OCTOBER, 1969 WITH SEPTEMBER RADIO FEATURES
October, 1969 / Volume 9 / Number 10
MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THF BIOLA FELLOWSHIP
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CHURCH PRESS CONTENTS SONS OF GOD............................. 3 Al Sanders THE ALTOGETHER LOVELY CHRIST................... 6 VALUE OF PROPHETIC SCRIPTURES ......................... 8 Charles L. Feinberg ZERUBBABEL ............................10 ANTS ...........................................12 Walter L. Wilson A NEW COMMANDMENT . . . . 14 Curtis C. Mitchell DON’T BLOW YOUR T O P .........16 James H. Christian THE CROSS ..................................18 Lloyd T. Anderson PANEL DISCUSSIONS.............. 22 PARABLES AND PEARLS . . . .27 THE RESURRECTION BODY .31 Lloyd T. Anderson ON THIS MONTH'S COVER With new student orientation during the week before, classes at Biola Col lege begin Sept. 11. Nearly 1500 stu dents are enrolled in the college. Pic tured from left to right are Matt Orr, La Habra, Calif., Len Simonsen, Stan ton, Calif., Mary Levan, Anchorage, Alaska, and Beverly Fong, Sacramento, Calif. Second Close postage paid in La Mirada, Calif. Printed in U.S.A. by Church Press, Glendale, Calif. Address': Biola Broadcaster, 13800 Biola Ave., La Mirada, California 90638.
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T here is a great danger in the Christian life to apply truths to others which we really need for our selves. It’s like the woman who, com menting on the pastor’s sermon, de clared, “Everything he said applied to somebody I know.” The Word of God is meant for personal considera tion and application. To illustrate this scripturally, consider for a mo ment First John 3:1, 2, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” Whenever the word behold is found in the Word of God, it comes as the Lord’s special “Stop! Look and Listen!” sign. We might translate it simply, “Marvel at this!” In the first chapter of Matthew, verse 23, we find the word “Behold!” in the declaration, “A virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son.” Consider just how fantastic and supernatural an event like that was! It had never happened before, and certainly it’s never happened since. “Marvel at this.” Here is a virgin woman giving birth to a Son. No wonder the Holy Spirit moved Mat thew in writing this prophetic state ment to use the word “Marvel!” So, “Behold,” “Marvel” at this, “What manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us!” Now the words what manner is “from what country ?” From whence did this love come? We’ve all received gifts, I ’m
sure, that had clearly stamped on them, “Made in Japan” or “Made in West Germany,” or made in some other country, as well as the U.S.A. In the light of all the heartache in the world, it’s important to note that the love God has extended to each of us is not stamped with a trade mark from some place here on this earth. It can only emanate from heaven and the heart of God. No doubt most of our listeners today are citizens of the United States or Canada. But the more important question is, “Are you by faith also a citizen of heaven?” This is where divine love tru ly originates. Of course, the Apostle John speaks at great length on the subject of eternal love. Throughout the rest of his lit tle book, as a matter of fact, from chapter 3, verse 1 to the end of chapter 5, verse 21, he uses the word love in some form or another 66 dif ferent times. It’s one of the most significant sections on love in the entire Bible. There is something else that is given to us here which is particular ly significant. Notice, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath be stowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” and the fur ther declaration, “and such we are” (I John 3:1 A.S.V.). It may have been that this simple thought of per sonal possession was too great for some copyist to imagine. It was a marvel enough that we should be called the sons of God. So he may have set it aside when the Author ized (King James) Version was translated, but it was happily in cluded in the American Standard Version. 3
those about whom nobody knows any thing.” She referred to the common, undistinguished folk. Do you fit into this category? Do you just carry on from day to day, unnoticed, unsung, maybe even unappreciatd ? No one seems to know that you even exist. As a busy housewife, for example, it may seem that your husband and family take you for granted. Listen, the Bible says that the world doesn’t comprehend or take note of you, but God is the One who is mindful of us. After all, He takes care of the eternal record! But the glories of this text are not complete without sharing First John 3:2, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet ap pear what we shall be: but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” You know, whenever the word beloved is found in Scripture, it re fers to that blessed, intimate fellow ship which is so overwhelming in our communion with the Lord. “Beloved NOW!” Only three letters and yet what assurance and confidence we gain for our hearts! Bight this mo ment we are the sons of God. Feel ings don’t really enter into it. It’s a settled promise assured in the in spired Word of God. I remember when a friend of mine got a Polaroid camera. He very kind ly invited me to borrow it when we went on a few days’ vacation. You know, it’s quite an intriguing device. We could take a picture and then 60 seconds later see exactly what we looked like. There was no need for a few days for development and en largements. We saw what we were like in one minute’s time. Have you ever stopped to think that as far as salvation is concerned, we don’t even have to wait the length of a Pola roid camera’s tr a d itio n a l speed? When by faith we receive Jesus Christ as Saviour, we are immedi ately His children. That’s what “now” means, right this instant!
Think of it in this fashion by com parison. I tell my son Jimmy, “You should be a good boy.” That would mean that my fondest desire for him is that he would behave. If, however, I add that further statement, as we might find in this portion of Scrip ture, the meaning changes signifi cantly. In other words, I say to him, “Jimmy, you should be a good boy . . . and you are!’’ Do you catch the blessedness of that? Can you see what the Spirit of God is saying here? “Behold, pause and marvel, from what country God has bestowed freely His love upon us that we should be called the sons of God . . . and we are!” What a wonderful note of possession and grace this signi fies! John testifies, “There fo re , the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.” Now, this doesn’t mean that other people fail to take notice of us. We know that isn’t the case. What is behind this is the fact that unsaved people cannot compre hend what we’re doing. You know that’s the case. When you drive off to Sunday school or church, look across the street. You may see your neighbor perhaps polishing his golf clubs, digging around in his front yard, working on his boat, or any number of things. He’ll never under stand why you’d want to take prime Sunday time to go sit in a stuffy church. It is impossible to explain this divine love of God to him. This is that which puts the desire in our hearts to have fellowship and wor ship with the Lord. You may never make “Who’s Who,” or be written up by your local paper; the world may not know you but never forget that Almighty God is mindful of you! The famed biographer Ida Tarbell, in celebration of her 80th birthday, was asked to name some of the great est people she had ever met. She smiled, replying softly, “Why, the greatest people I’ve ever met are 4
A certain artist decided to try to produce a large panoramic painting which he hoped would be a master piece. Each day, to the huge canvas which had been stretched across the length of his studio, he would add a new color, a new dimension, a new thought. To the casual observer the endeavor in its first stages seemed dull and meaningless. One day a friend came to call. He was imme diately asked, “Well, how do you like my masterpiece?” To the visitor’s .untrained eye there was little to commend itself. He frankly comment ed, “You certainly would want me to be honest with you. And in that case, I’d have to tell you that it looks awful.” At first the artist was puz zled, then offended; finally he under stood and laughed. He explained, “I forget that all you can see is what I have already put on the canvas, but when I look at it, I envision what it will look like when it's all complete in every respect. You can’t imagine what’s in my mind.” As we look at each other, the same may be true. We might raise our “spiritual eyebrows” in judging to ask, “Is he a Christian ? He doesn’t look like it to me!” But, you see, we look at one another before we are complete, before our physical bodies have been redeemed. God looks at us as we are when we are finished. This is what Paul meant when he declared of the Lord, “He which hath begun a good work in you will per form it (or perfect it) until the day of Jesus Christ.” There are a great many changes which will take place when Christ comes again, but none are greater than those transpiring in our own individual lives. And at this point, I don’t mean so much physical changes, although, of course, that’s embodied here, but rather a change in character. Think what it’ll be like. No longer will we get out of sorts when we’re tired. No longer will we “blow our stack” when others have
been mean or harsh with us. No longer will we gossip or find fault with those whom we dislike. Criti cism and cynicism will be a thing of the past. No, the character, as well as the physical part of the Chris tian, will be completely redeemed at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Think of th is: at the first coming of Christ, He was made like unto us, but at His second coming we are going to be made like God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be. “But we are assured that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is.” “I shall know Him, as redeemed by His side I shall stand; I shall know Him, I shall know Him, by the print of the nails in His hands.” Mouthwashes may sweeten the breath, but only Christ can sweeten a sour dis position. Experience may not be worth what it costs, but we can’t seem to get it for any less. Nothing is more exhausting than searching for easy ways to make a living.
Dr. Louis T. Talbot, center, chancellor of Blola Schools and Colleges, recently attended a dinner In honor ot Mr. Al Sanders, left, vice-president of Public Relations. Pictured on the right Is Mr. Paul Schwepker, vice-president and treasurer for Biola.
THE ALTOGETHER LOVELY CHRIST
by
Dr. Charles L. Feinberg
O NE OF the MOST misunderstood and yet most beautiful portions of the Word of God is the Song of Solomon. There is in it an abundance of Oriental imagery. The natural man sees very little in this portion, while the spiritually perceptive men and women of all ages have delighted in its profound message. Taken literal ly, we have described the beauty of wedded love. From a dispensational viewpoint, we can see the relation ship between the Lord and His people Israel. From the standpoint of re demption, we can find the unbreak able bond between Christ and the Church. There is also pictured the wonderful communion between an in dividual soul and the Lord Himself. One of the most precious sections is Cant. 5:9-16. The demand is stat ed first, “What is thy beloved more than another beloved, 0 thou fairest among women?” The Shulam ite bride is seeking her beloved because He had departed when she was in different to His pleadings. No longer interested in her personal ease and comfort, she asks the daughters of Jerusalem to help in the search. They in turn want to know why He is more outstanding than someone else. This reminds us of how many would simp ly accord Christ a place along with other teachers and leaders of the world. They cannot tolerate the claims made for Him by His own. Those who have never tasted salva tion have been asking these questions through the years. A Hindu of high rank was trou bled in his conscience about the fu ture after death. He’d heard how Christians believe and wanted to con verse with them about who Christ
was. He visited England, where he met with people of outstanding social position. On one of his first days he was invited to a great dinner. Turn ing to the person next to him, he inquired, “Can you tell me something about Christ, the founder of your religion?” His new acquaintance cau tioned him, “We do not speak of such things at dinner parties!” Later he was invited to a large ball. Dancing with a young and fashionable wom an, he again asked, “Can you tell me something about Jesus Christ?” She turned the question aside, for it was not proper in a place like that. He re turned to his homeland disillusioned for no one seemed interested in tell ing him more of the Saviour. If we claim Christ as our Beloved, the world is asking of us, “What is He more than another beloved?” Can you answer that query from your own personal experience? We find next a very descriptive passage. The bride gladly embraces the opportunity to speak about the excellencies of her Beloved (w. 10- 16). As believers, we can see the perfections of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is His holiness which is sym bolized by the whiteness. Who could compare with Him? Here is one of the loveliest paintings of the Re deemer. The head like fine gold in dicates Christ’s divine glory. All He thought and purposed were ultimate ly for the glory of God. In the black locks we see the strength of man hood. His eyes express the love and the sorrow of the Man who was ac quainted with grief. The cheeks like unto a bed of spices denote the fra grance of His character. His lips were like lilies dropped in liquid
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myrrh because they spoke only the truth of God. Purity marked every expression that fell from His tender lips. The hands like rings of gold carry out what the head commands as right to do. Kings in Scripture are often seals of authority. Christ spoke as One having authority. The body like ivory work describes one statuesque in symmetry, excellence and purity. The sapphires remind us of heavenly blue. The ivory also speaks of purity. His legs denote steadfast strength. The setting is of gold, providing the divine foundation to a l l' that the fe e t accomplish. Blessed were those feet which went about doing only good. Lebanon with its cedars tells us of fragrance and good ability. Those trees convey to them what the rock of Gibraltar does for us these later years. It would symbolize firmness and incorruptibil ity. His mouth is most sweet. Even His enemies had to testify that nev er did a man speak as He did. Some one has well said, “Christ’s perfec tion does not glitter; it glows!” The best of men are only men at best. Christ is infinitely more. Other men were outstanding for some special excellence: Moses for meekness, Job for patience, Daniel for steadfast ness, Paul for zeal, John for love. But Christ has every good quality, and to the infinite degree. Having exhausted her description about His excellence and beauties, the bride exclaims in her ecstasy, “He is altogether lovely!” In verse 16, we find the beautiful personal testimony. It indicates a decision definitely made at some time in the past, and includes high appre ciation of the loved one. Every trust ing heart who is resting in Christ the Lord must come to the same con clusion. Who would care to disown Him? Shall we be ashamed to de clare Him as ours? The incident is told of an elderly Christian lady who had once known much of the Bible by heart. Age
began to tell on her memory. Eventu ally, only one precious portion stayed with her: II Timothy 1:12. By and by, part of that slipped, and all that she could say was, “That which I’ve committed unto him.” At last, near death, her lips could repeat just one word, “Him, Him, Him!" She had lost the whole Bible but one word, but she had the whole Bible in that one word. Can you give a testimony similar to that of the Shulamite woman? Do you declare Christ, the Beloved One, as your Saviour and Friend? May this be your effective testimony in a dark world of doubt and unbelief. DON’T FORGET Don’t forget our patient shut-ins As summer days go by . . . Many rest in lonely places, Some on beds of suff’ring lie. Don’t forget to send a greeting— Or a moment with them, share; Let them know, without a doubting, That we love them, and do care. For they too, would be a witness— Listen to their fervent prayer . . . “Lord, keep me sweet, these shut-in days. Help me but see Thy will and ways. And when I sit alone, and sad, May Thy sweet Presence make me glad That here within my little room The flowers of faith and hope may bloom And shed their fragrance sweet and rare That others too Thy love may share. And give me courage, Lord, To speak a promise from Thy Word— Of joy and peace and wondrous love— Ail found in that blest Home above.” —Myra M. Berg It’s better to die for something than to live for nothing.
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VALUE OF PROPHETIC SCRIPTURES
by Dr. Charles L. Feinberg
I T was D r . A. J. G ordon who re ported th a t approximately one- fourth of the Word of God deals with predictive truth relating to events which were to transpire in the future of the time in which the por tion was inspired of God. It is sad to see the great neglect people have allowed to happen in their lives in turning aside from such profitable understandings (I Peter 1:12-21). There are those who have not a very high view of Scripture who claim that the prophetic Scriptures are meaningless, and that those who be come so involved are merely fanatics. (They hold, incidentally, the same position on the preaching of the cross.) U n in fo rm ed others ask, “Would our preaching be more bene ficial if prophecy were omitted? Aren’t there enough other truths in the Bible without it? Can’t we em phasize more practical truths touch ing daily living?” God made no mis take in including so much of proph ecy in the Word. Reading Genesis 3:15 correctly will ilústrate that God was the first prophet. It is a fact that neglect of Bible prophecy has some very serious re sults. One of the consequences is dis obedience to the Lord’s will. Large segments of the Word of God from which we are commanded to preach in its entirety, will be set aside. In declaring Christ to others, we must preach prophecy. The witness going out concerning the Lord Jesus Christ is the motivating force and the very essence of prophecy (Rev. 19:10). Prophetic truth throws light on all the other doctrines of the faith. Paul’s own example, spoken to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20, gives us his pointed testimony in that he did 8
not shun to declare unto them the whole counsel of God. He spoke of things yet to come in the history of the Church on earth. It is a fact that a prime cause for Israel’s rejection of Christ was that they were not fully aware of proph ecy (Luke 24:25). They had failed to see that Christ was supposed to suffer before entering into His glory. God’s prophetic truth is sufficient to light our pathway home to glory. Neglect of the prophetic Scripture is serious. It is a disregard of the proof of the Bible’s divine inspira tion. You need only to read chapters 40-48 of Isaiah, especially 41:21-43 and 45:21 and 46:9-13. Couple these with a passage like Daniel two. These portions tell us that there’s only One personality in all the universe, in heaven, on earth, or under the earth, who can foretell things to come. God alone can predict. Prediction proph ecy is a confirmation of divine omni science and omnipotence. God not only predicts; He also performs. We see this repeatedly throughout the Old Testament. There has been no movement of world importance but what the Word of God has predicted it long beforehand. World conflicts, spiritual declension, rise of dictator ships, widespread fears and calamity, all are in this blessed book. Neglect of prophetic study will re sult in the alteration of the church’s preaching. A church setting aside prophecy will invariably fail to con form to God’s revealed plan. Think of the effort expended to bring about world peace! God’s purpose is found in Acts 15: to call out a people for His name. The Lordship of Christ must be preached or man will try to be that lord himself. When proph
ecy is neglected, the church invari ably turns to an ethical interpreta tion of Christianity and begins to stress morality instead of regenera tion. The preaching of morals doesn’t automatically bring about morality. We have had that kind of message in our country for half a century. The plane of morality today, according to even secular estimates, is lower than BLAME THE PASTOR When things go wrong, it’s rather tame To find we are ourselves to blame It gets the trouble over faster To go and blame things on the pastor. The pastor, after all, is paid To keep us bright and undismayed. The pastor is more virtuous, too Than lay folks such as me and you. He never swears, he never drinks. He never “should” say what he thinks. His theology is sound, And that is why he’s simply bound To be the sort of person who Has nothing much to do, But take the blame for what goes wrong And sing in tune at even song. For what’s a pastor really for Except to cheer us up? What's more. We see him tired and wonder why When we in the pews never try. ever. Christ’s coming and kingdom rejected will result in a social gospel. Men put their energies into world reform. Preaching comes more from the Sermon on the Mount and not on the fact and accomplishment of the cross. When Calvary is preached, society never fails to feel the effect of it. If the church had kept in view the authority and coming of Christ, we wouldn’t hear of theologians say
ing, “Democracy demands a God with whom men can co-operate, not to whom they must submit.’’ A further loss in failing to place a right estimate on prophecy is a diminishing interest in and zeal for missions. Where prophetic truth is soft-pedaled, foreign outreach suf fers. Soon we hear of attempts for world conferences and world amalga mations of all religions. A Christian leader from China, visiting in this country, was asked by a young, un thinking, college student, following a morning message, “Why should we export Christianity to China when you have Confucianism in your own country already?” The faithful na tive servant came back without hesi tation, “There are three reasons why we should have Christianity in China. First of all, Confucius was a teacher; Christ is a Saviour. China needs a Saviour more than she needs a teacher. In the second place, Con fucius is dead, and Christ is alive. China needs a living Saviour. In the third place, Confucius some day is going to stand before Christ to be judged by Him. China needs to know Christ as Saviour before she meets Him as Judge.” How true! Forsaking prophecy will see the church embracing a worldly system, even as was true with a dead church- ianity in the Middle Ages which is still with us. This system empha sized form, externalities, and rituals. Prophecy naturally results in purity (I John 3:3). When the church is lulled to sleep in matters of the Sec ond Coming, it is disastrous. This is a standing reproach to the Word of God. The Church is suffering this hour from neglect of prophetic truth. Believe it; preach it; teach it; live it; and go on in the light of it. In the light of prophecy, unsaved Jews and Gentiles dare not delay decision. If you who are reading this are with out Christ, trust Him. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved!” (Acts 16:31). 9
by Dr. Walter L. Wilson
ZERUBBABEL
not only made a place in his heart, but also in the entire community, for the Saviour. He wanted a place where God’s name could be exalted. Zerubbabel wanted those who worked with him to have the same opportu nity and privilege. He longed that they might have the same dedication and devotion he had experienced. How beautiful that he had found himself at home among God’s peo ple! That should be readily true of us. The world has nothing to offer as an encouragement for our trials and temptations. Seek for God’s saints. If you don’t belong to a group of Christians who love our Lord, His Word, and are looking for His soon return, get acquainted with some now, as soon as possible. This way you’ll get to know Him better. You know, “birds of a feather flock to gether.” If you’re truly His, you’ll want to be among God’s people. One time I drove my car beside a pasture farm where there were all kinds of animals to be seen. There were ducks, geese, chickens, pigs, colts, calves; quite a mixture of young creatures were combined with the older ones. I wondered how they knew to whom they belonged. So I tapped on the car horn, and all of the babies ran to their own mothers. The ducks didn’t go to the chickens, nor the colts to the cows. They all went to their own. That’s the way it should be with us as Christians. We should want to be with others who know and love the Lord. It’s also important to realize that people know what you are by the company you keep! Tht Bible reminds us that we know we have passed from death unto life because we love the breth ren. We love to be with others who
H ave you ever taken the time to study the Old Testament person ality, Zerubbabel? He was born in captivity down in Babylon, under very unhappy circumstances and con ditions. Some of the lessons we learn from him are really wonderful as they are found in Ezra, chapter 2. While he was born in obscurity and among strangers, Zerubbabel came back to Jerusalem, bringing a lot of others with him (Ezra 2:2). The first lesson is that the Lord wants us to return to Him. If you have drifted away and turned your back on God, now is the time to change. Chances are you can bring others along with you. In Ezra 3:1, we find that Zerub babel built an altar unto the Lord. What a wonderful thing for which to be remembered! The burnt offer ing is a type of the Lord Jesus as He was offered for us. Everything about this sacrifice was burnt up. God not only wants your money and your time; He wants you, yourself! Christianity is wrapped up in a Per son, the lovely Lord Jesus. If you don’t know Him you’ll suffer eternal separation from Him in hell. Zerub babel wanted to make sure that everything was right between him and God. This should be our earnest desire as well. Everything this Old Testament saint had belonged to his Redeemer. In Ezra 5:2, we find that the next thing he did was to build the house of God. He wasted no time in get ting busy doing the right things. When Zerubbabel started to live for God, others saw the proof that he was God’s child. It’s always the next step to desire fellowship and com munion with Him. This dear man
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love the Saviour as we do. Zerub- babel loved to be with God’s dear saints. Then in Ezra 4:3, we see that Zerubbabel refused the help of those who were unconverted. He would have nothing to do with the world. He believed in separation. There are those of the world who would like to give their money and their time to the church, but the real man of God will say, “No, we’ll do it ourselves. We don’t believe in putting the devil’s children and God’s children together in the work of God.” One who has not as yet confessed Christ as Saviour might think that he would merit salvation by such activi ty. But eternal life is all of grace, not of works. How beautiful to read in Ezra 8:1 that there were those who came down together, bringing with them the things of God. They had prepared their hearts to seek the law of the Lord. Zerubbabel had done a won derful thing. He was testing wheth er these people really belonged to the Lord. Beloved, you should do that. Check those with whom you keep company. See if they really be long to Christ, and if they are truly saved by grace. Only then should you join up with them in the service of the King. The last thing we read about Zerubbabel is in the last chapter and the lase verse of Haggai where God says, “I will make thee as a signet, for I have chosen thee, saith the Lord of hosts.” Think what it meant to be God’s signet! Every life touched would see the imprint of Heaven! I’ve seen the signet rings of the kings and queens of England up in the tower of London. They’re really something to behold! The imprint that they make shows the royal sov ereign who did it. Wouldn’t you like to be like that for your Saviour? When I read that, I said, “Lord, make me a signet of yours, so that every life I touch will have some im
print of God, some impression from Heaven, some mark that proves that You and I belong to each other.” God grant that it may be so with each one reading this message today. E ditor ’ s N ote : This was one of the last messages Dr. Wilson recorded for “The Biola Hour" before his re cent home-going. “He being dead yet speaketh.” A CHRISTIAN’S TESTIMONY Not half the storms that threaten me E’er broke upon my head; Not half the pains I’ve waited for E’er reached me or my bed. Not half the clouds that drifted by Have overshadowed me; Not half the dangers ever came I fancied I could see. Dear Heavenly Father, hold my hand Each moment lest I fall. Thine is the power to keep . . . my part, To let Thee, that is all. I dare not take one step alone; And, Oh, how sweet to know Thy loving, mighty, tender clasp Will never let me go.
Talbot Theological Seminary dedicated the 1969 yearbook. The Scroll, to Dr. James E. Rosscup, pro fessor of English Bible. Presenting the book to Dr. Rosscup is Mr. Richard Yi, Editor of the yearbook. 11
by Dr. Walter L. Wilson
ANTS
O NE of the most interesting of God’s creations is the ant. While they may be small, they can teach us some big lessons. One of the first things we can learn in view of the proper perspective of life, is that we must be diligent. Old age is coming when we won’t be able to do so much. But beyond this is eternity when we won’t be able to do anything for those who know not Christ. The Lord tells us to “go to the ant. Consider her ways and be wise’’ (Prov. 30:25- 28). Ants are always busy. Of course, the ones we normally see are females. The males stay underground and do the housework. There are no appar ent wasted energies that we can note. The ant somehow instinctively knows that winter’s coming when food won’t be available. There is much to be accomplished here and now. We need to follow such exemplary practice. Beloved, prepare yourself, not only for this life, but also, and more im portantly, for the one to come. Get ready to meet God. The only way you can do it. is to get to the Saviour. Come to Him for cleansing. Let Him blot out your sins with His precious blood. He’ll do it the minute you trust Him. Do you know that 33 things take place the minute you trust the Saviour? What a miraculous trans formation! One of the most impor tant is that you will get prepared by the precious blood of Jesus to have a meeting with God over there in the Gloryland. Another interesting thing about ants is that they will never touch anything another ant has handled. From this we should learn the lesson of honesty. Don’t take away some one else’s reputation; don’t injure him in any way, whether physically 12
or by your words. Let him know you’re a real friend so that you can be a blessing to him. Ants always try to help each other. If one gets a broken leg, two ants will come along, load her up on their backs, and carry her down into her nest below. Another interesting thing about ants is that they don’t work in the dark. The Lord tells us, “While you have the light, walk in the light.” The time will come when the doors for Gospel ministry will be shut. We had a young man in the hospital one day who gave us a false name and address. He became very sick. As he faeed death, the doctor told the intern to tell him that he couldn’t live. We would have to know where to send his body, and whom to notify. Not until then did we find out who he really was. He had kept us in the dark about himself. He pleaded with the intern, “Won’t you get a preach er for me?” The young doctor had to tell him, “I’ve just come to work here. I don’t live in this city. But I’ll try to get some information from any of the nurses on duty.” By a strange coincidence of fa te , the nurses had just been changed the week before. They didn’t live in Kansas City either. No one seemed to know a preacher to recommend. Any they tried were busy at the time. That poor fellow died in the dark. When he had the strength and health, he didn’t care anything about the Saviour. When it was too late, he got concerned, but then there wasn’t anybody to help. All was dark ness. Some days later, the young in tern sought me out at my office. He was greatly disturbed as he con fessed, “I have a father and mother who are missionaries in China for
acid in them that would make them bitter to taste (except to an ant eat er) . In the same manner, God makes the Christian so that the world doesn’t want him. The minute you trust, the Saviour, the crowd with-> out Christ is through with you. They don’t want you talking about the Lord. There is still the offense of the cross. But, beloved, the Lord wants you! God grant you may trust that lovely Lord. Believe in Him with all your heart and soul, and accept Him! E ditor ’ s N ote : One of the last in a series of messages recorded for “The Biola Hour,” this address by Dr. Wilson g r a p h ic a lly reveals this saint’s ability to draw profound truths from simple subjects. If you can really long for His ap pearing, And therefore set your heart on things above; If you can speak for Christ in spite of sneering, Or to the most unlovely one show love; If you can hear the call of God to labor, And answer "yes” in yieldedness and trust; And go to tell the story of the Saviour To souls in darkness o’er the desert dust; If you can pray when Satan’s darts are strongest And take the road of faith instead of sight; Or walk with God e’en though His way be longest, And swerve not to the left or to the right; If you desire Himself alone to fill you, For Him alone you care to live, and be; Then ’tis not you, but CHRIST who dwelleth in you; And that, O Child of God, is VICTORY. —Based on Kipling’s “ IF”
the Presbyterian Church. Yet I don’t know how to be saved myself. I couldn’t tell that dying man a thing about salvation. I must know for my self now. Will you tell me?” I opened my Bible and with Scriptures like John 3:16-18, 5:24, 10:28, 29, Ro mans 9:9, 10, and others, I told him about the precious Saviour. What a wonderful encounter as he accepted Christ as his own personal Lord and Redeemer! He made his decision while it was still light. Ants also remind us how helpless they are. They’re so small they can’t help themselves. They have no means of fighting off other larger creatures. Actually God made them so birds wouldn’t eat them. They have an YES, THAT IS VICTORY If you can trust when everyone about you Is doubting Him, proclaiming Him untrue; If you can hope in Christ, though all forsake you And say, “ 'Tis not the thing for you to do;’’ If you can wait on God, nor wish to hurry, Or, being greatly used, keep hum ble still; Or if you're tested, still refuse to worry. And so remain within His sovereign will; If you can say, “ 'Tis well,” when sorrow greets you And death has taken those you hold most dear; If you can smile when adverse trials meet you, And be content, e’en though your lot be drear; If you can be reviled and never murmur, Or being tempted, not give way to sin; If you fight for right and stand the firmer, Nor lose the battle when you ought to win.
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A NEW COMMANDMENT
by Dr. Curtis C. Mitchell
R ecently , while I was talking with a Biola student, she told me her experience of working in an estab lishment where she had found an other Christian employee. With a twinkle in her eyes, she observed, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we be lievers had a certain badge which would identify us immediately?” I pointed out that this is exactly what we possess. In John 13:34 the Sav iour observed, “A new command ment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” We find here a very intimate scene in the Upper Koom. It was Christ’s last meal with His disciples. Judas has now left the scene. Just before the Saviour made this statement, He talks about going away. He refers to the cross and His ascension. This exhortation is to govern the conduct of His disciples. We have seen a football coach training his players, working very intimately with them. Just before the game, he must leave them. This is according to the rules. Gathering them around him, final instructions are put forth. This is somewhat the scene we have here. Our Lord wants us to remember the importance of this new commandment. This is a precept and instruction to govern our lives as well. This isn’t the 11th commandment as some have called it. It is a new one. It is an unique instruction for a new group of people. Even the most cursory study of the Bible quickly reveals that a major theme of the Bible is love. This is capsu- lized in John 3:16. Keep in mind that this is not a romantic love, as we might tend to 14
think of it. This is clear from the statement, “I want you to love one another as I have loved you." It is the same type of love by which we are loved of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. This love is a very practical thing. Ephesians 5 reminds us that we are to love our wives even as Christ loved the church. We are to love our wives as our own bodies. How does a person do this? The reference is not romantic infatua tion. It is rather a practical concern. This is the kind of love spoken of in I Corinthians 13. In I John 3:17- 18 we see a very practical picture of this, “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother hath need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (Comp. Eph. 4:32). Why did Christ say that to char acterize His followers there should be a practical love for one another? Love is to be the credential of the Christian. Practical love for one an other is to be the badge by which men will know that we are really His followers. Today we’re living in a world of confusion not the least of which is in the area of religion. There are all kinds of voices crying out, claiming to be bona fide disciples of Christ. All too often, the world stands back in unbelief. It fails to see the real badge. It’s not by growth; it’s not by buildings; it’s not by programs and publicity; but rather, it’s by love that eternal business is done in the souls of men for God. There must always be a practical demonstration of brotherly love. While we can con-
tend for the faith, believing’ in ver bal inspiration, and the virgin birth, the atonement, resurrection, and the second coming, all of this is not enough or complete. We know from history that the early church abso lutely amazed the pagan world by the brotherly love which they dem onstrated. One pagan writer records, “Why, these Christians love each other before they even know each NOW If you have hard work to do, Do it now! Today the skies are clear and blue, Tomorrow clouds may come In view. Yesterday is not for you; Do it now! If you have a song to sing, Sing it now! Let the notes of gladness ring Clear as songs of birds in spring, Let every day some music bring: Sing it now! If you have some kind words to say. Say them now! Tomorrow may not come your way, Do a kindness while you may, Loved ones will not always stay: Say them now! If you have a smile to show, Show it now! ? Make the friends around you know The love you have before you go: Show it now! other!” And the early church had a dynamic impact upon the world. We understand that the ancient apostle John, the only one of the apostles to die a natural death, was often carried into Christian assem blies. Frequently he was asked to give a little sermon. The old warrior had one he loved to share, “Little children, love one another because it is the Lord’s command. And if only this be fulfilled, it is enough.” Have we realized this and practiced it in our own lives?
IF WE ONLY UNDERSTOOD Could we but draw back the curtains That surround each other’s lives, See the naked heart and spirit. Know what spur the action gives; Often we would find it better. Purer than we judged we would; We would love each other better. If we only understood. Could we judge all deeds by motives, See the good and bad within, Often we would love the sinner All the while we loathe the sin. Ah! We judge each other harshly. Knowing not life's hidden force Knowing not the fount of action Is less turbid at its source. Seeing not amid the evil All the golden grains of good; Ah! We’d love each other better If we only understood. What if I say— "The Bible is God’s holy word, Complete, inspired, without a flaw”— But let its pages stay Unread from day to day. And failed to learn there from God’s law; What if I go not there to seek The truth of which I glibly speak, For guidance on this earthly way— Does it matter what I say? What if I say That Jesus Christ is Lord divine; Yet fellow-pilgrims can behold Naught of the Master’s love in me, No grace of kindly sympathy? If I am of the Shepherd’s fold, Then shall I know the Shepherd’s voice And gladly make His way my choice. We are saved by faith, yet faith is one With life, like daylight at the sun. Unless they flower in our deeds, Dead, empty husks are all the creeds. FAITH
by Dr. James H. Christian
DON’T BLOW YOUR TOP
I N P salm 3 7 :25 David testified, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous for saken, nor his seed begging bread.” David had lived a long and full life. He had experienced all kinds of cir cumstances. His view of life was different from what it was when he was young. He now looks at things from God’s point of view. In the first verse of this Psalm he rightly cautions, “Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, neither be thou envious against the workers of in iquity.” The word fret, according to Webster, means, “to eat away, to rob, to chafe, to agitate, to irritate, to disturb.” The Hebrew is even more descriptive for it says, “to heat thyself, to kindle thyself, to burn.” In today’s modern vernacular, it might be rendered “Don’t blow your top! Don’t lose your cool.” There had been a day in David’s life when he had chafed at the inequalities of God’s government. Perhaps he had a human right for this. He had been the slayer of Goliath. Even as an officer in the army of Saul, he was hunted as an animal. When he had on several occasions an opportunity to kill this wicked king, God inter vened, reminding him that in the end, the Lord would balance the scale. Mistreated by Nabal (I Sam. 25:21), he refrained from any per sonal action against him. Betrayed by Absolam, he by now had learned the sometimes difficult lesson of Psalm 37:1. It is easy to fret over the pros perity of the wicked. When godly people seem to suffer, and then pass away in extreme conditions of hard ship, we naturally question, “Why?” Then, there may come the question, 16
“Why has somebody else been ele vated to the position we ought to hold?” This is sometimes a bitter lesson to learn. Yet it is the only sound and satisfactory position to take. Looking at such a verse, we find little that needs explanation but much that needs practice. Several reasons are given why we shouldn’t envy the wicked. Verse 2 shows the negative position, while verse 3 con tains the positive assertion. While the wicked man may prosper, he is still a wicked man. The world has no wealth to compare with the bless ings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Kiches without God are not riches at all. The Christian is foolish to envy those who simply play a part, while their Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills and the wealth of the deepest mines. Christian knowledge does not per mit us to get “hot.” Becoming heat ed over what we consider the in equalities of life, questioning the goodness and wisdom of God, leads to spiritual defeat and cynicism. “What hast thou that thou didst not receive?” Everything we have, are and hope to be is by the goodness of our God. Discontent implies dis satisfaction with God’s government, distrust of His justice, and doubt of His truth. Envy does not pay good dividends. Look what happened to Cain! So it is with all who are en vious, r a th e r than asking God, “What’s wrong with my life?” There is really no reason to be jealous of the prosperity of the wick ed- The justice of God should pre vent this. God brings a quick end to the unrighteous (v. 2). The higher the grass grows, the closer and soon
er it comes to the mower. The tim ing may not be soon from man’s point of view, but God’s judgment comes with eternity in mind. Who envies the fatted bull? Being put to pasture simply hastens the animal’s ruin. The prosperity of the wicked simply brings him to eternal judg ment more quickly. The ruin of the wicked should not be cause for our rejoicing. It may comfort us to know BY FAITH, NOT SIGHT My path was filled with fear, with doubt; With eagerness I groped for light. Which path to take? Where would it lead? He said to walk By faith, not sight. The years are past when plans depend On mother’s word, on father’s might. Decisions wait; self hopes to win, But He says, "To walk by faith, not sight.” Life's years are few, my wisdom young, I hope the best, I want the right To love, to serve, to be loved too; But still He says, “By faith, not sight.” The world Is filled with struggling hearts; Engulfed by sin, they curse their plight, I long to help. What plan to use? But still He says, “By faith, not sight.” And so I bow at Wisdom’s feet, With yielded heart give up the fight, No more to struggle, win my own; Still mine to walk "By faith, not sight.” The moment comes; the victory's mine, He sees ahead; the way is bright; On Him my life, my service rests. I walk by faith, I trust His sight.
that God, in the end, is going to do all things well, rewarding each man according to that which he has done in the flesh. These, who are in sin, even though they prosper, need our full compassion and prayers as we seek to bring them to the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us not blow our top, when we see the wicked prospering and ourselves in the condition of ad versity. OUR RESPONSIBILITY It can’t be done by schedule, it’s a job for night and day, It can't be done by strangers and it can’t be done for pay. It can't be left to others while in search of fun we roam. The job of raising children is an all- time task at home. We’ll lose them on the corners of the town or city streets, We’ll lose them if we leave them to whomever they may meet. We’ll lose them if we trust them to the gods of luck and sin; We must share their joys to keep them and love their songs and grin. It’s an all-time job to train them how to cope with shame and sin. Nothing's colder than a door key when no mother waits within. And of all life’s disappointments nothing bitterer is known Than the cheerless bit of supper youth must get and eat alone. There can be no rest from labor and no time for selfish joys, If we fail in our devotion, we shall lose our girls and boys. But there’s nothing like a conquest and no victory so sweet As the triumph of devotion over pit- falls of the street.
17
by Dr. Lloyd T. Anderson
P art I S cripture speaks to us eloquently concerning Calvary and its deep est meanings. In Luke 23:33 there are four most impressive words, “There they crucified Him.” There was a tremendous climax to our Sav iour’s earthly life. Prophecies from centuries past were culminated in that hour. The life-long sacrificial ceremonies were ended at the cross. The mighty God had humbled Him self when Christ came as a child. In the cross we see the concluding demonstration of His matchless love. Charles Haddon Spurgeon de clared, “The cross of Calvary was the source of love, and the fountain head of the sacrifices which have gone forth to heal, to succour and to renew men. It is the birthplace of hope cheering man on his way. With out the cross, man makes the mis take of missing the great Deliverer of the human soul.” The music of the cross God made rich with the notes of love, reconciliation, and spir itual victory. After hearing the glo rious sounds that come from Calvary, even the loveliest melodies of great composers seem to be faint and dis tant echoes of the essential music of the universe (John 3:16). The su preme melody is reconciliation. God and man can be brought together (II Cor. 5:19). Atonement “at-one- ment” ) is now available for the wan dering sons of men because of Christ’s finished work. There is nothing of superficial beauty in the cross. The scene of majesty is not in the wood or the thorns, but in the deeper and intrin sic spiritual beauty. This is what has captured the hearts of millions down through the centuries. Meditat- 18
ing upon the subject should increase our love for the Lord. You can see His blood upon the rose, and in the stars, the glory of His eyes. His body gleams amid eternal snows; His tears fall down from the skies. We see His lovely face in every flower; the thunder and the singing of the birds are but His voice. All pathways by His feet are worn. His strong heart stirs the ever-beating sea. His crown of thorns is twined with every thorn. His cross can be seen in every tree. Every value of life must be revalued against the background of the cross. Man's own worth is vin dicated by the cross. It was the cross of Calvary that first gave man a sense of the unique, indestructible value of the human soul. The world by wisdom knew not God. It was through the cross that men from all walks and strata of life itself have been drawn to eternal life. The problems of evil, human suffering, sorrow and sacrifice are all centered and dealt with in the crucifixion. What was Africa before Livingstone and others entered into it with a message of the cross? The same was true of India before Carey and Judson carried the message of truth and hope. The cross is the magnet of Christianity. “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me,” is the word of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. When the historic day of Calvary made its appearance, Jesus hung up on the cross as a common criminal. His tormentors put Him to the ut most shame. If we allow the cross to lose its glory, then we are at the mercy of every wind of doctrine. Our faith would go to pieces with out the cross. The true church most
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