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BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXIV
JANUARY 1J996
NO. 1
"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"
OUR IVIOTTO; Spiritual in life and
Scriptural in practice.
OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all
the world and preach the gospel.
OUR AIM: Be it our aim to be nnore sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
I AM
I ann regretting the past
And fearing the future.
Suddenly God was speaking:
"MY NAME IS 'I am; "
I waited. God continued:
"When you live in the past,
With its mistakes and regrets,
It is hard. I am not there.
MY NAME IS NOT 'I WAS/
"When you live in the future,
With its problems and fears,
It is hard. I am not there.
MY NAME IS NOT 'I WILL BE.'
"When you live in this moment.
It is not hard. I am here.
MY NAME IS 1 AM.'
Selected by Sister Mildred Skiles
BIBLE MONITOR
PUTTING THE PUZZLE TOGETHER
Jigsaw puzzles are designed to challenge our abilities to bring together
diverse pieces into a complete picture. Until all the pieces have been
connected, it remains unfinished.
Puzzles come in various levels of difficulty. For little children, puzzles
come in tray form. There is a border to hold the pieces together. On the
bottom, there is a faint outline of the shape of each piece, so the child is
given a hint about where each belongs. As children develop, the puzzles
become more difficult. The pieces are large and not so numerous. It takes
greater skill to put together one of these puzzles than a tray puzzle. Later a
person advances to more difficult puzzles, with a great number of pieces.
The pieces are often small and the design gives fewer clues about their
location in the complete puzzle. Today, there are many specialty puzzles
that are even more difficult than the usual jigsaw puzzle.
Sometimes children's puzzles are packaged with three or four in one
box. If care is not taken, these puzzles can become mixed together. When
putting one of these puzzles together, it becomes even more difficult
because the pieces are mixed together. The makers of children's puzzles
often solve this problem by printing a different design on the back of each
of the puzzles. That way the pieces of one puzzle can be distinguished
from the pieces of the other puzzles. Picking the pieces of one puzzle out
of a mixture of puzzles is an extreme challenge.
Entering a new year Is like putting together a puzzle from a mixture of
pieces randomly thrown together. Life will present many puzzles
throughout the year. The correct solution for those puzzles will require a
great deal of Spiritual insight.
James and John present two thoughts that illustrate this puzzle. "Doth a
fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?" James 3:11 .
THE BIBLE MONITOR JANUARY 1 , 1 996
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard Brethren
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DENNIS ST. JOHN, Associate Editor; 21397-B50, Bryan, OH 43506.
BIBLE MONITOR
"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. A spring can not produce both salt water and
fresh water. Even if it is close to the ocean, it must either produce salt
water or fresh water. Trying to get both kinds of water from a spring is like
trying to put a puzzle together from the pieces of many puzzles. It is
impossible. We use our mouths and tongues to praise God. We use the
same mouths and tongues to express hatred for our fellowmen. it is
honorable to praise God. When we hate men, we hate those who are
created in His image. This is another impossibility.
In the year ahead of us, we will be putting together many puzzles.
Some will be more difficult than others. Trying to worship God at the same
time, we demean our Brother is like assembling a puzzle from pieces
belonging to several different puzzles.
There are two parts to our Spiritual lives. Like a puzzle they must be put
together to form the whole picture. Ture religion and undefiled before God
and the Father is this. To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction,
and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1 :27. These two
thoughts bring together the social and doctrinal aspects of Christianity. The
puzzle of fitting together these two elements is a part of the challenge of
living to please God. He wants us to live unspotted from the world. We are
to have the correct beliefs that will instruct us so we will live to do His
pleasure instead of the world's. We also have a duty to seek the welfare of
not only our fellow believers but of all who we can possibly help. We are to
extend love, help and gifts to al! manner of mankind, just as God has
extended His love and succor to us. It can be a difficult puzzle to find the
balance between the two. To overemphasize either at the expense of the
other is like trying to put two puzzles together as one. These two elements
are not incompatible with each other. They are interrelated. A correct
doctrine will produce concern for the needs of others.
As we enter upon this new year, we have the opportunity to put the
puzzle together. We can forget the unsolved puzzles of the past as we
begin this new puzzle. We still can not put two puzzles into one. We can
not get salt water and fresh water from the same fountain. We can not love
God and hate people at the same time. We can not claim to serve God,
while we ignore the needs of others.
Do you enjoy the challenge of putting together a jigsaw puzzle? Your
greatest challenge is the puzzle of life. Are you putting it together in a way
that will please God?
M.C.Cook
THE DUNKARD BRETHREN MISSION
In Kampala, capital city of Uganda, the Dunkard Brethren Elders Paul L.
Stump and Dale Jamison, the treasurer of the General Mission Board and
chairman of the Board of Trustees, officially launched the African Mission.
r
4 BIBLE MONITOR
On a ten day mission trip to Uganda, they and their wives arrived from the
United States via Nairobi, Kenya.
The entire period was exciting and busy for the Lord. To promote the
mission work, Elders Paul Stump and Dale Jamison participated in the
teaching of the baptism class Saturday night.
During the Sunday Service at Nateete in Kampala Dunkard Brethren
Church, the service was led by Bro. Godfrey Kizza, followed by the
preaching by Bro. Paul L Stump. There was a baptism class thereafter for
more converts by Bro. Dale Jamison. Then we took off to the baptism site
at our largest lake in Uganda near Kampala, a twenty minute drive to Lake
Victoria. We were full of joy to witness the first mission church members of
the Dunkard Brethren Mission in Africa being baptized. There entered
Godfrey Kiiza with Bro. Paul L. Stump at hand. Bro. Dale Jamison did not
hesitate to bring in and out people (Ugandans) for baptism. Mary Stump
and her counterpart Doris Jamison supported the occasion with melodies
and hymns encouraging the converts in and out of the lake waters.
It was a great and important occasion to have both men baptize the
members. Bro. Dale came in and officiated to many persons too. He
became tired and called on Bro. Paul to continue. There was great victory
to see twenty-two people receive baptism. Back to the history of the
mission, our African mission of the Dunkard Brethren Church began five
months ago this year in April. The church is growing so fast, there is need
for the gospel to many souls. With the main church at Nateete, there are
two up-coming congregations at Butambala, Kakumiro and Buwama.
There are a lot of orphans and widows in our congregations. At
Butambala Congregation it was surprising to record sixty-two children.
Forty-eight of them being orphans of both parents and fourteen from
parents unable to care for them. All of these children do not go to public
schools, neither do they receive any education. They do not have clothes
so put on rags. They are dirty, poorly fed, lack bedding and have no
medical attention. Yet, they are hungry for the Gospel. The Dunkard
Brethren Mission with Godfrey and Gorret Kizza have begun an important
ministry among the children in the Dunkard Brethren Church in Africa.
Could you be part and parcel of the same ministry? These children
attend Bible classes, Sunday services, but they lack education. There is a
great need to educate and take care of these young ones. At present we
can put them in public schools. As funds become available to have a
mission school, it will be built for them in future.
We invite interested families or volunteer sponsors to assist these needy
children, by paying their educational fees. This can be done monthly to pay
their tuition fees.
We shall be glad to have you dear Brethren respond to this urgent need;
as we aim at building a strong future foundation for the Dunkard Brethren
Church in Africa.
Brother Godfrey Kizza
P.O. Box 21 188
Kampala, Uganda
BIBLE MONITOR
OUR SATURDAY NIGHT
The Clock Not Started
J. H. Moore
On the top of my office desk is a small nickel clock, which is wound
every morning. Every Monday morning it is necessary to set the clock as
well as wind it, for during Sunday it runs down. On Monday morning I
wound the clock and observed the hands were where I had placed them an
houror more before. Then I noticed that the clock was not running, it then
occurred to me that while I had wound the clock and set it right, still I had
failed to start it. To myself I said, "Just like some church members, — set
right, made ready for a long run, but never started."
I got to thinking, and wondered whose fault it is that so many members
are standing still. Some used to run well, but they stopped for some cause,
and did not get started again. I have known some of them to appear before
the church, and apparently be set right before the public as well as before
the church, but for some cause they did not run; they could not be induced
to keep time with the church and her work. Yes, they did, one time, run
well. Some force hindered them, and now, in the spiritual life, there is no
activity.
When I saw my clock was not running I took it down, gave it a good
shake, set it right again and then it went on doing its duty. I do not mean to
say that people who live and do nothing always need a shaking up, but
they certainly need something more than a mere letting alone. They need
to be started in the Lord's work, and it is one of the puzzling questions,
sometimes, to know just how to start them. Jonah, on a certain occasion,
had a little experience, down deep in the sea, that started him in the right
direction, and he kept going until he reached Nineveh, where the Lord had
a special work awaiting him.
People are sometimes converted, as we call it. They come to church,
and, so far as outward appearances are concerned, seem to be just right.
But they do not run. By them the name of God is not glorified. They are
just the same today that they were when they came into the church a year
ago. There has been no progress, and no advancement in the Christian
life. Judged by the standard of a babe in Christ Jesus, they may be all
right, but they do not grow to manhood in the Lord's cause. They were
apparently all right in the beginning, but they never got started. Some of
them never got started to giving thanks at the table for their daily bread.
They know nothing of the family altar, and cannot be depended upon to
help forward the Lord's work. Surely, they are just like my clock; set all
right, wound up, apparently ready for usefulness, but do not run. I verily
believe that they need a shaking up.
I have known ministers to be fully prepared for active duty. All the
necessary authority was given them; they were wisely instructed and then
left to carry forward the Lord's^work. But they did not move out, they did
BIBLE MONITOR
not preach. They never got started, and years later they were, so far as
usefulness is concerned, just where the installation services left them, — set
right, wound up with all necessary authority to preach the Word but not
started.
Well, whose fault is it that all these people are not started? Is it their
own fault, or is it the fault of some one else? A persecution at Jerusalem
one time started a certain number of the brethren out into the world to
preaching the Gospel. On a certain occasion the Macedonian call started
Paul. But must all preachers be started in this way? Must something of
this kind be depended upon to start into work the babes in Christ? Or may
not the fault lie at the door of those whose duty it is to look after the flock?
Some of us are very much disposed to have all the members accord with
the Gospel in matters relating to the externals, but are we doing just the
right thing by not attempting to find work for them? Must we spend all of
our time and energies trying to get the church ready for work? Verily,
whose fault is it that the clock has not been started?
LOOKING BACK — THEN PRESSING FORWARD
Revelation 2:4-5, "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because
thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art
fallen, and repent, and do the first works;..."
II Timothy 1:13, "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast
heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:13-14, "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."
The words from the Book of Revelation were written to the Church at
Ephesus. They are true of a large portion of the earthly church today. We
believe it is important to remember the traditions handed down to us by our
forefathers. However, these traditions must be examined in the light of
Holy Scripture. At one time every group that existed declared that they had
their origin in Holy Scripture. Some of these proved their cultic nature by
declaring that other books were on the same status as Holy Scripture.
Many added the traditions and teachings of men to Holy Scripture and
declared them to be equal. Beyond these actions was the fact that many
had left their first love.
We believe that we, as individuals, have also left our first love in many
instances. In the past few years we have met individuals who claim to have
a special relationship with the Holy Spirit that is not in harmony with the
Holy Scriptures. In John 16:13 we read, "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of
truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he will not speak of
himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show
you things to come." These individuals have replaced a love of Holy
Scripture for a manmade revelation. The supposed wisdom of human
BIBLE MONITOR
science replaces an acceptance of a literal understanding of Genesis
chapters one and two which is supported by other portions of Scripture.
Sonne have accepted the false religions of the world as having truth that
can be used along side of, and in some instances in place of, Holy
Scripture. Paul instructs us to "hold fast the form of sound words, which
thou hast heard of me." In I Timothy 6:20-21 Paul warns, "0 Timothy, keep
that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings,
and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have
erred concerning the faith..." While theistic evolution was not an issue in
Paul's day, it certainly falls under the category of "science falsely so called."
The Church at Ephesus would be considered a fundamental or
conservative church in our day. For they "canst not bear them which are
evil." They also "tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and
hast found them liars." On top of that they "hast borne, and hast patience,
and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted." How then
had they left their first love? They even "hatest the deeds of the
Nicolaitanes, which I also hate." We believe that the ideals and customs of
the world had begun to replace their first love of the Lord Jesus Christ and
Holy Scriptures.
There are those who teach once you are saved you are eternally secure
and have no need for a daily cleansing. Others teach that you can reach
spiritual perfection in this life. The Apostle Paul says, "Brethren, I count not
myself to have apprehended." Paul realized that he had to fight the good
fight of faith to reach his heavenly goal. He goes on to say that he forgets
those things that are behind. Those sins we have committed that are
repented of are forgotten by God and washed clean by the blood of Christ.
We can forget them. Praise God. Paul does not end there. He says he
reaches forth unto those things which are before. It must be our desire to
grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul ends with the words, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the
high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Let this be our desire in this new year,
should the Lord tarry His return. Let us forsake false teachings and worldly
desires. Let us be sure that we have not left our first love. Then press
forward "in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus."
If you have never experienced the forgiving love of Jesus Christ we pray
that 1996 will be your year to begin a new life in Him.
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
MEDITATION
And now, my soul, another year,
Of thy short life is past;
I cannot long continue here.
And t-his may be my last.
BIBLE MONITOR
Much of my hasty life is gone,
Nor will return again;
And swift my passing moments run —
The few that yet remain.
Awake, my soul, with utmost care
Thy true condition learn:
What are thy hopes? how sure? how fair?
What is thy great concern?
Behold, another year begins;
Set out afresh for heav'n;
Seek pardon for thy former sins,
In Christ so freely giv'n.
Devoutly yield thyself to God,
And on his grace depend;
With zeal pursue the heav'niy road,
Nor doubt a happy end.
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Making a New Years Resolution
There is no indication in the New Testament that the early Christians
observed the New Year in any formal way. However, there is a precedent
for this celebration in the Israelite economy in the Old Testament.
The civil year of the Jews began, not in January, but in mid-September.
The beginning of the year (Rosh Hashanah) was marked by the wonderful
Feast of Trumpets. At that time, the trumpets were blown and the people
were gathered together for a holy convocation. This was recognized as an
acknowledgment that all of God's people would one day be gathered
around His throne, when the Messiah would come to establish His
kingdom. This was a time of rejoicing and expectation, that possibly during
the coming year the Lord would come to His people.
This time of joy and anticipation was immediately followed by ten days of
repentance and confession, culminating in the solemn observance of Yom
Kippur, the "Day of Atonement." This was a day of mourning and
confession of sins. It was climaxed ultimately by the symbolic
substitutionary sacrifice of the two goats, atoning for the sins of the people.
The details of this ceremony are described in the sixteenth chapter of
Leviticus.
After offering a bullock as a sacrifice for his own sins, the High Priest
was directed by God to select two goats. One was slain. His blood was
offered at the mercy-seat in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle. This
blood represented the blood of all the individual believers in the
BIBLE MONITOR
congregation, who deserved death because of their own sins against the
Lord. It was accepted by God in substitution and was considered by Him
an atonement for their sins.
The second goat, the "scapegoat" was then sent away into the
wilderness, after the sins of the people were confessed over his head by the
High Priest. The two goats symbolized to the people the great truths that
"the wages of sin is death" and "without shedding of blood is no remission.""
As this solemn ritual was repeated every New Year, the people were
compelled to remember the awful and deadly character of sin, in the sight of
a holy God. As they confessed their sins, they saw God's judgment
inflected on the innocent substitute. They undoubtedly made a Godly
RESOLUTION to try to live more righteously and thankfully in the coming
year. This should also be our New Years Resolution for 1 996.
"Christ.. .hath appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself." With
this truth before us, it is proper and fitting, that we should observe the
coming of a New Year as a time of remembrance and confession of sins
and of prayerful determination to serve Him more faithfully and effectively
than we have in the past. We do not have to look forward with only
shadowy understanding to a coming Saviour as did the ancient Israelites,
but we can rejoice in the clear light of a perfect salvation completely
accomplished in the death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
The most important and essential decision we can make this New Year's
Day or any other day Is to receive Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour and
Lord. If you have not done that. .DO IT NOW and resolve to serve Him
from this time forward. If you are already a believer, thank Him for the
opportunity to serve Him and seek to grow In grace. Each new day, and
particularly each New Year, should be a time of resolution and confession.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Have a Happy New Year and Jesus!
Brother Len Wertz
REQUEST FOR SPONSORS OF AFRICAN ORPHANS
Bro. Godfrey Kiiza is asking assistance in meeting the needs of the
many orphans, or children having only one parent, who is disabled (for the
purposes of this article, these children also will be included in the term,
"orphans") We feel this is a worthy work and feel we should make the
needs known to the Brotherhood.
Uganda has suffered a civil war. They also have been hit hard with
disease. Well over 25% of the adult population perished in the war, or have
died of disease. As a result, there are literally thousands of children who
are orphans. Many find a home with others, but many others exist from day
to day on whatever they can find to eat and clothe themselves.
At our Butambala church alone, there are approximately sixty of these
orphans. As a Board responsible for the oversight of this work, we have
10 BIBLE MONITOR
discussed how and what assistance we should be providing. We feei our
focus should be on the Spiritual needs, and endeavor to meet those needs,
by providing oversight, support, Bibles, vehicles, buildings, and so forth.
Yet, we feel very strongly that we cannot ignore the material needs of the
Individuals. We, as a church, can only scratch the surface of the many
needs in Uganda. There are needs for orphanages, better health care,
education, water, (which is carried from long distances and is often
polluted), and sanitation just to name a few of the many needs.
The children with whom we are working, generally have been living with
others in the community, but are still lacking in clothing, bedding, medical
attention and education. Uganda does not provide for a free education for
Its citizens. Education must be paid by the student's families or sponsors.
The orphans have no opportunity for an education as there is no one to pay
for their education. This affects their future employment, as well as their
ability to read and study the Scriptures when they are at church.
Bro. Godfrey has made an appeal for us to sponsor these children,
providing funds for schooling, and some very basic emergency medical
care. All who are interested in sponsoring orphans in Africa can do so
through the African Mission Board. We felt if the Board handled the money
and forwarded it to Bro. Godfrey, it could be done much less costly, and
used on a more timely basis. Checks mailed to Africa often take in excess
of two months before the funds are available to them for the work. If we
receive the money, it can be wired over along with the funds we are
sending without additional cost. The funds can be available for the needs of
the orphans on a much more timely basis.
We would ask that you make at least a one year commitment and send
the funds for at least two months at a time. Send your requests for a
student(s) to Bro. Ray Reed, 302 Percival, Dallas Center, lA 50063, as
well as your payments. Specify if you prefer to sponsor a boy or a girl.
Bro. Godfrey will supply information about each child's situation, along with
a picture of the student.
Bro. Godfrey has requested $20.00 a month for each student. A
breakdown of the funds will be as follows: $1 5,00 for educational tuition and
supplies, and $5.00 for basic emergency medical/first aid care.
Thank you,
African Mission Board
SIXTY YEARS AGO
January 1, 1936
THE TALE OF LIFE
Ida M. Helm
A poet of Israel has written, "We spend our years as a tale that is told."
We sometimes refer to the old year as a dead year, but the years never die,
they simply step aside to make way for the New Year that is about to begin
a new volume of the tale of life. Memories of the past year linger with us,
BIBLE MONITOR 11
and the days and months have contributed their share of material to help
make us what we are.
The record is sealed in the volume of 1935. Are we satisfied with what
the year holds in her relentless hands? She holds what we gave her. She
will carefully guard the volume till the great Judge shall bid her open the
book. We may, as Esau of old seek with tears to change the record, but
the guard is relentless, there is not one thought nor word nor act that we
can change.
Our lives have in a measure affected the lives of our neighbors and
friends and their lives have in a degree affected ours. Have we helped
each other to become a little more Christ-like? Have we remembered
God's words, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of
Christ." (Gal. 6:2.) Or have we sometimes put stumbling blocks in
another's way?
"What a checkered thing this life will be, when we see it unveiled in
eternity."
In our glad welcome of the New Year we may forget the old year and her
solemn charge, but the record is not forgotten by God. He has a work for
each one of us to do in the year 1936. No one else can ever do the work
God intends for me to do. If I sleight my opportunities I can receive no
reward. I can not hear from my Savior's lips the blessed words "well done."
Of our selves we are weak, but Jesus our Lord and Savior is strong and
able to help us accomplish the work He had for us to do. His promise is "I
will never leave thee nor forsake thee." The days and nights of the New
Year He is giving to us are not intended to be used by us as a merry-go-
round or an amusement stage, but a field of conquest.
Hard struggles lie in the path over which we must travel, for the
adversary knows his time is short and he seeks to destroy as a roaring lion
or to deceive as an angel of light, transforming himself so as the better to
deceive. He doesn't care how he works just so he can make sure of
getting his prey. He would stop the witness bearing for Christ of every
Christian if he could. But there is One who has conquered Satan. He is
the Christ of God. He is all powerful. He has traveled over the way we all
must go, He will be our guide and lead us safely to the end if we will follow
Him. He knows all the pitfalls and dangerous places along the way and He
has safely bridged them all.
While we are thinking about the work before us, we must remember that
the standard of the work we accomplish will not be above the standard of
our character. In spite of self-deceiving appearances, we can do nothing
better or other, in reality, than to build ourselves into our work. The issues
of life proceed out of the heart.
The New Year will bring to us opportunities for service. Do you
remember the haughty knight. Sir Launfal, how he started in young
manhood to seek for something wonderful, and as he passed his castle
gate he saw a poor leper crouching by the wall who held out his lean hands
12 BIBLE MONITOR
and begged for alms, and the proud knight scornfully tossed him a piece of
gold and rode on; you remember he sought in many lands for something
great and at last when his garments were worn threadbare and his hair was
thinned and whitened with age he returned penniless to his earldom and
found it occupied by another, and as he sat down to muse of happier days
he saw the old leper still crouching by the wall and again he plead, Tor
Christ's sweet sake I beg an alms." In tender love and pity the humbled,
bankrupt knight shared his last crust of bread with the leper and brought
him a drink of water, when suddenly the leper was transformed and stood
before him glorified. Lo! it was the Lord of Glory to whom he had
ministered.
Let us improve the opportunities for service as they come to us, no
matter how insignificant they may appear to us, and not like the mistaken
knight look only for great things to do lest at last we be compelled to return
empty handed to the place from which we started.
The opportunities that may appear to us as humble beggars and not
worth our notice, may be heavenly opportunities sent to us from God.
Jesus said, "Behold I set before you life and death," and He tells us to take
our choice. As we enter the New Year let us remember that the sting of
death lurks in so many seemingly innocent things that are found on the
highway of worldly pleasure, and that the fruit of the Tree of Life," can be
obtained only on the narrow way, the way to the cross over which the King
trod in anguish.
The New Testament is the guide book that points out for us the way that
He went and shows us where the delectable fruit is growing, and points out
the pit-falls and dangerous places where we may fall to destruction. The
Bible is a light to our pathway. When the tale of life is once finished it can
never be changed and we must meet every thought word and act when the
book of our life is read in the world beyond the grave.
A poet has graphically described this solemn ordeal in the following
lines:
I sat alone with my conscience.
In a place where time had ceased;
And we talked of my former living
In the land where the years increased.
And I felt I should have to answer
The question it put to me,
And face and answer the questions
Throughout an eternity.
The ghosts of forgotten actions
Came floating before my sight;
And things I thought were dead things,
Were alive with a terrible might
BIBLE MONITOR 13
And the vision of all my past life
Was an awful thing to face;
Alone with my conscience sitting
!n that solemn, silent place.
Then I felt that the future was present,
And the present would never go by;
For it was but the scenes of my past life,
Grown into eternity.
Then I woke from my timely dreaming,
And the vision passed away,
And I knew that the far-away warning
Was a warning of yesterday.
And I pray I may not forget it,
In this land before the grave;
That I may not cry in the future,
And no one come to save.
TARRY
"...but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power
from on high." Luke 24:49.
"...tarry one for another." I Cor. 1 1 :33.
"...My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch."
Mark 14:34.
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall
mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they
shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 .
After spending another wonderful Lovefeast with the Lititz Congregation
this Fall, we were taken back to the scripture in I Corinthians 11:33 which
says, "Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for
another." We meditated much upon these words and realized that there
were benefits to be had by tarrying. We are told to tarry one for another in
the Lovefeast because of the solemnity of the occasion. It gives us a
chance to reflect upon the good things of God and the ultimate sacrifice
that was made on our behalf. Tarrying one for another also shows us to be
patient and loving one with another, as Jesus was with us. Just as the
footwashing service teaches us humility, tarrying one for another helps us
learn patience.
The disciples of Jesus were told to tarry in Jerusalem until they were
endued with power from God. They gathered together and prayed. The
scriptures say they were in one accord in one place. They prayed and
tarried and the Holy Ghost fell upon them as they were promised. There
14 BIBLE MONITOR
are benefits to tarrying. God promised Abraliam a people as numerous as
the stars of the sky. He was old and so was his wife. He could not wait.
The end result of Abraham's impatience was the Arab nation, which has
been a thorn in the side of Israel ever since. Many times as Christians we
run ahead of God, not recognizing God's timing and preferhng our own.
Disastrous results often follow. This writer speaks from experience. As a
young Christian I was not as patient with others as I should have been and
did not realize God had a plan and a timetable for me. May God help us to
accept His plan for us.
Just as Abraham could not tarry because he perceived a weakness in
his flesh, so the disciples, when asked to tarry with Jesus, fell asleep
instead of watching. What a blessing they would have had if they only
would have stayed awake a little while longer! It says in Isaiah that they
that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. There is a blessing in
waiting for Him. In James 1:4 we read, "But let patience have her perfect
work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." Today in this
hurried world our cry to God is, "Give me patience and give it to me now!"
We recall hearing the testimonies of many saints that spent much time in
finding the Lord. Our own quest for salvation took three years, with many
agonizing and trying times. Many times we felt like giving up. Those who
tarried in the upper room probably did not know entirely what it was they
were waiting for, yet they, like Paul, were obedient to the heavenly vision.
After all, they saw Christ rise out of their sight. We also, through faith, can
wait upon the Lord and believe His promises knowing that if we are
obedient He will indeed carry us through.
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
OBITUARY
CLYDE O. BEEMAN
Bro. Clyde Oscar Beeman, 61, of 66 N. Water Street, Frostburg,
Maryland, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 2, 1995. "He
fought a good fight and finished the course, henceforth is laid up for him a
crown of righteousness."
Born July 5, 1933, in Garrett County, Maryland, he was the son of Oscar
Beeman and Flossie (Broadwater) Beeman, Lonaconing, Maryland.
Bro. Beeman was a retired employee of Kelly Springfield Tire Company.
He was a member of the Dunkard Brethren Church, Savage River,
Maryland. He was a member of the Country Gospel Singers, a family
group, as singer, songwriter and musician for twenty-four years.
Surviving in addition to his parents are his wife, Jean (Warnick) Beeman;
one son, David C. Beeman and wife Gail, Shaft, Maryland; two daughters,
Melonie F. Drew and husband Larry, Shaft, Maryland and Gloria M.
Knieriem, Frostburg, Maryland; three brothers, Homer L Beeman and wife
BIBLE MONITOR 15
Freda, Westernport, Maryland, Bobby Beeman and wife Saundra, Vale
Summit, Maryland and Roger L. Beeman and wife Sandy, Springfield,
Virginia; three sisters, Edna M. Clark and husband Glen, Knapps Meadow,
Maryland, M. Louise Skidmore and husband Stanley, Vale Summit,
Maryland and Lavona K. Sines and husband Ronnie, Clarysvilie, Maryland;
eight grandchildren, Steven Beeman, Chad Beeman, Amy Goldsworthy, J.
R. Drew, Jessica Drew, Chantel Knieriem, Daniel Knieriem and Tyler
Knieriem.
Funeral services were conducted at 1:00 P.M., Friday, May 5, at the
Durst Funeral Home, Frostburg, Maryland, with the Rev. Alan Smith, the
Rev. Bill Clark and Bro. Virgil Leatherman officiating. Interment was in the
Laurel Hill Cemetery, Moscow, Maryland.
Clyde was a very "special" person. Even during his illness he had a big
smile and hello for everyone who entered his room. His testimony of his
faith and love for the Lord will never be forgotten.
Sadly missed by the family.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF CLYDE
He was a man who loved his Lord,
Good husband, father and son.
God took him home to live in Heaven
For his work on earth was done.
He sang the gospel for 24 years
As he traveled throughout the land.
Wrote songs of praise, played lead guitar
With "The Country Gospel Band."
He was a man of integrity
Who shared God's love with his friends.
Prayed faithfully for his family
Persevering until the end.
We loved him much and we miss him
But we'll see him again someday
He waits at the portals of Heaven,
To welcome us home to stay.
-Edna (Beeman) Clark
The family wants to thank everyone who expressed their love for
Clyde. Also for the cards, flowers, food and especially the many prayers
offered up for Clyde.
16
BIBLE MONITOR
DIRECTORY OF BOARDS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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R.I Box 137
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Dennis St. John, Secretary
21397-B50
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Warren C.Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
McClave, CO 81057
GENERAL MISSION BOARD
Fred O. Pifer, Chairman
1734 240th Street
Adel, lA 50003
Robert Carpenter, Secretary
R.5 Box 97
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Dale E. Jamison, Treasurer
R.I Box 137
Quinter, KS 67752
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
Rudy Shaffer
42 Doe Run Road
Manheim, PA 17545
Jacob C. Ness
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York, PA 17403
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Beaumont, CA 92223
BOARD OF PUBLICATION
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10340 North Diamond Mil
Englewood, OH 45322
Jacob C. Ness, Secretary
136 Homeland Road
York, PA 17403
H. Edward Johnson
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Fred O. Pifer
1734 240th Street
Adel, lA 50003
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
Road
BIBLE STUDY BOARD
James Meyers, Chairman
2641 205th Street
Dallas Center, lA 50063
Dennis St. John, Secretary
21397-B50
Bryan, OH 43506
Fred O. Pifer, Treasurer
1734 240th Street
Adel, lA 50003
Marlin Marks
3027 Acorn Lane
Red Lion, PA 17356
Mark Cordrey
4025 Woodland Avenue
Modesto, CA 95358
RELIEF BOARD
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12413 Delaware Road
Hickman, CA 95323
(209) 874-2832
Martin Meyers, Secretary
2654 K Avenue
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(515) 993-3028
Witliam Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender Street
Morenci, Ml 49256
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(717) 359-5753
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R.2 Box 30
Hoxie, KS 67740
(913) 675-3600
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
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HCR79, Box 8
Cuba, NM 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Drive
Modesto, CA 95355
James Meyers, Secretary
2641 205th Street
Dallas Center, lA 50063
Marian Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, KS 67752
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
Larry Andrews
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Raymore, MO 64083
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BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXIV
JANUARY 15, 1996
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 aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
BEAR TESTIMONY ~
Study to show thyself approved,
A follower of God.
Go, tell the words that Jesus spoke
While on this earth He trod.
Speak up, nny brother, for the Lord;
He has done much for you,
Let others hear His holy Word;
Show it by actions, too.
Bear testimony for your Lord
If you want salvation;
God will guide in humble service,
Not in emulation!
If you will sacrifice for Him,
He will salvation give.
Then in that city up above
Eternally you'll live.
-Irene Stout
BIBLE MONITOR
ONE STEP AT A TIME
The longest journey begins with the first step. As we look around
us we realize that a big thing is composed of many small parts.
Our bodies are composed of many diverse and interconnected
parts. Each part supplies a need of the body. Whether bone, organ,
muscle or tissue, each part contributes to the body's ability to live and
function.
A building is constructed of many interconnected parts. Without
the varied parts of a building it could not shelter. If built without a
major component, it would not be safe to be in.
The world itself is made up of many elements. When the scientist
dissects the earth, he finds atoms and molecules of the basic
elements. Each element, in conjunction with the other elements,
provides the framework for the earth's being.
The great events that have happened throughout the world's
history have been caused by many small events that combined to
bring about the greater historic event. Wars do not just happen.
There are contributing factors that precipitate these events. The one
outstanding event that triggers the beginning of warfare is just one
more event in a long line of provocations. Wodd War II did not start
with Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939. That war had started a
long time before. The rise of Hitler to power in Germany was one
factor. His continued aggression at the expense of weaker countries
was another. The world's economic situation played a part. The
weakness of the leaders of the opposing governments was a
significant force in allowing these events to transpire into war. World
THE BIBLE MONITOR JANUARY 15, 1996
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard Brethren
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DENNIS ST. JOHN, Associate Editor; 21397-B50, Bryan, OH 43506.
BIBLE MONITOR
War II had its roots in many countries, many leaders' hearts and
minds and in prevailing conditions. These all had a part in bringing
the war unto the world's stage of action.
Just as a terrible war does not come by one simple act, so
problems between individuals do not flame into hatred and distrust by
a single action. People come to dislike and distrust each other
through a series of failed opportunities to like each other. There may
be certain preexisting conditions that affect people's relationships
before they even meet. There may be a prejudice that clouds the
relationship. Even Christians can be limited in their ability to deal with
people with certain lifestyles. There are many things that influence
one person's perception of another person. The first impression may
be negative, although undeserved. Because of a poor first
impression, a misspoken remark or some other trivial or innocent
incident, an enmity is born between two people. If there is no
willingness to overcome these poor beginnings, these harsh feelings
are apt to escalate into a very negative relationship. When the
relationship reaches this point, the only real cure is not a "papered-
over" agreement to get along. A more basic cure is needed. This
involves a need for a Spiritual solution. There Is a need for
confession, repentance and forgiveness. Without this radical solution,
there will be no real peace between these individuals. They need a
war-ending peace treaty that is based on Biblical principles. Solutions
that leave Biblical principles out can never be entirely successful.
It is not only our relationships with others but our own inner failures
that affect our lives. We need improvement. Internally. There are
many ways in which we fail to live up to the pattern given in God's
Word. This may include Impatience, anger, violent action or words,
impiety, worldliness, immodesty, or many other failings. It may not be
these negative activities. It may be the lack of positive activities. Like
the Pharisees of old, we may lack judgment, mercy and faith. It is not
that we do things that are ungodly, Instead we fall to do the things that
promote Christ and Christian living.
What is the remedy for this condition? First there Is the need for
confession and repentance, especially where wrong has been done.
To merely regret and belittle oneself will not improve the situation. A
change needs to be made. Just as the present situation is the result
of years of continued habits, the situation can be Improved by
establishing a new set of habits. These habits will not be easy to
initiate. New habits, whether good or bad, are made over a period of
time by repeating the new activity a number of times. It is one step at
a time. The steps may be baby steps at first. They may be giant
BIBLE MONITOR
steps when the new activity becomes more familiar. It is better to
change a little for the better than to condemn the obvious lack.
As you look at your self, your activities and your attitudes are you
pleased with what you see? Are you willing, with the leading the Holy
Spirit and the help of God, to make the needed changes? Are you
willing to make these changes one step at a time?
M.C.Cook
ABOUT SERVANTS
"And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant
Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright
man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?" Job 1:8.
As we consider the subject of servants, 1 would like to consider first
the worthy servant and then the unprofitable servant.
To see the task that was given to the servant, we look first at Isaiah
41:28, "For 1 beheld, and there was no man; even among them, and
there was no counselor, that when I asked of them, could answer a
word."
And also at Ezekiel 22:30, "And I sought for a man among them,
that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for
the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none."
Since no man was found that was able, he provided the servant
who was both able and willing.
We read of this one in Isaiah, chapters 42 through 53. These are
sometimes called the servant songs of Isaiah.
God describes this servant in Isaiah 42:1-9, also please read
Matthew 12:17-21.
In Isaiah 49:1-12 the servant speaks of the promise of God that he
will uphold him. Again in Isaiah 50:4-9 the servant speaks of the
tongues and of the ear, given him by the Lord God. John 12:49-50,
"For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he
gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what 1 should
speak. And 1 know that his commandment is life everlasting:
whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so 1
speak." See also John 7:16 and 8:26.
Again Isaiah 50:5-7. The servant says, "...I was not rebellious,
neither turned away back. I gave my back to the smiters, and my
cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame
and spitting. For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be
confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I
shall not be ashamed. See Luke 9:51 .
Isaiah 52:13-15 begins to describe the suffering of the servant, and
BIBLE MONITOR
continues in the 53rd chapter to describe the suffering of the servant,
and for whom and why it was necessary. Isaiah 53:5-6, "But he was
wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the
chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are
healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every
one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us
all."
And God was satisfied. Isaiah 53: 1 0-1 1 .
His work on earth was a work of service. Luke 7:22-23. "Then
Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what
things ye have seen and heard, how that the blind see, the lame walk,
the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the
poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not
be offended in me."
He crowned His life of service by taking a towel and basin, and
washed the disciples' feet, and suffered the agonies of Gethsemane
and died on the cross for your sins and mine.
Thus He became the worthy servant of whom God said, "Behold,
my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; i
have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the
Gentiles." See also Matthew 3:17, Matthew 17:5, Mark 9:7-35, John
12:27-29.
God bless you ail.
Brother William Carpenter
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Should We Abandon the King James Version of the Bible?
One indication that the Bible is still very much alive, even in these
contemporary days of the '90's, when so many strident voices are
denying its authority, is the continuing demand for new translations.
Parts or all of the Bible are now available in more than twelve
hundred different languages. This is twice as many as in 1920. This
number is increasing steadily. Wycliffe Bible Translators have a staff
of linguists working in almost five hundred different tribes to give them
a Bible in their own language.
As far as the English language Is concerned, at least twenty-five
important translations and paraphrases have received wide usage in
the twentieth century. These are in so called "modern English"
instead of the supposedly archaic sixteenth-century English of the
King James Authorized Version. The need for so many different
modern-speech versions is not at all evident.
A modern speech versjon does have certain advantages, of
BIBLE MONITOR
course. The Scriptures, as originally given, were in the common
language of the people. They were intended by God to be understood
and used by ordinary people, not just by priests and scholars. It is
equally important today that all men should have access to the Bible
in a language that is meaningful to them. There is no doubt that one
or another of the modern translations has been of help to many
people, who were not reached by the King James Version.
Nevertheless, there is good reason for continuing to regard the
latter as our basic English version, with the others used whenever
appropriate for supplementary reading and study. In the first place,
no modern translation has yet met the test of universal acceptability
as the King James has for more than three hundred and fifty years.
On the contrary, the very number of new translations is confusing,
each with its own advocates and its own peculiar claims and
character.
At one time, Scripture memorization was very valuable to
Christians but it seems to be becoming a somewhat forgotten
discipline. Could it be because it is difficult to decide which version to
memorize? If authorities do not agree on what the verse says, why
do we want to memorize it?
In addition, many translators of modern versions have been men
who were not committed to faith in the full inspiration of the Bible. No
matter how well they knew the original language or Bible manuscripts,
their low view of Bible infallibility would corrupt their writing. The
translators of the King James Version were not only scholars but were
men who regarded the Scriptures as totally sacred. They revered the
text highly and even used italics in the translation when words were
added in the English.
I disagree that King James English is too archaic or difficult to
follow. It is written in a simple vocabulary and has a high percentage
of one and two syllable words.
The King James Version is universally acknowledged as the
greatest masterpiece of English literature. Its beauty and majesty are
without parallel in our literary heritage.
The New Testament in the King James Version is based on the
Greek text known as the Textus Receptus. It stands alone in this
characteristic. The Byzantine text, as preserved through the
centuries of Christianity by Greek speaking churches, gives credibility
to this writing.
Many translations contain an amazing number of obvious and
careless mistakes. Some of these changes could be deliberate
alterations. These versions of the Bible need to be used very
BIBLE MONITOR
carefully, if at all.
There is a valid reason to believe that the King Jannes Version of
the Bible is still the nnost accurate and reliable translation we have
today. There would seem to be no reason to replace it with a modern
translation.
Brother Len Wertz
SIXTY YEARS AGO
January 15, 1936
FOUR KINDS OF HEARERS
Ethel Brubaker
We find in Christ's teaching in Mark 4:1-20, that there are four kind
of hearers; and as we as Christ's followers are sowing the seed in
which of the four kinds of soil is It falling? If the seed which we are
sowing is not bringing sinners to repentance, is it of carelessness on
our part as sowers or on the part of the hearers? According to Mark's
gospel we have the hearers as follows:
I. The wayside.
The kind of soil spoken of in this case has been left unbroken and
uncultivated; the seed could not get underneath the surface and
therefore was devoured by the fowls that came along. So it is with
the hearers of the word, their heart is unbroken and hard and is not fit
soil to receive the gospel. In such a heart it penetrates not but lies
loosely upon the surface. The gospel is not given proper recognition
by such hearts as is God's means of restoring them unto Himself.
Because the evil one finds some way to snatch away the truth.
II. The Stony Ground.
This Is not stones mixed with soil, but stones with a thin layer of
soil on top. With such condition the seed springs up quickly and
likewise scorches quickly because it has not depth of earth. So it is
with the hearers whose hearts are lightly impressed, they receive the
word with joy, but when afflictions or persecutions arise, for the word's
sake immediately they are offended. Then Satan enters in and
devours them; and they are no more living the Christian life.
ML The Thorny Ground.
In this case the ground is good but has thorns in it. The ground is
mellow and has sufficient depth but has not been cleared of the
thorns. Such people really hear the word of God, but the cares of this
world and the deceitfulness of riches, the lusts of other things of the
world enter in and they become unfruitful. There are many different
thorny ground hearers of the word, some of which we would like to
make mention of.
8 BIBLE MONITOR
First, those who are so immersed in worldliness, business and
anxious cares, that the good seed cannot come to fruitage.
Second: Those who are rich. The anxious cares in business brings
riches and the effects of riches is to blunt the spiritual perception of
men and women as we find in I Tim. 6:9-19.
Third: Again we have those running after the pleasures of this life.
Many of the enjoyments of the world may be innocent within
themselves, but they attract so much time and energy that Bible
reading, deep meditation and prayer are crowded out. All these
things are as thorns to living a Christian life.
IV. The Good Ground.
This ground is different from all the rest, it has nothing to molest. It
is soft and mellow, deep and moist. Therefore it is capable of
bringing forth good fruit. Some one hundred, some sixty and some
thirty fold, as we have it recorded in Mark 4:20. This shows us that
even the honest hearers of the word give forth fruits in different
degrees. In the measure that it keeps the heart free from worldliness;
cares of riches, pleasure seeking, mote picking and backbitings so
that more of the good seed can mature.
Which one of the four hearers are we? If we are one of the first
three let us get busy and see if we can not raise our standard just a
little higher each day as we travel the way that leads from earth to
eternal glory. So let us as young and old that are trying to live the
Christ like life be careful what kind of a life we live and the kind of light
we show to the world that we do not keep sinners from repenting and
discourage those that are already in the church to an extent that they
turn back to the ways of sin.
SILENCE
Silence is a blessed thing. Silence gives us access to the
wonderful world of serenity. It is only in silence that we can find an
opportunity to develop our personal relationship with God.
Interior prayer offers us another way to use moments of silence to
keep ourselves mindful of God's presence during the hours of a busy
working day. Interior prayers are prayers of thought, addressed to
God. It only requires a moment, while we are walking, working, or
driving, to say, 'Thank You, Lord."
Is it not just and right, that each day we remember God, and thank
Him for the hours of that day, that He has given us? When we lift our
eyes to a beautiful sky, or a glorious sunset, is it not right to say
"Thank you. Father." Without silence we become estranged from
God, and caught in the "Trap of the world," and are removed from the
BIBLE MONITOR
always present love of Jesus Christ.
It is only in nnoments of silence that we can have the presence of
mind to give our blessing to a less fortunate stranger, a playing child,
or to the spirits of those who have gone before us, as we pass a
cenaetery. We should carry the presence of Jesus Christ with us,
everywhere we go, every day of our lives. We can only do this if we
make a loving friend of silence.
How can we be aware of the Holy Spirit, guiding and directing our
lives if we never stop talking? If we are going to minister to others,
must we not be silent and listen? Is not a good listener a blessing to
everyone? If we have a loving compassion for the people all around
us, must not we be silent and listen to their concerns and needs?
No person who does not love silence can hope to reach his or her
spiritual potential. Whenever you are in doubt, be silent...
Bro. Allan Smith
THE FOUNDATION
"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;"Ephesians 2:20.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and
the Word was God." John 1 :1 .
We must be extremely careful nowadays with what we read
because the enemy is ready to devour us like a roaring lion. There is
also much error on (so-called) Christian radio. In one day I heard
several things that have no (or little) basis in scripture, or are just
misinterpretation: "speaking in tongues," "slain in the spirit," "walking
through cities," and so on. We must stay focused on the foundation.
There are several things we must ask ourselves when we read
Christian literature, or any other type for that matter. We must ask
first of all, what Is the motive of the writer: WHY is this article or book
being written?
When reading a periodical like THE MONITOR, it can be
understood that the piece of writing has been looked over carefully
and approved by the Editor. In the Monitor's case at least, the writers
are generally known personally by the Editor. The MONITOR has an
agenda. All the articles fit into that agenda. Not all publications are
like this. We must ask, is the writer bringing honor and glory to God?
Is the writer bringing forth instruction in righteousness? Is the writer
indeed writing from the standpoint that the scriptures are entirely true?
Is the article being written with the position that Jesus Christ is the
incarnate Son of God and that He brought a saving Gospel by living
and dying and rising from the dead? Is the writer endeavoring to
10 BIBLE MONITOR
provoke the reader unto love and good works? Jesus said in
Matthew 5:37, "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay:
for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." We must exercise
care not to become repetitive. We must love our audience, and point
them to Calvary.
A dear friend of mine told me that when he went to Bible College
the first thing he was told was this: "In order to get anything out of
your time here you must forget everything you ever learned about the
Bible and start fresh." My friend was a solid, born-again Christian, yet
he was asked to forget his "prejudices." The college clearly taught
error. He soon left. We must stay on the foundation.
Everywhere we go God is being excluded. Maybe we should not
go there. I wrote a letter to a local newspaper. They would not print it
because it had a Bible reference in it. Thank God there are a few
newspapers left that will print letters proclaiming the Gospel. We
should witness more of the good things of God, and we should write
more letters, including letters to newspapers that will print a
proclamation of God's Grace.
In I Peter 3:15 it says to be ready always to give an answer to
every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with
meekness and fear. It also states in verse 18, "For Christ also hath
once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to
God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit." This
then is the foundation. Let us in every conversation of life remain true
to the foundation.
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA. 17073
ALL FREE
As I lay in bed last night meditating, it was near midnight. I had
kept working until 10:45. As I prepared for bed, the electric went off.
Everything went black. I hopped into bed. My mind began to wander
and to think about many of the blessings that God gives freely to both
saint and sinner. These are blessings that we never could pay for.
Just think of the cost of a sunny day at today's cost of electricity.
This could not be done with all of the learning and technology that
man is so proud of. Yet if God took away all light, there would not be
any electric lights either. All light would vanish from the earth and
cavern darkness would surround us. It would be so dark that it could
be felt. A person would become paralyzed in his steps.
There followed other thoughts of God's free gifts. One of these is
BIBLE MONITOR 11
free water, without which all life would perish. There would be no
green grass, trees, flowers, birds, animals or even human beings.
Some people will say, "Oh, I pay for my water, it is not free." That
water is free. People only pay for the means of getting access to it.
He has not only given us the water for physical purposes, He also has
given us the water of His Holy Spirit, to keep us alive spiritually and to
feel His leading. Sadly, we have failed to follow His guidance so
much of the time. We are suffering from a spiritual drought. As we
need to use water to sustain life in the flesh, so we should constantly
drink of the Holy Spirit to sustain our spiritual life in order to keep in a
healthy, spiritual tune with God. Neglect of His guidance brings a
withering up of our spiritual lives, just as it does our bodies if we do
not have water to drink.
Another free gift of God is the air we breathe. If God removed it,
human and animal life would die almost immediately and plant life
would follow. No amount of money could buy air. No rescue squads
would pick us up. No hospital would admit us. No medical doctor
would see us.
Energy is another free gift. Some of the sources are electricity,
wood, coal and oil. Without energy our motors would be dead, our
cars would not run, our houses would be cold in winter and hot in
summer. There would be no refrigeration to preserve our food, no
heat to prepare our food, to wash our clothes and to do many other
things.
Also human, animal and plant life are gifts from God. Scientists
have built robots, computers, and so forth, which have no life or
knowledge, except what man puts into them mechanically. They are
dead. They have no life or soul. Man has tried putting milk
components together but animal life dies on it. It does not have the
life additive that God put in mother's milk. People will spend
thousands of dollars just to try to live a few days longer, but when
God determines that life shall be no longer, the spirit of man flies
away. The body is dead until the resurrection day, when God brings
soul and body together again. Then man has no power to change his
eternal destiny. It is forever sealed to be as we have determined
during our life on earth.
These are just a few of God's gifts to man. I do not think it possible
to enumerate the many things God gives us free. The healing of our
physical bodies is a great gift of God. Man can operate and sew the
cut in the flesh together, but only God can heal it. Doctors, who
realize this fact, have mentioned it to me different times.
All of these free gifts are given to both saint and sinner by a
12 BIBLE MONITOR
merciful God. It costs to put water in our homes, get the energy out of
the air and earth so that it can be used, for the medical profession to
work on our bodies, but God's gifts are free. The greatest gift of all
was His Son, who gave His blood freely to cover our carnal sinful
nature and to keep us from eternal death. But as with the physical,
we have our part to do in order to obtain that free gift. It is not by
laying water pipes, drilling for gas, converting fuel to electricity, and so
forth. We first must have faith in God, then praise Him (which, if we
do not do. He said that the rocks and the mountains would cry out
Luke 19:40), and to repent, be baptized and keep His
commandments. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples
if ye do whatsoever I have commanded you." Read I John 1 :3"6. But
be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own
selves. James 1:22. Faith without works is dead. Read James 2:17-
20. We would be just as dead as our heating stove would be without
fuel, if it were not provided for the fire to burn.
By accepting God's free plan (without money and without price)
which He has promised us. We can have eternal life in Heaven,
where we will live forever by eating the twelve manner of fruit from the
tree of life, drinking crystal clean water from the river of life, visiting
and mingling with our family and loved ones of all ages and sing
songs of praise together to our Redeemer. He looked on our
afflictions and redeemed us from Satan without money and without
price. ALL FREE! Praise the Lord! GLORY HALLELUJAH!
Sister Ruth M. Snyder
THE DANGERS OF ALCOHOLIC DRINK
Proverbs 20:1, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and
whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."
Proverbs 23:29-30, "Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath
contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause?
who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that
go to seek mixed wine."
The arguments against complete abstinence of strong drink and in
favor of moderation are many and varied. Some of them can be
construed from Holy Scripture. There may be historic evidence that
our Brethren forefathers were not complete teetotalers. One of the
strongest arguments in favor of moderation as opposed to complete
abstinence is that the Bible condemns drunkenness and not drinking
in moderation. While this would, perhaps, appear to be true, it does
not alter the fact that there was never a drunkard who did not take the
first drink!
BIBLE MONITOR 13
Many argue that the Holy Spirit can enable an individual to control
the amount of strong drink consumed. We have no doubt of the
validity of this argument. The same type of argument is set forth for
owning a television or using a VCR. While we believe the Holy Spirit
will give us the strength to overcome temptation, we do not believe
that He will overrule our free will. Here lies the crux of the problem.
We would not condemn an individual to Hell for using strong drink
in moderation, especially if it is for medicinal purposes, anymore than
we would condemn an individual to Hell for having a television set in
their home. But we would caution that both of these have the
potential for causing him to fall from the faith and thereby lose his soul
to perdition. As our opening verse warns, "...whosoever is deceived
thereby is not wise."
The problems caused by alcoholic beverages are legion. "Who
hath woe?" How many financial disasters have been caused by
demon rum, as the old time evangelists named strong drink? "Who
hath sorrow?" Anyone with a conscience left will have strong remorse
after taking the life of an Innocent victim while being in an intoxicated
state. Countless numbers have been killed by drunken drivers over
the years. Murders and other felonies are often associated with
strong drink. Not only do they suffer sorrow but the families of the
loved ones killed have sorrow in their hearts also. "Who hath
contention?" Many families have been destroyed through the use of
strong drink. As verse 33 warns, "Thine eyes shall behold strange
women..." "Who hath babbling?" An intoxicated individual has very
little control over their thoughts or their tongue. Many a harsh word
has been spoken and many unkind and untrue remarks have been
made while under the influence of strong drink. We can ask
forgiveness but the sting is never completely removed. "Who hath
wounds without cause?" A sad picture is given in verse 35. "They
have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have
beaten me, and 1 felt It not: when shall I awake? 1 will seek it yet
again." Many have suffered harsh treatment from their "fhends" while
under the influence of liquor. Sadly, not only have many felt the hand
of uncalled for punishment but they have administered it as well.
There is probably nothing sadder than hearing of an innocent child
being abused by an alcoholic father or mother. "Who hath redness of
eyes?" This not only describes the appearance of one who habitually
uses strong drink but could also be symbolical of diseases associated
with strong drink. Many medical scientists believe that strong drink
destroys the brain. Many other physical infirmities are directly or
indirectly related to strong drink.
14 BIBLE MONITOR
We believe verse 31 is a strong argument in favor of complete
abstinence. "Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it
giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright." Verse 32
gives the results. "At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like
an adder."
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
CHURCH OF GOD
Titles and descriptions of the Church of God as given in the
Scriptures.
T-emple of God. I Cor. 3:16.
H-ouseofGod. I Tim. 3:15.
E-lect. Matt. 24:22.
C-al!ed. Romans 8:28.
H-eirsof God. Rom. 8:17.
U-nited we stand, divided we fall. (A proverb.)
R-ansomed. Isaiah 45:10.
C-hristians. Acts 11:26.
H-idden ones. Psa. 83:3.
G-eneral Assembly. Heb. 12:23.
0-bedient. I Peter 1:14.
D-isciples. Matt. 5:1.
E-xcellent. Prov. 12:26.
S-heep. John 10:3.
T-emple of God. Psa. 135:4
A-ssembly of saints. Heb. 10:25.
B-elievers. Acts 5:14.
L-ight of the world. Matt. 5:14.
l-mage of God. Rom. 8:29.
S-tones. I Peter. 2:5.
H-oly. I Cor. 3:17.
E-lection. Rom. 9:11.
D-early beloved. Jer. 12:7.
The late Brother Paul R. Myers
BIBLE MONITOR 15
OBITUARY
RUSSELL B. SMOOTZ
Bro. Russell Burdette Smootz, 77, Antioch, West Virginia, died
October 6, 1995, at the Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center
in Washington, DC
Bro. Smootz was born March 27, 1918, in Elk Garden, West
Virginia, and was the son of the late Elmer J. and Blanche (Harris)
Smootz.
He was a former employee of American Woodmark Corporation in
Moorefield, West Virginia, and a member of the Ridge Dunkard
Brethren Church in Antioch. He was a veteran of World War II.
On May 3, 1947, he married the former Ruby M. Rohrbaugh, who
survives.
Other survivors include one son, Andrew A. Smootz, Linville,
Virginia; two daughters, Sandra Eberly, New Holland, Pennsylvania
and Joyce Shaffer, New Creek, West Virginia; one sister, Cletus
Kauffman, Broadway, Virginia, and five grandchildren.
Virgil Leatherman, Millard Benner and Frank Shaffer conducted the
funeral at 1:00p.m. at the Ridge Dunkard Brethren Church. Burial
was at the Knobley Cemetery, Antioch, West Virginia.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Knobley Cemetery.
We wish to thank everyone who sent flowers, cards and gifts.
Thanks for all the prayers and kindness shown the family during this
time of sorrow.
Ruby M. Smootz and family
NEWS ITEM
ENGLEWOOD, OHIO
Another time to praise the Lord. Sister Carla Blocher, daughter of
Bro. Stephen and Sis. Karen Blocher, braved the cold waters of
baptism and entered her name in the Lambs Book of Life.
Sister Ruth Speicher, Cor.
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR FEBRUARY 1996
February 4- "Ye Must Be Born Again" -John 3:1-13.
1. Compare the first and second births. What are the similarities?
What are the differences?
2. Why is it so hard for the natural man to discern and understand
Spiritual things?
February 1 1 - Believing in the Son of God - John 3:14-36.
1. Explain how God's love for everyone is unconditional.
2. How is unbelief a self-condemnation?
February 18 - Living Water - John 4:1-26.
1 . What is "'The Gift of God" Jesus spoke about to the woman?
2. Explain the process of Spiritual thirst quenching.
February 25 - Harvest Time - John 4:27-42.
1. Why did Jesus compare doing His Fatheris will to meat?
2. Explain how we today are reaping what was sown by the
generations before us.
YOUNG PEOPLE'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR FEBRUARY 1996
February 4 - Our Virtue- II Peter 1:3-11, Phil. 4:6-9, I Peter 3:10-12.
1 . Is virtue easily attained or must we grow in it?
2. How is 'The face of the Lord against them that do evil"?
February 1 1 - Our dedication-Ex. 32:26-33, II Kings 23:2-3, Phil. 3:7-14
1 . What determines whether or not we are on the Lord's side?
2. What covenant must we make with the Lord?
February 18 - Our Anchor- Hebrews 6:1-20.
1. How can we "Go on unto perfection" in our Christian walk?
2. What is our "Anchor of the soul"?
February 25 - Hypocrisy - Matt. 23:12-28, Luke 6:44-49.
1 . What did Jesus say about doing the less weighty things?
2. Explain why hypocrisy is sin and compared to swallowing a
camel.
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXIV
FEBRUARY 1, 1996
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 aim to be nnore sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
HE IS EVERYWHERE!
We need not climb the hills to find
Our Lord and worship there.
We need not go through valleys low,
For He is everywhere!
Oh, we could go fronn pole to pole
Or travel the earth's sphere.
And yet our mind is sure to find
That Christ is always near.
What joy is this and with what bliss
We worship at His feet.
The time will come for everyone
When they their Lord shall meet.
Our judgment day we're shown the way
To heaven or to hell.
Worship with love your Lord above —
Then find that all is well,
-Irene Stout
BIBLE MONITOR
REMOVING THE DROSS
Most natural products contain impurities, therefore refineries are very
important to us. In order to guarantee purity in the products we use and
eat, they must be refined. The gasoline for our automobiles must be
refined from crude oil. Sugar cane must be refined to become table
sugar. Many things are potentially useful, but they can not be utilized
until they have been refined.
Silver and gold need to be refined before either becomes a metal of
great value. Dirt, dross and other impurities are within the ore. It needs
to be heated, so the dross can be removed. A very high heat is one of
the best purifiers. By whatever manual or mechanical method, the
impurity is removed, it is a necessary step. What is potentially valuable
does not attain its full value until the impurities have been removed.
Malachi writes to the Jews of his day. He writes of the refiner's work
and applies it to them. He speaks of the need for purity in their religious
and moral lives. Unfortunately, their lives did not measure up to the
standards of God. They were impure. He gave several examples of
ways that they had perverted their service of God.
He accused them of robbing from God. They could not imagine how
they had ever robbed God. The very idea seemed preposterous. He
showed how they had withheld their tithes and offerings from God.
They probably had some very good reasons for not making their
expected offerings to God. People usually find very believable reasons
for failing to do their duty towards God. They had failed to bring their
tithes into the congregation's warehouse, although they probably had
had at one time good intentions to do so. In the end, they did not save
THE BIBLE MONITOR FEBRUARY 1 , 1 996
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard Brethren
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DENNIS ST. JOHN, Associate Editor, 21397-B50, Bryan, OH 43506.
BIBLE MONITOR
their goods for themselves, they lost even greater blessings that God
would have given them if they had been faithful in fulfilling their vows.
He spoke of their hard speeches against God. They had a form of
godliness but they lacked a true, vital dedication to God and His ways.
Although they might deny speaking against God, Malachi informs them
that they have made light of God's commandments and ordinances.
They have considered God's commandments to be of little importance
in their lives. In fact, they have, by reason and deceit, tried to free
themselves of His demands upon their lives. They might consider His
commands to be applicable to people of another age or culture, but not
to themselves. They might decide they did not need to be or to do
differently then their neighbors. They would feel foolish to do some of
these things that the world would never do.
They had a perverted sense of rightness. They not only did not
follow God's commandments, but they spoke stoutly against those who
did. They praised those who were wicked and criticized those who
were righteous. Those who were evil were promoted in their minds, but
the good were put down.
Malachi wrote of the majority of the Jews following this course. He
also commended those who were willing to follow God's program.
Although they were few compared to the others, they were an
inspiration to Malachi. He saw them meeting together to encourage
each other in their godly course. Their reward was greater than just the
praise of Malachi. They were commended by God, Himself.
A refining was needed. He used the picture of the refiner's fire to
speak of that needed refining. Fire will liquefy metals so the dross can
be removed. No other means will be effective: God's judgment is a
refiner's fire. His judgment of sin will cause a cleansing within the life of
one of His people.
They were in need of a great refining. Like the Jews of Malachi's
time, many Christians have developed many of the same defective
attitudes. They have impurities that need to be removed. They need
the refiner's fire to work in their Spiritual lives.
Many Christians display the same contrary attitudes and practices
that the Jews of old had. Their behavior caused Malachi to speak
against them. He warned them they needed to make some changes.
Christians with the same attitudes also need to make similar changes in
their lives.
When Christians hoard their resources, speak against God, the
Church, and His people, and lose their right sense of values, they are in
need of a great refining in their lives. Either they will be changed in the
BIBLE MONITOR
fires of the refiner or tliey will be punished in the fires of Hell.
Do you need to be refined? The one who has been refined realizes
his potential. The unrefined will suffer great loss.
M.C.Cook
SIXTY YEARS AGO
February 1, 1936
DISOBEDIENCE
E. L. Beery
Hear, therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it, that it may be well
with thee, and that ye may increase mightily as the Lord God of thy
fathers has promised thee in the land that floweth with milk and honey.
Moses here is exhorting the children of Israel to hear God. Moses
was a mouthpiece of God even from the time He spoke to Moses, out
of the burning bush.
The word says, "And the Lord spake unto Moses," time and time
again we hear these words and surely God must have seen something
in Moses that met with His favor, something that he could rely on.
In our last quarter's Sunday School lessons we have the latter part of
Moses life. In Deuteronomy Moses reviews the journeying of the
children of Israel and calls attention to God's faithfulness, and His
protection in every step of their journey. The same keeping and saving
power he gives us through His word, and it is a great privilege to have,
if we lay hold of the opportunity.
He also reminded them that their raiment was not old upon them,
neither did their feet swell these forty years. Even if the children of
Israel thought they were taken out into the wilderness to die, God in His
mercy always provided a way, even if that way looked dark. Moses
also shows the children of Israel the danger of prosperity. They were to
be taken to a land of brooks of water, lands of wheat and barley, vines
and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olives and honey,
everything that a person could want, also great cities which thou
buildest not, and houses full of good things, which thou filledst not, and
wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which
thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; then He
says, "Thou shalt not forget the Lord thy God which brought thee out of
the land of Egypt."
I believe that each and everyone of us in this generation have
forgotten the protection and blessings that the Lord has given us, from
the earliest existence of life up to this time. Who do we give credit for
BIBLE MONITOR
our protection and prosperity? As we follow Moses, we find that time
and again the children of Israel were disobedient, and caused Him
much sorrow.
You remember when the children of Israel were thirsty, how God had
told Moses to smite the rock once and water should come forth out of
the rock. Moses disobeyed and because of this he was not allowed to
spend the remaining days of his life in the promised land. Realizing this
he asked God's blessing and divine support upon the children of Israel.
The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting
arms, and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee. (Deut.
33:27.)
This finds Moses ascending the mountain from which he never
returned. This ends the life of a man chosen of God to be a leader the
whole journey through, only to be left just outside in the end. I wonder if
we as a people might be causing our Elders and those that have rule
over us, as much sorrow and disappointments as the children of Israel
did Moses?
Let us think on these things with the end of our journey in view.
NEWS ITEM
PLEASANT RIDGE, OHIO
The Lord willing, the Pleasant Ridge Congregation will have Revival
Meetings, March 22 through 31 , with Bro. Jason Reed as our evangelist.
We plan to close with a Lovefeast on Saturday, March 30, with services
beginning at 11 :00 A.M. We welcome any who can come to worship with
us.
Sister Marjorie Flory, Cor.
Nature forms us
Sin deforms us
School informs us
Christ transforms us
BIBLE MONITOR
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BIBLE MONITOR
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Why Triune Baptism
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What Shall I Do With The
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Daily Reminder
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Policy and do not use subjects or
statements which conflict with this plan
of the the Bible Monitor.
2. Place your name and address at
the close of the article. We deem it
more appropriate to sign as Brother or
Sister.
3. Do not make sentences too long.
A number of short sentences are
better than a long involved sentence,
which is difficult to punctuate and in
which the real meaning of the writer's
thought may be lost.
4. It will be appreciated if you gather
a particular thought or thoughts and
their proving Scripture quotations into
paragraphs. Set these apart from the
rest of the article by setting in the first
line of each paragraph about the
space of three letters
5. Do not crowd your words or
punctuation marks close together. Do
not use slang or abbreviated words
such as, "thot" for "thought", "2" for
"two", "&" for "and", "etc." for "and so
forth".
BIBLE MONITOR
6. Write or type on one side of the
paper only. Double spacing of lines is
much perferred. Do not make the
lines the full width of the sheet, leave
at least a one inch margin on each
side of the sheet.
7. Use direct quotations for the
Scripture references. Please copy
wording and punctuation just as it
appears in the King James Version of
the Bible. Given thus: book, chapter,
and verse. "Jesus wept." John 1 1 :35.
8. Frequent mistakes we find:
"beleive" for "believe"; "recieve" for
"receive"; "ore" for "or"; "&" for "and".
9. In submitting selected material,
give the name of the author and
publication in which it appeared, if
known, and add "selected by" and your
name.
10. To be certain that an item is in a
certain issue, your editor should have
this item at least thirty days prior to the
date of that issue.
11. The Publication Board has
decided that News Items should
contain material of general interest to
the Brotherhood. Therefore items of
only local interest should not be
incluced in News Items, such as local
Sunday School officers, District
Meeting delegates, minor local church
property improvements and items, "In
Memoriam".
12. Read these, then write.
FIXED
COMMUNION DATES
Third Sat. March - Quinter, KS
First Sat. April - Dallas Center, lA
Fourth Sat. April - West Fulton, OH
Last Sat. April - Grandview, MO
Last Sun. April - Bethel, PA
First Sat. May - Pleasant Home, CA
First Sun. May - Waynesboro, PA
Third Sat, May - Dayton, VA
Third Sun. May - Lititz, PA
Fourth Sun. May - Shrewsbury, PA
Sat. before First Sun. Aug. -
Broadwater Chapel, MD
Sat. before Fourth Sun. Aug. -
Swallow Falls, MD
First Sun. Oct. - Walnut Grove, MD
Third Sat. Oct. - Dayton, VA
Fourth Sat. Oct. - Englewood, OH
Last Sun. Oct. - Bethel, PA
First Sat. Nov. - Pleasant Home, CA
First Sun. Nov. - Shrewsbury, PA
Second Sun. Nov. - Lititz, PA
MINISTERIAL
LIST
ANDREWS, MARK (M)
24407 South Overfelt Road
Peculiar, Missouri 64078
816-779-4204
AUNGST, DAVID (M)
R.3 Box 427
Pine Grove, Pennsylvania 17063
717-345-6588
BROSS, SCOTT (M)
70 Mackville Road
Myerstown, Pennsylvania 17067
717-933-4662
BURGESS, WAYNE (M)
Box 82
Hasty, Colorado 81044
719-829-4267
BYFIELD, PAUL (E)
2142 240th Street
Adel, Iowa 50003
515-993-2175
CARPENTER, ROBERT W. (E)
R.5 Box 97
Peru, Indiana 46970
317-395-7879
CARPENTER, WILLIAM (E)
8012 Cavender Street
Morenci, Michigan 49256
517-458-6535
COOK, MILTON (E)
1138 E. 12th Street
Beaumont, California 92223
909-845-6231
BIBLE MONITOR
CORDREY, MARK (M)
4025 Woodland Avenue
Modesto, California 95358
209-549-2015
JAMISON, GORDON (M)
R.1 Box 136
Quinter, Kansas 67752
913-754-3639
COVER, RUDOLPH (E)
2435 Temperate Avenue
Modesto, California 95358
209-521-5074
JAMISON, HERMAN (E)
R.3 BOX 24-D
Quinter, Kansas 67752
913-754-3686
EBERLY, JAMES D. (M)
P.O.Box 504
Terre Hill, Pennsylvania 17581-0504
215-445-4515
JOHNSON, FREDERICK (M)
P.O.Box 87
Pettisville, Ohio 43553
419-445-4976
FLORY, HARLEY (E)
27505 Flory Road, R.4
Defiance, Ohio 43512
419-497-3953
JOHNSON, H. EDWARD (E)
1307 S.H. 108
Wauseon, Ohio 43567
419-337-0251
FUNK, KEVIN (M)
2417 N Avenue
Dallas Center, iowa 50063
515-992-3319
KAUFFMAN, EUGENE (E)
313 Park Avenue
Broadway, Virginia 22815
540-896-3104
GISH, PHILIP (M)
750 Hufford Road
Casstown, Ohio 45312
513-339-5395
KEGERREIS, JAMES (E)
220 Narrows Drive
Lebanon, Pennsylvania 17046
717-274-6619
GUNDERMAN, TERRY (M)
22358 C.R.1 18
Goshen, Indiana 46526
219-875-7155
LEATHERMAN, CHARLES (E)
18158-H
Wauseon, Ohio 43567
419-337-6593
HARRIS, OTTO (E)
HC 75 Box 131
New Creek, West Virginia 26743
304-749-7518
LEATHERMAN, VIRGIL (E)
41 9 North Queen Street
Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340
717-359-5753
HARTZ, PAUL A. Jr. (E)
157 North Lincoln Street
Palmyra, Pennsylvania 17078
717-838-1810
LEHIGH, ROBERTS. (M)
R.7 Box 7840
Spring Grove, Pennsylvania 17362
717-225-4928
HEISEY, WILLIAM (E)
9956U.S.Route36
Bradford, Ohio 45308
513-448-2560
LITFIN, GALEN (E)
1408 E.7th Street
Newberg, Oregon 97132
503-538-2876
JAMISON, DALE E. (E)
R.I Box 137
Quinter, Kansas 67752
913-754-3416
LOREN2, LLOYD (M)
R.4 Box 311
Peru, Indiana 46970
317-473-5045
10
BIBLE MONITOR
MALLOW, ELDON (E)
R.1 Box 21
Clearville, Pennsylvania 15535
814-784-3488
REED, RAY R. (E)
302 Percival
Dallas Center, Iowa 50063
515-992-3031
MARKS, MARLIN (M)
3027 Acorn Lane
Red Lion, Pennsylvania 17356-9782
717-246-9193
MARKS, RONALD L. (M)
1813 North 136th Avenue
Hart, Michigan 49420
616-873-2113
MEYERS, JAMES (M)
2641 205th Street
Dallas Center, Iowa 50063
515-992-3947
MYERS, DENNIS (M)
2395 268th Lane
Adel, Iowa 50003
515-993-5357
NELL, PAUL L. (E)
Woodland Drive
R.6BOX6119
Spring Grove, Pennsylvania 17403-
9489
717-225-1663
NESS, JACOB C.(E)
136 Homeland Road
York, Pennsylvania 17403
717-741-1607
PEFFER, JOHN (E)
150 Wolfs Bridge Road
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
717-243-8328
PIFER, FREDO. (E)
1734 240th Street
Adel, Iowa 50003
515-993-3187
REED, HAYES (E)
1433 0verholtzer Drive
Modesto, California 95355
209-523-2753
REED, JASON (M)
R.4 Box 66
Myerstown, Pennsylvania 17067
717-866-6489
RENICKER, RODNEY (M)
6436 Covert Road
Modesto, California 95351
209-545-1478
RICE, DAVID (M)
4639 Addison-New Carlisle Road
New Carlisle, Ohio 45344
513-845-2128
RICE, JOSHUA (E)
10213 Bethel Road
Frederick, Maryland 21701
301-898-9741
RUSH, HARLEY (E)
P.O.Box 163
Converse, Indiana 46919
317-395-3751
SHAFFER, FRANK D. (E)
13092 Grant Shook Road
Greencastle, Pennsylvania 17225
717-597-7282
SHAFFER, FRANK E. Jr. (E)
13055 Grant Shook Road
Greencastle, Pennsylvania 17225
717-597-4730
SHAFFER, RUDY (E)
42 Doe Run Road
Manheim, Pennsylvania 17545
717-665-6686
SHELLY, EMMERTO. (E)
460 California Road
Littlestown, Pennsylvania 17340
717-633-9508
SHELLY, GALEN SCOTT (M)
537 California Road
Littlestown Pennsylvania 17340
717-369-8899
SKILES, DAVID L. (E)
HCR 79 Box 8
Cuba, New Mexico 87013
505-731-2292
BIBLE MONITOR
11
SMITH, WARREN C. (E)
26270 Highway 50
McClave, Colorado 81057
719-829-4521
ST.JOHN, DENNIS (E)
21397-B50
Bryan, Ohio 43506
419-428-2305
ST.JOHN, THOMAS (M)
20380 Co.Road R
Alvordton, Ohio 43501
419-924-5242
STUBER, RAY (E)
R.I Box 997
Felton, Pennsylvania 17322
717-246-1116
STUMP, PAUL(E)
10340 N. Diamond Mill Road
Englewood, Ohio 45322
513-836-6559
SWEITZER, MERLE (M)
255 Pleasant Grove Road
Red Lion, Pennsylvania 17356
717-244-7445
SWIHART, ROY J. (E)
17421 C.R. 14
Goshen, Indiana 46526
219-825-2277
UPLINGER, WILBUR L. (M)
R.2 Box 59
Mt.Crawford, Virginia 22841
540-828-6858
WALKER, HENRY (E)
12413 Delaware Road
Hickman, California 95323
209-874-2832
WERTZ, LEONARD (M)
Box 178
Quinter, Kansas 67752
913-754-2390
WILKERSON, KENNETH (M)
1260 Pine Grove Road
Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania 17026
717-865-5852
WOLFE, KENNETH (M)
R.2 Box 112
Pine Grove, Pennsylvania 17063
717-345-8107
WRAY, MICHAEL (E)
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, California 95320
209-838-2760
DUNKARD BRETHREN DEACONS
Andrews, Larry
Armstrong, Ellis
Aungst, Dale
Beachler, Steve
Beeman, Oscar
Beeman, Steven
Birt, Harliss
Bittinger, Lester
Blocher, Dale
Blocher, Stephen
Boone, Barry
Brooks, Marion
Burtner, Clair
Carpenter, John
Castle, Keith
Cease, John
Clayton, Lawrence
Eberly, Marvin
Eberly, Paul
Eberly, Roy
Flory, Claude I.
Flory, Marvin
Gibbel, Levi
Gunderman, Reinhold
Heisey, Paul
Hostetler, Don
Jamison, Marian
Jamison, Newton
Jamison, Tom
Kasza, Eugene
Kasza, Tim
Kegerreis, Harold
Lichtenberger, Robert
Litfin, Doyle
Litfin, Ted
Lorenz, Carl
Lorenz, Doyle
Lorenz, Marvin
Marks, Charles
Marks, Paul
Meyers, Dale
Meyers, Dennis
Meyers, John
Meyers, Martin
Meyers, Roy
Miller, Kenton
Miller, Levi H.
Miller, Lynn H.
Musselman, Harold
Myers, Nelson E.
Myers, Paul B.
Newman, Dale
Noecker, Paul Jr.
Noecker, Richard
Peters, Ron
Pike, Lowell
Pike, Wayne
Fletcher, Albert
Priest, Duane
Reece, Dave
Reed, Car! E.
Reed, Harold W.
Reed, Oty
Rupp, Denver
Ruschhaupt, John
StJohn, Clifford
St.John, Rick
Sensenia Glenn
Shaffer, Dean E.
Siegrist, Tim
Sowers, Charles
Stauffer, Edwin
Swihart, Roger
Wells, Maunce
Wertz, I von
Wertz, Richard
Wister, John
Wolfe, Verling
Wyatt, Boyd
12
BIBLE MONITOR
AUDITING COMMITTEE
Marvin Lorenz
P.O.Box 62
Pioneer, OH 43554
419-737-2753
Rudy Shaffer
42 Doe Run Road
ManJieim, PA 17545
717-665-6686
GOSSIP, BOTH
VERBAL AND
BY MAIL
A. Elders, otiier officials and all others
are admonished that being busybodies
in other men's matters is contrary to
Scripture. It should not be indulged in,
as it causes complaint and interference
with the spiritual life and work of those
concerned. This applies especially
where there may be trouble in the
church, both to local members and
those elsewhere, talking and writing
about those 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 interfere in any way
with proper care of difficulties, 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 proceed
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 talking 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, either to 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
302 Percival
Dallas Center, lA 50063
515-992-3031
Jacob C. Ness, Exec. Sec.
136 Homeland Road
York, PA 1 7403
717-741-1607
Robert Carpenter
R.5 Box 97
Peru, IN 46970
317-395-7879
Henry Walker
12413 Delaware Road
Hickman, CA 95323
209-874-2832
Milton Cook
1138 East 12th Street
Beaumont, CA 92223
909-845-6231
RELIEF BOARD
Henry Walker, Chairman
12413 Delaware Road
Hickman, CA 95323
209-874-2832
Martin Meyers, Secretory
2654 K Avenue
AdeUA 50003
515-993-3028
William Carpenter, Treasurer
801 2 Cavender Street
Morenci, Ml 49256
517-458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 North Queen Street
Littlestown, PA 17340
717-359-5753
Tom Jamison
R.2 Box 30
Hoxie, KS 67740
903-675-3600
BIBLE MONITOR
13
SCHOOL
ADVISORY BOARD
Rudy Shaffer
42 Doe Run Road
Manheim, PA 17545
Dennis St.John
21397-B50
Bryan, OH 43506
David L. Skiles
HCR 79 Box 8
Cuba, NM 87013
Miciiae! Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
Fred Pifer
1734 240th Street
Adel, lA 50003
515-993-3187
LOCATION OF
CHURCH HOUSES
BETHEL, PENNSYLVANIA
Located on Route 419, five miles
east of Bethel, which is one mile south
of Interstate 78, Exit 6. The church
and school are located together.
BROADWATER CHAPEL, MD
Located on Savage River Road in
Garrett County, Maryland. From
Cumberland, Maryland, travel west on
National Freeway #48, 20 miles to
Lower New Germany Road (Exit 24).
Turn left or south under the Interstate
three-tenths mile, turn right on Lower
New Germany Road. Go 3.8 miles, turn
left on Westernport Road. Go 3.8 miles,
turn hght on Savage River Road. Go
3.9 miles to church on left.
From Morgantown, WV area travel
east on Interstate #68 to Lower New
Germany Road (Exit 24). Turn right,
go 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 Route #135 at
McCoole (just north of Keyser, WV, on
Maryland side of bridge) go seven
miles on Route #135 (passing through
Westernport and past WESTVACO
Paper Mill) to Savage River Road.
Turn right on Savage River Road, go
12.5 miles to church on right.
DALLAS CENTER, IOWA
Dallas Center is located on Rt. 44,
twenty four miles northwest of Des
Moines. Turn north off Rt. 44 onto
Quinlan Avenue at west edge of Dallas
Center. The church is located at 2323
Quinlan Avenue, 3/4 mile north on the
west side of the road.
DAYTON, VIRGINIA
Turn west from Interstate 81 at
Harrisonburg Exit #245. Go to fourth
stop light, Rt. 42, turn left to Dayton, 3.5
miles right on Rt. 257, two blocks.
ENGLEWOOD, OHIO
Twelve miles north of Dayton, Ohio
Rt. 40 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 #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., go one block. Turn left on West
Clinton St. Go one mile to Green Rd.,
turn right and go one block. The
church is located on the east side of
the road.
GRANDVIEW, MISSOURI
The Grandview Church is located
south of Grandview. Take the west
access road of 71 Highway 1.5 miles
south to 139th St. Turn west and go to
second street, turn south one block.
HART, MICHIGAN
From Muskegon go north on Rt. 31
to Hart Exit. Go left from freeway about
1.5 miles to tee in road. Turn right and
go approximately one half mile to
church on left side of road.
14
BIBLE MONITOR
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 crossroads, turn right. The
white church is on the right.
MECHANICSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
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., {corner of Keller and
Washington St.), four blocks west of
Market St. or Rt. 114. Leaving the
Pennsylvania Turnpike at the Carlisle
Interchange, Rt. 11 will lead east to Rt.
114. Leaving the Turnpike at Gettysburg
Interchange, Rt. 15 will lead west to Rt.
114.
Brightbill's House - located on U.S.
Route 322, 2.5 miles east of Campbell-
town, Pennsylvania in Lebanon County.
The meeting house is a grey limestone
building.
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, Colorado on U.S.
#50, then one mile north.
MOUNTAINDALE, MARYLAND
Seven miles north of Frederick, in the
little town of Mountaindale, Maryland,
from the east go through the town to the
west on the 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, a
half mile west of Lewistown and six miles
south of Thurmont.
PINE RIDGE, MISSISSIPPI
Located near Collins, Mississippi.
From Collins, go east on US 84 three
quarters of a mile to Salem School Road.
Turn left and go five and one fourth miles
to intersection, where there is a directional
sign to the Church. Turn left and proceed
one mile to the next directional sign. Turn
right and go one half mile to the church
house.
PLEASANT HOME, CALIFORNIA
The Pleasant Home Church is located
at 3960 Sharon Ave., Modesto, California.
The church's telephone number is 209-
524-8634.
Directions: from the south on Highway
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. The 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 Rt. 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.
QUINTER, KANSAS
Located at the corner of Eighth Street
and Main Street.
RIDGE, WEST VIRGINIA
Coming from the west to Ridgeville on
U.S. 50, turn right on Knobley Road.
Follow this road to the Antioch Church of
God, where you will turn left onto an
unpaved road. Follow this road to where
the road forks, keep the right hand road to
the Ridge Church House.
Coming from the east on U.S. 50, turn
left on Ridgeville and follow the above
directions.
Coming through Cumberland,
Maryland follow Route 220 south through
Keyser, West Virginia to U.S. 50. Turn east
on U.S. 50 and go to Ridgeville and follow
the above directions.
SHREWSBURY, PENNSYLVANIA
Fourteen miles south of York on Rt.
Ill, at the north end of the town of
Shrewsbury.
SWALLOW FALLS, MARYLAND
Church address is: 2191 Swallow
Falls Rd., Oakland, MD 21550. Take
Maryland Rt. 219 North of Oakland 5.5
nniles or South of I 68, 18 miles to
Mayhew Inn Rd. West on Mayhew Inn
Rd. to the stop sign (4.2 miles). Bear
left onto the Oakland-Sang Run Rd. for
BIBLE MONITOR
15
.3 mile to the Swallow Falls Rd. Turn
right onto the Swallow Falls Rd. for .3
miles. The church will bo on your left.
WALNUT GROVE, MARYLAND
About midway between Frederick,
MD and Hanover, PA. One fourth mile
east on Rt. 194, at an intersection three
miles north of Taneytown, MD.
WAYNESBORO, PENNSYLVANIA
Church is located in west side of
town, on the 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.
WEST FULTON, OHIO
Near Wauseon, OH, located on U.S.
Rt. 20 Alternate, 3.5 miles west of the
junction of Ohio Rt. 108 and U.S. 20
Alternate.
WINTERHAVEN, CALIFORNIA
Located in Cherry Valley. Go north
of Beaumont on Beaumont Ave., turn
right on Brookside (marked with High-
land Springs sign) go to Jonathan, turn
left, go one block to Lincoln, turn right
and go to church which is on left side of
road.
MISSIONS
CLEARVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA -
Ward's Church is located in South-
Central Pennsylvania about halfway
between Everett on Rt. 30 and Piney
Grove on Rt. 40, about six miles south
of Ciearville. From Everett take Rt. 26
to Ciearville. At Ciearville go straight
south, leaving Rt. 26, which turns right.
Go 1.5 miles, turn right at the fork.
Ward's Church is five miles on left side
of road. Services are held second,
fourth and fifth Sundays, at 10:00 A.M.
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION, NEW
MEXICO - Located 23 miles southwest
of Cuba, New Mexico. In Cuba, turn on
State Highway 197. Follow Rt. 197 for
19 miles to a paved road leading to the
left. A Mission sign marks this junction.
Present personnel includes: David and
Mildred Skiles; Paul and Sarah Skiles;
Loren Carpenter; Jeff Birt; Philip and
Kelly Lapp; Angela Hil! and Crystal
Strite. Visitors would be wise to notify
the Mission in advance. Address: HCR
79, Box 8, Cuba, NM 87013; telephone:
505-731-2292. Please contact for
further information.
NOTICE CONCERNING SUBSCRIPTIONS
Newlywed couples may receive a year's subscription free if a
request is forwarded to the Editor witli tlieir name and full address.
To those who anticipate moving - please report a change of
address promptly to the Editor to prevent the papers being mis-
carried.
Also, it will be appreciated if those who send in subscriptions will
give the complete address 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
16
BIBLE MONITOR
DIRECTORY OF BOARDS
BOARD OF TRUSTEE^
Dale E. Jamison, Chairman
R.1 Box 137
Quinter, KS 67752
Dennis St. John, Secretary
21397-B50
Bryan, OH 43506
Warren C.Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
McClave, CO 81057
GENERAL MISSION BOARD
Fred O. Pifer, Chairman
1734 240th Street
Adel, lA 50003
Robert Carpenter, Secretary
R.5 Box 97
Peru, IN 46970
Dale E. Jamison, Treasurer
R.I Box 137
Quinter, KS 67752
Wiike Wray
3111 1 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
Rudy Shaffer
42 Doe Run Road
Manheim, PA 17545
Jacob C. Ness
136 Homeland Road
York, PA 17403
H. Edward Johnson
1307 S.H.108
Wauseon, OH 43567
Milton Cook
1138 E. 12th Street
Beaumont, CA 92223
BOARD OF PUBLICATION
Paul Stump, Chairman
10340 North Diamond Mill
Englewood, OH 45322
Jacob C. Ness, Secretary
136 Homeland Road
York, PA 17403
H. Edward Johnson
1307 S.H.108
Wauseon, OH 43567
Fred O. Pifer
1734 240th Street
Adel, lA 50003
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
BIBLE STUDY BOARD
James Meyers, Chairman
2641 205th Street
Dallas Center, lA 50063
Dennis StJohn, Secretary
21397-B50
Bryan. OH 43506
I Road
Fred O. Pifer, Treasurer
1734 240th Street
AdelJA 50003
Marlin Marks
3027 Acorn Lane
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BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXI V FEBRUARY 1 5, 1 996 NO. 4
"For the faith once delivered unto the saints"
OUR IVIOTTO: Spiritual In life and
Scriptural in practice.
OUR WATCHWORD: Go into all
the world and preach the gospel.
OUR AIM: Be it our aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
AFFLICTION
Affliction is a stormy deep,
Where wave resounds to wave;
Though o'er our heads the billows roll,
We know the Lord can save.
When darkness and when sorrows rose,
And pressed on every side.
The Lord hath still sustained our steps
And still hath been our guide.
Perhaps before the morning dawn,
He will restore our peace;
For he who bade the tempest roar,
Can bid the tempest cease.
Here will we rest, here build our hopes—
Nor murmur at his rod;
He's more to us than all the world—
Our Health, our Life, our God.
-Cotton
BIBLE MONITOR
NO VACUUM
A vacuum cleaner without suction is nearly useless. If it lacks
suction, the machine will not pick up the dirt off the floor or out of the
carpet. If it does not do this, there is no reason to expend the energy
to push it over the floor. A blockage in the hose or some other part of
the machine will prevent it from pulling up the dirt. Once the
obstruction is removed, it will again do the work it is designed to do.
Automobiles have a vacuum system. If a vacuum hose is
punctured or disconnected, the vacuum will be broken. The car will
not run properly. It may not run at all. Often these problems are
difficult to diagnose. A very competent mechanic is needed to figure
out the problems caused by a faulty vacuum system.
It is impossible for a person to live in a vacuum. A human needs
air to breathe in order to live. The earth's atmosphere was created to
provide the precise mixture of ingredients that would be healthiest for
humans. Although air pollution has harmed this mixture, it still is not
out of the range of human usability. A vacuum is the absence of this
needed air. Without this air, there would be no life.
Just as people can not live in a physical vacuum, neither can their
Spiritual lives prosper in a vacuum. There is a need for Spiritual
activity in the life of each Christian.
When God brought the children of Israel out of Egypt following the
ten plagues, He did not tell them to just rest on the other side of the
Red Sea. He had protected them until they had gotten to the Red
Sea. He had delivered them from the danger of going back into
bondage, by opening the Red Sea. He further protected them
through the destruction of the pursuing Egyptians. They were not
THE BIBLE MONITOR FEBRUARY 15, 1996
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard Brethren
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BIBLE MONITOR
delivered to rest but to move toward the Promised Land. They were
equipped by God to move on to their destination in a rather short
time. They chose to lengthen that time through their lack of faith.
They made several detours on the way, but eventually, In the next
generation, accomplished their original goal. Along the way, they
acquired the Law, which regulated their daily lives, often in very
precise ways. This Law gave them boundaries to order their lives by.
To have rested on the eastern banks of the Red Sea after their
symbolic baptism, would have been a vacuum for the children of
Israel. Instead God had a plan for them to follow. He wanted them to
move toward the Promised Land.
There are many parallels between the journey of the Israelites from
Egypt to the Promised Land and the Christian Life. Egypt was a land
of darkness and bondage. It was necessary for God to provide the
means of freeing them from their captivity. The sinner is a captive of
the darkness and bondage of Satan, sin and self. His only hope of
release is through the provision made by God. God provides the
hope of escape through the vicarious atonement of His Son. The
children of Israel could have done nothing on their own to affect their
escape. It was God through His agents, Moses and Aaron, Who got
them out. The sinner can do nothing to escape his predicament
except to accept the Gift of God. Once the sinner has come through
his "Red Sea", he is set to make his lifetime journey.
A Christian is not called to leisure. He is called to a journey and a
goal. His destination is Heaven. His goal is to serve God in his most
acceptable way. The journey may have serious obstacles along the
way. There will certainly be temptations that would call the Christian
from his desired course. A Christian who does not have temptations
is not actively living his faith.
The Christian is saved to serve. He will serve God and his fellow
man. Also, he will keep himself pure. The journey may be short or it
may be long and arduous. There may be much opposition or little. A
Christian's worst enemy may turn out to be himself. He wants the
end rewards but does not feel the necessity of complying with God's
requirements for obtaining those rewards.
The Children of Israel often murmured and complained along the
way. There were many things that did not suit them. They even
came perilously close to rebellion at times. Christians must watch
that they do not follow that example. Eventually those who did not fall
away along the way did enter the Promised Land.
There is a great need for men to escape the bondage of Egypt.
They need to accept the provisions made for them by God. Once
escaped from sin and Satan, they need to be on the journey toward
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the Promised Land. It is not a time of ease and retirement. It is a
time of service.
Where are you on your journey?
M.G.Cook
HEAVEN'S REMEDY
Our calendar devotes one day out of the year as Valentine's Day.
It is a day, though greatly commercialized, that is devoted to the
expression of love. Let us reflect for a moment on the love that is
light years beyond the love that a fallen world talks and sings about.
The poet has best expressed it when he wrote:
The Love of God, is greater far,
Than tongue or pen can ever tell.
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell.
This is a beautiful expression of what cannot be fully fathomed by
even the best human mind. Only within the soul can the true believer
begin to experience the love of God which is "Heaven's Remedy".
Ephesians 4:25 tells us that husbands are to love their wives
"...even as Christ loved the church..." Husbands, that is to be one of
the greatest goals and challenges of your lifetime. This is niore than
just a beautiful saying, it is a command. It is a command that if put
into practice would close all the divorce courts in our nation and make
marriage counseling unneeded. The best valentine that a husband
can give to his wife is to love her as Christ loved the Church.
Remember, that to love your wife as Christ loved the Church is very
costly and is a continuing action. Flowers fade and candy is
consumed but the love of God working in a marriage will accomplish
what all other efforts will not be able to do.
From eternity past to eternity future, we find the love of God as the
greatest force known to man. It was in the creation, in the garden
when man lost his fellowship with God, on Mount Calvary when the
sky blushed and turned black as the Saviour bore the curse of the
law, but it still exists with undiminished power and fervor today. It will
also abide throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity.
Prison bars cannot shut out God's love. It is shed abroad into the
darkest hearts of man like the warm rays of sunshine on a cold
winter's morning. Romans 5:5. "Heaven's Remedy" has the greatest
potential to empty our prisons at this low ebb of human history. The
year 1994 had the infamous record of surpassing one million souls
being incarcerated in our penal system.
The love of God cannot be likened to a box of chocolates or to
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beautiful flowers. It reached its apex on Calvary when the universe
held its breath as Jesus, dying on the Cross cried, "Father, forgive
them..." That was the love of God at its greatest moment.
Fellow believer, is there someone or something in your life that you
have not forgiven? Perhaps it is some old offense that cannot be
forsaken. If so, avail yourself of the Balm of Gilead, "Heaven's
Remedy," that the hurts of the past can finally be laid to rest.
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us,
that we should be called the sons of God:" I John 3:1a.
Brother David Skiles
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Christians and Reincarnation
Popular Oriental religions are impacting many Christians' thinking
on reincarnation. Some do not feel there is anything wrong with
incorporating this thinking into the Christian faith. In reality, the
amalgamating of reincarnation into Biblical Christianity is somewhat
like talking about the godly devil. It is impossible!
Religious systems that promote reincarnation teach that man's life
consists of good and bad actions which, at his death, result in a
system of merits and demerits. These positives and negatives
accumulate and determine what the status of the next life will be. It,
in their thinking, may even determine whether you will come back as
a god, man or a plant or lower animal. (Maybe even a bug!) They
teach that there is a chain formed from one existence to another with
the balance of merit and demerit earned in the previous life. So, you
obtain "salvation" when the rebirth cycle is broken and you become
absorbed in a nebulous existence sometimes termed "Nirvana."
The greatest dissimilarity between reincarnation and Biblical
teaching exists in the idea of a recurring cycle of existence. The Bible
says it is appointed for man to die and then comes the judgment. It
pictures death as a separation of the soul from the world. When
God's saint dies, he enters into an eternal estate secured for him by
God's grace, through Jesus Christ. He does not enter into another
higher status for another lifetime.
The idea of reincarnation does not allow for the reality of a
personal God who enters into a holy relationship with His creation. In
reality, it usually is conceived as a cognitive process within man
himself, rather than as a personal God.
In addition, reincarnation makes man's spiritual advancement
contingent upon his own personal mortal efforts. He is to make his
merits outweigh his demerits. Contrast that with Christianity which
shows that salvation can jnot be earned but is merited by the
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substitutionary death of Jesus Christ and His resurrection.
Reincarnation holds that our spiritual, physical and moral
conditions are determined by our former life. They are out of our
control. This only leads to misery emotionally. It is devastating
spiritually. Praise God we are not bound to our sins and that "if we
confess our sins, Christ is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and
cleanse us from all unrighteousness." "Though our sins be as scarlet,
they can be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they can
be white like wool."
Christianity does not build on a system of merits and demerits.
In addition, you cannot equate reincarnation with the doctrine of
resurrection. This violates its meaning. Resurrection speaks of a
time when our earthly bodies will be transformed and fitted for their
eternal estate. Reincarnation advances a future life on earth with
similar constraints and physical laws we have now. Resurrection
demonstrates that there is no moral dualism between the spirit and
matter. Reincarnation says that matter is essentially evil.
Resurrection promises that our body will take on a new, incorruptible,
glorified form. Reincarnation says a future life will be in a different
body or even in a different order.
To try to adopt reincarnation as an answer to the mystery of life will
only lead you to anguish and frustration. Without a personal God, you
are alone and lost in this universe. You have the promise of the
resurrection and thus you can have joy and eternal hope. "Death will
be swallowed up in victory." You have everything to look fonward to in
your future in Christ.
Brother Len Wertz
TWO TYPES OF BUND MEN
"One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, NOW I SEE." John
9:25.
In our nursing work, we have found that there are two types of blind
people. The first, blind from birth, has no concept of sight. They have
no understanding of depth, color, or the various expressions of our
creation. They cannot understand the meaning of vision. They may
long to see, but in reality they cannot covet what they never have had.
Most people who are blind from birth are able to make do with their
other senses. Even more, they are often able to excel. The other
senses become more acute. They even seem to have a "sixth sense"
that can detect impending danger.
We often have encountered the other type of blind person: the one
who sometime in his past was able to see. Most of these, though not
all, have a vivid memory of sight. They remember colors, certain
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memorable scenes, and especially, the faces of their loved ones. Not
only do they remember, but they long to have their sight back. Most
of all, they realize that their former state was far preferable to what it
is now.
Modern philosophy is a lot like the man born blind. The modern
philosophers say that since they have never seen, there is no such
thing as vision. Since there is no manifestation of God, there is no
God. Yet, they stand accused by nature itself. As Romans 1:20
says, "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are
clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his
eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse." The
modern existentialist movement, which grew out of the aftermath of
World War II, is pessimism at its most dark. They say life is utter
uselessness. There is no God. Man is only a higher animal. Yet
there is so much evidence to the contrary. They are indeed without
excuse.
Back in the late 1960's there arose what was known as the Jesus
Movement. Young people at that time were challenging the morals and
traditions of their parents. There were many who were earnestly
searching for truth. Some found it. Many, in their search for truth,
remind us of the blind man who once could see. He remembers what it
was like and longs to be in that state again. It is as if the Holy Ghost
gives some people a glimpse of heaven, leaving them hungry for more.
Paul, who had other ideas, was struck down on the road to
Damascus. Some people say this was irresistible persuasion on the
part of God. Paul said, "I was not disobedient unto the heavenly
vision." (Acts 26:19) One dear old saint from years gone by said, as
he sought the Lor ., "God has something for me, and I will have it or I
WILL DIE!" Oh, Lord, give us more people with that kind of vision!
When a blind man receives his sight, it no longer matters if he was
born blind. The blind man in the scripture said, "One thing I know, that,
whereas I was blind, NOW 1 see." Do we see the importance of that
statement? The fact that our eyes have been opened is the most
important fact. When our understanding is opened and God can
speak to us, we do like the blind man, we bask in the light. It is
wonderful to see all there is to see. Our prayer is that God will heal
more people of their blindness and that more people might be obedient
to God and be saved. Jesus loved us so much that He gave His all
that we could be reconciled to God. Has He opened your eyes?
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
8 BIBLE MONITOR
THE UNPROFITABLE SERVANT
Part 2
"Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold we have
forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore." Matt.
19:27.
As we do what is commanded, do we think that thereby we can
repay God for the gift of salvation, and all the blessings He showers
upon us day by day?
"So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are
commanded you, say. We are unprofitable servants; we have done
that which was our duty to do." Luke 17:10.
Yet we are required to be faithful. Moreover it is required in
stewards (servants), that a man be found faithful. I Cor. 4:2. See
Heb. 3-6. Of two who were faithful also, see Numbers 12:7.
For an account of a good and faithful servant read the 24 chapter
of Genesis.
Some were servants unwittingly. "For the Scripture said unto
Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I
might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared
throughout all the earth." Rom. 1 :17.
Another was Nebuchadnezzar. "And he was driven from the sons
of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was
with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body
was set with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God
ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it
whomsoever he will." Dan. 5:21.
"That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my
pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the
temple, Thy foundation shall be laid." Isa. 44:28.
"The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his
Lord." Matt. 10:24. "Verily, verily, I say unto you. The servant is not
greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent
him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." John
13:16-17.
"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. 20:27-28. See
also Mark 9:35, 10:43-44, Luke 22:24-27.
Whose servant are you? "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield
yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey;
whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
Rom. 6:16. Please read Rom. 6:12-13.
"Moreover by them (the judgments of the Lord) is thy servant
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warned; and in keeping of them there is great reward." Psalm 1 9:11 .
"For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant
unto all, that 1 might gain the more." 1 Cor. 9:19.
Tor we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and
ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." II Cor. 4:5.
"For do I now persuade men or God? or do I seek to please men?
for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." Gal.
1:10.
"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all
men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose
themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the
acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out
of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." II
Tim. 2:24-26.
The Queen of Sheba said to Solomon, "Happy are thy men, happy
are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that
hear thy wisdom." I Kings 10:8 and II Chron. 9:7. Surely we ought to
be even happier to see the wisdom of Christ. See. Prov. 8:32-26.
"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made
ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed
is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing."
Matt. 24:45-46. Please read verses 42-51, also Luke 12:32-48.
So let us all strive to serve faithfully, that we, though unprofitable,
may hear our Lord say, "Enter thou into the joys of thy Lord." Matt.
25:21 -23. This is the prayer of your unworthy servant for us all.
God bless you all,
Brother William Carpenter
NO GREATER JOY
III John 4, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk
in truth."
The Scriptures are silent as to whether or not the writer of III John
ever married. It is believed this was written by the Apostle John, who
also is believed to have written I and II John, as well as the Gospel of
John and the book of Revelation. The vast majority of Bible
authorities and scholars are of the opinion that the "my children"
mentioned in the book of III John were his converts.
Nevertheless, it certainly brings joy to a natural parent's heart to
know that their children walk in truth. Children, of themselves, should
be seen as a blessing from the Lord. I thank God for my three
daughters. Our love for our children should not be dependent upon
their actions. The Scriptures teach us that Christ loved us while we
were yet sinners. We are assured in Romans 8:38-39, "For I am
10 BIBLE MONITOR
persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,
nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor
depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the
love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." This same type of
love that God has for us should be true of us as parents for our
earthly children.
Our love for our children is no guarantee that they will not be
estranged from us. While it Is difficult for us to understand how any
parent couid cast their own child aside because of differences of
opinion, it is also heartbreaking to hear of children who refuse to have
anything to do with their parents. This may come about because the
child Is ashamed of the lifestyle they are pursuing that brings sorrow,
In place of joy, into the parent's life, i am thankful that I have a loving
relationship with all three of my daughters and I deeply appreciate the
respect they have shown for me.
We believe that we bring joy to the heart of our Heavenly Father
when we walk in the truth. Contrary to popular teaching, It is possible
to depart from the faith, therefore removing ourselves from the family
of God. It is true that In a natural family once a son, always a son (or
daughter) is a reality. Even in the natural realm a son or daughter
can be disinherited! Jesus Christ, when teaching of the new birth,
Informed us, "That which is born of the flesh Is flesh; and that which Is
born of the Spirit is spirit." We can not compare natural truths with
Spiritual realities. However, we also believe there are those who are
a part of the family of God who bring sorrow to the heart of the Father
because of their refusal to walk in the truth.
The Apostles would never have gone against the commandment of
Jesus Christ to "call no man Father" (the exception of natural or
adopted parents being clearly understood in Scripture). Church
historians refer to them as the founding fathers of the faith. We
believe this is an acceptable title. It Is within a similar context that
John refers to those he has led to Christ as "my children."
In a somewhat similar sense, the Church has sometimes been
referred to as "our mother." There are many who believe the
reference by John to "the elect lady" in II John was a case in point
There should be no greater joy In the Church than to hear that her
children walk In truth.
The problem comes when "walking in truth" is defined. All sorts of
outlandish and heretical thoughts are presented as "truth" by different
individuals and groups. On what is considered by most the cardinal
truths of Scripture, we believe that those within the mainline of
Christianity over the years are safe to follow. However, unfortunately,
error has overcome both the popular Protestant movement and our
BIBLE MONITOR 11
Anabaptist brothers and sisters. Things like the Scriptural prayer
covering and modest dress are set aside as "nonessentials."
The greatest joy you can know is having your sins forgiven by the
precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. The first step in walking in
the truth is, we believe, trine immersion baptism. When we enter the
presence of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ may we hear
the words, "I have no greater joy than to hear that (you have walked)
in truth."
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
How we enjoy reading the column entitled "Sixty Years Ago"! We
have found the writings of Brethren like L. W. Beery, J. A. Leckron
and others to be full of insight. They are very spiritual and scriptural.
These earlier Brethren had a real calling and vision. Maybe we
should print some of the earlier articles, possibly some from 1923 to
1926. To understand these articles, one must come to an
understanding of what our church was about in its earlier years.
These years began around 1923 with Elder B. E. Kesler's "Monitor
Family". What did the "Monitor Family" stand for? It stood for reform
in a drifting church! These Brethren and Sisters saw a lot happen in
the church since the 1881 divide, and how fast the changes were
moving! These Brethren of the "Monitor Family" thought the church
should hold up a standard to the world, while many in the Church
leadership thought the Church should serve the world. While
Christian Love abounded for all, still differences in thoughts about the
direction of the church arose.
By 1926, the standards of the church were slipping away fast. The
1911 dress decision advised a plain coat with standing collar for the
Brethren, while Sister's garments were to be free from ornamentation.
Plain bonnets and hoods were both recommended for the Sisters. By
1926, neckties and stylish hats were being worn, as well as fancy hair
styles by some members. Emphasis was placed on youth camps,
education, a paid ministry, and forms of entertainment that were
previously held in question. The Monitor Family thought that all of this
deviated from the teachings of the Apostles. Even though different
congregations attempted to hold fast by queries and
recommendations, their attempts failed. Being dissatisfied with these
rapid changes, many were looking for a return to the old ways. B. E.
Kesler became the spokesman for this group. This was the beginning
of the "Monitor Family" which would later become the DUNKARD
12 BIBLE MONITOR
BRETHREN CHURCH.
This group of faithful Brethren upheld the 1911 dress decision with
minor change. They believed the Bible was the inspired Word of God
(Authorized King James Version), in honesty, in simplicity and
modesty in both dress and manners. They did not believe In the
wearing of neckties, gold ornaments, rings, bracelets and other
jewelry by either Brethren or Sisters or in keeping of worldly fashions.
They believed that long hair should be worn up in a simple manner
under the covering by the Sisters. Short hair should be worn by the
Brethren.
How far have we come from those early thoughts? Where will we
be in ten or twenty years should the Lord tarry? As we have seen in
the past, one small change leads to another. That former Church is
now a member of the World Council of Churches, ordains women into
the ministry and has very few members who dress in a plain and
modest way.
Do we really want to reap this kind of change? Or do we want to
sow seeds of faith according to our aim, as it is found on the BIBLE
MONITOR'S front page: "to be more sanctified, more righteous, more
holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience."? Do we still
want to be Spiritual in life and Scriptural in practice? We believe we
really do want to keep this Aim and Motto. We must keep to the old
paths for the road is narrow and few find it. We should also
remember that the road to destruction is wide and many are those
who find it!
Faithful to thy post, oh, brother
Thy profession, hold it fast;
Thou must work and not another
Stand thou firm unto the last.
Be thy homes and houses taken,
Choose thou still the olden path;
Thou Shalt never be forsaken
While the Gospel faith thou hast.
As we look to His Second Coming, may we all remain steadfast in
His ways and faithful in His Word.
Two unworthy pilgrims trying to serve,
Bro. Ray and Sister Sandy Barnett
1341 Dayton-Xenia Road
Xenia, Ohio 45385
BIBLE MONITOR 13
SIXTY YEARS AGO
February 15, 1936
POWER
D. K. Marks
"And behold I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye
in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."
(Luke 24:49.) These are the words and the command that Jesus
gave to His disciples, after his resurrection, before he ascended into
heaven.
After Jesus left this world and ascended up into heaven the
disciples obeyed this command and tarried in Jerusalem in prayer
and supplication for ten days, then they received this great power that
Jesus promised unto them. Bible readers all know the results of this
power, especially the repentance and conversion of 3000 souls.
What helped the Holy Spirit to work so powerful? The disciples
were all obedient to God's word, they were all assembled in one
accord in prayer to God.
Let us consider the power of electricity, it is carried from the power
house on wires to a large city where many motors and large
machinery are put in motion to manufacture goods, and every house
in the city that has the live wire has an abundance of light, but when
the electric wire is disconnected or broken on which the electricity is
earned the machinery does not move, the city is without light, but in
darkness. Let us think of the mighty power of God in the time when
God told Joshua to cross the Jordan river when the waters were
overflowing their banks, God commanded Joshua what to do in order
that he and Israel could cross the river on dry ground. Joshua and all
the people obeyed the commands of God, they all passed over
Jordan in safety. Later they came to the large, strong walled city of
Jencho. God gave Joshua and all the people instructions how to
proceed for seven days. The first day they were to compass the city
and go around it once, this they were to do for six days, on the
seventh day they were to go around the city seven times.
They obeyed God exactly as he commanded them, the walls fell
down flat, the victory was won, the children of Israel rejoiced. Later
Joshua sent his able bodied soldiers to take the small city of Ai here
the Israelites were killed and defeated. The power of God was cut off
from Israel. Why? Simply because one Israelite had disobeyed the
command of God, this was sin in the sight of God. God told Joshua
to find the hidden sin and destroy it. Joshua obeyed, God's power
returned to Israel, they were victorious and prosperous.
Let us look at the apostolic church again. When the number had
increased to over 3,000 souls, all were obedient, the Holy Ghost was
14 BIBLE MONITOR
the great power of the church. We don't read about any sin in the
church until after Barnabas sold his land and brought the money and
laid it at the apostles' feet. Ananias and his wife decided to sell their
possessions, but kept back a part and gave a part of the money to the
apostles and told them they gave it all.
Peter filled with the power of the Holy Ghost saw the hidden sin of
Ananias as soon as he came into their presence and said, "Ananias,
why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost? Thou hast
not lied unto men, but unto God." Ananias hearing these words fell
down dead, and they buried him, afterwards his wife came into the
presence of Peter, looking for her husband perhaps. Peter
questioned her and she also lied to the Holy Ghost and she fell down
dead so they buried her beside her husband.
The Holy Ghost working In Peter would not allow sin to linger in the
church, the result was great fear fell upon the whole church, they
were pure and holy. Multitudes of believers were added to the church
and many miracles were performed.
When the apostle Paul was converted he was very much
concerned that sin would be kept away from the churches he had
been leading. He comes with the message to the Roman brethren
and to us. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, that ye
should obey it in the lusts thereof. (Rom. 6:12.)
What is sin? Paul answers, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield
yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey:
whether of sin unto death or of obedience unto righteousness." Read
Gal 5:19-21 and see what the sinful works of the flesh are and the
awful doom. Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith: prove
your ownselves. Know ye not your ownselves how that Jesus Christ
is in you, except ye be reprobates. (Gal. 13:5.) "And he that
overcometh and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give
power over the nation." (Rev. 2:26.)
NEWS ITEMS
MINISTERIAL LIST CORRECTIONS
The address of Elder Ray Stuber is: 5200 Swamp Road, Felton,
PA 17322.
The full address of Elder Dennis St. John is: 21397 County Road
B-50, Bryan, OH 43506. Please write out "County Road" when
sending mail, including that for the Trustee Board or the Bible Study
Board, to Bro. Dennis.
BIBLE MONITOR 15
NOTICE OF NEED
"The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye
therefore the Lord of the harvest that He would send forth labourers
into His harvest." Luke 10:2.
With some of the present staff at Torreon Navajo Mission planning
to leave the field midyear, we ask you to pray that the Lord will
provide the needed help that the work may continue in Navajoland.
We are in need of teachers for the school as well as general help that
goes with the work of sharing the Gospel and ministering to people in
need.
If you feel led to serve Christ in Navajoland, please contact one of
the following:
For information contact mission Superintendent:
Bro. David Skiles
Torreon Navajo Mission
HCR 79, Box 8
Cuba, NM 87013-9701
For an application contact Board Secretary,
James MeyerS
2641 205th St.
Dallas Center, lA 50063
"He that goeth forth and weepeth, beahng precious seed, shall
doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
Ps. 126:6.
LITITZ, PENNSYLVANIA
There will be another revival meeting starting March 8 through
March 17. How much have we grown and how much closer to the
Lord are we since the last revival? It seems as we look over the
churches there are many who seem to be getting more like the world
and desiring the things of the world instead of the ways of the Lord
and the church.
As Bro. Dennis St. John from Pleasant Ridge, Ohio brings the
Word of God to us, may our desire and prayer be to be more like our
Savior and be obedient to our church.
Come praying for Bro. Dennis. Jesus is coming soon. Are we
ready?
Sister Dorcas Myers, Cor.
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR MARCH 1996
March 3 - "Thy Son Liveth"- John 4:43-54.
1. Why does a prophet not have honour in his own country?
2. What did believing Jesus' words have to do with the healing of
the nobleman's son?
March 10 - "Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?"John 5:1-16.
1. Explain the healing abilities of the Bethesda Pool water.
2. Why did Jesus have the healed man break one of the Jew's laws
concerning the Sabbath?
March 17 - Everlasting Life - Now! - John 5:17-29.
1. Explain Jesus calling Himself The Son of Man".
2. What did Jesus mean by "The Resurrection of damnation"?
March 24 - The Resurrection - John 20:1-18.
1 . Why was the stone taken away from the sepulcher?
2. What did Jesus mean when He said, "Touch me not, for I am not
yet ascended to my Father"?
March 31 - The witness of the Father - John 5:30-47.
1 . Who is the witness greater than John the Baptist?
2. Why should we search the Scriptures?
YOUNG PEOPLE'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR MARCH 1996
March 3 - Religion - Micah 6:8, James 1 :21 -27, II John 6-1 1 .
1 . Explain the possible differences between religion and serving God.
2. Explain the connection between hearing and doing the Word.
March 10 - New Cloth - Matt. 9:16, Mark 2:21, Luke 5:36-39.
1 . Contrast God's old and new kingdoms.
2. Salvation is not a piece of new cloth attached to an old
garment. Explain.
March 17 - Laborers in Vineyard - Matt. 20:1-16.
1 . For what wage had the laborers agreed to work?
2. What is the lesson for us in each laborer receiving the same pay?
March 24 - Unmerciful servant - Ps. 41:1-13, Matt. 5:7, 18:23-35.
1. Compare man's mercy with God's mercy.
2. Explain the connection of mercy and forgiveness.
March 31 - The Wise Steward - Matt. 24:42-51 , 25:21 , I Cor. 4:2-5,
Luke 12:35-48.
1 . How is watchfulness a part of faithfulness?
' 2. Why is it important to act upon that which we know?
i a/n. Sturnn>
10340 N,
Union, (.
Diamond
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXIV
MARCH 1, 1996
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 aim to be nnore sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
PATIENCE
Run your race with patience,
For patience you must possess.
Faith helps you endure
Trials with joyfulness.
Submit your soul to God
While here on earth you live.
And when offenses come,
He'll help you to forgive.
Satan may try to get you
To turn away from God
When you're tried and tested,
While on this earth you trod.
Trust in God for patience
That you may be made whole
An entire, wanting only
Salvation, for your soul.
-Irene Stout
BIBLE MONITOR
CONSEQUENCES?
There are many ideas of what is right or wrong. We each form our
own opinion of right and wrong. We live our lives by that self-defined
standard. It matters little what the basis of our opinion may be. We
do not care what others may think of our opinion. We are going to
stick to it. That is the privilege of our free moral agency.
We do have the ability to choose what we consider to be right and
wrong. At the same time, we have to realize there are consequences
that accompany every choice that we make. The consequences may
be good or bad. They depend upon what we choose. We may
choose the wrong standard of right. We may prosper by following
that standard, but there will come a time of reckoning. At that
reckoning we will have to face the consequences of our choices.
Too often, today, in our society, we try to minimize the
consequences of bad choices. We try to lessen the seriousness of
the offense. We do not want any one to feel bad because of his poor
choices. We have tried to eliminate guilt. This may appeal to us;
especially if we have done something wrong.
We do not enjoy guilt. It is not intended to be pleasurable. It is
intended to be educational. It also should have a reformatory effect
upon us. If guilty, we should desire to change the action that brought
the guilt upon us. Too often we are more interested in avoiding the
guilt than profiting from it. The humanistic view tries to seek a good
feeling rather than right action or repentance. As long as we seek
only our pleasure we will not prosper in our Spiritual lives.
We do not like to be bound by a set of standards. We would prefer
to choose our own way. If left to our own choice we would choose the
THE BIBLE MONITOR MARCH 1 , 1996"
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BIBLE MONITOR
way that would bring us the least pain. Following a standard may
involve sonne painful choices. Sometimes we need to choose the
hard way.
We have somehow gotten the idea that we are upon this earth
simply to have fun. Fun has become the desire of all. There are
many kinds of amusements available to keep us from serious
contemplation and service. Sports of all sorts are available either to
participate in or to watch. Movies, theater, television, and many other
forms of entertainment are ever beckoning to us today, Others spend
time and money on collecting various items of interest from antiques
to automobiles to trinkets to knic-knacs. Other hobbies are available
to keep us entertained. Billions of dollars are spent seeking this
amusement. While entertained, we are not able to meditate, pray, or
serve.
As Christians we are fortunate to have a standard established for
us. God has not left us without a standard. He knew, that without a
standard, we would all choose our own way. We would make our
own choices. He has left us with one choice. That choice is whether
or not we will accept His standard for our lives. Many of the choices
we face in life are answered in the Bible. If we desire to find His
standard we have a source. When He has not given us a definite,
word-for-word decree, He has given us principles that are sufficient to
guide us in the right direction. Our first choice remains whether we
will accept or reject His standard.
if we do not have the ability to make these choices, there was no
reason for God to create us in His image. He might have created a
race of robots, who would mechanically serve Him, instead. He
chose, instead, to create us in His image. All would agree that God
has the right of choice in all matters. As the Supreme being, He is not
limited in His actions or attitudes. As those created in His image, we
have also been given the ability to choose.
God sincerely desires that we will choose the right way, but it is not
guaranteed that we will do so. He will certainly prompt us by His
Spirit and His Word towards the right choice, but He will not compel
us to make that choice. Therefore it is His will that none would be lost
but that all would repent and choose to follow His standard.
God has preserved the Bible throughout the ages, so we could
know His Will. The Bible has often been outlawed and misused, but it
has been preserved for our Spiritual profit. It has survived many
attempts to destroy and control it, so we could know God's standard
for our lives.
Choices are ever before you. What guides your choices? Have
you chosen to be governed by His standard or some other?
M.C. Cook
BIBLE MONITOR
ANTIDOTE FOR AFFLICTION
"Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him
sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the
church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name
of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord
shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be
forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another and pray one for
another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a
righteous man availeth much." James 5:13-16.
This is the antidote for affliction. There is none better. We are
often admonished on these pages concerning Matthew 18 and the
step-by-step guide found there to settle disputes. Here in James 5
we find a step-by-step method to assuage any ailment that happens
our way. Why is it that we are more inclined to call the doctor rather
than the elders?
The first step calls for prayer on our part. Perhaps we need to
familiarize ourselves more with prayer. We have often said that the
new Bible versions took hold because the "Church" had so neglected
the Bible that they had, namely the King James Version. They had
neglected the reading of the Word for so long that they no longer
recognized it. Likewise, if, we have neglected our prayer life, and if
we care not if we please God, then we will run to the doctor before we
do anything else. I believe this is not pleasing to Him. If we trust
God, we will then go to Him with our needs.
In verse sixteen it tells us to confess our faults one to another.
Many of us are not able to do this because walls have been built up
over the years. We are not comfortable around each other. We
cannot get so familiar that we can tell our faults because we are afraid
they will become gossip and be spread around. Our duty is to love
one another. Can it be said of us that we are brethren, because we
have love one for another, and that it shows?
The founders of our Brotherhood followed the scriptures. The early
church followed the scriptures. This is the day and age of adding and
subtracting from God's Word. Let us be true to it. Who is afflicted
that God cannot heal? Who is so sick that God cannot raise him up?
If we do not see the miracle of healing in our midst, it is because of
unbelief. Too many use the excuse that these are not the times of the
Acts. God is still able. Do we believe it?
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
BIBLE MONITOR
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
"Self Love"
In the last twenty-five years, we have seen the concept of "self-
love" and "self-esteem" coming on strong as a part of the evangelical
Christian's thinking. It has just been a few short years ago that you
could not find any material in the bookstore on the subject. Radio
teachers never taught on the subject.
That has totally changed. These concepts are now part of the air
that we, even as conservative Christians, breath.
This all started in the early 1970's. Teachers began to allege that a
major source of behavioral, relational, and emotional problems were
caused by the lack of self-esteem. Thus, the solution to this problem
was to develop a good self-image.
In terms like "self-love", "self-esteem" and "self-image," we see the
idea of feeling good about ourselves. It goes so far in the secular
world as to love one's self and project self to the center of our wortd.
Personal fulfillment has become the god of the thinking man.
The idea of self love runs counter to the teaching of historic
Christianity. In fact, we are warned about it in the Bible and by early
Christian historians and writers. If this idea of self-esteem were really
scriptural, wouldn't the church have discovered and embraced it 2000
years ago? Would the Holy Spirit have allowed the Church to be
blinded to such a truth for all of these centuries if it were a proper
concept?
Another cloud over the credibility of the self concept is its source in
humanistic psychology. Carl Rogers was selected as the Humanist of
the Year in 1964, Erich Fromm in 1966 and Abraham Maslow in
1967. These men had a greater impact on evangelical self-theory
than any other source, actually including the Bible. Statements like
"Man is indeed the measure of all things" was made by them.
"Experience is the highest authority... neither the revelations of God or
man can take precedence over direct experience." Of course we
cannot accept these positions. They are contrary to the Bible's
teaching.
The Bible teaches us to "Love our neighbor as ourselves." The
word used here is, "AGAPE". This love emphasizes serving others. It
is love in action, not directed inward. If the self-love idea were really
Biblical, we would expect the Bible to abound with scriptures that
might read like this: "It is commonly reported among you that there
are those who do not love themselves." "I exhort them to love
themselves." Would this be characteristic of normal Bible tone?
The Bible uses the word, "love" (philia) in II Timothy 3:1 and 2 to
talk about self love. It says that in the last days, men will be lovers of
BIBLE MONITOR
self. II Timothy 3 also goes on to list sins that flow from this problem.
They all result in self-centeredness and pride.
What is the result of the megadose of self-esteem teaching we
have been absorbing? Education has declined. Crime has
increased. Anxiety and depression have multiplied. Narcissistic
ideas proliferate.
God's design for Christian living is not built on the sand of self-
concept. This only brings blight to society and the Church. The rock
of agape love and projecting one's self into the lives and needs of
others is sound and safe. The outward directed life, focused on God
and others, will bring mental health, a sense of well being and a life
with a healthy focus. Only then will we find the abundant life
described in John 10:10.
Am I saying that we should have a bad self-concept? In the
humanistic sense which we have discussed. Yes! In the idea of
being satisfied with the way God created us and being positive about
ourselves and the contributions we can make. No! Praise Him for
His perfect creative ability in designing you to take part in His ministry.
Work right where He has you.
Brother Len Wertz
TWO ROADS
It is always the intention of Christians to follow Jesus. We meet in
God's house to worship and praise Him, to preach of His plan of
salvation, to encourage all to seek Him and make Him their personal
Saviour, to work with our brothers and sisters in spreading the
Gospel; and lastly, to keep His ordinances as outlined in the Bible.
We wish to walk with our hands in His, through times of trial and
sorrows, through times of joy and happiness, sharing in everything
until we make our home with Him in heaven.
How loving and great is our Saviour! We understand that He so
freely and lovingly gives us salvation even though we could never do
or say anything to merit His kindness for the Gift from Calvary. When
we choose to follow Jesus, our Lord welcomes us into His holy family.
He makes us His children. It becomes our desire to humbly serve
and obey Him. We let Him use our vessels as beacons of His Light in
this dark world. We are thankful for His shed blood on Calvary but
feel so unworthy of such great love. We find happiness in being His
children, yet feel pain as we realize how much we fail Him each day.
We rejoice in His chastisement because we know He still loves us in
spite of our shortcomings as found in Revelation 3:19. It is with
Christian concern and alarm, when we see Satan making inroads
within the Church.
BIBLE MONITOR
There are some of us who come from the outside, from the more
worldly churches, who have seen the corruption of Satan. He has
placed tiny moths of deceit in the Church. Later it is found that they
have completely eaten away God's Word and the ordinances of
obedience. It is that same concern that caused alarm among the
Brethren back in 1925 to 1927.
How clever Satan is to throw pebbles in our walk to cause us to
stumble and fall. The evil one seldom puts boulders in our way for he
knows we will recognize his intent and clearly steer away.
It is those tiny pebbles of deceit that the tempter uses in the
Church today. Many sincere, God feahng people have succumbed to
Satan's allure of preaching "a better more loving way" of the Gospel.
God is indeed a loving God. We can never, in our earthly minds, ever
conceptualize His love for us. His love is infinite. How great is His
love to have sent us a Redeemer to make atonement for OUR sins so
that someday we may live with Him in eternity.
The choice is always ours. We can follow our Saviour down the
narrow road as described in Matthew 7:14 or we may choose the
wider road of destruction. The narrow road our Lord tread to Calvary
was not an easy one. It was a painful one both physically and
spiritually. How the pain must have seared through His holy flesh as
He endured the soldiers' scourgings and as the crown of thorns was
pushed upon His head. His heart must have languished to know one
of His beloved apostles would betray Him. He would be so cruelly
mocked with words of ridicule and hate from God's chosen people —
those He loved and would soon die for. Yet, He still chose that lonely
road to Calvary because He was in holy submission to His Father's
Will. What an example He set for us!
The narrow road has never been a popular one nor will it ever be.
It can be a difficult walk, often filled with discouragement and has
many hurdles to overcome. If we fix our eyes on Jesus and depend
on Him COMPLETELY, He will guide us and walk with us through
those difficult times.
Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we read of how God is
called the Father of Jesus and the Father of all who make His Son the
head of their souls and lives. We often read about His children— from
the children of Israel to those who chose to follow Jesus after His
Resurrection. We have all experienced His holy love for us as our
Father. It is truly His example as a loving but firm Father that we
earthly fathers follow to raise our children. As our own families have
guidelines In which we live, our heavenly Father has given each
blood-bought child of His a guideline to follow through His Holy Word.
Our obedience to His ordinances, set forth in Scripture, is essential in
8 BIBLE MONITOR
our daily walk with our Father. We expect our children to obey us in
all matters knowing that someday that obedience may keep them
from some harm. God also expects us to obey His ordinances to
keep us from the harm of Satan's success.
We believe it was through the Holy Spirit's work through the early
church fathers that the ordinances were set for His church. It was
that intense, sincere desire to follow those ordinances, that God so
lovingly and carefully set for all, that caused the Anabaptists to form a
fellowship and separate from the Catholic Church.
Just as Satan caused Adam and Eve to fall in the Garden, so today
he is still using many forms of deceit within the church, trying to lead
many unsuspecting Christians down that wide road to destruction. As
it is told in II Corinthians 11:14, Satan transforms himself into an
angel of light. He mixes a little of God's Scripture into his pack of lies,
making it appeal to our carnal natures, yet giving it a feel of godliness
to ease our conscience. The same lie told in the Garden of Eden is
still being told today. It is being told not only to unbelievers but to
sincere, professing Christians as well. The world has always held
onto Satan's enticements. Through similar enticements, well
camouflaged in Christian terminology, he is still trying to worm his
way into God's church. We are certain it was through the Holy Spirit's
leading, after much prayer, after much diligence in studying the
Scripture and through a strong desire to serve God in completeness;
that our Anabaptist forefathers organized a doctrine based only on
God's Word. We believe they knew that Satan would continue to
attack the church as the years passed. They knew that by following
the ordinances, set up in Scripture, and by depending wholly on God,
that future generations would be able to successfully shield
themselves from Satan's fiery darts. It is a legacy founded by our
Fathers. It has been lovingly passed on to our forefathers, who have
given us the keys to a life in Him. Will we be able to give our children
and grandchildren those standards Jesus gave us or will we give
them the watered down ways of the world?
So now we are back to the narrow and wide roads and choices. If
you choose to follow the narrow road, but only follow God's and the
church's ordinances because you have to, then you make those
ordinances traditions of men instead of God. If you continually try to
"enhance, improve or update" God's guidelines, you are only making
traditions of men that will hinder your fellow servants of Christ. Such
thoughts often make that wide road of destruction easier to behold.
Such thoughts weaken our defenses in upholding the tenets of the
Gospel as we try to share God's plan of salvation with the unsaved on
that wide road. How often we have seen sincere, good Christians
BIBLE MONITOR
with a desire to help others, fall into the tempter's hands and be led
down that wide road of destruction, after being blinded by the "angel
of light's" promises of a better, more loving way of salvation. Of
course, if we choose the wide road to begin with, then we know the
outcome. The real danger lies in our thoughts, our words and our
actions and whose influence — God's or Satan's, that we choose as we
walk down that narrow road.
Will we follow with faithful and submissive hearts longing for Jesus
or will we follow it enslaved with Satan's deceit? The choice is ours to
decide.
"These all died in faith. ..and confessed that they
were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Heb. 11:13.
Humbly in His Service,
Brother Ray and Sister Sandy Barnett
1341 Dayton-Xenia Road
Xenia, Ohio 45385
ORDER IN THE CHURCH AND DEAD FORMALITY
I Corinthians 9:14, "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which
preach the gospel should live of the gospel."
I Corinthians 11:2, "Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember
me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you."
Galatians 3:23-26, "But before faith came, we were kept under the
law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that
we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no
longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by
faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into
Christ have put on Christ."
Why has order in the Church become a subject of disdain in a large
segment of the earthly church? We believe the answer is threefold
with other possible ingredients as well.
First of all, we must be aware that the vast majority of those within
the earthly church would deny that they are in opposition to church
order. What they claim to oppose is legalism and man made rules
and regulations. Many church leaders are faithful in preaching the
gospel today but they are very obscure about what it means to "live of
the gospel" in many instances.
Some of the liberal church leaders are quick to label the Apostle
Paul a legalist and woman hater. They see absolutely no need to
"keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you." According to them
only the actual words of Jesus are to be recognized for keeping the
faith, and some do not even want to recognize these as actual words
10 BIBLE MONITOR
of our Lord!
The more conservative element of the earthly church recognizes
the whole Bible as the infallible Word of God and to be used as
instruction. Within this group there is great confusion concerning the
place of the Old Testament in relation to the New. Unfortunately,
even many of those who have an Anabaptist background are
confused on this point. They refuse to acknowledge that "we are no
longer under a schoolmaster."
One of the problems concerning order in the church is a disrespect
for church history. We must be aware that church history is not
absolutely infallible. Many of the early church fathers were already
influenced by error that had its seeds planted while the Apostles were
still living. In the area of church order we believe the facts are well
established.
Out of disrespect for church history comes a disrespect for those
who preach and teach separation from the world. From church
history we can learn what this actually meant to those in the first
Century Church. To us, it is amazing how many of the things that
allure us today were present already at that time. We are convinced
they would have been appalled at the modern acceptance of worldly
activities accepted by church members and even carried out within
the meetinghouse's walls. The modern acceptance of participation in,
either directly or as spectators, professional sports, films and plays
along with other such worldly endeavors would have been anathema
to first century Christians.
We believe there is at least one legitimate reason for being less
than satisfied with order in the church. This is a disrespect for dead
formality. We are of the conviction that when the early church lost
many of the true doctrines and replaced them with error they also
replaced a living faith with dead formality. Gone was the joy that was
expressed within the pages of Holy Scripture. Worship was made a
legalistic burden while the voluntary praise of the Saints was stilled.
Long boring dissertations replaced vibrant preaching. Robed choirs
replaced congregational singing for many centuries. Eventually
musical instruments replaced the lusty singing of the Saints out of the
bowels of their emotions. Robed church leaders and crosses in the
meetinghouse replaced centralized worship of the Lord Jesus Christ
and Holy Scripture. Many years later national flags added to the
confusion.
Let us stand firm for order in the church but refuse dead formalism.
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
BIBLE MONITOR 11
DEAR FELLOW CHRISTIAN
Many lifestyles flourish in America today. Most folks claim
Christianity as their religion. What is a Christian? What is it that
determines whether or not one is a Christian? Do my works or my
heritage or my church membership make me a Christian? Am I a
Christian just because I desire to be one?
! do not believe we can become Christians by these methods. It
takes faith in Jesus Christ, coupled with repentance and Godly living.
During the time shown in the Book of Acts, souls were added daily to
the Church, but today many folks continue to leave traditional
Christianity. Why? What is the problem? Do we no longer have the
answers to life's problems?
Yes! I do understand II Timothy chapter 3. However, do you, I and
our children need to be a part of this? What about II Peter 3:9 and II
Corinthians 12:9a? Does this still apply to us today? Is Jesus Christ
and His grace sufficient during our weakness? Why do we not keep
our children in the Church? I believe all too often we as parents
expect the church officials and Sunday School teachers to do what
we ought to be doing ourselves on a daily basis. Yes, we can find
many measures whereby we justify ourselves but when we stand
before an ALL knowing God what will my/our answers be? Why hide
ourselves behind excuses now to suffer an eternal loss? Will I/we be
able to hear my/our Saviour answer "Well done thou good and faithful
servant"?
Children are an heritage of the LORD. Psalms 127:3. Do I/we
spend the quality and quantity of time with my/our child/children
teaching them to pray, to study the scriptures, to memorize Scriptures
as I/we should? Our children are all that any of us can take along
with us to Heaven. When time is exchanged for eternity, what good
will it have done us to have engrossed ourselves in personal interests
rather than our God-given responsibilities?
Children very easily took beyond our excuses and see the truth.
We should be known by our fruits (Matt. 12:33 and 35-37). Let us not
lament our past failings without changing the present and the future.
There is no substitute for consistent Christian living.
So I hope and PRAY (yes, i pray) this letter will encourage YOU to
take inventory of your life, in all honesty, as well as to encourage and
challenge you to greater Spiritual heights in the coming year. Will you
make it your goal to walk closer to God and farther from the pleasures
of the world? Will you start today? The best time to begin is NOW!
In His love
Brother Harold Zimmerman
12 BIBLE MONITOR
SIXTY YEARS AGO
March 1,1936
JUDGING AND MEASURING
E. W. Pratt
"Judge not that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge
ye shall be judged and with what measure ye mete it shall be
measured to you again; and why beholdest thou the mote that is In
thy brother's eye and considerest not the beam that is in thy own eye,
or why sayest thou to thy brother let me pull out the mote that is in thy
eye and behold there is a beam in thy own eye. Thou hypocrite first
cast out the beam out of thy own eye then shalt thou see clearly to
pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye."
This scripture is the language of our Savior in His sermon on the
mount in which He was more especially speaking to His disciples and
He evidently referred to the same condition from three different
angles.
First judging; second measuring; third motes and beams. What is
it to judge? Webster says, to hear and determine a case, to consider
and decide a case. To try to pass on or test evidence.
Pilate said to the Jews in John 18:31, "Take ye him and judge Him
according to your law."
Or the prophets in Isa. 11:1-5, "He shall not judge the nations by
the sight of his eyes nor by the hearing of his ears but with
righteousness shall he judge them."
To censure rashly, to pass severe sentence.
This is evidently what Jesus was referring to when He said, "Judge
not that ye be not judged for with what judgment ye judge ye shall be
judged." And how often in line with the rash censure Jesus received
from the priests and scribes when they said he casteth out demons by
Beelzebub, the prince of demons.
So often we see a brother censured severely because of a
misconstruction of his language he used in an illustration to bring out
a glorious truth and some one looks at the illustration and not at the
application is offended and instead of using Matt. 18 severely
censures or judges and passes severe sentence. To such Jesus
would say with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged. Do we
want to be judged that way?
Now for the second angle of our text. And with what measure ye
mete it shall be measured to you again. Measurement, is to compare,
and we must have an accurate standard, othenwise we are sure to
make a false measurement. Paul says those who measure
themselves by themselves are not wise— how much more are we
unwise when we measure our brother by our own lives. There is only
BIBLE MONITOR 13
one yardstick that is accurate and that is the word. Jesus said "My
word shall judge you at the last day."
Have we been measuring our brother by our yardstick? Do we
want to be measured by that yardstick?
Let us see how it works; some men brought an adulteress to Jesus
one day saying, we know she is guilty and Moses in the law said she
should be stoned. That was their measurement, but Jesus applied
the same measurement to them, and said let him that is without sin
cast the first stone, and none of them could stand the measurement.
And now for the third angle of our text, "And why beholdest thou
the mote that is in thy brother's eye and considerest not the beam that
is in thine own eye? Or why sayest thou to thy brother let me pull out
the mote that is in thy eye and behold there is a beam in thine own
eye. Thou hypocrite first cast out the beam out of thine own eye then
Shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote from thy brother's eye.
Now, a mote is a very small atom, a grain of dust and can only be
seen by one who has perfect vision. And a beam is a large timber
which would obscure the vision and there is a possibility the beam in
my eye would cast a shadow on any brother's eye and I might think
he had a mote and there be no mote there.
But again it is possible we may be hunting motes and forget to cast
out the beam that is in our eye like the men who brought the
adulteress to Jesus— they saw a mote in her eye and were looking for
one in Jesus eye but instead they found a beam in their own eyes.
Now let us apply the lesson to ourselves, how are we to act toward
an offending brother? Jesus on the night of his betrayal said, "A new
commandment I give unto you that ye love one another as I have
loved you." How did Jesus love us — turn to Philippians 2:5-10. Here
we are told He was kind to the unthankful and the evil. And in I Cor.
13, we are told love thinketh no evil.
Jesus gave us the best way to meet offenses in Matt. 18. Paul
says if thy enemy hunger feed him and if he thirst give him to drink.
Now some will accuse me of laxity in discipline, but not so, for the
church that Christ shed His own blood that He might present it to
Himself without spot or wrinkle is very dear to me. But in my opinion
the first object of discipline is to save the offender. In Matthew we
have three steps all actuated by love before judgment is passed. And
too, we must be sure we are not trying to pull out a mote while we
have a beam in our own eye. It reminds me of a story I read: once a
family had moved into a poor neighborhood, the streets and yards
were all cluttered with refuse, the woman wanted to clean up the
place and set a date and asked the neighbors to come but no one
came. Finally she said I will clean up my own yard and behold the
others saw the light and in a short time the refuse all disappeared.
14 BIBLE MONITOR
So before we begin to judge or measure our brother let us examine
ourselves, and before we attempt to pull out a mote from our brother's
eye let us be sure there is no beam in our eye.
Let us clean our own door yard first.
OBITUARY
LEAH HEISEY
Leah Kaye Heisey was born July 2, 1975, in Lebanon,
Pennsylvania. She was the fifth child of Wayne and Cheryl
Buckingham of Hesperia, Michigan. She departed this life on January
19, 1996, at the University Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi at the age
of 20 years 6 months 17 days. Sister Leah lived but seven weeks
after she was diagnosed with acute leukemia. Less than nine months
before, on May 6, 1995, she was united in marriage to Michael
Heisey.
On July 9, 1989, Leah was baptized into the Old German Baptist
Church. During her last days of illness she called for the Elders to be
anointed with oil. Sister Leah expressed that she was ready to be
with the Lord, and was fully resolved to submit to His will. Her last
hours spent with her loving companion at her bedside were a
testimony of her faith and of the light she radiated to others during her
short lifetime.
Besides her loving companion and parents, she leaves to mourn
her passing seven brothers and two sisters. Sister Rachel and her
companion Tom Hess, Brother Daniel and companion Joyce, Sister
Dyann, Brother Mark, Brother Alvin, Jordan, Jamin, Nathan and
Nevin, besides uncles, aunts, many cousins, and a host of friends.
One brother Aaron preceded her In death.
Funeral services were held January 23 with a full house at the Leaf
River meeting house, by the home brethren and Elder Eldon Flory.
Text, I Peter 1:23-24. All flesh is as grass.
Private services were conducted in the home by Jan Heisey.
Grave side service by Elder Jerre Longenecker.
The body was gently laid to rest by members of the family, in the
cemetery at the Leaf River meeting house to await the resurrection.
NEWS ITEMS
MINISTERIAL LIST CHANGE
The new address of Bro. Fred Johnson is 473 Dame Street, P.O.
Box 87 Pettisville, OH 43553.
PLEVNA, INDIANA
The Plevna Congregation is looking forward to their Revival
BIBLE MONITOR 15
Meeting, March 10 through 17, 1996. The evangelist will be Bro. Ray
Stuberof Felton, Pennsylvania.
Lovefeast will be held on March 16 with services at 2:00 P.M. and
7:00 P.M.
All are welcome to come and enjoy this meeting with us.
Sister Verda Lorenz, Cor.
DALLAS CENTER, IOWA
The Dallas Center Congregation is looking forward to a week's
Revival Meeting, beginning Sunday, March 31, 1996, the Lord willing.
Bro. Mark Andrews from the Grandview, Missouri Congregation will
be our evangelist. Services during the week will begin each evening
at 7:30 P.M. Lovefeast services on Saturday and Sunday, April 6 and
7, Easter week end, will begin at 10:45 A.M. on Saturday. We invite
all who can to come and enjoy these services with us. May we pray
for Bro. Mark. Pray that each of us will be built up and strengthened
in His service. Please, pray as well that souls will be drawn into the
fold before our Lord returns. May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
be with you all.
Sister Arlene Flora, Cor.
BETHEL, PENNSYLVANIA
The Bethel Congregation will be having Revival Meetings, April 14
through 21 with Bro. Leonard Wertz as evangelist. Come, pray and
enjoy these services with us.
Sister Fern Wolfe, Cor.
THANK YOU
We wish to thank those who remembered us with cards, calls,
visits and especially the prayers at the time of our individual
surgeries. We appreciate your love and concern. May God bless
each of you.
Bro. Warren and Sis. Luella Smith
THANK YOU
I want to thank all the Brothers and Sisters for their cards of
sympathy sent to me at the recent death of my son, Jim. They were
deeply appreciated. Also for all your prayers in my behalf. Thank
you. May God bless you all.
Love in Christ,
Sister Valeria Sweitzer
16
BIBLE MONITOR
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GENERAL MISSION BOARD
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BIBLE STUDY BOARD
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Dennis StJohn, Secretary
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Mark Cordrey
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RELIEF BOARD
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Martin Meyers, Secretary
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TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
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Cuba, NM 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overhoitzer Drive
Modesto, CA 95355
James Meyers, Secretary
2641 205th Street
Dallas Center, lA 50063
Marian Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, KS 67752
Mike Wray
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BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXIV
MARCH 15, 1996
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 aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
A PRAYER FOR FAITH
Oh! Lord increase my faith this day
Please teach me in a Godly way
May my life show a good report
That to thee others would resort
For help and guidance I do seek
Teach me ever to be more meek
Take away all my pride and sin
Restore in me Thy love again
I look to thee for every need
Increase my faith I ask indeed!
Brother Harold Zimmerman
150EndslowRd.
Marietta, PA 17547
BIBLE MONITOR
PETER, CONFESSED, COMMENDED, CONFUSED,
AND COMMANDED.
Within a short time Peter made a great, basic confession, received
Jesus' praise, suffered a severe admonition, and given instructions for
his future days. These four interconnected events are recorded in
Matthew 16.
Only Peter, among the disciples, would have been so impulsive to
say the things that he did. He could say Heavenly things as well as
earthly things. He could exalt Jesus at one moment, but in the next
moment, he could become a sore trial for Jesus.
Jesus and His disciples traveled through various areas of what we
call the Holy Land. They had been in Jerusalem. They traveled
along the Jordan River. They had been in Jericho. They had gone
through Samaria. They had been in several towns in Galilee. Now, in
Caesarea Phillippi, He had a question for His disciples to answer
They had had the opportunity to be with the people in all these areas.
He wondered what the people thought of Him. Who did they think He
was? The disciples listed several prophets and other great heroes of
the Faith as the opinions of the people concerning Jesus. They saw
Him as an incarnation of one of the Old Testament prophets or even
of John the Baptist. They realized that He was Someone special, but
they could not quite grasp who He really was.
Now, Jesus asked the disciples to tell Him, not what the crowd
thought, but what they believed about Him. This is always the most
important question for each person to answer. It matters little how the
world-at-large answers that question. The most important answer is
THE BIBLE MONITOR MARCH 15, 1996
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BIBLE MONITOR
the answer of each individual heart. Who is He to us, individually?
Peter had a ready answer. "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the
living God." He had made a great leap of faith to say that Jesus was
the Son of God. He recognized Him as the long-awaited Messiah.
He realized that Jesus was more than a teacher or a prophet. He
knew He was God.
This answer gained a great commendation for Peter. Jesus
praised Him for following the direction of the Holy Spirit in correctly
identifying Him. Christianity would be based upon the faith of each
who would acknowledge that Jesus was the Son of God, who came to
bring a completed plan of salvation to men. Peter's expression of
faith was fundamental to the establishment of the Church upon the
Rock, Jesus Christ.
It was not long until Jesus, hoping the disciples were maturing,
began to tell them of the events that would happen in the near future.
He began to prepare them for the time of His betrayal, trial,
crucifixion, burial and resurrection. They just could not grasp such
events, since He was the Son of God. Peter was quick to express his
disappointment with Jesus' account of these future events.
Like Peter, we would prefer that the good times would continue.
We do not look forward to the times of suffering or hardship. Without
the suffering, Jesus could not have completed the plan of salvation.
His death and burial were as necessary as His birth and ministry. He
came to do His Father's will. It would be hard enough to face the
suffering without the disapproval of Peter.
Jesus very sharply rebuked Peter for trying to foil the task He must
complete. He compared him to the arch-enemy of our souls. Peter
on his human level was trying to do the same thing that Satan was
trying to do on a Spiritual level. He was trying to prevent the
completion of God's plan of salvation. Peter preferred the thinking of
men rather than the thinking of God.
Jesus elaborated upon God's plan. He desired that men would
choose the Spiritual life rather than the natural, human, fleshly way.
Serving God means a new way of living. Man's desire should be the
exaltation of Christ and God. This can be accomplished by striving
for the fulfillment of God's will. It is His will that all would repent and
be saved. It was never His will that men should be eternally lost.
When men choose to follow the ways that seem right in their own
sight, they fail God and doom themselves. They must look to God's
way that will lead to eternal life. God has not hidden His will. It is the
Bible, where will be found what He would have all to do. There is a
plan for belief, action and sharing according to His will, that is not in
BIBLE MONITOR
tune with the ways of the world.
Have you made Peter's confession? Have you found and followed
His commands? If so, you are to be commended, not only by men,
but by God. If not, you will be rebuked when you must stand before
Him in judgment.
Lay the good Rock foundation and build upon it.
M.C.Cook
HUMAN JUSTIFICATION
"And the man said. The woman whom thou gavest to be with me,
she gave me of the tree, and I did eat." Genesis 3:12.
Excuses. We hear them every day. We even give them every day.
Adam blamed Eve for his sin. Eve blamed the serpent. All three
were punished. They all had a part in the matter. We are all so quick
to blame someone else or to justify our action somehow. Even when
it comes to "thus saith the Lord", we are quick to justify ourselves.
For instance, instead of "thus saith the Lord" regarding the sister's
headcovering, we say It is not necessary because "the hair is given
for a covering", or just as often, because it is only found once in the
scripture. If a thing is found five times, is it five times as important as
something only found once? Some events in the life of Christ are
only found in one of the Gospels, but we consider it very important.
To many, the commandments of God are not necessarily important.
How about footwashing? We consider it a commandment of the
Lord but most churches do not. They feel that it is all right to make
substitutions for the act of footwashing: change a tire or help a brother
in some way. "But, please, do not ask us to wash each other's feet."
We are instructed in scripture that our yea should be yea and our
nay should be nay. Anything else and we could fall into
condemnation. Unnecessary words speak ill of us. Excuses for why
we do not do a scriptural practice also speaks ill of us. It may be
simple enough to justify now, but what will you tell the Lord later on?
The practices of the church have stood the test of time, just as
Christ's Words have, and just as the Law of Moses has. Jesus said,
"If ye love me, keep my commandments." Even if the commandment
sounds silly or looks odd in today's world, we should still be willing to
do it. It is a testimony to God's grace when His children love, serve,
and obey Him. So much was done for us when Jesus bled and died
and rose again! We cannot afford to justify our actions with anything
less than total obedience to Him.
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
BIBLE MONITOR
APATHY
The dictionary defines, "apathy," as the lack of feeling, the absence
of emotion, or indifference.
Two women, I knew, who belonged to two different churches
passed away without their churches having any knowledge of their
passing.
I asked several members of one church, "Did you know Helen
passed away." I gave the full name. They looked it up to determine
membership. I was told, "Yes, she is a member." Then they thanked
me for letting them know, as they did not want anyone deceased on
the rolls. She had been in regular attendance until her age problems
kept her away. While she was having all the usual problems of old
age I asked if any one from her church ever contacted her. She said
"No."
I attended that same church most of one summer looking for a
friend. I reasoned that if 1 could find a friend there, I may also find the
Lord there. I tried several times to contact some of the officials there
in an attempt to find out their practices and finances. After several
broken appointments I finally met with a retired minister. He claimed
he did not know about their salaries or the cost to finance a
missionary. I also asked if I could do volunteer work. He said I would
have to check with the missionaries. I felt unwanted on my second
visit so left promptly.
After the other woman's passing, I called her church to ask about
her. I was told they had not seen her for a while but she is welcome
to come back any time. I did not disclose her death.
The main reason I quit going to another church I had joined was
because they would not agree to check on their missing members. I
then joined another church with a similar experience. It was also
about the same with a mission I worked with as a volunteer for about
eight years. In all three places, I felt that I could have been dead
without their knowledge unless some outsider disclosed It to them.
This is what I call apathy.
Christ stated that the two greatest commandments are first to love
the Lord God with all your heart, soul and mind. The second is
likened to it by loving your neighbor as yourself. On these hang all
the law.
How do we keep the first? Christ said I was naked and ye clothed
me, hungry and you fed me. In prison and ye came unto me. In as
much as ye have done it to the least of these my brethren ye have
done it unto me. I believe that's the way to keep the great
commandment. By this, they shall know ye are my disciples if ye
BIBLE MONITOR
have love one for another.
The three churches that 1 described do not have the basics, which
seems to be common for churches today. They make excellent-
sounding, audible prayers in public to be heard of men.
How many Churches today have the "basics." I am still looking for
one in my vicinity. I have visited many churches. They seem to all
have greeters. Those designated to stand at the entrance and try to
make you feel welcome. Each meeting has a different one or two to
do this. Then during the service they pause to make a friend. They
shake strangers' hands saying something like, "God loves you, and
so do I." To love someone is to be more than just a friend. I say a
friend is one with whom you are in steady contact. Their problems
become your problems. You can call them at 2:00 A.M. They are
glad to hear from you. They are ready to help you with any problem
you have. You can give a friend a signed blank check. They will use
only what they need. Love is much more than that so the next day
after that service of friends you wonder who are those friends i made
yesterday. Whom can I call on in my time of need?
I am past eighty-one years of age. In my early years, if a person
attended a Christian church, I thought he was a reputable person to
do business with. He was a man of his word. I have lost well over
one hundred thousand dollars due to the falsehoods of those with
whom I have done business. All major losses, except one, have been
to people who profess Christianity. They have been very vocal in
their public prayers, statements and some actions showing their
Christian belief. We both have gotten up from our knees with him
leading in prayers, audibly asking God's blessing after we finished
signing our agreement. The falsehoods by him, following soon after,
caused me to lose thousands of dollars. I also gave up my small
business due to our corrupt court. I have been there often enough to
be convinced that judges are like the rest of us. Some of us are more
honest than others. I definitely want to stay out of our courts.
Christ has said, "When you pray enter into your closet and when
you have shut the door, pray to your Father in heaven in secret and
He will answer openly." Most of those described were very vocal, to
be heard of men. Christ said as a man thinketh in his heart so is he.
Man looketh on the outward appearance, but God looketh at the
heart. He also said, "It is appointed for man once to die but after that
the judgement."
I cannot imagine how that will be, but, of course, I can not
understand how so many people are put here on earth, practically all
looking different. When I look at the heavenly bodies and consider
BIBLE MONITOR
the laws that govern our universe, I can only stand in awe of how
great a God we have. It is not for me to understand why so many bad
things happen to what we call good people. As far as the heavens
are from the earth so is His thoughts higher than our thoughts.
It takes a lot of faith to accept the fact that the reward of the
Christian is out of this world. The Christian seems to have as many
adversities on this earth as the non-believer. Of course my mind can
not comprehend why there are so many different religions and races
of people on the earth. I believe if we are to understand, God will
reveal it when that time comes. This is one reason we are to accept
Christ in child-like faith. It seems that most people born into a certain
religion, stick with it. We need to pray for guidance and that His will
be done.
One of those who is the least in God's kingdom,
Walter C. Myers
5603 Winchester Street
San Diego, CA 92139
PRAYER
As I was considering an article about prayer, I changed the title two
or three times. I then decided it was too great a subject for one
article.
First of all we are commanded to pray always. "And he spake a
parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not
to faint;" Luke 18:1. Please read 1-14 and also Luke 11:1-13.
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and
watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all
saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may
open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel."
Eph. 6:18-19.
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto
God." Phil. 4:6.
"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of
utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in
bonds:" Col. 4:2-3.
"Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the wilt
of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." I Thess. 5:17-18.
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings,
and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and
8 BIBLE MONITOR
peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and
acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;" I Tim. 2:1-3.
"I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands,
without wrath and doubting." I Tim. 2:8.
When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, he said, "When you
pray," not "if you pray". Matt. 6:7 and Luke 1 1 :2.
"And I say unto you. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye
shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Luke 11:9.
Please read again Luke 11:1-13.
"The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the
prayer of the upright is his delight." Prov. 15:8.
"He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their
prayer." Psa. 102:17.
So let us make our prayers a large part of our lives, knowing that
God hears and answers prayer.
Can you think of a prayer that has been answered?
Only one?
If the Lord wills I will try to write more about prayer. God bless you
all.
Brother William Carpenter
THE DANGER OF SHALLOW FAITH
Mark 4:11-12, "And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know
the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all
these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not
perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any
time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven
them."
II Peter 2:20-21, "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of
the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end
is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for
them not to have known the way of righteousness, then, after they
have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto
them."
At first glimpse and observation it would appear that the two verses
taken from the book of Mark prove without a shadow of a doubt that
there are some individuals predestined to never receive the gift of
salvation. But, when taken within the context of the entire chapter, we
find that this is not the case. These verses appear in between the
parable of the sower and the explanation given by our Lord. Within
the parable we find seed that fell by the wayside, some on stony
BIBLE MONITOR
ground, and some among thorns. Last of all we read of seed that fell
on good ground. In our Lord's explanation we find that the first three
types of seeds represent those who have the word taken away by
Satan, those who endure for a time but are then offended, and those
who become unfruitful. Those who are the good seed are those who
continue in the faith.
Those who represent the seed that fell by the wayside are those
who do not allow the Holy Spirit to bring true conviction to their heart.
Many children are carried to church as babes and attend church all
their life with their godly parents until the age of adulthood but never
experience a time when they personally believe the Gospel. There
are those who sit in church services as visitors for years and never
join the church. While joining a church is not a sure sign of true
salvation, we believe that it is more important than expressed by
popular religion.
Those who represent the seed that fell on stony ground are those
who never acquire any spiritual depth. When affliction or persecution
for the Word's sake appears they are offended and wither away. First
of all, it is important to root ourselves in the Word of God. This Is no
guarantee that we will not suffer affliction. True Saints down through
the ages have suffered and died for what they believed. This is taking
place right now in some countries. It is not impossible that such a
time may come to America. If we are not soundly rooted in the word
of God through a born again experience by the shed blood of Jesus
Christ we will fall from the faith at such a time.
We are also not guaranteed that there will not be persecution if we
are faithful. In fact, the Bible suggests that this WILL be a part of our
life. Persecution can take many forms. It may be equal to affliction or
as simple as not being accepted by the crowd. Many individuals can
not accept being peculiar people and set apart (which is what the
word means) from the world. In order to attain acceptance from
others they compromise their convictions and the teachings of Holy
Scripture. Such individuals are offended when reminded of their
obligation to their Lord and, rather than accept persecution, join in with
the worldly pleasures. Many of these finally depart from the faith.
Those who represent the seed that fell among thorns are those
who are overcome by the cares of this world, and deceitfulness of
riches and the lusts of other things. They become unfruitful. Our love
for the Lord Jesus Christ must be preeminent in our lives. When other
desires become more important we are in danger of losing the love we
have for our Lord. The work we do for Him will be hindered and we
may eventually lose our relationship with Him.
10 BIBLE MONITOR
There Is a great danger in having a shallow faith. Let us all desire
to be seed that fell on good ground and walk in the light of God's Holy
Word,
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
SIXTY YEARS AGO
March 15, 1936
IS THY HEART RIGHT?
Ida M. Helm
"Is thine heart right?" (II Kings 10:15.) This was the question Jehu
asked of Jehonadab when he was out to execute the commission
God gave him to exterminate idol worship in Israel. "It is," was
Jehonadab's answer. Then Jehu invited him to a seat in the chariot
with him. Jehonadab gave Jehu his hand as a pledge that he was of
one heart and mind with Jehu in the sifting of God's people and the
two could go together into the fierce conflict with the devotees of Baal
worship for they were of one heart and one mind to do the Lord's
work. If we get on God's side, which is always the right side in the
strife of truth with falsehood, all will be well with us no matter how
powerful are the forces of evil.
The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.
(Jer. 17:9.) When God created man his heart was innocent and pure
but Satan planted the germ of sin in the heart of man and changed it
to a thing so corrupt that it called forth this scorching record from the
inspired writer, "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great
in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart
was only evil continually." (Gen. 6:5.) There are many other
references in the Bible to the evil condition of the human heart.
God is righteous, He is pure and holy. Man in his sinful, carnal
state can not see God and live. It may be truly said of every person in
their unregenerate state, "Thy heart is not right in the sight of God."
Israel as a nation had apostatized and was woefully in need of
regeneration. They had slighted God's word and worshipped
according to the desire and dictates of their own heart, and they had
to reap the briars and thorns and the whirlwind of their own sowing.
They are on the broad highway to apostasy that teaches for doctrine
the commandments of men. Our religious teaching must be the truth
as it is revealed in Christ Jesus, it must be God's word in purity and
simplicity. The heart that is right with God is illuminated with the Holy
Spirit, it reflects the light of God and people recognize the reflection.
BIBLE MONITOR 11
It is folly to lean on any arm of flesh, or trust in one's own heart and
intellect. God recognizes the treachery of the pretense of the heart
that makes religion a cloak behind which he seeks to hide the
adversary. A treacherous heart. Alas!
God gave Solomon a wise and understanding heart, a good thing
for a king and his throne and it is a good thing for every person in the
king's realm to have a wise heart, willing and able to discern between
truth and falsehood, to distinguish between right and wrong in season
and out of season; it requires spiritual discernment of the heart, it
requires a priceless gift from God.
James 1:5 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." God gave Solomon largeness of heart, a wise heart,
great intellectual capacity and a strong will to obey Him in everything.
It was Solomon's choice. The wise heart will wait God's time,
knowing all will be well when God leads, and not do like king Saul,
take things in his own hands. Saul offered sacrifice contrary to God's
word and God said, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken
than the fat of rams."
Wisdom is better than strength as worldly power or honor, yet how
often man despise the wisdom that God gives. God searches out the
evil heart and punishes it.
Obadiah tells us how Edom dwelling in his rocky strongholds was
led by pride of heart to believe that it would be impossible to dislodge
him from them in face of the prophecies predicting his overthrow, but
God decreed that there should be a complete destruction of Edom
and Edom went down before God. She reaped as she had sown.
In Matt. 5:8 Jesus says, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they
shall see God." The pure heart is free from all alloy of pride. To be
pure in heart requires complete punty of the inmost thoughts and
desires of the heart. A thing is pure when it contains no admixture of
alloy, no inferior substance. As the heart thinketh so the mouth
speaketh. If the inside is pure, illumined by the Holy Ghost it will be
reflected on the outside; the Spirit will impart some of the blessedness
to the character of the one that receives Him into his heart.
Love and benevolence are pure when they contain no admixture of
lust and self seeking. Jesus' religion requires that people should be
humble, lowly, meek like the Master they serve. The meek are
persons of lowly and gentle demeanor. They speak evil of no one.
They are never busy bodies in other men's matters, they do not serve
lusts and wortdly pleasures. They are ready and willing for every
good work. They delight in the teaching of God's word. They are
12 BIBLE MONITOR
good work. They delight in the teaching of God's word. They are
satisfied with little of this world's goods rather than desire the riches of
the many wicked.
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 In heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
(Matt. 11:28-29.) God's promise Is the meek shall inherit the earth.
They may have but an acre of ground and a cabin in this life, or
perchance live in a tenement, but they are heirs of all future blessings,
they are the only rightful heirs of the land and the riches of this present
world, they are children of the King, and joint heirs with God's Son
Jesus Christ. The wicked are usurpers and must be cast out.
Purity of heart begins with having the "heart sprinkled from an evil
conscience," sprinkled with the cleansing, atoning blood of Christ
Jesus. God alone can do the sprinkling. And the body washed with
pure water. This is man's part, it takes place at baptism. To the
people that said on Pentecost, "What shall we do?" Peter answered,
"Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the
Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38.)
Baptism is the door into the church. Three thousand souls entered
the door and were added to God's people on Pentecost. When the
body is washed and the heart sprinkled, cleansed by the blood of
Christ there is light in the heart wherewith to see God. External
purification without Inward purity of heart is not acceptable with God.
We must scripturally know and see God in this life, we must worship
in spirit and in truth if we would see Him and be like Him over there.
Without holiness there is no power to please and see Jesus.
The people that crucify Jesus, whether they be Jews or Romans or
of any other nationality shall look, one day, on Him whom they
pierced, but they shall die the second death. Heb. 6:6 says people
today and of all ages and climes may "Crucify to themselves the Son
of God afresh, and put him to an open shame."
Matt. 25:46 says the wicked "...shall go away into everlasting
punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." "Is thy heart right with
God?"
OUR SATURDAY NIGHT
Driven from Home
J. H. Moore
In the treatment of their children parents sometimes make mistakes
that follow them to their graves. They do things that are Inhuman,
unchristian and sometimes cruel. They do not mean to make
BIBLE MONITOR 13
mistakes of this sort, but they permit themselves to be influenced by
their passions. Judgment, for the time, is dethroned; love feels
outraged, and the unwise act is committed.
We have In mind a bright young woman. Her parents were devout
and well-to-do members of an influential church. The young woman,
after careful study and without any undue persuasion, decided to
apply to the Brethren church for membership. Her father told her if
she carried out her purpose, she would have to seek another shelter.
On a day set for the purpose, and in the presence of a large assembly
of sympathetic people, she was buried with Christ in the rite of holy
baptism. The scene was both beautiful and impressive, for all the
people knew the young lady to be a well-educated, pious and refined
woman.
Later in the day she returned to her father's well-furnished and
cozy residence only to find her parents ready to execute the
unreasonable and unhuman threat they had made. The kind-hearted
daughter was told that the home was hers no more; that she should
take her few belongings and seek another roof, never to return until
she gave up the religion that she had embraced.
It was a sad day for the young sister. She had no thought of
surrendering the faith that she had publicly accepted in the forenoon.
Taking what she could bear away, she went from the cozy room that
had always been her own, leaving behind all that was near and dear
in her parental home, and, in a sense, became a wanderer among
those not of her own kindred in the flesh. But she found friends ready
to help and cheer her, and soon had work for her hands and head.
Years came and went, but she remained the same earnest, dutiful,
intelligent, pious and diligent Christian through all of her experience.
There was a place for her in the Sunday School, and she filled it to
the full measure. People learned to love her, they wept when they
learned of her sad home experiences, but not an unkind word ever
escaped her lips regarding her parents. She married, became the
mistress of a pleasant home and the mother of happy children.
Time softened the hearts of her parents, and there came a day
when they could stand it no longer. They saw their mistake and wept
bitterly, but it was impossible to erase the sad past from their
memories. They felt that they had not only made the mistake of their
lives, but had actually driven the sunshine from their home. They
could repent and ask pardon, and this they did. A letter was written,
showing marks of the tears of regret. A more penitent letter could not
have been sent to the faraway daughter, whose cup of joy was
thereby made full to overflowing.
14 BIBLE MONITOR
the family, and, should she be permitted to again retum to the scenes
of her childhood, will be shown the room from which she was barred
when only a babe in Christ. The breach is closed, never more to be
opened, but the painful past will cling to the memory of these parents
until their dying day. They have been forgiven both on earth and in
heaven, but there is nothing that can wipe the sad experience of ten
years from memory's tablet.
In all this there Is a moral for every parent. They may, at times,
feel that a child is walking contrary to their wishes, but let them ever
bear in mind that the driving of a son or daughter from under the roof
of its parents is a fearful undertaking in the eyes of both God and
man.
REPORT OF THE DUNKARD BRETHREN AFRICAN
MISSION BOARD
The response to the African Call has been very encouraging.
Twenty-two precious souls born into the Family of God make up
the beginning of the Dunkard Brethren Church In Africa. They were
baptized in Lake Victoria early October 1995. Since then, four more
have been added to the number. The challenge to nurture them is
almost ovenA/helming to your Board. We are not ignorant of Satan's
devices so we implore your earnest prayers in their behalf that we
may act wisely and cautiously in the many decisions we are having to
make, that the will of the Lord may be done.
The Lord willing. Brother Paul Stump and Brother Dale Jamison
plan another visit to the Church in Uganda to see how they do, and
assist in the further organization of the congregation(s). Please pray
for them also.
The sponsoring of the orphans at Butambala was completed
almost before the appeal came out in the Monitor. Forty-six orphans
between the ages of six and fourteen are being sponsored. We have
tried to limit one child to a sponsor so that more may be involved.
More information about the child will be supplied to their sponsor as
soon as It is available. May the zeal of each contributor to the work in
Africa bring souls into the fold of God and glory to His name.
Brother Ray R. Reed, Secretary
FINANCIAL STATEMENT, FOURTH QUARTER 1995
Balance on hand 9-30-95 $ 5,868.88
Receipts
Donations $19,531.65
Orphan Sponsorship 1 ,440.00
Trustee Board 7.000.00
BIBLE MONITOR 15
Total Receipts $27,971 .65 27,971.65
$33,840.53
Disbursements
Bibles 75.00
Transportation 1 6,800.00 (Toyota Van $1 1 ,340.00)
Buildings 3,000.00 (Rent for 6 months)
Bank Charges 25.00
Total Disbursements $19,900.00 19,900.00
Fund Balance 12-31-95 $13,940.53
Brother Mark Andrews, Treasurer
NEWS ITEMS
QUINTER, KANSAS
The Quinter Congregation invites you to our Spring Lovefeast
Meetings, March 15 through 17, 1996. Bro. Kevin Funk will be our
evangelist. Please pray that each heart will be open to the moving of
God's Spirit.
Sister Julie Litfin, Cor.
PLEASANT HOME, CALIFORNIA
The Lord willing the Fourth District Meeting will be held at Pleasant
Home Congregation, April 5 through 7, 1996„ Friday evening services
will begin at 7:30 P.M. The Business session will be held at 10:00
A.M. Saturday. There will be Lovefeast on Saturday evening. There
will be further services on Easter Sunday.
You are welcome to these meetings. Come to worship and
fellowship.
Sister Edith Moss, Cor.
GRANDVIEW, MISSOURI
The Grandview Congregation will be hosting District Meeting,
starting Friday evening April 12, 1996, at 7:00 P.M. The business
meeting will be held Saturday at 9:00 A.M. Other services that day
include preaching at 2:00 P.M. and Communion at 6:00 P.M. Services
on Sunday, April 14, 1996, will be at 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M.
Come and worship with us!
Sister Deena Andrews, Cor.
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR APRIL 1996
April 7 - That Prophet - John 6:1-14.
1. Why were the multitudes following Jesus?
2. What was the purpose of gathering up the fragments?
April 14 - The Work of God - John 6:15-29.
1. What is the "Meat which endureth unto everlasting life?"
2. What is "The work of God?"
April 21 - The Bread from Heaven - John 6:30-51.
1 . Who can come to Jesus today?
2. Who is the living bread which came down from Heaven?
April 28 - The Spoken Word - John 6:52-71 .
1 . How can we eat the flesh and drink the blood of Jesus?
2. Why did many of Jesus' Disciples turn back?
YOUNG PEOPLE'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR APRIL 1996
April 7 - Offenses - Matt. 18:1-17, Luke 17:1-5, Rom. 16:17-19.
1. Explain repentance and forgiveness in regard to offenses.
2. How are we to be "simple concerning evil"?
April 14 - Sin - Gen. 4:16-17, Isa. 53:5-6, Matt. 12:31-33,
Luke 11:39-42, Luke 12:45-47, Rom. 6:1-23.
1 . How does sin separate us from the presence of God?
2. How can we appear sinless to man and yet be full of sin?
April 21 - The Wicked Husbandman - Matt. 21:33-41, Mark 12:1-9,
Luke 20: 9-16.
1. Symbolically, whom does the householder represent?
2. Symbolically, whom does the son represent?
April 28 - The Resurrection Story - Matt. 16:21, 28:1-7, Mark 9:9,
16:6-10, Luke24:11-18, John 2:19, 20:18-19.
1 . Why was the stone rolled away from the sepulcher door?
2. Explain the angel's words, "Tell His disciples and Peter."
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BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXIV
APRIL 1, 1996
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 aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
TRIUMPH
Lift your glad voices in triunnph on high,
For Jesus hath risen, and men shall not die;
Vain were the terrors that gather'd around him,
And short the domination of death and the grave;
He burst from the fetters of darkness that bound him,
Resplendent in glory to live and to save:
Loud was the chorus of angels on high —
• The Saviour hath risen, and men shall not die.
Glory to God, in full anthems of joy;
The being he gave us death can not destroy:
Sad were the life we may part with to-morrow,
If tears were our birthright, and death were our end;
But Jesus hath cheered the dark valley of sorrow,
And bade us, immortal, to heaven ascend:
Lift then your voices in triumph on high,
For Jesus hath risen, and men shall not die.
-Ware
BIBLE MONITOR
THE GOSPEL
"As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far
country."Proverbs 25:25.
Have you ever been thirsty in the midst of a desert? In that situation
a cup of cold water is most appreciated. It tastes even better than
usual. You have a great desire for that water. The wise man
compares that desire for cold water with a desire to hear good news
from a distance. The desire for good news runs deep in our being.
The Good News has come from a far country. The Bible is that
good news. The word, "gospel" means, "good news.'The gospel has
been sent from Heaven to earth for the benefit of all. Whether men
accept or reject the gospel does not change the gospel. The gospel
remains the same. Men may try to change or reinterpret it , but their
efforts are futile. God's word remains the same for all times, places,
cultures and peoples.
Paul writing, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, in Ephesians 2:1-
10, re-counts for the Ephesian believers their response to the gospel
when he presented it to them. He reminds them of what their past
lives had been. He shows what benefit they had received of the
gospel. Now they were alive, quickened. Formerly they had been
under the dominion of Satan, the prince of the power of the air. They
had been disobedient. Instead of following God they had followed
Satan's direction. That course had left them Spiritually dead.
They had followed a contrasting course under the Holy Spirit's
direction. Paul shows them the various elements of the gospel. The
gospel is the proof of the love of God. The Good News proclaims that
THE BIBLE MONITOR APRIL 1, 1996
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard Brethren
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Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.
MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th Street, Beaumont, CA 92223.
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DENNIS ST. JOHN, Associate Editor; 21397-B50, Bryan, OH 43506.
BIBLE MONITOR
He has loved to the extent that He has given the greatest of all gifts.
God is often presented in a way that emphasizes His wrath and
judgment. That is a true picture for He will judge all who refuse to
accept His gift. The other side is the love He shows by making
available to men the plan of salvation. His Grace, Love and Mercy
have compelled Him to offer a way of escape from His own wrath.
His love caused Him to give the only gift that was able to appease
His anger. A holy, righteous God can not stand the presence of sin.
Men, since the fall In the Garden of Eden, have been sinful. Men, in
general, and individually have no hope of appeasing God. Sinful man
and a righteous God can not mix. God, Himself, has overcome this
exclusive situation by providing the one remedy. He sent His only
begotten Son to Earth to become the propitiation for the sins of all
human beings. The only requirement placed upon the people of the
Earth was that they accept that work so they might appropriate it for
themselves.
God did this for the whole world, but He expects each individual to
choose whether to accept it or not. Each person must make his own
choice concerning God's offered gift. God does not deal with men as
nations, tribes, families concerning their personal salvation. Men may
devise artificial divisions and expect God to work with those divisions.
The end of the Thirty Years War in 1648 was secured by the Treaty of
Westphalia. That treaty divided the German principalities among the
three major religious bodies. Catholic, Lutheran and Reformed, based
upon the religious preference of the prince of that particular,
geographic area. All citizens of that area were expected to profess
that religious teaching. God is more interested in individuals than in
general groups.
Jesus as the sinless, virgin-born Son of God was able to become
the sacrifice for sinful men. Sinful men by accepting God's plan of
salvation could reestablish the fellowship with God that had been
broken. Those who would accept what God offered could have an
eternal life, in the mansions that Jesus promised to them in Heaven.
God's plan of salvation, faith, repentance and baptism, was made
available through His Grace. It was not deserved. It could not be
earned. It was given through God's love. It was given because of
man's sins, not because he was so good that he deserved it.
God did place a responsibility upon those who hear and accept the
gospel. They are called to do the good works that would please Him.
Along with the forgiveness of sins, believers are empowered to do
good, instead of the habitual evil they have followed in the past.
Christians are saved to serve.
BIBLE MONITOR
The Good News has been presented. God has expended His
Grace, Love and Mercy on your behalf. Have you accepted it? Have
you lived as one who has clean escaped the clutches of Satan? The
Good News is that Jesus paid the price for your sin. He has redeemed
you.
M.C.Cook
PRAYER
How shall we pray?
There are many examples of men who prayed, and how they
approached God.
Abraham stood before the Lord, and drew near. He prayed
earnestly for any righteous ones who lived in the wicked city of Sodom.
Gen. 12:22-32.
Jacob wrestled with God until he received the blessing. Gen.
32:24-30.
God talked to Moses mouth to mouth. Num. 12:7-8. But when the
people had sinned he fell down before the Lord. "And I fell down
before the Lord, as at the first, forty days and forty nights: I did neither
eat bread, nor drink water, because of all your sins which ye sinned, in
doing wickedly in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger. For I
was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the Lord was
wroth against you to destroy you. But the Lord hearkened unto me at
that time also. Deut. 9:18-19.
David sat before the Lord. "Then went king David in, and sat before
the Lord, and he said, Who am I, O Lord God? and what is my house,
that thou hast brought me hitherto? And this was yet a small thing in
thy sight, O Lord God; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's
house for a great while to come. And is this the manner of man, O
Lord God?"ll Sam. 7:18-19. Also I Chron. 17:16-17. David was
speaking in awe and wonderment at the great promises which God
had given to him.
Solomon went up to offer on the brazen altar before the tabernacle
at Gibeon. "In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by
night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. "I Kings 3:5. "Give
therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I
may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy
so great a people?"! Kings 3:9. See also II Chron. 1:7-12.
At the dedication of the temple it appears that Solomon at times
stood before the Lord with his hands spread forth toward heaven, and
at times kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven.
BIBLE MONITOR
See I Kings 8:22, 54.
Hezekiah, when threatened by the hosts of Assyria, went into the
house of the Lord. II Kings 19:1. When threatened with death he
turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord. II Kings 20:1-2.
"Then the Levites...said, Stand up and bless the Lord your God for
ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted
above all blessing and praise. "Neh. 9:5.
"And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and
having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and
spread out my hands unto the Lord my God. "Ezra 9:5.
"Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into
his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward
Jerusalem, (See I Kings 8:30, 44, 48) he kneeled upon his knees three
times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did
aforetime."Dan. 6:10.
"And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and
supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:"Dan. 9:3.
"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou
hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father
which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."Matt. 6:6.
See Acts 9:3.
"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus
ChrisL"Eph. 3:14.
"I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up HOLY hands,
without wrath and doubting. "I Tim. 2:8.
"Pray without ceasing.1 Thess. 5:17.
That you may all be blessed is the prayer of your unworthy servant.
Brother William Carpenter
CHRISTIAN COURTSHIP
by Neil Martin
As the people of God, how should the matter of courtship be
conducted? It almost appears like the Bible is silent on the subject.
Among the Jews, at least, there probably was no courtship. The
parents decided who would marry whom. It almost appears like many
times the couple hadn't even seen each other till the marriage day.
But I think if we look closely, we can find counsel in the Word for
courtship. There are ways God's people are supposed to act whether
they are courting or not.
Our courtship days should be days we can look back on with good,
pleasant memories; not regret, like we hear so many times. People
BIBLE MONITOR
say, "If only I hadn't/Then it is too late to change what has been done.
But can't we take some warnings so the rest of us don't have to say
the same thing?
Courtship should be serious business; not taken on by the immature
or young. The goal of courtship should be to find a godly life
companion. It should never be just a time to have fun or to get some
thrills. If we look at it lightheartedly, we are in for bitter reaping. Some
people think they're entitled to a little fun, a little serving the flesh. But
let's never forget that God will hold us responsible for our actions.
Solomon writes in Ecc. 11:9-10, "Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth,
and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but
know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy
flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity."lt says, "walk in the ways of
thine heart.'That is something we will do. Jesus said in Luke 6:45, "A
good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that
which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."So
the most important thing is to have our hearts changed from evil to
good through the blood of Christ before we consider this important
step in life, or we may bring forth evil fruit. And remember, "For all
these things God will bhng us into judgment."
When we think of people dating, no doubt the sin we think of the
most is the sin of fornication. Some people think some of us put too
much emphasis on the sin of fornication. They say where there is a
catalog of sins listed, other sins are listed equally with it. That is true.
Any sin is terrible and can keep us out of heaven. I Cor. 6:9 says,
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of
God?"Yet down in the eighteenth verse Paul does seem to put a
difference there. He says, "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man
doeth is without the body: but he that committeth fornication sinneth
against his own body."it seems like he's saying that is the worst. Most
other sins are of the mind. This one is against the body also. At any
rate, we want to flee from it.
In Eph. 5:3, fornication is listed in a catalog of sins Paul says should
not be once named among us. Then why do we hear of so much of it
going on? Possibly it is because we have fallen into the trap of
thinking, "as long as we don't commit the very act, we're innocent."But
that is far from the truth. Jesus said in Matt. 5:28, "But 1 say unto you,
That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed
adultery with her already in his heart."That doesn't take much action to
be guilty does it? We should flee; chase even the first wrong thought
BIBLE MONITOR
from our minds. Even though God's people would admit that lustful
looks are wrong, because of what Jesus said, it is surprising what
actions many think are acceptable.
It seems too often we get our standard of action from the world.
"Just as long as we are not quite as bad as the world around us we are
all right."Paul writes to the Romans in Romans 13:13, "Let us walk
honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in
chambering, and wantonness, not is strife and envying. "This word,
chambering, is talking about illicit bedroom activity. Some other
translations use the word, debauchery. The word, wantonness, has
about the same meaning. Paul says, "Let us walk honestly (decently,
becomingly) as in the day."Just because the world around us is no
longer ashamed to act indecently, unbecomingly, in the day (public)
does not mean it is acceptable behavior.
Then he goes on in verse 14, "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. "The
natural man wants to seek sensual pleasures, (make provision for the
flesh) and all of us that are living, have our nature to contend with. Our
appetites and desires must be controlled by our minds. We must take
on the mind of Christ and yield our will (desires) to Him. Titus 2:11-12
says, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all
men. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we must
control the mind or heart, because our lives are an expression of what
is inside us.
When we see courtship in the world, you see anything but an effort
to control the natural desires. We see them pampered, encouraged.
Why? Because that is what feels good— what the flesh desires. But
as Christian people we don't want any part in that kind of conduct.
First, let us look at the matter of appearance. The world, or natural
man, wants to dress, walk, act in such a way as to draw attention to
themselves. They display the body to incite the passions of others.
The Christian's goal should be the opposite. We should desire to
cover the body and let the hidden man of the heart shine forth. It
seems like women have more of a responsibility In this area than men,
although it no doubt applies to man as well. It seems like it is woman's
natural desire to draw attention to the body, and the man's natural
desire to give it. Both, I believe are equally wrong. But I think that is
why there seems to be more said in the Bible about woman's attire
than about men's.
Jesus said in the the Sermon on the Mount, Matt. 5:28, "But I say
unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath
committed adultery with her^lready in his heart. "Possibily one of the
8 BIBLE MONITOR
biggest deceptions In the world today Is the replacing of the word, lust,
with the word, love. There Is a world of difference between the two.
Love Is of God. It is a concern for others. Lust is of the devil. It is sin.
It is the desire to have something that is not rightfully yours. Yet we
see many people. Including professing Christians, who are pampering
their lust in the area of courtship, and ascribing it to love. How sad.
What blindness!
When we pray the Lord's Prayer, we pray, "Lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil. "Do we pray that and then walk
right into temptation and expect God to deliver us from evil? It is my
belief that there should be no physical contact between dating couples.
To be continued
Selected by Sister Shirley Frick
From Jan/Feb 1 995 The Pilgrim
FOOTPRINTS
Tell me not, In mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream;
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.
Life is real! life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
Dust thou art, to dust returnest.
Was not spoken of the soul!
Not enjoyment, and not sorrow.
Is our destined end and way,
But to act, that each to-morrow
Find us further than today.
Lives of true men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time;
Footprints which perhaps another,
Sailing o'er lifeis solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing shall take heart again.
Let us, then, be up and doing,
BIBLE MONITOR
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
#453 Brethren Hymnal
Early in my youth I learned this poem in the public schools. That
was before prayer, Bible reading and wholesome literature were taken
out back in the early 1960's. I cannot possibly add to the wise advice
of Longfellow, but I have to wonder if the early influence of literature
such as this was not instrumental in my conversion later on. I believe
we cannot stress enough the effect of good things and good
Influences. By the same token we see what bad sights and bad people
can do to our families.
We are all leaving an influence behind, maybe good or maybe bad.
Would you want your children following in your footsteps? We should
live each day so as to be a refreshment to the souls of others. Jesus
told us that if we have done these things to the least of these, we have
done it unto Him. Which way are YOUR footprints going?
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
THE UNIQUENESS OF CHRIST'S RESURRECTION
Acts 2:29-32, "Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the
patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is
with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that
God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins,
according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He
seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was
not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath
God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses."
Jesus Christ was not the first one to rise from the dead. The Old
Testament records instances where individuals were raised back to
life. He was, also, not the last to be brought back from the dead. The
New Testament gives us the record of the apostles raising the dead
back to life. There is no denying the fact that Christ's resurrection was
unique for several reasons.
Except for Enoch and Elijah, every individual born either has or will
be like David, "both dead and buried" (unless the body is destroyed by
fire or some other means). We can all visit the grave of a loved one
who has passed away and concur that their sepulchre (grave) is with
us unto this day. But the soul is either in Heaven or Hell. The phrase
10 BIBLE MONITOR
"that his soul was not left in hell," contains the word, "hades" in the
Greek. Since this word can be translated "grave" the doctrine of soul
sleep has emerged from such passages of Scripture. The same word
is found in Luke 16:23 where we read, "And in hell he lift up his eyes,
being in torments, ..."Resurrection is the rejoining of the soul, spirit and
body. Both the saved and unsaved will experience this someday. The
resurrection of Jesus Christ remains unique.
The raising of an individual from the dead leaves many questions
that have no easy answer. Medical science has gained the technology
to resuscitate an individual who has died from drowning, heart failure
or some other natural cause. The question is sometimes raised if the
soul actually left the body in such instances. We know that in such
instances only a small amount of time is allowed before it is too late to
resuscitate an individual. But in Scripture the allowed time had often
passed and a true miracle took place. Trying to explain a miracle often
leaves more questions than answers. But whether comparing Christ's
resurrection to a medical resuscitation or a miracle it is still unique.
The fact that His flesh did not see corruption after three days and three
nights in the grave (without modern embalming) was itself unique.
Jesus Christ's resurrection was unique in the fact that it was the
fulfillment of prophecy. The prophecy found in our opening verses is
found in Psalm 16:10. Not only did the Scriptures foretell the
resurrection of Christ but He prophesied it Himself.
Jesus Christ's resurrection was unique in the fact that He was the
first one to be raised with a glorified body. Those who experienced
resurrection prior to this returned to their body with all its physical
limitations and sufferings. Even those who were given life after His
resurrection did not receive a glorified body. Jesus Christ was the only
one who did not have to experience death the second time. As stated
earlier, the day is coming when all will experience a resurrection when
death will have no hold on them anymore.
This brings us to the fact that Jesus Christ's resurrection was
unique in the fact that it brought our salvation. For we read in I
Corinthians 15:16-17, "For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ
raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your
sins. "We are as guilty as most of not mentioning this usually except at
this time of the year, when the world makes a mockery of the event
with Easter bunnies and colored eggs. The blood of Jesus Christ
cleanses from all sin and Calvary settled it all. Yet the resurrection
was necessary. Even so, repentance and being born again
BIBLE MONITOR 11
guarantees our salvation but baptism completes it. Have you
experienced this spiritual resurrection?
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
SIXTY YEARS AGO
April 1, 1936
TESTS OF FAITH
A G. Fahnestock
The age in which we are living has brought problems to us, such
that our forefathers have not had. In problems pertaining to our
physical being and in problems that pertain to operations of farms,
factories, traffic, mails, governments, and so forth, they are fairly well
solved through applying wisdom to past developments and
experiences of the past and making use of the present opportunity,
with the exception of the problem which pertains directly to the peace
of humanity, the peace that came from heaven. Jesus said, "My
peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you, not as the world
giveth give I unto you... "Our American people (Christian nation) (?)
have not taken heed to past experiences and developments which
pertain to this great question of peace, and many, many churches
have not availed themselves of the opportunity to receive and maintain
the peace that brings satisfaction here on earth and through all
eternity. The reason is a lack of faith in God.
Faith is tested and tried in various ways. 1st - Some people's faith
is tested by the multitude of unbelievers, who mock and scoff. Jesus
says, "If they say all manner of evilagainst you falsely, for My names
sake rejoice and be exceedingly glad for great is your reward in
heaven. "Do we believe this? Noah, when building the ark, did not
permit himself to disobey God and through it he saved himself and his
family. Think of the many Christian professing parents, who do not
only neglect the saving of their children but through unbelief lead them
astray.
2nd - Faith is tried by the ties of nature. Sometimes we find parents
and sometimes children who know that they are not doing what they
ought to do but they don't want to hurt the feelings of others and mar
their social relations. They evidently have no faith in what Jesus said,
(Matt. 10:37-38) "He that loveth father or mother more than Me Is not
12 BIBLE MONITOR
worthy of me and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not
worthy of Me and he that taketh not his cross and foHoweth after Me is
not worthy of Me."
Abraham might have said like many say today, no, I will not offer my
son Isaac, such an act would wound the heart of my wife and possibly
killed her and furthermore what would others say.
Faith tested by human reasoning - Jesus said on one occasion, "It
is easier for a camel to go through the needle's eye than for a rich man
to enter the kingdom of God."Some through human reasoning say that
the needle's eye is the small opening in the wall of Jerusalem. The
disciples did not think it as such; I am sure. If they had, they would not
have said, "Who then can be saved?"
Jesus must not have had the small opening in the wall in mind
according to His reply. He said, "The things which are impossible with
men are possible with God," implying that it was impossible for man to
put a camel through the needle's eye. (Luke 1 8:25-27.)
Again, (Matt. 17:20) "if ye have faith like a grain of mustard seed ye
shall say to the mountain: be thou removed hence and it shall obey you."
Many people and even ministers, through human reasoning say that
this does not mean a mountain of earth but it means troubles we may
encounter. A very popular minister has so explained it to me, and
when he got through explaining I asked him, if a mountain means
trouble what does the sycamine tree mean. Jesus says (Luke 17:9) "If
ye had faith like a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say to the sycamine
tree, be thou plucked up from the roots and be thou planted in the sea
and it shall obey you."
Reader, beware lest the devil deceive you through human
reasoning. The man and woman that depends upon their own
understanding and do not have faith in God, very well can say, so far
as I can see, sprinkling or pouring are just as good as immersion for
baptism, and feet-washing is not necessary, and many other things
that we are commanded to do. James 2:18 says, "I will shew thee my
faith by my works. "Many people today say they believe the gospel but
by their works they prove their lack of faith in God.
Faith tested by depending on human ingenuity and strength. God
knew that humanity has this weakness. Gideon's army the Lord
reduced from 32,000 to 300, so that they may learn to depend on God
and obey Him; that their faith and confidence in God may be
increased. (Judges 7.) Many a problem that we are trying to solve
today, is not ours to solve but to conquer through faith in God.
Jesus told us how to conquer our enemies and to gain our brother.
BIBLE MONITOR 13
How many Christian professing people follow His instructions, such as
we find in Matt. 18, and many more, or do we use human ingenuity,
proving that we do not have faith in Jesus Christ. No wonder Jude
admonishes that we shall earnestly contend for the faith once
delivered unto the saints.
Jesus while here, looking down through the ages said, "When the
Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on earth?"(Luke 18:8.)
Reader, will He find it in you?
ANY ROOM
Have you any room for Jesus?
Have you any more room for Him?
He'll make your life victorious,
Pure, clean, and free from all of sin.
He knocks right now at your heart's door
Pleading to be invited in.
Oh! hasten friend. He's there for sure.
What could you loose? What could you gain?
Think of heaven with no more pain!
Open your door, bid Him come in.
Brother Harold B. Zimmerman
ISOEndslowRd.
Marietta, PA 17547
OBITUARY
ORVIS SMITH
Bro. Orvis Alvin Smith was born January 15, 1932, to Roland
Wallace and Aurelia Juanita (Root) Smith in Bloom, Kansas. He was
born three months after his father had passed away. Orvis went home
to be with his Lord in the early morning hours of February 7, 1996, at
St. Mary Corwin Hospital in Pueblo, Colorado. He was 64 years of
age.
He attended McClave Schools.
On September 14, 1952, he was united in marriage to Helen Lucille
Lockhart in Las Animas at the Fist Baptist Church. Orvis was in the
Navy and they made their home first in San Diego, California, then in
Kingsville, Texas, where their first child, Gordon, was born. They
remained in Kingsville until June, 1954, when he was honorably
discharge from the navy at the rank of petty officer 3rd class. After
this, they made their home in Las Animas, Colorado, where their other
five children, James, Kenneth, Donald, Jeanine and Melody were born.
14 BIBLE MONITOR
Orvis was preceded in death by his father, Roland, a brother,
Roland Jr., step-father, Emery Wertz and an infant grandson, Mathew
Medina. He is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Helen of the
family home, four sons, and their wives, Gordon and Crisanta, James
and Hea Young all of Riverside, California, Kenneth and Sung Si! of
Westminister, Colorado, Donald and Lynette of Fontana, California,
two daughters and their husbands, Jeanine and Larry Medina of
Englewood, Colorado, Melody and Jake White of Aurora, Colorado, by
thirteen grandchildren, Pia, Helena, Jason, Abraham, Jennifer,
Benjamin, Jacob, Janeile, Nickolas, Samuel, Nicole, Danielle, and
Ashley. And by mother Aurelia Wertz of McClave, Colorado, by
brothers and their wives Warren and Luella Smith, Lee and Diane
Wertz, McClave, Colorado, by sisters and husbands, Dorothy and Don
Wiens of Lakewood, Colorado and Juanita and Oty Reed of McClave,
Colorado. Many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins as well
as many friends also survive.
Orvis will always be remembered by family and friends for his sense
of humor, his positive attitude, his strength in enduring adversity, his
example of faith expressed and lived.
Funeral services were held February 10 at the Dunkard Brethren
Church in McClave with Elder Herman Jamison and Brother Wayne
Burgess officiating. Burial was at the McClave cemetery.
GOD'S FLOWER GARDEN
It's hard to lose the ones we love,
To see them pass away,
The sweetest and kindest gone,
While others are left to stay.
But if we had a garden.
With roses fair and bright.
We'd often pick the loveliest
And think it to be right.
And so it is with Jesus
In His earthly garden here,
He often picks the fairest flowers,
The ones we love so dear.
The flowers that are picked by Him
Will never fade away.
We know they'll live forever and
We'll see them some sweet day.
We wish to thank everyone for their prayers, cards and gifts.
Sister Helen Smith and family
BIBLE MONITOR 15
NEWS ITEMS
1996 GENERAL CONFERENCE
June 8-12, 1996
1996 General Conference will be held June 8 through 12 at
Roxbury Holiness Camp Grounds.
Directions to Roxbury Holiness Camp Grounds, located 1/2 mile
south of Roxbury, Pennsylvania on Route 997.
Those traveling on Pennsylvania turnpike (1-76) exit number 15,
take 997 south to camp grounds.
Those traveling Interstate 81 North or South exit on Scotland Exit,
take 997 north to camp grounds.
Those traveling on train or plane go to Harrisburg. Take Greyhound
bus service to Shippensburg, Pennsylvania and call camp grounds for
transportation.
There is plenty of room for campers and trailers.
Please bring sheets and pillow cases.
When making reservations please state: Date of arrival,
approximate time of arrival, number in party, approximate time of
departure.
Camp grounds telephone number is (717)532-2208.
Please send reservations to:
Bro. Paul Noecker, Jr. or Bro. Verling Wolfe
410 Black Horse Road Rt. 1 Box 1 483 B
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972 Bethel, PA 19507
71 7-739-2209 71 7-933-4246
NOTICE
All Board reports and any queries for General Conference need to
be sent to me by April 25, 1996.
Brother Dennis St. John
General Conference Writing Clerk
WAYNESBORO, PENNSYLVANIA
The Lord willing, the Waynesboro Congregation plans Lovefeast
services on Sunday, May 5, 1996. We welconne all to conne and
worship with us.
Sister Janet Shaffer, Cor.
WANTED: E-MAIL ADDRESSES
Do you have Internet e-mail? If so and you would like to use it to
communicate with members and friends of the church, please send
me a message at Shaffer99@aol.com. I will compile an address list
and send it to you.
Brother Dean Shaffer
16
BIBLE MONITOR
DIRECTORY OF BOARDS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dale E. Jamison, Chairman
R.1 Box 137
Quinter, KS 67752
Dennis St. John, Secretary
21397-B50
Bryan, OH 43506
Warren C.Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
McClave, CO 81057
GENERAL MISSION BOARD
Fred O. Filer, Chairman
1734 240th Street
Adel, lA 50003
Robert Carpenter, Secretary
R.5 Box 97
Peru, IN 46970
Daie E. Jamison, Treasurer
R.I Box 137
Quinter, KS 67752
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
Rudy Shaffer
42 Doe Run Road
Manheim, PA 17545
Jacob C. Ness
136 Homeland Road
York, PA 17403
H. Edward Johnson
1307 S.H.108
Wauseon, OH 43567
Miiton Cook
1138 E. 12th Street
Beaumont, CA 92223
BOARD OF PUBLICATION
Paul Stump, Chairman
10340 North Diamond Miil Road
Engiewood, OH 45322
Jacob C. Ness, Secretary
136 Homeland Road
York, PA 17403
H. Edward Johnson
1307 S.H.108
Wauseon, OH 43567
Fred O. Pifer
1734 240th Street
Adel, lA 50003
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
BIBLE STUDY BOARD
James Meyers, Chairman
2641 205th Street
Dallas Center, lA 50063
Dennis St. John, Secretary
21397-B50
Bryan, OH 43506
Fred O. Pifer, Treasurer
1734 240th Street
Adel, lA 50003
Marlin Marks
3027 Acorn Lane
Red Lion, PA 17356
Mark Cordrey
4025 Woodland Avenue
Modesto, CA 95358
RELIEF BOARD
Henry Walker, Chairman
12413 Delaware Road
Hickman, CA 95323
(209) 874-2832
Martin Meyers, Secretary
2654 K Avenue
Adel. lA 50003
(515) 993-3028
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender Street
Morenci, Ml 49256
(517) 458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 North Queen Street
Littlestown, PA 17340
(717) 359-5753
Tom Jamison
R.2 Box 30
Hoxie, KS 67740
(913)675-3600
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
David Skiles, Superintendent
HCR 79, Box 8
Cuba, NM 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Drive
Modesto, CA 95355
James Meyers, Secretary
2641 205th Street
Dallas Center, [A 50063
Marian Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, KS 67752
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
Larry Andrews
12306 East 203rd Street
Raymore, MO 64083
All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury,
but sent to the Secretary for his
records.
10340 N. Diamond Mill
^^^i 40022
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL LXXIV APRIL 15, 1996 NO, 8
"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 aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
HOW MUCH WE OWE
When we stand before the throne,
Dress'd in beauty not our own,
When we see thee as thou art,
Love thee with unsinning heart —
Then, Lord, shall we fully know —
Not till then— how much we owe.
When the praise of heav'n we hear,
Loud as thunder to the ear.
Loud as nnany waters' noise,
Sweet as harps' nnelodious voice,
Then, Lord, shall we fully know-
Not till then — how much we owe.
Even on earth, as through a glass.
Darkly, let thy glory pass;
Make forgiveness feel so sweet.
Make thy Spirit's help so meet;
Even on earth, Lord, make us know
Something of how much we owe.
-Selected
BIBLE MONITOR
PURE RELIGION
John, in his Second Epistle, defines James 1:27. "Pure religion
and undefiled before God and the Father is this. To visit the fatherless
and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the
world."
John was not shy about sharing what he had learned by being able
to see, hear and touch Jesus during His earthly ministry. He
continued to minister, as the Apostle of love, to believers throughout
his long life.
The Second Epistle is addressed to "the elect lady and her
children." This could mean that he was writing to a particular Sister to
advise her about the Christian life. He may have been writing to a
congregation, using "woman" and "children" as terms of endearment
to address them symbolically. Whomever the letter was originally
written to is not of great importance. It was written for the benefit of
all Christians who read it.
Writing instruction and advice to younger Christians was one of the
ways John could show his love for them. In this second letter he only
alluded to the charity aspects of love. He promoted love that would
help people, who had serious needs.
Love is not just an emotion. It is a serious commitment. Love is
better shown than expressed. All the sweet, romantic professions of
love are worth little if the speaker is not prompted to serve the one to
whom they are spoken or written.
The care of widows and orphans is a necessary expression of love.
Christians should be willing to express their love, concretely, to those
THE BIBLE MONITOR APRIL 15, 1996"
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BIBLE MONITOR
often forgotten by the community.
Not only is love expressed in good deeds, but in following the truth.
That is why John tends to write his epistles in very clear, sharp terms.
The defense and doing of the truth is an issue John sees in black or
white. James speaks of being unspotted by the world. John speaks
of doing the truth. Doing the truth will forge a separation between a
Christian and the world.
John was willing to commend this "lady" for her present walk in the
truth. It is always encouraging to see good order among believers.
When believers walk in the truth they are setting a good example
before their children and unbelievers. If Christians do not walk in the
truth, how do they differ from the world they live in? The world holds
Christians to a higher standard of conduct than fellow Christians will.
The world may ridicule the righteousness of Christians, but if it is
missing it will be noticed. The world expects Christians to be
different. If Christians are not, they will be called, "hypocrites".
Unfortunately, many Christians do not exhibit righteous living to the
surrounding, dying world. Some believe that their choice to be a
Christian is the only effort they need to make. Their one-time choice
is their sole expehence in Christianity. Obviously, John valued a
continued dedication to the truth as a necessary part of the Christian
experience. There are many who, wishing to avoid legalism and
worksism, have been hesitant to live a separated Christian life. They
have chosen to identify with the world's view of life rather than give
substance to their professions. John defines love as translating belief
into action. Walking after God's commandments is a part of
demonstrating love. Disobedience is not a sign of love, whether in a
family or Christianity.
John is concerned that believers have a correct view of Jesus.
Those who do not acknowledge Him as the Son of God identify
themselves with the antichrist. Jesus came from Heaven to bring
salvation to men. If they do not receive Him as the Lamb of God, they
are making themselves the enemies of God. All have the
responsibility to make this choice in their lives.
The teaching concerning Jesus is important. Also important is
what He taught. He brought the word of truth and Spirit to individuals,
so they could be saved and follow God. He called human beings to
follow Him. Those who do not accept the fact of His identity and His
doctrine can not have God within their lives. Without the truth, the
Holy Spirit can not abide within a person. With the truth and the
Spirit, a person can be the abiding place of God.
John was concerned about the harmful effect of those who
BIBLE MONITOR
preached an untrue doctrine. He warned that they should not only not
be listened to, but not even encouraged in their nnisbelief.
Do you have pure religion? Have you made the choices necessary
to have the Father and the Son dwell within? Are you walking in the
truth, doing His commandments?
M.C.Cook
GREETINGS FROM UGANDA
We are writing this article as we are waiting in the Entebbe Airport
on our two hour delayed flight to Brussels. Then it will be on to Atlanta
from where Bro. Dale flies to Miami and Bro. Paul to Dayton.
Checking our schedule, we will be up approximately fifty hours until
we will get to bed again. Hopefully we will be able to sleep in flight.
(We did.)
We left Atlanta, Georgia on March 4, arriving in Entebbe the
following evening at 9:35 P.M. We were met and welcomed by four
Brethren. We were driven to Kampala, getting to bed about 1:30 A.M.
Our first night was short in flight and our second night was short in
bed. We were welcomed into Bro. Godfrey's home. We appreciated
their very kind hospitality.
Wednesday morning, we visited several homes. We also found
one of the church members, Bro. Stephen Sekandi in the hospital.
We pray for his speedy recovery.
We visited the St. Barnabas Christian School and met the forty-two
sponsored children there. Some of them came into the Administrative
Office and sang some songs for us. What a precious experience to
hear them sing so beautifully about Jesus and praising God!
As we visited several guardian homes (where the sponsored
children stay), tears trickled down our cheeks as we saw the
desperate living conditions of these people, compared to our fine
modern conveniences at home. While visiting one home, we had a
terrible hard rain storm with a lot of wind. This sure made a terrible
noise on a loose tin roof. Many trees were blown over and some
homes were destroyed. It really does not take long to clean up a
demolished home, as all it consists of is gathering up several pieces
of tin and a few wheelbarrow loads of mud and sticks. We visited a
home after the rain storm and found ourselves in a very muddy room,
as there was no tin on the roof.
Thursday morning after breakfast, we went to the Embassy and
registration building to take care of some necessary paper work. We
then went onto Kakumiro, about 120 miles away. When we arrived at
BIBLE MONITOR
9:00 P.M. the Van was immediately surrounded by children. After
supper the men carried in mattresses and bedding. We slept on the
floor in the school building. We had a good night's rest as we were in
a higher elevation and there was a welcomed cool breeze.
The next morning the children were there waiting for us and began
singing for us for the morning devotions.
We visited eight homes in the "brush" and the people received us
gladly. One of the homes we visited had a child, sick with malaria.
They did not have enough shillings for medication, but were so thrilled
to have white missionaries in their home that they presented us with
gifts of six eggs, five avocados, two pineapples, and a live chicken.
The chicken's legs were tied together so we each held the chicken a
while and it rode the whole way to Kampala with us. When we left,
they had some shillings for medication.
Another home also presented us with a live chicken. They are very
poor people, living off the land, but they are willing to share what they
have.
About 5:00 PM, we gathered for instructions for baptism. We then
walked about one mile through the jungle to the water where thirty-
two members were baptized. As we started baptizing, the children
began singing "born again." What a melodious harmony ringing
through the jungle!
The following morning we started our journey back to Kampala
over rough, dirt roads, enjoying along with the bumps, the beautiful
jungle countryside and luscious growth of vegetation.
Sunday morning approximately seventy (mostly children) gathered
for service at Natatee. We felt the need for help in the ministry, so
immediately following services, we installed Bro. Peter Kisembo in the
ministry to assist Bro. Godfrey. We then proceeded to Lake Victoria
where six members were baptized. The members in Uganda now
total sixty in number.
On Monday, we went to St. Barnabas Christian School and took
the sponsored children to a park by Lake Victoria where they did
some hiking, sang songs and had a light picnic lunch. The remaining
time was spent visiting and making the necessary preparations for our
return home.
We thank you for your prayers on our behalf and our Heavenly
Father for His protection and care for us.
Please continue to pray for the church in Uganda.
Home again Wednesday evening at 11:15, March 13. Praise the
Lord.
Brother Paul Stump
Brother Dale Jamison
BIBLE MONITOR
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
"ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION"
The first commandment given by God to man after the creation
was to "Be fruitful and multiply. ..to fill the earth. ..and subdue it." God
has given us dominion over the earth. What a responsibility that is.
It was in God's divine purpose that we increase the population of
the earth. It might also be noted that we were to understand the earth
and its processes. We are to utilize them. This is about the only
positive, Biblical side of science that I am comfortable with.
Tragically, man rebelled against God. As a result, he brought upon
himself the great curse of decline, decay and death. In the Book of
Romans we learn that the "whole creation groans and travails in
pain." This condition of "corruption" extends throughout the physical,
mental and biological realms. The word corruption refers to decay
and disintegration and ultimately to death. This bondage to
deterioration corresponds to what the scientists have recognized as
the Second Law of Thermodynamics. This Law states that everything
in the universe is tending toward an ultimate state of degeneration
and death.
But, what about man? We must remember that man is made in the
"image of God." He is responsible to God, not only in the exercise of
dominion over the earth, but in how he responds to God's work of
redeeming and delivering the creation from its bondage of corruption.
The first prerequisite for solving the problem of pollution is for people
to turn, in repentance and faith, to Jesus Christ. It is "by Him" that "all
things were created." It is also by Him that all things consist and have
been reconciled. The shedding of Jesus' blood is the redemption
price paid for the deliverance of individual souls and ultimately the
whole creation.
As long as man continues to reject Christ, there is no real solution
to the problem of pollution or corruption. The Word indicates things
will grow worse and worse. Ultimately millions will lose their lives in
the ultimate upheaval of the earth that will occur during the Tribulation
period.
Eventually the earth will be made new and the environment will be
radically transformed and revived. The curse will be gone. In the
present, however, the effects of man's sinfulness and selfishness will
inevitably continue to deteriorate the environment. The judgments
that are on us are the result of the "destruction of those who destroy
the earth."
If we are fully new in Christ, we are going to love and respect our
BIBLE MONITOR
Church, our family and those around us. Similarly, we will have
compassion on the animal kingdom and will oppose its exploitation.
Our standard of living will be relatively simple and we will not make
undue demands on the earth's environment and its resources.
The ultimate answer to the pollution problem, then, is only found in
Jesus Christ. When He is our Savior and the Lord of our life, we will
come fully under His influence.
Brother Len Wertz
POOR IN SPIRIT
"The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart and saveth
such as be of a contrite spirit." Ps. 34:18.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Matt. 5:3.
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." Matt. 5:5.
The child of God and the child of this world are entirely different in
whom they admire. The Christian looks up to those with a meek and
quiet spirit, while the Greeks despised such a one. Those that follow
the philosophy of this world still hate meekness. The world believes
In self-confidence, self-expression and the mastery of this life. The
Christian believes in being "poor in spirit." Newspapers and
magazines will show you the kind of people the world admires. They
are certainly not described in the Sermon on the Mount.
The Christian differs from the world in what he seeks after. The
Christian hungers and thirsts after righteousness. The worldling
hungers and thirsts after wealth, fame, status, power, and position.
Look at anyone. What does he seek after? We should especially
look at ourselves.
The Christian also differs from the world in what he does. The non-
Christian is consistent in that he lives for this world. He believes that
this is all there is to existence and he fully intends to get all he can
while he can. The Christian, on the other hand, considers this world a
dressing room for eternity. His outlook is entirely different. The
things of earth are merely transitory. In this the Christian must be
consistent also. He must consistently lay up treasures in heaven. He
must be a witness of the goodness of God. Part of his meekness
comes from seeking to be a witness for Christ. It also stems from the
peace that Christ has given the Christian.
O, the joy of sins forgiven.
O, the bliss the bloodwashed know.
O, the peace akin to heaven:
Where the Healing Waters flow.
8 BIBLE MONITOR
For the Christian, the heart has been changed. The outlook and
desires also have changed. We have been saved and we are now on
our way to Heaven. Nothing should distract us from that journey.
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
CHRISTIAN COURTSHIP
Neil Martin
Continued fronn April 1, 1996 Issue
If Jesus classifies lustful looks (thoughts) as adultery, how would
He classify more intimate activities? Yet people say, "It's not a
problem of lust with me, it is just an expression of our love." If that is
true, why does it lead so many couples into the actual sin? Couples
who thought they would never go that far! Considering the activities
many Christian people think are acceptable for courtship, I'm not
surprised there is such an epidemic of sin against the body, that is not
to be named once among us. James writes in James 1:15, "Then
when LUST hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin..." It is not love that
results in sin, love is of God. It says earlier in James 1:13-14, "Let no
man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be
tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is
tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed." Why
tempt ourselves to sin? James writes on in the fifteenth verse, "and
sin-, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." None of us want death.
Have you ever heard of any godly person who regretted that they
hadn't engaged in a little more physical familiarly during their
courtship? I haven't. But I have heard, and read, of many who had
deep regrets because they had used too much liberty. James writes,
"when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin." Jesus puts it a little
stronger. He says lust is sin. Let's flee; run the other way, not sidle
up as close as we can.
Paul writes in II Timothy 2:22, "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow
righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord
out of a pure heart..." It says, "flee youthful lusts." We've been
writing some of that. It also says there are some good things to do. It
says to follow these good things, "with them that call on the Lord out
of a pure heart." We want to sweep our house clean. We also want
to fill it with good things.
We might think of our courtship days as laying the foundation for
our married life. If we want to have a good successful marriage, we
must start with a good foundation. If we find ourselves in the situation
BIBLE MONITOR
of a troubled marriage as a result of a poor foundation, there is still
hope for us, but we are going to have to start over, repent of the past,
and build the way God intended for us to build.
When looking for a life's companion, the Word has some things for
us to look for. In I Peter 3:3-5, speaking to wives he says, "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 corruptible, even the adornment
of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trust in
God, adorned themselves..." We want to look for this meek and quiet
spirit. If it is of great price in the sight of God, surely it should be to us
as well. Yet we see women who profess godliness trying to adorn the
body, with hairstyles, flashy tight fitting clothing and so forth. That is
anything but the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. You hear
people say. "But that is not the way that person is. When you get to
know them they do have a godly spirit." It also says, "Whose adorning
let it not be that outward adorning." How can we say the outward
expression doesn't mean anything?
The goal of flash or immodest outward adorning is to get favorable
attention for the body or self, so maybe the problem is more the man's
than the woman's. If men would not be impressed with an outward
show, it would remove the desire to be showy.
"The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit." Never underestimate
the importance of it! As life goes on and husband and wife live
together, it will greatly affect the harmony and effectiveness of the
home, because the Biblical position of the wife is to be submissive.
Any other spirit brings confusion and problems.
When a girl considers a boy for dating or marriage, one of the most
important things to look for is whether he is considerate of everyone.
The Bible commands men to love their wives. Even though you think
he is loving you, if he isn't kind toward everyone, be careful. When life
goes on and he gets used to you, he will probably treat you like he
treats everyone else. You want to look for someone with a converted,
loving heart; not just someone who seems obsessed with you.
God had designed it that the man should be the head of the home.
That headship should start in the courting years. The man is most
responsible for the way the courtship is conducted. Does he willingly,
seriously, take his place? Not that the girl can't offer suggestions, or
that they shouldn't discuss decisions together but remember, God has
designed it that man should be the head of the home, and that the
woman should be submissive. It ought to be in the same order in
10 BIBLE MONITOR
courtship as well, or it probably won't be that way in marriage either.
Is he someone you can willingly submit to? Can you trust his
judgment? Any other order besides God's order brings problems.
There are many constructive things to do when a dating couple is
together. They can read together, The Bible, as well as other books.
They can sing together. They should pray together. Possibly they
could go visit old people together. There are many more upbuilding
things to do. Most of all, talk with each other. Learn to know the
other's likes and dislikes and what their beliefs and convictions are.
Find out whether this person is someone you can agree and
harmonize with. Never figure you can change him to thinking and
acting like you think he should after marriage.
When you are together with the rest of the young folks, be a part of
the whole group. There is plenty of time when you are alone together
to be with each other. It has always looked like a sign of immaturity to
me, when couples started dating, they thought they had to always be
together. Whether the young folks are singing, playing games,
traveling, whatever they are doing together, be a part of the big group
and include everyone. It not only is the considerate way to treat the
rest; it is good for you as well. Hopefully, all your life you will be
working and associating with this group of people. Right now in
young folks is the best time to learn to know, appreciate, and get
along well with each other.
It seems to me a courtship should not be too long. How long is too
long no doubt varies with age and circumstances. But for the couple
who is mature, and has grown up together in the same community, I
think a year is probably long enough.
Above all, PRAY TO GOD for GUIDANCE in this matter before you
start, and during courtship. God answers sincere prayer.
The Lord be with you all.
Selected by Sister Shirley Frick
From Jan/Feb. 1995 The Pilgrim
A little bit of patience often makes the sunshine come,
And a little bit of love makes a very happy home:
A little bit of hope makes a rainy day look gay.
And a little bit of charity makes glad a weary way.
-from the Evangelical Visitor, 1896
BIBLE MONITOR 11
SIXTY YEARS AGO
April 15, 1936
COUNTERFEIT
Ida M. Helm
Webster's dictionary defines the word counterfeit to mean: False,
spurious, to put on a semblance of. A forgery, and so forth.
We all know counterfeit money is worthless. We like to steer clear
of things that are false, that are forgeries, worthless. We hear
considerable shallow, yes worse than worthless talk these days,
claiming that it does not matter much what one accepts as Bible
doctrine, it doesn't matter whether he be baptized or whether he
celebrate the Lord's supper or washes the saints feet, or lives the
plain, simple life, or observes the teaching of the headship of Christ.
If he believes in the divinity of Christ and lives a clean life that is
enough, it is the clean living that counts.
An old friend of mine, a gifted Sunday School teacher, used to say,
"It doesn't matter what you believe, or what I believe, it's what God
believes that counts." My belief nor your belief won't save us. We
must believe and do God's revealed will to man if we would be saved.
We must ring true to the gospel sound.
Perhaps a number of us have read about a counterfeit five dollar
bill that was handed in to the bank teller for smaller pieces of money.
The teller handed it back. What's wrong? asked the owner of the
money. "Counterfeit," said the teller. That counterfeit bill had been in
circulation a couple of weeks and had been used to pay a doctor bill,
it had been used to buy groceries, it bought a pair of shoes, it had
been handed in to the welfare board and was used to buy provisions
for a needy family. People believed it to be all right and accepted it at
full value. Now it came to the observation of one that was able to
detect its real quality, and it was turned down as worthless. It's
record of good was null and void.
There are religious leaders today that tell us, God will accept you
and your belief and everything will be all right on the judgment day if
you are sincere and your heart is right. They forget perhaps that if the
heart is right the whole life will be right, the light of the Holy Spirit will
reveal Christ in our daily life. Perhaps they forget that the devil
believes and he trembles when he thinks of the awful judgment and
the horrible lake of fire that is in store for him.
Nothing is more contrary to the plain teaching of God's word, than
the doctrine of "just so you believe and are sincere, everything will be
all right with God."
12 BIBLE MONITOR
Hundreds of years before Jesus came into this world the Jewish
prophet Isaiah, looking down through the centuries, writing by the
inspiration of the Spirit of God said, "Behold I lay in Zion for a
foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure
foundation." (Isa. 28:16.) The apostles saw the ultimate fulfillment of
Isaiah's words in the person of Jesus Christ.
Centuries after Isaiah's time Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles
guided by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote, "Other foundation
can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (I Cor. 3:1 1.)
Blessed is the person that builds their life's work on the solid Rock
Foundation, Jesus Christ. What would Isaiah and Paul say if now
after more than 1900 years of professed Christian building they could
see the superstructure that had been builded. What a fantastic mass
of medley of structures!
Men and women have moved off the Solid Rock Christ Jesus, and
builded on the shifting sand. They have discarded the precious
material Jesus provided for them and used material of their own
choosing.
Paul further says, "But if any man buildeth on the foundation gold,
silver, costly stone, wood, hay, stubble, each man's work shall be
made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in
fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man's work of what sort it is."
(I Cor. 3:12-13.)
Some people make great appearance of piety and diligence while
bringing in mere rubbish, lifeless material that has no living seed of
truth;, doctrine commandments of men, works that please the fleshly,
carnal desires. They bring them in and set them in the temple they
are building for eternity. Some are working for quantity rather than
quality in their superstructure, but it is true as has been said,
additional size means additional danger if the material is not sound.
God is not mocked. Listen! Paul says, "Ye also as living stones, are
built up a spiritual house.. .acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."
Every person's work must come before the observation of One who
knows the true quality of the material used and if it be counterfeit it
will be cast away as worthless rubbish. Every person's building will
have to face the storm that will thoroughly test the foundation on
which it is built. The tempest will wrench and strain the
superstructure, and if the stones laid in the walls are unsound they
will come down with a crash.
The fingers of time will handle our building roughly but the living
stones provided by Jesus Christ with which He would have us build
will survive the wrecks that time pulls down, they will remain when
BIBLE MONITOR 13
heaven and earth pass away.
We may live lives that are considered clean, free from vicious sins
and be looked upon as true Christians. Perhaps we have been
permitted to join the church on the strength of our clean living, but if
we have never from the heart made open confession and repented of
our sins and accepted the Lord Jesus as our personal Savior
according to His plan of salvation all else will avail gs nothing.
At one time David sinned grievously and at first he did not repent
and confess. He says, "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all the day long. ..my moisture was changed as
with the drought of summer. I acknowledged my sins unto Thee and
mine iniquity did I not hide: I said, I will confess my transgressions
unto Jehovah; and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my soul."
Jesus warns against counterfeit building when He said, "Many will
say to Me in that day. Lord, Lord, And then will I profess unto them I
never knew you." (Matt. 7:22-23.)
On what are you building, my brother.
Your hopes of an eternal home;
Is it loose sand,
Or the firm, solid rock
You are trusting for ages to come?
No matter how careful, my brother.
The sand for your house you prepare.
Twill be all swept away
When the flood shall descend
Leaving nothing but death and despair.
Your Savior has warned you my brother,
I pray you give heed to His voice,
There is life on the rock
But there's death on the sand,
O, my brother pray tell me your choice.
Hearing and doing we build on the rock.
Hearing alone we build on the sand,
Both will be tried by the storm and the flood.
Only the rock the trial will stand.
On one or the other my brother.
You are building your hopes day by day;
You are risking your soul
On the works that you do,
Will the dark waters sweep you away?
14 BIBLE MONITOR
LET BROTHERLY LOVE CONTINUE
Hebrews 13:1
We are instructed in this verse of Scripture to let (or allow)
brotherly love to continue. This would suggest that there is a
responsibility on our part. In order for this to happen we must be
willing to put self in the back seat. We believe one of the hardest
verses to put into practice is Philippians 2:3. "Let nothing be done
through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem
other better than themselves."
This verse also speaks of a very special type of love, brotherly
love. The writer of Hebrews mentions another type of love in this
chapter that is ignored in a large segment of society, and
unfortunately also in the earthly church, today. "Marriage is
honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and
adulterers God will judge."
He also mentions a more general type of love in Hebrews 12:14,
"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall
see the Lord." The type of love that should be found within the
marriage relationship and the type of love that allows us to follow
peace with all men, including our enemies, is very important. Yet, at
least in a sense, brotherly love supersedes both of these.
The home is a very important Institution. It is deplorable that
government and modern society can not even define what a family is.
Peace with all men, from which comes the doctrine of non resistance,
is a very important part of our Christian life. Neither of these can be
attained outside of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We do
not believe this relationship can be successfully maintained outside of
the Church, unless very unusual and extreme circumstances would
prevent combined worship. Without brotherly love the earthly church
is nothing but an empty shell.
In order for brotherly love to continue we have to determine who is
our brother (or sister). We do not believe this can be limited to one
denomination or gathering. We believe there is a danger in becoming
so self-righteous that we judge who is or is not a true Christian by our
understanding of Scripture. However, there is also a danger in
ignoring Holy Scripture in order to promote brotherly love. In this very
same chapter, verse 9, we are warned, "Be not carried about with
divers and strange doctrines..." The desire for Christian unity comes
from the heart of God. True unity is found within the pages of Holy
Scripture. God is a God of love and mercy, but in Hebrews 12:29 we
read, "For our God is a consuming fire."
Brotherly love includes our love and respect for those who have
BIBLE MONITOR 15
authority within the Church. In verse 7 of this chapter we read,
"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken
unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of
their conversation." There are those who teach that we must follow
the teaching of those who have authority over us even if it is error.
That is not scriptural teaching. The Bible clearly says we are to follow
those "who have spoken unto you the word of God." We fear that
many who hold an office of leadership do not realize their
responsibility to not only those whom they hold rule over but also to
God! Hebrews 13:17 instructs and informs us, "Obey them that have
the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your
souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and
not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."
Therefore it should be our desire for brotherly love to continue. As
we have already suggested, for it to continue it must have a start. We
have already alluded to the fact that a relationship with Jesus Christ is
the foundation of brotherly love. For brotherly love to continue this
foundation must be built upon. In Hebrews 13:12 we read,
"Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own
blood, suffered without the gate." Conversely brotherly love demands
a stand for righteousness as well as a willingness to esteem others
better than ourselves. Hebrews 13:6, "So that we may boldly say,
The Lord Is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
We believe this also Includes not fearing what man may say about us.
Brotherly love can not be accomplished without the strength of God
within. We pray that God will "Make you perfect in every good work to
do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight
through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever." Then, and
only then, can we "Let brotherly love continue." "Grace be with you
all. Amen."
Brother James M. HIte
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
NEWS ITEM
MC CLAVE, COLORADO
The McClave Congregation will be holding their Spring Lovefeast,
April 27-28. Come worship with us!
May the Lord bless and keep you.
Sister Tina Wertz, Cor.
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR MAY 1996
May 5 - The Doctrine of God - John 7:1-31.
1 . Why does the unsaved world hate Jesus Christ?
2. Why could not the Jews take Jesus at this time?
May 12 - Mother's Day - Ruth 1:1-18.
1 . Explain the responsibilities of motherhood.
2. Name the character qualities of a good Mother.
May 19 - Thursting For God - John 7:32-53.
1 . Why was there so much confusion and so many different
opinions about the identity of Jesus?
2. What about Jesus impressed the officers sent to take Him?
May 26 - Forgiveness: "Go and sin no more." - John 8:1 -1 1 .
1 . What brought conviction of sin to the accusers?
2. Compare Old Testament punishment with New Testament
forgiveness.
YOUNG PEOPLE'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR MAY 1996
Mays- A Redeemer- Isa. 59:1-21, Acts 4:10-12.
1 . What separates us from God?
2. To whom was the Redeemer promised?
May 12 - Mother's Day - Gen. 3:17-24, Gen. 27:1-16, 42-46, Pro. 31:1-3.
1 . What does the name Eve mean?
2. Why did Rebekah help her son Jacob trick his father Isaac?
May 19 - Redemption - Rom. 3:24-26, I Cor. 1:27-31, Gal. 3:1-14, Col.
1:12-18,Titus2:11-15, Rev. 5:9-10, Heb. 9:11-12,
I Pet. 1:18-25.
1 . By whom do we receive redemption?
2. How can we receive the promise of the spirit?
May 26 - Battle of Life - Rom. 7:14-25, I! Cor. 10:3-6, Eph. 6:12,
I Tim. 1:18-20,6:12-16.
1 . Against whom is the Battle of life fought?
2. What caused some to experience shipwreck in the battle of life?
10340 N. D^imord IJill
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BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXIV
MAY1, 1996
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 aim to be nnore sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
THOUGHTS ON JUDGMENT ^
And must I be to judgment brought,
And answer in that day,
For ev'ry vain and idle thought,
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.
Thy 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
SOME MUSINGS
Do you ever sit or lie and just think? It might be called
reminiscencing or brainstorming. If it is particularly deep and
Spiritual, it might be called meditation.
Our meditations may range over many areas. To make our
meditations of value to our spiritual lives, we must check our thoughts
with God's Word. If we find our thoughts vary from the revealed will
of God, we must rethink our answers. To meditate without reference
to God's will, will cause us to go astray if we follow the conclusions of
our own meditations.
Today, the object of our meditations might be the present, low,
moral conditions that pervade our society. We wonder why
permissiveness is the rule. We live in a society that does not value
high standards. Our society is governed by the motto of self-
pleasure. Just as in the time of the Judges, when every man did what
was right in his own eyes, so today each sets his own standard. An
imposed standard is rejected. Individualism has become the
prevailing philosophy.
Another question that might engage our meditative mood concerns
why the Church is held in such low esteem by not only the world but
even by her own members. The answer to this question is
multifaceted. It is related to the rise of individualism. When a person
sets his own standard he does not want the church to set a higher
standard for him. He idealizes his own rights and negates the
Church's right. He does not respect the church and may come to
despise her. He does not want to be told what he must or must not
do.
THE BIBLE MONITOR MAY 1, 1996
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard Brethren
Church in the plant of Tomahawk Printing, Inc., 4017 Co. Rd. 11, Wauseon,
Ohio 43567.
Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio 43567.
Postmaster: Send address changes to Tomahawk Printing, Inc., 4017 Co.
Rd. 11, Wauseon, Ohio 43567-9586. Second Class Postage paid at
Wauseon, OH.
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. 7 Box 7840, Spring Grove, PA 17362
RUDY SHAFFER, Associate Editor; 42 Doe Run Road, Manheim, PA 17545.
DENNIS ST. JOHN, Associate Editor; 21397-B50, Bryan, OH 43506.
BIBLE MONITOR
If the church sets a standard but does not enforce it consistently,
her members think ill of her for setting a false standard. How can
they honor her, if she does not insist upon their allegiance? The
Church must be sure of her standard. When sure of it, she must
enforce it. If a standard proves to be unworkable, unfair or
unscriptural, the same method can be used to repeal as to impose it.
An unfair or double standard will erode respect for the Church.
Perhaps one of the main reasons both society and the Church
have become more permissive is the altered view that people have of
God. God, no longer, strikes fear in the hearts of men and women.
In centuries gone by, God was perceived as an angry God, who
would execute judgment. He was pictured as a God of wrath. There
was no idea of being less than serious about God's attitude toward
man and his sin. God was not a subject of scorn and humor. He was
reverenced. Even those who did not believe or attempt to live a
Christian life were awe-struck by God. There was a fear of God that
pervaded society. Everyone took God seriously. There was no doubt
in anyone's mind that He clearly meant whatever He commanded.
Those not willing to yield to His ways knew that they were in line for
serious punishment, which they did not doubt would be meted out to
them in the future.
Over the past few decades the picture of God as loving, and
nonjudgmental has become prominent. His love is very evident in the
drawing of the plan of salvation. He has given His only begotten Son
as the ransom for our souls. Surely He has shown to mankind love
beyond our greatest desire.
Unfortunately, His love has been emphasized to such an extent
that His wrath has been forgotten. He no longer is presented as a
God who should be feared. He has become a warm and fuzzy
talisman that will keep us from all harm or discipline. There no longer
is any fear of what awaits those who fail to accept His Gift or to live as
He wills. It is thought that His love will cover everything, good, bad or
indifferent. Man does not think that God would ever unleash His
anger and wrath toward him. The time has passed when saints or
sinners fear what He will do. Thy feel He would not dare show His
anger toward men.
Because we perceive that He will only show love and kindness
toward us, we believe that little will be required of us. We have
become permissive in our private lives. We have lacked discipline in
our Churches. If we are depending upon God's love, but do not fear
His wrath, we will consider whatever we do as being acceptable. We
do not think of Him ever punishing us for our neglect of His Word,
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way, and will.
When we muse upon our present situation in the world, many
thoughts can come to us. These thoughts if consistent with the Word
of God can lead us into a deeper understanding of God and His will
for us. If we gain that understanding, we can better serve Him.
Have you been meditating upon subjects that will lead you into a
deeper Spiritual life?
M.C.Cook
SIXTY YEARS AGO
May1, 1936
SPEAKING SOUND DOCTRINE
D. W. Hostetler
In Titus 2:1, we read, "But speak thou the things which become
sound doctrine." The revision has it, "benefit sound doctrine/' In I
Timothy 6:2, Paul has the following in reference to sound doctrine, "If
any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even
the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine, which is
according to Godliness." And to live the doctrine of our Lord brings
forth a Godly life. The indication here is that there are doctrines that
are not sound. These unsound doctrines cannot make or produce
godliness.
Jesus sent His disciples out to teach, but before sending them, He
was very careful to teach them to reproduce the virtues of His own
life. And this they did by living the things He taught them. Doctrine is
that which is taught or set forth to be believed and accepted. It is true
then that the system of doctrine that is believed and accepted
becomes the individual's life. It behooves us to teach sound doctrine,
for that becomes the object of faith, and that system of teaching is
lived. That, then is sound living, and "doctrine" means
commandments, precepts, ordinances, or orders intended as an
authoritative rule of action. It is a system of rules laid down by divine
authority, to regulate life.
(Psa. 119:4). "Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts
diligently." This word "diligently" means industriously, steadily,
painstakingly, carefully. So the matter of teaching New Testament
doctrine, as Jesus intended that we should is a very important and
serious matter.
(Psa. 119:15). "I will meditate in thy precepts and have respect
unto thy ways." Two things here need our consideration. The first is
to meditate in the precepts as God has laid them down in His word.
To respect is to avoid injuring God's ways. It is to hold sacred, to
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treat with reverence, pay heed to. Taking this view of the word
"respect" as used in the above text is of vital importance. To question
some of the doctrines of Christ and try to set them aside is not
showing very much respect to God's ways. In the first chapter,
second verse, David speaking of a righteous man says, "his delight is
in the law of the Lord, and in His law doth he meditate day and night."
To "speak the things which become sound doctrine" means to
teach, to instruct, to indoctrinate that which is sound, to get people to
believe and embrace sound doctrine.
Furthermore it carries the idea of discipline, chastisement,
correction. It is no wonder that Paul said to Timothy, "All scripture is
given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God
may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works."
"Throughly" means "completely." To be "throughly furnished unto
all good works" is to be throughly trained in the doctrine of our Lord
and to have everything the soul needs to live on and to be prepared
for the future life.
What is it that perfects? It is the doctrine that has been given by
the divine inspiration of God. And in order to reach this standard of
perfection, it takes the whole system of the doctrine of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
Paul says to Titus (2:6), that young men should be "sober minded,
thinking and meditating in sound doctrine." The trouble is there is so
much unsound doctrine taught these days that the religious world has
become intoxicated with falsehoods so that it is reeling like a drunk
man. It is no wonder that there is the unrest, uneasiness, and
dissatisfaction there is in the world. Having lost the sound doctrines
that are now taught to be obsolete, the world is without faith in
anything dependable, or worthy of faith.
Paul goes on in this same chapter of Titus, and tells how to adorn
the doctrine. "Now purloining," but that we should show all "good
fidelity." Let me call attention to that word "purloining." It means "to
remove, to steal." So to take away sound doctrine and teach
something else would be stealing. Jesus in John 10:10 says, "The
thief comes not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come
that they might have life, and that they might have it more
abundantly."
Again Paul tells us that "all that live godly in Christ Jesus shall
suffer persecution." So long then as we stand true to sound doctrine
we need not expect anything but disfavor from modern Christendom.
Paul further says, "Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and
BIBLE MONITOR
worse, deceiving and being deceived." Then Paul tells us to go on,
and "continue in the things we have learned, remembering of whom
we have learned them."
In Acts we read about the great success of the apostles. And this
success was due to the fact that they continued steadfastly in the
Savior's doctrine, and that they were in fellowship, in love and union,
and had only one aim and purpose, and were prompted by the same
motive. They had all things common. They shared equally united in
one thing. All of us should have equal rights, and there should be no
big I's and little you's. Well could James say, "My Brethren have not
the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with respect of persons." But we are
all one in Christ Jesus. And by this oneness in Christ, we become
helpful to each other and when we have that system of sound
doctrine within, we are willing to impart or share with others. May the
Lord help us to this end.
PRAYER
What shall we pray for?
We can't presume to know what's best
When we begin to pray;
So we must ask, "What honors God?"
And seek His will and way.
"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any
thing according to his will, he heareth us." I John 5:14.
Jt is all right, indeed, it is necessary that we pray for ourselves.
"And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying. Oh that thou
wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand
might be with .me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it
may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested." I
Chron. 4:10.
"For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition
which I asked of him." I Sam. 1:27.
"Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:
Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor
riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny
thee, and say. Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take
the name of my God in vain." Prov. 30:7-9.
Please read I Kings 18:21-46, II Kings 19:14-37, II Chron. 18:31-
32.
"Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might
afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and
for our little ones, and for all our substance. For I was ashamed to
BIBLE MONITOR
require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against
the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying,
The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his
power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. So we
fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated for us."
Ezra 8:21-23.
"Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to
Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: That they would
desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that
Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men
of Babylon. Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night
vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven." Dan. 2:17-19.
We need to come together in prayer.
"Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as
touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my
Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered
together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Matt. 18:19-
20.
"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed
is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matt. 26:41 .
"Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall
receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:24.
"Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him
sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the
church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name
of the Lord; And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord
shall raise him up; and if he hath committed sins, they shall be
forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another and pray one for
another that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a
righteous man availeth much." James 5:13-16.
The Psalms are full of the prayers of David and others. There are
too many to write of them all. One of the more notable follows.
"Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret
faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them
not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be
innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth,
and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my
strength, and my redeemer." Psalm 19:12-14.
The prayer of a broken and contrite heart, found in the 51st Psalm,
is made by one who needed to be restored. He prayed for mercy, for
cleansing, for a clean heart and a right spirit. He prayed that he might
have the Holy Spirit, that he might dwell in his presence, and for the
8 BIBLE MONITOR
joy of Salvation. Please read this Psalm carefully and prayerfully.
"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye
will, and it shall be done unto you." John 15:7.
These are the gifts I ask
Of thee Spirit serene:
Strength for the daily task,
Courage to face the road,
Good cheer to help me bear the traveler's load
And, for the hours of rest that come between,
An inward joy in all things heard and seen.
These are the sins I fain
Would have thee take away
Malice and cold disdain,
Hot anger, sullen hate,
Scorn of the lowly, envy of the great.
And discontent that casts a shadow gray
On all the brightness of the common day.
-Henry Van Dyke
May God bless you all, and keep you in the hollow of His hand.
Brother William Carpenter
MARTYRS OF THE CHURCH
Revelation 6:9-10, "And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw
under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God,
and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud
voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge
and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?"
Revelation 20:4, "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and
judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were
beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and
which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had
received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they
lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."
Being a martyr is no guarantee that an individual is in a right
relationship with the true God. Many have given their lives for a false
religion or a human cause. But down through the ages there have
been those who have been willing to die for the true faith once
delivered unto the Saints. There is a popular religious movement
seemingly gaining in popularity that makes the death of these true
Saints ludicrous at best.
In our two opening verses we find those who were willing to die for
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the word of God. Within the modern earthly church there are those
who take great delight in ridiculing those who "worship a book." We
agree that there are those who use the Bible wrongly as some type of
magical talisman. Some have great reverence for the printed pages
but never take the time to open the cover of the book. Others wrongly
teach that the belief in the Bible will keep an individual from all
dangers. We believe that God does keep watch over those who are
His own, but the very fact that the Bible tells of martyrs proves we are
not exempt from fatal dangers. Without the Holy Word of God we
have no directive to lead us into the ways of Truth.
The martyrs also were willing to die for the witness of Jesus. This
was not just any "Jesus" but the Lord Jesus Christ of Holy Scripture.
Brothers and Sisters, do not ever allow anyone to convince you that
the virgin birth, sinless life, glorious resurrection and ascension into
Heaven of Jesus Christ, along with His literal second coming, are not
important! We read of those who are joining in with cults and liberals
to further a moral issue. It is reported that a modern movement that
rightly gives strength to the teaching that the husband is the head of
the home and the importance of the marriage relationship refuses to
make true doctrine an issue. The pulpits of the land are all too often
filled by individuals who believe Jesus Christ is a son of God but not
God the Son.
They were also willing to die for the testimony which they held.
Sadly, most individuals today are not even willing to live for what they
believe much less die for it. We believe the true Church is made up of
individuals from many different denominations and independent
groups. God is the final judge of who is a part of the family of God.
We also believe that the plain way of life is a testimony to the world of
who we are. To give up this testimony is a great loss we believe with
all our heart.
The last part of this manuscript is not meant to be the final word of
interpretation or understanding of the book of Revelation. We respect
those who disagree with our conclusions. The martyrs refused to
worship the beast and to take his mark upon their foreheads or in their
hands. We believe the beast is symbolic of this world and its system.
This system is tied into a false religious system in a very intricate way.
We have read of a time in history when it was impossible to buy or sell
unless you belonged to the false religious system that had the power
of that day. The head of this false church has great political power
even today. Many evangelicals are "kissing the feet" and encouraging
the true Church to accept him as a true prophet of God. There is also
the New Age Movement, humanism and liberalism. We believe that
10 BIBLE MONITOR
there will be greater force put upon others to accept false leaders as a
part of the true Church. We would encourage our Dunkard Brethren
leaders and members to continue to refuse to be a part of any
ecumenical gatherings or efforts.
The mark upon their foreheads is symbolical of our thoughts. Most
of today's religious books being distributed have the hidden agenda of
supporting worldly activities and actions once opposed by the true
Church. Once they have gained control of your mind they will control
what you do and you will receive the mark of the beast in your hands.
May God give us the strength to live out the Word of God and to
die for it if necessary. The Lord Jesus Christ was more than a martyr.
He died on the cross of Calvary as the lamb of God for our sins. If
you have never been washed in the blood symbolized by trine
immersion baptism we urge you to repent and be saved.
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
"Sins of Omission"
The usual way of cataloging our sins is to list the times we do
something that we should not do. This is certainly not wrong as we
need to be constantly examihing ourselves but it touches on only a
part of the sin problem. We understand that failing to do what we
should do is equally as sinful as what we do that we should not do.
The Bible definition of sin is the transgression of the law of God. (I
John 3:4) But, refusing to do the laws of God is just as sinful and
rebellious as engaging in what the laws of God forbid. We are taught
in James 4:17, 'Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth
it not, to him it is sin." God considers sins of omission just as
reprehensible as those of commission. This is because the
underlying attitude is the same in both cases.
I fear that many people conclude that doing nothing is sort of a
prized virtue. They define spirituality in terms of what they abstain
from. We cannot live and please God without denying ungodliness
and worldly desires. If we do not fill our life with righteousness, we
will revert back to our old sinful lifestyle.
God's Word forbids evil activity and instructs us to be fully involved
in holy activity. We are equipped for good work as we are faithful to
Him. The Apostle Paul taught us not only to put off the old man but to
put on the new man. This shows two actions and if either one is not
practiced, there will be sin in our life.
BIBLE MONITOR 11
Should we be totally fearful about the sins of omission to such a
degree that it becomes an emotional crisis? The answer is a clear,
"no". This kind of obsession is unbiblical because it shows that we
are attempting to conquer sin under our own power. We cannot
conquer it without God's spirit giving us strength and guidance.
Recognition of the omission of righteousness is fully as sinful as
committing unrighteous acts. Apathy toward the sins of omission will
take away our joy. Our service will become increasingly meaningless.
Evaluate God's Word. Is He asking you to do certain things that
you are not doing or do not want to do at this time? If so, now is the
time to ask for His forgiveness and accept His instruction for action.
Brother Len Wertz
WHERE ARE WE?
THE PROPHETIC HOUR IN WHICH WE LIVE IS LATE. Are we
building our houses on the Rock or on the sand? Daily Bible reading
is a must for alert truth-seekers of God's Word.
I try to follow this pattern. Early in the morning before I become
involved in my daily duties, and before my mind, clear from a night's
rest, has been disturbed by tiredness and dullness, this is what I do. I
read a passage slowly, verse by verse. I read them many times over
and over again. I try to grasp the truth that the Holy Spirit is trying to
show me, just the way Elohim and the writer of the book wants me to
know it.
I no longer consider reading the Bible through in a given length of
time. It makes no difference how fast I read, but what I have learned
from what I read. Have I prepared my heart and mind to absorb and
do what I read? Rebellion to any part of the Holy Scriptures puts
stumbling blocks in my heavenly path to glory. God hates rebellion, it
is as witchcraft to Him. How He must hate the work of witches who
are serving Satan. Tor rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and
stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry..." I Sam. 15:23.
Then, I read the Bible in the order which the Holy Spirit leads me.
Recently my reading has been Revelation, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes,
Song of Solomon, and this morning into Isaiah.
Now, Isaiah was a good prophet of Elohim. He obeyed Elohim to
carry messages for Him even to kings, some of whom were not godly.
Sometimes they were not friendly to the prophet who told them of
their faults, and that they should repent and bring their nation back to
God. As I read that first chapter it very mgch reminds me of the
condition of the world about us, and yes, also, of the churches which
the people attend. The Israelites did their sacrifices, burnt their
12 BIBLE MONITOR
the people attend. The Israelites did their sacrifices, burnt their
incense, went through rituals, but they also loved their pleasures, fun
and gluttony at the places of idolatry with the people of the world.
They talked religiously, but their minds were dirty. Their hearts were
not clean and pure. They did mischief with their hands. They ran to
do evil. Please read Isaiah 29:13. This is the mind boggling picture
of things about us every day. Please read Isaiah 1 with me and note
the job that was given Isaiah to do in order to get Israel (God's people
of the Old Testament) to depart from evil and serve Elohim. Read of
the promises if they would obey, and of the destruction if they
continued on in their sins. Verse 28 "And the destruction of the
transgressors (those who profess but obey not) and of the sinners
(not professing people) shall be together, and they that forsake the
Lord (people who at one time were obedient) shall be consumed."
Please read carefully this whole chapter and then reread again and
again if necessary to get the whole truth that Yahweh gave Isaiah to
deliver. Then consider our world, our churches and our families,
today. Then, please, let us forsake evil of all kinds in our lives. "But
the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have
their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is
the second death." Rev. 21 :8.
How few or many will stand? Will you and I? Believe me, it is time
to seek after God's pearl of great price. It is time to sell out all of
Satan's works, words, and thoughts and to get our record clean in
Yashua's books of life. Then we will have no fears and will not need
to cross Jordan alone.
"O, Elohim, how great thou art
You gave us, your Son for a Saviour Jesus Christ
All the worlds innumerable were made by you.
You put me here for a purpose
Guide and help me to fulfill that purpose
To your honor and glory."
AMEN
Sister Ruth M. Snyder
6159 Garrett Highway
Oakland. MD 21550
YIELDING A SPIRITUAL RESULT
"...let me never be put to confusion." Psalm 71 :1
We are blessed in this age by having access to God's Word at
every hand. Yet the devil has his counterfeit in many modern Bible
BIBLE MONITOR 13
argument concerning these modern versions. Let us not argue about
how well they can be understood, or how the language flows, or how
devoted were the translators to their task.
We must concern ourselves with results. When purchasing a
tractor, the farmer concerns himself with durability and cost-
effectiveness. He will usually pick a brand-name that has stood the
test of time, one that does not break down. David challenged the
giant Goliath and was offered Saul's armor, yet he did not use it
because he had not had a chance to prove it. The King James Bible
has stood the test of time though today many openly ridicule this
blessed old Book. It has been proven, and as we look back over
times passed we see spiritual results that are not duplicated today.
In Psalm 71 the writer prays, let me never be put to confusion."
Let this be our prayer. In this day and age we must do all we can to
steer clear of confusion. The modern Bible versions, on the surface,
seem to make things clearer, but do they? I grew up in a church that
went the route of the world council of churches, and when the world
council approved the Revised Standard Version then that is what
everyone got. When the Lord began to convict me of sin in my
sixteenth year, I was led to buy an inexpensive King James Bible, one
without any helps whatsoever. I sat down with it and a Webster's
Dictionary and began to read it through. I have never regretted this
move, and I recommend it to all. I know a Brother who could not read
or write until he became converted. He then taught himself to read
and write with only a Bible and a dictionary.
Over a century ago there was confusion in the church because of
the switch to preaching in English, It was not because German was
bad. From my experience it seems that German is a much clearer
language than English. But if the church in America was to
evangelize, it had to do so in the language of the people. In those
days the King James was the only English Bible, for the most part,
and the Martin Luther was the only German Bible. Confusion was
kept to a minimum. The devil was busy a hundred years ago just as
he is today. Other things came in to divide the church back then, like
Sunday School, revival meetings, paid pastors, raised pulpits, and the
like. Judge for yourself as to whether or not the church was improved
by these innovations.
I realize that preaching "in the language of the people" is the
excuse used by adherents to the modern Bible versions, but it is
wrong to substitute clarity for accuracy. It is likewise wrong to make
the simpler truths of scripture more understandable and at the same
time make light of the deeper truths. I have read several of the new
14 BIBLE MONITOR
time make light of the deeper truths. I have read several of the new
versions. This is what they do.
The truth is that we see very little evidence of people being led into
a deeper spiritual experience with modern Bible versions. We do not
see holy living, sacrificial living or a desire for the eternal verities.
Just as in farming, our concern should be with yield: not just quantity,
but quality also. We should therefore stick with that which has been
proven.
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
OBITUARY
JACK MILLER
Bro. Jack Duane Miller was born May 31, 1923, at Ellendale, North
Dakota and departed this life March 5, 1996, at the Veterans Medical
Center at Dayton, Ohio.
His parents were Clarence J. and Fern (Waller) Miller.
Having survived two previous wives, he was married to Alice V.
(Harmon) Reed of La Harpe, Illinois on July 12, 1981, at the Dallas
Center, Iowa Dunkard Brethren Church.
He and Alice lived in La Harpe, Illinois until 1986 when they moved
to Darke County, Ohio.
He is survived by his wife, Alice, a daughter, Charlotte Jean
Bomstad of Minneapolis, Minnesota, a sister, Jean Hill of Ellendale,
North Dakota, and two grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first two wives, and a
brother.
Jack was baptized into the Dunkard Brethren Church in 1981 and
to those vows he remained faithful until death.
He worked for a farmer and lived on that farm. He also sold
magazine subscriptions from door to door in different states.
Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, March 9,
at the Englewood Dunkard Brethren Church with Bro. Phil Gish and
Bro. David Rice officiating. He was laid to rest at the Royal Oaks
Memorial Gardens, Englewood, Ohio. Bro. William Heisey conducted
the graveside service.
"UPON THE WALL THE CRUTCHES HUNG"
Upon the wall the crutches hung.
Waiting for when the need would rise
To once again give him a stride.
For many years they've served his body,
BIBLE MONITOR 15
Balancing, supporting, holding steady.
But on the wall the crutches hung.
Carefully the nurses scurried,
The doctors pondered, all others worried.
With the sum of all their medicine ready,
Balancing, supporting, holding steady.
■^11 Yet on the wall the crutches hung.
Finally, the message came.
That life for him wouldn't be the same.
He'd left this world for his home in Heaven.
Where Jesus holds, no helps are needed.
So on the wall the crutches hung.
The day that Jesus hung in the sky,
All who knew Him wondered "Why?"
On that cross, those splintery beams.
There was no glory in what could be seen!
Upon that cross my Jesus hung.
He died that day, but arose in three!
His glory, not seen, was yet to be.
And in our lives great pain we'll see.
It can't compare to what glory will be!
Upon that cross my Jesus hung.
But someday soon, in Heaven, we'll run!
-Bro. David Rice
I wish to thank all that helped me during the sickness and death of my
husband.
, Sister Alice V. Miller
NEWS ITEM
MECHANICSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
Lord willing, we, the Mechanicsburg Congregation, are planning a
week-end Revival Meeting at Brightbill's, two miles east of
Campbelltown on Route 322. Brother John L. Peffer has consented
to be our Evangelist. The meeting dates are May 31 to June 2.
Come worship the Lord with us and pray that all will be revived and
new souls brought into the Kingdom of God.
SisterRuthN. Miller, Cor.
16
BIBLE MONITOR
DIRECTORY OF BOARDS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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R.I Box 137
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Dennis StJohn, Secretary
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McClave, CO 81057
GENERAL MISSION BOARD
Fred O. Pifer, Chairman
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Robert Carpenter, Secretary
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Dale E. Jamison, Treasurer
R.I Box 137
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Mike Wray
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Jacob C. Ness
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Milton Cook
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BOARD OF PUBLICATION
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BIBLE STUDY BOARD
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2641 205th Street
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Dennis St.John, Secretary
21397-B50
Bryan, OH 43506
Fred O. Pifer, Treasurer
1734 240th Street
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Martin Marks
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Mark Cordrey
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Modesto, CA 95358
RELIEF BOARD
Henry Walker, Chairman
12413 Delaware Road
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(209) 874-2832
Martin Meyers, Secretary
2654 K Avenue
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(515)993-3028
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender Street
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Virgil Leatherman
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(913)675-3600
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
David Skiles, Superintendent
HCR 79, Box 8
Cuba, NM 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Drive
Modesto, CA 95355
James Meyers, Secretary
2641 205th Street
Dallas Center, IA 50063
Martan Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, KS 67752
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
Larry Andrews
12306 East 203rd Street
Raymore, MO 64083
All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury,
but sent to the Secretary for his
records.
i-'au L Stump
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BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXIV
MAY 15, 1996
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 aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
BE TRUE THYSELF
Thou must be true thyself
If thou the truth wouldst teach;
Thy soul must overflow if thou
Another's soul wouldst reach.
It needs the overflow of heart
To give the lips full speech.
Think truly, and thy thoughts
Shall the world's famine feed;
Speak truly, and each word of thine
Shall be a fruitful seed;
Live truly, and thy life shall be
A great and noble creed.
-Horatius Bonar
BIBLE MONITOR
TO BE A STRONG MAN
We have all seen the magazines that feature strong, athletic men
and women. They often present a view that is not pleasing. They
have devoted themselves to developing a certain physique until they
have become grotesque. They have gone beyond the requirements
of good health to hone their bodies to a certain standard. To attain
this development, many have used unhealthy or illegal drugs and
devices. In pursuit of this fitness, they have deprived other body
organs of their needed role and health. These bodybuilders are the
epitome of extreme, development of the physical body.
We may be in awe of such strength and physical perfection. As we
contemplate the bodies that we have, we may become dissatisfied
with the way we are. Certainly if we are obese or out of shape to the
extent that our health is impaired, it is not wrong to alter our routine of
diet and exercise. To seek a grotesque shape or to use dangerous
drugs to achieve these changes is not right.
Unlike this presentation of physical strength, the Christian's
strength is Spiritual. The Christian can appreciate physical strength,
but realizes it is temporary. During this life, as people grow older,
their bodies show the effects of their advancing years. Some may
retain their strength and agility longer than others, but not forever.
The physical body is a wonderful creation of God. It should be
honored and protected as a part of our honor for our Creator. Yet, it
remains that this body is on the way to the grave from the moment of
birth.
Since the body is not the Christian's main source of strength, he
should be pursuing Spiritual strength, which is eternal. The Holy
THE BIBLE MONITOR MAY 15, 1996
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Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.
MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th Street, Beaumont, CA 92223.
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DENNIS ST. JOHN, Associate Editor; 21397-B50, Bryan, OH 43506.
BIBLE MONITOR
Spirit, the third person of the triune Godhead, is eternal. He comes to
dwell within the individual believer. As long as the Christian continues
to make a pleasant dwelling place for Him. He will stay. Making that
pleasant home requires a strength that does not come through the
rigors of physical training. Spiritual strength does demand special
diet and exercise.
The Christian does not count calories or calculate the weight he
can lift. He pursues a Spiritual diet. The Word of God will provide the
food that is needed for Spiritual growth. A Christian's reading of the
Bible should be as faithful as his intake of natural food. It is just as
necessary. The Christian needs to exercise in various ways. One
exercise involves bowing the head, hands and knees to seek needed
help from Above. He may do other exercises including going to every
meeting of believers possible. It is for his good and for the good of
the others there when he shows up at the House of the Lord. He puts
himself in the place where he can receive instruction and
encouragement. He, in turn, encourages the others who are there.
He can exercise by not only being there but by participating by using
whatever talent God has given him. He may exercise by participating
in the ordinances of the Church. By being a part of these
commanded observances, he strengthens himself and encourages
others. By taking a part in these ordinances, he is helping to
guarantee their continuing presence to help draw the members' minds
to the Christ who gave Himself for them. The ordinances teach and
draw minds to the great, doctrinal truths of the Bible. Outside the
formal services of the Church, he can exercise by showing love and
helpfulness to those who stand in need, whether a part of the
fellowship or not. He can by a donation of time, money or effort
provide help to those less fortunate. He may exercise by sharing the
Gospel of Jesus Christ, either through personal contact or by support
of others sen/ing in distant fields. There are many ways, both private
and public, that a Christian may exercise. This type of exercise will
strengthen him, just as weights strengthen the athlete.
One element of the Christian's strength that may seem
contradictory is his need for weakness. That seems all wrong, when
strength is his goal. A person's greatest strength may come when he
is able to express his great weakness. It is necessary for people to
admit they are weak. They realize their need of God's help to receive
the required strength. The submission necessary to receive this
strength is contrary to human nature. It is the human side of man that
proclaims that he is able to do as he pleases. It is when he realizes
that he must submit to God, that he is able to develop the total
strength that he needs. Giving up his own strength, he is able to
BIBLE MONITOR
receive the strength from above that will make him the strong person
he should be.
Have you yielded your strength to God, so you can be truly strong?
Do you diet and exercise to improve that strength?
M.C.Cook
THE CALL
Help! Help! Help! Is the cry of the world!
Go! Go! Go! The command of the Lord!
Hopeless and lost the world reaches out
Hearts aching and sore; living in doubt.
Heathen and lost in faraway lands
Have searching eyes and outstretched hands.
Children in rags are pitif ly poor,
Many are sick or wounded and sore.
In Satan's clutches their souls are trapped
And from their hearts all happiness sapped.
Can we as Christians sit idly by
And stop our ears to their pit'ous cry?
How can we rock in our easy chair
When we should be on our knees in prayer?
With all our clothing and all our wealth
Numerous blessings and vibrant health
We loaf around and lazily sigh —
"What is the use? Why bother to try?"
While all around us are bleeding hearts
We stubbornly fail to do our parts.
Ashamed we should be when God looks down
With sorrowful heart and woeful frown.
Help! Help! Help! Is the cry of the world!
Go! Go! Go! The command of the Lord!
Sister Heidi Keller
BIBLE MONITOR
STEPPING OUT
"And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come
unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was
come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
But when he saw the wind boisterous he was afraid, and beginning to
sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus
stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of
little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" Matthew 14:28-31 .
According to the dictionary, a person who stays in his room all the
time and is afraid to go out of his house suffers from Agoraphobia.
There are many out there with this ailment. This type of person fears
making new relationships, or fears the unknown, or is afraid that
something will happen. A patient at our hospital, every time he sees
me, asks, "What is going to happen?"
The world is flocking to psychics nowadays, which is a modern
term for witch. The world wants to know what is going to happen. If
people could really see the future they would see their doom. Why
pay a psychic, when God's Word has the answer?
When Peter saw Jesus walking on the water he wanted to also.
Jesus bade him come. Peter was willing to step out, but he had to
learn a lesson from Jesus. When the waves and the wind became
contrary his faith weakened. It became necessary for Peter to call
upon the Lord for salvation. Only then was he able to see the
strength of Jesus compared to his own weakness. Jesus was telling
him, in effect, do not be swayed or influenced by the waves. I will
keep you. Your fear will cause you to see your weakness. Focus on
my strength instead. As followers of Christ we must learn to entrust
our future to the Lord: Not just tomorrow, but today as well.
When he asked to walk on the water Jesus said, "Come." He did
not say, "You are not ready yet," or, "you are not spiritual enough yet."
He said, "Come." That simple act of trusting Jesus enough to obey
His command is the act of faith that saves us. We have often spoken
on these pages about counting the cost, about sitting down and
considering. There are instances in scripture, like this one, where
Jesus' command had to be obeyed instantly, without thought. When
Jesus selected the Twelve Disciples they followed without too much
hesitation. When they told Jesus they must do something first, like
bury a loved one, Jesus interpreted the reason as an excuse. He
said, "Follow me and let the dead bury their dead."
There are many times when we must step out in faith, as Peter did.
Sometimes, as with Peter we are not given a chance to think, but if
BIBLE MONITOR
we love Jesus, we will follow Him, whether we think we are ready or
not.
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
THE FREEDOM OF CHOICE
I have often wondered why, when God began to populate this earth
by making Adam and Eve, He permitted Satan to be here and to
destroy His plan. God wanted man to love and serve Him. He
wanted man to be willing to sacrifice his carnal desires to prove his
love for Him. He did not want robots. We would not have been
happy if we, as a herd of cattle, were being driven down a lane, not
knowing what was beyond, whether a new pasture or a slaughter
house. He made us creatures of choice with minds, thinking power
and the wisdom to know and to distinguish between good and bad,
spirituality and wickedness.
Will we pass the test when we come to judgment? When we hear
the words of our Saviour, 'Well done thou good and faithful servant
enter thou into the joys of our Lord", and He gives us a beautiful,
shining, crown of salvation as a reward for our efforts, I am sure we
will be more thrilled and blessed than if we had not put forth the effort.
Adam and Eve chose, but made the wrong choice. By their choice
they brought the Adamic sin upon all mankind. We still have that
power of choice today, almost six thousand years later. God gave
each of us a spirit, soul, and body, a trinity, when He made us. The
Spirit belongs to God and will return to Him. The soul is ours. Our
minds and actions will determine that soul's destiny, either Heaven or
hell. The cold, lifeless body will be laid away until the resurrection
day at the beginning of the millennium for the righteous, Then our
three components will again unite.
The wicked will not be resurrected until the thousand years are
expired. Then the souls of man brought from hell will again unite with
a resurrected body. That body will be thrown into the lake of fire,
which is the second death. That is where the beast and the false
prophet will be for ever and ever. Rev. 20:10.
Now is the appointed time to make the right choices of the things,
we want here and hereafter, so those things will be given us in
eternity. The idolater, liar, thief, hater of God, the ungodly, the proud,
the adulterer and such like would not be happy in Heaven. The Bible
bears out that the evil will still be practicing their evil in eternity. Rev.
2:22. There will not be any converts or changed lives there, there will
be no Gospel preaching, no Holy Spirit to convict and convert, just
BIBLE MONITOR
more of the same wicked, earthly, desires in the deadly flames that
neither dull nor go out in the millennium to come. Jude in verse 6
writes that the angels who choose to follow Lucifer from Heaven have
for the millenniums been chained and confined in a dark abyss
awaiting the judgment. Rev. 20:10. Satan may be incarcerated in the
same bottomless pit while Christ rules the world for one thousand
years. Read Rev. 20.
Now is the time to make our choices for the Lord. Now is the day
of salvation. When the day of redemption is past, it will be too late.
We will have to abide by what we chose during our lifetime here.
What are we seeking? What is the god that we think more of than the
Holy One. who died that we might live eternally with Him and all the
redeemed of the earth? The hour is late. We have little time left to
get ready and to be tried and proven faithful. Starting today, we can
never get too close to our Lord and Master, but we easily can be to
far away and lost. It is going to take determination and perseverance
in the days and years ahead to be worthy of being included with the
wise virgins in the rapture of the Bride of Christ. The anti-Christ and
those who follow him are already working overtime now. As time
goes on they will be putting in more and more effort to dethrone Christ
in the hearts of as many men as they possibly can. The Bible says
that the very elect would be deceived if it were possible. We must be
well-learned and immovable in our Biblical lives.
Sister Ruth M. Snyder
6159 Garrett Highway
Oakland, MD 21550
SIXTY YEARS AGO
May 15, 1936
STANDARD
B. F. Masterson
The word "standard," in the sense that I use it in this article, is
defined by Webster: 'That which is established as a rule or model by
authority." Looking at it from a Biblical viewpoint, there is a principle
involved, something fundamental at bottom. Isaiah, when referring to
the future church, said, "I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles and set
up my standard." (Isa. 49:22.) Jesus Christ, when on the earth, set
up a number of standards which were founded on the rock, (the Word
of God, which is the truth, and its authority can not be questioned),
such as "non-conformity," "peace," "patience," "the cross,"
"temperance," "love," "non-resistance," "purity," "honesty," "humanity,"
and so forth. All of the negatives to either one of these standards
may not be named in the New Testament for several reasons. One
8 BIBLE MONITOR
is, they are too numerous — the Book could not contain them; and
another is, the conditions and customs in society changes. There
may be unbecoming customs and manners practiced in our time that
were not known in Christ's time. There are some church members
who excuse or justify themselves of their unbecoming conduct
because the Bible is silent on such conduct. But there is a principle
established at the bottom of each standard which will not leave an
honest person spiritually discerned, in the dark. The Holy Spirit will
guide in the way of the principles taught in the Bible.
For instance, under the standard of "non-resistance." There are
many ways whereby a child of God may be insulted besides being
smitten on the right cheek, but the principle is established in the
illustration. Here is where the Holy Spirit functions in His office to
enlighten the child of God and to lead him, as Jesus said, "When the
Spirit of truth will come, He will guide you into all truth." It depends on
what principle is involved, if the matter is named in so many words in
the Bible or not. If the child of God will heed the guidance of the Holy
Spirit, he will not become involved in sin.
I will not discuss each of these standards named above at this
time, but we will take up the standard of ''non-conformity." The
reason it is foremost on my mind is because it is stressed so strongly
in the New Testament, and is so unpopular with the majority of
church-goers, and so seldom referred to in the pulpit. To such, Jesus
says, "Ye are they which justify yourselves before men, but God
knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is
abomination in the sight of God." Can you name anything that is
more highly esteemed than fashionable dress? There are thousands
today who, professing to worship the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, bow in devout praise and adoration at the shrine of
fashionable dress. It is worldliness.
"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." (James 4:4.) That is a clear declaration, which cannot be
misunderstood. The churches, which in the years that are past
preached and practiced non-conformity in dress, and then later
ignored it, went pell-mell into worldliness and cast discipline to the
winds, winked at dancing, parties, card playing, attending shows,
decked with jewelry, painting the face, cutting the hair, and discarding
the prayer covering.
This picture is not over-drawn. Such conduct is bringing reproach
on the church, and proves disloyalty to Christ who is the perfect
Model of His disciples. Brethren, if we claim the Bible as our creed,
and fail to teach and practice the standard of non-conformity, our
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claim is not well-founded.
A plain, modest appearance for Christ's sake is not the only way to
show our loyalty to the standard of non-conformity. We manifest it in
a chaste conversation, Tor out of the abundance of the heart the
mouth speaketh." (Matt. 12:24.) Tor where the treasure is, there will
the heart be also." (Matt. 6:21.) A vain and idle and foolish and
empty conversation is conclusive evidence that there is a worldly
heart within.
Flattering lips, a whispering tongue, idle words, foolish jesting,
backbiting, talebearing, railing, reproaching, blasphemy, falsehood,
and slander, are the fruits of a heart completely under the dominion of
the world, and show no sign of being a standard-bearer in the
kingdom of God. All such conduct contrary to non-conformity, I call
negative. There is no positive without negative, and they are
innumerable. Therefore I said the Book cannot contain them all. The
picture shows were not in existence when Christ was introducing His
doctrine. These shows are one of the most damnable means to lead
children astray imaginable. It is said that they are instructive. Yes,
but far more destructive of character. They were invented, and are
operated, for the money that is in them, hence they are used to gratify
the lust of the patrons. And the church member will excuse himself
because it is not forbidden in the Bible, therefore it gives a license to
attend. Then the parents want to know why it is that there are so
many young criminals. Why, they are schooled into it in the shows.
There is a move on foot to renovate the movies. How can a thing
be cleansed when it is rotten from top to bottom? "Wherefore, if ye be
dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living
in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (touch not; taste not; handle
not; which all are to perish with the using) after the commandments
and doctrines of men?" (Col. 2:20-21 .)
Space does not permit the discussion of the use of vain and empty
literature, participation in the sinful pleasures of the world, the
identification with worldly organizations, and many other things in
direct opposition to the clean-cut command: 'Be not conformed to this
world" which was declared by one who was ordained by Christ to be
an apostle to the Gentiles, one whose authority cannot be questioned.
But a worldlyminded person cannot comply with these requirements.
He adds, "But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Right here fit in the words of the late R. H. Miller in a booklet written
about fifty years ago on this subject, as follows:.
"'Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.' The
understanding 'darkened by the god of this world' must be enlightened
by truth. The conscience defiled by sin must become educated and
10 BIBLE MONITOR
purified by truth. The affections which are earthly, and groveling and
sordid and sensual, must beconne elevated and heavenly and spiritual
and holy, and the perverse and rebellious will, which asks, 'Who is the
Lord that I should be mindful of Him?' must become so thoroughly
subordinated to the Divine authority that its constant breathings are,
'Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth.' 'Every thought,' even should be
'brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.' (II Cor. 10:5.)
Call this regeneration, or the begetting again 'by the incorruptible
seed of the Word of God,' it is a necessary qualification of Christian
character and condition of life and immortality. Here, 'If any man be
in Christ he is a new creature.' (II Cor. 5:17.) But since through
transformation is not only internal but also external, it must not only
be felt experimentally, but exhibited practically. In all the
metamorphoses of the universe, the transformations do not only
effect the nature and disposition, but also the conduct and
appearance. The worm is not only changed to the butterfly in
character and disposition, but it acts like a butterfly. So every
Christian grace or virtue developed in the renewed mind as naturally
exhibits itself in the conduct and life, as that the sun shines, or the
fountain flows, or the earth vegetates."
WAIT
Desperately, helplessly, longingly I cried:
Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate.
And the Master so gently said, "Child, you must wait."
"Wait, you say, wait," my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened, or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked and am claiming your Word.
My future and all to which I can relate
Hangs in the balance and YOU tell me WAIT?
I'm needing a 'Yes', a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'No' to which I can resign.
And Lord, you promised that if we believe
We need but to ask and we shall receive.
And Lord, I've been asking and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."
Then quietly, softly I learned my fate
As my Master replied once again, "You must wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut and
BIBLE MONITOR 11
Grumbled to God, "So I'm waiting, for what?"
He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes wept with mine,
And He tenderly said, '1 could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun,
I could raise the dead, cause the mountains to run.
All you seek I could give, and pleased you would be,
You would have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of My love for each saint;
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint;
You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there;
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence were all you could see;
You would never experience that fullness of love
As the peace of My Spirit descends like a dove;
You would know that I give and save, for a start.
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart,
The glow of My comfort, late in the night.
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you asked
Of an infinite God, who makes what you have LAST.
You ever would know, should your pain quickly flee
What it means that 'My grace is sufficient for thee!'
Yes, your dreams for that loved one overnight could come true.
But oh the loss, if I lost what I'm doing to you!
So, be silent. My child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me.
And though oft may My answers seem terribly late:
My most precious answer of all is still: WAIT."
-Author Unknown
Submitted by Sister Clara M. Walter
THE NETHINIM - (GIVEN ONES)
Ezra 8:20, "Also of the Nethinim, whom David and the princes had
appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty
Nethinim all of them were expressed by name."
ARTICLE FROM PICTORIAL BIBLE DICTIONARY, published by
the Southwestern Co.
"NETHINIM, a large group of temple servants, mentioned only in
the later records of the Old Testament. In a sense, all the Levites
were "Nethinim" (Num. 8:19), for they were given by the Lord as a gift
12 BIBLE MONITOR
to Aaron and his sons for the divine service. At the conquest of
Midian (Num. 31) the prey was divided between the warriors and the
congregation and a fixed proportion was "given" for the Lord's service
(vss. 40, 42, 47) of which 32 were "Nethininn" to the priests and 320 to
the Levites in general. Later when the men of Gibeon deceived Israel
by claiming to have come a great distance (Josh. 9) they were
allowed to live but were made "hewers of wood and drawers of
water." The 392 descendants of these two groups, called "Nethinim"
only in I Chronicles 9:2 and in Ezra and Nehemiah, came back with
Israel after the Babylonian captivity (Ezra 2:43-58). At Ezra's return
he lists 220 Nethinim (Ezra 8:20) and explains that David had
appointed these for the service of the Levites."
The name "Nethinim" means "given ones." In John 6:37-39 we
read, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me: and him that
Cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from
heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And
this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all that he hath
given me I shall lose nothing, but shall raise it up again at the last
day." While John 8:9 makes it perfectly clear that our Lord was
specifically referring to the original eleven in a physical as well as
spiritual way, we believe that in a sense all those born again by the
precious blood of Jesus Christ are given as a gift by the Father to the
Son for His supreme sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. The phrase
"and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out," says to us that
although the Father gave unto the Son those who came as a gift, the
individuals still had the opportunity to refuse to be a gift as well as
receive the gift of eternal life.
According to the Bible dictionary "in a sense, all the Levites were
Nethinim." In I Peter 2:5 we read, "Ye also, as lively stones, are built
up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices,
acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." The Brethren, along with
Protestant groups, have always affirmed the priesthood of all
believers. According to some Bible scholars much wiser than
ourselves, Nicolaitanism (found in the book of Revelation) was a
heresy that exalted the clergy over the laity. This is one of the
reasons we never refer to our ministers as "Reverend." The other
one is that this name is reserved for God according to Holy Scripture.
We do not even refer to those who hold the office of Elder or Minister
as "clergy." Although we respect them, as God commands we
should, we also recognize that they are mere, mortal men with
weaknesses the same as we possess. We are all under the ultimate
authority of God, no matter, if we hold the title of Elder, minister,
deacon or merely that of member.
BIBLE MONITOR 13
As God leads the Church we must be willing to submit to the will it
expresses as it makes decisions. However, this does not mean that
we can ever compromise personal convictions God has laid on our
heart.
In Ezra 8:20 we find the Nethinim being appointed for the service of
the Levites. In Philippians 2:6-7 we read, "Who, being in the form of
God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of
no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was
made in the likeness of men." Unlike the Lord Jesus Christ, we do
not like to think of ourselves as servants. At least, not deep down in
our hearts. To be a servant means that we are subject to someone.
We seldom like to take advice although we may often ask for it.
The Levites can be seen as the Church. As we have already said,
we must be willing to submit to the decisions made. At one time
submission was expected and those who refused to submit were
disciplined in one manner or another. This is fast becoming a thing of
the past.
Anything that is labeled "tradition" is being thrown out. If we truly
had a submissive spirit we would not have lost many of things we did
that set us apart from the world. Each of us must search our hearts to
see how much change we can submit to before we depart from a
group. We are not in favor of church splits and believe most of the
time pride, not submission, is the cause. But lines must be drawn.
The Bible tells us "all of them were expressed by name." God
loves us each as individuals. We must love one another the same
way. God will also judge each of us individually, not as a church.
Our greatest obedience must be to the Word of God. Very few
groups demand this anymore. This is the dangerous part of naming
historical practices "tradition." Soon Bible teaching becomes
'tradition," that is optional. Let us, like the Nethinim, be servants of
our God and the Church.
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078
THE UNTIMELY DEATH OF JESUS' FOLLOWERS
THEY THAT LIVE GODLY IN CHRIST JESUS SHALL SUFFER
PERSECUTION.
II Timothy 3:12
MATTHEW was killed by the sword in Ethiopia.
MARK was dragged to death in Alexandria, Egypt.
LUKE was hanged on an olive tree in Greece.
JAMES THE GREATER was beheaded in Jerusalem.
14 BIBLE MONITOR
JAMES THE LESS was thrown from the pinnacle of the temple and
then beaten to death.
ANDREW was bound to a cross, but preached until he died.
THOMAS was run through with a lance in India.
JUDE was shot to death with arrows.
SIMON ZELOTES was crucified in Persia
MATTHIAS was first stoned then beheaded.
PETER was crucified with his head downward.
PAUL was beheaded in Rome.
II Timothy 2:12, If we suffer, we shall also reign with him, if we
deny him, he also will deny us."
Submitted by the late Paul R. Myers
OUR SATURDAY NIGHT
The Bible Our Neighbors Read
J. H. Moore
The daily lives of the church members are about the only Bible
some people ever read. Instead of reading the Acts of the Apostles,
they read the "Acts of the Church Members." They may not know
much about the Gospel according to St. Matthew, but they can sit for
hours and tell what they know about the "Gospel according to Deacon
Jones." They may never have heard of Paul's First Epistle to the
Corinthians, but they can quote by the hour from the living epistles too
well known in their immediate neighborhood. The New Testament
Book of Revelation is a mystery to them, but not so with the
revelations about the different church members they meet almost
daily.
You quote Scriptures to these people and they will quote ten times
as much from some of the living epistles" in their own neighborhood.
What care they for the Gospel according to St. Mark when the Gospel
according to Deacon Smith contradicts it at every point? You may
refer them to the Acts of the Apostles to show them how people were
converted. They simply refer you to the acts of the church members,
to show to you how many of the present converts now live. Talk to
them about the Bible. They cannot understand it but they can
understand the conduct of a half-dozen church members when they
do not live up to their profession. And when the minister quotes from
the Book of Revelation, concerning the end of the world and the
destiny of the wicked, they cannot help thinking about the revelations
that have just come to them regarding the conduct of this, that and
the other church member. Let the minister preach a sermon on the
purity of the heart, or a heart work, and probably one-third of his
BIBLE MONITOR 15
hearers will begin thinking about some hearts whose purity they
gravely doubt. Tell the people about the innportance of plainness in
attire. Quote them Scripture on the subject and they will begin
quoting from the "Acts of the Church Members" on the same question.
The quotations will not harmonize, and in the minds of not a few a
quotation from the latter will go farther than one from the former. And
so on to the end of the list.
Well, what is to be done? There is no denying the quotation from
the "Gospel according to Deacon Jones," or from the epistle, known
and read of all men. The facts are there. There is no chance for a
revision. These late walking gospels and living epistles stand in the
way of the people. They point one way, and the New Testament
points another. Here is a problem, and about the only way to solve it
is to bring about some new and radical conversions. Jesus told
Peter, "When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren/' That is the
doctrine we need to teach to every man and woman who does not live
and walk orderly before the Lord. If sinners will pay more attention to
the lives of the members then to the New Testament itself, and we
know they do, then we must give them a better class of members to
read. They must have better living epistles, and acts of members that
will not mislead them. We need members who can sincerely say, "Be
ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." Of course we do not
want members to talk just that way, but they ought to be such that
even a sinner could point to one of them and say, "Behold an
Israelite, indeed, in whom is no guile." We should have men and
women who are going on to perfection, — people who can be
examples to others.
With people of this class we can accomplish the more good, for the
sinner could then go on reading the Gospel according to Bro. Jones
and Sister Smith, and be benefited. After reading the New Testament
a heathen at one time said, "The Book is all right," and then added,
"The Book is better then the Christian." The trouble lies in the fact
that we live too far below the Book, and that weakens our influence.
Not long since we conversed with a physician on religious subjects.
He remarked, "If the Christian people would live up to their profession
they would soon have all such fellows as myself in the church, and it
would not take a revival to bring us." While this condition will not
exonerate the doctor at the judgment, it does show how much the
cause of Christ is crippled by those who do not walk blameless before
God and man.
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR JUNE 1996
June 2 - The Light of the World - John 8:12-32.
1 . Explain what Jesus called "The Light of Life."
2. Why could Jesus say 1 ann not of this world?"
June 9 - Children of the Devil - John 8:33-47.
1 . Whom did Jesus mean was the real Father of the Jews?
2. Who hears God's Words?
June 1 6 - "Greater Than Abraham?" - John 8:48-59.
1 . What promise did Jesus attach to the keeping of His "saying"?
2. How could Abraham have seen the day of Jesus?
June 23 - "I Was Blind, Now i See" - John 9:1-7.
1 . What does sin have to do with physical sickness and suffering?
2. Explain the importance of obedience in the healing of the Blind
Man.
June 30 - Blindness Revealed - John 9:8-41 .
1 . Why did the Jews refuse to accept the confession of the Healed
Man?
2. Why did Jesus openly tell the Healed Man that He was the Son of
God?
YOUNG PEOPLE'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR
JUNE 1996
June 2 - Soldiers - Eph. 6:13-18, 1 Thess. 5:4-1 1,11 Tim. 2:1-4.
1 . How can we be children of the Light?
2. What hardness may a good soldier of Jesus Christ have to
endure?
June 9 - Our Principles - 1 Peter 2:1-25.
1 . What did Peter mean when he said "offer up spiritual
sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ"?
2. Explain how the word "conversation" means more than talking.
June 1 6 - Consistency - Phil. 1 :25-30, 1 Thess. 4:9-12, 1 Tim. 3:7,
James3:12-18, II Peter 3:1 1-14.
1 . How do you Valk honestly toward them that are without"?
2. When "all these things shall be dissolved" what will be left?
June 23 - FATHER'S DAY - Mark 9:14-27, Luke 8:41-42, 49-56.
1 . Explain the importance of faith in the life of a father.
2. Why did not Jesus want the parents to tell others about Him
raising their daughter from the dead?
June 30 - Monuments - Jer. 1 :1 7-1 9, Gal. 2:8-1 0, Rev. 3:1 0-1 2.
1 . How should our Christian life be like a "pillar"?
2. How can we become "a pillar in the temple of.. .God"?
10340 N. DUrnond Mill
Union, Oil 4D.jL;:i
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXIV
JUNE 1, 1996
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 aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
THE HAPPY 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'niy 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.
BIBLE MONITOR
OUR RELATIONSHIPS
Read Colossians 3:17-23.
The Apostle Paul reminds the Colossians of the importance of their
relationships. He, first, reminds them of their relationship with God.
Next, he writes of their family relations. Finally, he writes of their
relationships in the workplace. He encourages believers to develop
these relationships to better their own lives and to be good examples
for others who might be watching them. The unbelieving may be
touched by the godly conduct of believers who practice these
relationships.
It will not always be easy to maintain these relationships. Paul
writes of a blessing for those who do these deeds as if they were
doing them for God. If we viewed our service as directed toward God,
we would have a loftier feeling about what we do. If we saw our
service on a higher level than just plodding, dull, and half-hearted, we
would find m.ore joy in our Christian service. Paul emphasizes this
admonition by virtually repeating it a few verses later. He
admonishes us to do our deeds in the name of the Lord in a whole-
hearted way.
This whole-hearted service is especially important in our closest
relationships. We, often, take for granted those who are our dearest
and closest companions. We may even serve others in the
community better than those who share our homes. Our families
deserve our best efforts, remembering that we serve them in the
name of the Lord. When serving in His name, we are taking on His
characteristics. We are doing in our poor way as He would do in a
similar situation.
THE BIBLE MONITOR JUNE 1, 1996
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BIBLE MONITOR
The first relationship he deals with is marriage. Marriage was
established in the Garden of Eden. It has had God's blessing
throughout history. As with all Spiritual relationships there are
boundaries that surround it. Spiritual qualifications must be observed
to obtain God's blessings. He has ordained that one man and one
woman without current, prior attachments could be joined together in
this lifelong relationship. The relationship is not to be dishonored by
adultery or other unrighteous behavior by either partner. Divorce is
not the normal means of dissolving this relationship. Only death is to
part the two so joined together.
To make this relationship work, an effort must be made by each
partner. Writing first to the wives, he counsels them to be submissive
to their husbands. This seems objectionable to some. This has
nothing to do with equality. It is the establishment of a workable order
within the family. Just as any organization needs a clearly defined
head, the family also needs to have a head. The wife's submissive
attitude, even when she knows better, can make the husband a more
effective leader. Her talents, needed for a successful marriage and
family life, often, can be delivered more appropriately as a helper than
as a head. God has established this pattern for His own purpose, so
it can not be bad to submit and fulfill His pattern.
The husband is never commanded to be a tyrant, just because he
has been appointed the head. Instead he is to love and nurture his
wife. She would be more willing to submit if he would show her the
kind of tenderness he did when courting her. He should show her
how appreciative he is of her labors and trials. A husband, who fails
to show his wife the depths of his love, hardly deserves her
submissive service.
Likewise, a father as the head of the family is not to be a dictator
over his children. While he must maintain strict discipline, he must be
sure that he does not go overboard in punishment of the children.
Many children, who are strictly controlled while growing up, become
rebellious when they are not under their father's direct control. A
father's wrath may do more harm than good if it discourages his
children. They become discouraged from never being able to please
him, so they give up.
Children need to be obedient. It is not something that they acquire
when at a certain age. Their progress may be slow and nearly
imperceptible at times, but as they are given godly instructions and
examples, they will improve. They need to know that when
disobedient, they are not only disobeying their parents but also God.
Children need opportunities to show they can be obedient.
Paul writes instructions concerning employees and the employers.
BIBLE MONITOR
There are responsibilities for each in this relationship. The employee
needs to give his best effort to further the employer's well being. He
should give a full measure of service. The employer needs to provide
a decent wage, a safe workplace and treat his workers as God treats
His subjects. If both would use the "Golden Rule" as their guide,
there would be no labor strife. A job should be more than just earning
money, it should be a way to serve people. An employer needs to
look at more than the 'bottom line."
All these relationships require an effort. That effort should be given
as if the relationship were with God. Actually, it is!
M.C.Cook
THE CHRISTIAN AND PATRIOTISM
Colossians 1:12-14, "Giving thanks unto the father which hath
made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath
translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have
redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:"
Hebrews 11:13-16, 'These all died in faith, not having received the
promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of
them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers
and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare
plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of
that country from whence they came out, they might have had
opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country,
that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their
God: for he hath prepared for them a city."
Definition of Patriotism: "love and loyalty or zealous support of
one's own country."
Only twice have the ravages of war been found in the towns and
countryside of the United States of America. In the minds of some
both of these wars were "holy wars" fought with the blessing of God.
The first of these wars, the Revolutionary War, brought with it a new
definition of "Patriotism." No longer was it a love and loyalty or
zealous support of one's own country but the desire to form a new
country. While religious freedom is the reason quoted by many, the
true reason for this war of rebellion was taxation without
representation.
The second war, the Civil War, was supposedly fought over the
issue of slavery. However, the true issue was states' rights. Both of
these wars also brought the issue of the civil rights of citizens into
focus.
BIBLE MONITOR
Many of our Brethren forefathers suffered during both of these
conflicts because of their refusal to choose sides. They appreciated
the freedoms proposed by the leaders of the Constitutional form of
government that was declared to be a new experiment. But they also
recognized that the Bible forbade them to take part in taking human
life and to rebel against organized government. Likewise they
opposed slavery, forbidding their members to own slaves, but realized
that blood shed by fellow citizens of a country (and perhaps even
fellow brothers in the Lord) was not God's answer to the problem.
Beyond the fact of opposition to taking of human life was the
conviction that they had a citizenship in a higher kingdom. We are
convinced that the earthly Church, as a whole, has lost sight of this
Scriptural truth. Many are looking forward to being a part of the
heavenly kingdom when they die or the Lord returns. We will most
certainly experience it in a perfect way at these times. The Bible
clearly teaches that all the blood-bought born again are right now a
part of this Kingdom. Our complete allegiance is to be to God and His
Holy Word. Our Patriotism is not found in the flag of a nation but in
the blood splattered cross of our Lord. Such things as racial prejudice
becomes impossible to those who love as our Lord commanded us to
love.
In many Church circles the Constitution has replaced the Bible in
importance. Individual rights are declared over "thus saith the Lord."
This has both political and personal implications. We must obey God
rather than man, but we are to be obedient to the laws of the land that
are not clearly contrary to the Word of God. Many declare their right
to ignore the standards set forth by God on such issues as dress,
personal appearance and worldly amusements.
Like those of the Old Testament, who were part of the faith, we
should desire a better country. They had not received the promise in
their lifetime (they were not Christians) but gained it at the death of
Christ on Calvary. (We, personally, believe they are the 144,000 of
Revelation 7.) We do not have to wait. Let us be true "Christian
Patriots" and be faithful to the kingdom of our Lord.
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
THOUGHTS ON DISTRICT MEETING
This year we were blessed with a wonderful district meeting. The
Brethren brought forth the Word with majesty and power. There were
no queries and no disputation. A wonderful spirit prevailed.
BIBLE MONITOR
One thing happened, however, that was worthy of note. This one
thing has bothered me ever since. We closed up another
meetinghouse. Another congregation has gone by the wayside. We
are very sorry to see it go. We have always been of the opinion that
the meetinghouse should remain open, regardless of the number
attending. We realize that this is not always possible. In the Jewish
Passover Seder an extra place is always set at the table in case the
Messiah would come. Our meeting places are a testimony to an
unchurched community. Believe me, they take notice if these houses
of worship are being attended or not.
We must ask the question, "Have I done all that I could so that the
Word could continue forth in this area?" I realize now that I never sat
in the meetinghouse that recently closed. Once, about twenty years
ago, we drove past it on the way to another place of worship. We
trust that everyone else's record is better than our own.
Revelation 3:2 tells us to, "Be watchful, and strengthen the things
which remain, that are ready to die:..." We should not be satisfied
with meetinghouses closing, and the lessening of membership
numbers, and the seeming lack of interest on the part of most people.
If Christ Jesus dwells within us then we should, as the scripture says,
compel them to come in. All people should be afforded the
opportunity to meet the Saviour. We cannot be satisfied that the
specter of easy-believism is swallowing up thousands, giving them a
shallow worthless, do-nothing "gospel." As Paul says in I Corinthians
12:31, "...and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way." There is
nothing to be ashamed of in Christ, unless we are not living up to
OUR potential.
We, if we are members of a local assembly, are responsible each
Sunday to be in our places on time, prepared and worshipping God.
Personalities and petty differences add strain to the worship
experience. If we come to church for any other reason than to
worship, learn, and fellowship, we add further strain to the worship
experience.
We say all these things because, like the Brethren of old, we desire
to see the Church grow and prosper and be a testimony to the world:
a city that sitteth upon a hill - that cannot be hid.
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
BIBLE MONITOR
SIXTY YEARS AGO
June 1, 1936
CONFESSION
L. W. Been/
The doctrine of confession of sins, like so many other plain gospel
teachings, is no longer popular with rriany church people;
nevertheless it has its place in the plan of salvation in connection with
repentance. We earnestly contend that in order to get right with our
God and our fellowmen that we must confess our sins. We insist on
this because the written Word teaches it. "For with the heart man
believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made
unto salvation." (Rom 10:10.)
The wise man Solomon speaking from experience uttered this
solemn truth, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso
confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." Often have we
seen these truths verified in our own experience and even though we
see the vanity and folly of trying to hide our sins from God and our
fellowmen so many are inclined, even in the churches to try to cover
up and hide their ungodliness and live under the burden of sin rather
than confess and have the burden lifted.
When men are truly convicted of sin they feel the need of
confession. Under the preaching of John the Baptist those who were
convicted of sin "were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their
sins." Under the preaching of Paul many were convicted of sin "and
many that believed, came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds."
(Acts 19:18.) Sin is a burden that weighs heavily upon the guilty party
and confession plays an important part in removing this burden. We
have read the testimony of men who were guilty of murder who
claimed that they could get no relief from the awful burden of their sin
until they confessed and made a clean breast of the whole affair. We
have all had some experiences along this line in our own lives if we
but stop and consider. How often in the past have we dealt falsely or
unjustly with a loved one, a neighbor, a friend or perhaps a brother or
sister in the church. After the wrong had been done and we were
conscious of it how the matter did weigh down upon us, what a
burden it was to bear. We felt constrained to go to the party that we
had wronged and make the matter right. Following this impulse we
went and confessed our fault, then how much better we felt. Has this
not been the experience of each one of us?
One of the common errors of the human family is to neglect doing
the things which we know we .ought to do. So often we will leave a
matter drag along for days, weeks or many years, which would only
BIBLE MONITOR
take a few moments or hours of time to correct, knowing all the time
that the matter ought to be attended to at once. Many put off
confessing their sins until the cold hand of death is upon them and
then it is often too late, for we may be unable to correct matters in a
way which we can have the relief so much needed and desired.
Somehow so many lack the courage or moral stamina necessary to
face the one who has been wronged, with an openhearted
confession, yet it isn't nearly so hard as carrying a load of guilt
continually. The enemy of our souls is only too glad to discourage us
but let us not allow him to make life miserable for us by keeping us
under sin when the Lord has provided a way of escape.
A wonderful promise is given to us on this matter which we find
recorded in I John 1 :9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just
to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." It
is certain that if we do our part in confessing our sins and correcting
matters that the Lord will do his part in forgiving and cleansing us.
May we take courage and lay hold on these wonderful promises that
we may be cleansed and fitted for life here and in the world to come.
HELP SAVE AMERICA
Fred Pruitt
Pray for the President and Legislators.
The United States as a nation is the richest country in the world,
having resources to such an extent that we could practically live
within ourselves if need be. The wealth of this country runs into the
billions. While the government may not be perfect and officials make
mistakes, yet we believe our form of government is the best in the
world and allows more justice to citizens in general than any other
form of government.
The records show that this nation has never been whipped nor
beaten to her knees by any other nation although a number have tried
it.
Although all these good things can be said of this nation and much
more could be truthfully told; yet we, as a nation of people, should not
boast, but humbly thank God for His past favors. If we boast at all, let
it be in the Lord only for he it is that has favored us and allowed us to
prosper and become strong in a natural sense. The same God of
love and mercy that has favored us in the past can withdraw His
power of favor and soon the nation would wither, blast, and be
overrun by wicked people who would slaughter us, subdue us, and
bring us into slavery and abject poverty.
It is everywhere evident that this nation as a people in a general
BIBLE MONITOR
sense has forgotten God. The wickedness of the wicked is great in
the land. The majority of professed Christians have only self-
righteousness, and they travel on, wrapping their self-righteous rags
around them with a lofty air, worshipping their fine church buildings
and large numbers more than the "Giver of all things." The professing
people are cursed with idol worship. They worship "MY CHURCH"
and the good things that God gives rather than the giver. They do not
seem to be careful or diligent to examine themselves in the light of the
sacred word or the life of Christ to see how much they need to repent
and forsake, but seem satisfied and contented just to belong to some
man-made church.
God's written word reads, "Woe to them that are at ease in Zion."
Amos 6:1. The people are trusting in the mountain of Samaria (in this
country) rather than in the heavenly Mount Zion, Jerusalem which is
far above, the mother of all truly spiritually living people. (Gal. 4:26.)
Those in touch with the living God ought to pray thus:
Pray first for those in authority, for the legislators, and rulers of our
nation. Read I Tim. 2, first few verses.
Our president and body of senators and legislators have a great
responsibility resting upon them to guide the affairs of our nation to a
peaceful end. They need our prayers rather than our criticism, for
they do need wisdom from God. They need to fear God and humble
their hearts before Him, and seek wisdom from the Creator of all
things that exist that our nation may not perish.
Pray that God will talk to the hearts of the people and teach them to
humble down before God, and not only repent and ask God to forgive
them of their sins, but that they will look to God for grace to forsake
sin. God will have mercy on people that will humble their hearts in
godly sorrow for sin and forsake it that His righteousness may be in
them.
We read in Prov. 28:13, "He that covereth his sins shall not
prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."
It is not enough just to repent and confess our sins; we must forsake
them if we expect mercy at the hand of God.
We should pray for the young boys who have been drafted into the
army for training to kill others — both in this nation and in other nations,
for their souls are all precious in the sight of God — they certainly need
the prayers of the righteous. Pray for those in the hospitals who were
wounded and crippled in the past war, and for the mothers whose
hearts are broken and bleeding because of sons who fell on the
battlefield or were crippled and maimed for life. Pray for the war lords
in other nations and in our nation, that God will weaken them and
10 BIBLE MONITOR
make them afraid to launch another bloody war with "garments rolled
in blood."
Some may say, "What is the use to pray? What is going to be, will
be." Such reasoning as that is not sound, neither is it scriptural.
When the Hebrew nation would humbie themselves and repent, God
would have mercy and favor them again. When God had said to
Hezekiah, "Set thine house in order for thou shalt die and not live,"
Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and wept sore and prayed unto
God. God saw his tears and heard his cry and added fifteen years to
his life. God's word through Jonah to that wicked city, Nineveh, was
"Yet forty days and Nineveh shall be overthrown." But when they
heard the pronunciation of God's wrath upon them, they began to
repent and the King published throughout Nineveh a decree saying,
"Let man and beast be covered with sackcloth and cry mightily unto
God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the
violence that is in their hands. Who can tell if God will turn and
repent, and turn away from His fierce anger that we perish not."
Jonah 3:8-9.
"And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way: and
God repented of the evil that he had said that he would do unto them;
and he did it not." God will be like that to us as a nation if we will
repent and turn from evil as they did. James says, "The effectual,
fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:1 6.
Peter says, "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and
his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is
against them that do evil." I Pet. 3:12. If this nation will repent and
forsake their sins and become righteous, God's ears will be open to
our cries and America will be saved.
Brothers and sisters, let us pray for our President, Legislators, and
the nation as a whole that we may have peace in the land; for
PRAYER DOES CHANGE THINGS.
Selected by Dan Kaufman
MY MASTER'S FACE
I had walked life's way with an easy tread.
Had followed where pleasure and comforts led.
Until one day in a quiet place
I met the Master face to face.
With station and rank and wealth for my goal.
Much thought for my body, but none for my soul,
I had entered to win in life's mad race
When I met the Master face to face.
BIBLE MONITOR 11
I had built my castles and reared them high,
With their towers had pierced the blue of the sky;
I had sworn to rule with an iron mace,
When I met the Master face to face.
I met Him and knew Him and blushed to see
That His eyes, full of sorrow, were fixed on me;
And I faltered and fell at His feet that day,
When my castles melted and vanished away.
Melted and vanished and in their place
Naught else did I see but the Master's face
And I cried aloud, "Oh, make me meek
To follow the steps of Thy wounded feet."
My thought is now for the squIs of men,
I have lost my life to find it again.
E'er since one day in a quiet place
I met the Master face to face.
-Author Unknown
Submitted by the late Paul R. Myers
OUR SATURDAY NIGHT
The Sunday Dinner
J. H. Moore
Once upon a time, after preaching to a most attentive
congregation, the preacher's wife said I should go to their home for
dinner. The drive was a pleasant one, just as most country drives are
in midsummer. The sister was not long about preparing the meal, nor
did she seem tired and worn out when the guests were shown their
seats in the dining-room. After thanks, I glanced over the table, and
noticed that, while there was plenty on the table, there were but two
warm dishes to be seen. All the other dishes were cold. The food
was well prepared, and everything , table linen and all, seemed neat
and tidy.
The wife took her seat at the table and enjoyed the meal with her
guests. There was no passing from the table to the kitchen to bring
more to eat. There was no serving of special dishes at the close.
There was no urging of the visitors to eat several kinds of cake, a few
pieces of pie and a dish or two of rich dessert after we thought we
had eaten a fair meal. It was all on the table, one plain cake and the
12 BIBLE MONITOR
other dishes referred to. We ate and talked. So did the husband,
wife and guests. It was simply a good, plain, substantial Sunday
dinner, — a dinner that had not cost much, did not take long to prepare
and one that answered its purpose in every particular.
I enjoyed the meal, the conversation and the simplicity of the
occasion. After it was all over I felt that I had not been the cause of a
preacher's wife desecrating the Lord's Day by overtaxing her strength
to get a big dinner for the visiting preacher and the other company.
Then I fell to wondering why other women cannot get into the habit of
preparing sensible, wholesome and economical Sunday dinners. I
wonder why it cannot be arranged for the women to have some rest
on the Lord's Day, even if they do happen to have company. Here
were only two freshly-cooked dishes, and one of them I did not need
to touch, for there was plenty on the table besides, to satisfy a hungry
man. There were also a few cold dishes and they were palatable.
Lemonade took the place of tea and coffee, and, as a rule, makes a
more wholesome drink.
I thought, Why should the woman make a Sunday slave of herself
in order to get her visitors a much larger meal than they really need?
Why must she work an hour or two over the hot stove, then remain on
her feet, waiting on the table, while her friends are eating; when they
retire, sit down alone, warm and tired, eat a hasty dinner, and then
use up the rest of her strength cleaning up the dishes and table, and
make herself so tired that she will not be in a condition to enjoy her
company?
I asked again, Is this the way to treat the hard-working wives or
sen/ants either? Do the people of God, who have much to say about
Gospel simplicity, want to encourage this way of living? Do they want
their influence to be cast on that side of the Sunday question? If we
believe in the simple and sensible life, why not practice it on Sunday
as well as other days? Why should sensible Christian women attempt
to excel each other with big Sunday dinners? Then, to think of it,
some of them stay at home from church just to cook an elaborate
dinner for company!
The better way is the simple meal that requires but little work. Two
or three warm dishes ought to be enough. A few cold dishes,
prepared the day before, will help. Let no one say the table was
made to groan beneath its burden of rich food. Offer the guests plain
nourishment, serve it in a simple way, give the good wife a chance to
rest and enjoy the meal as well as her company, and in the end God
will be glorified and people will not so often be called on to make a
god of their appetite. We insist on simplicity in our lives, in our attire
BIBLE MONITOR 13
and our everyday life. Now let us be consistent enough to practice at
our Sunday dinners what we preach.
SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE SUPPORTS CREATION, NOT
EVOLUTION
Randy Chase
CREATION: The belief that the universe was created by God, and
that natural laws are not sufficient to explain the origin of all things.
EVOLUTION: The belief that the universe was not created by God,
and that natural laws are sufficient to explain the origin of all things.
It is often stated in the news nnedia and in school textbooks that
evolution is a fact of science, or that it is the best theory to explain the
origin of the universe and life. The truth of the matter is that there is
no indisputable scientific evidence (such as from the fossil record) for
evolution, nor do the known laws of nature (such as in physics,
chemistry, biology, and also from mathematical probability) support
evolution. Instead, all the indisputable facts of science and laws of
nature support creation, or they are consistent with the belief in
creation. These claims, along with all the claims of this tract, have
been documented by the creation scientists Dr. Henry Morris (Ph.D.
in Engineering) and Dr. Duane Gish (Ph.D. in Biochemistry).
In dealing with the origin of the universe, there are only three
logical possibilities. These are:
1. The Universe is eternal.
2. The Universe emerged from nothing.
3. The Universe was created by God.
Now, in order to determine which one of these views is correct, we
must figure out which one of them fits with the known laws that
govern the physical universe. There are two well-established laws of
physics that apply to the entire universe. They are the 1st and 2nd
Laws of Thermodynamics.
(THE UNIVERSE IS NOT ETERNAL)
The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics teaches that the available energy
for maintaining the universe is becoming more random and
disorganized. Going along with this is the fact that the sun and stars
are burning up.
If we apply this law to the origin of the universe, then this rules out
any possibility that the universe is eternal. In other words, the fact
that the available energy for maintaining the universe is becoming
more random and disorganized and the fact that the sun and stars are
burning up, require that the universe at some time in the past must
have had a beginning, and therefore, it can not be eternal.
14 BIBLE MONITOR
(THE UNIVERSE DID NOT EMERGE FROM NOTHING)
The 1st Law of Thermodynamics teaches that while the energy for
maintaining the universe is becoming more random and disorganized,
this energy does not cease to exist. This law is also known as the
Law of Conservation of Energy — ^that is, while the matter and energy
of the universe is being conserved, none of it is being created.
If then we apply this law to the origin of the universe, then this
means that the universe could not have brought itself into existence,
seeing how its processes are not of a creative nature, but merely
conserve what is already there.
Also, this law along with the 2nd law, rules out any possibility that
our present complex universe could have developed (or evolved) from
a smaller and simpler universe or from a mass of matter and energy.
(THE UNIVERSE WAS CREATED BY GOD)
Having shown that the universe could not be eternal, nor that it
could have emerged from nothing, we are left with only one logical
explanation — namely, that it was brought into existence by the
creative power of God.
The belief that God was the creator of the universe is the only view
that fits with (and is required by) both the 1st and 2nd Laws of
Thermodynamics. It is also worth noting that these two laws of the
universe are in perfect agreement with what the Bible has said all
along "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
(Genesis 1:1)
According to the Bible, the God who created the universe, loves us,
and has graciously provided for forgiveness of all our sins by the
death and bodily resurrection of His son, Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians
15:1-8) As John 3:16 says, Tor God so loved the world, that He
gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should
not perish (in hell), but have everlasting life (in heaven)."
-Selected
CHANGED LIVES
Religion is man-made; the gospel is God given. Religion is what
man does for God; the gospel is what God has done for man.
Religion is man's search for God; the gospel is God's search for man.
Religion is man trying to climb the ladder of his own self-
righteousness, with the hope of meeting God on the topmost rung; the
gospel is God coming down the ladder of the incarnation of Jesus
Christ and meeting us as sinners at the lowest rung. Religion is good
views; the gospel is good news. Religion is good advice; the gospel
is a glorious announcement. Religion takes a man and leaves him as
BIBLE MONITOR 15
he is; the gospel takes a man as he is and makes him what he ought
to be. Religion ends in an outer reformation; the gospel ends in an
inner transformation. Religion whitewashes; the gospel washes
white. Religion often becomes a farce; the gospel is always a force,
the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes. There are
many religions, but only one gospel.
Selected
OBITUARY
LARRY LEE AUNGST
Bro. Larry Lee Aungst of RR 3, Pine Grove, Pennsylvania passed
from this life, Thursday morning, January 1 1 , 1996. He was 46 years,
10 months.
Born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, March 11, 1949 to Dory A. and
Mae (Wolfe) Aungst, RR 3, Pine Grove, Pennsylvania. He was
employed as a heavy equipment operator for Blaschak Coal
Company, Mahanoy City. He was a member of Bethel Dunkard
Brethren Church. He was baptized Sunday, October 22,1995, which
was one week before our Lovefeast. We were so grateful to have him
attend.
Surviving in addition to his parents, are a daughter, Bobbie Jo
Aungst, Asheboro, North Carolina; a sister, Donna Gogets, RR 3.
Pine Grove, Pennsylvania; six brothers, Lloyd, Dean and David RR 3,
Pine Grove, Pennsylvania; Landis, RR 1, Pine Grove, Pennsylvania;
Dale RR 1, Bethel, Pennsylvania and Jeff, RR 2, Pine Grove,
Pennsylvania; nieces and nephews.
Services were held, Tuesday, January 16, 1996 at 10:00 A.M. at
the Bethel Dunkard Brethren Church with Elder Rudy Shaffer, Bro.
Scott Bross and Bro. Kenneth Wilkerson officiating. Interment at
Hetzel's Cemetery, Pine Grove, Pennsylvania.
A precious one from us has gone
A voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in our home.
Which never can be filled.
God in his wisdom has recalled.
The boon his love had given,
And though the body slumbers here.
The soul is safe in Heaven.
16
BIBLE MONITOR
DIRECTORY OF BOARDS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dale E. Jamison, Chairman
R.1 Box 137
Quinter, KS 67752
Dennis St.John, Secretary
21397-B50
Bryan, OH 43506
Warren C.Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
McClave. CO 81057
GENERAL MISSION BOARD
Fred O. Piter, Chairman
1734 240th Street
Adel, lA 50003
Robert Carpenter, Secretary
R.5 Box 97
Peru, IN 46970
Dale E. Jamison, Treasurer
R.I Box 137
Quinter, KS 67752
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
Rudy Shaffer
42 Doe Run Road
Manheim, PA 17545
Jacob C. Ness
136 Homeland Road
York, PA 17403
H. Edward Johnson
1307 S.H. 108
Wauseon, OH 43567
Milton Cook
1138 E. 12th Street
Beaumont, CA 92223
BOARD OF PUBLICATION
Paul Stump, Chairman
10340 North Diamond Mill Road
Englewood, OH 45322
Jacob C. Ness, Secretary
136 Homeland Road
York, PA 17403
H. Edward Johnson
1307 S.H. 108
Wauseon, OH 43567
Fred O. Pifer
1734 240th Street
Adel, lA 50003
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
BIBLE STUDY BOARD
James Meyers, Chairman
2641 205th Street
Dallas Center, lA 50063
Dennis St.John, Secretary
21397-B50
Bryan. OH 43506
Fred O. Pifer, Treasurer
1734 240th Street
Adel, lA 50003
Marlin Marks
3027 Acorn Lane
Red Lion, PA 17356
Mark Cordrey
4025 Woodland Avenue
Modesto, CA 95358
RELIEF BOARD
Henry Walker, Chairman
12413 Delaware Road
Hickman, CA 95323
(209) 874-2832
Martin Meyers, Secretary
2654 K Avenue
Adel, lA 50003
(515)993-3028
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender Street
Morenci, Ml 49256
(517)458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 North Queen Street
Littlestown, PA 17340
(717) 359-5753
Tom Jamison
R.2 Box 30
Hoxie, KS 67740
(913)675-3600
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
David Sklles, Superintendent
HCR 79, Box 8
Cuba, NM 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Drive
Modesto, CA 95355
James Meyers, Secretary
2641 205th Street
Dallas Center, lA 50063
Marian Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, KS 67752
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
Larry Andrews
12306 East 203rd Street
Raymore, MO 64083
All contributions to the van'ous Boards
should be made out to the Treasury,
but sent to the Secretary for his
records.
1C340 N. D".a:ri^nd LI ill
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BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXIV
JUNE 15, 1996
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 aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
ONLY
It was only a blossom,
Just the merest bit of bloom,
But it brought a glimpse of summer
To the little darkened room.
It was only a glad "good moming,"
As she passed along the way;
But it spread the morning's glory
Over the livelong day.
Only a song; but the music,
Though simply pure and sweet.
Brought back to better pathways
The reckless roving feet.
"Only," in our blind wisdom.
How dare we say at all?
Since the ages alone can tell us
Which is the great or small.
BIBLE MONITOR
ELIJAH, ELISHA, AND THE SONS OF THE PROPHETS
When Elijah was taken up in the whirlwind to Heaven, his mantle
fell to Elisha. Elisha, his long-time assistant, had persisted to go with
Elijah as he traveled toward this place. At each stop along the way
Elijah had suggested that Elisha stay there. Each time Elisha said he
would not. He was not going to be left behind.
As Elijah^s departure neared, he asked Elisha what he desired.
Elisha could have asked many things. He could have asked for a
memento to remember Elijah by. He could have asked for power to
do certain things. These he did not ask for. He asked for a double
portion of Elijah's spirit. This was beyond Elijah's power to give. It
would have to come from God. Elisha did receive that Spiritual
power, for he was able to see Elijah as he was taken up toward
Heaven.
At each of the stops, along the way to the other side of the Jordan,
were the sons of the prophets. These were younger men who had
enlisted to help the Spiritual leaders of God's people. They were
young people with a Spiritual insight and desire. They wished to
serve although their field of service was limited. Elijah and Elisha
traveled over much of the land, but these young men stayed in their
particular areas. These sons of the prophets exercised as they were
able. They were a buffer between the people and the heathen, idol
worship that was so strong in that area. Elijah and Elisha could travel
far, but their message was more powerful, because the sons of the
prophets were in these various communities to remind the people of
their leaders' words.
THE BIBLE MONITOR JUNE 15, 1996
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard Brethren
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DENNIS ST. JOHN, Associate Editor; 21397-B50, Bryan, OH 43506.
BIBLE MONITOR
The arrangement of Elijah being supported and succeeded by
Elisha, who in turned received the support of the sons of the prophets
reminds us of the passing of the leaders of the Church. This can best
be seen at General Conference. As the years go by, slowly, almost
imperceptibly, the leadership of the Church changes. The Elijahs are
followed by the Elishas. The sons of the prophets follow the Elishas.
The Elijahs are the older deacons, ministers and Elders who have
borne the heat and the burden of the day for years. For decades they
have been in the midst of the work of the Church. They have served
their congregations well. They have served responsibly in their
District activities. They have had an important role at General
Conference. They have served as delegates. The Elders have
sensed on Standing Committee. All have had their part in the public
services. They have performed nobly and well. They have striven to
follow the Spirit's direction as they made decisions that were not
always easy or popular. They have tried to do what was best for the
Church, that she might be found faithful at the Lord's return.
Right behind the Elijahs are the Elishas. They have served for a
few years. They are beginning to take places of responsibility in the
Church. They deeply honor the Elijahs. They wish to have the
counsel of the Elijahs as long as possible. They see the difficult
problems ahead that will need a double portion of the Spirit to solve.
They have served for some time in their home congregations. They
have served on some of the boards and committees, but they still are
not the Elijahs in spirit and leadership. Their day will soon enough be
here. They will wish that the Elijahs were still here to guide them in
the decisions and activities that are theirs to make and to do.
The sons of the prophets are the young ministers and deacons
who have lately taken up their responsibilities. They have been
chosen to these positions as they have shown faithfulness and
promise of future ability. They are learning not only how to proclaim
the gospel, but also the procedures for handling the business of the
Church. They will be the Elishas and Elijahs of the future. They have
successes and failures before them. They are observers of the
activities of the Elishas and Elijahs, preparing for their future service.
They yield a valuable service while they are growing into the work that
is before them.
Supporting the sons of the prophets are all the members who
faithfully attend, serve and give. They are found in their accustomed
place week in and week out. Out of these supporting members will in
the future come more sons of the prophets.
The generations march on. Those who were the Elijahs years ago
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have now passed from the scene, to be succeeded by their Elishas,
who were ifollowed by their sons of the prophets. As we look back,
we can remember many of these faithful leaders of old. They have
left us a wonderful heritage. It is for the Elijahs, Elishas, sons of the
prophets and faithful members of today to carry on their work.
M.C.Gook
PRODUCE YOUR CAUSE
"Produce your cause, saith the Lord; bring forth your strong
reasons, saith the King of Jacob." Isaiah 41 :21 .
Have you ever stood before a judge and spoke on behalf of
someone else? Perhaps someone is accused of a wrong and you
appear in court to testify on his behalf to bolster his character. People
appear also to give an accused person an alibi, or simply to plead for
mercy on his behalf. Moses, when he pled for Israel did that very
thing. He brought forth his strong reason. He pled the cause of the
people of God. Did he not say, punish me instead of them? Blot my
name out of the book instead of their names? Did not faithful
Abraham plead for Lot in Sodom? Did not Daniel plead on behalf of
Israel as well?
It is my understanding that the longest prayer in the Bible is in
John, chapter 17. It was Jesus praying for His disciples. He
produced cause as to why they should be protected by the Father and
Jesus brought forth strong reasoning as to why God should favor
them.
After reading the scriptures, I have come to two basic conclusions
as to why our prayers are not answered. First, we are not persistent
enough. It is too easy to take it as God's will if our prayer is not
answered immediately. If it concerns an unsaved loved one, we must
persist, because God is not willing that any should perish. I read of
one case where a woman prayed forty years for her son before he
was saved. We must love the souls of men, as Jesus did. He wept
much for souls. What are the souls of our children worth? Can we
afford to stop praying for them?
Secondly, we are not specific enough. We know to produce our
cause, but as our text reiterates, we must bring forth our strong
reason. In the Psalms, in Lamentations, in Jeremiah, and in many
other places the writers lay their souls bare before the Lord. We
hesitate to do this, because we say that God knows all things, and He
knows our hearts. Then, why are we ashamed to show God our
hearts? Prayer requires time and sacrifice. Prayer also requires
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complete honesty before God.
We must tell God everything. We cannot be afraid to do that. If we
read carefully the seventeenth chapter of John we will see Jesus' soul
laid bare before the Lord. In effect, He told the Lord that an answer to
His prayer would honor and glorify Almighty God. Anytime a soul is
saved the Lord is glorified. We may also have selfish reasons, but
whatever the reason we must be steadfast in our praying and never
give up.
The story is told of a young lady who had to carry water up a steep
hill for over a mile every day. She knew of a dry well close by, and
reading the scriptures and knowing how important water is, she found
our text, Isaiah 41:21. She prayed to that end in a simple, childish
way, and produced argument after argument as to why the well
should be opened. Soon after she prayed she took a bucket to the
well that up until then had been dry. It was overflowing with water.
She had enough faith to take a bucket to the dry well. She was
persistent and she was specific. She also believed that God would
answer her prayer.
We have all the benefits that the Brethren of old had. We can pray
and read the scriptures and be a witness for God. We can receive all
the blessings of God that the early Church had, but we must not be
surprised that we must put forth the same effort that they did. We
cannot get to heaven on someone else's coattails. We must work out
our own salvation with fear and trembling.
Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
Unuttered or expressed,
The motion of a hidden fire
That trembles in the breast.
Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear;
The upward glancing of an eye,
When none but God is near.
Prayer is the Christian's vital breath,
The Christian's native air,
His watchword at the gate of death-
He enters heaven with prayer.
Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice
Returning from his ways,
While angels in their songs rejoice,
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And say, "Behold, he prays!"
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
THE TWO STAFFS
Zechariah 1 1 :7, 10,14, "...And I took unto me two staves; the one I
called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock.. ..And I
took nny staff, even Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might break my
covenant which I had made with all the people.. ..Then I cut asunder
mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood
between Judah and Israel."
As we see it, God has given two staffs to His people. A staff can
be used for protection and safety. However it can also be used as an
instrument of chastisement and even destruction. In our lesson God
has named the two staves Beauty and Bands. We see the staff of
Beauty as representative of God's love, mercy and compassion. We
see the staff of Bands as representative of God's law and judgment.
We thank God for His staff of Beauty. Without His divine love and
compassion not one individual on the face of the earth would be able
to claim the gift of eternal life. Not one of us is holy enough to satisfy
the absolute holiness of God. Those who believe that they are
beyond and above a sinful nature and possess sinless perfection in
this life are only deluding themselves, in our humble opinion.
There are those who believe and teach that God's love is so
encompassing that everyone will eventually be saved. The modern
teaching goes beyond this. They teach that there is no Hell and no
one is actually a sinner but merely suffers from a lack of self
confidence, love and motivation. If this were true God would not have
had to send the Lord Jesus Christ to earth to suffer for the sins of the
world. Of course, the false shepherds deny the need of Christ's blood
for salvation. As we read in verses 4 and 5 of this chapter "Thus saith
the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter; Whose
possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that
sell them say. Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich: and their own
shepherds pity them not."
A very controversial issue within the earthly church is God's
dealing with His nation Israel. The popular teaching is that God's
covenant with the nation Israel was unconditional. We, personally,
believe that God's covenant with Israel was conditional and His most
important specification was that they accept the Messiah that He
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promised to send. Verse ten of our lesson states that God took the
staff Beauty and cut it asunder that He might break the covenant He
had with all the people. Then in verse eleven we read, "And it was
broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me
knew that it was the word of the LORD." The first century Church was
made up primarily of Jews who accepted God's gift of the expected
Messiah. There are also those who teach that once we are safely
under the blood of Christ God's love will never cast us out. This is
absolutely true. However like God's covenant with Israel, His
covenant with us is conditional on the premise that we do not reject
His gift of the Lord Jesus Christ. This can happen before or after we
experience the cleansing of sin.
A great deal of the problem is, it seems, that most are eager to
receive God's staff of Beauty but reject God's staff of Bands. The
scripture says that God used both to feed the flock. Those who insist
that God has requirements He expects of His children are labeled
legalists in our day. These requirements are not simply rules and
regulations to make life difficult for us but the desires of a Holy God
who wants the best for us. We read that God cut asunder the staff of
Bands that He might break the brotherhood between Judah and
Israel. At this time Judah, not Israel, was God's chosen. At a later
time the two nations again became one and became the nation Israel.
To break the brotherhood would seem like a terrible thing in our day.
We must realize that this was not the true brotherhood of faith but the
joining of manmade ideals. Previous to this we read, "...And I took
the thirty pieces of silver and cast them to he potter in the house of
the LORD." This is a picture of Judas. Like him the modern church
has betrayed this Lord Jesus Christ.
May our desire be to accept both God's staff of love and His staff of
obedience. We will then be assured eternal life with Him.
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
SIXTY YEARS AGO
June 15, 1936
WISE AND UNWISE HEARERS
E. W. Pratt
"But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty and continueth
therein, he being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the word, this
man shall be blessed in his deed." (James 1 :25.)
The perfect law of liberty. God on Sinai gave a perfect law. (Psa.
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19:7-11) But Christ fulfilled this law and gave us the law of liberty.
Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that
believeth, to the Jews first and also to the Greek.
The law and the prophets were until John, but now the kingdom of
God is preached and all man press into it. A new commandment I
give unto you that ye love one another for perfect love casteth out
fear.
The first greatest commandment is, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy
God with all thy heart and with all thy strength and with thy mind."
And the second is like unto it, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as
thyself." Christ said, this do and thou shalt live.
Continueth therein. The praise is at the end of the road, the
blessings are for those who overcome.
The doer is like a man who builded a house and digged deep and
built his house on a rock. Christ is the rock and the chief corner
stone. This is the stone that was rejected of you builders which has
become the head of the corner.
When Solomon's temple was in building all the material was
shaped before being brought to the builders so there was no sound of
the hammer and it is said the builders found one stone which they
said was not intended for the wall so they laid it to one side (rejected)
but as the wall was built the time came to place the key stone and the
rejected stone was the very stone they needed.
So we must dig deep to the bed rock for our foundation. We might
find a fragment of rock lying on the sand, but we would still be
building on the sand. When the engineer starts to build a dam he
does not stand his foundation on a rock lying on the surface, he digs
down sometimes two hundred or more feet to the solid rock.
Out in the English channel lies a rock called the Eddison rock. It
lies in the path of ships and many attempts were made to build a
lighthouse there to warn sailors, but not until they incorporated the
building into the rock and made it a part of the rock did they succeed
as all other structures were swept away. So we must make Christ a
part of our very being. We sing, "On Christ the solid rock I stand, all
other ground is sinking sand."
The unwise hear, but without a foundation build their house on the
sand. Oh yes, Christ was a good man but he was only a man, they
say. Jesus said the Holy Spirit would convince the world of sin, but
they have not believed on Me. Peter said, "There is none other name
under heaven given among men whereby ye must be saved."
Some are building on their own moral lives and good deeds but
Isaiah says our righteousness is like filthy rags. How earnest thou in
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here not having on the wedding garment?
Some are calling some of Christ's teachings nonessential. Jesus
said, "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you."
James says, "If ye shall keep the whole law, but offend in one point
ye are guilty of all." So though I may have kept the whole law of
commandments but fail to love my brother as Christ loved, I like the
rich young ruler, will lack one thing. Twice in Christ's ministry He
cleansed the temple at Jerusalem saying, "It is written My house shall
be called of all nations a house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of
thieves."
Our bodies are the temple of God and he that defileth the temple of
God, him will God destroy. We cannot reserve a part of our bodies for
Christ. Christ says we cannot serve two masters neither can we
dedicate a part of a building to God's service and part to the world.
God's house cannot be a house of merchandise nor a play house.
The storms come to one and all. our houses will be tested. The
storms of life come thronging fast, their gloom reminds my soul at last.
Thou thinkest Lord of me. The soul whose house is built on the solid
rock will stand the storm, but the unwise builders will be wrecked. We
see many all around us, and great is their fall.
What foundation are you building on? Christ or Satan? On your
answer depends your eternal destiny.
GOD'S MEANS OF GRACE
W. E. Bashor
It is one thing for the prophet to cry: "Prepare to meet thy God," but
it is another thing to know how we can meet God in peace! Yet, there
need be no confusion in this matter, for the Word of God says that
Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2) There
are not a dozen ways, not even are there two ways, but just one way
we can come to God in peace: it is through the man and Son of God,
Christ Jesus.
Is not the cry of our hearts, "Oh, where shall peace be found?" The
Scriptures answer with "...He is our peace." (Ephesians 2:14)
Where can we turn for life? Jesus answers, "I am. ..the life." (John
14:6) He also said, "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)
How can we be cleansed? The answer is: 'The blood of Jesus
Christ ...cleanseth us from all sin." (I John 1 :7)
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The question is, just when does the blood of Jesus make the sinner
clean to receive eternal life?
Some teach that all you have to do is just believe (only have faith)
and that will save you. They teach that you do not have to be
baptized to be saved. Let's examine this premise...
First, we know that we are saved by faith. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Second, we know that we are saved by grace. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
We also know that we are saved by hope. (Romans 8:24)
And, the Bible indicates we are also saved by repentance. (Luke
13:3-5)
Likewise, the Bible clearly states we are saved by baptism. (I
Peter 3:21)
Clearly the Bible does not teach that we are saved by faith alone,
but it takes all the means of grace that Jesus has provided to wash
away our sins.
Scriptural View of Salvation
We want to show step by step what the Scriptures teach for the
way to salvation.
Firstly, man must hear the Word in order to be brought to salvation:
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
(Romans 10:17) It is necessary that we hear all of what the Bible
teaches on any subject. That is the reason why Jesus commanded
His disciples that they were to go and teach all nations "...all things
whatsoever I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:20)
Secondly, we must realize that faith is necessary for salvation.
Hebrews 11:6 plainly says that "Without faith it is impossible to
please Him (God)." Paul told the Philippian jailor to "Believe on the
Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." (Acts 16:31)
But Paul did not stop with telling him to believe, for in the 32nd
verse it reads: "And they spake unto him the word of the Lord." The
33rd verse then elaborates by saying "...And he took them the same
hour of the night and washed their stripes; and were
baptized. ..straightway." Jesus said in Mark 16:16: "He that believeth
and is baptized shall be saved." We must have faith in Jesus that He
is the Son of God and that His blood will cleanse us of our sins, but
this faith means a trust in the Lord and not just belief only. The
Apostle James writes, "Thou believest that there is one God; thou
doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19)
Thirdly, is the necessity of repentance for salvation. We must
repent and turn from our sins and be sorrowful for the sins we have
committed. "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to
be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." (II
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Corinthians 7:10) When the multitude on the day of Pentecost cried
out and said, "...what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37). Peter said. "Repent
and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
(Acts 2:38)
Forthly, is the aspect of confession in respect to salvation. "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." (Romans 10:9)
When Philip was preaching to the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts the
eighth chapter the eunuch said to Philip, "See here is water; what
doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with
all thine heart, thou mayest." The eunuch answered by saying, "I
believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." Then upon his
confession he stopped the chariot and they went down into the water
both Philip and the eunuch and Philip baptized him. I John 4:3 says,
"...every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the
faith is not of God..."
Lastly, is the need for baptism. It is strange that men will take all
the forgoing and say that these aspects are necessary for salvation
but will contend that baptism is not necessary. But what does the
Scripture teach? Let us go by the Word of God and not listen to
man's opinion. I know that the devil wills for us to go only part way,
for if he can get a man not to go all the way, he has won that man.
Jesus says in Mark 16:16: "he that believeth and is baptized shall
be saved..." Jesus plainly says that faith plus baptism equals
salvation. No doubt about it! In Acts 2:38 Peter states: "Repent and
be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Did
he mean you could receive the Holy Ghost before baptism? If he did,
then his words did not say what they meant.
Ananias came to Paul and said, as recorded in Acts 22:16, "And
now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy
sins, calling on the name of the Lord." We see here that baptism has
a part in the remission of sins.
The Basic Question
In I John 1:7 we read: "...the blood of Jesus Christ...cleanseth us
from all sin."
We return to the question set before the reader earlier in this
writing: Then just when does the blood of Christ cleanse us from all
sin? This is an important matter. Paul says, "Know ye not, that so
many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his
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death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death..."
(Romans 6:3-4) It is there, at baptism, that we obtain the benefits of
that death. It is there, at baptism, when the blood of Christ is applied
to our sins and we are cleansed from them. In Galatians 3:26-27, the
apostle tells us that we are sons of God in Christ. The reason that he
gives us is that "...as many of you as have been baptized into Christ
have put on Christ." How many of us have actually put on Christ?
"...as many as have been baptized into Christ." Therefore, baptism is
the point of contact with the blood of Christ. We are not in Christ until
we are baptized into Him.
In Ephesians 2:12-13 we are told that those who were once
"...without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and
strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without
God in the worid...are now made nigh by the blood of Christ." we are
made nigh by the blood of Christ because we have been baptized into
Christ. We are baptized into the death of Christ where His blood was
shed. Therefore, we are cleansed by the blood of Christ by being
baptized into Him. Baptism is the only means of getting into Christ.
But it takes faith, repentance, confession, and baptism to complete
the plan of salvation which Jesus brought down from heaven, but
baptism is the point of contact with the blood of Christ. Leaving out
any one of these aspects will not secure us for eternal salvation.
Scriptural Mode of Baptism
It is important for us to know the Scriptural mode of baptism. There
are several modes of baptism in use today and I would like to
examine them so my readers may know which one is according to the
Word of God. There is the mode of sprinkling, pouring, and the single
immersion. These, I believe, were all started by man, and a simple
study will reveal this point. Sprinkling comes from the Greek word
raino. Pouring comes from the word cheo and the single immersion
comes from the Greek word bapto which means a single dip.
In the New Testament none of these words are used to translate
"baptize", "baptized" or "baptism". Why? Because they do not
convey the meaning of the word. This is the only logical answer. I
have talked to people that refer to Ephesians 4:5 where Paul said
there is "One Lord, one faith, one baptism", and they would say: "See,
here is one dip." The Greek word used here in Ephesians is baptisma
and it is a noun and refers to the rite of baptism not to the action in
baptism.
Every time the Greek word bapto is used in the New Testament it
is translated "dip" (meaning to immerse). This occurs in the following
three Scriptures: John 13:26, Luke 16:24, and Revelation 19:13. The
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word baptism is the noun form of the word bapto and refers to the rite
or ceremony of baptism. However, you can not have baptism without
immersion anymore than you can have a race without running. With
this illustration, we hope the reader can see the connection between
the words. Just as the word "race" is to "run", so likewise "baptism" is
to "dip". But the word "race" does not have the same meaning as the
word "dip". "Baptism" is a noun; "dip" is a verb. "Race" is a noun;
"run" is a verb. They are different parts of speech.
The Greek word used in the New Testament for the translations
"baptize", "baptized", or "baptizing" is baptizo as according to Thayer's
Greek-English Lexicon. This word means to "dip repeatedly". It is the
plural form of the verb "dip" and is the only word used to denote
baptism. Therefore, to baptize a person by the mode Jesus taught
will require more than one dip. If Christ had meant a single dip. He
would have used the word bapto.
Grammatical Comparisons
Then, in order to know the number of dips in a Scriptural baptism,
we must go to the commandment given by the Lord in Matthew 28:19-
20. I have never heard of one advocate of a single immersion who
quoted this passage to substantiate their view. In all my experience
with people, I have never found them to analyze or compare this
passage with other Scriptures of like grammatical construction as we
are seeking to look at here.
There are two passages of Scripture in the Bible I desire to bring to
your attention that have the same grammatical construction as does
the Great Commission. By comparing these passages we will readily
understand the number of baptismal immersions referred to in
Matthew 28: 19-20.
The first passage is found in I Chronicles 29:29, and it reads: "Now
the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they (are) written in
the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet,
and in the book of God the seer." In how many places were the acts
written? Three, of course. How do we know? We know because
there are three places used to denote the number of times the acts of
David were written.
The second passage is found in Acts 7:36, and it reads: "He
brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the
land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness forty years."
How many places did He show signs and wonders? Again the
answer is three, because we have three phrases connected together
by the conjunction "and".
I would like to stop here and point out that a "phrase" is a group of
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words which expresses a single thought or action. There are three
phrases mentioned in each of the preceding passages with each
having action, and since in each phrase is an action, there are, in fact,
actually three separate actions occurring in the sentence. They are
not one action with three parts rather three parts or passages each
having action. Why? Because there are three phrases in each
passage.
Likewise, in the Great Commission, Jesus teaches us to "Go ye
therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Here, Jesus used
three phrases connected together by the conjunction "and" as did our
previous examples. Since baptizing means to dip repeatedly, it takes
the number of the phrases used to tell us the number of dips we need
to employ to follow the Great Commission. Therefore, we need three
dips to baptize as Jesus taught. Any more or any less violate the
plain teaching of the Master.
Historical Testimony
We can also go to history and find when all the other modes of
baptism were started, but no man has ever found where trine-
immersion was started this side of Christ and His apostles. Therefore
the only safe conclusion is that the Scriptural mode of baptism is the
trine-immersion.
One of the early Church historians, Tertulliam, was born just 60
years after the death of John, the lat of the Apostles. This is what
Tertulliam had to say on the subject of baptism:
"After His resurrection He promises in a pledge to His disciples that
He will send them the promise of His Father; and lastly He
commands them to baptize into the name of the Father and the
Son and the Holy Ghost, not into a unipersonal God. And indeed it
is not once only, but three times, that we are immersed into the
Three Persons at each several mention of Their names." (Anti-
Nicene Fathers, Writings of Tertullian, Volume III, page 623)
Jesus said in John 14:6: "...no man cometh unto the Father but by
me." Paul points the way to get into Christ in Romans 6:3: "Know ye
not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were
baptized into his death?" Seeing now how important it is to take the
Word of God for what it says, let us follow all His commandments
concerning the plan of salvation which includes faith, repentance,
confession, and baptism. This is the way the Scriptures teach it.
There is no other way.
We beg of you today to accept God's plan of salvation.
BIBLE MONITOR 15
WHAT JESUS IS TO THESE
To the artist He is the One Altogether Lovely.
To the architect He is the Chief Comer Stone.
To the baker He is the Living Bread.
To the banker He is the Hidden Treasure.
To the biologist He is the Life.
To the builder He is the Sure Foundation.
To the doctor He is the Great Physician.
To the educator He is the Great Teacher.
To the farnner He is the Lord of the Harvest.
To the florist He is the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley.
To the geologist He is the Rock of Ages.
To the jurist He is the Righteous Judge, the Judge of all men.
To the jeweler He is the Pearl of Great Price.
To the lawyer He is the Counselor, the Lawgiver, the Advocate.
To the horticulturist He is the True Vine.
To the newspaper man He is the Good Tidings of Great Joy.
To the oculist He is the Light of the World.
To the philanthropist He is the unspeakable Gift.
To the philosopher He is the Wisdom of God.
To the preacher He is the Word of God.
To the sculptor He is the Living Stone.
To the servant He is the Good Master.
To the statesman He is the Desire of All Nations.
To the student He is the Incarnate Truth.
To the theologian He is the Author and Finisher of Our Faith.
To the traveler He is the New and Living Way.
To the toiler He is the Giver of Rest.
To the sinner He is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.
To the Christian He is the Son of the Living God, the Saviour, the
Redeemer and Lord.
Selected by the late Paul R. Myers
NEWS ITEMS
NOTE OF THANKS
We wish to thank all of you for remembering us on our 25th
Anniversary by sending us cards and gifts. May God bless and keep
you.
In His love,
Brother Eldon and Sister Angeline Mallow
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR JULY 1996
July 7 - 1 Am The Door; I Am The Good Shepherd"- John 10:1-18.
1 . Explain how Jesus is the door to the sheepfold.
2. How can we know the voice of the Good Shepherd?
July 14 - Dedication to Christ - John 10:19-42.
1 . Why did nnany of the people not believe? ^.^'
2. For what reason did the Jews want to stone Jesus?
July 21 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life - John 1 1 :1-46.
1 . For what purpose did Jesus say Lazarus was sick?
2. In Jesus' words, why did He raise Lazarus from the dead?
July 28 - 'That One Should Die"- John 1 1 :47-57.
1 . Why did the chief priests and Pharisees think that if the
people believed on Jesus the Romans would take away both
their place and nation?
2. Was the prophecy of Caiaphas from God? Explain.
YOUNG PEOPLE'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR JULY 1996
July 7 - High Minded - Luke 18:9-17, John 8:31-42,
1 . How can we be justified before God?
2. How can we know we are a disciple of Jesus?
July 14 - Bad Company - Ex. 23:1-2, Ps. 1:1-6. II Cor. 6:14-18, Eph.
5:11-17, 1 Cor. 15:33-34.
1 . With whom should we fellowship?
2. Delighting in what will help keep us out of bad company?
July 21 - Greediness - Pr. 1:10-19, Ec. 5:8-12, 1 Tim. 6:6-12, Ja.5:1-7.
1 .What is usually the result of greediness?
2. Explain the relationship of patience and contentment.
July 28 - God's claim - Matt. 6:33, 1 Cor. 3:16-23, 1 Cor. 10:21-33.
1 . How do our priorities demonstrate what we allow God to claim
in our life?
2. How much of our life does God want to claim for Himself?
i-aul Stump
10340 N. Dlamo-d Mill
Union, UH 4C^22
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXIV
JULY1, 1996
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 ainn to be nnore sanctified, nnore righteous,
nnore holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
TWO BECOME ONE
Love is a two-way highway;
Marriage is a two-way street
Where harmony should overflow
Where the two highways meet.
Man and woman become one
When wedding vows are said.
May their lives be in accord
From the day they are wed.
Differences will surely come;
Two minds aren't the same.
Talking over your two opinions,
Perhaps one opinion you'll claim.
Trials come across your path, ^'^
So keep Christ in your heart.
You'll grow mature in His love
And never want to part.
-Irene Stout
BIBLE MONITOR
ENDURING LOVE
In this wedding season, hopefully those who commit their lives to each
other will be joined in the bonds of love. It is hoped marriage will be
based on more than physical attraction. It is hoped these partners will be
committed to each other through thick and thin. It is hoped they will be
flexible enough to adapt to each other's needs. A wedding is an
expression of love and hope that all the problems of life can be fairly met
as two are bound together in one.
Love can be defined in many ways. We think of love one way as we
contemplate a marriage. Love appears differently when we think of the
love between parents and children. The love shared by friends and
neighbors is yet different. The love between Brethren and Sisters is a
different love. All of these types of love differ, yet they all are the products
of the love of God.
The greatest of all love is the love of God. His love is greater than any
other love that has ever been shown in this world. His love is not only for
the whole world, but for each individual. His love was so great that He
gave the Ultimate Gift of His Own Son to be the propitiation for the sins of
mankind. His gift was not based upon what would benefit Himself, but
what would benefit each person in this world. Since all are sinners, all
are the objects of His love. It was His will and pleasure that all would be
a part of His family. He had willed it so, when He created Adam and Eve,
but they had frustrated His will. It was necessary to accomplish His plan
of salvation through Spiritual adoption into His family.
Having been adopted as His sons, men were united as the Church.
There they could display their devotion and love for God. Each son of
THE BIBLE MONITOR JULY 1 , 1 996"
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BIBLE MONITOR
God also could show love to the others who had similarly become a part
of the same family. Within the family of God some were placed in
positions of leadership. They were to direct the family in serving their
Heavenly Father in an acceptable way. These were able by Bible study,
prayer, and right use of talents to counsel and lead the rest of the body.
The role of these leaders might be misinterpreted. They are often
viewed in a way that is not consistent with their holy calling. There have
been some leaders in the past who have neglected or misused their
offices. Some have developed a dictatorial spirit. Some have misled
God's people. Many have not led, but instead have followed their
followers. Many mistakes have been made, but it remains that the faithful
ones called by God to these positions have a very worthwhile and
honorable vocation. Those who rightly serve the God, who has called
them, are worthy of the honor that God intends for them to have.
Leaders, as God's earthly assistants, will show His love to those they
serve. They will not lord it over the Lord's heritage but will serve. Their
service may take many avenues. One of those avenues is the
application of discipline. Discipline is often viewed as a negative feature
of the Church. Actually, it is designed, when rightly used, to make the
body a fully functioning body of believers. Discipline can make the body
stronger for the body will be united in its beliefs and practices. Discipline
within the Church will bring obedience and a fuller expression of love and
service within the Church, if rightly received, just as discipline is
necessary within the family. It is evident what has happened in families
as discipline has decreased over the years. The same malady appears
in the Church when discipline is no longer used. Just as fathers need to
be careful in their application of discipline of family members, so the
leaders of the Church need to use a similar caution in applying discipline
within the Church.
Love is often viewed as a warm and fuzzy feeling that seeks only what
the individual desires. Just as self-indulgence does not work in the
family, it does not work in the Church. Love must sometimes apply
warnings and penalties to be most effective. Love that does not discipline
does not convey true love. Love sometimes shows the full force of
Scriptural power through the penalties that will compel the errant to seek
forgiveness and restoration.
Enduring love is a love that continues to seek the best for the object of
its love. That love will carry on, though there may be opposition. Too
often love is viewed as giving in to the other, when that giving in could
have harmful effects. An enduring love must seek what is best and
continue to pursue that course. It may not always be easy, but it will,
when successful, promote eternal life for the one who is the object of its
BIBLE MONITOR
affection.
Do you have an enduring love for the family of God?
M.C.Cook
ANY ROOT OF BITTERNESS
Hebrews 12:14-15, Tollow peace with all men, and holiness, without
which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of
the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and
thereby many be defiled;"
Ephesians 4:31-32, "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger and
clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And
be ye kind one to another tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as
God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
There are individuals who seem to have a "sweet tooth" and crave that
type of indulgence. A few, like myself, enjoy the taste of something sour.
But we have never heard anyone express a desire for something bitter.
When something unpleasant comes into our life we sometimes use the
expression, 'That was a bitter pill to swallow."
While the taste of something bitter is very unpleasant, the root of
bitterness spoken of in our opening verses has far greater consequences.
There are at least three areas of our life that this affects. Each of them is
closely linked together and may overflow the boundaries of each other.
The first area we would like to think about is bitterness about life in
general. We have read of individuals who have become so bitter with life
that they refuse to bathe, change garments and take care of the proper
nourishment required. Some of these were very wealthy in this worid's
goods. While these are, admittedly, an extreme example, many, if not
nrx>st, of us have been bitter over some circumstance or another.
The second area we wish to think about is bitterness towards others.
When someone wrongs us it is natural to feel bitterness towards that
individual. But God desires for us to have a spirit that allows us to follow
peace with all men. To accomplish this we must have a desire to be
forgiving of one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven us.
We find that it is very often easier to forgive someone than to accept
forgiveness offered to us. We can also harbor a root of bitterness
towards a group. We do not believe God expects us to "close our eyes"
to false teaching and/or practices that lead away from Bible principles.
But a root of bitterness within us will only add to, not solve, the problem.
We confess that we have not always had a spirit of brotherly love when
approaching an individual in these circumstances. While we are very
hesitant to encourage an individual to leave a group, we believe this
BIBLE MONITOR
would be better than harboring any root of bitterness. We must be careful
that a root of bitterness does not cause us to condemn a denomination or
gathering because of the teachings or actions of a portion of that
assembly. A root of bitterness can cause us to become so self righteous
that we become convinced that no one else in a group is trying to be
obedient to Scripture. The four sermons preached on Sunday morning
and afternoon at General Conference from the assigned topic
PRESERVING FAITHFULNESS: in the midst of: Deteriorating Morals,
Exploding Technology, Religious Confusion, and Changing Vocational
Opportunities, should have helped relieve any anxiety that we are no
longer concerned with being faithful and helped to assuage any root of
bitterness we may have had.
Probably the greatest tragedy is a root of bitterness against God,
Himself. We confess that we are unable to explain how God can have
His hand upon His own at all times and yet disaster strikes in many ways.
When this happens an individual usually becomes either "bitter or better."
There have been those who have lost the joy of Heaven in this life and
the next because of a root of bitterness springing up in their souls in such
circumstances.
Any root of bitterness destroys the individual that it controls rather than
the one it is directed toward. It can cause physical ailments and spiritual
ruin. Let us desire to follow the wise counsel of "Let all bitterness, and
wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you."
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
IQUfT
"Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We
also go with thee..." John 21 :3a.
Have you ever felt like quitting? It would not be unusual if you did. We
can look down through the annals of the faithful and see many who threw
up their hands and said, in effect, "What is the use?" Moses was
impatient, but God was in charge. How many times in our experience did
we need to be reassured that God was in charge? Elijah was ready to
quit in I Kings 19. He thought he was the only one left worshipping God
and the enemy was ready to kill him. That is when God spoke to him.
We cannot handle our problems alone. We need to be constantly
assured that God not only is there to help us with our problems, but that
He is IN CHARGE.
Let us allow ourselves to get the picture in John chapter twenty-one.
BIBLE MONITOR
The disciples had walked with the Saviour for three and one-half years.
He had directed their every step in all that time. Suddenly He was gone.
Peter, always ready to speak up, spoke from his heart. Since the Lord
was gone, he would return to what he knew best before Jesus arrived on
the scene. He would go back to fishing. It was fun while it lasted, but
they should get back to earning a livelihood. The problem with this
reasoning, logical as it appears, is that Jesus told them that He would rise
from the dead, and the disciples were not able to grasp this truth. Fear
had driven them from the scene of the crucifixion. Fear continued to rule
even after Jesus reappeared and was recognized. The account says that
Peter drew a cloak around him and jumped into the sea. Was he afraid
the Lord had seen him naked, or was it the fact of his unbelief? Let us
learn to believe God.
After reading all this, the alert reader will say, 'The Holy Ghost was not
yet given." This is true, and we have the Holy Ghost today as our
constant companion and teacher. So what is our excuse if we feel like
quitting? Are we not human? Does our carnality often prevail? The
scriptures tell us to provoke one another to love and good works. The
fact is we need each other on this uneven journey of life. We need not be
afraid to help one another or at least encourage one another. We are
compassed about with a tremendous cloud of witnesses, especially those
who have gone on before. It is always an encouragement to me to
remember those who have trod this way before me. Heaven indeed will
be worth it all.
Come, let us join our friends above.
Who have obtained the prize,
And on the eagle wings of love
To joy celestial rise.
Let saints below in concert sing
With those to glory gone;
For all the servants of our King,
In heaven and earth, are one.
Dear Saviour, be our constant guide;
Then, when the word is given,
Bid Jordan's narrow stream divide.
And land us safe in heaven.
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
BIBLE MONITOR
SIXTY YEARS AGO
Julyl, 1936
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
E.W. Pratt
'Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed
thereto according to thy word." (Psa. 11 9:9.)
For a number of years we have heard a great deal about religious
education, then as this was thought to be too general a term they
changed to Christian Education. In I Cor. 1:18-31 the apostle contrasts
man's wisdom with God's and shows God's foolishness to be wiser than
man's wisdom and God's weakness to be stronger than man's strength.
So our question, wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his ways is a
live question.
Paul had been highly educated to take a seat in the Sanhedrin, the
highest religious council of his nation, and started out a persecutor of the
church, and says, I verily thought 1 was doing God service.
We have many today who have attended so-called Bible schools in
preparation for service in the church and yet lack a true knowledge of the
word. A list of Bible questions was submitted to a number of theological
students, and they averaged a very low percent in right answers. How
would they take heed to their ways according to the word?
It was only when Paul heard God's call and asked Lord what wilt Thou
have me to do, that he got a right start and even then he went into the
wilderness of Arabia three years in God's school before he was fitted for
his life work.
O, that some of our theological students might have Paul's experience.
Character building should begin several generations before the child is
born and the spirit of love and harmony should permeate the home. A
large per cent of our criminals come from broken homes, parental
responsibility and the right character of their children cannot be over
emphasized.
Christian education then is a part, an essential part of the home life.
See in this connection Deut. 6, where God put this responsibility right up
to the children of Israel. They were to teach their children diligently.
The church and Sunday school are secondary to the home training for
it begins before the kindergarten age and continues as long as the child is
in the home.
Other religions recognize the value of early child training. The Catholic
child has to learn the Catechism, the Mohammedan, the Koran and the
Hindu the Vedas.
The Buddhist have their schools where they sing our sacred hymns
8 BIBLE MONITOR
with buddha's name substituted for our Savior; and even the atheists
have their schools to teach their pernicious doctrine.
May we not credit Moses' mother with his choice to suffer with the
people of God rather than dwell in the tents of wickedness for a season.
Remember she was his nurse and 40 years of Egypt could not efface her
influence.
But the church is responsible to preach the word, be instant in season,
reprove rebuke with all long suffering and doctrine, for the time will come
when they will not endure sound doctrine, and shall heap to themselves
teachers having itching ears and shall turn away their ears from the truth
and shall be turned to fables.
Are we not already in those perilous times when preachers are more
interested in ball games and horse races than in preaching the word,
when the church is more concerned about feeding the body with natural
bread than with feeding the soul with the living bread; when revelry and
drama and plays are substituted for the preaching of the word?
In conclusion Christian education means parental responsibility for
home training in the word of God. Paul commended Timothy because
from a child he had known the Holy Scriptures and his mother and
grandmother were his teachers, but Paul still enjoins Timothy to study to
show himself a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing
the word of truth. The Psalmist said, 'Thy word have I hid in my heart
that I might not sin against thee."
This means making it a part of our very being. It has been said there
are men who could reproduce the word of God from memory if all copies
were destroyed. May we not say they have hidden it in their hearts.
Parents are responsible for home influences, for love and harmony are
essential, without them it fails to be a home.
Then in conclusion parents are responsible for environment. Witness
Lot, he pitched his tend toward Sodom and soon he got into Sodom, he
brought up his children in that wicked city, he was pained with the
wickedness but stayed on until the Lord drove him out and he lost his
children, his wife and his property.
I met a man in Texas several years ago who told me he had owned a
fine home in Kansas where he was isolated from the church and sold out
and moved to Texas where he had a new home to make, but where his
children would have church environment. His three children were all in
the church and active in service.
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way by taking heed
thereto according to thy word.
Let us see to it that our children have God's word hid in their hearts so
they may take heed thereto and not sin.
BIBLE MONITOR
ESPECIALLY FOR GOD'S PEOPLE
I HAVE NOTHING THAT YOU NEED
I Cor. 1:23, "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a
stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;"
It is true! If you have Christ, then you have everything you need. Paul
says in Col. 1:28, "Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching
every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect
(complete) in Christ Jesus:"
Are you in Christ? Are you perfect (complete)? If so, then what could I
add to that completeness? I might spend some time expanding on what
completeness in Him means, but I have nothing to give by way of an
addition. YOU ARE COMPLETE.
Good advertisement always needs a hook to make the product look
appealing, stand out among the others, and become an object of lust.
Unfortunately, Christianity has become a product of its hundreds of
competing brands. Each with its own attractive hook, which is promoted
above the person of Christ. These hooks promote such things as
traveling around the world to place feet on the land for which believers are
to pray, knowing Greek, being well versed on Church history, having a
one time fix, or being able to tell an incredible experience.
Certainly, many of these things are things that may be revealed in
one's completeness in Christ, but they do not make one more special or
complete. I call this pyramid preaching, because someone stands at the
top with the addition he wants to push, looking down on the lowly masses
of believers, encouraging them to become like him, emphasizing his
superiority and others' inferiority in the faith.
If you are the lowliest of believers, a new convert, someone who has
never had an emotional experience, or who has been disappointed even
though trusting God for your health or the health of a loved one, please
note that you are complete in Christ. The day you accepted Him you
were seated at the top of the pyramid; no one has anything you need to
run after, for you are complete in HIM!
We might find ourselves lusting to be carnal with the proponents of the
greatest gimmicks. Faith is the greatest honor bestowed by God —
greater than experience, prayer, or remarkable activities. True miracles
are seldom advanced by believers. They are definitely given from the
hand of God as the result of faith. They involve such things as the ability
to love an enemy, steadfastness in reversals, and knowledge of our
completeness in HIM. If the spectacular happens within the context of
faith, then of course we praise God, but true faith spends more time
advertising Christ than it does the spectacular that comes from Christ.
10 BIBLE MONITOR
Rejoice in faith, for you are complete in Christ.
Brother Greg Wray
THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
B. F. Masterson
It is said that n^n is eminently a religious being, he has within him
feelings and sentiment which tends to awe and veneration. Wherever we
become intimate with men's character we discover this truth. The Indians
have their religious rites and superstitious fears, the Hindus have their
countless idols and forms of worship; the Egyptians deify almost every
living thing. At Athens they erected countless altars and the one to the
unknown God.
The knowledge of the true God was committed to Abraham and his
seed and while the Gentiles were sunk in crime and darkness 'that which
may be known of God is manifest in them, for God hath shewed it unto
them." (Rom. 1:19.)
Of the sincere and devoted worshippers of the true God, David was
the chief. He said as for me, I will come into Thy house in the multitude of
Thy mercy and in thy fear will I worship toward Thy holy temple. His
object in coming to God's house was to worship the true God, to have
sweet communion with Him. No doubt David had reference to the
tabernacle which was erected by divine command which was God's
dwelling place amongst His people and where He manifested His glory.
First, the people worshipped the true God in the tabernacle, then in the
temple, then in the synagogue, for convenience sake, but always turned
their faces toward the temple when they prayed, which implied that the
temple was superior to the synagogue, from the fact that it was the place
where God dwelt and manifested His glory.
Some people seem to compare the church house to the temple, which
is a mistake. The temple was a type of Jesus Christ, God dwelt in Him.
"In this place is One greater than the temple." (Matt. 12:6.) Destroy this
temple." (Jno. 2:19.) It is also a type of the child of God. 'Know ye not
that ye are the temple of God." (I Cor. 3:16.) 'Ye are the temple of the
living God." (II Cor. 6:16.)
The temple was also a type of the church, if so, nothing could be too
fine and pure to embellish the temple to typify the purity of the church.
Some seem to think that our churches should be decorated with fineries
because the temple was of costly material, but it represents nothing but
pride. "But the hour cometh and now is, when the true worshippers shall
worship the Father in spirit and in truth. God is a spirit, and they that
worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." (Jno. 4:2-4,)
Whenever there is the spirit of true devotion, where two or three are
BIBLE MONITOR 11
I
gathered together in His name there He is in the midst of them. The
place of meeting the Lord and one another makes it so pleasing. It is
what Paul was alluding to when he said, "And hath raised us up together
and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." (Eph. 2:6.)
The German has it "heavenly realm" rather the condition than place, but
even the place where the saints meet becomes sacred. David evidenced
his affection for the place when he said, "As for me I will come into Thy
house." The poet expressed the thought so beautifully:
'You may sing of the beauty of mountains and dale,
Of the silvery streamlets and flowers of the vale;
But the place most delightful this earth can afford
Is the place of devotion, the house of the Lord."
David had constant regard for God's house, "I will come," not as a
traveler or guest, but as to his home. "I was glad when they said unto
me, let us go unto the house of the Lord," and his purpose was to
worship, "I will worship." The worship then was largely superficial in types
and shadows leading up to the New Testament worship which is
intensely spiritual. Some seem to have lost sight of this fact and have
pictures hanging in their churches which seems inconsistent with the true
worship.
"In spirit and in truth," some worship the minister, some the service,
and some themselves. "God is a spirit, and they that worship Him must
worship him in spirit and in truth."
There are four things especially included in worship. The first is
praise. "Praise ye the Lord, for it is good to sing praise unto our God."
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Col. 3:16.)
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." (Eph. 5:19.)
Singing is worship.
Paul being so precise in specifying what is worship along the line of
praise don't you think that if Paul would have considered it consistent to
associate musical instruments with worship he would have mentioned it.
It was not that the instruments were sacred, for worshippers of idols had
plenty of them in their worship.
The second is prayer. It is natural for a child of God to pray, and there
are some beautiful thoughts connected with prayer. David was seeking
after, that he might dwell in the house of the Lord. (Ps. 27:4.) The
burning of incense is a type of the prayers of the saints, which brings
about a wonderful display in heaven, "And another angel came and stood
at the altar, having a golden censer, and there was given unto him much
12 BIBLE MONITOR
incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of the saints upon the
golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense,
which came with the prayers of the saints ascended up before God out of
the angel's hand." (Rev. 8:3-4.)
David said, Tet my prayers be set forth before Thee as incense." I
wonder if Paul did not think of this display in heaven in connection with
the prayers of the saints when he said that the sisters should have their
heads veiled when they pray, because of the angels?
Surely, when saints are gathered together in worship, the sisters
should have their heads veiled and the brethren, their heads uncovered
in such a heavenly realm.
David desired to dwell in the house of the Lord to inquire in His temple.
Hence teaching is included in worship. There is always a demand for
knowledge. He that hungers and thirsts for heavenly knowledge will be
filled. It is the last command of Jesus to go and teach, teach. The best
method to tell the story of the cross, with all patience and longsuffering. It
can not be done by force, but by persuasion, it cannot be done by
physical force. Christ never was out of the coast of the Mediterranean
Sea, but the influence of His teaching is felt throughout the world. Each
learner is like a phonograph that registers and reproduces speech. The
hearts are pliable like the disk which receives the impression and then
reproduces the story of the cross, a wonderful influence for good.
Our forefathers were never out of Pennsylvania where the church first
started in America, but their influence is felt from coast to coast; in India,
China and Africa.
Meditation and communion with God is included in worship, where the
mind is lifted up to God, and where our conversation is in heaven. (Phil.
3:20) "Blessed is the man, whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and in
His law doth he meditate day and night." (Psa. 1 :2.) David would
cultivate the spirit of holy veneration, "And in thy fear will I worship," not
lightly, not as a person going to a house of amusement or hall of science,
or place of business, or a social gathering, but in seriousness with
solemnity and awe. "Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of
God." For the place where thou standest is holy ground.
In the spirit of expectation, "toward thy holy place." The place where
thou dwellest between the angels over the mercy seat. We must look to
the holiest place, which Christ the fore runner, has for us entered our
Father's house. Look through Christ for pardon, mercy, grace, comfort
and heaven at last.
Selected from February 1 ,1 936
Bible Monitor
BIBLE MONITOR 13
WILL YOUR NAME BE CALLED OUT - IN HELL???
"All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." God said, "I
have loved thee with everlasting love and kindness, and will have nnercy
on thee."
To you who are weary and tired of your life of sin, Jesus says, "Conrje
unto me, I will give you rest, and a new life in Me." Many people have
heard the gospel preached, and have feft the Spirit of God drawing them
with cords of love unto Jesus Christ our Saviour, but many have turned
Him away and said, "Some other day."
Many have died and gone into eternity without Christ by putting off the
day of their salvation. You who have rejected, refused, mocked, and
turned Jesus away - He loves you still. He is not willing that anyone die
without being forgiven of their sins.
Jesus was beaten, mocked, and nailed to the cross with blood flowing
from Him. By asking Jesus to forgive you His precious blood will wash
away every sin.
He is pleading with you to come to Him. His arms of love and mercy
are stretched out to take you and forgive you, but you must be willing to
receive Jesus and take Him as your Saviour. You cannot be too low in
sin to be saved. Even if you feel that your sin is too bad and that Jesus
doesn't want you, He still loves you. He said, "Come, all." That means
you! He will blot out your sins and remember them no more against you.
He will cover them with His blood. Oh, how He loves you, dear one; don't
die without Him.
IF you refuse and reject Him when you draw your last breath, YOU
WILL HEAR YOUR NAME CALLED OUT IN HELL Yes. the devil and
demons will call your name and welcome you with jeering, laughing,
mocking, to torment, agony, and everlasting punishment. Matt. 25:46.
You will then remember the time when you rejected Jesus.
When you reject Jesus, you will be out of the reach of Jesus; just as
the rich man remembered when he was in hell. He said, "Send Lazarus
with water to cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame." He also
remembered his five brothers, and feared they might go where he was
too. Yes, you too will remember in hell. Luke 16:20-31. He left the
things of this world and riches that had kept him from Jesus. What is
hindering you from praying and accepting Jesus now?
You have no lease on life. In a moment, when God calls you, whether
you are ready or not, you must go. Death does not wait. WILL YOUR
NAME BE CALLED IN HELL?...or DO YOU WANT IT TO BE WRITTEN
IN THE BOOK OF LIFE IN HEAVEN? Please, dear one, pray and
accept Jesus now.
You Christians who read this may say, 'This is not for me." Wait!
14 BIBLE MONITOR
Read and see if you pass the test. We talk of the glories of heaven,
eating of the tree of life, where God will wipe away all tears from our eyes.
Yes, it will be wonderful there. Are you failing to give that kind word that
some soul needs, or that kind look of compassion and love? Are you
judging or condemning when you should take the beam out of your own
eye? Do you have envy, jealousy, or pride? Are you disobedient to
God? Are you trying to make a name for yourself? Do you have a
passion for souls? Are you standing in the gap snatching souls from hell
in intercessory prayer? Summing it all up, are you like Jesus?
Will anyone cry out your name in hell, scream and say, "You failed to
warn me. You talked to me many times, but never told me of Jesus."
Will someone cry out your name in hell and say, 'Tm here because you
failed to be like Jesus," or "I did not know you knew Jesus." Christians,
let us draw nigh unto Jesus until we will be so like Him that we can say as
Paul, "I am free from the blood of all men." Are you sure that no one
WILL CALL YOUR NAME OUT IN HELL? The birds and lilies fulfill their
purpose. Do you?
OBrrUARY
GEORGE FRICK
Brother George Otis Frick, son of Noah and Clara Frick, was born in
Portage County, Ohio, July 11, 1914. He passed away, unexpectedly,
April 26, 1996, at the age of 81 years, 9 months, and 14 days.
He was a member of the Conservative German Baptist Brethren
Church. His occupation was farm drainage and farming.
He was united in marriage with Charlotte Emma Weaver on
September 5, 1 945. To this union were born five children.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three half-sisters: May
Frick, Hazel Poff, and Fern Wolf.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years and the children, Gloria and
husband Men/in Hitty; Linda; Glen and wife Shirley; Retha and husband
Robert Musser; Daryl and wife Sieglinda. Also sun/iving are eighteen
grandchildren, one sister, Marie Keck, and nieces and nephews.
Services were held at the Palestine Old German Baptist Church on
April 30, 1996, with Lloyd Keeny and Owen Stout officiating. Interment
was in the Miller Cemetery.
We thank all for cards, prayers and concern shown at the passing of
our loved one, George Frick.
Charlotte Frick and family
BIBLE MONITOR 15
NEWS ITEMS
CHANGES ARE COMING
Due to new postal regulations, there will be several changes in the
mailing of the Bible Monitor. Beginning with the July 15, 1 996, issue new
procedures will necessitate placing the address on the back cover
instead of the front. At least at the beginning a mailing company will be
handling these details. This will involve an additional expense in the
production and mailing of the Bible Monitor. Please remember these
substantial increases in costs when contemplating an offering to the
Publication Board. We thank you for your generous support of the
Publication Board and especially the Bible Monitor. (Note - P.O. has now
informed us that changes will take place on 1 -1 -97.)
HART, MICHIGAN
The Lord willing, the Hart Congregation will have Revival Services,
July 14 through July 21. Bro. Fred Pifer, of Dallas Center, Iowa will be
the evangelist. Lovefeast Service will begin Saturday 11:00 A.M.;
Examination service at 2:00 P.M.; and Lovefeast at 7:00 P.M.
Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the fellowship. Come
praying that souls may be touched and strengthened in these last days.
Sister Anna M. Powell, Cor.
ENGLEWOOD, OHIO
Revival Meeting 1996 begins July 19 through July 28 if it pleases the
Lord. Brother Jim Meyers from Dallas Center, Iowa will be the evangelist.
Sen/ices start at 7:45 P.M. week nights and 6:00 P.M. Sunday evening.
Come help us enjoy God's Word together.
Recently we welcomed Bro. John and Sis. Marti Ledington into our
midst by the right hand of fellowship.
Sister Ruth Speicher, Cor.
SHREWSBURY, PENNSYLVANIA
The Shrewsbury Congregation is looking fonward to another Revival
Meeting this summer.
Bro. Phil Gish, from Ohio plans to be with us from August 1 1 to August
1 8. Pray for these meetings and come worship and fellowship with us.
Sister Fern Ness, Cor.
GRANDVIEW, MISSOURI
The Grandview Congregation will be holding Revival Meetings with
Bro. Fred Pifer from August 18 through August 25. Services on
Saturday, August 24 will be at 11:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. Lovefeast will
be at 6:30 P.M. Services on Sunday, August 25 will be at 10:00 A.M. and
2:00 P.M.
All are invited to come and worship with us!
Sister Deena Andrews, Cor.
16
BIBLE MONITOR
DIRECTORY OF BOARDS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dale E. Jamison, Chairman
R.I Box 137
Quinter, KS 67752
Dennis St.Jolin, Secretary
21397-B50
Bryan, OH 43506
Warren C.Smitli, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
McClave, CO 81057
GENERAL MISSION BOARD
Fred O. Pifer, Chairman
1734 240th Street
Adei, lA 50003
Robert Carpenter, Secretary
R.5 Box 97
Peru, IN 46970
Dale E. Jamison, Treasurer
R.I Box 137
Quinter, KS 67752
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
Rudy Shaffer
42 Doe Run Road
Manheim, PA 17545
Jacob C. Ness
136 Homeland Road
York, PA 17403
H. Edward Johnson
1307S.H.108
Wauseon, OH 43567
Milton Cook
1138 E. 12th Street
Beaumont, CA 92223
BOARD OF PUBLICATION
Paul Stump, Chairman
10340 North Diamond Mill Road
Englewood, OH 45322
Jacob C. Ness, Secretary
136 Homeland Road
York, PA 17403
H. Edward Johnson
1307S.H.108
Wauseon, OH 43567
Fred O. Pifer
1734 240th Street
Adei, lA 50003
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
BIBLE STUDY BOARD
James Meyers, Chairman
2641 205th Street
Dallas Center, lA 50063
Dennis StJohn, Secretary
21397-B50
Bryan, OH 43506
Fred O. Pifer, Treasurer
1734 240th Street
Adel,IA 50003
Marlin Marks
3027 Acorn Lane
Red Lion, PA 17356
Mark Cordrey
4025 Woodland Avenue
Modesto, CA 95358
RELIEF BOARD
Henry Walker, Chairman
12413 Delaware Road
Hickman, CA 95323
(209) 874-2832
Marlin Meyers, Secretary
2654 K Avenue
Adei, lA 50003
(515)993-3028
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender Street
Morenci, Ml 49256
(517)458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 North Queen Street
Littlestown, PA 17340
(717) 359-5753
Tom Jamison
R.2 Box 30
Hoxie, KS 67740
(913)675-3600
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
David Skiles, Superintendent
HCR 79, Box 8
Cuba, NM 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Drive
Modesto, CA 95355
James Meyers, Secretary
2641 205th Street
Dallas Center, lA 50063
Marian Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, KS 67752
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
Larry Andrews
12306 East 203rd Street
Raymore, MO 64083
All contributions to tiie various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury,
but sent to the Secretary for his
records.
1 a.u i. Q'\\i:rr3
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111
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BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXIV
JULY 15, 1996
NO. 14
"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 aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
free, Free, FREE!
We can be free from Satan's clutch
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
We can repent from evil ways
And lean upon His Word.
Think! Free from a guilty conscience,
Walking the path of light,
Depending on Christ to guide us,
E'en through the darkest night.
Yes, free from our earthly bondage...
We can be born again.
Of water and of the Spirit.
What a blessed refrain!
We've an advocate with our God,
It is Christ, His dear Son.
He'll plead our cause when we have sinned;
There's cleansing for each one.
It is then He restores our soul.
He is our Righteous Judge!
We'll find freedom as His servants
And never hold a grudge.
-Irene Stout
BIBLE MONITOR
Justice, Judgment and Salvation
The Prophet Isaiah often spoke of the people's failure to do God's
will. Although they believed themselves to be God's people, they
were reluctant to follow His commands. In Isaiah 59, he warned them
that the judgment of God was in store for them because of their
hypocrisy.
They wondered why they seemingly had lost contact with God.
They did not seem to receive the blessings that their forefathers had
enjoyed in a previous day. Instead of wonderful and marvelous
deeds being done for their benefit, they perceived only silence from
Heaven. Why were they not receiving the answers that they wished?
Isaiah could tell them.
There had been no change in God. They had changed. He still
had eyes to see and ears to hear. They had placed a barrier between
themselves and God. That barrier was their iniquities and sins.
Through unfaithfulness they had lost their former power with God.
Their sins had been varied and widespread. He presents a lengthy
catalog of their sins. Some were personal. Some involved the whole
nation. Their sin was very evident.
He speaks of a lack of justice among them. They shed innocent
blood. Their doings were compared to a spider's web. The spider's
web is a sign of deceit. It also shows the power of what is seemingly
little and fragile, yet able to destroy. How many flies have wished too
late that they had not been enticed into a spider's web? It looked so
harmless, but it proved so deadly. This is a picture of sin. Satan
never allows sin to appear as sin. He always dresses it in appealing
wraps, so it might not appear sin. Only too late does the victim
THE BIBLE MONITOR JULY 15, 1996
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard Brethren
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Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.
MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th Street, Beaumont, CA 92223.
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RUDY SHAFFER, Associate Editor; 42 Doe Run Road, Manheim, PA 17545.
DENNIS ST. JOHN, Associate Editor; 21397-B50, Bryan, OH 43506.
BIBLE MONITOR
recognize his terrible situation.
Many work against their own best interest and the best interest of
the Church. It is not because they deliberately set out to harm the
Church or their own lives, but a brighter pathway shines before them.
They forget that Satan often appears as an angel of light deceiving all
he can. He uses other men to entice even more to their destruction.
Again, it is the supposedly fragile spider's web that catches its
victims. It is much later, if ever, when they awaken to the damage
that has been done in their personal lives and in the Church. Some
do awaken soon enough to rescue themselves and maybe a few
others, but the damage they have wrought upon the Church will go
unchanged.
Isaiah warned his people that their chosen path would lead to
undesirable results. Already they were aware that God was not
responding to their prayers. There were other punishments in store
for them. Eventually their falling away from God would be so
continuos and so evil that they would go into captivity in far-away
Babylon. They were no longer fit subjects to live in the land that God
had given them. He wanted people who would love and serve Him
and each other to live in the Promised Land.
Justice was not found among them. Now, they murdered, stole
and cheated to get what they wanted. Their hands were covered with
blood. Their fingers were covered with sin. Their lips had spoken
deceitfully. Certainly they were not good reflections of the God who
had settled them in the land.
Judgment was unknown amongst them. They might be able to use
good judgment in business, but they lacked the judgment needed to
make correct Spiritual decisions. They could not wisely judge
between the leading of God's Spirit and the bidding of self and Satan.
They easily followed the desires of their hearts. They could see no
advantage in serving God. They did not identify with the practices
God had established for their eternal well-being.
Because they lacked justice and judgment, they also lacked
salvation. They would not be able to look forward to the blessings
that awaited those who loved and served God. Justice and judgment
held a stake in their future happiness.
The situation that Isaiah found in his land in his time is not so
different then the situation found today. People today try to live as the
people of the past did. They still lay aside justice and judgment.
They will receive the same results that those of old received.
Because they failed to pass the test of Christian living, they will also
fail the requirements of a loving and merciful God.
Would you have been the object of Isaiah's rebuke? Have you laid
BIBLE MONITOR
hold on justice, judgment and salvation?
M.C.Cook
STILL PREPARING
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against
thee." Psalm 119:11.
"Pray without ceasing." I Thess. 5:17.
When can you say you are satisfied with your knowledge of the
scriptures? Are we ever finished with prayer or Bible study?
I sat in a meeting one time and the Brother that conducted the
opening devotions stood. In his words, he mentioned that the
preacher was now done preparing for his message and was waiting to
deliver it. The first thing that occurred to me was, when does a
minister STOP preparing for a message? I heard a preacher say one
time that he had prepared a message for a certain Sunday morning.
The Lord had given him another one at 7:15 that morning during his
morning devotions. In order to mind the Spirit, he skipped breakfast
and studied until he stepped into the pulpit. We will be used of God if
we keep ourselves open to His leading rather than sticking to our
own.
How do you prepare to preach a message or teach a lesson or
lead a person to Christ? Do you pray first and ask God's direction
and blessing for what you are about to do? What is the next step?
There is much Christian literature on the market that makes it easy to
prepare. Books, commentaries, and even the new Bible versions are
tainted by the thoughts of men. A man will get into the pulpit and
HTKDUth the thoughts of others, not the Holy Scriptures. If it is made
too easy, then of what value can it be? I sat in school for twelve
years at one hundred and eighty days a year so I would be able to
read and write and cipher and have a knowledge of history and
geography and a few other things. I spent a lot of extra hours doing
homework. A lot of what was drilled into me, over and over, I
remembered. The Scriptures I learned in Sunday School as a child I
also remembered. There is no short-cut to preparing the gospel
message. It is important when studying to get the mind of God on the
matter not the ideas of man. You can get a sermon outline out of a
book, or cute little anecdotes out of a book, and that is fine, but the
mind of God comes from earnest prayer and the study of God's Word.
When I began to study the Bible at age sixteen I used a King
James Bible with no helps and a dictionary. I had read through that
Book three times before I opened any other. I discovered that God's
Word holds the answer to whatever difficulties man can get into.
BIBLE MONITOR
Seek God through prayer and His Word. You will not go wrong.
O may I love, at early day
To rise, when all is still,
And hear my Saviour kindly say,
"Come, ask me what you will."
O may I love to search his law,
To hear his words of love,
And feel his spirit sweetly draw
My soul to 'things above."
O may I love to ask, in prayer.
His spirit's guiding ray —
Through every scene of anxious care,
Through life's bewildered way.
Thus let me spend each rising hour,
Thus close my latest days,
Till I shall wake, to sleep no more,
Where prayer is changed to praise.
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
A SWEET SAVOUR OF CHRIST
II Corinthians 2:15-17, Tor we are unto God a sweet savour of
Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we
are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life
unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as
many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of
God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ."
Of all the bodily senses the olfactory or sense of smell is probably
the most sensitive. While the organs that produce the other senses,
the eyes, ears, tongue and skin (along with the nerves) can affect
other parts of the body, the senses themselves, sight, hearing, taste
and feel, are more limited than the sense of smell in affecting the rest
of our body. A good smell can make us hungry and affect us in many
other ways. It is hard to describe how a sweet smell gives us a
feeling of exhilaration. Conversely, a bad smell can cause our
stomach to become queasy. If food does not smell right to us it will
not taste right either. An acrid smell can actually cause a feeling of
foreboding.
BIBLE MONITOR
The Apostle Paul makes a very strange statement in our opening
verses. He says that we (Christians) are unto God a sweet savour of
Christ, in them that are saved. When we are ill there is nothing more
encouraging than the fellowship and prayers of the Saints. When we
are lonely a telephone call or a visit from a brother or sister in the
Lord Is like smelling the sweet flowers of Spring. When Satan tempts
us a word of encouragement from someone of the household of faith
is like a bouquet of sweet smelling roses.
But how can we be a sweet savour of Christ in them that perish?
Paul says we are a savour of death unto death. There is nothing
more putrid than the smell of death. How can this be described as a
sweet savour? We believe the answer is found in what can result
when an individual faces the reality of death. Physical death is
normally unwelcome to all of us. Only those suffering great pain or
distress desire it.
There is a great truth in the statement that many are eager to go to
Heaven but very few are in a hurry to die to get there. We do not
believe this is wrong. God has given man the will to live and we
believe He desires for us to take care of our bodies to live as long as
we can. But to deny the reality of death is another matter.
Even more of a concern should be the reality of spiritual death.
Every human on earth will experience physical death unless the Lord
should return during their lifetime. But there is a way to escape
spiritual death. This is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, we
believe, symbolized in trine immersion baptism.
Paul goes on to say that we are not as many which corrupt the
word of God. You can not truly seek salvation until you realize that
you are a sinner. Modern theology (which may not be as new as we
suppose) denies that man is born a sinner. They teach that basically
we are all good. It is a stink in the nostrils of God when human works
are offered for salvation. We can be a sweet savour of Christ by
informing individuals of a need to recognize their hopeless estate.
This must be done with sincerity. We must really love those who
are lost in sin. Although most of our lives are taken up with the time
consuming reality of making a living, we should make time to reach
the lost one way or another. God has called some into the ministry
for this purpose. That does not let the rest of us "off the hook." We
do not believe you must accost everyone you come into contact with
but be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, who must do the
convicting.
Our witnessing must be as of God. We do not believe you should
be involved in worldly pleasures to "witness for Christ." We should
BIBLE MONITOR
not be offensive but we must realize that the Word of God will
sometimes offend. We must leave the results in the hands of God.
We must speak of Christ. Church doctrine has its place but can
not win a soul to Christ. Let us desire to be a sweet savour of Christ.
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
ESPECIALLY FOR GOD'S PEOPLE
CRYING
Whatever Jesus said or did has eternal significance. Often I Kke to
go through the Gospels and only read the red-lettered words of
Jesus. I love to hear His teaching.
I thought recently that I should ponder the very first thing He ever
spoke. Actually, it was not a word, but a sound, a cry. The first thing
that came out of the mouth of Jesus was a cry. What is the message
in God, Himself, crying? What does the cry of a baby solicit in us?
What have our own tears taught us?
The cry of a baby demands examination of the situation by the
parents so they can provide what is needed. A cry is a proclamation
of helplessness, dependence, trust, and need. It is the recognition
that, "I can't."
If Jesus would acknowledge His existence in such a way, then
should we not also? When we cry we are heard by the same Father
in heaven who heard Him.
There is simply too much stress from not crying. Several years
ago a chemical was discovered in the brains of anxiety ridden people.
For years chemists have attempted to neutralize that chemical in the
hope of bringing relief to the suffering. To date no medication has
proven effective. However, if the tears of the afflicted are analyzed,
one will find the anxiety-causing chemical being released. Why?
Tears acknowledge the true condition: we can't.
We were not created to be God, but to need God. Trying to fulfill a
job description for which we are not created causes anxiety. Tears
are proof that we have begun to give up on playing God. Psalm
126:5, "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy."
It is pride that keeps us from crying out. It therefore keeps us in
misery. If we would run to the sound of a cry and act, how much
more will He? Though just as parents do not always pander to a
child's every cry, the Lord does not always intervene to immediately
relieve our sources of misery. As we acknowledge, "Apart from You I
can do nothing," look for the Great '1 CAN" to eventually move in.
8 BIBLE MONITOR
Both our waiting and His moving can build faith.
Brother Greg Wray
SIXTY YEARS AGO
July 15. 1936
THE NEW BIRTH
William Root
(Jno. 3-7) "Marvel not that I say unto thee, ye must be born again."
Nicodemus seemed astonished at the words of our Lord as
recorded in the text. He was thinking only in natural terms or about
the natural birth, while the Savior had reference to spiritual things or
the spiritual birth.
Nicodemus was a Jewish teacher or Rabbi, a Pharisee or a master
in Israel. Jesus scorned the doctrine of the Pharisees, with their
hypocrisy, pronouncing woes upon them. So he said to the great
Jewish teacher "Art thou a master of Israel and knowest not these
things."
Now my great man if you cannot discern spiritual things or be born
of both water and spirit you cannot see or enter God's kingdom.
Now there are still people in the world today who insist that a child
is prepared for the church or the kingdom of God when it has
memorized the ten commandments, and twenty-third Psalm and can
repeat the Lord's prayer.
Now my dear readers, it is well and good for us as parents to teach
our children to memorize scriptures and to teach them to learn to
pray, but let me say it takes more than these to get one into God's
kingdom.
"Marvel not that I said unto thee ye must be born again."
Other folks seem to get the idea that if a sinner goes forward at the
time of some revival meeting and shakes the preacher's hand, and by
such an act identifies themselves with some church that they are
fitted for the kingdom. By such an idea personal regeneration is
obliterated. When personal regeneration is obliterated a distinction
between the church and the world is blotted out. In consequence of
which the cause of Christ has been retarded, and the tone of
Christianity has been lowered. We all know that this is a fact. But
beloved, none but the regenerated church can cope with the powers
of darkness, none other has a mission to this fallen world.
A characteristic of the new birth or of a new creation is a new man.
In the new birth man is recreated. Paul says in Col. 3:10, "And
have put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the
image of him that created him."
BIBLE MONITOR
In the heathen religions, the people create their gods, in the
Christian religion God creates his people. In pagan systems, the
people transfer their character to their deities, and as the worshippers
are unchaste, untruthful, and treacherous, so their divinities are
immoral, revengeful and Satanic. This saying holds true in the case of
all idolaters.
David said in regard to those who create their gods and worship the
same, (Psa. 115:8) "They that make them are like unto them, so is
everyone that trusteth in them." But in Christianity the worshipper
becomes a "partaker of the divine nature" and "is holy for God is holy."
Thus the manifestation of the new birth is — a new life. (Rom. 6:4)
"Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death, that like as
Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father; even so
we also should walk in newness of life." When Jesus said to men "ye
must be born again" He proclaimed the most startling truth that ever
fell on the ears of men. He announced the most vital transformation
ever suggested to the world. He said in effect "you men are dead, you
do not see, you do not hear; you do not feel, you do not know, you
are alive to things of earth, but dead to the things of heaven, you are
lost, you are shrouded in darkness, you are sunk in wickedness and
your life is a failure. You are without God and therefore you are
without hope in the world."
You may roll in luxury and revel in carnal joy, but your state is
utterly sad, your spiritual house has rotted so that it can not be
repaired. It must be pulled down and a new house built, and until this
is done you cannot become temples for the Holy Spirit. Your purpose,
your conduct, your worship, the whole trend of your lives must be
changed.
This change is regeneration, and let us not forget that one must be
regenerated before they can see or enter God's kingdom. Neither
should we marvel at that saying says Jesus. The natural cannot
produce the supernatural. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh."
There is nothing good in human nature that can produce eternal
life. The apostle Paul says, "in me that is, in my flesh there dwelleth
no good thing." and he further teaches most emphatically that "the
carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of
God neither indeed can be."
The natural man then cannot meet the conditions of life, simply
because he is spiritually dead. But if the Spirit of God quickens one
into new life he will have a new song, which is the melody of a new
creation of the new birth.
David says in Psa. 40:3, "And He hath put a new song in my
10 BIBLE MONITOR
mouth, even praise unto our God, many shall see it and fear, and
shall trust in the Lord."
OUR SATURDAY NIGHT
The Mother and the Daughter
J. H. Moore
It was my first visit to the brick meetinghouse. I enjoyed the
sermon very much, and made a few remarks myself. I was much
pleased with the hearty greeting I received after meeting. When one
is from home, it does his soul good to find kindred spirits. I accepted
an invitation to dine with one of these good old deacons. His wife
seemed the perfection of kindness. She introduced me to their
daughter, a real intelligent young lady. I was pleased to find such an
entertaining daughter in a brother's family. As we drove down the
pike, she seemed perfectly delighted with some good steps taken by
the District Meeting, just then over.
The carriage had hardly stopped in front the commodious house,
till she was out, and passed up the graveled walk on a run. By the
time I reached the house with her mother, she had the fire in the
base-burner in a perfect glow, for it was yet cool, and was ready to
take my overcoat and hat, and helped me to the best rocking-chair in
the house. For one solid hour she entertained me in a real, brilliant
way. She understood music, history, and a good stock of general
information, and knew almost as much about the Brotherhood and our
leading writers and preachers as I did. Her father seldom said
anything, though he seemed interested. Alt the while I could hear the
quick steps of the mother in the kitchen. I must confess that I did not
altogether enjoy the conversation, for somehow I thought that the
young lady ought to be out in the kitchen, helping her mother.
When we walked out into the dining-room and I saw that good old
mother wiping the perspiration from her face and neck with that long
blue apron, I could not help pitying her. The table was literally piled
full of good things. While eating it occurred to me that it would have
looked a great deal better if the young woman could have prepared
the meal, and let the good old mother have a little rest. Possibly the
meal might not have been as well gotten up, and then, possibly, the
mother could not have entertained me so well. However let that be as
it may, one thing is certain, if I had been a young man, looking for a
wife, I believe I would never have stopped at that place. Somehow, I
have very little confidence in daughters who will not help their
mothers, and will not do what they can to make their burdens lighter.
BIBLE MONITOR 11
EXCUSE
William N. Kinsley
Gen. 2:7, 15-17, 22, "The Lord God formed man, of the dust of the
ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man
became a living soul. And the Lord God took the man, and put him
into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the Lord
commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the garden thou mayest
freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt
not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shall surely
die. But for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. And the
rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and
brought her unto the man." Gen. 3:8-13, "They heard the voice of the
Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day and Adam and
his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God. And the
Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, where art thou? Hast
thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest
not eat?"
"But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not
eat of it" and Adam said, "The woman whom thou gavest to be with
me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat." So Adam made his
excuse, the woman gave me to eat. Adam shifted the blame on the
woman. "And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that
thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and
I did eat." So the woman made her excuse too. The woman saw the
tree, and that it was pleasant to the eyes. This has been handed
down through the ages, even to this present day. People decorate
their bodies with everything that looks pleasant to the eyes, and then
make flimsy excuses, that their heart is right. How about the
conscience, is it void of offense toward God? What made Adam
afraid of the Lord God?
I Sam. 15:22-24, "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice", or flimsy
excuse. "Because thou has rejected the Word of the Lord, he hath
also rejected thee from being King. Saul said, I have sinned: for I
have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words;
because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice." This is much
the condition of this day and age, when ministers much teach and
preach to suit or please their creed. Their excuse is, It is what the
people want. We also find people who make flimsy excuses, why
they do as they do.
When we face the judgment day, we will meet facts, there will be
no excuses accepted. Heb. 4:12-13, "For the Word of God is quick,
and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even
12 BIBLE MONITOR
to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and
marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight; but all
things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we
have to do."
Luke 14:16-18, "A certain man made a great supper, and bade
many: and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were
bidden. Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one
consent began to make excuse." I have bought a piece of ground,
and I must go and see it. (This piece of ground must of been
uppermost in his mind?) I pray thee have me excused. The other
one said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them. I
pray thee have me excused. Another said, I have married a wife,
therefore I cannot come. So none of them that were bidden came.
So the servant was instructed to bring in the poor, and the maimed,
the halt and blind. And yet there was room, and the lord said unto the
servant, Go out into the highways, and compel (persuade) them to
come in, that my house may be filled.
The word excuse means: to declare ourselves free from blame,
innocent, to reserve a reason to justify ourselves. Some Christian
people try to justify themselves in anything that is old. Satan and his
angels and their influences are old, they were soon after the Creation.
Satan beguiled the first woman and has been in the world ever since.
At the great judgment day, some will say this is what our minister
taught and we adhere to him, if it be wrong he carries the
responsibility. Who will plead our case at the judgment day? Some
will point out church members, how they do and live as their excuse
why they do not attend church or accept Christ and the conditions of
salvation. You just try to do some mission work and you will hear all
the excuses.
One man told me. Yes I know what the Word says, but if I do it, my
family and all my friends would turn against me. He cried and said, I
cannot do that. One of the man's excuses is, I want to look and dress
like others. I do not want to give up the necktie, and so forth, that I
will look odd. Anything that we would not give up under any
consideration, is an idol. Some professing women want their hair
curled, like the fashions of the world. But if all could have their way,
they would be great church workers. All along the ages of history,
people had excuses. Even Cain said. Must I be my brother's
keeper? If some cannot find an excuse they tell the untruth.
We do not all have the same idol to worship. We know of some
who had the tobacco habit and say, Yes, perhaps we could but we do
BIBLE MONITOR 13
not want to. Some tell us it is good for their health, why everything
that God made He pronounced very good. But we as a people
misuse and abuse, many of these things. I Tim. 4:4-5, "For every
creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received
with thanksgiving. For it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer.
If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be
a good minister (or witness) of Jesus Christ." A divine being can be
called good, using this world's goods, but not abusing it. Many things
are under the control or influence of Satan. Shall we be partakers of
them?
I Cor. 10:21, "Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of
devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of
devils." Things that the devil is the instigator of are questionable. We
were asked. To renounce Satan with all his pernicious ways. We said
yes, when we were baptized, are we doing it? All means all, not just
a part. We are to renounce Satan in all his deceptive things and
ways. Some people pray, Lead me not into temptation and then go
on in Satan's ways and follow their own lusts. Do you think this kind
of a prayer will save you?
Jas. 1:13-15, "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of
God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any
man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own
lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:
and sin, when it is finished bringeth forth death." Departure from the
influence and power of the Holy Spirit, unless we repent and change
our course, will lead to spiritual death. For godly sorrow worketh
repentance to salvation. Some are become great church leaders and
are too great to confess any wrong doings. Some of the so-called
Christians, deny or defy part of God's Word. Because that, when they
glorified him not as God, neither were thankful. Who changed the
truth of God into a lie, and worship and sen/e the creature more than
the Creator. Who is blessed forever. Have we any people like this in
this day and age?
Eph. 5:17, "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what
the will of the Lord is?" I Thess. 5:18, "In everything give thanks: for
this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Are we without
excuse? Luke 12:2, "For there is nothing covered, that shall not be
revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known." Verses 47-48, "That
servant, which knew his Lord's will and prepared not himself, neither
did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes", or
punishments. But he that knew not the Lord's Will, will not' be
excused but will be beaten with less or fewer stripes. This was one of
Jesus' parables or comparisons of God's kingdom. For unto
14 BIBLE MONITOR
whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required. This
parable was given to the multitudes.
A certain one said unto Jesus, Lord I will follow thee whithersoever
thou goest. Jesus said unto another Follow me, but he said, Lord,
suffer me (excuse me) I must go, and bury my father. Another also
said. Lord I will follow thee: but let me first go and bid them farewell,
which are home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man,
having put his hand to the plow and looking back is fit for the kingdom
of God. We must be willing to forsake all, to serve Jesus and inherit
eternal life. Jesus said, Whosoever shall receive this child in my
name, recelveth me. Anyone that accepts not a child, as an angel of
God, will offend the Lord. Jesus said. If any will come after me, let
him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. He, Jesus,
shall reward every man according to his works and every one who
forsaketh houses, brethren, father, mother, wife, or children or lands,
for my names sake shall inherit everlasting life.
Matt. 13:41, "The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they
shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which
do iniquity." Why call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things I say?
What will our excuse be? Many people are disobeying the speed
laws and other laws of the land, what is their excuse? Why do not
people accept Christ? Have you a reason, or is it an excuse? Why
do not Christians live for him, with full surrendered heart? Excuses
are sometimes speaking untruth. The apostle Paul said in Rom. 12:1 ,
"Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service." But many make it an excusable
service. Jesus gave His all: life, blood, tears and sufferings, beyond
the conception of the human mind, to redeem fallen humanity and He
is offering it to you as a free gift, an unspeakable gift. Yet with all this
men make excuses for not accepting the offer, the offered terms of
salvation for everlasting life.
Come, for all things are ready. My oxen and my fatlings are killed.
Come unto the marriage and they would not come, but made light of
it. They were too busy with the affairs of this world and they went
their ways, one to the farm and another to his merchandise. The
kingdom of Heaven is likened unto ten virgins, who went forth to meet
the bridegroom. Five of them were, wise and five were foolish or
negligent and without excuse. At midnight there was a cry made,
behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him. They that
were ready went in with Him to the marriage, and the door was shut.
Rev. 19:7,9, Tor the marriage of the Lamb is come and his wife
(the bride) hath made herself ready. And he said unto me, Write
BIBLE MONITOR 15
Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the
Lamb." And He said unto me, What are these which are arrayed in
white robes? And whence come they? 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. Have you
been to Jesus for soul cleansing? Are your garments spotless, are
they white as snow? Are you washed in the soul cleansing blood of
the Lamb?
Selected from Jan. 15, 1959 Bible Monitor
NEWS ITEMS
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DALLAS CENTER, IOWA
The Lord willing, the Dallas Center Congregation is looking forward
to a week's Revival Meetings, Sunday, August 4 through 11, 1996.
Bro. David Skiles from Torreon Navajo Mission will be our evangelist.
Evening services at 7:30. Lovefeast will be Saturday and Sunday,
August 10 and 11. Please come and enjoy these services with us.
Pray for Bro. David and that all of us may be encouraged to press on
in these last days. Also for sinners to be brought into the fold.
Our hearts were blessed on Sunday, June 2, when two young
sisters. Sis. Mary Hawbaker and Sis. Kim Meyers were received into
our fellowship by Christian baptism.
Sister Arlene Flora, Cor.
THANK YOU
We wish to thank all those who remembered us with cards on our
45th anniversary. God has blessed us with forty-five happy years
together. May He bless you for remembering us. Also thank you for
your many words of encouragement while laboring on the mission
field in Africa. May He be glorified and His will be done.
Brother Paul and Sister Mary Stump
'/
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR AUGUST
I 1996
August 4 -"A Pound of Ointment" -John 12:1-11; James 5:14-15.
/ 1 . Why did Mary anoint the feet of Jesus?
2. What are the purposes of anointing the sick today?
August 11 - "The Hour Is Come" - John 12:12-36.
1 . How did Jesus say we can identify His servants?
2. How can we be the Children of Light?
August 18 - Salvation and Judgement - John 12:37-50.
1 . Who blinded the eyes and hardened the hearts of those
who did not believe?
2. Why did Jesus come into the world?
August 25 - The Ordinance of Feet Washing - John 13:1-17.
1 . Why should we wash one another's feet?
2. How can washing only our feet make us "clean every whit?"
YOUNG PEOPLE'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR
AUGUST 1996
August 4 - Guidance - Ps. 23:1-6, Matt. 1 1 :27-30. Luke 1 :73-79, John
16:13-14.
1 . Why does the Lord lead us "in the paths of righteousness?"
2. Into what will the Holy Spirit guide us?
August 11 - Flattery - Job 32:20-22, Ps. 78:35-38, Prov. 28:21-25,
Mark 12:13-17.
1 . Explain the difference between flattery and respect.
2. How did Jesus respond to those who tried to flatter Him?
August 18 - Half Heartedness - II Kings 10:30-31, Luke 14:16-27, Acts
28:23-27, Heb. 2:1-3.
1 . How do excuses often illustrate our half-heartedness?
2. What is the Reward for half-heartedness?
August25-OurDrfficulties-ISam.12:15-25, Phil 2:12-21, Rev.3:14-22.
1 . How do we often bring difficulties upon ourselves?
2. Whom does God rebuke and chasten?
i-av?! Suurnp ■
10340 N. DlH.rnond LI ill
Union, OH 453^:3
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL LXXIV
AUGUST 1, 1996
NO. 15
"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 aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
GOD'S LOVE-BEAM
The love of God
Sends forth a beam
That's seen and felt and heard.
It goes beyond
What can be seen
But shows up in His Word.
Christ proved His love
When sent to earth
To show us how to live.
His blood atones,
And second birth
Can wash away our sin.
I pray He fills
Me to the brim
With His great love divine
And that I'll walk
Along with Him
Until His home is mine.
-Irene Stout
BIBLE MONITOR
PERMISSIVENESS
We live in a world of confusion. Compromise and equivocation are
equated with love and mercy. Discipline and obedience are thought to
be legalistic and intolerant. Unfortunately these attitudes are not only
prevalent in the society around us, but are too often found within the
Church. If the Church is merely a reflection of the surrounding society,
how can she be a lighthouse sending out the beams of God's Love to a
lost and dying race?
Today, we are harvesting the results of past advocacy of
permissiveness. People lack self-discipline. Everyone wants what he
wants right now. This attitude brings indebtedness. They do not want
to earn the needed money over a period of time, so they borrow. By
the time a major purchase is paid for, it is worn out. Not only does
permissiveness affect personal finances, it affects education. The goal
of most students is not to learn but to receive a diploma. Easy,
unstructured classes are established so each student can achieve his
goal. Discipline has nearly disappeared from the public schools. Too
often the students run the school more than the administrators and the
Boards of Education. This lack of self-discipline affects the nation's
crime rate. When people see something they want, instead of earning
it, they steal it. Others, even more desperate, will kill to get what they
want. The Biblical ideal of self-control and sobriety have been rejected,
so we live in an unchurched and immoral society.
Unfortunately this spirit of permissiveness has gotten into the
Church. Every man chooses to do what is right in his own eyes. He
determines what is permissible. He made solemn vows to give and
THE BIBLE MONITOR AUGUST 1, 1996
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BIBLE MONITOR
receive counsel, but he makes his own decisions in his daily life. He
promised to work with his congregation, but will have his own way, if
they do not yield to his desire.
Progressing into new areas is not always wrong. When the time for
change comes, it needs to be approached by the Body not by
individuals acting on their own plan. This involves seeking counsel and
consensus.
Permissiveness gains control over a period of time. It does not
happen all at once.
Permissiveness might be viewed, by some, as Christian love in
action. Instead it may be the opposite of true Christian love. Christian
love seeks what is the best for each member. The best may not be the
most obvious course of action. It may involve some hard choices. It
may involve waiting. It may involve self-discipline and the discipline of
the Body.
Discipline is not pleasant. The function of Church discipline is not
punishment. Sometimes people lose sight of the true use of discipline.
The goal of discipline is the restoration and repentance of the member.
Love will accomplish its work if it is not diluted with compromise or
vindictiveness.
The desire for a greater number of members can hamper the
application of loving discipline. This desire leads to accommodation to
attract numbers. Ironically, this spirit of compromise over time may
work against that goal. As compromise becomes more evident, there
will be a weaker draw upon others. Although people may not proclaim
it loudly, there is a searching for a Body that will maintain a loving
discipline and stand for the teachings of the Word of God. People have
seen the results of an age of permissiveness, they want something
better in their Christian lives.
Discipline means that a judgment has been rendered. Whether a
parent disciplines a child or the Body disciplines a member, a judgment
has been made. The parent may decide on the spur-of-the-moment
that discipline is needed by the child. That discipline is delivered to
dissuade that child from further unwise activity. The discipline of the
Church must be more fully considered. There must be time allotted for
a change of heart. Once that time has passed, it is time for discipline to
be administered. Since restoration and repentance are the goals of this
discipline, the discipline must fit the situation.
When discipline has accomplished its goal, the Body should be
merciful. After judgment has been made and the discipline has been
pronounced, mercy is the need. Each has received Grace and Mercy
from God. None would have access to the plan of salvation if it were
BIBLE MONITOR
not for the Grace of God. None could repent of their sins, if it were not
for God's Mercy. Because all in the Body have received mercy, they
should extend that mercy to those who have erred and have benefited
by the application of loving discipline.
Permissiveness has wrought confusion in the world. It can not be
allowed to also wreck the Church.
M.C.Cook
HEAR WITH UNDERSTANDING
Nehemiah 8:2. "And Ezra the priest brought the law before the
congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with
understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month."
The gift of hearing is a wonderful blessing from God. Although we
do not hear as clearly and as sharply as we could, we cannot fathom
what it would be like not to be able to hear at all. Yet, perhaps a
greater tragedy would be to be able to hear and not understand what
we were hearing.
We are living in the age of grace, not law, but we are still responsible
to hear the Word of God with understanding. While women are not to
be in a place of leadership according to Scripture, both men and
women are responsible for correct understanding when they hear the
Word of God expounded.
We can hear a conversation between two individuals in a foreign
language distinctly and yet have no comprehension of what they are
discussing. By the same token, some individuals seem to be able to sit
in worship service after service and not understand what is being
conveyed.
In verse 6 of this chapter we read, "And Ezra blessed the LORD, the
great God, And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up
their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD
with their faces to the ground." We realize that most Brethren are not
very emotional in their worship. But we hope that the reason so few
"amens" are heard in services is not that many are hearing without
understanding. On the other hand, we have been in services where
bud "amens" were frequent and we are reasonably sure that it was the
toud and demonstrative preaching that brought them forth rather than
agreement with what was being said. When we hear with
understanding the center of our worship will be on the Lord.
In verse 8 of this chapter we read, "So they (the leaders) read in the
book of the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them
to understand the reading."
BIBLE MONITOR
We are very grateful for the place that the reading of the Word of
God has in our Brethren services. We are told that some churches do
not even read the Bible in some services but use other sources for their
sermon introductions. While we may all have our times of mis-reading
a word or have difficulty with a name or place in Scripture, we should
strive to read the Word of God as distinctly as we can. We are also
grateful for the use of the King James Version in our services.
To gain understanding our preachers have to give the sense of what
their text is saying. There are times when certain portions of Scripture
are used on a regular basis for certain events. While some may see
this as needless repetition we believe there is merit in this practice. It is
true that all of the Bible is the Word of God and is good for exhortation.
But it has been proven that such a portion as the teaching of the prayer
veil was discontinued in reading at the Love Feast examination sen/ice
before the prayer veil (or covering as some prefer) was set aside. The
same is true of our other Scriptural Brethren teachings and practices. If
our leaders do not preach and teach them they will eventually be lost.
It is the responsibility of those in leadership to "cause them to
understand the reading." We are not opposed to using an amusing
story or illustration to keep the attention of the congregation. The
responsibility of a preacher is not to entertain his audience. It is to
proclaim the Word of God in power and understanding. Then it is the
responsibility of those listening to try to grasp what the speaker is trying
to put forth.
There are two primary reasons that it is important to hear with
understanding. The first of these is that salvation is brought about by a
correct understanding of scripture. This is why the Brethren reject
Infant baptism. Historically, baptism was understood to be the last step
in salvation. An infant can not understand nor respond to the Word of
God.
Secondly, a correct hearing with understanding allows us to walk in
truth. Truly, we are living in a day of religious confusion. We must seek
the leading of the Holy Spirit daily to avoid error. May our sincere desire
be to hear with understanding.
Brother James M. Hite
816 Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
1996 GENERAL CONFERENCE SERMON NOTES
Saturday Morning Worship
Bro. Ray Reed. Golden Text of the Bible, John 3:16, I Cor. 5:13-21.
BIBLE MONITOR
Have we really been reconciled to our God? We have the light; the light
of the world is Jesus. Satan is overpowering. I Cor. 4:1-2.
Bro. Edward Johnson closed with prayer.
Saturday P.M.
Bro, Dennis Myers opened. Psalm 80. As we look at our lives, how
often do we feel we ought to be turned? Sometimes, in our spiritual life
we may need to turn around.
Bro. Fred Johnson. Becoming a Profitable Servant. Philemon.
Under the Apostle Paul, Philemon became more profitable. Something
makes a change in our lives to make us a profitable servant. Jesus had
a great love for us. The Apostle Paul prayed that Philemon would be a
great servant. Philemon was a run-away slave in the beginning. He
made a change so he would be more beneficial. We should try to be a
profitable servant for God. To be profitable for the Lord, we will be
willing to work for Christ. We should make ourselves profitable in the
work of God. We should teach our children the Holy Word. We shouki
make our wrongs right if we have done anything wrong to anyone, so
we can have a peaceful mind. Our Lord Jesus gave His all for us. He
shed His blood for us so we can be that profitable sen/ant and work for
Him and live a righteous life.
Bro. Kevin Funk. I Kings 6:7. Are we Ready to Get Ready? Are we
ready to meet the Lord? Are we getting ready? Are we willing to be
that profitable sen/ant? Matthew 25:1-10. The ones that heeded the
Master's call were ready for the Master's call before the doors closed.
A willing member in the church can easily be changed if he follows the
Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can change us, if we allow God to work in
our lives. We should be a people ready to meet Christ when He comes
again. Are you willing to build upon the found altar of God and maintain
the Holy Word? We must have ourselves ready for the Lord.
Bro. Mark Cordrey closed. Allow God to help us get ready to meet
Him. Are you ready? II Timothy 2:19-21. The real power in us is with
God. Get ready to meet Him.
Saturday Evening
Bro. Henry Walker opened. I John 3. Our hope should be that we
will be in that resurrection. Welcome home since you have lived
faithful. Christ died for us so we could become sons and daughters.
Bro. Warren Smith. The Christian Armor. Eph. 6:10-18. We are
living in evil days. Let us put on the armor of God. We need a
strengthening of our faith. How do I stand in the sight of God? Put on
the whole armor of God. What are our goals? Are we a prepared
people to meet Christ when He comes? We should restrain ourselves
BIBLE MONITOR
from the sins of the world. Are we putting on the whole armor of God
and repenting from the evil things of the world? The devil tries us
today; that's the reason we need the whole armor of God. Satan
deceives many people in a cunning way. He tried to deceive Job, but
Job had too much integrity to listen to Satan. Jesus said, "My words
will never pass away." Rev. 3:20. We should have the whole armor of
God in our lives and live true to the Holy Word, Which part of the armor
of God could we leave off? None; it takes it all. Put on the whole armor
of God.
Bro. Paul Stump closed. Have you put on the whole armor of God to
keep Satan from deceiving you? With the great armor of God, we have
God with us.
Sunday Morning Worship
Bro. Robert Lehigh. Eph. 4:11-16. The Church should work
together for Christ. We need the prayers of each other. Members of
the Church should have great love for each other and be willing to work
together. The Bible Is our guide in our Church. We should work for the
goal of Jesus Christ.
Sunday A.M.
Bro. Gene Kauffman opened. Eph. 6:1-10. We should instruct our
children in the way of the Lord.
Bro. Frank Shaffer. Preserving Faithfulness in the Midst of
Deteriorating Morals. Gen. 5:10. Noah built the ark to save the faithful
people from the flood. Lot was saved while all the people were in great
sin and lost. People have forgotten God. Titus 11:11-14. God has
great love for all people. We should turn our life over to God and live
for Him. We should deny ungodliness and disown having any part of it.
Having the Holy Spirit living in our lives, keeps our lives happier. Are
we on fire for God, teaching our children to be faithful servants for Him?
We should live the Ten Commandments. Do we teach the Ten
Commandments to our children?
Bro. Ray Stuber. Preserving Faithfulness in the Midst of Exploding
Technology. II Tim. 3. Can we preserve faithfulness? Not all change
is wrong. The Apostle Paul made it clear that we need to be content
with what we have. Many people are lovers of pleasures nrrare than of
God. We need earnestly not forget God. The Word of God will help us
preserve faithfulness. Stand fast and close to God.
Bro. David Skiles closed. We have a great God who abideth
faithfully. May God help us to live faithfully in this world of modern
technology.
Sunday P.M.
Bro. Marlin Marks opened. John 8:31-32. We need to know the
8 BIBLE MONITOR
truth. Jesus is the way of truth. John 1 6:1 3. We are going to be shown
the truth through Christ.
Bro. Mitton Cook. Preserving Faithfulness in the Midst of Religious
Confusion. John 4:1-6. There are many spirits. We should remain
faithful in the midst of religious confusion. Who is Jesus Christ? We
live in a day of Christian error. The gift of God was His Son teaching us
how to gain eternal life. Which way are we choosing to go? The broad
way or the narrow way? The Apostle Paul was in a great shipwreck.
Paul told the people to listen to him and they would be saved. We
should be careful and not look towards the easy way. What are we
doing today? Are we the Pauls or are we the Jonahs? Both survived
the shipwreck and remained steadfast and faithful in religious
confusion. We are in need of Bible study. Learn to know what the
Bible says. Prayer is very important; be in communication with God.
We need fellowship. It is important we know what we believe and why
we believe it. We should try to live true and faithful in the midst of
religious confusion.
Bro. Robert Carpenter. Preserving Faithfulness in the Midst of
Changing Vocational Opportunities. Gen. 3, Luke 19:1-9, Eph. 4:28,
We know we are admonished to work. There is a purpose in vocation
that we might be willing to share. Many people have vocations. The
publican in the Bible was a tax collector. In our jobs or vocations, we
should be careful to stay faithful to Christ's teachings. We should be
careful in our vocations. There are two ways to look at vocations to
which we are called. Stay plain and faithful to the teaching of Jesus. I
Kings 18:1-9.
Bro. Merle Sweitzer closed. Lots of people in the world are in
confusbn. They do not have Christ in their lives.
To be continued
Sister Alice Heisey
HOW SATAN DECEIVES IN THE MODERN CHURCH
"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but
rather reprove them." Eph. 5:1 1 .
The devil has always mixed truth with en-or. This is his strong suit.
The byword in today's "politically correct" society is "unity in diversity."
This is an unofficial motto in the World Council of Churches. Many
churchmen have always taught that we must compromise with the
world in order to win the world. Ecumenicists say, "Lay aside your
differences and come together."
But the Bible says, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be
ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will
BIBLE MONITOR 9
receive you." II Corinthians 6:17. There are many organizations today
that do a lot of good, but they mix truth with error. One organization,
called the Promise Keepers, has really made a name for itself. But they
embrace Catholics and Mormons and the like as fellow-Christians, and
that we should not do. We must uphold the holiness of the Word, and
we must, as the Word commands us, speak the truth in love.
Years ago the Brethren would get together with folks of differing
persuasions and debate. I have an old book here at home called the
Riggle-Kesler Debate. It was written in 1915 and contains the entire
transcription of several debates between Brother B. E. Kesler and
(Elder) H. M. Riggle of the Church of God. Our Brother Kesler, in these
debates, was faithful to God's Word and clearly defined the position of
the Church. Today, unfortunately, there is little debating. People, in the
modern spirit of the Age, are laying aside their differences. They are
entering upon "dialogs" between groups in an effort to "understand" one
another. I was taught from little on up that if you let the camel get his
nose into the tent, after a while the whole camel is in the tent. We
cannot afford to give up scriptural practices in order to "get along." We
must mind the Lord.
Unfortunately, man's nature being the way it is, we often have to
spend some time in the desert before we understand the true value of
water. What is the value of truth? We can soon find out its value by
first seeing what it is. Psalm 119:142 says, "...thy law is truth." John
14:6 says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the
Father, but by me." Jesus is speaking. If you want a place in heaven,
you are going to have to go in through the door. That door is Christ. He
alone is the way. We cannot allow truth to be mingled with error. Truth
must remain pure.
We are admonished in Philippians 4 that whatsoever things are pure,
we should think on these things. We cannot be teased by the works of
darkness, but rather, we must stand up to the devil. There is no greater
task for the Christian than to make heaven his home.
The happy shore, on Eden's plains,
The realms of endless day,
Are far removed from earthly pains.
Unseen by nrrortal clay.
We'll gird our loins, my brethren dear.
Our heavenly home discerning;
Our absent Lord has left us word.
Let every lamp be burning.
10 BIBLE MONITOR
Should coming days be cold and dark,
We need not cease our singing;
That perfect rest naught can molest,
Where golden harps are ringing.
Let sorrow's rudest tempest blow,
Each chord on earth to sever,
Our king says come, and there's our home.
Forever, Oh, forever!
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
SIXTY YEARS AGO
August 1, 1936
CHRISTIAN COMFORT
Paul R. Myers
In times of need, trial and affliction, a Christian has an inward feeling
of security, peace and rest that a child of the world is quite unfamiliar
with.
Christ says, My peace I leave with you. And again, I will send you a
comforter. This comforter is the Holy Spirit working in a man's being. It
is the ever present comforter and guide along life's pathway.
If there would be no promise of a reward to the faithful in the next
world, a true Christian possesses, in this life, a state of security,
invaluable, unestimateable, worthy of all sacrifice made for it. Yet, it is
ours, free, paid by our Savior, and all we are asked is, Come, partake of
it freely.
While we have the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit in this life,
our outstanding comfort shall be more fully realized when the hour of
death strikes, and we hear the voice of the Savior say, "Come up
higher, enter into the joys of the Lord."
Several of Christ's institutions, if carried out according to scripture,
are for the strengthening and building up of this comfort.
Baptism, administered to a sin-filled soul, cleanses it from all sin.
What in its place could answer the same purpose? Nothing, Jesus
gave us an example, being baptized of John in the River Jordan. Not
that Jesus needed the baptism for the remission of sins, but that we
might abide by His example.
Therefore, a re-born person, baptized for the remission of sins, has a
wonderful comfort that he through the administering of this ordinance
BIBLE MONITOR 11
according to the scripture, has his sins washed white as snow.
After a man has been baptized, in his daily walks of life, he is
confronted with sin daily. We are only human, and it is human to err.
But again we have a comfort that if we are willing to confess our sins,
He is willing to forgive us our sins.
We must confess our sins to God through prayer. We have a
comfort in prayer that a non-Christian does not have. In God's word we
read that He does not tire of our oft coming to Him. His virtue and
power is none the less, even if we call upon Him incessantly. Every
true Christian fully comprehends the value and need of prayer. Prayer
offered in faith and if we be in proper relation with God is our means of
direct communication with Him.
The fact that God does not always answer prayer when and how we
wish, does not lessen the value of prayer.
We may ask contrary to His will, and He being the great Judge will
answer, not as we may wish possibly, but in a way that will be for our
best.
Prayer is our daily means of being in contact and communication
with God. Then we have occasions of being enriched by obeying His
ordinances of feet washing, Lord's Supper, and communion. Properly
taken and administered, the obeying of these ordinances restores a
Christian, in the sight of God, as clean and pure as the day he was
baptized.
What comfort a Christian can have when he has the opportunity of
partaking of these glorious privileges, knowing that they were ordained
by God and that they are a manifestation of God's care for His people.
The above privileges and duties are for each Christian to be
enriched along life's pathway. The Bible does not hold out the thought
that the body will not be subject to sickness or disease. True,
Christians as well as the non-Christian shall suffer bodily afflictions.
But in times of such, a Christian again possesses a hope and a
comfort not realized by a child of the world. In James 5:14 we read. If
there is any sick among you, let him call for the elders of the church,
and let them pray over him anointing him with oil in the name of the
Lord." This anointing is for the remission of sins and for the
strengthening of the body, if it be God's will.
From the day of our baptism until the day of our death, we have a
comforting thought, that if we are right toward God and our fellowman,
we have assurance that God will be with us. This is not only a spoken
axiom, but if we are in the faith, it is a fully realized fact, fully felt within.
The Bible says, "It is appointed unto man once to die, and after
12 BIBLE MONITOR
#
death the judgment." The true Christian comfort is to be fully visioned
and realized when we part this life and hear God's voice applaud us
and say, "Come up higher."
We need not hesitate about accepting the true religion of Jesus
Christ, because, as I said in the beginning, if our only hope was in this
life, the comfort and satisfaction derived from it would more then repay
any effort spent for it. But our true comfort lies in the day of judgment,
when Christ will intercede in our behalf and when we shall be
numbered with the white robed throng, and forever be with the Lord.
OUR SATURDAY NIGHT
The Child's Commentary
J. H. Moore
In nine cases out of ten the father and mother are the commentaries
by which their small children interpret the Holy scripture. They soon
learn that their parents belong to the church, and are not long in falling
in with their ways of thinking. They at once favor the church where
father and mother worship, and, as they advance in years, imbibe, to a
certain extent, the doctrine held by them.
By and by the children begin to study their parents. They will
commence studying their parents before they read the Bible. They
know that they belong to church, that they hold to certain doctrines,
believing that a certain thing is right, and, on the other hand, that
another thing is wrong. The time was when the children thought what
their father and mother believed was all right, but as they grow still older
and their minds become more mature, they look at things differently.
They wonder whether this, that, and the other thing, are really right! It
does not look just that way to them. They wonder whether it is in
keeping with the teachings of the New Testament, and on learning that
it is not, it is a question in their minds whether to denounce the book or
to doubt the sincerity of their parents.
For years — while younger— they had been interpreting the Bible by
their parents. To them their mother had been a walking commentary.
Their father had served as a guide post, pointing in the direction leading
to heaven and happiness. But now they are reading father and mother
closer. They see in their conduct something they never specially
noticed before. They hear them use bywords and sometimes other
words not becoming a devout Christian. Then they talk unkindly about
their neighbors. They frequently abuse, or rather talk abusively of some
of the members in the church. They may even say some hard things
about the preachers, and also about the elder, whose dealings are not
BIBLE MONITOR 13
at all times above question. They notice that their parents lack in
religious zeal, as well as in devotion to the church and her work. At
meeting they sometimes hear father or mother pray, but at home never.
At church they often see them singing like angels, but at home hear
them scold and say many unkind things.
The commentary that first delighted and encouraged them has now
proved a puzzle. Must they lose faith in their parents, or must they lose
faith in the Bible? If they lose faith in their parents, then the early living
commentary is gone. It can no more be a help to them in religion. If
they surrender the Bible, then they look upon their parents as having
been deceived, and religion can have no consideration upon their part.
They have become skeptical, and are hopelessly lost. All this is due to
the unfaithful lives of their parents.
How much better it would be for their children could parents only set
before them the true light! Blessed is the child whose father or mother
is a true and reliable commentary on the New Testament. They early
learn to read their parents. They learn this long before they can read
anything in the Bible. Now, if, in after-years, they find the manner of life
of their parents in perfect harmony with the teachings of the Sacred
Volume, then they will have confidence, not only in those who brought
them into the world, but also in the Book. Parents need only study their
subject in order to understand its bearing on the rising generation.
They can see how their conduct may lead to the salvation of their
children or may be the means of driving them farther away from the
kingdom. May God help all the parents truly to become living epistles-
living commentaries— for the guidance and comfort of their children.
CHILDREN OF LIGHT
Howard J. Surbey
I wonder if we have ever realized that as individuals who have
accepted Christ, there is a vast difference between us and the general
run of human beings?
"Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day; we are
not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do
others; but let us watch and be sober. Let us, who are of the day, be
sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet,
the hope of salvation." I Thess. 5:5-6, 8.
The sins, methods of dealing with men, expressions, and any other
way which might bring shame and disgrace, are usually carried on in
the night. Especially until one becomes so hardened to them that they
no more bring shame. However, notice that we are not living in night-
darkness— but in light— day.
14 BIBLE MONITOR
"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise
with healing in his wings." Mai. 4:2. "Then spake Jesus again unto
them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not
walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12.
First a fear or reverence for God was impressed upon us. Then the
light of the glorious gospel of Christ shined upon our hearts and we
followed it with the result that we now are walking in the light and not in
our sins.
'The people that walk in darkness have seen a great light: they that
dwell in the land of the shadow of death upon them hath the light
shined." Isa. 9:2. "While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may
be the children of light." John 12:36. Think for a moment how
important light is to you in your everyday life. The expense that man
uses that he may have it whenever and wherever he wants it. Without
light of any kind, man is almost useless and is not sensible to dangers
or duties.
Just so spiritual light makes us aware of the naturally unseen. Even
a glimpse into the light of the glorious light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
makes us aware of some things eternal. The more of that light that
anyone can assimilate and have at his command the deeper one can
see into the eternal.
"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord:
walk as children of light." Eph. 5:8. Do we question that we have
sinned, no. Do we question that Christ is the light of the world and able
to light our lives, no. Why not walk as children of light?
Are we sober, if not, the light will do us no good. Let us watch and
be ready. Grow in Faith and in Love. "He that loveth his brother
abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him." I
John 2:9.
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the
great God and our Savior Jesus Christ." Titus 2:13.
Selected from August 15, 1947 issue of Bible Monitor
NEWS ITEMS
NOTICE
The new Treasurer of the Bible Study Board is Bro. Rick St. John,
2578 County Road 20-2, Archbold, OH 43502. Continue to send
contributions for the Bible Study Board to the secretary, Bro. Dennis St.
John, 21397 County Road B50, Bryan, OH 43506.
BIBLE MONITOR 15
WAYNESBORO, PENNSYLVANIA
The Lord willing, the Waynesboro Congregation is looking forward to
Revival Services, September 1 through September 8, 1996, with Bro.
Eugene Kauffman from Dayton, Virginia.
We extend a hearty invitation to all, to join us for these services in
prayer and attendance, that we would be strengthened and the lost
saved.
Sister Janet Shaffer, Cor.
PLEASANT RIDGE, OHIO
The Lord willing, Pleasant Ridge Congregation, Ohio, plans a
Harvest Meeting on September 8, 1996, with morning services.
Also, we are planning a Lovefeast on October 12 and 13. Morning
services at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, afternoon services at 2:00 P.M.
and evening services at 7:00 P.M. Services continue on Sunday
morning at 9:30 A.M.
All are welcome to come and worship with us.
Sister Marjorie Flory, Cor.
BETHEL, PENNSYLVANIA
The Bethel Congregation invites you to our Fall Revival Meetings,
September 22 through 29. Bro. David Rice from Englewood, Ohio will
be our evangelist. Pray that saints are strengthened and sinners give
their hearts to the Lord and hand to the Church.
Sister Fern Wolfe, Cor.
NOTICE
We at the Bethel Dunkard Brethren Church School, Bethel,
Pennsylvania are in need of teachers for the 1996-1997 school term.
We need teachers for Kindergarten, fifth and sixth, and seventh through
twelfth. If anyone would be interested, would they please call either
Brother Harold Kegerreis or Brother David Aungst. We would ask
anyone interested to prayerfully consider this opportunity to serve the
Lord.
Bro. David Aungst, chairman 717-345-6588
Bro. Harold Kegerreis, secretary 717-933-4743
THANK YOU
Thank you so much for the beautiful cards on our 50th Anniversary.
Your thoughtfulness was really appreciated.
May God richly bless you.
Brother Lawrence and Sister Etta Clayton
16
BIBLE MONITOR
DIRECTORY OF BOARDS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dale E. Jamison, Chairman
R.1 Box 137
Quinter, KS 67752
Dennis St.John, Secretary
21397-B50
Bryan, OH 43506
Warren C.Smitti, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
McCiave, CO 81057
GENERAL MISSION BOARD
Fred O. Piter, Chairman
1734 240th Street
Adei. iA 50003
Robert Carpenter, Secretary
R.5 Box 97
Peru, IN 46970
Dale E. Jamison, Treasurer
R.I Box 137
Quinter, KS 67752
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
Rudy Shaffer
42 Doe Run Road
Manheim, PA 17545
Jacob C. Ness
136 Homeland Road
York, PA 17403
Paul Stump
10340 North Diamond Mill Road
Englewood, OH 45322
Milton Cook
1138 E. 12th Street
Beaumont, CA 92223
BOARD OF PUBLICATION
Paul Stump, Chairman
10340 North Diamond Mill Road
Englewood, OH 45322
Jacob C. Ness, Secretary
136 Homeland Road
York, PA 17403
H. Edward Johnson, Treasurer
1307 S.H. 108
Wauseon, OH 43567
Fred O. Piter
1734 240th Street
Adel, IA 50003
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
BIBLE STUDY BOARD
James Meyers, Chairman
2641 205th Street
Dallas Center, IA 50063
Dennis St.John, Secretary
21397 County Road 850
Bryan, OH 43506
Rick St. John, Treasurer
2578 County Road 20-2
Archbold, OH 43502
Marlin Marks
3027 Acorn Lane
Red Lion, PA 17356
Mark Cordrey
4025 Woodland Avenue
Modesto, CA 95358
RELIEF BOARD
Henry Walker, Chairman
12413 Delaware Road
Hickman, CA 95323
(209) 874-2832
Martin Meyers, Secretary
2654 K Avenue
Adel. IA 50003
(515)993-3028
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender Street
Morenci, Ml 49256
(517)458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 North Queen Street
Littlestown, PA 17340
(717)359-5753
Tom Jamison
R.2 Box 30
Hoxie. KS 67740
(913)675-3600
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
David Skiles, Superintendent
NCR 79, Box 8
Cuba, NM 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Drive
Modesto, CA 95355
James Meyers, Sebretary
2641 205th Street
Dallas Center, IA 50063
Marian Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, KS 67752
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
Larry Andrews
12306 East 203rd Street
Raymore, MO 64083
All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury,
but sent to the Secretary for his
records.
1, a>U QTAxniT)
ino40 N. Diamond Mill
Union, Uji 4w.jJJ
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXIV
AUGUST 15, 1996
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 ainn to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
WHAT LACK I YET
What lack I yet? Dear Lord, show me;
Is it to love more heartily?
Or is it faith and trust in Thee?
What lack I yet, my God to see?
Is it patience with fellowman?
Or, with myself, to Satan ban?
Help me to walk with Christ each day,
My feet keep on the narrow way.
Lord, where I lack, wilt Thou supply?
Fill those places before I die?
Then by Thy grace at home I'll be
With Thee throughout eternity.
-Irene Stout
BIBLE MONITOR
WHAT LACK I YET?
The rich, young ruler came to Jesus hoping to receive His
commendation. He had kept the commandments. He thought that
would be enough to gain the favor of Jesus. As Jesus quizzed him
about his life and habits, he was pretty confident that he had done all
necessary to gain Jesus' approval. As Jesus probed more deeply
within his life, he could think of nothing more that he could have done.
Almost forlornly he asked what he yet lacked that would secure the
favor that he sought.
Jesus' answer hit the mark far better than he might have wished.
His riches had become a barrier to the total yielding of his life. While
he had kept the law to the letter, he had failed to observe the spirit of
it. He could observe ordinances, but he would not yield to the
practical, giving side of following God's Word. When Jesus
suggested the necessity of giving away all of his possessions, he was
not willing to go that far. He was willing to do many things, but he
was not willing to be poor so he would have to depend upon God for
his well-being. With his riches to sustain him, he was self-sufficient.
A self-sufficient man is not sold out to God. He is able to take care
of himself. He does not need to depend upon God for his daily bread.
His riches had become his dearest god. He was not willing to part
with them, although they would ultimately cause him to fail to receive
the prize, he so earnestly craved. He cared more for his riches than
the destiny of his soul.
He was not the first nor the last to have mixed-up priorities. When
he thought he was so amply provided for, he was actually the poorest
THE BIBLE MONITOR AUGUST 15, 1996
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DENNIS ST. JOHN, Associate Editor; 21397-B50, Bryan, OH 43506.
BIBLE MONITOR
of men. Heavenly treasures are worth far more than all the
perishable riches of this world. Although they may seem secure, the
riches of this world can take flight and disappear. Family incidents
may cause financial reverses that can turn riches into poverty.
National and world events within can destroy fortunes built over many
years. Financial panics or political turmoil can affect the solidity of an
individual's wealth. A depression can ruin a business that supplied
wealth to its owners. War or political unrest can ruin businesses.
Bank failures and stock market crashes can lessen fortunes thought
to be untouchable.
Some people view wealth as a sign of God's favor. The rich,
young ruler may have thought he was rich because he had tried his
best to keep the law. Jesus wanted that wealth to be used for more
than just his creature comfort. Today, many confuse their wealth with
God's commendation. A Christian lifestyle may contribute to the
gathering of riches. When the costly habits of the world are shunned
and a plain and simple lifestyle is chosen, there is a tremendous
decrease in the cost of living. That which is saved becomes a
building block of wealth.
Many who have gained riches have done so with a desire to serve
God. Others have gained riches, but have had no regard for God.
Their wealth has come through various means, ethical and unethical.
They may, as an after thought, give God thanks for their wealth,
although it was garnered by ungodly means.
A Christian may use riches for good causes. Many charities have
been financed by Christians. They wanted to return a portion of their
wealth to those less fortunate than themselves. They could perhaps
remember when they too had been without financial means. Jesus
would commend that use of wealth.
Money given in this way may be very useful and a means of
honoring God. There is, unfortunately, a tendency to receive the
honor of men for these gifts rather than honoring God, the giver of
every good and perfect gift. Modesty may be overcome in a moment
of weakness, when the gift becomes publicized.
When the rich, young ruler asked, What lack I yet? The issue was
more than just the dispensing of his possessions to the poor. It was
an issue of trusting God to the fullest. It boiled down to whether he
would trust in his riches or he would trust in God. Which would have
the highest priority in his life?
Trusting in God, ultimately, leads to the necessity of accepting
Jesus Christ as the Anointed Savior. Trusting God for the material
and physical provisions of life is a good thing. Far more important is
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trusting God for the redemption and salvation of the soul. This is the
greatest gift that can conne to man from God. Man's greatest trust is
for his soul's salvation. Without this dependence upon God, all other
issues of life shrink into insignificance.
Have you asked the question, What lack I yet?
M.C.Gook
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
U.F.O.'s, Bermuda Triangle and the Abominable Snowman!
In recent years, a strong reaction against the rationalistic,
materialism of our scientific age has caused many Christians and
other people to be fascinated with reports of strange and unexplained
phenomena. The tremendous popularity of books and programs
about U.F.O.'s, the Bermuda Triangle and the Abominable Snowman
are evidence of a remarkable spirit of credulity today. It seems we
are eager to believe in almost anything as long as we do not have to
believe in the full reality of the Bible and its truths.
What are some facts associated with these reports and how should
we as Christians react to them? The Christian is not rationalistic in
the sense that we reject even the possibility of the supernatural. God
is omnipotent, therefore, miracles are certainly a reality. In addition,
the Bible teaches the reality of many invisible powerful spirit beings,
both angels and demons.
I believe a healthy skepticism about such phenomena is
appropriate until there is firm and conclusive evidence as to what they
are. You can reject two common interpretations immediately. First,
they do not relate to physical creatures from other planets. Second,
they are not associated with half-human, half-animal products of
evolutionary processes on this planet.
Whatever may be the real nature of "Bigfoot", it is not a creature
intermediate between man and the ape. God's Word teaches us that
man is uniquely created in the image of God and all animals are lower
than man and under his dominion. Regardless of evolutionary
speculations, the Scripture is the only reliable source of explanation.
It is possible these creatures are some form of a giant ape or the like,
if they, in reality, do exist.
The idea of U.F.O.'s being interplanetary vehicles controlled by
some humanoid beings from outer space is equally impossible. God
prepared planet earth as a unique home for man and it is on this
planet. Earth, that God Himself will dwell eternally. (Rev. 21 : 1-3)
Even if there were humanoid beings on other hypothetical planets,
BIBLE MONITOR
it is absurd to reason that they would be traveling back and forth to
our planet. The nearest star is four light years away and it is
unrealistic to think that space vehicles could be designed to travel at
speeds even distantly approaching the speed of light.
Researchers have shown that the great majority of U.F.O. sightings
can be explained as atmospheric phenomena, weather balloons,
airplanes, light reflections on clouds, gaseous effusions, military test
vehicles and so forth. Some are probably even hoaxes or
imagination.
Researchers have also shown that the infamous "Bermuda
Triangle" is not a reality. The search for supernatural or preternatural
explanations is absurd. Christ, when He was on Earth, rebuked those
who were always looking for "signs and wonders." Even though
Satan and his angels possess power and knowledge, they are only
finite creatures and can do no more than God allows them to do.
The Bible DOES prophesy that there will be an increase in
demonic activity in the last days. It also indicates that unusual
phenomena will increase in this time. Thus, we can not completely
dismiss the possibility that some of these things are demonic in
nature. They might well be associated with spiritism, astrology and
psychic phenomena. The phenomena always attracts those who are
looking outside of God for the answers to the creation and the
harmony of the Universe. Whether these tales are merely examples
of human imagination and gullibility or whether they are involved in
demonism, clearly all such connections should be avoided by
Christians. Our only involvement in them should be to prayerfully and
carefully deliver others who have become involved in them.
Brother Len Wertz
1996 GENERAL CONFERENCE SERMON NOTES
Continued from August 1, 1996 Issue
Sunday Evening
Bro. Jim Meyers opened. Potential-time. I Kings 20:1-4. "He that
will lose his life for my sake shall gain it."
Bro. Phil Gish. To the young people. I John 2:13, 5:4-5, Luke
11:9-13, Prov. 16:32. Five Wrecks. Do you have control over your
heart and soul?
Wreck #1 — Economic and Material Wealth. We should handle
our finances with the Word of God. Are we interested in Christian
Worship instead of worldly amusements?
Wreck #2 — Lack of Shame. Every believer should carry shame.
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Don't ever back away from shame.
Wreck #3 — Lack of Pain. Pain is God's trumpet. Suffer pain for
Jesus. Seek the Lord and His teachings.
Wreck #4 — No Plimsoll Mark (a set of tines or a line on a ship
showing the water level to which they may legally be loaded). Stay in
the perimeter of God's love, or you will end up in a wreck. Continue
ye in my love.
Wreck #5 — Temptation. I Cor. 1 0:13. Temptation is controlled by
the devil, who is very deceiving. We should keep ourselves under
control or else Satan will devour us. The Lord has control of our lives.
Satan will not tempt you more than you can stand. Get rid of the sin
in your life. We need to control our temper and stay away from
alcohol or any other sin in our lives.
Bro. Paul Ness closed. God can help us in our troubles.
Monday Morning Worship
Bro. Leonard Wertz. I Peter 2:5-10. We need to follow the narrow
path that leads to heaven. Without God, there is no life. God speaks
to us through His Word, the Bible. Man is created in the image of
God. God gave us Jesus that we might gain life eternal through
Christ's teaching. We believe life is sacred. Praise God that the Old
Time Religion consists of honest believers. Let's be godly and live
true and faithful.
Monday A.M.
Bible Study. Adults: The Church —A Tempered Body. I Cor. 12.
Children: A Blind Man Receives Sight. John 9:1-38.
Bro. Tom St. John. I Cor. 12, II Cor. 3:16. The Bible is the inspired
Word of God. There are many happenings in the Bible. Do you
believe these? Yes, we believe every story in the Bible. All scriptures
are given by God. God has preserved the Holy Scriptures throughout
all these years. Satan tries to change people's minds on the Bible.
There is a lot of religious confusion. The many versions of the Bible
cause much confusion. The new versions have taken on the New
Age movement. We serve the real God that we read about in the
King James Version. Lucifer was cast down from heaven. This man
is Satan, a very deceiving man. He wants to destroy our faith in God
and His only Son, Christ Jesus. Jesus said, "I am the bright and
morning star." Be very cautious when reading the new versions of the
Bible. Our God has preserved the true word in the King James
Version.
Bro. David Aungst closed. The King James version of the Bible is
the Word of Truth.
Monday P.M.
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Bro. Kenny Wilkerson opened. I Peter 3:7-13. Do we hate evil
enough? Make sure the influence of our fannily is pure in our homes
with our family. Bad influence from magazines can be very harmful to
our children's minds and lead them in the wrong way.
Bro. David Rice. Despise Not the Little Ones. Romans 8:28.
What is the image of Jesus Christ? Matthew 18:1-10. Christ came to
save all of them that are lost. When He speaks of the little ones, He
also means everyone that comes to Jesus and whose souls are
saved. John 15:18-19. Christ said, "They hated me, and they will
also hate you." Romans 2:1. Do not judge a man. We are not to
despise anyone. We should make peace with our enemies. Jesus
did not despise the sinners. He tried to help them and reasoned with
them to change so they, too, could get their souls saved. ETC stands
for Esteem, Treasure, and Cherish. Christ helped people when they
were in need.
Bro. Gordon Jamison. I Peter 1. What does God expect of us
today? What is God looking for in our lives? God looks on the heart.
Job was a perfect man. God is looking for perfection in our lives. The
Apostle Paul was struck down by God, while going to Damascus.
The Apostle Paul made a complete change and worked for God.
Jesus died on the cross so that we can be saved by His teachings in
the Bible, We need to give our all to gain that eternal home. God
brings everyone of us to the foot of the cross. Christ died for us so
we can get to heaven. Hold on to the Savior's hand; He will lead us
to eternal life if we allow Him. Christ said, "If you love me, keep my
commandments." Let's be a Holy people and live for Christ and His
teachings.
Bro. Fred Johnson closed.
Monday Evening
Bro. Virgil Leatherman opened. Isaiah 40:1-9. The eagles shall
renew their strength. Eagles fly to the top of the mountain. A storm
takes them up in the air above the storm. It is nature's way of
protecting the eagle. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Wait
upon the Lord.
Bro. John Peffer. Beware Lest. Matt. 7:15. Beware of false
prophets, men, scribes, evil workers, and Pharisees who loved the
praise of men rather than of God. Beware of that Doctrine. David
was a man after God's own heart. David was the greatest king to
reign. Beware of the sins of the times. We need for God to speak to
us.
Bro. Harley Flory. Gnats and Camels. Matt. 23:24. The Pharisees
were great for tithing one tenth of everything that men produced.
8 BIBLE MONITOR
What we promise God is important. We need to be careful of little
trivial things. Jesus said, "Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat and
swallow a camel." Jesus showed the Pharisees that they were in
error. II Sam. 12. How serious is judgment? God is no respecter of
persons. Forgiveness is part of the mercy of God. James 2:12.
Faith. Heb. 11. Faith, Hope, and Charity. Charity is love. We are
living in freedom before God. Jesus said, "When I come again, will I
find faith on the earth?" Keep that faith and work for the Lord.
Bro. Frank Shaffer, Sr. closed. Watch the gnats and keep them
strained out.
To be continued
Sister Alice Heisey
I WILL SEARCH MY SHEEP
Ezekiel 34:11, "For thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I even I, will
both search my sheep, and seek them out."
Jeremiah 29:13, "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall
search for me with all your heart."
It is wonderful to know that God searches out His sheep and finds
them when they are wondering astray, before they have any
knowledge of Him. He seeks us out and finds us even when we are
not looking for Him! There is a lot of confusion today in religious
circles concerning God and man. Who seeks whom? Who finds
whom? The scriptures are clear about a lot of things that folks refuse
to see. Take baptism for instance. The Bible is so clear that baptism
means immersion, and repeated immersion, yet it is so clear that a lot
of people who would like to believe otherwise will miss it. The same
thing happens with the relationship between God and man. Many are
so steeped in tradition that they neglect to see what the scriptures
say.
We find by looking at the above scriptures that there is a searching
on both the part of man and of God. I remember when I was a
teenager searching for God. For many years I did not seek Him with
all my heart. I sought Him when I was in trouble or downhearted or if
things were not going right. But I did not seek Him wholeheartedly.
Yet I believe that all that time He was searching me out, and not
allowing me to stray too far. You could say that God sought me until I
found Him.
The scriptures tell us that God has not lost one of His sheep except
the son of perdition. He has not lost any except Judas. This is a
wonderful thing to know. If we trust in Him continually and do His will
we become one of His sheep and He promises to uphold us and keep
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us in the hollow of His hand. This truly is a wonderful promise. Man
cannot make a promise like that and keep it. Only God can.
I often wonder what He sees in us to redeem us. He loved us
when we were unlovable by human standards, and often we still are.
Yet He loves us, poor wondering sheep that we are. He provides for
us. He watches over us, and He searches us out.
Thou Shepherd of Israel and mine,
The joy and desire of my heart.
For closer communion I pine:
I long to reside where thou art:
The pasture I languish to find,
Where all who their Shepherd obey,
Are fed, on thy bosom reclined,
And screened from the heat of the day.
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
BEING PAST FEELING
Ephesians 4:17-19, "This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord,
that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of
their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from
the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the
blindness^of their heart: who being past feeling have given themselves
over unto lasciviousness: to work all uncleanness with greediness."
The very mention of the word "feelings" elicits controversy within
the Christian community. Many Anabaptists are strongly opposed to
the Pietistic theology because of the inclusion of an emotional
experience in salvation. This initiates a discussion concerning
personal (individualistic) decision verses corporate accountability.
We, too, are concerned with the modern trend of "every man doing
that which is right in his own eyes." We are also persuaded that there
is a need for personal commitment and responsibility. We believe this
starts with an experience with the Lord Jesus Christ. Emotion may or
may not be a part of this experience. We are not nearly as impressed
with "dry eyed conversions" as with those who express their sincere
guilt of sin with tears.
The subject of "feeling" or "emotion" also conjures up loud and
active worship with much display. We are convinced that much that is
deemed to be a movement of the Spirit is no more than human
emotion out of control. However, we are also convinced that the Spirit
10 BIBLE MONITOR
does move individuals to express their love of the Lord in acts of
emotional display.
The "feeling" described in our opening verses does not deal directly
with this controversial definition of feelings. It deals with a feeling of
awareness of sin. Paul says that we are not to walk as other Gentiles
walk. That is, our lifestyle should be different from that of the general
population. We believe Christians should be different in their attire,
their form of speech and their choice of amusements among other
things.
Paul says other Gentiles walk in the vanity of their mind. They are
not concerned what their appearance may do to others. In fact, many
dress for the sole purpose of attracting the attention of the opposite
sex. In addition to this, other Gentiles are often very egotistical. A
large portion of the population is in love with themselves. Their
greatest goal in life is to supply their wants, needs and desires. We
believe this can be a stumbling block for Christians as well.
Paul also says other Gentiles have the understanding darkened.
They do not have the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit to guide them
into truth. Paul infers that we can also have a lack of understanding
even if we have the Holy Spirit within. We can read and study our
Bible and use the correct version (which we believe is the King James
Version) and still fall into error if we do not allow the Holy Spirit to lead
us in our understanding. Preconceived ideas and a lack of true
conviction can hinder the Spirit in this area.
Paul says that other Gentiles are alienated from the life of God
through the ignorance that is in them. Ignorance can come from a
lack of Bible study. It can also come from being influenced by popular
thought.
Paul says these things come about because of the blindness of
their heart. We "see" spiritual truths with our spiritual eyes. This is a
very important part of "feeling" as we see it. Satan can cause us to
doubt our salvation and make us feel like we are lost. He can also
give us a false sense of security and make us believe that God will
not judge our sin if we have once been saved by the blood of Christ.
Paul says that these other Gentiles are past feeling. What a
terrible condition to be in! They can not know the calling of the Lord
on their heart to repent from their sin. This is because they have
given themselves over to lasciviousness. That is doing anything that
pleases their mortal bodies and minds. To us this proves that we
have a free will. Paul says these other Gentiles work all uncleanness
with greediness. It is popular today, as it may have been when this
was written, to make excuses for deviate lifestyles.
BIBLE MONITOR 11
Are these other Gentiles without hope? We think not. For a few
verses later Paul speaks of putting off the former conversation
(lifestyle) the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts
and putting on the new man, which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness.
God can deal with you if you sincerely allow Him to take away the
feelings for sin and give you a feeling of true joy. As Christians we
must also allow the Holy Spirit to bring conviction from time to time
upon our heart. May we never come to the place of being past
feeling.
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
SIXTY YEARS AGO
August 15, 1936
THE WORLDLY CHURCH
J. D. Brown
"Take heed that no man deceive you, for many shall come in My
name, saying I am Christ; and shall deceive many." (Matt. 24:4-5.)
We find in later days, false teachers will declare, Lo here is Christ
and there is Christ. Be not deceived, allowing yourselves to be
tossed about by every wind of doctrine. We have a right to know
which is the right church, by searching the gospel as we are
commanded, Paul told Timothy to study to show thyself approved of
God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the
word of God.
If we acquaint ourselves with the word of God, we will be prepared
to weigh them in the gospel balances, or measure them by the rule of
God. By their fruits ye shall know them.
(I John 2:15-17.) "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 flesh, and the lust of
the eye, 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 forever."
A great contrast between these that follow after the fashions of the
world, and indulge in all the things of the world, their religion passeth
away with all the lusts of the flesh, but those that do the will of God
abide forever. They not only abide with the Lord in this life, but they
will abide with Him in the life to come.
(John 15:19) "Ye are not of the world," speaking to His disciples, "I
12 BIBLE MONITOR
have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you."
This scripture settles the question for ever. It is too plain to be
misunderstood, those that lust after the flesh, and satisfy the lust of
the eye, and the pride of life are not the church of Christ. Because He
said I have chosen you out of the world. If they are a chosen people
they are a separate people from the world. Therefore the world
hateth you. Is it reasonable that the world would join the church of
Jesus Christ, when Christ says the world hates the church?
(Jas. 4:4) "The friendship of the world is enmity with God.
Whosoever therefore will be a friend to the world is the enemy of
God." I truly believe the most conservative man in the worldly church
is a friend to the most worldly man in the church, because he
recognizes him as the brother, he communes with him, which proves
beyond a doubt that they are friends. And if so, he is no better than
the worldly brother, because James says he is the enemy of God.
Again they have no excuse, they take their choice, they choose
between the loyal and the disloyal, they prefer going with the worldly
church, which again proves they are a friend to the world.
Again the gospel teaches, two can not walk together except they
agree. From this scripture, we infer that the most conservative
brother must agree with the worldly church.
(Matt. 15:14) "Let them alone. They be blind leaders of the blind.
And if the blind lead the blind both shall fall into the ditch." Matthew
warns us there will be blind leaders, and if we follow them we with
them shall fall into the ditch, or condemnation.
(Jas. 1:27) "Pure religion and undefiled before God the Father is
this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and keep
himself unspotted from the world." I ask in the name of good
reasoning, has the worldly church a pure and undefiled religion? If
not, can they be the church of Christ?
(John 15) "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."
It requires strict obedience to the word of God, to be a friend of God.
(II Cor. 6:14-18) Paul here teaches that the church and the
unbelieving world can not fellowship or commune together any more
than light and darkness. The church represents the light. Ye are the
light of the world, ye are the temple of the living God, as God hath
said, I will dwell in them, and will walk in them, and 1 will be their God.
And they shall be My people, wherefore come out from among them
and touch not the unclean thing, and on these conditions he agrees to
be our Father and we shall be his children.
(Rom. 16:18) Come out from among them, because they serve not
our Lord Jesus Christ, but by good words and fair speech, they
BIBLE MONITOR 13
deceive the hearts of the simple. Be not deceived, they will deceive
the very elect if possible.
(Rom 16:17) "Now I beseech you brethren, mark them which cause
divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned;
and avoid them.
The word avoid means shun them, withdraw from them, or escape
or flee from them, (Webster). But in place of shunning them, or
withdrawing from them, escaping or fleeing from them, they fellowship
and commune with them, showing they are the friends of the world.
By their fruits ye shall know them.
(I Thess. 3:6, 14) "Ye withdraw from every brother that walketh
disorderly, and not after the traditions which he received of us." Paul
in II Tim. 3 says, from such turn away. We see from the foregoing
scripture that the most conservative member of the worldly church
has a work to do, they must withdraw, or come out from the worldly
church, before Jesus Christ will recognize them as a child of God.
(Heb. 6:4-7) For it is impossible for those who were once
enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made
partakers of the holy ghost, and have tasted the good word of God,
and powers of the world to come. If they shall fall away, to renew
them again unto repentance seeing they crucify to themselves the
Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame.
I believe the worldly churches were once enlightened, and tasted of
the heavenly gift, and were partakers of the Holy Ghost, and tasted
the good word of God, and if so, Paul offers them as a church no
hope.
(Titus 1:11) Paul says their mouths must be stopped, but this is
just the kind of preaching the worldly church wants, hence they are
allowed to speak.
(John 16:13) The Holy Ghost guides men into all truth, which is
the word of God. When men are guided by the Holy Ghost into all
truth they will withdraw from all the ungodliness of the kingdom of this
world.
(John 17:16) "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the
world." According to this, Christ will not recognize a worldly church.
(Rom. 12:2) And be not fashioned according to this world. The
humble follower of Christ dare not form, shape, or fashion himself
after the foolish and vain customs, styles and forms of the worldly.
But be ye transformed, changed from the foolish styles of the world,
to modest apparel, which becometh those professing godliness, by
the renewing of your mind. A renewed mind is a changed mind,
which is affected by the influence of the Holy Ghost and the word of
U BIBLE MONITOR
God.
When we have a change of apparel and a changed mind, then we
are a new creature in Christ Jesus, then we can present our bodies in
an acceptable nnanner of God, then is when we can be read and
known of all men.
(Rom. 12:1) But the worldly churches present their bodies in all the
styles and fashions of the world, they present their minds, I truly
believe the same way, in sympathy with the world, which is carnal.
The carnal mind is enmity against God, not subject to the law of God
neither indeed can be. We must forsake all the pleasures of this
world, forsake even our best friends, for Christ's sake.
(Luke 14:26) If any man come to Me, and hate not his father and
his mother and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and
his own life also, he cannot be My disciple."
(Matt. 10:37) "He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not
worthy of Me and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not
worthy of Me, And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me
is not worthy of Me."(Matt. 19:29) "And every one that hath forsaken
houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father or mother or wife, or children,
or lands, for My name's sake shall receive an hundredfold, and shall
inherit everlasting life."
WRITING OUT LOUD
Do you recall the young lady, who as valedictorian of her high
school graduating class, testified for Jesus Christ? At first the
principal flat out said, "No." Only a threatened law suit changed that.
Then she was asked to write her speech and tone it down. She did
not. The speech was given as she had originally planned.
This clearly demonstrates once again that Christianity is under
attack. She could have quoted Buddha, Confucius, or Shirley
MacLaine, but not God! Others have free speech, Christians do not!
Consider the following observations:
Christians (that is us) are more into tolerance than truth. Even
Christians were ashamed. Truth has been sold out for popularity and
acceptance. Preachers are encouraged to "tone it down" and not to
"be so negative."
Her speech was evangelistic. Perhaps even my wisdom would
have changed it. Then it hit me. We have lost our zeal and our
aggressiveness. We are totally passive, defeated. The early church
was militant. We are trying to be righteous without being too
religious. It is not going to happen.
The media shout, "courage" when the abortionists, homosexuals,
BIBLE MONITOR 15
radical feminists, and so forth, "shove it in our faces." They whine
when a little Christian girl discusses her faith and priorities.
The world is not listening to the church because the church is not
talking. We have ceased preaching because we no longer have fire
in our bones. Pulpits deliver feel-good sermonettes to Christianettes
while the church dies. Should not someone rattle our cages?
Everything we believe in is offensive. God is offensive Jesus is
offensive. Truth is offensive. Preaching is offensive. The Bible is
offensive.
Good morning, church! Is anyone reading? Let us wake up before
our meeting houses become our tombs. Movements begin in caves
and die in cathedrals.
We cannot settle for life-support Christianity. What has become of
the Great Commission? Thank God for the little girl in DeSoto,
Texas!
Used by permission
Selected from Pulpit Helps
by Brother Lynn H. Miller
NEWS ITEMS
DIRECTORY OF INFORMATION
Please make the following changes in the Directory of Information
in February 1, 1996, issue.
The present contact person for Mountain View, CO Congregation is
Bro. Oty Reed, 33720 Rd 26, McClave, CO 81057. His telephone
number is 71 9-829-4511.
Please delete the current information for the Mountaindale, MD
Congregation.
NOTICE
Would you be interested in being part of a management team, or
would you know someone who is qualified for such a position? Then
please contact a member of the Trustee Board of Mt. Hope Home.
Telephone 717-741-1607.
Or you may communicate directly to:
Mt. Hope Home
3026 Mt. Hope Home Rd.
Manheim, PA 17545
717-665-6365
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR
SEPTEMBER 1996
September 1 - The New Commandment - John 13:18-38.
1 . To whom was Jesus referring when He said, "Whomsoever I send"?
2. How can we show "Love one to another", providing we are Jesus'
Disciples.
September 8 - "The Way, The Truth and the Life" - John 14:1-14.
1 . How could God the Father be seen in Jesus Christ the Son?
2. Whatever we ask in Christ's name will be done, for what
purpose?
September 1 5 - "If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments" - John 14:15-31.
1 . How can we prove our love for Christ by keeping His
commandments?
2. What work will the Holy Spirit perform in us as believers?
September 22 -Abiding in Christ -John 15:1-8.
1 . Receiving what we ask of God is conditional upon what two things?
2. By doing what, do we glorify the Father and be a disciple of Christ?
September 29 - Greater Love - John 1 5:9-25.
1 . Explain the difference between a friend and a servant?
2. Why should we, as believers, expect persecution from
unbelievers?
YOUNG PEOPLE'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR SEPTEMBER 1996
September 1 - Our Heavenly Home - Matt. 6:19-21 ; Luke 10:17-20,
John 14: 1-6, Rev. 21:1-27.
1 . Why is it so important to have our treasurers in the right place?
2. Who shall inherit the "All things" of Heaven?
September 8 - Our Rebellion - Deut. 9:24, I Sam. 15:22-23, Isa. 65:2-5,
PhiL 3:16-21, Rom. 10:1-3.
1 . How does God respond to the rebellion of His people?
2. How should we submit ourselves "unto the righteousness of God?"
September 15 - Our Spiritual Growth - II Cor. 9:6-1 1 , Eph. 4:14-16,
I Thess. 3:11-13, II Pet. 1:5-9, 3:18, Heb. 6:1-6.
1 . How is our Spiritual growth conditional upon our growth in love?
2. Explain the relationship of Spiritual growth and fruit bearing.
September 22 - Our Earnestness - Deut. 6:M2, Ps. 1 19:1-16,
Prov. 3:1-13, PhiL 3:13-15.
1 . In what ways can we show our earnestness in serving God?
2. How can we "find favor and good understanding in the sight of
God and man"?
September 29 - Our Eagerness - Mark 10:13-22, I Cor. 15:1-10,
Acts 13: 38-44, Acts 17:16-34/
1 . How is our eagerness in God's service an indicator of our spiritual
condition?
2. How could it be possible for us to be eager to serve God and yet be
lost spiritually?
i B.-.xi St:unip
10340 N. Diamond
Union, Oii 4^o^j-i
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(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXIV
SEPTEMBER 1, 1996
NO. 17
"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 aim to be nnore sanctified, nnore righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
THE TIME DRAWS NIGH
The time draws nigh, when from the clouds
Christ shall with shouts descend;
And the last trumpet's awful voice
The heav'ns and earth shall rend.
Then they who live shall changed be.
And they who sleep shall wake;
The graves shall yield their ancient charge,
While earth's foundations shake.
The saints of God, from death set free,
With joy shall mount on high;
The heav'niy hosts, with praises loud,
Shall meet them in the sky.
A few short years of exile past,
We reach the happy shore;
Where death-divided friends, at last,
Shall meet to part no more.
BIBLE MONITOR
GATHERED TO BE SCATTERED
Farmers buy or store seed to be planted. If they are to have a
harvest they must invest in seed, which, hopefully, will produce a
large harvest.
The best seed may be secured. It may be stored under ideal
conditions. While sitting in the storage bin, it has the potential of
producing a bumper crop. Every farmer knows that potential does not
make a crop that can be harvested. No matter how expensive or how
well kept, the best seed can not produce a harvest until it has been
sown.
Before the seed can be sown, the ground must be adequately
prepared. It must be broken up. Seed sown on the pathway or other
patches of hard ground can not take root and produce a crop. Rocks
and stones must be removed from the field. Rocks do not provide a
suitable seedbed because the seed can not take root. The grass and
weeds must be pulled or tilled down so they do not choke the young
sprout. When all these operations have been completed, the soil is
prepared for the sowing of the good seed. Even with the best of
conditions, there will be a variance in the amount of the harvest.
Even the smallest yield is a miracle. Even from one grain can
come a stalk that produces many, many grains. Multiply that one
grain by all that were sown and some idea of the magnitude of the
harvest can be gleaned. Even if all do not produce to their fullest,
what they do produce is a large increase over that one initial seed. A
good seed in fertile ground will produce a great crop.
For a seed to produce it must die. There is an element of risk in
planting that good seed. The natural tendency is to hoard it. If it is
THE BIBLE MONITOR SEPTEMBER 1, 1996
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard Brethren
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DENNIS ST. JOHN, Associate Editor; 21397-B50, Bryan, OH 43506.
BIBLE MONITOR
kept in storage it will produce nothing. If kept too long it will decay
and become unproductive. It must be planted. It must die. It must
germinate to bring forth its fruit.
The thought of dying to produce life is a picture of the Resurrection
of Jesus Christ. His Resurrection has been the source of true,
bountiful Spirituality for nearly two thousand years. He desired to do
His Father's will. Although He may have desired to have been spared
the pain, shame and suffering of the crucifixion, He, nevertheless,
yielded to the will of God. God's love for the individuals of this world
caused Him to give the greatest of all gifts, His only begotten Son.
Jesus, the Son of God, paid the price for the sins of humanity on the
cross. He was lifted between Heaven and earth, drawing humanity's
sins unto Himself.
There He died. He was taken from that cross to lay in Joseph's
tomb. He was the good seed being planted in the ground. That seed
germinated. He resurrected. He provided life for fallen mankind.
His resurrection is pictured each time a sinner convicted of his sin
decides to follow Jesus by declaring his faith, repenting of past sins
and entering the baptismal stream. Baptism is a picture of death,
burial and resurrection. It identifies the believer with Jesus.
The han/est is gathered into the granary. There the grain awaits
being sold, fed to animals or saved for next year's seed. Whatever its
destination, it can not remain in the granary. It must be used.
Joy accompanies the gathering of the grain. There may be a
celebration to commemorate the end of the harvest. Better yet,
thanks may be offered to God for this harvest. However, the seed
does not fulfill its original potential until it is used.
Those who have been born-again must become good seed. They
have received the vitality of the resurrection. With that life within, they
must be scattered abroad. They have been gathered into the
Father's garner to be scattered forth as seed that will continue to
produce even more seed.
Those who have been gathered need to enjoy the benefits of the
fellowship and instruction within the granary. They dare not become
at ease in that situation. They must go forth to bring forth other seed.
There is a tendency to hoard the seed. Hoarding actually has an
opposite than expected effect. Instead of saving the seed, it often
brings a decay into the body of believers. Certainly every
congregation should be of sufficient size to provide a well-rounded
ministry. Every congregation also should be looking for ways it can
promote the sowing the good seed in other areas. These areas may
be just a few miles away, they may across the country, or even
around the world.
Have you been gathered into the Father's granary? Are you willing
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to scattered as the good seed, wherever needed?
M.C.Cook
SIXTY YEARS AGO
September 1 1936
WHAT, CAN YE NOT WATCH?
Ida M. Helm
"What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that
ye enter not into temptation." (Matt. 26:40-41.)
Jesus had taken His disciples into the Garden of Gethsemane to
watch with him. His humanity craved the companionship of friends in
that crucial hour. HE was Praying. HE said, "My soul is exceeding
sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with Me." (Matt.
26:38.) Oh how imperative it is that we watch and pray without
ceasing. While Jesus agonized and interceded for the sins of the
disciples, for your sins and mine and for the sins of all of Adam's race
the disciples went to sleep. Of all the people that were astir that
night, none were watching, none were praying.
When Jesus wakened Peter out of his sleep he took a sword and
cut a man's ear off, and Jesus had to heal it and rebuke Peter. If
Peter had been watching and praying with Jesus he would not have
drawn a sword against his fellowman. In our careless state of mind
while we are napping or dozing or while we are ever busy here and
there and not on our guard the call comes to us to watch and pray.
Even in our best, most earnest and somber moods Christ our Savior
calls us to watch and pray that we may retain that which we have and
that we may grow more like Him.
"What, could ye not watch with Me one hour?" These were
pathetic, touching words that fell from the lips of our Savior when in
his awful interceding agony he found the disciples sleeping. He was
in a few hours to be led to the cross to be a sacrifice for all man kind,
that his sinless blood might cover our sins, though they be as scarlet.
"And His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to
the ground." (Luke 22:44.) It was for the sleeping disciples that HE
sweat those bloody drops, it was for me. it was for you that HE sweat
those bloody drops. Can we watch with Him?
At love feast time we wash each other's feet, we eat the Lord's
supper and partake of the bread and cup, emblems of Jesus broken
body and shed blood.
St. Paul says, "Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and
drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and
blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat
of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh
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unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not disceming
the Lord's body." (I Cor. 11:27-29.)
It is wonderful that the chief ordinance of Christianity is the
commemoration of the death of a man. A vital relationship to the
accomplishment of God's great plan of redemption. We should
always live on the highest plane of holiness possible.
At love feast time during the usual hour or two of intermission
between the examination service and the feast how do we spend the
time? Do we indulge in a careless confidence, talking about secular
things, laughing and perhaps joking a little bit, instead of watching
and praying with Jesus? Preparation for the communion and
partaking of it is no trifling matter. Our weakness and our moral
nature is understood and closely scrutinized by our creator and
Redeemer to whose perfection we weak morals are mystically united.
Let us watch and pray that the mysterious purpose in God's plan
may be fulfilled in our weak body. "But as he which called you is holy,
so be ye holy in all manner of conversation." (I Peter 1:15.) Jesus
and the salvation he brought to mankind should be the subject and
thought of our conversation between the examination service and the
feast. It is to proclaim and commemorate the Savior's death that we
come together and we should keep our minds on the tortured,
bleeding Jesus as he dragged his broken, humiliated body up
Calvary, "despised and rejected of men."
"What could ye not watch with me one hour? Listen, Paul is
speaking, "Only let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of
Christ." (Philippians 1:27.)
"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for
the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body, that
it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the
working whereby HE is able even to subdue all things unto Himself."
(Philippians 3:20-21.)
There is no bar to communion but the want of correct preparation
and whatever bar there is men and women may remove themselves if
they will. God insists on people doing things right.
BUILDING A CHURCH TEAM
Parti
Have you ever participated in a game of volleyball, and one or
more of the players on your team were "hot dogs?" These "hot dogs"
would hit the ball at every chance, sometimes running into other
players on their own team. The ones on the team who were not quite
as good at the game would never get a chance to hit the ball.
Does this sound to you like an example of good teamwork in
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action? I believe that playing volleyball can give us some valuable
insights about getting along as a Church.
In Ephesians 4:11-16, Paul gives a list of different spiritual gifts.
He also gives the reasons why God grants spiritual gifts unto men
and women who are believers.
Why do we need a church team? The three reasons given are;
(1) For the perfecting of the saints,
(2) for the work of the ministry, and
(3) for the edifying of the body of Christ.
How long will we be needing to work together as a team within the
body of Christ? Until "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." This objective is supposed to
be fulfilled in our Church today!
What is a "team ministry?" As it relates to this application, I would
define a team ministry as a church that works together in presenting
to the world a united front: a people who live out the Word of God in
their daily lives, and who are intent on sharing the Gospel Message
with others.
As we consider the merits of working together as a team, I will be
using the example of a volleyball game. In playing volleyball, a
number of players divide into two different teams. There are certain
rules by which to play, so that the competition is fair and equitable. In
my experience, a team that plays well together can win over a team
where a few individuals are really good players, but who do not
cooperate together as a team. The goal is to get the ball back over
the net without letting it hit the ground. The hope is that someone
from the opposing team will fumble the ball and let it drop, so that
your team can gain a point.
In building a Church team, there are at least five qualities needed
among the individuals in the group. They are: (1) Commitment, (2)
Character, (3) Trustworthiness, (4) Leadership, and (5) Flexibility.
The first quality needed on the team is commitment. Commitment
(in a church team setting) is a decision to love each other and to
deliberately choose to work together. This particular type of love is
not the gushy, mushy type — like when a boy meets a girl and they fall
"head over heels" in love for each other. This kind of love is a real
commitment; a rational decision to choose to be committed to the
other persoTi(s) for the rest of your life.
Love is the oil that allows us to work together without grinding each
other to pieces! Just let a bearing go without oil for a period of time
on a piece of machinery, and you will see what happens when a
Church without love will get all heated up, and will eventually
V
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experience a "meltdown" if the condition is not alleviated.
Commitment also includes the Biblical mandate to forgive one
another when wrongs occur; when offenses are committed. Those
team members who are committed to each other will display a
willingness to work together and have a forgiving spirit.
You know what happened soon after the iall" in the Garden of
Eden? There were ONLY two brothers, and one of them killed the
other! Only two brothers, yet, Cain was NOT willing to work together
on this earth with his brother, Abel. Cain was NOT a good example of
a team player.
Years ago, when automobiles were just coming out, the story goes
that there were two cars registered in the State of New Jersey. Only
two! And they collided at an intersection. Why? They were both
coming to the same intersection at the same time, and neither driver
would yield the right-of-way!
God wants us, who are believers, to learn to work together — so we
can develop a trust in one another. We need to overcome the fruits of
"the fair by getting along together. Unlike Cain and Abel, we need to
live in unity and harmony, and experience teamwork!
A good example of commitment can be seen on the volleyball court
during a game when someone gives up a good hit for the benefit of
someone else on the same team. The team's players need to work
together during the game for the ultimate good of the team. In order
for the team to win, each player needs to work for the benefit of the
team, rather than for his or her own personal benefit. In this way, the
team has a fighting chance to win!
How about the Church team? Is each one willing to do his or her
part? We all need to be committed to the task of spreading the
Gospel Message. We all need to be committed to working together.
Sometimes we need to lay aside our personalities. We need to
accept the fact that others will see things from a different angle than
we do. We believers need to choose to get along together in order to
accomplish the larger task of winning the lost for Jesus Christ.
To be continued
Brother Bob Lehigh
IS CHRIST DIVIDED?
I Corinthians 1:12-13, "Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I
am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is
Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the
name of Paul?"
Where I am employed we have a system of seniority that can get
very complicated. It involves both factory and department seniority.
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Within this system is what we call a "round robin." Theoretically the
decision of job award could go on indefinitely. To avoid this there has
been a restriction put on this "bumping" procedure. We have come to
believe that theological issues are similar to this in some respects.
When we try to make final and profound statements of understanding
on many theological issues we find ourselves going "round and
round" with no clear understanding.
We are persuaded that a large part of the problem is that we are
trying to follow the wisdom of man in place of allowing Scripture to
speak for itself. In a recent correspondence by mail we were once
again challenged with the question of why there are so many different
denominations, splinter groups and independent gatherings. As we
thought on this question our mind was drawn to our opening verses.
In our day we could probably paraphrase the Apostle Paul and
come up with a statement such as the following. "Now this I say, that
every one of you saith, I am of Martin Luther and I of John Calvin, (or
Jacobus Arminius), and I of Cephas (Peter); and I of Christ." To this
could be added the names of leaders of the various cults. Almost
every one of the various groups claims to be a part of the body of
Christ. A few claim that they are the body of Christ. Some refuse to
worship Jesus Christ but claim to worship the Father. For us, it is not
difficult to completely separate ourselves from the cults. But what
about the remaining group? There is also the difficulty of where to
place some religious movements. There is a growing movement
today to accept the Roman Catholic Church as a legitimate part of the
body of Christ. In reality they, of their own admission, are the group
that says, "I (am) of Cephas." They insist that Jesus Christ gave the
authority to rule the earthly church to the Apostle Peter and the Popes
are his successors.
One of the things that has always puzzled us about this portion of
Scripture is why the Apostle Paul included the name of Christ in this
list. There are at least two possibilities. The most obvious is that you
can claim to be following Christ but fail to worship the Christ of
Scripture. But there is also the danger of becoming so self righteous
that you come to believe that you and your little group (no matter the
numerical number) are the full and complete body of Christ. The
statement, "While others are following the teaching of man, we are
following the teaching of Jesus Christ and Holy Scripture," can be
both of good statement and a sigh of self-righteous holiness.
Paul's question, "Was Paul crucified for you?", speaks to us of the
importance of believing in the shed blood of Christ for our salvation.
This eliminates a large portion of the modern church and other
organizations from the true body of Christ. Paul's next question, "Or
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were ye baptized in the name of Paul?", says to us that baptism is
more important than many conservative groups make it. But it also
raises the question of the correct mode of baptism along with the
issue of infant baptism versus believer's baptism.
Is Christ divided? The obvious answer is, No! Should we then join
the ecumenical movement? Heaven forbid. Should we discontinue
our wearing of distinctive garb to bring more unity with other
believers? We are persuaded that doing so will eventually lead to our
sisters losing the prayer veil, which is an issue of division. Christ is
not divided but man has divided the body of Christ by interpretation of
Scripture. We are persuaded that we should hold fast to Brethren
understanding of Scripture that has lasted the test of time until the last
few decades. We are not dividing Christ by standing fast to Holy
Scripture and tradition that makes it applicable.
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
1996 GENERAL CONFERENCE SERMON NOTES
continued from August 15, 1996 issue
Tuesday Morning Worship
Bro. Mark Cordrey. Psalms 20. Our biggest goal in life is to get
right with God. What kind of Christian are you? Jesus gave His life,
not for Himself, but for us. What do you trust in? When we get to the
end of our life, have we gotten ourselves ready to leave this world?
Did we accept Christ and all of His teachings? Remember the Lord
your God; put your trust in Him.
Bro. Eldon Mallow closed. Ps. 111:1-3, Eph. 3:14-21. We need to
stand faithful to the Word of God.
Tuesday A.M.
Bro. Scott Bross opened. The thought and cost of faith. We must
have faith in Christ. We have faith in our Heavenly Father. Acts 6:8,
11:24, 27:23-26. Barnabas and Paul were faithful workers for God.
We need to fear our enemy, Satan. Do not allow him to lead us in the
wrong direction. God is trying to strengthen our faith. Trust in Him,
and He will help us.
Bible Study-Adults: The Church-A Tempered Body, I Cor. 12
Children-A Son Returns Home, Luke 15:11-32.
Bro. Denny Myers. Take up Thy Cross. Matt. 16:21-24. Christ
said, "I must go and suffer many things." Many of us here have
decided to follow Jesus and His teachings. The cross has some
weight. Christ said, "You may be hated by all men and shall be
saved." Christ took His cross and made it holy by death. We are
10 BIBLE MONITOR
called to bear the burdens of others. So often Satan tempts us to
give an excuse. He tells us not to bear others' burdens. Is the cross
too heavy to bear to help others and their burdens. Do you hear
Christ calling the cross bearers? Do not yield to temptation. Take up
the cross and follow Christ. Christ is there and will show you how to
bear the cross. Christ said, "If you are not willing to take the cross,
you are not worthy of me." If we do not bear the cross, where do our
children stand? They can see we are not willing to take up the cross.
We are living in the last days. Are we lowering our standards and not
willing to take up the cross as we should? Mark 10:21. The cross
was too heavy to bear for the rich man. Jesus loved the rich man and
told him to sell everything, and take up the cross and follow Him. Are
you willing to bear the cross and live faithful throughout your life?
Bro. Fred Johnson closed.
Tuesday P.M.
Bro. Gordon Jamison opened. Matt. 28:19-20. 'Teach all nations
to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo, I am
with you alway, even unto the end of the world."
The Decorum Committee asked Bro. Dale Jamison to tell of his
African Mission experiences. Acts 16. Bro. Godfrey is twenty-seven
years old, married now and is a minister of the Dunkard Brethren
Church. There were hundreds of children running loose in Kampala.
The children get all of their food at school in Kampala. Bro. Paul,
Sister Mary Stump, and my wife Doris and I went out to the Bush for
sen/ices. As we went along through the trees, we saw the little huts
that they lived in. Many wanted to be baptized and thirty -two were.
They were so happy to be born again. We traveled on about fifty
miles further, where there were sixty some children who came along
to the sen/ice. Most of the women in Africa believe in having their
heads covered during prayer. The people were glad to be part of the
service at every home we went to. Bro. Paul and I received two
chicken hens, eggs and pineapple. It is their way of saying, 'Thank
you for being here." People in Africa want missionaries to come and
teach them the Bible. African people need the Lord. They want to be
baptized. They are happy to learn of the Bible. The gospel needs to
be preached in Africa. They do not practice the holy kiss there, as we
do in America. They kiss only by brushing cheeks.
Bro. Phil Gish closed. We need to pray for our Mission Board and
learn how we can be of help to the people in Africa.
Tuesday Evening
Bro. Jim Meyers opened, Luke 8:26-40. What are we doing with
what God has entrusted to us?
Bro. Rudy Shaffer. 911. Matt. 25:31-46. Do we see the fallen
BIBLE MONITOR 11
men around us? Many people in the world need Christ. We need to
share the gospel with fallen men. We need a vision of Hell. Hell has
become a place of torment. We need salvation to get us ready for
Heaven. We need Christ and His teachings. Any church that does
not have trouble means Satan has full power over it. Be a witness to
the people who do not know Christ. Jesus said to go into all the world
and preach the gospel. Let's get on fire for the Lord.
Bro. William Carpenter closed. The Bible is the message that we
carry with us to any missionary meeting with anyone in need to learn
of Christ.
Wednesday Morning Worship
Bro. Milton Cook. I Chron. 16::7-37. This was the returning of the
ark of the covenant. It was put in the place where it belonged. We
have been greatly blessed while we have been here at this
Conference. We are hereto praise the living God. We can choose to
be built up in our Spiritual lives since we have been here.
Sister Alice Heisey
I WILL DRAW ALL MEN UNTO ME
John 12:32, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men
unto me."
As witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ we should never be
discouraged. We should continue to tell others about our crucified,
risen Lord. For we know that, according to the scriptures it is Jesus
that draws men unto Him. It is not us. When I look back on my own
experience, I remember the words of a man, but it was the drawing
power of Jesus Christ that sustained me for over three years until I
finally became His child. If He truly drew me all those years, and if He
has held me even until this very hour, then I must not doubt His power
to draw others and to save and keep them.
Tis done — ^the great transaction's done
I am my Lord's, and he is mine;
He drew me, and I followed on,
Charmed to confess the voice divine.
We must, in all our witnessing and work for God, go in the name of
Jesus. No person in this world is beyond His power to save. Jesus is
the only true magnet. His power is irresistible. Man has tried to draw
others through programs, musical groups, famous preachers, puppet
shows, conferences, and the like, but JESUS said, "...if I be lifted up. I
will draw all men unto me." Are we lifting Him up for others to see?
Jesus will save you. Not the logic or knowledge of this world. Not
the churchly organizations or fads of this present world. It is Jesus.
We need to be careful of fad and fashion in the religious realm.
12 BIBLE MONITOR
Look at education. Educate yourself if you must, but do not let
your education lead you away from Jesus. Do not be side-tracked by
a loved one, a group of friends, a form of entertainment, or a sport.
Jesus is too precious to be lost at the hands of something so
insignificant. Many today are in the valley of decision. Rich and poor,
ignorant and educated, young and old: we all pass this way at
sometime in our lives. What will you do with Jesus, who is called
Christ? Will you bow before Him and plead for mercy to take away
your sins and make you His child? Or, will you, like many millions
before you, crucify Him again and bring Him again to an open
shame?
Happy day, Happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away!
He taught me how to watch and pray
And live rejoicing every day;
Happy day, Happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away!
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
OUR SATURDAY NIGHT
The Mind: Its Care
J. H. Moore
Did you ever walk through a fine apple orchard and admire the
fruitful trees? Have you not seen these trees covered with bloom
and, later on, hanging full of fruit? Then, have you not visited the
orchard again, and been charmed by the tinted leaves and large,
delicious apples? Have you not stood beneath the outspreading
branches of some favorite tree and counted the large, ripe apples
lying on the ground? Did you not, at the same time, notice some
decayed fruit? Did you take the pains to count such apples? More
especially, did you eat any of the decayed fruit? Certainly not. That
was sensible. That is the way all fair-minded people do. They admire
the beautiful, and eat that which is good. They never would think of
eating a rotten apple. They might possibly gather them up and cast
them into the ditch, but they could never be induced to make use of
them, or even to ask anybody else to do so.
That is the right way to treat the body. The Lord never intended
that people should put partly decayed fruit into their stomachs. Why
not be thus wise regarding the care of the mind? The world is full of
good things to think about. There is good books and papers
everywhere. In nature there is much to admire and think about.
Then, why feast upon the evil and the unpleasant? Why spend hours
and even days, rolling evil thoughts over and over in the mind, as
BIBLE MONITOR 13
though they were sweet morsels? True, evil things are about us. We
cannot help noticing them. But why not dispose of them, as we would
get rid of decayed fruit, and then go on thinking about the good, the
noble, the beautiful and the uplifting?
Decayed fruit in the stomach will soon ruin it. Next will come
disease, followed by a painful death. The same unwise treatment
may lead to a troubled mind and an unhappy life. The wise man
takes care of his body. He knows that it is the only one he is ever
going to get in this world. But he is not always so careful regarding
the care of his mind. He fills his mind with unpleasant thoughts, and
then wonders why he must all the time be worried with the evil of this
world. He is like the foolish man— if one so foolish could be found—
who whiles away his time in his charming orchard, feasting on
decayed fruit.
In this wicked world we cannot avoid coming in contact with evil.
Sin and misfortune must be encountered, but they should be
disposed of. At least we should not permit the mind to feast upon
such thoughts. To do so will not be good for the mind, neither will it
produce happiness. It requires time, attention and great care to
supply the stomach with healthful food. This is true of the needs of
the mind. He who would have a healthful, useful, happy, pure and
contented mind must give it even more attention than he gives his
stomach or his body. A pure mind might possibly exist in a neglected
body, but a spotless soul will not go hand in hand with a willfully
neglected mind.
REPORT: AFRICAN MISSION BOARD
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations..." Matt. 28:19a.
We praise God for the open door in Uganda, and the eagerness of
the people to hear the good news in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Brother Paul Stump along with Brother Rudy Shaffer are planning a
visit to Africa, November 18. They will survey the progress of the
congregations in Uganda, with concerns to help them become
established in the Faith and possibly assist in plans for permanent
meeting houses.
The support of the Orphan Sponsorship has been excellent with
ninety-six being cared for. Jesus said, "Suffer the little children to
come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of
God." We understand that the children attend school the year
around, with intermissions every three months. They receive one hot
meal a day at school. Brother Godfrey goes to school on a regular
basis and ministers to the children. Those sponsoring one or more
children are encouraged to correspond with your child (children). You
may send small gifts such as modest clothing, Christian story books
14 BIBLE MONITOR
(being careful that the stories and illustrations are in good taste with
the teachings of Jesus), pens and pencils, mathematical sets, and so
forth. Address your correspondence to your child, c/o Child
Sponsorship Program, Dunkard Brethren Church in Uganda, P.O.
Box 21 1 88, Kampala, Uganda, East Africa. Pray for your child daily.
Your Board would like a couple to go to Uganda for an extended
period of time to assist and support Brother Godfrey and Brother
Peter in the work of the Lord there. Anyone interested, please
contact us.
We thank you for your strong support of this work and urge your
continued prayerful interest.
For the Glory of God in Africa, your African Mission Board;
Brother Ray Reed, Sec.
AFRICAN MISSION BOARD FINANCIAL REPORT
Quarter Ending June 30, 1 996
Balance 3-31 -96: $ 1 3,631 .39
Receipts:
Donations $ 7,667.90
Sponsorship $ 5.127.00
Total Receipts: $12,794.90
Disbursements:
Travel $ 2,148.95
Transportation(includes van maintenance, operation
and public transportation) $ 1 ,720.00
Bibles $ 375.00
Rent: Housing, Church-6 months $ 3,000.00
Banking Fees $ 30.00
Orphan Education $ 7.700.00
Other $ 100.00
Total Disbursements: $ 1 5,073.95
Balance 6-30-96: $ 1 1 ,352.34
Bro. Mark Andrews, Treasurer
NEWS ITEMS
MECHANICSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
Lord willing, the Mechanicsburg Congregation is planning a Revival
Meeting to be held from September 8 to September 15, 1996, at 7:30
each evening, with Sunday morning services at the usual time. Our
evangelist will be Brother Rudy Shaffer from the Lititz Congregation.
Please pray that God will have His way in these meetings, that His
precious name will be glorified. We covet your prayers and
attendance.
Sister Ruth N. Miller, Cor.
BIBLE MONITOR 15
ENGLEWOOD, OHIO
Our welcome is extended to all to our September 15 Harvest
Meeting at the Englewood Congregation. If the Lord wills, Brother
Lloyd Lorenz will bring the message.
Two recent lambs born into the Kingdom: Cathy, daughter of Bro.
Steve and Sis. Karen Blocher and Leigh Anne, daughter of Bro. David
and Sis. Bonnie Rice. May we hold them up in much prayer for the
guidance of God's Spirit.
We feel greatly blessed by the enriching messages of Bro. Jim
Meyer's revival efforts. It was a pleasure to have his family, also.
Sister Ruth Speicher, Cor.
THANK YOU
We want to thank all those who sent us cards on our fiftieth
wedding anniversary. It was a lovely memory to add to our book of
memories in our lives. May God bless you for your thoughtfulness.
Brother and Sister Reinhold Gunderman
ATTENTION COMPUTER USERS
For those people who enjoy using computers, there is a forum that
is really enjoyable. I am a Sysop, (or system operator) of a computer
bulletin board, or BBS called the Messenger. Basically it has after
church discussion areas. Mine has forty or so topic areas, Old and
New Testament, apologetics, prayer requests, poetry, local area
activities, to name a few. Plus programs for free downloading. It also
offers utilities for your system.
This is not Internet. It is NETworked with around thirty other
computers, mostly on the West Coast but there are a few in the East.
I decided to join the BIBLEnet family, to give the conservative side
of Christianity. If you have a computer with a modem you are
welcome to call and visit my computer. Use your .com program, dial
209-874-9837. When your computer connects it will ask your Name
or New: Type Dunkard Brethren Church. It will then ask your
password: type PLHOME, it will then ask the phone number of our
church, that is, ###-###- type 8634. The program will then let
you in. Read the instructions. Leave me some feedback to let me
know who called. You will want to call before 8:00AM, after 1 1 :00PM
or on weekends. The computer is on twenty-four hours a day.
If anyone is interested in starting a BBS, and NETworking with
BIBLEnet or know anyone interested, give me a jingle. If you have a
computer already it would cost less than one-hundred-fifty dollars to
start.
Brother David Walker
Pleasant Home Congregation
16
BIBLE MONITOR
DIRECTORY OF BOARDS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dale E. Jamison, Chairman
R.1 Box 137
Quinter, KS 67752
Dennis St.John, Secretary
21397-B50
Bryan, OH 43506
Warren C.Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
IVIcClave, CO 81057
GENERAL MISSION BOARD
Fred O. Pifer, Chairman
1734 240th Street
Adei, iA 50003
Robert Carpenter, Secretary
R.5 Box 97
Peru, iN 46970
Dale E. Jamison, Treasurer
R.I Box 137
Quinter, KS 67752
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
Rudy Shaffer
42 Doe Run Road
Manheim, PA 17545
Jacob C. Ness
136 Homeland Road
York, PA 17403
Paul Stump
10340 North Diamond Mill Road
Englewood, OH 45322
Milton Cook
1138 E. 12th Street
Beaumont, CA 92223
BOARD OF PUBLICATION
Paul Stump, Chairman
10340 North Diamond Mill Road
Englewood, OH 45322
Jacob C. Ness, Secretary
136 Homeland Road
York, PA 17403
H. Edward Johnson, Treasurer
1307 S.H. 108
Wauseon, OH 43567
Fred O. Pifer
1734 240th Street
Adei, IA 50003
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
BIBLE STUDY BOARD
James Meyers, Chairman
2641 205th Street
Dallas Center, IA 50063
Dennis St.John, Secretary
21397 County Road B50
Bryan, OH 43506
Rick St. John, Treasurer
2578 County Road 20-2
Archbold, OH 43502
Marlin Marks
3027 Acorn Lane
Red Lion, PA 17356
Mark Cordrey
4025 Woodland Avenue
Modesto, CA 95358
RELIEF BOARD
Henry Walker, Chairman
12413 Delaware Road
Hickman, CA 95323
(209) 874-2832
Martin Meyers, Secretary
2654 K Avenue
Adei, IA 50003
(515)993-3028
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender Street
Morenci, Ml 49256
(517)458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 North Queen Street
Littlestown, PA 17340
(717) 359-5753
Tom Jamison
R.2 Box 30
Hoxie, KS 67740
(913)675-3600
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
David Skiles, Superintendent
HCR 79, Box 8
Cuba, NM 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Drive
Modesto, CA 95355
James Meyers, Secretary
2641 205th Street
Dallas Center, IA 50063
Marian Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, KS 67752
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
Larry Andrews
12306 East 203rd Street
Raymore, MO 64083
All contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury,
but sent to the Secretary for his
records.
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXIV
SEPTEMBER 15, 1996
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 aim to be nnore sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
A CONTRAST
Two men toiled side by side from sun to sun,
And both were poor;
Both sat with children, when the day was done.
About their door.
One saw the beautiful crimson cloud
And shining moon;
The other, with his head in sadness bowed.
Made night of noon.
One loved each tree and flower and singing bird.
On mount or plain;
No music in the soul of one was stirred
By leaf or rain.
One saw the good in every fellow-man
And hoped the best;
The other marvelled at his Master's plan.
And doubt confessed.
One, having heaven above and heaven below.
Was satisfied;
The other, discontented, lived in woe.
And hopeless died.
-Sarah Knowles Bolton
BIBLE MONITOR
WAITING
One attribute sought by most people is patience. Everyone wants
to have more patience but seemingly there is never time enough to
develop it. We want it to be instantly available. Unfortunately,
patience is not developed that way.
Patience is mostly developed by waiting. When a person learns
how to wait instead of struggling against God's plan and pace,
patience has an opportunity to develop.
Jesus told several parables that emphasized waiting. Matthew 25
contains some these parables. Each parable teaches other lessons,
but part of the story involves the need of waiting. In neither case was
the waiting to be a mere folding of the hands and the taking of sleep,
it was to be a period of active waiting.
In the parable of the Ten Virgins, there was a period of waiting.
There seemed to be idleness indulged in by all the virgins. The five
wise virgins had prepared themselves for the end of the waiting time.
The five foolish virgins had not improved their time by obtaining the
needed oil before the groom came. The wise virgins could have been
more active but at least they were ready. The foolish had completely
wasted their time and opportunity.
Neither group knew when the bridegroom would come. They all
had to wait the same amount of time. Each group grew weary, so
they slumbered and slept. This may have been better than to
impatiently fret and stew about the time of his arrival. The key was
that whenever he would finally come they would be ready.
Those who were not ready could not borrow from those who were
prepared. In this world there are many who depend upon the relief
THE BIBLE MONITOR SEPTEMBER 15, 1996
Published semi-monthiy by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard Brethren
Church in the plant of Tomahawk Printing, Inc., 4017 Co. Rd. 11, Wauseon,
Ohio 43567.
Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio 43567.
Postmaster: Send address changes to Tomahawk Printing, Inc., 4017 Co.
Rd. 11, Wauseon, Ohio 43567-9586. Second Class Postage paid at
Wauseon, OH.
Terms: Single subscription $2.00 a year in advance
Send all subscriptions and communications to the editor.
MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th Street, Beaunnont, CA 92223.
ROBERT S. LEHIGH, Assistant Editor, R. 7 Box 7840, Spring Grove, PA 1 7362
RUDY SHAFFER, Associate Editor; 42 Doe Run Road, Manheim, PA 17545.
DENNIS ST. JOHN, Associate Editor; 21397-B50, Bryan, OH 43506.
BIBLE MONITOR
granted by those who have prepared. At that time, there will no
welfare system that will provide the needed oil. They must either
have it beforehand or do without.
In the parable of the Talents, the story is based upon the efforts of
each sen/ant, while the master was away. The servants did not know
when the master would return. They could use the time to improve
their finances or they could do nothing.
Two of the servants used their time wisely. They were able to
improve their time. They had more at the end than at the beginning of
the master's sojourn. However, one did not choose to use his talent.
He chose instead to bury it. He was very security minded. He did not
have much. He did not want to risk the little bit that he did have. At
the least , he might have placed it at interest, so he could have had
some gain. By thinking to protect his money, he actually placed it at
greater risk. It might have decayed within the ground. It might have
been dug up and destroyed by animals. It might have been lost
through forgetfulness. When the master returned he was severe with
this servant, who had not profited from his talent.
The lesson for us is to use the talent that the Lord has given each
of us. We may not possess great talents, but what talent we do have
we owe to the Lord. We must use it the best way possible. Even
after we have employed that talent, we may need to wait for the
results. Money put out at interest does not garner a great deal of
money in a short time. It is over a long period of time that interest
may produce wealth.
In the Bible, the word, "wait"' has several meanings. It can mean
"service", "expectation," "hope," or "spending time." Each meaning
carries with it the idea of a prize at the end of the waiting period. That
waiting period may be long or short. That should not concern us, for
the prize will be worth whatever price the wait demanded.
Besides these parables there are many more admonitions to wait
upon the Lord. In our human inpatience we often think that we can
improve upon God's plans for us. We want to adapt His message to
our day and age, rather than wait upon Him. When we get the idea
that we can run ahead of God and produce a better program than He
has already given us, then we are no longer waiting upon Him.
Somehow we think that God does not understand our conditions. We
want to adapt and modernize His ways to meet our approval. We
have set ourselves as the ones in charge. We forget we are the
servants not the master. Servants are to wait upon their master, not
the other way around.
Waiting developes patience when it brings forth its expected fruit.
If we perceive the wait is worthwhile we will be willing to do whatever
BIBLE MONITOR
is necessary to secure the prize. In the meantime we are developing
the patience we need.
Are you patient? Have you learned to wait upon the Lord?
M.C.Cook
THE WAY
"For 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.
There are billions of stars in the heavens. Looking up on a clear
night, the mind boggles at what it sees: stars like dust in appearance
there are so many. Yet those who have traveled the vast waters of
the earth will tell you that of all these stars there are a few that are
useful. The North Star is one. It has guided the mariner for
thousands of years. It is a fixed point that the pilot can concentrate
on, and thereby tell what direction he is going. When I was young
and we traveled away from home I always focused on the North
Mountain. I could always tell familiar surroundings by looking for
North Mountain. Just as the North Star and the North Mountain are
guides to the weary traveler, so is our text. It is like the North Star
because for centuries it has guided the weary soul to salvation.
Not far from where we live there is a Christian Book Store. They
sell Bibles and books of all sorts. They also sell maps. People come
from miles around to purchase maps there because they need to
know the way to a place. The Bible is our road map to heaven. John
3:16 is one of the highlighted places on that map. It has been read to
those souls who were dying to give them peace. It has been read
aloud in every Christian Church in the world because in a few short
words it encapsulates the essence of God's Word.
It talks about God's Love, using the word "so" which gives it infinite
strength. It talks about God's Son, the most valuable Gift ever given
to man. There is then, as Spurgeon calls it, "the simple requirement
of believing." The "whosoever believeth in Him," which leaves room
for you and me. There is also the great promise of salvation, which
only God can grant, that believers will not perish, but have everlasting
life.
Someone asked me if I thought that a person could accomplish a
high office in the church without being saved. I hope not, and I trust
that God would reveal this type of person to others. Salvation is not
just the most important thing, it is the only thing. We cannot afford to
let unconverted people into church offices, or even into church
membership. The damage that can be done in deceiving others and
BIBLE MONITOR
leading others astray is very serious indeed.
We know that the devil is busy. He would deceive the very elect if
he could. An unconverted church member can do nothing against
him. We must allow Christ into our hearts and allow God to rule and
reign in our lives. The devil will then have no power against us. God
will bless those who trust in Him.
God loved the world of sinners lost and ruined by the fall;
Salvation full, at highest cost, He offers free to all.
Even now by faith I claim Him mine, The risen Son of God;
Redemption by His death I find, And cleansing thro' the blood.
Love brings the glorious fullness in, And to His saints make known
The blessed rest from inbred sin, Thro' faith in Christ alone.
Believing souls, rejoicing go, There shall to you be given,
A glorious foretaste, here below, of endless life in heaven.
Of victory now o'er Satan's power Let all the ransomed sing.
And triumph in the dying hour Thro' Christ the Lord, Our King.
O 'twas love, 'twas wondrous love! The love of God to me;
It brought my saviour from above. To die on Calvary.
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
BUILDING A CHURCH TEAM
Part 2
In Part 1 of this topic, we found that one quality needed in building
a successful church team is commitment. Each of us, in a successful
church setting, needs to make a conscious decision to love each
other, and then deliberately choose to work together.
A second quality needed in building a successful church team is
character. For the purposes of this article, I would define character as
doing the right thing when nobody's looking. In our land today, there
seems to be quite a lack of character in people's lives. It almost
seems that we need to reach back into history in order to pull out
some examples of character.
Before Abraham Lincoln became involved in the United States
Government, he was an attorney. Someone wanted Lincoln to
defend their case in court. Lincoln asked a few questions and found
out that the person was at fault. Lincoln would not take the case,
even though he was offered huge sums of money. He felt it just was
not right. Oh, how we need to build this kind of character in our
children, in our church family, and in our team members in the body of
Christ!
BIBLE MONITOR
Who are you? I am not asking what you preach! I am asking who
you are. ..through and through, in pressure and out of pressure. ..when
nobody's looking? What would your family say about you if I asked
them to write and tell me the truth about your character? We have all
been in homes where a lot of pretense was going on in the church,
but oh, how different it was in the home during daily life! This kind of
hypocrisy will show up in the children!
Times of crisis do not necessarily build character. But they do
reveal whatever character is already there.
How many times have you seen character revealed during a game
of volleyball? Sometimes it would seem to be humorous if it were not
so serious! I have seen some "hot dogs" get so angry at their own
team members who fumbled the ball that they would begin screaming
and yelling. This was only in a volleyball game; when a half hour after
the game, nobody would even remember who won or lost! Sure, it is
okay to try to do your best when playing a game. It's not right to lose
your temper, and get the attitude that one particular game is the most
important thing on the earth!
The Bible speaks of people who easily lose their tempers: "He that
is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit
than he that taketh a city." (Proverbs 16:32).
We are reminded in Ephesians 4:13 that we are to work together
as a team until, "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." If a team member of the body
of Christ does "fly off the handle" and loses his temper, it reflects very
badly on the entire cause of Christ and His Kingdom. We who are
believers really are representing God's Kingdom to every person we
meet. What kind of representative are you?
To be continued
Brother Bob Lehigh
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
"Living better today because of the future"
Knowing the future makes all of us better prepared to face it.
Some people, however, find the Bible's teaching on the future very
confusing. Some have become so frustrated that they no longer
study prophecy.
Although some details of prophecy are difficult to understand and
even others are hidden, the purpose is clear, God has unveiled the
future to comfort us and purify us. He tells us not to let our hearts be
troubled. The apostle John adds, "Everyone who has this hope in him
BIBLE MONITOR
purifies himself, just as he is pure." (I John 3:3)
In the last chapter of his epistles, Peter gives suggestions on how
to live in the light of Christ's any-moment return. He presents several
ways we can prepare ourselves spiritually.
The first way we can prepare for the future is to rely on God's truth.
Peter urges us to recall the words of the prophets and commands of
Christ given through the apostles. These truths will strengthen us for
any assault on our faith.
Peter warns us that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking
God's Word and following their own evil desires. They will deny the
promise of Christ's return, claiming that everything continues as it
always has. They forget that God has already interrupted history
several times, first at Creation and then at the Flood. Christ's return
will again interrupt human history. The earth, once destroyed by
water, is now reserved for judgment by fire.
Unfortunately, many people today have substituted their own
experiences or ideas for the Word of God. Again Peter instructs us to
follow God's Word rather than to depend on feelings and worldly
advice. This is especially important as the end times approach and
Christ's return draws near. False teachers will claim authority over
the truths of Scripture.
Another way we can prepare ourselves for the future is to
remember God's patience. Again addressing his friends, Peter
reminds us that the "Lord is not slow in keeping his promise as some
understand slowness." Many people wonder why Christ has delayed
His return for so long. Peter reminds us that the Lord is "patient, not
wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
Christ has not yet returned to allow more time for people to come to
Him. As soon as the church is complete. He will return as He
promised.
When Christ returns, we will enjoy His presence for eternity. A
thousand years will be like a day!
Our knowledge of the future should also motivate us toward
righteousness. We must make every effort to be found spotless,
blameless and at peace with Him.
Peter explains that this world will be destroyed. Therefore, we
should not be wrapped up in it as believers. We must live in keeping
with the coming new heaven and new earth. When the present
heavens disappear and the elements are destroyed by fire, we will
dwell on a new earth prepared by the Creator.
Understanding these things, why, then do we spend so much time
with the things of this world? Why put cosmetics on a corpse?
Everything here will be destroyed. We must live in the light of Christ's
BIBLE MONITOR
return and the blessing that awaits us in heaven.
As we learn to live with eternity's values in view, we will have to
guard ourselves against the spiritual threats of the end times. Peter
tells us to be on our guard so we may not be carried away by the
error of lawless men.
The best defense against these errors is to grow in the grace and
knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We need to live
consistent Christian lives, rooted and grounded in solid doctrine.
People are searching for the truth. If we proclaim it clearly and live by
it consistently, they will be drawn to our Saviour.
Even though we may not understand all the details of prophecy, we
can be sure that Christ WILL return. God has unveiled the future, not
to satisfy our curiosity, but to prepare us to live in the light of His
return. By knowing the future, we can live better for God today.
Live in anticipation. Live expectantly. Christ is coming. ..maybe
today!
Brother Len Wertz
COME AND SEE THE WORKS OF GOD
Psalm 66:5a,6,7, "Come and see the works of God;. ..He turned the
sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we
rejoice in him. He ruleth by his power for ever: his eyes behold the
nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves."
We have received several small books at different times from the
head of a blind association that explain how blind individuals can
accomplish almost anything a sighted person can. While we find this
to be interesting and even astonishing, we would hate to be without
our sight. It might be possible to write articles by quoting them and
having someone else type them up, but it would not seem the same
to us. We are sure God would give us the grace to bear such an
affliction but would much prefer not to have to struggle with it.
The Psalmist invites us to come and see the works of God. We
enjoy driving in different parts of the State, we live in, and seeing the
different scenery. Much of this is the works of God. The works of
God the Psalmist is talking about in these verses is a demonstration
of God's power. First of all, he says that God turned the sea into dry
land. Then he says that they went through the flood on foot. We
believe these two thoughts go together. There is more than one
incident recorded in Holy Scripture where someone went across
water on dry land after the parting of the waters. The best-known by
far is the crossing of the Red Sea, by the Israelites. The Psalmist
says, 'there did we rejoice in him." This psalm is credited to David.
He, of course, never actually experienced a crossing of water,
BIBLE MONITOR
changed by God into dry land, that is recorded in Holy Scripture. He
vicariously experienced this miracle by either reading about it or
hearing it told. He could then make it a part of his own spiritual
experience. By the same token we can vicariously experience the
works of God by reading the Holy Scriptures in our day.
There is a greater way we can see the works of God in our lives.
Just as God parted the Red Sea for the Israelites in their time of need,
He is with us in our greatest time of trouble or tragedy. We may not
always experience what we can describe as a miracle, but God is
there to give us the strength and courage we need at the moment.
The Psalmist assures us that God rules by His power forever. We
can soon become discouraged when we observe the wickedness all
around us. We would not disagree with those who obsen/e that the
wicked seem to be getting more bold in their demands and the morals
of the population, in general, seem to be deteriorating. The sins we
see today have been with us since the fall of man. Some historians
believe that conditions were as bad and maybe even worse in such
places as Corinth in the days of the Apostles. No matter how out of
control society seems to be, God has not lost any of His power. The
omnipotence of God is from everlasting to everlasting.
We are told that God's eyes behold the nations. We do not believe
that God desires Christians to be involved in politics. Neither do we
believe that America, or any other nation, is or ever was a Christian
nation. We do believe that the nation that turns its back on God will
be judged by Him. We do not believe the statement is entirely true
that states, "If God does not judge America He will have to apologize
to Sodom and Gomorrah," for God will never have to apologize to
anyone. But it is true that America rivals these wicked cities in
abominations.
The Psalmist warns, "let not the rebellious exalt themselves." He is
probably referring to the rebellious nations and their inhabitants.
Unfortunately, he could have been addressing the earthly church! It
is, indeed, sad the direction the nations of the world are taking. It is
sadder yet the path a large portion of earthly churches have
determined to follow. It is disgusting when a political figure in high
office defends an immoral act. It is revolting when a church leader
does this. God is not limited by man. We will see His works and His
judgments in spite of man's actions. The world will never see the
works of God through a rebellious church.
Come and see the works of God and allow the Holy Spirit to work in
your life by accepting the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
10 BIBLE MONITOR
SIXTY YEARS AGO
September 15, 1936
THE INSPIRATION OF THE SCRIPTURES
D. W. Hostetler
In Heb. 1 :1 , we have these words: "God who at sundry times and in
divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophets,
hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son."
Since the old testament was given by the verbal inspiration of God,
the contention here is that, the New Testament was given by the
same God in the same way — the verbal inspiration of God through
His Son, Jesus Christ.
Inspiration is not revelation, it is the act of communicating divine
knowledge to the mind of holy men. Inspiration is the act of the same
God by the same Holy Spirit writing the knowledge revealed. The one
is the influx, the other the efflux.
Inspiration is not illumination. Every regenerated Christian is
illuminated in the fact that he is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, but not
every person so illuminated is inspired. Only Bible writers were so
inspired.
Again, inspiration is not human genius. The latter is simply a
natural qualification, however good and well developed it may be. But
inspiration is supernatural throughout. The writers were not inspired,
but the word written was inspired.
I should like to go further with the point of the verbal inspiration of
the scripture. The text at the head of this article is clear proof that
God did speak to the fathers directly through the prophets. In II
Timothy 3:16, Paul says: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God,"
or as the revised version has it "every scripture inspired of God is
profitable."
The word rendered "scripture" in this passage is "Graphe." It
means to dictate and write. So the idea here is that the scripture
dictated by God has been written by the inspiration of God
It is interesting to know that only we common folks believe this
doctrine, but Prof. A. A. Hodge says that the line can never rationally
be drawn between the thought and word of scripture, that we have a
verbally inspired Bible. Profs. Gussen, Westfield, Burgon all believed
this same doctrine.
Our ancient church fathers, Justin, Irenaus, Clement of Alexandria,
Origen, and Augustine all believed the doctrine of the verbal
inspiration of the scriptures.
God spake through prophets, that is, He communicated His word to
prophets, "at sundry times and divers manners," bit by bit, and in
BIBLE MONITOR 11
various forms, such as man needed for his spiritual good, and
righteousness, and holiness.
Moses lived some 2500 years after the creation. How did he get
his knowledge of the facts of creation, sin, the promise of a Savior,
the building of the Ark, the flood, and so forth? Under the force of the
text under consideration, it is clear that Moses got his knowledge by
revelation.
In Luke 1:70 we read, "As He spake by the mouths of His holy
prophets which have been since the world began." Moses was not
only a law giver but a holy prophet.
In the first chapter of Romans, Paul says he was called to be an
apostle of Jesus Christ, and that this Christ was promised by God in
the holy scripture (which was given by verbal inspiration) and that he
was made of the seed of David, according to the flesh and declared to
be the Son of God. "Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His
Son." Here it is declared positively that God hath spoken unto us in
the last days through His Son, that the Son of God was here in the
world in person, lived here some thirty-three years in the flesh and
chose His disciples and taught them for three years, and before
leaving them, told them that the Father would send "the Comforter
which is the Holy Ghost," and that He, the Holy Ghost, would teach
them and bring all things to their remembrance whatsoever He had
said unto them; and that the anointing which they had received should
teach them, and that they did not need any man to teach them, for
this same anointing should teach them truth, which was the very thing
Jesus had taught them. It is clear that the things which we have
written in the New Testament were given the writers by the Lord
Jesus Christ Himself.
In I Cor. 1 1 ;23, Paul informs us that the thing he was writing to the
church at Corinth he had received of the Lord. That Paul was
laboring under the power and direction of the Divine Holy Spirit of
God is clear proof that the New Testament was given by the verbal
inspiration of God.
In Gal. 1:11-12 Paul says: "For I qertify you, brethren, that the
gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither
received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of
Jesus Christ."
I would like the reader to note the word "certify" here in this text. It
means "to confirm the truth and validity of, as a document or assert by
a formal written statement, sighed by an authorized official." So Paul
was chosen an apostle, fully authorized by the Lord Jesus Christ to
receive and write the gospel of Christ. Furthermore he positively
12 BIBLE MONITOR
declares he had not received this gospel from man, but that he had
received it by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
John tells in Revelation how he received it direct from Christ: "I am
Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, what thou seest write in
a book.
In Rev. 1:1, we have a text that puts the verbal inspiration of the
New Testament beyond all doubt: "The Revelation of Jesus Christ,
which God gave unto Him, to shew unto His servants things which
must shortly come to pass and He sent and signified it by His angel
unto His servant John."
Again and again the writers of the Bible say that the word of the
Lord "came unto me," or "thus saith the Lord," or "I saw in a vision."
GOD'S WORD IS TRUE
God's Word is true.
Tells what to do.
Your Lord believe;
Never deceive.
if you're in doubt.
Why not find out
Just why you are
Wand'ring afar?
Take up God's Book;
Search it, and look,
And you will find
That God is kind.
And He wants you
To be so true
You'll live your life
Just for your Christ.
Let Him get hold,
Then let Him mold
Your life for you...
He'll make it new.
Now, on bent knee,
Just humble be;
Stop all your sin
To obey Him.
Come, yield to God!
His straight way trod;
Love will abound
With Christ around.
BIBLE MONITOR 13
He came to save
Us from the grave,
From the "wide gate,"
And from "hell's fate."
Then after years
Of joy or tears,
That blest reward
With Christ, our Lord,
Is not Christ's home
For saints alone?
Yes, they will rise
Up to the skies.
Twill be the pure,
Who did endure
Their trials here
On this "old sphere."
What joyful bliss!
Just think on this —
Heaven above.
Where all is love!
So meet me there.
Up in the air,
Where mansions fair
Are waiting there.
For if you don't.
Or if you won't
Doyour Lord's will,
Then there is still
A hell below.
Where those will go
Who turned their back
On God's straight track.
There, fire will burn,
And you will yearn
For some release.
But it won't cease.
You chose your way;
Now, there you stay.
Your "Book of Life"
Was full of strife
14 BIBLE MONITOR
And vain glory,
Not Christ's story.
Now judgment day
Brought you your pay...
Weeping, crying,
Longing, sighing,
Wishing you had
Been good, not bad.
But lived a life
Following Christ,
Working for Him
Till He'd come "again."
See Christ sighing.
Bleeding, dying
On Calvary
For you and me.
-Irene Stout
OBITUARY
MARY R KELLER
Sis. Mary F. Keller, born April 10, 1908, in Richland, Pennsylvania,
departed this life February 4, 1996, at the age of 87 years. She is
survived by three daughters, Elizabeth, wife of Edwin Stauffer of
Newmanstown, Pennsylvania and Dorcas, wife of Nelson Myers, and
Rhoda, wife of Rudy Shaffer, both of Manheim, Pennsylvania; two
sons, David E., husband of Ruth Keller of Lebanon, Pennsylvania and
Fred E., husband of Lorraine Keller of Myerstown, Pennsylvania,
twenty-four grandchildren; forty-nine great-grandchildren; five great-
great-grandchiidren; and a twin brother, Marvin F. Eberly of
Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Elder Ammon B. Keller,
a son, Titus B. Keller and his wife, Anna; three grandsons and two
brothers.
Mary gave her heart to the Lord in her teenage years. She and her
husband, Ammon, became members of the Lititz Dunkard Brethren
Church in February, 1 941 .
Mary often expressed love and concern for her family and friends
and remembered them frequently in her prayers.
The funeral service was held Wednesday, February 7, 1996, at the
Lititz Dunkard Brethren Church. Elder Virgil Leatherman and Ministers
Kenneth Wilkerson and James Eberly officiated at the services. Burial
was in the Millbach Community Cemetery.
BIBLE MONITOR 15
The family wishes to thank each of you who have remembered us in
prayer and for the loving support shown to us with cards and flowers.
NEWS ITEMS
MINISTERIAL LIST CHANGE
The new address of Elder Henry Walker is 12409 Terrace View Court,
Waterford, CA 95386. His telephone number remains the same.
WEST FULTON, OHIO
The Lord willing, the West Fulton Congregation is looking fonward to
Revival Meetings, September 20 through September 29, with Bro.
Wayne Burgess of McClave, Colorado as our evangelist. Evening
services will start at 7:45 and Sunday evening at 7:00.
All are cordially invited to come and worship with us. Remember to
pray for these sen/ices.
Sister Diane Heisey, Cor.
WALNUT GROVE, MARYLAND
Brother Dennis St. John from Ohio will be joining us to conduct
revival services beginning Sunday, September 29, and ending with the
Lovefeast celebration on Sunday evening, October 6. Your
prayers/presence would be inspiring and encouraging to us during
these efforts.
Sister Dorcas Shelly, Cor.
LITITZ, PENNSYLVANIA
Our Revival Meeting will start October 18 and run through 27. Bro.
Harley Flory from Pleasant Ridge, Ohio will be our evangelist. Come
and pray for these meetings.
A few Sundays ago our congregation was singing the song, "More
Like Thee." I had to think, is that really our desire? Do we know what
we are singing? "Never let me from thy footsteps stray, Keep me in the
narrow way. Pure without and pure within, Keep me ever from the
ways of sin. Meek and lowly, ever kind and true, Like thyself in all I do."
Are our desires to be more like the world or more like Christ, so
someday we that crown of life could win?
Our prayer is that we might be drawn close to our Saviour and
strive to be more like Christ each day. May we see a revival in each
of our hearts so that others who see and know us will be drawn to
Christ.
Sister Dorcas Myers, Cor.
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR OCTOBER 1996
October 6 - The Comforter: The Spirit of Truth - John 15:26-27, 16:1-15.
1 . Jesus said the Holy Spirit would "Reprove the world" of what
three things?
2. What other works of the Holy Spirit did Jesus mention here?
October 13 - "Ask and Ye Shall Receive" - John 16:16-33.
1 . Why should we always ask in Jesus' name when praying?
2. Explain how it is possible to have peace in Christ and in the
world tribulation?
October 20 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer - John 1 7:1-26.
1 . What did Jesus say in His prayer about the unity of
believers?
2. For whom did Jesus pray this high priestly prayer?
October 27 - Betrayal and Denial - John 1 8:1-27.
1 . Why did the band of men and officers fall to the ground at the
words of Jesus, "I am He"?
2. Explain how Peter could be so bold in some ways and yet so
afraid of being fully identified with Christ?
YOUNG PEOPLE'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR OCTOBER 1996
October 6 - Little Evils - Prov. 6:6-23, Ecc. 10:1-20, I Cor. 5:6-8.
1 . In the sight of God are there big evils and little evils?
Explain.
2. Explain how the little evils in our life are like dead flies
in the ointment of the apothecary.
October 13 - Perilous Times - Gen. 6:1-13, II Tim. 3:1-17.
1 . In Noah's time, why did God destroy most of his creatures
along with the corrupt people?
2. In the midst of a corrupt world how can we as God's people
"Be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works"?
October 20 - A Great Deceiver - Gen. 3:1-24, Matt. 4:1-1 1 , II Cor.
2:10-17, II Cor. 11:13-15.
1 . In what ways was the temptation of Christ like the
temptation of Eve?
2. How can we discern between what is of God and what is of
Satan?
October 27 - Our Protection - II Cor. 16:7-9, Dan. 3:15-25, 6:11-23,
Luke 21:1 8-1 9.
1 . How is it possible to have a perfect heart toward God?
2. What must we do to be assured of God's protection?
i^'l^ri S
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Union, Gli 45522
Mill
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXIV
OCTOBER 1, 1996
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 ainnto be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
I SHALL NOT BE MOVED
As a tree beside the water
Has the Savior planted nne;
All my fruit shall be in season,
I shall live eternally.
Tho' the tempest rage around me,
Thro' the storm my Lord I see,
Pointing upward to that haven,
Where my loved ones wait for me.
When by grief my heart is broken,
And the sunshine steals away,
Then His grace, in mercy given,
Changes darkness into day.
When at last I stand before Him,
Oh what joy it will afford,
Just to see the sinner ransomed,
And behold my sov'reign Lord.
-Alfred H. Ackley
BIBLE MONITOR
"MAKE IT AS SURE AS YE CAN"
Pontius Pilate is considered one of the most-despised men of all
history. As the judge of Jesus, wanting to retain the favor of Caesar,
he was controlled by his political sense. He condemned Jesus to be
scourged and crucified at the urging of the corrupt leaders of the
Jews. He somewhat realized the power of Jesus. He knew Jesus
had been delivered to him for condemnation because of the jealousy
of the Jewish leaders. He wished to wash his hands of the whole,
sordid affair. His wife warned him because of the dream that had
troubled her. He understood more than we might think, but he lacked
moral courage.
He gave in to their demand for the crucifixion of Jesus. He had
sought to deflect them by offering a choice between Jesus and
Barrabus. Under any other circumstances, they would never have
desired any leniency for Barabbus. They chose a thief and murderer
over Jesus, They were willing to make this dubious choice so they
could get rid of this radical, blasphemer who claimed to be the Son of
God. He would deflect the affections of the people from them to
Himself. They seemed to have less insight than the pagan, Pilate.
They, who claimed to be God's Chosen People, should have
recognized and followed Jesus when He came unto them, but they
rejected Him.
Yet, some of His words bothered them. After they had persuaded
Pilate to crucify Jesus, they began to have some doubts themselves.
He had expired upon the cross. His body had been removed from the
cross. The body had been hastily prepared for the grave. Now,
instead of exalting over what they had accomplished they began to
THE BIBLE MONITOR OCTOBER 1, 1996
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard Brethren
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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.
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RUDY SHAFFER, Associate Editor; 42 Doe Run Road, Manheim, PA 17545.
DENNIS ST. JOHN, Associate Editor; 21397-B50, Bryan, OH 43506.
BIBLE MONITOR
worry. They wanted to make sure that there would be no occasion for
His disciples to steal his body out of the grave. The disciples then
might claim that He had arisen, just as He had claimed that He would.
This end would be worse than the beginning. They went to Pilate the
next morning, seeking a seal and a guard over that tomb. He allowed
them to do as they wished. His words sound less than hopeful that
they could accomplish what they hoped. He told them to make the
burial site as secure as they could. His insight suggests that he
wondered if they could really secure it as totally as they wished.
They made sure the body was still there. They made sure the
huge stone was set before the doorway of the burial cave. They
blocked it as well as they could. They sealed around the stone. They
placed a wax seal across its face, so any disturbance could be
detected. They placed guards to watch so no one could disturb that
grave.
Did they succeed in making it secure? They could not secure it.
Jesus arose. Their efforts were totally futile. That grave could not
hold Him. They could not stop Him.
Like the rock in front of the burial cave, people try to secure their
lives against the claims of Jesus. He claimed He would arise the third
day and He did. He also has a claim upon each of our lives. His
claim is based upon creation, redemption and obedience. If a person
is unwilling to yield to His claims they are like the Jewish leaders
trying to seal the grave against His resurrection.
Their denial will be no more effective than that of the Jews.
Although men may attempt to keep Christ from control of their lives,
they will find, in the end, that they made a poor choice. There are
many things that attract the efforts of people in this life. They may try
to accumulate property. They may try to control great corporations.
They may amass great fortunes. They may have great athletic
success. There are many other areas of life where people try to
secure a great standing. Even if they are successful in these
endeavors, they will have failed to have secured their lives beyond
the influence of Jesus Christ.
If they refuse to accept Him as their Savior and Lord in this life they
will have to meet Him as their judge after this life. They can be born
again into the family of God. If they do not avail themselves of this
opportunity in this life, they will miss all opportunity to realize that
relationship. Instead of a homecoming welcome to Heaven, they will
face a fearsome entrance into the eternal punishment of Hell.
As secure and sure as they may think that they can make their
lives according to their own plan, they are only set for failure. It is a
BIBLE MONITOR
pity to waste a lifetime of energy and planning on a certain failure.
Far better to invest that time and effort into something that will
produce a far greater reward at the end.
Have you tried to make your life sure without Jesus Christ? Learn
from the failure of the Jewish leaders in trying to make sure the tomb.
M.C.Cook
BUILDING A CHURCH TEAM
Parts
So far in this series, we have seen that building a successful
church team requires commitment and character.
A third quality essential in building a church team is
trustworthiness . Trust is the bridge of every relationship.
The Bible commands us to love one another. We are also
commanded to forgive each other. But, on the other hand, trust
needs to be earned.
Sometimes, a person squanders their trust. When that happens, it
takes a long time to build up trust for that person again. As fellow
Christians, we still love them. We choose to forgive them. But the
element of trust must be earned. This is the balance in submitting to
leadership. We submit to leadership who have earned our trust. In
return, we need to let them lead!
We need to grow toward trustworthiness. Each of us needs to
develop a proven track record, so we can, in turn, trust each other.
On a professional sports team, when the coach or captain calls out
a play, each player needs to be faithful in his assignment. Each
person's assignment will be different. They are all important. One
can not worry about the other's assignment. Each needs to be faithful
to the task given to him.
Suppose, for example, you are in the infantry of the Army. You are
allotted a few soldiers and given an assignment. Your task is to take
a hill at a certain latitude and longitude, by a certain time. As you
attempt to take the hill, you encounter resistance. So you decide to
choose an easier path than the one in the plan. At the assigned time,
you end up at different coordinates than where you were assigned.
Suddenly, shooting breaks out. There is a lot of confusion. After a
while, you and your fellow-soldiers are shot dead. What happened?
In the confusion, your own army knew you were supposed to be at an
assigned place. When your shooting issued from a different location,
they thought you were the enemy. So your own army fired on your
position. You were killed by "friendly fire."
When your own army finds out they killed you, they will be sorry. It
BIBLE MONITOR
will be written down in the books as a mistake. Still, you and your
fellow soldiers will be dead. Yes, in this scenario, your death would
have been an accident, but you would still be dead.
This clearly illustrates the need to be faithful for those who are
serving in the armed forces. It is just as important to be faithful and
trustworthy when serving in the army of the King of Kings and the
Lord of Lords!
We need to be DEPENDABLE! We each need to earn the respect
of those around us. If someone consistently has "bad" insights into
how to solve problems, those around will not be very willing to listen
when he offers advice on how to solve a problem. Trust needs to be
earned.
We are to hear from God. We need leaders who have a proven
track record, and who have displayed that they hear from the Lord in
challenging situations.
Perhaps you have seen examples of trustworthiness in a volleyball
game. When the ball comes to you, you have to hit it! Your team is
depending on you! If you fumble the ball, you have let your team
down.
Watching a successful volleyball team, you will notice that the team
members set the ball up for one another. That way another team
member can get a good hit from the right angle to slam the ball over
the net to the opposing team.
Are we able to learn from this simple illustration how important it is
that we, who are on the Lord's team, work together? Can we see
how crucial it is that we support each other as we do battle with the
enemy, who is Satan and his evil forces?
To be continued
Brother Bob Lehigh
THE MARK OF A GOOD SOLDIER
II Timothy 2:3, 'Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier
for Jesus Christ."
Soldiers for Jesus Christ? How many of us can truly call ourselves
soldiers in the Army of the Lord? Verse four says, "No man that
warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may
please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. Being totally given
to another is an oriental concept that few of us westerners
understand. The scriptures are full of servanthood, and yes, even
slavery. We westerners are free individuals and cringe at the thought
of giving our lives fully to another. Perhaps this is part of the reason
why Biblical Christianity has so few takers in the New World. We are
BIBLE MONITOR
not talking here of modern "Christianity", with its psychology, its
modern and inaccurate Bible versions, and its "feel good" theology.
How many have denied themselves and taken up the Cross of Christ?
The Apostle Paul had been betrayed by many whom he thought
were his friends. These things will befall all who serve Christ. Many
have been discouraged when faced with such setbacks. Paul tells us
that we must endure hardness. Soldiers in this world are taught to
fight and kill. Soldiers in this world lose their comrades. They are
taught to do these things, to endure these things, and not be
discouraged. We, as Christians, MUST LEARN TO ENDURE WHAT
WILL NATURALLY HAPPEN.
Soldiers of this world fight and die for causes that only pass away.
Our cause is eternal. Where are we? Verses eleven and twelve of
this chapter state it well, "For if we be dead with him, we shall also
live with him: If we suffer we shall also reign with him: If we deny him,
he will also deny us." Are we actively fighting on the Lord's side, or
have we been wounded or sidelined or discouraged by this walk? In
the fourth chapter of II Timothy we are given the duties of the
Christian warrior. Are we fulfilling these duties? Paul said he fought
a good fight. How about us?
Fight on, my soul, fight on,
Till all thy foes must yield;
Thou canst not wear the victor's crown,
Till thou hast gained the field.
Follow the Saviour on,
Where'er He leads the way:
Through fiery trials and through scorn.
He leads to endless day.
Though all thy friends turn foes.
And Satan threats and storms,
He gently guards, and always knows.
To keep you safe from harm.
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
THE FOUNDATION OF GOD
II Timothy 2:19, "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth
sure, having this seal. The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let
every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
BIBLE MONITOR
A building is only as strong as its foundation. We do not have a
basement under the house but merely a crawl space. It was
discovered that there was a serious moisture problem in this area.
This, in turn, entailed two possible catastrophic results. The first was
the obvious danger of rotting timber. The second was the possibility
of termites. We could have ignored the problem and persuaded
ourselves that the house would stand for our lifetime and that was all
that was important. That would not have been using good wisdom.
Instead we took steps to correct the problem.
We praise God that His foundation standeth sure. All the wayward
ways of man cannot change His immutable truths and sovereignty.
We can rest on the promise that God has the whole world in His
hands and is in full control of all circumstances. This is sealed by the
truth that the Lord knoweth them who are His. We do not have to
concern ourselves with judging who will enter Heaven and who will
not. God is more than able to take care of this. He is also able to
keep us from falling. When we are washed in the blood and baptized
in the Spirit we can be assured of God's continual presence. He does
not leave us to contend with the trials and tribulations of life on our
own. He knows that we are mere mortals, made of dust, with a carnal
nature that desires things contrary to the will of God. He has set us
on the solid rock of Jesus Christ and helps us to fight the winds of
temptation and the waters of wrong desires.
We can be secure in this knowledge and ignore the last part of this
verse, which we see as a warning to us as individuals as well as to
the Church. While the foundation of God standeth sure, we have the
obligation to depart from iniquity. We have the responsibility to take
care of the foundations given unto us. We would like to look at three
of these foundations that are in danger of erosion.
The first foundation we would like to look at is the firm foundation of
God's Holy Word. We can understand the attack on the Bible by
those who claim to be atheists or agnostics as well as those who are
a part of some other religion. But today the major attack on the Word
of God is coming from those who claim to be a part of the body of
Christ! They no longer believe in the miracles recorded in Holy
Scripture. They question the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. They try
to convince individuals that their own works are sufficient for
salvation. Is it any wonder that in place of warning those who name
the name of Christ to depart from iniquity they assure them that God
will accept their sinful ways and practices.
The second foundation we would like to think about is the
foundation of respect. While the world has always been full of sin and
8 BIBLE MONITOR
the desire for holiness has always been lacking In the vast majority of
people, there was always a healthy respect for morals among the
majority of individuals and a respect for the Bible within most hearts.
Today the dress and actions of society as a whole shows a lack of
respect for God and for themselves.
This leads into our third foundation. The foundation of morals. The
advent of Hollywood movies began a decline in the morals within
society at large. At one time, many within the Church taught that a
couple should not have any physical contact, including kissing, before
marriage. The Hollywood movies helped to demolish the guidelines
that helped to keep a chaste relationship. Loose dating practices that
involved switching from one partner to another on a frequent basis
became the norm. Multiple marriages soon followed. Today those
who once condemned the Hollywood movies sit and watch the same
thing on television. Many now teach that movies are not wrong as
long as you make careful choices.
This verse teaches that God is sovereign and that man has a free
will. We can ignore and excuse our iniquities by accepting the
erroneous teaching of unconditional eternal security or by convincing
ourselves that our good works will outweigh our evil actions. God's
foundation standeth sure and His judgment is certain if we do not
confess and forsake our iniquities.
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
THE BIBLE SPEAKS TO YOUTH
Bankruptcy
Many bankruptcies are declared these days, even among
Christians. What does the Bible have to say about this practice? Is
bankruptcy ever permissible without being a violation of the
Scriptures?
To understand the implications of bankruptcy, we need to first
define what it is. When a person or business is declared insolvent by
a court, he or it is unable to pay its debts or obligations. That is a
declaration of bankruptcy.
Many things can lead to that declaration: a sudden downturn in
expected income in comparison to money already obligated; the loss
of a job and too long a time to recover before losing one's
possessions; a failure to pay off your debts in a timely fashion, which
in turn forces you to fall behind on your obligations.
The basic bottom-line cause of bankruptcy is to be so deeply
BIBLE MONITOR
indebted that income is insufficient to satisfy obligations. Ultimately,
that forces creditors to demand payment. If the person or business
declares bankruptcy, which is a protection offered by our judicial
system, the creditors stand to lose part or all of the money owed to
them.
While bankruptcy is legally acceptable under certain conditions, it is
not morally and ethically acceptable for the Christian. In Psalm 37:21
we learn that to borrow and fail to pay is wickedness. The name of
the Lord is dishonored by one of His people failing to honor what is
owed. There may be a rare circumstance where a Christian has no
other recourse than to face bankruptcy. Should that occur, the court
itself may determine what is to be done regarding repayment
percentages to creditors. The Christian is obligated to honor the full
original obligation even if this decision is made. If he does not, he will
be defrauding his creditors of their rightful due. It is important to work
with creditors to meet obligations in full beyond the limited repayment
percentages that the court establishes. That is in keeping with the
Scriptural teaching concerning a good name. (Proverbs 22:1)
We must be cautioned to guard ourselves from extensive over-
obligation either personally or in our businesses. Should the
unexpected occur, we can not consider bankruptcy an option just to
avoid repaying what we owe. It does not matter what provisions are
legally available. We are commanded in Romans 13:8 to base our
obligation to others on love, not finances. If we do that, we will be
kept from losing important relationships and will ultimately fulfill our
obligation in a God given way.
Brother Len Wertz
SIXTY YEARS AGO
October 1, 1936
AFTER CONVERSION
William Root
(Mark 12:30) "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy
strength: this is the first commandment."
In the hearts of all who have been thoroughly converted, who walk
in the light of God there soon comes a conscious hunger for
deliverance from everything that is contrary to God's will, and for more
complete and increased conformity to the divine nature.
The deeper the experience the deeper will be our hunger and the
greater will be our hatred toward everything that hinders communion
with God and of loving Him with all our heart, and with all our soul,
10 BIBLE MONITOR
and with all our mind, and our neighbor as ourselves.
Our Savior plainly recognized this fact when in His sermon on the
mount He declared, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst
after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
There remains in the hearts of true Christians those who have
been born of the Spirit, those who are conscious of real love, and faith
and hope toward God, those who are begotten of Him in soul: a
desire to put away that old inherited nature which is corrupt, which
Paul terms the "old man" and the "carnal mind, that is enmity against
God."
I think all will agree with me that all true Christians should hate that
inherited evil nature, which we find in the natural man, and strive
against it and yearn for deliverance from it.
The religion which is taught in both the old and the new testament
are one and the same religion.
From the beginning of time God has demanded that His people
should love Him perfectly and entirely. We should love God with all
the capacity of our being. No rival affection should find place in our
hearts. In the law given by Moses he said, "Thou shalt love the Lord
thy God, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy
mind." Christ also gave the same command in declaring our duty
under the gospel. (Matt. 22:37-38) "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."
Then again, if the carnal mind is enmity against God and is not
subject to the law of God neither indeed can be. As we read in Rom.
8:7, God then in commanding us to love Him with all our heart
naturally provided for the removal or cleaning away of everything that
would make it impossible for us to obey Him.
The word agrees to that statement, for to the Old Testament saints
He promised, as we read in Deut. 30:6, "And the Lord thy God will
circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed to love the Lord thy
God, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live."
And to us under the new dispensation He says, (I Jno. 1:7) "If we
walk in the light, as he is in the light we have fellowship one with
another and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth from all sin."
Then again, God has declared that His wrath is revealed from
heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness in men. (Rom.
1:18) "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in
unrighteousness.
God loves righteousness, but He hates iniquity. (Heb. 1:9) "Thou
BIBLE MONITOR 11
hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity: therefore God, even thy
God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows."
(Prov. 8:13) "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and
arrogancy, and the evil way, and the forward mouth, do I hate."
God cannot consent to evil, for He is of purer eyes than we are and
He cannot behold it. He cannot look upon iniquity, (Heb. 1:13) 'Thou
art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity:
wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously and boldest
thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous
than he?"
God commands us to be holy, for He is holy. (Levi. 11:44) Tor I
am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye
shall be holy; for I am holy." (I Pet. 1:16) "Be ye holy for I am holy."
After we are freed from our bondage of sin, we can know that our
old man is crucified. Paul says in Rom. 6:6, "Knowing this that our old
man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that
henceforth we should not serve sin."
Can it be God's choice that the nature which He has declared to be
"enmity" against Himself should remain in the human heart? We think
not. After our conversion we should be "pure in heart." Jesus said,
(Matt. 5:8) "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."
And in I Jno. 3:3, "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth
himself even as He is pure." Purity of heart can be found only by faith
in the cleansing power of Jesus blood. After conversion then the cry
of the soul should be for purity for the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit.
The work of the Holy Spirit in purifying the heart is but a preparation
for His indwelling.
(John 14:17) "Even the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot
receive because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know
Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. The Holy Spirit will
lead the converted, new born soul into all truth." (Jno. 16:13)
"Howbeit when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come He will guide you into
all truth."
Dear friends it is beyond question plainly revealed to us that it is
the will of God that we, his children, should "grow in grace and in the
knowledge of the truth." Then we are assured that the path of the
"just" is as a "shining light that shineth more and more unto the
perfect day."
(Psa. 16:11) "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is
fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore."
And in Psa. 27:1 , "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I
fear? The Lord is the strength of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?"
12 BIBLE MONITOR
After conversion we should go on and continue to increase in all of
the fruits of the Spirit. (Gal. 5:22-23.) For if we do not increase in
love to God and our neighbor, if we do not have more and more of the
mind that is in Christ, if we do not feel more as Jesus felt when He
wept over Jerusalem and when on the cross He prayed, "Father
forgive them for they know not what they do," if we are not more
concerned over lost souls, and over the desolation of Zion the church,
in these last days, when so many are falling away, if we are not more
and more inclined to self denial and self sacrifice in behalf of souls, if
we are not increasingly drawn out in prayer for all saints and for the
upbuilding of God's kingdom; if we are not reflecting in our lives and
characters more and more of the divine image, continually hungering
and thirsting to know more and more of the love of God that passeth
knowledge, if we do not these things, then there is surely something
sadly wrong in our Christian experience and in our practice.
Paul has said, "And the Lord makes you to increase and abound in
love one toward another and toward all men, even as we do toward
you." (I Thess. 3:12.)
ARE YOU PREPARED TO DIE?
"Leaves have their time to fall
And flowers to wither at the north-wind's breath
And stars to set-but all,
Thou hast all seasons for thine own, oh! Death."
Kind reader, are you prepared to die? You may meet death at any
time. The many sudden deaths around us stand as so many
sentinels to warn us of our danger. The dearest interests of your
future state depend upon your condition when the shadowy king
strikes you down. Around us and within us are daily warnings of his
approach. Every rivulet that ripples over its pebbly bed says, Return.
Every falling leaf reminds us of our mortality. Every withering flower
speaks in perfumed eloquence and warns us that the bloom of health
that mantles the cheek must wither and fade. Every pain and ache
that racks our body tells us that the fell destroyer is doing his work,
and appeals to our pride, our avarice, our licentiousness and all that
is within us, and tells us to take warning and prepare. Death is a
reaper before whose sickle we all must fall. And with all the wisdom
and power we possess we cannot tell when he will strike us, neither
can we stay his iron grasp or melt his heart to pity. The stern,
irrevocable decree has gone forth that it is "appointed unto man once
to die."
It is a solemn thing to die, to go away from the world, from our
BIBLE MONITOR 13
business, from our friends with all the pleasant associations, and
return no more forever. If we had no knowledge of what is beyond
the grave, death would indeed be a terrible thing to contemplate and
still worse to experience. It would be a ''dark valley," "King of
Terrors," "chilly waters." And our knowledge only intensifies its
horrors if we are not prepared for it. To feel we must leave this life
and go to the dark, damp realms of the grave, and then go into the
unknown regions to meet an offended God and lose the rich
inheritance of his saints, will fill the soul with woe inexpressible. Oh,
the thought of the grave when we are not prepared for death!
"There darkness and dampness with poisonous breath
And loathsome decay, fill the dwelling of death;
The trees are all barren and bare.
The pilgrim, who reaches this valley of tears
Would fain hurry by; and, with trembling and fears,
He is launched on the wreck-covered river."
If we are prepared by a holy life, devoted in obedience to God,
death has no sting and the grave no terrors. Jesus our Savior took
upon himself our nature, that through death he "might destroy him
who had the power of death." Having gone down through the dark
regions of death he lit up the gloom of the valley with effulgence like
that of heaven, thus making the dying couch of his people radiant with
the light of his presence, and dignifying it into the gateway from the
tribulations of earth to the glories of heaven. The grave is the couch
upon which the careworn and weary believer sweetly reposes till the
morning bells of eternity call him forth.
"The storms that wreck the wintry sky
No more disturb his sweet repose,
Than summer evening's latest sigh,
That shuts the rose."
"How peaceful the grave! its quiet how deep!
Its zephyrs breathe calmly, and soft is its sleep.
And flowrets perfume it with ether."
"How lovely, how sweet the repose of the tomb!
No tempest is there; but the nightingales come,
And sing their sweet chorus of bliss.
Selected from The Brethren's Tracts and Pamphlets
ALL WE NEED TO KNOW
The Holy Spirit takes possession of the person who surrenders his
14 BIBLE MONITOR
or her life to the Divine Will. In daily life it beconnes difficult to do the
wrong thing, because the Holy Spirit will deprive such a person of
peace and comfort: likewise, a person will have to forfeit calm and
contentment if they omit doing that which they are called to do.
God is loving. God is gentle. God loves us deeply if we live for the
sake of loving Him. It is that simple. That is all there is to know.
Brother Allan Smith
900 W. Main St.
Ephrata, PA 17522
MARRIAGE
MARCH-COOK
Mr. Timothy Cook, son of Brother and Sister Milton Cook of
Beaumont, California was united In holy matrimony with Miss Amber
March, daughter of Mr. Albert March of Athol, Idaho and Mrs. Alice
Magers of Beaumont, California. The wedding was held at 6:00 P.M.,
September 14,1996 at the Cherry Valley Grace Brethren Church.
The ceremony was conducted by Elder Milton Cook. The newlyweds
are at home at 637 Massachusetts Avenue, Beaumont, California
92223.
NEWS ITEMS
NOTICE
The Lord willing, 1997 General Conference will be held at the
Maranatha Bible Camp near North Platte, Nebraska, June 6-1 1 , 1997.
More details will be given later.
Brother Carl E. Reed
Arrangements Committee
AFRICAN MISSION BOARD
Brethren Paul Stump and Rudy Shaffer plan to visit the churches in
Uganda in November. Those having items of clothing to send to the
orphan children may send them to either of the Brethren by
November 1 . They will combine the items for efficient transportation,
so pin all information you desire to the garments for identification.
Brother Ray R. Reed, Sec.
DAYTON, VIRGINIA
The Lord willing, Dayton Congregation is looking forward to our Fall
Revival Meeting, October 16 through 20, 1996. The Lord willing,
Brother Scott Bross of the Bethel, Pennsylvania Congregation will be
BIBLE MONITOR 15
our evangelist. Services at 7:30 p.m. weekdays. The Examination
Service begins at 4:00 p.m., Lovefeast at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday,
October 19, 1996.
We invite any and all to come and be with us, also remember our
little number in prayer that we might all be touched and drawn closer
to the Lord and Saviour.
Our PRAYER to all, "I have seen the travail, which God hath given
to the sons of men to be exercised in it. He hath made every thing
beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that
no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to
the end." Ecclesiastes 3:10-1 1 .
Sister Lizetta Bittinger, Cor.
PLEVNA, INDIANA
The Plevna Congregation plans a Fall Revival, October 20 through
27 with Bro. Mark Cordrey of Modesto, California as evangelist.
October 26 will be our Lovefeast. There will be services at 2:00 p.m.
and 7:00 p.m.
We invite all to these meetings and ask for your prayers.
Sister Verda Lorenz, Cor.
QUINTER, KANSAS
The Quinter Dunkard Brethren Church will be having a Revival
Meeting, October 20 through 27, with Bro. Mike Wray as Evangelist.
Our Lovefeast will be held on Saturday, October 26.
Please come and be blessed with us.
Sister Julie Litfin, Cor.
THANK YOU
We wish to thank all of our dear Brethren and Sisters across the
nation who have prayed, sent cards and gifts of love in Nathan's
behalf. On August 13, his foot and ankle were lost to amputation but
his spirit and determination have only grown. We praise God. He is
still on crutches and expects to receive his temporary prosthesis very
soon. Knowing so many people cared has been the greatest of
encouragement to us all. God bless you.
The Roland Reed Family
16
BIBLE MONITOR
DIRECTORY OF BOARDS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dale E. Jamison, Chairman
R.I Box 137
Qulnter, KS 67752
Dennis St.John, Secretary
21397-B50
Bryan, OH 43506
Warren C.Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
IVIcClave, CO 81057
GENERAL MISSION BOARD
Fred O. Piter, Chairman
1734 240th Street
Adel, lA 50003
Robert Carpenter, Secretary
R.5 Box 97
Peru, iN 46970
Dale E. Jamison, Treasurer
R.1 Box 137
Qulnter, KS 67752
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
Rudy Shaffer
42 Doe Run Road
Manhelm, PA 17545
Jacob C. Ness
136 Homeiand Road
York, PA 17403
Paul Stump
10340 North Diamond Mill Road
Englewood, OH 45322
Milton Cook
1138 E. 12th Street
Beaumont, CA 92223
BOARD OF PUBLICATION
Paul Stump, Chairman
10340 North Diamond Mill Road
Englewood, OH 45322
Jacob C. Ness, Secretary
136 Homeiand Road
York, PA 17403
H. Edward Johnson, Treasurer
1307 S.H. 108
Wauseon, OH 43567
Fred O. Piter
1734 240th Street
Adel, lA 50003
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
BIBLE STUDY BOARD
James Meyers, Chairman
2641 205th Street
Dallas Center, lA 50063
Dennis St.John, Secretary
21397 County Road 850
Bryan, OH 43506
Rick St. John, Treasurer
2578 County Road 20-2
Archbold, OH 43502
Marlin Marks
3027 Acorn Lane
Red Lion, PA 17356
Mark Oordrey
4025 Woodland Avenue
Modesto, CA 95358
RELIEF BOARD
Henry Walker, Chairman
12413 Delaware Road
Hickman, CA 95323
(209) 874-2832
Martin Meyers, Secretary
2654 K Avenue
Adel, lA 50003
(515)993-3028
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender Street
Morenci, Ml 49256
(517)458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 North Queen Street
Littiestown, PA 17340
(717)359-5753
Tom Jamison
R.2 Box 30
Hoxie, KS 67740
(913)675-3600
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
David Skiles, Superintendent
HCR 79, Box 8
Cuba, NM 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Drive
Modesto, CA 95355
James Meyers, Secretary
2641 205th Street
Dallas Center, lA 50063
Marian Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, KS 67752
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
Larry Andrews
12306 East 203rd Street
Raymore, MO 64083
All contributions to tlie various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury,
but sent to the Secretary for his
records.
I'll Qtump
340 N* Dlam-nd Mill
■lion, Oil 45o23
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL LXXIV
OCTOBER 15, 1996
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 ainn to be nnore sanctified, more righteous,
nnore holy, and nnore perfect through faith and obedience.
HOLDING ON TO JESUS
Holding on to Jesus, with the crown in sight;
Holding on to Jesus, in the dark and light;
Tho' the world may tempt me with its luring dross,
Holding on to Jesus, clinging to the Cross.
If I hold to Jesus, Jesus holds to me.
And each path of duty plainly I can see;
Over all I triumph, and securely stand,
Holding on to Jesus, by his mighty hand.
Ere you can unshaken to the Savior hold,
Earth must be forsaken, self and love of gold;
Gladly you must suffer ev'ry earthly loss,
Holding on to Jesus, clinging to the Cross.
Bid farewell to pleasure, let the idols fall,
And the Savior only be your all in all;
Nothing shall disturb you, tho' the tempests toss,
Holding on to Jesus, clinging to the Cross.
-Alfred J. Hough
BIBLE MONITOR
MEDIOCRITY
One of the problems of modern American society is mediocrity. It
affects almost every facet of American living. Mediocrity is an attitude
of being pleased with doing or producing what will just get by. There
is a lack of striving to do any better than average. Some realize their
imperfection, so they only try to get by. Others let laziness dictate
their efforts. Others are uninterested. Some do not care.
Mediocrity affects all types of people. They may be young or old,
rich or poor, executives or blue-collar workers. They are in every part
of the country. They live in the cities, in small towns and in the
country. They may be single or married. They may have families or
be childless. They may live in the slums, the inner cities, the suburbs
or the posh, exclusive neighborhoods.
Not only is mediocrity seen in the serious, worthwhile endeavors of
life. It is found also in recreational activities. Many who play a sport
do not give a concentrated effort. They go through the motions
without really putting a great amount of extra effort into the activity. If
recreational activities do not evince a sustained exertion, a more
serious task likewise will receive only a lackadaisical effort. School
studies will be done just to pass the required tests. There will be no
pursuit of knowledge beyond what is required to pass. Just enough
effort will be put forth to receive a diploma. That diploma should
signify that an effort has been made. In reality it only signifies an
effort that was just enough to get by.
These examples might be blamed on children and young people,
but they have learned this attitude from adults. Employees may work
to presen/e their positions, but not further the employer's well-being.
Workers, whether skilled or unskilled, may put in their time, but not be
THE BIBLE MONITOR OCTOBER 15, 1996
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard Brethren
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Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio 43567.
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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. 7 Box 7840, Spring Grove, PA 1 7362
RUDY SHAFFER, Associate Editor; 42 Doe Run Road, Manheim, PA 17545.
DENNIS ST. JOHN, Associate Editor; 21397-B50, Bryan, OH 43506.
BIBLE MONITOR
productive. They produce items that just pass inspection. There is a
lack of craftsmanship. Those who provide a service will serve as little
as possible. It is not only government bureaucrats who fail to give
friendly, personalized service. It can be any clerk or agent who cares
not for the customer but for his own paycheck.
This mediocrity, unfortunately, can be found in Church as well as in
society. That is the one place where it should not be found. As
society's ideas and attitudes have affected the Church, mediocrity has
found a dwelling place. Since the Church is composed of individual
members, mediocrity is found in Christian's lives.
Christians no longer labor for others as if they were laboring for
Christ. They do not want to work a little harder, smarter or be more
helpful in their employment. Paul warns the believers to be diligent in
their labors. They were to serve their masters as those who served
God. They were not to purloin or be men pleasers. They were to
earn an honest day's pay for an honest day's work. Intentional
mediocrity is a form of dishonesty.
Jesus warned the Church at Laodicea that He would spew out
those who were lukewarm. He could abide the hot or the cold, but not
the indifferent, the untrying, and the lazy. He makes a comparison
with drinking water. Nothing can quench the thirst on a hot day like a
drink of cold water. Other beverages have been promoted as thirst
quenchers, but they all come short of satisfying as well as cold water.
Hot water can be used for making tea or coffee. These drinks can
satisfy. Hot water alone can be used to decrease the appetite before
a meal. Lukewarm water is good only for gargling. Water that is used
for gargling is not swallowed. Jesus has the same feeling for the
mediocre believer that we have for gargling water. It can be helpful
but not pleasurable.
One of God's purposes in creating people was that they might
bring pleasure to Him. Man was created to please God. A person
with a mediocre attitude can not please God. God created the Earth
and set man over it. Also, He gave His greatest Gift, His Son, as the
redeemer of individuals from their sins. He gave so much. He hopes
there will be something within man that will respond in a similar way.
No person can ever give as much as God has given. Certainly,
something more than mediocrity is His due.
It is so easy to be influenced by the mediocre society surrounding
us. The expectation among our fellow workers is that we do not put
forth an extra effort. The prevailing attitude is that a person should
not do any more than is absolutely necessary. That attitude can be
infectious. After growing slack in temporal affairs, it is not hard to
become lax in Spiritual affairs.
As a Christian living in a world content with mediocrity, how do you
BIBLE MONITOR
give the total effort God desires of you? Do you make an effort in
both temporal and Spiritual affairs?
M.C.Cook
THREE UNUSUAL INDIVIDUALS
Genesis 5:24, "And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for
God took him."
Hebrews 11:5, "By faith Enoch was translated that he should not
see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for
before His translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God."
II Kings 2:11, "And it came to pass, as they went on, and talked,
that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and
parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into
heaven."
James 5:17-18, "Elias (Elijah) was a man subject to like passions
as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained
not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he
prayed again, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth brought forth
her fruit."
Genesis 14:18-20, "And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth
bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he
blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God,
possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God,
which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him
tithes of all."
Hebrews 7:1-3, "For this Melchizedak, king of Salem, priest of the
most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the
kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of
all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that
also King of Salem, which is. King of peace; Without father without
mother without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of
life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually."
As we study Holy Scripture we find many things that can not be
understood or explained completely by the human mind. This has
brought doubt, confusion and false teaching into the lives of many
individuals. Some things must be left to the sovereign wisdom of
God. We must accept Scripture as it reads if we completely
understand it or not and if it fits neatly into our theological
presuppositions or not.
Three individuals, mentioned both in the Old and the New
Testament, Each is very unusual. They have caused discussion
caused by the difference of opinions within the earthly church. We
believe each of them represents a characteristic of God.
BIBLE MONITOR
The first individual we wish to look at is Enoch. There are those
who believe that Enoch did die. Hebrews 11:5 seems to teach this
that he did not die with certainty. This leaves many questions that we
find no answer for. For us the outstanding thing about Enoch was
"that he pleased God." We see Enoch as representing the
righteousness of God. John 12:43 describes the vast majority of
those who claim to be believers today. Tor they loved the praise of
men more than the praise of God." It seems very few are willing to
name sin anymore. Instead, sin is spoken of in a very general way.
At the same time popular Christianity is busy trying to persuade
Christians that what was once considered sin is no longer thus.
The second individual we wish to look at is Elijah (called Elias in
the New Testament). Here again, there are individuals who do not
believe that Elijah was taken up to Heaven without seeing death. As
with Enoch, this is an area that we have difficulty fitting into our
theological interpretation and understanding. But the Bible says "and
Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven." The ministry of Elijah
included many miracles, one of which is recorded in the book of
James. We see Elijah representing the power of God. Many within
the earthly church have come to the conclusion that miracles are not
possible today. Although we are persuaded that much deception is
connected with the modern "miracle workers," we believe God is the
same God now, as He was within the pages of Scripture!
The last individual we want to look at is Melchizedek. This is,
perhaps, the strangest individual of the three. Not only do the
Scriptures say that he never saw death but that he was never born!
Most commentators say this is a matter of records and not to be taken
literally. We see Melchizedek as being representative of the
superiority of God. One of the major problems within the earthly
church is many want to bring God down to human standards and
limitations. When we talk about God we must include God the Father,
God the Son, (The Lord Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. Three
in One and One in Three. God is superior to humanity in thought,
word and deed. To deal with the subject of His superiority in full
would require at least a whole manuscript and probably a book.
We will allow those with greater wisdom and knowledge than we
have to wrestle with the difficulties of Scripture as illustrated in the
lives of these three individuals. Our desire is to recognize the
righteousness, power and superiority of God and allow them to be a
part of our daily lives and desire that they may make us better
witnesses for Christ.
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
BIBLE MONITOR
BUILDING A CHURCH TEAM
Part 4
So far in this series, we have seen that in order to have an effective
Church team, we need the qualities of (1) Commitment, (2) Character,
and (3) Trustworthiness. A fourth crucial quality for building a
successful team is leadership .
Leadership is a display of discernment, as well as consistency. A
quality leader will not be "bouncing around" from one thing to another,
or have variable mood swings from one day to the next. Rather, a
quality leader will consistently show insight in applying the Word of
God in practical, everyday situations.
If someone on the team displays wrong insights, and has a poor
track record, the team will not listen to him. This is for a good reason!
If the team heeds the advice of one who is not wise, they will lose the
game.
The Bible is our guide and our rule book in the game of life. The
Word of God is the manual from which we derive our basic rules of
play. From it we can all secure wisdom for getting along in daily life.
But the team needs leaders who can teach us how to apply the Word
to our daily lives as we participate on the team of the Kingdom of
Heaven.
John says, "By this we know that we love the children of God,
when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love
of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments
are not grievous." (I John 5:2-3). To have a successful team, we
need to carefully seek out the commandments of Jesus Christ, and
heed them.
Each of us needs to look out for the good of the team! I feel that a
serious flaw in the Dunkard Brethren Church is that many of us are
looking out for ourselves FIRST! It takes aH the gifts working together
to equip the saints to DO the work of the ministry.
For example, consider how a football team works. There are
eleven players who choose to submit to a coach, so their team,
hopefully, can win over the opposing team. Those eleven players
study hard. They practice hard. They all flow together in order to
make a play. All their efforts are for the good of the team. No one
person gets all the glory. Even when the quarterback does get
"praised up," where would he be without the linemen and the running
backs, and the other members of the team who support him?
Sometimes it seems nearly impossible to get eleven people in our
Church to join together and to work together for a common cause, let
alone an entire church working for the good of the team (to the glory
of God)!
BIBLE MONITOR
We need leadership to have an effective team ministry. We need
to let the leaders lead! I believe that in many situations, football
teams are doing quite a bit better than we are! We, as a church, need
to establish leadership. Then, we need to respect our leadership and
willingly submit. We need to allow the leader to be the leader.
A rather interesting test of a congregation's willingness to be led is
in the area of congregational singing. Does the congregation willingly
follow the song leader? Or are there some in the congregation who
stubbornly refuse to allow the song leader to be the leader?
I remember an occasion some years ago, when I was asked to
lead singing at a particular place. Once into the singing, I found out
rather quickly that they really did not want a song leader at all.
Rather, they only wanted a "song starter." There was a lady sitting in
the front row who actually led" the singing! I only started the songs!
Think about the difference between "song leading" and "song
starting." One requires leadership, the other does not. "Song
leading," when done correctly, can lead to beautiful harmony in unity,
where everybody starts and stops at the same time, and holds the
appropriate notes together ! "Song starting" generally has its share of
discord, and the timing is not together at all.
I believe that this basic attitude of "not being willing to be led"
creeps into other areas. We are not sure we want someone else to
lead us in the singing. And we are not at all sure that we want to
entrust to others the leadership of our church. Do we tend to have a
basic refusal to let leaders be leaders?
Do we lovingly and willingly submit— with Biblical accountability?
Or are we suspicious, displaying a lack of trust, and acting somewhat
distrustful of each other?
A leader needs to be humble . God does better with those who are
dependent on Him. If a leader is good, and he knows it . then God
has a very difficult time using him. Humility and a dependence on the
Lord are very key issues in this area of Leadership.
Those of us on the team need to warn each other about the
possible moves of the enemy that we see coming. Each team
member has had different experiences, therefore he is aware of the
enemy's moves in different areas. When all the members of the team
pool their observations and insights, the team can be aware of how
the enemy is operating, and can take the appropriate actions, both
defensively and offensively.
One area in which the enemy has made quite a large inroad within
the plain people is to get them so upset with each other that they
divide, and start new groups. When this happens, it's usually not long
until another group splits off the new group.
But, you see, if the team was aware of the dynamics of the
8 BIBLE MONITOR
enemy's operation in tliis area, they would heed Romans 16:17-18,
which says, "Mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary
to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that
are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by
good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."
There comes a time when people who cause offenses and
divisions need to be kicked off the team. Sometimes, we try to
absorb everybody. But there is the possibility that if we see a split
coming, maybe we should not always try to hinder a person from
leaving the church. If we are dealing with a person who is causing
divisions and offenses, far more damage may be done if we try to
keep them in.
A self-seeking spirit of independence is OUT. We, who are
committed to working with the team, need to voluntarily choose to
submit. How would we listen if our Captain, the Lord Jesus Christ,
was actually, physically present so that we could see Him, and He
was personally leading us? Would we confuse the signals?
How well do we hear the signals? How well do we hear the signals
that come from the Lord Jesus through our Brothers and Sisters in the
faith?
A part of the duty of leadership, as well as for each member of the
team, is the ministry of "enabling." The leadership (ministry) needs to
support the front lines; The "front lines" are each of the members of a
local congregation. They are on the front lines all week long. So the
ministry (the servants) are there to "enable" the remainder of the
congregation to do battle on the front lines as they face the hosts of
Satan every day in their daily lives!
The congregation needs to support the leaders. Our leaders need
our prayers, love, support, forbearance, loving correction, and
freedom to dig into the Word (time constraints)!. Expectations of
leadership in the free ministry are very high! Ministers are expected
to do the work of a Pastor — in addition to maintaining a regular job. If
we do not watch out, that leaves our family and our study time in the
dust. That can not be! We might as well quit the ministry rather than
give up our families and our study time to Satan in order to measure
up to the expectations of the congregation.
The captains of the local church need to have vision. They need to
have goals. They need to lay out clear steps for accomplishing those
goals. In this way, the congregation can be moving forward
spiritually! There will be an "air of expectancy" as each member of
the team eagerly anticipates what the Holy Spirit will accomplish in
each service.
Some qualifications of a leader of the Team include : wisdom,
discernment, leadership, never self seeking. Instead, a leader needs
BIBLE MONITOR
to be team-oriented, accurate about his observations, and he needs a
"proven track record" in order to be trusted.
God will work with us. Just think of the example of Peter! Jesus
Chnst gave Peter the Keys to the Kingdom (see Matthew 16:18-19)
Shortly afterward, Peter blundered! Jesus told him "Get thee behind
me Satan." (Matthew 16:22-23). That's about as strong a rebuke as
could be made to a person! Later, Peter made an even bigger
blunder. He denied he ever knew Jesus three times right before the
crucifixion. But God did not take "the Keys" away from Peter
Instead, He helped Peter more fully to trust and depend on Him.
For an example of leadership, we can again look at the game of
volleyball. If there is a good captain on the team, that person can be
sure that the more skilled players help the semi-skilled players, so that
each one works for the best advantage of the team, rather than for
each individual on the team to look good in front of the watchinq
crowd.
To be continued
Brother Bob Lehigh
FOLLOWING THE CROWD
"Thou Shalt not follow a multitude to do evil..." Exodus 23:2.
"And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the
mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice
and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that thev had
seen..." Luke 19:37.
"And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate "
Luke 23:1 .
Our scripture amply illustrates that it is dangerous to follow a crowd
Jesus, of whom it can be said that He never did any evil was not
worthy of such a death because He is the Son of God. Yet It pleased
God to bruise Him and to set Him at nought. The same crowd that
praised God for His presence were gnashing on Him with their teeth
just a few short days later. It is only by the Grace of Almighty God
that we do not follow in the footsteps of this crowd.
The Church has always frowned on Christians going to places of
amusement. May it always do so. We should not go where the crowd
goes, or do what the crowd does. There was a time when a multitude
followed Jesus. At first they sought after the loaves and fishes. Then
perhaps it was the healings, and maybe even His stirring messages
At last the crowd wanted an earthly king to overthrow the tyrannical
Roman government. When this did not come to pass the crowd
turned on Jesus like a pack of dogs. "Crucify Him! Give us
Barabbas!" When asked about Jesus and what should become of
10 BIBLE MONITOR
him, the crowd said, "His blood be upon us and our children!" Do not
wonder why the Jewish race has been cursed over all these years.
Not many years later this crowd was destroyed and dispersed by the
Roman legions.
About thirty years ago there was a Soccer Match in Brazil. Over
two hundred thousand souls attended. Soccer is an obsession with
millions In Europe and South America much as baseball is in North
America. At this particular match a referee made a debatable call. A
fight broke out in the crowd. Hundreds panicked and rushed the
exits. Over three hundred were trampled to death in just a few
seconds. We also remember an instance where two jumbo jets
crashed on the runway. They never even got off the ground, yet over
five hundred people were killed.
I am thankful that my only interest when it comes to large groups of
people would be a church conference or a camp meeting where the
saints are gathered together. Yet fewer and fewer churches are
following Jesus, so fewer and fewer camp meetings are worth
attending. I believe we have reached the point where those who have
reached heaven that we know and love are greater in number than
those here below. Hebrews 12:1-2 says, 'Wherefore seeing we also
are compassed about with so great a CLOUD of witnesses, let us lay
aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let
us run with patience the race which is set before us, Looking unto
Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;" Here the word is, "cloud",
not, "crowd". We must look up to see it, and we must see it by faith.
This is the "crowd" we should follow. Why? Jesus answers that
question in Matthew 7:14, "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is
the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Where
is the crowd now?
The pearl that worldlings covet
Is not the pearl for me;
Its beauty fades as quickly
As sunshine on the sea.
The road that many travel
Is not the road for me;
It leads to death and sorrow.
And endless misery:
But there's a road that leads to God,
It's marked by Christ's most precious blood;
The passage here is free
Oh, that's the road for me!
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
BIBLE MONITOR 11
SIXTY YEARS AGO
October 15, 1936
EMPTY TALK
Ida M. Helm
Absalom, the vain, rebellious son of king David was dead. He
became the victim of his own vanity. Caught by his beautiful locks of
hair of which he was so proud he was entrapped and kept dangling till
his enemies put an end to his life, a worse than empty life.
The news of the victory of king David's men must be carried to
Mahanaim where the king was. Ahimmaaz aspired to carry the
message. For some reason Jacob did not wish that Ahimmaaz
should be the bearer of the news, but dispatched Cushi to run with
the news. So persistent was Ahimmaaz to run also that he carried his
point and was permitted to go. He started on such a brisk run that he
reached Mahanaim ahead of Cushi, and as soon as he came with in
hearing distance of the king he shouted, "All is well." Coming nearer
he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king and said,
"Blessed be the Lord thy God, which hath delivered up the men that
lifted up their hand against my lord the king."
Then David asked the question that was uppermost in his heart, "Is
the young man Absalom safe?" Here the faint heartedness of
Ahimmaaz asserted itself, and he sought to evade the question. It
was a hard thing for him to tell the king his son was dead, and he told
an untruth. He said, when Jacob sent the king's servant and me, thy
servant, I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what it was. Ahimmaaz
was a friend of David and before this he had a message of cheer to
the king, but the news to be told today would bring sorrow.
Perhaps it's harder to tell the whole truth to a friend when it cuts
than it would be were the person a stranger. But the whole truth must
be told at any cost, but Ahimmaaz just talked. I suppose he thought
he must say something. Ahimmaaz knew about Absalom's defeat
and death and David's victory. No wonder Jacob told him he had no
convenient message to carry and sent Cushi, the man that would tell
the news exactly as Jacob told him.
It has been said that "the family of this man Ahimmaaz never dies."
Empty talking.
In I Cor. 4:18-20, Paul tells of some cousins of Ahimmaaz. Empty
talkers they and they were puffed up. He said, "I will come to you
shortly, if the Lord will, and I will know not the speech of them that are
puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word but
in power."
A church may be tempted to talk about its eloquent preachers and
teachers, its riches, its cultured ministry more than to rejoice over that
12 BIBLE MONITOR
very thing for which the church exists, the lifting of men and women to
the high plain of Christian living, to reflect the light of Christ to the
dark, sinful places of the world. That church with its beautiful painted
windows, its loud siren, its elegant music may have a zeal for God,
but unless it brings the whole gospel message of truth to the people,
both old and young, it will not meet the approval of God. Empty
talking.
The Jews crucified Jesus although "of the rulers many believed on
him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess, lest they
should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory of men
more than the glory of God." They just talked.
Intimidated by the creature, not fearing nor regarding the Creator,
the Lord of glory, they just talked. A man may flatter himself as to his
knowledge and his ability, but if like Ahimmaaz he tries to evade
telling the whole gospel truth as Jesus gave it to us, his words are
empty talk. God has sent men to preach his gospel to every creature,
but he needs twice born men, regenerate Spirit filled channels
through whom to send the blessed word of God, the message of
salvation. God's pardoning mercy flows only through one channel
and that is the atonement brought to earth by the man, Christ Jesus,
the Son of God.
If Ahimmaaz go out to preach today the church must like Aquilla
and Priscilla, take him and teach him more thoroughly the things of
God, he must be converted and then when he has studied the Bible
and knows the truth as it is in Jesus he may go and preach the
everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ. How careful we should be that our
friends do not intimidate us or shake our steadfastness for Christ. We
may stand firm against the adversary's grosser and more flagrant
assaults on our determination to belong wholly to the Lord, but he
may come as an angel of light and intimidate us. Our hearts may
grow faint at the reproof or sneers or flimsy arguments of a friend. (?)
The only hope we have of leading the people to Christ is to show
them the worth and preciousness of our Redeemer, and the best way
we can do it is by yielding ourselves to the Holy Spirit that he may
reveal the Christ in us. We must study God's word if we would have a
message from Him to carry to the world and we must be willing to tell
it exactly as he told it to us or it will not avail.
"It behooved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead. ..and that
repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name
among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of
these things." (Luke 24:46-47)
"And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the
gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15.)
BIBLE MONITOR 13
We do not know why God chose men to preach His gospel instead
of choosing angels, but He did. But they must be regenerate men, 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.)
St. Peter tells of some who "speak great swelling words of vanity."
(II Pet. 2:18.)
Great swelling words of vanity, spring from a mistaken idea of what
sin really is, they show self-righteousness deeply rooted in spiritual
pride. They tend to cancel our duty to God, they fail to accomplish
making of us what God intended we should be. The liberty they
propose is such as leads away from God; that fears not the
destroying power of Satan, nor hates the subtle sin that would blind
our eyes to the truth as it is in Christ Jesus. Empty talk.
Paul wrote to Timothy, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word
of truth." (II Tim. 2:15.)
Paul's admonition to Timothy needs special attention today. When
so many unworthy topics and so many unworthy words are heard
from the pulpit. If these preachers would only always remember they
are speaking in the sight and hearing of God they would find things to
say far different from what they do say sometimes. They tend to the
subverting of those who listen to them. Empty talk. Worse than
worthless.
The extension of God's kingdom is not brought about by show or
eloquence of speech, or much talking, but by spiritual influence, the
Holy Spirit reflecting the life of Christ in His followers and attesting to
presence of Christ in the church and the individual and becoming a
power in men's lives, lighting up the dark corners of earth and leading
men and women to open their hearts to the influence of the Holy
Spirit. The kingdom of God is not in word, it is not in empty talking.
THE BODY OF CHRIST
The church is the body of Christ
From young to very old.
It is like this human body,
Working parts of the "fold."
God gives everyone some talents.
And all are not the same.
So if we cannot preach like Paul,
Then we are not to blame.
14 BIBLE MONITOR
If the Lord shall give us wisdom,
Then we shall not glory,
But with a spirit of nneekness
Study His great story.
He gives us our understanding —
We can glory in this —
That we know His lovingkindness,
Judgment, and righteousness.
We'll use what God has given us
To make our life worthwhile.
We'll be cheerful, thankful members.
Going the second mile.
In this body, we need the foot;
We need also the hand;
The head and smelling are useful —
God gives each one of them.
If the whole body were an eye.
Where would the hearing be?
How can one say to another,
'1 have no need of thee?"
We are given a mind to think
And God's Spirit to lead...
While His written Word will guide us;
On it we are to feed.
We're submissive to each other
In the fear of the Lord,
Giving thanks to God and Jesus,
Living in one accord.
Be ye kind one to another,
Using the gifts God gave.
Clinging fast to what Jesus taught,
Our souls striving to save.
-Irene Stout
BIBLE MONITOR 15
NEWS ITEMS
APOLOGY
The Editor offers his apology for misplacing two recent news items
that should have appeared several issues ago. One, a thank you
note appears here. The other, an announcement of a now-past
revival meeting, did not appear. The failure to appear was not
through any fault of that congregation's correspondent. The Editor is
sorry for the inconvenience and dismay caused by his error.
THANK YOU
We would like to thank everyone that contributed to the Holy Lands
tour fund for Bro. David and Sis. Mildred Skiles. The presentation at
General Conference was a surprise and blessing to them. The Lord
willing they will be traveling to the Holy Lands and Greece on a tour
directed by Bro. Harold Martin in April of 1997.
In Christian Love,
Brother and Sister Dale Meyers
Brother and Sister James Meyers
ENGLEWOOD, OHIO
October 26 is the date for the Englewood Congregation's
Lovefeast. If it is the Lord's will, we will meet at 1 1 :00 A.M., 2:00 P.M.
for afternoon service, with the Lovefeast at 7:00 P.M. Come and
enjoy Saturday and Sunday with us.
The Lord has blessed our congregation with another baptismal
service bringing Brother Tim Kauffman into God's Kingdom. Praise
God's Holy name! We want his wife, Mindy, to feel welcome.
Sister Ruth Speicher Cor.
GOSHEN, INDIANA
The Lord willing, we at Goshen plan to have four evenings of
meetings. They will run from 7:45 P.M., October 31 through
November 3. Brother Robert Carpenter will conduct the services. An
afternoon service will begin at 2:00 P.M. and Lovefeast that same
evening of November 2 at 7:00 P.M. Services continuing Sunday
morning and closing Sunday evening. Sunday evening service to
begin at 7:45 P.M. also.
Sister Velda Gunderman, Cor.
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR NOVEMBER 1996
November 3 - 'What is Truth?" - John 18:28-40
1 . In the words of Jesus, why did He come into the world?
2. How can we hear the voice of Jesus today and be "of the truth"?
November 10 - The Crucified Christ - John 19:1-30.
1 . Who is the source of all power?
2. Explain the complete meaning of the words of Jesus, "It is finished."
November 1 7 - THANKSGIVING - Phil. 4:1-23.
1 . What should be included with our prayer requests?
2. Explain how you can discern between needs and wants.
November 24 - Prophecy Fulfilled - The Burial of Jesus - John 19:31-42.
1 . Name the prophecies unknowingly fulfilled by the soldiers.
2. Who is, "He that saw it bare record"?
YOUNG PEOPLE'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR NOVEMBER 1996
November 3 -Nonresistance-lsa. 9:6-7, Jn. 18:36-40, II Cor. 10:3-6,
Rom. 12:14-21, Gal. 5:19-26.
1 . How did Jesus fulfill His title, "Prince of Peace"?
2. Why do not the servants of Jesus fight?
November 10 -Nonconformity -Rom. 12:1-13, I Tim. 2:8-15, I Pet.
1:13-16, 3:3-5, I John 2:15-17.
1 . Explain the difference between conformation and transformation.
2. In addition to speaking, what is included in "All manner of conversation"?
November 17- THANKSGIVING -Psa. 105:1-5, 106:1-5,107:21-22, 111:1-10.
1 . For what reasons do we owe God our thanks?
2. What are *The sacrifices of Thanksgiving"?
November 24 - Athletbs - 1 Cor. 9:24-27, Gal 5:7, Phil 3:14, Heb. 12:1 -2, II Tim. 4:6-8.
1 . Explain the importance of temperance in the life of an athlete
and in the life of a Christian.
2. Name some of the weights that can hinder us in the Christian
race of life.
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
15, 1996.
1. The names and addresses of the editor, publishers, and
owners are: EDITOR, Milton Cook, 1138 East 12th Street,
Beaumont, CA 92223; PUBLISHER, Tomahawk 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 ,399.
10340 N. Diamond Mill
Union 5 OH 45323
(USPS 054-780)
BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXIV
NOVEMBER 1, 1996
NO. 21
"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 aim to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
I TRUST IN THEE
Father of Jesus Christ, my Lord,
My Saviour and my Head,
I trust in Thee, whose powerful word
Hath raised Him from the dead.
In hope, against all human hope,
Self-desperate, I believe;
Thy quickening word shall raise me up.
Thou shalt thy Spirit give.
To Thee the glory of Thy power
And faithfulness 1 give;
I shall in Christ at that glad hour.
And Christ in me shall live.
Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees,
And looks to that alone;
Laughs at impossibilities,
And cries, "It shall be done!"
Charles Wesley
BIBLE MONITOR
A MIRACLE
Miracles are mind-boggling. They can not be understood or
explained. A supernatural power is necessary for miracles to happen,
for they defy the rules of nature.
Several miracles are described in the Bible. God moved in
mysterious ways to overcome natural forces for the benefit of His
Chosen People. He led them dryshod through both the Red Sea and
the Jordan River. He provided for their material and physical comfort
during their journey to the Promised Land. He protected various
individuals from dangers. He destroyed their enemies and their cities.
He preserved the dwelling places of His People. It would be hard to
number all the miracles described within the Bible.
We are reminded of miracles at the birth of a baby. It is a miracle
that God created the human body so a baby could be conceived and
born. Surely, the human reproductive system could not have been
formed through evolution. It is too complex to have been formed by
chance.
The conception, development and birth of a child is one miracle
after another. How can two microscopic cells develop into a child with
all the attributes of the human race? There must have been a
superior genius behind the design of such a system.
In the hearts of a child's parents and others is the hope that that
child will accomplish what it was born to do. It is hoped the child will
grow up to have a loving relationship with parents, siblings and other
relatives. It is hoped the child will develop a circle of friends. It is
especially hoped that the child will experience not only this first birth,
THE BIBLE MONITOR NOVEMBER 1, 1996
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard Brethren
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DENNIS ST. JOHN, Associate Editor; 21397-B50, Bryan, OH 43506.
BIBLE MONITOR
but the second birth as well. We want our children to take advantage
of all the abilities that they possess. We want them to live up to the
potential that comes packaged within each new life.
The birth of a baby is a great miracle, but the greatest of all
miracles is being born again, Spiritually. The possibility of the second
birth is itself a miracle. Since Adam and Eve's fall in the Garden of
Eden, human beings have been at variance with God. Men have
sinned. They can not meet the perfect requirements of God,
therefore they are eligible for damnation. Men have tried to invent
many ways to overcome this situation. They have tried to ingratiate
themselves with God through various deeds and acts of piety. They
have tried to bribe God into approving their efforts, but in vain. Some
have thought they could take Heaven by storm. Others have thought
to get in through subtlety, but all have failed.
All their efforts have been in vain, for God, Himself, has made
available the only way that will succeed. This is as much a miracle as
the plan of salvation itself. Although all sin ultimately is against God,
He has initiated the method that will bring sinners into fellowship with
Him. God extended His love toward sinful humans. Without this
Grace of God, there would have been no way for men to ever find
favor with Him. Miraculously, God did extend grace toward mankind.
He did not do it in a half-hearted way. He gave of the very best that
He had. He sent His only begotten Son to become the propitiation for
the sins of men. There was no other possible way for a sacrifice to be
made for sinners. God required a perfect sacrifice. Only God could
provide that perfect sacrifice.
Jesus qualified as that sacrifice because He, unlike all other
humans, was sinless. On the cross, He could become their sin-
bearer. His only sin was the sin of all mankind of all times and climes
laid upon Him on the cross. God approved of Him as the perfect
sacrifice. This He attested to in the resurrection. If Jesus' sacrifice
had not been sufficient, His body would have remained in the grave.
There would have been no first Easter.
The miracle was complete. God against all concepts of justice sent
His son to be the atonement for the sins of the human race. This was
a miracle. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life. He qualified to be the
atonement. This was a miracle. Jesus completely followed His
Father's will and gave Himself on the cross as the sacrifice for men's
sins. This was a miracle. His sacrifice was accepted by God as
shown in His resurrection. This was a miracle.
Miracles are wonderful. The Bible is full of miracles used by God
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to confirm His care for His people. The birth of a child is one of the
greatest events we can be a part of in this world. The greatest
miracle is the Spiritual rebirth of a person. A sinner becoming a saint
is a miracle.
You have been a part of the miracle of birth. Have you also been a
part of the miracle of the Spiritual rebirth?
M.C.Cook
BUILDING A CHURCH TEAM
PARTS
In building an effective church team, we have seen that we need
the qualities of (1) Commitment, (2) Character, (3) Trustworthiness,
and (4) Leadership. A fifth crucial quality for building a successful
team is flexibility .
Flexibility is the ability to adjust a little within the circumstances.
Adaptability is the opposite of rigidity.
For example, someday I might be called upon to drive something
besides a Ford vehicle. While I certainly do not think having all Fords
in your driveway makes you a better Christian, yet it does happen that
currently (as this is being written) I do have all Fords in our stable.
But if I were die-hard, I would refuse to drive a Chevy or Dodge, even
though it might help for some reason in a particular situation. That
would be the opposite of being flexible.
To be narrow and rigid is to lack mental or spiritual health. If you
cannot adapt to the toilet tissue being rolled out the wrong way, and
you are really serious about that, you have got quite a problem! If you
cannot adapt to your Brother's or Sister's little quirks, then you have
problems in the area of working closely together on the team.
For example, on the Masada, during the overthrow of Judea by the
Roman Army around the time of A.D. 70, when the 967 Jewish
Zealots saw they were going to be there a while, their leader, Eleazar,
assigned each family a designated living quarters. If he had not, a
fellow Zealot's twitch of the elbow might have bothered someone
more than all of the Tenth Legion encamped around below! Eleazar
had the insight to know the play, and yet at the same time remain
flexible. Conditions do change on the field.
God knows everything ahead of time. He does not want us to
know everything ahead of time. God could easily tell us what is
coming and what we should do. He is trying to build wisdom and faith
in us.
No game is static, and no game goes exactly as planned. So we
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need to lay out the plan, and then, in the heat of the battle, we must
realize that nothing is going as planned! We have to know where to
start, and where we are headed!
Flexibility is the ability to formulate a plan, and then to understand
that "it is not going to work like this," and be able to adapt to the
needs of the particular battle you are in.
Again, we can turn to the game of volleyball for some examples of
flexibility. In a volleyball game, when the ball comes to you and you
are going to hit it, CALL THE PLAY! When you "call the play," the
player next to you realizes you called the play, so that even though he
was going to hit the ball, he backs off from his plans. That's flexibility
in "real time."
Did you ever witness a "crack-up" on the volleyball court? Yes,
they do happen. Sometimes they seem to be somewhat unavoidable!
At other times, someone needs to be more "instantly flexible."
In conclusion, we saw that in order to have an effective team
ministry, the following ingredients are needed:
(1) Commitment
(2) Character
(3) Trustworthiness
(4) Leadership
(5) Flexibility
Note that these articles on teamwork were not at all
comprehensive! There are many other factors that enter into making
a successful team! This series of articles serves only to stimulate
your thinking. What other factors do you think it takes to run a
successful team? Try living them out!
Also note that it takes a heap of co-operation to build a successful
church team. And it takes "bushels" of encouragement! You can
hardly get enough of that! We all are tossed around in the world all
week long. When we get to church, we need to be built up — not be
banged around some more by our "loving" brothers and sisters in the
faith! May God help us learn this!
Then there is something the Team can really do without: Gossip
and Complaining . These two ingredients cannot be tolerated. They
will bring down a team. They will bring division. They will bring
death. The Bible says we are to mark those that do these things, and
do not have anything to do with them (remember Romans 16:17).
Paul warns in the Galatians 5:15, "But if ye bite and devour one
another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another."
Let's use our mouth for EDIFYING (Ephesians 4:29), for building
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each other up, and for encouraging each other for a job well done.
We get plenty of criticism in the world — every day!
Remember , we believers are on the same team. We need to stop
tearing down other team members. Your other team members are
not the enemy! We dare NOT shoot each other in the back.
If we have an effective team ministry in our local church, we are
carrying out the command of John 13:35; "By this shall all men know
ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." Everytime we
demonstrate our love for one another, we have scored a point against
Satan! Love never fails.
The principalities and powers of the darkness knew Jesus, and
they knew Paul. But they did not know the seven sons of Sceva, who
were trying to cast evil spirits out of man. In Acts 19:13-16, we read
about the seven sons of Sceva.
"Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to
call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus,
saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there
were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which
did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I Know, and Paul
I know: b ut who are ve? And the man in whom the evil spirit was
leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them so
that they fled out of the house naked and wounded."
Do the principalities and powers of darkness know YOU?
What kind of team member are you?
-This is finally the conclusion! !-
Brother Bob Lehigh
VOWING A VOW
"If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his
soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to
all that proceedeth out of his mouth," Numbers 30:2
From the Hippocratic Oath (the Ancient Greek oath made by
doctors as they graduate from Medical School): I will give no deadly
medicine to any one if asked nor suggest any such council, and in like
manner I will not give to a woman a pessary to produce abortion.
With purity and with holiness I will pass my life and practice my art. I
will not cut persons laboring under the same stone but will leave this
to be done by men who are practitioners of this work. Into whatever
houses I enter I will go into them for the benefit of the sick and will
abstain from every voluntary act of mischief and corruption, and
further, from the seduction of females and males, of free man and
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slaves.
The Hippocratic Oath, though ancient and made to the Greek God
Apollo, has been the standard of many centuries. They promise to do
no harm, yet millions of babies and countless people have been
mercilessly dispatched in the past twenty-five years.
A report in the New England Journal of Medicine says "one out of
five intensive-care nurses have intentionally hastened patients'
deaths to relieve their pain and suffering." A survey of 1600 nurses
found that seventeen percent said they had been asked by patients or
family members to perform euthanasia or assist in suicide. Sixteen
percent said they had hastened a patient's death by only pretending
to provide life-sustaining treatment ordered by a doctor. We can
conclude that these figures are probably higher than indicated
because these nurses openly admitted their wrong, and there is no
doubt some who could not admit it.
It is my understanding that nurses also vow a vow, like doctors, to
do no harm. In the medical field, in which trusting souls put their lives
into the hands of trained individuals, these vows mean less and less
as the years roll on, and as morality and the sanctity of human life go
out the window.
A hundred years ago divorce was nearly non-existent. People
began to see that they could sin and the government and society as a
whole would look away. In 1964 Nelson Rockefeller ran for
Presidential nomination but his showing was poor, chiefly because he
was divorced and remarried. In 1980 Ronald Reagan was elected,
his divorce and remarriage hardly mentioned. Times change, and the
morals of a society may degenerate, but God's Word will stand.
I am concerned for the degeneration of the morals in the field of
medicine. This writer has spent nearly twenty years in nursing,
thinking of it as a means to help people. Modern morality states that
to stop someone's suffering is morally right, yet what are the
consequences of "playing God" and sending someone into eternity
before their appointed time? Murderers do no less when they kill in
cold blood. Modern thinkers feel it is okay to shorten a pain-laden life
as if it were the same as a dog or a horse. We owe the patient so
much more. It is not wrong to make a person comfortable, but our
place is not to usurp God.
In the past, before modern medicine destroyed deathbed scenes,
family and friends would gather around the loved one's bed as he
traveled to the next world. Many times the departing soul would
admonish the gathering to meet him in heaven, and glorious
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testimonies and rejoicing would fill the air. Today, the death scene is
often filled with noise and machinery, or at best the loved one passed
away accompanied by the stupor of mind-filled drugs. O friend, death
is not the end! Prepare for eternity! If you do not, your place with the
devil is secure! Trust in Jesus. He has gone to prepare a place for
us. Even though most practitioners of modern medicine no longer
believe there is anything after this life, there are yet a few that ply
their trade with God-given compassion. There are yet a few who
have vowed to do no harm.
Thou source of joy supreme.
Whose arm alone can save
Dispel the darkness that surrounds
The entrance to the grave.
Brother Lynn H Miller
RD.2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
SCRIPTURALLY SOUND SALVATION
I John 5:13 "These things have I written unto you that believe on
the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal
life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."
The most basic doctrine of Holy Scripture and that which is of
eternal importance is perhaps the most debated topic of religious
significance. We do not claim to have all the answers to portions of
scriptures dealing with salvation that are difficult to interpret. We
desire that God would receive glory and that error would be avoided
in our effort to deal with this vital subject. We confess our human
weaknesses and lack of perfect understanding.
First of all scripturally sound salvation is a limited salvation. I John
5:1 1 tells us, "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal
life, and this life if in his Son." There is no salvation in the many
religious leaders in the world. The Lord Jesus Christ is THE way, not
a way.
Secondly, scripturally sound salvation is validated by the presence
of the Holy Spirit. I John 4:13, "Hereby know we that we dwell in him,
and he in us, because he hath given us of his spirit." There is much
discussion and debate as to how and when we receive the Holy Spirit
in our lives. We are convinced that the Scriptures teach that we
receive the Holy Spirit at the time of our salvation, not at some time
later. We are also convinced that there is a connection between the
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receiving of the Holy Spirit and baptism. Those who never have an
opportunity for baptism but call upon the name of the Lord for
salvation as well as those who never receive baptism we leave in the
hands of God.
A third truth of scripturally sound salvation is that it is not a one time
experience but a lifetime walk. It is true that there must be a time
when we personally accept the finished work of Jesus Christ and
repent of our sin. We must also walk in the light of God's Holy Word
each day of our lives. I John 1 :6-7, If we say that we have fellowship
with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we
walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with
another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all
sins." There is no scripturally sound salvation without the shed blood
of Jesus Christ, but this does not eliminate the need for walking in the
light.
A fourth reality of scripturally sound salvation is the fact that it
includes keeping the commandments given in the New Testament.
One of the most popular teachings in the present earthly church is that
salvation has nothing to do with your works. Any connection between
works and salvation is labeled LEGALISM and disdained by leading
preachers and authors of our day. It is true that human works have
nothing to do with our salvation but obedience has everything to do
with it. "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his
commandments." I John 2:3. It is God's love that provides our
salvation. There is a very close connection between God's love and
God's mercy. There is not one of us who deserves salvation.
However, God in His love and mercy has provided a way to obtain it. I
John 5:3 Tor this is the love of God. that we keep his
commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."
A fifth, and final, truth of scripturally sound salvation is the fact that
it can be lost. I John 2:24-25, Tet that therefore abide in you, which
ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from
the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son,
and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us,'
even eternal life."
We have used the book of I John to provide a look at scripturally
sound salvation. Men can quote such verses as I John 3:9
"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed
remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." to
"prove" that we can come to a place of sinless perfection or to teach
unconditional eternal security. This is the word of God and we desire
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more perfect understanding. But the Apostle John ends this epistle
with a warning against falling away. "Little children, (saved
individuals) keep yourself from idols. Amen." Amen, let us desire
scripturally sound salvation.
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, Pa. 17078-2704
SIXTY YEARS AGO
November 1,1936
GRACIOUS INVITATIONS
L.A.Shumake
"O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God. for thou hast fallen by thine
iniquity." (Hosea 14:1.)
The strain of this chapter differs from that of the former chapters.
Those were generally made up of reproofs for sin and threatenings of
wrath, while this is made up of exhortations to repentance and
promises of mercy, and with these the prophet fitly closes.
This chapter is as applicable to God's people today as it was to
Israel and for an invitation to return and a promise to restore us to our
former prosperity should be good news to every sin sick soul.
"Asshur shall not save us." When we realize that the federations and
alliances of today cannot save us we will be ready for repentance.
True repentance sees the wrong as so flagrant a violation of the
beneficent divine law, that it forgets the less in the greater and cries
out with David, "Against thee and thee only have I sinned." (Psa
51:4.)
None can understand himself without a painful sense of the
contrast between what he is and what he should be. "Repent" has in
it a sound of hope and improvement.
The message is not limited, but meets every man, for all have
sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Rom. 3:23.) What shall
we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God
forbid. How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
(Rom. 6: 1-2)
Restoration. '1 will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for
mine anger is turned away from him." "Even from the days of your
fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept
them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of
hosts." (Mai. 3:7.)
A new life is the best and most sublime penitence. It is recorded of
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Augustine that he had written over his bed in large letters, that he
might not forget it: "The sacrifices of God are a broken and contrite
spirit." (Psa 51:17.) The proof of real sorrow for past sins is a life
without sin.
Repentance and restoration are only initial steps in the new life
which they inaugurated. Beyond them is still something higher.
Good news came to Zacchaeus when he stood and said unto the
Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I
have taken anything by false accusation, I restore him fourfold." And
Jesus said unto him, this day is salvation come to thine house, for so
much as he is the son of Abraham."
Righteousness: "For the ways of the Lord are right, and the just
shall walk in them." (Hos. 14:9.)
Dear reader, God's word is calling you, you are urged to accept,
that the Father might be glorified that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye
be my disciples. And that knowing the time, it is high time to awake
out of sleep, for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
WHEN JESUS COMES
These brief thoughts came to my mind and were largely penned
during the commencement exercises at the Garrett Community
College on Saturday, May 1 8, 1991 .
If you were to have a little chat with Jesus, as He interviewed you
for the rapture, would He look for your name on the church rolls?
Would He ask which one you belong to? Or would He say, "Were you
there when I died on the tree? Do you remember me? The thorns on
my head, the mockery, the nails in my hands and the spear that
pierced into my side?"
Then He might say, "The place I have prepared for you is so
splendid, that you can not feel at home unless you are able to fit into
that praising throng. That make-up, on your beautiful face that I have
given you, must come off before you go. Your jewelry must be
removed because up there, you see, nothing is so cheap. My
brother, that long hair will shame you when you stand before the
throne. My sister, your hair was given you for a glory to your Creator.
You will need all of it that you can get."
Then He might ask, "How about your apparel? Everyone up there
will be modest."
Then He might ask, "Have you truly, in reality, been born again?"
You might answer, "Sir, I need to go to the dressing room for just a
minute. I will be ready soon. Just give me a little time."
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When in your closet and on your knees, you might find it to take
longer than you had thought. There were bad attitudes, pride, lust,
jealousy, and many more things. You hoped your visitor would be
patient for you know He loves you very much.
By the time you came out of your closet, you may have found your
invitation to be His bride had come and gone.
Homer Mellott
1375 Mellott Road
Oakland, MD 21550-98095
DUNKARD BRETHREN CHURCH
by Douglas Leatherman
From October 15,1954 Bible Monitor
A few of the basic foundations of our church are that God is our
Maker, creating the heavens and the earth, all living things on the
earth and finally man; that man disobeyed God and therefore was
separated from having direct communication with God or is privileged
to go to Heaven that God prepared for him; that Jesus Christ is the
Son of God and was sent to earth, in the form of man, that He might
teach man God's will and shed His blood that man's sins may be
forgiven and he might have the opportunity to go to Heaven; that the
Holy Spirit is also a part of the God-head and works in the minds of
men to help them to understand God's Word.
We consider the King James Version of The Holy Bible as our
foundation and history book of God workings with men. The first part
of the Bible is the Old Testament and gives an account of God's
dealings with men before Jesus Christ came to earth. The second
part of the Bible is the New Testament, that which gives the dealing of
God with humanity since Jesus Christ came to the earth and will be
the law until the earth is destroyed.
The Dunkard Brethren Church is an out-growth of the religious
reformation in Europe. It was founded in 1708 on what they
understood to be the commandments of the New Testament. At the
present most of the members are in the United States, at least of our
denomination. A number of groups have grown out of this same
source, some large and some small, but our practice is very similar to
that originally started. Our congregations are divided into four
districts in the United States.
Our main officers are Elders, Ministers and Deacons, whose duty is
to supervise the work of the church, both at home and throughout the
brotherhood. These officers are to teach, practice and enforce the
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commandments, we believe the New Testament teaches. We have
local councils, district councils and a general council, where all
questions and problems are discussed and decided upon. Each
congregation has a presiding Elder, who is its highest official.
Our church-house are strictly for teaching from the Bible and to
worship and praise God. Our ministers and officers receive only free-
will gifts to help support them. We try to cover the whole Bible in our
Sunday-school over a period of years.
All who believe in the Bible and are willing to accept its teachings
can become members if they promise to quit the sins of the world.
After we believe in Jesus Christ and ask forgiveness for our sins, we
get into the church by Christian Baptism, which we believe the New
Testament teaches is triune immersion. "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", Matt. 28:19. John 3:1-7 tells us
about this baptism or being born again by water, not into the earth but
into God's Kingdom.
The most sacred service of our church is the Communion service.
We try to carry it out and regularly practice it just as Jesus taught it, to
His followers as we read about in John 13. We have a preaching
service for us to think about ourselves as God sees us, then
feetwashing service, the Lord's Supper and finally: each one taking of
the communion bread, which represents Jesus' body; and also the
unfermented grape-juice which represents Jesus' blood.
We believe in dressing plain and simple and not adorning our
bodies with unnecessary things. We have a prescribed order of
dress, for all members, as has been decided upon by our general
councils. Romans 12:1-2 tells us, "I beseech you therefore brethren,
by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable into God, which is your reasonable sen/ice, 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". We believe Jesus' commandments are for those
who believe in Him, have accepted Him and try to do what He said.
We believe in loving one another and in fact all men. We do not
believe in fighting or going to law to get advantage of someone else.
What differences may come up from time to time, we believe should
be settled by agreement between one another or if necessary that the
church might decide it for us. We believe that God put us here to
have clean, healthy living so we could work for Him. We believe that
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each person must decide for himself what he will do in his life and that
each one will be responsible for what he does.
from school essay
Editor's comment: Could such an essay be written in a public
school today? Would our young people today be able or willing to
write such an essay?
BROTHERLY LOVE
Peter Nead
The church acknowledges but one head: the Lord Jesus Christ.
She acknowledges but one law book: the Testament. She believes
that all the members are obliged to observe all the laws and
ordinances of the one law book. The members consider themselves
as belonging to one family. They are all brothers and sisters, and as
such feel and know themselves to be bound under the strongest ties
to love one another, and if required, to lay down their lives for their
brethren. Consequently, if one member rejoices, all rejoice. If one
member weeps, all weep. The true church is opposed to high things;
that is, everything that has a tendency to exalt the carnal mind.
Therefore, the members are taught not to mind, but reject high things,
and that they should be as uniform in their manners and customs as
possible, and these manners and customs to be in harmony with the
doctrine of the cross: that their souls and bodies, and all that
appertains unto them, might be brought under subjection to the
doctrine of Christ.
Quotations from Theological Writings by Peter Nead, 1866
Selected by Brother Lynn H. Miller
WHAT IS IN A NAME?
Some years ago, the Datsan Motor Company spent more than a
million dollars to change its name to Nissan.
Leonard Sly changed his name to Roy Rogers. He and several
other actors of movie fame did quite well financially after they
changed their names.
The following story was reported as true at the time. There was a
boy small for his age and very shy. He thought if he could change his
name, he could do so much better in this life. He went to his father
and told him what he wanted to do. His father asked him what he
wanted to change it to. The boy said "William Howard," since William
Howard Taft was then president of the United States. His father knew
a judge, so he arranged for a meeting of the boy and the judge.
BIBLE MONITOR 15
When he told the judge what he wanted to change his name to, the
judge said all right. From now on you will be known as William
Howard. Elated, the boy went home and told his father what the
judge had said. His father said he could go by any name that he
wanted to, but that it was up to him to make his name amount to
something. Others can call you William Howard, but to me you will
always be Norman Vincent Peale. The boy went on to become a
famous minister and writer of books like. "The Power of Positive
Thinking." He died in his sleep at ninety-five.
It was foretold that "Jesus" was to be His name. He was to be the
Savior of His people. That at the name of Jesus every knee should
bow, of things in heaven and things in earth and the things under the
earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord
to the glory of God the Father" Philippians 2:10-11.
We have the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Do
we have any for the rich people like Hunt, Getty, or Rockefeller?
yVhich shows that a good name is rather to be chosen than great
riches and loving favour, rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1.
The good name endures for many generations. Our fellow men may
not think of us as being good. It is what God thinks that counts.
There were enough people who wanted to crucify Christ for it to
happen. Surely the good men whom we remember had their
enemies. This includes King David, Lincoln, Washington and those
who were martyred.
People do not care how much you know until they know how much
you care.
Still, one of the least in God's Kingdom.
Walter C. Myers
5603 Winchester Street
San Diego, CA 92139
OUR SATURDAY NIGHT
Feed My Lambs
J. H. Moore
To Peter Jesus once said, Teed my lambs." By this he meant that
Peter should take good care of the young members of the flock. And
what was said to Peter is meant for every minister in the list of the
faithful. Jesus is especially concerned about the young members of
the church. He wishes them well fed upon the sincere milk of the
Word, that they may grow and become strong. Should any of them
be led astray, they are to be looked after and led back to the flock. All
of this should be done carefully and tenderly. In the work of caring for
the young the elders and ministers are to take the lead. That is, they
should make it their life duty to look after the young. They need
fatherly counsel and motherly tenderness.
16
BIBLE MONITOR
DIRECTORY OF BOARDS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dale E. Jamison, Chairman
R.1 Box 137
Quinter, KS 67752
Dennis St.John, Secretary
21397-B50
Bryan, OH 43506
Warren C.Smith, Treasurer
26270 Highway 50
McClave, CO 81057
GENERAL MISSION BOARD
Fred O. Pifer, Chairman
1734 240th Street
Adel, lA 50003
Robert Carpenter, Secretary
R.5 Box 97
Peru, IN 46970
Dale E. Jamison, Treasurer
R.I Box 137
Quinter, KS 67752
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
Rudy Shaffer
42 Doe Run Road
Manheim, PA 17545
Jacob C. Ness
136 Homeland Road
York, PA 17403
Paul Stump
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Englewood, OH 45322
Milton Cook
1138 E. 12th Street
Beaumont, CA 92223
BOARD OF PUBLICATION
Paul Stump, Chairman
10340 North Diamond Mill Road
Englewood, OH 45322
Jacob C, Ness, Secretary
136 Homeland Road
York, PA 17403
H. Edward Johnson, Treasurer
1307S.H.108
Wauseon, OH 43567
Fred O. Pifer
1734 240th Street
Adel, lA 50003
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
BIBLE STUDY BOARD
James Meyers, Chairman
2641 205th Street
Dallas Center, lA 50063
Dennis St.John, Secretary
21397 County Road B50
Bryan, OH 43506
Rick St. John, Treasurer
2578 County Road 20-2
Archbold, OH 43502
Marlin Marks
3027 Acorn Lane
Red Lion, PA 17356
Mark Cordrey
4025 Woodland Avenue
Modesto, CA 95358
RELIEF BOARD
Henry Walker, Chairman
12413 Delaware Road
Hickman, CA 95323
(209) 874-2832
Martin Meyers, Secretary
2654 K Avenue
Adel, lA 50003
(515)993-3028
William Carpenter, Treasurer
8012 Cavender Street
Morenci, Ml 49256
(517)458-6535
Virgil Leatherman
419 North Queen Street
Littlestown, PA 17340
(717)359-5753
Tom Jamison
R.2 Box 30
Hoxie, KS 67740
(913)675-3600
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
David Skiles, Superintendent
HCR79, Box 8
Cuba, NM 87013
Hayes Reed, Chairman
1433 Overholtzer Drive
Modesto, CA 95355
James Meyers, Secretary
2641 205th Street
Dallas Center, lA 50063
Marian Jamison, Treasurer
Box 100
Quinter, KS 67752
Mike Wray
31111 Combs Avenue
Escalon, CA 95320
Larry Andrews
12306 East 203rd Street
Ray mo re, MO 64083
AH contributions to the various Boards
should be made out to the Treasury,
but sent to the Secretary for his
records.
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BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXIV
NOVEMBER 15, 1996
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: Be it our aim to be nnore sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
COME, YE THANKFUL PEOPLE
Come, ye thankful people, come, Raise the song of harvest-home:
All is safely gathered in, Ere the winter storms begin;
God, our Maker doth provide For our wants to be supplied:
Come to God's own temple, come, Raise the song of harvest-home.
All the world is God's own field, Fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown. Unto joy or sorrow grown;
First the blade, and then the ear. Then the full corn shall appear:
Lord of harvest, grant that we Wholesome grain and pure may be.
For the Lord, our God, shall come. And shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day All offenses purge away;
Give His angels charge at last In the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store In His garner evermore.
Even so, Lord, quickly come To Thy final harvest-home;
Gather Thou Thy people in. Free from sorrow, free from sin;
There, forever purified. In Thy presence to abide:
Come, with all Thine angels, come. Raise the glorious harvest-home.
-Henry Alford
BIBLE MONITOR
FOR THIS WE ARE THANKFUL
During the Thanksgiving season it is a common practice to
enumerate the things for which we are thankful. This is a good
exercise to remind us of all that we have received. It is an even better
exercise if we do it more often than just once a year.
It is hard to pick out one thing to be especially thankful for. This
proves how much we have received from God and indirectly from Him
through others. There is not a one of us but who have received help.
This help may have taken many different forms. It could have been
financial. It could have been physical. It could have been good
advice. It could have been motivational. It could have been spiritual.
This help given to us by others came indirectly from God. He is the
giver of every good and perfect gift. A Christian is inspired by God to
give to others since he has received the best Gift of all, Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit in the heart of a believer, will
motivate that person to give as He gave to individuals during His
earthly sojourn. Although God inspires this reaction through His
Spirit's direction, He will bless that person as if the action were self-
inspired. God rewards those who serve others.
It is difficult to single out that for which we are most thankful. Along
with Spiritual blessings, there are also physical and material blessings
that are important to us. Some of these may seem trivial and
unimportant, yet we are thankful to have and to enjoy them. Some of
the physical blessings that we enjoy are very important to us. Good
health makes all other blessings more enjoyable. Yet, Spiritual
blessings must outrank everything else. All other blessings are only
THE BIBLE MONITOR NOVEMBER 15, 1996
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard Brethren
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RUDY SHAFFER, Associate Editor; 42 Doe Run Road, Manheim, PA 17545.
DENNIS ST. JOHN, Associate Editor; 21397-B50, Bryan, OH 43506.
BIBLE MONITOR
for time, but Spiritual blessings are for eternity. Spiritual blessings
may be enjoyed by those who have few material blessings. Spiritual
blessings may be enjoyed by those who have ill health. While we
value these other blessings that have come to us, we must realize
that they are not the most important. We should be thankful that God
does provide these blessings as well as the great eternal blessings
that affect not only our bodies but our souls as well.
God is a God of small things as well as a God of big things. He is
concerned with our smallest needs as well as our great, eternal
needs. He may not always give us all the little toys of human desire
that we want, but when He denies them it is for a greater purpose.
Our Heavenly Father does know best. He wants us to have those
things and pleasures that will be the best for us, therefore He may
deny us some things that would interfere with our Spiritual lives. The
world around us does not understand why we should deny ourselves
many of the pleasures and activities that they find so indispensable.
It is not just self-denial, but God's motivation that would keep us from
enjoying what would ultimately be harmful for us. He sees the power
of these pleasures to pull us away from full-hearted service and
devotion to Him. He realizes, better than we, that these momentary
pleasures may be very enjoyable for a season but that ultimately they
would be a hindrance in our Spiritual lives. We should be thankful
that our Heavenly Father is concerned about the outcome of our lives
on this earth. He wants our lives to be successful. He wants this
more for us than we do for ourselves.
The Spiritual life He offers us is the greatest of all gifts that could
be given to anyone. When we consider the price He paid that we
might have that eternal life we can realize how valuable it really is.
He gave His only begotten Son to pay the price for our sins and
follies. There was no other way that could have satisfied His sense of
justice. A perfect sacrifice had to be given to bring redemption to His
fallen creation.
We should be thankful that God did provide that sacrifice that we
might have eternal life. We also should be thankful that although God
was not indebted to us He gave His best gift. Obviously, no person
ever deserved the gift that God gave. If God had given as individuals
give, He would have played favorites and made His sacrifice available
only to certain people. If He had used human reasoning H6 would
have concluded that since none deserved His gift. He just would not
give it. If He were motivated by the human passion of getting even.
He would have left mankind to suffer the ultimate punishment they
BIBLE MONITOR
deserved. God is gracious and merciful. He provided His Son, Jesus
Christ, to be the perfect sacrifice for the sins of each human being.
At this Thanksgiving Season, for what are you thankful? I dare you
name everything. Whatever the size of your list do not forget the Gift
that God gave for you.
M.C.Gook
WITH THE VOICE OF THANKSGIVING
Psalm 26:7, 'That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and
tell of all thy wondrous works."
All of the readers from America have heard the account many
times of how the Pilgrims had a special celebration to thank God for
their survival in the new land. This is referred to as the first
Thanksgiving. We believe the Pilgrims were sincere believers who
gave thanks to God from their heart. They, along with the Puritans,
helped to establish a strong Bible basis that this country was founded
on. Although they lacked spiritual understanding in some areas, we
believe God honored their sincere desire to live godly lives. By the
same token, we believe there are Christians today who do not have
all the spiritual wisdom that God has revealed.
While this is referred to as the first Thanksgiving, as we already
stated, in reality the first Thanksgiving is recorded in the book of Job
chapter 38. God speaks to Job out of a whirlwind and asks him the
following. "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?
declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures
thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the
corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all
the sons of God shouted for joy?"
While the term "the morning stars" may only be an
anthropomorphism, it may also refer to the heavenly angelic-like
creations such as the cherubim and seraphim. Many Bible scholars
believe the "sons of God" is a reference to the more common angels.
Another point of interest is that many authorities on the scriptural
writings believe that Job is the oldest book in the Bible. The book of
Job contains many scientific truths that were unknown to mankind
until recent centuries. We believe it also teaches that dinosaurs lived
at the same time as man and not millions or billions of years before.
The book of Genesis also teaches that all living forms were created
within six literal days. Whether or not the heavenly beings were
created at this time is a matter of debate. We believe the first
BIBLE MONITOR
Thanksgiving account would teach that they were created before the
creation of the Earth.
Modern nnan has the audacity to question God, instead of allowing
God to challenge his thinking. They claim to have the answer to
God's questions to Job in humanistic evolution or theistic evolution.
We, the true Church, should publish the truth of a literal six day
creation with the voice of thanksgiving. This was the first of God's
wondrous works.
We should also publish with the voice of thanksgiving our gratitude
to God for the many physical blessings He has provided us. We may
think that we supply our needs by our own efforts, but if God does not
supply our health and strength we can do nothing. We can even
publish with a voice of thanksgiving our thanks for things that are not
pleasant to bear, knowing that God is working things out to His own
glory. We confess that we find this hard to do at times.
Once again, we wish to publish with thanksgiving the fact that God
has allowed me to be a father to three daughters. We recognize that
we have not always been the example we should have been. We
thank God that He can use our imperfect being to share the truths of
His Holy Word with family, friends and those we come in contact with.
Again, we confess that we do not do this as often as we should.
While we fail often, we have a Heavenly Father that is perfect in
love and judgment. We should try to follow the example our Heavenly
Father has given in the area of love and mercy. We can not judge
with true judgment as God can. While the Creation is God's
wondrous work we publish with the voice of thanksgiving an even
greater work of God. The fact that He sent His Son, the Lord Jesus
Christ, to Earth to die for the sins of the world. Praise God that
included me.
We often complain about our trials and tribulations. While life will
never be a bed of roses, if we took more time to publish with the voice
of thanksgiving our gratitude to God we would experience more joy in
our daily lives.
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
REFLECTIONS ON A TRIP TO ROMANIA
We are writing this article to testify that God still hears and answers
the prayers of those who truly call upon His name.
For years we have heard and read accounts of Christians being
BIBLE MONITOR
persecuted in Communist-held countries. We have wondered what it
would be like to visit such a place. Opportunity came through
Christian Aid Ministries, which had started an orphanage in Romania.
Upon arriving there, you get the feeling that you have been
transported back in time. Progress is at a standstill. Living conditions
are very poor. A great majority of the Christians have large families.
Their homes have only two or three rooms. Food and clothing are
scarce and very expensive.
In thinking of their need, we wondered how we could help these
people. The poorest among us are wealthy in their sight.
Yes, we can give them of our abundance, our time, and our labor.
But what can we give to help increase their faith in God? After going
to several worship services, I came away feeling they have something
we could use in our land of plenty.
We found church houses filled with young and old, for both
morning and evening services. There is very little transportation, so
people walk to the services.
Many church buildings are being built. The churches seem to be
growing by leaps and bounds. We attended a baptism service where
seven were baptized; ages seventeen to eighty-one years of age. Yet
at another place, twenty were baptized, and forty at another.
Have you noticed, as I have, how hard it is to get believers to
attend Sunday evening or mid-week prayer services? What would it
be like if we had to walk to services?
How many revival meetings must we attend before we see
someone accept the Lord? Could it be we are too caught up in this
materialistic world and have put God in second place? I believe we
as God's people in this land of plenty have more of a challenge to be
faithful and true to our God than the believers who have almost
nothing.
May we who live in this land of prosperity use these blessings to
the honor and glory of God, and not to our own destruction.
Brother Verling H.Wolfe
THE POOR FOR A PAIR OF SHOES
Amos 2:6, Thus saith the Lord; for three transgressions of Israel,
and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they
sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes..."
We cannot put a price on our Christian life, but many have sought
to cheapen it. We look at much of today's "Christian" literature and at
the "easy-believism" prevalent in the mainline churches. We know.
BIBLE MONITOR
for the scriptures tell us, that God hates this type of thing. Matthew
13:22 says that some hear the Word, "and the care of this world, and
the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh
unfruitful." Seeking after the things of this world has caused many to
become unfruitful.
Not only does worldly pleasure lead men away from God, but it
also warps their values. An unusual example of this is found in
Japan. The Japanese love to bowl, and they revere their bowling
pins. Instead of throwing the pins away when they become worn,
they are burned in a special Buddhist worship service. The Buddhist
monks chant prayers seeking eternal rest for the damaged bowling
pins. They also have religious services for broken sewing needles
and other items of this type.
We may find this amusing, but our values in many ways are not
much different. How much of our precious time do we waste while
the souls of men are dying? We wear ourselves out trying to provide
temporal things. The Scriptures have encouraged us to lay up
treasure in heaven. I know a man, though not a Christian, who
spends thousands of dollars a year on clothing and other items that
all carry the insignia of his favorite brand of beer. I am sure there are
professing Christians who spend thousands per year on a hobby,
perhaps on a hobby that is not even edifying to the soul.
Will we be held accountable for our affluence? There are millions
in this world who would be happy to have one per cent of what we
have. In effect, we sell them for a pair of shoes. Would to God that
the Church would get its priorities straight and realize that these
earthly things will be burnt up.
If we could get just a moment's glimpse of Heaven this article
would not need to be written. We would want to tell everyone how
beautiful it is there. If we could get one glimpse of hell it would have
the same result. We would want to tell everyone how much they
need to avoid that terrible place.
The scriptures tell us to beware, lest when we have eaten and art
full, that we forget God. Let us be careful that the cares of this life do
not overshadow our Christian experience.
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
8 BIBLE MONITOR
SIXTY YEARS AGO
November 15, 1936
SANCTIFICATION
D. W. Hostetler
The above subject has been discussed pro and con, and many
conflicting theories are taught these days. So I want to call the
reader's attention to the scriptural teaching of this very important
subject.
There is a system that teaches the first work of grace to be
conversion, and that the second work of grace is to seek
sanctification, that they "pray through" and find sanctification.
Let me state here that the only way to attain sanctification or
become sanctified is to obey God's commands given us through
Jesus Christ. In John 17:17, we have a text direct to the point which
reads, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." Then read
verse 19, where Jesus states, "and for their sakes I sanctify myself,
that they also might be sanctified through the truth."
Now to bow down at the altar (as some do) to "pray through" to find
sanctification is pure sacrilege, for this system superimposes
sanctification, independent of obeying the truth of the matter.
"Without faith it, is impossible to please God." (Heb. 11:6, John
3:18,36.) Without repentance and confessing sin, there cannot be any
forgiveness. (I John 1:9, Psalms 32:5, Prov. 28:13, Matt. 8:2, Mark
1:15, 6:12, Luke 13:8, Acts 2:38.)
Baptism is for the remission of sin. (Mark 1 :14, Luke 3:8, Acts 9:6,
22:16.) Now these passages clearly teach that faith, repentance,
confession, and baptism are the conditions of pardon. This brings us
into the light and into fellowship of the household of God. Then the
blood of Christ cleanseth us from all sin. (I John 1:7, John 12:35, I
Cor. 6:11.)
When people comply with these conditions of pardon, their sins are
remitted, forgiven. It is then that we are in a condition to receive the
baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is sanctification.
Webster defines the term "sanctify" thus: "In a general sense, to
cleanse, purify, or make holy." Hear then the prayer of Jesus in John
17:17, which supports this idea: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy
word is truth." In John 15:3, we read: "Now ye are clean through the
word which I have spoken unto you." (Acts 15:9.) "And put no
difference between us and them, purifying your soul in obeying the
truth through the spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren." Here it is
made clear by these inspired writers that obedience to the truth of
BIBLE MONITOR
God is the thing that purifies.
In Eph. 5:26, Paul, speaking of the church says, That He might
sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word."
Christian baptism is meant here when he speaks of the washing of
water (which is commanded in His word) by the word.
Webster further states that to sanctify is to separate, set apart, or
appoint to a holy, sacred, or religious use. (Gen. 2:3) "And God
blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it." That is, He hallowed, and
set it apart as a holy day. It is to purify, to prepare for divine service.
In Exodus 28, Aaron and his sons were anointed with oil by the
command of God into the priesthood, thus being set apart or
sanctified for a special work.
The tabernacle, the altar, and all the vessels were sanctified by the
sprinkling of water and blood, thus being set apart for a holy use. So
the contention here is that it is through the truth that we are sanctified,
and that short of obedience to truth there cannot be any sanctification.
(Romans 15:16.) We are told that the Gentiles were sanctified by the
Holy Spirit. But note that Paul says in reference to the Gentiles that
he was the minister of Jesus Christ to preach the gospel of God to
them, which he did, and their accepting this gospel and obeying it is
just what Jesus said to the disciples, that when the Holy Spirit is come
he will guide into all truth. It is clear that the Holy Spirit led these
Gentiles to obey the gospel of God, so they were sanctified. In the
sixth chapter of Romans we are told that we are baptized into Jesus,
therefore we are buried with Him by baptism, that is the old man of sin
is buried and the new man is raised by the glory of the father to walk
in newness of life, and that we are planted together in the likeness of
His death. It is there and then that sanctification takes place.
In the eighteenth chapter of Jeremiah the prophet speaks about
Israel in the hands of God being as clay in the hands of the potter.
Paul in II Timothy 2 says that "in a house there are vessels of gold
and silver and of wood and of earth: and some to honor and some to
dishonor." Then he tells us that if a.man purge himself from these, he
shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and met for the Master's use,
and prepared for the Master's use.
So there can be no intelligent doubt that sanctification is the
cleansing, purifying, and the setting apart for a special and a definite
use or work for our Lord and Master.
10 BIBLE MONITOR
THE PREACHER'S VACATION
The old man went to meeting,
For the day was bright and fair,
Tho' his limbs were very tottering
And 'twas hard to travel there:
But he hungered for the Gospel,
As he trudged the weary way.
On the road so rough and dusty
'Neath the summer's burning ray.
By and by he reached the building
To his soul a Holy place;
Then he paused and wiped the sweat drops
Off his thin and wrinkled face;
But he looked around bewildered,
For the old bell did not toll
And the doors were shut and bolted
And he did not see a soul.
So he leaned upon his crutches,
And he said, "What does it mean?"
And he looked this way and that
'Till it seemed almost a dream;
He had walked the dusty highway.
And he breathed a heavy sigh
Just to go once more to meeting,
Ere the summons came to die.
But he saw a little notice,
Tacked upon the meeting door.
So he limped along to read it,
And he read it o'er and o'er;
Then he wiped his dusty glasses
And he read it o'er again
'Till his limbs began to tremble
And his eyes began to pain.
As the old man read the notice.
How it made his spirit burn:
"Pastor absent - on vacation -
Church is closed 'till his return."
BIBLE MONITOR 11
Then he staggered slowly backward,
And he sat him down to think
For his soul was stirred within him
Till he thought his heart would sink.
So he mused along and wondered
to himself soliloquized:
"I've lived 'till almost eighty,
And was never so surprised,
As I read that oddest notice
Stickin' on the meetin' door,
"Pastor on vacation,"
Never heard the like before.
Why, when I first joined the meetin'
Very many years ago.
Preachers traveled on the circuit
In the heat and through the snow.
If they got their clothes and vittles
(Twas but little cash they got).
They said nothin' 'bout vacation.
And were happy in their lot.
Would the farmer leave his cattle.
Or the shepherd leave his sheep?
Who would give them care and shelter
Or provide them food to eat?
So it strikes me very singular.
When a man of holy hands.
Thinks he needs to have vacation
And forsakes his tender lambs.
Did St. Paul gel such a notion?
Did a Wesley or a Knox?
Did they in the heat of summer
Turn away their needy flocks?
Did they shut up their meeting house
Just go and lounge about?
Why they knew that if they did
Satan certainly would shout.
12 BIBLE MONITOR
Do the taverns close their doors
Just to take a little rest?
Why, 'twould be the height of nonsense
For their trade would be distressed;
Did you ever know it to happen,
Or hear anybody tell,
Of Satan taking a vacation
Shutting up the doors of hell?
And shall preachers of the gospel
Pack their trunks and go away,
Leavin' Saints and dyin' sinners
To get along as best they may.
Are the souls of Saints and sinners
Valued less than selling beer?
Or do preachers tire quicker
Than the rest of mortals here?
Why it is I cannot answer,
But my feelings they are stirred;
Here I've dragged my tottering footsteps,
For to hear the Gospel Word;
But the preacher is a traveling.
And the meetin' house is closed;
I confess it's very tryin' —
Hard, indeed, to keep composed.
Tell me when I tread the valley,
And go up the shinin' height.
Will I hear no angels singing?
Will I see no gleamin' light?
Will the golden harps be silent?
Will I meet no welcome there?
Why the thought is most distressin'.
Would be more than I could bear.
Tell me when I reach the city,
Over on the other shore.
Will I find a little notice
Tacked upon the golden door,
Tellin' me, 'mid dreadful silence,
BIBLE MONITOR 13
Writ'in words that cut and burn,
^ "Jesus absent - on vacation
Heaven closed till His return.
-Author Unknown
FROM THE BRETHREN HYMNAL
Hymn #1
THY GRACIOUS POWER
"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that
pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that
hath called us to glory and virtue." II Peter 1 :3.
One of the strengths of the Brethren is our slowness to change.
The landmarks of our faith must be immovable, as all good landmarks
are. If you have something good there is no reason to change. The
Authorized King James Bible is a landmark that the English-speaking
Brethren have used since the Brethren first came to America.
(Editor's note: The German-speaking Brethren used Martin Luther's
German translation.) For nearly a hundred years the Brethren
Hymnal has been used. It likewise is a landmark. Many of the old
hymns typify our faith. We have memorized the words just as we
have memorized portions of the scripture. There is nothing wrong
with this if the words we commit to memory are scriptural.
The first hymn in the Brethren Hymnal starts out like this:
Jehovah God! thy gracious power
On every hand we seel
Only the child of God can sing this stanza because the world is in
the dark. They do not see the goodness of God; He is only there to
accuse or blame when things are not going his way. God's power is
the greatest force in the universe. But His Gracious power cannot be
explained by any unbeliever, and by very few that believe. The Grace
of God can be defined, but hardly explained. Only the one that the
Lord has touched and saved can begin to convey even a stammering
understanding of God's gracious power. Yet to us it is everywhere.
From morn till noon, till latest eve.
The hand of God we see.
And all the blessings we receive,
Ceaseless proceed from thee.
The child of God is truly blessed. He knows from where all things
come. He knows that, though he does not deserve what he received,
he continues to receive these things because of God's grace and
love. When we were unbelievers we did not acknowledge God's part
14 BIBLE MONITOR
in everything. We did not see the overall scheme of things and that
God was behind it all. We thought that these things happened by
accident. But when the light hit our eyes we were able to put it all
together. God said, "I AM." Jesus said, "I AM." God is all
encompassing: the self-existing ONE. His power on every hand we
see. He has blessed us beyond all comprehension.
What need our little life,
Our human life, to know.
If God hath comprehension?
In all the dizzy strife
Of things both high and low
God hideth His intention.
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
OUR SATURDAY NIGHT
Clean Hands
J. H. Moore
The law of Moses directed that those committing adultery should
be stoned to death. One time a woman was caught in the act of
committing this sin. By some of the scribes and Pharisees she was
brought before the Savior and her sin reported. They knew what the
law required, but they wanted to see what Jesus would do with the
woman. This they did to tempt him.
He gave them plenty of time to think and then said: "He that is
without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her" (John 8:7). In
other words, You can do as Moses directed, but the first stone must
be cast by a man who has clean hands. Each man was left to settle
the question for himself, and not one of the accusers would admit that
his hands were clean enough to cast the first stone.
Among the Hindus there is a fable illustrating this lesson. A thief
"was captured with stolen money in his hand and sentenced to die.
The night before his execution he devised this novel plan for rescue:
He called the jailer into his cell and said, 'Go tell the king that if I can
come to him, I can tell him how to grow gold.' The news was carried
to the king and he said, 'Let the culprit be brought before me.' When
the thief entered the royal presence he produced a piece of gold and
said, 'Your majesty, if this piece of gold be planted in the soil it will
grow into a tree, every branch of which will be laden with gold as an
orchard with fruit. But this golden seed must be planted by a hand
BIBLE MONITOR 15
which has never been stained by a dishonest act. Of course, I am a
thief and cannot plant this seed. My hand is not clean, so I pass it to
your majesty.' The king looked at the gold for a moment, then he
said, 'I would plant it if I could, but alas! my hand is not clean; I will
pass it to my prime minister.' The prime minister's hand was not
clean, and he passed it on to another. Thus the golden seed went
from hand to hand. Then the thief said, 'Your majesty, if no man's
hand is clean, why should I alone die for the crime?' 'You are right,'
said the king. If you are to die then I must die also.'"
All around us are people who make it their business to pass
judgment on those who make mistakes, while they themselves have
unclean hands. We sometimes see this in council meetings.
Members, with hands not wholly clean, persist in having others set
right. They plead for a pure church and an upright membership, while
their own hands are stained. It is proper to have those who sin to
repent and be set right before the church and the community, but how
becoming it would seem if those who lead out in a move of this sort
would first wash their own hands! And until they can do this, let them
not cast the first stone, nor be too forward about planting the golden
seed that produces the golden fruit. Even the sinner admires clean
hands, and God demands them. Only clean hands will be permitted
to receive the clear title to mansions in the skies.
NEWS ITEMS
1997 INDIANA-MICHIGAN DIRECTORY
The new 1997 Indiana-Michigan Directory of the Brethren of the
Old German Baptist Church will be available about the middle of
November, the Lord willing. The standard book size will be $7.00
each, and a new pocket, purse size will be available for $3.50 each.
If purchased as a set (one of each) the price is $10.00. All prices are
postpaid. These directories may be purchased at stores operated by
Brethren, or ordered direct from the address below. Send all orders
to:
Indiana Directory Committee
P.O. Box 97
North Manchester, IN 46962-0097.
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR DECEMBER 1996
Dec. 1 - Jesus Appears To His Disciples And Thomas - Jolin 20:19-31.
1 . Did the disciples need to see the scarred hands and side of Jesus
before they recognized Him?
2. Jesus breathed on the disciples and said, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost."
Explain this receiving in comparison to the "filling" in Acts 2.
Dec. 8 - "Come And Dine" - John 21 :1-14.
1 . Why do you think Peter decided to go fishing?
2. How was John able to recognize Jesus when the other disciples had not?
Dec. 15 - "Feed My Sheep" - John 21:15-25,
1 . What was the purpose of Jesus repeating three times His question to Peter?
2. Why was Peter concerned about what John was supposed to do?
Dec. 22 - The Birth Of Christ - Luke 2:1-20.
1 . How did the Roman Emperor participate in God's plan for the world?
2. According to the words of the angel, For whom did Jesus come to earth?
Dec. 29 - The Ascension of Jesus - Acts 1:1-14.
1 . For what purpose did Jesus stay on earth forty days after His
Resurrection?
2. What kingdom were the disciples referring to when they asked Jesus,
"Wilt thou at this time restore again the Kingdom to Israel?"
YOUNG PEOPLE'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
FOR DECEMBER 1996
Dec. 1. - Fellowship - Gen. 5:24, 6:8-9, Ps. 73:23-28, Matt. 18:19-20, Luke 24:15-32.
I John 1:3-10, John 15:4-10.
1 . How can we walk with God today like Enoch and Noah?
2. What provisions allow us to "Draw near to God?"
Dec. 8 - Appearances - 1 Sam. 16:4-7, Matt. 6:1-5, 16-18, Luke 20:46-47,
!1 Cor. 5:12, 10:7.
1. In what ways can appearance be deceiving?
2. Why is it so important for our actions to coincide with our outward
appearance?
Dec. 15 - Disfigurement- Prov. 21:29-31, Isa. 3:9-24, II Pet. 1:3-4, Rev. 13:16-17,
19:20.
1 . What does our countenance tell others about us?
2. How could we become spiritually disfigured?
Dec. 22 - The Birth of Christ - Luke 1 :1-33.
1 . List the similarities/differences of Gabriel's appearance to Zacharias
and his appearance to Mary.
2. Compare Gabriel's prophetic description of Jesus' life with his
prophetic description of John The Baptist's life.
Dec. 29 -The Grace of God- Ps. 84:1-12, Acts 11:21-24, 1 Cor. 3:10-14, 15:9-10,
II Cor. 1:12, I Pet. 5:5-11.
1 . What/Where would we be without the grace of God?
2. Explain the relationship of humility and grace.
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BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXIV
DECEMBER 1, 1996
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 ainn to be more sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
JESUS CALLS US, O'ER THE TUMULT
Jesus calls us, o'er the tumult
Of our life's wild, restless sea,
Day by day His sweet voice soundeth,
Saying, "Christian, follow Me."
Jesus calls us f ronn the worship
Of the vain world's golden store,
From each idol that would keep us,
Saying, "Christian, love Me more."
In our joys and in our sorrows,
Days of toil and hours of ease,
Still He calls, in cares and pleasures,
"Christian, love Me more than these."
Jesus calls us, by Thy mercies,
Saviour, may we hear Thy call,
Give our hearts to Thine obedience,
Serve and love Thee best of all.
-Cecil F. Alexander
BIBLE MONITOR
A FIREBRAND
Please read Zechariah 3.
Zechariah presents a picture of Joshua, the High Priest, that can
be instructional for us. There are lessons that we can glean from this
picture.
Joshua is pictured as one rescued from the fire of destruction. He
had not been far from burning with the rest of the wood with which he
had been associated. He was plucked from the fire. He coula have
totally ignited very soon, but he was pulled from the fire for a purpose.
He would spread a different fire.
Before he was qualified to spread the fire to others, he was in need
of being cleansed. His garments were filthy. They had been tainted
with the sin's smoke and ash. While his garments were spotted he
was not fit to go forth, so he needed a change of clothes. This he
received as the old clothes were taken from him and were replaced
by new, pure clothes. These godly garments of righteousness
qualified him for God's sen/ice.
In the beginning, Joshua was at the crossroads of decision. He
had an angel on one side counseling him to take the right course. On
the other side, Satan whispered that he should follow an altogether
different course. Satan would whisper to him as he had to Eve in the
Garden of Eden. He was seeking to raise doubts about God and His
word and way within Joshua. He had succeeded with Eve as she
depended upon her human ability to reason and her emotions. Satan
comes to each of us at a similar crossroads of decision. He would
cause us to question God, the Bible and the Church. He would prefer
that we would remain in the fire of destruction. He is not bound by
THE BIBLE MONITOR DECEMBER 1 , 1996"
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1^
BIBLE MONITOR
any rules of morality, so he may lie to us to persuade us to follow his
course.
On the other side the angel of the Lord will attempt to persuade us
to turn toward God. We often make this a harder decision than it
ought to be. Our natural emotions crave the things that Satan would
represent that he can give us, so we halt between two opinions. If we
were to approach this decision with logic and righteousness in mind, it
would be a very easy decision. By nature we are disposed to do
Satan's bidding.
After Joshua's garments were changed he was given a promise.
The promise was conditioned on his willingness to follow the ways of
the Lord. If he did, he would be able to judge within the Lord's house,
he would be able to keep the courts of the Lord and he would be able
to walk among His people. We may not fully understand all that is
entailed in these promises, but we do know that since they came from
God, they are special and desirable.
Many would like to obtain the glory involved in these promises, but
unfortunately they do want to yield their own ideas. They want to rule
but can not for they do not have the necessary preparation in the
ways that the Master has set before them. There may be
disappointment later when they think they should be honored as the
defenders of the Lord and His Word, but they find instead that He will
reject them. They still have on their filthy garments. They still have
the smell of the fire on them: Instead of being able to spread the
Gospel fire they have failed to avail themselves of its glorious
provisions.
Joshua is a picture of individuals who must make that eternal
decision. Each must decide either to listen to Satan's unholy
pleadings, or to accept the offer of eternal life. Each who accepts
God's offer must be willing to change clothing. The inner cleansing
should be accompanied by an outer change of garments to show
there has been a change made in that life.
When the firebrand has been plucked from the fires of destruction
and given new clean clothes, he is fitted to become God's firebrand.
God will throw him where He will, so he can accomplish the most
good for His cause. He wants him to spread the Gospel through a
change in his lifestyle, attitudes and appearance. Instead of burning
within the fire of destruction, he can cause fires of contrition and
submission.
It does not take much to start a fire. A match can begin a fire that
destroys thousands of acres of forest. A flying ember can ignite a
wood shake shingle roof and destroy a home. God's desire for His
firebrands are that they will do what they are capable of doing. Each
BIBLE MONITOR
doing his part in obedience and submissiveness, will cause the glow
of Gospel fires to be seen and felt wherever the firebrand goes and
whatever he does.
Are you a firebrand for Christ?
M.C.Cook
BEING SQUARE AND NOT CHICKEN
Being square and not chicken, "What does that mean?" you might
ask. Words often have different meanings. One definition for square
is: a plane figure having four equal sides; but, the definition we would
like to think of is this one: just, fair, honest, not conversant (familiar or
acquainted) with current fads or styles, unyielding, firm, old-fashioned,
unsophisticated, conservative.
When we think of chicken - we think of a farm bird, but we would
like to think of this definition also: timid or cowardly, to lose courage.
Acts, chapters 6 and 7, gives the account of a man who was "square
and not chicken." His name was Stephen.
Stephen was brought before the council. There they set up false
witnesses against him. He told them the truth, "Ye stiffnecked and
uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost:
as your fathers did so do ye." (Acts 7:51) Stephen told them the truth
and the truth hurt. They were cut to the heart and gnashed on him
with their teeth. They cast him out of the city and stoned him to
death. He could have turned "chicken" (cowardly or lost courage) and
would not have been gnashed on with teeth and stoned. Stephen
stayed fore-square upon the true gospel of Jesus Christ, unyielding to
the pressure around him. What if - when they started stoning him,
Stephen would have said, "Wait a minute, I'm sorry I offended you, I
really was a little hard on you. Please forgive me!" We would say that
he would have been a real chicken or coward. What about us?
When the opportunity comes our way to witness for Christ, or point
out sin as Stephen did, would we be gnashed on or stoned? No, a lot
less than that happens to us, and yet, it seems we are afraid to stand
for the right.
The account of John the Baptist's death tells us that he was
"square and not chicken" in Mark 6:16-29. Verse 20 states that he
was a just and holy man. John told Herod, "It is not lawful for thee to
have thy brother's wife" (Mark 6:18) and it cost John his head! John
could have turned chicken and said, "Well, you ARE the king, God is
a God of love, surely God will overlook this sin. He understands,
besides I'm sure if we look hard enough we can find an exception
clause somewhere in the scripture!" John stood perfectly "square."
He was full of the Holy Ghost; willing to die, rather than deny the truth.
BIBLE MONITOR
Noah was a real "square" in his day. In Genesis 6:5 it is stated,
"God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that
every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil
continually." Even though Noah lived in a very wicked day, he did not
yield to the evil around him. "But, Noah found grace in the eyes of the
Lord." (Genesis 6:8) Verse 9 states: "Noah was a just man and
perfect in his generations and Noah walked with God." God told
Noah to build an ark, so that's what he did - on dry land! Can you
picture Noah and his sons - sawing, hammering, and working on this
big boat while the wicked men watched them, laughing, making jokes,
and calling them fools for doing what they were instructed by God to
do? Noah did not turn "chicken." What about us when God instructs
us to do something as recorded in 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." It's much easier to follow
the crowd, do what they do, go where they go, do your own thing and
not get too excited about obeying God. They thought Noah was a
fool until they saw all the animals and Noah's family go inside and
God shut the door. When it started raining, there were eight
"squares" SAFE in the ark, while there was a multitude of "chickens"
on the outside of the ark - wishing they were "square" and on the
inside!
There are many others in the Bible who were "square and not
chicken." We can look at David and the slaying of the giant Philistine,
Goliath. (I Sam. 17); the three Hebrew children being cast into the
fiery furnace (Daniel 3); or Daniel in the lions' den (Daniel 6). These
were not afraid to stand for God and give their very life if need be. To
be on God's side was not very popular in their day and neither is it for
us today!
A young man I worked with several years ago comes to my mind
often. When he first started to work where I did, he was a nice,
Christian, young man. As time went on he became friends with the
wrong crowd. First, he started laughing along with the dirty jokes;
then he started telling them himself. Soon he began smoking ( I can
remember seeing him - his eyes were red and watering - but he
continued smoking - to be with the crowd) and talking, doing, and
eventually going where the world did. When Friday evening, quitting
time came, he went with his new "friends" to the bar for a couple
drinks, too. Instead of staying "square" he turned "chicken."
"...he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved!" (Matthew
10:22b.)
Brother David Aungst
BIBLE MONITOR
SHOULD I WRITE? YES, BUT...
Prov. 24:33-34, "Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of
the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth;
and thy want as an armed man."
Luke 8:14, "And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when
they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and
pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection."
I should write but others are better at writing than I. If I could just
preach from the pulpit or write on paper the way I preach when lying
awake in the middle of the night.
Then I should write now, but those leaves that were so beautiful a
few days ago are now on the ground, and need to be raked up and
disposed of. And, oh yes, there is a lot of dead wood that needs to be
cut, and put in the basement to burn. The garden needs a little work
yet. Probably the lawn should be mowed once more.
I must read the newspaper to keep up with what is going on in the
world. Right now, just after taking time to eat, sit in my easy chair, to
read, I must keep up with my daily Bible reading, but I am getting very
sleepy. ZZZZZ.
Well, that was a nice nap, now there are a few things I must do.
Well maybe tomorrow.
Ephesians 5:14-16, "Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest,
and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then
that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the
time, because the days are evil."
Colossians 4:2-5, "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with
thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us
a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am
also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk
in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time."
May God bless you all richly.
Brother William Carpenter
QUARRELSOME PEOPLE
"I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the
same mind in the Lord." Philippians 4:2.
It is a sad fact that Euodias and Syntyche achieved fame because
they argued with one another. From the context of Philippians 4, it is
certain that they were leaders in the church at Philippi, and though
they were prominent, they had a difference of opinion. There have
been many articles written in these pages recently concerning being
of one mind. Christian harmony, working together and the like. I
believe that the church is at a crossroads: do we continue on as we
BIBLE MONITOR
have for centuries, or do we change to accommodate modern thought
and ideas?
Verse five states, "Let your moderation be known unto all men.
The Lord is at hand." Moderation here does not have anything to do
with using alcohol, it means reasonableness, graciousness or yielding
to the will of another. Paul was trying to say that the church's ability
to work together as a unit should be renowned in all the world. We
must be careful here, because the tendency is to drift from the Word
of God for the sake of unity, and we cannot do that. We must lift up
the standard so others may see and live.
There are many lessons to be found in Philippians 4:2. It is sad
that oftimes leaders of the church do not agree with each other. We
read how Paul and Barnabas fell out. Yet their disunity was not
allowed to linger and fester. They separated without any hard
feelings, and the Lord's work continued. They did not fight and argue
endlessly, but made an end to it. This must be done. First, we must
be true to the scriptures, taught by the Holy Spirit of God. Second,
we must deal with disunity as a plague that will destroy the church if it
is not soon dealt with.
The fact is we do not always agree. We must learn the difference
between opinions that we have and Biblical, unalterable fact. People,
today, look other places than to Jesus. Only on Jesus should our
vision be centered. Hebrews 12:2 says, "looking unto Jesus, the
author and finisher of our faith," and verse 3 continues the thought by
saying, "For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners
against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
Jesus, Thy blessings are not few,
Nor is thy Gospel weak;
Thy grace can melt the stubborn Jew,
And bow the haughty Greek.
Come, all ye wretched sinners, come,
He'll form your souls anew;
His gospel and his heart have room
For rebels such as you.
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
THE BIBLE SPEAKS TO YOUTH
Jerusalem 3000
These are interesting times in Israel. As we look forward to a trip
there in 1997, we closely watch the happenings. The Jews and
8 BIBLE MONITOR
Muslims certainly are not at peace. The re-erecting of fences
between major sections of the City of Jerusalem and the erecting of
signs saying, "Jews Not Welcome", which really are not just pieces of
wood with writing on them, but are in reality "signs of the times."
This year and in 1997, Israel is celebrating their love affair with
beautiful Jerusalem that has spanned 3000 years. Since the first of
David's warriors went over the walls of the Jebusite fortress in 1000
BC, Jerusalem has endured as the religious and political capital of the
Jews. On property purchased by David from Araunah the Jebusite
(see II Samuel 24:18-25), her great temples have stood with honor.
Within and around these ancient city walls her sons and daughters
were born and celebrated. Even during the debilitating periods when
the Jews were swept off the land by the tyrants of the time, far-off
Jerusalem was to hold the hearts of her children, the wandering Jews.
With these historical facts in view, we need to remind ourselves
once again that the Muslim claims on Jerusalem did not commence
until the seventh century AD. The Jewish people occupied the city of
Jerusalem for about sixteen hundred years before Islam was
established there.
Since 1967, when Israel captured the city, Jerusalem has been
called the "occupied territory." The city has been fought over perhaps
more than any other city in the world. When Jerusalem was
conquered in battle, the victors held it until they were displaced by
someone else, who had more strength and will in battle to possess
the place.
Scripture is replete with references about a time when the nations
will be reconciled to God. Controversy over Jerusalem will be a thing
of the past. Jerusalem of the future will be tranquil, peaceful and the
focal point of the ruler of the earth. Jesus Christ will dwell there once
again.
We, too, will dwell there. There shall be no more utter destruction.
Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited. (Zech. 14:1 1) We can hold to the
promise that "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the
morning." We can turn our tear-stained faces to the horizon, morning
is coming. The King is coming, for the Christian. Keep your eye on
Israel. Keep your eye on Jerusalem. She awaits us and her King.
Bro. Len Wertz
THE VINE OF SODOM
Deuteronomy 32:32-33, "For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and
of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their
clusters are bitter: Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel
venom of asps."
BIBLE MONITOR
Deuteronomy 32:36-37, Tor the LORD shall judge his people, and
repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is
gone, and there is none shut up, or left. And he shall say, Where are
their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,...?"
The sin of Sodom appears to be growing in acceptance within the
leadership of the earthly church in spite of the danger of AIDS.
However, this is only a branch of a much larger problem within the
established church.
In the New Testament, grapes and wine are symbols for the blood
of the Lord Jesus Christ. A large portion of the modern church has
rejected this blood for the salvation of sin and replaced it with grapes
of gall, the human works of man. Because of this their clusters are
bitter. They deny that the Bible is the infallible Word of God. They
despise the King James Version. A minister in what could be called
our mother church has written a book entitled, THE ULTIMATE
HERESY: THE DOCTRINE OF BIBLICAL INERRANCY. The back
page of the book states, "The doctrine that the Bible is the inerrant
Word of God is the worst heresy that the Church has ever faced, and
this book's sole purpose is to move Christians to eliminate that
doctrine."
Their wine is the poison of dragons. They re-interpret the truths
that have been accepted down through the centuries and introduce
new ones. Recently, we received a mailing, from a computer
enthusiast, that supposedly proved that repentance is not a Scriptural
term. To prove his point he went back to the original Greek. While we
accept the fact of the original Greek language and believe it is
sometimes helpful to refer to such references as Strong's Greek and
Hebrew dictionaries, we also are aware of the fact that those who
supposedly are learned in the Greek do not always agree on what the
Greek says or means. Two issues pertinent to this discussion are the
prayer veil (or covering) and women preachers.
Their wine is also the cruel venom of asps. They destroy the
assurance given to true believers. Recently a pastor of a church
made the following statement. "If Jesus Christ were alive today, I'm
certain he'd be using every form of entertainment that's out there to
make God relevant and practical in people's lives." They reject the
Christ of the Bible who said in Revelation 1:18, "I am he that liveth,
and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have
the keys to hell and of death."
Today the majority seem to see God as merely a God of love and
the Lord Jesus Christ as a meek, helpless servant. The book of Jude
describes those whose vine is the wine of Sodom and God's response
to them. Jude verses 12-15, "These are spots in your feasts of
10 BIBLE MONITOR
charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear:
clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose
fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering
stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. And
Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying,
Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousand of his saints, To execute
judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them
of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of
all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against
him."
A large portion of the earthly church has lost its power by accepting
the vine of Sodom and rejecting the true vine. In John 15:1 the Lord
Jesus Christ says, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the
husbandman." The false gods of the vine of Sodom will be of no help
in the time of need. The false rock of the vine of Sodom will not stand
the storms of life and bring true salvation.
May our desire be to be a branch of the true vine and reject the
vine of Sodom. Let us hold fast to the Word of God and follow all of
its truth, teachings and precepts.
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
THE BRETHREN HYMNAL
Hymn #2
HOLY AND REVEREND
"Holy and reverend is his name." Psalm 1 1 1 :9
It has been my desire for quite a while to bring forth a series of
articles from the Brethren Hymnal with the idea of fortifying the
doctrines long taught by the Brethren. We wish to, as is always our
goal, to be Biblical, as we believe this blessed old hymn book to be
Biblical. As we page through it, let us be reminded of the many
blessings that are ours as the children of God.
I own several copies of the small Brethren Hymn Book, the same
volume except without the musical notes. It is valuable as a book of
poetry, and it is easy to carry that way. Many churches have added
other hymnals to their collection, but it is still a blessing to sing from
the old black book. May it ever be so.
Holy and reverend is the name of our eternal king. Isaiah 6:3 says,
"Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his
glory." The unbeliever does not see it. The soul immersed in the vain
things of this life does not see it. It remains for the saint of God to not
BIBLE MONITOR 11
only see it, but proclaim it. It has often been said that when a person
is first converted the world looks entirely different from what it did
before God appeared in their lives. If we are truly being used of God
and are sincere children of His, our perception of this hymn will
increase year by year.
With sacred awe pronounce His name. There is much controversy
concerning what the name of God is. A local cult hereabouts says
"Yahweh" is the only name God hears. We believe that God only
hears from a penitent heart, regardless of the name used. Our God is
Holy. We are obliged to speak His Name in a holy way. This writer
has always used the name "God" or "Jehovah God" and has never felt
condemned.
This wonderful hymn ends with a prayer.
Thou, holy God, preserve my soul,
From all pollution free;
The pure in heart are thy delight,
And they thy face shall see.
Only the pure in heart shall see God. God will only hear from a
soul that seeks after His righteousness.
Today the "Christian" world seeks to devalue the Holiness of God.
They say that God is a Father or a Mother. They say God will accept
anyone regardless of their value system or sexual orientation. God
accepts only righteousness. If we say anything else we demean Him.
We cannot approach Him without the Blood of Christ, which was shed
to accomplish our salvation. We have no righteousness of our own
acceptable to God.
We cannot ascribe the name "Reverend" to anyone but God. Only
God is to be revered. Man did not earn this title, nor does he deserve
it. Only the supreme, Majestic Godhead is desen/ing of our praise
and worship. May God help us to walk so as to see Him someday.
Psalm 17:15, "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I
shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness."
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
SIXTY YEARS AGO
December 1, 1936
UNSAFE AUTHORITY
L. W. Beery
After noting the authority back of the New Testament teachings as
given to us by the apostles, naturally serious thinking people wonder
as to the authority back of the 'transition" which has taken place so
12 BIBLE MONITOR
noticeably in professing Christendom of late years. With a little sound
consideration one can easily determine as to the authority back of the
unscriptural innovations and departures from the faith which have
been fostered among professing Christian people.
There is no question but that Christ intended His teachings as
recorded by the apostles to endure throughout the ages until his
return to earth again. His parting commission to the apostles clearly
indicates this. "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 always, even unto the end of the world."
(Matt. 28:19-20.) It is definitely given in this reference that the things
that Jesus taught His disciples were to be taught and observed "even
unto the end of the world."
The passing of time and changes that take place among men on
the earth do not change the inspired word that is given us in the New
Testament. It is this word that shall last throughout the ages and
appear before men on the day of judgment there to condemn or
exonerate all who face it. Jesus said, "The word that I have spoken,
the same shall judge him (the man that rejects) in the last day."
Jesus and His plan of salvation for men in the dispensation does not
change. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever."
(Heb. 13:8.) Certainly then, from this consideration, the authority of
Christ is not back of these changes which so flagrantly violate New
Testament teachings.
There was evidently a "transition" in the Galatian churches in the
time of Paul for in writing to them he states, "I marvel that ye are so
soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto
another gospel; which is not another but there be some that trouble
you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." (Gal. 1:6-7.) Paul and
his helpers had preached the true gospel to the Galatians and they
had accepted it but from the language that Paul uses in writing to
them they had turned aside to something else. There were those that
"troubled them" and endeavored to "pervert" the gospel of Christ
which they had been taught. This new gospel, Paul intimates, was
simply the ideas and theories of men and had no higher origin or
authority.
It is evident that the same condition exists today that did in the time
of Paul. This new gospel which has resulted in the "transition" in the
church is simply some theories that men have concocted and have
substituted for what the gospel teaches. The authority back of the
transition then, is "man," and all those who accept these theories in
preference to gospel teachings are making "man" their god.
BIBLE MONITOR 13
Regarding these who cause trouble in the church by endeavoring
to pervert the gospel, Paul says this: "But though we, or an angel from
heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have
preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Gal. 1:8.) In the next
verse he repeats the statement. This ought to be sufficient warning to
all serious minded folks. There is however, a more solemn warning
given to all who would pervert the gospel of Christ. Tor 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 out
of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which
are written in this book." (Rev. 22:18-19.)
What an awful thing it will be on the day of judgement to be
responsible for these unscriptural practices that have been set up in
the churches in place of what the gospel teaches. "For me and my
house, we will serve the Lord."
OUR SATURDAY NIGHT
Grandfather
J. H. Moore
Grandfather had seen better days. I mean the one to whom we
refer at this time. He was once a strong young man, full of life and
with bright prospects before him. He took to himself the maid whose
heart and hand he had won. They were poor, but they were happy.
They had few troubles and dreamed of none. Life with them was full
of sunshine and the outlook hopeful. They looked forward to the time
when they could possess a comfortable home and have about them
plenty on which to live, and also a place where they could spend the
declining years of life.
Their first house was small, consisting of but one room. And yet it
was large enough for the young father, mother and two little girls. As
the years went by other rooms were added, and then there were more
children. Trees were planted, and in time the buildings, the orchard
and shade trees gave the little knoll, by the side of the country road, a
most charming appearance. The fond parents did not neglect their
religion while accumulating wealth, but they did, in a measure, neglect
the best interests of their children. One by one their sons and
daughters were sent off to school. They did not select schools
particularly favored with religious environments. The children were
well educated, and thus fitted for society and business, but not for the
Lord's house. The soul culture had been neglected, and not one of
them was a member of the church. Considerable property passed
14 BIBLE MONITOR
into their hands, and, so far as the world was concerned, they were in
excellent circumstances.
There came a change. The father and mother grew old. Their
eyes grew dim and their strength failed them. The home farm was
turned over to a son-in-law, and the parents were to be contented
with a home with their daughter. The daughter, of course, was kind,
and so were all the grandchildren. But the home was not as in days
of yore. It ceased to be a lodging place for the Brethren who chanced
to visit the locality. There was a time when this good man and wife
could count on entertaining all the ministers who visited their church.
Their roof had sheltered some of the most gifted preachers in the
Fraternity. But that had come to an end. The daughter and her family
moved in fashionable society, and by this the aged father and mother
were in a measure cut off from the society of the church. They often
wept. They had hoped that their last years might be their most
enjoyable ones. But such was not the case. They saw their mistake.
They had raised their children for the world, and not for the church. It
was too late to make amends. They could only weep and wait for the
boatman to come and row them across the chilly waters to the other
shore.
By and by a minister was sent for. The neighbors gathered. There
was to be a funeral. The boatman has come for grandmother. It
seemed that loving hands could not do enough for the dead mother.
No expense was spared. The coffin was fine. The hearse was the
best to be had. The casket was covered with costly flowers.
Grandmother never had so much respect shown her. The minister
grew eloquent, the sons and daughters wept. The grandchildren
cried, and even the neighbors shed tears. All this was for the dead.
The poor woman was cold in death, and could not realize what was
being done for her. The aged husband wept and sobbed. He said
nothing, but he thought, "If only half this affection had been bestowed
upon mother while living, how pleasant life would have been for her!"
To the angels it probably looked like mockery.
Grandfather was left alone. Scores reached for his hand and said
words that were meant to be consoling. He leaned on the arm of a
daughter as he looked down into the cold grave; then was gently led
away. For a few days each one of the family acted as an angel of
love. No grandfather was ever treated more kindly. Time, however,
moved them all farther away from the sad incident, and inside of a
few months the scenes at the funeral and grave seemed to have been
forgotten. The gray-headed father sank into despondency. No one
appeared to take any special interest in him. Not only so, but he
BIBLE MONITOR 15
seemed to be in the way. His room was wanted for another purpose.
The family desired to entertain more, but grandfather was in the way.
No wonder the good old man was sad! His last days were full of
sorrow. He lived only because he had to. He hoped for relief when
he reached the other shore, and anxiously he wondered when the
boatman would come for him!
SMILE
What would this day be like if everyone we met would have a lovely
smile? We all know a smile costs nothing but gives much to those
who receive. They are surely blessed by it. It takes but a moment,
but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. No one is so rich he
can get along without it. It creates happiness in every place. Many
homes are blessed when the family uses it. It is so much help in
business. Many friends are gained by it. It is rest to the weary, cheer
to those who are discouraged and sad. It helps in all kinds of trouble.
There is no price for it. It cannot be bought. You cannot even borrow
or steal it, for it is of no value to anyone until you receive it. Let us not
be so tired and weary, we can not give a smile. Let us all give a smile
to everyone we meet. Then wait to see what happens.
Sister E. M. Alltus
NEWS ITEM
Notice
Renewal time is upon us again. Without the faithful work of our
agents and correspondents, it would be impossible to keep track of
renewals. This year as we implement the new addressing system
mandated by the United States Postal Service, we need to ask an
even greater favor of those who gather the subscriptions. We would
appreciate, where known, the full nine digit zip code for each address.
This will facilitate the handling of the Bible Monitor by our mailing
company.
Thank you for your cooperation in advance.
The Editor
16
BIBLE MONITOR
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BIBLE MONITOR
VOL. LXXIV
DECEMBER 15, 1996
NO. 24
"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 aim to be nnore sanctified, more righteous,
more holy, and more perfect through faith and obedience.
LIVING FOR JESUS
Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do,
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Living for Jesus who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv'ry my sin and disgrace,
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
Living for Jesus wherever I am.
Doing each duty in His Holy Name,
Willing to suffer affliction or loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
Living for Jesus thro' earth's little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile,
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.
-T. O. Chisholm
BIBLE MONITOR
LEFT-OVERS AND HAND-ME-DOWNS
Living amongst people devoted to materialism can be a real
challenge to a Christian. People want the latest conveniences and
gadgets, which are expensive, bringing greater debt and
dissatisfaction. The desire for these playthings is produced either
through creative advertising or the pride that wants to keep-up-with or
get-ahead-of others. Accompanying this desire for these gadgets is a
disdain for the frugal ways of past generations.
Those who lived in simpler times often had to make do with a lot
less than what we think is necessary these days. Looking back, we
often wonder if they did not have a greater contentment than what we
have with all we do have. Our wants have far outstripped our needs.
Frugality of the past made them thankful for their left-overs and hand-
me-downs. Today we would be insulted if we were required to use
up, wear out, eat up all we had before we could have any more. They
could not afford to waste their resources. They were thankful for what
they did have.
They were willing to eat left-over food. Sometimes, food, the
second time around, actually is better than it was the first time
around. This is especially true of soups, which blend together more
fully the longer they are prepared. They were not ashamed to wear
previously worn clothes. Patches and safety pins were no shame as
long as their clothes were as clean as possible. Today someone who
wears clothes patched and made-over is looked down upon. In fact,
people who wear clothes a little out of date are thought strange.
Frugality would be a good addition to the American way of life.
Frugality has always been one of the traits of the Brethren.
THE BIBLE MONITOR DECEMBER 15, 1996
Published semi-monthly by the Board of Publication of the Dunkard Brethren
Church in the plant of Tomahawk Printing, Inc., 4017 Co. Rd. 11, Wauseon,
Ohio 43567.
Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office, Wauseon, Ohio 43567.
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Send all subscriptions and connnnunications to the editor.
MILTON COOK, Editor; 1138 East 12th Street, Beaumont, CA 92223.
ROBERT S. LEHIGH, Assistant Editor, R. 7 Box 7840, Spring Grove, PA 17362
RUDY SHAFFER, Associate Editor; 42 Doe Run Road, Manheim, PA 17545.
DENNIS ST. JOHN, Associate Editor; 21397-B50, Bryan, OH 43506.
BIBLE MONITOR
Frugality was practiced not to accumulate wealth and property. While
the Brethren often were able to accumulate substantial bank
accounts, that was not their primary goal in the handling of their
finances. Their goal was to honor their Lord and Master through the
right use of their financial resources. Feeling they were pilgrims and
strangers in this world, they did not want to be too attached to it. By
using their money sparingly and wisely, they were investing in those
things that were necessary. That which was superfluous they did not
want to collect. They felt the luxuries and unnecessary things that
they could have accumulated would have hindered their journey
through this world. They would have been tempted to give more
effort and honor to the things that they might collect rather than
serving God as they should.
The Brethren were not so "cheap" that they did not appreciate
quality. They understood quality. They knew a quality item might
cost more at the beginning but that it would outlast an inferior item.
They could save money and have better items by buying quality
items. They knew the difference between frugal and "cheap".
Sen/ing God by not wasting His resources meant they did not need
the latest styles or gadgets. They were content with the necessities.
Their frugality gave them resources they could share with others who
were less fortunate than themselves. They could support the work of
the Church. Their simple lifestyles not only were a help to their own
Spiritual lives and provided forthe Church's expenses and expansion,
but they also were good for the surrounding community. Their simple
lives set an example before those who could do better in their worship
of God. Their thrifty ways saved the natural and financial resources
of the community. They were a healthier and happier people in the
midst of people who did not use discernment in their use of the
present world. They fulfilled the Scriptural admonition to help others.
They could give not only monetarily, but also Spiritually.
These considerations of the godly and frugal use of wealth and
possessions are especially timely during this Christmas season. At
this season, it is especially easy to lose sight of the purpose of our
possessions. The constant merchandising of products makes it easy
to be mesmerized and drawn into the worldly spirit of the season.
The connection between Christmas as we know it today is very
slender with the event that it supposedly commemorates. The
accumulating of the latest and richest gifts is not a celebration of the
best Gift of all. No way can our giving duplicate God's giving. He
gave so much more and at a so much greater cost. If we can do
some good at this season (or anytime) we should use our resources
BIBLE MONITOR
in that way. As Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to
receive." We need to be frugal in the use of our resources at this
season, so they can be put to a better use.
During this Christnnas season do you have your priorities in line?
Will you be frugal or wasteful? Will you honor God?
M.C.Cook
ESPECIALLY FOR GOD'S PEOPLE
SHE KNEW HE WAS RIGHT
She knew he was right,
When recalling that night
That the Spirit descended on her
What more could have been
And delivered to men
Than him conceived on the earth
The time then grew long
And short grew her song
As news spread concerning a birth
Out of wedlock no less
Seemed to curse more than bless
As the man considered her worth
Then the Angel appeared
And spoke "Joseph draw near"
"And behold the chosen of God"
Go take her to wife
For she'll bring forth the life
That will save your people from sin
Then he took her to him
And their new life began
Though with child, still a virgin till birth
And Joseph a just man
Heeded God's own command
And stood by her though the better became worse
BIBLE MONITOR
A decree from the King
Contained orders to bring
Each man's family to the town of his birth
So he took the young lass
Upon the back of an ass
And trekked over mountainous terrain
Then the search about town
For a place to lie down
Finally, stabled, no room in the Inn
One moment t'was pain
And again and again
Until at last the miracle came forth
First silence then a cry
As a breath he did try
And life poured into his small frame
They wrapped him all up
With a pull and a tuck
As he wiggled and wiggled again
Joseph knew at that time
As thoughts raced through his mind
It was worth any suffering sustained
He beheld both his feet
As his hands oh so sweet
And pondered, would they ever feel pain
But her heart raced with might
And her visage blanched white
As a vision took shape in her mind
On those little pink hands
And those little pink feet
Blood Stains! caused by sin from our kind
But as she looked on his face
And saw love's unending grace
Had met humanity's need in the flesh
BIBLE MONITOR
She remembered the word
Of the Angel she'd heard
"Mary among women thou art blessed"
And she knew he was right
When recalling that night
That the spirit descended on her
Brother Greg Wray
4312 Murphy Rd.
Modesto, CA 95358
GOD'S GIFT TO HIS SON
John 17:6, "I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou
gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them
me; and they have kept thy word."
We are again in the season when individuals will be giving gifts to
one another. Someone has wisely said that Christmas is supposed to
be a celebration of the birth of Christ yet everyone gets a gift except
Him. The fact that this time of year is largely a commercial enterprise
mixed in with licentious activities is reason enough for some
Christians to remove themselves from participating in the celebration
of the holiday.
Some refuse to have part for a more basic reason. According to
THE LAYMAN'S BIBLE ENCYCLOPEDIA the word Christmas is
derived from the medieval "CHRISTES MASSE" meaning the mass of
Christ. Some more interesting facts given are that the birth of Christ
was not an object of celebration until the fourth century. As it was
impossible to fix the date of the nativity, it was celebrated on the
same day as the pagan Mithraic rites of the birth of the Sun and at the
close of the Roman festival called the Saturnalia, held in mid-
December. As is the case with the date, most of the customs
associated with Christmas were not originally Christian. The merry-
making, the feasting, the candles, and the giving of gifts have their
origin in the Roman Saturnalia. The Christmas tree did not come into
wide usage until the 18th century. We, personally, believe that the
origin of the Christmas Tree can be found in Jeremiah 10:1-5, where
God says it is "the way of the heathen." An interesting historical fact
from another source is that at the early part of our American history
the celebration of Christmas was against the law.
Our introductory verse concerns a time when God the Father gave
a gift to His Son. It was not at the time of His birth but at the
BIBLE MONITOR
beginning of His ministry. We believe the gift includes more than the
original apostles but includes all those who are born again.
Christ says that the Father gave the men to Him from out of the
world. Today many want to be recognized as followers of the Lord
Jesus Christ but they want to keep the trappings, glitter and glamour
of the world also. Such individuals resemble the gaudy wrapping that
Christmas gifts usually come in, only to be crunched up and thrown
into the trash or burned, usually.
The phrase 'thine they were" is a very interesting one. We do not
believe this refers to when they were a part of the world. The popular
teaching that all individuals are sons (or daughters) of God is not
supported by Holy Scripture. God never declared that the pagan
individuals of the Old Testament era were His children but directed
that they should be destroyed at various times. God's judgment, not
His mercy, rests upon the unsaved world that rejects His gift of the
Lord Jesus Christ. The original twelve disciples were all Jews. We
believe they had accepted the Jewish religion and looked forward to
the Messiah. Therefore, this phrase can only be applied to the
original apostles.
Christ then makes the declaration of God's gift to His Son, "and
thou gavest them me." In Isaiah 43: 11 God the Father proclaimed, "I,
even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no savior." Now the
Father will openly share his glory, honour and worship with God the
Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. This was a revealed gift, not a gift
established at this point in time. For in John 17:5 we read, "And now,
O Father glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had
with thee before the world was."
Contrary to some teaching, this gift of the Father to the Son was
not without the consent of those given. For in verse 8 we read, "For I
have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have
received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and
they have believed that thou didst send me." Three acts of free will,
receiving, knowing (making it a part of their knowledge of truth), and
believing. The same three steps of free will we must assent.
We, as a gift of God to His Son, are included in verse 10. "And all
mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them." Are
you a gift of God to His Son? If not, accept the finished work of Jesus
Christ on the cross of Calvary.
Brother James M. Hite
816 E. Birch St.
Palmyra, PA 17078-2704
8 BIBLE MONITOR
OPEN TO ME
"I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that
knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister my love, my dove, my
undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops
of the night." Song of Solomon 5:2.
"For the love of Christ constraineth us;,.." II Corinthians 5:14.
What a force love is! There is no force greater. Yet today many
equate the love of God with comfort and ease. Of all the wonderful
adjectives we can attach to the word love we must include those that
indicate love to be an irresistible force, a controlling force, a drive, to
restrain, to repress, to bind or confine. Love does all these things: the
love of God especially.
In the first verse of our lesson, the object of love was awakened
from sleep. She was disturbed: wrenched out of a peaceful state.
We have read the testimonies of many whom God has touched.
Some say that God has brought a peace to them, and this is true.
There is nothing like the Peace of God. Yet, others have said that
God forced them out of their complacency, apathy and laziness.
They have been on the move ever since.
There is nothing like God's love to change a person. Paul's
conversion was dramatic in the change that it caused. When the
Doctors Barnaard and DeBakey began to do heart transplants in the
late 1960's there was no operation more drastic and more devastating
to the human body. Yet the change God affects on our heart is no
less drastic spiritually. Our consciousness is totally changed.
Just as the bridegroom knocks on the door of his beloved, so does
Christ knock on the door of our heart. Some will call down to Him and
say, "Leave me alone! I do not want to be disturbed!" There is a
supreme effort involved in getting up and answering the door: AND
OUR LIFE IS NEVER THE SAME AFTERWARDS. He demands an
entrance into our heart and life. We cannot treat this call lightly.
Much has been written of Mahatma Gandhi. Many have compared
him to Jesus Christ. Though he was merely a man, the love that he
had for the people of India eventually caused that land to become
independent and free. This is what the love of one man can do. How
much more perfect is the love of God, and how much more can this
love do?
Could we with ink the ocean fill
And were the sky of parchment made.
Were every stalk on earth a quill
And every man a scribe by trade:
To write the love of God above
BIBLE MONITOR
Would drain the ocean dry,
Nor could the scroll contain the whole
If stretched from sky to sky.
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
SIXTY YEARS AGO
December 15, 1936
THE RIVER OF TIME
Ida M. Helm
Away back in Eden the river of time had its source. Even there was
the deceitful undercurrent to draw men down and Adam and Eve went
down at the swish of the Serpent's deceit, and e'er long their son,
Abel, lay cold in death, slain by his brother, Cain. Then Adam and
Eve knew what physical death was like, they knew God meant when
He said, that to disobey Him is sin, and that sin will surely bring
destruction.
It drove them from the beautiful garden of Eden, now it robbed
them of their first born son, the dutiful Abel.
God gave them a son, Seth instead of Abel who Cain slew. The
years passed and the Godly sons of Seth kept themselves separate
from the worldly children of Cain, they worshipped God, they called on
the name of the Lord; to them by faith was the promise of a Savior
given.
The years flowed on swiftly and finally the descendants of Seth, the
sons of God saw the daughters of men - Cain - that they were fair;
and they took them wives of all which they chose. And the Lord said,
"My spirit will not always strive with man." (Gen. 6:2-3.)
The long suffering patience of God bore with them till the springs of
the world became poisoned and foamed out fatal moral corruption, not
only to a community but to a world. No doubt the sons of God and the
daughters of men thought they were*having a good time, but they
trampled the religion of God under foot; the earth was filled with
violence. There were men of renown in those days, remarkable men,
strong men, but none of them were able to stop the violence, or head
off the wave of crime.
Well they should have trembled when God said He would destroy
man, but they only mocked and jeered, till God .opened the flood gates
of heaven and earth and deluged the world with a flood, and took all
mankind away except eight righteous souls.
10 BIBLE MONITOR
The channel of years was cleansed and man was given a new
start. The rainbow, the sign of the covenant between God and Noah
reminds us today that God is faithful to His word. He will never again
destroy the world with a flood. The years passed and again the
under-current of sin became rife in the world. The channel of years
again became clogged with sin.
Men praised dumb idols and called on them and worshipped them,
they became like the filthy gods they worshipped. God looked down
on Egypt, the land where his people lived and saw the sins and
oppression and heard the cry of his people, and in order to reveal the
holiness, justice and power of God, also that the Egyptians might
know Jehovah God and that He might visit judgment on the idol gods
of Egypt He sent the ten plagues. Also that Israel might know
Jehovah God.
He proved clearly that men might understand that the plagues were
a manifestation of a conflict between the idols of Egypt and Jehovah
God of Israel. Each plague was an attack on one of Egypt's gods that
left Jehovah God the victor every time. God again gave His people a
new start by bringing them into the Land of Promise and setting
Himself up as King over them.
But alas! One channel cleansed, others sent out streams of poison
again and again. God's children were caught by the under-current
and God's all powerful arm rescued them by rising up judges to bring
them back to Him. He gave them kings because they wanted to be
like other people; He sent prophets to warm them of the penalty of
disobedience; but they were an obstinate, headstrong people, and
alas! brazen idolatry foamed out shame and disgrace till God in anger
sent them into exile to be cured by having copious doses of idolatry
dealt out to them.
The years passed and again God rescued them by bringing them
back to the Land of Promise. But alas, the stream did not stay
cleansed. Again and again God cleaned up His people and gave
them a new start till finally Jesus, the promised Messiah of God, His
only Son came from heaven to win men back to God. When He came
He saw the people as sheep without a shepherd. 'Then saith He unto
His disciples, the harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that He will send forth
laborers into His harvest." (Matt. 9:37-38,)
True, they had the Scribes and Pharisees, but these were no true
shepherds, but blind leaders of the blind. Jesus saw it as not the fault
of the people but the trouble lay in their guides. Away back in the
days of Jeremiah he tells us in the tenth chapter of the book he wrote,
BIBLE MONITOR 11
"My God's tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken: my
children are gone forth of me, and they are not; there is none to
stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains. For the
pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the Lord: therefore
they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered." (Jer.
8:21-22.)
Unless a man is called of God he is useless in God's harvest field
today. God's ministers must be filled with the Holy Ghost, they must
know God's word and obey it and keep the old landmarks intact.
Nineteen centuries have rolled by since the Judean sun shed its
morning beams over the empty tomb of the Lord and the angels
proclaimed the glad tidings, "He is not here, but is risen." The Son is
exalted, He is at the Father's right hand, He reigns "King of kings and
Lord of lords." He is coming again. When He was here He said in the
day of the coming of the Son of Man it shall be as it was in the days of
Noah. Today the world is filled with violence as it was then. We have
men of renown, great scientists, great statesmen, great politicians
and yet every one of them are unable to quench the wave of crime
that is sweeping this earth today.
We are facing a new year. No one but God knows what it shall
bring to us, but God does know. Tremendous issues are at stake. It
behooves every follower of Jesus Christ to be alert, active, working
for Christ. The world is seething in unrest, man and women are
rushing blindly to destruction. The springs of the year are foaming
poison.
The principles of righteousness must be implanted in the rising
generation if they would be able to breast the under-current of crime
and wickedness that is seeking to drag them down. If we would
understand the movements of men today there is no place half so
good to go to find out as God's word. He has told what to expect in
the latter days. One is, a falling away from God; another is Sunday
desecration and neglecting the church.
Daily, hourly, invisible fingers are recording every act and thought
and word of my life and yours for the book of remembrance that God
keeps of each one of us. Will they bear the searchlight of eternal
truth? If they will, what a glad thought, free from sin, bound with
righteousness. If they will not, what a sad withering thought, free in
respect of righteousness, chained with sin. Sin is a dreadful master.
We may think a thing is so small it does not matter much, and I
desire it so much. What an awful mistake. No matter how small the
wrong may be, it is sin; sin brings us under condemnation, and
condemnation means eternal death. How much Jesus is expecting of
12 BIBLE MONITOR
me and you during 1937? Will we disappoint Him? Will we prove the
firmness of our Christian character by striving to create a pure and
en-nobling atmosphere around us. Our lives are either marring or
beautifying the souls of those around us.
ARE YOU A SAINT?
There are some who feel that no person is a saint. Because some
believe that only certain holy people should be made saints, who can
then intercede on the behalf of others, we turn away from the idea
that we are saints.
One of the definitions of saints in the dictionary that we have is:
Any baptized believer in Christ according to the New Testament.
So we look into the New Testament, but we also find the word,
"saints," many times in the Old Testament, as well.
I Sam. 2:9, "He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall
be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail." Although
"saints" is not used in this context see concerning "feet". Psalm 40:2,
Isaiah 5:27, Ephesians 6:15.
In the prayer of Solomon at the dedication of the temple, II
Chronicles 6:41 "Now therefore arise, O Lord God, into thy resting
place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O Lord God, be
clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.
From here to Zechariah 14:15 the word "saints" is found thirty-one
times, sometimes from a word meaning, kind, pious, godly, good,
holy, merciful. Sometimes from a word meaning sacred, either
ceremonially or morally.
The word "saints" in the New Testament comes from a word
meaning pure, blameless, religious, ceremonially consecrated.
Does this frighten you?
Called to be saints. Romans 1 :7, "To all that be in Rome, beloved
of God, called to be saints: Grace to you, and peace, from God our
Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 1 :2, "Unto the church
of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus,
called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of
Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours."
In II Corinthians 1:1, Ephesians 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Colossians
1 :2, Paul addresses the Christians as saints.
The faith was once delivered to the saints. Jude 3, "Beloved, when
I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was
needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should
earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the
saints."
BIBLE MONITOR 13
The prayers of the saints are precious, Revelation 5:8, "And when
he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell
down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden
vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints." Revelation 8:3-4,
"And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden
censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should
offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was
before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with
the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's
hand."
The saints overcome. Revelation 19:8, "And to her was granted
that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine
linen is the righteousness of saints." Revelation 20:9, "And they went
up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints
about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of
heaven, and devoured them."
If we then are called saints, because we are baptized into Christ,
let us live and walk like saints. This is the prayer of your unworthy
servant. God bless us all to His purpose.
Brother William Carpenter
FROM THE BRETHREN HYMNAL
Hymn #666
ALL IS VAIN
"...for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost." Mark 3:1 1 .
All is vain unless the Spirit of the Holy One comes down. In the
second chapter of Acts we read about the Holy Ghost coming among
the people. Verse one tells us they were in one accord in one place.
They had surrendered themselves fully to Him. They were waiting for
Him. They were of one mind and one purpose. Then, "suddenly
there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it
filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto
them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat on each of them. And
they were filled with the Holy Ghost..." We realize that this was the
initial manifestation of the Holy Spirit.
We need not expect cloven tongues of fire, but we need to expect
Him. All is vain unless He comes down. Our work for God must be
His work. Also, our work for God must be accompanied by
obedience, as those in the upper room who waited for Him. They
were told to tarry until they be endued with power from on high. They
did so.
14 BIBLE MONITOR
All is vain unless the Spirit
Of the Holy One comes down.
Brethren, pray and Holy manna
Will be showered all around.
It is easy to fall into form. We gather together on the Lord's Day at
the prescribed time, we sing two or three hymns, and the
superintendent comes forward and reads a scripture and prays. Then
we have Sunday School. Then the Brethren take over. Some of us
may say, "Oh no, it is Brother so-and-so's turn to preach." Let us
rather pray that the Holy Spirit would influence the speaker, and that
He would be present in the services. We all have favorites, but we
should rather beg God's will into our lives and the Holy Ghost's
presence in what is said. What lessons hath God for me this day?
Much preparation goes into a message, but the best preaching I
ever heard came when a preacher found out he was preaching and
had no chance to prepare. The Holy Ghost stepped in. The Holy
Ghost called upon all the Bible reading and prayer the Brother had
engaged in for many years and called these things to remembrance.
For it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. This does not mean
that we should not prepare. But if we immerse ourselves daily in His
Word and prayer, the Holy Ghost bearing witness, we will be ready
when we are called upon, whether it be in the church, or by the
magistrates.
Christ will call us home to heaven;
At his table we'll sit down;
Christ will gird himself and serve us
With sweet manna all around.
We have sat at quite a number of Lovefeasts over the years, but as
good and wonderful as they are and as blessed as we were to be
there, there is no comparison to this, our heavenly home. Imagine, to
be served by Jesus! Another hymn says:
Jesus paid it all!
All to Him I owe!
Sin had left a crimson stain:
He washed it white as snow!
We kneel and in utter desperation call out to Him to be saved. As
Peter when Jesus bid him walk on the water, Jesus does the rest! All
is vain unless the Spirit of the Holy One comes down!
Brother Lynn H. Miller
RD2 Box 561
Newmanstown, PA 17073
BIBLE MONITOR IL
TORREON NAVAJO MISSION
Singing The Message Of Christ
Singing has not been a part of the Navajo culture; at least not until
they were introduced to Christian songs. One song they can
especially relate to is "There'll Be No Dark Valley When Jesus
Comes." Nothing can compare to a group of well-scrubbed, bright-
eyed Navajo children enthusiastically singing "Jesus loves me this 1
know, for the Bible tells me so."
On various occasions we have gone to the hogans and homes to
sing the message of Christ. It is a memorable experience to stand
under the bright desert stars in front of an open door with a roanng
fire in the barrel stove while little brown-faced and bare-footed
children stand watching as they listen to the Gospel message in song.
Brother David Skiles
NEWS ITEM
SWALLOW FALLS, MARYLAND
Our annual revival, August 16 through 25, with Bro. Ray Reed of
Dallas Center, Iowa as evangelist is now history. Bro. Reed, a very
sincere and concerned Brother in the Lord brought a number of soul
searching and dynamic sermons from the scriptures. The meeting
was fairly well attended by various denominations and outside people,
but partially due to the fact that our revival announcement did not
make it to the Bible Monitor few of the Brethren and Sisters from other
congregations came. However, eighteen surrounded the Lord's table
with Bro. Reed officiating. Other visiting ministers were Elder Rudy
Shaffer and our Elder Bro. Ray Stuber.
No new members were added to our number. I feel that the good
seed of the Gospel has been sown, and it seems Satan is trying his
best to destroy it. We all need to be strong pillars in the Lord's work
and getting stronger daily as time is running out and it will be too late
to work.
At our last council meeting the church decided to have both a
Spring and Fall revival meeting. Our Spring revival is scheduled for
March 22 to March 30 with Bro. Paul Hartz, Palmyra, Pennsylvania as
evangelist. There will not be a Spring Lovefeast. We will be glad to
have as many visiting as can come each evening at 7:30.
Please pray for the Swallow Falls Church, the members and the
work here. The harvest truly is ripe. Many are the people who are
lost in sin, but the reapers to bring them in are few. We do not have
much longer to work for our Master.
Sister Ruth M. Snyder, Cor.
16 BIBLE MONITOR
ADULT SUNDAY SCHCX)L LESSONS FOR JANUARY 1997
Januarys - The Value Of The Law - 1 Timothy 1:1-13.
1 . What is "The end of the commandment"?
2. Paul said the law is for whom?
January 12 - The Value Of Grace - 1 Timothy 1:14-20.
1 . By what was Timothy to war a good warfare?
2. Name some causes of spiritual shipwreck.
January 19 - One God And One Mediator - 1 Timothy 2:1-7.
1 . What is God's universal call to mankind?
2. Why is there only "one mediator between God and men"?
January 26 - Authority - I Timothy 2:8-15.
1 . Explain the relationship of authority and headship.
2. What does Paul mean, "she shall be saved in
childbearing"?
YOUNG PEOPLE'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR
JANUARY 1997
Januarys -Abiding in Christ - John 15:1-12, I John 2:2,28.
1 . How can we truly abide in Christ?
2. Why should we abide in Christ?
January 12 - Daily Worship - Dan. 6:1-13, Psalm 61:8, Luke 9:23.
1 . How did Daniel's daily worship of God prepare him for life?
2. Explain the words of Jesus, "Take up His cross daily".
January 19 - Associations - Ex. 23:2, Psalm 1:1-2, II Cor. 6:14-18.
1 . Why is the majority often wrong?
2. Explain the importance of physical, mental and spiritual
separation from evil.
January 26 - Expression Of Self - Psalm 100:2, Psalm 147:1, Phil.
4:6-9.
1 . How should we express our self to God?
2. Explain how even our thoughts are an expression of
ourselves to God.