NUMBER 12
DECEMBER 1972
VOLUME 2
NOVEM BER RAD IO F EA TU R E S
President. . .
Managing Editor __
J. RICHARD CHASE
EVELYN GIBSON
C 0 N T E N T S
It’s the Th ou gh t T h a t Coun ts J . R ichard C h a se
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*Now T h a n k We All Our God A l S and e rs
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*Edited Biola H o u r RadicTmessages
Cover Photograph by Kirk Potter
Production: Janice Wilson Student Photographer: Kirk Potter W H EN R E Q U E S T IN G E X T R A C O P IE S O F T H E B IO LA B RO A D C A S T E R , P L E A S E A LLOW T IM E FO R D E LIV E R Y .
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 January 28 - February 2,1973
Rev. John DeBrine Boston Youthtime Boston, Massachusetts
Dr. Royal Blue North Valley Baptist Redding, California
Dr. Arthur Custance Author-Publisher Toronto, Canada
Dr. David Breese Destiny, Inc. Wheaton, Illinois
Dr. Vernon Grounds Conservative Bapt. Sem. Denver, Colorado
Rev. Gerald Griffiths Conference Lecturer Edinburgh, Scotland
Dr. Kenneth Gangel Trinity Evangel. Sem. Deerfield, Illinois
Dr. Louis Goldberg Moody Bible Institute Chicago, Illinois
Dr. Grant Howard Western Conserv. Bapt. Sem. Portland, Oregon
Dr. Karlis Leyasmeyer Author-Editor Philadelphia, Pa.
Rev. Olan Hendrix American S.S. Union Philadelphia, Pa.
Rev. Benjamin Johnson American S.S. Union Philadelphia, Pa.
Dr. Lester Pipkin Appalachian Bible Fellowship Dr. Alan Redpath Unevangelized Fields Missions Bradley, W. Virginia Capernwray Hall, England
Rev. Nathan Meyer Bible Conf. Teacher Hardy, Virginia
Dr. Jack MacArthur First Baptist Church Eugene, Oregon
Dr. Masumi Toyotome Missionary Strategy Agency Los Angeles, Calif.
Dr. Charles Ryrie Dallas Theol. Seminary Dallas, Texas
“ Its the thought that counts.” Is the old saying true, or is It the measure of sacrifice that really counts? At this Christmas season we will send relatively inexpensive cards to friends, but generally sacrifice to buy our loved ones something special. For many, a “35-cent thought” will easily discharge an obliga tion. A significant gift, however, will demand much more. In the first verses of Luke, chapter twenty-one, we read of rich men who cast their gifts in the Temple treasury. These gifts did not impress Jesus as much as the two mites (the smallest coins in circulation) the widow gave. Why? Because the two mites represented a sacrifice, not a gift of convenience. Sacrifice is sometimes represented in strange ways. Encouraging a little child to spend time from play making a paperweight of nondescript design may be a better example of love than giving the child money for the specific purpose of buying a gift. The money is not his to keep, so the only sacrifice is the time spent in selecting the gift. The true significance of Christmas is found in sacrifice — not in mere thought. The wise men gave, not merely their gifts, but their time. Page 4
By J. RICHARD CHASE
They journeyed long, hard days to present their gifts. But God’s gift surpasses all. He did more than pause a moment to think of our needs. He sent His only Son. The familiar John 3:16 begins by showing the depths of sacrifice: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son .. . Further, God’s Son, Jesus Christ, was given that He might die on a cross that we might have eternal life. Here is more than thought: here is sacrifice. God could have given silver and gold, He could have given from His ability to create beauty. But He gave what demanded the most sacrifice. He demonstrated love in giving His Son. At this Christmas season, we will have many friends and acquain tances who will rate only a thought. In a busy world, that may be better than nothing. But we fool no one but ourselves when we say that it is only the thought that counts. For those we love, we sacrifice. The logical conclusion is, how much do we love our Lord? Do we give of our substance and self to everyone but Him? Is He left with a fleeting thought, prompted only by guilt on Christmas day? In response to God’s gift of the Prince of Peace, let us give sacrificially. Let us give, above all, ourselves. Page 5
Prayer By AL SANDERS
We have all seen the interesting and delightful cartoons known as "Peanuts." They certainly have a great deal of adult philosophy and psychology behind them. One that readily comes to mind is of little Lucy. She has her psychiatric stand all set up — a consultation for five cents. The sign is out which de clares that the doctor is "In." The next panel shows Snoopy, the dog, coming in and sitting down on the patient's stool. The friendly little canine Says absolutely nothing. He just looks somewhat bewildered with life in general. Picture after picture shows him just sitting there with nothing happening. Then with the next to last scene, he finally gets up and leaves. As the comic strip closes, Lucy comments rather frustrated and dejected, "Well, what can you do when the patient won't say anything?" I wonder if this is not a very realistic and yet tragic picture of our lives. Without question the Lord could easily feel this way about us, too. When you get right down to it, the Great Physician, the wise Doctor of our souls, is always in. It does not even cost
five cents to come to Him for help and counsel. The problem is that we go through life virtually bewil dered, saying nothing but expect ing that something great is going to happen. Hebrews 4:16 declares, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may ob tain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Certainly, God has the help we so desperately must have in order to achieve our goals and live victoriously in all of our experiences. James 5:16 gives us some of the most important words on this sub ject. There are none better to chal lenge our hearts. In the last part of that verse we find the words, "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Simply stated, we might say, "Pray ers which are to be effectual are prayers that effect results." After all, why bother to pray if nothing is going to happen? There is noth ing quite so disparaging as those who talk eloquently about prayer and who actually do so little of it. Notice. that the intercession is to be by a "righteous man." From
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us. We did it when we were first saved. We know how the words fit together because we pray be fore we eat—but as far as actually praying to the Lord at a consistent, regular, systematic time, we do not know much about it at all. How many of us fail to realize all the promises of God waiting to be bestowed upon us through pray er. "Tremendous power," Philip's says, "is made available through a good man's earnest prayers." The Amplified New Testament has, "The heartfelt continued prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available, dynamic in its working." When we come to Cod, how do we really treat Him in prayer? Do we just sort of brush Him off, mentioning a few person al things that really only center around our own family and indi vidual concerns? The Lord wants to do exceedingly abundantly above, not only what you ask or what you think, but also that which is in accordance with His perfect will. In the original, this verse simply says, "The petition of a righteous man, energized by Cod, availeth much." You see, the power or the effectiveness of our praying, does not depend upon our personal stamina. Rather it is wholly depen dent upon what Cod does for us. It is a great thing to know that when God is going to do some thing wonderful He begins with a difficulty. Think for a moment about those difficult problems you are facing. It maybe problems with people, or money, or your place of employment. Whatever it is, if Cod is going to do something that is impossible, He is going to do some thing extremely wonderful because He is the one who energizes all Page 7
the context of Scriptures here we understand that he must be born again. No man is righteous himself because all have been born sinners into this world. The only righte ousness we can ever possibly ob tain is that which is imputed to us through our Lord Jesus Christ. The second thing about a righteous man is that he is also right with Cod. The Psalmist rightly stated, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." The third thing about a righteous man is not only that he is born again and is right with Cod, but also that he believes Cod is ac tually able to do something about his problem or need. Hebrews 11:6 declares, "He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that dili gently seek Him." You see, our faith in the fact that God can achieve is based upon how effec tual and how fervent our prayers really are. There are a number of reasons for a lack of prayer in our lives. First of all, it may be that we are not in fellowship with the Lord. The second thing that impedes our progress as far as spiritual growth is concerned is that we are too busy with temporal things. We have more responsibilities, it seems, the older we get. We are more tired; we do not have the same energy and stamina; it is just not possible to pray as much as we used to — or so we would excuse ourselves into thinking. A third reason for lack of prayer is that we are per haps ignorant of Cod's promises to answer the petitions. In many homes, God is called upon only in "emergency cases." I am afraid that prayer is a lost art for many of
Dr. Sanders addressing a Torrey Conference seminar on campus last year.
of our prayers as we allow the Holy Spirit to have His way in our lives. Dwight L. Moody has pointed out that it is not the arithmetic of our prayers (how many there are); nor the rhetoric of our prayers (how eloquent they may be); nor the geometry of our prayers (how long they may be); nor the music
of our prayers (how sweet our voice may be); nor the logic of our prayers (how plausible they may sound); nor the method of our prayers (how orderly they may be); nor even the theology of our prayers (how good the doctrine — which Cod especially cares for). In the final analysis, it is the fer vency of spirit. This is the com-
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definite and specific. Elijah asked the Lord for something and Eli jah's prayers were answered. Alex ander Whyte long ago said, "Elijah put all his passion into his praying." I wonder if we do the same? There is a motto which states, "Prayer changes things." While this is true, more than that, prayer also changes the one who does the praying. Do you have some changes that you need to see effected? Then turn to God. For the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much! GOD ANSWERS PRAYER I know not by what methods rare, But this I know, God answers prayer; I know that He has given His Word, Which tells me prayer is always heard, And will be answered, soon or late And so I pray, and calmly wait. I know not if the blessings sought Will come in just the way I thought; But leave my prayers with Him alone, Whose will is wiser than my own, Assured that He will grant my quest, Or send some answer far more blest.
modity which avails much. If God calls for fervency, He is not asking for a mere tipping of the hat in passing. No wonder our children are confused by our lack of con sistency. Our prayers are not to change God but rather that our lives may be changed and conformed to His perfect will. Only in this way can we find the victory and strength we need. St. Augustine rightly asked, "Oh Lord, grant that I may never seek to bend the straight to the crooked, that is, Thy will to mine. But that I may ever bend the crooked to the straight, that is, my will to Thine, that Thy will may be done and Thy kingdom come." Our text in James is immediate ly followed by an example of ef fectual, fervent praying by Elijah. Notice verse 17 tells us that, "He was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven brought forth her fruit." Did you ever stop to think about the fact that prayer is really the greatest weapon any believer could possib ly have? This was certainly found out by Elijah as he came to the realization of what God was wait ing to do in his life on behalf of the wayward Israelites. He knew he would have to defeat the wicked prophets of Baal (see this story re counted in I and II Kings). Keep in mind that it was just as difficult for Elijah to step out on faith then as it is for us now. He had the same experiences of life as we do. One translation says, "Elijah, a man of human frailities just like our own." The prayer Elijah offered was
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PAJNIÉl
Dr. Charles L. Feinberg
Dr. Samuel H. Sutherland
Dr. J. Richard Chase
Discussions
Q. Porterville, Calif. "What is the difference between New Testa ment baptism and John's baptism? Did not the Ethiopian eunuch re ceive the latter?" A. Christian baptism would be a better term for New Testament baptism. In Acts 19 we find that, according to Paul, John baptized with the baptism of repentance. Paul baptized with the Holy Spirit. John's baptism was designated to prepare the people for the arrival of the Saviour who had not yet entered into the time of His earthly ministry. It was only preached to Israel for national conversion that they might receive the Messiah when He came. It certainly was Page 10
valid, however, it is not what we would know today as a Christian baptism. Today, by following this important ordinance we are mak ing attestation of our faith in the finished work of Christ, looking back on what He achieved in our behalf at the cross. It is a testi mony to the world of our reliance only upon Him for our eternal sal vation. Notice the fifth verse of this 19th chapter which tells us that these believers were then "baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus." The authority for Christian baptism is given in Matthew 28: 18-20. The Ethiopian did not re ceive John's baptism (Acts 8:34- 38). Phillip led him to Christ and he was most certainly baptized as a Christian.
Q. Porterville, Calif. "/ have agroup of friends who believe that man was not born in sin. What Scrip tures can I possibly use to refute their teachings?" A. You can use Romans 5:12ff for example. Man has a sinful nature and because of that fact he com mits sins. All types of iniquity in thought and deed are the out growth of his sinful nature (I Corin thians 15:21, 22). All die eventually because all are sinners in Adam who is the federal head of the human race. Evidence is ample that "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). "Heart" refers to man's whole be ing here. David knew this as he wrote under the Holy Spirit's lead ing, "Behold, I was shapen in iniq uity" (Psal m51:5). From the time of conception we are sinners. There is no other way to look at it — mankind is totally depraved! He cannot help but manifest this in outward acts of sin. Q. San Francisco, Calif. "Some where I have heard that they are rebuilding the ancient city of Baby lon and the hanging gardens. Is this information correct?" A. As far as we know, it is not. Someone may have plans in this direction about which we are not aware. There are a number of Bible teachers who would have us be lieve that the ancient city of Baby lon, based on such portions as Jer emiah 51, will be rebuilt, although they do not believe it would have to include the hanging gardens. Q. Garden Grove, Calif. "Why is the tribe of Dan omitted in Revel-
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ation 7:6 and Manasseh mentioned instead?" A. We are not given specific rea son for this. No Scripture definitely states why. Interestingly, in Revel ation 7:7, Levi is included so that the list comes to 12 although he did not have an inheritance in Is rael. The Lord was the inheritance of Levi. They lived from the offer ings that people brought to the temple. One reason for Dan's omittance could possibly be Gen esis 49:17. Jacob's prophecy states that "Dan shall be a serpent by the way.' ' What a picture of this crea ture who somehow impedes prog ress and causes a terrific upset. Apparently it was so vivid in the heart of Jacob that he prayed im mediately, "I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord." Perhaps the ac tions of Dan are related to opposi tion of God's saving grace. Judges 8 also relates that the tribe of Dan was the first of all to go into idol atry. We should observe also that in Ezekiel 47 and 48 the tribes of Judah and Dan are both included in the distribution of land. Q. Walla Walla, Wash. "Could you please explain Psalm 51:11 and John 7:39?" A. Both of these passages refer to the Holy Spirit. In the Psalm David is confessing his sin before the Lord. He asks that the Holy Spirit not be taken from him .The pas sage in John deals with the fact that the Holy Spirit had not yet been given as we know Him today. The reason is that Jesus was not yet glorified following His cruci fixion. These verses should be con sidered from a dispensational point of view. In Old Testament times
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works shall be these precious, last ing substances. Q. Bremerton,Wash. "What do you think of the teaching that every one's name is in the Book of Life (Psalm 69:28; Revelation 3:5, 22:19)? There are people who be lieve that anyone who does not live up to God's requirement of a redeemed saint automatically has his name blotted out." A. The illustrations of the Book of Life go back to a practice in ancient times of having all inhabi tants of a city registered in a book. We have something similar with our telephone book or city direc tory. In Exodus 32:32 we see how Moses had been on Mt. Sinai for a long period of time. The children of Israel despaired of his return and got Aaron to erect the golden calf as an idol for worship. When God informed Moses of what they had done, their leader prayed, "Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin— , and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written." The in terpretation of this was the fact that Moses indicated if God would not forgive the sin of His people, he did not want to live any longer in the world. His being blotted out had nothing to do with his eternal salvation. Psalm 69:28 gives us a similar illustration where the Book of Life is not to be considered as the book of salvation made pos sible through Jesus Christ. This is a prayer speaking of the ungodly, "Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous." Here again the reference is to the cessa- Page 13
the Holy Spirit came upon people for specific tasks and times. Fol lowing our Lord's ascension the Holy Spirit enters into the individ ual believer's life and indwells throughout his life. The true Chris tian today would never pray such as the Psalmist. There would be no need to do so. We should petition, "Keep me in the will of the Holy Spirit. Help me move in the center of Thy directive purpose." As to John 7:39 we should also consider John 16:7 and 13. Since the Holy Spirit's descendance upon the dis ciples at Pentecost He has indwelt all believers. Q. Pueblo, Colo. "Please explain I Corinthians 3:12-14. I am inter ested in knowing what the 'works' are referred to here by Paul." A. The Apostle was reminding the believers that there was far too much carnality in the church at Corinth. There were serious divi sions with various members fol lowing one leader or another. The fact is that there is no foundation which can be laid except Christ Jesus alone. Gold, silver and prec ious stones would not be touched by fire and would endure. Wood, hay and stubble would obviously be immediately consumed. The question might be, "What is the proper motive which will give us as believers a foundation likened to gold, silver and precious stones?" Consider II Corinthians 5:14, "For the love of Christ constraineth us." Anything less in our service, no matter how much hard work and sacrifice there might be, if it is done with a lesser motive than the love of Christ, it simply is not enough. May God grant that our
on the great fundamentals of the faith. We are all one in Christ Jesus if we have accepted Him as our Lord and Saviour. Q. San Diego, Calif. "Could you please explain Isaiah 3:9?" A. Here the prophet is preaching to Israel about its moral disinte gration in Jerusalem. Their doings are against the Lord. The warnings are very definite and pronounced. There is an important principle here. If you are living for the world and its pleasures then the outward appearance testifies against you. This is certainly the way it was in Israel. Their very countenance told the story. They did not hide their sins but were brazen about it. What a shame it was on Israel, favored of God, as they became so openly iniquitous that they did not even try to hide their wickedness. Their day of reckoning was coming even as it will in this country and on this people. Q. Stockton, Calif. "Where will the Church be while the heaven and the earth are being renovated? What about the Jews, the nations and the unsaved and the host of heaven during that time?" A. The Church is going to be taken up with the Lord at the time of the Rapture as the mission of the Bride is completed (John 14:1-3; I Cor inthians 15:50-58; I Thessalonians 4:13-18). We will be in heaven from that time until we come with Christ before He takes up His reign on earth. Even when He does set up His reign, we will have access, not only to earth, but to heaven. The difference is where we will be residentially and potentially. This
tion of life on this earth. Revelation 3:5 refers to those of faith who overcome. We are not to conclude that there is a danger of a true child of God having his name expunged from God's eternal rec ord of promise. When one trusts in Christ he is clothed in white raiment which is symbolic of im puted righteousness through Christ. Revelation 22:19 tells us, "If any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophe cy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Such a person who would do this certainly never trusted Christ in the first place. He may even have his earthly life taken away. The thing to underscore is the fact that once by faith we receive Christ as Saviour our name can never be blotted out of the Lamb's Book of Life. Q. Grand View, Missouri. "Could you please explain why there are so- many denominations, church creeds and doctrines?" A. The reason for the large number of denominations is because there are so many different types of per sonalities. Certain passages of Scripture provide ample oppor tunity for different interpretations. There can be some latitude on issues which do not have a direct bearing on our salvation. We should not conclude that one denomina tion has the absolute truth on every point of interpretation. Here at Biola we have students represent ing more than 30 different de nominations. Yet, there is certainly wonderful fellowship among one another. We are united together
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Yvonne Dumas is a sophomore from San Diego where her father is a Navy Chaplain.
renovation is not the re-making re ferred to in .1 Peter 3 where the heaven and earth will flee away and the elements are burned with a fervent heat. The Jews, who are saved, will be on earth, regathered to the Holy Land. The spirits and souls of the unsaved will be in the keeping of God in what is known as Hades (their bodies, of course, are in the grave). They will be awaiting the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-17). The host of heaven, the angels, will be where they have been before, with access to heaven and earth. Q. Kansas City, Kansas. "When a minister is called to a church, is it right that he recommend a specific salary?" A. We cannot go to Scripture and find a specific reference for this practical question. Paul was an in dividual who felt that the minister or pastor-teacher had a right to support although he did not avail himself of that right. Ideally, it would be best if the pastor did not demand or set a specific salary. Practically, however, there are some churches that assume God will make up the difference apart from what the church provides. The local church should consider carefully the present and future needs of the pastor, giving him a realistic salary, so that he will not be put in the position of having to ask for a specific sum in order that he might carry on the work that God has given him in that particular area. Q. Kansas City, Kansas. "Does one have to be employed to be a tither or rather should housewives tithe
out of what their husbands give them?" A. You must have an income in order to tithe (a tenth of whatever you earn). Every single penny that the husband makes belongs to the wife as well. The best way is to sit down together at the beginning and decide how much the Lord has enabled them to give back to Himself. In the case of the unsaved husband, do not go contrary to his will. When needs of the family are cared for, whatever you can give above ten percent, of course, is for each family to decide. Q. Kansas City, Kansas. "Does the Bible forbid women from speaking out in church business meetings?" A. Notice first I Corinthian 14:34, 35. The word "church" here refers to the assembly of people for wor ship, for the study of the Word or for the conducting of any of the business which would pertain to that group. Here they are coun selled to keep silent. Keep in mind the situation at Corinth. There were problems and arguments among members and even between hus bands and wives. Paul is insistent that the wise approach to all order is that which flows from the Lord to the man, to the wife and to the children. This is the pattern to be followed. Another verse on this subject is Genesis 3:16 which is God's statement that the husband shall rule over the wife. There is a role, indeed, for wo men to play in the church in various ministries. I believe that women are taking the leadership role in the church because men have ac tually forsaken their role in study ing the Word of God and being the spiritual leader in the home.
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The following questions were answered by a special November Panel with Norman Wright, Assistant Professor of Christian Education, Talbot Seminary and Vern Lewis, Associate Professor of Psychology at Biola.
Frequently, the problem can be a lack of forgiveness, even bitter ness, in the life. At the root of it all is a basic aspect of selfishness. Thinking only of that which will satisfy the individual rather than being concerned about others is dangerous. It is difficult to give categorical
Q. Anaheim, Calif. "After nine years of marriage, there is no love left in our home. Is it better for the children if we try to keep going or if we part?" A. Frequently people will com ment, "I just do not love my mate anymore." It may be that they feel an emotional feeling is lacking.
Dr. Vern Lewis in a psychology course lecture at Biola.
answers to the questions without knowing all that is involved. Gen erally speaking, it would be better for both the children and the par ents to really make a complete, new effort to solve their difficul ties through the power of the Lord. To the inquirer we would ask, "Have you tried to act in a more loving way toward your mate? Have you sought help from your pastor or a Christian marriage counselor? Have you tried to pray about it to gether?" The Christian should be able to love without expectation of return. In our relationships, espe cially in our home, do we love unconditionally? This is the key to most situations. Then, too, just be cause two people feel they do not love one another does not mean that love has to be gone for the children. This alone is good reason to keep your marriage together. Q. Burbank, Calif. "/ do fine in my Christian life until problems and difficulties arise. What can I do to gain victory over these things?" A. We all know that problems and difficulties are often a part of the Christian life (II Corinthians 4:9). While "we are troubled on every side," yet there is victory through Jesus Christ. We must remember that the Lord did not promise to deliver us out of our trials, but He did say that He would keep us in our times of hardship. We can move through these times with a peace in our life with such a view point. Many of the Psalms, such as 34, 37 and 73, can be extremely helpful. Q. Palm Springs, Calif. "I am a Christian, yet I go through times Page 18
of depression. Is this a sin? Is there a solution?" A. The sense of depression has a very limiting effect on a person. It takes away all of one's energies and drives. Many Christians feel guilty if they become depressed. This is not valid since there are types of depression that are physi cal in nature. They can be caused by a chemical imbalance in the system. When we are tired, lacking adequate sleep, proper exercise, or a decent diet, discouragement can easily follow.
The discussion method in teaching is a popular learning concept and used to a great extent on the graduate level. Mr. Wright is leading just such an
informal session at Talbot Seminary. The seventh chapter of Romans shows us the spiritual autobiog raphy of a discouraged soul. In fail ures and frustrations, Paul finally realized that he was not under condemnation. We need to walk in the Spirit daily, knowing that Cod wants to give us deliverance over such problems. The world moves farther and farther away from godliness, bringing upon us pressures, frustrations and depres sion. The world is not our home.
We are just pilgrims passing through on our way to heaven. We are out of our element. There is often a root of bitterness in our lives which can cause these unfor tunate feelings. It is impossible again to be specific in any area, not knowing all of the circum stances involved. If you have seri ous problems in this area talk to your pastor or a Christian coun selor who perhaps can be helpful in aiding you to overcome your problems. Page 19
his brother to report, "We have found the Messiah." As a result, he brought him to Jesus. The Saviour immediately announced, "Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by in terpretation, a stone." This was the beginning of Peter's spiritual life. By the way, Andrew's activity should remind us that, as Chris tians, we should make it our busi ness to bring people to Jesus. Peter was so startled with his first encounter with the Lord that he could not say a word. He had been just an ordinary sinner, living according to the desires of his car nal nature when the Lord changed his name. Perhaps he never real-
In the study of personalities found in the New Testament, one cannot overlook Simon Peter. There is great spiritual benefit to be found in studying his life and then drawing some practical par allels for our own lives. His life can be divided into four sections: Simon Peter from the banks of Jordan to the mountain of spiritual blessing; Simon Peter from his de nial of the Lord with oaths and curses; Simon Peter at the cross; and Simon Peter after Pentecost. A STONE John, chapter one, gives us the account of how Andrew first came to Christ and then went out to find
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self over wholly to the Lord. Going over now to the moun tain-top experience Peter had, re recorded in Matthew 16:13ff, we find Christ asking him, "Whom do men say that I, the Son of man, am?" The other disciples told Christ some of the nice things that were being said about Him. The Lord, however, did not want to hear what the comments of the crowd were. Peter gave this personal testimony, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." The Saviour re sponded, "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Dr. Andrew Telford is an evangelist from Boca Raton, Florida. Page 21
ized he could be much more than a faltering man, not realizing the tremendous purpose God had for him. Maybe you have felt the same way about yourself. I have heard some Christians say, "Well, I just cannot help my temper — my mother had it, my grandfather had it, and you cannot expect anything else from me!" There are many who have something about their personality or situation over which they feel they can never gain the overcoming victory. Like Peter, they may think they will never be able to rise above their own cir cumstances. The good news is that the grace of God can change any person who is willing to turn him
Father which is in heaven." His understanding was a divine revel ation of God's truth. As a result the promise came, "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." What a tremendous mountain-top expe rience! Peter's soul had been op ened to the divine revelation. The Lord then begins to teach His disciples, giving them a better understanding of His mission and ministry in this world. This sug gests to us that God will never give us further truth until we come to understand clearly commence ment truth as to who He really is. How far have you gone in the un derstanding of truth? The Lord waits to lead each of us further on when we come step by step along the way. Such truth can give us the assurance of our salvation through the finished work of Christ on our behalf. In Hebrews, the sad commen tary on those believers was that they never went beyond the milk of the Word when God wanted to impart spiritual meat to them (He brews 5:11-14). May God help us to have our souls exercised in the understanding of divine truth so that the Lord will be able to lead us on into fuller truths to bless our souls. Are we just milk drinkers or are we meat eaters? AN IMPETUOUS DISCIPLE In the early life of the Apostle Peter he was privileged to learn truths directly from Christ which he had never heard before. Re corded in Mark 8:31 is the fact that Jesus "began to teach them" truths that He had never taught them be fore. The startling word He gave Page 22
was "that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again." Here is the first message He gives them about the cross. Notice that in the same breath in which He talks about His crucifixion, He also mentions His resurrection. Easter Sunday is not very far from Good Friday. He will never mention His death on the cross from now until He is on it, without placing right by it the record of His resurrec tion. What a blessed truth that is to keep in mind. Because of this word, however, Peter begins to rebuke Him. This marks the point where this, rather impetuous disciple begins to back slide. How strange it is to realize that Peter begins to backslide un der the teaching and preaching ministry of the Lord Himself. The question is, "What do you do with divine truth when it is given?" You will either become bitter or better; rebellious or righteous. One's per sonal attitude is the determining factor. Will you live in the joy of His message, sharing in the power of it? Will it again, as it has in the past, just go out the other ear? Are you simply a "hearer" and not a "doer"? What we need to do is open our hearts to the Word of God, allowing it to enter and to act upon our lives in full force of pow er and conviction. Only in this way will we be obedient to the Lord's will. The basic difficulty is that as evangelicals we know a lot of truth but do we obey the truth we know? As a young boy I can remember an interesting and decorative sta
absolutely nothing. In actuality, I have gained everything! I may have missed some things in my old life but the dropping off of them was like losing a toothache — it feels good when it is gone! My sins were gone and buried in the depths of the deepest sea. It is well to consider the trans figuration experience Peter had, given to us in Mark 9, where he told the Lord, "Master, it is good for us to be here." He loved to be on the mountain-top. Jesus gave to Simon Peter a foretaste of the coming kingdom. He liked this situation much better than the Lord's earlier discourse about the cross and all the impending dif ficulties to be faced. Is he not a lot like we are? It is truly a trans figuration experience when Jesus Christ lays hold upon our lives. But there are the trials and tribu lations of life which we must also face. Peter's first reaction was, "Let us make three places of worship. There can be one for Moses, one for Elijah, and one for You, Lord." What we have here, 1 believe, is the birthplace of comparative re ligions. God instead says, "This is my beloved Son: hear Him." Peter had a blurred vision of Jesus Christ. How we need to keep the Saviour pure before our minds and hearts. We should love and adore Him, living so that the Spirit of God can make Him real to our souls and enrich our lives to the ultimate blessing of others. A SLEEPY DISCIPLE There is a great danger when we allow broken fellowship with the Lord to go unchecked in our lives. The first evidence we have seen Page 23
tue in the watering trough the city had for horses. It was an iron dog which had so been designed that water flowed out of its mouth into the pool below. I have often thought of that dog since I have been a Christian. How many bar rels and tons of water poured over that little dog's tongue and yet it never tasted a drop of it. The sin of our day is trafficking in unreal ized and unfelt truth. If we hear the Word of Cod we had better allow the Holy Spirit to apply it to our souls. If we do not we will follow Peter's footsteps in back sliding. It does not take one a long pe riod of time to backslide. Two hours earlier Peter had been on the mountain-top of spiritual de light. Now he finds himself on the road to defeat. Backsliding begins on the inside before it is manifest on the outside. This we see in Mark 8:32 where it tells us that "Peter took Him, and began to re buke Him." The Lord rebuked Pet er by saying, "Get thee behind me Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of Cod, but the things that be of men." The Lord then gathered the group around Him and explained, "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it, but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it." Mark it well that no one who followed such a divine prescrip tion ever came out the loser. Full surrender means eternal gain! Many years ago, on my knees before Cod, I told the Lord Jesus I was putting my trust in Him, claim ing Him as my Saviour. I have lost
Don Anderson is Director of Pine Cove Conference in Tyler, Texas, and recently was on campus as featured speaker for Spiritual Emphasis Week.
that Peter is backsliding on the in side is manifested outwardly in a blurred vision of Christ. He did not seem to realize that the way of the cross is the way to the crown. In Mark 14:26ff we find that the disciples sang a hymn and went out into the Mount of Olives. The Lord told them frankly, "All ye shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee." (Notice again how the cross is coupled with the resurrec tion.) This displeased Peter as he vowed, "Although all shall be of fended, yet will not I." This is another evidence of his backslid ing as he utters such boastful pride (vs. 29). He seemed to be brag ging about his pride! The rest of the disciples were not spiritual enough. They were followers but not as good as he was. Pride, quite frankly, is the damn ing sin of the hour in which we live. Sinners are too proud to go to church and saints are too proud to go to prayer meetings. No one wants to admit that he needs God's help. To those who know the Lord, spiritual pride is the worst form of pride there is. May God deliver us from it! As the Lord went further into the garden to pray, He returned only to find Peter asleep. There are three times he slept recorded in the New Testament. He slept in the presence of glory on the Mount of Transfiguration (his eyes were heavy). He slept in the pres ence of agony (in the garden). He slept in the presence of gloom while in prison (Acts 12). What was the matter here in the garden? Page 25
the Lord does not accomplish much. Doubtless Peter felt con victed as the Lord spoke to him. So we need to be careful and kind in all we do, making certain that our efforts are for the glory of Cod and the blessing of others. AN ANGRY DISCIPLE We can learn a great deal by care fully observing the spiritual down fall of Simon Peter as recorded in the gospels. When the Lord was betrayed in the garden, and led away, this impetuous disciple, now in a backslidden state, followed the scene “afar off." He wanted to see what was going on but he did not want to get involved. He was like some Christians who come to church late and leave early. There was no real desire for commit ment. There was a dear lady in one of my churches who gave me a clip ping many years ago which I still have. There was a big, old tree sketched on it with limbs all branching out. The leaves were all off the tree and sitting up in the tree were different birds. Over yonder, on one side, was a crow, on the other a robin, with other fowl including a hawk, a night owl, a sparrow and many others. Across the bottom of the page each bird had a number with the descrip tion, "There are the birds that are up the 'miffed tree' in our church." The crow represented the chair man of the deacon board who had gotten mad at the last board meet ing. The bird's head was hanging down. The song sparrow was num ber two and represented the choir director. He was all upset because the previous week the preacher had changed two of the musical
Peter was asleep when he should have been praying. His life of in tercession was blighted. Perhaps he foolishly felt he could sleep since he was so “spiritual." Maybe this is why so many Christians do not go to church and prayer meet ing. There are not any substitutes for private praying nor for assem bling with other believers of like precious faith. Friend, if you- are losing out in the area of prayer, you are losing out everywhere. This is another evidence that Si mon Peter was backsliding on the inside. Later, when Christ was betrayed in the garden, Scripture says that Peter drew a sword and smote a servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Another evidence of his backsliding is this blind zeal. He was trying to defend Christ, showing his love. The rest had all left the Lord. We have to give Peter credit for this. The last miracle Jesus performed was because of Peter's backslidden condition. He restored the servant's ear. The balance wheel of prayer, the governor in Peter's life ordin arily controlling him, was gone. He went on a rampage trying to prove to Christ that he loved Him by his actions. This never will work. You do not love this way but by unbroken fellowship with Him. Outward service can never make up for an inward loss of pri vate devotion. Service does not take the place of prayer. It was not necessary for Peter to draw his sword. It was really an unwise and unreasonable act. Un fortunately, we do so many good things so poorly. Peter really aimed to cut off the head of that man and missed miserably. Such service for
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ually does. You will lose your tes timony when you lose your temper. Broken-hearted, Peter had de nied his Lord with oaths and curses. The enemy of his soul had battered and buffeted him until he became defeated by sin. It was a result of disobedience in his own life. Do not allow your life to go the way of Simon Peter as it was at this point of his life. The weakest per son in any place is not a bold in fidel but rather a Christian who is out of fellowship with God. May the Lord spare us from the spiritual downfall of this man. Our only protection is through obedience to the Word of God! A COMPROMISING DISCIPLE It is always sad to see a good man in a bad place. This can never bring honor or glory to the Lord. In the denial of the Lord by Peter (Matthew 26:69-71), he was not in the tight place. Peter's life is one of contrasts. Sometimes he is hot and other times he is cold. Some times he is fervent and other times he is flailing. Sometimes he is on the mountain-top of triumph and other times in the valley of tor ment and defeat. Sometimes he is at the place of victory and other times he is vascillating. Sometimes he is near the Lord and other times he is following afar off. Peter denied Christ three times and in three ways. The first denial came by where he was. What was he doing there? He denied the Lord by being in company with the enemies of Jesus Christ. He was not there to witness. He had the wrong associates. The same is true today with many Christians. David rightly testified, "Blessed is the man who sitteth not in the Page 27
selections. The third was the chair man of the ladies' aid who had not gotten her way. It is quite amusing to see the "miffed tree" and how true some of these evaluations are. Simon Peter was up the "miffed tree." He was just plain mad. He had been rebuked kindly by the Lord for trying to defend the Sav iour. The crestfallen disciple was unhappy because of this necessary criticism. Jesus did not seem to appreciate him. He did not want to be exhorted. I wonder, can we stand being exhorted by another believer when we are wrong? This is further proof that Peter has backslidden on the inside. The Bible reminds us, "Exhort one another while it is yet day, lest any be hardened through the de ceitfulness of sin." We read a later account of how Peter was able to face exhortation. After Pentecost he was doing some thing that was wrong. Paul says, "I withstood Peter to the face be cause he was to be blamed." Child of Cod, could you stand to be ex horted if you are not walking up rightly according to the truth of thè Gospel? I am afraid that we do not follow the doctrine of exhortation in these days. Peter's attitude to ward exhortation was indeed changed after the resurrection and Pentecost! You know the story of how Pet er, after the apprehension of the Lord, swore that he did not know the Lord at all. The little maid felt sure he had to be connected with Jesus based on his speech. Peter blew up and lost his temper at this thought. Certainly he was not right with God at this point! What a time for Satan to move in and take over. Anything can happen and us
careful what your hands do and what your ears listen to. Set awatch over your mouth that you will say nothing displeasing to God. Re member, you have been born again. And if you are not saved, you ought to open the door of your heart and let Christ come in. He wants to have His way in your heart. Let Jesus guide until all the hardships of life are over and you are landed safely on Canaan's fair shore. Make sure all you do pleases the Lord and God will bless you for it. A RESTORED DISCIPLE We have learned from the life of Simon Peter that disobedience leads to downfall. When he was down and out, following his denial of the Lord, did Jesus care about the problem? Oh yes, He knew, just as He is concerned about our spiritual need today. If you are away from God today I want you to know that the Saviour cares for you. No amount of sin, failure, backsliding or cold-heartedness will hold back the tidal waves of God's infinite love to meet your need moment by moment. Let us consider Peter's restora tion. Jesus had already told him, "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen the breth ren" (Luke 22:31, 32). We need to realize as believers that it is Satan's desire to have us fail. As with Pet er, he wants to sift us as wheat. He will do all in his power to detract us from the truth. The Saviour to day is in the Father's presence where He is interceding on our behalf (I John 2:1, 2). The passage referred to in Luke was a promise by the Lord to Peter before he ever needed it. You see, the Lord
council of the ungodly, nor stand- eth in the way of sinners, nor sit- teth in the seat of the scornful." In the midst of the enemies of Christ is a poor place for a weak saint to be. Next we note that he was sit ting. It was bad enough to be amongst these people much less to be so ensconsed. He had no intentions to leave this place. He was in a very compromising posi tion. He was in the palace and then he moved out on the porch. Let me suggest to you who might be considering a move from one area to another. Make sure you take your new residence near a good, evangelical church. Peter got farther away from his Master. Peter was trying to warm himself by the enemy's fire (John 18:18). His face got heated there but there was no warmth in his heart. Then Peter denied his Lord by what he said. What an unexpected admission to say, "I know not the man." Earlier his testimony had been, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living Cod." Be careful lest you do exactly the same thing. It may not be with so many words, but perhaps by your actions. Peter denied the Lord by what he said. Will you be careful about your tongue? Imagine cursing oaths pro ceeding out of Peter's mouth! His voice was disgraceful. No one ex pected it. Someone has well re minded us, "Think twice before you speak once." See Peter flare up and display his ungodly temper. We need to ask for grace to over come our potentially explosive at titudes. Peter was basically a good man in a bad place. We, too, must be careful where our feet lead us. Be Page 28
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