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J U L Y , 1963 C O N T E N T S TONGUES UNDER THE LENS
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COVER: Pictured on this month's cov er are a few of the Biola College sen iors who are bound for the mission fields of the world. From left to right they are Daniel Doyle— Peru, Dorothy Pattison— Thailand, Richard Gerry— Missionary Aviation Fellowship, Ed ward Martin— Open Air Campaigners in France, Linda Howard — Biota School of Missionary Medicine, Don McDougall— Africa, David Morrow— Africa. S T A F F President .— .......___S. H. Sutherland Editor------- ---------- ------ Al Sanders Production __ .„.„...Virginia Schwepker Printing .............. ...„.Church Press Published monthly by the Radio Dept. BIBLE INSTITUTE OF LOS ANGELES 558 S. Hope St., Los Angeles 17, Cal. Controlled circulation postage paid at Los Angeles, California.
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SPECIAL JUNE RADIO SERIES
UNDER THE LENS OF GOD’S WORD
by Dr. Ralph L. Keiper Director of Research, Evangelical Foundation, Philadelphia
T hroughout the entire country there has been a resurgence of interest in the subject of speaking in tongues. This has been true in many denomin ations as well as in traditional Pente- costalism. Articles appear not only in religious magazines, but also in the secular press. It is well to go to the basis of the reason why people are in terested in speaking in tongues. In so doing, we find that there are four great motives underlying the present move ment. First of all, there seems to be a gen uine search for a deeper Christian life. People have heard the Gospel and many have professed to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their own personal Saviour. Now, however, they are interested in the question, “Is there anything more than salvation?” This is a very valid thought. Many times, in our evangel istic presentations, the idea is given that when a person gives his heart to Christ, or when he is bom again, or when he accepts Jesus as Saviour, he then has received everything the Gos
pel has to offer. Many people have the idea that the main thrust of the Gos pel is to be delivered from hell and to go to heaven. Consequently, there is a desire to find something which will meet human needs in this present life. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself has said, “I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Although they may not realize it fully, many people are seeking this abundant life. Their method may be wrong but their spirit certainly is right. There is more to the Gospel than merely going to heaven and being saved from hell. The Lord Jesus Christ died on Calvary’s cross not only to be our Saviour in the hereafter, but also to be our Saviour here and now. Many churches, known for formalism, have had a movement of speaking in tongues. This is true, as an example, in the F.piscopal church. Where ritual and ceremony take an important part of the service, there is a tendency to suppress the emo- (continued on next page) 3
from the Spirit of God, great difficul ties will result. Emphasizing the Spirit of God apart from the Word of God means fanaticism. Emphasizing the Word of God above the Spirit of God brings a cold dead orthodoxy or legal ism. Many who have been the victims of the latter have felt that tongues is “a way out” into a deeper life. In the fourth place, among evan gelicals, there has been a lot of fight ing. We have wrangled and tangled with one another on many of the min ute doctrines; we have majored on the minor. In order to escape the weari ness of this needless battle, many are finding refuge in the tongues move ment. These are the four leading mo tives, I believe, which have become a part of the growth of tongues. There are two possible authorities for such a discussion. We must either use the authority of the Word of God, or the authority of human experience. It is hazardous to support experience by Scripture for by personal interpre tation, almost any idea can gain sup port. The needed approach is to follow the Word of God and make sure that any event or circumstance of life is in accord with the light of God’s Holy Writ. Usually, testimonies by those who have been a part of the tongues movement have been extremely weak doctrinally. Their authority has been a “supernatural” experience. I would be the first to admit that they have had an experience. But is this the New Testament truth? We need, and we must pray, that the Holy Spirit will lead us in the teaching of God’s Holy Word. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). “The Holy Ghost . . . shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance” (John 14:26).
Tongues (continued) tional aspect. There are many people within formal churches who become emotionally starved. Speaking in tongues offers an opportunity for re lease and expression. Secondly, those in the collegiate world have been a part of the move ment. They have gone to colleges and universities where the Bible has been exploded in their faces; they have been taught that it is not the Word of God. So their hearts have been left empty HITHERTO THE LORD HATH BLESSED US When our soul is much discouraged By the roughness of the way; And the cross we have to carry Grows still heavier day by day; When some cloud that overshadows Hides our Father's face from view, Oh, 'tis then to remember. He has blessed us "hitherto." Looking back the long year over, What a varied path— and yet All the way His hand has led us, Past each hindrance we have met; Giv'n to us the pleasant places. Cheered us all the journey through. Passing through the deepest waters, He has blessed us "hitherto." Surely then our souls should trust Him, Tho' the clouds be dark o'erhead; We've a friend that draweth closer When our other friends have fled; When our pilgrimage is over, And the gates we're sweeping thro'. We shall see with clearer vision How He's blessed us "hitherto." and hearts cannot stand a vacuum. Thus, the emotional experience of speaking in tongues has given them the idea that what they cannot find in the intellectual world is attainable in the emotional religious world. In the third place, as far as the evangelical groups are concerned, there are several reasons why the movement of tongues has gained such an impe tus. God warns in His Word that when ever we separate the Word of God
DR. RALPH L. KEIPER will be featured for Biola at
Mount Hermon, Calif. AUGUST 11 and 12
4
MESSAGE TWO IN THE SPECIAL RADIO SERIES
Sharpening the
Focus on the
Tongues Question
by Dr. Ralph L. Keiper
I n a study of the modem movement of tongues, there is a need to un derstand thoroughly what it was that the Holy Spirit did on the day of Pente cost. Behind this, too, is a need to know why the Holy Spirit used tongues on that famous day of the church. The study is found in Acts 2:1-21. In verse four the expression “other tongues” is very interesting. There is the word which means another of identity. For example, if I have a 'Bible in my hand and ask for “another Book,” I mean I want another copy of the Scriptures like the one I already have. If I ask for a book of another type, it would be entirely different. This second word the Holy Spirit uses indicates that the disciples were to speak in a tongue dif ferent from the one to which they were accustomed. In verse five we read, “And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men out of every nation under heaven.” From verses six to eleven we discover the tongues in which the apostles spoke were national languages. “Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded [confused] be cause that every man heard them speak in his own language” (v. 6). The word language in the original Greek is in teresting. It is dialektos, which gives us our English word “dialect.” Con
tinuing, “And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were bom?” (w . 7, 8). The Holy Spirit sharpens up the definition of the word tongue. First, a general word is em ployed; now it comes into focus as a national tongue, or, as we might say, a native tongue. From the word tongue in Greek comes our word glossary. A glossary is a list of words and their meanings (generally technical terms describing the words used in various fields of endeavor). Therefore, glossary might include how y o u “tongue” words, as well as the context of their meaning. So, these were both dialects and native tongues, the language with which the people were bom. All of the areas mentioned embodied important geographical units around the city of Jerusalem extending as far as Egypt and Rome. It involved the entire Medi terranean world. The Holy Spirit gave the ability to speak in tongues not that the disciples might show how spiritual they were, or indicate their deeper spiritual life, but rather it was a gift for a missionary effort. Those who list ened were to be able to understand, (continued on next page) 5
Tongues (continued) in their own language, the wonderful works of God. Living in Philadelphia, I frequent ly make trips to New York. Natural ly, I have been to the United Na tions on a number of occasions. Each seat in the assembly room has an ear phone connected to the control center and various translation booths. We took some of our Norwegian rela tives there to see what transpired. Dial ing their earphones, they could hear by multiple translation, the language of the speaker, regardless of the lan guage in which it was originally giv en. On the Day of Pentecost, instead of using the modem equipment of elec tronics, the Holy Spirit performed the work and through the disciples was able to impart, in these many lan guages, the wonderful words of the Gospel. Many in the group didn’t be lieve their ears and couldn’t under stand" how such a miracle could take place. Some of them tried to explain it by saying, “These men are full of new wine” (verse 13). Peter’s answer, in o u r modem terminology was, “Brethren, these men are not drunken. This is not a result of new wine; this is the work of the Holy Spirit. Further more, you know that the drinking plac es aren’t open yet. It’s only 9 o’clock in the morning.” So, God’s Word is clear. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit did give the apostles the ability to speak in other tongues. The?e tongues, however, were not an aesthetic language, unknown tongues from heav en, but were national, geographical, which could be understood from peo ple of those areas. As a basic founda tion, we must thoroughly grasp the reason for the original gift, and the purpose of their application. EVERYONE HAS A WILL (Either the one you make before you die or one that the courts and laws prescribe if you have not wisely pre pared one.) Write for free will books STEWARDSHIP DEPARTMENT Biola, 13800 Biola Are., La Mirada, California
CONFERENCE SOLOIST
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Soprano soloist Joyce Landorf will be fea tured as special musician during Biola*s two fam ily Bible Conferences this August: li-17 at Mount Hermon, California, and 18-25 at the Firs Bible and Missionary Conference, Bellingham, Washington. NEW BROADCAST RELEASE
Mr. Eugene Poole (left), Biola Field Rep resentative, goes over coverage may of KCJH, covering San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria Counties, with manager Mr. Les Hacker. The Biola Hour is released each day at 9:00 A.M. and the station is located at 1280 on the dial. 6
F or the basis of our study today we look to the Word of God in First Corinthians, 12th chapter. From this portion of Scripture, the Apostle Paul speaks of the church as the body of Christ. Each believer, of course, is a member of that body. We also find in this chapter how the church is to func tion, the various ministries, how the ministries are to be organized, and what the purpose of each is to be. “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are dif ferences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all” (I Cor. 12:4- 7). Here the outward operation and the inward essence of the church are brought to light. The inward essence has to do with our faith and belief. The outward expression has to do with the operation or the administration of the church. As to our faith, we believe in one Spirit, one Lord, and one God. The Spirit of God makes possible the new birth and brings us eternal life. The Lord Jesus Christ makes salvation pos sible since He died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. In all of these things there is to be complete unity. As to the administration of the
church, one may do it in one way, an other in a different manner. In such things we can differ. The important thing in Christian experience is in recognizing the leadership of the Holy Spirit, the deity and Saviourhood of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the sovereignty of God the Father. Verses 8 through 11 reveal how God, through His Spirit, has ordained vari ous gifts for the church. Among these there is the gift of tongues. But in understanding this gift, let us see that it is given by the Holy Spirit, and that it is not given as a sign of spiritual growth or blessing. It was given to carry out a given ministry as a mis sionary gift. Although there are seven or eight gifts listed in this portion of Scripture, not every believer is to possess them all. All the gifts are given to the church, but not all the gifts are given to every believer (v. 8). These gifts are distributed to all so that not all possess the same gifts. Understanding this, we see immediately that those who claim that everyone should possess the gift of tongues, are in error. Paul indicates in another portion that the gift of tongues is not even the best gift. Our next study will reveal that. (continued on next page) 7
not an indication of one’s being bap tized by the Spirit of God. The bap tism makes possible the new birth or regeneration. By this baptism we be come members of the body of Christ, joined to our Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. So, from this chapter we see that not every one is to possess all of the gifts, and that the gift of tongues is not an evidence of a deeper Christian life, or of being filled with the Holy Spirit. This is emphasized by Paul, “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of heal ing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way” (w . 27-31). The question naturally follows, “What is the more excellent way and the evi dence of spiritual growth?” Listen to the Apostle, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sound ing brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove moun tains, and have not charity, I am noth ing” (I Cor. 13:1, 2). If you want the marks of a deeper spiritual life, if you want an indication that you are filled with the Spirit of God; exhibit the first fruit of the Spirit which is love. Galatians 5:22 points out the marks of a spiritual life. Growth in grace is none other than having produced in our lives the fruit of the Holy Spirit rather than speaking in tongues. We need to have impressed on our hearts that this was a missionary gift that the Gospel might go forth in mighty power. We need to experience the spir itual marks of growing in grace, of the deeper Christian life, through the true fruits of the Spirit. 8
The Best Gift (continued) Looking further at this portion of Scripture, “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will” (v. 11). You see, the Holy Spirit makes possible the giving of the gifts. It is not necessary to pray for the gifts, nor is it required that we wait for them. As a part of our blessed salvation, the Holy Spirit gives them to us. YOU CAN TELL WHAT YOU ARE You tell what you are by the friends you seek. By the very manner in which you speak, By the way you employ your leisure time, By the use you make of dollar and dime. You tell what you are by the things you wear By the spirit in which your burdens bear. By the kind of things at which you laugh, By the records you play on the phonograph. You tell what you are by the way you walk; By the things of which you delight and talk. By the manner in which you bear defeat, By so simple a thing as how you eat. By the books you choOse from the well-filled shelf; In these ways and more, you tell on yourself. So there's really na particle of sense In any effort at a false pretense. There is something else of real in terest as we read, “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, be ing many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one 'body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (w . 12, 13). Paul points out that these gifts are
Part Four of the Special Series on Tongues
I N THE FOURTEENTH CHAPTER of First Corinthians the use of the various gifts of the Holy Spirit are explained by the Apostle Paul. There must be a proper use of what God gives to each believer. To begin, however, we
are told which of the gifts is the most important. and most beneficial to the church. If it were to be tongues, Paul would certainly express that clearly. Actually, however, it is the gift of (continued on next page)
unbeliever not the believer. It is for a missionary purpose — not as a sign of spiritual growth. “In the law it is written, With men of other tongues LAID ON THE ALTER Laid on Thine altar, O my Lord di vine. Accept my gift this day, for Jesus' sake, I have no jewels to adorn Thy shrine, Nor any world-famed sacrifice to make. But here I bring within my trembling hands, This will of mine, a thing that seemeth small, Yet Thou alone, O Lord, canst under stand How, when I yield Thee this, I yield mine all. Hidden therein, Thy searching gaze can see Struggles of passion, visions of de light. All that I have, or am, or fain would be, Deep loves, fond hopes, and long ings infinite; It hath been wet with tears, and dimmed with sighs, Clinched in my grasp, till beauty hath it none; Now from Thy footstool, where it vanquished lies. The prayer ascendeth, "M a y Thy will be done." Take it, O Father, ere my courage fail, And merge it so into Thine own will, that e'en If in some desperate hour my cries prevail. And Thou give back my gift, it may have been So changed, so purified, so fairer grown, So one with Thee, so filled with love divine, I may not know or feel it as my own But gaining back my will, may find it Thine. and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Where fore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe
Tongues (continued) prophecy. This is defined for us in the first verse: “Follow after charity (love) and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.” The Christian is not to become a victim of the flesh, but is to seek that which is spiritual. This warning of the Apostle is most strategic. To further emphasize the importance of the primary gift, “I would that you all spoke with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying” (v. 5). Paul in effect declares to the Corin thian church: “If you all spoke with tongues, it would be wonderful. But you don’t. Now, if I were to choose a gift for you, instead of choosing tongues, I would choose the gift of prophecy. The reason is very simple. When you speak for God men can understand and be blessed.” Verses 2 to 4 lend even greater focus to this. Something else needs to be pointed out clearly. The word “unknown” in this chapter means that it does not occur in the original text. Since the translators of the Authorized Version were not certain as to the nature of the word, unknown was inserted. I be lieve this was a real error. When I speak to you over the air, I do so in English. If I should use French, Ger man or Greek, it would be of little value, except to the possible few who understand one of these languages. With English I am able to exhort you to a better life, to comfort you in a time of disappointment, or to help you to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is brought out in verse four, “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifi- eth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.” So, if you choose a gift, select prophecy, whereby you could teach, exhort and comfort the church. A point that many of the “tongues” people miss is explained in verses 21 and 22, where Paul points that speak ing in an unknown language is for the
not.” This indicates strongly that the tongues of I Corinthians 12, 14 and Acts 2 are geographical, national, na tive dialects. The reason for them is that people who have not heard the Gospel may understand God’s message of grace in their own language. “If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbeliev ers, will they not say that ye are mad?” (v. 23). You can imagine what it would sound like if everyone spoke in tongues all at once. This is not the work of the Holy Spirit for two reasons.
SAN DIEGO ON THE A IR
Mr. Phil Butler, manager of KBBW. Biota's Radio Voice in San Diego, shows some of the equipment for broadcasting now IS hours each day. done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret” (I Cor. 14:26, 27). Paul does not deny the possibility that the Holy Spirit gave some believers an ability to speak in tongues. He emphatically states, however, that there is always to be an interpreter, and if none is present, the person is to keep silent. It would be meaningless for any congregation to listen to something they could not un derstand. It has been my experience that in meetings where tongues have been spoken, the people are agitated, excited, and extremely nervous. They seem to lose control of themselves. In the l i g h t s the Word of God this is absolutely contrary to the ministry of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit never does anything uselessly, nor does He ever do anything for our spiritual amuse ment. There is always some useful end and purpose. This is what we need to keep firmly in our minds. In the light of these verses, we see that the tongues of today are radically different from that of which the Apostle speaks. As we seek a deeper Christian life, let us not be led astray by experiences of men apart from the teachings of the Word of God. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God” (I John 4:1). 11
TAKE TIME WITH JESUS There's so much pain and sorrow, Grief and toil and care; That I couldn't bear my burdens. If I couldn't leave them there. But since I know He loves me, He will ne'er let go my hands, I pray, and rest beneath His cross, For I know He understands. As I rise to make my way— To paths as yet unknown, I feel His "Benediction" Since I've knelt at His Throne. M y tears somehow have vanished, And instead I try to smile, For I take time with Jesus; Daily rest in Him awhile.
The blessed Third Person always does everything decently and in order. Sec ondly, the Spirit never has us do those things which are irrational. The more I read the Word of God, the more I am impressed that spirituality and sanity go hand in hand. Prophecy edifies the believers and brings salvation to those whp know not the Lord Jesus. This is in complete harmony with what Paul says in Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Paul now propounds an important question, “How is it then, brethren? When ye come together, everyone of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be
FIRE FROM THE ALTAR Customs of the ancient world are interesting to study, and often direct spiritual lessons may be gained. For instance, in the Roman temple of Vesta, a continual fire was kept burn ing. If for any reason'it went out, all public and private business immedi ately came to a stop. It was not re sumed until the fire was burning again. Drawing on this illustration, prophets of old remind us that those who serve God must keep the fire of the Spirit burning in their souls. Again, the old Roman empire, with its mighty army, never crossed its na tional frontier for battle without carry ing an altar upon which fire, originally taken from the altar of Vesta, was kept constantly burning. How can we, in any less sense, as a part of the army of God, expect to be victorious and con quer for the Lord, if we permit the fire of the Holy Spirit to go out on the altar of our hearts? How we need to h e e d the Biblical exhortation, “Quench not the Spirit of God!” FED UP WITH LIFE The Minneapolis Star-Journal car ried an interesting account of a 55 year old New Jersey man who had offered himself as a substitute for a soldier who was in Japan under sentence of death. The serviceman had killed two people in Osaka. Writing to the condemned morís parents t h e volunteer said, “Please don’t consider me a crank. Hon estly, I am so disgusted w ith life that I see no reason for going on. If you can possibly arrange it with the authorities, then without obligation, I can ever so willing to trade places w ith your son.” Naturally, there was no such provision of the law possible; the soldier had to pay for his own misdeeds. The offer of the New Jersey man might be con sidered by some a noble gesture, but
actually it was merely a means of sui cide. Such an illustration can hardly be compared with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was not “fed up with life;” He knew it in its fullest. The Bible says that while He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich. There was One who was willing to die in my stead, That a soul so unworthy might live; And the path to the cross, He was willing to tread, A ll the sins of my life to forgive. WHAT DO YOU READ It was Marcus Dodds who said, “Show me what a man reads, and I’ll tell you what kind of a man he is.” Government reports indicate that the vast majority of people in our nation have never once r e a d one single book all the way through. “People can’t be bothered to read for the betterment of their own standing,”one psychologist pointed out. “They simply want pic tures; they want to be entertained.” A preacher was calling on certain homes in his community, inviting peo ple to the weekly services. One home he entered carried a very sanctimoni ous air, as far as the manner in which the father spoke. He tried to impress the minister with his knowledge of the Scriptures. Wanting to show the pastor how 'well he knew the Bible, he turned to one of his young children and very piously said, “Son, go bring me that old book your daddy loves so well.” Soon, to his chagrin and the pastor’s amusement, the lad returned, carrying a copy of the Sears Roebuck catalog. If we were to ask our children to bring us that which we love so well, what would they fetch? The newspaper, TV, hobby magazine, or something else of this world? 12
CONCLUDING MESSAGE IN THE SPECIAL (feADtb -SERIES ON .TONGUES
by Dr. Ralph L. Keiper tongues, where is it to be evidenced? God doesn’t leave us to guess or specu late as to the answer. “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spir it against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led by the Spirit, ye are (continued on next page)
T he basis for our fifth study in the seides on the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues is found in Galatians 5:16-26. There are many earnest and sincere people today seeking for a deeper and more enriching spiritual experience. Our Saviour said, 11 am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abun dantly” (John 10:10). If this abundant life cannot be found in speaking in
of verse 22 with the opening of verse 19. One is the works of the flesh and the other is the fruit of the Spirit. The Christian life is not a product of our endeavors, it is the product of a new life in Christ. It comes first by being bom again. No one can have a deeper life in Christ until he is first of all in Christ. No one can be spiritual until he first has been bom of the Spirit of God. Pointing out the difference between the life of the flesh and the life of the Spirit, Paul indicates how this blessed life of the Spirit may be maintained, “And they that are Christ’s have cruci fied the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (vv. 24 and 25). The walk of verse 16 and the walk of verse 25 are entirely two different words. The first pictures one walking around in a circle so that he may be seen from every angle. It is like a mannikin in a department store which revolves so that the garments may be observed from every angle to good ad vantage. The word walk in the 25th verse is a military term which means to be “on the beam,” and ready to go at a second’s notice. If we are bom again we are to march forward for the Lord at His immediate bidding. As an example, suppose we are in a church meeting and a vital issue is at stake. There are disagreements and sides are taken. Feelings run high and emotions are tense. This provides a perfect set ting for anger and hatred. But, the Christian, instead of becoming angry and “blowing his top,” by walking in the Spirit gains the victory. This is walking in the Spirit, defeating the de sires of the flesh. Thereby the fruit of the Spirit is produced. “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another” (v. 26). The mark of the spiritual life is that of calmness, meekness and quietness. Is this the result of speaking in tongues? No! it is the result of walk ing, step by step, in the Spirit. May this be the earnest desire of each of our hearts day by day until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 14
Tongues (continued) not under the law” (Gal. 5:16-18). In life there are two conflicting ten sions. There is the constant pull of the upper nature against the lower. If we by faith have received the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour, we have been creat ed new creatures (II Cor. 5:17). But having this new nature doesn’t mean that the old nature is dead. In fact, the old will do everything possible to block the progress and fruit-bearing of the new. A war is constantly going on in our bodies and minds. Paul said, “The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.” Any thinking Christian will want to know how to overcome this. We are to be led by the Spirit. He leads us through the Word of God. When we study the Bible, exposing ourselves to its pages, we grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Himself. Peter says, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow there by” (I Peter 2:2). By “flesh” we do not refer to the bones, muscles and sinews. The word flesh in the Biblical sense means things that are just as spiritual as the word Spirit itself. Flesh refers to the thinking part of man, the feeling part of man, and the growing part of man. All of these are in total rebellion against God. In verses 19 through 21, Paul gives us the marks of a carnal man, the one who is living in the flesh. “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, un cleanness, lasciviousness, I d o l a t r y , witchcraft, hatred, variance, emula tions, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, re- vellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the king dom of God.” Contrariwise, he con tinues by defining the marks of the spiritual life: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, faith, Meekness, temper ance: against such there is no law” (vv. 22 and 23). Compare the opening
Q, Redding, California — “In Romans 7:18 we read, lIn the flesh dwelleth no good thing.’ Christ was in the flesh and He was perfect. How can we explain this?” A. The phrase, “In the flesh,” does not always mean the same thing. Some times the Bible uses the word “flesh” in connection with the body. Our spir its are housed in our bodies. Other times “flesh” means carnal desires; the fallen or Adamic nature. The sev enth chapter of Romans reveals the struggle of the believer with the “old man.” Paul is pointing out that justi fication is not by works. Just as we had to allow God to save us from the pen alty of sin, so we have to allow Him to deliver us from the power of sin. He shows the distress of a saved man whose new nature has a desire to please God while he finds another strong pull, an inclination to sin. He realizes that the degraded nature of man has no good whatsoever. It is only when the new nature is given free course, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, that one can accomplish the will of God. This is an entirely different matter from what our Lord Jesus Christ was in the flesh. He was in a body, but did not have any carnal nature; He did not inherit Adam’s fallen nature. The Sav iour had a fallen mother but no human father. The Holy Spirit was the One who begat this blessed One through the virgin. Christ was tested in all points like as we are yet He was without sin in nature or in deed. Q. Cupertino, California — “How can we know God’s w ill for our lives?”
A. It is much easier to tell other peo ple how to know the will of the Lord than it is to find it out for yourself. First of all, let us be sure to use the Word of God as our standard of con formity. Secondly, we need to make sure that what we are doing will be for the Lord not for self. One of the most significant passages of any pray er is at the close when we say, “This we ask for Jesus’ sake. Amen.” To be honest, how many times would we have to say, “This I ask for my own sake.” Next, with other conditions in proper perspective, we should make certain there is peace in our lives about the matter we are considering. The old adage is often applicable, “When in doubt, don’t.” It is not an easy thing to know God’s will. If anything shows the fallen nature of man it is his con stant desire to please self and not the Saviour. Q. Saratoga, California — “How does Mat thew 24 tie in w ith the rapture of the church?” A. Matthew 24 and 25 is the longest prophetic address ever given by our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a tremendous prophetic discourse. Some Bible teach ers belieye the rapture of the church takes place in Matthew 24 after the 14th verse. Others teach that it takes place around the eighth verse. We do not believe that the church is in this portion at all. There are spiritual ap plications here but we are talking about primary interpretation. This portion of Scripture refers to Christ’s second com- (continued on next page) 15
Questions (continued) ing to this earth. The rapture does not bring Christ back to this world, but ushers in the tribulation which im mediately preceeds His millennial NEW REPRESENTATIVE FOR BIOLA IN WASHINGTON Mr. Edwin Johnson has been appointed Biola Stewardship Representative for Biola to serve in the state of Washington. Mr. Johnson is a 1962 graduate of Biola College. Then there are His servants. There is only one prerequisite in beholding the majesty of the Lord, and that is to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work on Calvary. In this way you may be sure to see God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Q, Santa Barbara, California — “If you pray for something you want very Much and don’t get it, does it mean God knows what is better for you, and that you are not meant to have it?” A. It could mean exactly that. It also might mean that God knows it is bet ter for you not to have it at this par ticular time. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you never can have it, but the Father certainly knows what’s best for you. We should always pray, “If it be Thy will.” There are three ways the Lord answers prayer. Sometimes He says, “Yes,” other times, “No,” and still other instances He must say, “Wait a while.” This is a very realistic man ner in which to approach our entire 16 so twisted up in his grammar, he had to stop in the middle of his message, bowed his head and prayed, “O Lord, can you possibly use an individual who can’t even speak correctly?” Only eter nity will fully reveal just how mar velously the Lord answered that peti tion of heart. God is not limited to those who use proper English. If he were, there would be many well edu cated individuals whose messages would be tremendous rather than be ing cold and lifeless. We must not limit God. On the other hand, we can be sym pathetic with this writer. We are con stantly endeavoring to instill in the minds of our students the need for the correct use of English, grammar and proper words. We would urge poten tial ministers to get all the training possible. If a preacher is already in a pastorate, perhaps he can enroll in an adult evening school class. Q. Panorama City, California — “Where does the spirit of the wicked dead go at death and how long does it stay there?” A. There are Several words which are translated “hell” in Scripture. These are Sheol (Hebrew), Hades and Ge henna (Greek). There is a difference in the meaning of these words. Sheol in the Old Testament and Hades in the New Testament are synonymous. They mean the abode of the dead. Hades was composed of two parts or compartments; the abode of the right eous dead (Paradise) and the abode of the unrighteous dead. When Jesus went to hell, “he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men” (Ephesians 4:8). Now, when a believer dies he goes to be with the Lord (absent from the body . . . present with the Lord). The un believers still await the final White Throne judgment of God. Following this they will 'be consigned to Hell, and the lake of fire that bumeth, for ever. Q. Oakland, California — “Was Daniel a prince before leaving Judah?” (continued on next page) 17 prayer life. Our heavenly Father has infinitely far more and better knowl edge as to what we need that we do ourselves. Q. Denver, Colorado — “Where in the Bible does it tell us that we should tithe? 1 have searched in vain through the New Testament and it does not seem to be there.” A. The entire truth concerning tithing is a very elaborate one. It is first given, without any commandment whatsoever, in Genesis 14:20. Abraham came back from the slaughter of the kings and gave tithes to Melchizedek, priest of the most high God. That truth is taken by the Spirit of God and commented on in Hebrews. In Genesis 28:22 there is another mention of giving tithes. Jacob makes this promise at Bethel. That promise has been often maligned. There was no legal requirement, how ever, for him to say anything, what soever. Then there are specific com mands concerning tithing. This was the means of supporting the priests and the central sanctuary in Jerusalem. Leviticus 27 gives some of the tithes mentioned. But in all the 27 books of the New Testament there is not a sin gle mention that the believer is to tithe. Some may then erroneously fol low, “Since there is no distinct word in the New Testament concerning tith ing, is it wrong for a believer to tithe?” The answer is a resounding, “NO!” It is wrong rather for a be liever to stop at merely the tithe as the Lord prospers him. Do not feel that the tithe is a legal matter. Certainly with the redemption accomplished we should give both tithes and offerings. Although not commanded then, the tithe is a good starting place. Q, Los Angeles, California — “We have a minister who is very fine and sin cere, however, his grammar is atro cious. If he had an education, he would be a tremendous man. Do you think that ministers should preach if they are not properly educated?” A. It was Dwight L. Moody who had very little education. One time he got Questions (continued) A. The prophet Daniel was of noble or regal descent. He was of the royal seed taken captive during the first deporta tion at the end of the 7th century, B.C. Q. Harbor City, California — “Does the Holy Spirit ever do a destructive thing? A. Yes, there are some destructive things the Holy Spirit does. One of His functions is to destroy the works of the devil. Anything that is of the devil, the Holy Spirit will destroy. The Holy Spirit will never do any destruc tive thing in the life of a Christian, however, unless it’s for a constructive purpose. The Holy Spirit will cause the Christian to eliminate the evil things that may creep into one’s life and ac tions. Q. Hollywood, California — “If salvation is free then how could you explain Matthew 25:14-30 dealing with the parable of the talents?” A. This is a wonderful account of the coming of the Son of Man to judge all individuals in the nations relative to their attitude toward Him. In Matthew 25:1-13 there is the parable of the ten virgins. This pictures faithfulness and watchfulness in waiting for our Lord. In 14 to 30 there is pictured that which characterized those whom Christ has left here on earth. Here it is faithful ness in the talent that has been commit ted. (Talents today refer to endowments and capabilities; in those days it meant coinage.) There is not any contradic tion in this parable, nor is there any contradiction in any parable or teach ing of the Bible. This portion reminds us that salvation is free (Ephesians 2:8, 9). It is not by works of righteousness which we have done, not anything that we have accomplished, but by His own mercy, by His own grace, that He has saved us by the washing and re newing, through the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. This parable of the talents was used by the Lord to show believers that it is right to use what He has deposited with them for His own glory. Here it is faithfulness which CAMPUS FAMILY BIBLE CONFERENCE FEATURES TOURS Knott’s Berry Farm, Marineland, Disney land (above) are but a few of the special tours arranged for those who attend the Biola Family Bible Conference, June 23-29. counts with God. This person, to whom the Lord was speaking, was not a be liever for He said, “Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knowest that I reap where I sow not and gather where I do not scatter.” Notice how He con cludes, “Cast ye out the unprofitable servant into outer darkness where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” The way this one used his God- endowed abilities and talents reveals that he never had trusted Christ. He was a hypocrite; an unbeliever. This is a matter of rewards, not of salvation, for that is free. Q. Fort Ord, California — “What is wrong w ith the doctrine of the fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man?” A. The basic thing, of course, although there are many others, is that it is definitely not taught in the Scriptures. In John 8:44 our Lord says to the scribes and Pharisees, “Ye are of your father the devil!” Goid is certainly the Creator of all things, but He is not the Father of all people. He is only the Father of those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. We are only related to those who trust in the Saviour. Our relationship to the unsaved is that we want to do everything we can to show them of what salvation consists, bring ing them to the Lord. 18 parables and pearls (AS FEATURED OVER "THE BIOLA HOUR") amid a crisis, you were threatened with losing it all? What would you do? While abroad a man had gained a sub stantial fortune. B e f o r e returning home, he transferred it to gold, then, for safety’s sake, he had a belt made to hold it which was to be securely buckled around him. The idea was perfect until one dark stormy night, while on the high seas, the ship itself was in real peril. The message was passed for the people to take to the life boats. But as the vessel bobbed like a cork, and in the merky darkness, the man with the gold about him missed the lifeboat and fell into the water. There was no time for the sea men to rescue him. Because of the weight he sank almost immediately and he was gone , forever. This story points up the fact that so often, we today, amid the storms of life are prone to cling to the things of this world. As a result we lose our effec tiveness as witnesses for Jesus Christ. What is the substance causing you to sink into the morass of sin today? “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.” * Faith is laying hold, but patience is holding fast. ONE TRAGIC MISTAKE “Get an ailment of some sort, then take care of yourself, and you’ll live to be a hundred,” one country philoso pher has suggested. But that is not al ways true. Take the case of the perfect man who made only one mistake. He wore his rubbers when it rained, he brushed his teeth after every meal. He 19 * * TRAGEDIES OF LIFE Daily newspapers are filled, with stories of personal tragedies; events which cause us to be grateful for God's goodness. In Minneapolis a young de livery truck driver was traveling along a busy boulevard, when a little 5 year old girl darted out from between two parked cars into the street. He was faced with an immediate decision. He made one that called for true courage and heroism. Suddenly swinging the truck to the left, he went over the curb down an incline and struck, head on, a, large tree. When taken from the wreckage, and while breathing his last, his only thought concerned the child. Told that she had escaped unharmed, he smiled and was gone. A t the cost of his own life he had saved another and it brought him joy. How this story pales into insignifi cance when we realize the Biblical ac count of our Saviour. When Christ saw the travail of His soul, the Scrip tures tell Us, He was satisfied. He, too, was faced w ith a choice when he went to Calvary. He could live and let man die, or He could die that man might live forevermore. The world has never been the same since that day because of His choice. Through His death any man may live. The Word of God prom ises us, “He that cometh to me / w ill in no wise cast out.” “He that believeth on me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and be lieveth on me shall never die.” * Patting yourself on the back is a poor way to get ahead. * * * LAY ASIDE THE WEIGHT What thoughts would cross your mind if, after amassing a fortune, * *
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