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CALIFORNIA Arroyo Grande-San Luis Obispo 1280 KCJH Bakersfield-Wasco KAFT 550
I B I O L A broadcaster Monthly 'Publication o f the BIOLA FELLOWSHIP Vol. 3 No. 12 DECEMBER, 1963 CONTENTS TH IS PRESENT EVIL WORLD .... 3 HOW TO SHINE IN A DARK WORLD ..... 5 THE EVIL IN THIS PRESENT WORLD ........... 7 A REMEDY FOR EVIL ............. 9 ENVOYS FOR CHRIST ............... 10 GOD'S LOVE FOR A HATEFUL WORLD ............... 11 SIGNS OF THE TIMES ..............13 THE PURPOSE OF PROPHETIC SIGNS ................................ 14 THE M EAN ING OF S IG N S .......... 16 PARABLES A N D PEARLS .......... 17 PANEL DISCUSSIONS ...............22 THE BIBLE .............................27 RADIO NUGGETS OF GOLD ...... 30 THE STANDARD OF PAUL ...... 32 Y O U R C H R IS T IA N W I L L Did you know that there is a way to invest in Biola (or the training of students while saving costly estate taxes. Ultimately you may be able to leave mere money for your loved ones. As a Fellowship member yeu are under no obligations when yeu write for information or counsel. BIOLA STEWARDSHIP DEPARTMENT STAFF President ..... ....... S. H. Sutherland Editor .................... Al Sanders Production ......... Virginia Schwepker Printing ................ Church Press Published monthly by the Radio Dept BIBLE INSTITUTE OF LOS ANGELES 558 S. Hope St., Los Angeles 17, Cal. Controlled circulation postage paid at Los Angeles, California. Caver: Courtesy Weyerhaeuser Co.
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NOVEMBER RADIO SERIES
by Dr. Ralph L. Keiper
H ow often have you asked your self, “What’s this world coming to?” Our news media only seem to be filled with crime and immorality. Even the unbeliever is asking this question today, and with good reason. For the Christian, however, there need be no fear or apprehension, for we can turn with positive assurance to the Word of God. As an example, in Galatians 1:4 we read of the Lord Jesus Christ, “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” In the original language two words are used in the New Testament ex pressing the word “world.” One is
“cosmos” which refers to beauty. We get cosmetics from this. The Greeks affirmed that in the world was much order, symmetry, and eye appeal. Here in Galatians, however, a differ ent word is used. It is the word from which we get “eon” or “era.” This has to do with a time element. It is some times translated “age.” Additionally, the word “evil” is in teresting to study. It actually goes to the very heart of our problem. Some times a word is used expressing an outward veneer. Here, however, it re fers to the inner core of man. In other words, Paul tells us that at its very center this present age is evil. But in the world’s lost condition, (continued on next page) 3
This Present Evil World (continued) hopeless and helpless, there is the Gospel message, given in that God looked down from heaven and had mercy upon us. He could have de stroyed us all most justly. Do we as believers really appreciate what God has done in giving us freedom and deliverance? When I went to visit Sing Sing pris on it was necessary for me to wait until some electric switches were thrown so that large doors would open. While I stood there, the steel portals opened and from the inside a pale and wan looking man walked out, rather hesitat ingly. It was soon obvious who he was as he jubilantly exulted, “Hallelujah, I’m free. I’m no longer a prisoner. I’m free, free, free!” I think I realized for the first time what deliverance really means. This man knew first hand. While he had been a prisoner, now he was released. The trouble with most of us is that A WASTED LIFE Father, I scarcely dare to pray. So clear I see, now it is done, That I have wasted half my day, And left my work but just begun. So clear I see that things I thought Were right or harmless were a sin; So clear I see that I have sought, Unconscious, selfish aims to win. So clear I see that I have hurt The soul I might have helped to save, That I have slothful been, inert, Deaf to the calls Thy leaders gave. In outskirts of Thy Kingdom vast. Father, the humblest spot give me. Set me the lowliest task Thou hast, Let me repentant, work for Thee. — Helen Hunt Jackson (written four days before her death) we enjoy our sins to such an extent that we are unconscious of the fact that we are prisoners of them. God in His mar velous grace has set us free by the death of the Lord Jesus Christ on Cal-
DR. RALPH L. KEIPER Dr. Keiper is Editorial Research Director for the Evangelical Foundation, Philadel phia, Pennsylvania. He will be in the West ern States on a speaking itinerary during January through June of 1964. vary’s cross. Since by nature we are sinners, we, on our own, could never stand in the holy and righteous pres ence of God. When the Lord Jesus Christ came, He paid the full debt of our sins and set us free forever. So in the midst of “this present evil world” we can rejoice with joy unspeakable and full, of glory because we know our sins are forgiven. When you ask yourself, “What’s this world coming to?” also be sure to ask the question, “What am I coming to; where am I heading?” “It is appointed unto men once to die and after this, the judgment.” God has determined and set a date. Every man has an en gagement with the Almighty. All of us will .meet God. Are you ready? You will either need to meet Him by your selves, alone, or you can meet Him with your Attorney, the Lord Jesus Christ,*at your side. By faith, why not accept Him as your Saviour now? 4
W hile it is true that we live in an evil world, our only logical question as believers should be, What can I do about it?” The Word of God, as with all such problems, holds the an swer. In Titus 2:12 we find the reason for our being born again, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, right eously, and godly, in this present world. Unfortunately, many bom again be lievers are trying to escape this world by retreating from society. It is pos sible to be bom in a Christian hospi tal, reared in a Christian home, edu cated in Christian schools, employed by Christian organizations, retire to a Christian community, die and have a Christian funeral and be buried in a Christian cemetery. The Bible doesn’t tell us that we are to be sealed off from the world. The opposite is true. We are to be right in the midst of it. Our Lord Himself petitioned, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil” (John 17:15). Paul told Titus that there was to be a “teaching” process. If anything, we are to advance in the world and convert it. We are not to retreat from the world and be defeated by it. Now how do we know this? The very fact that we ask the question indicates that we are ignorant as to how this is to be done. Spiritual life is a learning proc ess. The word “teaching” is very beau tiful. From the original comes our English term “mathematics.” This is what our Lord told His disciples when He declared, “Learn of me” (or, “fig ure Me out”). To do this we must be adequately taught, the Bible being our text book. The procedures we are to follow are then suggested for we are to deny un godliness and worldly lusts. This is an age when we are told that there is power in positive thinking. This is no doubt true, however, we must never forget that there is also power in nega tive thinking. There are certain things we must avoid. The things to which (continued on next page) 5
how to shine in a dark world
by Dr. Ralph L. Keiper
MY CAMEL I loaded my camel rich and high. And marched him up to the needle's eye. He was laden with riches manifold, With bales of silks and with sacks of gold, With precious stones and jewels rare. With vessels lovely beyond compare. I urged my camel with angry din, I pressed my camel to enter in, But far too large with his loading high, He could not pass through the needle's eye. I rode the camel a night and a day And sought to enter some other way; But though I followed the wearisome round, Only the needle way I found. I groaned, for I did not have enough. But I took from the camel the bulkier stuff; And with golden gems I would fain get by— Still the camel stuck at the needle's eye. Then I left the camel alone outside And all by myself the entrance tried; But with all my pockets stuffed— alas . The needle still would not let me pass. So at length I threw all my wealth away, And sank upon the lowly beast of prey: I begged the Lord to forgive my sin, And to let a poor traveller in. And lo! the marvellous needle's eye Grew to an entrance wide and high. And proud and glad in a beggar's dress, I passed through the portal of happi ness. But where the camel with my goods did go, I did not care and I do not know. witness for the Lord Jesus. By His sovereign grace He has put you and me on the level, that we can be right, just, and fair with one another. Every thing we do and say is calculated to be to the Lord’s honor and glory. As a believer I ask you, “How are you living today? Are you living righteously among sinners, or are you living as the sinners?” 6
How to Shine {continued} we are to say “no” are ungodliness and the lusts of this world. By ungodliness we, as believers, are never to be en gaged in those things which express a rebellion against God. This is never so forcefully illustrated, and tragically so, as when a Christian marries an unbeliever. The lusts of this world do not neces sarily mean that which relates to sex or immorality but rather any selfish desire. The word “lust” is merely the German word meaning “desire,” “a thing earnestly wished for.” There are things for which we can wish which, in themselves, are perfectly right for us to have. The. motive for our wanting them, however, can be entirely wrong. In every goal of life we need to ask ourselves, “Do I want this for the glory of the Lord, or is it to further my own interests?” Anything which pampers the ego is to be avoided. But the picture is not all negative for there are some things to which we are to say “yes.” We are told to live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world. Here, the three primary dimensions of life are brought into focus. Sobriety refers to the interior life. Righteousness has to do with the o u t wa r d . Godly, however, dea l s with our upward life. To be sober means to be well balanced. To be righteous means to find a joy and peace in life through knowing that the sin question has been settled. To be godly means proper balance. You and I are not to be spiritually drunk. We are not to spiritually stag ger. Incidentally, the word for “tres pass” in the original language means “to stagger,” “to fall off the line,” “to fall beside the real mark.” Since we have been born again and know the Lord Jesus, one of the things that we are to be is spiritually sober. The word righteous is our relation ship to others. You and I are to be, in relation one to another, absolutely on the level. This is such a rare com modity in our day that when people see us immediately they will become joyous, giving us the opportunity to
by Dr. Ralph L. Keiper
is in them because of the blindness of their hearts.” Now we might well ask the ques tion, “If this is uue »*hy do men re fuse to come to God?” The answer is given to us in verse 17 and the last part of verse 18. There are several reasons why man refused to come to God. The first is because of the vanity of his mind. Man, by nature, believes in doing things himself. This is a “do- it-yourself” world. With our finite minds we erroneously believe that we can do that which is infinite. The re sult is folly and eternal damnation. God declares that man’s great trouble is that he has been trying to make him self good which is absolutely impossi- ble. , When we see one another we look from various points of view. The chem ist may simply look at the elements which are contained in thè body. The sociologist looks at the behaviour pat terns. The philosopher is concerned (continued on next page)
H ave you ever stopped to ask your self, “Why is this world evil?” Men in ’all walks of life, science, re ligion, philosophy, and other areas of endeavor have also grappled with the question. As believers we turn to the Word of God for the only possible an- swer. . In Ephesians 4:17-19 we read, “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles (worldlings) walk, in the van ity of their mind, having their under standing darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ig norance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to ^work all uncleanness with greediness.” Paul exactly states the secret of all evil, crime and every wicked situation. It is the result of a spiritual condi tion. “Having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that
The Evil in This Present World (continued) with man’s thinking and intellect. But from God’s point of view we are in dividuals who have been created in His likeness and image. If we were bio logical machines, we ought to be run as machines. In the light of truth, however, it stands to reason that we must move and operate in God’s like ness. Sin has cut us off from the very source of our life and we have become alienated from the Lord. The word “alienated” means that we are foreign ers and are completely separated from that which is in existence. When one is on foreign territory there are cer tain things he can enjoy and certain things he cannot. When I am in Can ada, I have the privilege of buying such things as their lovely china. Yet I do not have the privilege of voting. The Bible tells us that we miss the Lord’s blessings since because of sin we are alienated from Him. We have cast ourselves adrift and are absolutely on our own. As a result we have reached a paralysis in our living which causes endless frustration, dis satisfaction, and restlessness. No won der there- is so much insecurity in the world. The reason men can’t see this is because their understanding has been darkened through the vanity of their minds. The human race is in rebellion against God. The reason why people are greedy is because they are trying to make themselves secure while re fusing God’s perfect security. But the believer can rejoice in that he has found Christ as Saviour and is no long er alienated from God’s life. Kansas City 7 te 'Stata Monday through Friday 9:00 A M . KCLO-1410 on the dial
Mr. Terry- Rose, member of the Biola Col lege faculty and freshmen counselor, talks with student Darlene Richards of Whittier, California. Mr. Rose, who was blinded on “Porkchop Hill” in Korea, is featured on the Biola Hour this month. His dog “Nero” is at his side. Relow, Dr. Arnold D. Ehlert, head librarian for Biola College, looks over a copy of the 1608 Geneva Bible, often called “The Breeches Bible" This is because Genesis 3:7 reads, “They made themselves breeches” The library now contains more than 65,000 volumes. If you have books you are not using and would like them placed in the Lord’s service, let us know. They would be of real value to Biola.
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A Remedy fo r Evil by Dr. Ralph L. Keiper C ONSIDERING THE TRAGIC STATE in which the world finds itself today, it would no doubt be easy to become morbid and distressed. Although the Bible pictures the tragic state of life, the story of man’s complete ruin in sin, we must never forget that there is a bright side to the Gospel telling of God’s perfect remedy through Christ. There are many passages dealing with this not the least of which is Titus 2:11, “For the grace of God that bring- eth salvation hath appeared to all men.” In the light of God’s righteousness and holiness as contrasted to man’s re bellion, evil and wickedness, the Lord has every right to send men to hell. This is the very thing in His mercy and grace that He does not do. There isn’t one line in the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, stating or sug gesting that God ever has, is, or ever will send a man to hell. This is a choice each individual makes for him self. God is not willing that any should perish. In John 3:19 we read, “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved dark ness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” The grace which God has extended is manward. If man ever earned anything at all from God he earned the right to be destroyed or annihilated. But our Lord does not want this. He wants every man to live with Him, not because he Reserves the
privilege, but simply because it pleases God to have man with Him. I have no trouble understanding why I should go to hell. I do have a great deal of trouble, however, understanding why I should go to heaven. And I believe that the answer will never be known until we see the Lord face to face. Salvation indicates that something has been lost. “The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which is lost” (Luke 19:10). Christ did not come to judge or to blame the world. It was to"save fallen man that He came. It wasn’t just a select few to whom He came; He came to redeem your life from destruction. No matter how deep in the sea of sin you may be, no matter what your present state of drowning may be, He wants to be your Saviour. You receive this new life by taking God at His Word, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation (judgment); but is passed from death unto life.” All you need to do is accept the Word and know Christ as your Saviour. Al low Him to redeem and to release you bringing you back from the sea of life and despair that would drown you. He will put you upon the dry land so that you may stand upon the Rock of Ages. This is the remedy for all sin and evil. There is no other. Will you receive the truth as God has so graciously pro vided? 9
NOVEMBER RADIO MESSAGE
EN V O Y S FOR C H R IS !
by Dr. Ralph L. Keiper
A s believers we need to be con cerned about what our position should be when all about us there seems to be a crumbling system of so ciety and morality. The Lord Jesus Christ gives us the answer as He prays, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil” (John 17:15). It seems to be our custom, espe cially in evangelical circles to retreat from the world as far as possible. Yet such separation is not only impossible, it is definitely not God’s plan for us. Though we are in the world we are to have the integrity of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. In the original text we do not know whether it means “the evil one” or “the evil thing,” however, I believe it can include both. We are not to become Satan’s vic tims as we were before deliverance through the precious blood of Christ. In addition we are not to become the victims of evil things or sinful habits. Jesus Christ saved us that we might be victor over all circumstances, indeed, that we might be “more than conquer ors through Him who loved us.” This was Paul’s message to the Philippian church, “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world: Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither la boured in vain” (Phil. 2:15,16). Notice that we are to live the Chris tian life not apart from the world but in its very midst. We are to do this in a society that absolutely hates God. We are to live before the world so that
under no circumstances will they be able to point the finger at us in scorn and thereby b l a m e our Saviour. Though the world may never read their Bibles and never attend church, we, as believers, are illustrated, walk ing Bibles. We are so to live that we remind the world of the loveliness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Because of the consistency of our lives, we are able to hold forth the Word of God. When people come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, their ethics and moral conduct need to change radically. This is why Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatso ever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (I Cor. 10:31). The word “glory” is beautiful in the German text. It means whatever you do make sure that it is Lord-like. Be sure that it reminds the people of Jesus Christ. Our ultimate purpose in life is the reason why we are in the world as en voys of the Lord Jesus. We are to be His missionaries and witnesses. God’s will for you and for me is to live such a holy life before a sinful people that we may be to them as He would be Himself. In order to do this we will have to know the Lord Jesus Christ as our own personal Saviour. We will' also have to determine to put Him first in every aspect of our lives regardless of what sphere it might be. This is what the Apostle meant when, under the in spiration of the Holy Spirit he wrote, “Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved” (I Cor. 10:33). Are you willing to live for the Lord Jesus Christ in ordfcr that someone else might be brought ,to Him? 10
S ince there is such a joy and glad ness in the Christian life, some one may ask, “Is it really necessary for me to love this world? And if so, how can it be done?” The primary reason why we should be desperately concerned about the people of this world is because the Lord loves them. This is the message of what has become known as the Bible’s “gold en text.” “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). Have you ever thought of what a great miracle this is? The very fact that we find it difficult to love the world should cause us all the more to marvel that God loves it. Making an analysis of our love for the world one needn’t go as far as the boundaries of a foreign country. He can probably start with his own rela tives or neighbors. Some people we like more than others, but God loved the world impartially and has never shown any favorites. God proved His love to man by sending the Lord Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, to die on Cal vary’s cross. “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). There are many people who think that God is some sort of a hateful being who is mad at people simply because they don’t believe Him. Then conse quently His great delight is to reap His vengence upon him. This is abso lute fiction and folly. God does not delight in having anyone go to hell. He doesn’t want to see any man or woman perish in the flames. God has done everything in His power to save men. The proof of this is the fact that He sent the Lord Jesus to seek them out and to save them. Man, on his own, never seeks God, he rather hates Him. In the Garden of Eden it was God who sought Adam. Yet, here is another question some have asked me, “The Lord Jesus Christ is in heaven so how does He come to seek and to save me?” First of all, He has left us with His Word. Then He
NOVEMBER RADIO MESSAGE
GOD’S
LOVE
FOR A
HATEFUL
WORLD
by Dr. Ralph L. Ketper
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Pictured above are some of the members of the Biola Board of Directors at a recent meeting. From left to right, seated are: Mr. Sylvester Marshburn, Dr. Ray A. Meyers, chairman, Dr. Samuel H. Sutherland, president, and Dr. Walter Warkentin; standing: Dr. Foster Bens, Dr. Lloyd T. Anderson, Dr. Clifton Hanna, Dr. George O. Peek, and Mr. Robert Welch.
we do reveals we know we are wrong. The positive side of His ministry is as the Holy Spirit shows us that we need a Saviour and that there is a Saviour to meet our needs. When we come to Him as sinners and accept Him as our own personal Saviour, our sins are forgiven. It is as though the Lord Jesus took our sinful past and buried it in the depths of the sea. God sees us absolutely, perfect through the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the miracle of the Gospel. The reason you and I as believers should witness to the world is simply because God loves it. So for His sake and for the sake of sinners, let us be faithful in our testimony to “this present evil world.” 12
God's Love for a Hateful World (continued) comes with His Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts. Finally, He comes with His mighty power to convict us of sin through the Holy Spirit and the in fallible teachings of His Word. Before He went back to heaven He told us how He would come to save us. The Lord Himself promised, “And when he (the Holy Spirit) is come, he will reprove the World of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: f Of sin, because they believed not on me” (John 16:8, 9). The Holy Spirit proves again and again that those in the world are sinners. The very fact that we have to make excuses for things
S I G N S OF THE TIMES
by Dr. Ralph L. Keiper
K NOWING TH we live in a sinful world, Go< < has not left us to wonder about ihe future, but has, rather, given us'sign posts to reveal His perfect plans for the future. Every one seems to be interested in what is going to happen in the days ahead. In some countries when the people see the leaves of trees beginning to fold and bend, they declare a storm is on the way. Others, when they hear a rooster crow, expect some tragedy to take place. I have some friends who can tell the state of the weather by the way in which their corns hurt. When I was a boy, there was a verse we learned which stated prophetically, “Red skies in the morning, the sailor’s warning. Red skies at night, the sail or’s delight.” These very thoughts are also found in Scripture when we read the words of the Lord Jesus to the Sadducees and Pharisees who constant ly endeavored to tempt Him. They wanted to know some definite evidence and were desirous of proof. Our blessed Saviour answered them, “When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair wea ther: for the sky is"red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? (Matthew 16: 2, 3). The Pharisees were the strict legalists of the law; they were the separatists with a capital “S”. The Sad ducees, under normal conditions, were
their avowed enemies. They were lib erals who, among other things did not believe in the resurrection. Theirs was a human religion. A common hatred of the Lord Jesus Christ brought these two enemies together. They had known that He claimed to be God. They had heard Him teach for no man ever taught like He did. They had beheld the miracles which He had performed. Yet with all of this they refused to accept what they saw and heard and proceeded in their endeavors to make a fool of the Lord Jesus. They vainly tried to discredit Him in the eyes of the people. In answer to their requests for a sign from the heavens, He reminds them that the only appropriate sign is to be found from the Word through the prophets. To illustrate His point, the Saviour turns these religious leaders back to their own people and especially to the book of Jonah. He says, “A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed” (Matthew 16:4). From this we realize that there are signs of the times, and that they are to be found in the Word of God. It is not to be man’s experience but rather it is to be “What saith the Scriptures?” We must turn to the Word of God for everything observed in the world today. How blessed are these realizations when brought into proper Scriptural perspective and focus. 13
was bidden by the Lord Jesus to write this great prophetic work. His instruc tion is found in the first chapter where we read, “And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be here after” (verse 17). The prophetic name of the Lord Je sus Christ is “The First and the Last.” In another passage He refers to Him self as the Alpha and the Omega. Here he says, “That is, when the beginning began, I was; when the end ends, I still shall be.” The Lord Jesus Christ is the only One who has ever died and then lived again to tell of His experi ence. Here we have a division of prophecy into three great periods: the things which were, the things which are, and the things which are about to be. He refers to the things which are happen ing at this present moment. Pure pro phecy concerns itself with the last divi sion, “the things which are about •to be.” You and I, as believers, are to know the mind of Almighty God. Another reason why we should be interested in Bible prophecy is that it verifies God’s own Word. Daniel told the king, “but there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these. As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that reveal eth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass ” The prophet, in exile, has been carried away into cap tivity. He tells the monarch that even as he has been carried into exile, so God had carried his thoughts into His exile. Another study will deal with the contents of this dream or vision. The course of Gentile history and the suc- 14
NOVEMBER RADIO MESSAGE
by Dr. Ralph L. Keiper S ome people have asked me, know ing my interest in the subject of end time truth, “Why is it necessary to be interested in prophetic signs?” Perhaps you have asked yourself this very question. First of all such a study enlightens the mind of the believer. Not only have we been delivered from the darkness of sin but also we are giv en light to illumine the pathway which previously had been black and mys tifying. The last book of the Bible illustrates this in a wonderful way. The Revela tion is the apocalypse which literally means “to uncover,” “to unveil,” “to bring to the surface that which has been hidden.” The entire purpose of the last book of the Bible is to reveal the mys tery of God’s will as far as this world’s coming history is concerned. Actually, Bible prophecy is nothing more or less than pre-written history from God’s point of view. John, the human author of this divine record,
SPECIAL CHRISTIAN HOME SERIES TO BE JANUARY FEATURE
cession of empires is made evident. All pf this, in the study of signs of the times, prepares us for the coming of our hord Jesus Christ. In Revelation 22:10 and 12 we read, “And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” It is the great THEY SAY "They say!" Ah, well, suppose they do; But does that make the story true? Suspicion may arise from nought But malice, envy, want of thought. Why count yourself among the "they" Who whisper what they dare not say? "They say!" but why the tale re hearse. And help to make the matter worse? No good can possibly accrue From telling what may be untrue. And is it not the better plan To speak'of all the best you can? "They say!" Well, if it should be so, Why need you tell the tale of woe? Will it the bitter wrong redress Or make one pang of sorrow less? Will it the erring one restore Henceforth to go and sin no more? "They say!" Oh, pause and look-with in. See how thy heart inclines to sin; Watch, lest in dark temptation's hour Thou, too, shouldst sink beneath its power. Pity the frail, weep o'er their fall, Speak of good or not at all. desire of God that none of us be taken unawares; we are to be prepared for His coming. He wants us to be pre pared to welcome Him, thus He has given not only to us believers, but also to the world in general and Israel in particular, these many signs found in His Word. Study them for yourself for your own spiritual blessing and edifica tion.
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Dr. Robert Smith, popular Bible teacher and conference speaker, will present a special series of 17 messages during January on “W hy God Gave Children Parents ” Tell your friends to tune in to “Christum Home
Emphasis” on the Biola Hour. A FAMILY OR A PICNIC
Visitors to our Biola campus w ill often ask, “How in the world can you handle so many young people?” Per haps it is like a woman who got on a bus accompanied by her ten children. The driver asked her, “My, lady, is this all one fam ily, or is it a picnic?” The woman was understandably tired, so she simply gave him a glare of dis gust and replied, “Yes, this is all one family, and I’ll have you know it's no picnic either.” Seriously, that however, is not the case w ith these wonderful Biola young people. They are not here to while away four years, but are in regimented training for service with the Lord’s army around the world. Their purpose is to study to show themselves approved not before men, but unto God, workmen that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. Your continued faithful and prayerful support is greatly appre ciated. 15
P erhaps the most important aspect of prophecy is in the study of specific signs given to us in the Word of God, the Bible. Believers through the centuries, ever since the church began, have concerned themselves over an earnest and honest consideration of the truths given in Scripture. In the fif teenth chapter of Acts we find the record of the first council in Jerusalem. There had been a dispute among some of the disciples and believers as to whether Gentiles had first to become Jews before they could be Christians. When the issue had been settled in that such was not necessary, James, the chairman of the meeting, outlined what well may be God’s prophetic program for the age in which we are living. We read in Acts 15:13-15, “Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written.” This indicates the great and primary mission of the church. Our sacred responsibility is not to com promise with the world in order to impose our truth upon it. Our min istry is to give a living witness to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, James points out that it is not a mere novel idea but is a confirmation of the Old Testament truth. When the church loses its mission and becomes involved in other things, moral tragedy and spiritual declension occur. In the sixteenth verse of this same chapter, a
second group in whom God is inter ested is described. “After this I will return, and will build again the tab ernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins there of, and I will set it up.” God promises to deal definitely with Israel. It is interesting that the' word “tabernacle” is used rather than “tem ple.” Temple indicates a permanent structure while “tabernacle” speaks of that which is merely temporary. So, two things have come to our notice in the program of God for this present age. Through the church God is taking out a people for His name and God is to restore Israel, though they be scat tered throughout every nation of the world, in a coming day. A third group, however, is also brought to view in the same chapter. The next verse reads, “That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.” This is God’s pre-an- nounced history which men are still to write. In verse 18, “Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world,” indicates that this is not a new thought on God’s part. He prom ises to fulfill that which He has before determined. How this ought to make our hearts rejoice in the certainty of God’s holy Word! E ditor ’ s N ote : Messages 10-12 in this series “This Present Age” by Dr. Ralph L. Keiper w ill be given over the Biola Hour during December and w ill appear in the next issue of the BROADCASTER. 16
others of the earnestness of a true wit nessing Christian. Dr. Harper had carried out his commission to the very last breath. The Holy Spirit, writing to the church at Smyrna, reminds the believers of every age, “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer . . . be thou faithful unto death, and I w ill give thee a crown of life” (Rev. 2 : 10 ) . ■k * * Jumping at conclusions is not nearly as good exercise as digging for the facts. * * * A BED OF MONEY It is interesting, and yet in a certain sense, very sad, to read those occasional articles in the newspaper of some poor recluse, hermit or beggar, who lived as a poverty stricken pauper, but who died with a fortune stashed away in some unusual place. A woman in Cedar Rapids, Iowa was seriously injured. Be fore she was taken to the hospital she told officers that all the money she had for her expenses was in her bed. When the authorities investigated they dis covered $20,321.00 in rare gold pieces and bills. When told the good news, in her gravely weakened condition, and just before she died, she declared, “Why, is that all? I thought there would be at least $25,000. That isn’t much for a 50 year savings, is it?’’ She lived as though penniless and died in the misery of her own soul. Even if we had enough of this world’s goods to lie on a money-stuffed mattress, it would be an unsatisfactory resting place. (continued on next page) 17
FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH As true born-again believers we know we are living in difficult and perilous times. The return of the Lord Jesus Christ, prophesied in the Bible, could be at any moment. One of Eng lands greatest ministers, Dr. John Harper, had received a call to become pastor of Chicago's famed Moody Me morial Church. He was making the trip on the newest, fastest and sup posedly unsinkable liner, the Titanic. Fortunately, as he leaped from the ill-fated craft, he was able to find some floating debris to which he could cling in the icy water. It was a tragic scene. A man drifted by whp was securely buckled to a life belt. Dr. Harper asked him, “Young man, is your soul safe? Are you saved?” “No,” came the quick reply. As the current separated them, the pastor called out, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” High waves moved them apart for several minutes, then they drifted near each other again. “How about it,” Dr. Harper called out, “Are you saved yet?” The young man still replied, “No.” Not discouraged, but weak from the ordeal the minister told him, “Be lieve on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” So chilled that he could hang on no longer, the gifted and earnest preacher lost his grip and slip ped beneath the dark waters never to be seen again. His words, however, had not been in vain. The young man did believe and shortly thereafter was res cued by a passing ship. He lived to give this testimony concerning the sav ing power of Christ, as well as to tell
not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts (James 4:3). * * * What you are ii God'« gift to you, but what you can become it your gift to Him! * » » THE ONE TOOL SATAN WONT SELL An ancient allegory states that the devil once decided to sell all of his tools which he so effectively wields against the believer. On the day .appointed he had them all displayed. There was anger, jealousy, hatred, lust; they were all there. The price depended upon the degree to which he valued them. One of the implements, however, the one which seemed to be more worn than any of the others, lacked a price tag. Satan was asked what its cost was. He responded, “Why that’s not for sale. It’s my tool of discouragement. I can afford to sell the others, but when everything else fails, 1 know I can make discouragement work.” And so, as the parable concludes, our adversary continues to use discouragement at op portune moments in the lives of be lievers. The Bible reminds us, “Casting all your care (your frustrations and discouragements), upon Christ, for you are His special concern!” * A man who walks wirtt God always gets to his destination. ♦ * * TELLING ALL One of Satan’s most effective tools in destroying a Christian’s witness is “gossiping.” The Bible tells us to re joice, not in iniquity, but in the truth. Interestingly enough, the word “gos sip” came from the fact that in cen turies past one who represented another at baptism, giving a testimony on his behalf, was known as a “God sib.” The two words have been contracted and shortened to just “gossip,” with the meaning now representing not just one who knows all about another but rather one who tells all about him. The Word of God reminds us, “These six things 18 * *
Parable« and Pearl« (continued) There is no true peace or tranquility of soul from such things. The secret of true restful happiness of soul and pur pose is found in Christ who said, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are haven laden, and 1 w ill give you rest?’ (Matt. 11:28). * * * If your life had no cloud« then you would never see the rainbow«. * ' . HOW FAR CAN YOU SEE Life is filled with disappointments and frustrations. God doesn’t promise our pathway only to be strewn ■with fragrant, rose petals. There are neces sary thorns which serve to draw us closer to Him. A father had promised his son that he would take him fishing on his day off. This was providing, of course, that it didn’t rain. The boy was filled w ith eager anticipation. But, when the day came — you guessed it — it was pouring down rain. As the lad looked out the rain streaked win dow he wondered why God would have to spoil his plans. “It isn’t right, dad! It’s just not right at all,” he com plained. “Here we have sun for a whole month, and then, when we don’t want it to rain, it does. Seems like things would come out right once in a while.” His father smiled and tried to point out the value of the rain. But all his son could do was grumble, “Looks like God could have waited one day, anyway.” By afternoon the storm had passed. Not wanting to disappoint his son, the father and his boy took off for a nearby stream. Whether be cause of the heavy rain, or for some reason only fish understand, the crea tures were biting hungrily, and the two came home early with creels filled with the lim it. That night, when the boy was asked to pray at the table, he added, “And Lord, if I seemed grurnbly this morning, it was just because I couldn’t see far enough ahead?’ If God gave us now what we think we just simply must have, it might be the very thing which would bring further frus tration, defeat and ruin. In the book of James we read, “Ye ask, and receive
doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abotnination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that de- viseth wicked imaginations, feet that be sw ift in ruruiing to mischief, A false witness lhat speakdth lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren” (Prov erbs 6:16-19). Let us make certain that what we say is necessary to the up building and spiritual development of the church. Only in this way can God truly honor our speech and conversa tion w ith others. * * * Only when you learn how to follow will you ever qualify as a leader. * * * NEW RAGE OF SHOW BUSINESS A recent news report describes Amer icas newest entertainment rage as the singing of Gospel songs and negro spir ituals in night clubs and taverns across the country. Establishments report that they are doing very well since, accord ing to the survey, “There is a basic need everyone has for religion and this If you are not receiving copies of the BROADCASTER monthly, you may have them come to your home or office auto matically by being a member of the Biola Fellowship. This is a group of faithful donors who invest monthly in the distinc tive ministries of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles, Inc. Specific monthly amounts are not set; this is a matter between you and the Lord. In maintaining this 53 year old work faithfulness on the part of God’s stewards is the important thing. You are invited to become co-laborers with us in this vital testimony. The investment you make will bring you this publication month ly, hereafter, without your request. If you are already a member of the Fellowship and have received an extra copy of this publication, please pass it along to Name ............................................................... Address ............. .............................................. City and State ..............................................
From the well-stocked shelves of the Campus Biola Book Room, Manager F. J. Wiens assists Biola freshman, Carolyn Ennis of La Mirada. new form seems to gratify that need. Prices range from $2.00 upwards for cover charge w ith a bargain price of $10.00 per couple for champagne and dinner.” When men make fun or light of the eternal truths of God’s Word they place themselves in serious jeop ardy. This was true of Belshazzar who wanted to polute the sacred utensils of the tabernacle, and about whom God’s condemning finger pointed and wrote, (continued on next page) a friend so that he may also enroll in the Plan and receive these helpful monthly features from the broadcasts. Since all materials from the Biola radio programs are included in the BROAD CASTER, publication is generally complet ed near the end of the specific month. Your patience is greatly appreciated. □ I would like to become a member of the Biola Fellowship. Bible Fellowship Members receive a packet of envelopes (24 to expire in two years for monthly contributions). I am enclosing $...................... this month, and would like to send $.............................. monthly for the ministries of Biola.
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Parables and Pearls (continued) “Thou art weighed in the balances and found wanting!” W ill God make this same accusation about a besotten land in which crime and immorality are outstripping the population nearly five times over? The Bible says, “Be not deceived, God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap.” We cannot sow the seeds of blasphemy, without reaping whirl-, winds of national calamity. * * * The law was broken in people's hearts before it was broken in Moses' hands. * * * GIVE TO KEEP It is hard for most people tf> realize that when difficult and trying times come, they are never made more im poverished by giving to the Lord. In a certain community a business depres sion hit one of the best stewards in the local church. He lost all he had. A friend, who was somewhat like those companions of lob, declared, “If you hadn't given so much to the church back there when you had it, now you’d have enough to get a fresh start.” The earnest believer smiled and replied, “No. Thafs the only money I’ve really saved. If I hadn’t given it to the Lord., it would have all gone like the rest. Now it’ll always be mine.” The Lord says that what we treasure or store up in heaven we never lose, and the way we send our moiyey on ahead is by investing in a ministry that finds its results ultimately in heaven. Christians, likecamels,receive their bur dens by kneeling. * * * VICTORY THROUGH CONFLICT Into every life there come problems and frustrations, difficulties and hard ships. To flee from them means only greater defeat. They must be met “head on” through the indwelling presence of GcxTs Holy Spirit. The word “handi cap” is particularly interesting in this respect because of its background. Orig- * * *
Architect for Biola Campus buildings, Mr. William C. Ullrich, A.I.A., with his wife. Mrs. Ullrich is active in the Biola Women’s Auxiliary. inally a handicap w a s something placed on a runner in order to retard or hold him back while he was in training. Sometimes it was a weight hung from his shoulders or tied about his waist. In other instances it might have been a chain fastened to the feet. Some athletes put weights in the soles of their sandals; anything that might impede their pace and cause them to put forth an extra push or 'effort. By overcoming such obstacles the racer was enabled to achieve his goal when he faced the eventual conflict. Do you see the analogy? A handicap is often used to strengthen, for, by overcoming the difficulty, victory is won. The Word of God tells us, “We are trou bled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken', cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” * * * There is an "I" in every accident and a "U" in every excuse. * * * A PRAYER IN THE U.N. Much is said these days, both pro 20
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