood the first
concept of husbandship. Their intent was never to give but to get.
Failure came not as the result of "something," then, but was there
from the inception. The attempt to fulfill the wife's life does not
make you a martyr who never receives anything from her. Part of
fulfilling her is learning how to let her love you, which can be more
humbling than giving all of the time.
You must take leadership in prayer... not to do all of it, but to
promote and maintain it. The same is true with reading of the Word
and meditating upon the law of God. A father, sharing family
concerns and problems in prayer, becomes a great influence to
children who see his love and concern for them.
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The husband is the comforter... even of children. He is a mantle
of protection for the family. As he walks obediently in God's
wisdom, his house is built upon a rock and his wife (and children)
can dwell restfully within that house.
A man's love is kind, not jealous or boastful, is not arrogant or
rude, doesn't insist on its own way, is not irritable, bears all things,
believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (I Cor. 13)
Do you see self anywhere there? No. Unfortunately, in our
shallow, materialistic culture, this kind of love is considered as
unmasculine. Only in sharing the characteristic of love will a wife
find security in you.
You are called in a marriage relationship to complement your
wife... not to completely change her. Change will come in some
ways. As you share your strengths and weaknesses, your goals,
likes and dislikes, she will also share in these things. Your
marriage must be worked at. You might train for years to play
athletic games and study many years to become competent in a
profession. But somehow we think that the most important factor
in all our lives... the ability to be an effective husband... will just
happen. It won't. It is not inate. Daily death of selfishness and
resurrection into Christ's gentle nature will lead to a blessed
marriage experience. The only viable formula for success in
marriage is to approach it from God's perspective.
Finally, I would admonish you to COMMUNICATE. A man's
logic without a woman's sensitivity is like a flying carpet which has
no place to touch down upon reality. The church, the world, and
the home needs strong, Christ centered husbands in this day.
Mount up like an eagle, see the need, accept the challenge. Bless
your marriage and God.
Brother Len Wertz
SIXTY YEARS AGO
June 15, 1927
THE BIBLE IS THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD
C. B. Sines
It seems to me, if there is any one that doesn't know that the Bible
is the inspired word of God, he had better find out, for we are living
in an age and a time we should know. We are living in the evening
of the last days, and we only pass this way once, and we had better
find out what we were put here for and what our duty really is. We
have every reason in this world to believe that the Bible is the
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inspired word of God.
If the Bible would not be the inspired word of God it would have
been destroyed long ago, for it doesn't just read to suit a great
many people. The Bible was written by men of God as they were
moved by the Holy Ghost.
The Bible could not possibly be the product of evil, wicked,
godless, corrupt, vile men, for it pronounces condemnation and
punishment against wrong doing. If bad men were writing the
Bible they never would have pronounced condemnation and
punishment against wrong doing.
This Book, the Bible, has stood the test for many hundred years
yet it was tried by many, to be destroyed. Men and women were
thrown to the beasts and burned at the stake and many beheaded
because they believed the Bible. Millions of dollars were spent to
try to overthrow the Book.
The Bible is the book that came to stay — heaven and earth shall
pass away but my word shall never pass away.
This Book stands above every other book like mountains above
mole hills. And God has always had a people that believe God and
his word, and he still has a few that believe and teach every word of
God's Book, a book whose life giving power exceeds the accumu-
lated knowledge and combined efforts of wicked men as the sun
exceeds the light of the lamp.
If any man will read the Bible and study the Bible and live the
Bible he will know that it is the inspired word of God, and he will be
willing to accept its teachings without question. I have long since
learned that there is enjoyment and happiness brought about by
living and accepting every word of God's book. It tells us how to
live and how to die. It tells what to do, and what we are not to do. It
tells us that we are not to lie, steal, murder, commit adultery and
many other commandments.
I have searched the Bible through, and I have never found where
it says for us to play baseball on Sunday, and to go to dances and
shows and card parties and cock fights and have box suppers and
organs and stringed instruments in the church. He does say that
we are not to love the world neither the things in the world. This is
no other but the inspired word of God.
The devil doesn't write a book like this. If it is not please tell me
what it is. This book has lifted men and women out of the corrupt
and dark world and placed them in the light of Jesus Christ. It has
brought peace and happiness to fathers and mothers and homes
and families of this sin cursed earth. Why? Because it is the
inspired word of God.
Every word that the prophets wrote are being fulfilled. In this
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Book he tells us of a heaven for the righteous and a hell for the
wicked. There is only one way to get to heaven and that is the way
of Jesus Christ which you will find in the inspired word of God.
The people of the world change and all other books change but
the word of God never changes. If this world stands a million years
longer, the Bible will still read and mean the same. It is the gospel
of Jesus Christ, the same teaching, the same doctrine that Christ
gave to the first church and that is the church that Christ
established when he was here upon the earth, not four or five
hundred as some people think, but only one, and if any one will
follow the teaching of the inspired word of God it will lead him into
that church.
The same things that he tells me to do he tells you the same
thing. In this inspired word he tells me that we are to wash one
another's feet. He also tells me that we are to salute our brother
with a kiss. It tells us we are not to love the world. It tells us to
come out from the world and be a separate people. It tells us that
the church has power to make rules and has power to enforce
them. Read Matt. 18. Does he not say the same to you?
Paul says preach the word. What word? The word of God, and it
seems to me if any one belongs to a church where they don't
preach the whole gospel and don't live the whole gospel they are
encouraging the works of the devil and are partakers with them —
that's certain they will be condemned with them. The inspired
word is our guide and we must follow it if we expect to reach
heaven. The Bible is the inspired word of God and he means just
what he says.
Read it and live it and find out for yourself. May it lead many
back to the true church of Jesus Christ. Amen.
THE SALUTATION OF THE HOLY KISS
I Cor. 16:20, II Cor. 13:12, I Thess. 5:26, I Peter 5:14
This salutation is a kiss consecrated or set apart for a holy
purpose. It is a kiss of love, a proper greeting for people who have
been dedicated and consecrated to the Lord. When brethren of the
same faith meet, they salute each other with the holy kiss, or kiss of
love. When sisters meet, they also greet each other with this kiss of
love.
The Apostle Paul gave the Roman Church the instruction "Salute
one another with a holy kiss."
"Greet ye one another with an holy kiss." I Cor. 16:20 and II Cor
13:12.
10 BIBLE MONITOR
"Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss." I Thess. 5:26.
"Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity." I Peter 5:14.
Both Paul and Peter wrote as they were inspired by the Holy
Ghost and the Salutation of the Holy Kiss is a teaching of the New
Testament for us to follow.
Love is a strong passion of each individual. From youth to old
age, it controls our action. Love and the return of love is one of the
satisfying experiences of life.
"God is love." John 4:8. "God so loved the world, that he gave his
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not
perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life
for his friends." John 15:13. Jesus not only laid down His life for
His friends but for His enemies also. The plan of salvation is the
greatest love story ever told. We, that are His followers, should
certainly have love in our hearts for our brethren and sisters. This
is a true test of our discipleship. "We know we have passed out of
death into life, because we love the brethren." I John 3:14.
This practice tends to unite the church and helps to maintain
Christian love among the members.
Sister Maxine Surbey
THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINES
The Ancient Practice
J. H. Moore
The Christians, living in the earlier centuries of the Christian era,
not only believed that the baptismal formula taught trine im-
mersion, but that was their practice. Speaking of this formula,
John Chrysostom, born A.D. 347, a very distinguished scholar,
whose mother tongue was the Greek, says: "Christ delivered to his
disciples one baptism, in three immersions of the body when he
said to them: 'Go teach ail nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.' " - Bingham.
Jerome, a man of exceptional scholarship, who belonged to the
same period, presents, when commenting on Eph. 4:5, the same
view, regarding the three actions of the formula constituting one
baptism. Here are his words: "We are thrice dipped in the water,
that the mystery of the Trinity may appear to be one:... though we
be thrice put under water to represent the mystery of the Trinity,
yet it is reputed to be but one baptism" - Bingham.
In the council at Carthage, North Africa, A.D. 256, Monulus, a
bishop of some note, made a speech in which, among other things,
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he said: "The truth of our Mother, the Catholic Church, brethren,
hath always remained and still remains with us, and even especially
in the Trinity of baptism, as our Lord says. Go ye and baptize the
nations in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit." — "Writings of Cyprian," Vol. If, page 205. There were
eighty-seven bishops present when Monulus delivered his address,
and not one of them challenged the statement.
We introduce one more witness, viz., Tertullian, born A.D. 160.
He also held that the baptismal formula enjoins the threefold
immersion, for he says: "He (Christ) commands them to baptize
into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost, — not into a unipersonal God. And, indeed, it is not once
only, but three times, that we are immersed into three persons, at
each several mention of their names." — "Writings of Tertullian,"
Vol. Ill, page 633.
These quotations not only show what reliable ancient authors
believed, regarding the meaning of the baptismal formula, but they
also show what was their practice. They believed that Jesus taught
trine immersion, and in this form they administered the rite. And
we may add that, among the ancient writers who have expressed
themselves on the subject, there is not one who maintains that
Matt. 28:19 teaches single immersion. Not only so, but they hold
that this triple immersion is the one baptism mentioned by Paul in
Eph. 4:5. With them it was "one baptism in three immersions of the
body."
GONE IN THE WAY OF CAIN
Jude 1 1 , "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain,
and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished
in the gainsaying of Core."
This verse of scripture gives us three individuals who are
examples of what a Christian should NOT be. While our major
emphasis will be on the person of Cain, we would like to briefly
look at the other two individuals named in this verse. The second
individual mentioned is Balaam. This individual appears to be a
backslidden prophet. He is best known for his donkey that talked.
In Numbers 31 it tells of how he led God's people into idolatry and
all the vile abominations connected with it. Scripture seems to
teach that he followed this path of disobedience in order to
possibly gain a reward he had previously lost because he refused
to speak anything other than what God had commanded him to.
There are many preachers today who are willing to compromise on
the word of God to gain an earthly reward. They have led literally
thousands of believers into rebellion against the teachings of God
12 BIBLE MONITOR
within the New Testament.
The third individual mentioned is probably Korah the son of Izhar
and grandson of Kohath. In the book of Numbers he is recorded as
one who resisted the civil authority of Moses. We are living in a
time when the word "authority" is considered to be obsolete in all
too many instances. While true authority involves loving leader-
ship and submission to others, there are all too few individuals in
places of church authority who are willing to stand firm on the
greatest authority, the Word of God.
Now let us take a look at the person of Cain. He was, of course,
the first son of Adam and Eve. This is taught in Genesis 4:1. We
mention this because there is a false teaching that says that Cain
was a result of a relationship between Eve and Satan. In the
following verses we find that he gave a sacrifice that was not
acceptable to God. There is some difference of opinion as to why it
was not accepted by God, but we believe it was because God
demanded a blood sacrifice and Cain brought "of the fruit of the
ground." Hebrews 11:4 states, "By faith Abel offered unto God a
more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness
that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being
dead yet speaketh."
While the Old Testament demanded an animal sacrifice, the New
Testament teaches us that Jesus Christ is the full and final sacrifice
for sin. But we believe that there are at least two "sacrifices" that
God will still accept from us. Romans 12:1 says, "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." In place of this many want to sacrifice to God
such things as time, talent and money. These things are very
important in carrying out the work of the Church but our personal
sacrifice must go beyond these gifts and earthly values. God wants
US, not only our abilities. While God will be the final judge as to
who enters Heaven and who suffers eternal punishment in Hell, we
can not believe he is pleased with those who refuse to follow the
instructions He has given concerning keeping our bodies modestly
covered and without the added luxury of gold or jewelry. Why does
it seem so much easier to give of time, talent, and money than to
obey the will of the Lord in this matter? We believe all too many
have the heart of Cain and wish to tell God what He must accept in
place of full submission to His will.
God also desires that we follow where He leads us. If He should
send us to a foreign country with very few creature comforts would
we be willing to go? Are we willing to enter into doors that He
opens for service in our local congregations? If the situation
should call for living without a marital companion are we willing to
BIBLE MONITOR 13
make this sacrifice for our Lord? We fear that all too many are
willing to go or to serve as long as God sends them where they
desire to go. Many also feel that God must make exceptions to
meet the "needs" they feel are in their lives that are contrary to the
teachings of Holy Scripture.
Secondly, we find that Cain murdered his brother. I John 3:11-12
speaks of this. 'Tor this is the message that ye have heard from the
beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was
of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he
him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's
righteous." Then in verse 15 we read, "Whosoever hateth his
brother is a murderer, and ye know that no murderer hath eternal
life abiding in him." We find that hating our brother is a very serious
offense in the eyes of God. First of all we must decide who our
"Brother" (and we could include "sister") is. Then we must define
the word "love." We will allow each individual to search his or her
own heart to decide who their brothers or sisters are in the Lord.
But we would caution against trying to cover our own works of evil
by refusing to recognize some other member of the family of God.
'While the Holy Scriptures know nothing of the popular love that
is taught in many circles today, we find it is a very important
subject. We should be very careful that we admonish and proclaim
truth in the spirit of love. This portion of scripture would say to us
that it is possible to lose your very salvation by hating someone
who is a brother in the Lord. Why is it that all too often the more
"conservative" a movement or congregation is the more inner
fighting is to be found? Have we gone the way of Cain and lost the
love of Christ that we should have for one another?
In conclusion, let each of us desire to worship God according to
the way He desires. Let us be willing to put our all on the altar of
sacrifice and give ourselves completely to God. Let us truly love
one another as Christ loves the Church. If you are not a part of the
family of God you can not make a sacrifice that is pleasing to God.
First of all you must accept His sacrifice of the blood of Christ.
Won't you do this today?
James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078
NEVER ALONE
We could miss the mark of the prize of the high calling by putting
too much trust in the perishing things of this world. When John the
Revelator was on the lonely Isle of Patmos his mind was centered
14 BIBLE MONITOR
above the perishing things of this world. Through his visions we
have the descriptions of the eternal city of God. If we are true and
faithful to God we can always find comfort and consolation in His
eternal word. Jesus said "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and
learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest
unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
What a friend we can have in Jesus who will bear all our sins and
griefs. He promises to go with us through the lonely valley of death
if we remain true and faithful.
I believe we should always respect the dead in Christ especially
those that have lived a peaceable life. We have the blessed words
of comfort.
Never alone, no never alone,
Jesus is with me, Jesus my own.
Have we made Him a reality in our lives.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter; I am the clay,
Mould me and make me After Thy will,
While I am waiting, Yielded and still.
If the Lord is our shepherd we shall not want. He maketh us to lie
down in green pastures. He restores our souls. He leadeth us in
the paths of righteousness for His name sake. Yea we walk through
the valley and shadow of death for we will fear no evil. Our cup
runneth over. Thou anointest our heads with oil. He leadeth us
beside the still waters. Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow us
all the days of our lives and we will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Brother J. F. Marks
R. 3 Box 509
York, PA 17402
WIN THE LOST!
CHALLENGE FROM A MISSIONARY
O, how our lovely Lord is looking for faithful saints whom He can
trust and depend on to get the Gospel to needy souls! O, how He
longs for and desires steadfast saints who are not swayed by every
wind of doctrine and who do not give up and back up every time
they are disappointed, or get their feelings hurt — but will stay in
the saddle and keep in the battle regardless of the onslaughts of
the flesh, the world and the Devil. (I Cor. 15:58; Gal. 6:9)
May I, in the name of our Lord Jesus, challenge every saint, every
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household and every church to put soul-winning FIRST on your
schedule this year. O, that pastors, deacons, and people would
determine in their heart and soul to win the lost at any cost! Look
to the blessed Holy Spirit and ask Him to break your heart for lost
loved ones and friends. Ask Him for tears of compassion and love
for lost souls. (Jer. 9:1; Ps. 126:5-6)
Ask Him for wisdom and spiritual discernment in dealing with
immortal souls. (James 1:5; Prov. 11:30; Dan. 12:3). Ask Him for an
understanding heart and real concern for lost people. (I Cor. 9:19;
James 5:20)
Then ask Him for the grace and desire to follow Jesus regardless
what others do. (Matt. 4:19) Look to the blessed dove of God and
divine indweller for His fullness and boldness to witness and do
personal work. (Acts 1:8; Acts 4:31)
Determine to walk in the Spirit so as to have victory over the
desires, appetites and craving of the flesh. (Gal. 5:16-17) Present
your body to the Lord of the harvest — the spirit of truth, to be
possessed, filled and used by Him. (Romans 12:1-2)
Remember, He is a Spirit and must have a body to minister and
manifest Himself through. (I Cor. 6:19-20) Therefore, be filled
(under the influence, control and power) of the Spirit. (Eph. 5:18)
My dear Brothers and Sisters, we are without excuse if we are not
serving Christ and glorifying God. (I Cor. 10:31) The dear Lord has
made provision for us and given us all we need to honor Him in our
service. (Rom. 8:32; II Peter 1:2-3)
Selected from Herald of His Coming
by Brother L. H. Miller
NEWS ITEMS
LITITZ, PENNSYLVANIA
The Lititz Congregation is looking forward to a two week revival,
July 12 through the 26. Bro. Edward Johnson from Wauseon, Ohio
is planning to be with us. We invite you to come and worship with
us.
Sister Dorcas Myers, Cor.
CARD OF THANKS
To all the Brethren, Sisters and kind friends who sent me
birthday wishes, letters and prayers. I want to say 'Thank you" and
the Lord richly bless each one.
16 BIBLE MONITOR
I received many cards and appreciated each one. It made the
day a very enjoyable one and one to be remembered. Again I say,
"God bless you."
In Christian love,
Sister Delia Ebling
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR JULY 1987
July 5 - Stewards of God - I Cor. 4:1-21.
1. How important is the office of a steward.?
2. To whom must he give an account?
July 12 - Purge Out the Old Leaven - I Cor. 5:1-13.
1. Are we as stewards allowed to condone evil in the Church?
2. What happens when sin is let go in the body of Christ?
July 19 - A Temple of the Holy Ghost - I Cor. 6:1-20.
1 . Why is our body called a temple?
2. Who is to dwell in this temple?
July 26 - Husbands and Wives - I Cor. 7:1-40.
1. Why did the Apostle Paul feel it was better for minsters to
remain single?
2. Is a companion an hinderance to the ministry?
YOUNG PEOPLES SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR
JULY 1987
July 5- Daily Devotions -Gen. 28:16-22, I Sam. 1:19, Job 1:5, Luke
2:37, Acts 10:1-4.
1. To whom should we be devoted?
2. Why are daily devotions so important in our Christian life?
July 12- Are we indifferent?- Isaiah 47:8-11, Matt. 22:1-14.
1. Do we as Christians live our lives according to His Word?
2. What will be the result if we live indifferently to God's Word?
July 19 - Examples - Lev. 20:22-26, John 13:15, I Tim. 4:10-16,
I Pet. 2:18-25.
1. Is it important that Christians live a separate life from the
world?
2. What should the Christians be to the world?
July 26- Our Expectations- Ps. 62:1-12, Phil. 1:20-30.
1 . In Psalms 62 number the things David says God is to him.
2. In Philippians 1:21 what does Paul say his expectation is?
Paul Stump
10340 N. Diamond
Union, Oil 45322
Mill
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXV
JULY1, 1987
NO. 13
"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.
NOW
H. Salkeld
This simple word of letters three,
Well known to each and all,
Though little in itself maybe,
It has a powerful call.
It seems to say, both clear and loud,
Especially to the young,
Remember thy creator -- God,
And watch thy heart and tongue.
Remember now to honor God,
And seek to do His will,
To mark the pathway that He trod,
And ask His guidance still.
To use our precious now aright
True wisdom we require
From God alone, the source of light,
And every good desire.
Let now in scripture light be seen,
As mentioned in the word,
'Redeeming Time' will be our aim
And glory to the Lord.
-Selected by L. H. Miller
BIBLE MONITOR
MIDWAY
July first marks the halfway point in a year. When a new year
begins it seems it will last a long time, but it does not seem long
until July arrives. Then the realization of how quickly time passes
comes upon us. The year is already half gone.
The calendar is a rigid measure of time. Days, weeks, months
and years are measured off and pass. At the beginning of a year it
is known exactly how many days until that year is over. Thus we
know July makes the half way point. While the year rolls on, day by
day, and its course is set, our lives are not so well scheduled.
Our lives are made up of the same days, weeks, months and
years as the calendar but we being mortal do not have any promise
of another day being added to what we have already lived. No
matter how strong or hearty our health may be, we can not be sure
we will be alive on the morrow let alone a week, month or year from
now.
We can look at the calendar and say that the midpoint of the year
has arrived. One half has passed and the other half is yet to be. As
we look at our lives we can not be so sure about where we stand in
relation to our total life span. We know when the beginning was
but we do not know when the end will be. Various Bible passages
speak of the brevity and uncertainity of life. Life is compared,
variously, to grass, the flower of the grass, lilies and a vapor. All of
these allusions speak of something very temporary. They show a
very short span of time when life is present, healthy and vital. Then
it is forever gone. Human life is precious because it is so fragile.
Life, though vital today, has no promise of even being present
tomorrow. Thus it is im possible to predict the midway point of a
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BIBLE MONITOR
human life. Life is not as predictable as the calendar. Preparations
need to be made in the time given to us, that we may fulfill our
God-ordained duties in this life while we have the opportunity. We
can never know that if we postpone doing what we should that we
will actually have the opportunity later. Disease, affliction and
accident can alter and end life. Plans made today or this year may
not be carried out. Our plans are at the mercy of the Lord's will.
This is why James writes that we should make our plans subject to
what God's will would be rather than by what our desires would be.
Time not being promised to us, we should be careful with each
day and with each activity. Our Spiritual lives have a definite
starting place just like our physical lives. There is a time of
Spiritual birth when the choice is made to please God in our lives.
We cannot please Him without yielding ourselves wholly to Him
and His plan for our lives and souls. He has paid a very dear price
that we might be a part of His family.
After we have, as a babe, entered God's family, we do not have a
promise of a certain amount of time in which to fulfill our task.
Therefore we must be very vigilant and industrious in living each
day to please Him.
At the end of this life's journey there awaits a wonderful place of
rest and bliss. We should all be striving for a life that will qualify us
to enter that Eternal Rest in the Beauties of Heaven. Our lives
should not only be lived so we may obtain that Heavenly goal but
rather because of the privilege of serving God as obedient and
loving children.
While we do not know the exact measure of our lives we do
realize that the present is the middle. We have made a definite
beginning when we become a child of God. We know there awaits
and end to our earthly pilgrimage. The time we have between
those two events is the midway.
We need to make the start and we will make an end, so this time
is the time for us to live to please God. It is what we do during this
middle course of our lives that will influence how our end will be If
there is no start on the Christian life the end will be tragic. If a start
is made but the present life is not consistent with that beginning
the end may also be tragic because effort did not accompany
belief. If the start is made and the lifetime effort is invested, the end
will be glorious. It will be not only a reward for us but a glory to
God.
We are today in the midway of life. It is what we do today and
each day given us that will determine our eternal future. Make the
good choice, live the good life and enjoy the eternal rewards and
joys of Heaven.
BIBLE MONITOR
Where do you stand on the pathway of life? Since you do not
know its length, are you living each day as if it were the last and you
would soon meet God? July is the midpoint of this year, are you
living the middle part of your life's journey to please God?
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES
In the game of "Truth or Consequences", if you are unable to
correctly answer the questions, you must suffer the consequences.
You may take a guess, and you may get it right, but if you're only
partly correct, you still must suffer the consequences. The
penalties may vary from the humorous to something very embar-
rassing. Since this is a game, and intended to entertain, the
penalties may be ridiculous. The point is, the truth keeps us safe,
with no penalty to pay.
Truth is required in our lives also. Life is not a game, but there
are consequences for not abiding in the truth. First of all, we must
be truthful about our soul's need. We need to take our sins to
Christ, confess and forsake them, in order to receive the salvation
He alone can give. If we are not truthful, if we deny that we have
need of forgiveness, we will have to suffer the penalty ourselves.
The consequences of disobedience even when confessed always
bring some suffering, but the suffering from unconfessed sin is far
greater. There is the mental anguish as well as the condemnation
hanging over us. Besides this, when we don't recognize and
acknowledge our sin, we tend to continue in it, which compounds
the problem. We don't need to increase our suffering as we do
sometimes because of our foolishness (Jesus has provided a better
way), but we will suffer unless and until we confess our sins to
Christ and forsake them.
"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness,
we lie, and do not the truth." I John 1:6. What we say about our
relationship with Jesus may sound good, but the facts are revealed
by our walk. God expects us to walk in His light, not just talk about
it. Lying about this relationship will not eliminate the penalty. It is
far better to be truthful — with God, with ourselves and others
—then to attempt a "cover-up".
"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is
not in us." I John 1:8. The truth is we are all sinners, but human
nature tries to deny it. The only way we can be set free from sin's
power is through Christ. Again, human nature says we can do it on
our own. But, the Bible says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteous-
ness." I John 1:9. This cleansing is conditional, following con-
BIBLE MONITOR
fession. The truth is we cannot cleanse ourselves.
"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for
he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love
God whom he hath not seen?" I John 4:20. Our love for God (or
lack of it) is revealed in our relationships with other people. We
may try to separate our responsibilities, but we can't. We like to
justify it when we mistreat someone, but we can't. Our day-to-day
living reveals what's in our hearts better than anything we ever say.
What are the consequences if we say and don't do, if we lie about
our relationship to God? Pretending we are serving the Lord won't
make it so. We may be able to fool people with our talk, but we
can't fool God. "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not
the Son of God hath not life." I John 5:12. Our spiritual life is in
Christ. Without Him, we are dead in sin, and stand condemned.
Lying about sin is an effort to cover it up. When we avoid the
reality of sin, and its consequences either by an outright lie, or by
sidestepping the issue, we are trying to deny the problem. The
problem is sin, the consequence is death, and the truth is we all
stand condemned until we come to Christ for salvation. Sins we
commit after we've received Christ brings condemnation also,
unless we confess and ask forgiveness.
Some situations have more serious consequences in this life
than others, but all sin has eternal consequences. We reap what we
sow both now and in the future unless we come to Christ for
cleansing. Sin multiplies and the results get worse, never better.
This is the truth about sin, and its consequences. Another truth is
Christ in remedy for sin. He can forgive it, but also can strengthen
us so we won't live in sin.
The Devil lies to us about sin and its consequences, but Jesus
has told us the truth. Jesus has removed the penalty for sin from
those who believe in Him. WHOM DO YOU BELIEVE?
Sister Eileen Broadwater.
WHEN MY LIFE'S WORK IS ENDED
"I have been young and I am old, yet I have not seen the
righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Psalms 37:25.
In our early years of life, we take many things for granted. As we
grow older, we gain more experience, have more opportunities,
and have greater responsibilities, we more fully realize how
dependent we are on a higher power. We can then better visualize
our frailities and weaknesses.
Paul's writings in Romans 7:15 indicates his weaknesses and
BIBLE MONITOR
inabilities when he acknowledges, "That at times I did that which I
would not, and at times did not do that which I would." (My
interpretation).
Quoting the Apostle Paul further, "I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me." Phi!. 4:13, John 15:5 -And without me
(Christ) ye can do nothing.
Each individual should fully believe that any worthwhile accom-
plishment that he may be able to do, he can do, only because God
gave him the talent. God has given each individual at least one
talent. We must give an account of our stewardship as to how we
have used our talents. That accounting will be required when "our
life's work is ended."
It is my aim and purpose in writing this article to encourage each
reader to look at life as a "journey from the cradle to the grave." I
encourage each one to so live, love and serve the Lord so that when
"Our life's work is ended" we may be found well-pleasing in His
sight.
Life is not always a bed of roses. There will be times we may
become very discouraged. We dare not despair. There also will be
many rich and encouraging experiences which will bring joy to our
lives. Truly, our cup will run over.
We thank God for both. Faith in God is an absolute, pre-requisite
to make life's journey successful in reaching the Eternal Shore.
Life has its ups and its downs, its lows and its highs, its
mountains and its valleys, and its joys and its sorrows.
God so ordained our life that way. Along with the trials,
temptations, heart-aches, and disappointments, He has provided a
means of escape or strength to endure. This avenue of help is
through the medium of prayer. PRAYER CHANGES THINGS.
A professed Christian can not successfully make life's journey
without the help of answered prayers. Each of us should have a
secret, quiet secluded place to pray and go there regularly. It is
very rewarding.
James 5:16, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much."
Matt. 6:6, "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and
when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is secret;
and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."
Luke 18:1, "Men ought always to pray, and not to faint."
John 16:24, "Ask and ye shall receive." There are many more
similar scriptures, which if we obey and practice, will bless and
enrich our Christian lives. It will enable us to be better qualified to
meet our judge when our life's work is ended.
BIBLE MONITOR
The most satisfying and sure way to go through life is hand in
hand with the Lord Jesus.
The Apostle Paul admonishes the importance of living a life
acceptable to our Lord and Saviour, not only for the present, but
for the future.
I Cor. 15:19, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of
all men most miserable."
We have many precious promises to spur us on the Heavenly
way.
John 10:4, "He will lead us as the good Shepherd."
Isaiah 58:15, 'The Lord shall guide us continually."
Psalms 17:8, "He will hide us under the shadow of His Wings."
I Kings 8:57, "He will not leave us or forsake us."
What blessed promises! There are many more in God's Word.
In much humility, in my own life, I truthfully state, I have felt His
guiding hand and His comforting presence many times.
I have also experienced times I felt He was far from me. Not that
Christ moved from me, but that I moved too far away from Him.
I am thankful to God that in my younger years, He chose me as a
servant of His. From many rich experiences that I have enjoyed in
His service, I am very glad that I answered the call.
I promised Him to be faithful. I promised to preach the Word. It
was my desire then, and is now, to serve Him, the church and all
mankind to the best of my ability.
Throughout my ministry I was put through many firey trials.
Perhaps to remove the dross.
With much regret, humility and shame, I acknowledge that at
times, through the weakness of the flesh, I failed Him, for which I
have been very sorry, and many times asked for His forgiveness, oft
times through tears.
I can truthfully state, that though I failed Him, He never failed me.
In my lifetime, I have worked at various occupations. By far, the
best taskmaster I ever worked for was the Lord Jesus Christ. There
is much joy and rich rewards in working in the Lord's vineyard.
In my weakness, I have attempted to preach the Gospel for over
thirty-five years. I have enjoyed my ministry to the fullest measure.
I have experienced the Holy Spirit prompting the message He
would have me speak to the congregations. Many times His spirit
brought tears to my eyes as well as to others in the audience.
A number of blessings in my Christian life afforded me much joy.
One, my father and mother who maintained a Chrisitan home,
which gave me a goodly heritage.
Two, when God gave me a Christian companion. She offered me
8 BIBLE MONITOR
comfort and consolation and encouragement many many times
when I was down in spirits.
Another special blessing was God permitting me and my dear
Brother David Ebling in touring the Holy Land together.
To walk where Jesus walked was a great spiritual blessing. To
see and place my hand on the tomb where Jesus was buried and
arose from, was a soul-thrilling experience. I can say as the Angel
told the women who came early on resurrection morning. "He is
not here, He is risen."
The last, but not the least, which always thrilled my soul, was to
witness, in evangelistic meetings, those who gave up this sinful
world, by denouncing satan and accepting Jesus Christ as their
personal saviour.
Then to experience the New Birth, by being buried in baptism
and arising, coming out of the water, a new creature in Christ Jesus
with their past sins washed away, to me this is joy unspeakable.
Luke 15:7, Jesus' words. "I say unto you that likewise joy shall be
in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety
and nine just persons who need no repentance."
I felt to write this article which may be my last, only God knows.
As I am approaching the end of my life's work, I have many
reasons to be thankful to almighty God.
He has permitted me to enjoy many District and General
Conferences. I was given the opportunity of worshipping in many
of our congregations and visiting in many, many homes over our
dear Brotherhood.
I thank Him for the many prayers He has answered in my every
behalf. I thank Him for revealing in His way the light of His glorious
gospel.
I am very thankful to those of our fore-parentss who were faithful
and brought the church down to our day. Thus, we can worship
the old time religion way as they did.
As I approach nearer the time when my life's work comes to an
end, I thank Him that He has allowed me to live past four score
years.
It greatly touches my heart and I have shed many tears, that we
can no longer function in the church as we would like.
Because of the infirmities of the flesh, my wife and I are now
residents of a nursing home. We had to give up our car, our home
and household possessions.
The only home we have now to look forward to is our Heavenly
Home, that which Jesus has gone on to prepare.
God may have some work for us to do yet, but only He knows.
While we are waiting on the Lord, the day may not be too distant
BIBLE MONITOR
in the future when He will say, "Your life's work is ended."
We hope at that time, we can truthfully say, as the Apostle said in
II Tim. 4:7-8, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith; Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me
at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His
appearing."
May God's blessings rest upon each reader, is our prayer.
Your Brother,
Elder Paul R. Myers
c/o Manor Care Nursing Home,
Belden Village, 5005 Higbee Ave. NW
Canton, Ohio 44718
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
MARRIAGE
Part 6
MONEY AND MARRIAGE: We close this series of articles with a
very important lesson on a topic that affects most couples. "In the
beginning man took unto himself a wife. And lo, they did live
happily, even unto the thirty-first day, when many charge accounts
rained upon them, yea, as in a flood. For lo, though the husband
did make sufficient bread to keep body and soul together, yet had
the wiles of the spoiler ensnared the wife, calling forth grievous
wants from her breast. Credit card purchases had multiplied fruit-
full, which came nigh unto sinking the ship of marriage. The winds
of inflation blew upon that land, and each one lusted after his
neighbors goods. And the man was sorely angered and spoke
forth bitter words, from which his wife took great sorrow, but not
unto repentance. For upon the first day of the week she went forth
again and spent abundantly."
"Then it was that the man was sorely pressed, and he took unto
himself a second job by the light of the moon, and his wife likewise,
and their lives did pass like ships in the night. Behold, the time of
the paying of the bills returneth, and the man saith unto his wife,
'Yea, though I moonlight and work my fingers to the bone, I canst
not get ahead of thee!' And his wife beateth her breast. Truly', she
saith, 'I am now filled with remorse. Let my bed be empty if I mend
not my way.' "
'Then gave she ear unto her husband and they took counsel
together that they might be of one mind in their values, and beat
the system, yea, and buildeth for their future according to a budget.
10 BIBLE MONITOR
And so did they walk prudently before the Lord, who knoweth our
ways and pitieth those who cannot make ends meet."
This modern day parable was composed to illustrate the sit-
uation that many Christian married couples find themselves in
today. Money has a great impact on most of our lives. To one
partner, it might mean security and stability. To the other it might
represent the freedom to spend and fulfill dreams, it has as many
meanings as there are mates. The handling of finances is one of
the major emotional battlegrounds in marriage. Today it is
frequently not because of a great lack of it but because of the
unrealistic and immature money values that exist. Money is often
used as an emotional weapon to control and manipulate each
other. It is also used as a way of compensating for inadequacies in
the relationship.
Men sometimes use money unjustifiably to fulfill their hobby or
hunting interests. Even though it means the sacrifice of the wife's
hopes and future. Then he accuses her of being cold and critical.
Some women drive their husbands to succeed so that they can
amass wealth and have prestige and super-security. Then she
becomes very upset when he buries himself in his work and avoids
her.
To handle family finances, there should be mutual decision
making, common life-values, long-term goals and open account
books.
So, what should our attitude toward money be? It should simply
be a medium of exchange. In reality, it is our time turned in to
exchangeable, usable services and goods. It is time! If you turn
that around and say that "time is money," you are in danger of
becoming a slave to the money.
Every Christian couple should have some mutually agreed upon
strategy for handling their finances. A system of priorities is
necessary. It should be more than a budget. It should discuss
what your values in life are and your attitudes and priorities.
Paying bills and handling financial needs should be a joint
venture as you consult together about spending. There has to be a
great deal of openness and honesty here as you CONTROL YOUR
SPENDING... and not let it control you.
In handling your finances, the first rule of money management is
to GIVE. This is one of the most joyous acts of Christian living and
is necessary in pleasing God. This is an investment for the love of
God and of others. Above all, live simply. Living simply demands
that we carry less baggage. Christ was the ultimate example here.
He owned only what was on His back and trusted implicitly on the
Father. If we travel light, in times of crisis, it becomes easier to
BIBLE MONITOR 11
handle. In reality, we are living in crisis times right now. As we
travel through the end times and look ahead to a one world
monitary system, we understand better that it is time to sort out our
values and keep them basic and Christ centered. Jesus teaches us
that we cannot serve two masters. (Read Matt. 6:24-27)
We are admonished to be content and this teaching will bring
peace into our marriage. We all have ways of rationalizing our life
style and standard of living but I believe these retionales are
coming up for great question at this point in the late 1980's. As we
examine our values in the light of Christ's teachings, we will have
mutual growth in our relationship and each person will achieve
their God given potential to the fullest.
Marriage is a shared life... sharing love, sharing work, opportun-
ities, leadership, initative and finances. Marriage is sharing God,
its Head.
Brother Len Wertz
SIXTY YEARS AGO
July 1, 1927
PREACH THE WORD
Reuben Shroyer
Why preach it?
Because it is the plan God in his wisdom had devised to save men
and women.
"For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its
wisdom knew not God, it was God's good pleasure through the
foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." (I Cor. 1:21)
"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed
and how shall they believe on him of whom they have not heard?
And how shall they hear without a preacher and how shall they
preach except they be sent, even as it is written how beautiful are
the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things." (Rom.
10:14-15.)
It is THE PLAN the Lord Jesus gave to his disciples to save the
world.
Go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
(Matt, 28:19) And he said unto them, "Go ye into all the world and
preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and is
baptized shall be saved. But he that disbelieveth shall be
condemned." (Mark 16:15-16)
12 BIBLE MONITOR
What shall we preach? The Gospel of Christ. (See Mark 16:15-16)
"For I am not ashamed (says Paul) of the gospel, (he gives
reason). For it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that
believeth, To the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (Rom. 1:16)
Notice the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. There
stands the definite article THE, which means the Gospel is the only
power. Not a power the THE power. If the Gospel was A power the
language would imply there were other powers, by which men
could be saved.
The instruction is preach the WORD.
"I charge thee in the sight of God who shall judge the living and
the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom preach the word.
Be urgent in season, out of season, reprove, exhort, rebuke, with all
long suffering and teaching. (The apostle gives reason for so
doing.) For the time will come when they will not endure sound
doctrine but having itching ears, will keep to themselves teachers
after their own lusts, and will turn away their ears from the truth,
and turn aside unto fables." (II Tim. 4:1-4)
Preach Jesus Christ.
"And the eunuch answered Philip and said, I pray thee of whom
speaketh the prophet this, of himself or of some other? And Philip
opened his mouth and beginning from this scripture preached unto
him Jesus." (Acts 8:34-35)
Result: he believed and was baptized.
Faith is obtained by hearing the word.
"So faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God."
(Rom. 10:17) "And when there had been much questioning Peter
rose up and said unto them, Brethren, ye know that a good while
ago God made choice among you that by my mouth the Gentiles
should hear the word of the Gospel and believe." (Acts 15:7)
The seed is the word of God. (Luke 8:11) In believing it we are
begotten by it.
"Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we
should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures." (James 1:18)
"Having been begotten again not of corruptible seed but of incor-
ruptible through the word of God which liveth and abideth forever."
(I Peter 1:23)
"For though ye have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet have ye
not many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I begat you through the
Gospel." (I Cor. 4:15)
By believing and obeying the Gospel our souls are purified and
we are saved.
"Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wicked-
BIBLE MONITOR 13
ness receive with meekness the inplanted word which is able to
save your souls." (James 1:21) "Be ye doers of the word and not
hearers only deluding your own souls." (verse 22)
The apostle Peter preached the word showing how or what must
be preached, in preaching the word (See Acts 10:36-48; also
1 1:14-18).
Peter after telling how he was convinced that God wanted him to
preach to the Gentiles (Acts 1:1-35), also refers to the word having
been published throughout Judea concerning the life of Jesus (see
verses 36-38). He then calls attention to his death on the cross,
burial, resurrection (verses 40-41). Appointed judge of quick and
dead (verse 42). Prophets testifying that believers in Christ shall
receive the remission of sins through his name (verse 42). Believing
in Christ through the preaching of the word of the gospel (see Acts
15:7). Having repented (Acts 11:18). Peter commanded them to be
baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). We therefore
conclude that in preaching the word, we preach the gospel. The
Gospel consisting of facts to be believed, and commands to be
obeyed, and wonderful promises to be enjoyed. We pray that the
Lord's blessing some on all preachers who are true to the record.
So that many souls be saved and God's name glorified.
Brother Preacher, preach the word. It will be the saver of life
unto life or of death unto death.
THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINES
SOME HISTORY
J. H. Moore
We might fill scores of pages with extracts from the writings of
historians, ancient and modern, showing that in the early centuries
of the Christian era trine immersion was the well nigh universal
practice in all the churches East and West. But since we are
treating these subjects briefly we shall let a few extracts suffice.
Our first author is Isaac Taylor Hinton, A.M., a Baptist historian
of acknowledged ability. In his "History of Baptism," page 158, he
says: "The practice of trine immersion prevailed, in the West as well
as in the East, till the fourth council of Toledo (A.D. 633), which,
acting under the advice of Gregory the Great, in order to settle
some disputes which had arisen, decreed that henceforth only one
immersion should be used in baptism; and from that time the
practice of only one immersion gradually became general through-
out the Western or Latin Church."
Dr. Robert Robinson, another Baptist historian, and the author of
several works, has this to say in his "History of Baptism," page 148:
14 BIBLE MONITOR
"It is not true that dipping was exchanged for sprinkling by choice
before the Reformation (A.D. 1517), for, till after that period, the
ordinary baptism was trine immersion." This is true of all the
churches, both in Asia and in Africa, as well as in Europe. In fact,
single immersion seems to have been employed only to a limited
extend before the Reformation.
However, leaving the Baptist writers, we call attention to a
statement of Dr. William Wall, M.A., in his scholarly work, entitled
"The History of Infant Baptism": "The way of trine immersion, or
plunging the head of the person three times into the water, was the
general practice of all antiquity." Vol. II, page 419.
The testimony of Pelagius, Bishop of Rome (in the sixth century),
deserves consideration: "There are many who say that they were
baptized in the name of Christ alone, and by a single immersion.
But the Gospel command, which was given by God himself, and
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, reminds us that we should
administer holy baptism to every one in the name of the Trinity, and
by trine immersion; for our Lord said to his disciples, 'Go, baptize
all nations, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost.' " — Chrystal's "History of the Modes of Baptism,"
page 80.
Having seen what one of the early bishops of Rome had to say,
we now call on Cyril, Bishop of Jerusalem, born A.D. 315: "After
these things ye were led to the holy pool of divine baptism, as
Christ was carried from the cross to the sepulchre. And each of
you was asked whether he believed, and so forth; and made that
saving confession, and descended three times into the water and
ascended again; — and that water of salvation was a grave to
you."— "Pengilly on Baptism," page 151.
It may interest the reader to learn what view John Wesley took of
the triple action in baptism. Mr. Wesley was a very prolific writer,
and at his death left his manuscript to trustees, who were to destroy
the same, or make use of it as they deemed proper. Rev. Henry
Moore was one of the trustees, and wrote a very complete account
of Mr. Wesley's life and labors, entitled "Moore's Life of Wesley,"
consisting of two volumes, and in Vol. 1, page 424, makes this
statement: "When Mr. Wesley baptized adults, professing faith in
Jesus, he chose to do it by trine immersion, if the person would
submit to it, judging this to be the apostolic method of baptizing."
OBITUARY
SYLVIA BANCROFT
Sis. Sylvia Eva (Ruff) Bancroft was born June 5, 1900 in Fort
Wayne, Indiana to Edward and Barbara Ellen (Swoverland) Ruff.
BIBLE MONITOR 15
She united with the Church of the Brethren at an early age. Soon
after moving to the Denair area, she transferred her membership to
the Dunkard Brethren Church, and was a faithful saint until the
end.
Sylvia entered into rest March 2, 1987, at the age of 86 years, 8
months and 25 days. Funeral services were held March 6, 1987 at
Lakewood Memorial Park by Elders Hayes Reed and Rudy Cover.
She is survived by one son, three daughters, eight grandchildren
and twelve great-grandchildren.
NEWS ITEMS
ENGLEWOOD, OHIO
The Englewood Congregation has chosen Brother Robert
Carpenter to conduct a two week Revival, July 12 through 26, if the
Lord permits.
Our Harvest Meeting is planned for the afternoon of July 19.
Speaker will be Brother Dennis St. John.
May the Lord enable many to help make this a time to honor His
name.
Sister Ruth Speicher, Cor.
HART, MICHIGAN
The Hart Mission will be holding Revival Meetings starting July
25 through August 2, with Lovefeast on Saturday, August 1.
Brother Len Wertz will be the evangelist. We invite any to come
and enjoy Christian fellowship.
Sister Beverly St. John, Cor.
PLEASANT RIDGE, OHIO
The Lord willing, we expect to have our Harvest service August
30, 1987, with Bro. Carpenter as speaker. We welcome all to come
and worship with us.
Sister Eileen Broadwater, Cor.
THANK YOU
I want to tell you of my love and appreciation for the many cards
and letters and telephone calls on my birthday. I prayed for wealth
and fame, the Lord gave me good health and long life. I praise Him
every day for Romans 5:8 and I John 3:14. May the Lord bless each
one of you.
Brother L. A. Shumake
16
BIBLE MONITOR
DIRECTORY OF ROARDS
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
Jacob C. Ness, Chairman
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403
Hayes Reed, Secretary
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Herman Jamison, Treasurer
Quinter, KS 67752
Frank Shaffer
13092 Grant Shook Rd.
Greencastle, PA 17225
Harley Rush
R. 1, Converse, IN 46919
Robert Carpenter
R. 5 Box 97
Peru, IN 46970
Joseph E. Flora
R. 3 Box 12
Adel, IA 50003
Galen Litfin
1314 East 7th St.
Newberg, OR 97132
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
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
21397-B50
Bryan, Ohio 43506
Fred Pifer, Treasurer
R. 3 Box 184
Adel, IA 50003
Rudolph Cover
2034 Roble Avenue
Modesto, CA 95354
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340
RELIEF BOARD
Boyd Wyatt, Chairman
12124 Washington Rd.
Waterford, CA 95386
(209)874-3519
Newton Jamison, Secretary
512 Garfield
Quinter, Kansas 67752
(913) 754-3433
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender St,
Morenci, Ml 49256
(517) 458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, PA 17340
(717)359-5753
Martin Meyers
R. 3 Box 250
Adel, Iowa 50003
(515) 993-3028
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
David Skiles, Superintendent
R. 2 Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Harley Flory, Secretary
27505 Flory Rd. R. 4
Defiance, Ohio 43512
Marlin Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, Kansas 67752
James Meyers
R. 1 Box 109
Dallas Center, IA 50063
Larry Andrews
312 East Coleman
Raymore, Missouri 64083
Ail contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury, but
sent to the Secretary for his records.
I au i Stump
10340 N. Diamond
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BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXV
JULY 15, 1987
NO. 14
Tor 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.
HOW SHALL I FOLLOW HIM I SERVE?
How shall I follow him I serve?
How shall I copy him I love?
Nor from those blessed footsteps swerve,
Which lead me to his seat above?
Privations, sorrows, bitter scorn,
The life of toil, the mean abode,
The faithless kiss, the crown of thorn —
Are these the consecrated road?
Twas thus he suffered, tho' a Son,
Foreknowing, choosing, feeling all,
Until the perfect work was done —
And drank the bitter cup of gall.
Lord, should my path thro' suff'ring lie,
Forbid it I should e'er repine;
Still let me turn to Calvary,
Nor heed my griefs, rememb'ring thine.
- Selected
BIBLE MONITOR
TRUSTEES
In the financial and civic affairs of men, there are often occasions
when trustees are chosen. These trustees represent others rather
than merely themselves. The financial trustee has a responsibility
for proper management of another's property or resources. In civic
affairs, trustees are elected to govern a small area. They represent
the citizens of that jurisdiction. Trustees are elected to handle
certain temporal affairs of the congregation following the di-
rections of the council meetings. These trustees carry out the
direction of others, since it is easier for a small board to handle
these affairs rather than many handling these affairs themselves.
Whether by election or appointment these trustees are chosen to
administer these responsibilities for the benefit of all concerned.
The Biblical record tells of men who served as trustees of other
men's temporal affairs. They were usually known as stewards.
These stewards were servants who had risen in the estimation of
their masters to the place where they were entrusted with the
master's finances. There are accounts given of some who were
good stewards and some who were unfaithful. Because they were
servants they were subject to instant dismissal if their work was not
pleasing to their masters. Their fates were altogether in the hands
of the masters.
A faithful steward could so handle his master's goods so as to
increase their value. An unfaithful steward could financially ruin
his master. There was a great responsibility laid upon the steward.
The very name "trustee" shows that the largest element in that
position was trust. The one who chooses the trustee must have a
great deal of trust and confidence in him. There must be a return of
THE BIBLE MONITOR JULY 15, 1987
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Printing, Inc., 4017 Co. Rd. 11,
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 Street, 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
that trust by the trustee so he will believe that he will be fairly
rewarded and cared for, for being faithful and trustworthy.
'Trust" is akin to faith. The faith that a Christian has toward God
and in His Word is a trust that God is God and that He means what
He reveals through His Word.
Christians are trustees. They have been entrusted with many
valuable possessions by God. They have been given the Gospel to
not only keep but to share and spread among others. The good
trustee will not be a do-nothing person, hiding his entrusted goods.
The man given one talent, who hid it in the ground, was severely
condemned by his returning master. It was those who had used
their talents to gain more who were commended and rewarded by
their master. Christians likewise are not to hoard or hide the
Gospel but use it for the benefit of others. They must make sure
that it does not lose its integrity but is kept as when delvered to
their trusted care.
Only a few men are chosen to be trustees for a congregation, but
all Christians are trustees for the preservation and well-being of the
Church. Each has the responsibility of furthering the Spiritual
well-being of the Church, not just the temporal affairs of the
Church-house.
We are all responsible that the Church will be handed down from
one generation to another, pure and undefiled. If we do not act as
responsible trustees, those coming after may find the Church to
have been allowed to drift from the standards set by the Word of
God. If each member doesn't act as a trustee in his own life in
being faithful to God's standards, soon the whole Church will be
moved from her former position.
There is a need for some love-based discipline within the
Church. Without discipline, the leaven of sin can quickly spread
throughout the Church and cause her to lose her standing before
God. Some tough decisions to require those guilty of open, known
sins to either quit their activity or to be set outside the Church need
to be made. Those guilty of such sin are already lost although
members. If set outside they may come to themselves and in
repentance be reunited with the Church. If they are allowed to
continue as members, they may infect others with their folly and
the whole congregation be brought down.
Trustees are needed to be sure the Church continues in her
God-appointed course. Trustees are needed to serve God as
servants, who must give an account of their stewardship.
Are you a responsible trustee? Can God trust you in your
individual life? Can He trust you in a position of responsibility?
Are you a good trustee of the goods He has entrusted you with?
Are you a faithful trustee of the Church, preserving it for others?
BIBLE MONITOR
THIS IS A RECORDING
'This is a recording" is a common message to us these days
when using a telephone. It may say the number you've dialed isn't
correct, a phone-mate will take your message, or some other state-
ment. But whatever it says, the message comes from a lifeless,
mechanical voice. It is a mere statement of fact, briefly giving you
the information needed. It can't be argued with, nor can it answer
any questions. When you need to talk to someone, getting a
recording instead can be very frustrating.
Sometimes in our personal relationships, we respond mechani-
cally, much as the recording does. This can be very frustrating to
the person with whom we are trying to communicate. We say the
right words but we really don't mean them. It is easy to apologize,
to say "thank you" or "I love you" without really meaning what we
say. Good manners are important, but if our manners are purely
mechanical responses to others, they are of little value. Our
responses must come from our hearts to be meaningful.
A minister said the following statement would solve difficulties.
"I am wrong, I am sorry. Please forgive me." For married couples,
add "I love you." Then someone else put it like this: "I am wrong, I
am sorry, please forgive me. Move you. This is a recording." Such
a response may not be on a tape, or may not come over a phone,
but it is recorded just as surely in our minds. When we just say the
words, they are a recording. An insincere response such as this
will never make any problem better.
In the Christian life, we try to be sure we say all the right words,
but it is another matter to carry them out. Christian living requires
more from us than just talk. Jesus said, "And why call ye me, Lord,
Lord, and do not the things which I say?" Luke 6:46. Jesus expects
some action, not just talk. He expects sincerity and a response
from our hearts. When we live to suit ourselves and yet say we
belong to Jesus, we might as well add, "This is a recording."
People who are not sincere have a form of godliness, but deny
the power thereof (see II Tim. 3:2-5). These verses tell of people
who loved themselves more than anything else. They really didn't
have time for God. They had a form or a certain way of going
things, but their lives were like a mechanical recording. "They
profess that they know God; but in works they deny him." Titus
1:16. The words were there, but there was no life in them.
"If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and
one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and
filled, notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are
needful to the body; what doth it profit?" James 2:15-16. The
answer is nothing. When a need is so obvious, and we respond
BIBLE MONITOR
with only some sweet-sounding words, it is no better than a heart-
less, lifeless recording. This situation requires more of us than just
being a well-wisher.
Most of us would not send someone away who really needed
physical help. Ordinary common sense tells us it is a time for
compassion. But what about in other matters? We send people
away empty in heart with "I see your need for love, encouragement
and support, but I'm too busy. When I have time, I'll return your
call. This is a recording." We talk of doing great things for Jesus,
but never even do the little things. The Bible says, "My little
children (that's us!), let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in
deed and in truth." I John 3:18. It is obvious that God expects us to
act according to what we say. Mere expressions of good intentions
are not enough.
Are you sincere in your Christian commitment, or is it just a
recording? Are you giving mechanical, lifeless responses to God's
commands, or are you responding with heartfelt, sincere action? A
robot can be programed to talk, walk and do certain things, but
there is no life there. A robot is like a recording, a talking doll. God
wants us to be alive, to respond in love, and to carry out His will.
He is not interested in any mechanical reproductions. Which are
you — alive in Christ, or just a recording?
Sister Eileen Broadwater
14560-RD 15
Pioneer, Ohio 43554
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
"The Pressure Is On"
There is no question but what we are living in a pressure cooker
world today. Stress and external and internal pressures are
bearing down on Christians just as they are on the rest of the world.
As we consider biblical answers to the problem of pressure, we
turn to Obadiah.
Obadiah was in charge of Ahab's palace and yet he was a devout
believer in the Lord. (I Kings 18:3) This would seem to be, from
human perspective, an unbelievable combination. But from God's
point of view, He had this man in a strategic position to accomplish
His will. Joseph, Moses and Daniel would be similar examples of
God placing His man in just the right place within the society to
accomplish His perfect plan. Nehemiah, too, served as a cupbearer
to the King Artaxerxes. He literally tasted the king's food and drank
his drink first to make sure that it was not poisonous or harmful in
any way. In all of these situations, God enabled His people to
BIBLE MONITOR
occupy key positions in the secular, pagan world in order to carry
out His divine plan for His people.
As the king's trusted administrator and confidant, Obadiah did
not compromise his faith in the living God. Ahab served Baal...
Obadiah didn't bow! How could this have been possible? How did
he maintain Ahab's trust? The answer to this is that Obadiah was
very devout in his belief. His spiritual convictions were unmoved.
He was the kingpin in a battle against the evil forces. Probably no
one has been in any more danger.,, by choice... as he was always in
the "pressure-cooker."
We learn that Obadiah was not only committed but he was also a
very wise man. This wisdom was beyond human ingenuity and was
profound, totally trusting in the Almighty.
During the horrible drought, Ahab ordered Obadiah to assist him
in finding food for his horses and mules so they wouldn't have to be
killed. As he was checking out the country side, Elijah met him,
coming from the opposite direction. Elijah asked Obadiah to tell
Ahab that he was there but Obadiah became defensive. He felt it
would certainly mean his death. He reminded Elijah of his faithful-
ness to God... serving and worshiping the Lord since his youth.
With deep emotion he told how he had jeopardized his own life
each day by hiding the Lord's prophets in caves and providing
them with provisions. Finally, he responded to Elijah's order to
communicate the message. So... what can we learn here that is
relevant to the twentieth century conservative Christian? First of
all, we see that God will use us in our positions in the secular and
pagan society to accomplish His perfect will. That purpose is
ultimately to communicate the message of redemption through
Jesus Christ to a lost world. Our purpose is not to really preserve
society nor is it to provide a place of security for our families. It is
to spread the Good News.
Paul communicated this message to Timothy. He was taught to
pray for those in authority and live a peaceful and quiet life in all
holiness. (I Tim. 2:2) Ultimately, God is interested in our security
because he wants to provide opportunities for us to reach out as
His arms and mouthpiece. He, too, desires that all men be saved.
As we rub shoulders with non-Christians our greatest influence
is felt by our great hope for the future and our love for God and
other people. As the world deteriorates more and more, it is
leaving people reaping the results of their sinful moral choices and
they are searching frantically for something that can give meaning
to life. We HAVE THE ANSWER to their dilemma. It is that
personal relationship with Jesus that gives us hope for the present
and for the future. It is a loving and ethical relationship with other
Christians who provide hope and security while we sojourn here.
BIBLE MONITOR
Secondly, we learn that it is only through devotion that we will be
dynamically used by God. Obadiah had served the Lord from his
youth and had emerged victorious. We will too! We will never
impress the world by being like them. Our value system has to
reflect God's standard or righteousness. We are strangers here...
aliens! And, if we take a right moral and ethical stand, I believe we
will be respected for it.
God uses us in a special way today if we reflect wisdom in our
relationships with non-Christians. We are sent as sheep among
wolves. We are to be thoughtful... yet harmless.
Will we be successful in our witness if we counter-react to the
current evil trends of the day? Should we be offensive and
bombastic? Should we threaten and respond in anger? This would
be very easy but I believe in doing this we lose the message of
Christ and salvation in the battle. God will spew them out of His
mouth. God will judge and give the reward. We are to teach in
concern and loving kindness. Obviously we can't cooperate with
them and there may be times when we will choose to die rather
than be caught up in the world... but we are not to be defiant in
attitude. We can be at peace... and the pressure can lessen.
Finally remember... we will have problems but God delights in
using these problems to achieve His purposes. Where there are no
problems there are no solutions. Where there are no battles, there
are no victories. "Only God can turn lemons into lemonade." Stress
leads us to understand that fact.
Brother Len Wertz
CAPTAIN OF OUR SALVATION
When we come up before the judgment seat, we can't use any
ticket but our own. Each must answer to the Lord. God will be the
judge on that great day. No one can take your place, so dear ones,
let Christ be your Captain. Here a soul is all alone. John 12:48
says, "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one
that judgeth him; the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge
him in the last day." So let us follow Christ for His Word is the same
yesterday, today and forever. It will not pass away. We must be
judged by the Word, and it will stand. Jonah was a sign to Nineveh,
so Christ is to us. We must fight the battle of faith if we hope to win
salvation.
In the Old Testament we read that Moses said, when the enemy
was coming, stand still and hold your peace. Today in our Church
we must stand still and hear the voice of Jesus. We know we will
receive victory if we only put our trust in the hands of the Captain
BIBLE MONITOR
of our Salvation. He is the only One. The Holy Spirit will lead us all
the way.
When at times you seem discouraged, dear ones, don't give up.
He will carry you through. Moses gave unto you that living bread,
the hidden manna, which was Spiritual Life. It is not a small supply
but day by day. So God will give you the things you need.
Dear ones, if you are in bondage, go to God who is able to supply
every need, whether great or small. Won't you put it into His
hands? If your soul is longing for a better life get in touch with the
Captain, He has so much to offer. Salvation is free for all who will
accept it. So, dear ones, open the door of your heart and let Jesus
the Captain of your soul in and start living for Him. The time is
getting late. Probably later than you think. Today is the day of
salvation.
Sister E. M. Alltus
THE PRECIOUS BIBLE
The Bible is the most valuable book ever printed. It is the holy
and divine Word of God. It gives us spiritual food for our never
dying souls. If we accept it, it will supply us with spiritual nourish-
ment and strength. Since our spiritual warfare is most important,
the Bible should have first place in our homes and lives. It is a light
and lifeline to eternal glory. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God,
and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto
you." It is a light to us where the current is never cut off.
The Psalmist David said, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a
light unto my path." If we be a hearer of the Word of God and not a
doer it will benefit us nothing. Whosoever looketh in the perfect
law of liberty and continues therein and being not a forgetful
hearer will be blessed in his deeds. We learn in the Bible how to
become Christians and live lives pleasing to God. It is a mirror
which reveals to us how our spiritual lives appear before God and
others.
John the Revelator records, "Blessed is he that readeth, and they
that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which
are written therein: for the time is at hand." Reading and
meditating upon God's holy Word is of great value for spiritual
growth. We learn from the Bible how to please God and how to
keep our relationship with Him at its best. It is filled with valuable
truths of righteousness and is a great blessing to us when we
receive it.
If is recorded in the Bible, what is awaiting those who live in a
sinful wicked life and will not receive and accept the command-
BIBLE MONITOR
merits of God's Word.
It is the lifeline for our soul's salvation. In the beginning we have
the record of the creation of the world and mankind and all living
creatures. The Lord saw it was good until Satan through the
serpent beguiled Eve to be disobedient to God's command. Adam
also disobeyed. The results were death and banishment from the
Garden of Eden and because of it, all of mankind must suffer death
in this life.
It is said by one of old, sin has taken occasion and it slew me. Sin
has taken people further than they want to go and cost them more
than they want to pay. Are we building on the solid rock Christ
Jesus or are we among those who are building on sinking sand? In
the days of Noah sin and wickedness became so great, the world
was filled with violence and their hearts and imaginations of their
thoughts were evil continually. God felt sorry He had made man.
He provided salvation for Noah and his family while the sinful and
wicked people were all destroyed. Other faithful men of God who
had His protection are recorded in the Old Testament.
Today, we have the instructions of the saving Gospel of Christ to
avoid spending eternity in the place, where, John the Revelator
described, is awaiting the sinful and wicked. John also described
the place for those who live Godly in Christ Jesus, accepting His
saving Gospel, the precious Bible, our life guard, to eternal glory
that fortifies us to stand the storms of life's pathway.
The Saviour's call through His Word "Come unto me, all ye that
labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke
upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye
shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden
is light." He leadeth me so by day and by night, have we found it
so?
Today there are many professing Christians who have accepted
man-made theories in religion which are not true to the require-
ments of the saving Gospel of Christ. It is not the Holy Spirit who
directs people to not believe Christ's Commandments. The Holy
Spirit does not teach that we need not obey them all for our soul
salvation. Satan sometimes appears as an angel of light.
In the saving Gospel of Christ we are told to teach and observe
all things He has commanded. He will be with those to the end. Are
we prepared for the first and best resurrection?
The only way to receive salvation is through obedience to the
precious Gospel of Christ.
Brother J. F. Marks
RD 3 Box 509
York, PA 17402
10 BIBLE MONITOR
THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINES
The Trinity
J. H, Moore
In some of the chapters, already given, frequent reference has
been made to the Trinity, the union of the three Persons,— Father,
Son and Holy Ghost,— in the one Godhead. As presented to us in
the Scriptures, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are equally divine,
and also personally distinct from each other. In a certain, and a
very important sense, the three are one, and yet, in another sense,
equally important, they are three. In substance and purpose there
can be no question about their oneness. In all the affairs of the
universe they work together with a unity of plan, and a harmony of
purpose, that is beyond the comprehension of man. Even in the
creation we find them working together. In Gen. 1 :26 we read; "Let
us make man in our image, after our likeness." The "us" and "our"
are plural, and mean a plurality in the Godhead. It is also said in
verse two; "And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the
waters." Here we have both the Father and the Spirit distinctly
mentioned, as being together in the beginning of the creation.
Turning to John 1 :3, we have this statement, regarding Christ at the
same period: "All things were made by him, and without him was
not anything made that was made." (Also Col. 1:16.) This makes it
clear that the "us," of Gen. 1:26, means the Father, Son and Holy
Ghost.
Passing to the New Testament, we have the three clearly
manifested at the baptism of Jesus (Matt. 3:16-17). Commenting
on this passage, John Wesley says: "We have here a glorious
manifestation of the Trinity; the Father, speaking from heaven; the
Son spoken to, and the Holy Spirit descending upon him." In
I Peter 1:2 we have mention of the Father, the Spirit and Jesus
Christ. In the closing verse of the thirteenth chapter of II
Corinthians we read: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the
love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you
all." We yet mention Matt. 28:19: "Baptizing them into the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost," where the
doctrine of the Trinity is too clearly indicated to be misunderstood.
Jesus at one time said: "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30).
In John 17:11 the same truth is reiterated, for there we are told that
he prayed that his disciples might be one as he and the Father are
one. And while they are spoken of as one, yet they are mentioned
as doing their separate work. "My Father worketh hitherto, and I
work," says the Master in John 5:17. This and other scriptures set
forth the personality of the Father and the Son. For example, the
BIBLE MONITOR 11
Father sent the Son into the world, and not the Son the Father. The
Father provided a body for a sin offering. And even while on the
cross he cried out, in deep soul-distress, to the Father. Then we
further learn that the Father and the Son sent the Holy Spirit, while
the Spirit sent neither of them.
Here we again cite the baptismal formula: "Baptizing them into
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." To
be baptized into the name of the Father, is to be baptized into him.
This is also true of the Son. Hence we read in I John 2:24: "Ye also
shall continue in the Father and in the Son." Being baptized into
each, we are in them, and can so continue in them. Gal. 3:27
applies in this connection: "For as many of you as have been
baptized into Christ have put on Christ." This is proof that we enter
Christ by being baptized into him. We get into the Spirit the same
way, and that is why we read: "If we live in the Spirit, let us also
walk in the Spirit." (Gal. 5:25)
The three Persons in the Godhead, as presented in the baptismal
formula, constitute the basis for the threefold immersion, as
already shown. The three actions in baptism are in perfect accord
with the three Persons in the Trinity. In a sense, the Father, Son
and Holy Ghost are one, and yet they are three. Just so with
baptism. It is to the unity of the three actions that Paul refers, when
he says: "One Lord, one faith, and one baptism". (Eph. 4:5) As
Chrysostom says: "It is one baptism in three immersions of the
body." One in one sense, and three in another.
KNOW THEM THAT LABOR AMONG YOU
I Thessalonians 5:12, "And we beseech you, brethren, to know
them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and
admonish you."
With the deeds of many of the current television preachers
coming to light, we were recently reminded of the Bible verse
above. Those of us who teach and preach God's Word have a
responsibility to live worthy of God's Word, and likewise all
Christians are responsible to "know them that labor" among them.
The plain Brethren have always chosen ministers from among
their ranks, just as the early deacons in Acts 6 were picked. "Where-
fore, Brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report,
full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this
business." There is a definite advantage to knowing the life and
walk of a fellow Christian, one full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom.
These are far better credentials than are given at any seminary.
Those devoted "parishioners" of Mr. Bakker were no doubt
12 BIBLE MONITOR
shocked to find him in an adulterous condition, but most of us who
know the scope of this type of ministry and what the scriptures say
were not at all surprised. But the worst thing to come to light is the
fact that many of Jim and Tammy's supporters do not care what
they have done, they just want them back in their television
positions. The scripture says that fools make a mock of sin, and
that is the situation you have when people do not put' any
importance upon it.
Our preaching, our teaching, and our daily lives should cry out
against sin, and not condone it in any form. This is what Jesus and
the Disciples did, and it is our responsibility also. In Ephesians
5:11 it says, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of
darkness, but rather reprove them." The Church should all work
together with a singular purpose, and that is to preach the Gospel
to every creature. We must be certain that all members are united
in this regard, and in order to be certain we must know them that
labour among us.
L. H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
OBITUARY
FLOYD SWIHART
Bro. Floyd T. Swihart was born near Goshen, Indiana to E.
Judson and Sarah (Long) Swihart, January 17, 1908. He died at the
Goshen General Hospital, March 9, 1987.
On June 25, 1932 he was married to Maxine Rutledge in Ohio.
She survives along with one son, George, Delta, Colorado and two
daughters, Mrs. Dale (Ruthie) Culp, Bristol, Indiana and Mrs. Doyle
(Sarah) Sattler, Colby, Kansas. He was preceded in death by one
son, Joseph. He is also survived by two brothers, Noble, Montrose,
Colorado and Donald, Glendora, California and two sisters, Mrs!
Owen (Esther) Heeter and Clara Gunderman, both of Goshen,
Indiana.
He was a minister and Elder in the Dunkard Brethren Church for
many years.
Funeral services were conducted, March 11, 1987 by Elder
Harley Flory assisted by Bro. Terry Gunderman. Burial was in the
West Goshen Cemetery.
We wish to thank all who remembered us with cards and letters
during and since our time of loss.
Sister Maxine Swihart and family
BIBLE MONITOR
13
IF I HAD CONTROL
If I had control
Of things in my life,
I'd banish all pain,
All sorrow and strife.
There'd be no shadows
To darken my day - -
There would be sunshine
All along my way.
But God knows what's best,
Much more so than I -
How to prepare me
For that Home on High.
I will follow Him
And I will not fret
When my petitions
Are not answered yet.
His Spirit can lead
Wherever it will,
Down in the valley
Or up a steep hill.
With His hand in mine
I can't go astray,
I'll just hold on tight
When dark seems my way.
I'll always praise Him,
I can't be misled
Since He is with me
And knows what's ahead.
He knows it takes storms
Along with the sun
To strengthen my faith
For trials to come.
How thankful I am
I don't have control -
Now I can prepare
For rest for my soul.
And so I'll submit
To His precious plan,
Accept what He gives,
Do the best I can.
- Sister Irene Stout
Rt. 1 Box 160
Wabash, IN
NEWS ITEMS
BROADWATER CHAPEL, MARYLAND
The Lord willing, our evangelistic meeting will be held, July 24
through August 2, with the Lovefeast on August 1. Bro. Virgil
Leatherman is our speaker. All are invited to attend these services
and worship with us.
Sister Lavona Sines, Cor.
SHREWSBURY, PENNSYLVANIA
The Shrewsbury Congregation, Lord willing, is looking forward
to a revival meeting. Bro. Jan Heisey, from the Lititz, Pennsylvania
Congregation will be our evangelist. The meetings will be held
August 2 to August 16, with services each night at 7:30. We invite
you to come, pray and worship with us during these meetings.
We enjoyed another Lovefeast on May 24, 1987. It was a day of
14 BIBLE MONITOR
worship, fellowship and sharing together to carry out God's
ordinances. We are thankful for the visiting ministers who
preached the Word of God. The ministers were: Elder David
Ebling, Elder Joshua Rice, Elder Emmert Shelly, Elder Frank
Shaffer, Bro. Jan Heisey, Bro. Paul Hartz, and Elder Virgil
Leatherman who officiated in the evening.
Sister Fern Ness, Cor.
DALLAS CENTER, IOWA
The Lord willing, the Dallas Center Congregation is planning a
two week revival service, August 9 through 23. Brother Len Wertz
from Quinter, Kansas is to be our evangelist.
We plan to have all day meetings August 22 and 23, with a
Lovefeast the evening of the 22.
We invite you to come and worship with us.
Sister Becky Funk, Cor.
SWALLOW FALLS, MARYLAND
The Swallow Falls Congregation plans if the Lord willing, to hold
their annual Revival Meeting and Lovefeast Services, August 14
through 23, 1987. Bro. Paul Hartz from Palmyra, Pennsylvania is to
be the evangelist. The Lovefeast is scheduled for Saturday
evening, August 22, 1987. The meeting will close with Sunday
morning preaching service and basket lunch on the grounds.
Everyone is welcome to come and worship with us.
Sister Hallie Snyder, Cor.
CARD OF THANKS
We wish to express our thanks and appreciation to all the dear
Brethren and Sisters and kind Christian friends who helped to
make our 60th Wedding Anniversary a joyous occasion.
We express our heartiest thanks for the many cards, letters, best
wishes and prayers offered in our every behalf.
May our Heavenly Father richly bless each of you, is our earnest
prayer.
In His Love,
Brother and Sister Paul R. Myers
THANK YOU
We wish to thank each one for the cards, letters, phone calls and
prayers during Timothy's hospitalization and since his return
home. May God bless each one.
Brother and Sister Milton Cook
and Timothy
BIBLE MONITOR 15
PLEASANT HOME, CALIFORNIA
The Pleasant Home Congregation plans a revival meeting begin-
ning Friday, August 7, 1987 to run through Sunday, August 16. Bro.
Gordon Jamison of Quinter, Kansas will be the evangelist. There
will be no Lovefeast at the end of this meeting.
Please join us for these meetings. Whether here or not please
pray.
Sister Edith Moss, Cor.
MINISTERIAL LIST CHANGE
The new address of Elder Paul R. Myers is: Manor Care Nursing
Home, Belden Village, 5005 Higbee Ave. N.W., Canton, Ohio 44718.
MARRIAGE
STUMP- HOSTETLER
Sister Laura Jane Stump, daughter of Brother and Sister Paul
Stump and Brother Steve Lynn Hostetler, son of Brother and Sister
Don Hostetler were united together in holy matrimony on April 25,
1987 at 10 a.m., a precious moment of their lives shared together.
Brother Len Wertz spoke of God's perfect plan of binding
husband and wife together; after which Brother Paul Stump
performed the marriage ceremony.
May God's guidance and blessings go with them as they start
their new lives together in His service. Their new home address is:
5603 Sweet Potato Ridge Road, Englewood, Ohio 45322.
• •• • • •
Some children had a beautiful white pet lamb, which was stolen
from them, and sold to the butcher. The children discovered the
lamb first as it was being led to the slaughter. They tried to get
possession of it, but the butcher would not give it to them. A
gentleman, seeing the grief of the children, said, "Give them the
lamb; I'll pay for him." The price was paid, the lamb was saved.
This is what Christ has done for us. The lamb was helpless; the
children could not redeem it, but a generous man did.
1§ BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR AUGUST 1987
August 2 - A Stumbling Block To Them That Are Weak - I Cor
8:1-13.
1. How may we become stumbling blocks? Matt. 23:13.
2. Do we need to watch outselves lest we do become stumblinq
blocks? Romans 14:13.
August 9 - Preach the Gospel, Live the Gospel - I Cor. 9:1-27.
1. To whom was the Gospel to be preached? Matt. 28:19.
2. In what way can we live the Gospel? Matt. 5:16.
August 16 - Partakers of the Lord's Table - I Cor. 10:1-33.
1 . Why were the Corinthians to be careful of their eating?
2. In Eph. 5:18 we have some admonition on what kind of people
we can eat with.
August 23 -The Order of God - I Cor. 11:1-34.
1 . Do we have to be careful whom we follow? Verse 1 .
2. Importance of proper headship. Verse 3.
August 30 - The Body of Christ - I Cor. 12:1-31.
1. To what does Paul compare the Church? Verse 12.
2. What is the Church? and am I a part of it? If not how may
I become a part of it? Ephesians 2.
YOUNG PEOPLES SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR AUGUST 1987
August 2 - The Transfiguration - Luke 9:28, 36; II Peter 1:16-21.
1. Whom did Jesus meet on the mountain? Luke 9:30.
2. What did Peter say they saw while they were with Him on the
mount? II Peter 1:16.
August 9 - Brotherly Love - Deut. 10:17-22, Matt. 22:36-40
John 15:11-21.
1. How great is God's love toward man? John 3:16.
2. What should be our standard of love? John 15:12.
August 16 - A Person of Faith - Luke 7:1-10.
1. What is faith? and how important is faith in our life? Heb. 11.
2. What should be our request when praying for more faith'?
Mark 9:24.
August 23- What Road Are We On? Matt. 7:11-21, Heb. 12:12-29.
1. What does Jesus in John 14:6 tell us about the right way?
2. Is it safe to follow man? or our own thinking on this matter'?
Prov. 14:12.
August 30 - Our Invitation - Isaiah 1:18-20, Matt. 11:27-30 Rev
22:12-19.
1. Whom does Christ say are to come to Him in Matt. 11:28?
2. Read in Rev. 22:17 of the last invitation or the three fold call.
I au I Stump
. N. Diamond Mill
Un 1 •.'::: , ■ -22
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXV AUGUST 1, 1987 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.
MUST I BE TO JUDGMENT BROUGHT?
And must I be to judgment bro't,
And answer in that day
For ev'ry vain and idle tho't,
And ev'ry word I say?
Yes, ev'ry secret of my heart
Shall shortly be made known,
And I receive my just desert
For all that I have done.
How careful, then, ought I to live!
With what religious fear!
Who such a strict account must give
For my behavior here!
Thou awful Judge of quick and dead,
The watchful pow'r bestow;
So shall I to my ways take heed,
To all I speak or do.
If now Thou standest at the door,
let me feel Thee near!
And make my peace with God, before
1 at Thy bar appear.
- Charles Wesley
BIBLE MONITOR
ONE LITTLE MATCH
When preparing for a barbecue, it is necessary to light a fire. The
briquets after being soaked with lighter fluid are ready to ignite. All
it takes to get a roaring fire is to drop one little, lit match in the
midst of the flammable briquets. Within a few seconds there will be
flames threatening to go beyond the bounds of the barbecue.
These flames will produce a great deal of heat. Even after the
flames have burned down, the white hot coals will produce enough
heat to cook the food on the rack. A meal can be prepared because
of one little match, lit and placed in a flammable situation.
One little match cannot only be used to accomplish a good thing
like cooking a meal, it can also do a lot of harm. Only one little
match or, a cigarette or even a spark can set a whole forest on fire.
One tree can be made into a thousand matches but one match can
destroy a thousand trees. Fires cannot only destroy trees and
wildlife but also homes and businesses. Lives are lost from being
in the patch of the fire or by fighting it. Just one little match can
certainly cause a lot of trouble.
When around firest or hot things, if not careful we can get
burned. It does not take very long or a very large area to get a real
sore burn. Even the sun can produce a burn especially on fairskin.
The pain associated with a burn is great. It doesn't take a bad burn
to make us wish we had been more careful.
When contemplating the pain of a small burn, our minds turn to
those who receive severe burns. It requires months and years for
their bodies to heal. Surgery and physical therapy are needed to
return the body to former usefulness.
As terrible as these major burns seem to us, there remains a fire
THE BIBLE MONITOR AUGUST 1, 1987
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Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance,
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BIBLE MONITOR
and burning that is even worse. The unquenchable, eternal fire of
hell is many times worse than the terrible sufferings caused by
natural fires. While a physical burn might permanently scar or
disable, it will have lessened effect over a period of time. The fire of
Hell will be for ever. It will stand in direct contrast with the eternal
bliss of Heaven. Everything that is good in Heaven will be matched
by everything bad and harmful in Hell. A fire that cannot be
quenched or lessened in any way will be burning there to torture
those assigned a place there. Unlike fire here that eventually
destroys vital organs and brings death, there will be no release
from the suffering. The pain will be constant, not just for awhile but
forever.
Just as it takes only one small match to start a great fire in this
world, so it does not take a great wrong to bring about Hell's
punishment. The sins that bring Spiritual death do not have to be
notorious, infamous or of great number or seriousness. The wages
of sin is death. Wages may be great or small but the result is the
same. Sin may be so great as a lifetime spent in debauchery, denial
or demonic activity or it may be unbelief and compromise. A match
is not large neither does sin need to be large to damage or even to
bring one down to Hell.
James writes of one part of the human body that is set afire by
the fires of Hell. That member is the tongue. The human vocal
apparatus is the cause of much trouble. A small word or story may
very well lead the teller or listener or both to Spiritual death. The
tongue, though a small part of the body, like a match can cause a
great destruction. Unwise words can destroy friendships, wreck
families, split Churches and cause hard feelings that though not
only expressed can wound. Ill chosen words can be misinterpreted
and bring ill will where good feelings should be.
This ill feeling among people especially Brethren can lead to not
only disruption in this life but to the fires of Hell beyond. Sin is not
only in expressed actions and words but in attitudes and the lack of
Spiritual thoughts. Sin like the little match can bring grave
consequences. The sin of hatred is as bad as and is related to the
sin of murder. Hatred can just as quickly bring one down to Hell as
hatred's final deed of murder.
One little match can start a fire that will cook a meal or start a fire
that warms a household. That same little match can cause a fire
that will destroy forests, homes, wildlife, and human lives. That little
match has the same effect as sin which can lead souls not only to
physical death but also to Spiritual death. As care must be taken
with matches, so great care must be taken with our Spiritual lives.
We want our lives to please God and to profit our fellow man.
BIBLE MONITOR
Be careful with your matches and be careful with your life.
Eternity depends upon it.
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
"Rejoice in the day"
"This is the day which the Lord hath made: let us rejoice and be
glad in it." Psalms 118:24. I love this verse. It communicates to us
that we are to have joy in our lives every day. Do you? Do you
know someone who really is not joyful each day of this precious life
God gives us?
We were created for joy and if we miss it... we miss what God has
in store for us. Jesus lived and died on this earth to restore the joy
which was lost. Our chief purpose is to glorify God and praise Him
forever and there is great joy in doing that. Now remember, joy is
not just cheap emotional thrills or psychic indulgences. It is the
discovery of the real essence of life... that perfection found in the
person of Jesus Christ.
Joy is our destiny as Christians. The Lord has gone to prepare a
place for us... for joy! Sometimes we almost seem hypocritical if
someone seems too joyful as a Christian. After all, isn't a con-
servative Christian supposed to be downcast and rejected in his
countenance? Rejected... are you kidding? We are the Lord's. We
are His heritage. We are experiencing the fullness of life today...
and life eternal.
So, what is the problem. It would almost seem that we feel that
we are in a cage and that we are complaining because God put us
there. We are in our own private "doghouse"... basking in fear and
guilt or anger and resentment by having to live a separated life in
this world.
Joy is receiving God's blessings with thanksgiving. It is, in turn,
passing on his blessing to others. Desire to bless. Give out of a
warm and thankful heart... and you will be joyful.
Joy is allowed by God in some of our creaturely things also. God
is so great that He doesn't need to be our only joy. There is the joy
of activity as well as kneeling... the joy of playing as well as praying.
Every moment opens us up to the reality that life is good because
God made it to be that way.
Joy is our inheritance as Christians. We need only to let the
Spirit open our lives to it. I really feel that some people doubt the
right of joy. That is tragic. God has made your day... this day... and
He has given you the right to receive it with gratitude.
This is the day! Take it! Put a square around this date on your
calendar and live it to the fullest. Today... not yesterday... when
BIBLE MONITOR
you were small and sitting on your father's knee. Today... not
tomorrow... when you are financially healthier and you finally find
yourself fulfilled in your career. But now, this day, rejoice.
Not only has God made the day... but He created you for the day.
You are God's gift to Himself if you are giving your life over to Him.
We have established, then, that joy is right for a Christian. But is
it appropriate for the sensitive and serious conservative Christian
of our time? It is all right to be joyful when we see pain, starvation,
nuclear war potential, and so forth. It is my feeling that if our joy is
honest joy, it is not ultimately affected by the externals of life. Only
the heart can give joy. And is some ways, only a heart that has hurt
experiences the ultimate that joy can give. The world sees joy of
the Christian experience as clanking their tambourines or speaking
in tongues but I see the emotions created by these activities as only
superficial and fleeting.
I suggest you sit quietly sometime and think back to the most
joyous moments in your life. Remember the perspective that
created that joy and embrace it. Thank God for the joy and for the
memory... and be refreshed.
As we consider this topic... we would like to reflect for a moment
on a person who could be considered a "kill-joy." What makes a
kill-joy? It would seem to be a person who is suspicious that he
may not be virtuous enough to deserve it. By his own quest for
virtue it becomes beyond his reach. This creates despair.
Another reason for being a kill-joy is that we try to carry the load
of the world on our backs that only Jesus can bear. We will never
be big enough to carry the world's problems and sins even though
that doesn't negate our sincere and loving concern.
Finally, we become a kill-joy when we inflate problems to an
unmanagable size. Some people actually seem to thrive on
problematic catastrophes. But that person frequently sees God as
small and not able to control all things.
The gift of joy is there for the taking. Take it! Allow it to be
abundant as is illustrated in John 15:11. "Be glad in it."
Brother Len Wertz
SIXTY YEARS AGO
August 1, 1927
STABILITY IN PROGRESS
J. F. Britton
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovabte,
always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know
BIBLE MONITOR
that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (I Cor. 15:58) This text
has the appearance and sounds like a paradox. Nevertheless, it's
true. We are told that there is a law in nature, that where life
ceases, decomposition commences. Hence we are moving on
through space, even while we sleep toward the end of our stay here
in this world. Man was the crowning event of all of God's creation.
Hence man was created for a higher and more noble purpose than
to float, like atoms, through space, and then go into oblivion. Yes,
man was created with great and marvelous endowments and
possibilities. And these endowments and possibilities can only be
developed into service and fruition, through progress which
implies growth. Peter recognized the essentiality of growth when
he wrote, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ." (II Peter 3:18) And too, Jesus laid down a
fundamental truth when he said, "So is the kingdom of God, as if a
man should cast seed into the ground: and should sleep, and rise
night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he
knoweth not how, for the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself: first
the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." (Mark
4:26-28) These texts virtually have under consideration and
present the same fundamental truths as Jesus expounded and
propounded to Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. (See John 3:3-10)
Nicodemus with all his philosophical knowledge and lore, marveled
at the mysterious discourse of Jesus upon the Spiritual birth. Paul
gives the reasons and the "why", Nicodemus as well as many of our
Ph.D's of our day. "For they, being ignorant of God's righteous-
ness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have
not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God." (Rom.
10:3) "For the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of
God, for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them,
because they are spiritually discerned." (I Cor. 2:14) These texts
contract the natural man in his carnality and limitations, and the
spiritual man in his Divine illuminations. It stands to reason and is
logically true that "the carnal man is not subject to the law of God,
neither indeed can be. So then, they that are in the flesh can not
please God." (Rom. 8:7) And as God is unchangeable, his laws are
stable. The early life of Christ is a verification of the stability in
progress. His biography reads as follows, "And the child grew, and
waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was
upon him." (Luke 2:40) It is very apparent, that Jesus was a model
baby, and developed into a model boy, and was at his Father's
business at the age of twelve. "And he went down with them, and
came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them. And Jesus
increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."
(Luke 2:52) Jesus grew into a model young man, and labored with
BIBLE MONITOR
his human father in his secular vocation. And attained unto a full
rounded out stature in manhood. And then launched upon his
Divine mission, which he accomplished, and triumphed over death,
hell and the grave. "He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto
men." (Eph. 4:8) And "ascended up far above all heavens", into his
eternal glory. A wonderful and profound exposition of unwavering
progress.
The Apostle Peter was inspired to write as follows on stability in
progress, "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith
virtue: and to virtue knowledge: and to knowledge temperance: and
to temperance patience: and to patience, godliness: and to godli-
ness brotherly kindness: and to brotherly kindness charity" or love.
(II Peter 1:5-7) This text or scripture sets forth seven concrete and
constructive Christian graces that are to be attained through
spiritual growth and development into Divine service. This idea or
fact is confirmed by Peter when he said: "But grow in grace and in
the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be
glory both now and forever more. Amen." (II Peter 2:18) Well
could Paul exclaim, "Without controversy, great is the mystery of
godliness; God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen
of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world,
received up into glory." (I Tim. 3:16) A wonderful verification of the
wisdom and divinity of Christ, through the stability of progress.
And Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man
cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6) Therefore, there is
no way, but Jesus' way. And this being true, the personal question
is, are we going the way that Jesus went? Like Enoch of old, Jesus
walked and talked with his Father, because he had the testimony
that he pleased God.
Do we have that testimony? That we are pleasing God by
growing in Spirituality, in holiness and purity of heart and life? And
can we truthfully sing:
"Jesus, my all, to heaven is gone,
He whom I fix my hopes upon:
His track I see, and I'll pursue
The narrow way till him I view.
The way the holy prophets went,
The way that leads from banishment
The king's highway of holiness,
I'll go for all his paths are peace"?
»•* • • ••
Grace makes no man proud.
BIBLE MONITOR
REPROVING THE WORKS OF DARKNESS
Ephesians 5:1 1 "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works
of darkness, but rather reprove them."
When we think of the works of darkness we usually think of such
things as alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and immorality. These are
certainly all issues that must be addressed but we have come to the
conclusion that they are merely surface symptoms of a deeper
problem. We would like to fake a look at Psalm 123 in light of the
subject of the works of darkness.
Verse one of this psalm, "Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou
that dwellest in the heavens." The unscriptural theory of evolution
has entered into many modern gatherings and denominations. But
this too is only a surface problem of a deeper issue. The real
problem is that we have lost, for the most part, the majesty and
glory of God. The writer of this psalm addresses God in the first
person, "I," in this first verse. In the New Testament dispensation
we have a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus
Christ. We also have the Holy Spirit within us to lead, guide and
direct our path as well as to help us better communicate with the
Father. Today there are those who are willing to accept the
blasphemous title of "she" for God the Father. They have lowered
God the Son to a man full of sin. The blessed Holy Spirit has been
lowered to a "fetch it to me" like the family dog!
Verse two, "Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of
their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her
mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have
mercy upon us." In this verse the writer changes from "I" to "our"
and "us." Not only are we to have a personal relationship with God
but we must work this relationship out within the framework of a
body of believers if we are to be faithful to scripture. The works of
darkness are made manifest when we take our eyes off of God and
His Word. This is a day of "do your own thing." We are instructed
that each of us are individuals and there is no need to have unity in
belief and practices. But this is one of the ways that Satan has
deceived the earthly church. We, too, must pray that God will have
mercy upon the modern earthly church. While God is sovereign
and His hand of judgment is pure, we have examples in scripture
where mercy was asked for those outside of His will. While, as in
our opening verse, we must reprove the works of darkness, we
must do it in a spirit of love and with a broken heart. The final two
verses of this psalm deals with specific examples of works of
darkness within the modern earthly church.
Verse three, "Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us:
for we are exceedingly filled with contempt." Perhaps never in
BIBLE MONITOR
history has there been so much contempt for the Holy Word of
God. The most radical blasphemers describe the Bible as a book of
filth and obscenity. But they are not the greatest cause for
concern. A far greater work of darkness is those who accept the
Bible as "a good book that teaches the same truths as the holy
books of all religions." But there is even a more subtle work of
darkness within the earthly church. This is those who claim to
believe the Bible is the Word of God but teach that it must be
understood in its historical setting.
Verse four, "Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of
those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud." Much
ridicule and scorn is shown towards those who know what they
believe and why they believe it. This is a day when anything that
has historical backing is taught to be out of date. Some radical
teachers deny that we can be sure that God has provided us with a
heavenly home after we die. They leave the possibility of the
unscriptural teaching of reincarnation wide open. Others are busy
trying to destroy the scriptural position God has ordained to
women and to pacify those who practice immodest dress. We can
only truly be at ease when we are striving to follow the teachings of
Holy Scripture. God does not overlook sin, as some teach, but
deals with it. Sin is so terrible that Jesus Christ had to suffer and
die on the cross for it. The teaching that the New Testament "is not
a list of dos and don'ts" is a half truth, at best. There are many
specific sins mentioned in the New Testament. Beyond these is
clear instruction that we are not to be a part of this world. In place
of this many within the earthly church try to see how close they can
live to the pleasures of this world and still remain in the Grace of
God.
Satan will try to make the works of darkness appear to be light.
He has convinced many that God's way is not good enough but
that we must use worldly attractions to "win souls." Because of this
the earthly church is filled with "the contempt of the proud." We no
longer desire to see ourselves as those who need daily cleansing
from sin but are taught to love ourselves. Satan has taken one
verse out of scripture and twisted it to confuse thousands of
individuals. This combined with the work of darkness that says
that we are not to judge any sin is one of the greatest weaknesses
of the modern church.
The writer of this psalm reminds us that we all have to search our
own hearts. We are not perfect except in the Lord Jesus Christ.
But we must also remember that God has given us the power and
the authority to reprove the works of darkness.
If you are walking in the darkness of sin we invite you to come
10 BIBLE MONITOR
into the glorious light of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by
accepting salvation through His shed blood on Calvary.
James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078
NO CONTINUING CITY HERE
The uncertainty of life in this world should make us realize we
cannot stay here. Death is in the land and many are called from
this world daily. This was allotted to mankind because of the
disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The time
will come when this earth and all its contents will be utterly
destroyed and according to Bible prophecy we may be near to that
day. As it was in the day of Noah so shall it be when Christ returns
to earth again.
Many are preparing for this life only. Earthly treasures only last
for a season and are perishable. We are to put our affections on
and seek those things that are above. Let us not be as the foolish
virgins who were unprepared for the wedding. Jesus said, "Come
unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you
rest."
Death is in the land as we are reminded daily. We cannot always
stay here, yet we have the sad condition of many who are preparing
for this life only. We need to put our trust in our Saviour who will
go with us through the valley and shadow of death.
Referring to the faithful servants of Christ, He said, "I will go to
prepare a place for you that where I am there ye may be also."
What Jesus has gone to prepare for His own will be eternal. Here in
this world people are building what they call mansions and we have
large and beautiful cities. This is nothing compared with the great
Eternal City of God.
When Jesus comes there will be no dark valley. Jesus is
earnestly and tenderly calling, "Oh sinner, come home." We are
living in a time of a wicked and sinful generation and much
violence is in the world. It is not God's will that any be lost but that
all will come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved.
At Christ's second coming, it will be a sad experience for those
who are unprepared. They will be left to spend eternity with the
Devil and his angels.
When this life is past only what we have done for eternity will last.
Have we washed our robes and made them white in the blood of the
lamb, to be prepared for the first and best resurrection? Have we
BIBLE MONITOR 11
made our calling and election sure? Washed our robes and made
them white in the blood of the lamb? Jesus said take my yoke upon
you for I am meek and lowly at heart. My yoke is easy and my
burden is light.
The Psalmist David gives many instructions to praise and thank
God. He looked forward to the better life to come. He said, "Oh
that I had wings like a dove then would I fly away and be at rest." It
would be a permanent and undisturbed rest. We could refer to
many other men of God of the old dispensation who looked
forward to the better life to come.
The Apostle Paul, a great man of God, went through many
hardships and much suffering, yet he continued to look forward to
the better life to come. He referred to it as a crown of righteous-
ness. He said when you fall into divers temptations count it all joy.
When Paul and Silas were imprisoned for their services to the Lord
they sang praises to God.
Other men of God in the New Dispensation looked forward to the
better life to come. John the Revelator's mind was centered above
the perishing things of this world.
Our Lord and Saviour in time of trouble and suffering looked
forward for the time to come when He would be with the Heavenly
Father preparing a place for His faithful servants. He also looked to
the time He was coming back to earth to receive His faithful
servants unto Himself. At the sound of the trumpet and the voice of
the archangel, the dead in Christ shall rise first and those of His
servants who remain alive will be caught up with Him in the air.
The earth and all its contents will be dissolved. Are we prepared
for the much better life to come?
When Jesus comes to reward His servants,
Whether it be noon or night,
Faithful to Him will He find us watching,
With our lamps all trimmed and bright?
His second coming will be a sad experience for those who have
prepared for life in this world only. This life will soon be past and
only what we have done for eternity will last. Are we prepared for
the eternal, glorious city of God?
Brother J. F. Marks
R 3 Box 509
York, PA 17402
•••••••
Custom is the plague of wise men: the idol of fools.
12 BIBLE MONITOR
THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINES
Not A Debatable Question
J. H. Moore
Trine immersion can hardly be considered a debatable question.
The simple fact that all leading denominations accept it as valid
baptism, while there is more or less dispute about other modes, is
the most convincing argument in defense of its being the true and
original form, for it is hardly conceivable that the best thinkers in
the religious world would happen to agree upon the very practice
that is wrong.
Trine immersion is quite satisfactory to the churches that have
adopted this form of baptism, and if it is sufficiently satisfactory for
other religious bodies to accept it without question, what more
should any one ask? If it is accepted, practically everywhere, then
it becomes evident that it is not a debatable question. Those using
the mode know that their baptism passes in all the leading
churches, and when a baptism has proved itself good enough for
that purpose, it is most assuredly above controversy, and ceases to
be a matter of dispute. This must appear evident to any one who
gives the matter any consideration whatever.
When an administrator takes his applicant into the water and
says, "I baptize thee into the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost," dipping his one time only, there are always
doubts in the minds of some as to whether the administrator really
did what he said he would do. But when another takes his candi-
date into the water, repeating the same form of words, and then
dips his candidate at the mention of each name, there is never any
controversy about his actions not lining up with his form of words.
The controversy will be about the former and not about the latter.
In the threefold form of immersion we offer a baptism whose
validity is unchallenged by ninety-nine per cent of Christendom. In
the matter of baptism it is the best there is, and certainly no one will
care to look for anything better.
IT IS LATER THAN YOU THINK
I do feel, dear ones, we are living in the last days. We can't think
of a time when the world was in a worse state than it is today. So
much evil is going on. Little children are being raped, being killed
and being kidnapped. People and stores are being robbed. It
seems there is no end to the violence going on. People are afraid to
go out on the street even in daylight, for fear they will be molested.
School children are afraid to go to school. So many young boys
BIBLE MONITOR 13
and girls are on dope and have drinking problems of which their
parents are not aware. Many are living together as man and wife
with small children and have never been married. Oh, the sin they
are committing every day. Some claim to be people who once
loved the Lord and started out giving their life to Christ but now
never go to church.
When we read of Noah and the ark, we read of people who would
not harken to the Word of God. I am sure when Noah and his
family entered the ark, the people were confused, but it was too
late. The door of the ark was closed and they were lost.
Dear ones, if you are still wandering out there in sin there is a
way of escape, for the door is still open. But if it is later than we are
aware of, then the way to Christ may soon be closed and you won't
have another chance.
Christ gave His precious life on the cross to save you. Are you
doing anything about it? Are you counting the cost? It does not
cost as much to follow Christ, for in the end you will receive a
reward, a home in Heaven. If you are on the road Satan has, you
will receive as your reward a home in Hell, where you will burn
forever and ever.
Won't you stop and think about those two places? Then make
your way to the house of the Lord and start on the road that will
give you a home of joy and peace.
Jeremiah 6:16, "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and
see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk
therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will
not walk therein." Here they were in sin but were not willing to
harken. They were destroyed.
If we turn our backs on Christ we are lost. Are we spreading the
Gospel to those who are lost? There are so many places we could
go and reach the unsaved. Are we willing to give of our time to get
the message of salvation to the lost?
In the early Church they had services in a home if there was no
other place to hold services. Sometimes services were even held in
a barn. Chairs were brought in and they would have a large crowd
and many were won to Christ. They so desired to spread the
Gospel to all those they could reach. Before long they had enough
members to start a church in that place. I often wonder why that
could not be done today. There are many today who are hungry to
hear the message of salvation. Is this a Christian America?
Sister E. M. Alltus
Can pride and grace dwell in one place?
14 BIBLE MONITOR
"DADDY"
The warm fire sent flames up into the darkness. The sparks
seemed to lead our eyes up into the heavens where God was
displaying his magnificant handiwork of stars and fluffy floating
clouds. There had been an air of sweetness in the worship in song
and Retreat '87 was about to draw to a close. Several young people
and staff began to sing a song called "Daddy" and a contemplative
stillness swept across the group. Tears flowed freely as emotions
swept back home to parents who loved these young people so
much and these emotions were reciprocated.
After the service, one young man sat down and penned the
following words which were read at morning worship the following
day.
His mother has not read these words but as she does she will
understand the deep emotions of a young man searching his life
and seeking out God and understanding. I pray that you will be
blessed as you read and that you, too, will share this moment of
beauty that we shared at Camp Colorado.
"Last night we all shared a love so great most people wouldn't
understand it. I believe there is only one kind of love that even
compares to the love we shared last night... and that is the love that
our parents give us. Our parents are the closest true love that we
can have besides the love that God gives us.
I know that many times we wish our parents weren't around and
for myself, I find that I disrespect my mother and her headship over
me many times. Sometimes I wonder why she hasn't kicked me out
to go live with the world... and just say, 'who cares about him!' I
know others have said that... but my mom hasn't... because she
loves me.
Then you wonder why... if I know that she loves me... why do I
continue to upset and disrespect my mother? I do it partially out of
pure rebellion but I never had a father to teach me things that
fathers do... to keep me in line... and to explain to me that certain
things are dangerous and should be kept away from. For many of
you, your father is the one whom you look up to... even though you
may fight occasionally. For most young people, their father is
someone who they can go to to 'just talk'... to get answers to
questions... and even for protection. Without a father my life
seems to have just been a gigantic experiment by trial and error. I
have no physical father to turn to. For those of you that have
fathers... BE THANKFUL.
What inspired me to write this was a song sung last night called
"Daddy, I Miss You"... because for me... all that is left of my dad is a
tombstone... and I want the rest of you to enjoy your parents... for
BIBLE MONITOR 15
one day they will be gone and you, too, will be singing, "Daddy, I
Miss You!"
Before we leave retreat, I would enjoy it if those who sang
"Daddy, I Miss You" would sing it again... but this time with every-
body thinking about the relationship and value of their parents to
them... especially your DADDY!"
"HONOUR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER: THAT THY
DAYS MAY BE LONG UPON THE LAND WHICH THE LORD
THY GOD GIVETH THEE." Exodus 20:12.
a son... and Brother Len Wertz
NEWS ITEMS
GRANDVIEW, MISSOURI
The Lord willing, we the Grandview Congregation are looking
forward to our Revival Meetings beginning August 30 and ending
September 6. Bro. Jan Heisey has consented to be our evangelist.
We will have our Lovefeast service on Saturday with communion in
the evening. There will be services Sunday morning and afternoon
also. Anyone is welcome!
Sister Mary Lou Kasza, Cor.
WAYNESBORO, PENNSYLVANIA
The Lord willing the Waynesboro Congregation plans a Revival
Meeting starting September 6 through 13. Bro. Henry Walkerfrom
the Pleasant Home Congregation, Modesto, California will be the
speaker.
We invite all who can to come and enjoy these meetings with us.
Sister Wilma Eberly, Cor.
GOSHEN, INDIANA
The Lord willing, the Goshen Congregation is planning Harvest
Meeting for September 6 with Brother Robert Carpenter as the
speaker. All are invited to attend.
Sister Sharon Swihart, Cor.
NOTICE
Tapes have been made of the sermons and singing from 1987
General Conference. These may be ordered by mail or phone for
$1.50 per tape of two sermons or a full set including seventeen
sermons and two singing tapes ($16.50) from Sis. Vera Pike, 12967
SH 108, Wauseon, Ohio 43567. Telephone: 419-337-6251.
NOTICE
All donations for the Relief Board should be sent to the Secre-
tary, Bro. Martin Meyers, R. 3 Box 250, Adel, Iowa 50003.
16
BIBLE MONITOR
DIRECTORY OF ROARDS
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
Jacob C. Ness, Chairman
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403
Hayes Reed, Secretary
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Herman Jamison, Treasurer
Quinter, KS 67752
Frank Shaffer
13092 Grant Shook Rd.
Greencastle, PA 17225
Robert Carpenter
R. 5 Box 97
Peru, IN 46970
Joseph E. Flora
R. 3 Box 12
Adel, IA 50003
Galen Litfin
1314 East 7th St.
Newberg, OR 97132
H. Edward Johnson
1307-S.H. 108
Wauseon, OH 43567
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
1307-S.H. 108
Wauseon, Ohio 43567
Allen B. Eberly
R.3
Ephrata, PA 17522
Paul Stump
10340 N. Diamond Mill Road
Englewood, OH 45322
BIBLE STUDY BOARD
Eugene Kauffman, Chairman
R. 3 Box 51
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801
Dennis St. John, Secretary
21397-B50
Bryan, Ohio 43506
Fred Pifer, Treasurer
R. 3 Box 184
Adel, IA 50003
Rudolph Cover
2034 Roble Avenue
Modesto, CA 95354
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340
RELIEF BOARD
Boyd Wyatt, Chairman
12124 Washington Rd.
Waterford, CA 95386
(209) 874-3519
Martin Meyers, Secretary
R. 3 Box 250
Adel, IA 50003
(515) 993-3026
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender St.
Morenci, Ml 49256
(517) 458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, PA 17340
(717) 359-5753
Tom Jamison
R. 2 Box 30
Hoxie, KS 67740
(913) 675-3600
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
David Skiles, Superintendent
R. 2 Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Harley Flory, Secretary
27505 Flory Rd. R. 4
Defiance, Ohio 43512
Marlin Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, Kansas 67752
James Meyers
R. 1 Box 109
Dallas Center, IA 50063
Larry Andrews
312 East Coleman
Raymore, Missouri 64083
All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury, but
sent to the Secretary for his records.
: i SI amp
ir amond Mill
Un i on
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. > ■'. >
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXV
AUGUST 15, 1987
NO. 16
"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.
FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH
Up and onward, Christian soldier,
Hear thy Lord's divine command;
Be thou ready when He calls thee
In the foremost ranks to stand.
Up and onward, Christian soldier,
To the conflict and the strife;
God will test thy zeal and courage,
Ere thou enter into life.
Up and onward, be not weary,
Do not lay thy armor down,
Thou must fight the battle bravely,
Ere thy soul can wear a crown.
Up and onward, firm and fearless,
Like the vet'rans of the past;
Then, thro' Him whose grace redeems thee,
Thou shalt overcome at last.
- Sallie Martin
BIBLE MONITOR
PUTTING ALL THE PIECES TOGETHER
When putting a jig saw puzzle together, it is not finished until
every piece has been located and correctly placed. A puzzle
missing even just one piece is incomplete. The picture is not whole
so it loses value. Every effort is made to find all the pieces and to
find the correct place for each one. A piece that is put in
incorrectly, although it may look right at the time, will slow down
the completion of the total picture. A wrongly placed piece will
create a false confidence that the picture is nearer complete than
what it really is. The wrongly placed piece will keep other pieces
from fitting like they should. So all the pieces must be put together
and they must be right or the whole picture will never be right.
When Henry Ford had Greenfield Village constructed, he had
many structures moved from their original sites to their current
resting place in Michigan. These buildings whether constructed of
stone, wood or brick were torn down on their original sites and
numbered so they could be reassembled exactly the same way as
they had existed at their original site. These buildings are exactly
as they were at another location. It was painstaking work to
carefully take down, number and reassemble these buildings a
piece at a time. These buildings were not complete until each
piece had been placed exactly where it belonged.
There are many other projects that require precision in putting
together so everything is just right when completed. Our Spiritual
lives also require a great deal of effort to put all the pieces together
correctly. Often we do not use as much care in our Spiritual lives
as we do in many of our temporal pursuits. If we were to put a jig
saw puzzle together the way we put our Spiritual lives together,
THE BIBLE MONITOR AUGUST 15, 1987
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Printing, Inc., 4017 Co. Rd. 11,
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 Street, 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
how would it look? Would it be a beautiful, complete picture or
would it be a misshapen, incomplete picture that would please no
one?
There are many elements that go into the complete, balanced
Spiritual life. The Christian life must have a Biblical foundation.
There must be an undergirding of doctrine or that life will be futile
for it will have no purpose or basis. Doctrine is a far-ranging area
including the reason for and resolution of the need of each man for
salvation down to the precise rule for man's daily living. There
must not only be a knowledge of what doctrines are observed, but
why. There is an interrelationship between the various doctrines of
the Church. The doctrines do not stand alone but each fills a
needed place in the foundation of the Christian life.
Doctrine alone is not sufficient to produce a total Christian life.
Doctrinal knowledge will produce nothing if it is not put into effect
in each life. Hearing and learning must be followed by doing what
is known. If knowledge produces no action then it is useless.
Christian lives are active lives. Although Christians must use great
care in their companionships, amusements and activities, the
Christian life is not designed to be a hermit's existence. There
must be interaction with those living near by. A self-centered
Christian life will not fulfill the evangelistic duty given to each
Christian. This duty may not mean a wide or far-away activity but it
does mean a life lived among those who are around us.
Christian sharing goes beyond the sharing of the Gospel. There
is also a time and place for the sharing of temporal riches. Sharing
on an individual or congregational basis can have great results in
the lives of others, often opening the way for sharing Spiritual
riches also. Social concerns do not need to include political
activity. A personal care is far more effective than a governmental
or bureaucratic effort. That concern must be born out of a true
doctrinal foundation and a love and care for the individual's need.
All the pieces must be brought together in the Christian life.
There must be a balance among the various parts. Doctrinal purity
without Spiritual activity leads nowhere, for the Christian life is
based on the working together of the whole body. Most doctrines
cannot be carried out by the individual. Social action without a
doctrinal foundation is just activity without purpose. There has to
be a balanced blending of every piece in the Christian's life.
Are there pieces missing or misplaced in your Christian life? It
takes all the pieces in the right places to make the picture
complete. How does your picture look?
BIBLE MONITOR
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Simply Matthew Eighteen
Jesus, in His infinite knowledge, knew the human personality
and spirit. He was sensitive in understanding that because the
Church was made up of humans there would be problems with
interpersonal relationships. For this reason, He gave us a divine
method of solving problems that has proved effective ever since it
was written. It worked in the early church and it works equally
effectively in our day. It can increase our spiritual awareness of
taking chances... even in difficult relationships... because we have
confidence that harmony and peace is attainable.
Jesus taught us that it was obvious that offenses would come.
How these problems are disposed of is the issue covered here.
Many times Matthew 18 is misused. We use its principles
mechanically and it creates further chaos. I feel it is also used at
times to support a person's habit of constant faultfinding and back-
biting. Satan can give man a wrong attitude in even this beautiful
formula for unity and make it a disaster.
Matthew 18 solutions apply only to the committed Christian. It
will be ineffective if we exercise it without practicing it in the Spirit.
If we are not totally sincere in our motives the offenses will not be
eliminated. What motives am I relating to? First of all there has to
be the "spirit of meekness." (Gal. 6:1) Meekness will place us in the
lowest position of the reconciliation process. It will let us see the
importance of the other person and will give us a real desire to
restore him to usefulness in the service of the King.
Secondly, we must be motivated by love. Love will be the force
that will cement the full process together. It will show that Jesus is
in it from the beginning to the end.
What process is to be followed? We are taught that there first
must be a "one-on-one" confrontation. If this is not effective, then
one or two brethren will be taken along. Ultimately the matter
would need to be brought before the church as a final step. Should
it really ever get to the final step? I don't believe so. If we are
following in the steps of the Saviour we will reconcile our dif-
ference long before then. If we are functioning out of humanistic
self motivation then step three will be necessary.
Is there a problem that cannot be solved in this way? No! Even if
several individuals are involved and it becomes very complicated...
this plan, if used in the spirit in which it is written, is foolproof. It, of
course, must be accompanied by prayer and in some cases by
fasting. But if you are really committed to results being obtained
by it... they will happen. This is Heaven's ordained plan. If we are
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following the dictates of God's Word, we will follow these in-
structions. We will be blessed in fulfilling the command to be our
"brother's keeper." We will be allowed a glimpse into the very mind
and will of God. And... we will find peace and happiness.
Jesus prayed for our unity. Paul rebuked divisions among
Christians. Nowhere do we see where the church can function if
our relationships with others are below the standards God has set
for us. Satan has routinely used divisions among members to
handicap the progress of our spirituality and the dissemination of
the gospel. Competition is one of the greatest causes of dis-
cension among members and leads to breakdown in communi-
cation. We have the common basis for unity. It is Jesus. It is
fellowship and sharing one with another. Problems seldom degen-
erate to intolerance if a person is sharing, fellowshipping and
praying for other individuals. MATTHEW 18 IS GOD'S WAY.
IT LEADS TO NEITHER EXCOMMUNICATION NOR SELF-
RIGHTEOUS OSTRACISM... BUT TO GROWTH IN GRACE
IT WORKS!
Brother Len Wertz
GOD'S WAY
When God created man
He pronounced him good,
But man disobeyed God
He ate forbidden food.
The sin which was committed
Destroyed God's entire plan,
Eden's garden He created
For the benefit of man.
Since God forbid a sin
To be a part of Eden,
God banished Eve and Adam,
From the beauty of the Garden.
Because of Adam's sin
Falling on man-kind,
A remedy was provided,
Originating in God's mind.
There was no other way
To get freedom from our sins,
Christ died upon the Cross,
That vict'ry we might win.
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The plan has been provided
It's up to us to choose,
Whether we want to accept it
If not, Salvation we'll lose.
Eternity is an endless time
Choose wisely where we spend it,
For we have no second choice,
Once made, we can not change it.
If we reach the pearly gates
T'will be joy beyond measure,
If we're cast in outer darkness,
We will lose our heavenly treasure.
Each of us must make decisions,
While in this life we live
Let's make them for our Saviour,
Who has Eternal Life to give.
- Brother Paul R. Myers
1987 GENERAL CONFERENCE SERMON NOTES
SATURDAY P.M.
Bro. Ronald Marks (Pennsylvania) opened. Psalms 42. We are to
learn of the Lord. Our faith might get a little thin at times. We must
come to ourselves and find God is still there.
Bro. Milton Cook (California). Genesis 1. We are here because
God has created us. God said all His creation is good. The last
book of Genesis tells us of death. Jospeh lived to be 1 10 years old.
Something happened between the first and the last chapter of
Genesis. The book of Genesis ended in death. As we make the
journey of this life it is much like the book of Genesis. Too many
times we depend on false hopes. Job many times realized God had
control and he trusted in God and never forgot Him through all his
trials. Life was not just a living vapor for Job. He had a hope a
better hope after he would leave this world. The jailer asked the
Apostle Paul what he must do to be saved. The Apostle Paul told
him to repent and be baptized. Philip preached the Gospel of
Jesus Christ to the Eunuch. The Eunuch was converted and told
Philip here is water what hinders me to be baptized? We have a life
to live and a work to do. We have a hope like Job of old. We have
the hope of the great resurrection. We must be sure we can have a
hope and not be living in a hopeless rut. We must be ready to teach
all people who have no hope that there a great Redeemer, our
Christ.
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Bro. Henry Walker (California). John 5:1-9. God has a special
message. The compassion of Jesus was to help all who were lost.
Jesus had compassion for the man who was an invalid. Jesus told
him to rise and take up his bed and walk. He was made whole after
thirty-eight years of infirmity. Jesus asks us, "Wilt thou be made
whole?" We must have compassion for those about us. What are
we doing for Christ today? Let Jesus speak to each one of you and
follow Him. Have compassion for each of those who know not
Jesus. No one had compassion for the Prodigal son. His earthly
father prayed he would come home. His father had compassion for
his son. No one had compassion for Lazarus who laid at the rich
man's gate. The dogs came and licked his sores while laying at the
gate. Lazarus prayed that the rich man would give him the crumbs
that fell from his table. If we become a little luke warm let us look
unto God for His help and be able to have compassion for others.
Bro. Michael Wray (California) closed. If we are going to have
compassion we must have hope in our Heavenly Father. He had
great compassion for us when He gave His only Son that we might
live. Salvation is free. We must be willing to walk the ways of Jesus
Christ.
SATURDAY EVENING
Elder Dale Jamison (Kansas) opened. I Corinthians 13. We must
keep ourselves in right thinking. We need to testify for God. There
are many lessons to be gleaned from the early church.
Elder Paul Stump (Ohio). Romans 6. A surrendered life. We
should love one another. How much have we surrendered when we
become a Christian? Do we surrender all sins of the world? Have
we surrendered our attitude of life, as to how we might let our light
shine out in the world? How is our life hid in God? It is easy for us
to keep His commandments if we have surrendered our life to Him.
Our life should shine bright when we go out into the world. The
Son of God loved us and gave His life for us. If we are dead to sin
we can live for Christ. When Noah was told to build the ark by God,
he did not question God. We must be willing to accept the Word of
God. David said "My cup runneth over." Too many people have
their cup upside down. We must obey the commandments to all
our ability. The Apostle Paul was stricken down before he had his
great conversion to follow Christ and His teachings. If we sur-
render all, we can follow Christ. Job surrendered all to the Lord.
Later he was blessed by God. Jesus surrendered all when He came
to the cross. Jesus died for the sins of all of us. We should say if it
be the Lord's will we will do it. We must not take things into our
own hands. We must put the Heavenly Father first. Has any thing
come between us and God? We must watch out for false prophets.
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We should be an observing people. The Christian life is a happy
life. With a surrendered life, working for the Lord and being a
service for Him we can live a happy Christian life. We must submit
ourselves one to the other and we will do the will of God. Why
aren't we as concerned about God's law as we are the law of the
land? We must be concerned about keeping the laws of God. God
sees us all the time. We cannot fool God. We should live true and
faithful.
Elder Warren Smith (Colorado) closed. Would we be willing to
give all our earthly possessions as a sacrifice for our Heavenly
Father?
SUNDAY A.M.
Elder Jacob Ness (Pennsylvania) opened. II Peter 1:1-15. We are
living in a time of search for success. If we fail to use Peter's
admonition in the Holy Word we will fail.
Elder Ora Skiles (California). I Peter 1:1-3, I Corinthians 1:1-3.
Heaven Bound. If Christ had not rose again we would not be here
today. Satan had a great victory right from the beginning. Adam
and Eve had to be put out of the Garden of Eden because they
sinned. God's master plan was the Eternal Heaven for us. How do
we know God wants us in Heaven? God has a perfect right to claim
us. Christ said, "Where I am there you may be also." God said,
"Wide is the gate that leads to destruction, narrow is the way and
few there will be that will find it." Are we on the road to Heaven
with a clear conscience? Christ came to this world to lead us on
the right road to Heaven. What will we do with the days we have left
here on earth? Let's serve our Heavenly Father and live faithful to
the end. If we want to be on the road to Heaven we must be born
again. We must accept Jesus and follow Him.
Elder Allen Eberly (Pennsylvania). Jeremiah 6:4, Acts 1:1. None
of us have the promise of tomorrow. We are to occupy the time till
Jesus comes. The Holy Word says, "Set thy house in order till I
come." Its work of the Church to evangelize the Church today. The
Apostle Paul told the Church there should be no divisions among
them. We are supposed to be a living testimony for Christ. How
can we show people we are a born again Christian? We must be
separate from the world. We should be careful not to gossip. We
must control our human nature. More people are run down by
gossip than any other way. Jesus established the Church for us.
The Apostle Paul said, "Let brotherly love be in you." Do we show
others how we need them? We must be careful of false prophets.
We must pull together as the train on the track and be all of one
mind. We must be willing to accept the doctrines of the Church.
The Church is the only soul saving station on this earth.
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Elder Frank Shaffer (Pennsylvania) closed. Jesus opened the
gap that we may enter into Heaven. When Jesus came the true
light came.
To be continued
Sister Alice Heisey
SIXTY YEARS AGO
August 15, 1927
WHAT THEN?
Anna Studer
During the sixteenth century, in the city of Rome, lived an
eminent Christian philosopher, named De Neri, and many people
came to this wise man to tell him of their plans and to ask his
advice.
On one occasion a student came to him and laid before him his
plans for the future, when he had finished the old philosopher said:
"Well suppose you succeed in your studies and finish your course
with honor, what then?" The young man replied that he would then
be prepared to take up some profession of position of usefulness.
"And what then?" again questioned De Neri. The youth still looked
forward to the high renown and honor that would by this time be
his. And "What then?" still questioned the philosopher. Oh, then
he would be an old man and would spend the rest of his life in
retirement with kind friends. "What then?" solemnly asked the wise
old man. After a long pause the young man slowly replied, "Then I
suppose I must die." And "what then?" came again in still more
solemn tone. But there was no reply. The young man thought his
plans were complete and covered every condition of life, but
endless life which lies beyond the grave, he had failed to plan'for.
Dear reader, may not many of us apply this story to ourselves? In
our eagerness to get an education or to gain wealth or pleasure or
fame, how apt we are to crowd our minds and lives full to
overflowing with the things that pertain to this life only and neglect
that which we are commanded to seek first? When we are inclined
to be over-anxious for the things of life let us read Matt. 6:25-34.
And even though by being anxious or by industry we accomplish
all our desires, and succeed in acquiring wealth, wisdom and honor
even to the extent that Solomon did, can it bring real joy or
contentment in this life or in the life which is to come and if not
what then?
Then why should we not be satisfied with the humble and lowly
things of life, and seek after more love which is the test of
10 BIBLE MONITOR
discipleship and of far greater value? The Bible says that
"Godliness with contentment is great gain." And why is there so
little of this priceless gain, even among those professing Godli-
ness? May it not be because many of us have lost our first love, our
love for God and his church, and have substituted too much love
for the world? (John 2:15) If any man love the world, the love of the
Father is not in him..." And again (John 5:3) "For this is the love of
God that we keep his commandments."
And because of this love nothing that he asks of us will be
refused or done grudgingly but willingly. And if the church in
Conference, by the guidance of God's spirit, asks us to do, or not
do, something that will separate us from the world, this same love
will cause us to willingly obey. But if we refuse and continue to
dress and do just as near like the world as we can, does it not show
where our love is, whether for God or for the world? And if anyone
thinks that the Holy Spirit did not direct these Conference
decisions, tell me, dear rearder, whose spirit did?
Could it have been the evil spirit? Does Satan want us to be
different from the world? We think not. Then it could have been
none other than God's Spirit, and if we disobey His Holy Spirit,
what then? And if we deny Jesus before men by refusing to come
out from among the world, and be separate, will he not deny us
before his Father in the day of judgment? And, what then, yes, dear
brother and sister, what then?
LOVE -THE MISSING FACTOR?
John 13:35 "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if
ye have love one to another."
I John 4:8 "He that loveth not knoweth not God: for God is love."
I John 2:4-5 "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his
commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso
keepeth his word in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby
know ye that we are in him."
The worldly radio stations, television programs and movie
houses, according to reports and advertisements, are filled with the
theme of love. Book stores are filled with books containing love
stories. In the vast majority of churches very few Sundays go by
that the theme of the sermon is not the love of God. With all this
talk about love how can we ask the question as to whether or not
love is the missing factor in the world today?
Part of the problem is defining the word "love." Unlike some
other languages, including the Greek, our English language uses
the same word to mean several different things. The word "love"
can refer to carnal or sexual love, a very close friendship, or the
BIBLE MONITOR 11
type of love that only God can produce in our hearts. In our day
and age it can even refer to preferring a certain kind of food or
other material desire. Because of this and the popular use of the
word it has, like many other good Bible terms, become almost
meaningless today. However, despite this we believe that there is a
real need of a renewal of love in our churches today.
Our first verse tells that this is how men will know if we are
disciples of Christ. This is a time of great turmoil within the earthly
church. Perhaps at no other time in history has there been so many
different denominations and splinter groups. This is true despite
the recent mergers of some large denominations. Some groups
have split almost literally "at the drop of a hat." Many small group
prayer meetings are resulting in the forming of new groups. While
this is a subject within itself, and we will have a little more to say
about it later on, is it any wonder that many non-christians ask
where our love is? Sadly, even within the organized groups and
denominations there seems to be more debate than love. With this
in mind let us now look at our second verse.
If our first verse causes us to search our hearts, our second verse
should cause us some alarm. It clearly says if we do not love then
we do not know God. Perhaps we might be accused of com-
promise, but we have long come to the decision that God is the
only final judge of an individual's eternal destiny. This does not
mean that we must include all religions and even those who deny
that there is a God. The Bible has already judged them, we only
have to quote it. Likewise, the Bible holds out no hope for those
who refuse to acknowledge such things as the virgin birth, the
bodily resurrection of our Lord, and salvation through His shed
blood on Calvary. Some will ask for chapter and verse to prove
this. We could fill many pages with scripture to prove that this is
so. But as a man once wisely said, "A man convinced against his
will, remains of the same opinion still." If we truly love these
individuals we will not allow them to feel secure in their error, but
will share the truth of God's Word with them. The Bible teaches
that a Christian must even love his enemies. While those who
would destroy our property and hurt those that we love are
certainly our enemies, perhaps our greatest enemies are those who
seek to destroy spiritual truth. This causes a real problem in our
thinking. We believe that our love for Christ's disciples is a
different type of love than that that we have for our enemies. But is
a true disciple of Christ only those who act and believe exactly as
we do? We have come to love and appreciate some individuals
who hold some views that are very different from our own. We have
even found that among those that we most closely agree with there
is some difference of interpretation among us. Can we disagree
12 BIBLE MONITOR
and still have agape love for one another? We have come to the
conclusion that not only can we, but we MUST. This brings us to
our final two verses.
These verses contain some very strong language, and we would
certainly not desire to "water down" the Word of God. These
verses clearly say that if we claim to love God and do not keep His
commandments we are liars and do not really know Him. Is there
such a thing as disobeying because of ignorance? Perhaps we are
"stepping on thin ice" but we believe this may be possible. In John
14:15 Jesus Christ says, "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
We believe the greatest lack of love in the earthly church is a true
love for Jesus Christ. We do not believe we can truly love Him
without also loving the written word, the Holy Bible. Some are
more concerned about "keeping the rules of the church" than
loving Jesus Christ. Others are bound with forms and rituals in
place of truly loving Jesus Christ. Some claim to love Christ while
following the way of the world. The Bible says this can not be.
(What this says about the salvation of some is difficult to say. We
are glad God does the final judging.) Some claim to love Jesus
MORE than the written word. This is merely confusion.
The greatest love ever shown was when God gave His Son Jesus
Christ to die for our sins. Have you accepted this love? If you have
do you now seek to express the love you are to have for Him by
obeying the Holy Word? Is our concern for one another shown
with love or hate? Let us seek to follow Christ and His way of love.
James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078
SOWING
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man
soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall
of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of
the Spirit reap life everlasting." Gal. 6:7-8. If we are inspired when
we hear a good sermon, good seed has been sown.
A farmer prepares the ground, then sows the good seed and
expects a good harvest. We should also expect some results when
we spread the good news of salvation to the world. Are we reaping
the harvest the Lord expects? If not, why not? In the parable about
the sower there are three essentials, sower, seed and soil. It is the
same in our spiritual lives. The sower has to be inspired so he will
be sure to prepare the grounds well, and see that the seed is good
so it will produce and bring in a good crop.
We are to be aware of weeds and anything that would hinder the
BIBLE MONITOR 13
growth so we can have a good crop. Today, one has to be careful
that the enemy doesn't come and destroy the work that has been
done. The devil is sowing tares. Let us be awake and busy, not
drowsy or sleepy, because Satan is watching for a chance to come
in and sow wild oats.
We all remember what happened to Adam and Eve. He must
have gotten to Eve, when she was not thinking as she should have
been. The devil came in the form of a serpent, and she believed
him and ate of the forbidden fruit.
Satan is always watching to see a way he can get into our lives.
This is how he operates and he is doing a good job of it today. I
suppose Eve wondered if the Lord really meant she should not eat
of that fruit. Dear ones, this fall separated them from God. The
same thing happened to the Prodigal son. Let each of us be very
careful that we don't wander too far away.
If we are out trying to rescue the ones who are out in sin, we must
daily be on our guard. He is working in the Church today and we
see so many, who once obeyed the words given by Christ for His
Church to follow that have dropped many of these commandments
and gone off into amusements and having other things in the
Church. Little by little, Satan is winning them.
But dear ones, what is inside in the heart is what counts. We are
to give Him our whole heart. If the devil is there it will show. I
believe the devil found great joy in the Prodigal Son's life. He was
trying to find something that would satisfy. He realized he was not
on the road that would lead him home. Oh, how he longed to go
back home. But he made the change and came back home. Dear
ones away from Christ, you too can come back like this son did
before it is too late. When you do, you will be inspired and the Lord
will be dearer than He ever has been. Now you will have the things
that are satisfying and you will have peace.
Dear ones, if you are out there somewhere without Christ, won't
you stop for awhile and see yourself as you are, without hope, lost
in sin and with no chance to enter that Home Christ has prepared
for His children. Oh, the joy the Prodigal Son must have had when
he told the father he wanted to return. That is when the joy inside
begins to shine out and starts to bear good fruit.
Good seed had been sown, but the enemy had entered and sown
wild oats and crowded out the good seed. Oh, dear ones, come
and find the Dear Lord today. Today is the day of salvation.
Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth. Then Satan won't
get a hold on your life.
Sister E. M. Alltus
14 BIBLE MONITOR
THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINES
Bowing in Baptism
J. H. Moore
If there Is any one thing, mentioned in the Scriptures, that is
more clearly settled than any other, it is the fact that the Lord never
authorized the performance of a duty backwards. When the
children of Israel crossed the Red Sea, under the leadership of
Moses, they were told to "go forward." (Ex. 14:15), and forward
they went, with the waters of the sea standing up in heaps. (Psa.
78:13) Paul, in I Cor. 10:2, cites this instance as typical of Christian
baptism, saying that they, the Israelites, "were all baptized unto
Moses in the cloud and in the sea." In Jer. 7:24 we read of those
who "hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the
counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went
backward, and not forward."
Paul, in Rom. 6:3 says "that so many of us as were baptized into
Jesus Christ were baptized into his death." In verse 5 he says, "In
the likeness of his death."
Baptism is a burial, but it is in the likeness of the death of the
Savior who, when he died on the cross, "bowed his head, and gave
up the ghost." (John 19:30) In the water of baptism, the applicant,
who is baptized in the likeness of the Savior's death, bows as Jesus
did, and in this act gives up the world, and its evils, as surely as the
Lord of glory gave up his life.
Not only do the Scriptures, and even reason itself, favor the
forward action in baptism, but all known history, applying to the
subject, is on that side of the question. A number of quotations
might be given, but we will let one from Dr. Adoniram Judson, a
Baptist writer, and a widely-known missionary, suffice. In his work
on baptism, pages 112 and 113, he says:
"All the Baptists in the world, who have sprung from the English
Baptists, have practiced the backward posture. But from the
beginning it was not so. In the apostolic times the administrator
placed his right hand on the head of the candidate, who then,
under the pressure of the administrator's hand, bowed forward,
aided by the genuflection which instinctively comes to one's aid'
when attempting to bow in that position, until his head was
submerged, and then rose by his own efforts." In fact, the
backward action in baptism cannot be traced to any earlier'date
than about the time of the Reformation. It is, therefore, of quite
recent origin.
BIBLE MONITOR 15
ANOINTING SERVICE
James 5:14-15
All members of the body of Christ, have this blessed privilege of
the anointing service if they become ill or afflicted.
The Elders of the Church have been given special power and
responsibility by the laying on of hands and of prayer, when they
were ordained.
When the Elders are called for the anointing service they pray for
the sick person. They then ask him if he is in good standing with
the Church. If he answers, "Yes," they then anoint him with the oil,
which becomes a symbol of the Holy Spirit.
After anointing with oil, the Elders lay hands on the sick even as
the disciples in the Bible times did, and pray over him. If it is the
Lord's will, the person who is ill, will be healed and if he has
committed any sins, they will be forgiven him. God knows all
things and will do for the sick whatever is best for him.
The anointing service when entered into faith is an uplifting
experience, which has brought great blessings to many.
Sister Maxine Surbey
BETHEL, PENNSYLVANIA
The Bethel Congregation enjoyed a Lovefeast, May 9, 1987 with
these visiting ministers: Presiding Elder Eugene Kauffman, Frank
Shaffer, Virgil Leatherman, Rudy Shaffer, Jan Heisey, Merle
Sweitzer and Ronald Marks. Bro. Leatherman officiated in the
evening.
We are looking forward to a series of Revival Meetings beginning,
Monday, September 14 to September 27 with Elder Fred Piferi
Dallas Center, Iowa as the evangelist.
We invite anyone who can to come and worship with us.
Sister Fern Kegerreis, Cor.
MARRIAGE
BLOCHER-STALTER
Bro. Ralph Stalter, son of Larry and Dana Stalter, Wakarusa,
Indiana and Sis. Rebecca Blocher, daughter of Earl and Dorothy
Blocher, New Paris, Ohio were united in marriage, July 4, 1987 by
Bro. Jan Heisey at the Stelvideo Grange, Stelvideo, Ohio. They are
residing at 10965 Kern Road, Osceola, Indiana 46561.
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR
SEPTEMBER 1987
September 6 - Charity - I Corinthians 13:1-13.
1. What is charity?
2. Read I Peter 4:8 for what charity will do for God's people.
September 13 - Prophesying - I Corinthians 14:1-40.
1. Why is the gift of preaching so important? Matt. 28:19-20.
2. Who is to preach? Rom. 10:13-15.
September 20 - Christ is Risen from the Dead - I Cor. 15:1-58,
I Cor. 16:1-24.
1. How important is it that we believe in the resurrection?
Rom. 4:25.
2. Did the Church at Corinth all believe in the resurrection?
I Cor. 15:12.
September 27 - Forgiveness and Comfort - II Cor. 1:1-24, II Cor.
2:1-17.
1. How important is it that we practice forgiveness?
Matt. 6:14-15.
2. How often shall we forgive? Matt. 18:21-22.
YOUNG PEOPLES SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR SEPTEMBER 1987
September 6 - A Goodly Pearl - Matt. 13:44-46, Col. 2:6-10,
Mai. 3:17.
1. What is the goodly pearl? Mai. 3:17, Isaiah 62:3, Deut. 32:10.
2. Why is the Pearl of Great Price so precious? Matt. 16:26.
September 13 - Our Confession - Matt. 16:15-28.
1. What does Rom. 10:9 have to say about our confession?
2. I John 4:15 fells us what takes place when we confess Christ.
September 20 - Our Mercy Showing - Matt. 18:21-35.
1. What is mercy and in what way do we show mercy?
2. In the lesson what happened to the Servant who did not
show mercy?
September 27 - The Two Sons - Matt. 21:23-32.
1. What lesson was Jesus teaching in this Parable?
2. Deut. 10 tells us our duty to God.
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BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXV
SEPTEMBER 1, 1987
NO. 17
Tor 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.
DOES JESUS CARE?
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth and song;
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?
Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?
Does Jesus care when I've tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief I find no relief,
Tho' my tears flow all the night long?
Does Jesus care when I've said "good-by"
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
yes, He cares; I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
1 know my Savior cares.
- Frank E. Graeff
BIBLE MONITOR
DISASTERS
It seems that daily we hear of disasters somewhere in the world.
Whether natural or mechanical, a number of lives are lost and there
is a disruption of lifestyles for many more. Earthquakes, tor-
nadoes, hurricanes, floods and blizzards are among the disasters
that strike people and kill, maim or disrupt. Fires, crashes, sinkings
or collapses occur to disrupt others. There are also other disasters
that affect people. There may be financial, employment or labor
disruptions that may bother people. Sickness, death and injury
come to disturb people's ordinary lives.
It is common to think that these disasters either happen a long
way off or they affect only someone else. We have the feeling that
somehow we will not be affected as others. We may even live
dangerously, thinking that though others may be touched, we will
escape. We may pity or agonize over another's accident, sorrow or
loss but still feel ourselves to be invincible.
Disasters hit all people. Just as God gives material blessings to
all, good or evil, so disasters come upon all. Christians have
serious situations to face just as the wicked do. Death, poverty,
disease and accident are the lot of all. But the Christian's response
to these situations can be different.
When the unbeliever is affected with these situations, he often
accuses God. He curses God or questions His motives. The
Christian, although not understanding why these afflictions must
come upon him, may repose in the thought that God is able to
deliver. The Christian has a view that goes beyond the immediate
situation. By the eye of faith he can see that God will work
everything out for the best. His view is an eternal view. He realizes
THE BIBLE MONITOR SEPTEMBER 1, 1987
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BIBLE MONITOR
that this life is but a speck in the total length of eternity. The
Christian can take a long range view realizing that though life is not
all that he desires now, yet beyond this life there lies a far better
situation. To secure that blissful place he realizes he must have a
constant faith that will not wilt in the face of these temporary,
painful situations.
Although the Christian can see these situations are temporary,
he does not ignore the needs of others. He does not just speak
comforting words about the situation, he knows there is a need for
positive material action. There comes a time when more than pious
prayers are needed to correct a situation. Christians are to be
hearers and believers, but they must also activate what they have
heard and believed. This is the practical side to Christianity.
Christian living is what is seen or not seen by the world.
Although those about us may not understand the doctrines and
ordinances we live by, they can tell whether we are living as
Christians or not. If they see us close our hearts and hands to
those in need, they can figure we are not what we profess to be. If
they see us in the midst of our own painful situations, curse and
question God, they will believe that Christianity holds no answers
for the person with troubles.
The Christian can consider Job as a model of one who met
multiplied disasters yet was able to hold to his faith even in the
midst of his friends' accusations. The Christian's faith does not
always seem rational to those around him but a true faith will
produce an assurance that will in the end overcome the difficulties.
Quiet confidence in the midst of disaster will do more to impress
the unbelieving than pious prayers and sanctimonious sermons.
The peace a Christian has within, even in the midst of troubles, is
not understood by the world. Spiritual things are only understood
by those possessing the Spirit of God. That peace can be
confident and assured when all around are agonizing in their
serious situations. The peace the Christian has within is from God.
The Christian has trusted his soul's salvation to God's Plan. He can
certainly trust his temporal and material affairs to the same God.
Therefore he can have peace in all his affairs. This witness of
God's active peace can be important in persuading the lost to seek
the same peace. They must see that it is secured from God through
faith and obedience.
Disasters happen daily. They may be large or small. They may
involve an individual or multitudes of people. They may be
financial, physical, civic or moral. Whatever they are, they may
strike both believer and unbeliever. It is the peace within that can
carry the Christian through such a disaster and even cause him to
be better for it.
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Are you prepared for disaster? No amount of physical, material
planning can make you ready. Spiritual preparation is the most
important. Are you really prepared?
SIXTY YEARS AGO
September 1, 1927
"WHERE HE LEADS I WILL FOLLOW"
J. H. Crofford
When we arrive to the age of accountability; when we become
conscious of our wrong doings or sinful life, there comes a call, not
audibly but consciously, for a change in life.
"I can hear my Saviour calling,
I can hear my Saviour calling,
I can hear my Saviour calling,
Take thy cross and follow, follow me."
Then when we come to a full realization of our condition, and feel
the weakness and our dependence on a higher power, we decide to
change our former way of living to obedience to the bidding of the
master.
"Jesus, 'tis a full surrender; All I leave to follow thee;
Thou my leader and defender from this time shalt ever be.
I surrender all, I surrender all; AN I have I bring to Jesus.
I surrender all."
Having made the full surrender, realizing our former leadership
to be wrong, with humble contrition we resolve:
"Where He leads me, I will follow,
Where He leads me, I will follow,
Where He leads me, I will follow,
I'll go with Him with Him all the way."
Humbly, penitently having made the resolution, how many fully
realize what it means to follow Him all the way?
To follow Him means going step by step. We are not full grown
persons as soon as we are born, neither are we fully developed in
His kingdom as soon as we start out in His service. What are some
of the steps He took? His first step was to empty Himself. He put
away from Himself His glory, His honor, His majesty, His beauty,
His Holiness (He became sin for us) and became a man, a babe in
Bethlehem's manger.
Then our first step in following His is a complete putting from us
of bigotry, or everything that makes us think we are somebody.
Personal honors, popularity and self righteousness must be left at
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the foot of the cross and we too, must become as little babes.
Next we find Him "growing and waxing strong in spirit, filled with
wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him."
As babes in Christ, we must "desire the sincere milk of the Word
and grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ," asking
God for wisdom, "who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth
not." Then "study to show thyself unto God a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed."
After Jesus grew strong, we find Him going about doing good
and healing all that were oppressed of the devil. As we wax strong,
it is our privilege to carry the message of life and hope and
deliverance from this oppression of the devil, and pray through
faith in His name that the Father loose them.
Looking into the three short years of His ministry, how frequently
He went apart to pray: "He went apart in a desert place to pray."
"He went to the mountain to pray." He went to the garden to pray."
"He spent all night in prayer." "He arose a long while before day
and went out to pray." Of all the privileges we enjoy, there is none
more precious than the privilege and duty of following Him in
prayer. "Men ought always to pray and not to faint."
Then as we follow Him towards the close of His earthly ministry
to Gethsemane, though we worked with and for Him, will we go no
farther? If we would follow Him, we must go all the way, we must
needs go through Gethsemane. Can you form a conception of the
meaning of Gethsemane? Do you visualize anything different from
a garden of beautiful roses and flowers with the sun shining and
birds singing, when you sing: "I'll go with Him through the garden,
I'll go with Him through the garden"? It was not a garden of this
type, but one of great agony and suffering. In the darkness of the
night the Son of God came to the hour of His betrayal. His
followers, His nearest and dearest, follow Him to this spot where
He experienced one of the darkest hours of His life. He came here
apart from the world that He might have communion with the
Father. He still went a little farther apart from His followers to
agonize in prayer until "His sweat was as it were great drops of
blood falling to the ground." There will come a time in our lives
when we too would go where not even those we love best and those
who love-us can come. We in a measure can taste the agonies of
intercession. The burdens of the sins of all those about us, and the
whole wide world wide sweep over us while we lay broken and
gasping at His feet, while the Holy Spirit makes intercession for us
with groanings that cannot be uttered. When He returned from His
vigil He found those whom He left to watch, asleep. We also will
taste the bitterness of being all alone, and in a measure are made to
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realize it in the present movement. Those whom we thought were
truly interested in the Kingdom of God and its extension fail us. We
find those we expected to watch with us asleep at the post of duty.
The promise to be faithful until death, failed when the crucial time
came. We thank thee, Lord, for the privilege which is ours, but we
cannot do it unless thou dost give us the strength.
The victory won in the garden means victory in the life of every
believer who will strive for it.
The choirs in the churches all over our land sing:
"I'll go with Him through the judgment,
I'll go with Him through the judgment,
I'll go with Him through the judgment,
I'll go with Him, with Him all the way."
A judgment is sure to come to those who follow in His footsteps.
The world will point the finger of scorn at you. They will cast out
your name as evil, as they did His. The only crown you will know in
this life will be a crown of thorns composed of the jeers of the
world. The persecuting and judging may come from those you
least expect it; from the members of your own household (church).
No matter if you are called fanatic, hypocrite or crank, if you are
following Him.
Then comes the crucifixion. You dare not stop at the cross if you
would follow Him all the way. You must die to the world and self so
completely and painfully that you will feel that you have been
crucified with Him. Your hands must be nailed to the cross of
renunciation of worldly "busyness", and your feet from straying
where the Lord will not go. Your head must be pierced with thorns
so your worldly thoughts, aspirations, ambitions and desires may
give way to seeking His ways and plans.
After death follows the burial. After the crucifixion Jesus was
laid in the tomb. If you will follow Him all the way, you must be
buried in the baptismal waters of the world and sinful pursuits and
pleasures.
But all glory to His name; the tomb could not hold Him. There is
also a resurrection for His faithful followers. Jesus not only arose
from the grave but He is sitting in glory at the right hand of His
Majesty, pleading and interceding for us. It is now your privilege to
plead with the lost and dying about you, and to intercede for the
sick and suffering that they may be healed. But there remains for
those who have followed Him all the way a glorious resurrection,
when they will realize the eternal reward for having been faithful to
the resolution "Where He leads me, I will follow," and they realize
that they are "Home at last, Home at last."
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ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
A Vision for the Mission
God's Word sets before us a missionary vision. We must catch
hold of that vision if we are to fulfill the "Great Commission" that is
given to us in Matthew 28:19-20. The "Go ye..." missionary vision
involves more than merely looking out upon the fields which are
white unto harvest. It encompasses preaching the gospel to those
in regions beyond our home and church... approaching the map of
the world with an open Bible. I fear that many people look upon the
need today and go forth engaging in social work, economic
betterment and even medical service. And of course, these are all
"good works"... they are a part of the missionary enterprise... but
they do not show forth a vision for lost souls. Human efforts and
aims, however exalted and worthy they might be in themselves...
are not basic elements of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ
and salvation through Him.
Now you don't have to have a visit from an angel or a special
revelation to enter the missionary challenge and vision. This vision
is the ability to see with the eyes of the mind and heart our God in
all of His glory... to get a glimpse of His plan and to gain a
conception of His provision for the accomplishment of His plan.
Jesus didn't tell His disciples to lift their eyes and look upon the
harvest fields which were white, ready for harvesting or reaping.
This vision was greater than that which could be viewed with the
human eyes. A Spirit-opened heart has to see the value of the
harvest and the purpose and plan of God for gathering the harvest.
Missionary vision and passion does not come from viewing the
fields in the understanding and fashion of man. It comes from
knowing God as our Lord knew Him... knowing the sovereign God
who has a great goal for the world. It is knowing the loving and
compassionate God who is "not willing that any should perish, but
that all should come to repentance." II Peter 3:9.
You will never possess the vision... you will never see the fields
ready for harvest until you see God with the eyes of your heart and
the sight of faith. Isaiah's account of his vision begins with the
words, "I saw the Lord." After he had seen Him "high and lifted
up," he could then see his part in His perfect plan. ONLY after he
had seen the Lord could he see the people's need, the work to be
done, his own lack of power and God's way for him. Today, as in
Isaiah's time, the REAL VISION is the Spirit-given sight that
beholds God with His work and His goal.
In God's wonderful grace, He has not only redeemed your soul
but He has also called you to be a worker together with Him as He
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carries out His purpose for bringing men into His eternal kingdom.
God's plan of the ages is moving onward toward its ultimate con-
summation. Jesus said, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent
me, and to finish his work." For Him, doing the Father's will
included His finishing work at Calvary, but He never flinched from
the task. Now, via His Holy Spirit, He is imparting His vision and
calling His children to serve and to suffer with Him in doing the
Father's work.
To be missionary-minded is to be Christ-minded; to be Christ-
minded is to be missionary-minded and possess the missionary
vision. This means Christ living in you, through you and by you.
His passion for the world and His compassion for lost men and
women must be yours.
Let our vision of Christ's mission go onward. Let us turn our eyes
to the future and press forward to carry out the commission God
has given us. Don't be content with where we have been... that is
not vision but an old man's dream. God has asked nothing of us for
which He will not provide the strength and provision to carry to
completion. Our acceptance and possession of the call will stand
after heaven and earth have passed away.
Do you have a vision for the mission?
Brother Len Wertz
OBEY AND HONOUR FATHER AND MOTHER
To receive the blessing of being raised by Christian parents is a
great blessing and we can never fully repay the debt of gratitude we
owe toward them. Children are commanded to obey their parents
in the Lord and honor them. It gives us a promise of well being and
long life on earth. We have seen many times when children did not
obey, respect and honour their Christian parents as they should
and often times they have been a burden and placed sadness and
heart aches upon them.
Disobedience and dishonour to Christian parents is also dis-
obedience and dishonour to our Lord's command. Under the old
dispensation they were commanded to do so and Christ renewed
the command. The Apostle Paul reminded us we should obey this
God given command. Disobedience to Christian parents has
contributed much to the falling away from the faith of the saving
Gospel of Christ, the good example set by our faithful foreparents.
The Apostle Paul goes as far as to say children obey your parents
in all things for this is well pleasing to God.
The saving Gospel tells us long hair is given to the women for a
glory. Also we are not to wear costly array and unnecessary
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appendages. Many years ago my father said people that were old
in this life said the wearing of the necktie is a crape that shows
there is a spiritual death inside. Today many women are robbing
themselves of the glory of God. We can show our appreciation for
our Christian parents by obedience and honour for them.
We know it was and with some it still is now their hearts desire for
their children to be faithful and true to the Lord. Parents who were
much concerned about both their children's welfare, spiritual and
temporal, deserve honour and praise. Children who do not obey
and honour their parents have not received the blessings of God
and are missing the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus. We know some who have suffered hardships and a
short stay on earth because of disobedience to Christian parents
Often times it appears that many do not think of and appreciate the
many things their parents have done for them. God has pro-
nounced a penalty upon those who have cursed father or mother.
We are not to be moved by every wind of doctrine. It is a sad
condition that many who have experienced the blessings of the
plain, simple life as taught in the saving Gospel have turned to the
evil fashions of the world. The call is continued, "Come out from
the evils of the world and be ye separate." The things that were evil
m the days of our foreparents are evil today. Sin and the ways of
evil are much worse now than they have been in the days of our
foreparents. We have many who have no sympathy for the ill
Christ showed sympathy for the ill. God's Word teaches reverence
for old age.
Many prophecies are being fulfilled and the signs are that we are
nearmg the second coming of Christ. Are we ready and prepared
for this great event? The time has come when many will not endure
sound doctrine but have heaped to themselves teachers having
itching ears. What could be done to turn more to accept the faith
once and for all delivered to the saints? This know ye also in the
last days perilous times should come and some shall depart from
the faith giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils
speaking lies in hypocrisy having their conscience seared with a
hot iron. Evil men shall wax worse and worse deceivinq and beina
deceived.
Satan sometimes appears as an angel of light. He also goes
about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Many are
overtaken by the spirit of antichrist. What is in store for the rising
generation if wickedness continues in the next half century to get
worse and worse like it has been in our day. Many are being
robbed and murdered daily. No one's earthly life is safe anymore
because of the forces of evil. Envy, hatred and strife are abounding
because the love of many is cold.
10 BIBLE MONITOR
Will we stand the storms of life's pathway in this evil day. We
need the help of the blessed Saviour who can make all things
possible. Through His help we can press onward and forward
toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ
Jesus. Many great men of God, recorded in His Word, were
determined to go onward and forward and never lay their armour
down,
I said to my beloved late wife sometime ago, "The most of our
friends have gone to their reward." It is necessary to keep God's
commands to spend eternity with the faithful servants of God who
have gone on before.
Let us never forget the first command with promise that Christ
also commanded in His Saving Gospel. We who have had Christian
parents laid to rest can never fully repay the debt of gratitude we
owe toward them. Let us continue onward in the way of the truth
and righteousness that we like the Apostle Paul can say "Hence-
forth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me
only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." Let us not be
among the foolish who are unprepared for the glorious eternal life
to come.
This life is as a flower that appears for a season then vanishes
away. Are we prepared for eternity? As we grow older in this life
we should be aware of the fact we are nearing the time we must lay
this armour of flesh down and reap our eternal reward and join with
those who have gone on before. If the second coming of Christ
were today would we be ready to appear at the judgment seat of
Christ? That will be a happy day for those who are prepared to
meet their loved ones in the glorious eternal city of God, when the
heart aches will be over in this life. Will we be among those who
have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the
Lamb?
Brother J. F. Marks
RD 3 Box 509
York, PA 17402
NONCONFORMITY
Romans 12:2
After baptism, we have become a new creature in Christ Jesus.
The sins of our past life are washed away. The desire of our heart
should now be directed toward Christian living. A Christian will not
want to please self, but will desire to please God. "Whether there-
fore ye eat, or drink or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of
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God." I Cor. 10:31.
We are now willing to devote our bodies in holy service to 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.
"Come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord,
and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." I Cor. 6:17.
Sin separates from God. We have now turned from Satan with all
his pernicious ways and now seek higher and better ideals than
those offered by the world.
Christians are "Known and read of all men." II Cor. 3:2. Theywill
practice the golden rule in their lives. They will avoid the things
that have even the appearance of evil. They will try to influence
others for good.
Christians will be different from other people even in appear-
ance. Modesty of dress is a scriptural teaching of the New
Testament. In I Tim. 2:9-10 we read that women are to dress in
modest apparel and not to wear jewelry or costly array. A Christian
will not dress in a way to draw attention to her body, but will wear
the gem of great price, which is the ornament of a meek and quiet
spirit. She will be concerned in spending her time doing good
works. I Peter 3:3-4.
Our Church has always advocated Gospel simplicity in dress and
tries to maintain modest adornment by certain requirements.
Sisters are not to wear shorts or slacks, or tight form-fitting and
short dresses, which is so prevalent in the fashions of the world.
Sisters are to wear modest dresses, long enough and wide enough
so that their knees are well covered when sitting. Ten inches Trom
the floor is a good length that will meet this requirement as
specified in our polity booklet. As a weather covering the sisters
are to wear the plain bonnet and hood.
The brethren are to wear the standing collar coat and the plain
black hat. This distinguishes their attire from the worldly custom of
wearing neckties, and so forth.
As worldly organizations have their own uniform to specify the
company they are associated with or the type of work, they do, so
the Christian Church has the right to have a uniform standard of
dress to distinguish them from the fashions and styles of the world.
Simplicity of dress and modest attire is the most beautiful
adornment, because it shows a beautiful spirit within and is in
harmony with the teaching of the Scripture. Loyalty is beautiful!
Sister Maxine Surbey
12 BIBLE MONITOR
AN EXAMPLE OF FAITH
In the country of Germany
In the town of Swartz'nau,
Were a band of God's believers
Who seriously searched God's law.
They thought the State's religion
Did not meet the will of God,
So they searched the Holy Bible
That the right path they may trod.
After many days and years of study
With their bended knees in prayer,
They received spiritual enlightment
As to what they should do there.
There eight souls did make a vow
That they should band together,
To study and obey God's Word,
For to understand it better.
They learned from the Good Book
That to get freedom from sin,
It took baptism in the water,
Three times to be immersed in.
And so as the eight chose one
He had to baptize another first,
Then the one that was baptized
The others he did immerse.
The year was seventeen o eight
When this movement first begun,,
Many people joined this group,
Accepting Jesus as God's Son.
From Germany to America
Leaders of this group did come,
They preached the old time Gospel
Besides living it in their homes.
Down through the generations
These believers remained so true,
How thankful we should be to them,
For their example to me and you.
The salvation plan we have right now
May we never let it slip,
As Paul told his many captors
Play safe, stay on board the Ship.
- Brother Paul R. Myers
BIBLE MONITOR 13
THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINES
Laying On Hands
J. H. Moore
Enough is said in the New Testament about the laying on of
hands, to indicate that hands were laid on all converts sooner or
later, following their baptism. We read that after Paul had properly
instructed and then baptized the twelve certain disciples at
Ephesus, he said "laid his hands on them." (Acts 19:6) For some
reason, not mentioned in the account of the circumstance, Philip,
the evangelist, did not lay hands on those he baptized during his
revival meeting at Samaria, but a little later, — possibly a week or
such a matter, — Peter and John came up from Jerusalem and
performed this service. Referring to those baptized, we read:
"Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy
Ghost." (Acts 8:17) In keeping with these examples, the minister,
after baptizing penitent believers, should lay his hands on them,
and pray over them. This we regard as a consecration service, — a
ceremony in which new-born creatures are fully set apart for the
Lord's service. The prayer should be a most impressive one, and
ought to make a lasting impression on the soul of those receiving
the blessing.
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR A SEEKER
From one of John Newton's letters.
How often have I longed to be an instrument of establishing you
in the peace and hope of the Gospel! And I have but one way of
attempting it: By telling you over and over of the power and grace
of Jesus. You want nothing to make you happy but to have they
eyes of your understanding more fixed upon the Redeemer, and
more enlightened by the Holy Spirit to behold His glory.
O! He is a suitable Saviour! He has power, authority and
compassion to save to the uttermost. He has given His word of
promise to engage our confidence, and He is able and faithful to
make good the expectations and desires He has raised in us.
Put your trust in Him; believe, as we say, through thick and thin,
in defiance of all objections from within and without.
For this Abraham is recommended as a pattern to us. He
overlooked all difficulties. He ventured and hoped even against
hope in a case which, to appearance, was desperate because he
knew that he who had promised was able to perform.
Selected by L. H. Miller
RD 2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
14 BIBLE MONITOR
REDEEMED
There is a song we often sing, "When Ail Redeemed Singers Get
Home." I am wondering just what it will be like, when all the
redeemed get Home. I am sure there is nothing greater than what
that time will be. The songs we often sing have a lasting
impression on our lives.
God knew us before we were born. He also knew we needed to
be redeemed. He looked down upon mankind lost in sin. If we lose
something we try to get it back or redeem it. So God is trying to
redeem that which was lost. He went to the cross of Calvary to
redeem us.
Can we redeem ourselves with money or good works? There is
only one way we can be redeemed and that is by the cross, through
His Word. We read where Jesus told Nicodemus "Ye must be born
again." I don't think there is any other way. The redeemed are
those who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb and made
ready. If you are in bondage why not let the blood of Jesus Christ
set you free?
How many of us really love the Lord? We know He loves us
because He died on Calvary to redeem each and every soul who is
willing to accept Him. Are we willing to let Christ take hold of our
lives and make a new person out of us? Do we really express our
love for Him knowing that it is only through Him we have been
redeemed?
If we are redeemed, we are filled with the Holy Spirit and the
fruits of our lives will show to those around us. We will be more
kind, more loving and lend a hand to those in need. I wonder as we
gather together at Church or at Conference and meet with those
who are outside the ark of safety, do they really feel we have been
redeemed? Are we a redeemed people? If they needed help, some
food or a ride would we help them, or are we just concerned about
ourselves? Do we love the poor ones in our Church, as Christ
would have us do? Do you believe the golden rule? Many times I
am made to wonder about these things. We are to help those who
need help. I am sure if we do these things the Lord will richly bless
us.
Do we feel we are better than other Sisters or Brethren? If we are
redeemed we will not find any of these things in His Church.
Where would we be today if Jesus had not offered us the way of
salvation? Oh, how wonderful it is to be redeemed from the hands
of the enemy.
So many today think there is a way out. Not long ago an aged
man came to my home and said, "Why do you waste your time
going to Church?"
I said "Because I love the Lord and want a home hereafter."
BIBLE MONITOR 15
"You know when you die that is the end, just like pets when they
die."
I said, "You are wrong, don't you have a Bible so you are able to
see that there is a place for the righteous and a place for the
ungodly."
"I don't need a minister, not now nor when I die. I will be
cremated at once and no funeral and that is the end."
I said, "I am so sorry for you because there is going to be a
judgment day when you will pay dearly for not following Christ."
He said, "There is no such person."
Just three months to the day he passed away and nobody would
have known it if they had not seen the undertaker take him. This
was a sad thing, but He is not the only one that believes that way. It
is sad that these people can't be helped. I know they do not enjoy
this life like a Christian does. I pray that those who are out in the
world of sin can be rescued before it is too late.
Sister E. M. Alltus
NEWS ITEMS
RIDGE, WEST VIRGINIA
The Ridge Congregation will hold a Revival Meeting, September
14 through 20. The Lord willing Elder Harley Flory of Defiance,
Ohio will be the evangelist. A Lovefeast service will be held on
Saturday, September 19. A hearty invitation is given to all who can
attend.
Elder Eugene Kauffman
McCLAVE , COLORADO
Lord willing, the McClave Congregation is planning a Revival
meeting, with Bro. Len Wertz of Quinter, Kansas as our evangelist.
The meetings will begin September 20, with the Lovefeast service
September 26.
Please come and be with us if you can.
Sister Rhonda Snyder, Cor.
PLEVNA, INDIANA
The Plevna Church plans a two week Revival beginning October
4 through October 18. Bro. Hayes Reed is our evangelist. Services
nightly with our Lovefeast October 17. Communion will begin at 7
p.m.
We invite all to these services.
Sister Verda Lorenz, Cor.
16
BIBLE MONITOR
DIRECTORY OF ROARDS
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
Jacob C. Ness, Chairman
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403
Hayes Reed, Secretary
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Herman Jamison, Treasurer
Quinter, KS 67752
Frank Shaffer
13092 Grant Shook Rd.
Greencastle, PA 17225
Robert Carpenter
R. 5 Box 97
Peru, IN 46970
Joseph E. Flora
R. 3 Box 12
Adel, IA 50003
Galen Litfin
1314 East 7th St.
Newberg, OR 97132
H. Edward Johnson
1307-S.H. 108
Wauseon, OH 43567
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
1307-S.H. 108
Wauseon, Ohio 43567
Allen B. Eberly
R.3
Ephrata, PA 17522
Paul Stump
10340 N. Diamond Mill Road
Englewood, OH 45322
BIBLE STUDY BOARD
Eugene Kauffman, Chairman
R. 3 Box 51
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801
Dennis St. John, Secretary
21397-B50
Bryan, Ohio 43506
Fred Pifer, Treasurer
R. 3 Box 184
Adel, IA 50003
Rudolph Cover
2034 Roble Avenue
Modesto, CA 95354
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340
RELIEF BOARD
Boyd Wyatt, Chairman
12124 Washington Rd.
Waterford, CA 95386
(209) 874-3519
Martin Meyers, Secretary
R. 3 Box 250
Adel, IA 50003
(515) 993-3026
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender St.
Morenci, Ml 49256
(517) 458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, PA 17340
(717) 359-5753
Tom Jamison
R. 2 Box 30
Hoxie, KS 67740
(913) 675-3600
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
David Skiles, Superintendent
R. 2 Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Harley Flory, Secretary
27505 Flory Rd. R. 4
Defiance, Ohio 43512
Marlin Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, Kansas 67752
James Meyers
R. 1 Box 109
Dallas Center, IA 50063
Larry Andrews
312 East Coleman
Raymore, Missouri 64083
All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury, but
sent to the Secretary for his records.
■ Stump
10340 M. Diamond Mill
Union, OH 45322
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXV SEPTEMBER 15, 1987
NO. 18
'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.
"YOU MAY THINK!"
You may think "THINGS" are important
In this world we're living in...
But they really are worth NOTHING!
Often they cause strife and sin.
(That's what Satan wants.)
If you want something IMPORTANT
Then why not choose the Bible?
Read it from cover to cover,
Then you won't be found idle.
(That's what God wants.)
Every thing you have on this earth
Has been loaned to you from God,
And some day you will leave it here
When you're laid beneath the sod.
(Thank God for loans.)
Don't put your trust on "THINGS ON EARTH,"
Let your mind soar to the skies...
Beyond the clouds of snowy white
Where mansions in glory rise.
(Thank God for Christ.)
Oh, let your Lord mean more to you
Than all the riches around...
Always, He will take care of you
When in His ways you abound.
(Think on these things.)
- Sister Irene Stout
BIBLE MONITOR
BIRTHDAYS
Everybody has a birthday. Some do not wish to acknowledge
these yearly events but their druthers do not change the fact.
Others, especially the children, look forward to the coming of
birthdays and the accompanying presents and parties.
Birthdays mark the yearly accumulation of age. From the date of
our entrance into this world, we calculate our time of stay until
now. How many birthdays we will celebrate is beyond our
knowledge. Some are plucked from this world before they have
celebrated very many birthdays; others will see many birthdays
before they are called from this life.
Our birth is a miracle, itself, as is the continuation of life. If
reproduction were left to the inventive mind of men, undoubtedly
some far inferior method would have been devised, but God
devised our present means so as to involve both parents and to seal
their love with conception and the eventual birth of another person
requiring their love and care. That life is precious because of God's
hand in its conception and deliverance.
Each birthday, as it marks a yearly increase in age, should also
denote a growth in physical and mental abilities. We expect as a
child grows older that he will be able to do more things with greater
dexterity. We also expect a growth in mental abilities as well.
When a person has passed enough birthdays to be considered an
adult, we also expect an ability to control his behavior and to have
increased patience. Unfortunately the number of birthdays a
person has had, has little relationship to his real maturity. Some
who are younger in years are more mature than others who are
much older. Years are not an accurate measure of maturity.
THE BIBLE MONITOR SEPTEMBER 15, 1987
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Printing, Inc., 4017 Co. Rd. 11,
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 Street, 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
^ Not only do Christians have a physical birthday but also a
Spiritual birthday. There was a day sometime in the past, whether
long ago or very recent, when choice was made to become a child
of God. Whether the Christian had the advantage of sitting under
the sound of true gospel preaching all of his life or he had by his
own volition recently begun to hear the Gospel story, still by the
working of the Spirit of God that person was brought to the place
where he was willing to accept the fact that he could not save
himself, no matter what wonderful deeds he might do. In realizing
his helplessness, he could then find the way God had provided for
the forgiveness of his sins and establishment as a child of God.
There had to be an exercise of faith, believing that God would do as
He promised. There had to be an acceptance of the work Jesus did
on Calvary in dying for the sins of all mankind. For that death to
have meaning it must be accepted on an individual basis. There
was a need of repentance, not only a sorrow for sins committed in
the past but also a willingness to not sin in the future. Faith and
repentance were an individual responsibility, but to bring about the
new birth, there was the need for the involvement of the whole
body of Christ. Just as the human birth involves both parents so
the Spiritual birth involves the believing, repentant individual and
the Church. Trine immersion for the remission of sins must be
administered through the Church's ministerial representatives.
With administration of baptism the promise of the Spirit's coming
can be enjoyed and Spiritual life is present. The breath of life must
be present when a baby is born, the Spirit must be present to have a
Spiritual birth.
This is a wonderful birthday. But that is what it is — a birthday.
There must be continual Spiritual growth and advancing maturity.
Just as years of natural life do not guarantee maturity, so years of
Spiritual activity do not necessarily mean Spiritual maturity either.
There must be a consistent growth and a daily dependance upon
the Spiritual food of the Bible, with study, prayer and service. There
must be a disciplined other-centered life that is an imitation of the
life of Christ. There must be the realization that there is never an
end to that growing. There is no place of stopping. There must be
a continual growth or all may yet be lost.
Physical birthdays may or may not be enjoyable — it all depends
upon how we look at them. If we have had a Spiritual birthday we
can more easily accept the piling up of years that mean inevitably
we are closer to the end of life than we were before.
More important than our physical birthday is our Spiritual birth-
day. Not only is the birth important but the continuing of our
Spiritual maturing. In this case we should not ask, "How old are
you?" but rather, "How mature are you?"
BIBLE MONITOR
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
"Twentieth-Century Idolatry"
Idolatry has been a problem since the fall of man in the Garden of
Eden. The Greek and Roman cultures were full of it. Paul was
"greatly distressed" in Athens when he saw the city full of idols.
(Acts 17:16) In Ephesus he again saw many of these man-made
gods.
The message of Jesus Christ penetrated this idolatrous environ-
ment and we find Christians, as those at Thessalonica, testifying
that they "turned to God from idols to serve the living and true
God." This would indicate that in the early church a converted
person made clear-cut and dramatic choices for Christ and away
from the idols of their age. SERVING THE LIVING GOD AND
BOWING DOWN TO DEAD IDOLS ARE INCOMPATIBLE IN
EVERY WAY... and this would bring us to the twentieth-century
Christian.
Today, it seems so difficult for many people to identify with the
idolatry of the Biblical cultures. We don't often think about bowing
down to idols made of wood or stone as the pagan peoples did.
Yet, much of the world's population still engage in flagrant idolatry.
When I was in Africa, I routinely saw shrines filled with images
and homes where idols were a part of their everyday life. These
items were to provide them with peace, protection and sometimes
even prosperity. I also viewed this in Hawaii and among the
Pueblo's of the Southwest. Even in Mexico the idolatry was
dramatic. In the great churches there you see dramatic statuary
and images which have been a prominent part of their Catholic
worship for hundreds of years. And though these people would
deny that they were worshiping and bowing down to these idols,
they seemed to esteem them very much like the golden calf was
esteemed as the center of worship at the foot of Mt. Sinai. It
becomes a strange sort of combination of old idolatrous practice
and modern Christian worship practice. Again, we say that we
would never worship in that way. But what about those of us who
are guilty of a more subtle form of idol worship... idolatry 1980's
style?
Today, rather than worshiping images of people... we seem more
likely to worship people. The most prevalent examples here are
those who are highly esteemed in the entertainment field... and that
includes sports! Some of us remember when Elvis Presley died.
There was an incredible outburst of "people worship" which broke
out as people demonstrated their affection, love, and actual
worship of this evil man. This individual, who probably did more
than any other person to corrupt the morals of young people, died
BIBLE MONITOR
of a drug overdose... and became a modern "god."
To "glorify people" is a great American habit. It would seem that
the more sordid their life-style, the more attention they get from the
press. Musicians today are emulated on every hand. People copy
their hair styles, clothing styles... and ultimately their life styles.
They adopt their "religion" as they preach it via the airwaves. They
are idols!
Even some religious leaders are worshiped today. This is
particularly true in some Evangelical movements and it is true in all
of the cults. Human (istic) gods are signs of the times.
Jesus clearly teaches us that we can not serve two masters Our
devotion can only be to one. (Matt. 6:24) Yet, materialistic gods
continue to take their places in our lives. I am amazed... and
apalled... that some of the Christian young people I know... know
about as much about athletic stars as they do about Bible
characters. Athletes have become some of the highest paid men in
the world. They have become idols... and are even termed that
unashamedly in some publications today.
Idolatry and immorality have always been closely aligned. There
is no question that many Americans worship at the shrine of sex.
This is the reason they bow down to the "sex-symbols"... both men
and women... enjoying them in utter flagrant immorality. People
are preoccupied with sensuality... and this is idolatry. God hates
immorality and I believe we are seeing a form of His judgment
against it in the AIDS disease today. Paul teaches that no idolater
has an inheritance in the kingdom of God. (Eph. 5:5) See the
ultimate end of all idolatry here?
Are you guilty? You must be on the guard against this evil today.
You must first make the choice of Joshua to "serve the Lord."
(Josh. 24:14-15) Secondly, you must pray fervently that God will
reveal to you when you are straying out into the idolatrous system
of our age. Renew your commitment day by day and serve Christ
with enthusiasm.
Finally, examine and evaluate your life-style in the light of God's
eternal Word. Ask yourself... is there anything in your life that is
more important than Christ and His will for your life? Have you
turned your personal needs over to Him? Have you turned your
status in life over to Him? Have you turned your material
possessions over to Him? Have you turned your recreational
activities over to Him? Your leisure time, your hobbies, your
house, your car... are they God's? If you can't say with ease that
they are all His... they may well be on the way to becoming your
god(s). Commit everything to God now. Ask Him for forgiveness
in areas where twentieth-century idols have taken His rightful place
as number one in your life.
Brother Len Wertz
BIBLE MONITOR
IS THE CHURCH LOSING ITS IDENTITY?
The Church has always stood for Gospel plainness. Direct
teachings such as I Timothy 2:9-10, I Peter 3:3-5, and teachings on
pride, I John 2:16, Mark 7:2 have led Church fathers to instigate
guidelines for us to follow.
The brethren's coat, the recommendations for parting the hair,
the guidelines for sisters dresses, and the restrictions on jewelry
are all ways the Church is trying to help us to lead Godly lives in
this world that is filled with pride.
Why is it that we seem to want to follow the world in the matter of
dress? Do we feel that the world is a better teacher than the
Church? Why do hemlines go up and down with the fashions the
world wears? Why do brethren want to wear the brightly colored
pants the world wears? Do we want to be identified with the world?
We all know that God has prepared a place for the world and He
has told us how terrible it will be. Why then do we want to do as the
world does?
God says there are seven things that He hates and one of them is
pride. Is pride what causes us to dress as the world does? Is it
pride that makes us ashamed to be seen in our church clothes?
Some have one set of clothes for Sunday and other clothes for the
rest of the week. Is this consistent with Bible teaching? James 1:8
says, "A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways."
Can the people who see us when we are out and about identify us
as belonging to a plain church? Or do they identify us with the
world? Do the people who see us on the beach know we are a
separate people?
When our children accept the Lord do we encourage them to be
as plain as the Church asks or do we dress them in a manner
becoming to the world? Do we encourage them to have large
coverings or do we want them smaller? We are going to be
responsible for the Church of the future and these children are
going to be that Church.
I have a book that lists all the plain churches and also lists all the
churches that USED to be plain. The Dunkard Brethren Church
was on the plain list. If an outside observer were to view us would
we still be on the plain list? I wonder how long we will be there?
Dress is not the important thing in our lives, but it IS important
because the Bible teaches it. If our heart is right with God it will be
evident on the outside as a light to the world that we follow the
risen Savior.
Sister Jolene Andrews
BIBLE MONITOR
TRAINING OUR CHILDREN
We are to train up a child the way he should go then when he is
old he will not depart from it. Prov. 22:6. It is hard today to raise a
family. It is not like it was when we were children. There is much
going on in school and in the community. Parents spend money to
give their children good educations so they can get good jobs and
prepare themselves for the future.
They take them to Church and try to show them what it is to have
a good Christian home and help them when they are old enough to
see what a difference it makes when Christ rules their lives. I was
always in a Christian home. I cannot imagine what a home would
be like without Christ. But now people don't seem to care about
their soul's salvation. If children would be able to see this there
would not be so many in trouble. They must be taught early in life
the difference between right and wrong. So often today as our
children enter high school so many of their associates don't know
the Lord and there is so much trouble. Often a good boy is led
astray.
One day a boy was walking with his father. He wanted to go back
to the car to get something. The father told his son to be careful for
by the car was a deserted cabin and by it there was a well. When
the boy returned he told his father how he kept away from the well
by following in his tracks. Parents what kind of tracks are you
leaving for your children to follow?
If Christ is the unseen guest in our homes, there will be love and
happiness. We all know love is very important in any home. Even
when there is a storm we know we have the love of God with us. Is
our home better because we are a part of it? It is very important in
every home that we teach our dear ones about Christ. We as
parents must be deeply rooted in the faith, then as storms come we
will be able to stand. Let us, as parents, work and strive, day by
day, regardless of the cost, to win them for Christ. Can our
children feel that Christ is in the home and it seems brighter for His
love?
A story is told of a boy whose parents were not christians. They
made him steal and do all kinds of wrong things to help support
them. Finally, one day he could not stand it any longer so he left
home. He did not know what to do so he traveled on and on for
several hundred miles. He was tired and hungry. He noticed a
house, so he went in and they seemed glad to have him. At once he
noticed it was not like his home. The man and woman seemed so
different. Soon he found the answer. It was a Christian home.
They read the Bible every day and they knelt to pray. He seemed
to fit well here and they seemed to want him. He always went to
8 BIBLE MONITOR
church and loved every minute of it. Soon he felt he needed the
Christ they followed. He accepted Christ and started to live a good
life. They adopted him and were so happy together. Before long
he was put into the ministry and started carrying the message of
Salvation to a dying world.
Here is an example of what a Christian home can do. When
Christ brightens our home there is no room for darkness. May we
as parents hold the great light that shines in our lives before our
children, so they can see what it means to have Christ in our lives.
Then when they have a home, it will also shine there and it will be a
blessing to all who enter.
Sister E. M. Alltus
SIXTY YEARS AGO
September 15, 1927
THE CHURCH EFFECTIVE
D. W. Hostetler
We think of the church as an institution essential for the develop-
ment of Christian training and culture.
Christian culture is the application of labor or means in rendering
productive or useful, resulting in spiritual improvement, develop-
ment, and enlightenment. This is the thing that is needed in these
days. We need more enlightenment of God's truth, His great love,
His plan of salvation, and the great mission of His church in the
world. We need a bigger vision of life and the purpose of our being
in the world.
Let us think of the church as a living body. The life of the church
is no higher than the lives of the members constituting the church;
hence, it behooves each one of us to do our very best to live such
lives as will raise the standard of church life.
In John 5:21 it is said that as the Father raiseth the dead and
quickeneth them, so the Son quickeneth whom He will; that is, He
incites life. However, this is conditional on our accepting the
conditions of pardon.
I John 4:10 says, Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that
He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Verse 9 says, God loved us so that he sent his Son that we might
live through Him. The Psalmist says, the law of the Lord (in other
words, the doctrine of the Lord) is perfect converting the soul. The
command to the Church is to preach the gospel to every creature.
Peter said, Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins and ye
shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Again he says, Repent and
be converted that your sins may be blotted out. From these texts
BIBLE MONITOR
and others we draw the conclusion that teaching is a condition to
faith, that faith is a condition to repentance, that repentance is a
condition to baptism, that baptism is a condition to the remission of
sins, and that the remission of sins is a condition to the gift of the
Holy Ghost This is the law that regulates the new birth.
Paul says the church is the pillar and ground of the truth. She is
instructed with the oracles of God. It is clear that she has the
message of life and it is her work to bring this message of life to
sinners.
Another necessity for the regulation of the life of the church is
that she must renew her life; Paul tells us that the outward man
perishes but the inward man is renewed day by day, that is, the
outward man wears away in serving Him, but in so doing' the
inward man is renewed. Make a personal application of this test
and you will renew the spiritual life of the church. Paul in
Ephesians 4:22-23 says we should put off the old man which is
corrupt according to deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of
our mind. Paul further tells us to be transformed by the renewing
of the mind. This renewal means to renovate, to transform, to
change from natural enmity to the love and law of God, to implant
holy affections in the heart. Paul in Colossians tells us that the new
man is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created
him. We are to become like Him in desire, in purpose, in affection,
and in character.
To be effective, the church must grow from within. She must be
founded on gospel principle and plan her own work by the
direction of the Holy Spirit in harmony with the law of God, and not
go out into the world to get worldly things and worldly methods
and expect to grow spiritual. For worldliness always drives out
spirituality. I read recently a news article in which the editor
praised a college professor for having the courage of his con-
victions. The newspaper quotes the professor as saying that
anyone who does not enjoy a good movie is sick and that it is
foolishness to try to keep our young people from attending movies
and other things our young people are doing, lam made to think of
a motto I once saw on the wall of a blacksmith shop; "Do nothing
that you would not like to be doing when Jesus comes; say nothing
you would not like to be saying when Jesus comes; go no place
where you would not like to be found when Jesus comes." Now I
wonder if the professor would like to be at a movie when Jesus
comes.
Christianity and worldliness will not mix and ye can not serve
God and mammon. In the Christian Herald for May 7, 1927 on page
394, there is an article called, "Where is the Gain?" It tells of a
young pastor's making a trial of opening the parish house to
10 BIBLE MONITOR
dancing. After one year the pastor voted the experiment a failure.
It added, he said, no additional attendance to prayer meeting or
church service. The pastor declared that ^the dance that most
people wanted is the kind that provokes the passions that in the
long run destroy spiritual life. He declares that he is ready to put
on a program that would make the church a thing distinct from the
world instead of one which conforms to the world.
Brethren, may God help us that the church of our choice may
avoid worldliness and these social evils, for her activities must be
such that enriches her qualities; then she is enlarging her life,
expands, reaches out.
WHO FLEW THE KITE?
I Corinthians 12
"I did," said the wind! "I did," said the paper! "I did," said the
string! "I did," said the boy! But in reality they all flew the kite! If
the wind had lulled, if the paper had torn, if the sticks had broken, if
the tail had caught in the tree, or the boy had fallen, then the kite
would have come down! Each had a part to play.
In the Christian walk, each of us has a part to play also. God has
given each of His children a job to do. Some jobs are simple, some
more demanding, but all are necessary. There is no reason to
concern ourselves with whose job is most important. God asks us
to do certain things according to our ability, not according to social
status or because we'd like to do something important, He is
concerned with the whole task, but each of us has just a part to
complete.
Our goal in the work we do for the Lord should be to do our part
in a way that blends in with the efforts of others. We should desire
to fulfill our roles so our lives are an honor to God. When we have
the right goals and desires, we will be too busy working to worry
about how important our job is. Our greatest satisfaction will come
in knowing we've done as God has directed us.
We are encouraged when we know we've done our job well and
that God is pleased. We also appreciate the encouragement of
those about us, and we in turn should encourage and rejoice with
others in their work. Sometimes when others succeed and we fail,
jealousy will rear up its ugly head, but we must turn away from
such. We need instead to continue on in faith, trusting God to help
us do His will.
"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." I Cor. 12:12. As we observe the human body and how its
various parts complement each other, we readily see that all of it is
BIBLE MONITOR 11
necessary. A leg doesn't take off by itself and leave the foot and
upper body behind. Neither does a hand function separately from
the arm. The whole body works together, and so should we in
Christ. We can't function effectively alone.
"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." I Cor. 12:21.
We can get along without certain parts of our bodies, but missing
or not, all parts are still important. Each person in the body of
Christ is also important and we can't look at each other and say, "I
don't need you" or ''God doesn't need you." We need each other
and we need to work together as a unit.
Whether it is a family, a Church, a farm or other business, it takes
the efforts of all concerned to make it a fully-working unit. If
anyone refuses to do his or her part, it hinders the end result in one
way or another. A team of horses has learned to work together, to
pull the load as one. We need to function as a team also, and not be
pulling in opposite directions.
In the Christian walk, we first must team up with Christ. We must
learn to work with Him, not pull away from Him. As we learn to
work with Jesus, we will be better able to work with the people
around us. Especially we'll be able to work in Christian service, to
fit in, to help "fly the kite", rather than drag it down. This teamwork
is needed to make the body of Christ a working unit.
Besides the teamwork, our oneness in Christ serves another
purpose. When we suffer, we need someone to care (verse 26). We
need someone close enough to us in the Lord to care when we
hurt, to help us in times of distress. We need someone to hold on to
us in prayer when our strength is gone and we can't hold on alone.
Christians do need each other, and it is important for us to have
compassion for each other.
There are different gifts and ways of doing things, but we serve
just one God. These gifts are given out as He sees best. Whatever
your role, wherever you live, consider yourself a part of the whole
body. God has a job designed just for you. He has given the rest of
the work to other believers, so all things are completed. God
knows who really flies the kite, and our concern needs only to be to
do His will without delay.. The results are in His hands.
Sister Eileen Broadwater
1987 GENERAL CONFERENCE SERMON NOTES
Continued from August 15, 1987 Issue
SUNDAY P.M.
Elder Hayes Reed (California) opened. Matthew 9:32-38.
Christian progress depends on vision and prayer. Jesus came and
12 BIBLE MONITOR
died for you and me. What will we do when we get a vision? We
must put that vision in prayer and help others learn about Christ,
our Savior.
Elder Dale Jamison (Kansas). Ephesians 4:11-16. God has
promised us He will never leave us nor forsake us. We must make a
basic decision about religion when we grow up. We must learn our
Bibles well and take our stand for God. We must bridle our
tongues. The Bible says we must not let the sun go down upon our
wrath. We must associate with that perfect person, Christ. Outside
of the Church of Jesus Christ we cannot be saved. Satan is
deceiving people more all the time. The Holy Word says repent and
be baptized and ye shall be saved.
Elder David Skiles (New Mexico). Luke 22:54-62. Cold Hands
And A Cold Heart. What are the problems creeping into Christi-
anity? If there is coldness in our heart, there cannot be any love in
our heart. Apathy can creep into our lives in many ways. We might
think we are the salt of the earth, but we may still be in the shaker.
If we are going to be the salt of the earth we may be an offense to
some people. Apathy can be described as Spiritual coldness. Is
your life living up to the Word of God? We must be doers of the
Word and live according to the Scriptures. We need to be more like
Peter when his heart grew cold toward Christ, he repented for his
sin. If our heart becomes cold towards Christ, are we willing to
repent and turn and follow Christ. This is a humanistic nation.
People think they can forget God and take care of their own life.
The love of Christ must constrain us. We are ambassadors of
Christ.
Elder Charles Leatherman (Ohio) closed. We have duties and
responsibilities in life. Jesus Christ is that solid rock we must build
on.
SUNDAY EVENING
Elder Fred Pifer (Iowa) opened. Acts 4:13-31. Let us be a
consecrated Christian.
Elder Edward Johnson (Ohio). Ephesians 2:10. Workmanship.
We are all interested in workmanship. We want the best work-
manship of something if we purchase something. What does God
have to show for what He has done for us? God repented that He
ever made man. Man thinks he doesn't need God and he is without
God. God burned Sodom because of wickedness. What does God
think about the sins of today? God sent Jesus to bring salvation to
save the world. We have an example of Christ how we ought to live.
Fornication in the homes spoils the workmanship with God. We
must keep in mind that we want to be Christians. We are supposed
to be the workmanship of God. Jesus Christ came to save sinners.
We need the Holy Spirit. Take your Bible and study it. God's Word
BIBLE MONITOR 13
will do something for the Spirit.
SERMON TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE
Bro. Len Wertz (Kansas). Matthew 5:1-9, Revelation 3:14-22.
Cold Fish From the Refrigerator Christianity. We are living in a
compromising society. We are losing the value of God's Holy
Word. Jesus wants us to be a body of believers. Satan is busy
trying to tear down the Church. What are we doing to save the
Church? There is going to be an Antichrist at the end of time.
Spiritual coldness can take our lives quicker than any other
disease. We need stability in our lives. Do we have the compassion
to be obedient to God. We are living in a world of selfism. Young
people you must put away all sinful things of the world and follow
the teaching of Jesus. Young people stay with the Bible believing
Church. Don't let yourself get blown away by Satan. The Church
is the body of Christ. Our God is alive. He is not dead. He is all
powerful. God is going to judge sin. You must be separate people
for Jesus. Be a Warrior of Jesus Christ and follow His teachings.
Go all the way with Christ and don't be lukewarm. You need a
confession concerning the things of life and a daily walk with
Christ. We need to stand up for Jesus. You've got to love Christ
because He first loved you. We've got to follow Jesus unto the end
if we want to gain victory.
Elder Rudy Cover (California) closed. Accepting Jesus is the
only way of life. There is nothing greater than eternal life. You
young people have the choice of serving a living God.
MONDAY A.M.
Bro. Milton Cook (California) opened. I John 5:1-12. We want to
accomplish something that might be our goal. Our spiritual goal
should be living a righteous life. We want to be able to gain eternal
life as our reward. He that hath the Son of God hath life. It's
through Christ we can gain victory.
Bible Study - Adults - Nonresistance - Romans 12:14-21.
Children - Leaving Egypt - Exodus 4.
Bro. Ronald Marks (Pennsylvania). Giving. Matthew 10:8. Small
gifts are much more meaningful some times. Gifts should be given
in simplicity. God gave us many gifts to be stewards of them.
When do we give? We should be willing to give to those who ask
us. How shall we give? We should not give grudgingly. God loves
a cheerful giver. We must be willing to give as God would give.
God's great gift to us was His Son. God so loved the world that He
gave His only begotten Son that we might live.
Bro. Michael Wray (California) closed. We really are not inclined
to give away what is given to us. Giving is very important. The
Bible teaches why we give and when we give. Giving is an
14 BIBLE MONITOR
expression of God. We must be inspired from God to get the
blessing.
MONDAY P.M.
Bro. Henry Walker (California) opened. Isaiah 40:29-31. God
can look into our hearts and see every thing we do. He has that all
seeing eye. We can't hide anything from God.
Bro. James Meyers (Iowa). Hebrews 12:1-3. Endurance. One
thing to cause us to grow weary is lack of surrender. If we fail to
count that cost we will grow weary. Lay aside sin or we will grow
weary. Fear can cause us to lose our endurance and grow weary.
Christ is our example in all walks of life. We need to look to Jesus
as we face life's battles. Without Him we can do nothing. We must
consider what Christ endured for you and me. When Christ went to
that garden His sweat came as big drops of blood. Christ endured
that severe scourging and beating for you and me. Later Christ
was taken and nailed on that cross for our sins. He wanted to fulfill
the will of His Father. Jesus said on the cross. "It is finished." Are
we a good soldier for Christ? Will we fail to endure? We must labor
for the Lord.
Bro. Michael Wray (California). II Corinthians 1:1-11. God will
chasten us. God has a purpose in each of our lives. We can endure
many things in life if we can see God's purpose in us. God knows
when we have troubles. He can comfort us in all our tribulation.
Can we fully submit ourselves unto God? We must not trust in
ourselves. We must put our trust in God.
Bro. Len Wertz (Kansas) closed. We should serve God faithfully.
We must endure and be a soldier of the cross. To endure God's
way is to keep all the commandments.
To be continued
Sister Alice Heisey
THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINES
SINS FORGIVEN
J. H. Moore
Speaking as he was directed by the Holy Ghost, Peter, on the
Day of Pentecost, told the earnest believers to "repent, and be
baptized... in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins."
Acts 2:38. From this we learn that the remission of sins should
follow the sacred rite of baptism. Ananias, the faithful minister of
the Word, who by God was sent to assist Paul in entering the
church, told him to "arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy
sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Acts 22:16. This was as
BIBLE MONITOR 15
much as to say: "Arise, and be baptized for the remission of your
sins." In the time of the apostles it seems to have been well
understood that the remission of sins followed baptism. Those
who believed on Christ as their Savior, made the good confession,
repented of their wrongdoings, and were baptized, felt assured that
their sins had been pardoned, — that they had been saved from
their sins; were in Christ, having been baptized into him, and were
therefore in a saved state.
The one who has sufficient faith in the Master to do what he has
commanded, fully realizes that, having been justified by faith, he
has peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom. 5:1) With
him it is not a matter of conjecture, for he knows that he has passed
from death unto life. (John 5:24) He knows the truth, — knows it,
to believe and obey, — and the truth has made him free. He is no
longer under bondage to sin, but is a free man in Christ Jesus, for
when Jesus, through his atoning blood, has made one free, he is
free indeed. (John 8:36).
NEWS ITEMS
GOSHEN, INDIANA
The Lord willing, the Goshen Congregation will have Revival
meetings from October 23 through November 1 with Brother Allen
Eberly speaking. Lovefeast services on Saturday, October 31.
Please remember these meetings in prayer and join us in worship.
Sister Sharon Swihart, Cor.
PLEASANT HOME, CALIFORNIA
Our hearts are full of praise to God for His Word, and His
messengers. Bro. Gordon Jamison brought us several nights of
messages and we feel truly revived in spirit. Matt Wray accepted
the Lord and was baptized.
Since then, we received Phil and Pam Franklin into membership
on previous baptism. May we lift up the Lord together.
Sister Edith Moss, Cor.
WEST FULTON, OHIO
The West Fulton Congregation is looking forward to a ten day
revival October 2 through 1 1 with Elder Dale Jamison from Quinter,
Kansas. Harvest Meeting will be October 11.
We invite you to come and worship with us.
Sister Dianne Heisey, Cor.
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR
OCTOBER 1987
October 4 - Changed to the Image of Christ - II Cor. 3:1-18.
1 . What is the difference between the Old Law and the Salvation
in Christ?
2. What did the Law do for man? and what does Christ do for
them that believe?
October. 11 - Christ the Image of God - II Cor. 4:1-18.
1. If the image of Christ be glorious how may we behold that
glory?
2. If we have been conformed to His image will the world see it in
us?
October 18 - Ambassadors For Christ - II Cor. 5:1-21.
1 . What is an ambassador and can we become ambassadors for
Christ?
2. Who calls us to be ambassadors and to whom are we sent?
October 25 - Be Ye Separate - II Cor. 6:1-18.
1. What are we to be separated from?
2. What causes man to want to be conformed to this world?
YOUNG PEOPLE'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR OCTOBER 1987
October 4 - What Shall I Do With Christ - Matt. 27:20-31.
1. Would we have liked to have been in Pilate's shoes at Jesus'
trial?
2. Can any one avoid making this decision in life?
October 11 - Persistence - Mark 2:1-12.
1 . What effort was required to get the man with palsy to Jesus?
2. Is there something in our life that keeps us away from Christ?
October 18 - Exchanging - Mark 8:34-38, Phil. 3:8-14.
1. What did Moses leave in exchange to follow the call of God?
2. What blessings are in store for those who exchange this life
for Christ?
October 25 - A Mill Stone - Mark 9:41-50.
1. Jesus uses a mill stone to teach us what serious offences are.
2. Read I Cor. 8 and see how serious offences are.
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BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXV OCTOBER 1, 1987
NO. 19
"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.
TODAY BELONGS TO JESUS
Today belongs to Jesus, With all that I can do...
To turn an evil world from sin,
And rebel human hearts to win:
Today belongs to Jesus With all that I can do.
Today belongs to Jesus, A blessed, busy day,
Of telling to a fallen race
The story of redeeming grace,
The saving grace of Jesus That purges sin away.
Today belongs to Jesus, To use in saving men,
To lead them out of shadows dim
And point them tenderly to Him,
And to the cross of Jesus, Where hope is born again.
Today belongs to Jesus, A happy day for me;
A day of sitting at His feet,
Of love and prayer, and labor sweet,
A day of serving Jesus Is full of joy for me.
- W. C. Martin
BIBLE MONITOR
SIXTY-FIVE
"As an apology, we have none, but our convictions are that
prevailing conditions not only warrant but actually demand that a
medium be instituted through which the present worldward
tendency of the church may be counteracted, and evils now
prevailing may be exposed and corrected, and if possible removed.
Our policy is and our aim shall be, to uphold truth and righteous-
ness, and to oppose error, wrong and evil and to use our best
efforts at reform by 'earnestly contending for the faith once for all
delivered to the saints' as revealed in the Holy Scriptures and
maintained and held for over 250 years in our beloved Brother-
hood."
The preceding paragraphs were written by Elder B. E. Kessler in
the first issue of the Bible Monitor in October, 1922. This present
issue marks sixty-five years of "contending for the faith."
Various writing styles have appeared. Various educational levels
have been revealed. Different emphasis has been given at different
times. Through these varied original and selected articles the Bible
Monitor has illuminated the Word of God and magnified the Lord.
It has played a part in calling people to a Spiritual, Bible-oriented
lifestyle.
Sixty-five years is a long time for a cause to continue. Most
causes last only a few years, often passing away with those who
were their masterminds. The cause of Christ does not have a time
limit and is not limited to the efforts of one man or a small group of
men. The Bible Monitor's part in that great cause likewise
continues today.
At least in the United States people look forward to retiring at
THE BIBLE MONITOR OCTOBER 1, 19S7
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Printing, Inc., 4017 Co. Rd. 11,
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 Street, 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
sixty-five years of age. Whether wise or not, it has become a goal
of many to live on their pensions. This dropping out of the
workforce brings them to a time of leisure that frequently fails to
bring the anticipated happiness. While age and decreasing
strength may limit some activities, there is no reason for a total
cessation of labor.
As with many of men's humanitarian programs there have been
problems. It has encouraged many to retire from activity when
their experience would be useful. It has created a feeling of
uselessness within the senior citizen, which may lead not only to
psychological but to physical problems as well.
Whatever their age there are many in the Church, though active
at one time, who have retired. They have little interest in the
Church or its work. Some who have grown older have suffered
lessened mental and physical abilities and must retire from their
previous activity. But there are many, whether old or young, who
have no physical or mental disabilities, yet they do not actively
participate. They let others do what they could do. This retirement
can be very dangerous. It is dangerous for the church because
there never seems to be enough laborers to go forth into the
harvest, even at the best. When some retire from their responsi-
bilities, there is left even fewer to do the needed work. This is
dangerous for the retiree himself. He is not being stedfast. The
race of life will not be won by a flurry of activity at the beginning. It
is a persistent perseverence that is needed if the Christian's goal is
to be obtained.
There can be no retirement from the duties and responsibilities
of day to day Christian living. As long as the body and mind are
capable of effort and thought there is a work to be done. Some of
the activities of the Christian life are not as strenuous as others.
Those, who can not go out to serve in the more public and arduous
fields of service, still can serve through a prayer ministry or
through encouragement and counsel they may further the work by
other's hands. Their efforts may be small but they can be blessed if
there is a willingness to serve even when great efforts are not
possible.
The Bible Monitor is sixty-five years but it is not retiring. It still
has work to do. As long as it is supported by contributions,
subscriptions, articles and prayers it will continue its work.
The task before it remains much the same as it was sixty-five
years ago. There is still evil and wrong in the world surrounding us.
There is still error within Christendom. Many professing Christians
have been allured to follow in pathways of compromise. There is a
decided disinterest in Biblical doctrines, in plain modest attire and
in Christian lives shaped by Bible teachings. These conditions all
BIBLE MONITOR
demand that the Bible Monitor continue to illuminate the Word of
God and magnify the Lord.
Are you prepared to continue to labor for your Lord in whatever
way you can?
"SAITH THE LORD"
I feel prompted by our Lord to write these thoughts on paper
after hearing three sermons on the following subjects:
II Cor. 6:17, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye
separate, SAITH THE LORD, and touch not the unclean thing; and
I will receive you." Jer. 6:16-17, "Thus SAITH THE LORD, Stand
ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good
way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls... Also I
set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the wound of the
trumpet..."
Both of these say, "SAITH THE LORD." Doesn't this mean the
same as another commandment? There are so many more com-
mandments in the Bible than the original "ten" in the Old
Testament. We also have in I John 2:15-17, "Love not the world,
neither the THINGS that are in the world. ... the lust of the flesh,
and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father,
but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust
thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."
Let us ask, and depend on the Lord to give us a humble spirit,
and to help us overcome satan and all his cunning ways. We can't
do it alone. We must say "No, get behind me Satan," when we are
tempted to have the latest styles and models of "things" that are on
the market today. Unnecessary "things."
How can we be like the world and show we are a "called out,
peculiar people"? How can we be a different person than we were
before we believed Christ's Word, repented of our sins and were
baptized?
The "old" man was washed away in the stream and the "new"
man was put on. Eph. 4:22-24, "That ye put off concerning the
former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the
deceitful lusts; 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."
Our conscience, through the leading of the Holy Spirit can tell us
what we should NOT DO anymore when we listen closely to it and
yield our "wants and ways" to the Lord. Then we will grow.
There are so many worldly allurements to lead our minds away
from meditating on — What is the Lord trying to tell me to do,
during or after a church service or at other times? Can I walk
BIBLE MONITOR
closer? Can I dress plainer? How can a "sheep" or "lamb" of God
wear the clothing of a "goat" of Satan? Can others tell by looking
at you or me, that we are professing Christians when they see us in
public? Is our light shining bright for Christ?
If your answer, or my answer, to one of those last two questions
is "No", then perhaps it is time to put on "sheep's or lamb's"
clothing and come out from among the world, search for those
"old paths" and walk in them. It is best NOT to take any "chances"
with the Lord. His Word is ALWAYS the same.
If there is doubt, then let us study His Word more. We can't walk
too close to Him. Where our treasure is, there will our heart be
also. Matt. 6:21, Luke 12:34.
We need to keep God's power-line to heaven open by praying
often. Be of a prayerful mind. Meditate on His Word, talk to Him
ANYTIME! He's there to hear you and me. He knows our thoughts
and desires, but wants us to ask. He DOES answer prayer. Perhaps
not right now or perhaps in a way we never expected, never doubt
Him but trust Him for what is best for each of us.
Not one thing in this world is as important as the salvation of
each soul. We were made to serve God, let us show Him we
appreciate the atoning blood of Christ for our sins by walking
closer to Him, obeying His commandments and precepts that were
left here in His Holy Word for us to do.
This is written with a deep moving love and concern for each soul
who has a desire to live in a heavenly home. Life is short, life is
serious. Satan wants us. He knows our weak points, he will
"push", "pull" and try to "persuade" us that wrong is right.
ANYTHING to get ANYONE to follow him.
God wants each of us too, but He doesn't "push", "pull" or try to
"persuade" us. He speaks softly to us through our conscience as
He patiently stands at our "heart's door" and knocks with His nail-
scarred hand. "Come unto Me," He whispers.
Humbly written, not to criticize, find fault or offend anyone at all,
but with love to make us more alert and ready for the Lord's coming
for His saints.
Sister Irene Stout
R 1 Box 160
Wabash, IN 46992
1987 GENERAL CONFERENCE SERMON NOTES
Continued from September 15, 1987 Issue
MONDAY EVENING
Elder Joseph Flora (Iowa) opened. II Peter 3. God wants us to
remember the words that have life. We are a forgetful people.
BIBLE MONITOR
Pleasant memories are something we can take home with us. We
need to press onward and upward. Remember your Creator.
Elder Ray Reed (Iowa) Hebrews 5:12-14. Christian living is a
serious matter. If we do not believe God's Word it won't do us any
good. We must build on that solid rock which is Christ. We must
have faith to believe God's Word. The growth of the church must
be lead by the fundamentals. We must not be conformed to this
world. We must be a separate people, and live a Christ-like life.
Are we preaching the full Gospel? Satan is deceiving many people.
Let us spread God's Holy Word over the world. Jesus said, "You
are my disciples, and must love one another." Are you building
every day on the chief corner stone, Christ?
Elder Charles Leatherman (Ohio) I Thess. 5:1-8. There are
people in the world that are haters of Christ. They may say let us
alone. What matter of persons should we be? Let us press on.
Peter told the people at Penecost repent and be baptized every one
of you. Do we have the fear of God in our hearts at all times? Fear
God and keep His commandments. Maybe we don't have enough
fear. There will come a time people will fear if they aren't prepared
to meet Christ when He comes. Let us hold fast to our profession.
Keep the ordinance of the church as the Apostle Paul tells us. Let
us draw near to God with a clean heart. Let us consider one
another. The Apostle Paul said, "Let us walk honestly every day."
Let us be ready and rejoice when Christ comes again.
Elder Edward Johnson (Ohio) closed. There is a time for us to
reshape our souls if in need, then we can be a vessel of honor.
TUESDAY A.M.
Bro. Len Wertz (Kansas) opened. Romans 13:11-14. Time is
getting short. We want to be achieving for Him. Are we living a
righteous life? Christ is coming again for His church. There are a
lot of Christians sleeping. It is our duty to warn the people the time
is short. Jesus said, "Behold I come quickly." We must serve a
living Savior.
Bible Study - Adults - The Christian Relation to Higher Powers.
Rom. 13:1-7.
Children - Spying Out the Promised Land. Num. 13 and 14.
Bro. Henry Walker (California). Our greatest victory has not
come yet. Our greatest victory is when Christ comes and we can
be with Him. II Tim. 4:7-8. We need to keep our eyes on Christ. The
Apostle Paul said, "I have fought a good fight." Jesus made guide
lines for us to follow. Let us stay straight within the lines and live
faithful to Him. Let each of us run that race to the end. Let us look
straight ahead and follow that perfect line, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Don't let us lose our zeal and love for Christ. Keep Him within our
BIBLE MONITOR
hearts. Our prize at the end of the race is life eternal. Let us press
on and keep our eyes on Christ and live for Him. How can we press
on? We need to become prayer warriors. We should study the
Word of God and apply it to ourselves. We should set goals within
our lives that we will follow Jesus faithfully until the end. God has
directed us to follow that straight and narrow way. There is going
to be victory for every one that follows the straight line of Jesus our
Lord.
Bro. Ronald Marks (Pennsylvania) closed. God doesn't like lazy
Christians. He wants us to work for Him, Jesus did the will of the
Father. He went out and taught the people the way of salvation.
Today is the day to serve the Lord. We must be willing workers for
Him to gain our victory.
TUESDAY P.M. - MISSIONARY PROGRAM
Bro. Ronald Marks (Pennsylvania) opened. Matt. 18:10-15. His
Word properly sung and properly used sometimes will bear fruit.
Are we doing what we can to get God's Holy Word out to lost
souls?
Bro. J. J. Otero (Indian Student from Torreon Navajo Mission)
Choices are being made all the time. Some choices you make can
affect you all your life. There is a responsibility when one
graduates from High School. Some think its easy to live an easy
life and get by in life. Two years ago I quit our Christian School in
Cuba for a public school. It was not worth it. I was seeing bad
things around me all the time. I wasn't living as a Christian at that
time. Lots of people in public schools involved in drinking,
smoking, drugs, sexual activities and other things that are wrong.
Young people of the world today don't care what happens to their
life. They don't want any responsibility. I saw a yellow sign in my
school locker asking if I cared about my life. This sign put me to
thinking. Every one should make the decision of Christ or Satan. I
failed to follow Christ. I knew I wasn't living true to Christ. I knew
this was the wrong way to go. I confessed to get back to Christ
after being at Church one Sunday night six months ago. I knew I
was on the wrong track. My life was so confused and I decided all
the worldly answers are wrong. Finally I found that peace of mind
what it is to live a Christian life. The Torreon Mission is a Christian
Light to the community. There still are a lot of Indian people who
are just living a life of ease and are neglecting their souls. Parents
of the Indian young people need help to lead them to salvation. We
need to have concern also for the young people. Do you care
enough about our young people at Torreon to help them with their
soul's salvation?
The Torreon School has been a blessed help to the Mission. The
Staff need financial help to operate the Mission. What can I do for
8 BIBLE MONITOR
the Mission? Write to the Mission and they will give you somthing
to do.
Bro. Henry Walker (California) closed. We appreciated Bro.
J. J.'s efforts this afternoon, pouring out his confession to us.
TUESDAY EVENING
Elder Ray Reed (Iowa) opened. Acts 16:9-10. Let us exalt the
name of the Lord together. There is an enormous number of
people all over the world who need to be taught the Holy Word.
Elder Galen Litfin (Oregon). Acts 1:6-8. God has a way of
working with people to make plans so His will can be carried out.
When a miracle happens most people are surprised. Do we have
faith in God and His plans? In 1954 our church had its first service
at Torreon Mission. Ray Martindale needed funds to build a church
at Torreon. There were lots of alcoholics in the community at that
time. Martindale reared a large family. They always had time to go
to church. It took seventy-five loads of stone to build the first
church at Torreon. It was a real effort for the Martindales to live an
upright life. In 1956 three men of our church went to investigate
Torreon. Martindale was looking for missionaries to come and
help in the work as missionaries. Bro. Kyle Reed, Bro. Newton
Jamison and Bro. Paul Byfield were the three men who investi-
gated Torreon. The Dunkard Brethren Church took over the
Mission in 1956. Interpreter, Lillian Litfin, also helped at that time
to interpret for the Indians. There were very poor roads in the early
days when the church was helping at the Mission. Let us all strive
to build on that solid rock, Christ.
Elder Hayes Reed (California) closed. Bro. Reed told us of the
great need for finances to help in the Mission field.
Sister Alice Heisey
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
"Peace"
History is written in abbreviated form in the headlines of our
newspapers. One headline in a paper was entitled "Peace." This
word daily takes top priority in conversations around the world.
The possibility of atomic annihilation gives people a good reason
to ponder this all important subject seriously. For nineteen
hundred years this hopeful word has been seeking entrance into
the hearts of men... too often in vain. Men who say they desire
peace bring discord as the fruit of their efforts.
The desire for peace is not new. Adam and Eve sought peace
with God. In the Buddhist religion, the highest goal of perfection is
Nirvana which means the cessation of desire, hate, and mental
confusion... in other words, peace. Some of the Greek philos-
BIBLE MONITOR
ophers advocated a state of tranquility similar to apathy Cicero
the great orator, told the people of his day, "I prefer the most unfair
peace to the most righteous war." Statesmen have wrestled for
centuries with "man's inhumanity to man."
As Christians, we can only look to the Son of Man to guide our
attitudes about peace and its cultivation. Peace is a theme
frequently mentioned in the Bible and the making of peace is an
important part of the eternal ministry of Christ. When God's
messengers announced His birth, it was with the promise of "peace
on earth." The world may give outward peace, but it can never qive
the peace and rest to the soul that belongs to us as Christians
Peace on earth, as worldly-minded men define it, will never be
realized.
Many of Christ's parables, such as the good Samaritan and the
prodigal son, had to do with maintaining peaceful relationships
with neighbors and associates. Peace in interpersonal relation-
ships helps to bring peace to other parts of our lives.
To the world's advisers of security, peace means only the
absence of conflict. They indicate a balance of power is needed for
peace but power will never lead to or achieve peace. There can't be
true peace as long as instant annihilation continues to threaten
mankind. There is no peace when fear of destruction rather than
hope for reconciliation is the only power restraining the use of
arsenals of nuclear destruction.
As Christians, we also reject the simplistic notion that peace is
the absence of conflict. Peace is not merely a static condition of
stability or order. As long as deprivation, suffering, alienation
self-seeking and exploitation exist, there will be no real peace
Rather, peace is within man himself. Peace ONLY comes via Spirit
dwelling and the feeling of harmony with God that He brings
Peacejs a wholistic concept. The Old Testament Hebrew word
tor it is shalom," meaning wholeness, soundness and complete-
ness. Peace fulfills the total needs within a person. It is both
spiritual and physical, inner and outer. It is only hypocritical for us
to claim to have the peace of God when in our hearts we remain at
war with others and are full of violence and destruction. God asks
us to follow Him in peace in the midst of man's turbulent world
armed with His reassurance and redeeming love.
The love of Christ brings inner personal peace. His Spirit is the
source of the wholeness of personality. As we reflect this peace
through evangelism, we project to others what peace really is and
where it may be found.
Regardless of the circumstances the world is in, we are still
under God's sovereignty. The entrance of Christ into this world
was to revolutionize our attitudes and thoughts and bring about the
10 BIBLE MONITOR
environment for peace. As we better relate to other Christians our
strength is increased and along with that our peace becomes more
real.
Our hope is based on the risen Christ. All history is consum-
mated in Him. He is our peace,
Brother Len Wertz
THE MIND OF CHRIST IN YOU
The Apostle Paul's instructions to the Church at Philippi are also
for us today. Have this mind among yourselves which you have in
Christ Jesus. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, not to
work only for the needs of ourselves but also for the needs of
others. Let us not be among those whose unreasonable and selfish
ideas are controlling their lives.
The Christ-like spirit should always dwell among us. When we
have the mind of Christ among us we have chosen His way of life.
Patience, love, longsuffering and kindness is implied in having the
mind of Christ. We should always be ready to give a helping hand
to others in time of need. All Christians should be humble to the
Heavenly Father and obedient. Having the mind of Christ is a mind
that is sensitive to the needs and concerns of others. True
Christians are concerned about the ill and shut-ins among them.
We have the record in God's Word what happened to one that was
only concerned about himself and his possessions.
Christ sacrificed His life for the good of others. When He was
here on earth He brought comfort and consolation to others. Christ
humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant. When the
disciples questioned Him about who should be the greatest in the
Kingdom of Heaven He said, 'The first shall be last and the last
shall be first."
We cannot afford to sacrifice the blessings that God is extending
toward us. We can exchange eternal life for the perishing things of
this world. When Christ met Zacchaeus He asked him to go to his
home and talk with Him instead of confronting him about his life in
a public place. The Christian is called upon to be Christ's
ambassador here on earth. We have a model of Christ's under-
standing of mission. Christ helps us to understand Christian
mission and we live this mission only as it stems from a reflection of
that Christ-like spirit dwelling within us.
In having the mind of Christ we prove it by obedience to His
saving Gospel. Also the Apostle Paul in the likeness of Christ was
determined to go forward in the Lord's work and never lay his
armour down. His instructions to Timothy and teachings show to
us He had a great concern for the Church at that time and also for
the future Church. He warned against false prophets who would be
BIBLE MONITOR 11
injurious to the Church and lead away disciples after them and the
many who would follow their pernicious ways.
True Christians who have the mind of Christ are steadfast,
always abounding in the work of the Lord. Are we faithful and true
to our Saviour who taught by example and precept? Are we
walking in the light as He is in the light, to become a guiding light to
those living in darkness? Much is implied in having the mind of
Christ that the Apostle Paul has given to the Church to live by.
When Jesus was here in person He said some honored Him with
their lips but their hearts were far from Him.
To have the mind of Christ we accept His way of life and become
a Christian light. The light of the world is Jesus. Come to that light
it is shining for you. Today there are many professing Christians
who do not believe in the teachings and observe all things He has
commanded. By only accepting part of His saving Gospel we
cannot be His faithful servants and have the mind of Christ living
within us. Actions speak louder than words. Faith without works is
dead. We can show forth the Lord's death till He comes with the
fulfillment of works of righteousness. Having the mind of Christ
includes accepting all of His saving Gospel He brought to earth.
If all professing Christians would accept the teachings given by
Christ this world would become a much better place in which to
live. When we have the mind of Christ our thoughts and actions
become like His. We are to be steadfast, unmovable always
abounding in the work of the Lord so much so for we know our
labor is not in vain.
Before Christ left this world He commanded His disciples 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: 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." He promised
to be with those who did so and to be with them to the end of the
world at His second coming. Then He would receive those of His
own unto Himself. He said, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and
are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." That is eternal rest for our
souls.
By accepting all His saving Gospel we will receive a mind like
Christ. Have we put all ourfaith and trust in Him? "Let this mind be
in you, which was also in Christ Jesus."
Brother J. F. Marks
RD 3 Box 509
York, PA 17402
LIFE
It takes a lot of patience and God to build a life, and a lot of
12 BIBLE MONITOR
courage to meet the stress and strife. It takes a lot of loving to
make the wrong come right, but God must be in our heart if we
want to build a life that will be able to stand. If we are going to get
ahead in this life we will want Christ to be the One who guides us.
Many people have left this old world. It was not the ones who made
a lot of money who were the best, but those whose hearts were
gentle and sympathies were broad and who gave of their best to
help people start on that journey, Heavenward.
True religion is the life you are living, not the creed you profess.
The preservation of our way of life depends on men who have
strong faith in Jesus Christ, who are advancing spiritually with the
strength that comes through patience. These are the people we
need today to make this old world brighter and give one faith to go
on as the road ahead some times doesn't look easy. Christ only
had three short years to help people physically or spiritually. He
healed many of their bodies and saved their souls. He wanted them
free from sickness and the elements of the Devil. We are bought
with a price. He is the bread of life. He is the only one we can come
to with all our needs and He will supply. If we serve Him we will
never hunger and thirst again.
Oh, the wonderful price our Blessed Redeemer paid for each of
us. After He met with His beloved disciples in that upper room and
had the feet-washing service, ate the supper with the twelve and
then instituted the communion service and broke the bread and
took the cup and after this was finished they sang a song and it was
night. He left and took with Him three of His beloved disciples and
went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. He fell on the ground
and prayed that if it was possible the hour might pass from Him.
"And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take
away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou
wilt."
My, the great price Christ paid for your soul and mine. The Bible
tells us if the righteous scarcely be saved where will the ungodly
and sinners appear. Christ also was tempted but He never gave in
to the Devil. Many today let the government rule their lives. Let us
put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us not be like the five
virgins. Let us be ready when Christ calls. Let us look to God's
Word, the way of life and it will set us free.
Sister E. M. Alltus
THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINES
Receiving the Holy Ghost
J. H. Moore
Referring to Jesus, John the Baptist at one time said: "I indeed
BIBLE MONITOR 13
have baptized you with water, but he shall baptize you with the
Holy Ghost." (Mark 1:8) In the American Revision we have this
rendering: "In water" and "In the Holy Spirit." This promise was
fulfilled when the apostles and other saints "were filled with the
Holy Ghost" on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4). While thus filled,
and under the influence of the Spirit, Peter told those inquiring
after the way of salvation to repent and to be baptized for the
remission of sins, and they should "receive the gift of the Holy
Ghost." (V. 38) In the next verse he says: "For the promise is unto
you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off." By promise is
meant the remission of sins and the Holy Spirit. We read that those
whom Philip baptized at Samaria (Acts 8:17), as well as the twelve
whom Paul baptized at Ephesus (Acts 19:6), received the Holy
Ghost. y
All of this was in keeping with the promise that John made, as
well as with what Peter had declared. To all penitent believers, who
were buried with Christ in baptism, the promise was emphasized,
and when they complied with the conditions, and had hands laid on
them, they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and were thus greatly
blessed. Peter, as we have seen, says that the promise is "to all that
are afar off." That means us. It means "as many as the Lord our
God shall call." (Acts 2:39), and the invitation is to all, to accept
Jesus in faith and obedience, the gift of the Holy Ghost being
assured.
SIXTY YEARS AGO
October 1, 1927
A QUESTION
Ada Whitman
A short time ago I sat under the sound of a minister's voice and
heard him give an answer to a question which had been asked
during a series of meetings which he was then holding.
The question was: What kind of entertainment should we as
young people have? Others dance and attend the movies. In
giving his answer he said, "This is a big question and due to lack of
time I will not now answer it in full. But I believe that every church
should have a parish house for the purpose of providing 'whole-
some' entertainment for the young people and show nothing but
'wholesome pictures' on the screen. Of course these entertain-
ments are to be supervised by older ones."
I was made to think on these things and wondered if the plain
gospel which satisfies and saves the soul of the old is not sufficient
to do the same for the young without any of these so called helpful
accessories. Did Jesus make any difference or extra provisions in
his plan of salvation for the young than for the old? It is true he
14 BIBLE MONITOR
said, "feed my lambs," but what are they to be fed on? There seems
to be a feeling in most churches today that there must be enter-
tainment and amusement provided to hold the young folks in the
fold. My dear young people, if we are not willing to make a full
surrender and allow Jesus through the Holy Spirit to hold and keep
us there is no other remedy. We may at times have to stand alone.
We may at times have to stand the jeers of some of our associates
but Jesus endured all these that we might be saved. We realize the
young people have a great many temptations but if we sincerely
and earnestly come to Jesus he has promised to help us in all of
our temptations. He is able to take the desire of worldly things
from us. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the
world. If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the eyes and the lust of the
flesh and the pride of life is not of the Father but is of the world.
(I John 2:15-16)
We cannot give part of our heart to Jesus and part to the world.
He demands our whole heart and affections. We are commanded
to keep ourselves unspotted from the world.
Some have said as long as these entertainments are wholesome
they are alright. Do we desire these things to please Jesus or
ourselves? Are we thus sowing to the spirit or to the flesh? I am
wondering how long these "wholesome" entertainments would
suffice. We are to shun the very appearance of evil.
Israel desired a king that they might be like other nations but by
getting a king they got farther away from God.
The world is watching the Christian. How great an influence the
young Christian may have over his or her associates. They may be
able to reach hearts that older ones cannot and if they follow those
things that lead worldward away from Christ what a great oppor-
tunity they have missed. What king of a church would have been
handed down to us if our church fathers, instead of meeting their
problems, (and I am sure they had them), squarely and in the light
of the Gospel, had allowed worldliness to lower its standard.
O, that we may all live loyal consistent lives and that those whose
duty it is to preach and teach the Gospel may do so in its purity and
give God's word in answer to these problems instead of man's
opinion.
NEWS ITEM
ENGLEWOOD, OHIO
The Englewood Congregation plans to meet October 24 for
Communion service, if the Lord grants. Service will begin at 10:00
A.M. with Communion at 7:00 P.M.
BIBLE MONITOR 15
Our invitation is to all who can come and worship with us
Saturday and Sunday.
Sister Ruth Speicher, Cor.
WHEN I CAN READ MY TITLE CLEAR
By Isaac Watts
When I can read my title clear,
To Mansions in the skies,
I bid farewell to every fear,
And wipe my weeping eyes.
Should earth against my soul engage,
And hellish darts be hurled,
Then I can smile at Satan's rage,
And face a frowning world.
Let cares like a wild deluge come,
And storms of sorrow fall;
May I but safely reach my home,
My God, My Heaven, My All.
There shall I bathe my weary soul
In seas of Heavenly rest,
And not a wave of trouble roll
Across my peaceful breast.
-Selected by L. H. Miller
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, 1987.
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., 4017
Co. Rd. 11, 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 ,389.
16
BIBLE MONITOR
DIRECTORY OF ROARDS
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
Jacob C. Ness, Chairman
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403
Hayes Reed, Secretary
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Herman Jamison, Treasurer
Quinter, KS 67752
Frank Shaffer
13092 Grant Shook Rd.
Greencastte, PA 17225
Robert Carpenter
R. 5 Box 97
Peru, IN 46970
Joseph E. Flora
R. 3 Box 12
Adel, IA 50003
Galen Litfin
1314 East 7th St.
Newberg, OR 97132
H. Edward Johnson
1307-S.H. 108
Wauseon, OH 43567
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
1307-S.H. 108
Wauseon, Ohio 43567
Allen B. Eberly
R.3
Ephrata, PA 17522
Paul Stump
10340 N. Diamond Mill Road
Englewood, OH 45322
BIBLE STUDY BOARD
Eugene Kauffman, Chairman
R. 3 Box 51
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801
Dennis St. John, Secretary
21397-B50
Bryan, Ohio 43506
Fred Pifer, Treasurer
R. 3 Box 184
Adel, IA 50003
Rudolph Cover
2034 Roble Avenue
Modesto, CA 95354
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340
RELIEF BOARD
Boyd Wyatt, Chairman
12124 Washington Rd.
Waterford, CA 95386
(209) 874-3519
Martin Meyers, Secretary
R. 3 Box 250
Adel, IA 50003
(515) 993-3026
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender St.
Morenci, Ml 49256
(517) 458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, PA 17340
(717) 359-5753
Tom Jamison
R. 2 Box 30
Hoxie, KS 67740
(913) 675-3600
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
David Skiles, Superintendent
R. 2 Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Harley Flory, Secretary
27505 Flory Rd. R. 4
Defiance, Ohio 43512
Marlin Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, Kansas 67752
James Meyers
R. 1 Box 109
Dallas Center, IA 50063
Larry Andrews
312 East Coleman
Raymore, Missouri 64083
All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury, but
sent to the Secretary for his records.
i au [ Stump
I N. Diamond III 11
U • ■ i t OH 45322
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
OCTOBER 15, 1987
VOL. LXV
NO. 20
'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 BEAUTIFUL GATES OF GOLD
Are you walking the path that is leading
To the homeland of beauties untold?
Are the pastures in which you are feeding,
Near the beautiful gates of gold?
Are you walking the path of delusion,
Far away on the mountains so cold;
Or the broad way of sin and confusion
Far away from the gates of gold?
Soon the journey of earth shall be ending,
And the story of life will be told;
Shall your pathway, unerring, be wending
Tow'rd the beautiful gates of gold?
Will you come to the Savior for guidance
To this land rich with blessings untold?
He will show you the pathway of radiance
That will lead to the gates of gold.
- Haldor Lillenas
BIBLE MONITOR
LIFE
Men have many valuables in this life. These valuables vary from
person to person. Some value their health while others seemingly
do not care for their body's well-being. But the most valuable of all
is life itself.
Life is a gift from God. Men may by medical knowledge and care
make life healthier and seemingly longer, but still men cannot give
life. The spirit of life comes only from God.
God's creative power brought the whole world into existence.
He replaced darkness with light and chaos with order. After He had
made the whole world and all its creatures there was still a lack
until He made man. Only man was made in God's image. Only
man received the breath of life from God. It was that breath of life
from God that made man's life so precious.
Life takes three forms. Physical life, Spiritual life and eternal life
all come from God, The Spirit of life gave Adam physical life. This
form of life is common to all mankind. All are the descendants of
Adam. It is by this spirit of man that all understand and do the
natural deeds of mankind. This spirit of man causes him to
preserve and value his own life, yet it also causes him to do deeds
that are contrary to God's direction.
Before Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden they
possessed all three forms of life. But after their sin, they lost their
Spiritual life and consequently eternal life. They were driven from
the Garden lest they should eat of the tree of everlasting life. If they
had, they would have ended the possibility of a Spiritual rebirth.
They would have lived eternally in sin. God devised a system of
sacrifices that constantly reminded people of their sins and their
THE BIBLE MONITOR OCTOBER 15, 1987
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Printing, Inc., 4017 Co. Rd. 11,
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 Street, 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
need for a blood sacrifice to gain forgiveness. These sacrifices
also gave them an advance view of the Perfect Sacrifice who would
once for all be sacrificed for the sins of mankind.
This gift of Spiritual life came through God's gift of His only
begotten Son, Jesus. Men have no choice in their physical births
but they must make a decided choice to receive the Spiritual birth.
Unless men choose to be born again they will not be. They will
only have their physical lives which will lead to eternal destruction
rather than eternal life.
The Spiritual life is directed by the Holy Spirit of God. The Spirit
of God moved on holy men of old times to write what God wished
to have revealed to man. These writings are collected in the Holy
Bible. Through the reading, study and hearing of the Word of God
and by the promptings of the Spirit within the life of a man, he will
know of the Spiritual life and the choice he must make to have it.
The result of the Spiritual life is eternal life. Eternity is not fully
comprehended by the human mind. We are used to beginnings
and endings. But we do understand that it is desirable. Eternal life
is a life spent with our Eternal God in the glories of an eternal
Heaven.
To have that eternal life and its joys and beauties, there must be a
Spiritual rebirth during our sojourn on this earth. The natural man
cannot inherit the eternal life. Only when there has been a fresh
start and a change of priorities can there be a hope of eternal life
entertained truthfully in the human heart.
The physical life has its pleasures and joys. It also has its pains
and hardships. The Spiritual life has many joys and blessings that
make our time pleasant. But there are also Spiritual struggles.
There is no promise of a Spiritual life without challenges and trials.
It is in continuing to be led by the Spirit, even when all seems bleak,
that increases the faith and makes the race winable. Increased
faith makes possible a successful journey that will lead to eternal
life, where there will be no end of the bliss and joys of Heaven.
A Spiritual life is the necessary link between the physical life here
and eternal life. It is necessary in this short lifetime to make the
right choice — to choose to be Spiritually reborn and to live
Spiritually so Eternity may become a happy reality.
Are you prepared for Eternity?
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
"The Christian Approach to Morals"
Sensuality and sexuality sells today. In fact they sell about
BIBLE MONITOR
anything. They sell automobiles. Auto shows are so crowded with
swim-suited models you would almost fail to see the cars. They
sell airline tickets. The "friendly skies" are filled with sensual
stewardesses. They sell toothpaste. Notice the way a girl catches
her man after one brushing. They sell oriental rugs, fishing tackle,
kitchen utensils, detergents and almost any product you'd like to
name... except Bibles. Madison Avenue uses sensuality to promote
everything from industrial machinery to slim line reducing pills. If a
manufacturer adds a little sensuality to an ad, especially in the form
of a beautiful female, he is assured that he'll sell more of the
product. And we as Christians are caught up in this cesspool of
immorality and it is difficult to go about our daily tasks without
being bombarded with it.
Commercialization of sensuality is exploiting one of God's
most special gifts which is reserved for the husband and wife
relationship and it is nowhere else appropriate or right in His sight.
I have noticed that even Christian people don't seem to be shocked
by the many vulgar references to things that we see around us
today. Sensual talk prevades living rooms that was once reserved
for the bedroom.
To have a wholesome view of the sensual, you must study what
the Bible has to say on the subject. You will discover that God's
attitude toward these things is positive and good. It is man who has
corrupted it through lust. This actually led to the laws of the Old
Testament that clearly governed relationships between the sexes.
There were laws that prescribed punishments for sensual abuse
but there are also passages that present both the sanctity and
beauty of physical relationships.
As you read Biblical passages relating to this important subject,
you discover that the Bible clearly teaches definite moral
approaches to our sensual life. This perspective is far better than
the view of momentary pleasure that is prevalent in our culture.
It might be good to ask yourself: How would you react if your
church began to use sensual photos to advertise a church
function? Would you go along with it or would you oppose it? It
can happen. It happened recently in England. A pastor put a
photograph of a scantily clad model on the front page of his church
paper. He argued that the church can't reject glamor, therefore it
should take advantage of the present emphasis on it. This is how
far the world's churches have degraded themselves as they search
out how to become more a part of what society around them is
dictating.
We are seeing a sensual-explosion today. This binge has two
main aspects. One is that moral standards are disregarded, free
love is advocated, illicit relations before marriage are condoned
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and everything is welcomed as acceptable. Another aspect con-
cerns those who uphold morality philosophically, but who have
surrendered to the first group without a fight. Between these
groups are conservative Christians who have the task of upholding
biblical chastity.
Even many books are directed toward Christian readers today to
push ideas about private matters which should be settled in prayer
and private instruction. And I am not advocating that we should
not understand this part of our behavior... but I am saying that the
greatest Christian discretion should be used. In addition, I am
concerned about the eroticism and vulgarisms involved in much of
the literature.
As a Christian, contrary to contemporary opinion, we should
have many truths about the aspects of the true union of two people.
The Bible calls that union fellowship. This fellowship influences
our relationship to the opposite sex. As a Christian, we respect the
personality and character of another, therefore we maintain a high
respect for the other person's body.
God created the male and female in completeness and per-
fection. They differ not only physically but psychologically. As we
become more fully the masculine or feminine person that God
expects us to be, we will become better adjusted and more
complete in this part of our lives.
Romans 13:14 teaches us: "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof."
I John 2:16: 'Tor all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and
the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is
of the world."
From these vantage points of the Word, give the fullest consider-
ation to your relationship with the opposite sex. Settle it in your
heart to be free from the gross sins of our age.
Brother Len Wertz
SIXTY YEARS AGO
October 15, 1927
THE CHALLENGE — TO WHOM?
Ord L. Strayer
Youth is a priceless possession. Each day we live brings us
nearer to the time when old age shall stamp its inevitable traces
upon us and render us finally incapable of bearing the heat and
burden of the day. Much money is being spent in this age by men
and women not overly endowed with good judgment to stave off if
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even for a little while the ravages of age. Many a grandmother
appears on the street attired and primped according to much more
advanced (?) style than her flapper granddaughter.
It is superfluous to say that this attitude cannot be maintained
from the standpoint of the Bible. From cover to cover that Book
rings with respect for the aged because of their age and greater
experience. The elderly Christians have faced the problems of
youth, the same problems faced by the young people of today and
have profited by that experience. They have passed through
critical periods in life. The records of these experiences have been
burned in their memories and have left an indelible record. From
the vast store of their experiences, their actions and reactions, their
toils and struggles, successes and failures they are ever willing to
give to the utmost to help those who ask.
The youth of the land, in contrast, look upon life either as a
challenge to righteous living or merely as a great adventure,
according as their early training has been. They are endowed with
alert facilities. Their strength is unimpaired. They are swift of foot,
alert of mind, supple of body, and all of their possibilities are before
them. They stand on the threshold of a useful life, ready to meet
the challenge which comes to everyone in no uncertain terms.
Whence this challenge? The legitimate business world does not
want men and women who are not moral, loyal, honest, truthful and
straightforward. These are Christian graces, taught by Christ
throughout his ministry and promulgated by his church here on
earth. The educational world wants men and women who can
stimulate the best that is in the child and lead him into most
efficient paths of usefulness. No teacher has ever been called great
since the advent of Christ without studying the methods of the
perfect Teacher. Industrial executives penalize or dismiss any of
their employees who by their conduct destroy their efficiency. The
church is the champion of stability. Our forefathers were stolid,
plodding workers wresting their living from almost insurmountable
circumstances, fighting against conditions and undergoing hard-
ships which are not found anywhere in America today. Their
simple honesty, meek spirits, simplicity of life and rugged industry
were bywords in the homes of those who knew them as pass-words
for our fathers wherever they went. It is greatly to be regretted that
modern ideas and sharp practices have lost for us, as a church, in a
measure the esteem we once held.
The challenge comes then, indirectly from the church, the agent
of religious education here on earth, the teaching agency for the
Bible the foundation of all Christianity. What is the Challenge? It is
not wealth for wealth is abstract and is a burden to those
possessing it. Nor is it a career, for success in business or the arts
BIBLE MONITOR
is not in itself satisfying. Even social service to mankind is void of
perfect satisfaction if the motives behind that service are question-
able, if those rendering that service look toward the glory of men
and not toward love of fellowmen. If the challenge comes from the
church of God and Christianity is the foundation of stability,
industrious lives and sterling honesty the challenge must be the
promulgation of Christianity and the criterion for Christian living
which Christ set up here on earth.
The challenge is to everybody, rich and poor, old and young,
talented and untalented, wherever the individual might be. But the
greatest responsibility rests upon the shoulders of the young
people of the church who are founding homes and raising families
who will be the church of the future. But someone says, it is the
young people of today who are carrying things to their present
state: too much authority has now been placed in the keeping of
untried minds and it is this particular lack of experience and
ripened intellect which is causing disregard of conventions, state
church, and moral.
The main problem with the young people of today is that they are
badly spoiled. Our leaders both educational and religious have
been telling them that young folks have been neglected, badly
treated, and suppressed. After their minds have been filled with
this sort of fallacy, they are turned loose on the most intricate
problems to prove some publicity-seekers theory. Many have gone
so far as to say that this is an age of youth and the elderly have no
function except as observers. This is so idiotic, to men and women
who are familiar with the word of God, as to need no contradiction.
It is true that youth is more alert, quicker to sense a new situation
stronger to carry out its plans but of what avail is indirected
strength. Here is a simile, unlovely but distinctively practical. On
my way to my place of business one morning I saw several
elephants being herded along the street to a show grounds, and I
was made to consider. The strength of this great beast is scarcely
to be measured and left to his own devices in his wild state may
uproot large trees, kill promiscuously and do untold damage. When
trained and properly directed and his enormous strength turned to
proper channels he can take the place of a powerful steam derrick.
So it is with our young people. Their strength, alertness and
exuberance of spirit hold great possibilities only if properly
directed, and it is their duty to carry out the hard work of the
church and the world. But while we are looking at that phase of the
church's work, let us consider the function of the older church
members. It is undoubtedly their duty and should be their privilege
and pleasure as well to direct and plan the work to be done. Their
experience has fitted them to be able to see the pitfalls in the way.
BIBLE MONITOR
They can see difficulties ahead which the impetuous youth would
never dream of.
So let the young work in the church. Give them all the work they
can do. It will develop and train them and give them an outlet for
superfluous energies. Train them in executive positions by placing
them on the constructive and executive boards of the Church along
with a majority of older heads who may develop and bring to the
fore the sterling qualities these younger members possess and
mold and ripen them for the good of the future church. In this way
they will have a rich heritage of experience when the inevitable call
comes and removes the elder group of workers in the vineyard.
In only a few short years those who are now the young people of
the Church will, by compulsion, take over the reins of the church
by reason of the calls of the grim reaper, and I appeal that we grasp
the opportunity while we may and make the best advantage of our
opportunities now. The Dunkard Brethren Church is so far, small
in numbers. There is no reason to hope or anticipate at this time
that it will become unwieldly from the point of size and glory in this
prospect. Size never meant anything to Jesus. Time and again we
are told that the presence of the Holy Spirit is the only necessary
requisite. The great Teacher said "Fear not little flock for it is your
Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom."
The future success or failure of the church depends on the
loyalty the young people of the church exercise now and the
teaching they give their children. If the plan is followed of each
family instilling Dunkard principles into the children and due care
taken to nurture and admonish them in the ways of the Lord it will
not be many generations until we as a church need want for neither
numbers, money or leaders, who in co-operation with the peerless
Leader who will lead us into all truth, will make our Church a great
and lasting power for good in the world. I plead with the fine group
of young people, representatives of whom I met at Goshen in June
to stand fast in the faith once delivered to the saints. Be loyal, be
staunch, be true. Let us hold on to the distinctive principles of the
church. Let us by our example show the world we have something
for it. Let us covet for the church the position she once held in the
eyes of the world. Let us be honest and true and loyal, industrious
and helpful and neighborly and the world will realize that in this
organization the old full Gospel Religion has come again to dwell
in the hearts of men with renewed force and with a spirit of
kindness and helpfulness and the Church we love will continue to
grow and become a stronger and stronger influence in the hearts
and lives of all mankind.
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REFLECTIONS ON THE DEATH OF A FRIEND
"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
then vanisheth away." (James 4:14)
About sixty hours ago (as I'm writing this) I was summoned to
the phone for one of those calls a person wishes would never
come. It was a close friend and Brother-in-the-Lord calling to tell
me that another mutual friend and Brother had died the night
before. This was quite a shock as he was only 36 years old and
apparently in good health.
The reality of the startling fact of my friend's death came
crashing over me like waves of the sea, knocking me mercilessly to
the hard ground each time the waves came in. It just seemed like it
couldn't be. But the day of the funeral came, and his lifeless body
was committed to the earth. And now, I'm here meditating in the
stillness of the night, reflecting on the passing of my friend.
Noah Lucabaugh died of an apparent heart attack. He was
jogging toward his home and was found a short while later in an
orchard through which he had been passing.
My own contact with Noah had been centered around being
accountable to one another for prayers answered, verses memor-
ized, and insights gleaned from meditation on scripture week by
week. This had gone on for several months about two years ago.
Ironically, my prayers now, seeking God's face on the "why" of
Noah's untimely death, seem to go unanswered. The only Word
from Heaven to me is that God knows about the situation and He
cares about all those whose lives were touched by this tragedy.
One of the verses Noah and I memorized was the one at the
beginning of this article, as well as several others on the same
topic. I never dreamed at that time that I would be attending
Noah's funeral in just two short years. Life is uncertain. "Boast not
thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring
forth." (Proverbs 27:1) Death is sure. Except for the return of the
Lord Jesus, all of us will one day face death. "And as it is appointed
unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." (Hebrews 9:27)
None of us has the assurance of seeing tomorrow. You don't have
to be eighty seven and a half years old and have a heart condition
to be the next candidate for the death angel to strike.
One important thing to do is to be ready. 'Therefore be ye also
ready: For in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh."
(Matthew 24:44) First, you need to be absolutely sure that you are
ready to meet God. If you have any doubts whatever, please get in
touch with your minister or some one with whom you feel you
could talk over spiritual matters. God offers salvation to all through
10 BIBLE MONITOR
the death of His Son Jesus Christ. He also offers assurance — that
deep abiding peace of God — that you may know you are saved
and in a right relationship with God. (See I John 5:13)
The second thing we need to do to be ready to die is to "set thy
house in order." (See II Kings 20:1 and Isaiah 38:1) In particular,
this means that as husbands, our wives should be familiar with our
business dealings, such as bank accounts, any debts outstanding,
and the location of our will and other important papers and
documents. It is imperative that each of us have a will, or the states
in which we live will happily oblige us by taking their share first.
We husbands need to seek ways to be sure that our debts would be
paid in the event of our death, and that our wives and children
could at least maintain a subsistant lifestyle until the children are
grown. "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those
of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an
infidel." (I Timothy 5:8) There is no particular indication that this
responsibility stops at death. Due to the fact that it is nearly
impossible for the average person to amass a great fortune to sit
and be ready in the event of his death (and it's not really Scriptural
anyway), the church needs to be ready to step in and help out in
such cases. It is a sad thing for a man to die and have his wife
unprepared to handle the affairs of the household, and to have no
provisions for her daily bread or to keep a roof over her head.
The third consideration in being prepared for death is, "Have I
done enough for the Lord Jesus?" I believe many Christians exit
this life wishing they would have done more for Christ. Think upon
this now, so that any regrets might be minimized when it's your
time to meet Jesus. Maintain your personal relationship with God.
Lead your family in their walk with Him. Actively participate in your
local church so that you, your family, and others may experience
spiritual growth. Be on the alert at all times for those special
opportunities to share with someone about your faith in Jesus
Christ. How many souls will be in Heaven because you shared the
Good News of Salvation with them?
To think about death is not something we like to do. But only
when we face death squarely, and act on what the Bible teaches we
should do about death, can we truly live.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brother Robert Lehigh
ONE THOUGHTLESS ACT
One thoughtless act, and a life is ruined because of it. One
thoughtless act, and someone's whole day is turned upside down.
One thoughtless act, and someone's heart is grieved unneces-
BIBLE MONITOR 11
sarily. Forgiveness can be granted, but the act and the resulting
grief cannot be undone. For every action, there is a reaction, and
all the apologies in the world can't change that fact.
Like the proverbial sack of feathers scattered to the four winds,
we can't recall something we've done. We have to live with the
results. We also must live with the results of what others do. This
makes it doubly important for us to think before we act, to consider
others as well as ourselves. Inconsiderate, irresponsible behavior
can cause untold grief for all concerned. Like the ripple effect
when a stone hits water, the results are far-reaching.
Some matters in life can be remedied, but others cannot. Where
possible, we should make amends, and make the best of a bad
situation. This helps to minimize the grief we've caused. When
amends are made, we need to forgive the one who has grieved us,
and to forgive ourselves when we have erred and caused grief.
Forgiveness is like salve on a wound — it comforts, and relieves the
pain. It also releases our hearts so we can go on from there.
Esau made a serious mistake and he could do nothing except live
with the results. He was sure he was about to die from hunger, so
he agreed to sell his birthright. He lived to regret his decision, but it
couldn't be changed. See Gen. 25:29-34, 27:33-34. No amount of
wishing or pleading could get back for Esau what he had lost. The
blessing was given to his brother, and that couldn't be reversed
either.
Often we are like Esau. In a moment of panic, or just on an
impulse, we do something thoughtlessly. Later on, we regret it.
Serious thought, or at least some thought, should be given to all
our day-to-day activities, for they make up the whole of our lives.
Little mistakes can multiply many times into grievous situations. If
we live carelessly, we will reap accordingly, so we need to consider
what the results of our actions will be.
Some people's lives seem to be made up of a series of
thoughtless acts, not just one or two. They focus their attention on
living just for the moment, then wonder why their world falls apart.
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth
unto counsel is wise." Prov. 12:15. When we see people living
foolishly with no regard for God, we need to do what we can to give
them instruction in the Word. Whether they heed it or not is up to
them, but we need to be prayerfully concerned.
In the book of Daniel, chapter 5, we can read about Belshazzar's
thoughtlessness. He was really having a great time feasting and
drinking, and decided to use something special for the occasion.
The Temple vessels were brought to him to drink from, vessels
which had been dedicated to the Lord. His carelessness brought
judgment, for God said it was enough. We cannot make a mockery
12 BIBLE MONITOR
of sacred things and get away with it.
Belshazzar knew what had happened in his father's life, but he
still refused to give God His rightful place. He was lifted up in pride
just as his father Nebuchadnezzar was, and he didn't get a second
chance. When people determine in their hearts to ignore God and
do as they please, they can't expect mercy. Belshazzar's thoughts
were centered on just the present, very thoughtless considering
how close he was to Eternity. His life was taken yet that night.
The rich man in the parable in Luke 12:16-21 didn't give much
thought to his future either. His thoughts were only concerning the
present time and how good he had it. He made plans to continue
on in his life of ease, but such was not to be. He said to himself,
"Take thine ease, eat, drink and be merry" (v. 19), but God said,
'Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose
shall those things be, which thou hast provided?" (v. 20)
God may not end our lives in a moment of foolishness, but we
should take a lesson from these examples. We need to think
beyond the present, and consider where our actions are taking us.
The Bible will give us direction and purpose in life, and the Spirit
will direct us too, so we can do what is right. Think about your life,
pray for God's help and strive to serve Him acceptably. Be thought-
ful about your life, not thoughtless, for Jesus' sake.
Sister Eileen Broadwater
BELIEF
"But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren
beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen
you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the
truth:" II Thess. 2:13.
Do you believe there is a God? There are so many in this world
who do not believe there is a God, and that He has the power to
save us. God is a wonderful help in time of trouble, sickness, and
when death comes and takes a dear one Home. He is always near
to help us. What would a child of God do without His help? He
says He will help us in time of trouble. He will never leave us, if we
are willing to follow in His footsteps.
We must believe He is the Christ and be willing to be born again
so we have the right to be called His children. So many today say,
"I am just as good as those in the church." I have asked them to tell
me how they know but they cannot give me an answer.
The Bible says, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being
alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew
me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my
BIBLE MONITOR 13
works." James 2:17-18. Many people ask us what denomination
we belong to. There is no denomination that can save any one.
One must live the life Christ has laid down or they have no chance
for a Home in Heaven.
How sad it will be if we miss that Home He has prepared for the
faithful. Take the automobile, it is easy to handle, but if we disobey
the law when we are driving it, we are in serious trouble. If we
disobey the commandments Christ has set for us to follow we then
are not prepared to dwell in the mansion He has prepared for us.
Dear ones, we must prove ourselves. To get into Christ comes by
water baptism. First, we must repent so we can have our sins
washed away. We don't have any record that the thief on the cross
was at any time baptized. He was in God's hands, that was before
Christ shed His precious blood so we could be saved.
Look at the time, when Jesus was washing the disciples' feet.
Peter refused and Jesus told him he would have no fellowship with
Christ. He was ready at that moment to hvae the Master wash his
feet.
When Jesus was baptized, He did not need to be, but He wanted
to set an example for us to follow. He had no sin, but we all have
sinned and come short so we must be born again.
What kind of a belief do we have? Today we see so many
churches that practice the Communion and call it the Lord's
Supper and have it around noon. Do they believe the Word of God
where it said that He had the Lord's Supper in the evening? After
they ate the supper they had the communion, which is the bread
and then the cup, and it also says they sang a hymn and went out
and it was right. Do these dear ones believe the Word of God?
It seems so very easy to find an excuse for some of the things
done. In Bible times false prophets found excuses. But I read that
the Word of God is the same yesterday, today and forever. The
devil is trying but there is no way he can change it.
The devil knew Jesus as the Holy One of God. A Christian must
have a firm foundation, one that cannot be shaken, following in the
Master's footsteps.
We hear today of the wonderful healing going on. Are their
bodies really healed? How many are paid to go through the act?
To me this is a serious thing. Why don't they follow the Bible and
let the ones who are sick call for the Elders and let them pray and
anoint them. We read then their sins will be forgiven and through
faith they will be made well. If they follow Christ's way and if it is
His will, they will get well, if not they are now ready to go to dwell
with Him.
We must stay by the Word of God. Keep on a firm foundation till
14 BIBLE MONITOR
Christ comes to call us home.
Sister E. M. Alltus
THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINES
The New Birth
J. H. Moore
Nicodemus, a ruler among the Jews, and a man of some
distinction, heard much about the preaching and work of Jesus,
and one night called on him, evidently seeking information
regarding his claims. Jesus at once presented, for his consider-
ation, one of the fundamentals of his teachings, saying: "Except a
man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." Seeing
that he was not understood, he added this: "Except a man be born
of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
(John 3:3-5) By "born of water," in this instance, baptism is meant.
It can mean nothing else.
To be born of the Spirit means not only the receiving of the Spirit,
but it includes "being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of
incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth
forever." (I Peter 1 :23) The Word of God, the seed of the kingdom,
is planted in the heart. The heart takes hold of the Word, and the
Word takes hold of the heart, resulting in a new creature, hence a
new birth, — born from above, born of God, born of the Spirit. All
of this must be understood in connection with what James 1:18
says: "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth," — the
Word and the Spirit playing their active parts.
In a sense, it is a twofold birth, — born of water, born of the Spirit.
It is a water baptism and also a Spirit baptism. In the water baptism
the body is completely enveloped. In the Spirit baptism the soul or
spirit of man is baptized in the Spirit, — is brought completely
under the influence of the Spirit. The birth of water and the birth of
the Spirit must be considered jointly. By divine appointment they
go together. There is no separating them with the blessed
promises following.
Jesus makes the twofold birth of water and of the Spirit essential
to an entrance into the kingdom. We enter the world through a
material birth, but the kingdom of God must be entered through the
spiritual birth; that is, born of water and of the Spirit. Man
administers the rite of water baptism. But God, through Jesus
Christ, his Son, administers the Spirit baptism. This is in accord
with what John the Baptist taught when he said: "I indeed baptize
you with water, but he (Jesus) shall baptize you with the Holy
Ghost."
BIBLE MONITOR 15
NEWS ITEMS
PLEASANT RIDGE 5 OHIO
The Lord willing, the Pleasant Ridge Congregation plans to have
fall Lovefeast services on November 14-15, 1987. Services will
begin Saturday morning, at 11:00. Come and worship with us.
Sister Eileen Broadwater, Cor.
QUINTER, KANSAS
The Quinter Congregation will be holding revival meetings,
November 8 through 15, with Brother Fred Piter as evangelist. We
extend a warm invitation to everyone. If you cannot attend, we
would very much appreciate your prayers for God's blessing upon
these meetings.
Sister Julie Litfin, Cor.
THANK YOU
I want to thank the brethren and sisters for all their prayers, cards
and thoughts of me while I was in the hospital and since I am home.
God bless you all.
Sister Edna Flick
PLEVNA, INDIANA
The Lord willing, the Plevna Congregation will hold a Harvest
Meeting, November 8. Bro. Dennis St. John will be the speaker.
We invite all to this day of worship and fellowship.
Sister Verda Lorenz, Cor.
»•••••
Stephen Girard, when surrounded by immense wealth, wrote
thus to a friend: "As to myself, I live like a galley-slave, constantly
occupied, and often passing the night without sleeping. I am
wrapped in affairs, and worn out with care. I do not value fortune.
When I rise in the morning, my only effort is to labor so hard during
the day that, when night comes, I may be enabled to sleep
soundly." It is said that when Mr. Astor was once congratulated for
his wealth, he replied by pointing to his pile of bonds and maps of
property, at the same time inquiring, "Would you like to manage
these matters for your board and clothes?" Jay Gould said he was
kept on the drive from morning till night, the money he had made
having enslaved him.
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR
NOVEMBER 1987
November 1 - Godly Sorrow - II Cor. 7:1-16.
1. What is Godly sorrow and what does it produce?
2. Does the individual feel better from Godly sorrow?
November 8 - Poverty and Riches - II Cor. 8:1-24.
1. How do we determine how much we shall give? Mark 12:41-44.
2. To those who give freely what promise is made? Malachi3:10.
November 15 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver - II Cor. 9:1-15.
1. How does Paul liken our giving? verse 6.
2. What was God's Great Gift to man? John 3:16.
November 22 - Thanksgiving - Psalms 50:1-23.
1. What do we have to offer unto God? verse 14.
2. In verse 23 what promise is given?
November 29 - Apostolic Authority - II Cor. 10:1-18.
1. Of whom did Paul receive his authority? verse 8.
2. How and by whom do we measure ourselves? verse 12.
YOUNG PEOPLES SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR NOVEMBER 1987
November 1 - Popularity - John 12:35-50, Col. 3:22-25.
1. Of whom do we seek popularity? John 12:43.
2. Of whom will we receive a reward? Col. 3:24.
November 8 - Commandments - Exodus 20:1-26, Matt. 19:17-22,
I John 5:1-3.
1. Which is the First Commandment? Exodus 20:3.
2. What is the test of love? I John 5:2-3.
November 15 - Come and Dine - Luke 14:16-24, John 21:10-13.
1. Would we consider it an honor to be \nv\ted to a feast
like this?
2. In the parable of the great supper, who made the supper?
November 22 - Thanksgiving - Psalms 107:1-20, I Tim. 4:1-8.
1 . What does Paul say in Phil. 4:6 about thanksgiving?
2. Why should we praise the Lord - Psalms 107:8-9.
November 29 - The Lame Man - Acts 3:1-12.
1. How long had the man been in this condition? verse 2.
2. Was the man happy with what he received? verse 8.
Fau I Stump
>40 N. Diamond Mill
Un i on , (
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
NOVEMBER 1, 1987
VOL. LXV
NO. 21
Tor 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.
THAT WILL BE GLORY
When the golden gates are opened,
And I enter into rest,
And behold the blessed Saviour,
And am folded to his breast —
When this weary way has ended,
With its conflict sharp and long,
And the peace and joy of heaven
Fills the heart and tunes the song —
Then the promised rest and glory
In fruition shall be known,
And the long imagined splendor
Into knowledge shall have grown.
O, but 'tis the One in glory
It will be so good to meet,
And to cast my crown before him
Down at his beloved feet.
And for ever bear the likeness
Of the Lord who died for me,
And for ever join the chorus
Of the ransomed and the free.
- C. Biliett
BIBLE MONITOR
FORFEITING OUR GLORY
"But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is
given her for a covering." I Cor. 11:15. In this short verse a
personal glory is given and immediately taken away for a greater
good. A woman is to have uncut hair. She should be taught from
youth that cutting her hair displeases God. God has given her her
hair for a glory. Although a man may affect a feminine style by
wearing long hair, his hair is not a glory but a shame unto him.
Having her hair uncut is a glory to her for it is pleasing to God.
But lest she become proud in her personal glory, she is told to
place that glory upon her head in such a way that it can be covered.
She is to yield her glory to what honors God in obedience and
submission.
This is but one example of the Christian's submission of self to
the overall good of the Church and her Lord. We have all been
given certain talents and abilities. We are expected to use these
God-given gifts. It often becomes very easy for us to use them in
self-serving ways. As a certain glory surrounds the public display
of these talents it is a natural breeding ground for pride. Since
these talents are given by God they are to be used in the way that
will bring the greatest glory to Him rather than to ourselves.
The Christian, even by the very name, is said to be like Christ.
The Christian finds his perfect example in Jesus. No one ever gave
up more than He did when He came to this earth and took upon
Himself the humble fashion of mankind. He went even further by
living a meek, quiet life that showed little of His glory except for the
miracles performed for the benefit of others not Himself. His life
was ended on earth by a shameful deat h reserved for the worst of
THE BIBLE MONITOR NOVEMBER 1, 1987
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Printing, Inc., 4017 Co. Rd. 11,
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 Street, 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
criminals. He had to be buried in a borrowed tomb for He who had
made the world had no worldly possessions. His renouncement of
personal glory serves as an example for those who bear His Name.
The world about us has an opposite view of worldly glory. It is
their desire to be seen and known by all possible. There are many
ways used to secure the attention of those about them. It may be
through the ridiculous or the gaudy. Unfortunately this seeking for
personal glory has been allowed to slip into churches. Public
services are filled with individuals performing for glory. Their
talents are God-given but because of their popularity, He does not
receive the credit nor glory due Him. Soloists, choirs, directors of
various functions as well as paid ministers all receive glory for their
services. These talents should be used in conjunction with the
total congregation rather than in conspicuous show. There is a
place for the minister, deacon and choirister but it is as a servant of
the Church not as one seeking self glory.
It is so easy to consider our particular talents as so necessary
that they must be displayed in public often. Some have even
developed such a high opinion of their talents that they have
placed a price upon their performance.
Talents are God-given. For many this becomes a reason to
display them profusely. Their contention is that if given by God
then they must conspicuously show that talent off. God may well
have given them a talent but He gave it to be used for His Glory not
theirs. If one has been given the talent of a beautiful singing voice,
it would be better used to lead the whole congregation in praise or
to teach others how they might better use their voices, rather than
to be shown off as a soloist or member of a small performing group.
The body of Christ, the Church, is made up of many members.
All members are necessary. None are to be unduly honored
especially if it harms the other members and causes them to shrink
from exercising their God-given talents.
There is a place for encouragement and even praise for those
who do exercise as God has enabled them. But there is no place
for a blind sub-serviance to those who would garner the glory.
Those being glorified are as prone to error as others and need the
correction that is necessary for the whole body.
God gives very special talents to some, but He does not give to
place them on pedestals but that they may use those talents to
bring even more glory to Him, by humbly using those talents along
with other members. He will be more pleased and more gloriifed by
a humble use of those talents He has given, than by a vain public
show that excites pride.
We have seen many recently who have been involved in religious
services who have had a great fall. This confirms the Biblical axiom
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that pride will produce a great fall. When the glory that belongs to
God is appropriated by men there will be a great fall.
Use your God-given talents to God's glory along with all the
Family of God. It will lead you to a greater glory in Heaven.
SIXTY YEARS AGO
November 1, 1927
THE DUNKARD BRETHREN CHURCH (A CHALLENGE)
F. B. Surbey
It has been said that young people are a challenge to the church,
but we wish to say that the Dunkard Brethren Church is also a
challenge to our young people. It is a challenge to us older ones.
Yes, it is a challenge, a real challenge, to us all.
The Dunkard Brethren Church is a challenge to us in many ways:
1. Because of her existence. It is a fact that she is organized and
in existence. Why should not that alone call forth all our efforts to
maintain the church. Who wants to put our hand to the plow and
then look back? Who does not want to see something that cost so
much and is so valuable, permanently established? What looks
worse to a business man than to pass some of the large structures
that were begun during the war, and see them half finished; or to
pass business blocks, with their advertisements on the windows,
but now empty because the business failed? The once thriving
business soon came to naught. Shall it be said of the Dunkard
Brethren church: These people did not count the cost, they lacked
faith, they had no vision, no administrative ability, no government?
To every member enrolled, the church's very existence is a
challenge.
2. Because of her founders. To the youth of today it is your
fathers that founded the Dunkard Brethren Church. What son or
daughter having any red blood of American loyalty, does not want
to help maintain or preserve the good home or the honorable
business that the parents founded? Many a son has continued and
promoted, with a degree of pride, the business of his father until for
generations the name itself honored the business. Many a child
has purchased the old homestead at a greater cost than other
properties were worth, because it was father's and mother's home.
These children have taken special pains to preserve the old
landmarks sacred to memory, and vital in the making of their
characters. To the present fathers, the founders of the church were
Mack, Becker, Sauer and a host of others of a few centuries ago. To
them the Apostolic fathers were the founders, and to them, Christ.
BIBLE MONITOR
So the church becomes a challenge to us because of these
founders who had faith in God, and in whom we have faith.
3. Because she is OUR Church. Who has not learned to love the
organization or cause they represent? Even the small child loves
its own home playrooms. The pupils love and boost their own
school. The American citizens, children and all, love their own
country.
"Breathes there a man with soul so dead,
Who never to himself hath said:
This is my own, my native land'?"
What member of a family is not charmed at the thought of home?
For my home I will sacrifice because it is mine, my only one. My
church is a challenge to me because I know no other so good. We
pledge our loyalty to our church because here WE worship God. In
our church we think we can best fulfill all the commands of God.
Here we contend for the faith once for all delivered to the Saints.
"Faith of our fathers! Holy Faith!
We will be true to thee 'till death!"
4. Because she has enemies. Because we are different from
other churches, and different from the world, that only gives us the
right to exist as a separate body, and that makes us enemies. Our
church always had enemies and always will have. They are within
and without. From within they say our decisions are wrong and
need not be obeyed. From without they say our doctrines are
non-essential; and yet the churches that obeyed not these
decisions and doctrines have gone into worldliness, lost their
identity and their spiritual power. Because we have been called out
of the world to be separate, the world scoffs at us; but they scoffed
at Jesus, they persecuted the Apostles, and they will persecute us.
We must obey God rather than man. We must be a light to the
world, and a friend of God. "Know ye not that the friendship of the
world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of
the world is the enemy of God." Jas. 4:4. Christ and the Apostles
gave their lives for the church, what have we given for her. "These
are they which come out of great tribulations, and have washed
their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." Rev.
7:14. Because of the tribulations we must pass through, and the
danger the church is facing before her enemies, the challenge to
defend the church is a great one.
"O, watch and fight and pray;
The battle ne'er give o'er:
Renew it boldly every day,
And help divine. implore."
5. Because of her value. The four challenges given thus far are,
BIBLE MONITOR
in themselves, not sufficient to warrant the existence of the
Dunkard Brethren Church. She must have value. Our church is
valuable: (1) Because of her cost, Our church cost suffering and
death to some of the fathers. It cost groanings and spirit, and
physical and financial sacrifices to many others. Shall these
sacrifices have been in vain? (2) Our church is valuable because of
her opportunities offered. She gives the opportunity for Christian
education, growth and training. How much Christianity would
there be in some of our future children were it not for our church?
Here we are taught the Bible, the prayer life, and the songs of Zion.
(3) Our church is valuable because she supplies the needs of our
souls. We come to her to have the means applied that are provided
to unload our burden of sin, to be spiritually fed, and to be
comforted in sorrow. (4) Our church is valuable because she is our
life-boat in which we sail to our eternal reward. Our captain is on
the boat and without him and his boat, the storms of life would
overcome us, and we would drown in the deeps of sin. Our church
is a challenge because of her great value, and must therefore be
preserved and maintained. In order to perpetuate our church we
must have young people in it. Yes, and more than that. Our young
people must be DUNKARD young people. A Dunkard Brethren
Church with ever so many young people in it, is doomed as a
Dunkard Brethren Church just the same as though she had none,
unless these young people are of the Dunkard faith and practice.
Herein lies the challenge to the older ones, especially the parents
and the church elders. The young people then have the challenge
to hand down a Dunkard Brethren Church to their children.
Let us accept our challenge courageously, so that the faith of our
fathers, founded by Mack in 1708, brought to America by Becker in
1719, and re-established by us in 1926, shall not perish from the
earth nor from our several communities.
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
"Freedom..."
Many people today are saying that everyone is entitled to
absolute freedom. You should be able to do what you want to do
when you want to do it! No one else has the right to interfere. This
philosophy has produced many confrontations with the law, has
caused destruction of property, and has resulted in chaos in
churches. Believers in absolute freedom decry the "restrictive
laws" and campaign for revolution that will give everyone their own
way.
The problem of how much freedom you can have didn't originate
with this generation. It originated in the Garden of Eden when
BIBLE MONITOR
Eve expressed her freedom by eating the forbidden fruit. She
looked at the Lord's command as an encroachment on her
freedom, so she disobeyed the restriction and was made to pay the
consequences. Ever since that time man has been struggling for a
balance between what he thinks is stifling determinism and
obsessive freedom.
Restrictions are necessary in all of our lives to keep a healthy
balance and right perspective. They take away experimentation in
permissiveness. They set limits on the types of literature to read,
how far can be gone in experimenting with sensual freedoms, what
kinds of music can be listened to and sung, clothing styles, hair
styles and the like. Perhaps at no other time in history were
restrictions so necessary. Whether they are personally enforced
through the church body, they are needed.
Many things that are popular today have the "free" label attached
to them: free speech, free love, free art, free expression. Much of
what is passing for freedom is nothing more than outright anarchy.
The kind of freedom people desire involves freedom from respon-
sibility to any other person, to the church or even to society. It
means "doing our own thing" and limitless self-expression, regard-
less of how it affects others. This kind of freedom centers upon
man himself. The idea that God is sovereign no longer holds sway
over the minds of such thinkers. Man is supreme, autonomous,
free to do as he pleases. Absolute laws have no meaning.
Man's personal freedoms have led to lung cancer, alcoholism,
drug abuse, suicide, veneral disease, mental diseases and even
environmental pollution. Autonomous man cannot escape the
results of the undisciplined life. Let's face it. Man is dependent,
not autonomous. He was created free to answer "yes" or "no" to
God, but he was not given the capacity of being nonanswerable to
God. He must say "yes" or "no" to the Creator... then his freedom
is governed by the answer he gives.
To say "no" to God is to forfeit the basis of all true freedom
offered by Him through Jesus Christ who make us truly free
through the forgiveness of sins and the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
By himself, man cannot be free from his own ego and sin. When we
claim to be free from God, we become a slave to ourselves and fall
into our own great bondage.
To some, obedience to God is a denial of freedom. This is a
Biblical paradox. There is NO TRUE FREEDOM apart from
service and submission to God... the Creator of freedom. Joshua
said: "Choose this day whom- you will serve..." To become
obsessed with self-willed freedom only brings a denial of that
freedom and we become slaves. Freedom within the context of a
God-controlled universe in obedience to God's Word is TRUE
BIBLE MONITOR
FREEDOM. "If the Son makes you free, then you will be free
indeed."
If we choose to be a slave of Christ's, we choose freedom. If we
choose freedom in the wrong way, we become slaves. We make
the choice... we must accept the consequences!
Christian freedom is not the freedom to do anything we please
without consideration of the consequences. Two Biblical princi-
ples apply here. One is that our freedom is restricted by our
RELATIONSHIP TO GOD. God is the object of our love and this
love compels us to be His servants. Secondly, our freedom is
restricted by our RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS. As Christians,
we are concerned about how our actions affect other people. Even
if we have deep insights into the Christian experience, we approach
others in the greatest consideration for their maturity.
In deciding how you will use your freedom, you have to consider
carefully God's place in your life. Is He at the center of your
thinking and planning? Have you accepted the full implications of
the freedom that He has offered to you? Are you free from your
sins? Once you settle these questions, you will get a sense of how
free you really can become. The basis of true freedom cannot be
found until you have been fully related to the God of all freedom
through His Son, Jesus Christ.
How free are we? We are as free as we apply the "Golden Rule"
to our life. We are as free as we allow the Holy Spirit to exercise the
fullness of the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. WHERE THE SPIRIT
OF THE LORD IS, THERE IS LIBERTY... FREEDOM! (II Cor.
3:17) In Him... we are FREE indeed!
Brother Len Wertz
JESUS CHRIST IS LORD
Isaiah 43:11, "I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no
saviour."
John 20:28, "And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord
and My God."
I Corinthians 1 2:3-6, "Wherefore I give you to understand, that no
man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that
no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now
there are diversitite of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are
differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are
diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in
all."
Romans 5:1, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"
Philippians 2:9-11, "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,
BIBLE MONITOR
and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name
of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in
earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
The words "the Lord Jesus Christ" falls from many lips but we
are concerned that the Church, as a whole, has lost the real
meaning of these words. We would like to take a look at three areas
where we believe Jesus Christ is proclaimed to be Lord within Holy
Scripture.
Our first two opening scriptures show that Jesus Christ is Lord in
the fact that He is God. While the truth of the Trinity contains
mysteries that our human mind cannot fathom it is one of the most
important teachings in Holy Scripture. Space will not permit the
quoting of the many verses that could, and perhaps should, be
used in this area of our study. One that we will use the space to
quote is Matthew 1:23, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and
shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel,
which being interpreted is, God with us." The two verses previous
to this one tells us that "Thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall
save his people from their sins." It is then stated, that our quoted
verse is an answer to prophecy. Very simply stated, if Jesus Christ
was not virgin born then He is not God. If He is not God then He
cannot be called Lord. This is why we are emphatic about the fact
of the virgin birth and concerned about translations that cause
questions about this very important fact. If Jesus Christ is not
Lord, God in the flesh, then the rest that we have to share is without
meaning.
Our second verses of scripture, taken from I Corinthians, speaks
to us of the fact that Jesus Christ is Lord of the Church. Again,
space will not permit the many verses that could be quoted on this
phase of our thinking.
We would like to take some time to think about the words, "and
no man can say that Jesus Christ is the Lord but by the Holy
Ghost." We believe that Paul is speaking about something deeper
than merely mouthing words. To some that feel that the Holy Spirit
moves upon even those who are unsaved, and, worse yet,
apostates, when these words are spoken, we would have to say, in
love, that we cannot agree. We base this thinking on the words of
our Lord in Matthew 7:21-23, "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. 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? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew
you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." When we compare this
10 BIBLE MONITOR
with Romans 8:14 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they
are the sons of God," we come to the conclusion that the Holy
Ghost (or Spirit) does not cause unsaved individuals or apostates
to say that Jesus Christ is Lord, though they may mouth these
words. In addition to this, merely mouthing these words does not
prove that an individual is a genuine Christian.
As our Lord stated, Jesus Christ as Lord of the Church should
mean that we desire to do the will of the Father. We believe the will
of the Father is given within the Holy Book, the Holy Bible. Down
through the ages there have been those who opposed the
teachings of the Apostles. But it is through the Apostles that the
will of God was made known in the first century Church. Their
teachings are recorded within Holy Scripture. If Jesus Christ is
truly Lord of the Church she should be following the words of Holy
Scripture.
Our verse taken from Romans speaks of Jesus Christ being the
Lord of our personal life. To have true peace with God we must
accept His gift of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. It is only then that
we can truly call Jesus Christ Lord. But merely calling him Lord is
not enough. He wants to truly BE Lord of our life. This means
forsaking self and putting Him on the throne of our heart and mind.
Our last verse taken from Philippians, we believe, talks of a time
when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus
Christ is Lord. But, sad to say, for many it will be in vain. Those
who deny His deity will be forever lost. Those who speak His name
but refuse to follow His commandments will look upon Him in
shame. Those who have never accepted Him as Savior and Lord
will spend eternity in hell. Only those who join God the Father in
highly exalting Him will bow in peace.
It is impossible to say everything on this subject that should be
said. Jesus Christ should be ourall in all. He alone, (along with the
Trinity), is worthy of our praise and worship. Let us strive to truly
make Him Lord of our life and of the Church and recognzie Him as
God.
James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 1707&
Two ministers met one Saturday in a station as they were going
to preach in their respective places on Sunday. "I hope," said one
to the other, "the Great Master will give you His face tomorrow."
"Well, if He does not," was the reply, "I will speak well of Him
behind His back."
BIBLE MONITOR
11
THE HOLY BIBLE
1.
11.
The Holy Bible is a book
Written for the good of men,
It contains all that we need
To live according to God's plan,
2.
The Author ever was and is
He knows no beginning or end,
His Spirit empowered the writers
To take up their scroll and pen.
3.
They did not write their own thoughts
They wrote what God dictated,
They were exacting in their work,
We accept it as it's stated.
4.
His work is forever settled
So says Jesus Christ our Lord,
Heaven and earth shall pass away
But never shall my Word.
5.
It starts with the Book of Genesis
Which tells about creation
It ends with many prophecies
In the Book of Revelation.
6.
Every prophecy will be fulfilled
Just as God said it would,
It behooves every one to live
The life we know we should.
7.
On the pages of the Bible
We are told of peace and strife,
Strife we have to overcome
That we may gain Eternal Life.
8.
We are to love our enemies
And our neighbors as our-self,
With the many poor and needy
It's our God given duty to help.
9.
When we have compassion on others
Those needy folks that we see,
Jesus says, "What you do for them
You, also are doing for me,"
10.
Jesus was the greatest teacher
That ever graced the earth,
He was an unusual Person
From the first day of His birth.
He was born in Bethlehem
A small city in Judea,
He was laid within a manger
Which was our God's idea.
12.
Because of the sin of Adam
And because of the sin of man,
God provides a substitution
In bringing salvation's plan.
13.
It required the death of Jesus
On the Cross of Calvary,
To bring to us salvation
And from sin to set us free.
14.
There He hung upon the Cross
Between Heaven and the earth,
God had so determined
Long before Christ's birth.
15.
They gave Him vinegar on a reed
They pierced Him with a sword,
Forthwith there came out water
From the side of our dear Lord.
16.
In anguish He cried out
When life was about to flee,
My God, My God, just why
Hast thou forsaken me?
17.
All around that awful scene
Were people watching on,
Jesus bowed His head and cried
IT IS FINISHED, and was gone.
18.
They prepared the Lord for burial
His disciples felt forlorn,
But Jesus kept His promise
Coming forth on Easter Morn.
19.
He appeared before the many,
After He arose from the dead,
Because I live, so shall you,
Are some of the Words He said.
20.
He ascended back to Heaven
He completed His Father's Will,
He's coming again to receive us,
His promises to fulfill.
Brother Paul R. Myers
12 BIBLE MONITOR
THIS I KNOW
I do not know what next may come
Across my pilgrim way.
I do not know tomorrow's road
Nor see beyond today.
But this I know — my Savior knows
The path I cannot see,
And I can trust His wounded hand
To guide and care for me.
I do not know what may befall
Of sunshine or of rain.
I do not know what may be mine
Of pleasure or of pain.
But this I know — my Savior knows,
And whatsoe'er it be,
Still I can trust His love to give
What will be best for me.
I do not know what still awaits
Or what the morrow brings,
But with the glad salute of faith
I hail its opening wings!
For this I know — that in my Lord
Shall all my needs be met,
And I can trust the heart of Him
Who has not failed me yet.
- E. Margaret Clarkson
Submitted by Sister Ruthanna Sauerwein
STRENGTHEN THE THINGS THAT REMAIN
"Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are
ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold
fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on
thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon
thee." Rev. 3:2-3.
In Sardis there were a few faithful ones. If we go to church and
hear a sermon and receive no spiritual food to take home, it is very
sad.
Dear ones, let us try to hold Christ up before the people who
come to hear our preaching so they will be able to have things to
think of during the week that will strengthen them and make them
BIBLE MONITOR 13
feel it was well they were there. We will also be strengthened to
fight the things thrown our way. Many churches have a form but
are spiritually dead.
We are known by our works. We must be watchful and strong.
We must be always on our guard so the things that we once held
sacred are not let die. Let each of us strive a little harder so what
we do will please the Blessed Lord. We all know that no one is
perfect in this old world, but we are to keep on toward a more
perfect life.
Let us be ready when Jesus calls us to leave and come to a better
home, not made of hands, but eternal in the Heavens. Eyes have
not seen or ears heard the wonderful things that are in store for
those who follow the Lord.
if we claim to be a child of God but we are not, it will be very sad
for us when Christ comes to take His children home. We are told in
the last days many will say, "Lord, Lord, open unto us," but He will
say, "Depart, I never knew you." He will answer them and say, "You
honor me with your lips, but your heart is far from me."
Oh, let us be ready and have our lamp burning bright, for Christ's
coming may be nigh at the door. Many profess to know Christ but
deny Him by their works. We must be obedient and help the
Church.
Let us blot out the sin that does so easily upset us. We are to
answer to God for our thoughts. Let our thoughts build up not
destroy.
It seems today that sin is not dealt with as it was when we were
small. So often we try to justify ourselves by comparing our lives
with others.
I think we need more Daniels. Dare to be a Daniel. God's words
are given us to make us stronger, so we can fight the enemy. God's
word will strengthen us so we can fight the good fight of faith.
Jesus knows our weakness and is always ready to help. We all
know our weak spots. We cannot hide anything from our Saviour.
Esau sold his birthright, but the tears he shed were too late. No
one knows what is ahead of us, for the future is hidden in His
hands. But we are promised as His children He will pour out His
blessings upon us.
When each of us was born again by baptism and united with the
Church, that Christ set up, our names were recorded or written in
the Lamb's Book of Life. Do we each stand firm on the principles of
the Church as founded in the Word of God? Does our daily job
mean more to us than Christ? Study, dear ones, to show thyself
approved unto God.
We all have temptations. If we don't yield, the next time we are
14 BIBLE MONITOR
tempted we are stronger and it is easier to overcome that
temptation.
Oh, how our forefathers seemed to have something we don't
have. How faithful the ministers were. They worked hard each day
but always had time to serve the Lord. Let us strengthen the things
that remain.
Sister E. M. Alltus
IT IS TIME TO WAKE UP!
"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out
of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."
Romans 3:1 1.
A recent poll taken shows that the average "Christian" prays only
five minutes per day. Some pray more and some less, but this is
average. Can this "average" Christian weather the storms of life,
face persecution, witness and preach to others, lift up the poor and
downtrodden, and do the work of the Church on only five minutes
of prayer a day? It is unlikely. Most "Christians" today leave the
work of the Church, including the praying, up to their pastor or
minister. No wonder the cults, the charismatics, Hindus, Muslims,
and the like are making such great strides today. It is time to wake
up.
In times past the Saint of God was easily recognized. His dress
and appearance were different from that of the world. Not only
that, but this humble, modest demeanor was carried over into his
home. Today the mansions that many Christians live in betray the
inward workings of their heart. Does not the scripture say where
your treasure is, there your heart is also? Can we claim a hope
toward heaven when we live on earth as if we are staying forever?
It is time to wake up.
With billions spent on amusements of all kinds today, and with
household pets being treated better than many children, the
Christian faces challenges of all kinds. But yet, with the world in
the shape it is in, with nuclear arms pointed at each other, why is
the cry of the gospel not loud enough for the world to hear? Could
it be that the church has been smitten by riches, and easily
acquired pleasures, and the cares of this world so that we are not
crying out? With twenty million abortions in the United States
since 1973, with Christians being thrown in jail for trying to
properly educate their children, and with suicide the leading cause
of death in teenagers, do we not see the need LIKE NEVER
BEFORE to share the love of Jesus with a lost and dying world?
Where is our compassion, like Jesus had, for this sin-cursed,
rotting, stinking world and the souls round about us that are only
BIBLE MONITOR 15
inches from eternity? Are we more inclined to work and earn extra
money than to spend time in prayer or witnessing to our neighbor?
What about the spiritual welfare of our children? Are we more
interested in teaching our children a trade than in the welfare of
their immortal soul? It is time to wake up!
Are the ministers of the Church run ragged while we play and
entertain ourselves? Is the world aware of all the internal strife that
goes on in our local assemblies, ruining our testimony and putting
us in the same class as those radio and television "prophets" in
their mind? All of us that name the name of Christ should spend
HOURS in prayer for our assemblies, for our ministers, for our
neighbors, for our children. The need is great. Our God is able. It
is indeed time to wake up!
"Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the
Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and
the right way:" I Samuel 12:23.
Brother L. H. Miller
RD#2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
NEWS ITEMS
WALNUT GROVE, MARYLAND
During the summer we were made to rejoice when a couple
desired to fellowship with us. They were received on their former
baptisms and Deacon's office.
On August 15 a young man was received into the church by
Christian baptism. May he ever grow in grace and knowledge of
the Lord. We now have more responsibility as older ones in the
faith to be persuasive examples to the younger members. May we
each be convincing witnesses as we follow our Saviour and serve
Him without reservation.
Our faith was stimulated when we shared in our annua! Love-
feast. We thank the visiting ministers (Elders Eldon Mallow,
Joshua Rice, Jacob Ness, Frank Shaffer, and Bro. Ronald Marks)
for their part in the services. Eider Joshua Rice officiated in the
evening.
Sister Betty Shelly, Cor.
••••••
Don't bolt the door until all the children are in.
16
BIBLE MONITOR
DIRECTORY OF ROARDS
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
Jacob C. Ness, Chairman
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403
Hayes Reed, Secretary
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Herman Jamison, Treasurer
Quinter, KS 67752
Frank Shaffer
13092 Grant Shook Rd.
Greencastle, PA 17225
Robert Carpenter
R. 5 Box 97
Peru, IN 46970
Joseph E. Flora
R. 3 Box 12
Adei, IA 50003
Galen Litfin
1314 East 7th St.
Newberg, OR 97132
H. Edward Johnson
1307-S.H. 108
Wauseon, OH 43567
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
1307-S.H. 108
Wauseon, Ohio 43567
Allen B. Eberly
R.3
Ephrata, PA 17522
Paul Stump
10340 N. Diamond Mill Road
Englewood, OH 45322
BIBLE STUDY BOARD
Eugene Kauffman, Chairman
R. 3 Box 51
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801
Dennis St. John, Secretary
21397-B50
Bryan, Ohio 43506
Fred Pifer, Treasurer
R. 3 Box 184
Adel, IA 50003
Rudolph Cover
2034 Roble Avenue
Modesto, CA 95354
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340
RELIEF BOARD
Boyd Wyatt, Chairman
12124 Washington Rd.
Waterford, CA 95386
(209) 874-3519
Martin Meyers, Secretary
R. 3 Box 250
Adel, IA 50003
(515) 993-3026
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender St.
Morenci, Ml 49256
(517) 458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, PA 17340
(717) 359-5753
Tom Jamison
R. 2 Box 30
Hoxie, KS 67740
(913) 675-3600
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
David Skiles, Superintendent
R. 2 Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Harley Flory, Secretary
27505 Flory Rd. R. 4
Defiance, Ohio 43512
Marlin Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, Kansas 67752
James Meyers
R. 1 Box 109
Dallas Center, IA 50063
Larry Andrews
312 East Coleman
Raymore, Missouri 64083
All contribulions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury, but
sent to the Secretary for his records.
i a a ! S tump
. N. Di ■ i A Mill
, OH 45322
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXV
NOVEMBER 15, 1987
NO. 22
"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:Beitour constant aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
THE WAY THE SAVIOR WENT
Lord, lead the way the Savior went,
By lane and cell obscure,
And let our treasures still be spent,
Like his, upon the poor.
Like him, thro' scenes of deep distress,
Who bore the world's sad weight,
We, in their gloomy loneliness,
Would seek the desolate.
For thou hast placed us side by side
In this wide world of ill;
And, that thy foll'wers may be tried,
The poor are with us still.
Small are the off rings we can make;
Yet thou hast taught us, Lord,
If given for the Savior's sake,
They lose not their reward.
- William Crosswell
BIBLE MONITOR
THANKSGIVING AND GIVING
Thanksgiving Season is here again. For most people it will be a
time of vacation, overeating, sports frenzy and in passing a few
words will be offered about how thankful we should be. While the
pious words about being thankful are being spoken there is often a
lifestyle that bespeaks little heart felt thankfulness.
It is perhaps easier in our situation in our well favored land to be
thankful. We certainly have been materially blessed far above most
places and peoples in this world. Yet, perhaps, because we are so
used to so much with so little effort we are not as thankful for what
we have as those who have little but who can appreciate it. Their
little bit seems like much to them, thus they are willing to offer
thanks for it.
Thankfulness must be expressed by more than words. Words
can become hollow if the life does not correspond with the words.
Thankfulness is expressed by the life. When a person is thankful
he will not hoard what he has acquired but will be willing to share it
with others. The thankful person realizes what he has been given,
he should in turn give unto another.
The example of Jesus should be a motivation for the Christian.
Many scriptures tell of His thankfulness. Before He fed the five
thousand He offered thanks. After the offering of thanks the two
fishes and five loaves became more than enough to feed that
multitude.
Jesus' whole ministry was one of giving. He who was equal with
God put aside His Heavenly riches to take on the flesh and fashion
of mankind. He never had any possessions in His earthly life but
even had to be laid in a bo rrowed grave. This was done to bring
THE BIBLE MONITOR NOVEMBER 15, 1987
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Printing, Inc., 4017 Co. Rd. 11,
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 Street, 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
Spiritual riches to men.
Thankfulness is not limited to material possessions. There
should be an even deeper appreciation for the Spiritual blessings
that have been showered upon us. Just as thankfulness for
material blessings should lead to a sharing of those blessings, so it
should be with the Spiritual blessings, also.
This sharing can take many forms. It may be through the
worship services of the assembled believers. It can be through the
preached Word or through the lessons gleaned from Bible study. It
may be the sharing of concerns through prayer. It may be by the
witnessing concerning what the Lord has recently done for an
individual. It may be through sharing the Plan of Salvation with the
lost. It may be through the sharing of material things that awakens
a gratitude that will listen more readily to the Word of God.
The giving that follows thanksgiving is the Christian's steward-
ship of the blessings he has received. Stewardship gives one the
responsibility for the right use of another man's possessions.
Stewards were given authority to buy and sell their master's goods,
hopefully being careful so the master would benefit. There was a
time when the steward must prove that he had been faithful in
handling his master's possessions.
Christians as God's servants are stewards. They must give an
account of how they have used what has been entrusted to them.
The good steward does not bury his master's possessions but will
at least invest it and perhaps even make terrific gains with what he
has been given.
Stewardship often becomes an excuse for stinginess. But
stewardship born out of thanksgiving is sharing and giving whether
of material or Spiritual possessions. While Spiritual pearls should
not be cast before swine and material possessions should not be
wasted, there should be a willingness to share. Sharing the Word
of God can lead to a soul's salvation or the strengthening of a weak
Christian. The sharing of material possessions can mean not only
financing the Lord's work on earth, but the shared finances go out
into the community to provide a part of its material prosperity.
Thankfulness is the beginning of Christian sharing. There must
be a realization of what great Spiritual and material wealth is given
to the Christian. Realizing that this legacy is given to be used as a
good steward would, the Christian does not hoard it, but uses it
judiciously. When there is no thankfulness before the giving, the
giving becomes a way of buying good will. Thankfulness without
giving becomes empty words, which does not follow the example
given by Jesus. He was thankful with giving and His giving was
inspired by thankfulness.
Are you thankful? Are you giving from your thankful heart?
BIBLE MONITOR
SIXTY YEARS AGO
November 15, 1927
THANKSGIVING
B. E. Kesler
In Psalms 105:1-5 David gives us a summary of Christian
devotion and worship. In the reverse order they are, "Remember
His marvelous works and His judgments; seek His face, rejoice, and
glory in His holy name; talk and sing of His wondrous works; and to
call on His name and give thanks unto the Lord."
His marvelous works which we should remember may include
the work of creation. For it is expressly stated that He is Creator of
all things that were created. Some things exist that were not
created.
The great flood was marvelous work; nothing like it had ever
been known, and it could not have happend by chance, and while
those who knew Him not are led by blind superstition or bow down
to idols, should we not be thankful that we have such an allpower-
ful God who "pittieth those that fear him like as a father pittieth his
children?" Should we not be thankful for His compassion, and that
"He has not dealt with us after the manner of our sins nor rewarded
according to our iniquities?"
Since "All we like sheep have gone astray," should we not thank
and praise Him that "he laid help upon one that is mighty and able
to save to the uttermost those who come to God by Him?"
And should we not be thankful that we are to be judged by Him
who looketh on the heart and whojudgeth righteously and "whose
judgments are true and righteous altogether?"
"Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. Seek the Lord
while he may be found. Blessed are they that seek Him with the
whole heart. They that seek me early shall find me. Rejoice in the
Lord all way, and again I say rejoice." How wonderful!
How thankful we should be for such assurances! How we should
rejoice for such consolation!
Talk and sing of His wondrous works. Talk about the gift of His
Son to redeem fallen men, and His great plan of salvation delivered
by Jesus Christ and revealed in His word.
Talk about His wonderful love. Talk about His grace, His willing-
ness and readiness to save all who obey Him. Talk about His
commandments to direct men in the way of salvation and Christian
living. Sing songs of praise to Him, "speaking to yourselves in
psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing with the spirit and with
the understanding." In everything and for every thing give thanks.
BIBLE MONITOR
"Call ye upon him while he may be found." The day may come
when it will be too late to call. "Whosoever shall call on the name of
the Lord shall be saved," provided he will obey. "Why call ye me
Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Not everyone that
sayeth unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom, but he that
doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." How thankful
salvation and a home in heaven are offered to us on such reason-
able terms. "Blessed are they that do His commandments, that
they may have right to the tree of life and may enter through the
gates into the city."
Giving thanks unto the Lord and praising His name "for His
goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men."
Giving thanks for the preservation of life and for health and
strength to go about the affairs and duties of life, and for adversity
if His will so directs, and even for sickness if He can be glorified
thereby.
Thankful for salvation and for the hope of eternal life, and for the
humble privilege to serve him and to labor in His vineyard, to bring
the lost and erring to him. Thankful for the church which He
established and bought with His own blood as a home for His
children and the habitation of His spirit here on earth.
Thankful for kind friends and neighbors to cheer us on life's
journey, and to share our trials and sorrows and our joys and
gladness as well, and to be living to enjoy the blessings He sends
us.
JUST PLAIN THANKFUL
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with
praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." Psalms 100:4.
"I'm just plain thankful!" "For what?" you ask. I'm thankful that
God is, that He is on His throne. I'm thankful that He is merciful,
and grants salvation to those who truly desire it. I'm thankful for
prayer, and the assurance that God hears me when I pray. It is not
that my prayers are so special, but God has promised to hear His
own. I'm thankful too for Christian friends, family and the love we
have for each other.
I'm just plain thankful that God cares about me and for me, that
even when I mess things up, He still loves me. I'm thankful that He
can take my mistakes and bring something good out of them. I'm
thankful that God can make stepping stones out of stumbling
blocks. If He didn't do this for me, my failures in life would
overwhelm me.
I'm thankful for God's care in everyday situations. One day, my
neighbor, Pat, saw me working outside. She came over and gave
BIBLE MONITOR
me some much-needed help. I was very weary at the time and felt
overwhelmed by life's demands. Her help lightened my burden and
lifted my spirits. Before the day was over, another friend, Jim,
stopped by, and he too helped me. I could only thank God for
sending them to me. I hadn't asked for help, but God saw my need
and provided. He didn't wait until I had a really spectacular
problem to show His personal concern for me.
I'm just plain thankful for knowing God is able to take an
impossible-looking situation and turn it around for good. Even
though we are helpless, God is not. Sometimes the scene of life
before us reveals only a dead end, but our God can make a way
through. He can open doors where none now exist, He can heal
when all hope is gone, and best of all, He can turn around a life
which is out of control and heading for Eternity without Jesus.
I'm thankful that God has allowed me to witness firsthand the
changing of a life out of control. I've seen Him take a heart
hardened by sin and crime, and make it a heart tender toward
Jesus. I've seen this same heart let go of old habits and reach out
for new and better ways of living. My own heart has been blessed
because God allowed me to encourage, support, love and pray for
one who needed it so much.
In December 1982, I wrote to a man named Jim, then in an
Arizona State Prison, in reply to a note he'd sent to our local
newspaper. Later letters revealed we had common roots, and we
learned we were cousins. I knew very little about Jim's life then,
but as time passed, a heartbreaking story was revealed. I want to
share some of his story with you so you can be thankful with us for
what God has done in his life.
From a childhood filled with abuse, neglect and not being
wanted, Jim went into the teen years as a very troubled young man.
One thing led to another until at about age seventeen, he
committed a crime and was put in prison. There he learned all the
wrong things, and later on, tried them all. This of course led to
further arrests and imprisonments, which became the pattern for
his life. Few people cared about Jim, and he cared very little about
himself. It mattered not to him where he was or what he did. He
simply survived.
No matter how you look at Jim's life, the stage was set for failure.
But God had determined a different course for Jim. In December
1982, He touched Jim with His love and Jim accepted Jesus into his
heart. This was the beginning of a new life for Jim. It hasn't been
easy to leave the past behind, but Jim desires more and more to
follow the Lord. Even while in prison, he felt free because he had
been forgiven. Now he's looking forward to another type of
freedom.
BIBLE MONITOR
Jim was paroled May 26, 1987, and returned to his home state of
Michigan soon after. On this Thankgiving Day, November 26, 1987,
Jim will be a completely free man for the first time since he became
imprisoned over thirty years ago. It will be a very special day of
thanksgiving for him, for us his "adopted" family, as well as for all
others who love him.
"It is meet that we should make merry and be glad: for this MY
brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost and is found."
(rephrased from Luke 15:32) When the prodigal son returned
home, there was a celebration, with much rejoicing. Jim calls me
Sis, we share in a family relationship, and we'll be rejoicing
together in the Lord because Jim is now home. We hope you will
join us in thanksgiving for what God has done for Jim, and also for
what He will yet do. For all this, I'm just plain thankful!
•••••••••••••••-A-**
(If you'd like to encourage Jim, send mail to James Carpenter, 42
Willow St., Hillsdale, Michigan 49242 or send it to me.)
Sister Eileen Broadwater
14560-Rd. 15
Pioneer, OH 43554
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
"Thanksgiving and Communion"
"He took the cup nd gave thanks." Matt. 26:27.
Communion is not only a memorial, a partnership and a legacy, it
is a time of THANKSGIVING. In communion, we express our joy
and gladness for the gifts in Christ. At the Hebrew Passover,
certain Psalms were sung called the Hallel. The title is taken from
the repeated use at the beginning of some of the psalms of the
word "hallelujah"... or Praise the Lord.
Thanksgiving is the expression of joy. This comes from a spirit
or release from sin. A heart of gratitude brings thanksgiving and
praise. Instead of grumbling and complaining... we are grateful.
Thanksgiving personifies the fruit of the Spirit of joy. We, as
Christians are to abound in it. (Col. 2:7) And we often overlook
that part at the Lord's Supper. In the solemn rite and ceremony
which we rightly attach to the occasion, we overlook the joy and
gladness which springs up from obedience to the Lord.
It would even almost seem as if thanksgiving was out of place at
the Table. Surely we can be reverent and yet exuberant. When
emotion wells up in tears... nevertheless there is still room for the
thankful heart. Gratitude is a must when we recall our Lord's
sacrifice and our salvation through Him. We read that He endured
BIBLE MONITOR
the cross for the JOY before Him. (Heb. 12:2) When Jesus fed the
crowd in John 6:11, He "gave thanks." When He raised Lazarus
from the dead in John 1 1 , He "gave thanks." And even at the Lord's
Supper, He "gave thanks." There was always an exuberant
upsurge of gratitude in the Master.
The mood of the soul when it is inspired by some high moment of
worship is lifted up and there is an exultation of spirit. This is
frequently expressed in deep emotion... as by singing. The
"hallelujah" of the Hebrew becomes the praises of the Christian. At
the Table we gather for a meal and a fellowship. The spirit is not
entirely solemn and not totally sad. There is room for gladness and
praise. Gratitude for God's goodness and provision has its place.
We have fellowhip with the One whom angels and all nature
acclaim as the Lord of Glory. He has entered our life to redeem and
save us. Surely the note of exultation is well suited.
We all have felt the uplift that comes from the Communion
service. This is a high and holy experience for us. We are involved
in saying "Grace" and having prayers of thanksgiving each day of
our life but here we exult in spirit more than usual when we recall to
mind the cost of our redemption and the sacrifice of our Lord.
A testimony of praise is given by those who love the Saviour.
Nothing can stop the soul from bursting out in glad expressions of
thanks. Many times a hymn best expresses our mood when we
think of the suffering and death of our Saviour. As we meditate
upon the thoughts we sing... we are uplifted to a mood of solemn
joy... solemn because of the suffering of Christ, but joyful because
of the victory over sin and death. Thus we enter into the meaning
of the cross and into a new understanding of our Lord's Supper
attitude.
The Communion anticipates the Marriage Supper of the Lamb to
come when Christ completes His victorious work. In this light, we
see a reason for thanksgiving. We give thanks when we just realize
that we will be invited to sit down with Christ.
Thanksgiving is the heart of our experience at the Lord's Table
and is at the heart of our everyday walk with Christ. We are the
nobodies who have been accepted by the Beloved One. What
manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us that we should be
called the sons of God. All of this inclines our hearts to thanks-
giving. Our hymns take on new meaning as we sing the words. The
Bible message brings new meaning and light as we enter into this
heartwarming experience. "Thanks be to God for his unspeakable
gift." (II Cor. 9:15)
At this season our hearts are especially attuned to thanksgiving.
Let us make this thanksgiving representative of the "thanksgiving"
that we should do each day of our Christian experience. Let us
BIBLE MONITOR
understand how thanksgiving is even a special part of Communion
as it is in all aspects of the Christian life.
Brother Len Wertz
OUR THANKFUL FOREPARENTS
Our faithful foreparents proved their thankfulness to the Lord by
their words and deeds. We cannot prove ourselves to be thankful
to the Lord and not be obedient to the Lord's commandments.
Our foreparents who first came to America experienced many
hardships. They did not have the food and clothing to maintain
good health. Through the shortage of the necessities of life the
first winter they were here many of their number died. Those who
remained in the Spring of the year labored and planted seeds.
Through their labor and the blessings of sunshine and rain, in the
Fall of the year they received a bountiful harvest. Through their
thankful hearts a day was proclaimed special for thanksgiving to
the Lord.
Are we also aware of the fact thanksgiving to the Lord is a daily
duty for us. We hear that in many countries in the world there is a
shortage of the necessities of life to maintain good well being,
while in our country much good food is wasted and destroyed that
should be shared with the needy. Here in this country we are
usually blessed with a bountiful harvest. Do we appreciate it? Are
we thankful as we should be for it? Are we proving to the Lord we
are thankful to Him by being obedient to Him?
The Psalmist David gives many exhortations to be thankful to the
Lord. "Enter into his 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
generations."
First, before we can truly give thanks and before God will accept
it as such it must come from the heart and not just be an expression
from our lips. True thanksgiving to the Lord is an humble
submissive spirit realizing our continual dependence upon our
Lord who has bountifully blessed us. Christ gave us an example of
thankfulness to the Lord. Paul says to continue in prayer and
watch in the same with thanksgiving and with thanksgiving let your
requests be known unto the Lord.
We are showered with many blessings, the gift of our good
minds, shelter and food. When I was in Florida the past winter, the
news report was that more than a thousand homeless people were
living in the city of Tampa. When cold spells came churches and
public buildings were opened for them to get in out of the cold. Yet
10 BIBLE MONITOR
we are more comfortably blessed in this country than they are in
many other countries in the world.
James says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from
above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no
variableness, neither shadow of turning." Paul tells us that God is
the father of mercy, the originator of mercy and us rich in mercy.
We have good reason to be thankful for it. We should be thankful
that we have religious liberty and freedom so we can continue to
worship the Lord according to His Holy Word.
To be truly the people of God we must be obedient to Him, giving
thanks, praise and honor to Him. Thanksgiving Day is a day
especially for thanksgiving for the spiritual and temporal blessings
we have to enjoy. The Psalmist David exhorts, "Oh that men would
praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to
the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of
thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing." I will praise
the name of God with a song and will magnify Him with thanks-
giving.
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
David reminds us of many things we owe to the Lord.
We have great reason to be thankful for our faithful foreparents
who fled from religious persecutions and came to America where
they could worship according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
They felt thankful for this opportunity. Through their thankful
hearts a special day was proclaimed for Thanksgiving to the Lord
for the many blessings and protection. It has been handed from
one generation to another for about three hundred and seventy five
years. Praise the Lord that it is yet nationally respected.
We who have lived many years on this earth have seen many
changes among professing Christians who prove they are unthank-
ful to the Lord and unholy. Many have departed from the way of
our faithful foreparents and the saving gospel of Christ. Wicked-
ness is much worse now than it was many years ago. Our country
years ago was called a Christian nation. I do not think we can truly
call it that today. These changes that have taken place are
contributing to the downfall of our nation. If we are unfaithful and
untrue to the Lord we cannot be thankful to Him.
The Apostle Paul said to continue in prayer and watch in the
same with thanksgiving, being enriched in everything to all bounti-
fulness which cometh through our thanksgiving to God. For every
creature of God is good and nothing to be refused if it is received
with thanksgiving. We have many blessings to be thankful for. The
BIBLE MONITOR 11
most important is to accept the blessings of God in this life that go
on to eternity. Have we accepted them so we can prove ourselves
and we can prove to be thankful for them?
John the Revelator says "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive
glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and
for thy pleasure they are and were created." "And when those
beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the
throne, who liveth for ever and ever." "For the Lamb which is in the
midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living
fountains of waters..." "Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and
wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be
unto our God for ever and ever. Amen."
Brother J. F. Marks
RD 3 Box 509
York, PA 17402
THE DOCTRINE OF THE
DUNKARD BRETHREN CHURCH
1.
"I love thy CHURCH, O God
Is a song we often sing,
Matt. 16:18 This is the CHURCH on earth
To which I want to cling.
2.
Her aim is to obey GOD'S WORD
M John 6 As the BIBLE tells us to do,
Prov. 22:28 We follow the same true teachings
Jude 3 As our foreparents taught us to do.
3
Romans 12:1-2 . . . .We believe in a separation
I John 2:16 From worldly lust and pride,
n Amone i0 . Q We want to bluff old Satan
Romans 12:9 A . . 1( _ ol ,~, ..
And cling to JESUS' side.
4.
Titus 1:9 The BIBLE is a book that's true
Without a word of doubt,
II Tim. 2:15 If we study it in faith-believing
We'll learn what it's all about.
5.
I John 4:1 There are many interpretations
As to the meaning of GOD'S WORD,
We, of the DUNKARD BRETHREN are
John 12:26 Simply trying to follow the LORD.
1? BIBLE MONITOR
6.
BAPTISM
I Cor - 5:22 To become free from the ADAMIC sin
Acts 22:16 Jesus showed us how to do it,
Matt 3-16-17 We're to be immersed THREE TIMES in water
In the name of the FATHER, SON and
HOLY SPIRIT.
7.
We go under the water a sinner
II Cor. 5:17-18 Coming out, we're a new creature in CHRIST,
Romans 6:3-4 Old sins and old things are passed away
We now are reconciled to our Maker.
8.
Thus begins our SPIRITUAL journey
From our BAPTISM to our DEATH,
Matt. 6:33 We must put first things first
That is what the GOOD BOOK saith.
9.
' Tim - 4:16 We now will consider our DOCTRINE
We accept it in the BIBLE as given,
^ ohn 15:14 GOD wants us to obey HIS commands
Matt 16:27 Then HE'LL reward us a home in HEAVEN.
- Brother Paul R. Myers
THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINES
The Door Into the Church
J. H. Moore
The entrance into the church, or the kingdom, is by the way of
the new birth. One gets into the church, - the family of God on
earth, — by being born into it. In this connection the law of
adoption must be considered, for God so decreed that "as many as
received him, to them gave he the right to become children of
God " (John 1:12, R.V.) That is, to "receive the adoption of sons."
And because ye are sons," says Paul in Gal. 4:6, "God hath sent
forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts."
The process of the new birth, and the process of spiritual
adoption are measurably the same. The Word of truth, the Spirit
the Father and the Son, along with baptism, and the steps leading
up to baptism, figure in both. Baptism, however, is the outward or
visible act, while the Spirit baptism is the inward, or invisible act
The penitent believers, who undergo this process, — born of water
and of the Spirit, - enter through the door into the church and
BIBLE MONITOR 13
thereby become the adopted sons and daughters of God. It is then
that the Spirit can and will bear witness with their spirit that they
are the children of God (Rom. 8:16). The whole initiatory process,
that admits men and women into the church of Jesus Christ, is
included, from first to last, in and along with the new birth. To be
born again, is to enter the church. And if, what Jesus said to
Nicodemus is true, and it is, then there is no other divinely-
appointed way of entering the kingdom of God on earth.
PRAYER
"Not my will but thine be done." I believe the greatest benefit I
receive from prayer is how it calms and heals those terrible
heartaches. When I feel I am all alone and forsaken, if I go to Him
in prayer I feel He is near and will help me over these trying times.
Teach me, Dear Lord, to be kind and forgiving to those, who have
not been kind to me. Whatever my lot shall be, in all events,
especially, in trying times, when I am almost at wits end, help me,
Dear Lord, to put self aside and look to you as you are always near
in time of trouble. Thou hast been my guide and hast never
forsaken me.
May I be able to hide all my heartaches and the terrible pain I
feel. Help me to be the only one who suffers. Help me to use these
pains of suffering that come my way to be more like Thee. Help me
Lord, at all times, to strive to live close to the pattern you have set
for your dear ones to follow. Guard my tongue that I speak no evil
of any one but only the things that will build up in the Holy Faith. I
realize I have no better friend than You.
If we are united together as dear brothers and sisters, we as a
Church will not fall. We will be led to the Rock that is higher than
we are, which is Christ Jesus. We must be filled with things from
on high. If we are we won't see or find fault with anyone else. Help
us, dear Lord, to search our own lives before we speak something
that we know will hurt another dear soul.
Create in me a loving disposition and always be willing in my
heart to forgive those who say things that are wrong. Let me show
to the world that I am a child of the Most High.
If I become angry I cannot say the things I should. I don't even
think wisely. Help me to turn to Thee, Dear Lord, the one who can
calm my soul. When I come to the Dear Lord for help my emotions
are brought under control.
Dear ones, when we are tempted to say or do something not
right, we should fall upon our knees. Trouble will cease and tears
may fall but angry words won't be spoken. Let us guard our
thoughts and only do the things that are pleasing to our Heavenly
14 BIBLE MONITOR
Father. He will guide us safely through till He sees fit to call us
Home. There we will not be judged by those who claim to love us,
but by Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Sister E. M. Alltus
MARRIAGES
HAWBAKER-TRONE
Sister Judith Ann Hawbaker, daughter of J. Kenneth and Dorothy
Hawbaker, and Brother Edward Trone, son of Kathleen Smith and
the late Alvin Trone were united in holy matrimony on August 15,
1987 at the Dallas Center Dunkard Brethren Church.
Brother Robert Yohe had the meditation after which Brother
Ronald Marks performed the marriage ceremony.
Their new home address is: RFD #21 Box 106, Apt. #2, Dover,
Pennsylvania 17315.
ZIMMERMAN - NOECKER
Sis. Joy Zimmerman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Zimmerman,
Rehrersburg, Pennsylvania and Bro. Nathan Noecker, son of Bro.
and Sis. Paul Noecker, Sr., Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania were united
in marriage September 5, by Bro. David Aungst. Their address is:
941 Port Carbon Street, Apt. 4, Pottsville, Pennsylvania 17901.
OBITUARY
CHESTER L. WELCH
Bro. Chester L. Welch, Keyser, West Virginia died suddenly
August 31, 1987 at the age of 65 years. He was the son of the late
David A. and Sarah Lee Welch.
Bro. Welch retired from the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in
1984 after thirty-eight years of employment. He was a veteran of
World War II.
He was a member of Ridge Dunkard Brethren Church, where he
served as deacon. Surviving are his widow, Sis. Lessie (Likens)
Welch; one daughter, Bonnie Sauille, Round Hill, Virginia; one son,
Gary L. Welch, Keyser, West Virginia; six grandchildren; one
brother, Howard Welch, Keyser, West Virginia and three sisters,
Virginia Dawson and Grace Kesner, Keyser, West Virginia and
Georgianna Kelly, Baltimore, Maryland.
Services were conducted on September 3 at Rotrucks Funeral
Home by Elder Virgil Leatherman and Elder Eugene Kauffman.
Interment was in Davis Cemetery at Antioch, West Virginia.
He will be greatly missed. We will just say good-bye here and
good morning over there.
BIBLE MONITOR 15
NEWS ITEM
BETHEL, PENNSYLVANIA
The Bethel Congregation enjoyed revival meetings, September
14through 27 with Elder Fred Pifer, Dallas Center, Iowa bringing to
us uplifting, spirit-filled messages. We pray that we may be "doers
of the word and not hearers only." There were two precious souls
who gave their lives to Christ during these meetings.
We were happy to have the fellowship of Sister Diane and
children, Andrea, Jonathan and Emily during these meetings.
May God richly bless Bro. Fred as he ministers for the Lord.
Lovefeast services were held October 24. Messages were
brought to us by Brethren: Eugene Kauffman, Kenneth Wilkerson,
David Aungst and Scott Bross. Bro. Kauffman officiated in the
evening.
Sister Fern Kegerreis, Cor.
THANK YOU
Dear Brethren and Sisters,
I don't have the words to express my appreciation and thanks for
all the beautiful cards, notes and flowers that I received for my
birthday.
It has been a wonderful blessing to me, and may God bless each
and everyone of you. There is a verse of song that is special to me.
When shall love freely flow
Pure as lifes river?
When shall sweet friendship glow
Change-less forever?
Where joys celestial thrill,
Where bliss each heart shall fill,
And fears of parting chill -
Never - no never!
In Christian love,
Sister Clara Gunderman
•••••••
If a man covets, he steals. If a man has murderous hate, he
murders. If a man broods dishonest thoughts, he is a thief. If a
man harbors sharp and bitter jealousies, envies, hatreds, though he
never express them by his tongue, or shape them by his hand, they
are there. There are many good-seeming men, who, if all their
day's thoughts and feelings were to be developed into acts visible
to the eye, would run from themselves.
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
Jacob C. Ness, Chairman
136 Homeland Rd.
York, PA 17403
Hayes Reed, Secretary
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Herman Jamison, Treasurer
Quinter. KS 67752
Frank Shaffer
13092 Grant Shook Rd.
Greencastle, PA 17225
Robert Carpenter
R. 5 Box 97
Peru, IN 46970
Joseph E. Flora
R. 3 Box 12
Adel, IA 50003
Galen Litfin
1314 East 7th St.
Newberg, OR 97132
H. Edward Johnson
1307-S.H. 108
Wauseon, OH 43567
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
1307^S.H. 108
Wauseon, Ohio 43567
Allen B. Eberly
R. 3
Ephrafa, PA 17522
Paul Stump
10340 N. Diamond Mill Road
Englewood, OH 45322
BIBLE STUDY BOARD
Eugene Kauffman, Chairman
R. 3 Box 51
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801
Dennis St. John, Secretary
21397-B50
Bryan, Ohio 43506
Fred Pifer, Treasurer
R. 3 Box 184
Adel, IA 50003
Rudolph Cover
2034 Roble Avenue
Modesto, CA 95354
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St.
Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340
RELIEF BOARD
Boyd Wyatt, Chairman
12124 Washington Rd.
Waterford, CA 95386
(209) 874-3519
Martin Meyers, Secretary
R. 3 Box 250
Adel, IA 50003
(515) 993-3026
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender St,
Morenci, Ml 49256
(517) 458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 N. Queen St,
Littlestown, PA 17340
(717) 359-5753
Tom Jamison
R. 2 Box 30
Hoxie, KS 67740
(913) 675-3600
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
David Skiles, Superintendent
R. 2 Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
Harley Flory, Secretary
27505 Flory Rd. R. 4
Defiance, Ohio 43512
Marlin Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, Kansas 67752
James Meyers
R. 1 Box 109
Dallas Center, IA 50063
Larry Andrews
312 East Coleman
Raymore, Missouri 64083
AH contributions to the various Boards
shouid be made out to the Treasury, but
sent to the Secretary for his records.
Fau! G u
>40 N. Diamond Mill
Uni on , OH 45322
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
DECEMBER 1, 1987
VOL. LXV
NO. 23
"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 CHURCH'S ONE FOUNDATION
The Church's one foundation Is Jesus Christ her Lord;
She is His new creation, By water and the word:
From heav'n He came and sought her To be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her, And for her life He died.
Elect from ev'ry nation, Yet one o'er all the earth;
Her charter of salvation, One Lord, one Faith, one Birth;
One holy Name she blesses, Partakes one holy food;
And to one hope she presses, With ev'ry grace endued.
Tho' with a scornful wonder Men see her sore oppre'st,
By schisms rent asunder, By heresies distrest;
Yet saints their watch are keeping, Their cry goes up "How long? ,:
And soon the night of weeping Shall be the morn of song.
Mid toil and tribulation, And tumult of her war,
She waits the consummation Of peace for evermore;
Till with the vision glorious Her longing eyes are blest,
And the great Church victorious, Shall be the Church at rest.
- Samuel J. Stone
BIBLE MONITOR
THE GOLDEN CANDLESTICK
The Bible has many symbols, illustrations and parables. These
figurative descriptions help us grasp the Spiritual lessons God
wishes for us to learn. Having created us He realizes the limitations
of our minds. We can not easily perceive the various Spiritual
lessons He has for us, therefore He uses these symbols to relate
Spiritual truths to the everyday objects and activities we are
familiar with.
The ordinances of the Church are easily performed acts that
teach Spiritual truths. Feet washing is not designed to literally
clean our brother's feet, but is an act that pictures humble service
and the cleansing needed to overcome our daily sins. The Lord's
Supper is more than a body refreshing meal. It is fellowship shared
in a common meal. It also speaks of a Heavenly Meal where Jesus
will come forth to serve the redeemed. The Communion is more
than a bite of unleavened bread and a sip of juice. These symbols
speak of the broken body and spilled blood of Jesus. Communion
is a union of believers who collectively and individually have been
saved through Jesus Christ's death on the cross.
There are other ordinances and many other symbols throughout
the Bible. They are lessons for us. One such picture that is simple
yet contains lessons for us is in Revelation 1.
A preliminary part of John's vision concerned a golden, seven
branched candlestick. While each branch is referred to as a
candlestick, the inference is that there were not seven separate
candlesticks but one candlestick with seven branches. This is the
traditional "menorah" that was used in the tabernacle and temple
of the Jews. The seven branches were arra nged so six surrounded
THE BIBLE MONITOR DECEMBER 1, 1987
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard
Brethren Church in the plant of Glanz Printing, Inc., 4017 Co. Rd. 11,
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 Street, 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 Rob.le Ave., Modesto, CA 95351
BIBLE MONITOR
the middle branch. These six were located so there were three
pairs of two. Each pair was at a different height and angle. From
above this would appear as a six pointed star.
Each branch was needed to light its area. It gave its light at its
particular height and angle. Lacking any one of the branches
would have made it incomplete. This candlestick, representing the
Seven Churches of Asia, is a lesson concerning congregations.
Each congregation is important, for it is needed to light up its area.
Even a feeble light is better than no light at all. We would hope that
each light would be strong and bright, piercing the darkness and
gloom of each locality. Since each branch represents a congre-
gation, we see the several parts making up one complete body.
While each congregation has its own organization, officers and
officials, it is in conjunction with other congregations that it
becomes a total lamp. The Church is composed of its several
congregations. Each supplies its part in its place but it is not
complete without the others. All the congregations together make
up the Church, making a union of light to overcome the darkness.
Our concept of a candlestick would differ from the candlestick
pictured here. We think of candles placed in a holder at the top of
each branch. But this candlestick was more like a lamp, for at the
top of each branch was a small basin that contained oil. This oil
provided the fuel for the fire that made the light. This oil is likened
throughout the Bible to the Holy Spirit. Without the oil there would
be not light. Without the Holy Spirit there would be no reliable
witness within each congregation. The Holy Spirit must direct in
each congregation or there will be no true Gospel light. If the oil is
tainted or gone, there will be no light.
John saw in his vision not only the candlestick but in its midst
was Jesus, appearing gloriously. Although in the midst of the well
lit candlestick, He outshone the surrounding lights. Jesus must be
the center of all the activities of the Church. It is so easy for the
Church and its individual congregations to go off on tangents
instead of keeping Jesus and Him crucified as the central theme
and concern. There can be many activities that are good but do not
promote Jesus. There can be much busyness but little of lasting
value done if Jesus is not given the preeminent place He deserves
in the Church. Causes, campaigns and misplaced concerns can
rob the Church of the light she should be shining forth. When the
Church's light is dimmed, there is no other light to replace it.
Society and government programs and plans do not have the oil of
the Holy Spirit nor do they put Christ foremost, so they cannot give
the light that only the Church has.
This light is the Gospel given to save men's souls and to prepare
them for Heaven. It must shine bright for there is so much
BIBLE MONITOR
darkness. Each congregation and each individual within the
congregation have a part to play so the light will be bright. Is your
light fired by the Holy Spirit and centered in Jesus Christ? Let your
little light shine.
BURIED IN THE BARNYARD
"A young boy unintentionally shot and killed the family's pet
duck. He then tried to cover up the matter by burying the duck in
the barnyard. The hired man had seen him and proceeded to make
the boy's life miserable by demanding that he do the hired man's
work, or he would tell on the boy. This boy was afraid to confess,
and began avoiding his father, until the hired man's demands
became intolerable. Finally he confessed the mistake and received
his father's forgiveness."
The preceding illustration was given at West Fulton Church by
the Sunday School superintendent. Many thoughts came to mind
as I listened, about the accident, then the cover-up. There was also
the boy's distress caused by the hired man, and the alienation from
his father. It was like a chain-reaction, all stemming from a
moment of thoughtlessness. The boy's big problem was fear. He
was afraid to face the matter and his attempts to avoid exposure
just caused him more suffering.
Burying the duck didn't eliminate the problem. Covering up our
mistakes in one way or another doesn't solve our problems either.
We may not have a 'hired man' to accuse us and make us miserable,
but we will be alienated from our Father in Heaven. Fellowship with
Him is a must, and we'll not be where we should be when we try to
bury our mistakes.
Sometimes we bury our 'ducks' by lack of confession. Some-
times it is by justifying our carelessness, or blaming our actions on
someone else. Other times it happens because of our ignorance of
God's ways. Whatever the reason, it interferes with our spiritual
lives — in fellowship, in personal growth, in our testimony. When
we have 'ducks' buried here and there, God always knows, people
may know, and sometime we'll have to face those issues.
A contractor did some work on a new house. Certain things
weren't done correctly and repairs needed to be made. Instead of
offering to make the repairs, the contractor complained about a
few dollars extra expense. He wanted to take a shortcut to avoid
the extra cost, rather than do the rest of the work correctly. In
attempting to bury a duck, he just made matters worse. This man is
a professing Christian, his life touches many people, but Christian
service won't cover up his carelessness on the job.
We cannot draw a line between Christian work, and business or
BIBLE MONITOR
other everyday activities. Christian living is just what it says —
living everyday in every way for Christ. It means making right our
wrongs, rather than attempting to hide them. A loud profession of
faith in God is worthless unless we live it day by day. We can bury
stuff in the barnyard, but eventually we'll have to face it. People
may not know whether we've buried a duck or a pig, but they will
know something is wrong.
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another,
that ye may be healed." James 5:16. The boy was healed and made
whole again when he confessed to his father. The hired man
should have encouraged the boy to make things right in the
beginning. He should have supported him, but instead he added to
the problem. If we encourage each other to do right and hold one
another up in prayer, it will be so much easier for us to come to
God (and man if necessary) for forgiveness when we need to.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1 :9. Jesus
said to confess our sins, not bury them. When this boy openly
admitted his mistake, then he could receive forgiveness from his
father. We need to come to God likewise so He can grant us
forgiveness and renewal.
In Psalm 51 , David prayed for mercy and for cleansing. He was
truthful with God about his sins, and asked to be renewed spirit-
ually. He asked also to have joy restored to him. David wanted
open communication between himself and God, with nothing
'buried in the barnyard'. If you have something buried, bring it to
Jesus so He can forgive you, and restore you to fellowship with
Him. Facing what you've done is the only way to peace. Don't bury
your ducks!
Sister Eileen Broadwater
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Prayers of Intercession
We might frequently hear a prayer like this... "Lord, bless, Harry,
Amen." This individual may have a special need. He might have a
temper and need special grace in that area. If he has a temper...
pray for his need of patience, for a soft tongue, for a waiting heart.
How much of our praying do we encase in the phase, "Lord,
bless So-and-So. Amen!" We sometimes seem to beat around the
bush and the bush might not be burning with the Lord's presence
because of vaguely voiced prayer. If we are going to pray
effectively as an intercesser, then we are going to know specific
and detailed needs of those for whom we are praying. This might
BIBLE MONITOR
well be the reason why we are instructed to confess to each other...
that we might be aware of special needs and that our prayers might
key in to those needs.
We have to know each other well and we who are members of
relatively small churches should be able to do that. We need to
study characteristics, natures, spirits... not as critics... but out of
genuine care. We can know the "what" of praying only as we
acquaint ourselves with conditions, plans, and conflicts in the lives
of others. And there are times we may need to approach our prayer
with a pencil and paper if we can't remember the special needs of
others. All the length and breadth and depth and height of the love
of God is available to us if we only care enough to get specific.
The foundation of interceding is based on several convictions.
These are that Jesus knew that "the Father had given ail things into
His hands," that "He was come from God," and that He "went to
God." We would not ask for someone or something unless we
believe that all God has is for our appropriation. We have to
"believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently
seek him." We can't ask unless we have assurance that we are a
part of His family and that we are asking through Christ's merits
alone. Our promise of everlasting life gives us the final motive for
caring about others with whom we will spend eternity.
Intercession produces fruit! It is actually a sacrificial experience
as we spend time on behalf of others and it brings joy to our lives as
we are reassured at the power of God as we see Him working. It
takes grace and consecration to spend disciplined hours in prayer
for the care of others.
The way to pray is set forth in Eph. 6:18. It is "praying always"...
whenever names or needs appear before our thoughts. It is a
diligent and disciplined watch behind the closed door of our prayer
closet. It is praying whenever we have freedom of heart and mind...
even if our hands are in dish water or our feet are pacing the factory
floor.
We need a genuine claiming of the promises of the Lord. This
will come from living in the Spirit with Spirit-placed burdens.
Prayer is to be accompanied by "watching" and recognizing the
fact that Satan will attempt to lead you into careless and indifferent
prayer attitudes. He speaks to you of futile results, and makes you
question the time spent. He keeps you busy and makes you put
prayer needs second in priority.
Prayer must be "with perseverance." Don't neglect to continue
to plead, knock, and boldly beseech about the needs you pray for.
The Lord's Prayer in John 17 gives us some words which we can
voice as ours for intercessory prayer. These include petitions that
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Jesus will be glorified through the answer, that the Word will be
kept by it, that it will keep them in Him, that they will experience
joy, that they will be kept from evil and that they will be yielded
vessels and receptive to God's working in their lives.
Pray in intercession for the church... that it might function in
heavenly places above circumstances, defeats, selves, sins,
cultures, customs and traditions. Pray that the confusing hap-
penings of our age might not affect the church but that it will grow
in the grace and knowledge of God's truth.
An additional intercessory prayer guide is found in the Book of
Acts. If you were to go through and underline each mention of
prayer there and then notice that immediate results followed each
prayer, your faith would be greatly increased. This, too, gives us a
guide to pray for similar things concerning other believers and the
church. It will place the difficult problems of life on the shoulders
of the One who can adequately and perfectly handle them.
If we increase our prayers of intercession, our church and other
people will be blessed richly and will receive the victory. In times of
trial, conflict, captivity, weakness and vulnerability... Jesus will give
grace. In times of a need for understanding and forgiveness, Jesus
will be faithfully present. In times of great tragedy, heartache and
upheaval, Jesus will bring peace. Let us make intercession for the
saints according to the will of God from our hearts. Let there be
miracles!
Brother Len Wertz
THE MYSTERY AND REALITY OF PRAYER
Matthew 6:7-8, "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the
heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much
speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father
knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him."
Matthew 7:7-8, "Ask, and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall
find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for everyone that
asketh receiveth: and he that seeketh findeth: and to him that
knocketh it shall be opened."
Many times in this life we find that we can give a good theological
answer to certain questions without "really giving an answer." This
was brought to my mind some time ago when my daughter asked
me why God made man. She then followed this question with a
harder one. If God wanted to make mankind, why didn't He just
make us in Heaven instead of making us go through all the
problems we have on earth? For a thirteen year old girl I felt she
was asking questions that those more mature and wise in the faith
would have a hard time answering. When I say this keep in mind
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my opening statement.
We have come to the conclusion that God does not desire for us
to fully understand all of the wonderous truths of scripture, but to
accept these truths and apply them to our lives. One of the areas
that contains much mystery is the area of prayer. As our opening
verse teaches, the Father already knows all of our needs before we
ask him. The question could then very well be asked, "Then what is
the use of praying?" Not only does God know all of our needs but
according to Philippians 4:19, "But my God shall supply all your
need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Again we
have to ask if God knows all of our needs and will then supply
them, why pray? It is our opinion that this question cannot be fully
answered, although as we stated there are theological answers that
can be given.
There is at least one other mystery that comes to mind in the area
of prayer. Why does it seem like brothers and sisters agreeing in
prayer have "more power" than a single individual lifting his voice
to Heaven? We do not wish to get into the area of "special gifts"
that are claimed by certain individuals except to say this is another
area of mystery and great controversy in the modern earthly
church.
Before we discuss the reality of prayer, we wish to express our
concern that some individuals seem to think that God is some kind
of a puppet that has to "act when we pull the strings" by prayer.
Jesus Christ did promise us in Matthew 21'22, "And all things,
whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." We,
personally, do not believe Jesus Christ was giving us a "blank
check" as some teach. Rather, we are convinced that we must
understand what Jesus meant by "believing." It is our under-
standing that the answer is given in I John 5:14, "And this is the
confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according
to his will, he heareth us." If we truly believe we will be willing to
accept His answer and not what we desire or think best. James 4:3
reminds us that we can pray wrongly, "Ye ask, and receive not,
because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts."
But in spite of the fact that God knows our needs and we have to
accept what He sees as best for us, we are still commanded in
many portions of scripture, including our second verse, to ask Him
in prayer. We can not fully comprehend all that is involved, and we
will not take the time to go into the various theological under-
standings, but we can personally testify that God does answer
prayer! We were once again thrilled to hear the testimony of Bro.
Paul Hartz, who, the doctors told, would spend the better part of his
life in a wheel chair and probably die at an early age. But he has
passed the age given and is preaching and walking without any aid.
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We too have experienced the healing touch of God on our life. Why
God chooses to heal some and not others is not for us to debate.
We just praise Him for His goodness and love. There are those who
say that if God still heals today we should go into the hospitals and
heal all the sick therein. First of all, we believe God's healing is
reserved for His own born again children. In the second place,
Jesus Christ did not heal every sick person He came info contact
with, as some suggest. In John 5:3 we find that Christ came into
contact with "a great multitude of impotent folk." Yet He chose to
heal only ONE of these. The record says that Jesus went to him,
not vice versa. We will leave the "why?" in the wisdom of almighty
God. But this proves to us that God does not always choose to heal
everyone. On the other hand, we believe James 5 is for us today.
If you are unsaved the greatest answer to prayer is the salvation
of the soul. In fact, this is the only prayer God has promised to
answer for you. Confess that you are a poor lost sinner and the
blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse you from sin. We are also
commanded to be baptized. If you are a child of God seek Him in
prayer on a daily basis. Do not wait for an emergency. But when
tragedy does strike be assured that our prayers are always
answered. Ask, seek, and knock. If the answer is not given not it
will be in eternity. As we join our hearts in prayer we are truly a
communion of Saints and our Saviour, Jesus Christ, joins us along
with the Holy Spirit. Our Heavenly Father smiles His approval and
thus we are truly "one with the Holy trinity."
God answers prayer in the morning,
God answers prayer at noon,
God answers prayer in the evening,
So keep your heart in tune.
So says the hymn writer. We would add our, "Hallelujah, Praise the
Lord."
James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078
THE DOCTRINE OF THE
DUNKARD BRETHREN CHURCH
NON-CONFORMITY
10.
When we unite with GOD'S people
There are certain things we must do,
We're not to be conformed to this world
We now have a mind that's renewed.
Romans 12:1-2
1° BIBLE MONITOR
11.
We have denounced SATAN and SIN
Romans 61-6 And a " the world| y ,u sts and strife,
We now have our CHRIST to obey
As we walk in newness of life.
12.
We now should be SPIRITUALLY minded
Romans 8:8-9 And obe Y the WORDS of our LORD,
We are to be led by HIS SPIRIT
And obey, all our life, GOD'S WORD.
13.
When CHRISTIANS don't go where the world goes
I Peter 4:2-5 The world is made to wonder "Why not",
They think it strange we don't go
To the same excess of riot.
14.
Picture shoes, card parties and dances
John 15:18-19 . . . Beer joints, gambling dens and more,
1 John 3:13 • Are places a CHRISTIAN stays away from
If he hopes to gain HEAVEN'S shore.
15.
If we love these things of the world
' John 2:15 The love of the FATHER is not in us,
Matt - 24:41 On that awful great judgment day
HE'LL say, "Depart from me, you must."
- Brother Paul R. Myers
MARVEL NOT, MY BRETHREN,
IF THE WORLD HATE YOU
Jesus told His disciples that the world hated Him before it hated
them. (John 15:18) The Apostle John tells us in I John 3:13 not to
be surprised if the world hates us. We have had this scripture
become very real to us in many instances, especially in recent
years. God always knows what is best for us, even when we do not
The persecution of the world is not pleasant, but it is needful for
many reasons.
First, it establishes whether or not we are truly on the Lord's side
It determines our first loye. The person who has not fully sold out
to God will return to the world when persecution arrives upon the
scene God knows this. Read in the Book of Job about the
struggle between good and evil. Job was tested and found faithful
There are many who as youth are pressured into "joining church "
But for many this only means standing up after an invitation to do
BIBLE MONITOR 11
so in a meeting. Little else happens. There is no genuine con-
version, henceforth when trouble comes, the soul of the individual
soon reverts to its previous condition. There are millions of people
in our country today who consider themselves to be Christians but
have never been converted. A siege of persecution, such as
happened in Russia when the communists took over in 1917, would
soon divide the sheep from the goats. It costs something to be a
Christian in Russia today.
Secondly, persecution is needful because it strengthens our faith
in God. Job was drawn closer to God in his misery because he
realized he could not hang onto the earthly things that he had
before. Many Christians acquire riches and finery over the years
and gradually substitute the trust, that they had in God, to those
things. When the rich young ruler asked Jesus, "What lack I yet?",
Jesus told him to give his riches to the poor. He went away
sorrowful because he loved his riches more than he loved Jesus.
Christians must realize that they have no continuing city. They are
only passing through this veil of tears. They are going to a better
place. Many live as if they plan on staying forever. They know
nothing of sharing their possessions with those in greater need.
The widow who gave the two mites gave her all, not just of her
abundance. Those who sail the sea in giant luxury liners can hide
in their cabin and partake of the finest and the best there is. When
one's floating in a tiny rubber raft with only a few others, one must
act differently towards them: one must be a brother towards them
and they to you. We can choose to live like the world and be selfish
and greedy as they are, or we can be like Jesus, our example, who
had nothing when He came into the world and had nothing when
He left. He went about doing good.
We read in Matthew 13 the parable of the sower. We find that
when seed is sown among thorns, the cares of this world and the
deceitfulness of riches choke out the Word and it becomes unfruit-
ful. Persecution will either draw us closer to the Lord or cause us
to revert to the world.
Thirdly, persecution is necessary because it keeps the sincere
soul from slipping back into the world. With persecution we are
constantly reminded of the decision we made for God and how we
must continue daily in Him. When the world hates us it shows us
that we do not belong in that sphere any more, even though we still
live here. Believe it or not, the world can tell if you are a Christian
or not by how much you gravitate toward them. I Peter 4:4 says
they think it strange that you run not with them to the same excess
of riot, SPEAKING EVIL OF YOU. This is because we judge their
evil deeds when we do not participate in them. They would love it if
we joined with them, because it would show them that there is
1? BIBLE MONITOR
nothing to our salvation. It is important that you as a Christian
never give the world an opportunity to reach that conclusion.
Lynn Hayes Miller
RD #2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
SIXTY YEARS AGO
December 1, 1927
ONE HUNDRED PER CENT CHRISTIAN
J. F. Britton
How wonderful! yet true; we find in the history and biography of
all the great men and women of the Bible that they all passed
through some excruciating ordeal or crucible, in which they were
thoroughly tested and found to be one hundred per cent true and
genuine in faith and loyalty to their God. Daniel, Shadrach
Mechach and Abednego, for their faith and fidelity to their God
were thoroughly tested out through a severe trial and found to be
one hudred per cent true to their God. Abraham and Job passed
through the fiery crucible and were found to be one hundred per
cent genuine in both principle and character. Somehow it seems to
be Gods way of testing and purifying men for his use "Geth-
semane" was a trial through which Jesus passed and was found to
be one hundred per cent genuine in his Messiahship.
In that wonderful vision that John had on the Isle of Patmos
when it seemed that God pulled the curtain back that John could
see all the Redeemed of God coming up to receive their retri-
butions. "After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no
man could number, of all nations, and kindreds and people and
tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed
with white robes, and palms in their hands: and cried with a loud
voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne
and unto the Lamb. And all the Angels stood round about the
throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the
throne on their faces, and worshiped God, saying amen: Blessinq
and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving and honor, and power'
and might, be unto our God for ever and ever, Amen. And one of
the elders answered, saying unto me, what are these which are
arrayed in white robes? And whence came they? And I said unto
him, Sir, thou knowest, and he said to me, These are they which
came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and
made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (Rev. 7-9-14) Thus we
see this great host of the faithful followers of Christ coming out of
the fiery trials of great sufferings and found worthy to stand before
BIBLE MONITOR 13
the Lamb, with palms of victory in their hands.
No wonder David said with an exclamation, "Lord, who shall
abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that
walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the
truth in his heart." (Ps. 15:1-2) And in Ps. 24 we read, "Who shall
ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy
place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart: who hath not
lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully." (Ps. 24:3-4)
These texts of Scripture denote and demand one hundred per cent
of not only a pure heart, but also a sterling and unimpeachable life
and character.
No wonder Paul wrote saying, "What? Know ye not that your
body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have
of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price:
therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are
God's." (I Cor. 6:19-20)
So God has ordained, that his people must be purified and
cleansed of all moral and Spiritual polutions that disqualify our
bodies, of the Holy Spirit, from having its free course, both to do
and to will of his good pleasure in us." It is wonderful how God
works in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform.
We read and hear so much talk of late of the church passing
through a great transition, and that we must adjust ourselves to the
general trend of modern ideas. But God changes not. Jesus said,
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass
away." (Matt. 24:35) "For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your
thoughts." (Isa. 55:9) And as God is from everlasting to everlasting
the same unchangeable Being in whom there is no variableness,
nor shadow of turning, the same yesterday, today and forever.
Therefore his word changes not.
Hence it occurs to the writer that it is today as it was in the days
of Zechariah, "And it shall come to pass that in all the land, saith
the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third
shall be left therein, And I will bring the third part through the fire,
and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is
tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hearthem: I will say, It is
my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God." (Zech. 13:8-9)
This Scripture has under consideration a reformed people purified
and tried through the Refiner's fire, that they may be one hundred
per cent Christian. "Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver:
I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." (Isa. 48:10)
Hence it is perfection and holiness that our Lord wants in his
people, "That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not
having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it shall be whole
14 BIBLE MONITOR
and without blemish." (Eph. 5:27) For we have not been redeemed
with silver and gold, but with the fiery trials and the atoning blood
of Jesus Christ.
And too, we should appreciate the cruel mockery and suffering
of the crown of thorns that pierced his brow, till his blood ran down
his face, that we might wear a crown of glory. And think of the
misery of those nails driven through his hands and feet and the
awful spear that was thrust into his side, that opened that atoning
fountain for sin and all uncleaness.
This was God's way and there is no other way but his way. For
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh
unto the Father, but by me." (John 15:6) "Neither is there salvation
in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given
among men, whereby we might be saved." (Acts 4:12)
These Scriptures along with many others should awaken and
strengthen our faith in our God, and inspire loving obedience and
loyalty to "Him, who gave himself for us that he might redeem us
from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous
of good works." (Titus 2:14) And whereby render us one hundred
per cent Christians.
FOOD
In Luke 11:11 we read; "If a son shall ask bread of any of you that
is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a
fish give him a serpent?" I am sure each of us would give our
children the best we have. We, as parents, are very concerned
about the ones we bring into this world. Let us feed them food that
will nourish them. Let us guide them in the way of right and bring
them up in the way of the Lord.
Let us correct them when they do things that are not right.
Sometimes we must punish them, but it is for their good. The Bible
says that to spare the rod is to ruin the child. Let us get them back
on the strait and narrow way.
We know bread and food are needed but they also need manna
from Heaven, spiritual food. Let us not lay up money for our
children, but let us set an example before them so they will become
workers in Christ's vineyard. When we put money away for the
future we are only giving them things for this life, but what we give
to them spiritually is what counts in this life and the life hereafter.
Christ commanded us to love the Lord with all our hearts. Teach
your dear ones to love Christ and also love everybody. There are
so many children on our streets today who do not know what love
is. Many have never been inside of a Church. Many are taught to
worship idols.
BIBLE MONITOR _ 15
Oh, how far has this world wandered away from God and His
precious Word? Oh, how they need food from Heaven to nourish
them and give them strength for the trials of every passing day. Will
there be those tomorrow who will be able to find food and not a
stone?
In our homes the Spiritual leader should be the father. Oh,
fathers don't neglect your responsibility. You cannot cast it off.
The Lord requires it of you to instruct them.
Do our children ever ask about our Church and why do we
practice a certain thing? Are we ready to tell them or do we turn
them away? I think parents should tell their children why they go
to Church and why they do the things they do in the Church.
Prepare the dear ones so they will be ready when called to serve
Jesus. Let us give them pure food so they will grow in the faith.
A spiritual father in the Church is one whose duty is to teach and
instruct those dear ones of whom some are babies in Christ. Let us
not neglect the duty the Lord has laid upon us. Feed them with the
Word of God, which is pure food for their souls.
Some times children want to run their parents. The Good Book
does not teach that. We are told to honor our parents. We are to
obey our parents. Children are you doing that today?
Let us each so live it will be well for us when life here has come to
an end.
Sister E. M. Alltus
•••••••
In general, we may observe that as no good is done, or spoken,
or thought by any man without the assistance of God working
together in and with those that believe in Him, so there is no evil
done, or spoken, or thought without the assistance of the Devil,
who works with energy in evil men. Thus he entered into Judas,
confirming him in the design of betraying his Master. Thus he put
it into the heart of Ananias and Sapphira to lie unto the Holy Ghost.
And, in like manner, he has a share in all the actions, and words,
and 'designs of evil men. As the children of God are workers
together with God in every good thought, or word, or action, so the
children of the Devil are workers together with him in every evil
thought, or word, or work.
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR
DECEMBER 1987
December 6 - Trials of Paul - II Cor. 11:1-33.
1. Do our trials come from God or only allowed by Him? Job 1
and 2.
2. What are the benefits of suffering?
December 13 - My Grace is Sufficient - II Cor. 12:1-21.
1. What is grace?
2. Are we spiritually mature enough to pleasure in infirmities,
reproaches, persecutions, and so forth? Verse 10.
December 20 - The Birth of Christ - Matthew 2:1-23.
1. Was there significance in the type of gifts the wise men qave
to Christ?
2. Is the TRUE message of Christmas for us one of giving or
receiving?
December 27 - Living by the Power of God - II Cor. 13:1-14.
1. How important is church discipline?
2. How do we appropriate the power of God in our lives?
YOUNG PEOPLES SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR DECEMBER 1987
December 6 - Stephen's Witness - Acts 6.
1. What was the secret of Stephen's dynamic witness?
2. If we are spiritually dynamic today, will we be appreciated
and understood by society?
December 13 - Conversion of Saul - Acts 9:1-20.
1. What is it to be converted?
2. Is a conversion different from a full surrender?
December 20 - Birth of Christ - Is. 9:6-7, Micah 5:1-4, Matt 1-18-25
Is. 7:13-14.
1. Why is the divinity of Christ so important to us?
2. God's gift to us was Jesus. What will our gift be in return?
December 27- Diligence - II Peter 1:3-15.
1. Can we be diligent in the wrong things?
2. In what areas are we to be diligent? I Cor. 15:58
I au Stump
N. D I amor d Mil 1
Uni , Dii I
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXV
DECEMBER 15, 1987
NO. 24
'For the faith once delivered unto the saints"
OUR MOTTO: Spiritual in life and
Scriptural in practice.
OUR WATCHWORD: Go into ail
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 obe'dience.
SILENT NIGHT
Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and Child!
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake, at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav'nly hosts sing Alleluia.
Christ, the Savior is born,
Christ, the Savior is born!
Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
- Josef Mohr
BIBLE MONITOR
THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTMAS
Christmas is celebrated around the world. It is celebrated on
different dates and with various customs. The celebration often
becomes more important than the reason for the celebration.
Christmas is usually celebrated in our country by gift-giving,
partying, drunkenness and severe financial distress. Many of the
activities associated with this celebration are designed to make a
commerical success of the holiday and detract from the simplicity
of Christ. There is more attention lavished on Santa Claus,
Christmas trees, feasting and partying than on Christ.
Today's observance of Christmas creates little interest in the true
reasons for Christmas. Often the stable scene has become a
sentimental scene devoid of the smells and discomforts of the
stable. This playacting often gives an inaccurate account of the
events. When plays are used to depict a holy scene, then the
theater's representation of less holy scenes might not seem so bad
so the theater and television become acceptable means of amuse-
ment.
To grasp the importance of Christmas there is a need to see
beyond the sentimental stable scene. The stable may represent the
denial of mankind at His coming. He was rejected by those who
should have gladly received Him. There should have been a place
in the inn but there wasn't, neither was there a place in the hearts of
men for Him.
The announcement of His birth to the shepherds showed that it
was more likely to be the common, lowly shepherds who would
receive the news and rejoice than would the religious leaders of the
day. The star that appeared to the Wise Men was a supernatural
THE BIBLE MONITOR DECEMBER 15, 1987
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BIBLE MONITOR
sign to the great. But it was the great who were at a distance, who
responded. The great in Jerusalem did not know until the Wise
Men came. This message to those afar off proclaimed that His
coming was not only for the nearby Jews but also for those of every
race.
The means of His Coming is important. Only by being virgin
born could He meet the qualifications for being the sinless Saviour.
If He had been born by ordinary means He would have inherited
the common sins of mankind. Being virgin born He was born
without sin. He lived a perfect life so when He came to Calvary He
was qualified as the spotless, unblemished sacrificial Lamb.
His birth was necessary so He could give Himself as the perfect
ransom on the cross. There is no particular message of peace in
the Christmas scene unless it is perceived in the sacrifice that He
made many years later to bring peace between God and man.
Without His birth He could not give Himself as the sacrifice which
would allow all men, who would choose to, to make their Spiritual
peace with God. There is no other peace possible between perfect
God and sinful man. It is only through men's acceptance of
Christ's sacrificial work that they can be at peace with God. Until
men are at peace with God they do not have the ability to be at
peace with one another. A sentimental stable scene cannot give
that peace. A hard, cold, suffering scene on Calvary, a burial in a
borrowed tomb and a miraculous resurrection were all necessary
to make the way of peace.
Christmas is important for it conveys the love of God. The love of
God was demonstrated to men by the willingness of Jesus to leave
the beauties and bliss of Heaven to be born as a babe. He not only
humbled Himself to become man but took on Himself the form of
weakest man — a babe. Human reasoning would have let all in the
world perish but Godly Grace would not allow men to perish
although they deserved to. He was willing to humble Himself, be
weak and poor although He was God.
The stable scene may be but a sentimental scene but its true
importance is understood only when the stable is set near the
cross. Without Calvary, Christmas would have no meaning.
Christmas is important because nothing could be more important
than that which affects our soul's salvation. Christmas is a part of
the plan of salvation because it was necessary that our Saviour be
virgin born.
Christmas is important not because of gift-giving, parties,
feasting or Santa Claus but because of the best and richest Gift
ever given to men, Jesus Christ.
BIBLE MONITOR
SIXTY YEARS AGO
December 15, 1927
THAT FIRST CHRISTMAS MORNING
B. E. Kesler
That one morning of all mornings, the one morning that left its
impress on the affairs of men, that one morning that caused the
nations to take notice, that called a halt to the eyeles of time to
make adjustments, the one morning that revised, and revises the
calendars by which time is measured, the one morning that
brought awe and astonishment and consternation to the rulers,
both civic and religious, the one morning that brought joy and
gladness to men and glory to God, that morning, we celebrate
today as the one great event of the passing years.
Of all the messages borne to earth by angelic hosts, by prophet,
seraph or seraphim, the message that came to the humble Judean
shepherds on that eventful morning, none was ever so important,
or meant so much to mankind, or was fraught with such
momentous consequences as the "Behold I bring you good tidings
of great joy" which greeted the ears of those awestricken, and
fearful men on that first Christmas morning.
"Be not afraid" said the angel, "for behold I bring you good
tidings of great joy which shall be to all people." To all people.
How wonderful! Not only to "me and my wife, my son John and his
wife, us four and no more," but to all people, in every age, in every
country, and in every clime.
Good tidings to the shepherds, to the Jews, to the Gentiles, to
the bond and to the free, to the Whites and the Blacks, the rich and
the poor alike. "For there is no respect of persons with God." The
soul of the beggar by the way, the Hottentots of Africa, the Indian
on the plains, the Patagonians of the South, the Esquimaux of the
North are equally precious in His sight with those of the more
civilized and enlightened of the most pregressive nations on the
globe. For "of one blood" have all peoples been created. And
which of all is most important in His sight, is not for us to say. True,
after our manner of judging there would perhaps, be discrimination
and bias, for we "look on the outward appearance," but with Him
who "looketh on the heart" and "judgeth righteously," the dis-
tinctions because of social, moral, civic or intellectual standing,
prestige, or lineal descent, or ancestral claims are not recognized,
and "cut no figure."
And what are those "good tidings?" Why, "unto you is born this
day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." And
why should this be "good tidings?" Well, we say, "because the
BIBLE MONITOR
world needed a Savior." But did they know it? feel it? want it?
Does the world today need Him? want Him? Has the world
decided yet "what it will do with Jesus?" Has it yet realized what
that first Christmas morning meant to us that this was God's way of
"laying help upon one that is mighty and able to save to the
uttermost?"
We are told "when the fullness of the time had come God sent his
Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem them that
were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."
Then to receive the adoption of sons, or become the children of
God, a Redeemer was necessary. This Redeemer was the out-
growth of that first Christmas morning. The babe born that
morning and laid in a manger was a child of prophecy, king of the
Jews, and the Redeemer of mankind from the curse of the law, and
until this was done, mankind was doomed to eternal death.
Not only so, but that first Christmas morning brought us a Savior.
It was said to Him before He was born, "Thou shalt call his name
Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins." And John the
Baptist pointed Him out as the "Lamb of God that taketh away the
sins of the world." And Paul says, "There is none other name under
heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." And all this
because of that first Christmas morning.
In the birth of the babe of Bethlehem, God verified the truth of
His prophets. "The scepter shall not depart from Judah nor a
lawgiver from between his feet until Shiloh come," said Moses.
And "a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you from
among your brethren like unto me," was God's promise through
Moses. Isaiah is more pointed. He looks down the vista of time and
in prophetic vision sees that first Christmas morning and assures
us, "a child is born, unto us a Son is given," and it happened on that
first Christmas morning, the morning we now celebrate as the
anniversary of that child, our blessed Lord.
THE DENIAL
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the
government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be
called wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting
Father, The Prince of Peace." Isa. 9:6.
This was not to be an ordinary child. Luke 2:11 says this child is
a Savior, Christ the Lord. Verse 40 says the grace of God was upon
Him. Matthew 1:23 says this child would be called Emmanuel,
meaning "God with us." Even though the Bible says otherwise,
people deny the divinity of Jesus. They drag Him down to the level
of man, and say He is like us. Or they say we can be equal with
BIBLE MONITOR
Jesus if we try hard enough. Jesus is not held up as one to be
worshipped, but often only the subject of a sentimental story of a
babe in a manger.
We don't know for sure when Jesus was born, but we do know He
was born! He may have been born in the spring instead of
December, but whenever it may have been, what He is (our Savior!)
and where He came from (Heaven) is far more important than the
day. It is important to know why He was born (to redeem us), and
who He is (God's Son). If we concern ourselves too much with the
time and place, we may miss out on the real reason Jesus came to
this earth.
Jesus' birth was not His beginning anymore than His death on
the Cross was His end. Jesus always was, He is now and always
will be. His earthly life was only an interruption in His heavenly
existence. It was not His beginning. Life for us begins at
conception, but for Jesus, His birth to earthly parents was merely a
new form of existence. Jesus took on the form of man for our
benefit, so He could complete the plan of salvation and reconcile
us to our Heavenly Father.
To deny that Jesus is God's only Son is also to deny Him as
Savior. If Jesus were not divine, He could not save anyone, for a
man cannot redeem another man. When people deny Christ as
God's Son and our Savior, they are trying to get rid of a responsi-
bility. Recognizing that we have a Savior means we have a need
for, and a responsibility to, this Savior. If He can be denied and
explained away, the need and responsibility can be explained away
also. However, someday we will face this same Savior, and all the
explanations in the world will not relieve us of our guilt.
At this time of year, people do alot of celebrating. They may say
they are celebrating the birth of Christ, but the things they do
dishonor Him. Honoring Jesus with our lips means nothing if we
deny Him by the way we live. If Jesus is in our hearts, we'll do our
best to honor Him and celebrate His birth, death and resurrection
all year long. Our values will demonstrate that Jesus is more
important to us than just a sentimental celebration.
"Whosoever shall deny me before man, him will I also deny
before my Father which is in Heaven." Matt. 10:33. If we want
Jesus to recognize us, we must acknowledge Him right here. From
His virgin birth to the Cross to the Resurrection and Ascension, we
must believe it all, and confess it all. To deny any part is to deny
Jesus. To deny Jesus is to bring condemnation upon ourselves,
but confessing Jesus brings us into favor with God.
In your personal life, are you confessing Christ or denying Him?
Are His birth and life just parts of history to you, or are they a reality
BIBLE MONITOR
to you? Jesus was born for us, He lived and died for us — and He is
now in Heaven interceding for us. To deny Him is to deny the
greatest need we have, that of a Savior. Before you say you don't
need Jesus, you'd better think it over. If you deny Him now, He will
deny you for all Eternity!
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after
me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
Matt. 16:24. When we acknowledge Jesus, and accept Him for Who
He really is, this is the first step in self-denial. Self interferes with
our relationship with Jesus. As long as self is on the throne in our
lives, Jesus can't be in His rightful place. Self tells us we don't need
Him, but we all do! As you think about Jesus this month, determine
in your heart to put Him first. Deny yourself, not Jesus.
Sister Eileen Broadwater
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
"Come, Worship the King"
The coming of Jesus Christ into this world has influenced men
more than anything else that has happened in the history of
mankind. The world has never been the same... datelines are
divided by His advent... and we number our years from ONE MAN.
He was worshiped by humble shepherds and later by wise men
from the East. And even today, the poor and humble find true
riches in Him and the high and mighty find greater blessings in Him
than in all of the possessions and prominence of the world.
Wise men came from the East seeking the new born King, we are
taught in Matthew 2. WISE MEN STILL COME TO CHRIST! These
men might well have been astronomers from Persia. They might
have known something about Bible prophecy concerning Christ's
birth. Or is it possible that God in His own mysterious way revealed
this secret to them.
Many fantastic stories have been passed down concerning them.
The song "We Three Kings of Orient Are" has probably led to many
misconceptions about these men. Artists have used their imagi-
nations to draw them. They have even been named... Gaspar,
Melchior and Belthazar. Truth and fiction, as usual, have gotten
mixed together. We don't really know their names or how many
there were but we do know they were wise... because they came
to Jesus.
These men were led by a star... the light of heaven. We too are
led by a Light from Heaven. He is that Saviour that was worshipped
by the wise men. If we follow the Light as diligently as they did, we
will find the One to worship.
8 BIBLE MONITOR
Why didn't the religious people of that day find Jesus and
worship Him? Could it be that they only had the scripture in their
head but had no grace in their heart? They had head knowledge
without heart wisdom. They never responded to the truths they
had learned. How well this fits many people around us today.
Faithfulness is always rewarded and it was so here. A journey that
took many days with dangers all along the way was rewarded by
finding Jesus. The cost was not too great.
The wise men bowed down and worshipped Jesus and gave Him
gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. These gifts teach us
important concepts in this lesson.
Gold symbolizes our worldly possessions and these make a
proper tribute for the King. Because Jesus is Lord, we are required
to worship Him with our material blessings as well as with our gifts
of love and service. Throughout the Bible, people who accepted
Jesus immediately desired to give Him something. We give
because we love Him. It is a true saying that you can give without
loving but you can't love without giving! The "wise men" of today
delight in honoring Christ with their monetary gifts.
Frankincense, the second gift brought by the wise men, is an
expensive and fragrant perfume. It represents our inner thoughts
and emotions. It says... every part of me bows before you, Lord.
Incense illustrates prayer and praise due only to God. It acknowl-
edges Christ's deity.
Finally, the gift of myrrh was given. This was a bitter spice which
was used for embalming. It gives us a picture of suffering. It might
illustrate that these wise men had been taught by God that Christ
would be born to die for lost sinners... thus they worshipped Him.
As we worship Jesus and acknowledge Him as our Saviour, we can
never forget the fact that He died for us... and we worship Him.
Again, after the wise men worshipped Jesus, God warned them
not to return in the same way they had come, via the sinful Herod,
but to go a new and safer way. Even so today, after we meet Jesus
we will take another way. We walk on the King's Highway of a
higher and better life.
Even as the wise men went the way of safety, Herod was planning
evil things to protect his dominion. This worshipped infant Jesus
was now in danger of being slaughtered along with all of the other
baby boys under two years of age in the area. This first baby of
Joseph and Mary must surely have been adored by them and yet
trouble would not leave Him until He at last would be crucified on a
cross at Calvary. He is worthy to be worshipped at this beautiful
season and each day of our lives. His life of agony was lived that
we might have an eternal life of peace. And, just as the wise men
found Jesus and bowed before Him and gave Him the best they
BIBLE MONITOR
had... so we must give Him our best after we have found Him.
An old LEGEND shares a story of the wise men who were
following the star to Bethlehem. They were said to have come to a
house of a certain woman and said to her, "Come with us, we have
seen His star in the east and we are going to worship Him." "Oh,"
she said, "I would just love to come with you. I have heard that He
would come one day and I have been looking forward to it. But I
can't come now. I have to get many things done at the house
before I can go... then I will follow you and find Him." But when her
work was done the wise men were out of sight and the star shone
no more in the heavens and she was never to see Jesus. Sad! Too
busy with earthly things to worship the King. Take time to bow
before the Master. The time for worship is now.
Brother Len Wertz
CHRIST'S BIRTH
We commemorate Christ's birth
At this special time of year...
Singing praises to His name...
Hoping all on earth will hear...
That He was God's only Son...
Yet was born of a virgin...
And was laid in a manger
Since no room was in the inn.
He came to teach men wisdom...
And wise men still seek His way
So their souls may be redeemed
By their Saviour some glad day.
- Sister Irene Stout
R. 1 Box 165
Wabash, IN 46992
TRUE APPRECIATION AND COMMEMORATION
OF CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR
We are again approaching the time of the year we commemorate
the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Will we com-
memorate it to the honour and glory of Him, or engage in the
foolishness of this world that usually takes place at this time of the
year?
It may be well for us to meditate on His coming as the Prince of
Peace. It is a great blessing for us. He made it possible for us to
live in a world of strife and carnal warfare and to live at peace with
10 BIBLE MONITOR
all men. He said, "My peace I give unto you; not as the world
giveth, give I unto you." Earthly peace is not durable and meets
with sudden destruction. The peace that Christ brought from
Heaven leads to eternal peace. Christians do not take part in the
carnal strife of this sinful and wicked world.
Jesus and true Christians are still the light of the world. What a
grand thought that the angel on that memoriable night said unto
the shepherds, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of
great joy, which shall be to all people." Jesus through the power of
God can remove all our fears if we accept His saving Gospel.
The comforting words of the Heavenly Father to Abram were, "I
am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward." His words, through
Moses, to the Israelites were, "Fear ye not, stand still, and see the
salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you today: for the
Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no
more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your
peace." We also have the words, "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." These promises have been a help for many before
the coming of our Saviour.
Never before this generation was there a time when so many
things were happening that strike fear in the hearts of mankind as it
is today. As we think of these things we should rejoice that God
has intervened for us in this dispensation.
It was the Christ who was born in Bethlehem who made the
atonement for our sins. It is through Him that we have His saving
Gospel which is the power of God unto salvation to every one that
believeth. He was called, "wonderful, Councilor." His teaching
powers and abilities were so far above others that there has been
no other person on earth who could live in a manner to be
compared with the high standard of life He lived. He was capable
of giving advice and instructions that could be depended upon for
time and eternity. He sympathized with the poor and helpless.
We have great reason to commemorate the birth of our Saviour
and to honour this babe of Bethlehem who has become Lord of
Lords and King of Kings to all generations of men and the Prince of
Peace. He said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy
laden, and I will give you rest." He said, "Peace I leave with you, my
peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you..."
The peace that passeth understanding dwells continually within to
calm the soul in the severest hardships. The peace that Jesus gave
was a freedom from anxiety and disturbance. He is the eternal
sovereign of peace who shall usher in perpetual peace.
He brought good tidings to all the earth. He saved us and called
BIBLE MONITOR 11
us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to
His own purpose and grace. This was made manifest by the
appearing of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. He has abolished death
and brought life and light through the Gospel to all who accept
Him. He said, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good
pleasure to give you the kingdom." "I will never leave thee, nor
forsake thee." "And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of
the world." That will be His second coming.
We have many precious promises. Let us lay hold on them in
faith believing and surrender our lives wholly unto Him.
God has never forsaken His people in times of trouble and
danger and never will. Through Him we can find restfor our souls.
With these precious promises may we celebrate with rejoicing
the birth of our precious Saviour who gave Himself for us that we
might be heirs of God and joint heirs with Him in the glorious
Eternal World.
Brother J. F. Marks
RD3 Box 509
York, PA 17402
GIVING AND RECEIVING
If we truly believe in giving, we must have the love of God in our
hearts. We have that desire to give because of the Gift that He has
given us. His love is flowing in our hearts, and we have a desire to
help lighten someone else's load.
We find in this day so many who are all for self and never care to
share with those in need. My blessed Saviour loves a cheerful
giver. He gave us the most precious gift one could give. He gave
His life on that rugged cross to set us free. Are we willing to accept
that gift?
There are people today who think that when in need we should
run and help them. Many a time we don't even get a thank you
because they feel we should give because we are followers of the
Lord Jesus. Dear ones, let us try to help those in need to be able to
see a better life ahead.
There are so many poor people around us today who are mis-
managing their budgets. There are those who don't know how to
buy for their family. They have plenty of money but spend it on
things that don't help. If we find a poor family let us give food
instead of money, so the children can be fed. The poor we will have
with us always. Let us seek to brighten their lives by telling them of
ourloving Saviour who died for them. Offer to get them to Church
if they are willing to come and have no way, showing to them a
12 BIBLE MONITOR
better life ahead. Let us pray daily for those who are discouraged,
those who have lost loved ones and those dear ones who have lost
all because of a tragedy.
In Luke 9:23 we are told to take up our cross and follow Him. We
should now be willing to give to others. We will receive a blessing
from the Lord for God loves a cheerful giver.
When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, He looked to
the Father, the source of life. He realized He only could win by
giving Himself. Only by giving up His own will or desire to God's
highest will could He bring forth the thing He wanted most. He was
raised from the dead, that others might have a hope of Salvation
and a new life. I often think of the widow's mite. Jesus said she
gave the most. Our Blessed Saviour gave His life. He gave all He
had. "Not my will, but thine be done." We realize if it wasn't for the
cross, the giving of Christ's life and the Resurrection, we could
have no resurrection.
I think giving is an expression of one's love. Love in action is
moving out of self into the way of God. How many of us are willing
to go the second mile? Could one give without loving? If Jesus is
in our lives we will have a spirit of giving and want to share with
others in need. Christ wants us to share His love with others. By
doing this we will receive a blessing.
Let us give more of our lives to the Master in searching for lost
souls. May God help us to see the need around us and give
ourselves to further His Kingdom while we are still dwelling here
below and in the end we will receive a home in the Land He has
prepared for the faithful.
Sister E. M. Alltus
IF GOD SO LOVED US
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another."
I John 4:11.
In I Corinthians 13:13 we are told that now abideth faith, hope
and charity. Charity is the greatest of the three. It is because God
loved the world so much that He sent Jesus to live and die for us.
And we should love one another because Jesus first loved us. It is
the love of Jesus that first attracts the sinner to Him. It is the love of
the saints that first attracts the sinner into the house of God.
If a loved one is ill, we will do all we can do to see that that person
is cured, or helped or made comfortable. If a loved one is dying, we
will go to the ends of the earth and use up all our living to get that
person cured. Such is the love that even the heathen has. How
much greater should our love be toward God and towards one
BIBLE MONITOR 13
another. What is it that causes us to continue our Christian walk
day after day? In II Corinthians 5:14 we are told that the love of
Christ constraineth us. The word "constrain" here means to secure
as if by bonds. We can therefore rest assured that His love secures
us day by day and that we have no reason to fear because He once
loved us, He loves us presently, and He will continue to do so And
our natural reaction to this love is to love Him back, thouqh we
cannot do so perfectly.
How is our love then one to another? John 13:35 states that by
this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one
to another. We see very little true coming to the Lord and very little
true repentance today because there is very little love between the
brethren. And why is this? In Matthew 24:12 we read "And
because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax' cold "
Sin is the reason why so many no longer love God or the saints
Today in the modern church there is such coldness such a
competitive spirit, and such a lack of spirituality that the average
person is no longer attracted. When we read in old books like
SOME WHO LED it seems that there were many that came
Meetings, even communion services, were crowded with outsiders
Was it not because then the brethren had a genuine love for each
other and the people of that day recognized this love and wanted it
for themselves? Have we been too long in acquiring the riches of
this world and now we cease to recognize our needs and the needs
of others? Does the world look at us and see just another worldly
grasping, greedy group of people with nothing to offer them let
alone the very Son of God? Maybe each and everyone of us needs
to reevaluate ourselves in the light of God's Holy Word to see
where we have failed. Is it or is it not so that the church today is
closer to the world than it was in times past? Does not the scripture
prove this? I believe it is high time that we the church recognize
this problem and put the blame squarely where it belongs: upon us.
Is it not true that there is five percent of the church that does
ninety-five percent of the work, while ninety-five percent do the
other five percent? Can one with perfect love for his brother sit by
and let his brother do it all? I think not. We must ask God to help
us in this endeavor because it will not get any easier. Some of our
brethren are not easy to love, but we must love them just the same
Maybe our love to them might be just the thing to soften them up. '
Lynn Hayes Miller
RD #2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
••••••
Fools live, but do not learn.
14 BIBLE MONITOR
THE DOCTRINE OF THE
DUNKARD BRETHREN CHURCH
FEETWASHING
16.
There is a command in GOD'S WORD
That many CHURCHES fail to obey,
JESUS taught it to HIS DISCIPLES
CHRISTIANS are to practice it today.
17.
JESUS arose from a prepared supper
. . .«., That was made ready in advance,
... Before HE and the DISCIPLES did eat
HE authored the feet-washing ORDINANCE.
18.
HE took a towel and girded HIMSELF
. . .« A c HE then poureth water into a basin,
John 13:4-5 ... A *. . .,_ , , iU ,. . . , '
After HE washed the disciples feet
With the towel about HIM, HE wiped them.
19.
When JESUS came to SIMON PETER
, n n n Peter said, "You'll never wash my feet."
John 13:6-8 . . . U| , . ... . „ . , ,,_ 01 lo
If I wash thee not, said JESUS
"You shall have no part with ME."
20.
Reader, stop and think and pray
. , HO When JESUS your judge you meet,
jonn 10.0 ^ . . ... , ro , lo
Do you want no part with JESUS
Because you refused to wash feet?
21.
PETER became very submissive
, , io.q m "Wash my feet, my hands and my head."
jonn ivj.y- iu . . . ur ^ ,. , , . . , . ,,
Baptized ones need only wash feet,
Is what JESUS to PETER said.
22.
In closing the FEET-WASHING subject
"Do as I have done unto you,"
JESUS said, "Wash ye one another's feet
You will be happy if you do."
- Brother Paul R. Myers
BIBLE MONITOR 15
THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINES
A NEW CREATURE
J. H. Moore
Every person born into the kingdom becomes a new creature in
Christ Jesus. In the baptism of water and of the Spirit there is a
putting off of the old man, and a putting on of the new man. (Col.
3:10) It is a burial of the old man of sin, and the coming forth of the
new man. It is the act of putting on Christ in the rite of holy baptism
(Gal. 3:27), and we are told that "if a man be in Christ, he is a new
creature: old things are passed away." (II Cor. 5:17) There is a new
heart, a renewed spirit, and a new purpose of life. On entering the
kingdom, he starts as a new-born babe; he grows as a new man,
being a new creature, — spiritually speaking, — a new creation,
begotten by the Word of Truth. Fed on the sincere milk of the
Word, he lives a new and a different life. The things he once hated
he will now love, and the things he once loved he will now hate. He
thus lives and grows until the full stature in Christ Jesus is reached.
NEWS ITEMS
WINTERHAVEN, CALIFORNIA
The Winterhaven Congregation has changed its set Lovefeast
date to the first Saturday in February.
Revival Meetings will be held by Bro. Ray Reed, Dallas Center,
Iowa February 3 through 7, 1988 with Lovefeast on the 6th. Every-
one is welcome to come to these meetings or to any of our services.
Sister Susan Cook, Cor.
NOTICE
The Dunkard Brethren Church directories are ready. The cost is
$3.00 post paid. It would be easier for me if you would order in
quantity, but I will send any amount.
Sister Jolene Andrews
312 E. Coleman Road
Raymore, MO 64083
PRIMARY LESSONS FOR 1988
Sunday School Lessons for the Primary classes are available
from the Bible Study Board. The lessons for 1988 are "Bible
Treasures for Children." These lessons are available from Bro.
Fred Pifer, R. 3 Box 184, Adel, Iowa 50003.
Brother Dennis St. John, Sec.
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR
JANUARY 1988
January 3 - Six Days of Creation - Gen. 1:1-31.
1. How old is the earth?
2. What Biblical evidence refutes evolution?
January 10 - The Garden of Eden - Creation of Woman - Gen.
2:1-25.
1. In what country would the Garden be today?
2. What was the blessed outcome of the first surgery?
January 17 - Deception of Eve; The Fall of Man - Gen. 3:1-34.
1. How does Adam's fall affect us today? I Cor. 15:22.
2. In what form does Satan come to us today? II Cor. 11:14.
January 24 - Cain, Abel & Seth - Gen. 4:1-26.
1. What led Cain to kill Abel?
2. What offering does God ask of us? Rom. 12:1, 2.
January 31 - The Patriarchs; The Wickedness of Man - Gen. 5:1-32;
Gen. 6:1-8.
1. Why did God spare eight souls? Gen. 6:8.
2. What will be the conditions that precede Christ's return?
Matt. 24:37.
YOUNG PEOPLE'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR JANUARY 1988
January 3 - Our Birthright - Gen. 25:27-34; Jn. 7:38-39; Jn. 8:27-28;
Heb. 11:24-26; Heb. 12:16-17.
1 . What was a birthright in Abraham's time?
2. What is our birthright today?
January 10 - The New Birth - Ezek. 36:26-28; Jn. 1:13; Jn. 3:3-8;
Ro. 6:4-6; II Cor. 5:17; I Peter 1:23-25.
1. What is the New Birth?
2. What changes will follow the New Birth?
January 17 - Baptism of Christ - Matt. 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-23;
Jn. 1:29-38.
1. Why was the "Sinless One" baptized?
2. How important is water baptism?
January 24 - Christian Perfection - Gen. 17:1-2; Matt. 5:48; Matt.
19:21-30; II Cor. 13:11; Ja. 1:4; Ja. 2:21-24; Ja. 3:2; Heb. 6:11.
1. What is our standard of perfection? Eph. 4:13.
2. What is the bond of perfectness? Col. 3:14.
January 31 - Investments - Matt. 6:19-24; Luke 12:29-37; Rh ill.
3:12-14; Rev. 3:16-18.
1. What do WE treasure?
2. Where is our treasure laid up?
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