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BROADCASTER
NUMBER 9
SEPTEMBER 1972
VOLUME 2
AUGUST RADIO FEATURES
Managing Editor. . .
President. . .
EVELYN GIBSON
J. RICHARD CHASE
C O N T E N T S
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‘ M em o to O u r R e a d e r s .
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J . R ic h a r d C h a s e
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A L it t le M u s t B e c o m e a T h o u s a n d L o m e S a n n y
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* P a n e l D is c u s s io n s
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* L iv in g in H is G r a c e
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R a lp h L . K e ip e r
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* A S t u d y in 1 C o r in t h ia n s J . R ic h a r d C h a s e
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T h e H o ly L a n d U n iq u e L a n d C h a r le s L . F e ln b e r g T h e M u tu a lity o f th e M in is try R o b e r t L . S a u c y
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‘ Edited Biola Ho u r Radio messages
Cover: Photographed in the mountains south of San Francisco by Pete Schwepker
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Second Class postage paid in La Mirada, California. Printed in U.S.A. by Penn Litho graphies, Inc., Whittier, California. Address: Biola Broadcaster, 13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, California 90638.
PRAYER CALENDAR
September 11-15
Orientation of New Students Over 650 new students will be enrolling in both the College and Seminary. Convocation This chapel service officially marks the beginning of the new semester. Spiritual Emphasis Week This week is set aside for an in-depth emphasis on the spiritual aspect of student life. Special speaker will be Don Anderson, Director of Pine Cove Camp in Tyler, Texas.
September 18
October 2-6
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a4ll o u r reactors I
TO :
FROM:
j b r . ( Z l i ase SUBJECT: 64ih ¿z/dcademic‘^X^ear DATE: ^September, 1972 This month Biola begins its 64th academic year. Students, faculty, staff, location, academic structure, our world; just about everything has changed. A Drama team that prayed with 2300 new converts in its first ten days in Africa. A teaching team to Ghana with the Sudan Interior Mission. Athletic teams and individual students literally reaching around the world before they graduate. Musical groups of every size and de scription. Involvement beyond the greatest expectation of any of our founders. Tremendous as these changes are, our foundation is the same — to know Christ and to make Him known. The Bible is still the central feature of each student’s program, sharing our faith in Christ is still our major objective. Today’s students don’t look, dress, or act like those that attended Biola in the 1940’s, just as the students of the 40’s were quite different from those of the 1920’s. Culture never stands still. And the pressures it brings upon its young always have profound effect. Our young people have grown up with television, the cold war, and Viet Nam. They are part of a society whose value system dictates that nothing is intrinsically right or wrong, that God is dead and human hope Page *4
is also dead. Gray is everywhere; black and white are merely borders. Dishonesty and corruption touch them constantly. Their’s is a desperate world. A polite and polished message in pleas ant surroundings means little to them. Being themselves with other Christians who do not judge every action means much. They understand and respond not to the moralizing of a generation that says, “Do as I say — never mind my problems or failures,” but to the open and honest testimony of a searching sinner who has found a Savior. More than any generation, they are concerned about a person’s actions rather than just his words. Above all, they want to know what the Bible says. God is at work among them. They may rankle those who are more interested in form and appearance than content and effectiveness, but as a generation, they are doing an effective job for our Lord. The Psalmist calls out, “ It is time for thee, Lord to work: for they have made void thy law.” In a day of decay and despair, God has found in this generation a mightly army. He is at work. May God give us the wisdom to educate these students without de stroying their zeal!
A LITTLE MUST BECOME A THOUSAND
By DR. LORNE SANNY President of the Navigators 1972 Commencement Message
idea that has motivated me since I was a student. I am eager to share this especially with the graduates of 1972. It is beautifully pictured in the text read a moment ago, "A little one shall become a thousand and a small one a strong nation, I the Lord will hasten it in his time." Paul expressed this to Timothy, "The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also." As a student at Biola I re member hearing the quotation of D. L. Moody, "I would rather put
One day l sat down to lunch with a man I had not seen for sever al years. After we ordered he asked me a startling question, "What is the greatest thought you have had in the last two years?" I went to tally blank! How would you have answered? What has come to my mind since is not only the greatest thought I have had in two years, but I believe is the greatest thought I have had since I was a student at Biola in the forties. Apart from the thoughts of Cod Himself, His Son Jesus Christ, and the great themes of salvation, there is one pervading
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ten men to work, than to do the work of ten men!" It is the impor tant concept of multiplying the la borers for Christ. A little one must become a thousand because the harvest is so plenteous and the la borers are so few. For seven years I worked with the Billy Graham team. During that time the plenteousness of the har vest and the scarcity of the labor ers came out with great clarity. A pastor in the South, for instance, said to me one day, "While I preach to 1,700 people on Sunday actually I think I have only three who know how to lead a soul to Christ." I recall one time we were phoning churches to recruit per sonal workers and counselors. One church we reached the secretary answered and after she heard what we were after she inquired, "Would you describe again what kind of person you are asking for?" We patiently replied, "Yes, it is some one who knows Christ as Saviour, and who is able to sit down with his Bible and show another person how to come to know the Lord." There was momentary silence. Then she explained, ""Oh, I think we had someone like that in our church once but they moved away." The harvest is plenteous but the laborers are few! Here in America we have some fine organizations seeking to reach high school students. Among them are Youth For Christ, Young Life, and Campus Crusade For Christ. Within just these three fine organ izations they minister in over 2,000 high schools. The problem is there are more than 26,000 high schools in America. Think how many there are to go. Where are the laborers? Wycliffe Bible Translators is an out
standing pioneer mission seeking to get the Word of God out to more than 2,000 Bible-less tribes. They need at least 6,000 more ambas sadors of the cross to complete the job. Where are the laborers? Japan has been considered a top mission field. A recent survey reveals that 89 percent affirmed that they had no serious religious affiliation. Of that number, 75 percent said that if they were to choose one they would select Christianity. Where are we going to get the laborers to show them the way? A little one must become a thousand be cause the harvest is so plenteous and the laborers are so few. We must not give up for there is hope! A little one can become a thousand! Consider Peter who was so empowered by the Holy Spirit that, under his ministry, 3,000 were added to the church in one day. Wesley, Moody, Finney, Torrey, Fuller, Graham and others follow in his train. And then there is An drew! He is known for reaching people one by one. Yet an Andrew can become a thousand by multi plication. In the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago there is an illustration of wheat and a check erboard. If you put one grain of wheat on the first square of that checkerboard, two on the second; four on the third, eight on the fourth, sixteen on the fifth, and keep doubling the number all the way to the sixty-fourth square, you would have enough wheat to bury the nation of India 50 feet deep. That is the power of multiplication! Consider how it can work in practice. Years ago, two school teachers in Lomita,California were praying for a bright, active young boy. He had been one of their stu-
Seek them not." What I learned at Biola as a student is true. There is no limit to the success you can achieve if you do not care who gets the glory for it. Scripture tells us, "God has chosen the foolish, the weak, the base, the despised, that no flesh should glory in His presence." It is a little one who shall become a thousand! The second requirement is that we believe God! The battle is the fight of faith. It is through faith that men conquer kingdoms, gain ing the victory and receiving the precious promises. There is a price to pay for fruitfulness. Jesus said, "Except a grain of wheat falls into the ground and die, it abides alone. But if it dies, it bringeth forth much fruit." That wheat on that museum checkerboard will never grow un less it falls into the ground and dies. In order to multiply we, too, must die. When we quit dying, we quit multiplying. It is just that simple and just that difficult. May we be willing to re-dedicate our selves to the promises of God, will ing to pay whatever price is neces sary to be used of the Lord to multiply laborers for Christ.
dents but, as he grew older, he seemed to be less interested in spiritual things. Principally he was concerned with gambling, drink ing and carousing. Through prayer, at the age of 20, that young man was converted. He was given a Sunday school class of six junior high boys. Beginning with them this new teacher started a boys club that grew to 200 during the next two years. Then he was put in touch with a sailor aboard a battleship in the Long Beach har bor. Beginning with that one ser viceman, the laborers for Christ on the ship multiplied until there were 125. That was the beginning of the Navigators' work. It has now grown to being worldwide in scope. That young man's name was Dawson Trotman. He died at the age of 50 in the act of successfully rescuing a person from drowning. At his funeral Billy Graham testified, "I believe that Dawson Trotman touched more lives for Christ than any man I have ever known. One of those lives he touched was mine!" During my days in Biola, I be came his Timothy. These two school teachers I consider my grandmothers in Christ. One of them, Miss Lora Thomas, is now in heaven. The other, Miss Irene Mills, is here at commencement today. I fully believe that you and I, if we are willing to pay the price, can also multiply and become a thousand. The fact is we must do this because the harvest is so (plenteous and the laborers are so few. The requirements are simple but not easy. The first is that we become least or a nobody. "Seek- est thou great things for thyself.
An honorary Doctor of Divinity from Talbot Seminary was con ferred upon Dr. Sanny during the 1972 Biola Commencement exer cises.
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pM ia
Dr. Charles L. Feinberg
Dr. Samuel H. Sutherland
Dr. J. Richard Chase
Discussions
Q. San Diego, Calif. "I was told that Cod made a covenant with Satan but I cannot find it in my Bible. Will you please comment?" A. It always delights our hearts to hear from listeners who are look ing through their Bibles. You may be assured that God never made a covenant with Satan. Such is therefore not in Scripture. There is a certain sect holding that Christ paid to Satan the penalty for the sins of all mankind from Adam to
the end of human history. There is not one spark of evidence along that line either. Rather, we read that the covenant was made be tween God and the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-31). That was a transaction made between the Persons of the Godhead, for the eternal benefit of man. Q. San Francisco, Calif. “A denom ination teaches that the Rapture will occur in the middle of the Tribulation, and when Christ comes Page 9
This again shows that the heart of man is desperately wicked! Q. San Diego, Calif. "Where did Satan and his angels go when Cod threw them out of heaven?" A. The career of Satan is quite fully indicated in the Bible. He is the arch enemy of the Almighty and seeks to keep man from the free dom he can ony find in Christ. The very word "Satan" in Scripture, means "the opposer." When he was cast out of heaven by God, the devil took a number of the angels with him. They were thrown out of the third heaven, "where the throne of God is," into the second heaven (Ephesians 6:12). Hebrews 13:1 tells us that Christ's angels are also ministering on earth to the saints. The "good" angels are not only in heaven worshipping God, but also are on earth, protecting those who have placed their trust in the Lord. Some of those who followed Satan are in the second heaven, some on earth, and some kept under bonds until the time of the judgment (Jude 6). Satan's final downfall is shown in Revela tion 12:7-9, and Revelation 20. When the devil is cast out of the second heaven this is what makes the Tribulation such a serious and devastating period. His final des tination will be the lake of fire. Q. Colorado Springs, Colo. "Was there anything prophetically signif icant about President Nixon's trip to China?" A. No, we do not believe that there was anything specifically. We know, however, that on a general scale everything is working together, pointing toward the soon return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
His brightness will destroy human life for a thousand years. Will you please clear up the confusion this teaching has brought to my mind?" A. There is no wonder you are con fused if you hold any counsel with a view of this type. The Millennium, the word which describes our Lord's earthly kingdom, will be one of beauty on the earth and not destruction. In the middle of the Tribulation, referring to I Corinthi ans 15:52, they identify "the last trump" with the last of the trumpet judgments found in Revelation 9. There is no indication that the two trumpets are in any way related or deal with events in the same pe riod of time. The trumpet is used in Scripture as a pronouncement. It was sounded to call the people to attention for something signifi cant. I Thessalonians 1:10 distinctly states that the Church will not go through any part of the Tribulation. This judgment of the Lord is upon a Cod-hating, Christ-rejecting world. It is not a judgment of Chris tians. The Church is out of the way, with Christ in the heavenlies, at the marriage feast of the Lamb, while these judgments take place on the earth. No, when Christ comes at the end of the Tribula tion His brightness will not de stroy human life for a thousand years. Just the opposite will be true. The Saviour will rule and righteousness will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. It is after the thousand years of the beneficent reign of Christ on earth, when Satan is loosed (Revelation 20), that some people will turn their hearts from Him and will fol low Satan. Fire comes down from God out of heaven devouring and destroying all the insurrectionists.
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a certain sense he was a guest of Ahab on whom the blame should actually rest. Q. San Marcos, Calif. "Did Job (23:10) argue with God that he was not a sinner?" A. That assuring promise testifies, "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." He certainly was not arguing for his being per fect. In fact, just the opposite was true. God, Himself, is the only per fect One. He is the One who cleanses and purifies. Job knew that he was not suffering for some deadly sin he had committed, but rather that he was a sinner who was being used by God for some specific purpose (Job 42). Doubt less, this comforting word of un-
Q. Long Beach, Calif. "Why did Jehoshaphat not raise an objection when Zedekian smote Micaiah on the cheek?" A. The recounting of this event is found in II Chronicles 18:23. Jeho shaphat had joined with Ahab of the northern kingdom in a third Syrian campaign. Unfortunately he was apparently easily swayed by wicked Ahab. Perhaps the reason no one objected when the indig nity to which you refer took place is because most everyone was prob ably taken off guard. There is little that can be done in the heat of passion or anger. For another thing, Micaiah showed himself very cap able in the power of the Lord to take care of himself. Ultimately, Jehoshaphat was not really a man to object to much of anything. In
YOU Can Receive Greater Income NOW from BIOLA G IFT ANNUIT The new rates now offered on BIOLA G IFT ANNU IT IES will provide you a good return on your investment, and at the same time you can make a generous contribution to the Lord’s work here at Biola College and Ta lbot Theological Seminary. The “gift” portion of your Annuity is deductible for Income Tax purposes. For more detailed information with regard to the new Gift Annuity rates now offered, please complete coupon on the back of this announcement and mail to Biola.
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derstanding God's will is probably the high point of Job's search for a solution to his problem. Q. Colorado Springs, Colo, "/s there going to be a time of 'mode peace' on earth during the first half of the Tribulation?" A. There will probably be a time of relative peace when the sinister figures of the last days make a covenant with Israel. Scripture tells us (I Thessalonians 5:3) that when the world thinks all is peace and safety then will sudden destruction come upon them. (Remember, the Church is already with Christ in heaven.) There will not be a final peace until the Lord Jesus returns visibly and bodily to this earth as the Prince of Peace. Q. Sacramento, Calif. "The preach-\ ers I hear quote John 3:17 and 77 always seem to fail to give an ex- planation. I think they assume the
listener already understands. Will you please comment in depth on these verses?" A. You have asked about the very heart of the Gospel. Notice how it deals with the superlatives, "For God (the Infinite One) so loved (the infinite degree of love) the world (all inclusive) that whosoever (the greatest invitation possible) believeth (the greatest simplicity possible) in Him should not perish (the greatest degree of destruction or condemnation) but have ever lasting life (the greatest degree of life and joy)." No wonder this has been aptly described as "The Gold en Text of the Bible." When the Lord Jesus Christ came to this earth the first time it was not for the purpose of judging (vs. 17). He came to show us, and to become, the Way back to God. The Lord fulfills the three-fold office: Proph et, Priest and King. A prophet rep resents God before the people. The
Biola College Stewardship Department 13800 Biola Avenue La Mirada, California 90638 Yes, I would like to rece ive more de ta iled information with regard to an investment in a BIOLA G IFT ANNU ITY . Miss... .......................................................................................... .............. Address......................................................... ................................ ............. City................................................... State........................... Zip............. Date of Birth...................... ............... ......................................................... Mr. Mrs.
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priest represents the people before Cod. And the king is one who has rulership over the people. So Jesus Christ will and has fulfilled the prophet and priestly aspect of His work. He will fulfill the Kingship of His work coming as King of Kings and Lord of Lords in an imminent hour. Also, do not overlook verse 18. While the provision of salvation is made for everyone in the world, not everyone will find eternal life. The reason is that they must be lieve to be saved. It is entirely a personal transaction between you and the Lord. The next time Christ comes it will be to condemn the world. He will judge in righteous ness and holiness. All the unsaved of every generation are going to stand before Him at the Great White Throne Judgment. He will even condemn the material world because it must be cleansed and purified. Its renovation will be by fire (II Peter 3). Then will come the new heaven and the new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness forever and forever. Q. Tujunga, Calif. "Do non-Chris tians in any sense become unified with believers if they partake of communion? On the basis of I Corinthians 10:16-21 do you think Christians present should abstain if there are those involved who do not know the Lord?" A. Communion does not change one's eternal destiny. It is an ordi nance of the church in which be lievers would want to participate with others of like precious faith. It is a wise pastor who takes the time, before serving the Lord's Supper, to explain the significance of Communion. The tasting of the
THEY SERVE WHILE THEY LEARN!
Students at Biola College and Talbot Theological Seminary are out serving Christ each week while they are preparing for their chosen field of work. When you invest in the education of young people at Biola, you have a vital part in their ministry now and for the remainder of their lives. As you share in Biola’s ministry, the BIOLA BROADCASTER will be mailed to you as a special gift each month. Yes, I want to share in your work through The Biola Fellowship. I will pray for Biola and, as the Lord enables me, I will endeavor to give as indicated. $.... 25 10 5 32 1 Monthly □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Quarterly □ □ □ □ Semi-Annually □ □ □ Annually □ □ Please use my gift fon Campus Development □ Student Aid □ Radio □ Mr. Mrs. General Fund □ Miss.. Address.............................................................. City.....................State................... Zip.............. Send to: Biola College Stewardship Dept. 13800 Biola Ave., La Mirada, Calif. 90638 In Canada: Biola Association of Canada P.0. Box 3013, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
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juice and the eating of the bread can never "unify" an unbeliever to the fellowship. That can only come through a personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, the Bible gives a clear warning to those who would partake without first having a per sonal relationship to the Saviour. It is the operation of the Spirit of Cod, who indwells all believers, that unifies us. Communion is a creed, a memorial feast which the Beloved gave only to us. There is no religious body in the world to whom this occasion belongs ex cept and exclusively to believers in Christ. As to the second part of your question, non-Christians can par take both intentionally and unin tentionally. It is a matter for which they will have to answer, but it should not cause us to abstain. Why should the Lord Jesus Christ not be remembered by us because someone else does it wrongly? This calls for us being all the more cir cumspect that we might live worth ily of the Lord. Q. San Gregorio, Calif. "What does it mean in Romans 8:28 when we have the phrase 'called according to His purpose'?" A. This is one of the most blessed verses in all of Scripture. How many have found comfort, strength and encouragement as a result of it. Notice the importance of that little word "all." The point is that for those who have placed their confi dence in Christ all things are work ing together for good. How differ ent for those who know not the Saviour. For them all things are working together for their con demnation. Cod has a plan and
G IFTS of PROPERTY or SECURITIES
A gift of this kind to Biola will enable you to spread the tax de duction for income tax purposes over a five-year period. You may claim present market value as a contribution even though the or iginal cost might have been much less. Please send the coupon below for further information concerning PROPERTY and/or SECURITIES AGREEMENTS. YES, please send me more infor mation concerning BIOLA’S PROP ERTY and SECURITIES AGREE MENTS. Miss__________________________________ Address________________________________ City____________State__ ______Zip_______ Send to: Biola College 13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, Calif. 90638 Mr. Mrs.
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Cain's family to marry. Is there any evidence for this Scripturally or otherwise?" A. There is no Biblical indication of this whatsoever. The Word of God does refer to created, spirit intelligences who, along with Sa tan, followed him to their final evil end. Some of them are now free to move as they wish. Others are definitely under bondage. Cain's wife apparently came from among the daughters of his parents (Gen esis 5:4). All the human family came originally from Adam and Eve. This can be the only accurate and logical way (Romans 5:12). Q. San Francisco, Calif. "A Sunday School teacher in my area is telling people that the days of creation are really long ages since a thou sand years is as a day to God. Can she be right?" A. The quotation from Psalms is given to us in II Peter 3:8. This simply means that so far as God is concerned time, as we know it, does not exist. He is the ever pres ent One. As to the actual length of the days of creation, good con servative scholarship is divided. Generally, we would hold to the view of literal 24 hour days, how ever, there are good arguments to indicate eons of time to be con sidered. The Word of God does not give us specific knowledge of this point. Our desire here at Biola is to teach the Word of God not as some suppose it but as we believe God has revealed it to mankind. There are discussions on some of these technicalities but the over riding principle is the fact that God created man in His own image rath er than through the process of time Page 15
purpose for each Christian. "Called according to His purpose" is sim ply saying to the Christian that our lives are being motivated and car ried out by Cod even though some times we are led in the dark places and into periods of great testing. All the activities faced in life have a purpose for our spiritual devel opment and maturity. The supreme purpose of every experience a child of Cod passes through is for the glory of the Lord. Q. Spirit Lake, Ida. "To whom does the word 'nations' refer to in the 20th to the 22nd chapters of Rev elation? Also in 22:2 why should any healing be necessary in the Holy City?" A. Gentiles is the Latin word in English which means "nation." From the context of the chapters about which you have asked the reference is to Godly nations. They will be not only in the earthly reign of Christ but also in heaven. The residential place of the church dur ing the millennium will be heaven and the residential place of godly Gentiles and godly Israelites will be on earth. The New Jerusalem will be a midway meeting place between the two (Revelations 21:2). Our listener is basically asking if there will be sickness during Christ's earthly reign. The answer is that the leaves of the tree are not to heal the nations physically but, as the translations indicate, it means for the continued well be ing and health of the nations. For believers there will be no sickness during the millennium. Q. Los Angeles, Calif."/ have heard that God created another race for
or evolution. As a further example, astronomers tell us that light has been picked up from stars twice 500 million light years away. Does that mean that Cod's creation is at least that old. It certainly could be, while on the other hand, if the Lord so chose He could have created those galaxies out there six or sev en thousand years old. He might have at the same time created the light on its way. So, some believe that the Creator made all things with the appearance of age, while others hold to the gap theory al lowing for a span of time in be tween. Instead of creating a baby He could have ordained that we come into this world full grown. In any case we believe that the creation of the mature universe is older than the creation of man. That phrase, "a day is as a thousand years," is not to be made a tight equation. Metaphors, similies, and comparisons predate the New Tes tament era. They go back into an cient Creek lore. All that the Holy Spirit is pointing out is that God has a different method of reckon ing time. He lives in the eternal present.
Jenni Schwepker (r.) registers for the fall semester. Over 1900 students will register for classes in the College and Seminary later this month.
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the actual letters of the original word into English, we also have a wonderful meaning. Our word "church" is really a Creek word. The basic idea means to be Lord like, or to belong to the Lord. Put ting the two ideas together gives us the idea of "the called out assembly that belongs to the Lord." This is very important, especially since it refers in this study to the church at Corinth. Paul does not refer to the church as an institution nor as an organi zation. He reminds us that it is an organism. It is made up of a body of people who have all placed their faith and trust in Christ. The Apostle has a fellowship of believers in mind when he speaks of the church. They are individual believers who are sanctified in Christ. Keep in mind that he is not writing to a holy church in the sense that they were morally pure. In fact they had the reputation of possibly being the most disgraceful congregation to which the Apostle ever wrote. As an example, they were a fighting church (chapter one). They were a childish church and never seemed
One of the most penetrating, encouraging, and exhortive verses of Scripture is I Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." The first thing that occupies my thoughts is who are these people who are doing the work? The use of the affectionate term, "beloved brethren" obviously shows that he refers to all believers and particu larly the saints at Corinth. In start ing this epistle under inspiration Paul introduces himself to them (I Corinthians 1:1). He says that he is an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of Cod. As such he possessed valid delegated authority. He is God's spokesman to the church, writing in the name of the Lord. Verse two of the first chapter shows the nature and constituency of the church. The word "church" is interesting in both translation as well as trans literation. In translation it has to do with "a called assembly." In trans literation, that is to say, bringing
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in His Grace
By DR. RALPH L. KEIPER Dr. Keiper is a member of the faculty of the Conservative Baptist Theological Sem inary of Denver where he holds the posi tion of Associate Professor in English Bible. pleasing to the Lord (1:4). They should have willingly lived in such a manner so as to hear the Lord's, "Well done, thou good and faith ful servant." Unfortunately this is what they did not do. They failed to take advantage of their posses sions. They were victims of a vol untary paralysis. They were saved but they had refused to grow in grace. The Apostle found it neces sary to rebuke them. Perhaps these last words of the study may be a question to you. Have you come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ? Have you grown in grace or are you still a spiritual babe? Do you fuss, fume and fight? Are you contentious? This was the sad condition of the church of Cor inth and by God's grace it should not have been. We have no right to live in disgrace. Does your life evidence that you are living in His grace? To encourage the believers at Corinth Paul reminds them that the Lord had saved them for a purpose (I Corinthians 3:9). God desires that we may be witnesses for our blessed Saviour. The true Page 19
to grow up (chapter three). They were a very impure church (chap ter five). They were a church that took each other to law on the slightest pretense (chapters eight and nine). Yet it was a church set apart for the Lord Jesus. They did not take the responsibilities which were demanded. Dr. Maxwell of Prairie Bible Institute observed, “You know, Brother Keiper, we should not glory in the fact that the church at Corinth was so bad when at least we got from them two wonderful epistles!" Studying these letters in depth we will see how true that evaluation really is. “Under the church of Cod, which is at Corinth, to them who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place that call upon the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, both theirs and ours." Here were a people who called upon the name of the Lord. This reminds us of Paul's words, “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13). This church lacked absolutely nothing in order to live a life
ity, the blessed Spirit Himself. Con sequently this should cause us to have a real incentive to holiness, purity, and high morality. Paul then pronounces a very def inite warning, "If any man defile the shrine of God, him shall God destroy, for the shrine of God is holy whose shrine you are" (vs. 17). The word "destroy" is very inter esting for it does not refer to our salvation. This has in mind our ser vice. If we were to use the modern day speech, it would run something like this, "If any man defile the shrine of God, him will God put out of business." That means He will make our witness ineffective. If our life is a lie to our lips then the world will immediately see that we are phonies. How can you ful fill God's mission if you do not live according to the Gospel? How will people believe what you have to say if you do not live what you declare? You see, it is a serious business to live for the Lord. Per haps one reason we do not make a greater impact on the world is simply because we are not demon strating in our own personal lives "the power of God unto salvation." Sometime ago I was speaking to a group of hippies. One of them asked, "Dr. Keiper, can you indi cate to us that the Bible is really true?" When they wanted proof, they were somewhat startled when I said, "You are the evidence your self." Then I quoted Romans 1:18- 32 which gives an analysis of man's condition. One of them remarked, "If we are the credentials of man's ruin, who would you say is a living credential of Christ's remedy?" I wonder, are you a credential of Christ's remedy? How about the people who surround you? They
church is not an institution or an organization. It is really a living, vibrant fellowship of those who love Christ. The Apostle declares, "We are laborers together with God." Our common goal should be to the glory of God. The type of work to be done is explained further, "Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building" (vs. 93. Husbandry is an old English word. In modern speech we might say, "You are God's cultivated field." It is interesting that Paul should refer to the Corinthian church as God's harvest area. As far as their conduct they were a far cry from this. They were im moral, always in rivalry, and gen erally living in a spiritual "dump." The other word refers to a specific building which they were to have been. In actuality, instead of being monuments of sovereign grace they took on just the reverse character istics. Looking at their lives they appeared more like a slum. Paul could have rebuked them severely. He would have been factual had he declared, "You are absolutely unworthy to be saved!" Instead, he calls them back to the high posi tion for which they were intended. They were to display to the world the fruit of the Holy Spirit. They were to be God's building, His dwelling place on earth (Ephesians 2:14-22). Then, Paul uses another figure of speech. In addition, we are to be God's temple (I Corinthians 3:16, 17). What is referred to here is being the Lord's shrine in which the Holy Spirit dwells. Holiness cannot exist in a garbage heap. Our bodies are to become the tab ernacle of God. Resident within us is the third person of the holy Trin
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those who are not interested in theology but they do like how things are said and are carried away by eloquence of speech. Then, of course, there was Cephas or Peter. In the epistles it is discovered that Peter was anxious to do everything properly and in order. Certain peo ple appreciate this approach more than any other. Here was the rea son for these unfortunate divisions at the church at Corinth. There were these men who had excep tional gifts, but people became more interested in them than in the Saviour. The Apostle gives them the rhe torical question, “Was Paul cruci fied for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?" (vs. 12). Ob viously since it was the Lord, why should they divide Christ? Each of them, whether Paul's logic, Apollos' eloquence, or Peter's legalism were trying to present the blessed Lord. He is the One whom they should have adored and worshipped. The next problem we see is that these people had refused to grow in grace. They were spiritual babes (I Corinthians 3:1-5). What a tragic and sad position to be in! What would you think of a child who never matured? Some years ago, when I began my early ministry, I was pastor of a Baptist church in one of our eastern cities. Nearby was a Methodist church. The young minister and his wife there had a child. It was a beautiful girl in whom they rejoiced. About four or five months after the birth it was discovered that the child was not growing. Their joy turned to sor row. Happiness became anguish and agony. It was discovered that at birth the child's brain had been injured. The beautiful baby was a Page 21
may have heard that you have been born again by your lips, but have they been able to see the change in your life? This is the question Paul continually asks the church at Cor inth. Cod grant that we may be good cultivated fields; monuments to His grace; and excellent shrines of His Spirit to bring glory to Cod and blessing to those with whom we are in fellowship. WORSHIPPING MEN INSTEAD OF CHRIST There is a tragic section to be found in the activities of the church at Corinth. Paul had to point out the error of their conduct. Unfor tunately, unlike most of the New Testament churches, this one was not known for its outstanding attri butes. The Apostle said that there was more of disgrace than grace that could be seen in their lives. The way they gave a lie to their salvation should cause us to make certain that in our lives we do not give false advertisements as to the power of the Gospel. Consider I Corinthians 1:11-13 where they are called to task be cause of the contentions that were evident. These divisions centered around the popularity of certain leaders of the day. The Bible teach ing ministry had become more of a popularity contest. There were the damaging seeds that breed dis sension and rivalry planted in some hearts. It is always dangerous to worship a man, no matter how gifted he may be. Such had hap pened at Corinth. There were those who thought Paul was just the thing. He was an excellent theolog ian and his logic was superb. Then there was Apollos who was a Greek with unusual eloquence. There are
Doug Nixon (r.) a student at Talbot Seminary, during a performance of the evangelistic play, Revolt at the Portals. The Drama Team traveled exten sively in South Africa this summer presenting this play.
Let me ask you, are you growing in grace? In the depths of your heart do you realize that you are just carnal, a victim of voluntary paralysis? To think that you would cause anguish to the heart of God. The Lord grant that if such be the case you will not follow the Cor inthians but rather will seek His strength for our need that together we may grow in grace (II Peter 3:18). A MISERABLE COMMERCIAL Having a high position to live for Christ, it is sad to see how many abdicate Cod's calling and perfect will for their lives (I Corinthians 15:58). In addition to Talbot Sem inary, Biola College has various
living death. The tragedy was that here was an involuntary paralysis. The little girl could not help her self. The church at Corinth, how ever, could have grown if it would have. Consider the anguish of the heart of Cod when He sees His children who have everything in their favor refusing to grow in His grace and knowledge. Paul sor rowed, "I want to give you meat but you only can take milk. I want to treat you as spiritual and you are only carnal. Instead of coming to gether and loving the Lord, you would rather fight one another." They wanted to have their own way rather than honoring the rights of Him who saved us by His grace.
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thians 15 has what we might term a "commercial." Reading along we rejoice in the fact that Jesus rose from the dead. Then, all of the sud den, verse 34 introduces some thing very jarring. We are told, "Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowl edge of God: I speak this to your shame." The next verse carries on again with the resurrection theme. What was the reason for this? The Holy Spirit wants us to know that Christ rose for a real purpose (Ro mans 6:3-5). You see, the church at Corinth was to know that the res urrection of Christ was not merely a doctrine or a phase of theology but rather the basis for a spiritual walk to victory. I Corinthians 15:34 tells us to "awake" which is very interesting in the original. It con tains a real nugget of grace. This means, do not become intoxicated with wine. Let not anything deaden or dull your senses. As a Christian there is a danger that we drink from the world's cisterns rather than at the springs of eternal life. Our bus iness is not to be like the world but to be righteous. Literally this sug gests that we are to be on the level, straight, and not crooked in any of our affairs. Are you really on the level with God? Can He trust you in the world? The fact is, if you are level vertically you will have no trouble being level horizontally. Sin has behind it the picture of the sport of archery. A man takes an arrow putting it to the bow, let ting it fly so that it will hit the tar get. To miss the mark is what sin really means. The standard is God's not ours. The church at Corinth had to be reminded that they were set apart to be saints not to be sinners. The knowledge of God carries with Page 23
courses which are designed to equip students to do secular, pro fessional, and spiritual work. Some of these students may become min isters, missionaries, evangelists, musicians, directors of Christian education and all of the varied ser vices the Christian church offers. Do you think that to be an evan gelist, minister or Christian educa tion director, this is really Chris tian work? Before I answer that, let me ask you how bothered you get with radio and television com mercials. They can easily break the continuity of thought and activity. To make matters worse they often try to sell things in which I have not the slightest interest. I Corin
Church of the Open Door. An el derly woman came up to me after the service. She had apparently been greatly blessed. Her words were, "Brother Keiper, I am pray ing for you twice. Once because you are in the covenant of Abra ham, and once because you are in the covenant of Christ." I did not bother to straighten her out on my nationality. Who was I to rob myself of two blessings? She was happy and so was I. What joy would be ours if we should be mistaken for our blessed Lord. Actually, this is our high call ing and our great privilege. It is also our awesome responsibility. By Cod's sovereign grace we have been placed in Jesus Christ (II Cor inthians 1:30), "who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness and sanctification and redemp tion." Four things have been given to us in Christ. We have been given that wisdom which comes from His Word enabling us to apply knowledge to His glory and bless ing to those with whom we come in contact. Next we have been giv en His righteousness which enables us to walk straight, to think straight, and to live straight. This is where sanctification comes in. We have been set apart for His purpose, not for ours. We have been saved for His glory alone. Along with wis dom, righteousness and sanctifica tion, we also have redemption. This means that we have been released from the things that restrict us. We have absolutely no excuse for not living for our blessed Lord. We sing about His strength on our be half through redemption,
it a real responsibility for the way we live. What a privilege to be the lifeline between the throne of grace and the heart of sinful man. It is an awesome undertaking. Does the Gospel show in our life? Do others know that we are imitating the Lord? Are we willing to identify ourselves with Christ rather than the world? There are many people who do not have the knowledge of God. This is pointed out to being our "shame." Paul says that it is a disgrace that we live such low lives of spiritual value. How effective is your life? Do you blow your top? Do you get angry when you ought to be cool? Do you have that peace which passes every understanding? Are you a worry-wart? Are you al ways anxious, fussing and fighting, worrying that things may happen that never come to pass? Are you gloomy and morbid instead of showing the joy of the Lord? These are some of the things Paul has in mind. It is in the midst of this mar velous chapter on resurrection that he throws in this very necessary "commercial." May we ask the Holy Spirit to help us give heed to it. IMAGES O F CHRIST Our Christian witness is unique from many angles. In a certain sense we are not only selling a product but also we must be the product we are selling. If that startles you it may be because you have never thought about the possibilities this presents (Romans 8:29). Who would not want to be mistaken for someone who was es pecially attractive or well-known. I am always mistaken for being Jew ish while I happen to be German. I remember one occasion when I had the privilege of speaking at the Page 24
see our lives confirm the words of our lips. Only then will they be lieve what we say to them. This is the way to have an impact on those who know not the Saviour. Live in your position as monuments to His grace, as shrines to the Spirit, as fields that have been cultivated by God's love. LIVING A D ISCOUN T LIFE As believers we do have an awe some responsibility to pattern our lives after that of our blessed Lord. I used to think that when a person accepted the Lord everything would be "rosy" and perfect. My experience proved to be just the opposite. Have you been disillu sioned at this point? II Corinthians 5:17 lets us know that we can be "new creatures" in Christ. External things do not change. They remain as they were before we came to know the Lord. I came to know the Lord when I was a senior in high school. It was April 1. Before going to the Gos pel meeting where I came to know the Lord, I had attended my geom etry class in high school. I disliked the teacher very intensely. (It may really be because I disliked geom etry.) This was on a Thursday. Fri day morning I went back to high school and unfortunately she was still there. She did not pass away. During that time I had a job that was rather boring. After accepting the Lord I still had to do this job. It did not change, it was still tedious. I had some responsibilities I had to carry out. After I accepted Christ as my personal Saviour, the chores were still there. They had to be done. This confused me because I thought after my decision every thing would be just perfect. Fortun- Page 25
"He breaks the power of cancelled sin, He sets the prisoner free. His blood can make the foulest clean, His blood availed for me."
Sometimes I do not think we fully appreciate our salvation. While we may have accepted the Lord verbally we are not living fully for Him experiencially. Once I was a tourist-visitor to Sing Sing Prison in New York. I had to wait until electric switches were thrown un locking the door. As we were wait ing, across the yard on our left, another door was opened. It was not an entrance but an exit. Sud denly a man came through into the yard where we were standing. He began to shout, "Hallelujah, I am free, I am free, I am free, I am free!" How did he know he was free? Well, he knew firsthand what it meant to be a prisoner and expe rience confinement. He was free not only verbally but also actually. This is what our position can and should be. We have been made free to live pleasing unto our blessed Lord (Psalm 19:14). Spiritual wisdom differs from the wisdom of the world in that it has a moral content. That which is earth ly may have great knowledge but it does not have morality (I Corin thians 1:18-30). Spiritual wisdom is always on the level. It always keeps in mind the service of Cod with the knowledge that we are free to do His will. The reason for this is that we have been recreated (II Corinthians 5:17). In our conduct we are to make visible to the world that we are Cod's righteous people. This is our calling. They want to
ately, I had the good sense to realize that maybe the fault was mine, rath er than the Lord's. The verse says, "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature." Immediately we can see the reason for my prob lem. Salvation does not change things externally but rather intern ally. It revolutionizes the person who is doing the believing. What happens is that we begin to see old things from an entirely new viewpoint. I began to see my ge ometry teacher as one for whom Christ died. When our viewpoints change the whole of our experi ence is transformed. We need to see people whom we may dislike in the light of their need for salva tion. Our attitudes begin to change when things happen on the inside. This is because we see things in the light of Cod's sovereign grace. This makes all the difference in the world. Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, "Be ye kind one to anoth er, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as Cod for Christ's sake has forgiven you" (4:32). We are to be so like our blessed Lord that we could be mistaken for Him (II Corinthians 2:14-17). "We are unto Cod a sweet savor of Christ in them that are saved and in them that perish." As we contact peo ple, whether they be lost or saved, we are the fragrance of our Lord in their presence. Let us make cer tain that we do not corrupt the word of Cod (vs. 17). The word Paul uses for "corrupt" is a very interesting one. When we go to the stores here in America the prices are fixed. In the Orient that is not true. One will often have to barter or "haggle." This is the back ground of this word "corrupt." We are not to live the Christian life
at a bargain price. If Christ gave His all on Calvary then we should give our all to Him in return. How can we argue Him down and live a discounted existence for Jesus? Think of the words to the hymn, "Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present for too small. Could it be that you have been living an unhappy life because it has been on a "discount" basis? The price is really high because it is total. You must live your all for Him who gave His all for you! LIVING FOR HIS G LORY Although the church at Corinth had much for which to be con demned as a spiritual body, the experiences of those people can teach us a great deal. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul warns the believers, "Give no of fense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to be church of God, even as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of many that they might be saved" (I Corin thians 10:31 ff). In the early days of my ministry, my church was rather small and quite poor. To be a member one was not allowed to smoke. We were so pleased when someone offered us an organ. The only diffi culty was that the person smoked. That was quite a problem. Some of the people went all through the Love so amazing so divine, Demands my life, my soul, my all."
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