On the spot coverage of Billy Graham and team in thrilling, epochal African crusade. See how Africa is “On the Bridge” as it emerges from its tribal past and strives for independence. Witness the greatest spiritual conflict of our generation, as Communism, Tribal and other Religions trv to outbid Christ for the souls of Africans. Made especially to bring you the timely missionary challenge of Africa. Gentlemen: Please tell me how I can have a premiere showing of "AFRICA ON THE BRIDGE” on one of the following dates: (Release date: June 25, 1960) 1st Choice Date 2nd Choice Sate 3rd Choice Date KB-50
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A I I i c i K i n g ’ö
A publication of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles, Inc. Louis T. Talbot, Chancellor
S. H. Sutherland, President
•
Ray A. Myers, Chairman of the Board
MAY, in the year of our Saviour Nineteen Hundred and Sixty
Vol. 51, No. 5
Established 1910
Dedicated to the spiritual development of the Christian home
M t k CAMPING TRENDS ARE CHANGING — George Sand ONE WONDERFUL WEEK — Sharon Warkentin ........... 9 VACATION WITH A PURPOSE AT THE FIRS — Grant Whipple .... 10 THE CHRISTIAN'S VIEW OF THE CHESSMAN CASE — Don Hillis .. 11 JAZZ WAS MY LIFE — Howard 0. Jones ............ ............................. 13 THE HEALING MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH — Roy L. Laurin 14 HONG KONG: GATEWAY TO ASIA — Charles A. Roberts ......... 16 MOTHER OF A MISSIONARY — Marilyn J. Chick 17 CRESCENT OF THE CROSS — Joseph Copeland .............................. 18 PAUL E. WALKER — A Fisherman Goes Home .................................. 20 THE ANTI-CHRIST, THE NATIONS, THE CHURCH, AND ISRAEL William Ward Ayer ........ .............................. 25 YOU MUST PRAY — J. C. Ryle ..................................... .................. 27 BACK TO THE BIBLE BROADCAST ——21 Years of Ministry ......... 48 7 F e d m EDITORIAL — Samuel H. Sutherland ............................... DR. TA LBO rS QUESTION BOX — Louis T. Talbot 22 PERSONAL EVANGELISM — Benjamin Weiss .................................... 24 HYMNS YOU LOVE — Phil Kerr ........................................................... 28 TALKING IT OVER — Clyde M. Narramore ....................................... 30 BOOK REVIEWS — Arnold Ehlert 32 RADIO BROADCASTING — Al Sanders .................................. ............. 35 WORLD NEWSGRAMS — James O. Henry ......................................... 36 SCIENCE AND THE BIBLE — Bolton Davidheiser ............................... 37 UNDER THE PARSONAGE ROOF — Althea Miller 38 THE CHRISTIAN HOME — Paul Bayles 39 TALKS WITH TEENAGERS — Betty Bruechert 43 ALUMNI NEWS — Inez McGahey .............................................. 45 ÜoflUKM READER REACTION 4 HOMILETICAL HELPS 23 NUGGETS OF GOLD 31 PEOPLE IN THE NEWS 46 — All Rights Reserved — 6
D R . W IL L IAM CULBERTSON P r e s i d e n t , M o o d y t t i b l e I n s t i t u t e speaks on the fundamentals of the faith. Our Lord ’s B ir th “The coming of the Lord Jesus Christ into this world was both different from and similar to the birth of others. It had the marks of correspondence, for He had an earthly mother and He was bom a real baby. To many eyes there would have been little or nothing to distinguish Him from others. “But there were great differences. He is the eternal Son of God, He is the One who came into the world from another sphere of being. He changed His mode and manner of living. ‘The Word was made flesh.’ “Moreover, He came into this world bom of a virgin. The great event of His introduction into the human family is called the incarnation; the method God used in effecting that incarnation was the virgin birth. Nor are these truths a matter of indifference. The integrity of the Word of God, the possibility of His living a sinless life, the effectiveness of His sacri ficial death, and the fact of His glorious resurrection are all basically related to the incarnation and virgin birth. However else the denial of these truths may be designated, it is not historic Christianity! ‘Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh’ (I Timothy 3:16).” Every Christian should have a copy of Dr. Culbertson’s book God’s Provision for Holy Living, a happy blending of Bible study and practical exhortation. 112 pages, paper bound. For free copy, write Moody Bible Institute, Dept. K-0-864, 820 No. LaSalle Street, Chicago 10, 111.
S. H. SUTHERLAND: Editor
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JANE M. CLARK: Circulation Manager EDITORIAL BOARD Irene Boyd, Bolton Davidheiser, Arnold D. Ehlert, Charles L. Feinberg, James O. Henry, Martha S. Hooker, AI Sonders, Oran H. Smith, Gerald B. Stanton
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WHISTLING RECORDS
Reader Reaction VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL We appreciate the complete Vaca tion Bible School information which you provided your readers in your April, 1960, issue. It certainly will be helpful to your readers to have this information available to them. I want to mention that the section telling of Gospel Light’s materials omitted listing the new Bible Kit- Kraft packaged handwork for the pre-schoolers and for primaries. The paragraph mentioned that packaged craft for juniors and youth and adults was available. I don’t know if it would be possi ble for you to mention this in a later issue, but the listing of crafts only for the two older departments does seem incomplete, since perhaps the greatest need for them is in the two younger departments. Bruce Bartel, Gospel Light Press, Glendale, Calif. CRITICISM CRITICIZED THE KING’S BUSINESS gives me a spiritual uplift and I pass it on to others, even to Finland. I read in the Reader’s Reaction that someone doesn’t like the cover with the trimming of the Christmas tree. Let us put away criticisms. It is not found in God’s Word. I find love. Romans 13:10 “Love worketh no ill.” May the Lord bless His work through you. Emma Cacace, Santa Cruz, California JUBILEE COMMENTS Your 50th anniversary edition of THE KING’S BUSINESS has been gratefully received. I would like to add congratulations, not only on this splendid issue, but also for the excel lent Christian ministry and outreach that is yours issue by issue. We are happy to be included in the advertising family of THE KING’S BUSINESS, and trust that the days ahead, as the Lord tarries, may pro vide even greater opportunities as you and your staff go about business for the King of kings. David L. Roberts, Director of Public Relations, Wheaton College. SISTER ENJOYS MAGAZINE I sent my sister a subscription to THE KING’S BUSINESS for Christ mas. She wrote me after receiving two issues. She says that compared to other Christian magazines, KB is outstand ing. Though you’d like to know. Mrs. Jaye Wade, Downey, California
I notice you print a reader’s column and I’m wondering if any of the read ers might be able to help solve our problem. We would like to help our son develop his whistling ability and use it for the Lord. We are wondering if any of the readers have any of the old copies of the Ralph Platt whistling records they would lend or sell (not bird calls), or the whistling book by Woodward. Someone may know of a whistling instructor, or have some suggestions of how we can help him. This is a wonderful field, but no one seems to know of any help available. Mrs. Harold Breifhaupf, Pomeroy, Washington KB HELPS TEACHER Congratulations on your 50th an niversary. I have always considered your magazine one of the best. I have been a subscriber for about twenty- five years. You have always been true to the Bible. When I was asked to speak to our youth. I could always find something interesting in your magazine. I have taught a Sunday school class for years and I read from your paper some of the good articles along with the lesson. The prophetic articles are very good. May God con tinue to bless you. Mrs. David Moore, Sr., Huntington, Pa. PEN PALS WANTED This is my first letter to you. I must first address myself to you. My name is Vesta Dixon. I am 15 years and one month old. I am about five feet, four inches. My complexion is fair and my hair is not so tall. I am saved two years and eight months ago and have decided to follow Jesus Christ until the end of life’s journey, and have been baptized in His name. I would like to join the pen pals and would like to correspond with some of the girls and boys that have accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour. I have a big family, 6 sisters and 5 brothers. My mother and father are alive. My mother accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour. One of my sisters said she would like to join the pen pals. She is about 23 years old. God bless you all until I hear from you soon. Vesta Dixon, Duan Vale, P.O., Trelany, J.B.W .I. E d it o r ’ s N o t e : Perhaps some of our teenager readers would like to corre spond with Vesta. This is certainly a wonderful opportunity to learn more about folk in other countries and to share what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for you. We hope that many will avail themselves of this opportunity to meet Vesta.
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A Pictorial History by Bernard R. DeRemer Dr. William Culbertson says: “ T h is p ro fu se ly illu s tra te d volum e w ill be treasured by all friends o f th e In stitu te . . . may our friends be blessed as th e y see th e e v id en ce th a t God has blessed the school th a t D . L. Moody founded.” At Christian Bookstores
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THE KING'S BUSINESS
4
• • • this issue Don't miss reading Don Hill is7 pene trating article on "A Christian View of the Chessman Case." Dr. Hillis has done a great deal of survey work on the sub ject and presents in this issue an approach to an issue which has attracted world wide interest. Incidentally, Dr. Hillis' re cent article in THE KING'S BUSINESS, "My Experiences with a Kleptomaniac" has been distributed in tract form by the thousands. Extra copies are available upon request. n
“We are backing Moody students . . . with our prayers and annuity dollars
Pictured above is The Emir of Saira, spiritual leader of the Moslems in Africa. This month, Biola graduate Joe Copeland, serving with the Pocket Testament League, writes on a subject about which missionaries in the awaking continent of Africa are well aware. Gospel laborers know that now, as never before, it is: "The Crescent or the Cross."
. . . and like other annuitants, we’re overjoyed with the double dividends! ” These young people, just as thousands of Moody Bible Institute graduates before them, are preparing for lives of Christian service . . . as missionaries, pastors, teachers and other church workers. They’re preparing to bring the message of salvation to the unsaved at home—and to the multitudes in foreign lands who have never heard the good news! Tuition-free training is made possible for these students by faithful stewards who are placing money and securities in Moody Annuities. This plan has been in effect for more than half a century—and not once in all these years has the Institute ever missed or been late with a single check. By placing y o u r money in Moody Annuities n o w , you will be assured of a regular, guaranteed income as long as you live (up to 8J/4% return, depending on your age). And in addition to the generous income, you, too, will experience the joy and peace of mind that come from having a very real part in spreading the gospel through Moody’s world-wide ministries. • • . and may w e also suggest for your consideration the Moody Deposit Agreement Plan 3 1 /y C f l IN TERE ST / ¿ / u per year c u r r e n t In this plan, you are guaranteed the current rate of 3%% per annum —with the privilege of withdrawal in case of emergency. Deposits, in multiples of $100, may be made at any time. Check coupon for further information. MAIL COUPON TODAY FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------, Write: Annuity Department Dept. K-O-42-2 | MOODY BIBLE INST ITUTE 820 N. LaSalle Street • Chicago 10, Illinois Please send me, without obligation, complete information relating to: 0 Moody Annuity Plan. 0 Moody Deposit Agreements. Q W ills. *
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B ill Bright Director, Campus Crusade for Christ I believe THE KING'S BUSINESS magazine Is one of the finest Chrls-
t I a n publica tions available t o d a y , a n d heartily recom mended t h i s publication to every Christian for a number of reasons: 1. The articles
are certain to be theologically sound. 2. The articles are scholarly, stimu lating and well written. 3. The reader receives practical In formation as an aid to daily vic torious, Christian living. 4. The reader Is kept Informed of Christian activities at home and abroad. I know there are many other things that one could say, but to me these are enough to indicate that one would do well to subscribe to THE KING'S BUSINESS. All these associated with this out standing publication are men of God, whose lives demonstrate the truth of the Gospel they preach.
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5
MAY, 1960
A MESSAGE from the editor "This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be . . . lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God." History records the fact that no nation has ever gone down into oblivion because of an outside enemy until first it has been defeated from within. The wreckage of civilizations, empires, nations and tribes, known to us through the pages of history, clearly reveals the fact that such destruc tion directly resulted from four things: first, loss of national pride ; second, ab sence of a pioneer spirit ; third, unwillingness to work hard for their own wel fare and that of their fel lows ; and fourth, these pleasures almost invariably led to an increased degree of lust, licentiousness and sin in all of its destructive hideousness. Dr. Samuel H. Sutherland There are two danger signals seen on every hand which mark the impending doom of our nation as a great world power. They are first, the extreme love of entertainment and pleasure which has become one of our basic goals and, second, the complete aversion to good, hard, solid work. Thank God, there is one way out of this morass of des pair. There is only one way. That is found in the message of the Word of God. If only ministers of the Protestant churches would once again herald the truth of the Gospel — that men must be born-again — then they will have the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives to change from their wicked ways. Then will morality and common decency once again be the unwritten law of the land and sin will be re vealed in all of its hideousness instead of being held up as a most attractive part of life. Then will we be able to stay the onrushing tide that is surely about to sweep us to our national doom. On the other hand, this very trend might well be one of the signs that point to the soon return of the Lord. For it is clearly portrayed in numerous places throughout Scripture that these conditions will prevail in the last days of this dispensation. The world is blindly saying, "Cheer up, the best is yet to come." But the Word of God and the children of God exultantly exclaim, "Cheer up, the worst is yet to come — and when the worst comes, then we can look up and know that our redemption draweth nigh!" The national picture and the world picture are very dark indeed. But to the child of God who has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, the future was never brighter and we joyfully exclaim, "Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.
GET YOUR FREE COPY NOW! Beautifully illustrated; pictures and lists soul-moving films by GOSPEL - FAMILY - CONCORDIA - BIOLA - Others. Try "GREAT DISCOVERY" with Colleen Townsend Evans, 80 minutes, Reduced Rental $17.50 — Hundreds morel Write today for Big New 1960-61 Film Catalog. CENTURY GOSPEL F ILM LIBRARY Souderton, Pennsylvania Dept. K-5 Tel.: PArkway 3-3669 /¡/¿ùiess ( / Wlance the " Great Commiss —a unique magazine edi' Tozer, whose books ar the Christian public. The Alliante Witness brings you * Forthright editorials * Challenging feature articles • Stirring missionary reports and news • Christian reporting of world events • Strong Sunday School lesson section • and other valuable features. All this bi-weekly, for only $2.00 a year. For free sample copy write today The ALLIANCE WITNESS 260 West 44th Street, New York 36, N. Y. Please send me free sample copy of The Alliance Witness Name J City__________________ Zone__________ State___________ ! ion" Magazine ted by Dr. A. W. e well-known to I Address____________________•
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THE KING'S BUSINESS
by George Sand n p o D A Y ’s trend in camping is quite JL different from that of even a few years ago,” says Ira Lee Eshleman, president and founder of the Boca Raton (Fla.) Bible C o n fe re n c e Grounds. “The setting has changed from saw dust, tents, and hard wooden benches to one of top quality housing and din ing accommodations where adult Christians can vacation in a Christian atmosphere and expect all the com forts afforded by worldly vacation sites,” he points out. “We chuckle constantly at those who arrive and express surprise because they can stay in modern quarters and sleep on good beds, yet pay only reasonable rates. Some of these folk are so skeptical that they come down from the North and put up first in nearby cities—until they have a chance to look us over!” This Bible conference in the heart of Florida’s racy “Gold Coast” has been operating for some time on both the American and European plans. (Continued on next page)
7
MAY, 1960
CAMPING TRENDS ARE CHANGING (concluded)
talked the owner into selling to him. He put down his only $1,000 as a deposit. He had to provide $4,000 more within ten days to insure the deposit. He had no means of providing this. He and his wife and their three chil dren had only an old car left as assets. Eshleman was on his knees praying before the big fireplace in the larger of the buildings (an officers’ club, replete with bar, dance floor, other amusement provisions), while rain fell dismally through a big hole in the roof overhead (the building had been damaged by the 1947 Florida hurri cane) when a stranger walked in. The man told him he would provide the deposit balance—his only stipulation being that his name should never be revealed. It hasn’t been. There began then a series of awe some developments w h ic h cau se veteran residents of the area still to shake their heads in wonder. Mem bers of the Bible teacher’s radio audi ence pitched in physically and finan cially into restore the stripped build ings, clear the overgrown lands, plant shrubs and flowers. Today a million dollar tropical paradise stands on the once desolate site, vibrant with the eager enthusiasm of God’s followers. The Conference owns a 5,000 watt ra dio station to aid its ministry. Planes and steamships are chartered regular ly for evangelistic tours to the Carib bean Islands, Hawaii, other distant places (Rallies for as many as 14,000 persons have been held.) In May of this year, a group of Conference resi dents and friends departed for a tour of Europe and the Holy Land. This ministry is done on a non profit, non-denominational basis. “All of which reflects only the glory of Christ—and Him alone,” says Ira Eshleman in retrospect. “I merely happened to be used by Him . . . in this case the rusty pipe through which He chose to have the clear, spring water flow from the Rock of Divine Provision.”
In addition, a limited number of apartments are available for those who prefer to prepare their own meals. Next winter a separate dining room will be operated for those on special diets who may prefer to order their food a la carte. The Conference directors are con vinced that well-fed and well-rested Christians are the ones who derive the greatest spiritual benefits from camp life. “Another significant change is the swing back to the old camp meeting type of gathering—with no denomi national emphasis,” says Eshleman. “Our motto at Boca Raton is ‘All One In Christ Jesus’ and we find more and more Christians feeling the same way.” The genial Bible teacher, son of a poor Pennsylvania farmer while do ing evangelistic work in South Florida and the West Indies nearly ten years ago first recognized the need for a “spiritual oasis for God’s people com ing to Florida.” He felt that to be most effective such a site should be located somewhere between the fa mous Florida vacation cities of Miami and Palm Beach. But exorbitant land prices immediately inspired friends to dissuade him. Nevertheless, Eshleman and his wife Viola had unlimited conviction that God would provide a way. He did! They happened by chance upon an abandoned Army air base at Boca Raton. The place was a shambles. Windows were shattered; the build ings long since vandalized. Streets were weed-grown. The Eshlemans selected two of the larger buildings and thirty acres of the surrounding o v e rg row n land. They were shocked when they learned the price: $50,000. In fact, the owner had already been offered this price for the two delapidated buildings and three acres of land by a Detroit gam bling syndicate. Ira Eshleman—with God’s help—
Boca Raton tug-o’-war across fish pond has Miami Youth Ranchers in a frenzy of thrills and excitment.
Vague Springman is typical of the top musical artists who are regularly featured at Boca Raton Conference Grounds.
Young people from conference church, co-pastored. by E. Ernest Tatham and Wendell P. Loveless, go on hayride.
One time army officer’s dance hall has been transformed to a site for weekly sacred musical converts at Boca Raton, mm nm p y
by Sharon Warkentin* A week at camp can be a very important event in your life. It has been in mine. I have spent fourteen summers at the most beautiful conference grounds in California. Camp to me has been a very vital part of my life. I find that the Lord becomes very real and close to me when I am up in the mountains beside a beautiful lake and surrounded by towering trees. It is thrilling to realize that a God so great Who created the beautiful scene that is before my eyes, cares and watches over something so small and insignificant as I. It was at a time such as this that I realized my life was not my own, but God’s, and I promised Him that from then on He should have full sway in my life. This, however, does not keep me from falling into temptation, but, because Christ does forgive, I know I have a home in heaven. What could be more wonderful than this? The first things one finds at camp are friends, both new and old. Friends are among the most valuable pos sessions on earth and at camp one finds many. Among these friends is the counselor who has been put here for one reason and this is to meet the spiritual and physical needs of his campers. Then, too, camp is a place to really have fun. This is very important and one of the main reasons any typical teenager goes to camp. At camp there are so many ways to have a great time. Among these there are many challenges such as boat racing, swimming races, diving contests, and that special event, comedy diving contest; along with ping pong tournaments, and a host of others. There is cabin against cabin competition in volley ball games, baseball games, and other activities. There are opportunities for handcraft at different times throughout the day. All these activities really work up an appetite. Then comes that good camp food, followed by skit time, singing, and stunts, where everyone shows his skill or makes a fool out of himself. All these things are very important in making a week at camp the greatest ever. But don’t forget the purpose for being at camp. The most important things that happen are the things that happen at the services, around the campfire, or with the counselor during cabin devotions. The things learned, the decisions made con cerning the Lord are what really count. While the fun and friends might be forgotten the decisions will have a lasting value. Many young people have found the Saviour at camp, later dedicated their lives to Him while at camp, and today they are serving Him in home and foreign missions. The speakers which are heard at camp are people who are keyed for teens. The speaker might be a pilot, teacher, artist, or preacher, but what ever he is, one can be sure that he is somebody who understands teens. Likewise teenagers can understand them and enjoy listening to them. Then, too, the talent is of the very best. It includes recording artists and Bible teachers. Being the boss’s daughter, I know the time and thought that is taken to make sure the right leaders, speakers, and talent are chosen for each camp. All these things just seem to make one wonderful week. In evaluating a week at camp, I would say the most important things are the decisions that are made, the speakers we are privileged to hear, the friends we make, and the great time we all are sure to have. All of these together make a week of camp very valuable and something that has become more than an idea. He can give direction and purpose to life. Don’t miss some thing so important it could count for eternity. *Miss Warkentin, daughter of Hume Lake Camp Director, Walter Warkentin, is a high school teenager. M AY, 1960
>ne Wonderful
Hume Lake Conference Grounds., are nestled amongst Sequoias
Refreshing out-of-doors adds to “a vacation with a purpose”
Campers enjoy the relaxation of volleyball Breakfast, below, is one of the three favorite meals
T he F irs is one of the Northwest’s finest year-around C h r i s t i a n Camp and Conference Centers. It is composed of three camp areas. In these areas are offered activities for all members of the family. The Firs has been in continual operation since 1921 when the first summer Family Con ference was held. Originally The Firs Lounge Building was a cottage where Mr. and Mrs. O. G. Whipple spent their honeymoon in 1903. It was at that time that the name “The Firs” was first used. In 1929 The Firs was incorporated as a non-profit organiza tion and has been governed by a Board of Directors since that time. This ministry is carried on by a year-around permanent staff of 16 adults, with Rev. Grant Whipple as the executive director. The Firs main conference grounds is located on approximately 20 acres just five miles from downtown Bell ingham, Washington, on Lake What com. The property is beautifully shaded with fir and cedar trees, and beneath these trees are cozy cabins, dormitories, lounge, meeting rooms, outdoor auditorium, offices, book store, snack shop and a dining room that seats up to 350. There is a play area, a swimming beach, and a fine baseball field. For youth, The Firs provides Camp Firwood which is a beautiful camp ing area located on an 80 acre tract with one-half mile of waterfront. It is located five miles up the lake from the main conference grounds and is only accessible by hiking or by boat.
Rustic shake roof cabins are scattered through the forest overlooking the lake. The staff of The Firs believes that leadership is the key to a successful camping program. With this in mind, counselors and leaders are sought who can devote their entire summer to the work of the Lord at The Firs. These leaders are trained before they face their first campers and are prepared to meet both the physical and spirit ual needs of these campers. Missions is of primary importance to The Firs staff, and often there are missionaries at home on furlough, resting and refreshing themselves at The Firs. These missionaries, as well as many others, are used to enlarge the vision of those who attend camps and conferences up in the Northwest comer of the United States. The Firs has one other unique feature and this pertains to the finan cial policy. It is not endowed nor underwritten. The work is completely dependent upon the Lord’s provision through free will offerings as He prompts people to give. The needs are made known only to the Lord and to inquiring friends. The Firs Ski Lodge is for year around mountain enjoyment. This beautiful building is located on Mt. Baker just 54 miles from Bellingham and 4/10 of a mile from the chair lift. (The Biola Family Conference at the Firs will be August 22-28. Write for reserva tions to The Firs Bible and Missionary Conference, 4605 Cable Street, Belling ham, Washington.)
Swimming in the shadow of snowcapped mountains is enjoyed at the Firs in Washington.
Ski lodge at the Firs in Washington
HoneymonCottage to Bible Conference Center—The Firs
Outdoor meetings beneath the shady trees provide an inspirational atmosphere for spiritual growth.
HU A
Christian View of the
by Don Hillis C aryl C hessman was only sixteen years old when he embarked on a lurid life of crime and sex, so sordid that the author hesitates to ask THE KING’S BUSINESS to print the details of the story. In the period stretching from 1937 through 1948 his list of known crimes included many robberies, several auto thefts, assault with intent to kill, six kidnappings, and two 'cases of sexual perver sion, not to mention a long list of minor felonies and petty thefts. The two victims of his sexual perversion were “a polio victim who used crutches and a seventeen-year old girl” ; the latter has spent much of her time since that attack in a mental institution. At long last in 1948 Chessman was convicted on seventeen counts and given the death penalty on two. Society had paid a high price for its co-existence with this morally depraved member. The Christian View In suggesting that there is a Christian view to the Chessman case, we are implying that there is also a non-Christian view. Perhaps it would be more accurate to state that there are many non-Christian views. Frankly, one wonders how there could be more than one attitude toward the vicious crimes perpetrated on society by the now-famous, or rather infamous Chessman, but there certainly are. It should be noted that not every non- Christian view is essentially un-Christian. The Christian view of crime and sin is seen through the lens of Divine revelation. Behaviour, both good and bad, is brought into proper focus only when viewed in the light of the character of God. A thorough and personal appreciation of the righteousness of God forms the basis of Christian judgment.
In contrast to this, non-Christian views are based upon such transient and undependable things as sentiment, environment, time, race, age, sex, mass psychology, history, and experience. All of these are good as far as they go, but none is sufficient. To illustrate—if Chessman’s case had been brought to swift judgment eleven years ago, only a few of the citizens of California would have objected to his death. But time has a way of blunting the viciousness of a crime in the minds of those whose sense of right and wrong is not founded upon a principle that supersedes sentiment. Today, strangely enough, the heinous crimes of this man are forgotten, and a hysterical multitude of sentimental souls are lifting him up as a martyr for justice and making fools out of the lawmakers. To the Christian, murder is murder and rape is rape, whether it happened ten days ago or ten years ago, whether it involved man or woman, black or white, young or old. In the Christian view, Chessman’s two escapes from penal institutions during his early days of crime make a sad commentary on the effectiveness of our present day law enforcement. The repeated paroling of this obviously addicted criminal makes us view with suspicion the effi ciency of our expensive penal system. The eight reprieves or stays of execution granted to this convicted criminal during the past eleven years makes American jurispru dence compare favorably with a tug-of-war between grade-schoolers. The judgments of our courts become a mockery when their decisions can be bantered about from court to court for almost twelve years. Even so, the intelligent person views with alarm the (Concluded on next page)
MAY, 1960
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based on the fact of His love for us. The following humble illustration will point this out. Here is a man who is at one and the same time a skilled surgeon and a loving husband. He learns to his great sorrow that his beloved wife’s right arm is filled with cancer. Arrangements are quickly made, and she is placed under the surgeon’s knife. He executes swift and severe judgment against the offending member of his beloved wife’s body. Her right arm is amputated. It is in deep love that he has executed judgment upon one member of the body in order to save the rest. Even so, God in His love for society as a whole has pronounced severe judgment upon offending members in particular. The prime illustration of this principle is seen at Calvary. It is on Calvary’s hill that God’s infinite love provides what His unchanging righteousness demands— capital punishment. Christ has given the death penalty not as the result of the wrath of some misled Pharisees, but His death was the predetermined judgment of the loving heavenly Father. Because He was made sin for us, He had to suffer the death penalty. Had there been any way of showing mercy or of granting a stay of execution for His Son, God would have used it, but love at the expense of righteousness is not love. Though it is obvious that various religious ceremonies, as well as means and methods of civil administration, are not the same today as they were in the Old Testament, yet it is obvious that the moral character of God and hence the moral principles laid down by Him have not changed in the New Testament. This does not mean that we are not to pray for and to work toward the conversion of criminals and lawbreakers. Nor, however, does it mean that the conversion of a particular criminal should release him from the responsibility of paying the full judgment or penalty of the law. It has been well-said, “There is a good reason for saying that opposition to capital punishment is not for the common good, but sides with evil; shows more regard for the criminal than the victim of the crime; weakens justice and encourages murder; is not based on Scripture but on a vague philosophical system that makes a fetish of the idea that the taking of life is wrong, under every circumstance, and fails to distinguish adequately between killing and murder, between punishment and crime.” (Jacob J. Vellenga), The death-cell abolitionist (and there are many in California today—including the Governor) argues that capital punishment does not deter crime. If he will but follow his argument to its logical conclusion, he will discover that there is no place left for any kind of punish ment. If severe punishment does not deter vicious crime, then who is there to say that lesser punishments will deter lesser crimes. In other words, if the death cell is to be done away with on the basis that it is ineffective, then every prison cell might well be done away with on the same basis. This is obviously a don’t-punish-the-child- when-he-is-naughty psychology. This psychology has pro duced the largest crop of juvenile delinquents that the world has ever known. It will be a sad day when we start petting criminals instead of punishing them. From the Christian view, the unchanging moral prin ciples of God are as applicable today in the administra tion of governments as they were in the Old Testament days. These broad principles do not always cover the details of administration, but they do give to us unerring laws of judgment. “Righteousness exalteth a nation,” and apart from strictly enforced law there can be no right eousness. Spare the rod and you will spoil the child'— spare the sword and you will spoil the nation. END
A Christian View of the Chessman Case (cont.) fact that any man, even a governor, can trample under his feet the verdicts of the highest courts in the land, including his own State Supreme Court. This seems to be evidence that law has lost its meaning and that lawmakers have become highly salaried officials who are only to be taken seriously if and when it is convenient. It is difficult to understand why impeachment should not follow hard on the heels of that man who swears to uphold the law, only to flagrantly cast it aside when sentiment, political pressure, or religious pressure dictate. It is inter esting to note that the governor, a Catholic, received a telegram of commendation from official Vatican sources following his granting Chessman an eleventh-hour reprieve. The Christian also views with concern the fact that Mr. Chessman was allowed to write several books, aS well as to have interviews with sensation-hungry newshounds. This is certainly not done in the interest of better law enforcement. Is the day upon us when each criminal will have the opportunity to hang his filthy laundry in the public eye through the press, radio, T.V., and the movies? Does society have to be subjected to such treatment? In the interest of the law and of public morals, why cannot the degraded lives of criminals be kept where they belong —in the courts and prisons? The Death Cell Out of the debacle of eight reprieves there has arisen a hue and cry against capital punishment in the State of California. Not a few Christians have blended their voices in this unholy hysteria which could do away with the death penalty. There is abundant reference to the subject of capital punishment in the Old Testament. Menstealers (kidnap pers), fornicators (rapers), and murderers were some of those who were to be given the death penalty. Note such passages as Leviticus 20 and Deuteronomy 23. These were not simply the pronouncements of Moses or of any other man. On the contrary, these statements represent the revealed will of a sovereign God. These pronounce ments are unchanging moral principles which grow out of the very nature of God. Capital punishment as revealed in the Old Testament not only represents God’s just and holy wrath against sin and crime, but also presents to man a basis for proper administration of judgment against crime. Nor does the New Testament do away with this. Christ did not come to annul the law, He came to fulfill it. The moral principles revealing the character of God given to us in the Old Testament were not abrogated in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul in his great treatise on the subject of civil government as found in Romans 13, says the ruler “beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” This clearly indicates that the sword is to play a part in the administration of law on earth. In I Timothy 1:9 and 10 we read:“Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and mur derers of mothers, for manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for men stealers (kidnappers), for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine j . .” The spiritually untaught person may bring up the question as to whether Christ did not teach that God is our loving Heavenly Father. Yes, He certainly did. Furthermore, the Father’s judgments against sin are
12
THE KING'S BUSINESS
¡ a i l
was
my
life
by Howard O. Jones
I c o u l d n o t believe my ears. Wanda, the one girl in the world I wanted to marry, had refused me! Me, a rising young musician in a popular dance band, with a bright future ahead. The jazz world had me in its grip. My father was a lover of music and encouraged my brother and me to play musical instruments for our selves. I chose the clarinet; my broth er the trumpet. While in high school we were invited to join a local dance band. My grandmother had bought me a saxophone and before long I was the first saxophonist in this newly formed orchestra. Soon we were play ing for dances and parties. I was thrilled, for I had always dreamed of some day being a great orchestra leader. We filled more and more im portant engagements and were now in the public eye, delighted with the press reports. One weekend when we were away, my girl friend, Wanda, took Christ as her Saviour. This was an answer to the prayers of her mother who, before dying, had prayed for Wanda’s salva
tion. I was glad for her testimony, for I felt that a little religion never hurt anyone. I had mine, and now she had hers. But it wasn’t long before I found out that Wanda had something more than mere “religion.” Seeing her consistent Christian life and attending church with her, I was confronted with the disturbing truth that there is a distinct difference be tween cold, ceremonial religion and a g e n u in e bom-again e x p e r ie n c e through personal faith in Christ JesUs. Before Wanda’s conversion we had talked of getting married after high school graduation. But now she ex plained that unless I gave my heart to Christ, she would have to stop see ing me. Too stubborn and proud to give in, I told myself I could live without her or her Saviour. Our dance band, the fame, the popularity, the bright lights, and money—weren’t these the things I wanted most? I tried to lose myself in my music and social activity of the jazz world, but the more I tried, the more miserable I was in my mind and soul. One Sunday night in my misery,
as I sat in Wanda’s church and her pastor preached, I was so convicted of my sin by the Holy Spirit that I went to the front and, on my knees, poured out my heart to God. I con fessed my sins to Him and begged His forgiving mercy. I still hoped secretly that I could have Christ, Wanda, and my jazz. I knew in my heart I was wrong, but I fought the Lord for it anyway. Final ly, however, tired of compromise, I cried out to God, “If you will forgive my sins and disobedience I will serve you for the rest of my life. If you will help me, I will leave the orchestra and accept your call to preach the gospel of Christ.” God heard my prayer. He answered it by lifting the heavy weight of con viction and guilt. And then He flooded my soul with peace and joy such as I had never known before. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). (This testimony available in tract form from the American Tract Society.)
Clarence Jones, founder of HCJB, pioneer missionary radio voice, talks to Howard Jones, ELWA, Liberia, Africa, staff evangelist.
Rev. Howard Jones served as associate evangelist with Dr. Billy Graham in his recent ministry on the African continent.
Is there any remedy for sickness and disease? The truth needs to he knoivn about
THE H E A L I N G M I N I S T R Y i
able. They cannot be tabulated because there were some mass healings. In the Book of Acts the healings were far less in number, including Peter’s healing of the lame man at the Gate Beautiful in the Temple, Peter’s healing of Eneas, Paul’s healing of the cripple, Paul’s healing of many at Corinth through the blessing of handkerchiefs and aprons, Paul’s preventive healing of himself from contact with a viper and Paul’s healing of the father of Publius. And in the rest of the New Testament there are only four instances of sickness situations mentioned and each one is different in its effect. In the case of a man named Epaphroditus, he was prayed for and healed. (Phil. 2:25-27). In the case of Trophimus, he was prayed for and not healed (II Tim. 4:20). In the case of Timothy, he was advised to use physical means and he apparently endured delicate health throughout his whole lifetime as the result of congenital sickness. In the case of the Apostle Paul he prayed for himself three times for the removal of a physi cal handicap and was not healed but given God’s grace to bear his handicap with great distinction and usefulness. Judging the healing ministry of the Church by these facts I come to certain conclusions. First, on the basis of numerical incidence, the original character of the Church’s healing ministry was a dimin- ishing one. That is, there was a lessening need for the performance of miracles in terms of physical healings for once the divine nature of the Church was established it did not need the continuance of these miracles of healings. Second, when the Church passes out of this period of signs and wonders the treatment of sickness while always being by prayer does not always have the same results. In one instance a sick man is prayed for and healed. In another instance a sick man is prayed for and not healed. In another instance a sick man is prayed for plus the application of means in a medicinal sense and he experi ences delicate health. In yet another instance the most outstanding Christian in the New Testament being afflict ed with distressing physical defect prays for himself and is answered by being given God’s grace. Is anyone going to say that he has an open and closed formula for healing that embraces all sickness and achieves a healing effect in every case? I do not believe the healing ministry of the early Church and today’s Church has the same purposes in common. For as we know healing in the Gospels and Acts it was promiscuous; everyone prayed for was healed. But healing as we should know it today is providential; it is a selective experience according to the will of God. While I do not believe that the healing ministry of the Church is on the same basis of promiscuous miracles of healing as it was in the early Church, neither do I believe that God is limited in His right or ability to perform miracles by healing. There is a continuing prece dent for this in the continuing history of the Church, for
I nhere is no doubt that the Church at its very beginning - had a healing ministry. There is also no doubt that the Church as we know it today has a healing ministry. But the great question is, are these healing ministries the same in their scope and purpose? If they are the same then the Church ought to be performing miracles of healing that include all kinds and manners of disease. Moreover it ought to be raising the dead. Healing, as we know it in the Gospels and Acts, fell into a special category of events called miracles. These miracles were general and not restricted to a few people or a few forms of sickness. Nor was their performance restricted to a few people. It should be established that these miracles were for a specific purpose. That purpose was not primarily to cure disease or reverse death. It was to bear witness to the divine nature of Christianity as a means of salvation. The great and important ministry of the Church was spiritual and not physical; for the soul and not for the body; for eternity and not for time. We should always remember that healing was never a permanent experience like salvation, for healed people became sick again and later died. There was always one sickness from which they were never healed, the sickness from which they died. The same was true of the resur rections, three of them in Jesus’ experience, one in Peter’s experience and one in Paul’s. In every one of these five instances irreversible death ultimately came. The reason I say this is to be able to say that if the healing of the sick was on the agenda of the early Church on the same basis as the salvation of the soul, it would have been directed to the cause of sickness and not merely to its effects. Sickness and death remain among us as a perpetual reminder of God’s judgment upon sin and it will never totally disappear until God’s new redemptive order comes into being. When we speak today of the healing ministry of the Church we are using a term which does not have a com mon definition and consequently means many things to many people. The faith healer gives it one meaning; the Christian Science practitioner another meaning; the Epis copalian rector another and the average pastor still another. To one person it is the performance of an outright miracle by a person-to-person meeting between God and man and the achievement of such miraculous events as are described in the Gospels and the Acts. To another person healing is something metaphysical, with mind achieving superiority over matter. To another it is some thing psychosomatic with an inter-play of the mental and physical. To another it is spiritual therapy through coun selling, faith and prayer. But none of these, except the first, describe the healing ministry of the Church in the Book of Acts, for here the direct and immediate effect of prayer and faith upon the body result in a miracle of healing. The healing described in the four Gospels are innumer
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THE KING'S BUSINESS
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