For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Eph. 2:10
An Excerpt from “Making THE MOST of Your SALVATION”
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Contents Jan-Apr’
2022
3 Designed For Your Need 5 GOD Enjoys Giving!
Eph 2:8
6 Making the Most of Your Salvation
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God...
7 Young Challenge: Scripture Memory 8 At the Cross 9 Letters from Readers
11 The Eternal King
22 Bio | H. A. Ironside 25 City Gates
13 Teenage Drinking
27 Error and Truth Travel the same Highways
14 The Kind of Leaders God Needs 15 YOUTH | The Good Shepherd 16 Financial Crisis in Christian Ministries 20 Seeing God’s Sovereignty Through the Cross
Engaging
Bible Everyday
36 Creative Bible Learning
We want our kids to follow winners, not losers. We want them to be strong and successful, not feeble failures. They’re far too important and too full of potential to throw away their lives just because others do!
29 Eight reasons why I believe that Jesus rose from the dead 32 Give Me This Mountain 35 I am a pretty good person
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~Theodore H. Epp~
J
ames left no doubt about the fact that God is the giver of all that is good. James cautioned, “Do not err” (James 1:16). The Greek word translated “err” means “to go astray” or “to go off course.” It was used to describe a ship that had been driven from its course and was in severe danger. So James was not referring to making a minor mistake but to making a serious error in judgment that could have awesome and terrible results. Notice that James did not say “every great gift” but “every good gift” (v. 17). It does not matter whether the gift is large or small, anything and everything that God gives is good. Sometimes the one under severe trial might question whether everything that comes from the hand of God is good, but James
GET
James 1:16-18 assured such a person that he never needs to question this. Keep in mind that James was referring to gifts— things that are not obtained by merit but purely by God’s grace. James stressed that the kind of gift of which he was speaking “is from above” (v. 17). Here James contrasted the things of heaven with the things of earth. We are so easily entangled in earthly affairs and so easily consumed with the desire for those things that do not last. We will not live on this earth forever, so even our trials should be viewed in the light of eternity. According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue (2 Pet. 1:3). CL
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Making the Most of Your Salvation
A
ll of us make use of technology. It’s just not possible to live in the modern world without it. We are also aware that technology keeps making huge leaps forward. Nowhere is this more true than in our phones. Once thought to be only for making voice calls to others, phones have become a part of so many parts of our lives. We receive emails and text messages. We use them to access a variety of social media platforms. We take pictures with our phones. We use them for flashlights. We read the news, go online shopping, check the weather and do our banking - all on our phones. Many people have jettisoned traditional television and are happy to make their phones their video connection. They access everything from YouTube to Netflix to the Disney Channel. But do you also know that you can hire a taxi or Uber on your phone. I pay for my daily coffee on it. I can book airline tickets. People tell me I can get a doctor’s diagnosis with the proper app, as well as check my vital signs. I can access the world’s music as well as the world’s books.
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It can work as a GPS. I can advertise anything I want to sell to any number of people. The list of things I can do is vast, it’s just not possible for anyone to fully use all the advantages that are there on your phone. Indeed, most people aren’t aware of how many things are right there in their pockets. Much of what is there remains unused. For those of us who have come to know Christ as Lord and Savior, this is also true of our salvation. I find it remarkable, that a great many Christians have never understood what their salvation will do for them. Yes, they know that Christ died for their sins. On the basis of this, their sins are forgiven. They can be assured of eternal life. But if you should ask them what else is a part of their salvation, they often do not know. Like a person with a smart phone that only makes phone calls, they do not know about election, regeneration or the doctrine of imputation. They may tell you a bit out their justification. But they might not know of adoption, or union with Christ. How sanctification works remains a mystery. Instead of
understanding sanctification, they simply go through life trying to be obedient. Furthermore, the gift of the Holy Spirit has often not been plumbed. They most likely go to church, but often don’t understand how God has designed their church for their good. The manufacturers of cell phones don’t anticipate that their customers will use all the benefits of each phone. They suspect that their customers will tailor make their phone for their use, ignoring all the rest. That’s fine for phones, but bad for our salvation. God so designed the salvation of His people so that each believer would fully access all the applications that God made. If we are to fully enter into all that God has for us, we must learn each benefit of our salvation and know how to apply it fully to our lives. Ignorance of what Christ has provided for us, is of no advantage to us. I have decided to write a short book. It is called, “Making the Most of Your salvation.” In it, just like the pictures that make up our phone apps, I have tried to provide a JAN – APR | 2022
Hello! JUST memorize
Young
1 Corinthians 13: 1-3 It’s time to Boost-up your MEMORY and Brush-up your ABILITY.
visual picture of each benefit of our salvation. I have thought these things are more easy to remember in this way. I have provided the image of a voting booth, a hospital operating theatre, an accountants ledger, a court room, and many more. Each image reminds us of what God has provided for us. But I have also thought it important to know how to apply each benefit to our own personal lives. What a tragedy it would be, if after receiving Christ as Savior and Lord, we were to stumble on in ineffective and fruitless living! God is not pleased with that, and neither should we be. Making the Most of Your Salvation, can be a Sunday School or small group study. But I would recommend it as basic discipleship training for every new believer. CL
(To request your personal copy of the book — “Making the Most of your Salavation” by Dr. John Neufeld see back cover-page # 40). JAN – APR | 2022
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“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and
acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows” ( Isa. 53:3.4).
I
saac Watts said everything so beautifully in this song that scarcely anything can be added. But since our language has changed down through the years, perhaps it can be said in a more contemporary style. Verse 1. What indescribable grief comes over me when I am reminded of the death of my Saviour. He, the King of kings, willingly gave his life for one as worthless as an earthworm. Verse 2. And not one of the crimes He died for was His own; they were all mine. I can hardly imagine love in such a degree or measure.
Verse 4. But all my sorrow, pity and grief can never make up for my debt to Him. All I can do is offer myself-and so I do.
Yes, because of Christ’s death on the cross, a person’s dark and bitter life can be changed to a new life by receiving Him as Saviour. The heavy weight of sin is rolled off by faith in Jesus Christ, the living Saviour. Only He can put true happiness in your life. All this because He died on the cross. He took my place and suffered so That I might live anew; I can’t refuse His love for me, And let me ask: Can you? CL A Devotional Thought on the Hymn...
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Letters from Readers... 1. We pray and wish you all a happy and a blessed New year 2022. It was a great joy to receive your magazine and calendar, thank you for the same. We thank and praise God for the ministry of Back to the Bible, for touching countless lives through the gospel and hope for God’s abundance to flow in your ministry.
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Abraham was the first to describe Him as “the Everlasting God” (Gen. 21:33). Moses spoke of the eternity of God: “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deut. 33:27, emphasis added).1 Elihu added his praise: Behold. God is great, and we do not know Him; Nor can the number of His years be discovered (Job 35:26). And David said of Him, “The LORD shall endure forever” (Ps. 9:7). Isaiah spoke of the Lord as “Everlasting Father” (Isa. 9:6). And Daniel called Him “the Ancient of Days” (Dan. 7:9, 13.22). Habakkuk plaintively asked God. “Are You not from everlasting?” (Hab. 1:12), Paul mentioned, “the everlasting God” (Rom. 16:26). The writer of the epistle to the Hebrews quoted God the Father as saying to His Son. “You remain...and Your years will not fail” (Heb.1:11-12). Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth. Or ever You had formed the earth and the world. Even from everlasting to everlasting. You are God. Ps. 90:1-2
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od is without beginning (Ps. 93:2) or end (Deut. 32:40; Ps.102:27), He always existed and always will exist (Rev. 4:9-10).Therefore, it is correct to say that eternity is the lifetime of God. Our minds strain to take in the idea of an uncreated Being. We want to ask. Who made God? But the concept of God’s eternity is too great JAN – APR | 2022
for us to comprehend. He never had a beginning and will never have an God does not live in the realm end. He transcends time. of time, but He uses the language of time to accommodate Himself God’s eternity is “duration without to our understanding: “A thousand beginning or end: existence without years in Your sight are like yesterday bonds or dimensions; present when it is past, and like a watch in without past or future God’s eternity the night” (Ps. 90:4). Peter reminds is youth without infancy or old age; us that “with the Lord one day is as life without birth or death; today a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Pet 3:8). The Lord without yesterday or tomorrow’’ does not reckon time as we do. One He is an eternal King (Ps. 10:16; writer observes, I Tim. 1:17), who reigns forever (Ps, 66:7; 146:10) over an everlasting Events matter more to God than kingdom (Dan. 4:3.34) from an does the time during which they eternal throne (Lam. 5:19). take place. In His Word, for example. CONFIDENT LIVING
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God more or less ignores the 400 years which separated the burden of Malachi from the birth of Jesus. Yet He has devoted over 25 chapters to the events of the week in which our Lord died. God does not view or reckon time as we do. Still less is He governed or constrained by it as we are. Thoughts of the eternity of God should make us to bow in worship. As we push our minds back to the beginningless beginning and hurl them forward to His endless existence, we wonder and adore. As we realize that before there was anyone else and anything else, the Trinity was there— Father. Son, and Holy Spirit—we are lost in love and praise. Contemplation of the eternity of God teaches us by contrast how short- lived we are here on earth. It causes us to pray, “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Ps, 90:12). There are things we can do for God on earth that we’ll never be able to do in heaven. We should be doing the works of the One who sent us while it is day because “the night is coming when no one can work” (Jn. 9:4). No wonder David prayed. LORD, make me to know my end. And what is the measure of my days That I may know how frail I am Indeed. You have made my days as handbreadths, And my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. (Ps. 39:4-5) Isaac Watts declared. Before the hills in order stood. Or earth received her frame. FROM EVERLASTING Thou art God, To endless years the same. CL
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Parenting FAMILY behavior. But you say, “Doesn’t alcohol relieve tension?” Certainly. Why would you be under any tension when your mental powers are nullified and your judgment is clouded? But of all the effects of drinking, I suppose the quickest and deadliest is the gigantic explosion that results from the mixture of alcohol, kids and gasoline. That’s a lethal potion! A teenager who’s consumed half a beer is three times as likely to crash a car as a sober one. (And, tell me, who drinks half a beer?)
“H
ey! How come the liquor’s disappearing so fast from the cabinet lately? That kid of ours must be drinking more all the time!” This worries a lot of parents these days. Is it a problem at your house? In the past few years, kids have been playing Russian roulette with every kind of narcotic they can shoot, sniff or swallow. But recently, more and more are going back to the time-honored narcotic alcohol. Is that good or bad? Well, is it better to commit suicide by shooting or by hanging? But did you notice where that teenager was getting his liquor? The family liquor cabinet! No parent expects his child to become an alcoholic—of course not! But thousands join the ranks of the slaves every day. The United States has 9 million alcoholics and alcohol abusers. “Seventy percent of American adults drink,” says the National Council on Alcoholism. Is it any wonder that more than half of our teenagers JAN – APR | 2022
experiment with liquor? And more than one out of three high schoolers are regular alcohol users. They’re not problem drinkers yet, but party drinkers. How do you suppose these kids got started drinking? Wild companions? No. These teenagers learned to drink by observing their parents. Liquor is in the house—used on every occasion and obviously enjoyed by adults. So drinking must be requisite to growing up! Teenagers reason: Want to be an adult? Start drinking! Now! And sooner or later, nine out of ten kids in such homes do just that, while children of nondrinkers, though they may experiment a little, seldom become drinkers.
Here’s your third weapon of defense: Encourage him and teach him to say a strong, firm no! Why should anyone apologize for turning down a drink? Do you apologize for refusing handcuffs or a straitjacket? Do you get an inferiority complex because you can’t be a slave? We want our kids to follow winners, not losers. We want them to be strong and successful, not feeble failures. They’re far too important and too full of potential to throw away their lives just because others do!
The trouble is that the alcoholic develops a problem he can’t lick. And however willing his family and friends might be, however wise his psychiatrist or pastor, they can’t lick it for him. Only by admitting his helpless condition and by turning from his own inadequacy to God So it’s pretty clear that if you’d Himself and His Son, Jesus Christ, rather your child wouldn’t drink, who died to liberate us—only then don’t drink yourself. It’s as simple can he be set free! as that. That’s your first weapon of Who controls you? Business? defense. And your second is scientific information. Status? Pleasure? Money? Only God has the right to do it, and He can do it Alcohol is, as we well know, a right now and from now on and give narcotic. Like an anesthetic drug, it the greatest possible satisfaction depresses, dulls inhibitions, loosens and happiness while He’s doing it. CL restraint and reverses normal CONFIDENT LIVING
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Leadership Parenting Have you ever considered the problems our Lord’s apostles may have had in working together? Simon was a Zealot before Jesus called him, which meant that Simon was out to destroy the power of Rome. But Matthew had been a tax collector, an employee of the Romans! James and John had such short fuses that Jesus called them “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17) and Peter was anything but timid. The apostles were ordinary people, each of them different, yet Jesus was able to unite them and get his work accomplished.
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oses was a gifted man, and yet he was unable to handle all the duties of leadership that came to him each day. We know that he was an educated man (Acts 7:22) and dedicated wholly to God, but still he could not accomplish everything the people expected of him. Moses needed help, and he received that help in the form of men assigned to oversee the work with him. God did not solve Moses’ problems by performing miracles. He just gave him associates who helped to carry the load. While it is true that the church is an “organism,” it is equally true that an organism must be organized or it will die: “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40). However, if taking care of the church’s organization becomes more important to us than the ministry
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These helpers were also “able,” people who knew what they were meant to do and had the potential to do it well. No amount of sincerity or dedication can compensate for a person’s lack of ability. It is tragic when the church is insensitive to this fact and gives its members tasks that they cannot perform. Each of us has certain abilities and spiritual gifts, and we must serve in that place where these talents will itself, we then have an “institution,” count the most. and we are in trouble. If we remember to use the organization to get God’s These people were to “fear God.” Moses would not be able to watch work done, then God will bless it. all of them work or listen to all of What kind of helpers—officers— them give counsel, but God would did God give Moses to share the be listening and watching. When work of the Lord and help carry the servants of God truly fear God they load? They are described in verse 21 will not fear anything else. They will of this passage. make decisions that please the Lord, even if those decisions cost them To begin with, they were “people,” their popularity. It is not easy to be in ordinary human beings, called by a position of authority and ministry, God to get the job done. No doubt but we make that place even harder God could have sent angels, but he if we forget the fear of the Lord. deigned to choose common people to do this important work. These To fear God also means to worship associates had their weaknesses and him. It is so important that those who faults, and perhaps there were times lead God’s work spend time each when Moses disagreed with them. day in God’s presence. A consistent Life is always like that. We must learn daily devotional life—reading the to accept each other as individuals, Word, praying, and seeking God’s love each other, and work together face—is essential for God’s blessing to get the job done and tackle our in spiritual leadership. mutual concerns. JAN – APR | 2022
Another important quality that these assistants possessed was that they were “men of truth.” They spoke truth and hated lies. The spiritual bonds that hold the church together are truth and love: “...speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15). It has well been said that love without truth is hypocrisy, and truth without love is brutality. We cannot allow either hypocrisy or brutality in our church. Sometimes the truth does hurt, but if we speak that truth in love, we apply the spiritual medicine that helps to heal any wounds we have inflicted. The final characteristic listed is “hating covetousness.” Since Moses’ assistants occasionally served as judges in civil cases, they no doubt were offered bribes, and they had to learn to say no. Church leaders today are not as likely to be offered bribes, but a person can be covetous of other things besides money— popularity, the approval of certain people, recognition, even power and authority. This matter of covetousness also touches us in our own personal stewardship. A church leader ought to be generous in giving. We ought to set the example. It is not right for us to process the sacrificial gifts of other people if we ourselves are not bountiful givers. God sees our hearts and knows what is there. No church officer is perfect, but each should strive to be the best leader possible. Would God have chosen you and me as leaders if we had lived in Moses days? I hope so! CL
We are not a Team because we work together. We are a Team because we respect, trust and care for each other.
Vala Alshar JAN – APR | 2022
For YOUTH
The Good Shepherd ~Linda M. Weddie~
Bible Reading: Psalm 23 “The Lord Is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Ps. 23:1, NKJV)).
The sheep are coming!’ Suddenly, everyone at Clydehurst Christian Ranch dashes toward the front fence. Clydehurst is located in Montana, and one of the highlights of camp is watching the shepherds lead their sheep to the high places for the summer. Down the road from camp, the Boulder River widens, and it is there “beside the still waters,” that the shepherd stops to let his sheep drink and to “lie down in green pastures”, while the noonday sun is at its brightest. While the sheep rest we watch the shepherd gently comb’s through the sheep’s wool with his staff to make sure there are no bug bites. The Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, Is with us always. He leads, guides and cares for us. We must make a conscious choice to respond to His love and follow Him. Think About This: The Good Shepherd has the ultimate care program for His sheep. CL CONFIDENT LIVING
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up seriously. We must not throw the entire blame on price-rise and inflation. I had the privilege and responsibility of being the CEO of a ministry called Blessing Youth Mission (BYM) in India for over 30 years from 1971. Though I had deeply dedicated and highly skilled associates and assistants in the administration, the ultimate moral responsibility of the management of finance was on me. By the grace of God we had reasonably a smooth sailing. I share here what I have learnt from the Bible, through experience and from other ministries over the years. The avoidable causes of financial crisis are highlighted in this article.
1. Deviation of Vision
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inancial crisis is a worldwide phenomenon. There’s hardly any nation which has not faced this. We are taught in the Bible that God’s children need not be unduly anxious about their material needs because God as their Father knows how to take care of them. This is the direct teaching of Jesus (Mt 6:25-34). Overanxiousness about material needs makes money our god (v24). That is paganism (v32a). We must never forget that God is our Jehovah-jireh! Without this faith we cannot please Him in life or ministry. But these days, at least in India, monetary need has become one of the chief concerns of Christian ministries. How do we address this issue? Material prosperity does not necessarily mean God’s favour, and the absence of it His disfavour. Mother Mary was too poor to bring a lamb for the offering, and so she brought a pair of turtle doves only (Lev 12:6-8; Lk 2:22-24). But the
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angel of the Lord called her “highly favoured and blessed” (Lk 1:28). Even in the Land of Milk and Honey, there were poor people (Dt 15:1114). We insult the God of the poor when we call poverty a curse (Prov 17:5a). Though that widow was in poverty she was so rich in faith that she gave away even the only two coins she had (Lk 21:1-4)! God has chosen many poor people to be rich in faith (Js 2:5). So many “saints” in Jerusalem were poor (Rom 15:26). In the New Testament Church of the first century, there were not only people wearing gold rings but also those in rags (Js 2:2). Apostle Paul and his team experienced financial crunch in their missionary enterprise (Phil 4:15,16; 2 Cor 6:10; 11:27). At the same time financial crisis in Christian ministries cannot be overlooked or brushed aside. God does allow the brook to dry at times (1 Ki 17:7). But because organized Christian ministries involve the livelihood of so many individuals and families, this must be taken
There are “diversities of gifts, differences of ministries and diversities of activities” in the Body of Christ (1 Cor 12:4-6). Each organ is assigned a specific job. The heart must not try to function as the kidneys. The hands must not try to function as the feet. Internal organs must be satisfied with their hidden function and not covet that of external organs. Christian ministers and ministries must remain in their calling according to the original vision God has given them. Revivalists must not turn Evangelists to become more popular. Revivalists primarily minister to believers, and Evangelists are to concentrate on unbelievers. These are two different ministries (e.g. 1 Cor 14:22). God equips us with His power and provides for our needs only if we confine ourselves to His specific calling. Several ministers of God with pastoral calling sold their vision for American dollars and German deutchmarks and became JAN – APR | 2022
orphanage managers. They got to challenge Christians and mobilize into trouble when orphaned by the funds like the forebears. overseas sponsors. God does not expect any The deviation in vision in single missionary organisation to ministerial organisations is usually evangelize each of the 212 tribes after the time of the founders. That’s of India or reach out to each of the why it’s important to frequently 29 States of this country. Instead of remind ourselves of our roots. Here’s all the Indian Missions attempting God’s call: Isa 51:1,2, “Listen to Me, to establish mission stations in all you who follow after righteousness, the States of India, each agency you who seek the Lord: Look to the can choose one or two States and rock from which you were hewn, and bless the population with saturation to the hole of the pit from which you evangelism. For this we need the were dug. Look to Abraham your large-heartedness and the faith of father, and Sarah who bore you; for our father Abraham who told Lot, I called him alone, and blessed him “We are brothers ... If you take the and increased him.” left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go 2. Overambitious to the left” (Gen 13:8,9). In order to Expansion avoid the speculation of competition Even while functioning within the between Jesus and John over the God-given vision, the ministries must number of baptisms, Jesus left Judea be careful about their expansion. No and moved to Galilee (Jn 3:26; 4:1-3). doubt “abounding always in the work of the Lord” is God’s will concerning 3. Milking without each of us (1 Cor 15:58). Here’s God’s feeding call: Isa 54:2, “Enlarge the place of The financial needs of the apostles your tent, and let them stretch out for their ministries were as much as the curtains of your habitations; do ours. They of course had learnt “both not spare; LENGTHEN your cords, to be full and to be hungry, both and STRENGTHEN your stakes.” In to abound and to suffer need” (Phil other words, we must lengthen 4:12). It’s referring to this experience only to the extent we are able to Paul confessed, “I can do all things strengthen. This is where many through Christ who strengthens me” Christian organisations fail. (v13). (I wonder who quotes this text in this context!) God’s work means “building” His Kingdom and “battling” against the The ministry of the apostles kingdom of Satan. was not in anyway affected due to fluctuations in financial inflow. Counting the cost or estimating This is obvious from what we read our strength is a must for both in Acts and the Epistles. The secret (Lk 14:28-32). Personally I would was a sacred principle on which prefer four missionary agencies they operated. It is this: They sowed with 250 missionaries each to one spiritual seed among the people of agency with 1000 missionaries. God and in turn reaped a material Besides improving the staff-care and harvest from them (1 Cor 9:11). avoiding financial over-strain, this They called this a “rightful claim” would also pave way for new leaders (v12). Whichever congregation the to emerge. Hardly the nextline apostles visited, they concentrated leaders have the charisma of the on “giving” some blessing to the founding leaders. They are not able members rather than “getting” JAN – APR | 2022
something from them. Here are some sample texts which endorse this point. To the Church in Rome: “I long to see you that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established” (Rom 1:11). Again to the Church in Rome: “I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ” (Rom 15:29). To the Corinthian Church: “I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls” (2 Cor 12:14,15). How many mission leaders and speakers can say that they visit existing Churches to bless the members spiritually? Is not promotion of their own organisations top on their agenda? Why then should not the pastors of these churches view these visiting preachers suspiciously? In the annual camps of the Blessing Youth Mission from 1971, when I was the main speaker, maximum time was allotted to the preaching of the Word of God to edify and equip the delegates. There were instances when we even forgot to take the offering in the 3-day programs! The appeal for funds was minimum in the Mission’s magazine also. God honoured this approach. We never lacked anything. Each Mission has “promotional” workers. Let them be primarily interested in promoting the health of the existing Churches which they visit. Go to feed the sheep rather than to milk the cows! Bless people, not bleed them! Through pulpit talks and printed or recorded materials, bless the people abundantly. “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Cor 9:6). CONFIDENT LIVING
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4. Duplication of Ministries
Everyone trying to do everything is not God’s will. Whether it is the people group or the place for outreach, the guidance of the Lord must be sought. The Holy Spirit is the Chief Executive of missionary work (Acts 13:2-4). As such His guidance must be sought at every step. Mere discussion in committee meetings is not enough. There must be direction from Above for every major decision. The Holy Spirit directed Peter to go to the house of Cornelius (Acts 10:19,20). The Holy Spirit stopped Paul and Silas from entering Asia or Bithynia (16:6,7). God provides for our needs only when we go where He sends us. When Jesus sent forth His twelve disciples, He instructed them where to go and where not to go (Mt 10:5,6). And He followed His instructions with a promise of provision of their material needs (vv9-11). God’s men doing God’s work in God’s time in God’s way will not lack God’s support. To go into “all the world” is a “general” command to the Church. Regarding the target group and place of operation, there must be “specific” guidance. Peter was called to be an apostle to the Jews, and Paul to the non-Jews (Gal 2:7). Only if they play God-ordained roles for them, their ministry would be “effective” (v8). Apostle Paul and his associates were careful not to go “beyond the measure” and “beyond the sphere” God had appointed for them (2 Cor 10:13,14). This they did lest they took credit for “other men’s labours” (v15). Paul maintained his vision for pioneer fields (Rom 15:20,21). How do we expect God to take care of us when we flee to Tarshish disobeying His call to us to go to Nineveh (Jonah 1:1-3)? Instead of feeding us with fish He would feed the fish with us! …
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5. Adulteration in the Message
Word of God for material gain (2 Cor 2:17). This temptation is strongest When the ministry grows and its for fund-mobilizers for Christian material needs multiply, there are ministries. two options: either to turn to God the Source or to people the channel. The The Blessing Youth Mission was tendency that’s presently observed founded for “prophetic teaching” in many Missions is to choose the and “apostolic evangelism.” As the second option. We forget how much main pulpiteer of the Mission, and God is concerned about our physical with the basic calling of a Bible needs. Look at the Lord’s Prayer. He Teacher, I had a difficult choice to defines missionary work in the first make. I was the chief fundraiser too! three requests: God’s Name, God’s Teaching of sound doctrine is one of Kingdom, God’s Will (Lk 11:2). my main burdens. If I point out the unscripturalness of infant baptism, The remaining four requests are several supporters from Anglican for our needs. The first of these four Churches would be offended. is “Our daily bread” (v3). See how Jesus illustrates the fatherly concern If I emphasize the priesthood of all of God through the examples of believers, traditional Churches with “bread, fish and egg” (vvll-13)! a strong clergy-laity divide would be shocked. If I stress the need to be The moment we depend on filled with the Holy Spirit and operate people the channel rather than His gifts, many evangelicals may not God the Source, we tend to do all find it tasty. If I say that there is no that’s possible to please and entice law of tithing in the New Testament, the supporters. The first thing we and believers are free to distribute do is adulterating the message or the Lord’s money to trustworthy diluting the doctrine. We are afraid para-church organisations besides of preaching the truth lest we offend supporting their local Church, our supporters. Pentecostals would become furious. And so on. Jesus and the apostles did not compromise on this. Once the The BYM is interdenominational disciples of Jesus following His and it has supporters from all teaching asked Him, “Do you know denominations. We decided once that the Pharisees were offended and for all that whether we gain when they heard this saying?” (Mt supporters or lose them, we would 15:12). He coolly answered, “Every stay faithful to the Word of God on plant which My heavenly Father has the pulpit and in print. We would not planted will be uprooted” (v13). preach what people “need” rather than what they “want” (2 Tim 4:3,4). In the same way, mission leaders should be able to say, “Every God honoured this stand by supporter whom our heavenly supplying all our needs. There was Father has not joined with us will be always a balance of twelve or seven set aside!” Some of the believers who baskets full! Beloved, make sure once loved Apostle Paul with perfect that none of your supporters wake love hated him with perfect hatred up on the resurrection morn to an because he preached the truth (Gal unpleasant surprise. 4:13- 16). But he kept speaking the truth. As in his times, there are many preachers today who adulterate the JAN – APR | 2022
6. Carnal Fundraising Methods
Commercialisation of religion was common even in the days of Jesus. He rebuked the Pharisees who made “long prayers” to empty the purses of widows (Mt 23:14). This is comparable to the promises of star evangelists to offer “special prayers” for special offerings. Foreseeing this, our Lord pointedly told His disciples, while sending them forth on the Gospel mission, “Freely you have received, freely give!” Those with the gift of healing must be extracareful (10:8). The apostles took this forthright instruction of their Master seriously. When Simon the sorcerer offered them money, saying, “Give me this power that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit,” Peter rebuked him saying, “Your money perish with you!” (Acts 8:1820). Peter chided him saying his heart was filled with “wickedness, poison, bitterness and iniquity” (vv21-23). Para-church organisations must be careful about their reports in their magazines, periodicals and circulars. What “impression” we leave in the hearts of the readers is more important than what “information” we serve. God knows our intentions. This is the knowledge David wanted his son Solomon to have (1 Chr 28:9). Exaggeration does not glorify God. It’s a lie that pleases Satan the father of lies. See how accurate the Biblical authors were in their writing. Matthew, writing about the ministry of Jesus in Nazareth, reported, “He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief” (Mt 13:58). Mark did not hesitate to report that the first touch of Jesus on the blind man restored to him only a partial vision (Mk 8:22-25). Read the opening lines in the Gospel of Luke to see how diligent he was in writing JAN – APR | 2022
his narrative (Lk 1:1-4). John did not round off the count of fish in the miracle catch from 153 to 160 (Jn 21:11). Referring to his persecution, Paul wrote, “From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one” (2 Cor 11:24). Who would find fault with him if he had left out the words, “minus one?” This is honesty in reporting. Exaggerated reports may bring in more contributions from a few. But God who is displeased with exaggeration may somehow stop some regular contributors from sending their offerings. Beware! Sympathy appeals must be avoided at all costs. It puts God to open shame. It denies the fact that the earth with all its fullness, silver and gold, and the cattle on a thousand hills are His (Psa 50:10-12; Hagg 2:8). We come across so many beggars in streets with pictures of gods and goddesses hanging around their necks. Do not bring down the Living God to that level. Preachers must not beg people for money; on the other hand people must beseech the preachers to receive their offerings (2 Cor 8:4). Do not present missionaries and fruits from their labour as mere promotional material. It’s cheap. Pagan converts may be brought to our gatherings to present them as an “offering” to God to “glorify Him” (Rom 15:9,16). Financial reports must not be cooked up. Whether you have an excess or a deficit, be honest and frank before people. I have hardly come across ministry periodicals where, like Moses, the leaders asked people to stop sending any more offering! (Ex 36:6,7). The need of the day is not more money but a revival of giving among God’s people. Such a revival will come when the principles of giving are taught forthrightly from the Bible, and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit is prayed for. Following Pentecost, the
believers even sold their properties voluntarily and laid the money at the apostles’ feet (Acts 2:44,45; 4:34-37). People lost their grip on earthly gold when they got a glimpse of eternal glory through the Holy Spirit. “Will You not revive us again, O Lord?” (Psa 85:6). What if the Government of India bans the operation of Compassion International in India? Don’t say that some political party is behind it. I would say that God’s hand has done it (Job 12:9). We have enough and more of Christian families in India which can adopt or sponsor one child each! CL to be continued in the next issue...
The Christian ministry is difficult, and we must not be lazy or trite. However, we often place burdens upon ourselves and make demands upon ourselves that are not according to the will of God. The more I know God and understand His perfect work on my behalf, the more I am able to rest.
Paul Washer
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soldiers would divide His garments and cast lots for them (Ps. 22:18; Matt. 27:35) and much more, The Father knew these events would come to pass because, as Sovereign God, He would make them come to pass. He controlled all circumstances.
God Controlled the Timing
God also controlled the timing of these Crucifixion events. They did not just happen close to the Passover; He planned that they would happen at that time. God is above time. He is eternal. But while He is not bound by time, He acts in time, Jesus was born in a Bethlehem stable at a time chosen by the Sovereign God. “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law” (Gal. 4:4).
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any people view the Crucifixion of Jesus as a cruel and tragic accident. But it wasn’t. It was part of God’s plan from before the foundation of the world. God is sovereign, and He could have kept His Son from the cross if He had wanted to. If you view Cod the Father through Calvary’s cross, you will see His sovereign hand orchestrating all the events that led to the Crucifixion and those that occurred while Jesus hung on the cross.
God Controlled the Circumstances
While Jesus was on earth, there was a selected time when He was to reveal himself as Saviour and Messiah. And before that time came, He often told those whom He helped not to tell anyone about what had happened. When He cleansed a leper, Jesus said, “See that you tell no one” (Matt. 8:4). When He raised Jesus submitted, first to the Jairus daughter from the dead, scribes and elders who “spat in His He charged her parents not to tell face and beat Him” (Matt. 26:67) anyone (Luke 8:56). and then to the Roman soldiers who scourged Him (27:26). Even at the Transfiguration, it still wasn’t time to reveal His true In the Garden of Gethsemane, identity. Mark 9:9 says, “Now as they the night before His Crucifixion, the came down from the mountain, He Lord Jesus said, “Not as I will, but commanded them that they should as You will” (26:39). He was facing tell no one the things they had seen, tremendous trials, and He submitted till the Son of Man had risen from His will to the Father’s will. the dead.” Father. “The Lord GOD has opened My ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away. I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting” (Isa. 50:5-6).
Jesus’ death was not an accident; it was anticipated, and accidents are not anticipated. Again and again God Inspired Old Testament writers Many more prophecies were to predict events that were fulfilled fulfilled. Zechariah predicted that at Calvary. the Messiah would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver (11:12; Matt. 27:9). The prophet Isaiah is a good David prophesied that Christ would example. He spoke of the Messiah’s be given vinegar, or sour wine, to obedience and submission to the drink (Ps. 69:21; Matt.27:34), that the
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At another time Jesus asked His disciples who they thought He really was. And Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16). He was right, of course, but Jesus commanded His disciples to tell no one who He was (v. 20). JAN – APR | 2022
Theologians call this the messianic secret. That means that Jesus did not want to reveal His true identity too soon, not until God began to unfold the events of the Crucifixion week. The Father, not the howling mob, would control the timing of Jesus’ death. Not until His Triumphal Entry, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, did it become clear that He was the King, the Messiah. This, too, was the fulfillment of a prophecy: “Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zech. 9:9; Matt. 21:5). The Crucifixion took place at the exact moment planned by the Heavenly Father. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said to His disciples, “Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners” (Matt. 26:45). He was crucified the next day.
HURRY UP NOW!
God Controlled the Elements
raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into God’s control over nature at the the holy city and appeared to many” time of His Son’s Crucifixion also (27:51-53). shows His sovereignty. Obviously, the One who created nature can This scene had all the makings of control it. Nowhere is this more a horror film. Yet these events were clearly illustrated in the Bible than at not designed to scare people but to the cross. God caused an extended reveal that Jesus is the Savior, the period of darkness throughout Messiah, the risen Lord. the middle of the day. Matthew, an eyewitness, described the scene this Nothing at Calvary took God by way: “Now from the sixth hour until surprise. He orchestrated everything the ninth hour there was darkness exactly as He planned it before the over all the land” (27:45). This was world began. He could have spared not a normal eclipse. It was the His Son from the pain and anguish of sovereign hand of God. the cross; but if He had. He could not have saved you and me. Jesus Christ Other unusual events occurred. was not killed that day. He gave up “And behold, the veil of the temple His life for our sins, just as the Father was torn in two from top to bottom; planned. CL and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were
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Bible Times Biography & Customs When Henry, nicknamed Harry, was about two and his brother only three weeks old. his father died. Harry’s mother taught him to trust God for everyday needs. Some of the family’s experiences read like miracles from the life of Elijah or Paul. Sophia Ironside asked God to make her children preachers of the Word and winners; of souls. Under his mother’s guidance. Harry began to memorize Scripture when he was three. By age fourteen, he had read through the Bible fourteen times, “once for each year.” During the rest of his life he read the Bible through at least once a year. A pastor friend told me of a Bible conference at which he and Ironside were two of the speakers. During the conference the speakers discussed their approaches to personal devotions. Each man shared what he had read from the Word that morning. When it was Ironside’s turn, he hesitated, then said, ”I read the book of Isaiah.” He was saturated with the Word of God.
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he last time I heard H. A. Ironside preach was in the late 1940s at Winona Lake, Indiana. His text was from chapter 32 of his beloved Isaiah (which he pronounced “I-SIGH-ah”). In his own quiet way, Ironside exalted Jesus Christ as man’s only refuge from the coming wrath of God. I still remember a story he told that day, based on his experiences with the American Indians, of hurrying into the shelter of a huge rock to escape a sudden storm. I also remember that when he read from his big Bible, he held it close to his eyes, for by that time he was almost blind. One more memory remains: that of Ironside sitting on a bench in the Billy Sunday Tabernacle, watching young Billy Graham, who was preaching a dramatic message on the temptation of Christ. Ironside’s facial expression was
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one of appreciation as his younger brother preached the gospel of Jesus Christ. October 14,1976 marked the centenary of the birth of Henry Allan Ironside. The official biography, H. A. Ironside by E. Schuyler English, has been revised and updated by the author. The new edition published by Loizeaux, publisher of most of Ironside’s books, When Ironside was born, the attending physician thought the baby was dead. Since the mother desperately needed attention, the doctor concentrated on her. Nearly an hour later, a nurse detected the child’s pulse, immediately they plunged the baby into a hot bath, and he began to cry. It seemed evident to the godly parents that the Lord had marked their son for something special.
Sophia decided in 1886 to move her family to California. Even though he was not yet converted, young Harry started a Sunday school, which about sixty neighborhood children attended. When he was twelve, Harry went to Hazzard’s Pavilion to hear Dwight L.Moody and was deeply stirred by the message. He prayed that evening, “Lord, help me some day to preach to crowds like these, and to lead souls to Christ.” Four decades later he became the pastor of Moody Church in Chicago. In several respects Ironside’s sermons were similar to Moody ‘s. They were always directed to the common man and free of theological jargon. They were not long and were filled with the Word of God. Like Moody, Ironside was a master of illustrating truths with personal experiences. From the illustrations in his published expositions, one could almost produce an autobiography. JAN – APR | 2022
Ironside finally gave his heart to Christ in February 1890, and almost immediately he identified with the Salvation Army. The Army represented just what he wanted in Christian fellowship and service: separation from sin, courage to witness, a burden for souls, and willingness to live by faith. Two years later he was a respected officer. But disillusionment with the Army’s position on sanctification resulted in his resigning his commission in 1895. The full story is given in his book Holiness: The False and the True, one of the best books available on practical holiness in the Christian life. The next year Ironside identified himself with the Brethren in San Francisco, and the Brethren remained his “ecclesiastical fellowship” until his death. Several things about Ironside will amaze you as you read English’s excellent biography. First is Ironside’s faith. God often provided for his needs in miraculous ways, especially in the early days of his ministry. Reading about such instances will greatly encourage you to trust God daily. One is tempted to add to Hebrews 11: “By faith Harry Ironside, needing a new suit of clothes. Second is Ironside’s willingness to go where God sent him and do what God wished. He never promoted himself or played politics to “get meetings.” Whether preaching to small crowds on street corners or to large congregations, he always did his best. Third is his constant study of the Word of God. To compensate for his academic limitations, Ironside studied the Bible faithfully. (As a hobby, he taught himself Chinese!) His ministry was one of Bible exposition, simply opening the Word of God and allowing the Spirit to speak for himself. And finally. Ironside always went for souls. To JAN – APR | 2022
him, Bible exposition was a means did not usually follow an obvious to glorify Christ and to call sinners to outline, they were always organized. trust Him. He knew where he was going, and he got there. To the casual listener Ironside first visited Moody it seemed like the preacher was Church in Chicago in 1925, just merely going from verse to verse, two months after P. W. Philpott making a few comments and had moved his congregation into explanations and perhaps adding a their new 4.000-seat auditorium. story. But the careful listener always Ironside was to conduct a two-week found a thread of doctrine woven conference, but when Philpott was throughout the message. Ironside called out of town, Ironside stayed knew how to compare spiritual over another week. Philpott invited things with spiritual. He used the him back each year, and his ministry Bible to illustrate and interpret itself. was always appreciated. After Pastor The thing that impressed me most Philpott resigned, the congregation about his preaching was what I call inevitably turned to Ironside. The its “personal practicality.” He had a Brethren, with whom Ironside was message for you, and he wanted you associated, believed that local to get it. Usually you did. assemblies should have several pastor-teachers and that none Ironside did not “run” Moody should be paid. Ironside had agreed Church. He was often away at with this conviction. Some of the conferences during the week and Chicago Brethren talked of breaking left the day-to-day organizational fellowship with him if he accepted matters with the staff and church the call from Moody Church. But officers. Ironside was the preacher. when Ironside was unanimously Everybody knew it. and nobody called to the church on February wanted it any other way. I recall 24.1930, and he accepted, even his seeing a letter from the elders to Brethren friends promised to pray for Ironside, however, requesting that and support him. he limit his summer conference ministry so that he would be at the Today it is still impossible to think church when many visitors came. of Moody Church without thinking It would be interesting to calculate of Ironside. Those of us who lived exactly how many days he was in the Chicago area during his long gone during those eighteen years of pastorate (1930-48) thank God for fruitful ministry. One thing is certain his ministry of the Word. He would : hardly a Lord’s Day went by without select a book of the Bible and preach one or more persons responding through it on successive Sundays; to the invitation at the close of the most of these series have found their service and trusting Christ. way into the print. Some have criticized Ironside Ironside’s preaching was the for preaching through Bible despair of every homiletics professor. books instead of preaching “more I can still hear students arguing contemporary messages’ in such with our seminary professor’s: “But a strategic pulpit. But time. I think, Dr. Ironside doesn’t preach with has vindicated his ministry. His an outline like you’re asking us to expositions are as fresh and make.’ And I can hear the professor meaningful today as when they s reply: “If you are as good Dr. were preached. I have many books Ironside, you don’t belong in this of “contemporary sermons” in class!” While Ironside’s messages my library, and they read like old CONFIDENT LIVING
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newspapers in comparison. Not every preacher is called to be an expositor, but I encourage every preacher to strive to be one. People everywhere are hungry for the Word of God, and the best way to give them a balanced diet is to preach Bible books, week by week.
Logsdon and Howard A. Hermansen officiating, assisted by Ironside’s good friend Alex H. Stewart, his biographer E. Schuyler English, Carl Armerding, William Culbertson, and Homer Hammontree. The blessed influence of Ironside still hovers over Moody Church. His ministry has strengthened me and encouraged On Sunday, January 14,1951, me to do my best. Moody Church was joyfully installing their new pastor, S. Franklin Logsdon, A Christian bookseller said to when the cablegram arrived from me, “There has arisen a generation Mrs. Ironside in New Zealand: that knows not Ironside.” If that be “Dr. Ironside died in his sleep this true—and I am not sure it is—then morning after short illness.’ He had it says nothing about Ironside. But been sick less than a week when, it does say a great deal about the on January 15 (the date in New new generation! Ironside was not Zealand), he died. At his request a dazzling preacher: he did not aim he was buried in New Zealand. to be sensational. He stepped into A great memorial service was the pulpit with exclamation points, held at Moody Church on Sunday not question marks. A generation afternoon, February 4, with pastors of preachers that has tried every
gimmick available to get people’s attention would do well to become acquainted with Harry Ironside and to learn afresh the meaning of living by faith and preaching the Word of God in simplicity and love. CL
God is looking for broken men who have judged themselves in the light of the cross of Christ. When He wants anything done, He takes up men who have come to the end of themselves, whose confidence is not in themselves, but in God.
H.A.Ironside
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JAN – APR | 2022
Bible Bible Times Times and& Customs between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto |the top of ] the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone. And the watchman cried, and told the king.” Note also verse 33. The gateway was actually a room within the wall, with both inner and outer gates in the form of heavy swinging doors. Therefore, if an enemy could elude the watchmen and soldiers on the tower above and succeed in battering through the huge outer door, there still remained a second one that had to be broken through before entrance could be achieved into the city. The gates of these cities were usually ornate and beautiful and were quite often associated with the “glory” of a city. In this connection note Psalm 24:9:87:2; and Revelation 21:21.
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n the Old Testament alone the words “gate” or “gates” appear about 400 times. The words have slightly different connotations in different usages. Sometimes reference is made to the entrance or gateway to a city (many of which were protectively walled), sometimes to the actual doors of the gate, and sometimes to the area of the gateway just inside the city wall. This area was usually the popular place of thoroughfare and of the social and civil life of the inhabitants. In biblical times cities were walled for protection against the attacks and invasions of enemies. The walls were built of brick, stone or dried mud. The thickness and height varied, depending on the existing danger and the ability and resources of the city’s ruler or government. JAN – APR | 2022
I once lived in a city in North Africa whose walls were about 20 to 25 feet in height and 6 to 8 feet in thickness. With such walls surrounding a city, great attention had to be given to providing adequate and secure gates for entry and exit. When danger threatened, these gates were closed. The gates were closed at sunset and were not opened until dawn. The gate sections of the city walls were essentially watchtowers, as well as entry ways, and they were considerably greater in height than the sections of wall between them. The gates were actually towers embracing two walls and two sets of doorways—an outer wall with its huge doors as well as an inner one with its own set of doors. This construction is indicated in II Samuel 18:24,25, where we read: “David sat
The actual gateway opening was in the form of a beautifully contoured arch. Beside and above the arch were panels of beautiful mosaic work done in a variety of attractive colors. The swinging doors were usually made of thick, heavy wood such as cedar, cypress or even acacia. As a rule, these were beautifully carved and brilliantly painted with a variety of colors. Sometimes they were overlaid with decorative bronze plating for greater strength and protection against fire. This explains the biblical expression “(tales of brass” (Ps. 107:16; Isa. 45:2). Attacking armies might shoot burning darts at the city gates, and if the outside gates were made only of wood, they would catch fire. The huge doors, always hung in pairs arranged to swing inward, turned on great stone fittings. These are the “hinges” referred to in Proverbs 26:14. These gigantic doors CONFIDENT LIVING
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were so constructed that strong wooden or metal bars could be fitted into clamps on the inside to firmly unite the two and securely “lock” them out for protection each night or whenever there was a threat of an enemy attack. Since the gates were invariably the places of attack upon a city (Ezek. 21:15,22). to “possess the gate” (Gen. 24:60) meant to possess the city.
In this open area, markets were held (11 Kings 7:1. Neh. 3:1,3,28), tribunals were conducted (Deut, 16:18; 21:19), prophets and teachers proclaimed their messages (Prov. 1:21; 8:3; 31:31; Jer.17:19), and the riffraff of the town gathered (Ps.69:12). Scribes were also available in their alcove offices along the wall to read and write important or legal documents for those who were unable to do this for themselves. Immediately inside the city gate This practice is still common in Near there were often beautiful cloisters. Eastern lands. These extended along the inside wall in both directions from the Since so many important exit, and here various civic activities assemblages and activities were were carried on. The area in front of conducted “in the gates” of a city, a the gate, inside the wall, provided a seat among the elders in the gates large place for public assembly. This was of a high honor (Prov. 31:23). area is used either for the marketing “Oppression in the gates” was a of food or other merchandise. synonym for corruption and the miscarriage of justice (Job 31:21; The gates of the Biblical either were Prov. 22:22). Apparently, it was not only associated with security and not uncommon for kings to hold protection but they were also related public audiences in the open area to all sorts of public and legal affairs immediately inside the gates of their and other civil transactions. Even cities (11 Sam. 19:8; I Kings 22:10; field and farm labourers commonly Jer. 38:7). lodged in the city, and since the men passed through the gate every day, Jesus Christ likened Himself to it became a natural meeting place the gate of the kingdom of God, (Ruth 4:1; II Sam. 15:2). saying, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and The city gate was also the obvious shall go in and out, and find pasture” place to hold large assemblies. For (John 10:9). The word He used here example, in 1 Kings 22:10 we are told was the same word used for the gate that the kings of Israel and of Judah of a city (Acts 3:2). Important truths sat on specially erected thrones come vividly to mind from this: The “In a void place (empty area) at the door or gate was the only means of entrance of the gate (inside the gate) entrance: only through Jesus Christ of Samaria; and all the prophets can men come into the presence of prophesied before them.” Note also God or enter into His kingdom. As Nehemiah 8:1-3: “All the people the gate of the city meant security gathered themselves together as for those on the inside, so Christ, as one man into the street [literally, the door to God’s kingdom, assures wide place] that was before the water the security of all those who come gate.... And Ezra the priest brought through Him. the law before the congregation. .. . And he read therein before the street Christ further said the gates of (wide place) that was before [inside] Hades would not be able to prevail the water gate.” against His Church (Matt. 16:18). In Judges 5:8 there is an indication that
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the militia commonly assembled in “the gates” of the cities. The gates of a city, especially a capital city, were symbolic of the nation’s strength and military prowess. Jesus obviously meant that Satan and all the armies of hell’s gates would not be able to conquer His true Church. CL
JAN – APR | 2022
For those who want a rule by which they can test everything I make available here a little secret by which I have tested my own spiritual experiences and religious impulses for many years. Briefly stated the test is this: This new doctrine, this new religious habit, this new view of truth, this new spiritual experience— how has it affected my attitude toward and my relation to God. Christ, the Holy Scriptures, self, other Christians, the world and sin. By this sevenfold test we may prove everything religious. 1. One vital test of all religious experience is how it affects our relation to God, our concept of God and our attitude toward Him. Any doctrine, any experience that serves to magnify Him is likely to be inspired by Him.
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here are areas of Christian thought, and because of thought then also of life, where likenesses and differences are so difficult to distinguish that we are often hard put to it to escape complete deception. So skilled is error at imitating truth that the two are constantly being mistaken for each other. It is therefore critically important that the Christian should take full advantage of every provision God has made to save him from delusion. These are prayer, faith, constant meditation on the Scriptures, obedience, humility, commitment, serious thought and the illumination of the Holy Spirit. These are the times that try men’s souls. The latter times are upon us and we cannot escape them; we must triumph in the midst of them. (1 Tim. 4:1-2.) JAN – APR | 2022
The heart of man is like a musical instrument and may be played upon by the Holy Spirit, by an evil spirit or by the spirit of man himself. Religious emotions are very much the same, no matter who the player may be. Many enjoyable feelings maybe aroused within the soul by low or even idolatrous worship.
Strange as it may seem, the danger today is greater for the fervent Christian than for the lukewarm and the self-satisfied. The seeker after God’s best things is eager to hear anyone who offers a way by which he can obtain them, particularly if it is presented by someone with an attractive personality and a The nun who kneels “breathless with adoration” before an image reputation for superior godliness. of the Virgin is having a genuine Now our Lord Jesus, that great religious experience. She feels love, Shepherd of the sheep, has not left awe and reverence, all enjoyable His flock to the mercy of the wolves. emotions, as certainly as if she He has given us the Scriptures, the were adoring God. The mystical Holy Spirit and natural powers of experiences of Hindus and Sufis cannot be brushed aside as mere observation. pretence. “Prove all things; hold fast to that Neither dare we dismiss the high which is good,” said Paul (1 Thess. 5:21). “Beloved, believe not every religious flights of spiritists and other spirit...” wrote John (1 John 1:1). occultists as imagination. These “Beware of false prophets. . .Ye shall may have and sometimes do have know them by their fruits,” our Lord genuine encounters with something or someone beyond themselves. warned (Matt. 7:15-16).
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In the same manner Christians are sometimes led into emotional experiences that are beyond their power to comprehend. I have met such and they have inquired eagerly whether or not their experience was of God. The big test is, What has this done to my relationship to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ? (Rev. 4:11.) 2. The next test is, How has this new experience affected my attitude toward the Lord Jesus Christ? Whatever place present-day religion may give to Christ, God gives Him top place in earth and in heaven. He must stand at the center of all true doctrine, all acceptable practice and all genuine Christian experience. Christless Christianity sounds contradictory but it exists as a real phenomenon in our day. Again, there are psychic experiences that thrill the seeker and lead him to believe that he has indeed met the Lord and been carried to the third heaven: but the true nature of the phenomenon is discovered later when the face of Christ begins to fade from the victim’s consciousness. If on the other hand the new experience tends to make Christ indispensable, if it takes our interest off our feelings and places it in Christ, we are on the right track. Whatever makes Christ dear to us is pretty sure to be from God. (Matt. 3:17, Acts 2:36, 4:12, John 14:6.) 3. Another revealing test is, How does it affect my attitude toward the Holy Scriptures? Did this new experience, this new view of truth, spring out of the Word of God itself? Whatever originates outside the Scriptures should for that very reason be suspect until it
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can be shown to be in accord with them. However high the emotional content, no experience can be proved to be genuine unless we can find chapter and verse authority for it in the Scriptures. (Isaiah 8:20.)
A good rule is this: If this experience has served to humble me and make me little and vile in my own eyes, it is of God. but if it has given me a feeling of selfsatisfaction it is false and should be dismissed as emanating from self or Whatever is new or singular the devil. Nothing that comes from should also be viewed with a lot of God will minister to my pride or selfcaution. Over the last half century congratulation. quite a number of unscriptural notions have gained acceptance 5. Our relation to and our among Christians by claiming that attitude toward our fellow they were among the truths that Christians is another accurate test. were to be revealed in the last days. Sometimes an earnest Christian The truth is that the Bible does not will, after some remarkable spiritual teach that there will be new light encounter, withdraw himself from and advanced spiritual experiences his fellow-believers and-develop in the latter days; it teaches the exact a spirit of faultfinding. He may be opposite. Beware of any man who honestly convinced that he is now claims to be wiser than the apostles in advanced state of grace, and that or holier than the martyrs of the the hoi polloi in the church where he Early Church. attends are but a mixed multitude. This is a dangerous state of mind, and While true power lies not in the the more dangerous because it can letter of the text but in the Spirit justify itself by the facts. The brother that inspired it, we should never has had a remarkable experience. It underestimate the value of the is not that he is mistaken in his facts letter. The text of truth has the same that proves him to be in error, but relation to truth as the honeycomb that his reaction to the facts is of the has to honey. One serves as a flesh. His new spirituality has made receptacle for the other. But there him less charitable. Any religious the analogy ends. The honey can experience that fails to deepen our be removed from the comb, but the love for our fellow Christians may Spirit of truth cannot and does not safely be written off as spurious. (1 operate apart from the letter of the John 3:18-19, 4:7-8, 5:1, John 13:35.) Holy Scriptures. For this reason a growing acquaintance with the Holy 6. Another certain test is this: Spirit will always mean an increasing Note how it affects our relation to and love for the Bible. our attitude toward “the world.” I do not mean, of course, the beautiful 4. Again, we can prove the order of nature. Neither do I mean quality of religious experience the world of lost men. (John 3:16.) by its effect on self-life. The Holy Certainly any true touch of God in the Spirit and the fallen human self are soul will deepen our appreciation of diametrically opposed to each other. nature and intensify our love for the (Gal. 5:17.) Before the Spirit of God lost. I refer here to the world of carnal can work creatively in our hearts enjoyments, of godless pleasures, He must have our full consent to of the pursuit of earthly riches and displace our natural self with the reputation and sinful happiness—in Person of Christ. This displacement short, unregenerate human society is carefully explained in Romans cont. on page 31 6, 7. and 8. JAN – APR | 2022
while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise’” (Matthew 27:63). Our first evidence of the resurrection, therefore, is that Jesus himself spoke of it. The breadth and nature of the sayings make it unlikely that a deluded church made these up. And the character of Jesus himself, revealed in these witnesses, has not been judged by most people to be a lunatic or a deceiver.
2. The tomb was empty on Easter.
The earliest documents claim this: “When they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus” (Luke 24:3). And the enemies of Jesus confirmed it by claiming that the disciples had stolen the body (Matthew 28:13). The dead body of Jesus could not be found. There are four possible ways to account for this.
1. Jesus Himself testified to His coming resurrection from the dead.
Jesus spoke openly about what would happen to him: crucifixion and then resurrection from the dead. “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31; see also Matthew 17:22; Luke 9:22). Those who consider the resurrection of Christ unbelievable will probably say that Jesus was deluded or (more likely) that the early church put these statements in his mouth to make Him teach the falsehood that they themselves conceived. But those who read the Gospels and come to the considered conviction that the one who speaks so compellingly through these witnesses is not the figment of foolish imagination will be unsatisfied with this effort to explain away Jesus’s own testimony to his resurrection from the dead. JAN – APR | 2022
This is especially true in view of the fact that the words which predict the resurrection are not only the simple straightforward words quoted above, but also the very oblique and indirect words which are far less likely to be the simple invention of deluded disciples. For example, two separate witnesses testify in two very different ways to Jesus’s statement during his lifetime that if his enemies destroyed the temple (of his body), he would build it again in three days (John 2:19; Mark 14:58; cf. Matthew 26:61). He also spoke illusively of the “sign of Jonah” — three days in the heart of the earth (Matthew 12:39; 16:4). And he hinted at it again in Matthew 21:42, “The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.” On top of his own witness to the coming resurrection, his accusers said that this was part of Jesus’s claim, “Sir, we remember how that imposter said,
i) His foes stole the body. If they did (and they never claimed to have done so), they surely would have produced the body to stop the successful spread of the Christian faith in the very city where the crucifixion occurred. But they could not produce it. ii) His friends stole the body. This was an early rumor (Matthew 28:11–15). Is it probable? Could they have overcome the guards at the tomb? More important, would they have begun to preach with such authority that Jesus was raised, knowing that he was not? Would they have risked their lives and accepted beatings for something they knew was a fraud? iii) Jesus was not dead, but only unconscious when they laid him in the tomb. He awoke, removed the stone, overcame the soldiers, and vanished from history after a few meetings with his disciples in which he convinced them he was CONFIDENT LIVING
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risen from the dead. Even the foes of Jesus did not try this line. He was obviously dead. The Romans saw to that. The stone could not be moved by one man from within who had just been stabbed in the side by a spear and spent six hours nailed to a cross. 4. God raised Jesus from the dead. This is what He said would happen. It is what the disciples said did happen. But as long as there is a remote possibility of explaining the resurrection naturalistically, modern people say we should not jump to a supernatural explanation. Is this reasonable? I don’t think so. Of course, we don’t want to be gullible. But neither do we want to reject the truth just because it’s strange. We need to be aware that our commitments at this point are much affected by our preferences — either for the state of affairs that would arise from the truth of the resurrection, or for the state of affairs that would arise from the falsehood of the resurrection. If the message of Jesus has opened you to the reality of God and the need of forgiveness, for example, then antisupernatural dogma might lose its power over your mind. Could it be that this openness is not prejudice for the resurrection, but freedom from prejudice against it?
3. The disciples were almost immediately transformed from men who were hopeless and fearful after the crucifixion (Luke 24:21, John 20:19) into men who were confident and bold witnesses of the resurrection (Acts 2:24, 3:15, 4:2).
My explanation of this change was that they had seen the risen Christ and had been authorized to be His witnesses (Acts 2:32). The most popular competing explanation is that their confidence was owing to
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hallucinations. There are numerous problems with such a notion. The disciples were not gullible, but level-headed skeptics both before and after the resurrection. (Mark 9:32, Luke 24:11, John 20:8-9, 25). Moreover, is the deep and noble teaching of those who witnessed the risen Christ the stuff of which hallucinations are made? What about Paul’s great letter to the Romans? I personally find it hard to think of this giant intellect and deeply transparent soul as deluded or deceptive, and he claimed to have seen the risen Christ.
6. The apostle Paul’s conversion supports the truth of the resurrection.
He argues to a partially unsympathetic audience in Galatians 1:11–17 that his gospel comes from the risen Jesus Christ, not from men. His argument is that before his Damascus Road experience when he saw the risen Jesus, he was violently opposed to the Christian faith (Acts 9:1). But now, to everyone’s astonishment, he is risking his life for the gospel (Acts 9:24–25). His explanation: The risen Jesus appeared to him and authorized him to spearhead the Gentile mission (Acts 26:15–18). Can we credit such a testimony? This leads to the next argument.
4. Paul claimed that, not only had he seen the risen Christ, but that five hundred others had seen him also, and many 7. The New Testament were still alive when he witnesses do not bear the made this public claim. stamp of dupes or deceivers.
“Then He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:6). What makes this so relevant is that this was written to Greeks who were skeptical of such claims when many of these witnesses were still alive. So it was a risky claim if it could be disproved by a little firsthand research.
How do you credit a witness? How do you decide whether to believe a person’s testimony? The decision to give credence to a person’s testimony is not the same as completing a mathematical equation. The certainty is of a different kind, yet can be just as firm (I trust my wife’s testimony that she is faithful). When a witness is dead, we can base our judgment of him only on the content of his writings and the testimonies of others about him. How do Peter and John and Matthew and Paul stack up?
5. The sheer existence of a thriving, empire-conquering early Christian church supports the truth of the In my judgment (and at this point resurrection claim. we can live authentically only by our
The church spread on the power of the testimony that Jesus was raised from the dead and that God had thus made him both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). The lordship of Christ over all nations is based on his victory over death. This is the message that spread all over the world. Its power to cross cultures and create one new people of God was a strong testimony of its truth.
own judgment — Luke 12:57), these men’s writings do not read like the works of gullible, easily deceived or deceiving men. Their insights into human nature are profound. Their personal commitment is sober and carefully stated. Their teachings are coherent and do not look like the invention of unstable men. The moral and spiritual standard is high. And the lives of these men are totally devoted to the truth and to the honor of God. JAN – APR | 2022
8. There is a selfauthenticating glory in the gospel of Christ’s death and resurrection as narrated by the biblical witnesses.
The New Testament teaches that God sent the Holy Spirit to glorify Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus said, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. . . . He will glorify me” (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit does not do this by telling us that Jesus rose from the dead. He does it by opening our eyes to see the self-authenticating glory of Christ in the narrative of his life and death and resurrection. He enables us to see Jesus as He really was, so that He is irresistibly true and beautiful. The
apostle stated the problem of our blindness and the solution like this: “The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. . . . For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:4, 6). A saving knowledge of Christ crucified and risen is not the mere result of right reasoning about historical facts. It is the result of spiritual illumination to see those facts for what they really are: a
revelation of the truth and glory of God in the face of Christ — who is the same yesterday, today and forever. CL (taken from www.desiringgod.org)
The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the crowning proof of Christianity. If the resurrection did not take place, then Christianity is a false religion. If it did take place, then Christ is God and the Christian faith is absolute truth.
Henry M. Morris
Cont. of from pg. 28 romping on its way to hell, the exact opposite of the true Church of God. (1 John 2:15-17, 2 Cor. 6:14.) Any spirit that permits compromise with the world is a false spirit. Any religious movement that imitates the world in any of its manifestations is false to the cross of Christ and on the side of the devil. 7. The last test of the genuineness of Christian experience is what it does to our attitude towards sin. Whatever makes holiness more attractive and sin more intolerable may be accepted as genuine. (Tit. 2:11-13.)
religious man is far more vulnerable than the easy-going fellow who takes his religion lightly. This latter may be deceived but he is not likely to be self-deceived. Most men, indeed, play at religion as they play at games, religion itself being of all games the one most universally played. The unattended garden will soon be overrun with weeds; the heart that fails to cultivate truth and root out error will shortly be a theological wilderness.
A bit of healthy disbelief is sometimes as needful as faith to the welfare of our souls. It is no sin to doubt some things, but it may be fatal to believe everything. Faith never means gullibility. Credulity never honors God. The gullible mentality is like the ostrich that will gulp down anything that looks The farther we push into the interesting. I have met Christians sanctuary the greater becomes the with no more discrimination than danger of self-deception. The deeply the ostrich. Jesus warned, “There shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they should deceive the very elect.” (Matt. 24:24.)These words describe our day too well to be coincidental.
JAN – APR | 2022
The healthy soul, like the healthy blood stream, has its proper proportion of white and red cells. The red corpuscles are like faith: they carry the life-giving oxygen to every part of the body. The white cells are like disbelief: they pounce upon dead and toxic matter and carry it out to the drain. Thus the two kinds of cells working together keep the tissues in good condition. In the healthy heart there must be Provision for keeping dead and poisonous matter out of the life stream. This the credulous person never suspects. He is all for faith. Along with our faith in God must go a healthy disbelief of everything occult and esoteric. Numerology, astrology, spiritism, and everything weird and strange that passes for religion must be rejected. All this is toxic matter and has no place in the life of a true Christian. He has Christ, and He is the way, the truth and the life CL.
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LIFE
AFTER SIXTY
“G
ive me this mountain”, this was the request from a man who was 85 years old. At this age he was supposed to take rest after many battles in his life. But Caleb went to Joshua, the leader of Israel and requested him to assign the most difficult task. After Moses, Joshua became the leader to lead God’s people into the promised land. The land was divided among the tribes of Israel. The area given will have to be conquered and developed. At the age of 85, Caleb wanted to be used by God and wanted to take a challenge for the glory of the Lord. Conquering and developing a mountain was a risky and difficult task but yet he demanded Joshua to give that by faith. Many people died in the battles and in the desert during their travel but Caleb and Joshua were not disappointed or discouraged. Our life changes but our God never changes. Our life has stages like childhood, adolescence, middle age and old age. But God never
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changes His love, care towards us. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Caleb knew his God and followed him whole heartedly.
GREAT EXEMPLARY LIFE
A leader must lead an exemplary life. His life must have great impact and influence on others and that is possible only when a believer follows God “whole heartedly”. An example of this is flashed out in Caleb’s life (Josh 14). There is a qualifying word that leaps off the pages 3 times. (Josh 14:8. 9. l3).” Whole heartedly.” This term used to describe Caleb. He was the man who followed the Lord, His God “Whole heartedly”. He surrendered, committed and yielded to the purpose of God. Our love towards God should be complete. Without any reservation we need to follow Him. With all our strength, mind and heart we should love Him. This is greater than all the sacrifices we make. Even others. Moses in 14:9, Joshua in 14:13, observed this great quality in the life of Caleb. Even God gave a great testimony about him.
Num 14:24. God Himself certified Caleb about the desire of his heart in following God tirelessly even at the age of 85. A true leader not only influences the believers but also unbelievers through his lips and life. The life of integrity in Daniel posed a challenge to his foes (Daniel 6:4). “They could not find corruption in him because he was trust worthy, “also neither corrupt nor negligent”. Isaiah said, “Me and my children are like signs and symbols in this world”(Isa 8:18). We are called to be role models not only to our students and graduates but also to the entire world.
CALEB WAS CONFIDENT THOUGH HIS MISSION WAS DIFFICULT
Caleb was asked to spy out Jericho with Joshua and others. He was a man on mission. The task was difficult and dangerous. Caleb was chosen as one of the spies responsible to search out the promised land. If apprehended, he would be killed. He was a man with a vision. JAN – APR | 2022
HIS VISION
done by the Lord in the past. But Caleb said, “We must”. Though we are 1. Caleb saw what other people minority in the world, with Jesus we could not see. Num 13:13. are majority. 2. The land was fertile and highly Though the circumstances productive. were discouraging, Caleb did 3. His commitment - not only “we not lose courage. Caleb and can” but “we must” take the land. Joshua determined to serve the Lord consistently even to face 4. His faith in God - God has “given discouragement. In Phil 2:14,15 it to us”. Paul says, do everything without 5. He saw the land in the light of complaining or arguing, so that you may become pure children of God God’s sovereignty. without a blemish. We should never 6. He saw God’s great power. His be discouraged in our witnessing. purpose and His plans by faith. We must be consistent in our lifestyle and witness, realizing that we Is your ministry finding it difficult? will never fail when we share Jesus in We may think it is difficult to share the power of Holy Spirit, leaving the the word of God, to multi colored results to Him. and multi-national and multicultural people in our country. It What was the reaction of Caleb may be difficult but we must share when the leadership mantle fell on it. Our only purpose is to meet the Joshua? He was not jealous about it. challenge. Though preaching or He made Joshua to shine. Caleb was sharing the Gospel is difficult, but not concerned about the position. it is mandatory on the part of every The important thing to him is fulfilling believer. Like Caleb our commitment God’s promise. “All disappointments should be “we must take the land”. are God’s appointments” says Rev. Billy Graham. We need to look to CALEB WAS Jesus, in the midst of discouraging CONSISTENT THOUGH situations and disappointments. We HIS WORK WAS need to overcome any accusations, DISCOURAGING depending on God. “A pessimist is one who sees difficulty in every opportunity. CALEB WAS An optimist is one who sees an COURAGEOUS, opportunity in every difficulty”. On THOUGH HIS TASK his return Caleb brought grapes. WAS DEMANDING (Num 13:23) from the valley of Eshkol Though Caleb was old, he which is closer to Hebron. The size selected a mountain area(Josh of the grapes cluster should have 14:10,11 ) He said to Joshua, “so here indicated the goodness of the land I am today, 85 years old. I am still God was going to give to them. God as strong as the day Moses sent”. always gives the best to His children At any age we should never stop (James 1:17). The majority’s opinion growing and sharing the good news. was pessimistic (Num 13:32). But Caleb was asking “now give this hill Caleb silenced them (13:13) when country that the Lord has promised”. decision time arrived and the reports Caleb’s choice was courageous. were given the people said, “No it is Hebron was the city of giants. Caleb impossible; we will not go into the went and restored Hebron. “If the land”. They forgot all the miracles Lord’s presence goes with us we JAN – APR | 2022
can conquer anything”. Do you have mountains to conquer in your life? Do you have demanding challenges in your work place, in the family and in the ministry? Do you think that, this is not the age to do great exploits for the Lord? Do you think that this is not the age (old age or after retirement) to take challenges? • John Wesley at the age of 83 said, “I bless the Lord, I was never tired of my work. Yet I am tired in my body”. He preached five times a day. He travelled 2,50,000 miles and preached the Gospel. He delivered 5000 messages in a year. Even at the age of 83, he used to give 3 messages a day. Most of his writings done between 53 to 83 years age, which are very influential even today. • God confronted Moses when he was 80. When he accepted the call of God and turned to Him (Ex 3:2). God did great wonders in his life. Everything that Moses experienced in the Lord happened only in the last 40 years of his life. i.e after 80. It is never too late to turn our life over to God the Father and enter into His perfect will to do accordingly. • God called Abraham when he was 75 and made him the father of nations and father of the faithful. • Phillip the evangelist, even at his old age, opened his home to young missionaries like Paul. Timothy, and Luke (Acts 21: 5,9). He brought up his 4 daughters in a godly way and it is written that they have the gift of prophecy. At that old age Phillip was used by God in mentoring his daughters, and encouraging young servants of God. As senior graduates we can counsel, encourage and mentor young ones. CONFIDENT LIVING
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We may never know what God genuinely disclosing new and special wants to do with the rest of our life. ways of life’s growing process. We have to submit ourselves and the rest of our life in to the mighty hands Whether you are retired or of our God and just obey His call. going to face the retirement, a few wrong feelings capture you. “I am Leadership has less to do with the no longer needed” and “I am not age than it does with the attitude. It useful”, “I am old and weak”. Even at is not the matter of position but of the old age King David reiterated his disposition. Growing old does not commitment (Ps 71:18). Even Samuel mean growing ineffective, but with pledged to Israel at his old age “As power of God we can overcome for me, God forbid that I should sin giants and take challenges. We against the Lord in ceasing to pray have to exercise faith in God. How for you: but I will teach you the good many years are we going to live is and the right way”( 1 Sam 12:23). immaterial? How useful are our lives for the Lord is important. God does Believe in His plans because He not want our abilities but wants our has a new work for us to do. We availability. We retire from our jobs come to know the new ventures not from God’s work. We should not when we surrender to Him, We are get tired of it. How are we going to to undertake and accomplish them. finish our life is all that matters in the True joy is derived by depending on end. We need to finish well. Jesus. In any constituency the aged are perceived as resourceful people Even at the age of 85 with valuable gifts to share for the Caleb was good of everyone. Rich experience • Never tired in following the Lord is the crown of the aged. God has wholeheartedly. given us long life for the following purposes: • Never tired in his commitment. • To declare His holiness.Ps91:15. • Never tired of resting on God’s promise and conquering virgin • To proclaim His power to the lands for God. next generation. Ps 71:17-18. Caleb remembered God’s faithfulness in keeping him alive all through the journey through wilderness for 40 years and still wanted to do God’s will at the age of 85. Old age is a blessed age. Ps 92:12-15 says “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To show that the Lord is upright: He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.” There is no need to face the changes of the senior years alone. Our Lord has promised to walk alongside,
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• To recount His goodness to the next generation. Ps 78:1-4.
CHALLENGES OF SENIOR YEARS
• Financial concerns due to dwindling income. All these challenges we can overcome when we trust God like Caleb. An enjoyable fruitful old age will not come easily. It needs a prepared mind and have to be worked out. Many of us have not given serious thought to this important aspect of life. We need to prepare for this with faith. We must take challenges like Caleb saying, “Give me this mountain”. By doing this Caleb left a great legacy for the next generation. Those who joyfully leave everything in God‘s hand will eventually see God’s hand in everything. — D.L. Moody. Spiritual greenness and fruitfulness in a believer ‘s life is an honor to Jesus Christ. Who is his life. —Spurgeon. CL
We are never too old to make new conquests of faith in the power of the Lord.
• An aging body which is more susceptible to illness.
Like Caleb, we can capture
• Declining in strength.
giants if we wholly follow
• Feeling of uselessness, especially after retirement.
the Lord. No matter how
• The loss of friends and loved ones through death.
never retire from trusting
• The reality of one’s own death is drawing near.
mountains and conquer
old we become, we must and serving the Lord.
Warren Wiersbe
• Feeling of alienation from one’s children and grand children who are busy with other interests and pursuits. JAN – APR | 2022
BibleGood Times & Just News Customs Think about this, if your goodness could save you, Jesus would have died in vain. The fact is no one can possibly get to Heaven on their own. Jesus Himself stated in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Perhaps by now you are wondering how you can obtain Jesus Christ’s goodness to yourself. It is really very simple. First you must be genuinely sorry for your sin. Luke 13:3 states, “…except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” True repentance produces a new way of living. “ I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy ( God’s) testimonies.” ( Psalm 119:59)
I
would never hurt anybody. I am honest I love and care for my family. Surely I will go to Heaven when I die.
is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:10.23)
It is true; most people are pretty good. However, contrary to popular opinion, not all good people go to heaven. In fact, you do not have to be a bad person to go to hell. Notice what the Bible says in Titus 3:5: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He save us...” The Bible also states in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” You can see that even if you are a good person, God’s Word declares that your goodness is not sufficient to merit Heaven.
It is true that you must have goodness to get to Heaven, but the truth is you do not possess that goodness in and of yourself. “ But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” ( Isaiah 59:2) “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift Of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23) You see, everyone deserves to die and go to hell because of their sin; however, Jesus loved us so much that He shed His sinless blood and died in our place. Three days later, Christ arose from the grave, proving that He had conquered death and hell, and establishing that He alone has the power to give us eternal life.” But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Another interesting fact found in the Bible is that you are not really as good as you think you are. Ecclesiastes 7:20 “For there is not a just man upon earth. That doeth good, and sinneth not. As it JAN – APR | 2022
Secondly, you must believe that Jesus died for you. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10) Finally, ask Him to save you and take you to Heaven when you die.” For whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13). Please call on Him today. You have no guarantee of tomorrow. What a tragedy it would be for a good person like you to die and go to hell. Why not ask Him to save you right now? You can pray from your heart a simple prayer like this one: Dear Lord, I now realize that I am a sinner and that You died for me. I repent of my sin, and ask You to now come into my heart, save me. And take me to heaven when I die. Thank You, Lord for saving me. In Jesus name. Amen. CL
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BIBLE STUDY
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Revelation 5-8 – Kindly Answer the Quiz with Bible References (NIV) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
is worthy to open the Scroll and its 7 Seals. Worthy is the that was slain to receive power, riches, wisdom & strength.. The Lamb was encircled by four and the twenty-four . One who sat on the black horse had in his hand. One who sat on the pale horse was named . The angels shouted “ belongs to our God, who sits on the throne and to the lamb”. Those in the white robes came out of , washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb. When he opened the seal, there was silence in heaven for half an hour. The smoke of the incense along with the of God’s people went up before God from the angel’s hand. proclaimed in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll? The Lamb had seven and seven , which are the seven of God sent out into all the earth. With (what) the , the Lamb purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. The rider of the white horse held a and rode as a conqueror. When he opened the sixth seal, there was a great . The sun turned the moon turned . The four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, were holding back the to prevent any on the land.
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16. Number of those who were sealed were from all the tribes of Israel. 17. The at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to 18. Who will wipe away every tear from their eyes? 19. When the first angel sounded his trumpet, there came and on the earth. 20. called out in a loud voice: “Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth” 21. The name of the great star that fell from the sky like a blazing torch on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water.
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Quiz Answers: R evelation 1-4 (1) Seven; 1:4 (2) Jesus Christ; 1:5 (3) the beginning, the ending; 1:8 (4) Patmos; 1:9 (5) angels, churches; 1:20 (6) first love; 2:4 (7) Nicolaitans; 2:6 (8) tree of life; 2:7 (9) second death; 2:11 (10) Antipas; 2:13 (11) hidden manna; 2:17 (12) authority over nations, works; 2:16 (13) being alive, dead; 3:2 (14) Philadelphia; 3:12 (15) Laodicea; 3:14 (16) reprove, discipline; 3:19 (17) One who is victorious ; 3:21 (18) 24 elders; 4:4 (19) a lion, an ox, a man, a flying eagle; 4: 7 (20) 4 living creatures; 4:8 (21) reads aloud; 1:3 (22) seven churches; 1:20 JAN – APR | 2022
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