Biola Broadcaster - 1973-01

BioU BROADCASTER JANUARY 1973

BROADCASTER

JANUARY 1973

VOLUME 3

NUMBER 1

DECEMBER RADIO FEATURES

President. . .

Managing Editor. .

J. R IC H A R D CHASE

EVELYN G IBSO N

C 0 N T E N T S

*The Light Shlneth

God Walked In . . . . Raymond Ortlund

J. Richard Chase

*Panel Discussions . . .

No Strings Attached Ernie Peirson

. . . 37

‘ Putting Off and Putting On . 10

AI Sanders

The Night Before Christmas 39

John Mitchell

‘ Messages for Christmas . . 20

His Unspeakable Gift . . Ken Peterson Good Tidings of Great Joy . . Melvin Stone His Day................................. Richard Strauss J o y ................................. Samuel Sutherland Giving ............................. Bob Thune Marvel of C h rist................... Lee Toms

A S a v i o r ........................ Lloyd T. Anderson

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Pardon in Life

. . . .

. 26

Andrew Aquistapace

Assurance of a Covenant . Charles Feinberg God’s Treasure . . . . Marvin Francine Simplicity in Christ . . . David Hocking Celebrating Christmas . . Ralph Kraft Emmanuel........................

. 27

. 29

. 30

. 31

Roy Kraft

Cover: Snow capped Mt. Baker in Washington photographed by Kirk Potter

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Second Class postage paid in La Mirada, California. Printed in U.S.A. by Penn Litho graphies, Inc., Whittier, California. Address: Biola Broadcaster, 13800 Biola Avenue. La Mirada, California 90638.

TORREY MEMORIAL BIBLE CONFERENCE

Rev. John DeBrine Boston Vouthtime Boston, Massachusetts

Dr. Arthur Custance Author-Publisher Toronto, Canada

Dr. David Breese Destiny, Inc. Wheaton, Illinois

Dr. Royal Blue North Valley Baptist Redding, California

Dr. Vernon Grounds Conservative Bapt. Sem. Denver, Colorado

Rev. Gerald Griffiths Conference Lecturer Edinburgh, Scotland

Dr. Louis Goldberg Moody Bible Institute Chicago, Illinois

Dr. Kenneth Gangel rrinlty Evangel. Sem, Deerfield, Illinois

Dr. Karlis Leyasmeyer Author-Editor Philadelphia, Pa.

Rev. Benjamin Johnson American S.S. Union Philadelphia, Pa.

Dr. Grant Howard Western Conserv. Bapt. Sem. Portland, Oregon

Rev. Olan Hendrix IAmerican S.S. Union Philadelphia, Pa.

Dr. Alan Redpath Unevangelized Fields Missions Capernwray Hall, England

Dr. Lester Pipkin Appalachian Bible Fellowship Bradley, W. Virginia

I Dr. Jack MacArthur I First Baptist Church Eugene, Oregon

Bible Conf. Teacher Hardy, Virginia

January 28 - February 2,1973

Dr. Masumi Toyotome Missionary Strategy Agency Los Angeles, Calif.

Dr. Charles Ryrie |aIlas Theol. Seminary Dallas, Texas

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This can certainly be a "merry" Christmas when we have the real ization of God's priceless gift of His Son to us. My thoughts for the season are wrapped up in the phrase, "Christ is the light of the world." In Isaiah 9:2 we find a very significant phrase, "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." These people lived in the land of Zebu- lun and Naphtali. Those areas had been heavily attacked in previous years by the Syrians. Yet, this sec tion, known as Galilee in the New Testament, was where God's Light, Jesus Christ, would begin His min istry.

Where darkness is the greatest there the light is needed most des perately. Here is how John testifies of that event, "And the light shin- eth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." Darkness speaks of despair. It can be very deceiving. All of the land in those days was under Roman rule. No doubt these people wondered if life held any hope for them at all. How often even in this day we are trapped by limited vision. Several years ago, when I was a sophomore in high school, I at tended a church-sponsored treas ure hunt. In the summer darkness I met a girl who seemed so nice. I had never talked to her before and decided to ask her to ride to school

Shineth... with me on the bus the next Mon day morning. I cannot tell you my youthful shock when I got on board to really see her for the first time. My earlier impressions gained in darkness were not borne out in reality. Whether it is physical or mental darkness, the false sense of secur ity it gives to an individual is de ceptive and can be very damaging. Proverbs wisely states, "There is a way which seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (14:12). So many times we say it seems so right but it turns out to be wrong. Paul urges us to live correctly pointing that we have in the past, without Christ, lived in darkness and deception

By ). RICHARD CHASE

(II Corinthians 4:2). We have de ceived ourselves into thinking that Cod cannot see our actions and therefore that He will not judge the things we have done. Too often we walk in craftiness. This conveys the idea of doing anything we want to do. It signifies an undisciplined life as we go about serving our own interests. It is unfortunate that some people use the Word of Cod to get their own way rather than allowing the Word to work in their lives. Christ is the light. He came to earth to dispell not only the dark ness that would deceive us but also to dispell the darkness that brings despair. In this way we can gain a proper perspective for life, Page 5

seeing things the way they ought to be observed. Have you ever walked into a strange room in total darkness, groping along the walls for a light switch? Constantly you bump into furniture trying to find the way. This is an analogy of life. If we have not been illuminated by Christ, we grope through sor row and tragedy. Cod turned on the light when He sent Jesus Christ to earth two thousand years ago. If we allow Him to shine in our life we begin to see things clearly. The unex pected may come but we can cope with it. Peter reminds us, "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perish- eth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (I Peter 1:7). There should be things which come to us allowing us to exercise self-con trol so that we may learn patience. This then gives us the godliness necessary for our spiritual growth. Longsuffering is a quality that can be found in the midst of trouble. We see and understand what life is really all about because Christ was born in Bethlehem. There is no more reason for us to grope in spiritual and mental darkness. The Light has come. John gives us a description of the Saviour as our Light, "In him was life; and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4). He is light be cause He gives us life. Until He came people were living under the sentence of death. It was a life of darkness and despair. Eternal life turned on the light. I read about a college president who was welcoming freshmen. He declared, "We are here to help you Page 6

prepare for life." One of the youths facetiously commented, "We are already living!" He did not realize that he was living a life short on knowledge and wisdom. Education can and does turn on some lights, but it is only Jesus Christ who turns on the eternal light. Even the light of man's reason at times will go out. Not so with Cod's wonderful gift of light. John again tells us, "And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not" (1:5). He permanently and effectively dispells all darkness. Nothing can overpower this light. There are many "would be" lights. Do not be alarmed or confused if others say that they have an an swer to life or if they claim to live in the light. There is only one true Light. It alone shows and reveals the way to eternal life. It will never fade out. Cod's gift to us does not lose any luster or brilliance in the pressures of life. Jesus Christ came as Cod's per fect Gift. Is He the Light of your life? If not, the greatest gift of all is yours for the asking!

PANEL

Discussions

cloth. The more tragic thing is that he blamed Cod, making a vow to kill Elisha. A messenger came from the king to the prophet in order to carry out the wicked scheme. God had revealed the plan to His ser vant. The king's envoy was as fool ish as his sovereign in blaming God. This is shown as he surmises, "Behold this evil is of the Lord." How unwise to cast scorn upon Jehovah. Because the messenger uttered such blasphemy Elisha prophesied that wheat would be sold at the gates of Samaria, just as it was before the famine. The messenger, however, would only see this but not taste of it. On the next day, people were rushing to get the food, and they trampled the messenger to death. Unbelief can only issue in final destruction. Q. Grover City, Calif. "Did David really dance before the Lord (II Samuel 6:14)?" Page 7

Q. Arvada, Colorado. "Would you please explain II Kings 6:33? Why does the messenger say, 'Behold this evil is of the Lord'?" A. This passage concerns the pro phetic ministry of Elisha who suc ceeded Elijah. There had been many invasions into the kingdom of Israel by the Syrian power of the North. Because of these attacks and continual siege, food was in short supply. Even the most un desirable food cost more than its weight in silver and gold. Condi tions were so acute that two moth ers had agreed that to keep from starving they would eat one anoth er's children. That is how desperate things had become. The problem was that after one had been used for food, the mother of the other reneged on the bargain. Upon hear ing how desperately sad the con ditions in his land were, the king tore his garments and put on sack

A. Yes, David was rejoicing be cause the ark of Cod was being brought back to its rightful place in Jerusalem. Several other refer ences deal with dancing in the Bible (Psalm 149:3; 150:4). This was always a means of praise to the Lord, not what we consider as social or ballroom involvement to day. In our own culture today there are other ways whereby we can show the joy of Christ without bringing possible question or re proach to our testimony. Inciden tally, a study of Cod's Word quickly reveals only occasional references to dancing while many numerous occasions for prayer, music, wit nessing and fellowship. Q. Visalia, Calif. "Before Christ was crucified and rose again from the dead, how were people saved?" A. They were saved exactly as men have been saved since the death, resurrection and ascension of Christ. We have not seen the Lord on earth anymore than Abraham did. The absolute indispensable aspect is faith in His finished work. The first indication of this is found in Cenesis 15:6 where we read that Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness. Romans 3:21 explains further, "But now the righteousness of Cod without the law is manifested, be ing witnessed by the law and the prophets." The way of salvation has been the same all through the centuries. Cod may put men under different ways of life, economies or categories, but ultimately there is only one way to be saved, "Be lieve on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." Psalm 2:12 gives us the same truth from the Old Testament, "Kiss the Son, lest

he be angry... blessed are all they who put their trust in him." The Old Testaments saints were saved by looking forward to His coming while we look back upon what has been done. MANY THINGS How troubled am I about many things? Like Martha, am I weighed down by my tasks? Or do I take the duties each day brings In happy sequence, as the one God asks? And if I add more work than should be mine, However worthy, then I am to blame If anxious moments cloud the real design He has for me to glorify His Name. One thing is needful, just a trusting heart, Believing God sends only what is best. To worship Him with all I do, my part, And in His Presence, while I'm working, rest. Let confidence and quiet by my strength Today and all along my whole life's length. —Marie Strachan

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Science major from Tokyo, Japan. Jerry is this Page 9

Senior, Jerry Yuan, is a Biological year's ASB Vice-President.

Putting O ff and By DR. AL SANDERS

As husbands, I wonder how many men have had their wives ask them before some social function, "What should I wear?" This has been true in our home over the past nearly 25 years of wonderful married life. We want to look our best. As Vance Havner said, "To be all out for Christ, you don't need to look as if you were all in!" Did you know that the Word of God gives us the answer about what to wear? As a matter of fact, it is more up-to-date than any New York fashion designer or Parisian couturier. In Colossians 3:1 we read, "If ye, then, be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." The word "if" here actually represents a fulfilled con dition. This is already an estab- Page 10

lished fact. In Colossians 2:12 we are reminded that we are "risen with Christ through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead." Nature provides us with many wonderful and practical illustra tions. One such is the little water spider. Although it has its abode down at the bottom of the lake or river, complete safety surrounds it in a vacuum of air. While on the surface, the spider instinctively takes this bubble of upper air and anchors it to the sandy bottom where it builds its nest and takes care of its young. So, beneath the ruffled surface above, the spider has its home in tranquility, com pletely dry and protected. This is quite a picture for our lives, too. As Christians we live below in a world of turmoil. Yet, we can still

Putting On be surrounded by the atmosphere of heaven. As a matter of fact, here is the very crux of difference be tween a victorious Christian and one who is constantly defeated and depressed.

in the Caroline chain. People be gan buying maps of the South Pa cific. They learned of new places of which they had never heard. Why the sudden interest? Why, they had loved ones in these areas! Now, so should it be with the Christian's relationship to the things of heaven. He should be occupied with thoughts of the place where someday he will spend all eternity. One of our listeners over the years, now home in the presence of the Lord, Mrs. Helen Lemmel, wrote a Gospel chorus containing these lovely words:

We are not only to seek heaven but we are to think heaven, as Dr. A. T. Robertson pointed out. Col- ossians 3:2 exhorts us, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." What a help ful word for today! Have you not found it relatively easy to be con cerned with the things about you? In this way we soon forget that there is an "above" in our dimen sions of life. During World War II, in the early days of the Pacific fighting, new names were cropping up in the newspaper accounts — Iowa Jima, Saipan, Palmyra Islands and others

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace."

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The interesting thing about the author was that Mrs. Lemmel her self was completely blind. Yet she had a much greater spiritual per ception than many people who have their full physical faculties of vision. Of course the world will ask, "Well, what happiness is there in turning away from the things of this earth?" Let us never forget that the world is dead in trespasses and sins. Humanly speaking, un saved people can see nothing but the passing fancies of this life. This is not to infer that things on earth are always sinful in themselves. Yet even that which is harmless becomes dangerous when it is giv en a place above Christ. He should be pre-eminent. As an illustration, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with the newspaper, but when we spend more time reading that, or some magazine, or perhaps watch ing television, than we do in study ing and meditating upon the Word of God, we deprive ourselves of the spiritual nourishment so vitally needed and available only from God. I personally do not believe there is anything wrong with at tending football, baseball or some other game. Sports and athletics are healthful and relaxing. Yet, if we deprive ourselves of fellowship with God's children in church or if we have not personally spent time alone with the Lord — this can be harmful. This is that about which Scripture warns when it tells us not to set our affections upon the things of this earth. Further, consider the car you drive. There is nothing wrong with possessing an automobile and there is noth ing wrong necessarily with owning a higher-priced model. But when

a person does this to the exclusion of investing in God's program of redemption and the proclamation of salvation around the world, then he has set his affections upon the things of this earth and not upon the things of heaven. This truth penetrates every area of our lives. Everything we do should be examined in the light of the question, "Where are my af fections really centered?" Make no mistake, we do not secure salva tion by the kind of life we live. We are not saved by what we do, but by what we become as children of God through faith. Where we are and what we have become obli gates us to a life of Christ-likeness. This can certainly be underscored again and again in our daily exis tence. In Colossians 3:3 we are re minded that we are dead and our lives are hid with Christ in God. There is both a positional and a practical aspect to salvation. When we receive Christ as Saviour, posi tionally, we are sanctified. But keep in mind, there is something more than this for there must follow the daily growth or the spiritual ma turity. This is not perfectionism as far as sin is concerned but pro- gressionism in the stature of Christ that we may grow more in the like ness of the Lord. During World War II, sailing across the Pacific, I can remember seeing the first mate compute the ship's position by studying past movements recorded in the log book. Even without astronomical observations, due to cloudy weath er, a position could be determined. This was called "dead reckoning." We know that the Word of God is the Christian's Log Book. There

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law enforcement officers recently urged every householder to make certain that the outside doors on our homes have double locks, not just a single bolt but an additional chain guard to frustrate and turn away any intruder. As far as our salvation is concerned, this is what God has done for us. What more security could we possibly have or desire. One of the early church fathers, Chrysostom, one day enraged the emperor by his continual preach ing on the subject of sin. The infur iated monarch said, "Chrysostom, if you do not stop this preaching,

may be storms all about us with overwhelming trials and circum stances. Then it is that we must go to our chart and compass for a "dead reckoning" to find out where we are and whom we seek to serve. In Romans 6 we are repeat edly told to "reckon ourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." You see, we are dead and our life is hidden with Christ in Cod. Think a moment of those five words, "hidden with Christ in God." This is really a double lock of spiritual security. One of our

James Worgan is a freshman Spanish major from Anaheim, California.

I'll take your life!" Then more than 80 years of age, the saint re sponded, "Sire, you cannot take my life, for I am dead, and my life is hid with Christ in God." What confidence this truth brings to our hearts! Colossians 3:4 tells us, "When Christ, who is our life, shall ap pear, then shall we also appear with Him in glory." Basically, the goal of a Christian is not some cemetery grave, mausoleum, crypt orcolumbarium urn. It is rather the glory that shall be revealed when we see Christ. This is not the Rap ture or the bodily resurrection of the believer into the presence of the Lord. This is rather the second phase of Christ's return when He comes to this earth in His glory bodily, visibly, when every eye shall see Him. In Colossians 3:5 we are given a very strong exhortation and com mand which cannot be overlooked, "Mortify, therefore, your members which are upon the earth: fornica tion, uncleanness, inordinate affec tion, evil concupiscence, and cov etousness, (which is idolatry." The word "mortify" simply means that we are to kill or to crush the life out of these things. They are to become like a corpse. (This does not refer to our physical members. Scriptures does not advocate or condone suicide. It is talking about that which comes as a result of the sinfulness of man.) The problem is that like a beset ting secret sin, we sometimes en joy it a little too much to want to be done with it entirely. It is like the two society matrons who were solving the world's problems. One asked her friend, "What do you Page 14

think of capital punishment?" The other thought a moment and then bravely asserted, "I think I am for it, just as long as it is not too se vere!" Some Christians act this way about sin. They are willing to mor tify the flesh, just as long as they do not have to kill it all, especially in those areas where they do not really want to be rid of sin. God says that we cannot compromise in any of these areas. Impure affections, fornication and immorality represent the look, the thought and the dead. Keep it in mind that men do not suddenly fall into the sin of adultery. When a person's mind continually dwells upon such a subject, these desires become a part of the emotions. The Spirit of God has not been al lowed to work. We are told here to "deaden" uncleanness. While fornication deals more with the act or deed, this represents thoughts, words, looks and gestures. It is both men tal and moral. Many years ago a blacksmith was well-known for his ability to forge the finest chains in the area. He boasted that he could break anyone else's chain brought to him. He was always successful in finding their weakest links, while his own were impervious to de struction. For some reason he es pecially displeased the king and was taken away to the prison area to be bound. Secretly he laughed to himself for he knew he could get free when alone by simply breaking the chains. When the guards had him securely fastened, they moved away. He began sifting through each link. Several times he went through them until he came up with the horrible realization that he had been bound by his own

chains. What a lesson this teaches I us. We may tell ourselves that we I would never succumb to the temp-1 tations which have beset others, I not realizing that we are beginning I to chain ourselves by that which I cannot be broken except through I the power of God. We are told to "kill" inordinate I affections. This has reference to evil I passions. It would be hard to find I a day when immorality has been I more prevalent. Unfortunately I those things once realized as sinful I are now given a cloak of decency. I Think of how acceptable society I has made divorce, adultery, nud-1 ity, premarital sex, homosexuality, I abortion, use of narcotics and all I kinds of perversion. The list seems I to grow constantly. There was a poor, humble far-1 mer, without the benefit of much I education, who visited a city friend. | Wanting to impress his hayseed j guest, the farmer was taken to the I art museum and shown one of the modern paintings which was just a mass of colors. The farmer scratched his head trying to figure out what it was all about. His city friend replied, "Well you see, that pic ture represents not only what the artist saw, but also his personal state of mind." The farmer, with more wisdom than he realized, responded, "Well, if I had a mind like that, I'd never want to expose it." This illustrates the idea spoken of in Colossians 3 as inordinate! affections. It is the exposure of evil minds and that which should cause embarrassment does not seem to cause remorse or bother anyone at all. The next two words are "evil concupisence." Giving that a mod ern-day translation, it simply means

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desires which are evil, wicked yearnings and cravings. This is not necessarily just the aspect of sex, although that certainly enters into it, but more than this, all other ac tivities of passion, anything that exalts itself above the knowledge of Christ. Then we find "coveteousness." At least on the surface, it might seem that Paul made a mistake in including this fifth idea with these other four which are so explosive. As a matter of fact, it is coveteous ness which is the basic cause of fornication, uncleanness, inordin ate affection and evil concupi- sence. Coveteousness has been defined as the attitude expressing "must-have-moreness." It is the individual who proverbially tries to keep up with the Jones, en deavoring to pattern his life after the world. It is the sinful itch to get more, the lust for selfish gain. It may also mean taking advan tage of others or a strong desire for immoral living. In other por tions of Scripture we find similar lists (Ephesians 5:3; Galatians 5:19, I Thessalonians 4:5 and Romans 1:26ff). Let us remember that the Lord has sentenced all of these things to death. It is our job to per form the execution. Killing some thing is never very pleasant. For this reason, many Christians seem to be squeamish about mortifying these sinful things which have be come a part of their lives. The Lord, however, has given us the definite order. We will never know real peace or contentment in life until we actually fulfill this imperative command. God says, "You are going to have to cut these things out; you are going to have to kill them so

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and we are to put on that exact number. The five things which are to be deadened represent man's rela tionship to himself. In this next category of six things to put off, we find that which represents man's relationship to others. First of all, we were talking about the sins of passion; now we are talk ing about the sins of disposition. "But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth." You see, while we may not be able to "kill" these things, the Spirit of God reminds us that we do not need to wear them. The Christian does not have to put them on nor even tolerate them. In the original the words "put off" have an even stronger conno tation — "put them clean off." In other words, there is not to re main one single evidence or indi cation of these things in our lives! Proverbs 6:16-19 tells us, "These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination un to him." And the list which follows closely compares with what we have here in the eighth verse of Colossians 3. "Anger" represents a chronic state of existence. The Lord was angry and rightfully so. He was able to separate the sin of anger, however, from the sinner upon whom He bestowed His divine love. We need to follow this pattern in our lives, too. Next is wrath. We might define this as a quick temper. Too many people have tongues that get into high speed before their minds ev er go into gear! The third word is "malice." Someone has described malice as Page 17

that your spiritual life may grow, bringing forth fruit and proving it self in the sight of God, as well as in the sight of man." In Colossians 3:6 we read, "For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of dis obedience." We have seen adul tery, immorality, coveteousness — all things which abound in the world. We do not need to illustrate them further. The daily newspaper is most explicit. God says that some day these things will be judged. In the future those who have con tinued in such lascivious sins of thought or deed will have to pay for them. Someday it will mean consignment to hell because of their rejection of the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour. Look at verse seven of Colos sians 3, where we read, "In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them." In other words, Paul is telling believers, "Don't fool yourself. We were not any better than the rest of the world; we have been subject to the same passions." This is why we are exhorted in Proverbs, "Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." If the lake is muddy, the streams which issue from the lake likewise will be polluted. Verse eight of this chapter gives us a listing of the things we are to be put off. Glancing back we see the five things we are to mortify in verse five, while here there are six things we are to put off and then later, verses 12-14 tell us in a pos itive sense what we are to put on. There are seven of those. We rec ognize six as the number of im perfection while seven is tradition ally the number of perfection —

the mental brew which remains after anger and wrath have com pleted their task. In other words, it is the bitter dregs in the cup of life which become the stimulation for our poisonous thoughts about others. It is a strong desire and urging to "get even." The fourth thing is "blasphemy," both against man as well as Cod. A person may say, "Well, I never swear." But have you ever said anything malicious about someone else that was unnecessary? The Word of Cod says, "With the tongue therewith, bless we God, and therewith curse we men." The fifth thing to put off is "fil thy communication." Why do we wear the rags of criticism, fault finding and gossip? We need to repeat the Psalmist's prayer daily,, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be ac ceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." Have you noticed on television how fre quently it is the double-meaning joke which draws the laughter and even applause of the crowd? The unfortunate thing is that filthy com munication finds its way out of the mouths of Christians who have be come ensnared in these insidious habits of the world. Finally, we must put off "lying" (vs. 9). How unfortunate that Paul, under the Spirit's inspiration, should have to remind believers to be done with things which are untruthful! How can such a life be reconciled to that of our Saviour who is all truth? A Sunday school teacher was making a visit to the home of a little boy in her class. She was con cerned for he seemed, at his young age, to be an inveterate liar. In as

gracious a way as possible, she tried to put the problem before the mother who was aghast, expressing astonishment that her son should have developed such a practice. The child in question was outside playing so the mother asked the daughter to call him in. The girl disappeared for a moment and then came back with the embarras sing announcement, "Johnny says he won't come in." The mother thought for a moment. Then, a bright idea hit her. "You just tell him that his aunt has come and brought him a box of candy. Then he will come in!" The parent had no idea where her son could have developed the sinful habit of lying! Make no mistake, however, he did not merely get it from his mother. The Word of God clearly tells us that as soon as a child is born he goes astray, speaking lies. We must diligently remove these things from our lives. In verse 10 of Colossians 3 we are reminded in a positive vein to "put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him." It is interesting to realize that while the old nature perishes, yet the new man, or the new nature, is renewed day by day. It was Ponce de Leon who vainly searched for the perpetual fountain of youth. He never found it. Yet, in actuality, here in the Word of God we do have the "fountain of youth." Have you seen the magazine ad vertisements for men's hair color ing? You take one hand to cover the graying side of the head to see what the person would look life if his hair was all black. It is quite an interesting and effective experi ment. But here is something far bet-

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or perhaps one who is not a church member at all. The determining factor is the renewing by the Spirit of God. The third grouping is bar barians or Cythians. This speaks of educational and social background, while bond or free is the cultural basis. In each of the four cases, all men are the same in the sight of God. God has told us to kill certain things, to put off others and now to be ready to put on something of a definite nature. Once we have deadened these members which are offensive, once we have put off these aspects of our relationship with others that ruin our testimony and fruitfulness, there are certain things which we must put on. We cannot be left in a spiritual vacuum as it were. In Colossians 3:12 we read, "Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mer cies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering." Then in verses 13 and 14 we find the com pletion of this list of seven perfect things we are to wear as believers. Christianity is not a negative sys tem. Do not try to put on any of these things without first of all tak ing off all of the old. If you wear the newwithout discarding the old, you will find yourself in a hopeless mess. We cannot wear the robes of charity until we take off the rags of sensuality. In new things to wear we are told first of all to put on "bowels of mercies." This represents the seat of one's emotions or that which medical science refers to as the solar plexis, the region just below the diaphragm which contains the nerve endings. Whenever difficul ties come, some sudden tragedy Page 19

ter than those ads. Did you know that the Lord has a way whereby we may maintain our eternal youth? It is by being renewed in knowl edge after the image of God who created us. One of "Dear Abby's" columns intrigued me in which a reader asked how she might get her youth fulness back again. She wrote, "I'd like to have that old sparkle back in my eyes. How can it be done?" Abby, in a wisdom beyond her un derstanding, sagely pointed out, "Why, to get the sparkle back in your eyes, you would have to be born again." She really meant physically, however, we know that a spiritual renewal is needed. Man desperately needs to be born again by personal faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 3:11 tells us, "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free, but Christ is all, and in all." There are four different sets or categories given here. Each one tells us some thing extremely important. The first is nationality. In the body of be lievers, there is no room for us to say, "We have more prominence because we are of this nationality, or we are of this background ethi cally." When it comes to the cross of Jesus Christ, all men are equal, for all are sinners and desperately in need of Cod's redemption. The second is circumcision or uncir cumcision. This was a religious rite performed by the Jewish people. Regardless of one's religious back ground, every man is equal. Just because you are a member of a certain church does not mean you are any better than one who be longs to a different denomination

Patti Bertram (I.) from Santa Monica, California, is in her third year of nursing. She is shown just before receiving her cap at the capping ceremony in October.

it affect you physically. Then we are to put on kindness. My wonderful mother has as one of her philosophies of life to give something away every single day. I remember as a boy that I used to get upset when she would make delectable foods and desserts only to give them away to others who were ill and shut in. I have come to appreciate such Christian grace and purpose. Kindness is far more

occurs, or we may have to make a speech, we get "butterflies." This is the first place we are affected. Have you ever had such com passion for a certain individual, such deep love and concern, that you could not eat? This is a heart of compassion, a feeling of emo tion, with attendant physical reac tions. Sympathy is the ability to exchange places with another per son, while at the same time having

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others who are in need. This is a sweetness of disposition even when there may be no call for pity. It is very easy to be vocal but it is another thing to be vocational. Then, put on humbleness of mind. In Proverbs 6 we learn that the Lord hates a proud look. Keep in mind that humility is not think ing lowly of yourself. It is actually not thinking of yourself at all! Humility is that strange attribute which, the moment you think you have it, you have lost it. A preacher friend of mine kiddingly said that he had a tremendous sermon on humility he was hoping to bring sometime. The reason he had not yet was because he was just wait ing for a large enough audience before whom to present it! In I Peter 5:5 we are exhorted to be clothed in humility. The word "clothed" is used only in this por tion of the New Testament. It has a reference to the overalls, aprons or work clothes which the slave wore over his regular garments. It is a term which signifies the low liest form of garb. Is this the kind of humility of mind we have? Then "meekness" is that with which we are to be adorned today. In this modern, secular, "dog-eat- dog" society, meekness (in some people's thinking) has become weakness. The two are not even remotely connected. It is said of Moses that he was meek, yet no one was more stern or forceful in his pronouncements or dealings with people than this patriarch of old. Meekness represents the fact that we are to be free from any resemblance to an overbearing at titude. The Lord Jesus reminds us that the meek shall inherit the earth. Page 21

than merely saying, "I'm sorry." It is really doing something about it. In James 2 we have a complete exposition on this subject. The Apostle points out that when a man comes to you and says he is hungry, with nothing to wear, do not just say "God bless you, friend — I'll be praying for you." Do something about it! It is impos sible to maintain fellowship with God without showing kindness to

The fifth thing we are to put on is longsuffering. This has been de scribed as the marathon feature of a gracious spirit. As I consider my own life, I see how good I am at short-suffering. When I am called upon to endure something for a long period of time, however, prob lems have a tendency to arise. Pa tience soon gives out and then I quickly give up. It is extremely dif ficult to be tested and tried. The Lord says, "I want you to be long- suffering." It was Cervantes who penned, "The road is always better than the inn." He pictures a lone traveler going down the highway. At the distant horizon is the inn or rest ing place. The pilgrim hurries as fast as he can toward the goal. He sees nothing but the resting place. As a result he misses all of the things about him along the way. We all set goals in our lives. We are in such a hurry to get to them that we miss many things along the way which could be both a blessing and an inspiration. The Word of God says, "Ye have need of pa tience after that ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." In verse 13 we have the exhor tation, "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." Here are the twins "for" 's. To forbear represents tolerance of others. To forgive wipes the slate clean. When we are tempted to break loose and fly off the handle, we need to forbear—we need to put up with these things. To for give means to forget freely, entire ly and eternally.

In radio work we use a degauzer. This is an electronic device com prised of a series of magnets. After we have finished with a tape broad cast being returned from a station, we place it on the degauzer and turn the tape around several times. Immediately every single word is erased. If man can devise a little machine like this, think what God, in His almighty sovereign mercy and grace, does in forgiving us. He wipes the slate clean and He does it freely. Nothing remains whatso ever. Is this the way we face and consider the mistakes of others? The Apostle is saying, "Do not har bor any resentment whatsoever." Verse 14 reminds us, "Above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness." Scrip ture tells us that the supreme vir tue is love (I Corinthians 13:13). Love is the supreme evidence of a Christian life. In John 13:55 we read our Saviour's words, "By this shall all men know ye are my dis ciples, that ye love one another." Is it not tragic that so often the church through the centuries, es pecially in recent years, has been known for just the opposite? Love is the outer garment the Christian is to wear. It covers over all of the others. Without being adorned in love, we are not completely dressed in God's graces. After the Christian has put on all of these seven things, having first of all taken off the six things and mortified the five characteris tics, then he is all dressed up. He does have some place to go. He has a job to perform. He has a ministry to carry out. Notice verse 15 of Colossians 3, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts." If there is anything

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would spend precious time read ing his love letters. She studied them, pondering and treasuring each word. Only in this way, she said, did she feel prepared to play his music. You are a musician for Jesus Christ. Have you studied His love letters to you? Are you ready to go forth into the world to sing His praises, dressed in His finery, to bring victory to His name? God grant that it may be so, that you may put off the old and then put on the new for His own honor and glory. Dr. Sanders is Executive Producer of the Day of Discovery T.V. min istry of Radio Bible Class.

we as individuals need today it is peace. The word "rule" here is that from which we get our term "umpire." In other words, follow ing our doing the Lord's will, peace is going to be the arbiter in our life. Rather than fighting, turmoil, and frustration, there will be con tentment and satisfaction. And by His grace we will be dressed for it! Are you dressed up in the finery which the Lord has provided? Are you ready now to go forth and to proclaim His truth? It is said that when the widow of the famed composer Schumann was asked to perform any of his compositions, for she too was an accomplished musician, before the concert she

Steve Scott (June, 1972) receives congratulations from his father, Gordon Scott who is on Biola's Board of Trustees. This year's Commencement ceremony will be held January 28,1973 and June 3,1973.

16 Biola Hour Christmas Messages MESSAGES FOR A Saviour

us from our bondage to darkness. At Christ's birth there appeared the star in the east. The heavens were radiant with glory. At His death, however, there was a veil of darkness cast over nature's shin ing sun. It has been well said that the whole Gospel centers around the cradle and the cross of Jesus Christ. Prophetic utterances about Bethlehem tell us just who it was that was born in that little village on that memorable night (Micah 5:2). In Isaiah 9:6 we find some fas cinating titles being given to Him. First of all, He is called "God." This word invests Him with divinity and deity. He is the mighty God which proclaims His omnipotence. Consider this Child as "the ever lasting Father." He was and is co equal, co-existent and co-eternal with God Himself. He is the self- existent One. The good news of the Gospel is that God has stepped into man's life to do something about his un fortunate, sinful condition. He has achieved for us that which we

By DR. LLOYD T. ANDERSON As we consider the rapturous singing of the angels at the birth of Christ, we can understand their overwhelming joy considering the fact that God had provided a Sav iour for all mankind. With longing eyes, men—across the centuries of human time — had scanned the horizons in search of just such an individual. Here was God's free gift to those who had been in bondage to Satan. Albert Einstein, genius in the field of mathemat ics, pointed out these interesting words, "The true problem lies in the heart of man. It does not speak of a physical problem but of a mor al problem. It is easier to modify the hardest composition of plu tonium than the evil in the heart of man. It is not the powerful ex plosion of the atom bomb that frightens me but the hateful power of the human heart and its explo sive power in favor of evil." Cer tainly man can be appalling in his desperation and sin. What we have so urgently needed since the first sin in Eden is One who can deliver

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to read, study, and enjoy. CHRISTMAS

understand. I could be of inestim able service," he reasoned. As the realization pierced his own soul, he longed to become an ant so that he might help them. Then it dawned on him that God had be come a Man through Jesus Christ so that He could save us from our sins. What tremendous identifica tion this gives us for our own souls. In taking on Himself a human form, Jesus revealed a character which is effectually to conquer the blight of Satan's curse. No one can ever indulge jealousy without spreading discontent and dissatis faction. This is exactly what hap pened in heaven as Lucifer, the son of morning, became so engrossed with his mad craze to exalt him self (Isaiah 14:12-14). Through the righteousness of the Lord coming into the world, we can become recipients of everlasting life. Un fortunately, the righteousness of Christ is to many a garment which is unworn. As such they are unfit themselves for heaven. Many mil lions of people are still in their own unrighteousness, having nev- Page 25

could not possibly do for ourselves. The urgency of man's need for a Saviour met a wonderful response from the heart of God. The prob lem of our sin was all solved at the cross of Jesus. The very King of creation became that Babe in Bethlehem, linking Himself to hu manity by ties that are never to be broken. The good news is that He was made flesh and dwelt among us. Have you ever wondered why God became a man? Read Hebrews 10:5-7. The incarnation of the Lord in human nature was not without purpose. It was not aimless and without significance whatsoever. An atheist who had scoffed at the idea of God becoming man got interested in a nest of ants. He watched these little creatures in tently as they carried on their ob viously arduous tasks. He saw their sufferings, confusion, repeated in juries and even death. He thought, "If only it were possible for me to retain my knowledge and abilities and yet somehow convey to these ants in some manner they could

er let Jesus Christ come into their hearts and lives. Through Bethle hem Jesus has made unto us wis dom and righteousness and sancti fication and redemption and "that according as it is written he that glorieth let him glory in the Lord" (I Corinthians 1:30-31). What a tremendous truth concerning the Goming of Jesus Christ into the world. You and I, in believing and receiving Him, believe and receive One who is God incarnate in hu man flesh. Dr. Anderson is Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church of West Covina, California. Pardon In Life By ANDREW AQUISTAPACE Have you seen any of the pres sure signs of the so-called "Christ mas rush"? Hard work, stores crowded, post offices overflowing with mail, transportation media carrying record crowds, to name but a few! To the Christian, this season holds a special meaning. First of all, Christmas means par don in life. Jesus' mission in life was to meet man's greatest need. He was far more than a good man and an outstanding example. Luke reminds us, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." What is man's basic problem? Psychology calls it irratic behavior. Philosophy labels it irrational think ing. History speaks of it as class struggle. Sociology terms it cul tural lack. The Bible, however, rightly defines it as sin. This is the most corrosive influence in life. It

alienates men from God as well as from one another. It produces an xiety, guilt, fear and frustration. It brings prejudice, hatred, violence and war. It blinds men to the truth about the Lord. It finally culmin ates in physical death and eternal separation from God. The mission our Saviour came to fulfill required His death on Calvary. Christmas decidedly points to the cross. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief"( I Tim othy 1:15). One Christian writer has said, "There is never a guilty conscience which that Name will not relieve; never a temptation which that Name will not help you overcome; never a joy which that Name will not make sweeter; nev er a sorrow which that Name will not heal; and never a fear which that Name will not dispell." Christmas also means presence in life. Have you ever considered the fact that the world in which we live is lost in loneliness and despair? Paul refers rightly to those who have no hope and are with out God in the world (Ephesians 2:12). Without Christ life lacks the vitality it can and should have. Several years ago the editors of a leading magazine offered the bleakest of greetings to their read ers, "From most of us to some of you, a very, very alienated Christ mas, a disenchanted New Year, some degree, if you insist, of peace on earth, and whatever you may find to your advantage in good will toward men." Jesus came that you and I might never have to walk life's pathway alone. He prom ised, "l will never leave thee nor forsake thee." He did not promise immunity from the trials and trag-

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