/2005_06 by Uplook

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2005

UPLOOK

• ASSESS

THE

NEED • CATCH

THE

V I S I O N • TA K E

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CHALLENGE •

WHEN TO LET GO PASSING THE BATON

GOOD NEWS ON THE MOVE Introducing the Team

DON’ T M I SS T H E S E ! T H E M O S T I M P O R TA N T T H I N G FROM A MOTHER’S HEART

WILLIAM MACDONALD

JANICE NICHOLSON

S P E C I A L R E P O R T: T H E S O U T H W E S T E R N U . S . GOD’S HERO OF BEIJING

JOHN A. SHORT

Your last chance to register!

TWO CONFERENCES See inside for details

FROM MY WINDOW

WHEN TO LET GO Christian service is not only a race for the prize; it’s also a race against time.

“...Commit ery brave people deftly slapped a baton into the trembling and perspiring palm of a teenage fellow who, although uneven in his gait and well behind in the thou to pack, was seeking to run the same race as they. Inexperienced but eager, he had his faithful eye, if not yet on the goal, at least peering a fair way down the road. What they saw men...” in his efforts that made them hand over prized ministries to him, heaven will some day reveal. But it made me, the at-that-time lanky, flame-haired youth, passionate to please them by pleasing the One they had served faithfully for so many years. I was in my late teens when, one summer, our family traveled through Grand Rapids and stopped at the Pell home. I recall it as vividly as if it were yesterday because William Pell, a very busy man, took most of the day to spend it just with me. He enlarged my vision that day—of the great need for communicating truth by the printed page, and of the part I might have in such a venture. I never got over it. I could hardly believe it when he asked me to write a few short articles for Truth for Youth, the Sunday School paper that he published for young people. I remember working so hard, checking every word, and tremblingly handing it in to the editorial staff. I was amazed and thrilled to watch it being typeset on the old Linotype, printed on a letterpress, and then sent out in the post to faraway places that I thought I would never visit. As I read the little articles now, I marvel at the courage of the publisher—and at the consummate skills of the editors. It wasn’t long until printer’s ink flowed in my veins, and I caught the burden for broadcasting gospel seed. Ed Harlow also, in those early years, encouraged me, using my book cover “designs” which I now cringe to observe. But these men, and others like them, showed me not only the courage and grace and wisdom it takes to give up God-given ministries as a sacred trust to others; they also modeled the importance of looking out for young people seeking to run the race, and putting something of value into their hands. It is this sacrificial act that turns the cross-country lope into a heart-pounding, give-it-your-all, flat-out, risk-everything-for-Him race to the finish. How pathetic to see assemblies and ministries flounder and fail because men, often good men, get a death grip on the baton. They are fearful to let some bright-eyed, energetic young man (who has shown faithfulness and commitment in some measure) try to do imperfectly what they do competently after years of experience. If only they could remember their first efforts and the Lord’s grace in using them in their early years. Do they fear as well that, giving up this ministry, they will have nothing left to do? I can hardly imagine it. Hearts break for want of a visit from caring senior saints. Young people stumble in the road for lack of supporting prayer and loving words of encouragement. There is more work today than there has ever been. Now as I pass on this editorial ministry to my dear brother James Martin of Sudbury, a man far more qualified than I when I was handed the task, I ask for your faithful prayers for him and those who assist him in the work—that Uplook magazine will be far more effective than it has ever been in bringing glory to the Lord and blessing to His dear people. Jamie, the baton.

J. B. NICHOLSON, JR.

UPLOOK / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2005

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2005

UPLOOK

Founded in 1927 as Look on the Fields, UPLOOK is published monthly except for occasional combined issues which count as two issues, by Uplook Ministries, 813 North Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Phone: (616) 456-9166 Fax: (616) 456-5522 Website: http://www.uplook.org E-mail: uplook@uplook.org

Volume 72 • Number 6

FEATURES

UPLOOK magazine is intended to encourage the people of God in ﬁdelity to His Word, fervency in intercessory prayer, labors more abundant, and love to the Lord. Believing in the practical Headship of Christ and the local autonomy of each assembly, this is not intended to be an ofﬁcial organ of any group or federation of local churches. The editor and authors take responsibility for materials published. For any blessing which accrues, to God be the glory. UPLOOK is copyrighted solely for the purpose of maintaining the integrity of the material. It is not intended to limit the proper use of articles contained in the magazine. Please include the words: “UPLOOK magazine, by permission” on photocopies made for personal use. For large quantities or other purposes, contact UPLOOK.

CONFERENCE INFORMATION

GOD’S HERO OF BEIJING John A. Short

FROM A MOTHER’S HEART Janice Nicholson

MINING AND REFINING Quotables

A HOLY & ROYAL PRIESTHOOD Spencer Dibble

GOOD NEWS KEEPS MOVING Special Report

BIG BUSINESS Jabe Nicholson

WALKING STICK WITNESS Randy Hoffman

DOUBLE HONOR Donald L. Norbie

DARWINISM’S OTHER SIDE Nancy R. Pearcey

REUBEN’S STORY Myron Martinson

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING William MacDonald

Postal Information US POSTMASTER: (USPS 620-640) Send address changes to UPLOOK, P. O. Box 2041, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2041 Periodical postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI.

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DEPARTMENTS EDITORIAL: When to Let Go REPORTING LIVE: The Southwestern U.S. FRONT LINES WORLD VIEW SCIENCE & YOU: The Web of Life ELDER HELPS Subscription Information: The Uplook magazine mailing list is maintained on a subscription basis. There is no charge for a subscription, however you must renew your subscription annually in order to continue receiving the magazine. An initial subscription is for six issues. Thereafter any time you renew, your subscription will be extended a further ten issues. There are three ways to renew: 1) by using the reminder envelope sent to facilitate your renewal; 2) by using the form on our website at: http://www.uplook.org/ 3) by contacting our office at any time, by phone, fax, mail or e-mail. Please advise us of any address changes at least six weeks in advance and include your customer number from your mailing label.

Submissions Please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope with all unsolicited material. News items must be submitted at least two months in advance of issue requested. Selected news items will be carried for two issues (if time permits). The editor reserves the right to determine those items best suited for the magazine. Editorial decisions are final. Photos accepted. Please enclose a selfaddressed, stamped envelope for photos you wish returned.

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Donation Information: Uplook Ministries is a tax-exempt corporation looking to the Lord to provide for the needs of this ministry. This magazine is sent freely to those who request it, but evidently is not freely produced. Donations may be made by check or money order denominated in US $, Canadian $ or £ sterling. All checks should be made payable to Uplook and sent to one of the above addresses. Donations may also be made by VISA, Mastercard/ACCESS or Discover in US dollars, either by mail or at our website: http://www.uplook.org/ We do not advise sending credit card numbers by e-mail. Please include your card number, expiry date and the amount in US dollars you wish to donate. Receipts are issued for all donations received and are valid for tax purposes in the US and Canada. Making a donation will automatically renew your Uplook subscription.

www.uplook.org / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2005

R E P LOiveR T I N G NEWS YOU CAN USE

THE SOUTHWESTERN U.S.

YOUR KNEES

Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah in the last several decades have seen a dramatic exodus from the northern states and Canadian provinces (where most assemblies with which we are familiar traditionally have been) into what has become known as the Sunbelt. Millions have pulled up roots, left loved ones, and have sought their futures and fortunes in these southern climes. Martin Chourre and Stewart Wright of the U.S. Geological Survey provide maps that show the population changes which have occurred from 1900 to 1990 in the southwestern United States on a web site http://geochange.er.usgs.gov/sw/changes/anthropogenic/population/ They write: Federal Government policies have played an important role in the development of the Southwest. The Mining Act of 1879 provided initial impetus for the mining industry, and the various Homestead Acts made inexpensive land available for farmers. Public works such as irrigation, electric power generation, road building and water diversion and retention projects helped foster urban and rural growth. For example, the construction of Hoover Dam in the 1930s played a huge role in the development of the Las Vegas area. In the time period immediately preceding and during WWII, the expansion of military bases and ship and aircraft building industries brought many workers to the Southwest. People stayed after the war or moved to the Southwest upon completion of military service. More recently, the use of government lands for resource utilization, such as oil and gas drilling and grazing permits for livestock, has played an important part in the growthâ&#x20AC;Ś. As mining and agriculture became less labor-intensive and more mechanized, people started moving to urban areas throughout the country, especially in the Southwest, providing the labor pool for manufacturing and industry. Modern transportation, such as better highways, increased rail service and commercial airlines have increased mobility, allowing people to travel and do business over greater distances. Since the end of WWII, tourism and recreation-oriented businesses have become increasingly important in the Southwest. Many people are moving West for better quality of life, more open space, less congestion and increased recreational opportunities. The growing elderly population has been drawn to the warm and sunny climate of the region. Large retirement settlements have been a significant factor in the growth of some regionsâ&#x20AC;Ś.

The population statistics of the Southwestern U.S. are astounding. It has increased by about 1,500% over the last 90 years, while the U.S. population as a whole has grown by just 225%. Arizona and Nevada have led with increases of 2,880% and 2,840%, respectively. The metropolitan area in Nevada that is responsible for this growth is Las Vegas (Clark County). Clark County had a 90-year growth rate of 22,480%, from 3,284 people in 1900 to 741,459 people in 1990. Maricopa County (Phoenix), Arizona, had a 100-year growth rate of 10,275%, with most of that growth occurring between 1960 and 1990. This region also shares the largest concentration of unregistered aliens in the U.S.

UPLOOK / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2005

SOUTHWEST BIBLE CAMP

THE SOUTHWESTERN U.S.

But in spite of this massive growth in the general population, assembly life to our knowledge has not kept up. It should be a matter for much prayer, concerted gospel outreach, and a regular effort to encourage these scattered groups seeking to practice NT truth in those areas. Following are some pen sketches written by local believers of some of the scattered assemblies represented at a Labor Day conference this year, convened at Southwest Bible Camp in Glenwood, New Mexico. Please note that this is not intended to be an exhaustive list of such assemblies in the Southwest.

LOS ALAMOS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP The assembly started meeting for breaking of bread in 1975 in Jim Patterson’s home. The work gradually grew until the late 1990s when they had about 50 people. Now in 2005 there are three families of only adults meeting for remembrance. The main outreach of the assembly is their involvement in Set Free Prison Ministries. Los Alamos, New Mexico is an affluent and isolated community of approximately 17,000. Many of the residents are highly educated engineers and scientists employed by the town’s main employer, the Department of Energy’s Los Alamos National Laboratory. Many churches are represented in Los Alamos with no lack of evangelicals. The town has everything from Baptists to Mormons and Wiccan “churches.” Los Alamos has the needs of affluent American communities—drug and alcohol abuse, isolation, divorce, and all the rest.

BELIEVER’S ASSEMBLY OF BAYARD Bayard, New Mexico, a town of about 2500, is actually part of a cluster of communities in Grant County, around 32,000 souls. Silver City (16,000) is the largest community. The assembly began meeting with two families about eight years ago in the home of Jim and Melinda Rosa. Through outreach efforts, and having several families moving into the area, the assembly has grown to about 25 in fellowship, including about 13 children. Most recently, for a very reasonable fee, the Lord provided the use of the Bayard Community Center for Sunday meetings. A recent evangelistic effort involved a Bible club for a week at the beginning and end of the summer at the recently abandoned fire station adjacent to the only park in town. The gospel was faithfully preached to these young souls.

JUST WONDERING... THANK THE LORD FOR THE SCORES OF BELIEVERS FROM ACROSS NORTH AMERICA WHO ROSE AS ONE MAN TO HELP THE BELEAGUERED ASSEMBLIES INUNDATED BY KATRINA AND RITA. BUT… Don’t you think it was a crying shame that two hurricanes were needed before North American assembly believers mobilized to help the struggling saints in Louisiana? Wasn’t it unfortunate that the first time the Deep South assembly camp saw a convoy of helpful brothers from “up north” it was as crews to begin repairing the damage? LET’S NOT WAIT SO LONG FOR SOUTHWEST BIBLE CAMP! Could we mobilize to help these few and often struggling assemblies, say, for example, by building an indoor all-purpose building? They are doing a vital work for the Lord in the Southwest. Wouldn’t it be a good thing to come to their aid now as they seek to reach the lost and to provide an oasis of fellowship for these isolated Christians? Presently they have a fully exposed concrete slab for all recreational activities; I can only imagine what it’s like in the summer. This is not intended to be a fund raiser. Only those who feel the Lord calling them to do this should respond. But wouldn’t it be a great thing if we could tell our Uplook readers that, subsequent to the tremendous aid given the Deep South believers, some exercised brethren linked up to head to Southwest Bible Camp this winter to invest practically in the work there?

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THE SOUTHWESTERN U.S.

Bayard is a predominantly Catholic and Hispanic community where the older generation speaks Spanish. They have been praying for someone who will present the gospel to these folks in Spanish. Many of the believers from Bayard have participated in the work at Southwest Bible Camp, about an hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive from Silver City. They are thankful to the Lord for His faithfulness in using the camp to lead many to Christ over the years. RIO RANCHO BIBLE FELLOWSHIP A small group of Christians is meeting in the fastest growing city in New Mexico. Mike and Peggy Campbell (formerly of the Chicago area) saw the need for a testimony in Rio Rancho and, along with their son Peter, were used in starting the assembly. The believers regularly meet in a leased building, providing for the need for fellowship among those living on the west side of metro Albuquerque.

GARFIELD GOSPEL CHAPEL, ALBUQUERQUE This assembly began in the early 1920s. A photo exists of a Sunday School picnic in 1923. The assembly was first called North 4th Street Gospel Hall. Harry Ironside, Henry Armerding, W.E. Mauger and Walter Raabe were instrumental in its beginning. The name and location changed when the present building was erected in 1954, near the University of New Mexico. Now the neighborhood is shabby; many residents are renters who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stay long. The numbers in the assembly have diminished over the years; there are now about seven families in fellowship. Garfield has a small Sunday School, a youth group just beginning, and about 15 faithfully attend the prayer meeting (about half of which are children). Prayer requests are conveyed by phone over the prayer chain, the ladies do various missionary projects, the assembly regularly has VBS outreach and most are active in the work of Southwest Bible Camp.

GRACE CHAPEL, EL PASO, Texas El Paso is a city of 700,000 on the Mexican border. Across the border is the city of Juarez, 1.5 million plus. Eighty per cent of the population of El Paso is 6

Hispanic, many of whom are Roman Catholic. Grace Chapel is in a low to moderate income neighborhood. Presently the Sunday morning runs 40-50. They write: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our building is not elaborate, but is functional, neat, and paid for.â&#x20AC;? This allows them to fellowship monthly with 10-12 ministries. The assembly has four eldersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;one in his 80s, two in their 70s, one in his 60s. Three of the elders are gifted speakers but the youngest one may be moving soon. The assembly has a 30-minute radio broadcast each Sunday morning right after Billy Graham. They express their areas of need including a lack of younger families, and a need of renewed evangelistic effort in the area.

TUCSON (Arizona) BIBLE CHAPEL The chapel has been through some difficult days in the last few years. Not so long ago it was a flourishing group of nearly 150 persons. The assembly now has about 60-70. However the Lord is beginning to replenish the numbers, with several new young families attending. There seems to be an eagerness to work together. Recently the assembly began joining together on Wednesday evening for dinner, followed by prayer meeting. They write, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has been an encouraging and edifying time.â&#x20AC;? The assembly is heavily involved in Emmaus Prison Ministry, and also participates one Sunday evening a month with a gospel meeting at a local rescue mission. One brother there says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is an eagerness to work together and, I believe, a sincere desire to pursue the truth and please God.â&#x20AC;? IMMANUEL NAVAJO CHAPEL

Located on the Navajo Reservation in Sweetwater, Arizona, the meeting is relatively small with about 20-40. It is comprised of both Navajo and Anglo believers. There are those in attendance who speak only Navajo, so some translation takes place. The believers there request prayer for greater contact with young people; greater unity between Navajo and Anglo believers; and for grace and strength for Navajo believers to stand for the Lord amidst intense cultural pressure to the contrary. Pray for these testimonies and others like them.

UPLOOK / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2005

F RONT L I NE S P R AY A R O U N D

THE

WORLD â&#x20AC;˘ PRAISE AROUND

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CLOCK

Where there is no vision, the people perish. Proverbs 29:18

What could be worse than being born without sight? Being born with sight and no vision. Helen Keller

BRANDYWINE FALL CONF. The saints at Brandywine Bible Chapel, Wilmington, DE would like to extend an invitation to their Fall conference. It will commence, Lord willing, with a Bible study on Friday Nov 4 at 7:30 PM. On Saturday and Sunday, ministry meetings will continue from 2:00 to 6:00 PM each day followed by dinner. Speakers are Brian Gunning (ON), Steve Hulshizer (PA), and Joe Mikhael (ON). For directions, call 302-478-1677. CENTRAL INDIANA CONF. The believers at Bethany Christian Fellowship, 11850 Brookville Road, Indianapolis, IN would like to invite all believers from the Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan and Illinois areas to their fall conference Nov 11-13. The speaker will be Dr. Dan Smith (IA), Chancellor of Emmaus Bible College. His messages

will be on Shepherding and Discipleship. Meeting times are 7:30 PM Friday, 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM Saturday and 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM on Sunday. Lunches will be provided for both Saturday and Sunday. Contact: Steve Stapley 317-887-6339 Sstapley@earthlink.net

Bible Chapel in Lafayette, LA wish to announce the annual Fall Bible Conference. The dates are Nov 12-13 beginning at 3:00 PM. J.B. Nicholson (MI) is the expected speaker. For further information contact William O. Walker, 103 Robert Drive, Lafayette, LA, 70506 at 337-232-6577.

LAWRENCE FALL CONF. Lawrence Bible Chapel, Lawrence KS will hold their Fall Conference Nov 12-13. Joe Pratt is the scheduled speaker. For details or information regarding lodging, please call John Scollon at 785-841-5271 in advance so arrangements can be made. Plan now to join us for our Spring Conference Apr 15-16, 2006 with speaker Warren Henderson.

MISSIONARY BREAKFAST Christians gathered at Hillside Bible Chapel in Orillia, ON Canada invite you to our Missionary Breakfast on Saturday, Nov 19 starting at 8:00 AM. Speakers are expected from Europe, Africa and Canada. For further information or requests for hospitality contact us at 705-326-9572 or hillside@bconnex.net

SOUTHSIDE FALL CONF. Christians gathered in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ at Southside

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HUTCHINSON FALL CONF. The annual fall conference at the Gospel Chapel, 334 E. 6th St., Hutchinson, KS is scheduled for

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Nov19-20. John Heller (AR) is the invited speaker. Contact: Paul Wakefield at 620-669-0933 or rmwakefield@hotmail.com TOLEDO YOUTH RETREAT A Winter Youth Retreat is planned for Dec 27-31 at the Clarion Hotel, Toledo, OH. Young people ages 16 and up are invited. The cost for the weekend is $230. Visit www.winteryouthretreat.org or contact ken@winteryouthretreat.org MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY Brethren in the Ramseur/Randleman area of NC are planning a school year of classes through May 2006. These classes are to be held at Ramseur Gospel Chapel one Saturday a month. Contact: Mike Moody at 336-824-5525 mcjmoody@yahoo.com

TORONTO BIBLE CLASS The Toronto Bible Class Series for 2005-2006 will be held Monday evenings, 7:45 PM at Rexdale Gospel Hall, 72 Bergamot Ave, Rexdale, ON. Jack Baker (ON) will be the speaker. Subjects: “Knowing God by His Perfections” (Nov 14); “Knowing God by His Ways” (Nov 28); “Knowing God by Conscience” (Dec 5); “Enjoying God by Worship” (Jan 9); “Enjoying God by Faith” (Jan 23); “Enjoying God by Hope” (Feb 6); “Enjoying God by Love” (Feb 20). Contact: 905-477-1522 or 416-282-6016 LOUISIANA CONFERENCE Christians gathered in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ at Southside Bible Chapel in Lafayette, LA announce their annual Fall Bible conference, Nov 12-13, beginning at 3:00 PM. J. B. Nicholson, Jr (MI) is

the expected speaker. Contact: William O. Walker 337-232-6577 103 Robert Drive Lafayette LA, 70506 IROQUOINA SCHEDULE Tom Freeman writes: “Exciting things are happening at Camp Iroquoina! Fathers and sons, please come and be a part of the annual father/son weekend retreat on Nov 11-13. We had a good number last year and expect even more this year. Always be prepared for some imaginative games with Jay Allen. Jim VanDuzer will open the Word in his very special way!” In addition here is Camp Iroquoina’s 05/06 weekend retreat schedule. More information can be obtained from the camp manager, Mark Thomas at 570-967-2577 or campiroquoina@epix.net

While repairing a sewage pipe south of the old city of Jerusalem, workmen discovered what may be the biblical Pool of Siloam. The pool, built by good king Hezekiah as a reservoir for the water from the Gihon Spring, was a gathering place in Bible days. It was to this location (the lowest spot in the New Testament city precincts) that the Lord sent a blind man to wash his eyes and he “came seeing” (see Jn. 9). A small catchment area has been presented as Siloam for many years, but this site “is a much grander affair” with three tiers of stone stairs, says Hershel Shanks of Biblical Archeology Review. James Charlesworth of Princeton Theological Seminary comments: “Scholars have said that there wasn’t a Pool of Siloam and that John was using a religious conceit,” a fanciful expression to illustrate his point. “Now, we have found the Pool of Siloam…exactly where John said it was.” A Gospel assessed by many as “pure theology [absent of facts] is now shown to be grounded in history.” The pool received its water through a remarkable water channel carved through solid rock and named Hezekiah’s Tunnel. 8

UPLOOK / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2005

BiblePlaces.com

BIBLICAL SILOAM?

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College and Career Dec 30-Jan 2 Junior High #1 Jan 13-15 Junior High #2 Jan 27-29 Senior High Feb 3-5 Family Feb 18-20 Mens May 5-7 Retreakend May 19-21 YORK BIBLE STUDY The York Bible Study Program, which is completing its 18th year, meets on the second Saturday of each month until May. There are four teaching sessions and lunch is provided. For information: Spread the Word 717-767-2900 NAME CHANGE The saints formerly meeting at Overland Park Bible Chapel, 6345 Floyd St., Overland Park. KS 662023939 have moved to a new location. The new address is as follows: The Bible Chapel of Shawnee, 12230 W. 75th St., Shawnee, KS 66216-3567. Phone 913-248-7877 We were at our previous location for 54 years and it was sad to leave. However, we are now looking forward to seeing the Lord bless in our new location. We are still in Johnson County, Kansas in the Kansas City metropolitan area. EMMAUS AT IROQUOINA Mark your calendars now for March 10-11, 2006. These conferences have been very successful in the past and we are excited about this opportunity! The theme will be, "How to make your life count for God". Contact Tom Freeman at 609585-7946 or tfreeman3@juno.com OZARK FAMILY CAMP Ozark Family Camp hosts three separate weeks of family camp each year from late July to mid August at

Turkey Hill Ranch Bible Camp in MO. The camps are a great source of fellowship with other believers and spiritual encouragement. There is no set fee for the camp but rather it is provided on a donation basis. To be put on the mailing list to receive a brochure and registration form in the spring, contact Dan Moffitt at danmoffitt@sbcglobal.net or 918744-6484. INTEREST IN TALLAHASSEE A small meeting has been started in Tallahassee Florida. We are searching for like minded believers that are interested in breaking bread with the saints, meeting around the Lord Jesus and growing a church in the area. Contact: Greg Hatcher at 229-377-6594 ghatcher01@direcway.com. MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES Administrator at Galilee Galilee Bible Camp, Renfrew, ON, invites applications for the position of Camp Administrator. The administrator, (preferably a couple) must be a born again believer with a servant’s heart who agrees with the Camp’s statement of faith. Good interpersonal skills are a must, as well as computer, organizational, clerical and financial abilities. Galilee is a well-established work serving the Lord in the Ottawa valley for almost 50 years. Contact: Fred Shaver at 819-647-2112 email: fshaver@295.ca Agape Valley Property Manager Agape Valley Bible Camp, located in Southern Ontario, consists of 140 acres woodland and cleared land with a large house and barn on the property. The main focus is 8 weeks of children’s summer day camp with

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50 children per week. There are several other year-round activities— maple syrup production, honey & harvest days that help support the operating cost of the day camp. They are looking for a Christian Property Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the Camp. This would be a great opportunity for a husband and wife team wanting to serve the Lord through a children’s work. The couple should be commended by their home assembly to this ministry. The home and operation costs would be provided by the ministry. Interested parties, contact: William Duncan at 905-892-0110 Tim Hartwick at 905-892-6177 Send resume to Selection Committee at Agape Valley Bible Camp, 392 Kilman Road, R R #1, Ridgeville ON L0S 1M0 or e-mail: agapevalley@agapevalley.ca COMMENDATION Helmut and Shirley Haltrich The Rosemount (Montreal, QC) assembly is happy to confirm their commendation of Helmut and Shirley Haltrich to the Lord’s work in South Florida and Bolivia following their faithful service to the Lord and His people in Colombia, S.A. beginning in 1971 and later in Bolivia, S.A. since 1999. Now residing in Florida, Helmut and Shirley, together with other believers and with the encouragement and co-operation of assemblies in the South Florida area, will work towards the establishment and growth of Hispanic congregations. While this will be their primary activity, they will also evangelize and teach in Bolivia, throughout South Florida and elsewhere as the Lord opens doors to their ministry.

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G R A C E AT W O R K

GOD’S HERO OF BEIJING “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Rev. 12:11).

n Tuesday, August 16, 2005 brother Allen Yuan, a prince and a great man, entered into Heaven and the promised reward to be with Christ, the Lord whom he loved and served all the days of his life’s pilgrimage. Brother Yuan uncompromisingly acknowledged Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour, and as Head of the Church. The consequences of his faithful loyalty would mean that for more than twenty years he was imprisoned under harsh conditions in the far northeast of China. He then suffered a further decade of house arrest, and the continued repression of a relentless 24-hour surveillance upon him until the day of his departure to be with Christ. Our beloved and esteemed brother was, however, not a pitiful victim. He was instead a living witness to the power of God to save and keep the individual who heartily trusts in Him. He was a clearly focused, gospel minded evangelist, pastor, teacher and leader, whose faith and practice before a godless authority was a source of unending anxiety and fear to them. His team of co-workers reflected his honesty and commitment. They faithfully continue in the ministry. Brother Yuan outlived his godless opponents and antagonists. We celebrate the triumph of a life that consistently overcame awesome odds with the love and victory of Christ’s indwelling life. Wrongly placed in bonds, he was one of China’s heroes of the faith. He was God’s man in Beijing. He will be deeply missed, for we loved him, admired him, and found renewed courage in his presence. Pray for his beloved wife of more than 62 years, his children and extended family who are all going on with the Lord. Also for the deep loss the team of co-workers and believers will face. Allen Yuan was a brave, noble and intrepid man of God.

FUNERAL POSTSCRIPT Hundreds came, then thousands. A very agitated Public Security Bureau forcefully cut off the entire road outside the Ba Bao Shan Funeral Centre in Beijing, belatedly trying to marginalize the tremendous show of respect for the great man of God, Allen Yuan. The funeral was scheduled for 2 pm and thankfully my co-worker brother Bryan Ford and I had managed to enter the compound early amid the gathering hundreds. We remained in the darkened van on site until several minutes before the 2 o’clock hour, and then prayerfully entered the main hall. For more than three hours we joined with the Chinese believers in a memorable and fitting celebration of our brother’s life. His presence was no longer with us, for he, after decades of communist party repression, has entered into the freedom and fullness of his eternal home. Later that same evening, while his widow, their six children and co-workers gathered together for mutual comfort, they were once again visited by the authorities who sternly rebuked them, blaming them for allowing such a huge display of outpoured respect for this man of God. Please pray for the family and coworkers who continue in active gospel witness from China’s capital today. JOHN A. SHORT

UPLOOK / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2005

MY STORY

FROM A MOTHER’S HEART There are times in life when only God will do. Janice Nicholson very believer in Christ has a story to tell—a testimony to the grace of God. No two stories are the same, but there is one thing that holds true to every one. That is the wonderful work of redemption. The circumstances leading us to redemption and the lives we live afterwards may vary, but the same fascinating miracle in every story concerns God and the ultimate sacrifice demanded by His love and holiness—the life-blood of His beloved Son. My story is not a tale of a broken past with hardship and sufferings. I didn’t endure loss or pain. I had a rather normal and happy childhood. My parents were not divorced. My relationship with my sister was not unlike the usual sibling upsets. We were a Catholic family who attended church at Christmas and Easter, and a few times during Lent. I was taught at home, in school, and at church that good people didn’t go to hell. If you led a a decent life and made regular confessions to the priest, you had nothing to worry about. Sin was not the issue, neither was it the focus. There was the underlying idea that the Bible was God’s Word, but only the priest knew what to do with it. We never had one at home; the priest told us what we needed to know. So I came to have a belief in the Bible as God’s Word but never read it. I believed in Jesus as God’s Son but

had no idea what the Cross was all about. Up until the night I was saved, I don’t ever recall giving any serious thought as to what would happen to me after death. I think I fulfilled my parents’ expectations of being a good child and on through my teenage years. I rarely talked back, never smoked, partied, stayed out late, dropped out of school or even failed a grade. I wasn’t a drinker or curser and abstained from pre-marital sex (for which I thank God). Yet I was ignorant of my most important need. Then a high school friend told me that every sin—no matter how great or small in our eyes—demanded the punishment of death in the lake of fire forever. She told me that, without a Saviour, I was not going to heaven. She told me that this was all written in the Bible. My first reaction was: “Why didn’t the priest tell me that?!” She then shared with me the way of salvation. Like a child, I believed. We prayed together at 4 AM at that birthday sleepover when I was 17 years old. I thank God for the Ritchie family in whose home I was saved. They accepted me as one of their own children, taking me to meetings of the nearby assembly. They taught me about baptism, headship, and worship. They discipled me until I was married and moved away. They are still a very big part of my life through prayer. THREE PRECIOUS BOYS I told you I didn’t have a past of pain and suffering. That all came after my salvation. The Lord by His grace prepared me for what was to come. It wasn’t a hard thing to accept when our first son was diagnosed as hearing impaired, and was fitted with two hearing aids. We were able to enroll him in a great school for his special need. Now he is enrolled in a normal school with normal kids his age. He gets along with only some minor difficulties. My concern grew over my second son, Andrew. At first we thought he also might be deaf because of his lack of response. But other symptoms hinted at deeper problems. As I sat in the neurologist’s office, my suspicions were confirmed. The doctor told me that Andrew was autistic.

www.uplook.org / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2005

FROM A MOTHER’S HEART

Evidently the doctor didn’t feel that the seriousness of the problem was registering with me, because he took my hand, looked me in the eye, and said in measured tone, “This is going to be hard.” I’ll never forget those words. Autism is a neurological disorder in which children cannot connect socially with those around them. They often don’t talk until age 5 or 6, sometimes later. In other cases they never learn to talk. They will often stimulate themselves with intense, repetitive, fixated behaviors called “stimming,” such as hand flapping. They have no concept of danger or boundaries, and would run in front of a car if not restrained. Other common characteristics are very poor sleep habits, fecal smearing, and tantrum fits where there is a change in the smallest detail of a routine or environment. There often seems to be no explanation for the tantrum fits. Andrew was diagnosed at the most severe end of the Autism Spectrum. Then, a year later, we were faced with the grim fact that Ethan, our youngest son, was behaving similarly to Andrew. We couldn’t deny it any longer: Ethan was autistic as well. WHEN YOU PASS THROUGH THE FIRE I’m not going to suggest that I accepted things happily and thanked God for the state that we were in, because I wasn’t happy. And although I told others that God was in control and I believed He would get us through, I had my bouts of despair. I questioned God. When, after a long day, I was up for six hours each night with the boys, and cleaning up smears, I would cry out, “Where are You, God?” It was more than just hard. It became unbelievably overwhelming at times. And it still is.

I questioned God, but I knew He was there for me. One difficult night I cried over the lack of sleep and the inconsolable crying from my usually-happy, blue-eyed, towheaded boy. After getting a couple hours of sleep, I awoke in the morning to find the Choice Gleanings for the day. It was set out for me by a very kind and understanding husband. The verse read, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Ps. 30:5). I had to laugh when I saw that. In my questioning, I have learned. It is through fire that gold is refined, and I am being refined. I have learned not to ask, “Where are You, God?” but to ask, “How can I use this to glorify You?” I have learned to rely on His strength after those sleepless nights when faced with a busy day of therapy appointments. He always comes through. I have learned to see that these boys, in their own way, may be like Andrew the apostle (for whom our son was named) in bringing people to the Lord. I have learned that the Lord has entrusted these boys to our care for a while. I believe that He created them for us, and us for them. When I think of my troubles, I think on the sufferings of Christ and know that He is no stranger to sleepless nights and troubled children. As unaware as I was of what would come after my salvation, I know that the Lord was fully aware of the Cross during His time here on earth. He knew the agony He was to suffer and the load He was to bear. He was to take the wrath of God which we deserve. In love and obedience He hung there for us. THE DEBT I OWE Going door to door last summer, a group of us from our chapel conducted surveys and gave out gospel booklets. When asked, “What would happen to you if you were to die tonight?” most people answered, “I don’t know. I never thought about it.” That sounded just like me before I heard the gospel. So I have an obligation, a debt, since I’ve been told of my need for the Lord Jesus. I must tell others of their need, as well. 1 Peter 1:6-7 has been a real encouragement to me in the difficult times. Perhaps it will strengthen you, too: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it be tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

UPLOOK / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2005

Q U O TA B L E S

MINING AND REFINING Treasures like pearls, gold and diamonds don’t come without pain, pressure and purifying.

PRECIOUS THINGS The most precious things in the world are often the product of the most adverse circumstances. Take pearls and diamonds, for instance. The pearl is the result of a grain of sand getting into the oyster shell and becoming an irritant. The oyster uses mother of pearl to cover it. In the case of diamonds, it is the intense heat and terrific pressure that makes diamonds out of ordinary carbon. Now there are myriad grains of sand and lots of pieces of carbon lying around that are never transmuted into precious jewels. There is a parallel here in life. It is the finest characters that are produced in the white heat of suffering and the intense pressure of circumstances. Remember that, if you are being called on to endure burdens that seem at times greater than you can bear. It may be that God is preparing you to shine forth like a sparkling jewel for the King of kings. The tendency of each of us is to think that our lot is much heavier than that of someone else. And that

someone is no doubt thinking the same thing. If we are Christians, we know that God will never lay on us burdens greater than we can bear, but will with them always provide a way of escape or some blessed antidote to its sting. It may, of course, be quite true that others have much less suffering and sorrow than we have. But may that not be because God has entrusted us with something He could not trust with them? We must wait to the end of the race before we appraise correctly what He has done in our lives. God has a purpose for us, and the circumstances that so distress us may be part of the divine machinery intended to produce the beautiful diamond that will in the end make us shine like the stars of the morning when the Lord makes up His jewels. Paul speaks of our sufferings here as being but for a moment, though they do not seem to be, yet in the perspective of eternity he is right. No matter how intense, we are promised that our suffering will soon be forgotten in the glories of that great tomorrow soon to be revealed. —Palabras Fieles

”

I AM WITH THEE

“

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word! What more can He say than to you He hath said, To you, who to Jesus for refuge have fled?

When through the deep waters I call thee to go, The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow; For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless, And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

In every condition, in sickness, in health; In poverty’s vale, or abounding in wealth; At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea, As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.

When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply; The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed, For I am thy God and will still give thee aid; I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to its foes; That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake. —Rippon

www.uplook.org / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2005

WO R L D V I E W T H E C H U R C H • T H E C U LT U R E • T H E C O N F L I C T

PIVOTAL IRAQI VOTE ission Network News reports: Saturday’s vote outcome will be a pivotal time to re-shape the future of Iraq’s history. In light of that, violence surrounds Iraq’s upcoming ratification vote. The government has stepped up security in response, while also imposing a curfew. The measures are meant to contain insurgent attacks. There are concerns that with the upswing in the violence, citizens will stay away from the polls. Many watchdog groups are also keeping an eye on the outcome. Open Doors’ Carl Moeller says they’re distressed over the vote. While it offers hope for freedom for believers, he explains, the trouble comes from the avenues of interpretation. “We’re concerned about Article Two of the Constitution, where it says the government of Iraq shall guarantee the full religious rights of all individuals in the freedom of belief and religious practice to the followers of Christianity and several of the other smaller religions.” Moeller says that’s where the big problem is. “The freedom of belief and religious practice is a private affair. But, Christianity, as we know it, is not a private affair. It is a belief system that is meant to be lived out in the public sphere.” The agreement on the draft represents a compromise between the religious and ethnic communities. However, it’s not a safeguard against persecution. Moeller says, “Too many totalitarian governments permit the freedom of belief, but not freedom of Christian cultural practice.”

can shut, and have many opportunities to visit all the homes no matter what their religious background. Bro. Selvakumar, an evangelist laboring in the tsunaHence, in our meetings we make use of all the lanmi hit island of Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar, writes: guages spoken by the local people viz., Hindi, Tamil, “The assembly at Campbell Bay began gathering in Malayalam and Telugu. At this writing, the total congrethe godown (an Indian warehouse) belonging to the gation would be around 110 people and about 40 believgovernment electricity department after the tsunami ers are taking part in the Lord’s Supper. Every day, washed away our assembly hall…Now, apart from us, except on Monday we have meetings. only a Roman Catholic group is gathering in a small The place where we were gathering before the tsunaway on this remote island. Although tremors and mi tragedy remains under water to this day, as mentidal waves are regular features in this island, the peo- tioned above. As we had given word to the Executive ple who live here cannot leave as many of them are Engineer of the Electricity Department that we would be employed in government departments, and others vacating their godown by December, we were anxious to were born and brought up here. As many of them are find out a suitable place for the construction of an under the grip of fear for death, they are willing to lis- Assembly Hall. The Lord heard our prayers and showed ten to the gospel. This makes many—religion us a plot…to put up our assembly building in an elevatnotwithstanding—come to the assembly for prayer. ed place and enabled us to purchase the same…. The Lord has, in His grace, wonderfully made the We have first constructed a baptismal, which was a tsunami tragedy a blessing to many souls. Since the dire necessity. You will be happy to know that recently tsunami tragedy, we have an open door that no man 10 people have been baptized in this tank so far.

TSUNAMI GOSPEL EFFECT

UPLOOK / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2005

DOCTRINE

A ROYAL & HOLY PRIESTHOOD Priesthood is not only exercised by males at the weekly Lord’s Supper Spencer J. Dibble Spencer and Phyllis Dibble have served the Lord in Nigeria for many years. e may pride ourselves in the holding of the truth of the priesthood of all believers, but does this truth have a hold on us? Why is there often a dearth of true worship, especially in the remembrance time, the meeting that we profess to love so much? Is it because we have relegated our worship to Sunday morning? Are we not among those whom the Father is seeking, those who “worship…in spirit and truth”? Ours is the glorious privilege of offering unspiritual sacrifices to God who purchased us with the precious blood of His only begotten Son of God. It is also our glorious responsibility! We learn from God’s picture album of His Son, the Old Testament, that priestly service was daily service. As we look in the New Testament, we will find that the spiritual sacrifices we are to offer to God occupy a lifetime. Hebrews 13:15 urges us to continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Scripture shows us how we may keep our praise from becoming mere repetition. As one African proverb puts it, “If you don’t rekindle the fire, it will soon go out.” Is this not why we are told to be looking off to Jesus? The Old Testament is full of pictures of the Lord Jesus and His work throughout time and eternity. Surely our regular contemplation of Him would cause our thanks and praise to know no bounds. Our hearts would burn within us, as was the experience of the two on the Emmaus road. Is it possible that the Lord had drawn near, unrecognized, longing to hear for the first time the recounting, from human lips, the story of His death and resurrection? If so, He was disappointed. He remedies their error by opening to them God’s

picture book of His Son. It is in such contemplation that we are enabled not only to worship but also to show Him forth to a dying world and so delight the Father’s heart. For example, we may meditate on the One who dwells “in light unapproachable” yet who has qualified us to share in the inheritance “of the saints in light” (Col. 1:12). Hebrews 13:6 mentions a sacrifice that we should not neglect, that is, doing good and sharing what we have with others. We are created anew unto good works that we should daily walk in them (Eph. 2:10). As we contemplate God’s generous giving of His Son to us, and freely giving us all things in Him (John 3:16; Rom. 8:32), surely we are constrained by love to show forth this virtue of His in practical priestly ministry. Thus we are “as poor, yet making many rich” and “as having nothing, and yet possessing all things” (2 Cor. 6:10). This is referred to in Philippians 4:18 as a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. The amazing outcome of this service is that instead of becoming poorer for the giving, He enriches us so we may give and help all the more. The more we give the richer we become in eternal realities. Surely this will also be the outcome of our presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God (Rom. 12:1). I take this to be a daily offering as well, from the words of our Lord in Luke 9:23. Amazing grace that has made it possible that the likes of us—once defiled, dead in our trespasses and sin, and alienated from God— are now enabled to daily render this as our reasonable service (or worship). As we enter more fully into the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, it becomes manifestly clear that this is the sensible thing to do. As we, through faith, have died and were buried with Christ, in like manner we have risen from the dead through the glory of the Father so that we might walk in “newness of life.” The Lord wants, through His indwelling Spirit, to live through us to the glory of God (Rom. 6:5-11). Hence, the

UPLOOK / JANUARY 2004

A R O YA L A N D H O LY P R I E S T H O O D

daily necessity of our bodies being presented to God as living sacrifices; this is an essential part of our functioning as priests of the Most High God. The Apostle Paul also referred to himself being poured out as a drink offering “upon the sacrifice and service” of the faith of the Philippian believers (Phil. 2:17). They were one of his sacrifices, according to Romans 15:16. Now he sees that the laying down of his life will enhance the offering he has already brought. I wonder, was the martyrdom of Stephen now being seen by Paul in a different light as he was expecting to go to glory in a similar way? Some of God’s special servants have been given the privilege of pouring themselves out as a drink offering. We see from Romans 15:16 that winning souls to Christ is part of our priestly ministry. As Paul says, “Grace was given me from God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, that my offering of the Gentiles might become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Note that in this instance he says, “ministering the gospel,” not preaching the gospel. Thus, we men who are not preachers, as well as our sister priests, can offer this sacrifice as well. The more we learn of the Lord Jesus, His love and the tremendous stoop He took to bring man back to God, the more we will want to make Him known to the ones for whom He died. Our longing will be that their voices will be raised with ours to render the adoration due Him. May we understand more the horror of the pit from which we have been dug (see Eph. 2:1-3) and the glory of the Person to which we have been eternally joined that this may urge us to make this “so great salvation” known. Then we come to the sacrifice of a sweet smelling savor that the Lord Jesus gave Himself to be, out of His great love for us. This is an eternal and incomparable fragrance from that life poured out. We who have entered into the blessing of it should be constantly allowing that aroma to ascend to the Father. This will be true if the lives we live are lived through the faith of the One who died for us and rose again. We are told in 2 Corinthians 3:18 that “we, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Lord the Spirit.” We simply do the looking and He does the transforming. Thus we become a sweet savor of Christ to God (2 Cor. 2:14) and to our fellow believers. We also are a savor “in every place” of Christ to those who are perishing. Paul could claim this truth in his life as a fact, as he followed the truths of his own teaching. For example, “reckon yourselves

to be dead indeed unto sin but alive unto God” through our Lord Jesus Christ (see Rom. 6:4-12). Again he wrote: “I live by faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). And “seek those things which are above, where Christ sits” (see Col. 3:1-3). He also believed and practiced the truth. We have as our ambition, “whether present or absent, to be acceptable to Him” (2 Cor. 5:9). It is God’s desire that each believer be a sweet savor of Christ to Himself. In light of what we were, is it possible that we can be such a sweet savor of Christ to God? The God who cannot lie has declared it. As we are willing to be led by Him in His triumph in Christ, He will manifest through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him by us. Thus we will be “to the praise of the glory of His grace” in this lifetime and throughout God’s eternal day. The great question is, am I willing? (Jn. 7:17). Perhaps we must cry, like the father of old, “Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.” There would be no limit to goodness working out through us in this life if we would only follow Him, letting His life be manifested through our mortal bodies. Thus we would be a sweet savor to God and to all around. We would demonstrate to a dying world that there is indeed a new creation in Christ. We would at first be a conundrum to them, but the Holy Spirit would work in their hearts to show them that we have just what they have been searching for all of their lives. Thus the choice would be theirs to accept or refuse the gift of God. Ours is the privilege of making Him known. In these wonderful ways we will be functioning as the royal and holy priests that we are, bringing our manifold offerings to God as sweet smelling savors of Christ to God. What a transformation this will bring to our lives personally, to our fellowships, our homes and our communities! God’s order for man and woman both in home and church life does not, by any means, exclude our sisters from their functioning in this priesthood. In fact their worship can often be more truly in Spirit and in truth, evidenced by the fragrance of Christ which they exude. We men have a great problem of pride, eager to catch any hint of praise for our preaching or public praying. May each of us allow the living Christ to manifest His life through us as we follow in His train, being content to remind others of Him by this sweet fragrance. This is what God is working out in that wonderful Body He has formed of all true believers, in order that the “manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the Church both in the world and to the unseen hosts in heavenly places.

UPLOOK / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2005

PRAYER

JUST THE FACTS

TARGET

GOOD NEWS KEEPS MOVING And the team desires that you keep praying! of the tour were spent profT heitablyfirstattwotheweeks graciously provided facilities of Mountaintop Youth Camp, Pinnacle, NC. Then the first week of gospel effort was spent with the believers at the Fair Oaks assembly in Winston Salem, NC. There the team had the privilege of working with two seasoned evangelists, Jeff Buckles (NC) and Rudy Jackson (NC). A good response was received at the doors and the Lord blessed with some good opportunities in the gospel. The second week was invested in Myrtle Beach, SC, where Rex and Nancy Trogdon (NC) joined in. Again the Lord encouraged

JIM and KRISTEN STEVENSON A native of the metro Chicago, Illinois area, Jim is in fellowship with the believers of the Palos Hills Christian Assembly. Jim is the “senior” member of the team. When he felt the Lord call him to be involved in this year-long gospel campaign, he had some “details” to consider that the other 11 men didn’t. Jim is married to Kristin and has four preschool daughters, one (at the time of his decision) which was born only three weeks before! When Jim told his wife about his exercise, after prayer she said he could go. “No, no!” he said; he wanted to take the whole family! So with the assembly behind him, he quit his job of 17 years, and the Lord made it possible for them to use a motorhome to join the convoy. We know you will be especially praying for the Stevensons as they direct the team in the field.

the team, and in the first two weeks there were some good contacts made and a few professed to be saved. Both door-to-door work and witnessing at the shopping malls gave opportunity. Then, in a providential change of plans, the third week on the road was spent with the vibrant assembly in Reidsville, NC. Although the first effort (a town fair) was drizzled out, through it Eric Smith made a contact with the local TV station and was given the opportunity to give a live gospel presentation. He was invited back for a second go, shown on the 6 o’clock news. As well, the team was given an open door to the local public schools and were given golden opportunities in the gospel. A few professed salvation this week. The team now heads for a week at the state fair in Anderson, SC. Please pray for open doors!

Minot, ND 19

Eau Claire, WI 20 21

Appleton, WI

Sioux Falls, SD 18

East Lansing, MI

24 Hartville,

Chicago, IL

Kansas City, MO 17 25

Louisville, KY

Springfield, MO

Winston-Salem, NC 1

Smith/ Siloam Springs, AR

Reidsville, NC

15 Ft.

26 Memphis, TN (?) 2

Anderson, SC 4 Longview, TX 13 Tyler, TX 14

Birmingham, AL

Macon, GA 6 10

Myrtle Beach, SC

Martinez, GA

9 Albany,

Millbrook, AL 12

Five weeks in Katrina country

Land O' Lakes, FL7 8

UPLOOK / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2005

Jupiter, FL

GOOD NEWS KEEPS MOVING

JOHN MARK BJORLIE (bee-or-lee) Raised in a home where he heard the gospel from childhood, John Mark, while trusting the Lord early on, struggled with the claims of Christ on his life. But the Lord took hold of his heart and he now seeks to live completely for Him. Concerning Good News on the Move he writes: “I’m looking forward to growing with a better knowledge of the things of God. I hope to present the gospel effectively and to help build and encourage the church. My prayer is that we will have such a testimony that people around will wonder what makes us tick” and ask us about “the hope within us.” John Mark is in fellowship at the Burke assembly in Grand Rapids, Michigan. MIKE DONAHUE From Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mike fellowships at Northwest Gospel Hall. An accomplished artist, he decided that the Lord wanted him to put his college studies on hold for the GNOM campaign, as he says, “while I had the time, energy, and availability to do a year of gospel work.” Mike has a heart to reach others with the amazing message that has radically changed his life.

NICK KAHL (kale) Nick is 26 years old, and was reached for Christ through the campus work of a brother in the Meadow Ridge assembly in Fargo, North Dakota. He was saved in late 1998 while a freshman at college. He has been in fellowship at the Maryland Bible Chapel in St. Paul, Minnesota. Nick worked as a construction estimator until, in answer to prayer, he was laid off just in time to join the GNOM team! He says, “My prayer is that the Lord will be glorified by my life and that through this experience I would be better equipped to share my faith with the lost.” ROBERT CLINGAN Robert was born in 1984 into a Christian family serving the Lord in Mexico. At about 8 years of age he became aware of his condition as a sinner and his need of a Saviour. Shortly after his salvation he was baptized and received into the fellowship in Saltillo, Mexico. In March of this year the Lord gave him the opportunity to work at Southwest Bible Camp in Glenwood, New Mexico. This brought him into contact with the nearby assembly of believers in Bayard. He writes: “The Lord used the elders there to influence me so as to be burdened with a greater desire to serve Him. I believe that the following months will enable me to serve Him while continuing to prepare for more effective service for the Lord.” ANDREW ROCKHOLD Andrew grew up in a Christian family that serve at Turkey Hill Ranch Bible Camp near Jefferson City, Missouri. He trusted the Lord while young, but the death of his brother in an auto collision made a profound impact on him. Andrew wrote a tract about the tragedy and thousands have been distributed. After college, Andrew worked in various jobs, but when he heard about the GNOM opportunity He felt the Lord wanted him to respond. He says: “It’s not the type of opportunity I wanted to pass up at this point in my life.” He deeply appreciates the Christians’ prayers.

Please “pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have 20

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THE GOOD NEWS GOSPEL TEAM

MITCH ROTH A 23-year-old in fellowship at Tavistock Bible Chapel, Mitch has been a life-long resident of this southwestern Ontario town in Mennonite country. He came to the Lord four years ago and, he says, “since then God has continued to help me to grow in the knowledge of the love of Christ-which passes knowledge (Eph. 3:19).” He writes, “I am thankful to the Lord for this opportunity to be a part of the GNOM gospel campaign. I think we all have seen God’s hand in putting this team together.” He asks for prayer “that thousands will come to know the Lord Jesus as Saviour. Also pray that we will not neglect the little things that need doing.” LEONARDO SALAZ Living in Grand Junction, Colorado, Leonardo fellowships with the believers in nearby Clifton. As a Colorado native, he greatly appreciates the beautiful works of the Creator there. Before he came to know the Lord, he was studying to become a survivalist. He wanted to learn how to survive anywhere in any conditions so he could leave “the world” behind. But then, he says, “the Lord revealed Himself to me.” He first saved him out of the world and then sent him back into the world as a witness for Him. Leonardo writes: “I now live to seek what God’s will asks of me. I want to grow by learning His Word, fellowshipping with His people and by spreading His message of salvation through love.” ERIC SMITH A 30-year-old believer from upstate New York, Eric accepted the Lord as Saviour at a young age. He had the privilege of growing up with believing parents and an encouraging assembly, Bellview Gospel Chapel in Schenectady, NY. God has given him a heart for evangelism, discipleship, and seeing new assemblies started. He says, “Being a part of this trip is a dream come true.” He asks you to pray for more compassion for the lost, and courage and boldness in sharing the gospel and encouraging the saints.

KEITH TREVOLT Keith hales from Andover, Kansas, near Wichita. He was born in 1985 and born again in 1994. He deeply appreciates his upbringing in a Christian home and in a solid New Testament assembly. He says, “Two years ago, I started to realize that sitting back and being served was not a Christian’s job.” His heart was stirred to be a servant. He asks the saints to pray “for submission and conviction to follow the Lord’s leading.”

PHILIP WAHAB Phil lives in Mississauga, Ontario and attends Hopedale Bible Chapel in nearby Oakville. Recently he returned from a seven-country trip from Turkey to Egypt, visiting and working with missionaries in that region. Of the GNOM campaign, Phil writes: “I trust that this will give me the opportunity to work on evangelism skills and to develop a greater burden for the lost. This will also be a tremendous opportunity to dig deeper into God’s Word through Bible studies. I consider it a real privilege to be part of the GNOM team that will work together in seeing people come to know Christ as their Saviour.”

free course [may run], and be glorified” (2 Thess. 3:1). www.uplook.org / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2005

S C I E NC E &YOU V I S I B L E C R E AT I O N S H O W I N G U S

THE

INVISIBLE GOD

THE WEB OF LIFE y early Fall in the “sunflower state” of Kansas where I live, millions of tons of wheat, corn, beans, and yes, sunflowers, have been produced by the incredible biological machine called a green plant. Peter Ray of Stanford University describes a plant in engineering terms as a “device for capturing the energy of sunlight and using it through the process of photosynthesis, to convert carbon dioxide into organic carbon compounds [sugars] from which the substance of life can be manufactured.” The root, stem and leaves are just “the equipment necessary to make photosynthesis successful” in that they absorb water and minerals from the soil and provide a place, within the leaves, for the finely tuned biochemistry of photosynthesis to happen. Since the late 1700s it has been known that the actual organic substance of the plant comes, not from the soil, but from carbon dioxide which is part of air. Incredibly then, the millions of tons of wheat, corn and other crops made of carbon-containing chemicals appear in the fields each year literally out of thin air. But plants don’t just absorb sunlight and chemically trap atmospheric carbon; they also release molecular oxygen (O2) as a byproduct of photosynthesis and serve as a food source for animals and humans. Indeed, animal and human life on earth would not be possible without photosynthesis. So the plant is the foundational machine in a larger web of living machines which depend on each other to sustain life on earth. Plants take in sunlight, carbon dioxide and water, producing organic sugars and oxygen. Animals and humans consume plants and use oxygen to “burn” the organic sugars as fuel. They also exhale carbon dioxide, the very molecule needed by the plant as raw material for its life and growth. Although oversimplified, this example is still sufficient to illustrate that the “web of life” is not a random development. It is not only that each part of the web is a complete, functioning device that is compelling and astonishing, but that each part has a purpose to sustain a larger, integrated and co-dependent system. The existence of purposeful relationship and interdependence between parts in a larger system is evidence of conscious, rational design and not unconscious chance. Consider an electric razor. It must have a means to capture, transform and transmit energy to the cutting blades. Integrated within the housing along with circuits and various gears, shafts and brushes, is an assembly of individual machines functioning in a system for a specific purpose, created by conscious intelligence. So it is with the biological world and the web of life. This is exactly why Peter Ray cannot help but use engineering terms and examples when describing the plant and why even staunch evolutionary believers cannot keep from using the word “designed” when describing living things. One must concede that the biological world appears to be designed because it is designed, or else bear the burden of proof as to why the web of life even exists at all.

MICHAEL G. WINDHEUSER, Ph.D. 1 Ray, Peter Martin. The Living Plant. Second edition. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc. 1972. p 1.

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WA R F A R E

BIG BUSINESS

Seeking for souls. That’s the business God has on His heart. Jabe Nicholson here is a happy elderly couple now living at a retirement home in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I visited with them last week. They are the kind of souls that reflect the cheering rays of heaven’s light upon you because they live in the roseate hues of that Sonlit land. As he told me, “We pray for you and Louise and each member of your family by name every day.” What is that worth? Thankfully the benefits of such intercession can be imported across international borders without tariffs or taxes. But I happen to know a little secret about this couple. When they lived in a lovely seaside town further south, I visited them in their little home there, too. It was as modest, neat, bright and cheery as its inhabitants. There were many Bible texts and mottos here and there around the place (a habit frequently seen in our seniors’ homes but not always carried on by the next generation). But one motto especially caught my eye. It was not a direct quotation from the Scriptures, but exactly captured the spirit of Christianity as seen in the early chapters of the book of Acts. And for those interested in Church history, it also was evident in every great revival. We could also include those revivals seen in the Old Testament for evidence of something similar. Their motto read: “Economize to evangelize.” The idea being that the best blue chip investment is in everlasting souls. How do we know? Because the Heir of all things— the One who could say, “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, saith the Lord of hosts” (Hag. 2:8)—He said it was so. Listen to His words: “And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations” (Lk. 16:9).

BIG BUSINESS Want friendships that last? Lead people to Christ. Some of them will be at the door of Heaven to receive you when you get Home. Want to know what do do with your financial resources—the mammon of unrighteousness? Take what has been used by others for the wrong things and use it for

the right thing: put it into gospel work. But you might need it for a rainy day? Trust the Lord who controls the rainy days. He challenges us to put our money into His Big Project. I understand He’s a very good businessman. Being about His Father’s business, He has plans for a major takeover. Soon those who invested in this world will find their treasures have been atomized, or so says Peter: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness (2 Pet. 3:10-13).

Having heard about the Gospel bus…and the Sprinter van…and the trailer, one brother called up and said, “I have a trailer that I’m not using. If you hear about some young men interested in doing gospel work, I’ll give it to them.” Isn’t that what we need, a thousand times over? Let me hold lightly things of this earth; Transient treasures, what are they worth? Moths can corrupt them, rust can decay, All of their beauty fades in a day. Let me hold lightly temporal things; I who am deathless, I who wear wings! Let me hold fast, Lord, things of the skies; Quicken my vision, open my eyes! Show me Thy riches, glory and grace, Boundless as time is, endless as space! Let me hold lightly things that are mine— Lord, Thou hast giv’n me all that is Thine!

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—Martha Snell Nicholson

SPECIAL REPORT

WALKING STICK WITNESS A fruitful harvest in southwestern Ontario. Randy Hoffman ould anyone like a free walking stick?” “Come on in; listen to a short presentation and receive your free walking stick!” And in they came—in fact over 17,000 of them entered the Fellowship of Christian Farmer’s (FCF) tent during the week of Sep 20-24 at the International Plowing Match and Rural Exhibition in Listowel, ON. The sticks were slightly flawed shovel handles from a company in the U.S. Volunteers had drilled holes near the top of the handle and inserted a leather strap with five colored beads attached. Inside the tent at least twenty of us from local churches in the area were ready to give a short presentation of the gospel using the colored beads, similar to the Wordless Book concept. Unseen were the many local Christians who had committed to fervently pray at home during a specified period of time. In twos, threes and fours, the guests came and sat down in chairs directly in front of us. Some were apathetic, some were intrigued—each response was different, but into each soul the precious seed was sown. The gift of the stick was used as an object lesson for the Greatest Gift which could not be earned, but needed to be received. Every presentation was concluded with the question, “If you would die tonight, do you know whether you would go to heaven?” This invariably led to the opportunity for further discussion. Before they would leave we would offer them an “operator’s manual” to the stick (a gospel tract listing the verses that related to the beads). I confess I was initially skeptical as to the effectiveness of such an approach, however, the Holy Spirit soon softened my heart as I sat knee to knee with my first visitor, a somewhat disheveled middle-aged man. After a two minute gospel presentation, he was in tears searching for an answer to a question that had plagued him for twenty years: Why did God cause his two-week-old daughter to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome? I realized then, that I was dealing with real people…needy souls, and that I potentially might be the only representative they have of a Saviour who came to meet their need. After some discussion, he looked at me and said, “This is the first thing

I’ve heard in twenty years that makes any sense!” Another lady visiting with her sister from one of the eastern provinces, expressed that this was the first time that she had ever heard that God had provided a solution to her sin. She eagerly agreed to sign up for a follow-up visit to her home by local Christians. I would never have believed it! I haven’t had that many opportunities to share Christ in the past 10 years (to my shame). I sat in a chair for 4 hours straight—the minute the first group of 2 or 3 was gone, the next group took their place and I began again. By noon I could hardly get the words out of my mouth. My voice was shot! Hour after hour they came, unusually open to the message we had to share. Farmers buffeted by personal financial crisis in recent times due to desperately low commodity prices and increasingly high input costs, others facing the reality of a terminal illness. Some came and knowingly smiled through the presentation, yet couldn’t answer the closing question. They reminded me of those whom our Lord ministered to: needy in a variety of ways, clinging to their religion, yet with no hope! Only eternity will reveal the full impact of this unique five days of seed-sowing ministry. We were thankful for the privilege of planting over 17,000 seeds, and realize that it is God who will “give the increase” (1 Cor. 3:7). What struck me as I contemplated my experience in this very simple approach to evangelism was that only one of all of the visitors that I interacted with had any assurance of salvation. Oh, how great the need is! Whether we are distributing walking sticks in a farmer’s field, or evangelistic campers, or a bunch of young men on a brightly painted bus taking the gospel to the southern U.S., our mandate is the same: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel!” (Mk. 16:15). The message doesn’t change, only the method. Sometimes a little creativity will provide access to souls who would not have been reached in more conventional ways.

UPLOOK / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2005

THINK ABOUT IT

DOUBLE HONOR

If we serve the Lord, shouldn’t we look to Him for our daily needs? Donald L. Norbie n times past those going out into full-time Christian work at home or abroad from assemblies realized they must trust the Lord for their support; nothing was pledged or guaranteed. Gifts from the Lord’s people provided their income. Home workers and foreign missionaries shared the same life of faith. Thousands can testify to the faithfulness of God in supplying their needs as they have served Him in this simple way. Today there are suggestions that this should be changed. Foreign missionaries should still be supported this way but home workers need to have an understanding with the assembly where they may be working. That local assembly should support them. There needs to be some agreement or contract so that he is supported adequately. This really now becomes a wage and is subject to negotiation. First Timothy 5:17 is the verse that is used to justify this position. Let us look at this verse. Paul leaves the subject of caring for widows and progresses to the responsibility of the flock to respect and honor the elders, their spiritual leaders. “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the Word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while he treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages” (1 Tim. 5:17-18, NKJV). These are not simply older men as in verse 1 but those who lead the church, who are recognized as “elders.” All elders should be respected and valued. To the Christians Paul wrote: “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake” (1 Thess. 5:12-13). Because they are the spiritual parents of this family of God they are to be honored,

even as natural parents deserve honor. But Paul here acknowledges that some elders will be more diligent in giving leadership and in teaching the Word. These should receive additional esteem. It reads literally, “The beautifully or excellently leading elders.” Their lives are beautiful examples of purity and love; they are examples to the flock. Their lives are devoted to the care and nurture of God’s people. Paul singles out “especially those who labor in the Word and doctrine.” (Paul is not dividing elders into different official classes; all were elders on the same footing as far as their office was concerned.) It is labor; it is toil to become familiar with the Word of God and so to understand it. It means hours are spent reading, studying and comparing Scriptures. In this modern age there are many helpful books to assist in Bible study but the Word itself will be the primary source. Then he must study and pray as to how this passage may be best taught to God’s people. Elders who are knowledgeable in the Bible and are gifted to teach are a great asset to a church. Paul urges great respect for such. There is no higher calling than that of proclaiming the Word of God. But what does the “double honor” mean? There are many views on this. Lenski mentions some of them: 1. twofold, that is, in greater measure. 2. double pay 3. honor plus pay 4. twice the pay of the 60-year-old widow or of the deacons…” (p. 681). It is this passage that is clung to tenaciously by those who believe it encourages some of the elders to be placed on a salary by the church. There is no question but that those giving their full time to the Lord's work, such as Barnabas and Paul, were often supported by gifts from Christians (Phil. 4:15); but they were never hired by a

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DOUBLE HONOR

church or guaranteed support. They served the Lord in faith, looking to Him to supply their needs. And their ministry was not centered in just one church, as the elders’ work is. They might help locally but they also had a wider vision. The critical word is the Greek word time, “honor.” How should the word be translated? This word occurs 42 times in the New Testament. In every usage except this verse it must be translated as “honor” or “price” or “value.” To give honor is to place value upon one. (In the papyri there are only two common meanings: “honor” and “price.”) There is a completely different word for “wages,” misthos. This word is used by our Lord in the parable of the work-

vices in the apostolic churches. We are convinced that this assumption is not tenable. The probability is that none of them were paid. The elders of the synagogues were not paid or salaried. Each synagogue had a number of elders, too many to have a payroll that would be large enough to support them. The apostolic congregations imitated the synagogue in this respect. Our passage speaks of “twofold honor,” not of twofold financial pay or salary (Colossians, Thessalonians, Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, p. 683).

Henriksen agrees with this view (I and II Timothy and Titus, p. 280). When Paul addressed the elders of Ephesus he said, “I

Did not the Lord Jesus live the same life of faith as the other apostles,

LIVING OFF THE UNSOLICITED GIFTS OF GOD’S PEOPLE? ers in the vineyard. The owner said, “Call the laborers and give them their wages” (Mt. 20:8). A wage had been agreed upon and must be paid. If one insists that this is a wage, he is faced then with the need to pay all the elders some money. And those who are doing excellent work should be paid more. Few churches today have the funds to support all their elders. New Testament churches often met in homes and were of necessity smaller than many are today. They could never have supported all their elders. Paul refers to Scripture, “You shall not muzzle the ox while it treads out the grain” (Deut. 25:4). He also quotes a statement of the Lord Jesus, “The laborer is worthy of his wages” (Lk. 10:7; Mt. 10:10). He thus considers our Lord’s sayings as Scripture along with Moses’ statement. The ox was to be rewarded with food for its arduous labor on the threshing floor, where its hoofs separated the grain from the ear. The laborer at the job was to be paid for his work at the end of the day (Mt. 20:8). The principle here is one of reward for labor. For the ox, it was a mouthful of grain; for the laborer, it was his money. The elder, too, should be rewarded with honor and esteem by God’s people for his unselfish labor. Although Lenski is a Lutheran and believes in a salaried ministry, he makes this statement: It is generally assumed that the elders were paid for their ser-

have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35). Paul encouraged the elders to have employment. There is no hint here that the church was expected to support them all, and Paul certainly did not appoint one to be supported. Elders gave of their spare time to shepherd the flock and shared in this responsibility. When one felt the call of God to leave his regular employment to serve the Lord, he was released by his assembly and sent forth with their blessing (Acts 13:1-3). These were called “apostles of Christ,” not in the narrow sense of the Twelve but much as we might use the term “missionary” today (1 Thess. 2:6). Silvanus, Timothy, and Barnabas were so called (1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1). When in an assembly they would work with the existing leadership, but their ministry had a wider scope and was not restricted to one assembly as is true of the local elder. It seems popular today to belittle the example of Paul in his ministry and life of faith. He is spoken of as an “exception” in his style of ministry. But did he not say, “Imitate me just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1, NKJV)? Did not the Lord Jesus live the same kind of life of faith as the other apostles, living off the unsolicited gifts of God’s people? The support of God’s servants today can be either by a salary or by the gifts of believers. The New Testament knows only the latter. It is still the best way to serve God.

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THINK ABOUT IT

DARWINISM’S OTHER SIDE It doesn’t just stay in the classroom. Nancy R. Pearcey n a Washington, DC, Policy Briefing entitled “Why Darwinism Matters” and presented on May 10, 2000, Nancy R. Pearcey reported on the influence of Darwinian thought as it affects life outside of the Science class. Here is a sample of what she said:

Tracing out the implications of Darwinism for just about every area of life has become a cottage industry. If you haven’t kept up with it, take a look at a new book series from Yale University Press called Darwinism Today. The books cover such topics as “an evolutionary view of women at work” and “a Darwinian view of parental love” and even a Darwinian approach to leftist political philosophy. There’s no part of life, it seems, where Darwinism is not being applied today. You might call the subject of my talk Applied Darwinism: not science per se, but its implications for other areas of life. A few months ago, talk shows were boiling over with a controversial discussion of a new book on the subject of rape. It was titled The Natural History of Rape, and the two authors were university professors who made the rather inflammatory claim that rape is not a pathology, biologically speaking—rather it is an evolutionary adaptation, a strategy for maximizing reproductive success. In other words, if candy and flowers don’t do the trick, some men may resort to coercion to fulfill the reproductive imperative. The book calls rape “a natural, biological phenomenon that is a product of the human evolutionary heritage,” just like “the leopard’s spots and the giraffe’s elongated neck.” The authors were genuinely surprised by all the hoopla the book caused, because after all they were expounding a theory that has been debated in academic circles for several years. It’s called “evolutionary psychology,” which a new

form of sociobiology, a term that may be more familiar. It’s the theory that if natural selection produced the human body, then it must also have produced human behavior. Any behavior that survives today must have conferred some evolutionary advantage, otherwise it would not have been preserved by natural selection. One of the authors, Randy Thornhill, appeared on NPR, where he was badgered repeatedly by critics until finally, in exasperation, he insisted that, look, the logic is inescapable: Since evolution is true, it must be true, he said, that “Every feature of every living thing, including human beings, has an underlying evolutionary background. That’s not a debatable matter.” In other words, proponents of evolutionary psychology are doing us the favor of spelling out the logical consequences of the Darwinian premises. Other proponents of evolutionary psychology have claimed to have discovered an evolutionary advantage in such things as jealousy, depression, and even infanticide. A few years ago (November 1997) in the New York Times, Stephen Pinker of MIT claimed that “The emotional circuitry of mothers has evolved” by natural selection to leave their babies to die in certain circumstances. What these examples remind us is that Darwinism is not only a scientific theory but also the basis of a worldview—and it has implications for the way we define human nature and morality and a host of other worldview questions. Of course, this is where the rubber hits the road for most of us who are not scientists. What we want to know is, what difference does Darwinism make, and what impact has it had, on questions like morality and the law, the family and education? You can find the whole briefing at the following location: http://www.arn.org/docs/pearcey/np_dcpolicy0500.htm

UPLOOK / JANUARY 2004

ELDERHELPS TO FEED •

TA K E H E E D •

AND TO

LEAD

This page is reserved for those interested in the subject of shepherding in a local assembly. You can help others by submitting your questions and/or answers and they will be appreciated, edited and used in some way. Please e-mail me care of elders@uplook.org THE RECOGNITION OF ELDERS Correspondence continues to arrive on this subject and more is welcome. It will be kept for future reference. Before turning now to another topic, it seems fitting to quote from one correspondent in full. Two of his points should be especially noted: the New Testament does not give exact examples or commands regarding the installation of elders today. Secondly, he does not believe that Scripture leaves room for a democratic vote by everyone in fellowship. We have to agree. He writes: “The New Testament teaches that the church planter selected the first elders in the assembly he planted. After that, the New Testament is quiet. This would seem to indicate that we are to look to the Lord for culturally sensitive ways of recognizing those whom God has prepared to serve. Since we are affirming God’s choice, we must be prayerful and patient until He reveals His will. The manner in which He reveals His will is likely to vary in the cultures of the world, but we can safely assume that the original elders will seek the face of the Lord in prayer and in mutual consultation until they are sure they have come to the mind of Christ.” —J.S. THE PRIORITY OF ELDERS Many groups of believers are small, and so the burden of work tends to fall on a few or even just one pair of shoulders. Even in larger assemblies where there may be more to carry the load, there is always the danger that elders will get bogged down in procedural matters and the true work of an elder gets neglected. We believe the above to be sadly true. It should provoke us to ask, “What is, or what should be, the true work of an elder?” We must not try to answer that question by looking around to see what is going on in other assemblies, nor judge by what our own weakened condition might sometimes tempt us to accept. We must go back to the Word first of all, and then—with the Holy Spirit’s help—seek to put into practice what we find there. Paul’s charge to the elders at Ephesus in Acts 20:17-35, along with Peter’s admonition in 1 Peter 5:1-2, make it very clear what the priority of an elder has to be: he must “take heed” to himself and then feed or tend the flock. In light of the above, we should not be surprised to learn that it is essential for an elder to be “apt to teach” (1 Tim. 3:2). That does not mean it is necessary for him to be the kind of teacher mentioned in Ephesians 4:11. Public ministry may not be his forté, but he should be able to open up the Word and counsel members of the flock in an effective manner. Something is very wrong if we are comfortable with less (see Ezek. 34:2-10). Extra-biblical procedures and programs are not the concern of a true elder unless he sees these things interfering with the local church’s four-fold ministry (Acts 2:42). Spiritually-minded believers may be involved in Sunday School, Awana, Coffee Hours, etc., but such programs require the leader to give most, if not all, of his time to them. An elder must be free to care for all age groups and every aspect of the local testimony. And for this to be done effectively, there must be at least more than one elder. On occasion two elders may be a necessity, but this can give an unhappy situation where believers find themselves aligned to one elder or the other according to preference. This is a division waiting to happen. There is wisdom in seeking the Lord to raise up three or more, and it behoves elders everywhere to be training and encouraging spiritual younger men who may be the Lord’s provision . —ed.

UPLOOK / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2005

T RU E S T O RY “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee” (Mk. 5:19).

REUBEN’S STORY Myron Martinson with Jeremy Martinson

roy’s small hand wrapped around my finger as we entered the hospital room. The patient was gasping for breath. I guessed Reuben to be only about 40 years of age—and yet the doctors said he was dying of sclerosis of the liver. His life had been filled with drunkenness and the gross neglect of his family—including his son who clung to my hand. The doctor had told the family and friends gathered in the room that Reuben might have two hours or two minutes, but whatever, his time on earth was short. The urgency of our mission was not lost on me. Troy had heard the gospel many times while attending kids’ outreaches at our chapel. He knew that salvation came only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The squeezing of my hand told me Troy also knew that if his father died without trusting Christ he would be in hell for eternity. There was silence in the room as Troy and I made our way past the others to the head of the bed. Not knowing if Reuben could hear me, I found myself speaking louder than normal. “Reuben, the doctor tells me that you’re going to die very soon. I don’t know if you can hear me, but if you can, listen to what I’ve got to say. “Reuben, the Bible tells us that we are all sinners, and that the wages of that sin is death. You are a sinner, Reuben, and the wages of your sin are about to claim your life. There is only one way to be assured that your sins are forgiven—and to know that you’ll go to Heaven. You must trust the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour. Acknowledge before God that you are a sinner deserving of hell, and that only the death of Jesus Christ on Calvary’s cross can save you. Reuben,

thank the Lord Jesus for dying for you.” I rose up from leaning over the bed and immediately realized another reason I felt compelled to speak louder than usual. Not only had Reuben’s friends and family given audience to the message, but also several members of the nursing staff who had gathered at the door of the room. After praying with those gathered in the room, I left the hospital. As I did, many questions flooded my mind. Had Reuben heard me speak? Did he understand the simplicity of the gospel? Did he realize that his only chance to be right with God was while he was still living? Though none of these could be answered, I thanked the Lord for the opportunity to share the gospel—not only with Reuben, but also with his family and friends, as well as the hospital staff. Reuben proved the doctors wrong, and was discharged from the hospital. Some of his children saw it as a miracle from God. Unfortunately, shortly after being discharged, he began drinking again. Less than two weeks later, he was readmitted to the hospital. I tried several times to see Reuben. I wanted to visit with him privately about his soul. However, each time his room was full of family and friends. One morning, as I was driving past the hospital, I sensed an urgency to see Reuben. I had not intended to stop on this particular morning, but I later thanked the Lord for His Spirit’s prompting in my heart. Reuben was alone in the room. I introduced myself and asked him if he had any recollection of what I had said to him just two weeks before. He said he remem-

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REUBEN’S STORY

bered me talking over his bed, and apologized that he was unable to respond to me. He also said that he had not asked the Lord for forgiveness from his sins. “Reuben,” I asked, “can we talk about your need for a Saviour? Can I share with you again God’s perfect plan of salvation?” Reuben responded with a simple nod. I opened my Bible and again presented the gospel as clearly and simply as I could. When I asked Reuben if he was ready to be forgiven, he said that God couldn’t forgive him because his sins were so great. I opened to the Epistle of 1 Timothy 1:15 where Paul explained that he was the chief of sinners. At once there seemed to be a change in Reuben as he realized that if the chief of sinners could be forgiven, surely he could be forgiven as well. That morning Reuben bowed his head and asked Christ to be his Saviour. SAVED RIGHT AT THE BRINK When he had finished praying, he thanked me with a smile found only on the face one newly saved. I asked him where he would spend eternity. With confidence in his voice, he said, “Heaven!” I left the hospital with expectations of seeing Reuben again. Yet within an hour of my leaving him, Reuben passed into eternity. But not before he professed to his oldest daughter that he had trusted Christ as his Saviour. Even now I marvel at how God, in His mercy, had given Reuben one final chance to respond to the gospel message. In the days following Reuben’s death, the family, though Roman Catholic, asked me to take his funeral. It was my privilege to again present the gospel to his relatives and friends. I shared Reuben’s testimony with the gathered crowd, delighting to tell of God’s graciousness to a poor, lost sinner, saved only hours before his death. THE REST OF THE STORY Following the funeral, as I stood looking over the group gathered to eat, I noticed a woman who was crying. I went to her and asked her if I could help. She grabbed my hand and proceeded to tell me who she was. “I was Reuben’s first wife,” she said. “Twenty years ago, I trusted Christ. When I started to live for Him, it was too convicting for Reuben—and he divorced me.” By this time, tears were rolling down her face as she continued, “I have been praying for twenty years that Reuben would be saved. These tears are tears of joy.” By this time, she wasn’t the only one crying. I wiped at

my tears, too, as together we rejoiced in the fact that her prayers had been answered; Reuben was now in Heaven. ANOTHER LAST MINUTE RESCUE Perhaps you’re wondering why I’d bother to tell Reuben’s story. After all, his life was essentially wasted in sin. But the Bible also tells the story of a man who was saved only hours before he died. Like Reuben’s, his life also was one of sin—sin that would eventually cause him to be condemned to die. But as he hung on a cross, his simple prayer, “Lord, remember me…” was heard and answered by the Man on the middle cross. You see, it was there that the the Lord Jesus, Saviour of the World, was dying for the sins of the world. The moment he believed, that repentant criminal was promised a place in Paradise. And that very day he died and was with his Saviour. Maybe in one important way you’re like that man “…for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:22-23). The Bible says that if you haven’t believed on the Lord Jesus Christ you stand condemned for the sins that you’ve committed. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18). That condemnation will eventually take you to Hell and the Lake of Fire for all eternity. As Jesus said to people in His day, “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). COMING DOWN TO THE WIRE Perhaps, like Reuben, you think your sins are too many—that God could never forgive a sinner like you. But the Bible says that “The Lord is…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). You see, as the Lord Jesus hung on that cross, the sins of that criminal were paid for. Reuben’s sins were paid for. And, by the grace of God, my sins and yours were paid for. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8, NKJV). Won’t you trust the Saviour today? In the same way that He waited for Reuben, He has waited for you. The Bible says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Remember: “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.” But “He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever” (Psalm 103:8-9). “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

UPLOOK / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2005

FINAL WORDS

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING The one thing you have to give Him is you. Everything else is borrowed.

think it was Harold St. John who said, “The Cross of Christ will never mean anything to you until it takes your breath away and becomes the most important thing in your life.” This testimony is true. Calvary is of such immeasurable significance that, in comparison, nothing else is important. The Cross is rightly called the center of two eternities. Everything points forward and back to it. That weekend outside the walls of Jerusalem was the high ground of human existence. It was the One hanging on the middle Cross who gave those three days their unique and unforgettable importance. He was not merely a Galilean carpenter but God incarnate. He was not an angel but the One whom angels worship. Make no mistake about it; he was not merely a 33-year-old rabbi, but the Word of God become flesh. Don’t think of Him as just another son of Adam; He is the very Son of God. Our penniless Friend from Nazareth was, at the same time, the Universal Owner. He might have seemed to be a helpless victim, but He was the mighty Conqueror. Impinged on that wooden Cross was the One whose throne is heaven and whose footstool is the earth (Isa. 66:1). He counts the number of the stars, and calls them all by name (Ps. 147:4). He is high above all nations, and His glory is above the heavens (Ps. 113:4). No one can compare with this One who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and the earth (Ps. 113:5-6). We hear only a whisper of His greatness: no one can understand the thunder of His power (Job 26:14). It boggles the mind to think that the Eternal God should die, but it is even more astounding when we learn the purpose of His death. He who is “God…manifest in the flesh” died to save us sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). The Creator died for His ungodly creatures (Rom. 5:6). The Just One died for the unjust (1 Pet. 3:18). The Prince of Peace died for His enemies (Rom. 5:10).

The depth of such love is beyond human imagination. The breadth of His mercy exceeds description. The height of His grace beggars superlatives. The finest tribute that could be paid to Him is little more than a stutter. It helps us to borrow the words of some of our hymns as we are lost in wonder, love and praise. It was Isaac Watts who wrote: Well might I hide my blushing face while His dear Cross appears; Dissolve my heart in thankfulness and melt my eyes to tears. Charles Wesley soared in rapturous measures when he thought of Calvary: Died He for me who caused His pain, for me who Him to death pursued? Amazing love, how can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me? But our only proper response to what the Lord did for us at Calvary is to present ourselves to Him as a living sacrifice. It is the Christian’s highest act of worship. But drops of grief can ne’er repay the debt of love I owe; Dear Lord, I give myself away. ’Tis all that I can do. —Isaac Watts WILLIAM MACDONALD

www.uplook.org / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2005

UPLOOK

We thank the Lord for each elder Who willingly lays down his life To care for the sheep of His pastures green, But what of the elder’s wife? The elder seeks for the wand’rer Who has strayed away from home; But we mustn’t forget the elder’s wife Often keeping her vigil alone. How often she sees her husband With a troubled look in his eye, And she doesn’t know what weighs him down But the Lord hears her plaintive cry. The Lord who observed the woman Who cast in her living complete Still sees you sisters who give Him your all, Laid with joy at the Master’s feet. Like those valued far above rubies Whose husbands sit in the gates, They rise up and call you blessed, but— The Lord’s “Well done” also awaits! For those companions in labor, With your husband you pour out your life; The elders will hear Heaven’s thanks that day, But so will the elder’s wife. — J. B. N., Jr.

The Elder’s Wife