BROADCASTER
FEBRUARY 1973
VOLUME 3
NUMBER 2
JAN U A R Y RAD IO F EA TU R E S
President . . .
Managing Editor . . .
J. RICHARD CHASE
EVELYN GIBSON
C O N T E N T S
* F o c u s
............................................................
4
J . R ic h a r d C h a s e
* T h e H o ly L a n d ........................................ C h a r le s L . F e in b e r g
8
* P a n e l D is c u s s io n s
.
.
.
.
1 4
* S t u d ie s in 1 T im o t h y
.
.
.
.
2 3
J . R ic h a r d C h a s e
* R e v iv a l a n d M ira c le s— W h a t A b o u t In d o n e s ia ? W . S t a n le y M o o n e y h am
2 8
*1 P e t e r 3 : 1 - 7 .................................................. A l S a n d e r s
3 6
* P h ilip p ia n s
.
.
.
.
.
.
4 6
L lo y d T . A n d e r s o n
* Edited Biola Hour Radio messages
Cover Photograph: Capitan and Merced River by Dr. George F. Potter
Production: Janice Wilson Student Photographer: Kirk Potter WHEN REQUESTING EXTRA COPIES OF THE BIOLA BROADCASTER, PLEASE ALLOW TIME FOR DELIVERY.
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.
BioU CollEqE HOLY LAND TOURS BIBLE CONFERENCE 1973
TOUR NO. 1 April 24 - May 15 Dr. Samuel H. Sutherland, Lecturer Dr. Israel Carmona, Assistant Cost: $1275 from New York to New York. (Reduced group fares from West Coast to be announced) TOUR NO. 2 June 18 - July 9 Dr. Charles L. Feinberg, Lecturer Cost: $1355 from New York to New York. (Reduced group fares from West Coast to be announced) TOUR NO. 3 July 24 - August 8 (with 28 -day optional extension around the world) Dr. Lloyd T. Anderson, Lecturer Dr. Robert L. Thomas, Assistant Cost: $1265. 28-day exten sion: additional $1350.
Page 3
FOCUS
Exciting things are happening at Biola. The Lord has been blessing in so many different ways that we hardly know where to begin to thank Him for each area of out reach. We felt you would like to share in just a few of them through the lives of our students, faculty, and through the growth that has been possible through the gifts of concerned friends. This Fall, we began our 1972 academic year with just seven stu dents short of the 2,000 mark in Biola College and Talbot Theologi cal Seminary. It was five years ago that we broke our previous records
with 1,453 enrolled. Ten years ago there were 994 students. So we have doubled in this past decade. About 76% of our young people come from California. The rest join the student body from every sec tion of the United States, Canada, and various countries of the world. Quality is essential and uppermost in our admittance program, not only the academic but also, and most importantly, in the spiritual realm. In 1969, about 44% of our col lege students had a "B" average or higher. In 1970, that figure went up to 52%, and by 1971, it was
Page 4
BY J. RICHARD CHASE
of interest a potential student has in Christian things. It is exciting to see the keen interest these stu dents have not only in intensive studies of the Scripture offered in our program, but also in the prac tical, day-to-day application of God's truth. Each year every stu dent has some specific aspect of Christian work to do. Many of them have several in various distinctive areas of outreach. The positive reaction of our students toward our chapels and special inspirational speakers who come is most rewarding. They fol low along, listening, concerned Page 5
61%. This certainly in no way means that Biola is becoming an exclusive school. Our main em phasis is to minister to all stu dents whom we believe can do competent college work. Frequent ly, while in high school, a young person may not be fully aware of God's desires for his life. He may have drifted through his last years of secondary schdol rather aim lessly. Then, he may find God very real and called perhaps to His ser vice. We want this type of student, too. You see the spiritual dimen sion is an essential quality. We always seek to measure the amount
7 2
about the message being brought. Afterwards they are eager to ask the speaker additional questions. So many of the people who min ister on our Campus speak of this distinctive to be found among Bi- olans. A similar response is heard from pastors and churches where the students work. People see in these youth qualities that are most essential for Christian testimony. Another ingredient, which is ab solutely essential, is the faculty. They shape and influence students to a very large degree. We want effective professors with the right kind of commitment to Christ. Biola has about 90 full-time faculty mem bers plus an additional 35 men and women who are serving on a part- time basis. They, too, come from all sections of the country. Actually, 18 of our 90 faculty members were either born or raised in a foreign country. As we consider the aca demic qualities of the faculty, we find that the average member at Biola has about nine years of for mal education beyond high school.
Almost half of our entire faculty have earned doctoral degrees in the particular area in which they are serving on the faculty. Many of these dedicated people addition ally serve as consultants in a wide range of areas, and they are in constant demand. Several have authored scholarly books. The faculty is composed of ear nest Christians. They are selected for their doctrinal stand and Chris tian involvement. When we review their applications, we look for a clear indication of Christian activ ity. Unless a person is involved in the local church before he comes on the faculty, he is not likely to become involved later. A growing faculty and student body needs an expanding campus. In 1960, we had two major dormi tories, three academic buildings and a cafeteria. Today, a dozen years later, there are five major dormitories, housing 1,000 stu dents; seven major academic build ings for instruction and research. In addition, we have a cafeteria
Page 6
small gifts which we receive regu larly. There are individuals who give five, ten, fifteen, twenty, fif ty, and even one hundred dollars or more a month. They write reg ularly to help us. Their consistency and faithfulness is what counts. You may be sure that we are thank ful for each of you who have stood by us in the past, enabling this work to go forward so significantly. Our ultimate purpose at Biola is to know Christ and to make Him known. We believe Christians should live to the praise of His glory. And through our particular calling of education, we prepare students for wise and effective liv ing in the vocation where they feel Cod has called them, for service to their fellow man and for service to their fellow Christians. At the beginning of 1973, we continue to devote ourselves to this basic task, asking that you would pray for us, and that you would share in the ministry that is Biola College. Page 7
equipped to feed 1,000 young peo ple three time a day. There is also a three-level College Union Building for the benefit of the stu dents, including a 100-seat coffee shop. We might also mention such things as the business offices, and the fine athletic facilities and fields for the extensive program of phys ical education. Growth for the fu ture envisions an essential Seminary chapel building. We are looking for an additional academic building to relieve some of the congestion in the nursing department and the science division. An administration building is necessary as well as a large auditorium. Where does the money come from that finances the school? The greater part of our operating funds come from the students through board, room, tuition and fees. Without thinking of the cost for new buildings, considering just op erating costs, we must still receive about one million dollars in gifts from concerned friends of the school. The bulk of this comes from
Œfje JM ? Xanb: By CHARLES L. FEINBERG
much in evidence. Jerusalem has an ordinance allowing only cer tain types of structures. Clothing affords yet another con trast. Women and girls of Arab extraction wear black constantly, while those in Israel are garbed very similarly to what we see in this country. Arab women do a great deal of the work, constantly busy with various chores such as carrying water, as well as caring for the children. Young men and women as a rule are not seen to gether. Veteran married women are horribly tatooed on the chin, some even having a ring through the nose. Such is a far cry from what one sees among the Israelis. Customs among the Jews parallel those in Europe, which is true for many other aspects of their life. Methods of travel afford a note worthy contrast. In Jordan travel is by American cars, some being of very recent vintage. Buses are old, rickety and crowded. Others who cannot afford that simply walk or use a donkey (sometimes face tiously referred to as "the Arab's fourfooted Cadillac"). Traffic sig nals are even coming into prom inence. For many years no such device existed. Many people are unemployed in the Arab areas, al though to keep them active, the
There has been a desire on the part of many to visit the Holy Land. Psalm 122 articulates this ex citing prospect on behalf of Israel. Seeing these places of Biblical sig nificance makes the Word of God literally come alive. This beautiful land of promise is an area of great contrasts. The rocky areas in the kingdom of Jor dan seem to culminate in the bar renness of Petra. For the most part, as far as the eye can see, the land is uncultivated. This is true in cer tain sections of Israel as well. On the other hand, there are lush fields and groves in the south. There are tree nurseries and plant ings over wide areas. The highway to Haifa from Tel Aviv takes the traveler past many reforested areas. The nomads live in the rocky wastness of Petra, barely eking out an existence in make-shift black tents. In Israel one can see the dif ferent immigration centers where refugees are housed. Their occu pations are then largely spelled out so that they will not be with out income until they are inte grated into the economy of the land. These communal towns or villages are comparatively new. Generally speaking, they are or derly and neatly kept. In larger cities, homes of the latest type are
Page 8
CONTRAST and CONFLICT
prayer beads, mosques and min- nerets everywhere. There are Ro man Catholics, Eastern Orthodox and all of the rest. That includes the mystics of Bahai, the rigid or thodox of Judaism. The presence of evangelical Christianity is sadly enough far in the minority. One has to look long to find those areas where the Gospel is really preached. Military camps are in evidence everywhere and potential conflict is always at hand. It has been lik ened to a powder keg in the pres ent state of affairs. It is a marvel of God that there has not been more conflict than already seen. War is coming, but just when no one knows. All is being prepared for the grand finale of history. As you walk through the land the heart is again and again chal lenged and warmed. Ours is an incomparable opportunity now. This is the missionary thrust of go ing over to the Holy Land. I trust it will be your purpose to do that in the very near future. No man knows what a day may bring forth. The coming of our Lord draws nigh. The time, the hour is short. Dr. Charles L. Feinberg is the Dean and Professor of Semitics and Old Testament at Talbot Theological Seminary. Page 9
government will sometimes put them to work in fields, using very primitive methods. There is a definite contrast with modern developments in newer Jewish cities. Both American and European cars, bicycles and buses are used in abundance. In Tel Aviv there are many shops as mod ern as any in the world, with com parable prices, too. Education is excellent in Israel as compared to other neighboring states. The Land of Promise is also marked by "churchianity." Many sacred places have been preempted by different religious groups. Doubt attaches to many of the identifica tions of places of the earthly min istry of our Lord. There are many different orders of priests, nuns and lay orders found in the Holy Land. In addition to Catholicism there are other sects, groups, divi sions and denominations. It is no wonder there is so much confu sion. One sees indecision, uncer tainty, purposelessness and a lack of direction. It is claimed that there are over 70 languages spoken on the Western side of the Jordan, in Israel proper. Not only linguisti cally, but also socially there can be many problems. The religious confusion is certainly rampant. Those of the Islam faith have their
THE COMING WORLD CONFLICT There is little doubt but that we see history running toward its mar velous conclusion and finality. The rumblings of Armageddon become more and more audible as a re sult. This conflict, spoken of in the Bible in several places, will be the consummation of destruction and devastation. In addition to the Old Testament prophecies of this cer tain event, described in Psalm 2, Zechariah 12 and 14, and Isaiah 24-27, a very accurate portrayal is seen in Revelation 16:12-16. This will be the focal point of our in terest, and I trust you will read this passage carefully for yourself. Armageddon is a word frequently on the lips of men, even though the full meaning of it is not recog nized. It is known generally that it relates to the last great war of the Bible, even though specific fea tures may not be realized. The first aspect of Armageddon we should point out is its total extent. It will be a marshalling of men and materials from all over the world. In the truest sense, as never before, it will be a gigantic world war. Then we must note its violence with tremendous amounts of bloodshed and annihilation, un paralleled in the history of the world. It will also be a time of certain confederacies. There will be staggering alliances between many nations. Armageddon means "Mount of Megiddo" with the root background signifying "to cut" or "to break in upon." The back ground shows it will mainly be a place of destruction, slaughter and judgment. Geographically, Megid do is at the end of a spur that runs out from the ridge of Mt. Carmel into the plains and valleys. It is a Page 10
As visitors left the music portion of the December "Celebrate the Son" program, the Biola Chorale gave a half-hour presentation of Christmas carols outside Crowell Hall.
shows what tremendous decima tion of mankind will be experi enced there. There will be powers of the East, North, South and West (the latter known as the revived Roman Em pire). When we see the far Eastern nations come alive—China, Japan, Korea, India and the rest—what a sure sign of the nearness of Armageddon! A committee has al ready been formed in the Holy Land to do research and prelimin ary work on the rebuilding of the Temple. Israel may be dwelling in the land in relative or imagined security for the moment but that is when sudden destruction is the nearest. As believers in Christ we could see Jesus return today, with in the hour or even in the next five minutes. How glorious that would be. The end of the times of the Gentiles certainly appears to be upon us. Daniel says that there is going to be agony such as there never was (12i1). No student of world affairs needs to be told the importance of the Middle Near East in international relationships. It is the most dan gerous powder keg in existence. It is the meeting ground between the civilizations of the East and the West. To this area we owe so much of our civilization, culture, philos ophy, science and religion. The area covers 2,800,000 square miles. It is the only central land bridge in the world that connects three continents — Europe, Asia and Af rica. It has been the sought-after prize by every military conqueror from Alexander the Great to Hit ler. The Kremlin has had its own plans for this region. This area is important, too, be cause of its basic resources. More
conspicuous feature in the land scape. The total area is much like a triangle with its sides 20 miles by 15 by 15 miles. It extends from Haifa all the way to the Jordan Val ley. In a sense, it could be regarded as an ideal battleground, one which will be the most famous in the world. It was in the early part of the last century that the great mil itary strategist, Napoleon the First, overlooked this area. Standing on that promentory he declared, “What a magnificent place to ma neuver all the armies of the nations of the world!" From that vantage point one can look down to see Bethlehem where the Lord of glory was incarnate. This is the place where it started and also where it will end. Of course, some of the most important and pivotal con flicts of history have already been fought here (Judges 5:19; 6:33; I Kings 8:9, II Kings 9:27; 23:20; II Chronicles 35:20-27). So Jews, Gentiles, Christian crusaders, anti- Christian Frenchmen, Egyptians, Persians, Turks and warriors out of every nation under heaven have pitched their tents on the plains of Megiddo to wage war with one another. The Bible's picture of the battles that are going to be fought there in the future is not so simple as some may assume. Joel 3:1-14 tells us that the conflict in Jerusalem is going to have two stages. There will be initial success for the ene my with the spoil of Jerusalem di vided. Zechariah 14:1, 2 shows the ultimate victory for the forces of the Lord. There is going to be a cry for all the birds of the heavens to come and to eat the flesh of small and great, kings and cap tains (Revelation 19:11-16). This Page 12
Anti-foreign feelings have been very noticeable in those areas as we all know. We have preliminary definite rumblings, coming thun der and storm, of the war of Arm ageddon. Here are the elements of a future desperate conflict. You cannot go over to this area of the world and not see it. Obviously, the part of wisdom is to prepare to avoid the storm. There is only one way, which is to trust Christ and be saved. Take your refuge in the Saviour. There is grave peril in any delay. You do not have any assurance that this tremendous catastrophe could not break out at any moment. While we are watching, let us pray; let us labor; let us win souls; let us strive to see young men and wo men prepared in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Do not delay what you know you should do to day in the sight of the Lord.
than half of the world's known supply of oil lies in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and other surrounding countries. The average output is ridiculously small everywhere else in the world compared to what it is over there. For one day, the daily production in that area from one well is nearly 7,000 barrels over against the U.S. average of 13. In dustry in Europe would be crippled if that oil were stopped. Chrome for high speed cutting tools, man ganese for steel, graphite for ra dios are but a few of the materials supplied from the Middle Near East. Geopoliticians world-over tell us that possession of these lands, the heartlands, is essential to world domination. No less an authority than General Eisenhower declared, "As far as the sheer value of terri tory is concerned, there is no more strategically important area in the world than in the middle east."
Page 13
pAiva
nberg
Dr. Charles L.
Dr. J. Richard Chase
Discussions
Q. Kingsburg, Calif. "Is there any place in the Bible that tells us what the departed saints are doing while waiting for the Rapture?" A. The Lord has not seen fit to reveal any specifics to us. We do know that they are in His pres ence, awaiting the time when they will receive, with us, their resur rection bodies. You may be sure that being with Christ is the ulti mate in the Christian's outlook (Philippians 1:23). To be absent from the body in physical death means for the believer to be pres ent with the Lord. This is an inex plicable state of precious, perfect rest and contentment with the Sav iour. Some people believe that those in heaven can look down now and see activities here on earth. Scripture does not indicate this to be the case at all. They are totally consumed with being with Christ.
Q. Los Angeles, Calif. "Would you please explain the phrase 'led cap tivity captive' (Ephesians 4:8)? Also, could you help me to understand Psalm 68:18?" A. The Old Testament passage is stated for us in the New. The Psalm ist is speaking of God, "Thou hast ascended on high." This in itself is an unusual statement since the Father already lives on high. This shows that He has been on earth. He gives gifts to men. This is so that they may in turn minister those gifts to the outside world. This re fers to the Saviour Himself who is the One who gives everyone ac cording to the measure of gifts that He will use in administering the word of life. The passage in Ephes ians is taken from Psalms 68:18 where it finds fulfillment. When Christ went down into the lower parts of the earth in His death He there did a tremendous work of re-
Page 14
lease for those who were held captive in Paradise. He went to the abode of the righteous (not the un righteous dead). When Jesus as cended to the Father He emptied Abraham's bosom so that now when a believer dies his soul im mediately goes to be with the Lord. God says that Christ is going to rout Satan and deliver the ones who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Q. Grover City, Calif. "If all the saints are going to be raptured out of the world before the tribula tion, then who are the saints men tioned in Revelation 13:7?" A. You are correct that all believers in this age of grace will be taken to heaven at the Rapture (I Thes- salonians 4:18-18). This glorious event occurs just before the start of the Tribulation which is a period of seven years. There will be peo ple saved during this time of un precedented trouble and turmoil. Revelation 7 speaks of a great host of people under the altar (vs. 11). White robes will be given to every one of them. They paid for their faith with their lives. The group will be made up of saved Jews (144,000) as well as a multitude of Gentiles "which no man can num ber." These people are often re ferred to as "tribulation saints." Q. Tucson, Ariz. "Why is Samson listed among the heroes of faith in the New Testament (Hebrews 11:32)? In the Old Testament we read of how he committed several crimes by burning the Philistines' wheat fields. He also violated his Nazarite vows. Any professing Christian today would be highly criticized for these things."
COME WITH US to the WORLD OF YOUTH
As Biola College and Talbot Theo logical Seminary students are pre paring, they also eagerly go to the world of youth who need Christ. Come with them to the Black com munity in Watts, the Mexican- Americans in East Los Angeles, athletic evangelism, camps, and the classrooms of public and pri vate schools. As you share with us in preparing young people for Christian service and leadership, the Biola Broad caster will be mailed to you as a special gift each month. Yes, I want to share in Biola’s min istry through The Biola Fellowship. I will pray for Biola and, as the Lord enables me, I will endeavor to give as indicated below: $.... 25 10 5 3 2 1 Monthly □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Quarterly □ □ □ □ Semi-Annually □ □ □ Annually □ □ Please use my gift for: Campus Development □ Student Aid □ Radio □ General Fund □ Mr. Mrs. Miss. Address....................................................... City...........................State.................Zip.... Send to: Biola College 13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, Calif. 90638
In Canada: Biola Association of Canada P.0. Box 3013, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Page 15
A. Keep in mind something very basic: God never makes a mistake. We would suggest that you read carefully the four chapters of Judges 13-16. While Samson failed in a number of areas, he had tremen dous potential. Some of the things accomplished were allowed by God to avenge the wickedness of the Philistines. These were people who tried to take over the land origin ally given to Abraham and to his seed. Samson might be better con sidered like the underground forces of more recent days trying to get rid of the enemy. The intruding Philistines were always a burr in the side of the people of Israel. The saddest day in Samson's life was when he violated his Nazarite vows. This is precisely why his life ended in failure. He had a tremen dous eye for beauty but not neces sarily for spiritual beauty. If the Bible tells us Samson is a hero of the faith we do not need to won der why. He did bring the Lord's judgment to the enemy. We cer tainly do not gloss over his sins, but in his greatest distress he prayed to God who gave him his strength back in the end. Q. Roseburg, Ore. "I have been a Christian for 65 years. Just recently I have realized what a failure I have been in thanking God for allowing sickness and affliction to come in to my life. What can I do about it now? I am now 81 years old." A. It is never too late to begin praising Him for all the wonderful ways in which He has led you. We all need to take time to thank Him for the dark as well as for the bright experiences of our lives. Too often we are quick to complain and find fault with our lot in life. Sometimes
INVESTMENTS THAT LIVE!
You make a living investment when you give toward the preparation of young peo ple who want to serve Christ. Once in vested, your gift will live and work as long as these young people live. Such a gift goes to work immediately. As the students go out each week in Chris tian service during their preparation days, your living investment produces results now. Your gift goes right on working. As the graduates go out into their chosen fields of service, your investment will live and work through their ministries. Why not invest now through a deferred gift in your Will and/or through Biola’s Agreement Program? Send the coupon for further information.
Yes, please send me information con cerning TH E CH R IS T IA N ’S W ILL and Biola’s AGREEMENT PROGRAM. Mr. Mrs. Miss__________________________________
Address________________ _
City___________ State________ Zip--------
Send to: Biola College 13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, Calif. 90638 In Canada: Biola Association of Canada P.0. Box 3013, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Page 16
Biola's Lansing Auditorium was the setting for Christmas musical presentations of "Celebrate the Son."
Page 17
Personally, we believe that there is no need to omit any of this pas sage. It really is required for the whole context. Q. Garden Grove, Calif. "Did Jesus, as a Man on earth, know that the world was round?" A. Yes, we believe that He certainly did. While He may not have lec tured on geography or other areas of science, this was not the pur pose of His ministry on earth. He was well acquainted with the Old Testament writings. He knew Isaiah 40:22 which is a clear reference to sphericity of the earth. "It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth." As a matter of fact, in the time of our Lord, there were a number of scientists who believed that the earth was round, although perhaps the official and accepted theory in those days was that it was flat. The reason why the Lord knew that the earth was round, of course, was because He created it. It is interesting to note that such men as Columbus did not really discover that the earth was round. Colum bus, we believe from other evi dence, simply based his exploration upon what he thought was the cor rect interpretation. How strange it is that some people still today re ject the Bible when it has been so clearly correct in every area of un derstanding on which it touches. How foolish men are to doubt God, relying upon their own limited sense and fallible perfection. When the Bible speaks, we must speak too. And where the Bible is silent, we must continue to be submissive to God's direction for our lives. Q. Lynwood, Calif. "Exactly what constitutes a marriage from God's
the Lord has some things to say to us but we are so busy that He may have to put us on our backs so that we will look up in His face. Of course, there is some sickness that is caused by our own foolishness or sinfulness. We should ask Him to forgive us for such involve ments. But, just try praising the Lord. Get enthusiastic about thank ing Him for who He is and for what He has done for you. You will find that you forget all about asking Him for anything. Try praying that way, too. This is the kind of inter cession that must fill the heart of the Lord with great joy. Q. Portland, Ore. " Can you tell me the ministries of angels, particu larly as they relate to John 5:4? I have been told that the word 'angel' here is a mistranslation." A. In the original an angel was known as "a messenger." They are super-human servants of the Lord and Spirit-created beings. They do the bidding of God. Of course, there were unholy angels who fell with Satan. Some are able to be about, while others are bound for the time of judgment, to be con signed for an eternity of woe and misery. The ministries of angels are particularly on behalf of the godly. As to the verse in John 5:4, someone has given you erroneous information. It may be what they had in mind was that the later part of verse three and the whole of verse four has been left out of the oldest and some of the best man uscripts. They omit "waiting for the moving of the water" as well as all of verse four. The word 'angel' is not a mistranslation, however.
Page 18
ism'?" A. It used to be known as "neo orthodoxy." "Neo," of course, sim ply means "new." Strictly speaking, we believe that new evangelicals are those who hold to a rather light view of the total inspiration of the Scripture. They may declare practically all Scripture is given by inspiration of God. Some portions may evidently not be inspired. The problem with this is that when one tampers with the Word of God he has actually raised doubts about all of the Bible. There is no real standard on which to base one's thinking. The Bible stands together as a complete unity. Such ques tioning can easily lead one into unitarianism, ultimately into mere humanism. We would urge you to be very cautious in following any neo-evangelical teacher or teach ings. God does not dispute Him self. The Bible is the totally in spired, inerrant Word of the living God! Q. Watsonville, Calif. "The ampli fied versionof Luke 7:50 says, 'Go, enter into peace in freedom from all the distresses that are experi enced as a result of sin.' Does this mean that the woman did not have to reap the results of her sinful life?" A. When the Lord forgives us for our sins, does not this free us from reaping the results of our sinful lives also? This woman was no worse, in a sense, than any of us who must be forgiven and cleansed by the Lord Jesus Christ. This is exactly why Jesus died on the cross. He took the penalty for our sins and we do not, any of us, have to reap the results of our sinful lives, Page 19
point of view? If marriages are con summated during the act of physi cal union, as some suggest today, then why did Christ tell the woman at the well that the man she had was not her husband?" A. We emphatically underscore that marriage has to be considered from God's point of view. If we look at it in any other manner then anything goes — such as so-called "free love" or "trial marriages." We must recognize that God Him self instituted marriage for our ben efit and primarily for His glory. If a union is to be totally Biblical it must be made in heaven with the will of God held uppermost. Why did He create Eve for Adam? It was not just for the first man's happi ness. The reason was that they both should have increased poten tial in ability to serve Him. If the Lord is to be magnified then the un ion must be between a redeemed man and a redeemed woman. Mar riage is the very cornerstone of society. This is why the service should be conducted openly, as a testimony to all involved. Our so ciety is no stronger than the homes of the land. And the Church is no stronger than the homes as well. Marriage from God's viewpoint is by His will, by His leading and be tween two redeemed people. It is solemnized by asking His blessing publicly. Understanding this, we can realize why our Lord told the woman at the well that the man she had at the time was not her husband. All she had going for her was the act of physical union. This in itself does not make marriage. Q. San Diego, Calif. "Could you please explain 'neo-evangelical-
from a spiritual or moral point of view. Now, there are certain things that happen to people who sin and they do reap the result physically. Such an example would be the drunkard who may become in volved in a car accident and lose a leg. He reaps the result of his sinful life in that particular in stance. But even he can be forgiven of the sin of drunkenness. He does not have to reap the eternal pun ishment of that particular sin or any sin if he accepts Jesus Christ as Saviour. This woman was for given because of her faith. This is the wonderful part of the Christian life. When we accept Jesus Christ as Saviour our sins are forgiven. We do not have to pay the penalty for our sins. We do not have to reap the results of the sinful life. All is taken care of in the blood of Jesus Christ as it was shed on Cal vary's cross. As a result, we can go in peace! Q. Altadena, Calif. "Will the events of Ezekiel 38 and 39 take place be fore or after the Rapture of the Church?" A. There are five views as to when these events will be fulfilled. They are said to fall into either the time before the Rapture; the early part of the tribulation; the middle of the tribulation or at the end of the tribulation. Yet a fifth view com pares Gog and Magog of these two chapters with Gog and Magog of Revelation 20, saying that these events will take place at the end of the millenium, just before the time of the new heaven and the new earth. The last view goes on the basis merely of the names and fails to recognize that names are used fig
uratively or symbolically in Revela tion. This view must be discarded, then, as it judges on outward ap pearances, on a superficial level. Read carefully Ezekiel 38:8 (note the phrase "in the latter years") and verse 16 of the same chapter ("in the latter days"). The expres sion "in the latter days" in the Old Testament refers to the times of the Messiah, the messianic era for Israel, the time of consummation of their national history on earth. ("Latter days" in the New Testa ment, however, refers to the Church, her time before the Rap ture.) Therefore, we believe that these events in Ezekiel 38 and 39 must take place after the Rapture, placing them around the end of the tribulation time, coinciding with the Armageddon battle. The pic ture here is so vast and compre hensive that only at this time would such a confederation be gathered. This then definitely takes place af ter the Rapture. Q. Visalia, Calif. "What is the sig nificance of Mark 14:51-52 where a young man wearing a linen cloth was following Jesus after He was arrested?" A. This young man was fleeing from the military men who came to take Jesus as prisoner. The significance is that this young man was just as cowardly as all the rest of the dis ciples of our Lord who fled. There are indications, in view of the point that this is the only Gospel to mention the incident, that this young man was none other than Mark himself. So, it is an interesting and thoughtful personal glimpse that perhaps Mark put in as a sort of confession, ashamed of it after ward, but fleeing at the moment of danger.
Page 20
late a city?" A. The question of where this orig inal civilization came from and how rapidly it grew is not answered in Genesis. But we see in verses 16-24 of Genesis 4 the way that fathers begat sons and daughters and the generations came into be ing. Keep in mind that the men and women lived to be much old er in those days. Parents had many more children than they do today. The population could increase very rapidly. They married sisters at first and then more distant relatives, and it was not long until children were growing up, such distant rel atives that to all intents and pur poses, they were no relatives at all to those whom they married. The size of the city at first was per haps very, very small but it rapidly grew as people gravitated toward one another. Remember also that the use of the word "city" does not neces sarily indicate in the Hebrew a large city as today, of a certain size. Cities as we have now would have been quite unusual in those days. Lot refers to the place "Zoar" as a city, but it actually was a little hamlet or settlement. Q. Delano, Calif. "/ read that in Old Testament times a priest with a broken nose was rejected. Can you tell me why?" A. The basis for this is found in Leviticus 21:17-24. Such a man could not stand in his official position because God wants an unblemished offering and an un blemished agent. We ought to offer Him the best. We ought to have the spirit of David who said, "I will not offer unto the Lord that which costeth me nothing." Page 21
Q. Holister, Calif. "Jephthah made a vow to the Lord in Judges 11:30, 31, promising to offer up as a sac rifice the first person ("whatsoev er") to meet him at his door if the Lord would deliver the enemy into his hands. The first person to meet him was his daughter. Did he then carry out his vow, or did he (as some teach) set her apart to re main a virgin the rest of her life?" A. This is a question that continues to have Bible-believing men on both sides of the issue. First let us say that there is nothing in the Scripture which could lead us to believe that Jephthah was impelled or motivated by the Lord to make such a vow. It simply shows the particular nature of this rough-and- ready individual. Read carefully verses 36-40 of the same chapter. Remember how much it meant to those who were waiting for the Messiah, every Jewish maiden thinking that possibly she might be the channel for the Messiah, particularly if she were in the tribe of Judah. You can see what a tre mendous loss it would be for a young lady to give up her oppor tunity to be married and to bring children into the world. We believe it is quite clear here that this was the type of offering — not that Jephthah could not particularly have made a vow involving death, but we doubt that the vow actually involved the offering up of a living person. In this case, his daughter was not to be married. Note par ticularly the phrase "she knew no man" in verse 39. We believe she was forced to remain a virgin the rest of her life. Q. Fallbrook, Calif. "Genesis 4:17 says that Cain built a city. How did he have enough children to popu
THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL TO “ T I M O T H Y Salutation. Charge Respecting Misuse of the Personal Thanksgiving. PAU L , aan apostle of bChrist Jesus According to t mandment of dGod our Savior, and of bChrist Jesus, w ehope; 2 to aTimothy, hmy true child in the faith: cGrae and peace from God the Father and dChrist Jesus o 3 As I urged you ktpon my departure for aMa 2remain on at bEphesus, in order that you may instruc men not to Teach strange doctrines, 4 nor to *pay attention to amyths and endless b gies, which give rise to mere Speculation rather than ‘ ing 2God’s provision which is by faith. 5 But the goal of our lainstruction is love bfron heart and a cgood conscience and a sincere dfaith. 6 For some men, straying from these things, hav aside to fruitless discussion, 7 awanting to be Teachers of the Law, even thoi do not understand either what they are saying or the about which they make confident assertions. 8 But we know that The Law is good, if one lawfully, 9 realizing the fact that Taw is not made for a r man, but for those who are lawless and brebellious, cungodly and sinners, for the unholy and dprofane, f who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers 10 Jand 2aimmoral men Land bhomosexuals *an Ders hand dliars Lmd cperjurers, and whatever else is coi Page 22
ÌW.
com- is our nercy •ord. Ionia, ìrtain ìealo- rther- tliey atters ses it teous r the those dnap- irv to
1“2 Cor. 1:1; 2 Tim. 1:1 bl Tim. 1:12 «Titus 1:* dLuke 1:47; Titus 1:3 cCol. 1:27 2 “Acts 16:1; 2 Tim. 1:2 b2 Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4 c2 Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4; Rom. 1:7 dl Tim. 1:12 3 *Lit., while departing 2Lit., to remain “Rom. 15:26bActs 18:19 C1 Tim. 6:3: Rom. 16:17; 2 Cor. 11:4; Gal. l:6f. 4 ’Or, occupy themselves with 2Lit., the administration of God which Tim. 4:7; t.Tim. 4:4 ]Refe4sJ64 it 9 im * n .d 4 f r 4 Î ih r :23| 5 'Lit., commandment “1 Tim. 1:18 b2 Tim. 2:22 «1 Pet. 3:16,21; 1 Tim. 1:19; 3:9; 2 Tim. 1:3 d2 Tim. 1:5 6 “Titus 1:10 7 “James 3:1 bLuke 2:46 8 “Rom. 7:12,16 9 “Gal. 5:23 bTitus 1:6,10 C1 Pet. 4:18;Jude 15 dl Tim 4:7; 6:20; 2 Tim. 2:16; Heb 12:16 10 ’ Lit., for 2Or, fornicators “1 Cor. 6:9 bLcv. 18:22 'Ex. 21:16; Rev. 18:13 dRev. 21:8, 27; 22:15 cMatt. 5:33; 23:16 f2 Tim. 4:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1; 1 Tim. 4:6; 6:3; 2 Tim. 1:13;
n
NO. 1 IN A SERIES
By J. RICHARD CHASE
Page 23
Creek word which means "to stand apart," "to depart from something that one once held to." The early writers used the term in reference to a runaway slave. These are indi viduals who have willfully turned their back on all, run away or re belled against the faith or, if you will, against Christianity. Now, as in Scripture, an apostate is one who would deny the great cardinal doctrines of Cod's Word, and par ticularly the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work through death, burial and resurrection. They have a form of godliness but they deny the power of it. Jude 4 gives us a further lucid definition. The way this occurs is that people will listen or give heed to seduc ing spirits. The idea here is more of a holding onto something apart from the faith. In Revelation we discover that eventually the devil and his hosts are going to be de feated, banished and destroyed. For now, however, they seem to be free to wander throughout the earth, trying to undercut the Chris tian belief. Timothy was probably stationed at Ephesus. Perhaps Paul was warn ing him about the dangers in that corrupt society both morally, as well as with certain trends of legal ism which would emphasize the in sight of man above the completed work of Christ. Such a wandering system could only be inspired by the devil himself. The word "doctrine" from the original represents here the full process of education. Those who
As a believer in Christ I can be an optimist looking ahead to this new year of opportunity. Realiz ing the many open doors of out reach, I can see an even greater harvest of young souls. Today's youth are searching, some desper ately so, for proper standards as well as effective answers to today's problems. The same potential reap ing of lives with their parents is also well within the realm of pos sibility. The evangelical Christian, church, school and related organi zations, have a golden opportunity despite the recognizable conflicts which are sure to come. APOSTASY The Apostle Paul shared some things with Timothy which have a real message of significance for our hour. He pointed out that one of the greatest hardships would be from within. Apostasy and decep tion go hand-in-hand, and are read ily apparent in our age. Let us focus on the first verse of I Timothy 4, a chapter which will be our basis of study. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to se ducing spirits, and doctrines of dev ils" (or as some translations have it "doctrines of demons"). Here is a graphic picture of individuals who have departed from the faith through apostasy. These have turned their backs on certain as pects of Christianity and are now teaching something else. The word "apostate" is really a
Page 24
control and respect for others, to mention but three. There are peo ple talking today about a post- Protestant era in our generation. They refer to a new morality and the value of situation ethics. Such individuals have made a commit ment to man rather than to the resources of a sovereign God. They consider the latter unnecessary. Years ago, when the pilgrims first set foot on American soil at Ply mouth, Massachusetts, they found during those first bitter years that it was necessary to plant.their crops. They purchased land from the In dians of the area. To the natives, however, the land was sacred. The new settlers purchased land from the Indians only to have them come back again, using it for hunt ing purposes. Some of the proper ty had to be purchased over and over again. There was very real conflict because of these two dif ferent systems of values. In our day when there are indi viduals who hold different views from the basic Christian concept there is conflict. Too often, in the interest of maintaining harmony, we turn our backs on those things which are really crucial. Do not listen to man with his clearly con tradictory statements concerning God's Word. This can erode our dependence upon Christ. Let our minds be focalized on the Word of God. It is sad to see churches to day denying the faith. Let us ab stain from any such involvements or entanglements. Do not allow apostasy and its false values of Page 25
cast aside God's only acceptable method of salvation have sub mitted to the crafty and subtle wiles of Satan. Paul points out that apostates are going to depart from the faith not only by listening to these wandering spirits but also because they have willingly sub mitted to the full educational sys tem of the devil. They utilize his information and allow their abili ties to be channeled as he directs. In many of the free countries of the world there is generally an empha sis on service to mankind. It is un fortunate to see those individuals who seek education for their own self-interest, seeking to perpetuate their own goals and desires of life. Man's basic desire ought to be to serve God, realizing at the same time that he should be a debtor to others. The devil's system certainly is not that way. Our main purpose at Biola is to educate individuals to be servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. They may be used in a va riety of ways but if they are not committed to Christ, in a sense we have failed. What is the nature of apostasy today? There are those who would encourage us to think that values are not important since nothing is absolute or certain. To them the color is gray since nothing is either right or wrong. They would have us believe that Biblical values are not essential. The Word of God is replete with clear-cut evidence concerning the basic essential values for life such as honesty, self
hypocrasy (I Timothy 4:2). Their consciences have been seared as it were with a hot iron. This verse is loaded with meaning. Through the prevarication of these apostates, they willingly would lead others in their same and certain destruction. They never give an accurate reflec tion of what is taught in God's Word. HYPOCRASY The Greek word "hypocrasy" means to play a role or to be an actor who is not for real. So, a hypocrite in the truest sense is one who pretends to be something that he is not. These people make an effort to seem righteous. What a foolish job of acting. God is never misled. Such individuals are com pletely out of touch with Biblical reality. They have already become deadened to the truth. Literally, an apostate has been branded by Sa tan and carries his mark, being obliged to do his will. He lives in an unofficial world of lies and decep tion where man's ideas are greatly contrasted with God's Word. One who has turned his back on reality cannot comprehend or be sensitive to the Lord's directive will. Those who are not interested in living a Christian life are actually past feel ing, having given themselves over to foolishness and selfishness. All of this binds them to a system rather than to the Saviour (II Tim othy 1:7-9). The lawless person generally considers that he is all right (I Timothy 1:8). In actuality, he needs to see the standard of
teaching to have any part of your thoughts or life. Unprecedented opportunities for Gospel outreach abound on every hand. Despite the many promising "open doors," Satan is throwing up every possible roadblock he can muster. You can be sure that he will not be sitting idly by! All about us today we see apostates who have willfully turned their backs on Christ. I Timothy 4:1-5 deals with them, as do other pertinent passages of Scripture. Such indi viduals pretend to be religious but really are doing much greater harm than one could imagine. In II Peter 2:15 we read about those who have turned their backs on God because of their interest in money. Balaam is the Old Tes tament personality who typifies all such practice. This greedy prophet sold himself to serve the devil. He had taken a God-given gift and turned his back on it because he wanted personal profit. Apostates will always appeal to human instincts (II Peter 2:18). Such individuals pretend they have all the answers, when in reality they live as unbelievers (II Peter 2:19). Although they have been set free from bondage through Christ, such men have become servants of cor ruption. They come under the con trol of Satan himself. There cannot be seen one indication of the re demptive power of Christ in their lives. Apostates are well characterized as those who speak lies and live by
Page 26
the mothers and fathers do not live up to their words. Let us be done with religious leaders who attempt to control people for their own advantage. Young people are searching for true meaning in life. This can come only as they experience the power of salvation through Jesus Christ. May we be wise leaders, rather than play-acting hypocrites.
perfection which God requires. On ly then can one say with Paul, "I am of all men most miserable." The Apostle recognized that he needed outside help to find the answer to his soul's greatest need. What about this present day? What forms do we find these in sensitive apostates and self-styled judges of our day taking? Any re ligion which pretends to give an an swer to man without an emphasis on the blood of Christ is denying the very power of salvation. No man is ever acceptable to God, re gardless of his moral and philan thropic goodness, apart from faith in the Saviour. He is our only de pendency. To deny the atonement is a giant step of apostasy. We cannot augment or minimize this crucial doctrine. John well empha sized that Christ must increase and man must decrease (3:30). There are those who are very persuasive and who have set themselves up as religious leaders, establishing standards of conduct or patterns of belief contrary to theWord of God. We should counsel our young peo ple to turn their backs on such pseudo-religious forms. The evan gelical community must stand firm ly upon the Word of God. If a person would establish himself as a judge, he must finally come to the awful realization that there is only one righteous Judge in the entire world who is Christ. This is why young people are so often dissatisfied with parents since they have been told how to live and yet
J. RICHARD CHASE
Page 27
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker