I B
MARCH, 1963 (With material featured on February Broadcasts
ThellibleInstituteHinr CALIFORN IA Bakersfield-Wasco KAFY 550
B I O L A . broadcaster Monthly Publication of the BIOLA FELLOWSHIP
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PANEL DISCUSSIONS ........ PETER, CORNELIUS, AND
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STAFF President .....S. H. Sutherland Ed itor................... A l Sanders Production V irginia 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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T h e preaching of the Gospel to the passages of Scripture dealing with this ends of the earth is the task of subject, helping us to move forward the church. Every Bible - believing in the task before us. Christian will agree to this. We have In the year 1792, William Carey a tremendous job to do in witnessing founded the first of the modem mis to the wonderful truth that Christ Jesus sionary societies. In the month of May came into the world and died to save of that year he preached a sermon be- sinners. There are many wonderful (continued on next page) 3
have been happy with the 3,000 who were saved on one day, and the 5,000 saved on another. But the Lord Jesus had said, “Expand! Go to the uttermost parts of the earth!” Is our Lord’s com mission any different today? Of course it is not! It is your job and mine, therefore, to be in a constant program of expanding. Sometimes this can be done through the area of prayer, or through the medium of exhortation. It may be by the dedicating of our young people to the service of Christ. Then notice that in this process we are to “spare not.” That simply means we are to give everything we possess. Why? Simply because this is the most important work in the world. Then we are to lengthen our cords. This is just another way of saying, “Enlarge the place of thy tent.” “Lengthen thy cords, strengthen thy stakes.” in most of our churches we work things just the other way around. We tell folks, “Now as soon as we have a strong church, and as soon as the mortgage is paid, and as soon as things get back to normal in the business world, then we will expand our mis sionary program. This is not God’s method. He says to lengthen our cords first. In the process of that we will strengthen our stakes. These two go hand in hand, but first things must come first. We see this continually in the Word of God. Every church ought to have a representative for whom they are caring on some mission field. Some people may ask, “But how do I know it’s going to work? Suppose I pour all my money into the work and there are no results?” Let us read on from Isaiah, “Thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles (the heathen world)” (Verse 3). As we invest in, and enlarge the work of God, we have His promise of possession. I would urge you to con sider the claims of the Gospel upon your own life, and then give attention to what Isaiah has to say. We must be involved in this great program of en larging, expanding, and lengthening to reach a lost world for the Lord Jesus Christ. May God help us to do just that!
The Field is the World (continued) fore a group of pastors in England. As his text he used part of the 54th chapter of Isaiah, “More are the children of the desolate than the children of the mar ried wife, saith the Lord” (Isaiah 54:1). How true this is. There are far more people around the world who do not know the Lord Jesus as Saviour than those who do know Him. Only seven out of every 100 in the world have heard about Christ sufficiently to under stand the way of salvation. How few of those seven have really believed on Him? There are countries dominated by false religions, and thus the people have been denied the privilege of hearing the message of eternal life. Regardless of where we look around the world we see that true Christians are in the vast minority. We may well ask ourselves, “What is the reason for this; what is back of it all? Why is it that with all of the tremendous facilities available to the church there should be more who do not know the Lord than those who do?” Rather than just seeking for the reason let me bring you the Scrip tural answer. William Carey used verse two of Isaiah 54, and through him began the modem missionary movement. The Holy Spirit, writing through the proph et, tells us, “Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.” First there is the suggestion that we are to enlarge the place of our tent. This brings to our attention the thought of constant expansion. By expansion, of course, we don’t mean just building a larger church and related facilities. We are to go out further and further to the ends of the earth through mis sionary families who will reach men and women for the Lord Jesus Christ. In the first century church, after the Lord Jesus had given His apostles a distinct and definite command, they did go into all the world and preach the Gospel. They could have stayed in Jerusalem. They could have built a beautiful church, and everyone would
TORREY BIBUE > CONFERENCE RADIO MESSAGE
m-
a light to shine
Jby Dr. J. O. Percy
C onsidering th e missionary task of the church, there is a veiy in teresting passage of Scripture found in Acts, chapter four. Peter and John had had the wonderful experience of seeing the lame man healed of his illness. As a result, he went on praising the Lord. This resulted in Peter and John being thrown into a great deal of difficulty. But as a sign of God’s blessing, these two servants of the Lord had a tremen dous opportunity to preach the Gospel. “Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about 5,000” (Acts 4:4). How wonderful to. see God working in this way. Further in the chapter, Peter again is accused by the high priest of having done this miracle. They asked him by what power they had accomplished it. “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of a good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth: even by him doth this
man stand here before you whole” (Acts 4:8-10). Peter gave testimony to the fact that it is the Lord Jesus and Him alone who is able to make people whole. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). A remarkable statement is made con cerning Peter and John. “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man standing with them, they could say nothing against it” (Acts 4:13, 14). First of all, see the conviction Peter and John had. They realized that the only message which could help any one was the message of our Lord Jesus Christ. Would to God we had that same conviction today. We look out upon the world in desperate spiritual need and get the idea, “Well, if we just take care of the offerings, send out clothing, and teach the people how (continued on next page)
A Light to Shine (continued) to read and write, everything will be wonderful.” Oh, how we need the pur pose of the apostles to see that the need of men and women is the Lord Jesus Christ. Think also of the tremendous cour age on the part of these two men. Imagine getting thrown into jail be cause they performed a miracle. Then when they aré released they continue praising the Lord. As a result, hundreds are saved. Then under the power of the Holy Spirit, they have the courage to stand up and defy orders to keep silent concerning the Saviour. We face re ligious systems around the world which are powerful and strong. How are we going to combat them? We must have PRAYER MEETING Where would I be on a prayer meet ing night If my Lord should suddenly come? At church in my place Or out with the crowd, Just having some innocent fun. Would I be getting food for my soul And praying for those who are lost, Or absent again forgetting the One Who bought us at infinite cost? But how would they look in His sight? Where would I want Him to find me at last, Should He come on prayer meeting night. the courage to believe it is the name of the Lord Jesus Christ which can accom plish the work. But remember the fact that all of the believers got together to have Won derful communion with the Lord in prayer. “Where prayer focuses, power falls!” T h e r e are desperate situations around thè world. On every hand false religions and isms are growing at a phenominal rate. The great mass of people belong to religious systems which bring no light, but rather pro duce spiritual darkness. Come with me to Africa where we Where would I be? I've excuses enough.
labored as missionaries with the Sudan Interior Mission for a number of years. I could take you to one tribe of people which in our day practiced the sacrific ing of dogs and goats. If the occasion warranted, they would sacrifice some cows or chickens. These were offered for the express purpose of getting the warm blood of the animals. This was sprinkled around the doorways and per haps on some little altar or image made with their hands. They did this be cause their heathen religion dictated the vain philosophy to them. Here were people who needed the message. There wasn’t much sense in telling these peo ple merely how to read and write and then everything would be all right. They had to have a Person replace their old pagan system of worship. We went to them with the message of eternal life. We went to tell these people of Jesus Christ and His power to save. Their only need was to believe in the Son of God who came to give His life for a ransom for all. We were con vinced the people needed the message. We are just as convinced today, wheth er the people are in Africa, or in Latin America, or the Orient, that they need- the Gospel of eternal grace through the Lord Jesus Christ. The great problem is that very few of God’s people have the courage to start out in such a spir itual crusade to the ends of the earth to reach men and women for Christ. One basic reason is the problem of ma terialism. We are so wrapped up with “things” that we hesitate to go all out for God. There seems only to be the desire to satisfy our own sinful flesh. We set aside money and goods for the future before our old age ever comes. The Lord Jesus told us to seek first the Kingdom of Heaven. Such courage comes from a heart burdened for men and women who have never heard the Gospel. One of the wonderful things about this passage is that these New Testament believers knew that God is supreme and that He delighted to do the miraculous. He waits to do the same for us, as we, through the power of the Holy Spirit, are courageous and bold in proclaiming His Holy Word. 6
1963 Biola Chorale Tour
Prof. Marvin McKissick (left), director of the Biola Music Department, prepares for
March 22nd, evening — Cal vary Baptist Church, Pueblo, Colorado, Prairie & Tulane March 23rd, evening— Youth for Christ, Denver, Colora do, 1432 South Logan March 24th, morning — First Christian Church, Engle wood, Colorado, 3190 So. March 24th, evening — First Evangelical Free Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado, March 25th, evening — First Baptist Church, Trinidad, Colorado, 811 San Pedro March 26th, evening — Grace Grant Street
Chorale's tour this month.
March 16th, evening — Youth
for Christ, San Diego
March 17th, morning — Scott Memorial Baptist Church, San Diego, 2716 Madison March 17th, evening — First Presbyterian Church, San Diego, 320 Date Street March 18th, evening — Valley Street
Baptist Church, Yuma, Ari830 North 30th zona, 8th Street and Avenue
" C "
March 19th, evening — Bible Church, Phoenix, Arizona,
2925 W. Polk Church, Albuquerque, New March 20th, morning — PhoeMexico, 115 Cedar Street, nix Christian High School, N.E. Phoenix, Arizona, 1751 W. March 27th, evening — First Indian School Road Baptist Church, Flagstaff, March 20th, evening — First Arizona, Box 465 Baptist Church, Tucson, AriMarch 28th, evening — Mesa zona, E. 5th Street and 6th Conservative Baptist Church, Avenue Mesa, Arizona, 1313 West March 21st, evening — Ala4th Street meda Community Chapel, March 29th, evening — River Albuquerque, New Mexico, side Bible Church, River 220 El Pueblo Road, N.W. 7 side, California.
statement. The Apostle Paul writes, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and pray er to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” What a burdened heart we find here. He didn’t pray that these people would become better off finan cially nor that they would be happy and free from illness. His earnest de sire was that they might be saved! Do you and I have a burden like that for those who are lost all about us? Never has there been a time in all history when there has been so much religious zeal and fervor. This is what drives men and women to churches and other places of worship. Paul says this zeal is not according to knowledge, however, because without Jesus Christ as Saviour men are ignorant of God’s righteousness; they actually go about establishing a righteousness of their own. How is it that you and I can go on day by day in our ordinary lives and not have a similar crushing burden for those who know not the Lord? Do we really have a burden for souls who are all about us? For it is an evident fact that if we don’t have a burden for men and women we can see, we can ever earnestly pray for those who are in the distant countries of the world. The promise is, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). God’s saving grace is bestowed upon us no matter our nationality, color, language or culture. But in the light of this, Paul poses some very significant questions. “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not be lieved? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14). They can not find salvation. Men and women call upon their own gods, the gods they know, made with their own hands, and concocted in their own hearts. The answer is they must hear about the One in whom alone is true salvation through belief unto salvation. Now Paul presents an even greater challenge. These people in benighted lands will never hear unless someone 8
Considering the Challenge
by Dr. J. O. Percy I n considering the missionary chal lenge God has given to every believer, one of the key Scriptures is Romans, chapter ten. Read it again for yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart as to what part He would have you to take in this outreach of world-wide evangelism. The chapter opens with a remarkable
goes to tell them. Are we waiting for some miraculous method, maybe a voice from heaven, or in some unusual way a tract will get into the hands of a native, and in that way people will be converted? The church today seems to try to absolve itself from any in volvement in personally reaching oth ers with the Gospel. We are not asked, “How shall they understand without a piece of literature, but rather, “How shall they hear without a preacher?” God’s great method of reaching men and women with the Gospel is through the method of personal witnessing. Are we actually doing it? A very quick look around the world indicates how far short' we are falling in this sacred task. It is true, of course, that a lot of people who hear the name of the Lord do not call on Him in faith unto sal vation. Perhaps no more than one out of six people in America is a born- again Christian. The rest have heard the Name, to be sure, but they are without Christ; merely a “head” knowl edge. Think of the scores that are en meshed in some false cult or “ism.” The great task of the true church to day is to preach the Gospel. We must do so in our own churches and then to pray the Lord of the harvest to take our young people sending them out to the ends of the earth. That is the sacred task of this historic institution, the Bible Institute of Los Angeles. These ambassadors of the cross may fly an air plane, run a printing press, distribute literature, perform medical tasks, but essentially they go forth to preach this Word, for “How shall they hear with out a preacher?” The truth is summarized in this blessed thought, “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15). What we need today is a long look at our feet. They can be beautiful beyond measure when they are engaged in the business of taking the message of eternal life to the ends of the earth. May God help us, by His grace, to do just exactly that!
SPILT M ILK A typical day, crowded full of things; Household chores and a phone that rings. The children rushing in at three. Shouting with laughter and full of glee. She tried to be helpful, saying, "Here, I'll pour!" And milk is spilled on the freshly waxed floor. "Shame on you; now see what you've done (Was that my voice?) You naughty one!" "I'm sorry. Mommy." " 'Sorry won't do! You go to your room 'till I call you." The hours slip by, supper is past, The children are bathed and in bed at last. When out of the darkness a question from Sue, "When you're naughty, Mommy, who punishes you?" The house is quiet, my day is through. And so I turn, dear God, to you! To you who gives me each new day, Another time to go Thy way. Another chance — all sins forgiven, A gift of love from God in heaven. And suddenly the teardrops start, For I have failed to do my part, To teach my children the kind of love, Given to us from God above. I, whose sins are so much more Than a glass of milk spilled on the floor, Forget how much I count on Thee accepting "I'm sorry" each day from me. Forgive me, Father — Forgive me, Sue — And help me remember my whole life through . . . "When you're naughtly, Mommy — who punishes you?" —Marian Palmer Without rocks, the brook would lose its song. * You can't keep a chip on the shoulder you put to the wheel. * *
9
boy’s tribute
to his dad
The pressure of his dad's strong hand, The look deep in his eyes, Speaks volumes to a fellow's heart. When cares of life arise. And when he kneels with Dad in prayer Before the throne of grace, The glory of the unseen world Illumines all the place. How could a fellow go astray, Who with his dad has stood Within the secret place of prayer Before a holy God! And this my constant prayer shall be, That until life is done. My conduct here shall honor him Who proudly calls me "Son."
Somehow a fellow can't express The feelings he has had, While through the years he's walked and talked And laughed and played with Dad. He cannot put in words the love— The pride that wells within. The admiration in his heart— Whene'er Dad looks at him. Dad is the .hero of his dreams, The king upon the throne, The pattern for that ideal life Which he would make his own. He knows that Dad well understands The conflicts in his breast, And shares the problems he must face, Though often unexpressed.
—Avis B. Christiansen
. ■
™
Panel Discussions
(Interesting questions sent in by radio listeners)
Q . Madison, Wisconsin — “Jesus said., ‘Heaven and earth shall pass away,’ in Matthew 24:25. While in Ecclesias tes 1:40 we read, ‘But the earth abideth forever.’ How can you explain this contradiction?” A. It is only a seeming contradiction! Heaven and earth shall pass away is the word of our Lord Jesus in a di rect prophetic discourse. The book of the Revelation gives this same truth. Ecclesiastes 1:4 indicates one genera tion comes and one generation goes but the earth abideth forever. Reading through the book of Ecclesiastes one realizes that it is natural wisdom rea soning things out in the world, as they look from a human viewpoint. That is why the phrase, “Under the sun” occurs frequently. This is man’s reasoning without divine revelation. The word “forever,” in some cases, has a time limitation. In Jonah 2:6, the prophet said, “The earth with her bars was- about me forever.” Jonah speaks of it from his viewpoint. Q . Denver, Colorado — “Does the soul sleep until the day of judgment or does it go to be with Christ at death?” A. Some cults teach the false idea of “soul sleeping.” That is, when a per son dies his soul goes into the grave with his body where it remains in an unconscious state until the time of res urrection. Scripture very definitely teaches no such thing. Paul said, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” “For I am in a strait betwixt two, hav ing a desire to depart, and to be with Christ which is far better: Neverthe less, to abide in the flesh is more need ful for you” (Philippians 1:21, 23, 24). At the time of the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour said to
the believing thief, “Today thou shalt be with me in Paradise.” The body was to be laid away in the grave, while the soul followed Christ. There is no in dication of soul sleeping there. As soon as a Christian, a believer, dies the body is laid away in the grave, but the spirit goes to be with the Lord. It is the body which will be resurrected at the time of the rapture of the church (I Thessa- lonians 4:13-18). Q . San Diego, California — -“I have won dered why we are exhorted to pray if the Lard already knows the end from the beginning. Do we pray to change His mind? I do not mean to be sac- religious but this has bothered me a great deal.” A. Many people have wondered about this, it is true. We are not changing God’s mind, however, for the Lord knows what He is doing. But in His faithfulness and wonderful providence, in His sovereign will, He wants us to pray. “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Fa ther may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13, 14). “Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and it shall be opened to you: For everyone that ask- eth receiveth; and he that seeketh find- eth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:7-11). (continued on next page)
11
nection to what we find in Genesis 10 and 11 where the earth was divided according to languages, tribes and peo ples. This came as a result of the wic kedness perpetrated in connection with the building of the tower of Babel. Q t Vancouver, British Columbia. “What does it refer to in Ephesians 3:19 where in we read that we should know the love of God which passeth knowledge. How can we know something that can not be known? It seems to be a para dox.” A. There are degrees of knowing the love of Christ. It is true that in the final analysis the love of Christ passeth all human understanding, but that doesn’t mean we can’t know the love of Christ. We also read in this verse Paul’s prayer that we might be filled with all the fullness of God. As finite creatures, however, we can and should know His love. It is a part of our spir itual maturity. Q . Bakersfield, California. “The apostle Paul scad ‘If we deny him, he w ill also deny US’. Yet Peter denied Him three times, and still he was saved. What did Jesus mean by this warning in Mat thew 10:33?” A. This passage has to do with the sending forth of the twelve. Our Lord Jesus gives them directions, and in forms them in the manner in which they may be expected to be treated. “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32, 33). There are degrees or aspects of denial. In II Timothy 2:12, Paul has reference to the one who denies in an absolute and outright sense. This is a man who has never exhibited any degree of belief or saving faith. This was certainly not true of Peter. It is a fact that he did deny our Lord. He was a backslider. We read that Peter did repent and ask the Lord’s forgive ness. He was reinstated by the Saviour. 12
Panel Discussions (continued) God has ordained the means as well as the end and we are exhorted to pray. God is never found in error or mistake. If this will be any comfort to you, every notable and less notable theologian in the world has wondered about this very fact as well. It is one of those things in the Bible that we must take by faith and hold in proper proportion. He has told us to come into a marvelous partnership with Him: to ask that we might receive a blessing and see Him do the work. Q , Portland, Oregon — “A verse in Acts chapter 4 has been pointed out to me as evidence that the early church prac ticed communism. W ill you explain this please?” A. The entire passage of Acts chapter 4:32 through 6:4 tells of the church at Jerusalem and the people holding things in common. But the practice did not spread, nor did it continue long. Not only does it show they had all things in common, but also it shows the failure of that method of living. Ananias and Sapphira give a picture as examples of the failure of this sort of system. But mark you well that there is a vast difference between this passage and communism as we know it today. Communism has as its basic tenant the idea that there is no God. The early church certainly did not practice communism in this form. Their common bond was love; communism speaks of hate and force. Q . San Bernardino, California. “There is a strange statement in 1 Chronicles 1: 19 in reference in Peleg. The words are given, ‘For in his days the earth was divided.’ What is the meaning of this phrase?” A, Some people believe that this is the time when the earth was divided into continents. That theory, however, does not fit in with what we have in th.e early chapters of Genesis. There the water was made to flow off the dry land so that it appeared in definite form. No doubt the reference is in con
In fact he was later used of the Spirit of God to write two wonderful epistles in the New Testament. Q . Santa Barbara, California. “Are there any particular writings that tell us just what Jesus looked like?” A. There are no authentic writings which tell us what Jesus looked like. An artist’s conception of Him is only according to his personal ideas and imaginations. One of the most beautiful Scriptural portrayals of what He looks like is found in the first chapter of the book of Revelation. This is, of course, after His resurrection as He will exist throughout all eternity. Q . Fresno, California. “Does the phrase ‘born of God’ in John 3:3 have the same meaning as 'born of God.’ as found in 1st John 3:9? A. Yes, They are, of course, both the writings of the apostle John under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; There is no expression in the New Testament, other than “bom of God”, to express the begetting by the Spirit of God into the family of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This takes place when one realizes he is a sinner, con victed by the Holy Spirit. That soul is bom of God by a sovereign, super
natural work, and becomes part of the body of Christ, the church of the liv ing God. These verses do spell out in a wonderful way the gracious, glori ous, status into which we have come as being bom into God’s family. If you have never trusted Christ as Saviour, we invite you now to become a child of God; to be bom of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Q . San Diego, California. “M y wife and l had just gotten settled in what we thought would be our home of retire ment. Then the Lord took her. Is it wrong that I long to join her since I have nothing left for which to live?” A, It is not wrong that you should long to join her. Heaven is the earnest expectation of every believer. No doubt the Lord has you down here for some particular purpose. If you cannot go out and preach, perhaps He has given you plenty of time to pray and to en gage in a life of intercessory prayer. Your loved one would be pleased to know that you are occupying your mo ments down here in service for the Lord in one way or another. She would not want you to just sit and long to be with her. Actually, we all have something for which to live! We should (continued on next page)
BIOLA PRESENTS ANNUAL CHOIR FESTIVAL
Mr. Paul Mickelson, president of Supreme Recordings , and noted musician , directs 150 voice all-church choir festival in Biola Campus auditorium. 13
Son. God had to turn in abhorance from that sin. God was in Christ re conciling the world unto Himself. The Lord Jesus Christ was exercising not only His humanity on the cross, He was exercising His deity which never forsook Him. The question was asked that you and I might pinpoint the rea son for our sin. He was being forsaken of God because of our sin. God for sook the Son in that moment that He might remember us forevermore! Q . Boise, Idaho — “Is there any signifi cance to David’s selecting five smooth stones, w ith one of which he slew the lion?” A. There are those who say that David took five stones because Goliath had four brothers who were to meet him. David wasn’t going to take any chanc es; he wanted to have plenty of am munition. They were smooth stones be cause he could aim them better. Other than that, there would be no specific connotation. A rough or odd shaped stone cannot be guided. Q . Studio City, California — “In Reve lation 22:2 we read of the healing tree of life found in eternity. If I read my Bible correctly, why do we need heal ing in heaven?” A. This verse does not teach imperfec tion in eternity. In Revelation 21 we read that there is not going to be any more pain. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4). The Spirit of God is suggesting the healing of the nations. It is not to induce heal ing, but rather to maintain and sustain healing. Q . Hayward, California — “Do you be lieve that God forgave the men who nailed Jesus to the cross, even as Christ asked His Father to do? A. Whether these men truly repented of what they had done, we are not told. 14
Panel Discussions (continued) be praying for one another. We are to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, so do not give up. When your task is done, then the Lord will see to it that you are reunited with those whom you have loved and lost awhile, and best of all that you will be ushered into the presence of our blessed Lord Himself. Q . Buena Park, California — “W ill Chrisfs return for His church come after every tongue, tribe, nation, etc. has heard the Gospel?” A. This question is the result of a de gree of confusion in connection with the dispensational truth taught in the Word of God. We presume that the writer refers to the passage in Mat thew’s gospel account, “And this gospel •of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14). This portion does not refer to the times in which we are now living. It is the period of time immediately following the rapture when the gospel of the Kingdom will be preached again. Today we preach the gospel of grace. We want to get the gospel out to as many as possible before the Lord comes, but His coming is not dependent upon everyone hear ing the message. Q . Portland, Oregon — “What did Christ mean when He cried out, ‘M y God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?’ ” A. These blessed words were uttered by our Saviour from the cross while in the act of dying for the sins of the word. This is a quotation from the 22nd Psalm. He who knew no sin God made to be sin on our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. This does not mean that God made the Lord Jesus Christ a sinner. He never was a sinner! God laid upon Him all of the sins of the world. There was wonderful fellowship between the Trinity which was cut off when Christ died. The same sin God hates in us, He hated when it was put upon His
The Lord Jesus wanted them to know that it was possible for them to be saved if they repented. The Saviour was will ing to deliver them even in spite of what they did. Q . San Francisco, California — “What kind of a mark did God put on Cain?” A. The Bible, from Genesis through the Revelation, mentions certain kinds of marks. What these marks were, or will be, we do not know. Perhaps Cain bore some mark on his forehead. What ravages sin has wrought in the world! Q . Camas, Washington — “In Mark 1:26 we read that the unclean spirit tore the man and cried out with a loud voice. W ill you please explain just what happened in this case?” A. Exactly what happened is that which is recorded. This true illustra tion shows us something of the tre mendous wickedness of the unclean spirit. It may have appeared in out ward circumstances to be something of a violent fit or seizure. The man was frantic and was beside himself. It is the Lord Jesus Christ alone who has power over the demon world. Q . Billings, Montana — “W ill you please explain the verse in Ephesians 4:26 which says, ‘Be ye angry, and sin not; let not the sun go down upon your wrath.’ This seems to be a contradic tion. How can both be possible?” A. The Bible does not inject any con tradiction. “Be angry and sin not,” is an anger which is not considered in the sight of God as sin; it comes from a warranted cause. We sometimes call this righteous indignation. This was true of our Lord Jesus Christ in His ministry. He was never angry unto sin. It is possible for believers, in their zeal for the truth, to be angry and yet not be sinning. On the other hand, for us, we are sometimes wrongfully angry. For this reason, we read, “Let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” There is a very fine line which a man may cross from righteous indignation to un warranted, selfish and personal indig-
Dr. Herbert H. Richardson (center) is hon-‘ ored for 25 years as the pastor which he founded, North Redondo Chapel, Redondo Beach, Calif. Flanking him are Dr. Arthur Mouw and Dr. Louis T. Talbot nation. One must be very careful for this reason. Q . Sacramento, California — “After a person is once sealed with the Holy Spirit, is it possible for the Holy Spirit to withdraw Himself or His presence from the believer because of some sin or sins in his life? If so, is there ever restoration for his condition or is it a state that is complete and final?” A. If a person is truly born-again, sealed with the Holy Spirit, then he never loses the Holy Spirit. One who is once saved is always saved. It is en tirely possible, however, for a believer to be out of fellowship with the Lord. In that case the Holy Spirit withdraws Himself; He is quenched. David com mitted sins of adultery and murder. In that great penetential Psalm we read his words, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation” (Psalm 51:12). David wasn’t asking for a restoration of his salvation. He had lost the joy of it, however, and sought renewed fellow ship with the Lord. Thank God forgive ness and restoration is always possible if we confess our sins. (continued on next page) 15
which Noah built the ark? Is there anything comparable to that today?" A. In Genesis 6:14 we read, “Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. Bi ble students have considered that this was the cypress wood. There is nothing known to be comparable to this today, since the exact word cannot be known. Q . Seattle, Washington — “Our professor says Adam and Eve would not have been any more intelligent than animals today had they not partaken of the forbidden fruit. Some of our church people say they would have known only good and not evil." A . It is hard to keep one’s equilibrium in the light of what certain professors say in their own pompous degree of finality. For a professor to make a state ment like this shows that he leaves all source of knowledge and goes into speculations and imaginings. All is done in an effort to down grade the sacred record found in the Word of God. There is no evidence what ever which would lead a person to make such a statement. In order to experience good and evil it was neces sary for man to be tempted. It’s amaz ing how people will take the word of unbelieving scientists. There are many godly scientists, and we thank God for what they have discovered helping to make life more enjoyable from the physical point, of view. But when a scientist leaves his scientific research and begins to go into speculation, he is far from his field and will bring swift judgmeht to himself and to others. True science and the Bible are in complete harmony; it is when man s reasonings are brought in that confusion reigns. Q. College Place, Washington — “Since God forbids the Jews to eat swings flesh ? where in the Bible are we given permission in our day for eating such?” A. In Leviticus 11:7 we read, “And the swine, though he divideth the hoof, and be cloven footed, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.” Here is 16
Panel Discussion« (continued) Q. Elsinore, California — “Please help me on I John 4:2. Also can you explain the difference between Psalm 6:5 and Ec clesiastes 9:5.” A. “Herehy know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God” (I John 4:2). This is one of the great declarations of the Bible. It deals with the aspect of the last days when many spirits will be abroad troubling the people of God. There will be super natural manifestations in the last days, and the believer must use divine cau tion and judgment. It’s amazing to read through church history and see how many different heresies there have been. When some system or religious body will not admit that Jesus of Naza reth is of a truth the Messiah of Israel, the second person of the Trinity, the One who is both all God and all man, these are not of the truth and are false spirits. This is the very telling yard stick of authenticity for truth. The other two Scripture portions are on a completely different subject. “For in the grave (sheol) who shall give thee thanks” (Psalm 6:5). David penned this Psalm. Naturally he did not have all the light that the New Testament gives us on the life beyond the grave. To him it looked as though in death there was some kind of a shadowy existence; men were in a condition of repose. Their bodies were asleep, but their spirits were in a languid position. We understand this in the context of the time in which David lived. In Ecclesiastes 9:5 we have another similar verse, “For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.” The writer speaks from the viewpoint of “under the sun.’ It is the way things look to a man who is evaluating things from his rea sonings alone without the wonderful, indispensible light of supernatural rev elation. Q. Red Bluff, California — “What kind of wood was “gopher" wood out of
the prohibition as it was given to the people of Israel. God wanted them to be different from other nations. This was true, not only with their eating but in apparel, customs, religious observances and in many other ways. How strange it is that some people desire to put us back under the law. It is very odd, however, that when these people come to passages speaking of not wearing wool and linen together, they just dis regard these commands. When they come to injunctions not to kindle a fire in their homes on the Sabbath, they disregard that, too. Such people take only the Scriptures they like. There- the Jews to eat swine’s flesh, then, in fore they feel that since God forbade our day, we should have a distinct statement or prohibition. The Bible, on the other hand, does give us word on the fact that we can eat anything. “And he saith unto them, Are ye so without un derstanding also? Do ye not per ceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into t h e belly, and goeth into the draught, purging all meats?” (Mark 7:18, 19). This He said making all m e a t s clean. “And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that de- fileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil- thoughts, adulteries, fornications, mur ders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blas phemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man” (Mark 7:20-23). People who so state t h a t we should live under the law do not differentiate between things which are inherently wrong and those things which become wrong when they are forbidden. Murder was wrong and forbidden long before the Mosaic law was instituted. God’s judgment and punishment was heaped upon Cain be cause he slew his brother. On the other hand, there are a number of things in the Bible that are forbidden, such as the matter of mixing woolen and linen apparel together. Such prohibition is
Dr. Ray A. Myers, chairman of Biota’s Board of Directors, instructs tractor opera tor, Claude Mitchell at KBBI’s Mt. Wilson site. Operations will begin shortly from Southern California’s highest point of ground. observed by orthodox Jews today. Now such a practice is not inherently wrong. It is not inherently wrong to eat fish which doesn’t have fins and scales. It was wrong for Israel because it was specifically forbidden. There was a time element involved. God wanted to keep Israel pure and separate until the time when the Messiah would come. When He did come, He made all meats clean. (more questions on page 28 )
Attention Denver Area Biola Friends St*C KLIR-990 on the dial 17 TORREY BIBLE CONFERENCE Cornelius by Dr. Herbert Henry Ehrenstein, Evangelical Foundation, Philadelphia H ow wonderfully God deals with His children in every age. Acts 10 tells of the way in which Cornelius, the Roman centurion, was brought to the Lord. This outstanding Gentile was stationed at the military garrison in Caesarea. He had become disillusioned with the pagan Roman religion in which he had been reared. To the best of his ability' he had lived up to the light he had known; he sought further illumination. God is always ready to give more light to those who seek it. Rarely does anyone, however, live up to the light he has. In some manner, Scripture does not specify, Cornelius had learned to trust the God of Israel. He was ready to go on to greater truth. Peter was chosen to bring, as a hu man instrument, more light and guid ance. Why did God choose this one so thoroughly Jewish? Peter had looked down his nose at the Gentiles. Why didn’t God send John, who was a real diplomat, or James who was such a schooled politician? But God had some thing for Peter to learn, too. There was a graphic object lesson necessary for Peter to lose his prejudices. The story opens with Cornelius pray ing; no doubt asking for more light. An angel is sent to him declaring that his prayers had been heard by God. So many times I have had this question put to me: “How can I know God’s will for my life?” There is really only one answer to that question. If you want to know God’s will for any given situation, the best way is to be willing to do His will even before you know what it is. The major part of the prob lem is solved right there. It is like giving God a signed blank check and letting Him fill in the amount. Granted you might hesitate to do this for some friend for it is just possible that one might take advantage of you. God, how ever, always acts fairly and justly with His children. Never will He take ad vantage of your weakness or vulner ability. Only remember this: don’t try to back out of the agreement once you have made it with Him; He will hold you to your promise. Cornelius is told, “And now send to Joppa, and call for one, Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner” (Acts 10:5, 6). In Cor nelius’ mind there was no time for de lay. He sent off his servants imme diately. Now see how expertly God takes care of His business. Not only had He prepared Cornelius by giving him a prayer burden, He also now begins to 18 prepare Peter to answer the prayer. This is always true of genuine prayer which comes from a God-given burden. Let us not think that God is an over loaded supply depot doling out answers indiscriminately simply because some one says, “Oh, God, I need this; give me that.” There are very significant rules for prayer. When they are not fol lowed, the petitioner has no right to expect God to answer. No one ever frustrates God. When Cornelius’ mes sengers arrived, the Lord had already calmed impetuous Peter. He was de termined to be civil to his Gentile guests. I do not know on what plane of spiritual existence you may be liv ing. You may not be acquainted with the Lord. Mark you well, however, no one can have a true sense of satisfaction and peace unless he is in right rela tionship with the Lord. You may have religion and church activity, and they may act as temporary tranquilizers to soothe and comfort you, but you will soon find they do not bring lasting or constant satisfaction. They are aching voids which always need filling. This was true of Cornelius and it is true of everyone who has not yet learned to talk with Christ. Turn over the controls of your life to Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Saviour. Surrender your stub born will to His and He will truly satisfy your heart, soul and mind! Chapter Two A s far as the background of Peter is concerned, although he was a Christian, he was still Jewish in his thinking. The very thought of a Gen tile being put on the same spiritual level with him was in no wise appeal ing. Cornelius had sent his servant to call for Peter bringing him back to the military garrison at Caesarea. As the men were making their journey to the place where Peter was staying, Peter, himself, went up on the roof of his house as he waited for dinner to be prepared. As it was hot there, Peter soon began to doze off; the aroma of the food downstairs filtering up through the roof top. Suddenly God came to him in a vision. A huge sheet was let down from heaven containing all sorts of animals and birds. Peter saw the animals, and being hungry, he remembered his old duty of Judaistic training. He knew that Jews were not permitted to eat such food. So in the trance, Peter shouted out, “Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” Here is a rather strange contradic tion in terms. Peter was addressing God as Lord. He implied thereby a willing obedience to the divine purpose of the Master, yet at- the same time he said, “No, Lord.” These two words just don’t TEMPER When I have lost my temper, And my cheeks are flaming red, I have always uttered something Which I wish I had not said. In anger I have never Done a kindly deed or wise, But many things for which I felt I should apologize. In looking back across my life, And all I've lost or made, I can't recall a single time When fury ever paid. So I struggle to be patient, I have lost my reason too. I'm never proud of anything Which angrily I do. When I have talked in anger go together. When we answer a com mand from our Redeemer, the only possible response we can give is “Yes, Lord.” But before we criticise Peter too much, let us look in the mirror. Have you and I ever said, “O yes, Lord, we love you! We’ll go where you want us to go; we’ll do what you want us to do!” But when He asks us to put our selves out just a little for His sake we say, “O no, Lord, not that; that would interfere with our social life, or our (continued on next page) 19 For I've reached a wiser age; I do not want to do a thing Or speak a word in rage. I have learned by sad experience That when my temper flies I never do a worthy deed, A decent deed or wise,
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