M A Y , 1 9 6 4 (With broadcast features from April Biola radio programs)
I B X O L A broadcaster Monthly Publication of the BIOLA FELLOWSHIP Vol. 4 No. 5 MAY, 1964 H OW T H IN G S W IL L END ........ 3 C H R IST BRING S TROUBLE ....... 5 JO U RN EY TO B E T H L E H E M ......... 7 PA RA BLES A N D PEARLS .......... 9 QUESTION S A N D A N SW E R S ....... 11 T U E SD A Y -T H U R SD A Y R A D IO O U T LIN E S .................. 18 U N IT ED IN C H R IST .................. 20 C H R IST IN THE M IN E R A L K IN G D O M ............ 23 C H R IST IN TH E VEG ETABLE K IN G D O M ...........25 C H R IST IN THE A N IM A L K IN G D O M .............. 27 C H R IST IN THE H U M A N K IN G DO M .............. 29 C H R IST IN THE C ELESTIA L K IN G D O M ...........31 COVER: Miss Leonie V. Soubirou, di rector of the Biola College Depart ment of Nursing and dean of the Biola School of Missionary Medicine, holds a conference with Dr. E. Forrest Boyd, Jr., who has been teaching at Biola for the past eighteen years. STAFF President ............ S. H. Sutherland Editor........ .............. Al Sanders Production ......... Virginia Schwepker Printing ................ Church Press Published monthly by the Radio Dept. BIBLE IN ST ITU T E OF LOS ANG ELES 558 S. Hope St., Los Angeles 17, Cal. Controlled circulation postage paid at Los Angeles, California. CONTENTS
CALIFORN IA Arroyo Grande-San Luis Obispo KCJH 1280 Bakersfield-Wasco
9:00 A.M. MTWTF
KAFY KWSO
550 7:30 A.M. Sun. 1050 9:30 A.M. MTWTF
Chico-Marysville KHSL Fresno-Dinuba
1290 8:30 A.M. Sun.
KRDU KCIB
1130 8:30 A.M. MTWTF 6:30 P.M. MTWTF (FM) 1570 8:00 A.M. MTWTF 1570 7:00 P.M. MTWTF 8:30 A.M. MTWTF 1460 9:00 A.M. MTWTF 1390 11:00 A.M. MTWTF 1390 12:30 A.M. MTWTF 8:00 A.M. MTWTF 910 8:00 A.M. MTWTF 1400 8:00 A.M. MTWTF 1570 9:30 A.M. MTWTF 9:30 A.M. MTWTF 590 7:30 A.M. Sun. 7:30 A.M. MTWTF 860 8:00 A.M. MTWTF 910 7:30 A.M. Sun. 1100 8:30 A.M. MTWTF 1080 8:30 A.M. Sun.
94.5
Lodi-Stockton
KCVR
KCVR Los Angeles
107.5 (FM)
KBBI KTYM
Los Angeles-Long Beach KGER
KGER
Oxnard-Ventura-Santa Barbara KAAR 104.7 (FM)
KOXR
Redding-Red Bluff KQMS San Bemardino-Riverside RACE
RACE RFXM
92.7 (FM)
Santa Cruz KSCO San Diego
RBBW 102.9 (FM)
XEMO
RDEO San Francisco RFAX Santa Maria
1440 7:00 A.M. Sun.
RCOY
Turlock
9:30 A.M. Sun.
93.1 (FM)
RHOM
OREGON
Albany-Eugene
A.M. MTWTF
RWIL
790 8:00
790 3:00 A.M. MTWTF 1350 8:30 A.M. MTWTF
RWIL Ashland-Medford
RRVC
Coquille-Coos Bay
A.M. MW F
RWRO
»
630 8:30
Portland RPDO KPDQ
A.M. MTWTF 11:30 A.M. MTWTF
’ 800 11:30
93.7 (FM)
W ASH INGTON
Blaine-Vancouver,, B.C.
A.M. MTWTF
55Ö 11:30
RARI Seattle-Tacoma
A.M. MTWTF
630 11:30
RGDN
Spokane RCFA
1330 11:30 A.M. MTWTF 1490 8:00 A.M. MW F
Walla Walla RTEL Yakima
A.M. MTWTF
RBBO
1390 10:00 OTHER STATES
Albuquerque, New Mexico RARA
1310 7:00 A.M. MTWTF
Billings, Montana RURL Caldwell-Boise RBGN Denver, Colorado RBFM
730 8:00 A.M. MTWTF 8:30 A.M. MTWTF 910 8:30 A.M. MTWTF
94.1 (FM)
12:00 Noon MTWTF 12:00 Noon MTWTF
RLIR RLIR
990
100.3 (FM)
Lapeer, Michigan WMPC Miamisburg, Ohio WFCJ Newton, Ransas KJRG Phoenix, Arizona KHEP 1280 Pueblo-Colorado Springs KFEL 970 Springfield, Ohio WEEC .100.7 (FM) Tuscon, Arizona KAIR 1490 93.7 (FM)
1230 3:30 P.M. Tues.
11:00 P.M. MTWTF
950 9:00 A.M. MTWTF
9:00 A.M. MTWTF 8:30 A.M. MW F 11:30 P.M. MTWTF 8:0Ó A.M. MTWTF
th ings
how
H ow th ing s start or begin has al ways been an interesting study for me. That is why the book of Gene sis is so fascinating. There are seven beginnings in this first book of the Bible; things that begin there and end in the book of Revelation. There are seven great men in Genesis who are models of different types of lives given for our admonition. The same is true with seven women in the book. In the fourth place there are seven great events, effecting us even today, in this vital portion of God’s Word. Seven great lessons which we may learn for our spiritual growth today are to be found here, too. The beginning of the natural crea tion of all things begins God’s account revealed to Moses. These things didn’t just happen or come about in an}' evo
lutionary process. The hypothesis of evolution is absolutely false. God made the combination of the chemical ele ments. Of course, the beginning of man is also given to us. He is the subject of God’s love and grace. Man wasn’t made from some animal or pro toplasm. He was made in God’s own image. We find the sad beginning of sin in Genesis. This is the cause of God’s grace. Rather than believe God, man believed the devil. (That sin is still going on today!) Here, too we find the beginning of sacrifices. This is the means of God’s grace. It points the way to the substitutionary atonment of Christ on Calvary. The start of the Jewish race is recorded here. This sig nifies the channel of God’s grace. The beginning of the nations of the 3
world is found in Genesis. This is the scope of God’s grace. No one can tell us why some people are brown and others are yellow. I have never found any explanations worth listening to in relation to this question. There is the beginning of the life of faith in Abra ham. This shows beautifully the result of God’s grace. All these beginnings are in one great book. Then the seven great men mentioned in Genesis are: Adam, representing love; Enoch, showing us a man of choice; Noah, speaking of fear; Abra ham, the man of faith; Isaac, an ex-
tical things from these seven women. Read and study about them for your self. There are seven great events men tioned in Genesis. The first is the fall of Adam which brought sin into the world. Next we find Abel’s righteous ness, the flood, Isaac being offered up by his father, Esau’s choice, Joseph being sold as a slave, and Jacob going down to Egypt. Each of these events can teach us some blessed and practical spiritual lessons. For instance, Noah built an ark, but the carpenters who helped him were drowned. They didn’t believe the very thing they were build ing. How many carpenters, brick lay ers, electricians, and plasterers, build ing churches today, believe in the thing they are building? They will not be saved just because they worked there. Be sure you get into God’s kingdom and into the Lord’s family. You do it by trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ as your only Saviour from sin. As another interesting point from these truths, Joseph was sold into Egypt just like the Lord Jesus was sold by His brethren. Man cannot possibly avoid the judgment. He doesn’t stand a chance, to use a modem idiom. Why don’t you go to the Saviour now, pleading guilty and accepting His lov ing forgiveness? Finally, there are seven great les sons we can learn from Genesis. First, the cost of the skins that Adam and Eve wore. Some creature had to die in order that these two could be cov ered. The Saviour died so that you and I could have His robe of righteousness. Then there was Abraham’s call. He was told to leave everything and to go out for God. The Lord may call you to leave your old companions and your old ways and to give your life to the Saviour. See what a great num ber of blessed lessons can be gained from this one book. Space permits only these few. So let me urge you to do as James has suggested in looking at these pro phets and patriarchs as examples. Let the Lord do something with your life and make you a useful and singing saint. 4
NO TIME FOR GOD? What fools we are to clutter up Our lives with common things And leave without heart's gate The Lord of life, and life itself, No time for God? A s soon to say, "N o time To eat or sleep or love or die." Take time for God Or you shall dwarf your soul. And when the angel death Comes knocking at your door, A poor misshapen thing you"ll be To step into eternity. No time for God? That day when sickness comes Or troubles find you out And you cry out for God, W ill He have time for you? N o time for God?
ample of desire; Jacob, showing trust; and Joseph, of patience. They all have a part to show us in the model Chris tian life. As we read of these men the stories of their lives stir our hearts to want to be like them for the Lord. As I suggested, too, there are seven great women mentioned in Genesis. First, of course, is Eve, who was the chief of sinners. Sarah speaks of the believer, Rebecca, as a teacher of sep aration, Leah, the teacher of hope, and Rachel, the teacher of desire. There was the wife of Potipher, who was the chief enticer, and Asenath, teaching us humility. We can learn some very prac
CHRIST BRINGS TROUBLE
H ave you ever thought of the fact that Christ brings trouble? In Matthew 10:34 we read, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth. I came not 40 send peace, but a sword.” This sounds like a paradox. Isn’t He the Prince of Peace? Of course He is, and yet we know He makes trouble in spiritually broken families. He is a divider. Jesus makes a tremendous divi sion wherever He goes. In John 6:66 we read of the division among the people because they ques tioned God’s sovereignty and His right to rule. Some walked no more with Him. Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” There is no one else for the true believer. The crowd always wants to pick out its own rulers. It is human nature to want to run things ourselves. In John 7:43 we read of a division among the people which was over His deity. Some said He was only a man, and others that He had come from heaven. Wherever the Christian goes there are those who deny Him. They may say He was a good man, a prophet even, but they deny His divinity. There needs to be the declaration of Thomas when he stated, “My Lord and my God.” In John 9:16 there was a division be cause of His power. Some said He used the power of the devil. What an awful thing. No wonder this was called the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Some said He had a right to do mira cles, and some said He was a faker. In John 10:19 there was a division because of what He said. Could He enforce His pronouncements? Did He have a right to make such statements?
People want goodness but with no God. Charity organizations everywhere are wanting to help people, but offer them no Christ. Bring in the name of religion if you will, but don’t mention the Lord Jesus Christ. It will make a division. When I was in Chicago as a medical student, I was on the board of charities there, serving the section around the stockyards. So many calls came for medical help. Every morning I would get some cards ready with the names and addresses of the families on them. I found they wanted medical aid all right, but when I offered the Gospel to them, they had no interest in Jesus Christ whatever. They wanted the kind ness that goes with Christianity, but they didn’t want the Christ that makes it all possible. They wanted to be good, but they didn’t want the One who makes them good. People like to get gifts, but they hate the Giver. It is like the .prodigal son, who said, “Father, give me the portion of goods that belong to me.” He was only interested in material things, not in his parent. As a result he foolishly lost it all. This is the rea son for divisions and splits. A judge may take a man who has been guilty of stealing and take pity on him, because he has a sick wife and four or five children. Because of the extenuating circumstances he lets him go, asking him to live a righteous life. But while he is glad for the freedom he doesn’t live like the judge told him. He wants what the judge can do for him, but he isn’t interested in the judge himself. That is exactly the way it is with so many people. They want for- 5
giveness and to have the stain of sin taken from their conscience, however, they show no love for the Lord what soever. That is where the separation comes in. They want to escape the punishment, but they don’t care about the One who makes the freedom possi ble. They want a new white shirt, but THY PRAYER IS HEARD Friend, hast thou wrestled long before the Throne To win some secret triumph through the Word, Confiding in God's promise made thine own? Thy prayer is heard! Doth Faith's hand tremble with much holding fast? Hath disappointment's tear thy vi sion blurred? See through the gloom a golden gleam at last! Thy prayer is heard! Doth courage fail, hope's ember dimly glow? Is spirit faint, heart sick with hope deferred? Breaking the cloud, the promise casts a bow! Thy prayer is heard! Hath no sound pierced the brassy sky above? Lies hope all prostrate like a bro ken sherd? Oft God's withholdings are His proofs of love! Thy prayer is heard! Lift up thy head, O soul! Lift up thy voice! Strike up the harp! Thy trembling loins regird! Awake, my psaltery, and sing! Rejoice! For Thy prayer is heard! — Harold Horton they don’t want to be new men. “Leave me as I am, but let me polish my shoes.” There are three battles going on to day. The flesh is against the Spirit, the devil is against Christ, and the world is against God. Look at your own life and you will find it so. The Bible says,
CAMPUS CONFERENCE For the second year Biola will con duct a special family Bible Confer ence on our La Mirada Campus. Com fortable living accommodations are in our school dormitories. Just like the Biola students themselves you will eat in the same dining room, sit in the same auditorium, and have the opportunity and privilege of sharing inspirational messages from such men of God as Dr. Ralph L. Keiper, fea tured frequently on our radio pro grams. Biola’s Family Bible Confer ence will be held June 21 to 27.'The cost is so reasonable and, with all of the nearby places to see, you can live here more economically than most any other place. Make your personal or family plans for a vacation with a true spiritual purpose. A free brochure will be sent upon request.
Biola School o f M issionary Medicine stu dent, Linda Howard from Lodi, Califor nia, assists a patient at Los Angeles County General Hospital. ' Thou shalt not link an ox and an ass together.” The ox represents a Christian and the ass stands for the un saved. The two can’t pull together. You don’t mix clean and dirty water without getting dirty water. Personal ly, I will not marry an unsaved person to a Christian. I never have done it for it only causes misery and division. If you want to have peace go to the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ. Keep company with those who belong to the Saviour and then you will have a happy communion with the Lord and please God. 6
Journey to Bethlehem
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T h e journ ey s of the Lord Jesus Christ are very interesting, and one in particular occupies our thinking for today. It is His travels to Bethany. I have been there and it is a very in- interesting place, not far from Jeru salem. Luke tells us (24:50) that He took His disciples here. Why would He do this? Why not to Bethlehem or to Nazareth? When Jesus was bom, Bethany was a land filled with milk and honey, with green grass and pastures, and abundant springs of water. Not so to day. It is in desert waste. Everything has a meaning in the Scriptures and everything that our Lord did had a purpose. Bethany is the place where two ways met. There was an ass tied there, and a colt the foal of an ass, and Jesus said to the disciples, “Go and loose the colt and bring him to Me.” He wants us to learn that nobody can loose you from the habits of sin, wick edness and evil, except Him. One of the ways goes to Jericho and the other to Jerusalem. There are al ways two ways before us. We can eith er go down to Jericho or up to Jeru salem. You take your choice. He also wanted His disciples to know that only He could give life. Lazarus
was raised from the dead in Bethany. Nobody else could do that. None of these so called “divine healers” can raise the dead. They don’t even try it. It is never a question of the willing ness of our Lord. No man can give life; no, not so much as even to a dead fly. He wanted the disciples to remember and never forget. It was also in Bethany that he cleansed the leper. This woman was in the house of Simon, the leper. She broke the alabaster box of ointment and put it on His head. The Lord Jesus made note of her act and the disciples wrote it down in the Gospels. No one else in the .world could cure a dying leper. Christ raised him up from the dead to health, strength, joy and gladness. He is the only One who can heal the defilement of sin and the evil effects of Satan’s power in our lives. It was at Bethany that He came to Martha and Mary, when their tears were flowing so freely. Lazarus had died. These three had lived together in happiness. But their wet eyes were quickly dried, and turned to rejoicing when He said, “Lazarus, come forth.” Instantly, human life came back to that dead corpse. He wants to dry our tears, too, no matter the burdens and
BIOLA CHORALE TOUR
sorrows of our broken hearts. It was here at Bethany that he re proved Martha. She was encumbered about much serving. She did things for the Lord that were wearisome and hard to her. If the work you are doing for God is difficult and burdensome, then it isn’t of God. His burden is easy. Are you like that? Are you troubled about many things, things that you don’t have and things you do have, troubled about people, troubled about finances, troubled about the home life? Jesus said to Martha, “Mary hath chos- SUFFERING Lord, let me not forget this pain, For it has come to be A tide which bears me on its crest. Closer, dear Lord, to Thee. Lord, let me not forget this grief, Because from day to day I learn how tender is the hand Which wipes my tears away. Lord, let me not forget how weak I am, but how Thy strength Is all-sufficient, and supplies The need of each days' length. Let me not forget that my sin Cost Thy last drop of blood A s though 'twere shed for me alone, O, blessed Son of God! Remembering these, the day I stand And look into Thy face, It may be I can faintly glimpse The measure of Thy grace. — Martha Snell Nicholson en that good part which shall not be taken away from her.” Mary was in the front room worshipping the Sav iour, sitting at His feet, learning His Word and His ways. She only wanted Him, while Martha was doing things for Him. The Lord is more anxious to have your love than He is to have your work. Ask your heart, “What does my Lord mean to me?” Meet Him at Beth any, the crossroads, today. Make Him your Lord as well as your Saviour. Take a trip to Bethany!
Dr. Sam uel H. Sutherland (le ft), Biola President, greets Professor Marvin Mc- Kissick, director of the Music Depart ment. The outstanding musical group has completed a two-week tour of the W est Coast. Mr. W illis Toms, Dire'ctor o f A d missions and Registrar, is on the right. REAL OR IMITATION The world seems to be so counter feit and filled with imitations. The one condemnation people often hurl at Christianity is that the church is full of hypocrites. It may seem that this is true, but that is no excuse for your staying away. Remember, there is always room for one more. In the field of jewelry, there is a way to differentiate between real and imitation pearls. I f held close to a fire the real ones will be unaffected. I f they are not genuine this test will usually cause the outward surface to curl up and to deteriorate. Even so, a sure way to distinguish the hypo crite from the real Christian is to watch him under trials and testings. I f it is all merely show, it will be revealed. The true believer will, by the grace of God, endure patiently as did Job. No one is any stronger than when he is subjected to the fires of life. The beautiful Scriptural ex planation causes us to give this tes timony, "We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not des troyed, always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” 8
terrible frustration and depression which had gripped his life. The dis tinguished psychiatrist, after discuss ing the problems which the man faced, made a suggestion which seemed very practical. “Why don’t you try doing something lively, and give yourself some amusement? I t ’ll take your thoughts o ff yourself. Frankly, I think it’ll do you more good than any medicine I could prescribe.” The pa tient was willing, but wanted to know what kind of entertainment or amuse ment would help him. The doctor smiled, and then explained, "Well, I suggest you go to the circus that’s in town now. Don’t be concerned about the trapeze artists or any other per formers, you just watch the clown. The one that’s featured is sure to make you laugh. Looking at him, you’ll find that his merriment is con- tageous.” But having given this un usual prescription, the doctor noticed that his patient’s countenance fell even lower than before. The saddened man explained, “Sir I am that clown.” Yes, on the outside, there may be laughter but on the inside there can be sheer miser)/ and hopelessness. I f this is your lot, listen to the invitation of the One who said, "I have come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.” » * * To stay youthful, keep useful for busy people have no time to be busy bodies. * * * A LIVING EXAMPLE The best representative for true spiritual living is a walking sermon, one who doen’t simply profess to know the Lord, but rather one who is intimately acquainted with Him. A storekeeper, on the rather portly side, advertised for a boy to help around 9
WHICH WAY TO GO It is strange how many people give no thought for God or for taking His perfect direction in life before they start off on a day’s pathway. It is like the tramp who was questioned as to how he decided which way to go. He proudly answered, "Well, that’s easy. You see, when I get up in the morn ing I just stick my finger in my mouth, hold it up to see which way the wind is blowing, then I turn my back to the breeze and go the other way." How many people there are in this world, doubtless many of them with great fortunes, yet often both moral and spiritual tramps, always turning their backs to take the easy way. The one who has placed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Saviour can rejoice in placing his trust in the Saviour, regardless of what wind or gale may blow, fo r we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. The eagle that bucks the . mightiest storm has the strongest wings, the trout that lives in the heaviest current has the firm est flesh, and the believer who is will ing to conquer through Christ, is the one who is victorious over all things. "Wherefore we are more than con querors through him that loved vs and gave himself for vs.” * * * Some people seem to fall for everything but stand for nothing. * * * THE PSYCHIATRIST'S PRESCRIPTION There are a lot of unhappy and mis erable people in the world today. Many frequent psychiatrists’ offices, seeking some alleviation from the bur dens which oppress them. A very well dressed man entered the doctor’s of fice seeking for help to overcome a
his facility. The man promised him a set amount to include his room and hoard. The youth worsted to know what the board was like. The heavy set man responded with a twinkle in his eye, “Well, son, if it’s any help or consolation to you, 1 eat here.” That was all it took. The lad quickly said, “O.K. mister, then I ’ll take the job.” I f our Christianity is going to be palatable to others, it must first of all be real to us. We cannot invite someone else to taste of the sweetness of the honey of God’s Word if first of all it has not provided our own souls with inward joy and made a difference in our lives. “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who trusteth in him.” * The best place to find a helping hand is right at the end of your own wrist. * * * THE SLAVE IS DEAD More than a century ago the slaves of Jamaica were given liberty. On the night of their emancipation, they gathered for a mass celebration. A hand-carved casket of mahogany had been prepared beforehand and they had dug a grave in which to place the symbol of freedom. Then amid great rejoicing they packed all their unhappy reminders of previous bond age and sorrow into the casket. That included whips, torture and branding irons, coarse clothing, the great hats that had been marks of slavery, frag ments of the treadmills, and the hated handcuffs and manacles. They fas tened the lid securely; then at the stroke of midnight the casket was low ered into the grave. The massed thou sands, with joy unspeakable, lifted their voices in a glad song of redemp tion crying, “The slave is dead! The slave is dead!" Perhaps the redeemed sinner may not celebrate his deliver ance by the Lord’s power as drama tically, but none the less we can and should rejoice in the fact that Christ has set us free. As our Saviour Him self declared, “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” * *
God makes a promise, faith believes it, hope anticipates it, and patience awaits it. * * * A MODERN I CORINTHIANS 13 Though in the glamour of the public eye, I sway the emotions of men by my articulate oratory or by my silver singing, or by my skillful playing, and then go home and “gripe" because supper is late or because my clothes are old and weren’t made to suit me, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. And though I am able to impress others with my vast knowledge of the deep things of the Word of God, and though I am able to accomplish migh ty things through faith so that I be come famous among men as a remover of mountains, and have not the love that reads the deep longings of the hearts around my own family circle, and removes the barriers that grow up in shy and tender hearts, I am nothing. And though in the glamour of pub lic praise I bestow all of my goods to feed the poor, and though I win the name and fame of a martyr by giving up my body to be used for church work, and yet close up like a clam at home or behave like a snapping tur tle, knowing nothing of the glory of giving myself in unstinting self-de nying service to those nearest and dearest, it profiteth me nothing. Love is never impatient, but kind. Love knows no jealousy; love makes no parade, toots no horns, gives itself no airs. Love is never rude; seeks not her own nor fights for her own rights; is never resentful; never imagines that others are plotting evil against her; never broods over wrongs; never ex ults over the mistakes of others, but is truly gladdened by goodness. Love suffers silently, is always trustful, always cheerful, always pa tient. * The only advantage for those who talk of building "a new world" is that they have the same materials God used . . . chaos! 10 * *
a household to break up. It is always best when both can go together to meet at the same spiritual table. The verse actually refers to the statement by our Lord Jesus Christ concerning the man whom He healed, recorded in the 12th chapter of Matthew. Some were at tributing this miracle to Satan. The Saviour shows them that Satan would accomplish nothing if he healed some one already under his control (Mat thew 12:25). Q . Richmond, California — “Will you please explain Acts 10:48 for me?” A. This portion reads, “And he com manded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” It was re quested of Peter that he might stay with them for a period of time. This is another wonderful incident in the life and spiritual growth of the early Chris tian church following its birth.
Q . Moscow, Idaho — “What is the differ ence between sickness and disease?" (Matthew 9:35 and 10:1). A. Matthew 9:35 reads: “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” Both of these words have reference to the ail ments of the body. The same is true in the second verse and both words are synonomous. Q . Bend, Oregon — “How is it that Christians lead a harder life than un- believers?” A. This is a very prevalent question and one frequently asked. But in ac tuality it is not always true. Unbeliev ers have nowhere to turn in their time of trouble and sorrow. Sometimes Chris tians are tested by the Lord but these can be the most blessed and meaningful experiences of life. We always have One to whom we can turn, and One who is our great burden-bearer. Christ is the One who makes life bearable. Regardless of how difficult the times are in which we live we can cast our burdens on the Saviour and thereby find peace and rest to our own hearts and souls. For a wonderful treatise on this blessed truth read Psalm 73. Q . Klamath Falls, Oregon — “Does ‘the house divided against itself mean that if a husband goes to one church and the wife to another, their home will be broken up?”
Q , McAllister, California — “Is it true that the times of the Gentiles ended in the year 1914 and that Christ has been reigning invisibly ever since?” A. No, this is not true. There is a cer tain cult which holds this erroneous truth. Scripture tells us that “Jerusa lem shall be trodden down of the Gen tiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” Certainly Israel does not have Jerusalem today. Christ is not going to reign invisible. He did through all the eternal ages, but He suffered on earth visibly. Even so He will reign on earth visibly, thank God! A. This is not the usual reason for Q. Tucson, Arizona. “Is it correct that 11
2,000 years passed between the time of the creation of Adam and the flood of Noah’s time, 2,000 more from the time of Noah to the birth of Christ, and that there will be 2,000 years from Christ’s birth to the time when he comes again?” A. Some have suggested that there will be actually 7,000 years since seven is the perfect number. These three sets of 2,000 years are added to the millennium.) Scripture no where teaches that such is the case. We do not know how many years passed between the time of the crea tion to the flood. We do not know for sure that it was 2,000 years from the time of Noah to the birth of Christ. There is no indication that there will be 2,000 years from Christ’s birth to the time when He returns. The Lord could come at any time. There used to be those who tried to set the year of the Lord’s return since He only said we would not know the day or the hour. Someone recently set 1970 as the specific year, however, judging from the way humanity has been going there is a grave question that it could last that much longer. We get on dangerous ground when we try to use our own reasoning and be specific about dates. The Lord is sov ereign and in His own good time, and we pray that it may be soon, the Lord Jesus Christ will come again. God will consummate the history of man and Christ will rule until the eternal day. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit will be su preme throughout all eternity. Q . Wichita, Kansas. “I thought that the anti-Christ would be Jewish. How else could the Jewish people be deceived into believing that this was their mes- siah? Isn’t this proven by Daniel 11:37? Also, do you think that there is a possibility that the anti-Christ will be Judas resurrected?” A. “Anti,” means, “in the place of Christ. In addition, it reveals the one who is against' Christ. Scripture does seem to indicate that he will come
N early 3,000 people viewed the hugh Wycliffe m urals on display at Biola. Dr. S. H. Sutherland points out a portion of the 10 x 100 fo o t canvas to be used at the N .Y . World’s Fair. from Israel. There will be a combined force of political and religious, Jew and Gentile, both opposing God. There are many fine Christian leaders, how ever, who feel that this individual will be a pagan Gentile. Our Lord Je sus said, “I came in my Father’s name. You would not receive me. An other will come in his own name. Him ye will receive.” That it will be Judas resurrected is only a very remote pos sibility. Q . Redding, California. “I have been a Christian for years but there is one particular sin over which I have nev er gained the victory. How can such a victory be mine?” A. All of us have our besetting sins which most frequently get us down and destroy our fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ. No theologian can completely answer this question. It is the supreme prerogative of God to give victory over these sins. Some times they seem to be the equivalent of “a thorn in the flesh.” It is a mat ter of a day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment walking and fel lowship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Turn your problems over to Him claiming His victory. Hold to the promises of God’s Word. Every time a sin rears its ugly head, cast your self upon Christ and refuse to yield to the temptation. Prayer and stead fastness is the only secret of victory. 12
not indicate that we have a privilege of telling God what to do. We can be bold in prayer, and God delights to see true faith exhibited. Actually this verse should read from the original, “Ask me of the things that are to come.” This is pertaining, as is the context, to God’s blessed prophetic truth. Q . Delano, California. “What is the best way of reading the Bible? I’ve tried reading through it. I ’ve tried reading different portions. Still I never seem to come up with anything concrete that is truly helpful.” A. There is no one best way of read ing the Bible. Sometimes you will want to read it through consecutively taking a year. We have in our annual Biola calendar a method whereby one can read the Bible through in this fashion. Other people pick out spe cific books and study them. Proverbs with 31 chapters, is excellent, for it has a different chapter which can be studied each day. When you come to a passage you do not understand, set it to one side. You need not stumble or fret over it. Read ■a portion you can understand and frdm which you can get a blessing. Some of the other pas sages will become more meaningful to you later on. A woman once com plained that she didn’t get anything when she read the Bible through, un til she changed her method and let the Bible go through her as she read
Q . Eureka, California. “According to II Timothy 3:8 Jannes and Jambre» u'ithstood Moses. I can’t find these names in the Old Testament. Who were they ? A. In the New Testament we some time find additional materials which do not appear in the Old Testament. This doesn’t mean that the former is any the less a truth. Jude, as an ex ample, tells about Enoch as being a prophet of the Lord. As Paul has writ ten to Timothy, these were two men, no doubt magicians, who were against the knowledge of truth and opposed Moses and Aaron in Egypt as the lat ter two witnessed for the Lord. Q. Turlock, California. “Do you think it’s wrong for Christians to attend con certs and to listen to the music of the old masters?” A.No one can become the conscience of another. If you feel you cannot or should not go, you should stay away. There are many wonderful and devout Christians, servants of the Lord, who thoroughly enjoy attending concerts of a high order. Of course, one needs to make certain that he does not at tend concerts more regularly or more avidly than he does his church, read ing his Bible, or talking to others about their need of the Lord. If we allow concerts or anything else to rob us of our relationship with the Lord, or to side track us, that becomes sin. Q . Santa Cruz, California. “There is a teaching that we can command God to do things for us based on the words of Isaiah h 5 :ll, ‘Concerning the work of my hands, command ye me.’ Is this correct?” A. How can a finite individual, not knowing all of God’s marvelous om niscience and plan for the universe, presume to tell Him what to do? Our Saviour taught us that men ought al ways to pray and not faint, but this verse and the rest of Scripture does
One of the numerous booths which was featured at the 1964 Biola M issionary Conference held in March 13
it. It must be meaningful and not just so many words on paper. The Holy Spirit is the one who desires to il luminate your daily reading. Seek His divine guidance before you begin each day. Q . Glendale, California. “Can you please explain Matthew 9:5 which reads, ‘For whether is easier to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee, or to say, arise and walk.’ Does this mean that there is a connection between sin and sick ness?” A. This is one of the remarkable events in the life of Christ. If Adam had not sinned, (and we are all im plicated in that original sin), there would be no sickness on earth. That is not to say that every sickness be falling man is because of a particular, individual sin. The friends of Job made that mistake. Let us be careful when we talk about God’s general providence. The Saviour cured this man not only physically, that is sec ondary, but also He washed away His sins and gave Him the promise of eternal life. So there is a two-fold connection between sin and sickness. That which is general and that which is specific. Thank God, He is able, in His divine j'udgment and perfect will to deliver us from both. Q . Youngstown, Arizona. “H a s G 0 d planned each life from birth to death?” A. Yes, He certainly has. This has to do with His infinite knowledge and wisdom. Yet to our finite minds we cannot grasp that which may seem to be paradoxical, for our Lord is not willing that anyone should perish. A person may accept or rej'ect Jesus Christ as he chooses. Some day he will be able to see and understand these important aspects of free will and predestination.
you? the day of the LORD is dark ness, and not light. Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no bright ness in it?’ ” A. There may be a confusion between the Lord’s Day and the Day of the Lord. The Lord’s Day is the first day of the week. Here it is a reference to the coming again of the Lord in a two-fold signification. One part of it is God’s punishment on unbelieving Jews and Gentiles throughout the world. Another part of it is when the Lord reigns preeminently and supremely during the millennium. There were those in Amos’ day who wanted this day to come. The pro phet warns them that it will not be a pleasant thing to expect for unbe lievers. He told them that they didn’t realize all the implications of the Day. There will not be any glossing over of sin. It is a time of j'udgment. This doesn’t mean that God’s day is of itself darkness, but that it is go ing to be a time of distress to un believers. In this connection also read the books of Joel and Zephaniah. Q . Sweet Home, Oregon. "When past sins come to mind, how does one know whether it’s God wanting him to make restitution, or Sata/n suggesting doubt
One of the fastest growing schools of Q . Willitts, California. “Will you please Biola is the Talbot Theological Semi explain Amos 5:18 and 20 for me? nary. Here pictured is Myers Hall, key ‘Woe unto you that desire the day structure. Graduates become pastors, of the LORD! to what end is it for missionaries and Christian education leaders. 14
as to whether there is something left over that’s not been confessed?” A. If someone has wronged anothei and the sin comes to mind, it is up tc the individual to make it right. If hi has made restitution then it could well be Satan’s effort to get the Chris tian defeated. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). If something has not been confessed, then listen to the Holy Spirit and do that which is necessary. There is no one more miserable than a Christian who is not right with God and his fellow man. Satan desires to drag us down in our spiritual life, seeking to destroy the joy of our salvation. Claim the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Q . San Jose, California. "I would appre ciate it i f you would help me with information as to whether the word ‘Lord’ is upper or lower case in the New Testament. Is it the same as the word LORD in capitals in the Old Testament?” A. In printing terminology upper case means capitals and lower case means the small letters. This distinction is one that pertains in the Old Testa ment only. There is a third use of this word such as in I Peter 3:6, “Sarah obeyed Abraham calling him, lord.” This meant she called him her husband or her master. It was not in the sense of tyranny or cruelty. This is on the human plane. The word “Lord” refers to God as Master, Po tentate and Benevolent Ruler. There is also LORD which is the four-letter Hebrew name of God “YHWH.” The English translation has it as Jehovah. In the Old Testament “God” is Elo- him. When GOD appears it means “YHWH.” (This word is never pro nounced by orthodox Jews.) The word does not appear in the New Testa ment.
Two students, Steve Chappell of Cortez, Colorado, and Ted Duncan of Lew is, Colorado, prepare their testimonies fo r the Biola Hour. thrown out of heaven before or after the earth was created?” A. There is nothing in Scripture in dicating when Satan was “thrown out” of heaven. This could well have been before the earth was created. In Genesis he appears to Adam and Eve as a fallen creature. Some have sug gested that Satan may have had care of the earth before his fall and this is why in Genesis one, we read of the earth becoming without form and void. That Satan did fall and that man can be redeemed is the significant factor. Q , Redding, California. “In view of the Lord’s displeasure with Solomon’s idolatry at the end of his life, do you think we will meet him in heaven?” (I Kings 11:9, 10). A. There is no verse specifically tell ing us that Solomon will or will not be in heaven. No such reference is given as is in the case with such men as Abraham, David, Moses, Elijah and others. It is generally believed, how ever, that Solomon did know the Lord. He did sin grievously, but this is 15
Q . Coalings, California. “W a s S a t a n
something which we must leave to the Lord.
Q , Paso Robles, California. “With dll the uncertainties of the future, how can we, as Christ said, ‘Be not anxious for the morrow?’ ” A. This portion suggests that we are not to be downhearted or worried. This does not mean, as we look upon a wicked world, that we can heilp but be concerned. But we don’t have to keep our eyes upon the world. We are told to look up and know that our re demption draweth nigh. We are not to live merely for today as do the animals. Let us have a proper per spective of the overview, keeping our eyes fixed upon the Lord Jesus Christ. As it gets darker down here upon the earth morally and spiritually speak ing, it is getting brighter up above with every passing day. Q , San Diego, California. “What does Paid have in mind by saying that' women will be saved through child bearing?” (1 Timothy 2:18). A. There are two main views. Adam was first formed and then Eve. Since the woman was beguiled into sin, the pain of birth remains upon her daugh ters. This does not mean that a wom an is ordinarily saved spiritually by having children. Some even say Ma ry’s birth of Jesus meant she was able to bring redemption to the world, not only for herself, but also for all wom en everywhere. This is not the mean ing of Scripture. The entire context of this passage has been talking about women being dressed modestly, with shamefacedness, with sobriety, learn ing in quietness, keeping in a place of contentment, a place where their influence can be the greatest. The meaning is she will be delivered from a desire to push herself into a sphere that doesn’t belong to her by remain ing in the home. Childbearing here has the idea of child training, fulfill ing a woman’s greatest role and posi tion in life.
Miss Leonie V. Soubirou, director of the Biola D epartment of Nursing, points out the dorm itory of the Los Angeles County General Hospital in which Biola students in the course w ill reside.
Inside the School o f Nursing typical dorm itory room. Biola students prepar ing fo r the R .N . certificate will be housed separately. ESPECIALLY FOR YOUTH Among the important Biola summer conferences is one just for high school young people held June 20 to 27 at beautiful Hume Lake, near Fresno, California. Speakers will include such outstanding youth leaders as Rev. Ken Pouré. A number of Biola students will be counsellors and workers during the week. I f you have high schoolers in your home or church, encourage them to get reservations in early for this annual conference. It could well be a week which will change the en tire destiny of their lives. 16
THE FRONT ROWS
THE EASY ROAD The easy roads are crowded, And the level roads are jammed; The pleasant little rivers With the drifting folks are crammed, m But off yonder where it's rocky Where you get a better view, You will find the ranks are thining And the travellers are few. Where the going's slow and pleasant f You will always find the throng, For the many, more's the pity, Seem to like to drift along; But the steps that call for courage, I And the task that's hard to do, FEAR NOT Child of love, fear not the unknown 1 morrow, Dread not the new demand life makes 1 of thee; Thine ignorance doth hold no cause 1 for sorrow Since what thou knowest not is known 1 to Me. Thou cans't not see today the hidden | meaning Of M y command, but thou the light j shall gain; Walk on in faith, upon my promise 1 leaning, And as thou goest all shall be made | plain. One step thou seest; then go forward 1 boldly; One step is far enough for faith to 1 see; Take that, and thy next duty shall be 1 told thee, For step by step thy Lord is leading | thee. Wherefore 1 will gladly to the task 1 assign thee, Having M y promise, needing nothing 1 more Than just to know, where ere the 1 future find thee, In all thy journeyings, 1 go before. I In the end results in glory For the never-wavering few.
1 often wonder why it is When ever Christians meet, They never seem to have much faith In any front row seat; 1 just don't know the reason why, Unless they're filled with fear, A nd think the safest place in church Is sitting at the rear. It seems that somewhere down the line These front rows went astray, Or else they're for those "sp irit" folks W ho always stay away; They stand alone here week by week, 1 guess they wonder why; If you were slighted like these seats, You'd break right down and cry. Those back seats really need a rest, They've done more than their share, The load that they've been carrying, Isn't really fair; They never murmur nor complain, They know it isn't right; But 1 wouldn't be a bit surprised, If they collapsed some night. Now tell me, friend, how would you feel When you with others meet, And they gave you the same treatment You gave this front row seat? It isn't fair and that you know, So let's be kind and true, And when you go to church again Sit in a front row pew. — Walt Huntley TRUE FAITH The faith of the Christian is simple and sweet Yet it's precious, more precious than gold. It's faith in the Saviour that makes us complete A nd that opens the door to the fold. The faith of the Christian is hard to explain, It is not smelled, tasted, or felt, seen or heard, Enduring through ages its soul shall remain, It's eternal, for it's built on the Word.
17
by Dr. Lloyd T. Anderson Pastor, Bethany Baptist Church, West Covina, Calif.
TUESDAY-THURSDAY RADIO OUTLINES Philippians 2 :H 8 T h e J o y o f ('h rin t-M in d e d n eH *
T h u s f a r w e have seen how the apostle Paul exalts in a life iden tified with the assured successes of the gospel. Linked with its fortunes, he rides his circumstances in victory. But the viewpoint hitherto has been from the manward side, and there is another point of view. How does the gospel look to one who has not fallen a victim to sin? Has it anything to offer one who has escaped man’s pre dicament or whose position was from the beginning superior to it? Paul makes this daring shift in viewpoint as he discloses the Christ-mindedness of verses 5-8. There one looks at the death-life principle of the gospel from the Godward side. The joy it affords is one into which Christ Himself en tered. It is a sobering thought that ever before the gospel presented its opportunity to man, it unfolded an opportunity which God Himself wel comed. The joy latent in its eternal message was considered first in the counsels of the Godhead, and embraced before the foundation of the world by Father, Son and Holy Spirit. There is, therefore, nothing arbi trary about the conditions which the / gospel imposses upon wayward man. The condemnation of sin and the necessity of repentance are both ex pressions of the love which the gospel reveals. Love works on the death-life principle; it grows by its self-giving. Its choice of the cross is natural. Man should obey the gospel, therefore, not because it is the only means of escape from the penalty of sin, though that is true. He should obey the gospel for the same reason that Christ was obedient to it, because this is the way of abounding joy. And when man’s obedience partakes of this Christ- mindedness, the fountain of his joy
will spring, not f r om the circum stances of his deliverance, but from the heart of God. Christ-mindedness, then, is that attitude which sees in the cross, not the necessity only, but the privilege also — the sure way of self- realization for the sinner as it was for the Son of God. THE APPEAL SUPREME (w. 1-11) “Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterfalls” (Psalm 42:7 ASV). Like appeals to like, and on this prin ciple so beautifully stated by the psalmist, Paul proceeds to dig beneath the surface of that which is funda mental in the Christian experience. 1. I ts B asis (v. 1) Paul appeals to that which is basic: The fourfold occurrence of the phrase “if any” reveals those characteristics which in the eyes of Paul mark a Christian experience as genuine. He does not ask for shibboleths of doc trinal statements or reasoned explana tions. Rather, he asks for evidences which stem directly from within, ex periences which show the immediacy of their fellowship with Christ and flood the whole of their being with the warmth of his love. He digs under the surface of outward professions for their “encouragement” in Christ, the “tender persuasiveness” of their love, for their “partnership” with the Spir it, and for all that is sweet and ten der in their emotions. Thus he escapes the tragedy of superficial appeals which are the blight of so much ex hortation today. “Deep calleth unto deep.” God always appeals to the best there is in us. 2. I ts J oyful N ature ( vv . 2-4) Paul pleads for an overflowing cup 18
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