IS CHRIST THE TIGER? by DON W. H ILLIS
THE EPIC OF EASTER by JOHN E. WOODLAND
TO SAVE A SOLDIER by DICK HILLIS
ALLIES AHD ADVERSARIES by VANCE HAVNER
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A PUBLICATION OF BIOLA SCHOOLS & COLLEGES, INC. LOUIS T. TALBOT, Chancellor, S. H. SUTHERLAND, President. RAY A. MYERS, Board Chairman APRIL, 1968 . VOL 58, N0.4 . ESTABLISHED 1910 IN THIS ISSUE ARTICLES ARE MISSIONARIES SLOBS? — Vivian E. B o thw ell....................................... 7 JESUS’ SELF-REVELATION — Gerald L Gooden ______________________ 8 THE PRICE OF A PROPHET — Edgar C. Jam es________________________ 11 ALLIES AND ADVERSARIES — Vance Havner ________________________ 13 PARENTS— KEY TO CHURCH GROWTH — Wesley L Gustafson ................14 CHRISTIANS BEWARE — Noel Smith .................................................................16 TO SAVE A SOLDIER — Dick H illis ___________________________________18 THE EPIC O f EASTER — John E. Woodland__________________________ 30 IS CHRIST THE TIGER? — Don W. H llis ______________________________34 THE DAY THE DEVIL CLOSED SHOP — Paul H arvey__________________ 37 FEATURES MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR — Samuel H. Sutherland_______________ 4 DR. TALBOT’S QUESTION BOX — Louis T. T a lb o t____________________ 21 CULTS CRITIQUE — Betty Bruechert ............__________ ______ _________ 29 TALKING IT OVER — Clyde M. N arram ore___________________________ 40 BOOK REVIEWS — Arnold D. E h le rt........................................ .......................... 42 SCIENCE AND THE BIBLE — Bolton Davidheiser______________________43 CHRISTIAN WORKERS’ CLINIC — C. Chester Larson ....... .......................... 46 OVER A CUP OF COFFEE — Joyce Landorf____________________________48 COVER Mt. Hood, Oregon. Photo by Gene Ahrens, New Milford, New Jersey.
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A P R IL, 1968
" . . . A MIGHTY FORTRESS. . .*
Training Christian Youth for Christian
I
BY DR. SAMUEL H. SUTHERLAND PRESIDENT, BIOLA SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, INC.
Service • MUSIC • DRAMA • INTERCOLLEGIATE SPORTS • • • a Bible college where every student majors in Bible while enjoying a well-ordered and disciplined campus life in the realm of the physical, spiritual, academic and cultural. For information write: Dr. B. Myron Cedarholm, President
Bringing Up Father p o R m o r e y e a r s t h a n o n e c a r e s t o r e m e m b e r , a c o m i c s t r i p h a s appeared in newspapers across the land w ith the above title. It is the story o f a husband and father who, completely dominated by his w ife and fam ily, invariably is blamed when things go wrong. A lthough but a comic strip, behind it is a truth too true to be funny. In July, 1967, a special detachment o f the Los Angeles Police Force, Hollywood division, made a raid in a parking lot that resulted in the apprehension o f more than 100 teenagers and a few adults. These were herded into paddy wagons o f various sorts and taken off to the police station. The raid occurred shortly before midnight. The rest o f the night was spent in calling par ents and getting them to come down to be informed o f their youngsters’ actual activities. The press reported that these parents were “ shocked, angry, indignant, mortified, chagrined, embar rassed.” Assorted expletives on their part revealed their mental and emotional reaction to this totally unsuspected situation. These youngsters had told their parents they were going to the theatre, a dance, a party at a friend’s home or to some so-called respectable place. Instead, they congregated on this lot where, follow ing the raid, the police picked up marijuana cigarette butts, vials o f hero ine, packets containing LSD , contraceptives o f various types, and almost every imaginable variety o f “ mod” gadgets and gimmicks which are the common property o f teenagers today. The trap also netted switch knives, clubs o f various types and other defen sive weapons “ just in case.” The tragedy was that so many o f the parents had absolutely no idea that their young people were indulging in this sort o f business. They had never taken the trouble to find out what their young people actually were doing. They had "trusted” them im plicitly, and it was left for the law to reveal their actual activities. Am ong the excuses that the youngsters had, one major one was to the effect that there was no discipline in the home; no one to guide them or check on them, and particularly the fathers were
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TH E KING'S BUSINESS
blamed for their "to ta l lack o f interest” in the physical, moral or spiritual welfare o f their children. The fathers were too busy at their places o f business, their clubs or social and recreational haunts. Apparently they could not care less about what their own children were doing— until their names appeared on the books as law breakers. Then the fathers and the parents became enraged at their children for bringing disgrace upon the fam ily name. The seriousness o f the situation is pointed up by the fact that youngsters between the ages o f 13 and 1 6 are apprehended in more crimes than any other age group. Some time ago there appeared an editorial in the San Francisco Examiner, entitled "T h e Appall ing Erosion o f Moral Standards.” The author asked the question "W h a t has happened to our national morals?” He then described conditions that called forth the editorial. "A n educator speaks out in favor o f free love. A man o f God condones sexual excursions by unmarried adults. Movies sell sex as a commercial commodity. Bookstores and cigarstands peddle pornography. A high court labels yesterday’s smut as today’s literature. Record shops feature albums displaying nudes and near-nudes. N igh t clubs stage shows that would have shocked a smoker audience a generation ago. T V shows and commercials pour out a flood o f sick, sadistic and sug gestive sex situations. A campaign is launched to bring acceptance to homosexuality. Radio broadcasts present discussions for and against promiscuity. Magazines and newspapers publish pictures and articles that flagrantly violate the bounds o f good taste. Four- letter words once heard only in barroom brawls now appear in publications for general distribution. Birth control counsel is urged for high school girls. These things are happening in your America. In the two decades since W orld W ar II we have seen our national standards or morality lowered again and again. W e have seen a steady erosion o f past principles o f decency and good taste, and we have harvested a whirlwind. A s our standards have low ered, our crime levels and social problems have increased. Study the statistics on illegitimate births, on broken marriages, on juve nile crimes, on school dropouts, on sex deviation, on dope addic tion, on high school marriages, on crimes o f passion. The figures are higher than ever, and are going still higher.” O f course, it is true that these conditions prevail because o f the changes that have taken place in recent years in the judicial deci sions handed down by the judges o f our land, starting with the Supreme Court. "T h is nation which was founded on the demo cratic concept o f majority rule, now denies the positive rights o f the many in order to protect the negative rights o f a few .” But we cannot level all o f the blame upon the judiciary. In the final analysis, it is the home that must assume the greatest degree o f responsibility for these conditions. The home has broken down in large measure because the father and husband has not taken his proper place o f leadership in the fam ily life. H is disciplinary authority has been abrogated by him, and instead, has been dele gated to the w ife and mother or to no one. H e goes merrily on Continued on p. 2U
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5
A P R IL, 1968
Pêopkto theNewt
Dr. George F. Howe has been appoint ed chairman of the Division of Nat ural Sciences at Los Angeles Baptist College in Newhall, Calif. Dr. Howe received his B.S. from Wheaton Col lege and his M.S. and Ph.D. from Ohio State University. He is also Vice-President of the Creation Re search Society and has written a va riety of articles in defense of the Word of God. Howard O. Jones, associate evange list with The Billy Graham Evange listic Association, has agreed to serve as Consultant to the American Tract Society’s new Division of Negro Evangelism. The society, now in its 142nd year, has undertaken an ex pansion program in order to meet the urgent challenges of the day. Under the direction of an Advisory Council of leading Negro Christians, backed by a special staff at the American Tract Society headquarters in Ora- dell, New Jersey, ATS will produce tracts for the Negro community that meet the issues head-on and present Jesus Christ as the only answer to all the problems of our times. Since February, the 25-year-old broad cast “ Songs in the Night” has been originating at C h i c a g o ' s Moody Church rather than in the Village Church of Western Springs. Regular speaker is Dr. George Sweeting, pastor of the historic downtown church. Dr. Sweeting is familiar with the pro gram, having substituted for the previous speaker on occasion. For the past 22 years, Lloyd Fesmire, formerly pastor of the suburban church, was the program’s regular speaker. Since his move to a pastor ate in the East, Dr. Sweeting was asked to assume the post. Personnel on the program other than the speaker remain the same: Glenn Jorian soloist, the King’s Karoll- ers trio, and announcer Ted Seelye, with Kent Creswell of WMBI as man ager of the program. “ Songs in the Night” is broadcast weekly over 40 stations in the U.S., as well as over 10 foreign stations. January 22 to 25 was the silver an niversary of the National Religious Broadcasters. It is encouraging to see the way in which the ministry of both program producers and radio station operators continues to grow. At the end of last year chapter Continued on p. 2It
Don't Let This Happen In Your VBS! Standard's 1968 VBS Program Reaches Youngsters w ith A Total Experience in Learning.
Beginner, Primary, and Young Teen); three Craft-Paks (Beginner, Prim ary, Junior); pub licity supplies; songbook. Special FREE Planbook and Film Strip offer: A new 1968 Planbook is yours free for the asking. The new Film Strip, "I Saw Your Son Today," is certain to inspire congregation and staff, and is free for your use. A ct now w hile supply is available! A sk your dealer, or use the coupon to order. At your Dealer or STANDARD( T ) PUBLISHING Cincinnati, 0. 45231 | *| *7 Alhambra, Calif. 91801 Please send me: □ 5 day kit $4.75 No. 8595 □ 10 day kit $5.50 No. 8598 Q FREE Planbook No. 8339 (one is included in each kit) □ FREE filmstrip, "I Saw Your Son Today," No. 8599 (You will be billed $3.50 for filmstrip which will be cancelled when you return it the day after showing.) Reservation date------------ - Name_________________________________________________ Position in church________________________________________ Church name----------------------------------------------- Address_____________________________________________________ City_______________ _State_ _Zip _
"G o d's W ord — Today's H ope" captures young sters' interest right from the first lesson — and no w onder. Standard's all-new 1968 VBS pro gram is inspirational and exciting, w ritten in today's language for today's youth. O rder your special Introductory Kit containing everything you'll need for planning a five or ten day course. Each kit contains: the director's m anual; planbook; five teacher's texts; five pupil's books (one each for N ursery, Preschool,
All New 5 and 10 Day Courses.
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G I V E Y O U R C A R TO MISSIONARIES ON FURLOUGH When you donate your car, we send you a tax-deductible re ceipt for top retail value. Write: AIM, Inc., (Automobiles In Missions) Box 5151, Glendale California 91201
DIARY OF A DOCTOR’S SON EDmoN
by KEITH L. BROOKS Reprinted by popular demand. This authentic boy's diary fas cinates young and old. Full of humor, yet with a message of inspiration and hope. Order from CHURCH PRESS Box 551, Glendale, (a. 91209
Missionary fam ily with A.I.M . car.
p r ic e 50c
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TH E KING'S BUSINESS
T h e m is s io n a r y returning home had an outstanding record of missionary service in South India. The church where she was to speak the first Sunday after her arrival had publicized her coming well, and a fine congregation was present that Sunday. “Missions” was a special interest of mine, and I was happy to be among those eager to receive her message. What a disappointment! An average-appearing American wo man, in a white cotton dress per haps ten years out of date, and wearing a hat that was laughable in view of the current fashion! Her message was impressive, however, though the delivery was only fair. Still, her poor and taste less appearance was uppermost in my mind. The pastor’s wife had been of great help in stimulating interest in many of us. When she ques tioned my impressions o f our mis sionary speaker, I told her o f my disappointment, and how I wished the speaker had been more dra matic. Our pastor’s wife replied kindly but positively: “You must remember that mis sionaries take with them ward robes to last several years, suit able to the climate in which they are to live. They do not have large incomes and must make their clothing last. Even if they did have more money, clothing stores might be hundreds if not thou sands o f miles away. What little shopping they do must be ordered from mail-order houses in the States, and often the order does not meet the catalog descriptions, but they are too far away to make exchanges. These are the clothes they wear home. “ As to the manner of public speaking, their work is not usual ly from the speaker’s platform, but is a person-to-person minis try, seeking to win each one to the Lord. As a physician or nurse, again the missionary ministers to an individual. A teacher in a mis sion school must approach the subject with the native pattern of thinking in mind, and often in the native language. A mission
M E MISSIONARIES
...here is one answer!
by VIVIAN E. BOTHWELL
clothing, though one “token” gift is presented with the check — usually a sweater, easily ex changed if the size is not right. Checks are presented at an eve ning worship service, followed by a reception at which time the con gregation may meet the mission aries personally. Of course the missionaries are on the platform to receive the checks, but it is kind not to engage them for a missionary address until they have had an opportunity to shop for their new wardrobes. (Occa sionally missionaries have used this fund for much-needed dental work or medical attention.) We guarantee joy and blessing for all concerned, if your church tries this plan. And never again will it be said, “Missionaries are slobs,” for you will have provided wardrobes suitable for the Royal Ambassadors o f the K ing o f kings! HU
ary is not necessarily gifted in public address, because the work is with one person at a time.” Those words made a deep im pression upon me. Some years later, while serving on the Church Missions Committee, the words came back to me at a time when a missionary family was soon to arrive home. The committee re sponded to the suggestion, and recommended that the church have a “ Clothing Shower” ready to present to the missionary fam ily. Church members responded gladly and provided several hun dred dollars to purchase a suit able wardrobe for the mission aries and their children. The experience proved to be such a blessing to all that it has since become a church tradition, and many missionaries have been outfitted. Experience proved that it was more satisfactory to pro vide a fund than actual items of
A P R IL, 1968
7
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»Unity*
SELF-REVELATION by GERALD L. GOODEN, Reference Librarian, Biola College
I T WAS A GREAT DAY in the life of Moses when, standing before the burning bush in the wilder ness in his bare feet, God re vealed Himself as “ I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14). Moses was not the same after that encoun ter; his life was revolutionized. Centuries intervene, prophets and priests of God come and go “ the way of all flesh.” Then into the stream o f history steps Jesus Christ, the embodiment o f Jeho vah that “ I am that I am.” Jesus presents Himself in all simplicity to the few and the multitude. All respond to His presence and mes sage, some negatively, others, but fewer, positively. To all in the lineage of Moses, off come the shoes as the Lord of Heaven re veals Himself in a new and differ ent sense to them by the use of the “ I am.” The Apostle John records these “ I am’s” of our Lord in a uniquely revealing manner, as he, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, writes down the things that will prove unequivocally that “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life . . .” (John 20:31), even abundant life (10:10b). To the Samaritan woman at the well Jesus promised water to slake her insatiable thirst and concluded by revealing Himself to her by saying “ I that speak unto thee am He” — that is, the Messiah that was to come (John 4:25, 26). The promised Messiah was to satisfy the longing heart of the expectant believer even as the cool clear water from an oasis I satisfied the thirsty traveler. For
all who thirst and will come to Him He is that long-looked-for Messiah, the anointed of God, the Christ of God. The multitudes followed Jesus both for His authoritative teach ing and the miracles He per formed in their midst. The people expected Him to take care of their needs, free them from political bondage, release them from the centuries of burdens. On one of several occasions, after a long day o f teaching, Christ miracu lously fed the multitude with bread and fishes in a manner that greatly impressed the crowd. (John 6:14). This incident intro duced Jesus as the “ Bread of life” (John 6:35, 48, 51). Moses re vealed to the people during the wilderness wandering that man does not live by flour bread only (though this is necessary for physical life) but by the Word of God (Deuteronomy 8 :3 ). John reveals Jesus as the Word (John 1 :1), and the oft-recorded mira cle of the multiplying of the bread and fishes revealed Him as the Bread which alone can satis fy the spirit’s need of spiritual bread that comes from God. These two, thirst and hunger, embrace the complex and manifold va riety o f man’s unsatisfied de sires. Into the blackened night of the life of an adulterous woman a light shown that dispelled the darkness deepened by years of blacker and blacker sin. No, it was not a matter of Jesus’ wink ing at sin but o f His seeing a re pentant and believing heart that called forth forgiveness (John
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TH E KING'S BUSINESS
8:1-12). Then into an equally dark but physical world came the “Light o f the world” (9:1-11). Whereas the woman’s blindness was caused by a life of sin, the man bom blind lived in the de pressed physical atmosphere of darkness, for he had not seen the light of day with his non-seeing physical eyes. There was no hope for either world of darkness; each was impenetrable and incurable. Into both Jesus introduced Him self as “ the Light of the world” (8:12, 9 :5). Could this miracle have been a creative act? Did Jesus make new eyes for the ones with which the man was bom but were unseeing? This is a question to ponder while we worship at His feet, knowing full well that He who brought all things into being could have fash ioned eyes for the man bom blind. Incidentally these acts of mak ing the blind to see and forgiving the woman taken in adultery were the occasion that caused the greatest concern to the enemies of our Lord and accelerated the day of His arrest. The next revelation that Jesus unfolded to the hungry hearts and the inquiring intellects of men was that o f the protector of the defenseless (John 10 :). “ I am the door of the sheep.” As the Door, our Lord keeps His sheep in and the adversary out. Nothing, but nothing, can reach the child of God without passing through the omnipotent and omnipresent Door. He screens out all that He will and permits in what is nec essary for the building of char acter and maturing o f faith. More personal than the door is the shepherd Himself. In this metaphor our Lord reaches the ultimate in His work for the lost sheep of the human race. The shepherd is selfless; the sheep are His greatest and only responsi bility. Their plight and need are His concern. Without Him the sheep are lost, helpless, and hope less. (Isaiah 53:6) “ All we [hu man beings] like sheep have gone astray.” Our desolation and des- APRIL, 1968
A m er ican M other of 1 9 6 6 W r ites on A dopt ion
"I'm looking for
Christian couples with enough love and compassion to make a home for abandoned Korean orphans"
MRS. BERTHA HOLT, AMERICAN MOTHER OF 1966
W h e n I b e c a m e O r e g o n M o th e r o f 1 9 6 6 , I accepted the honor for one reason: to reach more couples like readers of Kings Business who would consider the needs of abandoned Korean orphans. The honor was followed by teas, receptions, dinners and a big trip to New York for a banquet at the Waldorf Astoria with Mothers of 51 other states and territories. On the way, I stopped at Portland, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis and other cities to greet hundreds of my grandchildren and their proud parents. Tears of joy filled my whole being as-1 witnessed the marvelous transformation in the fives of orphans who had become loved sons and daughters. And you should see what it does for those couples! O f t e n I th o u g h t o f m y h u s b a n d , H a r r y , and how God had started this work in our home only 11 years before, and of the heart attack that took him from us when the work had grown to where we were placing orphans for adoption in Christian homes in all 50 states. By now, we have placed over 4000. W h e n I w a s c h o s e n A m e r ic a n M o t h e r o f 1 I was overwhelmed. Again I accepted with thanks to God and prayer in my heart that it might help me reach many Christian couples. Honors poured in from every where. I met many of the world’s famous people: governors, statesmen, the Vice President, and finally, President Johnson. I told him I prayed for him every morning at 5:30. He thanked me. I showed him a picture of my family. He said it was a fine family. How thankful I was. But I am equally proud of my 4000 grandchildren, and the hundreds of Christian couples who have opened their hearts and homes to them. (See “ 1966 Mother of the Year” article in Power Magazine, Dec. 10, 1967.) We’re not looking for just any home for these little ones. We’re looking for Christian homes where they can find the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. That’s why we are appealing to readers of Kings Business. You, dear born-again friends, are the kind of folk that can really help them. Will you think about it— pray about it— and write us? While we care for hundreds of boys and girls in our Korean orphanage, our greatest concern is to find Christian couples who will open their homes to them. We’ll be glad to send you more details on how the adoption program works— at no obligation to you. May we hear from you soon? Mrs. Bertha Holt
A d o p t io n P r o g r a m In fo rm a t io n C o u p o K48
I I I I I I
I I I I I I
HOLT ADOPTION PROGRAM, INC. P. 0. Box 95K, Creswell, Oregon 97426
D ear M rs. H olt: ( ) Please send inform ation on a d o p tio n s . I u n d e rs ta n d th ere is no obligation. ( ) I can n o t adopt a ch ild , but am in te re s te d in y o u r sponsorship program . ( ) Enclosed is m y g ift for
Name_______________________________________________ Street______________________________________________ City----------------------------State___________ Zip. your w ork. Please send m e re g u la r c o p ie s o f y o u r N ew sletter. (Non-denominational, Licensed Agency, Non-profit Corporation, Founded 1956)
9
Broadman Boks for Easter Reading
JESUS SELF-REVELATION cont. titution are emphasized as we view the scene in Eden immedi ately after the fall when God, walking in the garden, calls out in a plaintive manner for Adam: “Where art thou?” (Gen. 3 :9) To this condition Jesus reveals Him self as the Good Shepherd ready to lay down His life for the sheep. Having laid it down, He gives eternal life to those who respond and they can never perish, nei ther can any outside influence re move them from the hand o f the Shepherd, the good One (10:28). Lostness indicates a basic con dition demanding outside help, even rescue; but the next disclo sure probes deeper into an even more basic deficiency of the hu man race and the self-revelation that Jesus makes of His ability to supply even that lack. The fall en human race is spiritually dead and will experience death eter nally if a remedy is not effected. To this Jesus says, “ I am the res urrection and the life” (John 11:25). By this He means that He can produce life where there is none, and He, being the source of life, can and will maintain the resurrected life. Finally, let us notice that for the thirsty, He is the water; for the blind, He is the light; for the unprotected and defenseless, He is the door; for the wanderer, He is the Good Shepherd; for the lifeless, He is the resurrection and the life. Notice also that for each problem that our Lord claims to be the solution, He dem onstrates His authority in a tan gible way by performing, in the sight o f many, a supernatural act impossible but for deity. He is a wonderful and adequate Saviour and He is mine. John’s stated purpose in writing was to this end. “ And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not writ ten in this book: but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name” (John 20:30, 31). HU
THE CROSSES AT ZARIN Jean Bell Mosley. “ A splendid portrayal of a man torn by hatred, suspicion and revenge, and finally touched by the love of God, has deep universal appeal.” —Daniel A. Poling, Christian Herald Mystery . . . love . . . adventure . . . religious fervor all are woven into this inspiring story of a family involved in the ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ. $4.50 DAY OF RESURRECTION Leslie B. Flynn. Eight meditations on the Easter-Day appear ances of the risen Christ and their meaning for today. $2.00 SEVEN FIRST WORDS OF JESUS J. Winston Pearce. An interpretation of Jesus’ sense of destiny for himself and others, taken from seven of his first statements about himself. $2.75 THE OTHER DIMENSION Ralph L. Murray. Nine meditations on the Lord’s Prayer offer stimulating interpretation for today’s needs. $2.00 HIS GOOD AND PERFECT WILL Newman R. McLarry. An interpretation of God’s will in re lation to evil and suffering. $1.25 GOD AND HUMAN SUFFERING James D. Bryden. A pastor and layman explore the problems of human suffering in an exchange of letters discussing the causes of suffering and God's relationship to adversity. $1.95 THE DISTURBING CHRIST Wilda Greene. A devotional study of the book of Hebrews to help the Christian find self-fulfilment and peace. $1.50
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TH E KING'S BUSINESS
This man Daniel, however, not only knew the prophetic Word, but he also lived his life in the light o f it. It is true that Daniel’s prophecies were awe-encompassing utterances, but the man himself stands as a lesson in spiritual courage and deter mination. His prayers, testimony, and life are all witnesses to the fact that he had not only knowl edge concerning the way of God, but also gave evi dence of manifesting the will of God. He knew the principles of Christian living and also practiced them. One outstanding characteristic o f this prophet was that he was a man o f purpose. For instance, Nebuchadnezzar wanted to perform an experiment with a choice population of the nation Israel. So this king of Babylon took Daniel and his friends to Babylon (about 606 B.C.), thinking he would come back and get the rest later. The king selected almost perfect specimens for his experiment. He chose a group of young people, evidently in their late teens. He asked for a group who were of royal lineage with no physical defects, and disciplined in learning, ability, and understand ing (Dan. 1:3-4). The reason for all of this was simply that he wanted to change their environment and therefore change them. If he could do this with them, he could certainly do it with the common Jews that would come later. He wanted to make them Chaldeans in every way. He sought to change their thinking by making them learn the culture and language of the Chaldeans. He sought to change their way o f living by making them eat from the king’s table. Of course, all of the royal food was contrary to the Mosaic Law (Lev. 7:22- 27) and therefore in conflict with their religious life as well. These Hebrew guinea pigs were not only to be changed intellectually and physically but also spir itually. Their godly names were changed to names with heathen meaning. Nebuchadnezzar wanted them to live without their God. He thought by changing their godly names he could accomplish this. Notice this change o f name as follows: Interpretation Daniel............................................. God Is My Judge Hananiah....... ..... .........-.... .......Beloved of the Lord Mishael..................... -..........-..............Who Is As God Azariah............ ....... ........ ....... The Lord Is My Help Interpretation Belteshazzar........ ...................................Prince of Bel Shadrach....... Iluminated by the Sun of God—Rach Meshach..... ............................. Who Is Like Venus or the God of Love Abed-nego.-- .......... Servant of the Fire God—Nego H e b r e w N a m e s Name C h a l d e a n N a m e s Name
by EDGAR C. JAMES, Th.D. Calvary Bible College W h a t a n e x c it in g t im e it is for Christians to be alive—a day in which God is aligning na tions and events according to the prophetic Word! The war in the Middle East, the ecumenical move ment, and the lawlessness in our country are un derstandable events when viewed in the light of God’s authoritative Word. In fact, many of the events happening in the world today have been pre dicted either implicitly or explicitly in Holy Scrip ture. To realize something of what God is doing today and in future time is a great privilege for the Chris tian. To know God’s purpose for Egypt and Israel, His ordering o f nations as well as our lives, His future rule here upon the earth means that we share the very intents of the heart o f God. But have you ever stopped to think what God must re quire of those to whom He has given such a privi lege? Have you ever thought of our obligation in that we know the prophetic Word? The Prophet Daniel had the very same problem even though he lived some 2500 years ago. God shared with him many prophecies that are funda mental and foundational to all other areas of pro phetic study. For instance, it was through this prophet that the future plans came for the Gentile nations and the nation Israel. Through Nebuchad nezzar’s and Daniel’s visions (Chapters 2 and 7), the Lord shows the rise and fall of the four world empires. He allows Daniel to know that Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome would arise one after another to control the world scene and domi nate the earth. However, Christ Himself, the crush ing stone, would in the time of the final kingdom destroy all the empires, and this King of kings would rule the nations with a rod o f iron. Daniel also writes of the history of Israel (Chap ter 9) as the angel Gabriel tells him the time se quence of this nation’s events. This chapter is so specific and significant that Simeon and Anna evi dently were able to tell when our Lord would be born through the study of it.
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What would we do if we were faced with the same situation as Daniel? Would we refuse it or try to make the best of it? Would we seek counsel from our friends or from our Lord ? Would we rea son that it might not be as bad as we think or would we say that it was wrong? We are faced with much the same problem today as Daniel was then. In fact, our problem is more subtle than was that o f Daniel. Our intellectual, physical, and spiritual lives are always in conflict with Satan and his mighty host. He is at war against us and the God we serve. How important it is for us always to remember that “ greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (I John 4 :4 ). How important it is for us to seek counsel from the Lord in His Word for the problems that we face today. How important it is that the culture, way of life, and spiritual indifference o f this world not rub off on the believer dedicated to do the will of God. This is exactly what Danied did. In fact, he “ pur posed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Dan. 1:8). He did this, of course, by convincing the king that God’s way was the best way. Instead o f compromising, he witnessed and God rewarded his courage and faith. Another outstanding characteristic of this Old Testament prophet was that he knew the Word of God. Of course, it is true that he did not have all o f the Bible we have today. But what he did have, he studied well, knowing both its contents and im plications. For instance, he said that he “ under stood by books the number of the years, concerning which the Word o f the Lord came to Jeremiah, the prophet, that he would accomplish 70 years in the desolations of Jerusalem” (Dan. 9 :2). This proph ecy, for many even at that time, was an obscure prophecy found in Jeremiah 25:11. But Daniel knew it for the prophecy was plain and clear. He also knew that at this time he had been living in Babylon for almost 70 years. He knew that the time was at hand for the fulfillment of the promises of God. He could have said, “ There is evidently noth ing to do since God is going to accomplish His pur pose.” But Daniel, the man o f God, realized his own responsibility. The knowledge of God’s Word made him see his responsibility in light of it. The believer today has not just a part o f but rather the complete Word o f God. Our Lord has privileged him to see the events shaping up that have been predicted by the holy Word of God. Cer tainly the believer today like Daniel o f old has the responsibility of living in the light o f what God has directed. We are not only to know God’s Word but also to demonstrate it as well. This man Daniel, however, was also a great man o f prayer. His prayer life was demonstrated not
just in time of crisis but was consistent in that he prayed day by day. Even after he knew what it might cost him by being cast into a den of lions, he continued regularly to pray unto his God (Dan. 6:10). He was not trying to show off for he regu larly did it, and he was not a coward for he con tinued to do it. The result, of course, would seem terrible by almost any standard, but God’s hand did stop the mouths of the lions and all this bore witness to a heathen king. Daniel prayed in time o f need as well. When the king’s wise men could not reveal Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, they sent for Daniel. The first thing, how ever, Daniel did was to have a prayer meeting with his companions (Dan. 2:18). The results of such a prayerful and devoted life unto the Lord gave peace to Daniel and the sharing of God’s program with a heathen king and millions of believers. Daniel also prayed on behalf of his sin and the sins of others. He pleaded to God for his own people and confessed his failing o f heart and soul. His words “we have sinned, we have done wickedly” (Dan. 9:15) were hard for any man to utter, and yet this is the way for spiritual blessing and power. Because propitia tion was not then made, Daniel pleaded his case unto the Lord. However, now that we stand after the cross, all that our God asks us to do is simply confess our sins, for “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all un righteousness” (I John 1 :9). But how hard this is to do even though we know the truth so well. Certainly all o f this is the responsibility o f one living in the light of the Word o f God. The Prophet Daniel stood at a time in history when he had but a partial revelation o f God’s future plans and programs. But for this man, prophecy was not just something to study or write about; it was a way of life. He realized not only the privi lege but also something of the price for knowing God’s plan for the future. The world has changed considerably in the past 2500 years, but we still need to learn this impor tant lesson o f a life lived in the light o f prophetic truth. We are in a sense more privileged than Daniel, for today we have the completed Word of God. We are living in a day in which many events foreshadow the coming of our Lord. It was to us that the Apostle John wrote that “when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure” (I John 3 :2-3). Prophetic knowledge produces not only con fidence in our Lord, stability in living, but also re sponsibility for purity o f life and worldwide wit ness. Daniel learned this lesson for the day in which he lived. Will we do as well in ours? HU
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and ADVERSAR IES by DR. VANCE HAVNER with us are more than they that be with them.” We are reminded of the words of Hezekiah under similar circumstances: “ Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: with him is the arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles” (II Chron. 32:7, 8). Elisha’s servant looked around and beheld soldiers to the right of him, soldiers to the left of him, soldiers everywhere. Elisha looked up and saw angels to the right of him, angels to the left of him, angels everywhere, for the angel of the Lord encamped round about him that feared Him to deliver him. Elisha prayed for his servant, “Lord, I pray Thee, open his eyes, that he may see.” We read, “ And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” There are two “beholds” in this account. First the servant looked and “be hold an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots.” The second time he looked and “be hold . . . horses and chariots of fire.” It is a matter of having one’s eyes opened whether we see the visible or the invisible host. 13
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“Fear not: for they that he with us are more than they that he with them” (II Kings 6:16). p r o p h e t E l i s h a was a good man to have ■ around. He was equal to any emergency. If the food was poisoned, he could make it fit to eat. He could sweeten bitter waters and recover lost axe-heads. If a widow happened to be in financial straits, he could put her in the oil business at a handsome profit. Mighty men like Naaman came to him with their troubles. Kings respected his counsel. If death struck, he could raise the dead. He was never at a loss as to what to do, be the issue trivial or tremendous. He was a thorn in the side to all the enemies of God and Israel. The King of Syria made war but all his military secrets leaked out. In despera tion, he summoned his servants to locate the spy who was informing the Israelites of his every move. He learned that Elisha was responsible so he sent chariots and horses and soldiers to capture the prophet who was spoiling all his plans. Elisha’s servant was alarmed one morning to find an army encamped on the premises. His cry is typically human: “Alas, my master! how shall we do?” But Elisha was not taken by surprise. Neither lost axe-heads not large armies could upset the equilibrium of the old seer who walked with God. His answer is classic: “ Fear not; for they that be A P R IL, 1968 t h e
Two mighty forces are arrayed today. On one hand, we have not only the visible legions o f un righteousness but principalities and powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in the heavenlies. The devil has mobil ized all his reserves for a finish fight and we are encompassed by the horses and chariots o f the prince of this age. It is easy to grow panicky and cry, “ Alas, my master! how shall we do?” Some of us are so beset with adversaries that we may feel not only helpless but also hopeless. Perhaps ill health has camped on our premises, trouble has enveloped us, circumstances have blockaded us or temptations and besetting sins, the world, the flesh and the devil, have us in a state of siege. The state of the world is so desperate that we lay down our newspaper and the dismay of Elisha’s servant over whelms us. We are in a dismal hour and unless a man knows the secret of Elisha, he may well con clude that there is no way out. But I bring a message of cheer to all who know the Lord of Hosts. I care not how many devils are camped on your hillsides. It matters not how many horses of hell and chariots of perdition have fenced you in. The words of this imperturbable old prophet are still grandly true: “ Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” We are too much inclined these days to count our adversaries and discount our allies. We take stock of those that be against us and over look those that be for us. We do well to list our assets instead of bemoaning our liabilities. For one thing, THE SAINTS OF AGES PAST ARE ON OUR SIDE. Although they tell us now that the “ cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews twelve does not mean heavenly onlookers gone on before who watch us run our race, I still like to think of a great old preacher who was laboring late at night over a message to be delivered to a very small gathering next day. A friend asked, “Why are you working so hard at this when only a few people will hear it?” He replied, “ You forget how large my congregation will really be.” He had in mind that “A cloud of witnesses around Holds us in full survey;” and bids us
Then, THE LIVING SAINTS ARE ON OUR SIDE. An old Confederate veteran told me that in the last days of the Civil War when the line of Southerners was very thin, the weary soldiers often nudged each other as they stood in the darkness just to let each other know that there was a com rade close at hand. We Christians are too inclined to nag rather than to exhort and encourage one another as we see the Day approaching. We are comrades, not competitors, and however much we may differ on non-essentials, we ought to be able to sing: “Blest be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love; The fellowship of kindred minds Is like to that above.” Consider further that THE ANGELS ARE ON OUR SIDE. These are allies we often forget. “ Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to min ister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” They helped our Lord at His temptation and in the garden. He could have summoned twelve legions of them to save Him from the cross. But He went that way alone that we might never be alone. Many of us remember the old picture, “The Guardian Angel,” which used to hang in so many homes. It depicted a heavenly helper standing guard over a child who stood on the edge of a precipice. There is the serious objection, of course, that some children have gone over the precipice, angel or no angel. Nevertheless, we moderns have not taken sufficiently into account the heavenly host that surrounded Elisha. We have classified angels with fairies but the Bible does no such thing. There are invisible forces all around us but our eyes are not opened to behold them. Best of all, GOD IS WITH US. A long time ago, the Apostle Paul took stock of all his adver saries. No man ever had more. He listed them all in the eighth chapter of Romans. He made a wide sweep and included the visible and invisible, earth and heavens: tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, the sword. Surely that would be enough but he widens his range still fur ther: he starts with death and goes through life; he goes up to include angels and principalities and powers. He comes to earth for things present and
“Forget the steps already trod And onward urge our way.”
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