in II Timothy 4:6-8. Yes, those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ do live better lives than those who just believe vaguely in God. Theirs is a more satisfied, more purposeful, hap pier life. Now, w h e th er you’re a young person, or in that struggle of mid dle age, or that quiet time of the elderly, do you really know what it means to believe in Jesus Christ? It means far more than just to have heard about Him. At the same time, sixty per cent of the world has never heard the name of Christ. Listen again to Paul’s words, “For I deliv ered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scrip tures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day ac cording to the scriptures” (I Cor. 15:3, 4 ). It is not just that He is alive, but that He is alive for us! You must accept Jesus Christ as per sonal Saviour. What a thrilling thing to realize that whether a person is young, or in middle age, or elderly, he can believe in Jesus Christ, and find not only peace and joy, but also the promise of eternal life. Yes, the Buddhist barber was right when she said, “Those who believe in Jesus live better lives than those who be lieve just in God!” * * * Sacrificial giving isa grace, the lack of which is a disgrace. * * * LAWLESSNESS Recently, a United States Senator (Talmadge) rightly challenged the na- tion with a forthright statement con cerning the lawlessness now so ram pant throughout the country. He em phatically declared, “Here, within the confines of our own shores, the Ameri can people are plagued by a problem which imperils our entire way of life. It is eating out the heart of our very social structure making us vulnerable to those who would destroy us from without. The cancerous spread of crime
and disrespect for vested authority propells this nation farther down the road toward blatant lawlessness. The strength and unity of our people al ready have been dissipated. Forces of hatred, distrust, and fear roam the land. The prophet Ezekiel, speaking of the final desolation of Israel, uttered a lament which I find sadly appropri ate, ‘Make a chain,’ said Ezekiel, ‘for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence’ (Ezek. 7: 23).” The Senator continues, “There has developed a scorn for all estab lished authority, whether it be em bodied in the Bible, in written law as found in the Constitution, or on State and Federal statute books. This spirit is even evident throughout the world. Scripture forecasts a time of absolute lawlessness on earth immediately be fore the return of Christ to establish His kingdom of justice and righteous ness. Why can’t we see the signs?” We think this is a tremendous challenge, coming from a man high in government circles. Let us remember the words of Scripture, “Righteousness exalteth a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.’’ * He who has slight thoughts of sin, can not have great thoughts of God. * *
Dr. Gordon Hooker tries out a musical arrange ment at the piano. Looking on is his wife, Mrs. Martha Hooker. Each having completed forty years of service for the Lord at Biola, the Hookers are retiring from active service this year.
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