BIOLA HOUR
MAY, 1969 / Volume 9 / Number 5
MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE BIOLA FELLOWSHIP president . s. H. SUTHERLAND editor . . . . AL SANDERS production BILL EHMANN design . . . JOHN OZMON printing CHURCH PRESS CONTENTS HALLELUJAH! ............................. 3 Al Sanders MINIMUM SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ...................... 13 John Hunter THE DRAGON TEMPLE ...........15 John Hunter THE GOD WHO DIED .............. 17 John Hunter PANEL DISCUSSIONS.............. 18 PARABLES AND PEARLS . . . .26 PROPHETIC STUDIES.............. 32 Lloyd T. Anderson ON THIS MONTH'S COVER Biola’s 7th annual Campus Family Bi ble Conference is scheduled for June 22- 28 on the La Mirada Campus. Dr. Samuel H. Sutherland, Biola president (left), looks over Conference brochure with Dr. Richard I. McNeely (center), one of the speakers, and Mr. Ron Hafer, director of the youth program for the week. See page 36 for detailed infor mation. For information concerning the Biola Broadcaster, see page 33.
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A STUDY OF PSALMS 149
d ia U & L u fa h . by A l Sanders
That’s because praise should be uni versal. The verse says that “ye” are to praise the Lord. That personal pro noun “ye” refers only to the saints, men and women who are sanctified, who are set apart by God because of His love and grace. You may not look like a saint. Your husband may not look like one, but if, by faith, you have received Jesus Christ as per sonal Saviour, based on the Word of God, you’re a saint, and as such you are to offer praise. Notice, too, to whom all this praise rightly belongs. It is to the Lord. He is the only One who is deserving of our grateful adoration. You know, praise even as does prayer, changes things. In the 16th chapter of the book of Acts, we read in verse 25 and 26 that “At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God.” The result was that immediately all of the doors were opened and everyone’s bands were loosed. Now most of us are in a prison, at least in a sense. We have problems and frustrations, burdens and pressures on every side. What we need to do is to stop and follow the example of these saints. We should p ray earnestly and sing praises to God. By doing this, you can be sure that you’ll find those doors beginning to open and your bands will be loosed. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? It can happen. 3
C hapter O ne I n recent years , the book of Psalms has become more and more precious and meaningful to me especially from a devotional, historic, and prophetic standpoint. My goal has been to memorize at least one verse from every chapter. There are some won derfully helpful truths which can be retained in one’s mind in this prac tical manner. I ’d like to direct your attention to the 149th Psalm. The first verse testifies, “Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and His praise in the con gregation of saints.” It is particu larly fascinating to me to realize that although we are now nearing the end of this great book, the intensity of expression is undiminished. As we conclude, we find that it is still with a note of praise. Just look now at the way the Psalm begins, “Praise ye the Lord!” Then see how the Psalm ends, “Praise ye the Lord!” What a pattern for us! So should be our pathway on this earth, filled with praise from the beginning to the ending. Now that word praise is actually in the original hallelujah. It can be translated, Hallelujah, praise ye the Lord. That’s about the best way for us really to define it. I love that ex pressive word “Hallelujah!” It’s an interesting one, because as far as I know, in nearly every language of the world, it is translated the same.
Now notice it says that we are to sing unto the Lord a new song. The other day I was driving down the freeway, thinking about other things, not paying much attention to what was being broadcast on the radio. I was waiting for the newscast which was scheduled for the hour straight up. All of a sudden my mind was drawn to the broadcast as I heard a song being sung. It was an old tune and one I can remember playing when I was a disc jockey at a radio station almost more years ago now than I care to remember. In those days, when this song first came out, it caught my immediate attention. I began to play it over and over and over again. The other disc jockeys of our radio station, as well as at other broadcast facilities across the United States, were doing the same. Before long, the record and its tune became the best seller. It was num ber one on the hit parade for a num ber of weeks. By the time it reached that point, however, it had become so disgustingly boring and unappeal ing to me that I hated to have to play it when people called in for requests. Now, that may sound strange, when I tell you with tongue-in-cheek the tremendous message it has even to day. Of that I was reminded as I
heard this tune being played again after so many years had gone by. The title, “The Shrimp Boats are a’ Cornin’.” Now, isn’t that just some thing to hold your rapt attention in solemn contemplation? As I listened to that song, I couldn’t but flick off the radio, then singing aloud, as I drove down the freeway, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!” It may have looked strange to those passing by, but it was what was in my heart. Although those words of the hymn are very, very old, yet that Gospel song had a new and living meaning for me that day. You see, we are to sing unto the Lord a new song. We’re to sing it in a new way. The words may be old, to be sure, but the testi mony should be ever new. One reason why we feature music on these pro grams is that we earnestly believe singing is one of the best ways for reverent praise in a testimony of God’s grace. I hope that as the music is heard on this broadcast, your heart not only is lifted, but also, if possible, you can join right in with us in singing along. Why are these songs new? Simply because God’s mercies are new every morning. They’re not something that are made over. You know, I’m afraid many of us are more used to making new complaints than we are singing new songs. It’s relatively easy to find something new to grumble about al most every day. It may be my back, or it may be my neck, or it may be a tired feeling, with signs of a cold coming on. Unfortunately, new com plaints aren’t difficult for me to find. How sad when Scripture says that I am to be looking for the Lord’s mercies which are new every morn ing. Yes, “Sing unto the Lord a new song.” Some years ago an interesting thing happened to a friend of ours. He’s John Peterson, who has written such beautiful Gospel melodies in cluding, “It Took a Miracle,’’ “Com
Mr. Sylvester Marshburn (center). Chairman of the Biola Board of Directors, has the opportunity to confer with Dr. Samuel H. Sutherland (left), Biola President, and Dr. FosterBens, Vice-Chairman of the school's Board.
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ing Again,” and a host of others. He was summoned to the office of a Broadway show producer. To make a long story short, when he got inside, he discovered that he was being offered approximately a quarter of a million dollars for the rights to his lovely Gospel song composition, “Over the Sunset Mountains.” Hard ly seems possible, does it? A quarter of a million dollars for one song! What an offer! There was only one small catch. The producer kindly suggested, “All you have to do is allow us, in the purchase of the copy right, to change just one word in your song.” Well, when you stop to think about it, that seems quite plausible and reasonable for a quar ter of a million dollars. What dif ference does it make, changing just one word? It seems that the word was a name. That’s all that both ered them. Naturally, they wanted to use the stage name of the girl who was the lead in the Broadway production. In other words, instead of “Over the sunset mountains, some day I’ll softly go, into the arms of Jesus,” they wanted it to be Betty, or Margaret, or Harriet, or what ever the name of the person was, rather than into the arms of Jesus. Can you see the ridiculousness of this? John Peterson did. He actually turned down $250,000 for that one song. He left those offices and im mediately something happened. The devil came to him and said quite frankly, “Peterson, you are a fool!” Humanly speaking, Satan may have been right. Deep in thought, John Peterson walked through those vast canyons of Manhattan buildings. The Lord was speaking to him. He start ed thinking of a new melody and meaningful words, “Why should I sing of lesser things and things that pass away, when I’ve a friend like Jesus to sing about each day? I have no song to sing but that of Christ my King. To Him my praise I’ll bring, forevermore. His love beyond
degree, His death that ransomed me, now and eternally, I’ll sing it o’er. I find no more delight in other songs, my melody of love to Christ belongs. I have no song to sing but that of Christ my King. To Him my praise I’ll bring forevermore.” C hapter Two This blessed verse in Psalm 149 continues to say that we are to “Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.” One of the big problems of the day is that we have become acclimated to attending church in order to see who can entertain, amuse, or at least hold our attention the best. We like speak ers who tell more stories and give better illustrations. In this way it generally encourages us to keep awake during the half-hour sermon. If this isn’t the case, all too fre quently we will concentrate on what is perhaps a more productive field, namely, considering the faults of others, those sitting in the pews near by supposedly participating in the service. Verse 2 of Psalm 149 is an encour agement to, “Let Israel rejoice in Him that made him ; let the children
Mr. and Mrs. Al Sanders (center). Vice President ot Public Relations for Biola, chat with Mr. Ron Hater (back to camera). Director of Student Activities for the school. Mr. Sanders was recently awarded "The Alumnus of the Year" by the Alumni Association.
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of Zion be joyful in their King.” We have a great deal for which to thank the Lord in a day such as this. It is a time of unprecedented opportuni ties, even amid all the problems. A very severe earthquake shook a por tion of California some years ago. In fact, it was so great in magnitude that people were afraid it might bring further destruction and devas tation. A godly old saint was asked, “Weren’t you concerned when that first tremor came?” She replied con fidently, with a smile, “Not at all! I simply rejoiced that I have a God who can still shake the world.” We can be glad of that, too! In consideration of this verse there is a primary definition applying to the children of Israel. At the same time there is a secondary devotional application which needs to be made for our own hearts. Consider for a moment that God first of all made Israel a people who were not a peo ple. They were a nation of slaves. The Lord gave them a miraculous deliverence, guiding them into the Promised Land. These same prom ises were given to Abraham, repeat ed to Isaac, later reiterated to Jacob, and finally to the patriarchs down through the ages. The simple fact of the matter is that our spiritual condition is very similar to that of Israel. Before salvation we were not a people. We were lost, hopelessly condemned without Christ, bound for eternal damnation and perdition. But we who are not a people have been made a people of God through faith in Jesus Christ. The reference here is not to some mystical spiritual Is rael. This is the personal relationship a believer has to the Lord Jesus Christ through faith in Him. There’s another interesting thing to be found in this phrase, “Let Is rael rejoice in him that made him.” In the original Hebrew it shows that the Trinity is taught even in the 149th Psalm. The translation is per haps best rendered, “Let Israel re- 6
joice in God his Maker (makers).” The last is in the plural, for the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spir it are one with God the Father, co equal, co-eternal, co-existent. Notice it doesn’t say that Israel is to rejoice in what their king had done for them. It doesn’t give us that picture at all. This is simply the indication that because of all His blessings and mercies in the past it is enough simply to rejoice in Him. Do we have this same realization of God’s continual goodness and grace? Notice that Israel is the nation. Zion is the capital. Nation refers to the broad scope. King, the King of Zion, symbolizes the Lordship. Do you get the picture? “Do I live just in Israel or am I dwelling in the capital city of Zion ?” In other words, are you “just a Christian?” You’ve been born again; you’re a member of a church, but that’s about as far as it goes. You haven’t entered into any close relationship with the Lord. The nearer we are to God, the closer we are to praising Him continually. C hapter T hree Verse 3 of Psalm 149 encourages us further in this aspect of thanks giving. “Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.” Having read that verse, we think of the foolish, worldly-minded people who try to indicate that dancing must be correct because it is spoken of in the Bible. It is true that this word occurs, such as the statement that “David danced before the Lord.” Keep in mind that this was the time when the ark was brought back to its rightful place. If all the dancing you do were confined to being con ducted only before the Lord, out of joy for His victory, then there would be little problem indeed. As most of you know, over the years Biola has had certain standards which have been maintained rigidly. There is a reason for it. We ask our
students when they enroll in the school to abstain from dancing, go ing to motion pictures, smoking, drinking, playing cards, and things of this type. Now, in so doing we’re not saying that these things are worse than gossip, jealousy, envy, hatred, malice, and all of the rest. The point is that they are standards of conduct to guide us as we appear before the world. In reading recent reports by the motion picture indus try itself, as well as by the critics who review these productions, it is clearly evident that movies are get ting dirtier and dirtier. Hollywood is wondering itself just what’s left to portray on the screen with photog raphy showing very explicitly the act of sex itself. They are concerned about where it will all end. Do you think you could go to the motion pic ture theatre and during the inter mission get up and give a positive testimony for Jesus Christ? It would seem rather ludicrous. A recent issue of the Los Angeles TIMES gives a review of all the cur rent movies with three categories suggested. The first is acceptable to all groups. The next is for adults or those over 18. The last is only for very mature adults. In this Friday edition there are some 54 films listed. Six were for general audiences, 27 for adults and 21 acceptable only for very mature adults. With a report like this, just how far off do you think Biola is on its stand? Do you th in k that Christians should dance? Well, could you go to a ballroom praising the Lord? Per haps you could. Would you be willing to approach the band leader and re quest, “Sir, I wonder if you would mind playing for me the tune ‘Now I Belong to Jesus,’ or would your boys happen to know ‘Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow?’ Those are two of the best numbers to which to dance.” You see how ri diculous and foolish that sounds? Keep in mind that the dancing which
BEATITUDES FOR A HOUSEWIFE
Blessed is she whose daily tasks are a labor of love; for her willing hands and happy heart translate duty into privilege, and her labor become a service to God and to all mankind. Blessed is she who opens the door to welcome both stranger and well loved friend; for gracious hospitality is a test of brotherly love. Blessed is she who mends stock ings, and toys, and broken hearts; for her understanding is a balm of humanity. Blessed is she who scours and scrubs; for well she knows that cleanliness is one expression of godliness. Blessed is she whom children love; for the love of a child is more to be valued than fortune or fame. Blessed is she who sings at her work; for music lightens the heavi est load and brightens the dullest chore. Blessed is she who dusts away doubt and fear, and sweeps out the cobwebs of confusions; for her faith will triumph over all adversity. Blessed is she who serves laughter and smiles with every meal; for her buoyancy of spirit is an aid to men tal and physical digestion. Blessed is she who preserves the sanctity of the Christian home, for hers is a sacred trust that crowns her with dignity and love.
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has given you some talent, some abili ty. Use it to praise the Lord. I’m not interested in a crusade for cleaner movies, or more decent danc ing, or for a whiter “Gay White Way.” Our business is not to clean up the world. Our purpose is not reformation, but rather regeneration, putting a new man into a shirt. When the heart is changed, the life will change. C hapter F our Verse 4 of Psalm 149 encourages our hearts with the word that “The Lord taketh pleasure in his people; he will beautify the meek with sal vation.” Have you ever asked your self, “Do I bring joy to God’s heart? What did I do yesterday which would cause the Lord to rejoice in me, or this past week, or even this past month?” The other evening I was looking at some pictures of our chil dren taken when they were much younger. We now have a daughter 19, one almost 17, and a boy 12%. Looking at pictures taken seven or eight years ago, I just spend time studying the facial characteristics of each child. I thought of them as they are now as well as recalling all they have meant to us in our home over all these years, and how much we love them. Tears began to come to my eyes, as I began to realize how much happiness and satisfaction they have brought to us. I submit that if our earthly children bring that kind of rejoicing to our hearts, as parents, what must be the feel ing in the heart of God with the real ization of His children who love Him here on earth? What a privilege to work for Him, to serve Him, to praise Him, to adorn His Gospel! Is it true with you that “The Lord takes pleasure in His people?” Then the last part of this fourth verse promises, “He will beautify the meek with salvation.” Humility is the first step. Man by nature is very proud. We don’t want
is spoken of here in the Word of God was a dancing which was always be fore the Lord. The dancing in bibli cal times was not between the two sexes but rather by individuals or men with men and women with wom en. Sometimes a single individual danced for the congregation. It was always an indication of supreme joy and gladness in the Lord. Now, notice, too, that there are other things involved in this aspect of praise. There were instruments used. One was the timbrel and the other was the harp. The timbrel was like a tambourine. Generally speak ing, the tambourine was always ac companied by the voice and perhaps other instruments. The harp, men tioned here, probably was more like the lyre with ten strings. Some translators even feel that it might have been more like our guitar. The point is this: there were the voice, the timbrel, and the harp, so that every part of man’s being was dedi cated to the praise of the Lord God Jehovah. What is your talent? It may not take a great deal of ability to play the tambourine. The Lord
Mr. Stewart Cunningham, President of the Biola Alumni Association, addresses a recent gathering of graduates at theschool. Mr. Cunningham is principal of Olivewood School, El Toro.
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anybody to do something for us that we can do ourselves. The Bible re minds us that unless we become as little children, willing to accept God’s gift freely, how can we be saved? The Lord makes His people meek. The next step is that He beautifies us. Sometimes this portion of Scrip ture is translated, “He shall beauti fy the afflicted with deliverance.” Or another translation that’s so beauti ful and comforting is, “He will adorn the tested and tried with victory.” Are you tested and tried? Do you feel frustrated and anxious? Wait upon the Lord, and He’ll adorn you with victory, triumph, deliverance, and beauty. Meekness is lowliness of mind. Hu mility is not so much thinking low thoughts of yourself. The fact of the matter is that humility is not think ing of yourself at all. It is rather a heart-concern and thoughtfulness of others. This means forbearance un der pressure or provocation. It means forgiveness for injuries. It means not pushing yourself forward, trying to get ahead, not propelling oneself into the limelight. It means prefer ring others before ourselves. Would you say that this is an adequate pic ture of the way in which God is deal ing with your life? You see, the Lord desires not only to save us but also to adorn us after our .salvation. In this way we can become more con formed to His likeness. Scripture as sures us, “Whom He justifies, them He also glorifies.” Here it is, then. Having saved us, He adorns us. C hapter F ive In verse 5 of the 149 Psalm we find the exhortation, “Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud upon their beds.” When you stop to think about it, joy is con tagious. There was a book written some years ago by a minister based on the value of thinking anything but that which is negative. He wasn’t teaching anything new. This is exact
ly what- the Psalmist is talking about. Frankly, it’s easy for me to see something wrong with almost every thing. My wife often reminds me of this failing and I’m glad she does. One of the sad admissions I would have to make is that the older I get, the more I realize there is a ten dency as well as a danger in be coming cynical, critical, and fault finding. Nothing satisfies us and it is easy to become discontent with this thing or that. But we are told to be joyful. And we have much for which to be joyful! Here is the assured protection of God which is given to us in confidence. The little nightingale received its name because it was willing to sing when everything around it was dark. This is what the Psalmist is telling us. We are to sing aloud upon our beds; even when sleep eludes us, let's praise the Lord. Notice that it doesn’t say, “Let the saints in glory be joy ful.” That’s a foregone conclusion. We know we will be happy there. Just to be in the Lord’s presence
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Mr. Gerald Gooden,Biola College librarian, looks over some of fhe stamps which have beensent in by friends of the school. Commemorative U.S. issues and foreign stamps can be sold by the pound to wholesale dealers. Proceeds are then turned over to the school for the ministry of preparing students. Readers are encouraged to save stamps and send them in large bulk to the school. Stamps always soaked off will save time, however, volunteers are willing to assist in the projectof removing paper from the stamps before they are sold.
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or as a part of one s very life. But why a two-edged sword? It serves to represent a fight we have, not only against the world and the devil, that’s one edge, but also the other edge is necessary to fight against our own corruption. In verse 7, the scene changes somewhat. Here we find the certain ty of judgment injected. Dr. Wernher Von Braun, the famous scientist, re cently said, “I believe that there are two forces which move us. One is a belief in a last judgment, when every one of us has to account for what he did with God’s great gift of life on earth. The other is the belief in an immortal soul, a soul which will cher ish the award or suffer the penalty, decreed in a final judgment.” Now, I don’t know anything about Dr. Von Braun’s personal tsetimony, but his view suggests that within the heart of men is the realization that this life calls for a life hereafter, a life when judgment shall be meted out, and this is correct as far as it goes. Verse 7 declares, “To execute ven geance upon the heathen, and punish ments upon the people.” Dispensationally, we must under stand that the New Testament spir itual church doesn’t pray the same way as did the Old Testament na tional church. The Israelites were the arm of God, literally, to bring judgment upon sinful and evil men. Unfortunately, through the centuries, some of the Christians have used these verses to arouse passion and stir up angry desire in the hearts of unthinking individuals to wreak vengeance upon others. This was one of the problems with the Crusades of the 11th century. The same hap pened in the Thirty Years’ War. Thousands of people were slaught ered. Such philosophy will never stand the scrutiny of Scripture. Con sider II Corinthians 10:4 where we’re told that “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of
will certainly cause eternal joy. But the fact of the matter is, as this verse suggests, there is glory for us now. Reading again, “Let the saints be joyful in glory.” Did you know that life can be glorious even right now? There’s another interesting point here in that in the time in which this was penned, beds were really couches. Not only were they the place where people slept, but also people would dine and feast from their couches. So the Psalmist in essence wants us to know that re gardless of the time of life, regard less of the circumstances, there is the need for praise and ample reason to give it. Even on our death beds there can be praise. I know how hard it is for me when I’m sick, even for a few days. I think to myself, “If I could just get up out of this bed, then wouldn’t I praise God!” The fact of the matter is, that the Lord knows that’s probably ex actly what I wouldn’t do. Sometimes He has to bring us down flat on our backs, so that we will then be will ing to look up into His face. Are we sighing or singing saints in our suf fering or unhappy circumstances? In verse 6, of Psalm 149 we are told, “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand.” Notice how that we aren’t always left on our beds. There are now at least two things we’re told we can do. Inter estingly, they both can be accom plished at the same time. One is to praise God, the other is to gain a spiritual victory with God’s Sword of the Spirit. The high praises which we are told here to have in our mouths, really means deep down in the throat, 10 Discipline is doing a thing you ought before the things you like.
strongholds.” Isn’t this what we face? Applying this devotionally, we are impressed by the fact that all evil eventually shall be overthrown. Next in verse 8 we need, “To bind their kings wth chains and their nobles with fetters of iron.” Israel’s boast was an actual fact. Ours is rather a spiritual reality. The chief powers of evil shall be restrained and ultimately destroyed. This def initely refers to the subduing power of the Gospel. It is that double-edged sword of the Spirit. We must be will ing to go out and proclaim the un searchable riches of Jesus Christ, forcefully presenting the alternative that if a man does not receive the Saviour, then judgment will surely come. Some years ago a Sunday school teacher was instructing a class of boys in the sixteenth chapter of the book of Luke. She was relating the story of the rich man and the beggar Lazarus. After she had very care fully illustrated all of these truths, she questioned the boys, “Which would you rather be, Lazarus or the rich man?” The obvious answer, of course, would be Lazarus who went to be with the Lord. One little boy responded qu ite honestly, “Well, teacher, I’d like to be the rich man in this life, but Lazarus in the next.” There are a lot of people like that who’d like thus to have their cake and eat it too. Judgment is coming. God is going to bind the kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron. No matter what standing you may have in this life, in the life to come, because of your rejection of Jesus Christ as Saviour, punish ment will be meted out. Several years ago, the gasoline tax act was enacted in the state of Wash ington. The legislature, unfortun ately, forgot to include a penalty for violations. As a result, some of the people refused to pay the taxes. So the governor had to call a special session of the legislature at which
time an act was passed, which im posed a penalty upon those who hadn’t attached a penalty for the vio lators. Notice, the statement in this verse: “to execute upon them the judgments that are written.” God is not going to have to call a special session of the legislature. These judgments already are delineated carefully in the Word of God. Now, how do we react to this? We are heralds of God’s mercy. We are to proclaim at all seasons the Lord’s grace. When you get right to it, all saints are sent on errands by the King. Some day we shall sit with our Lord in judgment. I Corinthians 6 says, “Do you know that the saints shall judge the world; know ye not that ye shall judge the angels?” There is so much for us believers when we put our mind to praise. May we pray as did the saint of old, “Our Father, Thou hast given us so much. Do please give us one more thing and this is a grateful heart.” Notice how this 149th Psalm closes. “Praise ye the Lord!” It's the same expression with which it began. Someone has suggested that if you want to find gratitude today, about the only place for it is in the dictionary. There was an interesting account contained in a recent church publication. One of the families had given a very substantial gift to their church in memory of their son, whose life had been lost in Viet Nam. An other couple attending the memorial was deeply touched. The wife said to her husband, “Darling, let’s give a special gift, too.” He responded, “But our son isn’t dead.” His wife was right as she pointed out “That’s just the point! Just think how much 11 Envy opens the door for bitterness to come in.
a sinner and to cleanse me from all sin. That day, August 26, my sins were eternally forgiven, and I had the assurance which the Word of God declared. Accepting Christ as my Saviour did not involve trying to live my life over — but to begin it over. This means that Jesus Christ came to live within me in the person of the Holy Spirit, instantaneously, the moment when I invited Christ into my life. Living a life for Jesus through high school and afterwards proved to be challenging, reinforc ing, and exciting.
for which we have to be thankful because of that!” Some years ago, a young Scottish preacher, Robert Murray McCheyne, died at a very early age, 29. And yet his life continues to carry a lasting and tremendous testimony concern ing the grace of God. Listen to these wonderful words he wrote: HOW MUCH I OWE When this passing world is done, When has sunk yon glorious sun, When I stand with Christ in glory, Looking o’er life’s finished story; Then, Lord, shall I fully know, Not, till then, how much I owe. When I stand before the throne, Dressed in beauty not my own, When I see Thee as Thou art, Love Thee with unsinning heart; Then, Lord shall I fully know, Not, till then, how much I owe. E’en on earth, as through a glass, Darkly, let Thy glory pass; Make forgiveness feel so sweet, Make Thy Spirit’s help so meek, E’en on earth, Lord, make me know, Something of how much 1 owe. Chosen not for good in me, Wakened up from wrath to flee; Hidden in the Saviour’s side, By the Spirit sanctified; Teach me, Lord, on earth to show, By my love, how much 1 owe. —R obert M urray M c C heyne METa BIOLA Student I N the SUMMER of 1954, I went to Tahquitz Pines. At this Christian camp I was brought to face my need — that of knowing Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour. It was the next to the last day of camp that I per sonally asked God to forgive me as 12
It was not until I entered Arizona Bible College—the purpose of study ing and learning God’s Word — that I started to learn w h a t living the Christian life is all about. It is excit ing to realize that the secret of Chris
Jim Murray ( Escondido, Calif.
tian living is “Christ in you, the hope of glory,” and “that He which hath begun a good work in you will per form it until the day of Jesus Christ.” It is simply “total vacant possession” — knowing that “all I needed is what I have and what I have is what Christ is!” The life which I am now living is Christ’s life, resurrection life, the life of vic tory over sin, death, and hell. It is a “great relief” simply to relate every thing to the Lord Jesus, and take my hands off — to stand back and say, “I thank Thee, Lord, this is Thy situation!” My life is solely committed to Christ, to be available, thus my fu ture plans after graduation are Christ’s plans for my life — Christ’s business is to commit me where He wants me. I am resting in the victory already won in Christ. Jim Murray Arizona Bible College
TTUmmum
by Dr. John Hunter Torchbearers Fellowship, England are equipped with the whole armour of God. There are the belt of truth to go around your waist, the breast plate of righteousness, and the shoes of the Gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. This is what is imperative for us to use to with stand the attacks of the enemy. The early Christian church grew up in a totalitarian government subject to open persecution. The world sought to crush the faith of God’s children. There was tremendous opposition, yet here are the “minimum safety pre cautions.” They’re quite a bit dif ferent from two hand grenades and
Safety Precautions
A S I HAD THE wonderful opportu nity of travelling in Viet Nam, many wonderful illustrations of God’s grace became apparent to me. It was my privilege to be there just before Christmas. One lovely area I saw was Dalat, a beautiful city up in the highlands. The French had built it as an -escape from the heat and hu midity of the lower valleys. Today, however, there are not many people left. I had met the missionaries with the Christian and Missionary Alli ance Mission. What blessed times we had! I also enjoyed fellowship with those of Overseas Crusades. The Viet Cong controlled the roads around Dalat and traps for our troups abounded on every hand. I was taken on a ride around the area in a little open Jeep. We had to keep our eyes open on every hand and at every moment. We had to wind our way through road blocks and large craters. I saw a large notice put up by the U.S. forces which declared, “Minimum Safety Precautions: Two hand grenades and a machine gun.” This was the accepted provision for the area ahead. I had only a Bible and nothing else. We were going out to visit some other Christians. The Viet Cong knew we were on that road; eyes were watching every where. You can imagine how appre hensive I began to feel. The mission ary driver assured me, “We’ve gone on this road time and time again and no one’s stopped us.” So we went on, with the Bible as our one defense. Kecalling those Minimum Safety Precautions, my mind went to what God had to say in Ephesians 6, giv ing His minimum safety precautions for the believer. Starting with verse 13, read that passage carefully for yourself, and then make certain you
Rev. William Richards (right), Biola graduate and member of the Stewardship Department, checks his watch with his son Joel and daughter Sharon who are both students at Biola this year. Mr. Richards is also interim pastor of the First Baptist Church of Tracy,California, and has been the CentralCalifornia Representative for the school over the past eight years.His daughter Sharon is preparing for mission ary work in Mexico or Spain while Joel, a Bible major, anticipates the responsibility of studying police science. Mr. Richards, a graduate of 1948, has four other children at home in Modesto.
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a machine gun. If you were a smart soldier, and wanted to be a living trooper, you would have to make cer tain that you obeyed those instruc tions. The same is true in the spir itual realm as well. These were offen sive weapons. Coming to the Word of God, however, we find all but one are defensive weapons. This should give us a totally new insight into the way in which we have to conduct our warfare as Christians in the world. God bless them and keep our servicemen and God grant peace may soon come. They are on the defen sive and are taking the offensive as much as they can. But God’s methods are entirely different. The believer is compared in Ephesians 6 to the Roman soldier. The reason these parts of the uniform are defensive is because God does the fighting for us. “Greater is he (the Holy Spirit) that is in you, than he (Satan) that is in the world” (I John 4:4). As a born again believer, you have the Saviour indwelling you. He it was who could declare, “All power in heaven and earth is given unto Me. And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the ages.” You see, the fighting which God has detailed is defensive, inasmuch as He takes care of the offensive. God is moving by his Holy Spirit. When the enemy comes in to attack, I have all I need. I’m not strong enough to beat the enemy, or even to figure him out. In Viet Nam today, that’s ex actly the problem. The boys are try ing to fight someone whom they can’t see. You can’t see Satan and the forces of hell arraigned against you, but God and Christ can. What you need to do is to rest in the Saviour who already has won the battle. As I go through with Him, His victory is my victory. I have the whole ar mour of God. The purpose is that I may stand. I’m not told to run out and make an heroic charge. My ad monition is just to stand in the strength of Christ. Now, the only 14
offensive weapon with which I have to fight is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. This too, is given so that I may resist the enemy so that he will flee from me. I protect my self by the Word of God. “Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.” While in Viet Nam we may not know which way the battle is going, but in our lives we can be assured of overcoming victory because Jesus Christ indwells us and He conquers all. Let us trust and rest in Him. Leave the battle to Him. In this way you’ll know peace, joy and blessing for your life, and until He comes again. BECAUSE YOU PRAYED Because you prayed for me I found the strength I needed for my task, The courage I had lacked before, the faith to see Beyond the narrow world; new joy for pain I found, and zeal To press on forward strong of heart again. . . Because you prayed. Because you prayed today I found it was not hard to face the dawn, Take up again the work I laid away But yesterday, and shoulder it, and there To smile a bit. And find a blessing I’d not dreamed was there. . . Because you prayed. Because you prayed for me Tonight, I seemed to reach and find your hand Close by me as I had known it would be, And somehow toil and turmoil needs must cease: It was as though God to our hearts had softly whis pered ‘‘Peace” . . . Because you prayed! — Ruth Gibbs Zwall
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by Dr. John Hunter Torchbearers Fellowship, England
The (ú/taqon Temple D URING my visit in Taiwan, I had the opportunity of being with Overseas Misssionary Fellowship and their missionary, Norman Cook. He felt I should see something of the pagan life which is very evident there. On several occasions I was taken to the Dragon Temple in the city of Taipei, which is the capital. It’s a building possibly four or five hundred years old. Quite opposite of our country with churches used on Sunday and perhaps Wednesday eve ning, this Dragon Temple is con stantly in use. There are always crowds of people and there are serv ices at various times with the doors open day and night, seven days a week. I stood in the shadows and watched exactly what took place. No one seemed to mind our picture-tak ing. The people weren’t worshipping in the same way that we do. They didn’t sing hymns or hear a specific message. They went to ask questions. There were idols at the far end of the temple, some more ugly than others. They were very ornate, gro tesque to behold. Before each of these praying places were lines of men and women waiting for their turn to genuflect. I saw a woman come light her incense sticks so that the smoke would curl up. This was to let the gods know that she was ready. Her face seemed so sad and searching, it was hard to detect anything but dissatisfaction. She would ask her question, then pick up two sticks and throw them into the air. As they fell to the floor, she would study their position for this was part of her an swer. Next she would go to a big container, pull out another stick, on . the bottom of which was a number. After this she walked over to a big drawer and pulled out the number
that corresponded to the one on the stick. She took a paper from the drawer. This was carried to a priest, would explain more to her about the answer. As soon as she moved on, someone else stepped in her place. Now these weren’t always poor peo ple. I remember seeing an impres sive new Cadillac with a Chinese chauffeur stop at the step of the temple door. A woman quite elegants ly gowned came out and took her place in line waiting to go through this strange and superstitious ritual. There were mothers in one section teaching little children how to pray to the gods. All of these people were trying to find answers to their prob lems. When they left, I noted that their faces were still sad and filled with uncertainty. I could not but think of my own face and what it revealed. What absolute assurance I enjoy! Paul testified to Timothy, “For I know whom I have believed, and am per suaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” What words of comfort there in the darkness of the shadow of that pagan shrine! Here were people vainly seeking answers from someone who never existed, or if he had been a hu man being, he had long since died. Do we as Christians realize the bless ings we have in Christ? We all have doubts and questions, but the mar velous thing is that when they come, we’re able to say with confidence, “I know whom I have believed!” The object of my faith isn’t some golden idol wrapped in the smoke of in cense. It is my personal faith in a living Saviour, One who died on the cross and rose again. He it was who graciously invited, “Behold, I stand 15
at the door [of your heart] and knock. If any man [or woman] hear my voice and open the door, I will come in.” That’s what happened to me years ago in young adulthood. Jesus Christ came to dwell in my heart by His Holy Spirit. The Saviour keeps what I commit. If I hang onto it my self, with my struggles, my wor ries, my fears, what peace will I enjoy? I ’ve committed to the Sav iour the whole question of my sin. I received His own wondrous sac rifice, His own shed blood. I’ve com mitted- to Him the penalty of my sin. He took it and gladly bore it on the cross through His own precious blood. I have committed to Him my past. I have committed to Him my future. What will happen when I die? Christ has said to me, “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Fa ther’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you . . . that where I am, there ye may be also.” But then I have committed to Him the present, too. I know He indwells my heart. He will never leave me. It’s so wonderful to know that today He is going to keep me step by step. Do you have to ask questions, or do you know? The Lord Jesus wants to become real at the cross for you, as well as day by day for all through life. If you’ve never been to the cross, why don’t you make Jesus real in your heart? Let Him meet the whole question of your sin, guilt and penalty of sin. God grant you may do so for His name’s sake. Piety means letting God bend your will, not just your knees. There’s plenty of room at the top, but not to sit down. The kind of wealth most of us need is not dollars as much as sense.
Bill Stump from Albuquerque, New Mexico, is this year's president of Biola's Phoenix affiliate, the Arizona Bible Colege. A junior, Mr. Stump is seek ing the Lord's will for his future along with the other students of the Arizona Bible Colege.
Mr. Robert Bowles (seated), business manager of Biola's Phoenix affiliate, the Arizona Bible Colege, meets with Mr. Vernon Doerksen, director of Public Relations for ABC. Although confined to a wheel chair, Mr. Bowles' testimony and ministry for the Lord has been greatly blessed in the Phoenix operation. Both Mr. Bowles and Mr. Doerksen are graduates of Talbot Theological Seminary pos ess ing master of theology degrees.
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(Disud
by Dr. John Hunter Torchbearers Fellowship, England through the saving death of Christ, and part of my salvation comes through the saving life of Christ. Thank God for the cross! But that’s only part of it. Through the risen Christ, and His saving life I have overcoming power and glo rious victory. God has tremendous blessing for me not only in the sav ing death of Christ, that comes through His death, but what comes through His saving life, what comes through the Saviour who rose again to dwell in my heart. He said, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” So, as I go on day by day, I go on with a living Christ. The center of my faith is now the Saviour who died for me and who rose again. What is your life day by day? Is it living for Jesus and doing all that you can for Him? That isn’t my Christian life. I don’t have to live for Jesus. Jesus wants to live in us for He is the Saviour who died for us. Romans 5 :10 tells me that I have much more than a Saviour who died for me. I have a living Saviour who dwells in my heart by His Holy Spirit. The center of my faith is a living Saviour, not just a crucified Saviour. God’s entire plan is that the Saviour who died for you should now come and dwell in and then live through you. So you have a total salvation which comes through His death as well as through His saving life. Go on by faith, expecting the Lord to be the kind of person He said He would be. These poor peo ple in Paradise had only a god who died. As a believer, you have so much more. “You ask me how I know He lives ? He lives within my heart.” Does He dwell in your heart? If not, here’s your opportunity for joy, blessing and unmatched satisfaction! 17
The GodWho
I T is THRILLING to see men from village tribes, who formerly would have killed each other, after finding Christ as Saviour, sitting down to gether peacefully to study God’s Word. It was my privilege in this re mote area of the world to hold a week’s Bible conference with these people. Not too far away there was a small village called Paradise, on the island of Taiwan. Adjoining the com munity was a “holy” lake, on the shores of which was a very sacred place where a “god” lived. The sad part of it all is the fact that this god was a tree, which had died sever al years before. It just fell over and was no more. What a strange situa tion ! Here was Paradise with its sacred lake and a god who had died. The people had placed a little stone marker as a memorial to the depart ed deity. There was no one now to worship or to whom to pray. Looking at this pathetic sight, I just had to stop and praise God for my own faith. We know that our God is alive, despite what some liberal theologians might say. We have a God who is still on the throne! We have a Saviour who died on the cross. How tremendous this is! Yet there’s something tragic here. I meet some Christians who know God, and love the Lord Jesus Christ, but that’s about the extent of their concern. When they think of their salvation, they think of the death of Christ. Listen to the positive word in Reve lation 1:18 from our Saviour, “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen.” Here’s the glory of our faith : we have a Saviour who rose again. How much does the risen Christ mean to you? God’s salvation is two fold. Part of my salvation comes
with DR. SAMUEL H. SUTHERLAND/DR. CHARLES L FEINBERG
other words, He laid aside His di vine independent use of His attri butes; He laid aside the visibility of His glory, Once in a while He allowed it to shine out as on the occasion at the Mount of Transfig uration or at Gethsemane. When the government officials came to take Him, they asked, “Are you Jesus of Nazareth?” He said, “I am.” At that moment there was the outshining of His undiminished deity. They fell backwards. Those passages show that He did not empty Himself of His deity. God is always everlasting ly God, and always will be. If for any moment of time the Lord Jesus ceases to be God, then on the cross we had a wonderful righteous inno cent man dying. Such an individual could only be a sacrifice for another person, not for the whole world. That which makes His death efficacious is the fact that He is an infinite being. Notice the relationship throughout the Bible. He says, “I and the Fa ther are one” ; “He that hears my words and believes on him that sent me” ; “If you believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins.” Those are all expressions of deity. Our Lord Jesus didn’t empty Himself of anything that pertained to the sub stance of deity. He simply laid aside the visibility of His glory so that He could serve all submissively to the purpose of His Father. He says so in John’s Gospel, "I do always the things pleasing unto my Father.” There is probably no more key ques tion in the Word of God. It is impor tant to get a correct understanding
Q. Pueblo, Colo. — “A neighbor of mine said that in their study of Acts at church the question had come up whether or not a Jew is a religion or a Nationality.” A. Both are true. The Jews were essentially a nationality, but it be came a religion when the law was given on Mount Sinai. The two words are synonymous in this sense. Today many Jews have repudiated Judaism so that now they are not the same. Jews who are born again are saved not because of their nationality or their religion. They are saved be cause they have put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Q. Turlock, Calif. — “We are taught that when Jesus came to earth He took upon Himself the form of man, being emptied of His deity. Was He then only a man and not literally God?” A . This is one of the most important questions in the Bible. One of the best Scriptural answers is found in Philippians 2:5-11. Christ did not cease being God when He came to earth as a man. Rather, He divested Himself of His glory. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit says of Christ, “Who being in the form of God.” There is nothing more em phatic in the Bible than the undimin ished deity of our Lord Jesus. He is in the actual form and image of God. He thought it not a thing to be grasped or to be held onto to be equal with God. The Saviour took upon Him the form of a servant. In 18
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