The Christian Shepherd: 2003

“Remember them... who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Heb. 13:7-8).

I have found something to be quite helpful (and safe as well) when determining whether or not I should read a certain book. Following the principle of the scorpion’s sting being in its tail, I check the end of the book first. That is where you will most likely find false doctrine (at least in its most recognizable and developed form). Many such books will sound very good, very pious and very safe in the first chapter. Error is then gradually presented in a manner which is hard to discern. (Remember, Satan is an angel of light.) By the end of the book the error has been fully developed and the poisonous sting has wounded the heart and conscience of the reader. So check the end to see what the conclusion is first, before deciding to read the whole.

K. Heslop (adapted from the YP Forum)

An Ambassador in Bonds

“Praying... for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds” (Eph. 6:18-20).

Did you ever hear of such a thing as the ambassador of one nation being put in bonds by the nation to which he was sent? Why, God has fared worse in this world than the representative of any nation in it would, and what message did this ambassador bring? A message of boundless grace. And that is the way He has been treated. The law of nations would not allow it for an instant. Yet that is the way God, for two thousand years, in the person of His servants and witnesses, has consented to be treated.

J. G. Bellett

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2002 - (l)

1. J oshua Josh. 24:2,15

2. E ast Gen. 13:10-11

3. R efuse the evil Isa. 7:15

4. U nderstanding Prov. 16:16

5. S alvation 2 Thess. 2:13

6. A aron’s rod Num. 17:1-11

7. L iving stone 1 Peter 2:4

8. E ntangleth himself with the affairs of this life 2 Tim. 2:4

9. M ary Luke 10:38-42

“I have chosen JERUSALEM, that My name might be there; and have chosen David to be over My people Israel” (2 Chron. 6:6).

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (a)

1. D elivered Him up for us all Rom. 8:30-32

2. A fraid Gen. 3:10

3. M acedonia Acts 16:9-10

4. A braham Heb. 11:8

5. S amuel 1 Sam. 3:7

6. C hrist crucified 1 Cor. 1:23-24

7. U ncleanness 1 Thess. 4:7

8. S ons of God 1 John 3:1

“As he journeyed, he came near DAMASCUS: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?” (Acts 9:34).

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (b)

1. M isery Lam. 3:19

2. E very year Heb. 10:3

3. M anna Num. 11:56

4. O ften Mal. 3:16

5. R emember me when Thou Luke 23:42

comest into Thy kingdom

6. I t is more blessed to give Acts 20:35

than to receive

7. A malek Deut. 25:17-19

8. L ot’s wife Luke 17:32

“This day shall be unto you for a MEMORIAL; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever” (Ex. 12:14).

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (c)

1. N eighbor Mark 12:31

2. O nly begotten Son John 3:16

3. T ongues 1 Cor. 13:8

4. H is friends John 15:13

5. I saac Gen. 22:2

6. N ecessity 2 Cor. 9:7

7. G ave Himself for me Gal. 2:20

“Though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am NOTHING” (1 Cor. 13:2).

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (d)

1. A lway Phil. 4:4

2. C ross Heb. 12:2

3. C orinth 2 Cor. 1:25

4. O ut of the wells of salvation Isa. 12:23

5. U nspeakable 1 Peter 1:8

6. N o root Luke 8:13

7. T ruth 3 John 4

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give ACCOUNT, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Heb. 13:17).

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (e)

1. P aul 1 Tim. 1:16

2. E ndured Rom. 9:22

3. R epentance Rom. 2:4

4. I niquity Ex. 34:7

5. S alvation 2 Peter 3:15

6. H umbleness of mind Col. 3:12

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should PERISH, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (f)

1. W rath Gal. 5:20

2. I n his bosom Isa. 40:11

3. S trive 2 Tim. 2:24

4. D avid 2 Sam. 22:1,36; Psa. 18:35

5. O ur own souls 1 Thess. 2:8

6. M asters 1 Peter 2:18

“The WISDOM that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (g)

1. D eceived 1 Cor. 15:33

2. O h that men would praise Psa. 107:8,15,21,31

the Lord

3. R eap Gal. 6:9-10

4. C orrupt Matt. 7:17

5. A bhor that which is evil Rom. 12:9

6. S in James 4:17

“There was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called DORCAS: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did” (Acts 9:36).

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (h)

1. H abakkuk Hab. 2:4

2. E ternal life 1 Tim. 6:12

3. A bel Heb. 11:4

4. R epentance Acts 20:21

5. I mpossible Heb. 11:6

6. N ot seen Heb. 11:1

7. G God conscience 1 Tim. 1:19

“Faith cometh by HEARING, and hearing by the Word of God” (Rom. 10:17).

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (i)

1. L iberty Isa. 61:1

2. E arth Matt. 5:5

3. A ss Matt. 21:17

4. R estore Gal. 6:1

5. N ew man Col. 3:10,12

6. O rnament 1 Peter 3:4

7. F ear 1 Peter 3:15

8. M oses Num. 12:3

9. E ngrafted word James 1:21

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and LEARN OF ME; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matt. 11:28-29).

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (j)

1. F elix Acts 24:25

2. A ged men Titus 2:2

3. I ncorruptible 1 Cor. 9:25

4. T ime past 1 Peter 4:23

5. H eart Eph. 4:18,19

“Beside this, giving all diligence, add to your FAITH virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity” (2 Peter 1:57).

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (k)

1. S ober 1 Peter 1:13

2. T ruth Eph. 6:14

3. R ighteousness Isa. 11:5

4. E uphrates Jer. 13:4

5. N ame of the Lord Jesus Acts 21:11-13

6. G olden Rev. 1:13

7. T oken Ex. 12:13

8. H oney Matt. 3:4

“She girdeth her loins with STRENGTH, and strengtheneth her arms” (Prov. 31:17).

Beholding the Person

A Christian must look above this wilderness pathway to be able to properly walk in it. A Jew who had the secret of the Lord and who waited for the Messiah was pious and faithful according to the law. A Jew who had only the law assuredly did not keep it. A Christian who has heaven before him and his blessed Saviour in glory as the object of his affections will walk well upon earth.

He who has only the earthly path for his rule will fail in the intelligence and motives needed to walk in it. Such a Christian will become a prey to worldliness, and his Christian walk here will be more or less on a level with the world in which he walks.

Eyes kept upward on Jesus keep the heart and steps in a path conformable to Him and consequently glorifying Him, making Him known in the world. Is our motive for a daily walk Christ in glory?

Words of Truth, Vol. 3, 1868 (adapted)

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (a)

The first letters of the following responses give the name of the place to which a persecutor was heading when the Lord called him and entirely changed his ambition. [1] The number in brackets indicates the number of words in each answer.

1. Not even sparing His own Son, what was God willing to do for the sake of His called ones, an overwhelming assurance that He will with Him also freely give us all things? [6]

2. Something one confessed to being, after hearing the voice of God calling him out of his hiding-place. [1]

3. The place one felt called to visit with the gospel after seeing a vision of a man calling for help. [1]

4. One who was called to go out to a place he would later receive for an inheritance and who obeyed, though he didn’t know where he was going. [1]

5. One whom God called at a young age, when he did not yet know the Lord. [1]

6. What was preached that was a stumbling block to the Jews, foolishness to the Greeks, but the power and wisdom of God to those who were called? [2]

7. Something God has not called believers to, but on the contrary to holiness. [1]

8. What marvelous calling or relationship has been given to those on whom the Father has bestowed His wonderful love, making them unknown to the world, just as He was? [3]

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (b)

At the time of its institution, the Passover was called a feast which was to be kept forever. The first letters of the following responses give another term used in connection with the Passover. [1] The number in brackets indicates the number of words in each answer.

1. Something one was remembering besides his affliction, the wormwood and the gall. [1]

2. Due to the inadequacy of the offerings sacrificed under the law, how often was there a remembrance made of sins? [2]

3. What food drew complaints from those who remembered the former abundance of fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic? [1]

4. In a day when the wicked were exalted, with what frequency did those who feared the Lord speak to one another, insomuch that a book of remembrance was written for them before the Lord? [1]

5. What was perhaps the last request addressed to the Lord Jesus, who left no doubt that the fulfillment of that request would not be long in coming? [8]

6. What wonderful words were a group of elders exhorted to remember, which had been spoken by the Lord Jesus many years before? [9]

7. A people whose remembrance was to be blotted out from under heaven, due to what they had done to the Lord’s people when they were faint and weary. [1]

8. One who we are told to remember, as an example of the seriousness of turning back. [2]

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (c)

The first letters of the following responses tell me what I am without charity or love, though ever so gifted in other respects. [1] The number in brackets indicates the number of words in each answer.

1. Who am I to love as my own self, according to one of the greatest commandments ever given to men? [1]

2. What did God give because of His love for the world? [3]

3. Something that will cease, in contrast to love, which never fails. [1]

4. Who might a man lay down his life for, giving evidence to the greatest love a man could have? [2]

5. Who is the first one mentioned in the Word of God as being loved? [1]

6. God loves a cheerful giver. Giving to others should not be done grudgingly or out of what? [1]

7. Something a believer in the Lord Jesus can say that the Son of God, who loves him, has done for him. [4]

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (d)

The first letter of the following responses answers the following question: In an assembly of believers, those in a position of leadership should be submitted to. What is it they must give, and hopefully give joyfully, and not with grief? [1] The number in brackets indicates the number of words in each answer.

1. The time period in which a believer should be found rejoicing in the Lord. [1]

2. Something that was endured and its shame despised, due to the joy that lay beyond it. [1]

3. Which assembly was being addressed when the writer referred to himself as a “helper(s) of your joy”? [1]

4. Those who know Jehovah as their strength, song and salvation will trust and not be afraid. From where will they draw water with joy? [6]

5. Surely an example for us, we read of those who, though they hadn’t seen Jesus, loved him, and believing, they rejoiced with what manner of joy? [1]

6. A condition that can cause the Word of God to be given up when temptations come, though in recent times it had been received with joy. [2]

7. The greatest joy a spiritual father knows is to hear that his children are walking in what way? [1]

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (e)

The first letter of the following responses answers the question, What will happen in the end to one who never comes to repentance, an end that the Lord seeks to avert by showing much long-suffering (not to be mistaken for slackness)? [1] The number in brackets indicates the number of words in each answer.

1. A great sinner who was shown mercy and long-suffering, becoming a pattern of future believers in Jesus Christ. [1]

2. Something that God did (with much long-suffering) with those called “vessels of wrath,” for the purpose of making His power known. [1]

3. The righteous judgment of God awaits those who despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance and long-suffering. Such are ignorant that the goodness of God should have led them to what? [1]

4. Though the God Moses had to do with on Mount Sinai was merciful, gracious, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, merciful and forgiving, what might even a fourth generation bear on account of their fathers? [1]

5. Something that the long-suffering of our Lord is sometimes equated to, since the day is approaching when the heavens will be dissolved and the elements will melt with fervent heat. [1]

6. Something the elect of God should put on, in addition to bowels of mercies, kindness, meekness, long-suffering and love. [3]

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (f)

The first letters of the following responses tell us something that comes from above and is described as being pure, peaceable, gentle, yielding, full of mercy and good fruits, and without partiality and hypocrisy. [1] The number in brackets indicates the number of words in each answer.

1. Something listed as one of the works of the flesh, which stands in sharp contrast to gentleness, a fruit of the Spirit. [1]

2. Where will the Lord carry the lambs He has gathered with His arm, when He feeds His flock like a shepherd and gently leads those that are with young? [3]

3. Something a servant of the Lord must not do, but rather be gentle to all men a patient, meek and capable teacher of those who oppose. [1]

4. One who exclaimed of his God, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [1]

5. “As a nurse cherisheth her children” was the way Paul described his gentle behavior toward the Thessalonian believers. Even more than the gospel, which he and those who labored with him brought to them, what else could he say they had imparted, because they were so dear to them? [3]

6. One to whom a servant is to be subject, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are froward or harsh. [1]

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (g)

The first letters of the following responses tell us the name of a disciple who was full of good works and was also known as Tabitha. [1] The number in brackets indicates the number of words in each answer.

1. To deny that evil communications (or influences) corrupt good manners is to be what? [1]

2. An exclamation the psalmist repeated when he considered the Lord’s goodness and his wonderful works to the children of men. [7]

3. Something we will do in due time, if we don’t weary in well doing, but, as we have opportunity, do good to all men, especially to those of the household of faith. [1]

4. If every good tree brings forth good fruit, what sort of tree brings forth evil fruit? [1]

5. What exhortation is conversely connected with the instruction to “cleave to that which is good”? [5]

6. To know to do good, but then not do it, is called what by the Word of God? [1]

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (h)

The prophet Isaiah asks, “Lord, who hath believed our report?” Faith is accepting as true a word or report from God. The first letters of the following responses give another word for report, something that comes by the Word of God. [1] The number in brackets indicates the number of words in each answer.

1. One of the two Old Testament books that contains the word “faith.” [1]

2. A man of God is told to fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on what? [2]

3. One who, by faith, offered a more excellent sacrifice than his brother. [1]

4. What did Paul preach, that must be shown toward God, along with faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ? [1]

5. What word is used to describe our ability to please God without faith? [1]

6. Faith is the substance or assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of what type of things? [2]

7. Something that some had put aside and made shipwreck of their faith. [2]

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (i)

The first letters of the following responses reveal an entreaty that was given by a meek and lowly one to those who labor under heavy burdens, in order that they might find rest for their souls. [3] The number in brackets indicates the number of words in the answer.

1. What was it that one who was anointed to preach good tidings to the meek, sent to proclaim to the captives? [1]

2. Something the meek will inherit. [1]

3. Something that was tied up, in preparation for its role in fulfilling a prophecy concerning a meek King? [1]

4. Something a spiritual helper should do, in the spirit of meekness, for a brother who has been overcome by a fault, being careful lest temptation befalls himself as well. [1]

5. Having put off the old man with his deeds, what is it that the elect of God have put on, which should be manifested by meekness, among other things? [2]

6. A word used to depict a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. [1]

7. Believers should always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks a reason for the hope that is in them. Two words should characterize our testimony. One is meekness. What is the other? [1]

8. One who was very meek, above all the men on the face of the earth. [1]

9. Something that should be received with meekness and is able to save our souls, though it is of little benefit if the receiver is only a hearer and not a doer. [2]

Answers to these questions will be found, Lord willing, in the next issue of Christian Shepherd.

J. Short

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (j)

The first letters of the following responses reveal the inceptive foundation to which should be added virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and finally charity, in order that we be neither barren nor unfruitful. [1] The number in brackets indicates the number of words in the answer.

1. One who trembled when issues of righteousness, temperance and judgment to come were brought before him, yet had no apparent change of heart. [1]

2. A particular class of believers who are exhorted to be sober, grave, temperate, and sound in faith, in charity and in patience. [2]

3. A man striving for mastery is temperate in all things, in order that he might obtain a corruptible crown. On the other hand, what sort of crown does a believer have to gain? [1]

4. What period of life is spoken of as being sufficient to have walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revelings, banquetings and abominable idolatries, giving the remaining time to the will of God? [2]

5. In contrast to being drunk with wine, wherein is excess, believers should rather be filled with the Spirit, singing and making melody to the Lord. Where does this praise commence? [1]

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (k)

The word formed by the first letters of the following responses answers the following question: With what does a virtuous woman gird her loins? [1] Numbers in brackets indicate the number of words in the answer.

1. Something believers should be, having girded up the loins of their mind, hoping to the end for the grace to be brought to them at the revelation of Jesus Christ. [1]

2. In taking the whole armor of God, with what are the loins to be girt about? [1]

3. In the day when the wolf, lamb, leopard, kid, calf, lion, cow and bear will all live in harmony, the great offspring of Jesse will judge the earth. Faithfulness is called the girdle of his loins. What is spoken of as being the girdle of his reins? [1]

4. By what river did the prophet Jeremiah hide a linen girdle, where it became spoiled, as a picture of what would happen to the Lord’s people? [1]

5. Though warned by a prophet who bound himself with Paul’s girdle, symbolizing his coming captivity, Paul was undaunted. What was he willing to not only be bound for, but also to die for? [5]

6. What type of girdle was worn by the One who appeared to John in the island of Patmos? [1]

7. Those who ate the Passover lamb were to do so with their loins girded, shoes on their feet and staff in their hand. Displayed on their houses without, what would the lamb’s blood be to them? [1]

8. What, besides locusts, did one who wore a leather girdle eat? [1]

Answers to these questions will be found, Lord willing, in the next issue of Christian Shepherd.

J. Short

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (l)

The first letters of the following responses answer the following question: The breastplate made for Aaron was to contain twelve stones, representing each tribe of Israel, arranged in rows. Which row was made up of a beryl, onyx and jasper stone? [1] Numbers in brackets indicate the number of words in the answer.

1. When writing to the Thessalonian believers, what was the breastplate Paul exhorted them to put on? [3]

2. What type of stone was borne on Aaron’s shoulders (on the ephod) as well as on his heart (on the breastplate)? [1]

3. Something worn in Aaron’s breastplate, whose interpreted meaning is “lights and perfections.” [3]

4. When writing to the Ephesian believers, what was the breastplate Paul exhorted them to have on? [1]

5. What did the giant Goliath wear between his shoulders? [3]

6. What is mentioned as sustaining one who, wondering that there was no intercessor, put on a breastplate of righteousness, a helmet of salvation, garments of vengeance and a cloak of zeal? [2]

Boldness Before God

“Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17).

Some Christians do not give this verse all its power; they refer it simply to our position before God respecting the day of judgment.

Whatever judgment may come, the saint has nothing to do with it. For if there remains a question about judgment, there can be no boldness before God. There is nothing more comforting than the perfect confidence of having God as my Father.

I cannot get my heart’s affections in full play if I think God is going to judge me, but I have the Spirit of adoption, and if I sin or do wrong, I run to my Father directly, because I know my Father is not going to judge me for that sin.

God is my Father and will not judge (except as a Father, now, for my correction by the way). Therefore boldness is needed for the exercise of the spiritual affections in me.

We ought to remember this, for Christians often shrink from it, but it is evident that if I am hesitating whether God is going to bless me or to judge me, I cannot love Him.

J. N. Darby (adapted)

Book and Pamphlet Review

We heartily recommend a little book compiled by brother G. V. Wigram entitled Hebrew Proper Names. This small volume contains a list of all the proper names found in the Old Testament given in alphabetical order with their meaning and, as the author notes, giving the interpretations of those names. I have personally found this little book very helpful in studying the precious Word of God.

Also, four booklets by the editor which present practical Christian precepts are now also available.

The first of this continuing series is titled Romance, Courtship, and Dating. In its second printing, this booklet has been revised with several pages of young people’s questions added.

The second booklet in the series is titled Parenting Principles for Christian Families. The practical principles presented in it are based on a study of the book of Philippians.

A third booklet in the series, The Journey of Life, is a present-day application of Biblical principles especially for young people, based on Acts 27.

The fourth booklet, In the Potter’s Hands, describes the process of pottery-making and relates those procedures to daily Christian life. More subjects are planned in this series, Lord willing.

All these booklets may be obtained from Bible Truth Publishers (Addison, Illinois, U.S.A.), Bibles & Publications (Montreal, Quebec, Canada), and other tract depots.

Buying and Wasting the Truth

“The people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua.... And there arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel” (Judg. 2:7,10).

The second generation of any movement is a time when the danger of giving up what the first generation bought is very great. Israel under Joshua and the elders was faithful, living in the fear of God. But the second generation had not seen the works of the Lord. They got the truths from the elders secondhand. They learned them in an intellectual way, rather than embracing them in their hearts.

It is very easy for the second generation to have the truth in the head, yet not in the heart. We may have all these truths on our bookshelves, for they can now be purchased for a few dollars. But it is one thing to pay out of the pocket, quite another to pay for it out of the soul. It is one thing to get truth into our heads, another to get it into our hearts.

There was a time when the Spirit of God sounded the midnight cry, “Behold the bridegroom cometh.” With what power it took hold of souls and brought them out to meet the bridegroom. How near was the glory! How dear the Lord! And how insignificant all the world became!

What blessings the Spirit of God has revealed: a glorious Christ at God’s right hand, a heavenly church, and all the precious truths that flow from and are connected with it. Oh! that we may have these truths revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. Those generations who bought the truth have passed on, and we are arisen in their place. Have we had to do with God about these precious truths? Have we been alone with Him concerning them? We cannot follow leaders, except for the example they leave in following Christ. May God stir us to be found searching the Scriptures for ourselves (Acts 17:11), buying the truth (Prov. 23:23), and never letting it slip away (2 Tim. 1:13; Rev. 2:25).

S. Ridout

The Call of God in Grace to Our Father

“God is faithful, by whom ye have been called into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor. 1:9 JND).

Many years ago the call of God came,

You the fields of sin must leave;

Choose the One who is ever the Same,

Ready, willing and able to save.

Again the call of God was heard,

While fallowing the fields with horse and plow,

The truth unhindered you must embrace,

To steady your step and praise increase.

Another call of God was felt,

A wife to take and children to raise,

Pointing each to the fields of His grace,

Where happiness and true joy abound.

Yet another call of God to the heart,

The fields are white and ready to harvest;

Warn sinners to flee and saints the

Inheritance of the Lord to faithfully till and harrow.

Soon the call of God, “Come up hither!”

Bringing the sheaves and carrying the grain,

The fields of glory then to worship

The One in love who calls and calls again.

Editor’s Note: The above lines were written by a son in memory of his father, who was recently called home to be with the Lord Jesus a father who left a rich natural and spiritual heritage.

“The blood of Jesus Christ His [God’s] Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

"Christ Is All"

In Jesus and Jesus alone we find eternal life, present happiness, and future glory, for “Christ is all” (Col. 3:11). Jesus is the chief good center of rest, source of grace and truth. God gives not His good things apart from Jesus. Abiding in Him we receive every blessing.

Communion with Jesus in the Spirit by faith and prayer should be the habit of our life here. We should never forget Him, His preciousness or presence in all places. “To me to live is Christ” (Phil. 1:21). Pursuit after riches, honors, this world’s pleasures and entertainments, rather than having Jesus as the object of our heart, is folly and sin.

A beloved brother, now home with the Lord, sent the following note from his deathbed to his brethren in Christ: “I have preached for thirty-two years the complete atonement of Christ, His perfect righteousness and salvation through His blood. These truths are now my hope, comfort and stay. I believe that God’s righteousness is mine, that Christ’s atonement is my perfect satisfaction for sin, and the indwelling Holy Spirit my support and life now. In this faith I have lived, and in this faith I die. I have nothing else, and I want no more.”

On another occasion he said to one who sat by his bedside, “We who preach the gospel ought to set before believers more fully the joys of communion with Christ as a living and present friend. Too often we preach about Christ rather than preaching Christ. We preach too often about salvation rather than setting forth the Saviour.

“I have learned to think more about the person of my living Saviour than about the doctrines that concern Him. If I were raised up again from this bed of sickness while I would preach the doctrines that I have ever preached I would set before my brethren the joy of present, personal communion with Jesus, for He has said, ‘Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world.’ ”

Things New and Old, Vol. 15 (adapted)

Christ-Pleasers

“Seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not” (Jer. 45:5).

What should we seek? To be well pleasing unto Him, so that whatever niche He calls upon us to fill we may fill it to His glory, and this in view of the judgment seat. What a joy it will be to receive His approval in that day. If we learn to live as Paul did with the judgment seat of Christ before us, we will not be men-pleasers, but Christ-pleasers.

Gems From My Reading

The Colt

“Though man be born like a wild ass’s colt” (Job 11:12). “Every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem” (Ex. 13:13).

Were you contemplating two ways when the Lord needed you?

How meekly you turned and obeyed His calling;

When they loosed you from the ties of self,

How humbly you bore the Lord on your back.

But did those shouts scare you?

Did the din cause doubts in your heart?

Did you think about turning back?

Did memories of that other way seem pleasant?

But didn’t you hear the Lord’s quiet reassurance,

His whispers of love?

Weren’t your doubts stilled,

Your fears subdued as you listened?

As you trod on those garments of old habits,

Laid down before the Lord,

Did they seem to rise up and trip you?

What about those branches of distraction, hindering your way,

Did you stumble and want to balk,

Plant your feet in the ground and say, “No more”?

But didn’t the Lord gently guide you,

And, with His hand upon you, steer you safely through?

You appeared so calm and serene in spite of the tumult:

Did you know of the homage paid

To the Lord as you obeyed Him?

Did you only think of Jesus as you finished going His way?

E. L. Roach (February 2003)

Comfort

“God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus” (2 Cor. 7:6).

Paul was looking to God for comfort, and God sent Titus to comfort him. Had Paul been looking to Titus, he would have been disappointed.

C. H. Mackintosh (Gems From My Reading)

Communion and Advocacy

“If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1).

The Lord Jesus would have His own linked up with Himself... to have communion with Himself and the Father outside the world, which was the scene of His rejection and death.

But to have part with Him communion with Him according to that heavenly relationship, it was necessary that the individual’s walk be kept pure (feet washed).

Thus the Lord Jesus has girded Himself for this lowly service of love to His own in order to keep them in communion with that heavenly scene where He is (see John 13:1-14). He seeks to form our affections according to the revelation of Himself to our hearts as we are being conducted on our way to our portion with Him in glory.

Do we fall into sin? Do our feet become defiled in our walk through this evil world? Well, we have an Advocate with the Father whose plea for us cannot fail—One who also turns to us in blessed grace with towel and basin to wash our feet and bring us back into the communion we have lost.

By application of His Word to us, we are led to self-judgment and a walk of holy separation from evil, and this according to the truth of the cross in which sin in the flesh has been condemned.

If we have sinned and the Lord is seeking to wash our defiled feet, or if our brethren are seeking to do so in the Lord’s name, how solemn if we are resisting this action of grace! God is not mocked! He is full of patience, but if we are rebellious, He knows how to chastise and break our stubborn wills.

Selected Ministry of A. H. Rule, Vol. 1 (adapted)

Conformed or Transformed?

We as God’s people are in the midst of a world which is antagonistic to God and His truth. This great Babylon presses upon us and, if possible, would blot out every bit of divine truth, robbing us of all our joy and peace. How well this great enemy succeeds! How many thousands and thousands of God’s beloved people there are who instead of being transformed from are rather conformed to this present world.

They have fallen in line with the present evil age, and instead of being separated, they walk in its ways, thus becoming barren in spiritual things. The constant danger is that we give up our walk of separation to Christ. Then comes the willingness to go along with the world and its harmless-seeming pleasure—the attractive things for the senses, the world spirit which reaches out in covetousness after the possession and enjoyment of earthly things. Think too of that great religious Babylon what sad confusion! May we be kept walking in love for Christ and separation to Him.

Gems From My Reading (adapted)

Correct Answers to October Bible Challenger

We apologize for our error in publishing an incorrect set of answers for the October 2002 Bible Challenger questions. The incorrect answers appeared in the November 2002 Christian Shepherd. The correct answers are given below.

1. E lder son Luke 15:25-30

2. L azarus John 11:11

3. I srael Isa. 41:8

4. P ilate Luke 23:12

5. H irah Gen. 38:12

6. A mnon 2 Sam. 13:3

7. Z ophar Job 20:1,5

“ELIPHAZ the Temanite answered and said... Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same” (Job 4:1,8).

Dear Daddy - Dear Son

“Dear Daddy”

“In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father’s house three months” (Acts 7:20).

When I’m a great big man like you,

I want to do just like you do;

I’m going to go just where you go;

I want to know all that you know.

I’m just growing awful big,

Following right along in the tracks you dig;

I think it won’t be very long,

I’m growing so fast and getting so strong.

And soon I’ll go to town with you,

And be your partner all day through;

I’m just a little, great big man,

Just getting like you, as fast as I can.

“Dear Son”

“My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways” (Prov. 23:26).

I’m glad you want to like me be,

But I must change some things, I see;

If you’re going to do just what I do

And follow me your whole life through,

Then I must pray for strength and power

To walk the Christian life at every hour;

Then I will leave tracks along the way

Which you can follow to joy and endless day.

Anon.

Difficult Days

“In the last days perilous [difficult] times shall come” (2 Tim. 3:1).

It is clear that the Lord compares the state of men (careless, selfish, godless, guilty, dead also to what He, the rejected Messiah, had suffered for their sake) to that which brought on the two most solemn judgments which Genesis records the deluge and the destruction of Sodom by fire.

Will the revelation of the Son of Man in His day be less righteously called for? No! The last days of the Christian era will be times of excessive, abounding and audacious lawlessness as well as impiety.

It is then, when longer patience on God’s part is impossible and the time is arrived in His counsels for displacing the first man of sin [Adam’s race], his weakness, and shame by the second [Christ], that the Lord Jesus will be exalted over all creation in visible power and glory on His own throne, even as He is now in heaven on the Father’s throne (Heb. 2:9; 12:2).

W. Kelly

Divine Sympathy

Jesus, my sorrow lies too deep

For human ministry;

It knows not how to tell itself

To any but to Thee.

Thou dost remember still, amid

The glories of God’s throne,

The sorrows of mortality,

For they were once Thine own.

Yes, for as if Thou would’st be God,

E’en in Thy misery,

There’s been no sorrow but Thine own,

Untouched by sympathy.

Jesus, my fainting spirit brings

Its fearfulness to Thee;

Thine eye at least can penetrate

The clouded mystery.

And is it not enough, enough,

This holy sympathy?

There is no sorrow e’er so deep

But I may bring to Thee.

T A. P.

A year after her marriage to Viscount Powerscourt, the Lord took her husband home. Lady Powerscourt was only twenty-three years of age at the time she wrote the above poem.

Does Homeschooling Isolate Children?

It is good to remember that however Christians educate their children (public, private or at home), they must be morally isolated from the world.

Be assured that public school will seek to isolate your children from Christian truth, undermining the authority of the Bible, trying to separate them from every Christian principle they have been taught.

Parents, teaching your children of their need of Jesus as Saviour is but the start of your responsibility. You must also diligently and daily teach them Biblical truths and precepts, enabling them to defend their faith against attacks of the enemy wherever they are met. Above all, instill in them love for the Person of Christ and His Word. Without this, no kind of schooling will preserve them from shipwreck.

Ed.

Editorial: A True Hero

On September 11, 2002 a day of nationwide memorial observances honoring those who died in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks a fast-food restaurant in our town displayed a large outdoor sign with a message which doubtless described the feelings of millions of Americans: “To Our Heroes, Thank You.”

A few days later, when visiting Washington D. C., my wife and I witnessed the remarkable, heartwarming actions of another “hero,” though perhaps few among the crowds who witnessed his conduct that day would agree with our estimation of him.

The incident took place at the end of our visit as we made our way back to Washington D.C.’s Union Station to board an Amtrak passenger train for home. Daily, in this huge, beautiful facility, thousands of travelers including well-known, powerful politicians, wealthy corporate executives, the elite of society and innumerable throngs of common folks pass back and forth across the immense open circular terrace with its sculptures and pool located directly across from the station’s entrance.

Returning from a walk to the nation’s capitol and still a block from the station, we were surprised to hear beautiful notes of a trumpet clearly sounding above the din of busy traffic. More surprising was the tune being played: “How Great Thou Art.”

As we drew closer, wondering who was providing this musical treat, the trumpet notes ceased and were replaced with the sounds of a man’s voice, equally clear and beautiful, singing that sweet, old favorite hymn, “Face to Face With Christ My Saviour.” Rounding the large fountain on the terrace across from the station we saw a lone man holding a songbook in one hand and a microphone attached to a small speaker in the other. Beside him lay a trumpet and in front a small fold-out sign displaying but one word and two numbers: “John 3:16.”

The crowds left him alone as though he were infected with some deadly plague a tiny, lonely island isolated in the midst of a flowing river of souls.

None applauded or encouraged him and none acted as though he were one of “our heroes.” No “thank you” was offered from those uncomfortable in hearing the sweet refrain: “When in glory I shall see Him, Jesus Christ who died for me.” An orator, even with unpopular political views, would have been more acceptable than one singing of Jesus Christ.

Few would have classed him with the “heroes of 9/11.” Yet his spiritual “heroism” came from courage born of power and love not of this world.

We stood listening and then had to leave. Later I returned hoping he was still there so we might talk together. But he was gone. In his place stood five Washington D.C. policemen with two large dogs.

No doubt many who passed by were relieved by their presence and were far more at ease than they were with the evangelist. The policemen were keepers of peace, providing at least some protection against the sober reality of terrorism. Yet, what an immense difference existed between them and the gospel singer. They were armed with weapons and dogs, he with the Spirit of God and an overflowing love for his Saviour.

There was another thing about him that made a very deep impression on us. Though he possessed a beautiful singing voice, his English pronunciation confirmed what his physical appearance displayed.

He was Chinese.

Many consider Chinese culture heathen and spiritually dark. Yet there he stood an Oriental brother in Christ singing hymns a scant three blocks from the most powerful political center in the world, the self-proclaimed beacon of “religious” liberty and freedom to the rest of the world.

At some time past, he (or his forefathers) had traveled thousands of miles to this professing Christian land. Now he stood in its capitol singing beautiful hymns in this place now terribly blinded by a darkness far worse than China’s heathen darkness—the darkness of professing Christianity yet rejecting its truth.

It is quite certain that my wife and I will not meet this heroic evangelist again at least not in this world. But we will see him again, and we do thank God for his courage and love for lost souls.

May God, by His Spirit, stir up each of our hearts, filling us with love, courage and willingness to become despised heroes of a rejected Christ—preachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ by action and by word—faithful servants such as are mentioned in Romans 10:15: “How shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

Each one who has sought to speak well of their precious Saviour will, in that bright and blessed coming day, receive a glorious “thank you” from Him “who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20).

“Here am I; send me” (Isa. 6:8).

“Watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry” (2 Tim. 4:5).

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21).

Ed.

Editorial: "As I Have Loved You"

A recently saved young wife and mother mentioned to a friend how discouraged she had become about problems that had arisen among a group of her Christian homeschooling friends. The problems? Ill-feelings and strife that had been allowed to develop between those Christians who had come together to support and encourage each other. She was experiencing the sorrowful fruits of an unchecked “root of bitterness” (Heb. 12:15).

The Christian homeschoolers she and her husband are involved with carry on an energetic gospel outreach as part of their group activities. But personal grievances and contentions among some have caused such tension that the once-fruitful evangelical outreach is being noticeably affected.

Though sad to see the “work of the Lord” hindered, what bothered her most was the public dishonor to the name of Christ in the community they were trying to reach with the gospel.

“How can we expect the Lord to bless our outreach when we hold these kinds of hard feelings against each other?” she asked her friend.

Stark question with a painful answer.

She asked another searching question: “How can the Lord be honored in what we do when we are upset with each other?” She continued, “We’re supposed to be glorifying the Lord in our service. But if we can’t even get along with each other, how can He be glorified by our evangelical outreach?”

This dear believer was concerned about an issue that many Christians who are older in faith know in their heads but don’t use in their feet the vital necessity of walking together “in love” as His “dear children” (Eph. 5:12) bearing a unified and loving testimony to the Person of Christ before the world.

In these last days, Satan untiringly works to cause strife and discord among those who ought to display the love, peace and unity of Christ. Certainly we must own to our shame how successful he has been.

Walking in Unity

The Lord Jesus commands His own to walk in love (Eph. 5:2), walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:25), walk in wisdom (Col. 4:5), walk in the light (1 John 1:7), and walk in truth (3 John 4).

The message is plain we should walk for the Lord before we talk for the Lord. Believers are one body (1 Cor. 12:12) and are to walk “with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:23). We know the doctrine but too often are careless about putting it to practical use in our lives.

A “Numbers” Lesson

To walk is putting into daily practice what we say we know. But what good is it to say we know “the truth” if there is no evidence of its practical power in our conduct towards one another? Our Lord’s command—love one another is repeated at least nineteen times in the New Testament. On the other hand, Biblical instructions in the New Testament to rebuke another believer are found only five times.

Simple numbers, basic math profound lesson!

Knowing and Doing

Are we practicing what we know?

We easily talk of biblical doctrines of love, peace and forgiveness but find it difficult to practice them, especially towards one who has rendered a personal offense. Yet, the Word of God is clear and unmistakable. His desire is that love characterize our actions even when we have been offended. Are we obeying?

Even the world says, “If you don’t walk the walk, don’t talk the talk.” Do we love in deed, as He loved?

The Wrong Emphasis

“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him” (Luke 17:3).

It is easy to stress the words against thee, as though the verse chiefly refers to personal wrongs. The rendering may seem to grant Biblical allowance to individually rebuke brethren who have given personal offense. But the verse is better rendered, “If thy brother should sin, rebuke him; and if he should repent, forgive him” (JND). The words “against thee” aren’t in this verse, suggesting that the reason for rebuking has more to do with concern about the sin being against God (and the solemn results for the guilty) rather than against self.

In the next verse (Luke 17:4) the subject is clearly a matter of personal offense “against thee.” But even there the emphasis is not on rebuking the offender, but rather on forgiving him.

Divine love views sin in another for what it really is a dishonor to God. Feelings of personal wrongs will be replaced by grief and sorrow for the reproach rendered to Christ’s name. If a rebuke then becomes necessary, it will be given as tenderly as possible and in the spirit of love.

Where there is personal offense, love brings the very opposite of strife a willing, eager desire to forgive the guilty over and over and over again.

The Right Spirit

“Speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15). Though this refers to the necessity of maintaining the pure truth of God as it relates to the body of Christ and doing so in love for the truth as it is in Jesus, the principle of love guiding a believer’s spirit when dealing with personal offenses is a vital and undeniable theme throughout Scripture.

A loving spirit in Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, may have prevented the breakup of the nation of Israel. His spiteful spirit hastened its division (1 Kings 12:16).

The haughty Ephramites’ arrogant, threatening words tested Jephthah to see if he would display a soft spirit. But his spirit was angry and hard, causing the death of forty-two thousand men (Judg. 12:16).

The Lord gave James and John whose vengeful spirit would set things right by fire the ultimate reproof. “He turned, and rebuked them.... Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of” (Luke 9:55).

No Grudges

“Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Lev. 19:18).

Though we are not under law, the principle is unmistakable. But for Christians, the standard of conduct is much higher, for it is not, “Love thy neighbor as thyself,” but, “Love one another as I have loved you.” Our thoughts, feelings and conduct are to be formed in the fear and love of God. He will not allow His children to harbor grudges, a spirit of resentment or seeking to right personal wrongs with one another.

No Excuses

We wonder why assemblies dwindle, why our dear young people drift into the world, or why there is little fruit from our service for Christ. The answer may be found by searching our hearts to see if a “root of bitterness” towards another exists (Heb. 12:15).

Oh! that the spirit of our behavior with each other would always be, “Love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12). “As I have loved you” what a lofty standard He gives to guide our relationships!

Do we view the divine charge to forgive (Eph. 4:32) and to love as unattainable or, worse yet, as undesirable, preferring to feel justified in nursing (rather than forgiving) personal offenses?

The only standard given to guide our actions towards brethren is the manner in which the Lord Jesus loves each of us. Such infinite love leaves no room for hard, unforgiving spirits and allows for no excuses which tolerate or encourage strife and contentions among the members of His body.

“See that ye fall not out by the way” (Gen. 45:24).

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psa. 133:1).

“If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account.... I will repay” (Philem. 18-19). Ed.

Editorial: Battle for the Heart

A few months ago, as this manuscript was being prepared, a fierce battle was raging for control of Baghdad. By now that battle may largely be over. But another, far more terrible battle has been raging for 6000 years, and for Christians it will not be over until the Lord Jesus calls us home. This battle isn’t to win cities; it’s to steal believers’ hearts.

The Lord Jesus Wins Hearts

Satan is a conquered foe (Heb. 2:14) through the work of our Lord Jesus Christ at the cross. For the Christian, the fear of death is forever gone. We are seen in Christ Jesus, who is made our righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30), and we are God’s righteousness in Him (2 Cor. 5:21). So perfect and complete is the finished work of our Lord that we are already blessed... with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ. And in Ephesians 5:30 we learn that we are “members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.” Our Lord has once and forever satisfied the heart of God as to sin, defeated the terrible foe, and brought us into blessed oneness with Himself.

As we consider these wonderful things that have been given us in divine love and grace, there ought to be a response of love and worship to Him who has won our hearts. Surely we can with exultation say, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain” (Rev. 5:12).

The Enemy Steals Hearts

Though a true believer a sheep of Christ is safe now and forever (John 10:28-29), Satan, coming as an “angel of light,” continually seeks to steal our hearts. If he is successful, the believer’s communion with his Lord is broken, his joy and peace are lost, and his testimony before the world is tarnished.

Absalom (2 Sam. 15) illustrates seven solemn ways in which Satan works to steal our affections away from the only One worthy of them. (1) In verses 12 he makes a glorious display of himself. In Christian lands, Satan covers his wicked guile by making his schemes appear attractive and powerful.

(2) In verse 3 Absalom pretended to be interested in their difficulties, (3) he insinuated that David didn’t really care about them, and (4) he suggested that whatever disturbed the people, they were right and David was wrong. How like the enemy who ever tries to encourage self-will while undermining confidence in the Lord Jesus’ care of us and His loving interest in all our circumstances.

(5) In verse 4 Absalom begins to usurp David’s authority, (6) implying that if only he were ruling, there would be justice. The enemy of our souls ever seeks to cause us to be insubmissive to God’s Word, exercising self-will rather than dependence and trust in our Saviour God’s love and goodness.

(7) In verse 5 Absalom professed love for the people, and in verse 6 we see the sad result: “So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.”

Won Hearts Losing First Love

Previously, when David had defeated Goliath, “all Israel and Judah loved David” (1 Sam. 18:16). He had not stolen their hearts he had won them. However, first love for David soon waned. Later, when chased by Saul, few followed him. Afterward, reigning as their king, those David had saved and blessed were easily led away from the one they had once loved!

The Lord Jesus’ first warning to the assemblies in Revelation 2-3 was to richly blessed Ephesus. In spite of all they were doing, the most important thing—love for Christ—was lacking. “I have against thee, that thou hast left thy first love” (Rev. 2:4 JND).

Today when the love of many for the Lord Jesus has become cold and Laodicean in character (Rev. 3:16), we need to prayerfully and humbly seek grace that the affections of our hearts be rekindled for the altogether lovely Saviour who “loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Where this burning first love for Christ is rekindled, we will be able to continue in the path of faith with Him no matter what discouragements or difficulties may be encountered.

Winning Our Children’s Hearts

Satan is also actively seeking to steal the hearts of children from their parents. Dad and Mom! That does not need to happen! But you must daily seek grace and wisdom from God’s Word to guard against losing your children. Make your primary goal in their early years to attach their hearts in love to the Lord Jesus and in love to yourselves. Be aware that if you fail in this, Satan will quickly steal their precious hearts by causing them to think that there is more love and understanding available to them in the world than what Dad and Mom display to them at home.

The Heart First, Then the Mind

Proverbs 23:26 shows the importance of winning and attaching our children’s hearts to us: “My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe My ways.” Notice it doesn’t say, My son give me thine ear! Parents, if you do not win and keep your children’s heart, you will never gain their ear.

An infant is totally dependent on its parents. The danger is that parents might assume it will always display such complete trust. But that precious, innocent trust so strong in early years begins to wane. Yet love and confidence in parents should grow rather than decline! That requires daily parental vigilance, prayer and the wisdom of His Word all essential to strengthen the bonds of trust and love.

As a young man, Saul knew that he was not the most important object of his father’s heart. Kish put something ahead of his son (the lost asses see 1 Samuel 9:5), and the result in Saul’s life is sad to see.

Dear parents! Allow nothing work, recreation, hobbies, even Christian service to deprive your children of your affections and interest. They know immediately when something has displaced them in your heart and will quickly turn to the false embrace of the world which promises them friendship, while it steals their hearts from you.

Keep your own vineyard (your family) before you keep another, and do so in a spirit of love and joy in Christ! (See Song of Solomon 1:6.)

Parenting Is Heart Work

The moral order of Proverbs 23:26 is also important to note. It is the heart first, and then the eyes observing the parents’ example. Parents may be quick to teach their little ones the familiar words, “Children, obey your parents” (Eph. 6:1; Col. 3:20). But before this divine command can have much effect on them, Christ must be found in parents’ hearts dwelling “by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love... might be filled” (Eph. 3:17,19).

If the Lord Jesus’ person and love have not won your heart and attached you to Himself, your children will quickly see something is more important to you than Jesus. Then “children obey,” rather than a command eagerly followed in love, will just be a bothersome restraint. Dad and Mom, do your children see your personal love for the Lord Jesus lived out in your life? If they do not see you expressing love for the Lord Jesus in your life, you cannot expect them to learn to love Him for themselves. You are their example. Achieving Willing Obedience Teaching a child obedience is essential. But in order for it to be effective, the child’s heart must first be won. While Christians are always to submit to God-given authority (1 Cor. 11; Rom. 13:1), obeying a policeman or teacher is rarely a matter of love. Parents! You are more than policemen! Expect implicit obedience from your children, but see that it is obedience flowing from hearts won by your love.

Setting Examples

Once children’s hearts are won, you can effectively give direction and counsel. But be very careful of the examples you set! Your actions are the greatest lesson book your children will have in their early, formative years! Psalm 139:23-24 should be our daily exercise: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Then, “draw me, we will run after Thee” will be the sure result.

A New Testament Parent

These principles are illustrated in the life of the Apostle Paul. He, a spiritual father without equal, yearned for his beloved spiritual children. “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you” (Gal. 4:19).

He writes to his Philippian children in the faith, “As it is righteous for me to think this as to you all, because ye have me in your hearts” (Phil. 1:7 JND). Paul could express confidence in the work of God being carried out to its happy conclusion in their lives because they had him in their hearts. What does that mean? Their hearts had been won by Paul and were attached to him in love. May it be so with dear Christian parents. Don’t waste one precious moment of time that you still may have. Don’t let anything come between you and winning the hearts of your beloved children so you can say in confidence, “Give me thine heart.” Let nothing enter your home that will steal the love and confidence your children ought to have in you. Nothing is important enough to be allowed to steal the hearts of your precious children from you. May God grant each parent purpose of heart!

Ed.

Editorial: Competition

One bedrock principle of Western culture is the concept of competition. This ubiquitous tenet permeates virtually every area and level of society. In the business sector, competition is fierce and unrelenting as manufacturers seek, if possible, to put their competitors out of business. Competition, so fundamental in the areas of sports and politics, costs fortunes yearly in order that a certain athlete or team may dominate the competition and to prove that a candidate or party and their agenda will give voters more than the competition offers.

While not criticizing quality, craftsmanship or integrity, we as believers need to realize that the principle of competition, so ingrained in this present world, can have a marked effect on our personal, daily fellowship with our blessed Lord Jesus Christ.

Competition for Our Hearts

Let none be mistaken. Someone or something is constantly competing against the precious Saviour for our hearts and minds. Time and time again Jehovah solemnly warned His beloved earthly people against allowing their hearts to be enticed away from Him and attached to idols. He is a jealous God (Ex. 20:5). Such idols (whether Baal, Molech, Ashteroth or others) clearly robbed the place in the Israelites’ hearts that Jehovah alone deserved.

In the New Testament, the same danger exists for believers. Thus the solemn exhortation in 1 John 5:21: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”

In Christianity, idols aren’t wood or metal images of demon gods. Often they’re harmless, even necessary things, such as professions, homes, recreation, friends and education. But they all can become idols if allowed to usurp the place in the heart’s affection that Christ alone is worthy of having and the satisfaction that He alone can give. “God is satisfied with Jesus. We are satisfied as well” (Little Flock Hymnbook, #57).

Scriptural Examples and Warnings

In the Old Testament, some godly kings, such as Hezekiah, began their bright and faithful reigns by destroying the idols that had supplanted worship due Jehovah (see 2 Kings 18:36). In the New Testament, we read of the Thessalonians who, upon receiving Christ by faith, are described as having turned to God from idols (1 Thess. 1:9). Paul pleads with the Corinthians to “flee from idolatry” (1 Cor. 10:14) while instructing the Colossian believers that “covetousness [lusting after things one does not have] is idolatry” (Col. 3:5).

We know in principle what constitutes an idol. The most pressing issue, however, is how to deal with the idols that compete for our hearts’ affections.

Proactive Christianity

Dealing with idols begins by daily seeking grace that our affections not be stolen away by the competition-competition which would supplant Jesus Christ as the supreme object of our delight.

Let’s be diligent in keeping ourselves “in the love of God” (Jude 21), claiming the Lord’s promise: “If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make Our abode with him” (John 14:23).

What does worldly competition have to offer that could possibly be better than known, enjoyed fellowship with the Father and with the Son?

Reactive Christianity

We specially beseech parents to soberly weigh the dangers of the world’s competition to steal their children’s hearts from the Lord Jesus and His Word.

Satan’s ways are so subtle that often the world slips unnoticed into Christian homes. We are specially concerned with the subtle dangers of visual excitement available through the use of home computers equipped with DVD-CD drive capabilities (or the more common stand-alone video players).

If prayerfully controlled, these devices can provide useful learning activities and some healthy recreation. But the exciting appeal of electronic visual imaging quickly captures children’s attention and imagination, making it easy to allow into their hearts and minds morally abominable and destructive images deadly competitors with Christ that often are cloaked as angels of light.

One sad result of careless, unrestrained viewing of such imagery is that the Bible will seem dull and boring to children’s minds. Electronic media’s color, sound, action and fantasy can become an almost insurmountable competitor. If it does, neither parents nor children will say, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart” (Jer. 15:16).

Wagons and Flags

Joseph sent wagons to carry the little ones to him (Gen. 45:19). They morally speak of objects and activities in the realm of nature a realm that, if denied to children, forces them to flee to the very world parents seek to keep from them. But parents must use Joseph’s wagons in the fear and wisdom of God, for they are only a means to an end.

When baby Moses had to be placed in the river, the ark which protected him was hidden in the flags (water reeds) near the bank, not in the middle of the rushing torrent (Ex. 2:35). Flags morally suggest the protective value of carefully controlled, natural activities. Where prayerfully used and controlled, these flags can help keep children from being swept away by the current of this “present evil world” (Gal. 1:4).

However, once the wagons got the children to Joseph, we hear no more of them. And once Moses’ mother was allowed by Pharaoh’s daughter to be his nurse, Moses and the ark were taken away (to his home, no doubt), not left in the flags (1 Cor. 13:11)!

Overcoming the Competition

Dad and Mom! You must daily have the joy of the Lord in reality for yourself. When this is so, your children will want what they see you enjoying. Consider the vital principles for overcoming the world’s competition for your lambs that are found in Deuteronomy 11:18-21 (as well as earlier in Deuteronomy 6:69).

18. “Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.”

Is the Word of God the preeminent source of your personal joy and satisfaction, guiding what you do (“hands”) and what you think (“frontlets”)?

19. “And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

If you love and live the Bible, you can speak effectively of it to your children at home, in the world, at rest or at work. His Word is always applicable, ever satisfying, our chief delight, to be continually relished and shared with our children.

20. “And thou shalt write them upon the doorposts of thine house, and upon thy gates.”

If you want to overcome the world’s competition for your children’s hearts, the Word of God must be the support (“doorposts”) of your home, as well the guard to its entrance (“gates”).

21. “That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth” (Deut. 11:18).

The world that spit in the face of the blessed Saviour-Creator, casting Him out and crucifying Him, is a place of death, sorrow and darkness. That is the reality lying under its fake veneer of glossy excitement. But our God promises those who love and obey His Word the richest delights, joys and life even like unto the joy and bliss of heaven blessings which are available right now in the family circle.

What can possibly compete with that?

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Ed.

Editorial: Complacent Christianity

The young man began his pathway of faith with admirable energy and courage.

He did what was right in the sight of God.

He followed the example of godly men who went before him.

He removed idolatry from his life and sphere of responsibility.

He trusted fully in God.

He walked in fellowship with God, obeying Jehovah’s commands.

He refused to submit to an enemy of God.

He smote another enemy of God’s people.

Hezekiah’s godly reign was a very happy time in the kingdom of Judah (two tribes see 2 Kings 18-20; 2 Chronicles 29-32 and Isaiah 35-39). But he faced difficulties, failures and constant attacks all of which provide valuable moral principles much needed today for those who seek to live for God’s glory.

Discouragements and Difficulties

During his reign, the people of the kingdom of Israel (ten tribes) under the reign of Hoshea (2 Kings 17) were carried out of the land and lost among the nations (until a future day when they will be restored).

After this, the king of Assyria who had carried them captive also came up to besiege Hezekiah and the kingdom of Judah. Though Sennacherib’s attack caused Hezekiah’s faith to fail for a time (2 Kings 18:9-16), God used the trial to ultimately increase his faith. The blasphemous words of the Assyrian king—“Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?” (2 Kings 18:19) became the stage upon which the infinite love and power of Jehovah was gloriously and solemnly displayed on behalf of His people.

Hezekiah’s cry to Isaiah the prophet shows how deeply he felt his powerlessness to withstand the awful foe: “This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth” (2 Kings 19:3).

What a fitting and needed spirit of brokenness and humility for the people of God today! We too have an enemy Satan against whom we have no might (within ourselves) to withstand. Confidence in ecclesiastical position or personal holiness is dangerous because it rests in something other than the person, power and love of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Right Spirit

Hezekiah clearly saw the real condition of the people of God. He cast them the kingdom, his hope of future happiness and peace all on Jehovah. “Now therefore, O Lord our God, I beseech Thee, save Thou us out of his hand [Sennacherib’s], that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that Thou art the Lord God, even Thou only” (2 Kings 19:19).

Do we really understand the character of the enemy’s opposition and that only in Christ is deliverance found not in our faithfulness, and surely not in the world nor in its vain religious traditions?

It was in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances that Jehovah brought miraculous and total victory to His beloved, helpless and dependent people. “I will defend this city, to save it, for Mine own sake.... And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and... in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses” (2 Kings 19:34-35).

May we too learn to trust in none but our God!

An Even Stronger Test

But another, more severe test of dear Hezekiah’s faith was coming. Immediately after that mighty victory over the Assyrian, Hezekiah received another message. “The prophet Isaiah... came... and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live” (2 Kings 20:1).

What a solemn message to receive after the glorious victory Jehovah had given! Yet this message one which we fear may not be given due consideration in our lives it is vital to understand.

Are we setting our house in order in view of the time when we will be gone? Are we considering what heritage we will leave to our loved ones? Will precious treasures of truth regarding His Person and His assembly be passed on (through our lives rather than just our words) to our sons? Besides those earthly possessions we leave, will there be anything of eternal value left for our houses to enjoy?

It is gloriously true that the Lord may come today (1 Thess. 4), and we ought to eagerly look for Him. But, if He tarries, will we leave houses set in order?

The Danger of Complacency

How happy and thankful Hezekiah must have been when Jehovah graciously added fifteen years to his life. He gladly enjoyed that blessing personally but forgot to use those years in preparing his house and kingdom for the future. Another enemy then offered friendliness as a way to gain entrance to Hezekiah’s household, and, sadly, the king accepted that offer.

“At that time Berodach-baladan... king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick. And Hezekiah hearkened unto them, and showed them all the house of his precious things.... There was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah showed them not” (2 Kings 20:12-13).

Careless Hezekiah! He wasn’t to show off his house; he was to set it in order as should believers today. We must prepare our children for the future, arming them against enemies that never give up. Today, through the labors and battles of others, we enjoy a house full of riches. Will we, in turn, order our lives so as to pass them on or, like Hezekiah, enjoy them without taking thought for the future?

A complacent spirit may easily dull our senses. We may look at the world as a friend rather than an enemy. We may open our homes and allow it (in its many, harmless-appearing forms) entrance and access to our children and to every precious treasure of Christian truth and liberty God has given. If this is so, let us soberly consider Hezekiah’s end.

The Results of Complacency

These words have very solemn application to us: “Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house [the blessings of God’s grace], and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day [truth that others have passed down], shall be carried unto Babylon [the religious world]: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord. And of thy sons that shall issue from thee [spiritual strength to support and grow families and assemblies], which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs [unable to produce fruit or blessing] in the palace of the king of Babylon” (2 Kings 20:17-18).

The Selfishness of Complacency Hezekiah’s answer to Isaiah’s solemn word is sad and selfish. “Good is the word of Jehovah.... Is it not so? if only there shall be peace and truth in my days!” (2 Kings 20:19 JND). As long as he was assured of peace in his day, he does not seem concerned for what would happen after he was gone! What was the result? He lost sons into Babylon, while his son Manasseh (who became king after he died) was the most wicked ruler in the history of Judah.

Let’s diligently set our house in order that our sons not become worldly or fruitless slaves in the palace of Babylon. Passing on the spiritual treasures and blessings we have enjoyed to those who come after will require faithfulness and purpose of heart.

We’ll also need the heart of David (a heart that was lacking in Hezekiah): “As for these sheep, what have they done? let Thine hand, I pray Thee, O Lord my God, be on me... but not on Thy people” (1 Chron. 21:17). What a beautiful, humble spirit David displayed-broken and contrite and divine mercy came in to spare the people (2 Sam. 24:16). May such a tender spirit be ours!

Ed.

Editorial: Faith, Love and Hope

We are taught doctrinally (and have learned it by experience, too) that faith, love and hope (1 Thess. 1:3; 5:8; Col. 1:45; 1 Cor. 13:13) are the three fundamental principles of Christianity. We see them fully displayed in the life of our blessed Lord Jesus when, as Man, He passed through this wilderness, exhibiting them in perfection. We also see them reflected in the lives of many saints recorded in both the Old and New Testaments.

One particularly lovely Old Testament example of these three fundamental principles is found in 2 Samuel 17:27-29. Here we read of the time when David, chased by Absalom, had with his followers come to Mahanaim. There we’re introduced to three men who, by their actions towards David and his people, show the practical working of faith, love and hope.

Shobi—Faith—Work

“Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon.” Such a family history is not one which would seem calculated to characterize a man of faith. Evidently, Shobi had a brother named Hanun (see 2 Sam. 10-12). Their father, Nahash, king of the Ammonites, had formerly shown kindness to David when he fled from Saul, and David had desired to return that kindness to his son Hanun.

But Hanun believed his own counselors rather than the words of David’s servants. His faithlessness resulted in a terrible insult rendered to David’s young men and to David himself (2 Sam. 10:35).

Rather than showing kindness as he had intended, David went to war against those who despised his gracious offer. The result was that Hanun and his people were defeated, their royal city of Rabbah overthrown and spoiled by Israel, and the Ammonites taken captive and made slave-servants of David and Israel (see 2 Sam. 12:26-31).

Hanun’s brother, Shobi, must have witnessed the rebellion of his brother and his people and its sorrowful results. But rather than causing him to become bitter, hating the conquering David, repentance and faith evidently worked in his heart. Knowing of David’s desire to show kindness, he must have recoiled in horror at his brother Hanun’s wicked rejection and insult. Now, when David was being chased by his own son Absalom, dear Shobi is mentioned as one who met the king, bringing aid and comfort to David and his followers.

What a beautiful example of faith! Shobi didn’t help provide sustenance for David because he was established in power or had shown great kindness to Shobi’s people. No previous experience or current evidence at Mahanaim would cause Shobi to act as he did. His practical help for David was founded on faith alone faith that this man was God’s king.

Machir – Love—Laboring

Most know and love the sweet story of David’s kindness shown to Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson (2 Sam. 9). Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar was the very man who opened his home to the fleeing nurse and crippled boy Mephibosheth (2 Sam. 4:4). He concealed and sheltered Saul’s grandson, perhaps thinking he was an enemy of David one that David would seek to slay. But Machir learned of David’s loving-kindness when Mephibosheth was called into the king’s presence. There the helpless cripple received back all that belonged to his grandfather and, further, was invited to eat at David’s table for the rest of his life.

How David’s love must have won the heart of Machir! The result is seen when he comes to meet David at Mahanaim. His heart has been won in love for the fleeing king love that worked as the motive spring, supplying food and refreshment for David and his followers’ needs.

Barzillai – Hope—Enduring

We know very little of Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim, but the details we are given clearly show that he and his family acted for David, enduring in hope as they waited the time that David would again assume his rightful reign in Jerusalem. He was faithful to David though very old, and he was a very great man (2 Sam. 19:32).

After Absalom’s death, when David returned to Jerusalem, Barzillai conducted the king over Jordan. David invited him to stay there. But, being old and nature’s hope being gone, faithful Barzillai asked the king permission to return to his own city (Rogelim) to die and be buried with his father and mother. Yet spiritual hope was enduring in this aged pilgrim, for he requested that his son Chimham might go in his place and reside with David at Jerusalem.

What happy results this true, enduring hope produced not only Chimham, but all Barzillai’s children (even to the days of Ezra and Nehemiah) valued God’s center. Years later, David mentions his sons, appointing them for blessing because they with their father had supported him in his flight from Absalom (1 Kings 2:7).

A further bright note is found in the prophet Jeremiah (ch. 41:17), where we read that Chimham’s habitation was by Bethlehem, the city of David, and the place where great David’s greater Son our blessed Lord Jesus Christ was born.

That which was precious to their father was valued and acted on in the lives of Barzillai’s children. What a wonderful reward for the hope that animated this dear man. “The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children’s children” (Psa. 103:17).

Walking Today

“Your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven” (Col. 1:45).

What an Object for faith to rest in, a suited service for love, and an unchanging reason for hope to endure! We who were sometime “alienated and enemies... by wicked works” (Col. 1:21) have the blessed Person of the eternal Son of God on whom our faith rests. We have Himself and His beloved, blood-bought own to be loved and served. And we have the sure promise of His return for us and those mansions prepared in heaven, as the certainty of our hope. May faith, love and hope be our daily portion!

Ed.

Editorial: Great Need - Divine Supply

The first chapter of John’s Gospel presents the person of our blessed Lord Jesus Christ in many glorious ways all calculated to give comfort and satisfaction to our hearts in every step of life. (Other aspects of His Person are presented later.) In verse 1 He is the Word and He is God. In verse 3 He is the Creator; verse 4, the Life and the Light; verse 18, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father. In verse 23 He is the Lord; in verse 29 He is Jesus and the Lamb of God. In verse 34 He is the Son of God. In verse 38 He is Rabbi (Master), in verse 41 Messias (the Christ), and in verse 45 He is Jesus of Nazareth. In verse 49 He is the King of Israel and in verse 51 He is the Son of Man.

Is there any need anyone could ever experience in life that this glorious One cannot supply? No!

The rest of John’s Gospel records examples of great needs and the perfect, gracious way in which the Lord lovingly meets them all. Let us briefly consider a few instances for our comfort and joy that we might render the praise and worship of our hearts to Him who alone is worthy.

“Haves” and “Have Nots”

In chapter 2 those invited to what, naturally speaking, is the happiest occasion in life a wedding ran out of joy. “They have no wine” (vs. 3). The One dwelling in the joy of the Father’s bosom then provides the best joy when all other had run out.

In chapter 3 a teacher of Israel (JND) had no knowledge. The Lord Jesus was, in Himself, the divine answer to all Nicodemus’s perplexities (vss. 9-10).

In chapter 4 a Samaritan woman, having tried six different men in her life, had no husband. The Lord Jesus, the seventh, so fully meets her empty heart’s yearning she says, “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?”

In chapter 5 one crippled for thirty-eight years had no man to help him enter the healing waters of Bethesda. The Son of Man heals the impotent man, not with Bethesda’s waters, but with His divine word.

In chapter 6 the great multitude that followed Jesus had no bread and His disciples had no ability to satisfy them. But the Bread of Life (vs. 35) is there to fully meet and satisfy their hunger.

In chapter 7 the unbelieving Jews found no answers to their questions concerning Jesus (see vss. 11,15,26,35-36,41-42,48). Yet He promises living waters to all who come to Him for drink (vss. 37-38).

In chapter 8 the adulteress, taken in her guilt, stands before her tormentors with no excuse. But He who was full of grace and truth teaches her she need not fear, for she has no accusers (vss. 10-11).

In chapter 9 the eyes of one who had no sight are anointed by that divine Light which has come into this sin-blinded world. The man obeys, washes and sees for the first time in his life (vs. 7).

In chapter 10, sheep, having no shepherd, are at the mercy of thieves and robbers (vss. 1,8,10), of strangers (vs. 5), and of the hireling and the wolf (vs. 12). The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep, leading them into oneness, safety and blessing.

In chapter 11 a loved brother has no life (vs. 14). He who is the Resurrection and the Life calls forth the dead and he that was dead came forth alive (vs. 44).

In chapter 12, Gentiles who would see Jesus (vs. 21) have no access into His blessed presence until the Son of Man, as a corn of wheat, falls into the ground and dies, thus bringing forth much fruit.

In chapter 13 the disciples have no desire to serve each other until the perfect Servant teaches them loving humility by His example of foot washing.

In chapter 14 the disciples have no peace (vs. 1), no knowledge of the way to where the Lord is going (vs. 5) and no understanding of the Father (vs. 8). Yet He who is the way, the truth, and the life the only way to the Father and the One who has fully revealed the Father to them encourages the disciples to ask all in His name (vs. 14).

In chapter 15 the disciples have no fruit (except they abide in the true vine verses 1,4), and they have no strength to do anything for God. The Creator upholding all things by the word of His power promises both to those who are obedient.

In chapter 16 the disciples have no joy because He is going away. But the Man of sorrows who wept at Lazarus’ grave promises them the Comforter (vs. 7), that He will see them again and that they will have joy which no one can take away (vs. 22).

In chapter 17 the blessed Lord Himself has no work left to finish (vs. 4). Nine times in this precious chapter we read the Lord’s words, I have He has finished all, perfectly glorifying the Father in doing so, as He Himself is thus glorified.

In chapter 18 the Jews have no power against the I AM who had delivered them from Egypt’s slavery (vs. 8). Yet poor Peter seeking warmth at the world’s fire has no witness for the Lord Jesus.

In chapter 19 the chief priests, speaking for the nation of Israel, have no King (vs. 15), choosing Cæsar over Christ. The true King of Israel humbly and meekly goes to the cross and by His atoning death brings life to the hopeless who believe, but there is hopeless doom to those who reject Him.

In chapter 20 Mary Magdalene, finding the Lord’s empty tomb, felt she had no object for her heart’s affections (vss. 11,15). Her name spoken by the One who is eternal life and who had won her heart shows that she still possesses Him, but in a more blessed and living way (vs. 17).

In chapter 21 Peter and those with him have no results for their night’s work and they have no meat in the morning (vss. 3-4). The risen Lord graciously gives them a net full of fishes and a fire on shore with meat ready prepared to satisfy them (vss. 6,9).

“Christ Is All”

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Rom. 8:31-32).

Do you feel like a “have not” in your Christian life? Take courage and “prove Me now... saith the Lord... I will... open... the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Mal. 3:10).

Ed.

Editorial: "Not Many Fathers"

This editorial was written March 20, one day after the Lord called to Himself our dear brother Gordon Hayhoe, a gracious, faithful servant and spiritual father, known and loved by many.

Though our beloved brother would not have wished to have anything written about himself or his service, our God tells us to “remember them... who have spoken unto you the word of God.” Then He encourages us to follow the example of faith we have observed in their lives (Heb. 13:7).

That is what a spiritual father does for his spiritual children: Because he loves Christ, he speaks of Christ, he lives for Christ and he is an example of following Christ. The precious Saviour is thus presented as the sole, absorbing Object of the heart. “Draw me, we will run after Thee” (Song of Sol. 1:4).

The Need of Fathers

Twenty-seven years ago, in an address to young people, our beloved brother commented, “I don’t know how soon the Lord will come. I hope He comes very soon. But if He leaves us here a little longer, who can tell what will happen as the Lord removes the older ones from among us one by one. Young people, there is a place for you to be used in blessing to God’s dear people.”

May hearts be freshly stirred about our need of spiritual fathers as “one by one” we continue to see those the Lord has given for blessing called home to Himself. How we need those fathers whose hearts love the One who is “chiefest among ten thousand”!

The Work of Fathers

The work of spiritual fathers is unceasing and vital, characterized by earnest longing for spiritual growth and blessing among God’s beloved children.

Fathers encourage and cultivate spiritual growth by applying the truth of God in love and discernment.

Fathers, in grace and tenderness, seek to form and guide children, not just with their words, but by the actions of their own lives.

Fathers have shepherding hearts that willingly trouble themselves to know the state of the flocks.

Fathers constantly go before the throne of grace, bearing there the burdens, difficulties, trials and sorrows of those on their hearts.

In Ephesians 4:14-15, Paul exhorts believers not to remain children but, by holding the truth in love (JND), to grow into spiritual maturity in Christ. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 shows the gracious, fathering spirit in which he acted: “We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.”

May God exercise and raise up spiritual fathers who desire to stand “in the gap” (Ezek. 22:30), in faith and love guiding Christ’s precious sheep and lambs.

The Example of Fathers

In admonishing the Corinthian believers, his beloved children in the faith, Paul reminded them that even should they have ten thousand teachers, yet they had not many fathers (1 Cor. 4:14-16 JND).

He who had preached the gospel to them was their spiritual father, and it was he who entreated them as his beloved spiritual children to imitate his life of faith. Paul loved them, knew their condition and needs, and communicated the mind of God to them so they might be blessed. Above all else, he lived before them that which he spoke to them.

Scriptural truth is vital and unchangeable. But teachers—even if there be ten thousand of them—seeking to impart their knowledge of divine things without personal exercise before God about how and what and when and to whom truth is to be imparted—may hinder rather than help the growth and fruit that a spiritual father has fostered.

The Sacrifice of Fathers

The Lord Jesus Christ was the supreme object of Paul’s heart. He suffered the loss of all things for the sake of Christ (Phil. 3:8), and in love for Christ and His dear people he was willing to sacrifice everything—even his life for their blessing (Phil. 2:17).

May there be renewed individual and collective prayer that in these final, closing moments of the day of grace true spiritual fathers might be raised up—those who are willing to make personal sacrifices in order that the flock might be preserved and blessed.

“What ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, these things do; and the God of peace shall be with you” (Phil. 4:9 JND).

Ed.

Editorial: Pennies and Nickels

Almost every time we stopped for fuel during a recent trip, my wife and I found pennies and nickels scattered on the ground, by fuel pumps and in front of convenience stores.

Evidently some travelers found it annoying to deal with “small change,” so they tossed the coins away, treating them like so much worthless garbage.

My wife and I, who value pennies and nickels, were unconcerned about what others thought as we picked up those unappreciated coins. We wanted them, knowing that though small and insignificant, they would contribute to paying our expenses.

Perhaps you think one penny isn’t worth much. True! But have you ever seen one million pennies?

The local science center one time had just such a display on view. Inside a very large, reinforced Plexiglas bank was a shiny pile of 1 million pennies. They had been donated in small quantities over the months by participating grade school students. It was a huge, significant sum which no one would think of discarding, though that $10,000 consisted entirely of insignificant pennies.

Christians and “Small Change”

Sadly, professing Christianity is doing the same, actively tossing out precious truths of God as though they were annoying, nearly worthless small change. Unfortunately this spirit and tendency has made its harmful inroads among believers gathered to the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Oh! let us never allow ourselves to look at even one precious truth of God as unimportant or insignificant. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable” (2 Tim. 3:16). All we have in Christ, all the revealed truth that is ours through His divine grace, is indispensable and infinitely precious.

Discarding True Riches

As professing Christianity rapidly discards vital, fundamental doctrine, three areas are affected: doctrinal (foundational) truth, ecclesiastical (assembly) truth, and moral (practical) truth. May God grant us purpose of heart to “hold fast” and “strengthen the things which remain.” What to unbelievers seems small change is most surely priceless treasure for us.

Doctrine

We read that the early assembly “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). The apostles’ doctrine is mentioned first. The believers believed, valued, embraced and practiced every word of doctrine taught by the apostles. Yet later, Paul had to warn the Ephesian elders about grievous wolves destroying and party-makers dividing the flock of God. The last of his inspired writings warned that sound doctrine would be discarded as unimportant, being replaced by false teaching which appeals to the flesh (2 Tim. 4:3).

Truths regarding the person and work of Christ, the saints’ heavenly calling, headship of the man, separation from the ways of this world these and many other, divinely precious doctrines have been discarded as barely significant small change.

Assembly

The assembly also suffers from this small change mentality. Those in Acts continued steadfastly in doctrine and fellowship, the remembrance of the Lord and in prayer. Not only was every doctrine important, but they also eagerly embraced every opportunity to come together in assembly to remember the Lord and for prayer and reading.

Today, to our shame, we must admit that very often the number meeting together Lord’s Day morning to remember Him in death is significantly larger than the number attending midweek prayer and reading meetings or even gospel meetings. While there is ample time available for work, family and recreational activities, assembly activities which filled the hearts and lives of early believers are all too often treated as troublesome small change.

Practical Living

The apostles continually warned believers about the dangers of walking as the world walks.

Paul tells us to “walk as children of light.... Walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.... Be not drunk with wine.... Be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:8,15,18).

Peter tells us, “Wherefore beloved... be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14).

James tells us, “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).

John tells us, “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked” (1 John 2:6).

Jude tells us, “Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints,” and, “Keep yourselves in the love of God” (Jude 3,21).

We must in honesty admit that the world’s philosophies of self-worth, self-seeking, and self-satisfaction have affected us all doing so to the dishonor of our blessed Lord and Saviour. Humanism and materialism have made us willing to discard as small change the high, holy moral conduct befitting those who are God’s pilgrims and strangers in this world.

Abraham would not accept one thread or shoe-latchet from the king of Sodom, for he knew that substituting the habits and ways of the world for even the smallest exercise of faith would work ruin.

Don’t discard as unimportant one vital, precious truth of God. Every spiritual cent that God has given makes rich (Prov. 10:22). Don’t throw any away!

Ed.

Editorial: Perfect!

A medical problem recently found my beloved wife and me seated in a doctor’s examining room. After listening to her symptoms, the polite, young doctor carefully proceeded with a thorough examination. When finished, she seemed puzzled. “This is something I’ve not seen before” words which certainly did nothing to bring comfort to either of us! She added, “I’m going to consult with another doctor.”

Soon two doctors were carefully examining my wife. Thankfully, they both agreed that though neither was certain what had caused her condition, it was not serious and would clear up. One of them said, “But just to make sure, we’ll take a blood test and give you the results in a few minutes.”

About ten minutes later the door opened, the doctor poked her head in, and, with a big smile, said the most comforting word imaginable: “Perfect!”

Perfect in Christ

How much more blessed and comforting to hear, by faith, our blessed God and Father speak that word to each one who has accepted the Lord Jesus as personal Saviour.

His Word provides a solemn, unquestioningly accurate (though seemingly hopeless) diagnosis of each person born in this world. “There is none that doeth good, no, not one.” “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” “The wages of sin is death.” What a grave, inescapable verdict of the soul’s moral condition before holy God!

For the believer, however, our Lord Jesus Christ has “abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Tim. 1:10). God has made “Him [ Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21), thus once and forever judging the root sin in the flesh. Each who has believed the report that God has been fully satisfied forever about sin, by the shed blood of His Son which “cleanseth... from all sin,” can now joyfully say, “Jesus was my Substitute at the cross.” He made full payment (atonement) for every sin of every believer the fruit produced by the root, sin.

In short, we may say (in all reverence) that God has come into the examining room of each believer in the Lord Jesus and pronounced their previously hopeless condition as now being “perfect.”

Oh! the infinite value of the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ! Oh! the eternal perfection of our standing in Christ, as seen by the eye of holy, righteous God. In Christ we have been “justified freely,” there is “no condemnation,” we are a “new creation,” we are “children of God by faith,” and we are “blessed with all spiritual blessings.” Absolute, divine, eternal and unchangeable perfection is ours in Christ.

May our daily life our state confirm rather than contradict the perfection of our standing in the Lord Jesus Christ. “I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me” (John 17:23).

Ed.

Editorial: Who Is the Enemy?

The story is told of a naval battle which took place over two hundred years ago. During the height of that fierce engagement, the captain in command of an English man-o’war happened to see two of his sailors fighting with each other. As he watched, the argument became more heated and the two came to blows. Rushing down to the deck, he stepped between them, pushed them apart, and, pointing to the attacking enemy vessel across the water, cried, “Men, men! The enemy is over there!”

Christians have also forgotten who the enemy is.

Causes of Enmity

Bitterness, offenses real and imagined, differences of lifestyle and opinions, personality conflicts: These all have, at times, caused brethren in Christ each one redeemed by His precious blood to come to spiritual blows with each other when they ought to have been united together in “the good fight of faith.”

Satan has been very successful in causing believers to view each other as enemies, getting us to engage in destructive personal conflicts with one another.

The Enemy Is Who?

The devil is our enemy (1 Peter 5:8).

The world is our enemy (James 4:4).

The flesh is our enemy (Rom. 8:7).

But where do we read in Scripture that the “brother... for whom Christ died” is our enemy?

There is no Scriptural warrant for such thinking. In fact, the very opposite is taught in the Bible.

Disobedience to Whose Word?

Even in the sad case of one who walks in willful disobedience to God’s Word, we are clearly commanded not to view such as an enemy. “If any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother” (2 Thess. 3:14-15).

We also should take note that it is the apostles’ word (doctrine), not our own thoughts, that is to determine the kind of conduct from which we are to withdraw. Disagreements don’t always require separation. Paul fought with beasts (unsaved idolaters) at Ephesus (1 Cor. 15:32), but he wept over the enemies of the cross worldly Christians (Phil. 3:18).

Perhaps we need to weep more and fight less.

The Sword or the Towel?

There’s a difference in refusing fellowship because of willful disobedience and using the Word as a sword to figuratively chop off a believer’s ear who does not agree with our personal exercises.

Is there something you are unhappy about in the life of your brother or sister in Christ? Why not follow our blessed Lord’s example in John 13. Get a bowl of pure water from the Word, a soft towel of affections for Christ, and a large supply of humility. Then kneel down to help the erring believer.

Washing feet works much better than stepping on toes let’s wash them, not stamp on them.

The Sad Fruit of Strife

There are at least three solemn testimonies of dishonor to His blessed name given when we do battle with each other.

1. The angels, who ought to see a display of God’s wisdom in the assembly (Eph. 3:10) and a display of submission in believers (1 Cor. 11:10), see, rather, an exhibit of Christ-dishonoring, bitter fighting among members of His body.

2. The world, which ought to be able to bear testimony that “God is in you of a truth” (1 Cor. 14:25), instead observes warfare, conflict and fleshly spirits of divisiveness displayed by those who bear the holy name of Christ in this scene.

3. Our children, who learn best, not by what we say, but what we do, early learn to copy our angry spirits, finally abandoning those brethren whom Christ desires they love, serve and walk with (1 Cor. 16:15; Gal. 5:13).

No Excuses

In a day of weakness when the spirit of apostasy is already at work, we are to “earnestly contend for the” truth, seeking to “maintain good works.” But never are we to battle against each other!

Our Lord Jesus teaches us that it is peacemakers (not pieces makers) who are the blessed.

Our Lord Jesus teaches that we are to love rather than strike out at each other. And He also tells us the measure of that love is “as I have loved you.”

The spiritually strong are to “support the weak,” not use their spiritual strength to hurt, offend or destroy them. May we have grace to obey His Word.

“They mocked... and despised... and misused... till there was no remedy” (2 Chron. 36:16).

Ed.

Editorial: "With Me"

One was the powerful and fearless leader of six hundred valiant warriors. The other was a helpless cripple, useless in battle. Never did a beleaguered, forsaken king have greater need for the strong to defend him. But he seems almost to reject the one who would have benefited him the most (“Wherefore goest thou also with us?”), while expressing keen sorrow in the loss of the cripple’s fellowship (“Wherefore wentest not thou with me?”).

Ittai (2 Sam. 15:19-23), whose name means “with me,” came from the same city as Goliath. What faith and love it must have taken for this Gentile to follow the one who had defeated his people’s champion—and especially to follow one so despised and rejected. No doubt David appreciated Ittai’s loyalty, but the path of rejection required love and reality. Would Ittai still faithfully follow David when he no longer reigned in glory and seemed to have little to offer?

Will we follow our Lord Jesus here where no worldly gain is attached to His Person? Christianity may be popular, but the Christ of Christianity is despised and rejected still. What a test of our faith!

Mephibosheth had nothing to offer David save his love and fellowship. In being fooled by his servant, he lost the opportunity to give David what the king’s heart most desired. It is not our mighty service but real, heartfelt love that gives His blessed heart comfort here where He is despised. Let us go with Him today, walking in His blessed company!

Ed.

Editor's Note

Regarding a comment in the May issue on page 115, the “enemies of the cross” which Paul wept over were, doubtless, mere professing Christians, for he says their end “is destruction.” But real believers can also, by despising the “offense of the cross,” allow their testimony to be destroyed. May we “glory... in the cross” (Gal. 6:14).

Encouraging Each Other - "Consider Him."

“Consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” (See Hebrews 12:13 and Hebrews 10:22-25.)

These two passages assure us of our divine resource while emphasizing how important each Christian is in the encouragement of others. Put simply, these are inspiring scriptures. We count on our Lord being in the midst and see the examples of His life on earth (Heb. 12:3). We also have human examples throughout God’s Word for our inspiration (Heb. 12:1) as well as fellow-believers to help in time of need (Heb. 10:24-25).

Everyone Needs Encouragement

We all need godly encouragement to properly fill our roles in the assembly, our families and the community. In these spheres of responsibility we keenly feel the quiet support of prayer warriors in the assembly. But they too need our prayers and encouragement.

As Joshua and his army fought Amalek at Rephidim, they were strengthened in knowing that Moses was making supplication to God for them. They had but to look up on the hill to see him there, hands extended toward heaven (Ex. 17:11-14). But Moses had need too. When his arms grew weary, the enemy prevailed against Israel. It is then that Aaron and Hur provided a seat for Moses (for rest) and held up his hands (for support).

Like Moses, we can strengthen those in “battle” by praying holding up our hands in supplication to God on their behalf while, like Aaron and Hur, we can also encourage and support those serving in prayer or other ministries. “Encourage... and build up each one the other” (1 Thess. 5:11 JND).

Encouragement Through Actions

David, in the confidence of faith that Jehovah would overcome Goliath (1 Sam. 17:26), ran to meet him with his sling and five smooth stones (vss. 45-51). When Saul and Israel saw his faith and the victory God gave as well as the subsequent scattering of the enemy (vs. 51), they were inspired to come out of hiding and help in the battle (vs. 52).

But such encouragement was not the result of David’s talking about the Lord’s power and victory in his personal battle with the lion and bear (vss. 34-37). Rather, it was his faith and confidence in action that spurred them and touched Jonathan’s heart.

Perhaps some truth or principle the Lord has revealed individually seems as though it ought to transform the lives of others also. But we soon learn that truth has little effect on others until we act on it for ourselves. When individual faith thus acts, it may seem to put one at risk, as David’s bravery before Goliath seemed to put him in harm’s way. But “if God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31).

Encouragement and Growth

Daniel’s godly exercise to abstain from eating the king’s meat was individual “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Dan. 1:8). The Lord had ordered circumstances in which Daniel’s faith was tested, resulting in his being brought into Melzar’s favor (vs. 9). Yet, when Daniel desires Melzar to prove him, he includes his three friends. This encouraged their faith, for later (ch. 2:17-18) they join with him in prayer for deliverance from certain death. “Daniel... made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret.”

The Lord’s perfect ordering of events, which strengthened Daniel’s personal faith and commitment to godly principles, inspired and encouraged his three friends. It was after this that the Lord allowed Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah’s personal faith to be more severely tested and that without the presence of Daniel (see ch. 3:17-27). Sometimes those who lack courage to act individually in faith are motivated to do so through the encouragement of other brethren the Lord provides. Later, having been reinforced by others’ faith and collective support, that one becomes inspired to act alone in personal faith and confidence in the Lord.

Conclusion

God’s Word contains countless inspiring examples. Perhaps the most incredible summary is found in Hebrews 11:33-40. “They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented” (vs. 37), and “these all, having obtained a good report through faith” (vs. 39).

Let us not neglect the privilege of supporting our brethren with godly encouragement while being willing to accept that same support for ourselves.

D. Lamb (adapted)

Exhortations on Shepherding

“The weak have ye not strengthened, nor have ye healed the sick, and ye have not bound up what was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought for that which was lost; but with harshness and with rigor have ye ruled over them. And they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, and were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill, and My sheep have been scattered upon all the face of the earth, and there was none that searched, or that sought for them” (Ezek. 34:46 JND).

This passage is very searching. Where, beloved fellow-servants of Christ, are the shepherds today? How have the sheep of Christ been handled?

Our passage presents a case where we learn from negatives. May we allow its exhortation to stir our hearts! It is obvious that Israel’s shepherds did not do what should have been done. Let us briefly consider each of the Holy Spirit’s indictments.

“The weak have ye not strengthened”

It is interesting that this is the first need considered. The weak among us need attention, brethren. They need to be strengthened, supported and sustained (Acts 20:28; 1 Thess. 5:14). Is there not instead the unhappy tendency to despise and neglect the weak?

“nor have ye healed the sick”

Are we alert to signs of sickness in the Lord’s sheep? How important is the healing ministry that administers the right remedy in such cases! Spiritual sickness has signs just as does physical sickness. Listlessness, fever, an impaired walk all are warnings of sickness. How blessed is a healing ministry in such cases. In some circles, there is much emphasis today on physical healing but little care about spiritual sickness, which is far more serious.

“ye have not bound up what was broken”

Oh, the precious sheep that have been broken! Health, family problems, assembly problems: Do we recognize the wounded and seek to bind up such?

“neither have ye brought again that which was driven away”

It is a solemn fact, beloved, that we have driven some of the Lord’s sheep away. Oh, they should not have gone away, but do we understand and feel for those who were driven away? How blessed it is to seek and bring back such! I am afraid our tendency is to write them off and quote in defense of that scriptures such as, “Let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them,” or, “They went out from among us, but they were not of us.” In both cases, the Scripture is grossly misinterpreted.

“neither have ye sought for that which was lost”

How many of God’s sheep have gotten lost in the confusion characterizing Christendom today! It is clear from this scripture that these dear sheep should be sought, not shunned. I do not, of course, speak of those who lead in departure, but rather those sheep who were led away. A shepherd with the love and heart of Christ will be given divine discernment to differentiate.

“with harshness and with rigor have ye ruled over them”

I feel the shame of that statement. They are His precious ones and should be treated with that very tenderness He ever shows His own. There is no place for harshness or rigor in the handling of His sheep.

Many years ago, my father-in-law accompanied me on a business trip from Geneva to Zurich, Switzerland. We looked up a brother there I had known from my youth a real pastor of the Lord’s sheep. As we visited, I saw a painting of sheep with a shepherd hung over his desk. He told me it was to remind him of how very precious the sheep are to Christ.

One other passage comes to mind, again teaching from the negative Zechariah 11:16-17 and giving an additional consideration: “Nor feed that that standeth still” (“that which is sound”; JND).

It is touching to note that, with all the problems of the weak, sick, broken, straying and driven away sheep, God reminds us of the vital need of feeding and caring for the healthy sheep those which stand still (are sound).

May God help those who are under-shepherds, to whom the care of His sheep has been entrusted, to discharge that responsibility faithfully and with genuine love for Christ and His dear sheep.

“When the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away” (1 Peter 5:4).

“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you” (1 Peter 5:2 JND).

R. K. Gorgas

The Father Seeks Worshippers

“Woman, believe Me” (John 4:21). The Lord more than meets every desire of the Samaritan’s heart. Here we have the first unfolding of Christian worship ever given by God to man. “The Father” was to be worshipped-what a revelation! It is no longer a question of Jehovah God of Israel. There is a richer display of God and far more intimate. It was God as the Son knew Him and was making Him known in the fullness of love and fellowship, bringing His own that were in the world into the conscious relationship of children as born of Him.

No wonder that, in presence of such nearness and the worship that befits it, the Samaritan’s mountain melts and the sanctuary of Jerusalem fades away, for the one was but the effort of self-will and the other but the test and proof of the first man’s inability to meet God and live. Christian worship is found on the possession of life eternal in the Son and on the gift of the Spirit as the power of worship.

Ye Know Not What

“Ye worship ye know not what” (vs. 22). It is remarkable that the Lord does not say “who,” but “what,” for in Judaism God dwelt in thick darkness, and the testimony rendered by the Levitical system was that the way into the holiest had not yet been made manifest. When Christ died, the veil was rent and eternal redemption found: The worshippers once purged have no more conscience of sins and are invited to draw near. Such is Christianity, God having revealed Himself as the Father in the Son through the Spirit. To know Him, the only true God, and Him whom He had sent to reveal Him, even Jesus, was life eternal. We know therefore whom we worship, and not merely “what.”

Who Can Worship?

It is an hour now when the true worshipers worship the Father. Who and what are they? The epistles answer with one voice that they are God’s children, born of Him through the faith of Christ, and sealed by the Spirit consequently as resting on His redemption. So the Apostle says that we worship by the Spirit of God and boast in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in flesh (Phil. 3:3).

What is said of the worship excludes all but true believers, for they are to worship in spirit and truth. How can any worship who have not the Spirit and know not the truth?

In Spirit and Truth

“They that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (vs. 24). The Lord’s words express more than the necessity of having the Holy Spirit or of acquaintance with the truth, though this would suppose the Christian with his Christian privileges. But He says that they worship in that character, not merely that they have the Spirit and the truth in order to worship. A real Christian might act unspiritually and not according to the truth. However true the worshipper then, if he were grieving the Spirit or dishonoring the Lord, this would not be to worship in spirit and truth. Clearly, none but “the true worshippers” could so worship, though on a given occasion or in a given state they might not in fact as they ought.

The Father seeks the true worshippers. Undoubtedly, when sought, they gather unto the name of the Lord and enjoy His presence by the Spirit. It is not enough that they are washed and thus are every whit clean; it is not only that they have the Spirit, the spring of praise and power of continual thanksgiving. What confidence for them! What grace in Him! Yet is His seeking such true of every Christian. May they answer His grace by eschewing all that is unworthy of it in this evil day.

God Is a Spirit

“God is a Spirit” (vs. 24). It is the nature of God which is here in question, not the relationship of grace which He now reveals in and by Christ. And this is not without the greatest importance for us, for He must be worshipped correspondingly, and He most fully provided for this, seeing that the new life we enjoy is by the Spirit and is spirit, not flesh (John 3:6), as indeed He begot us of His own will by the word of truth, and we are thus born again. Assuredly we should walk and worship in the Spirit, if we live in the Spirit. As God is a Spirit, spiritual worship is all He accepts. It is a moral necessity flowing from His nature a nature fully revealed in Him who is the image of the invisible and we should not be ignorant of it, we who are born of Him as believers in Christ.

W. Kelly (adapted from On the Gospel of John)

"Feed the Flock": A Great Answer

The kindergarten teacher diligently worked with her students, seeking to foster a caring, nurturing attitude toward each other. Over time her little charges became less eager to point out failures and began instead to display a positive, empowering spirit of encouragement, even cheering one another when there were mistakes and failures.

One little boy Zachary was especially slow and, due to a speech impediment, never took public, verbal part in class activities. But because of the classroom’s caring atmosphere, though silent, he eagerly joined in with the rest of the students in each learning activity the teacher presented.

From time to time, Zachary would raise his hand as if wanting to say something. His teacher and classmates would patiently wait, hoping that this time he would finally speak. But these moments always ended with the class clapping and saying, “Zachary, that was a good try,” in response to his enthusiastic participation and failure to speak.

Returning from a zoo tour one day, everyone in the class was excitedly sharing in a discussion.

“What’s the name of the big gray animal with the very long nose we saw today?” the teacher asked.

Zachary’s hand, as usual, immediately began to eagerly wave. The teacher called on him while the class patiently waited for the expected long silence. But then suddenly and quite unexpectedly a stuttered word came tumbling from Zachary’s lips.

“Ccccow!”

His classmates and teacher were so surprised and elated at Zachary’s first spoken word that, after a moment, there was a spontaneous burst of applause and cheering. An instant later, however, they realized that he had given a wrong answer.

It was then, without missing a beat, that Lisa, a bubbly little encourager, smiling brightly, turned to Zachary and said, “That was a great wrong answer!”

Would we like to see greater participation in and attendance at assembly gatherings?

Would it be encouraging to hear young brothers take public part in the assembly asking questions, reading Scriptures, praying and giving out hymns?

Would it be a joy to see fresh exercise among brethren to “do the work of an evangelist”?

Would it be desirable for young brothers to take an interest in the affairs of the assembly, making an effort to attend the brothers’ care meetings?

Would we be happy to have strangers frequently visiting the assembly (see 1 Cor. 14:23-25)?

The key to obtaining such happy blessings is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:11-15 (JND). “Wherefore encourage one another... build up each one the other... comfort the fainthearted, sustain the weak, be patient towards all... pursue always what is good towards one another.”

But we can only encourage, comfort, build up, sustain, be patient, and pursue good with one another through a spirit which emphasizes “that was a great... answer” rather than “that was a... wrong answer”!

Ed.

"Feed the Flock": An Abundant Answer

One morning in 1931, a poor Christian family awoke to the worst blizzard on record in their town in Michigan. Everything was paralyzed, and snow, almost two stories high, blown into drifts against the modest frame house by wind, darkened its windows.

The father, who as a young Christian had managed to escape severe religious persecution in Syria and immigrate to the U.S., put their last piece of coal in the fire. His wife warmed the last 8 oz. of milk for their baby boy. There was no more food, no more fuel, no money for supplies, and no way to get out.

“What will we do, Dad?” came the frightened voice of their 6-year-old son who had just awakened.

“Why, we’ll have our devotions” was the reply.

“But we don’t have anything to eat, Daddy,” came the tearful reply.

“Son, we have God who loves us and we can trust Him to care for us.”

After reading the Bible together, the four knelt while father prayed. He thanked the Lord for their house, the blankets and beds they had to keep warm in, and prayed for those without adequate shelter.

“And if it please Thee,” he continued, “send us some fuel. Also, Thou knowest that we have no food except the milk for baby Thomas. If it would be pleasing to Thee... ”

The sudden, loud banging at their back door did not interrupt or hurry his prayers. When finished the father went to the door and opened it to allow a bundled stranger to enter their back porch.

Standing in the midst of a pile of snow that had blown in, the father politely asked, “Can I help you?”

“We live on a farm outside of town. Four years ago I heard you preach at a gospel meeting and I was saved. This morning at 4 o’clock I couldn’t sleep, and I couldn’t get you out of my mind. It seemed like the Lord was telling me to come over here. But our truck is stuck in the snow, so I had to hitch the horses to our sled and come over that way.”

The stranger hesitated, and though they had no breakfast to offer him, the father invited him to come into the warmth of their kitchen. To his surprise, however, the farmer turned and went outside to the sled. Picking up a large box he carried it back inside.

“This is for you,” he said.

Opening the lid, to their astonishment, they found it packed with milk, eggs, butter, pork chops, grain, homemade bread and a large quantity of other food!

While the family, with tears of joy, wondered at the unexpected gift, the farmer went back to his sled and began carrying a cord of wood to the porch.

Soon after, the family was sitting with their kind benefactor enjoying a hearty breakfast. Then came the abundant answer to the father’s prayers. As he left, the farmer placed $10 in his hand a very generous sum during those difficult depression days.

“I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his [children] begging bread” (Psa. 37:25).

“Unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20).

Ed.

"Feed the Flock": "Dear Dad"

Ed. Note: The following is a letter written by a 16year-old girl to her father a few weeks after he had left her mother, her brother and her for another woman. Though “adapted,” we trust this true story will solemnize both dads and moms.

“Dear Dad, “It’s late at night and I’m sitting in the middle of my bed writing to you. I’ve wanted to talk to you so many times in the last few weeks, but there was never any time when you were alone.

“Dad, I realize that you are seeing someone else and that you and mom may never get back together. That’s very hard for me to accept, especially knowing that you may never come home and be an everyday dad to my brother and me again.

“But at least I want you to understand what is going on in our lives. And don’t think Mom put me up to writing this; she didn’t. She doesn’t even know I’m writing to you. I just want to share with you what I’ve been thinking about.

“Daddy, I feel like our family is like a really nice car and we’ve been riding together in it for a long time. It has looked great on the outside no scratches or rust and it has lots of nice things inside. But as time has gone on, it has developed problems.

“The engine is smoking now, the wheels wobble, the seat covers are ripped, it’s hard to drive and it’s really hard to ride in because of all the shaking and squeaking. But you know what, Dad? It’s still a great car or at least it could be. With a little work, it could run for many more years.

“My brother Brian and I have always been in the back seat and you and Mom have always been up front. We always felt secure when you were driving and Mom was there beside you.

“But last month when you left us, Mom had to take over at the wheel. It was nighttime and we had just turned the corner and suddenly we looked up and saw another car, out of control, heading right for us. Mom tried to swerve out of the way, but the other car smashed into us and the impact sent us flying off the road, crashing into a light post.

“The thing is, Dad, just before we hit, we saw it was you driving the other car and we saw someone else sitting next to you... that other woman.

“It was a terrible accident and we were all rushed to the emergency room. When we asked where you were, nobody seemed to know. And, in fact, we still don’t know where you are in all this, or if maybe you’re hurt too. Daddy, did you need help?

“Mom was really hurt, Dad. She was thrown into the steering wheel and it punctured her lung and almost pierced her heart. And Brian was thrown against the back door so hard that the glass cut him and he was in so much pain and shock. He still hurts so bad that he doesn’t want to talk to anybody.

“I was thrown out of the car and broke my leg. I lay on the ground and it hurt so much that I couldn’t help Mom or Brian. There were many times during that night and since then that I wondered if any of us would make it. And even though we are getting a little better, we’re all still in the hospital.

“The doctor said I’ll need some therapy that it would help me get better. But Daddy, I wish it were you helping me instead of therapy.

“The pain is so bad. But what’s worse is we miss you so much. Every day we wonder if you’re going to visit us here in the hospital. And every day you don’t come. Daddy, I know it’s over, but my heart would explode with joy if somehow I could look up and see you walk into my room.

“At night, when it’s really quiet, they push Brian and me into Mom’s room and all we do is talk about you and how much we all loved driving with you and how much we all wish you were back.

“Daddy, are you all right? Are you hurting from the wreck? Do you need us like we need you?

“If you ever need me, I’m here, and I love you.

“Stacey”

One morning, a few days after mailing the letter, Stacey came downstairs for breakfast. There, sitting at the table holding hands, tears in their eyes, sat her dad and mom. He had come back.

Brethren, Satan is waging a terrible battle against us. God grant each brother the desire to stand in the gap, to be a godly man, husband and father, who not only hears the Word of God, but obeys it as well.

Sisters, encourage your husbands, fathers and brethren to be men. You can have a positive impact for good in a world that despises godly manhood.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Prov. 31:10).

“O man of God... pursue righteousness, piety, faith, love, endurance, meekness of spirit. Strive earnestly in the good conflict of faith” (1 Tim. 6:11-12 JND).

“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them... giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered” (1 Peter 3:7).

“Moses was... nourished up in his father’s house” (Acts 7:20).

Ed.

"Feed the Flock": Everybody or Nobody

Before entering the military, a young man had been a fierce competitor in every aspect of his life. Being “number one,” winning, being first and on top was his chief goal in life. In the early weeks of basic training, he learned a life-changing lesson.

The first time his squadron was ordered to run an obstacle course, he competed with his accustomed intensity, striving to be first. And he was. He came in far ahead of the rest of his company.

At the finish he was met by his drill sergeant who seemed quite unimpressed with the soldier’s feat.

“Where’s the rest of your buddies?” the sergeant barked, frowning at him.

Pleased with his success, the self-assured soldier replied, “They’re all back there, sir. I won. I’m first!”

Leaning very close to the young soldier’s face, the drill sergeant yelled, “The obstacle course isn’t about coming in first! It’s about finishing! Everybody in your squad finishes or nobody wins! Now go back and run it again, and this time help the guys who are struggling along the way!”

“Bear ye one another’s burdens” (Gal. 6:2).

“Consider one another.... Provoke unto love and to good works” (Heb. 10:24).

“Not forsaking... assembling... together... but encouraging one another” (Heb. 10:25 JND).

“Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees” (Heb. 12:12).

Ed.

"Feed the Flock": "My Thoughts Are Not Your Thoughts"

During a fierce Civil War battle, a young soldier’s platoon was overrun. While making a hasty retreat, he became separated from his fellow-soldiers.

Desperately seeking a hiding place, he happened on a rocky ledge which contained a small entrance to a cave. Knowing the enemy was near and exhausted from his flight, he decided to hide there. With some difficulty he crawled into the dark shelter. There, lying on his face, he silently cried out to God to protect him from his enemies.

After a time of deep, earnest pleading with God, he looked up at the sunlit entrance through which he had entered. But all he saw was a spider beginning to weave its web across the opening. Watching the delicate threads being woven at the mouth of the cave, the young man was filled with anguish.

“I asked God for protection and deliverance,” he thought bitterly, “and He answers by sending me a spider! How is a spider going to save me?”

Soon he heard the enemy approaching. Listening as their voices drew nearer, the soldier realized he was about to be discovered, and his faltering faith could not keep his heart from sinking in despair.

One of them, his rifle at ready, cautiously approached the cave, crouching at its entrance. Just inside, the frightened young soldier lay, preparing for his last battle.

As the enemy warily began to enter the cave, he noticed the spider’s web, which by now was completely strung across the opening. Backing away from the entrance, he called to a comrade, “There’s no one in here. A person would have had to break this spider’s web to enter the cave. Let’s move on.”

Many are familiar with that lovely hymn in the Little Flock Hymnbook (#44, Appendix) that says, in part, “God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform.... Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace.” Yet, how often, when confronted with deep trials of sorrow, sickness or conflict, we so easily forget the divine love, grace and wisdom of our God which works all things for our ultimate blessing.

In Judges 6:1-10, the Israelites, impoverished and miserable under enemy domination, cry to the Lord and are rebuked for their disobedience. But Jehovah graciously encourages one young deliverer, Gideon, promising that His presence will be with him (vs. 16).

Immediately dear Gideon’s faith wavered and he began to question and reason: “If the Lord be with us, why” (vs. 13). “Wherewith shall I save Israel” (vs. 15). “If now I have found grace... show me a sign” (vs. 17). “He feared his father’s household” (vs. 27). “If Thou wilt save Israel... as Thou hast said... I will put a fleece.... Let me prove” (vss. 36-40). Still, the Lord used that tiny band to natural reasoning appearing little better than a feeble spiderweb-to defeat a strong and fierce foe (ch. 7:7). What a mighty victory was wrought by Gideon and those three hundred men! “Little children... greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Ed.

"Feed the Flock": The Best Quality

A gifted Christian writer who possessed a creative and brilliant mind was involved in a tragic accident, resulting in the loss of both legs and his left arm. Only his thumb and part of a finger remained functional on his right hand. To the once active, energetic believer now so handicapped a long, dreary, meaningless life seemed to loom before him.

One day, while struggling in the depths of depression, he realized how much he enjoyed receiving letters. Even though it would be physically taxing, the man decided he would use his writing ability to brighten the day for other shut-ins. How to find those who needed that kind of encouragement, however, proved to be a difficult challenge.

As he prayed for guidance, the Lord seemed to tell him to write to men in a local prison. But when he contacted a Christian prison ministry, he learned that even if he did write, due to strict prison rules, his letters would never be answered.

Deciding to proceed in spite of that obstacle, he twice a week undertook the physically exhausting effort of painstakingly handwriting a letter each message full of interest and spiritual encouragement. Though there would be no acknowledgment, he prayerfully and diligently put his whole heart into each one. But often he felt discouraged wondering if any prisoner even bothered to read his letters.

Though his faith was sorely tested during those times, he refused to give up. Then one day, after several months of letter writing, the handicapped author received a letter from the prison. It was written on official stationary and contained an abrupt, concise request signed by the official in charge of censoring all mail sent to the inmates.

The short note read, “Dear sir: Please write your letters on high quality, heavyweight paper. They are passed back and forth between every cell and read by so many that the paper falls to pieces before all the prisoners get a chance to read them.”

Elijah gave up in discouragement (1 Kings 19:9-18). To the prophet’s mind, all his efforts at faithfully serving the Lord seemed to have born no fruit. But the Lord had a wonderful and humbling secret for Elijah. In the very land he thought had totally turned in apostasy from Jehovah, there were still seven thousand faithful ones who had not wickedly bowed their knee to the worship of Baal.

In the Lord’s day multitudes followed Him until a time of testing came. Blessed, divine words that He spoke stumbled the majority, and “from that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him” (John 6:66). What a portion of joy and glory they missed, because they became discouraged and gave up following Christ the Messiah.

We, too, are prone to the same thing. The path of faith does have its tests, obstacles and trials. But what are they in comparison to our blessed Saviour in glory? Let’s not give up serving, using the very best quality for Him who is infinitely worthy of all.

“Ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing” (2 Thess. 3:13).

Ed.

"Feed the Flock": The Catch and Lesson of a Lifetime

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6).

Almost forty years ago, an 11-year-old boy spent every chance he got fishing from the dock at his family’s cabin on an island in the middle of a lake.

One evening when bass season was scheduled to open at midnight, he and his father were catching sunfish and perch with worms. The boy decided to tie on a small bass lure and practice casting. On his first cast as the lure struck the water, his pole gave a hard jerk and doubled over. A very large fish was on the other end. Eventually the excited young fisherman pulled an immense fish from the water, the largest he had ever seen. But it was a bass.

Silently looking at the trophy fish, his dad shined the flashlight on his watch: 9:00 p.m. three hours before bass season opened. Looking at his boy, he gently said, “You’ll have to put it back, son.”

“Dad?!” cried the boy in disbelief.

“There’ll be other fish,” said his father quietly.

“Not as big as this one,” he cried. He desperately looked around the lake. No one was watching. He gave his father an imploring look.

Dad knew what his boy was thinking.

“Put it back, son,” said the gentle but firm voice. The boy realized that his dad (a devout Christian) had made a nonnegotiable decision. With tears running down his face, the boy slowly worked the hook from the huge bass’s mouth and lowered it into the lake. With one quick splash, the fish was gone.

Today that boy is a successful Christian businessman. Though he never again caught such a large fish, the lesson he learned that night has been vital to his success. Ethics (so confused in this godless world) are not blurred, gray areas of man’s opinions. They are (as they always have been) simple matters of right and wrong in the sight of God.

The young fisherman also learned something else that night. Knowing true Christian morals and ethics is easy. Practicing them is hard and painful.

This is especially so in Western lands where the godless principles of humanism have replaced the perfect light and truth of God’s standards found in the Bible.

All godly, moral standards found in Scripture have become negotiable in Western culture. Personal gain and satisfaction (“me first” rather than “God first”) are the fundamental elements used to make final determinations of moral standards and conduct.

Thus it is that in every facet of daily life those who “will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). We must not think that persecution only happens in other cultures, where Christians are physically persecuted for their faith.

One who “sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not” (Psa. 15:4) in order to honor God in lands which espouse personal liberty of conscience will feel very real pain and persecution. May we be willing to suffer for “righteousness’ sake” in order to please Him who suffered and died to give us life!

Ed.

"Feed the Flock": The Only Face She Saw

The story is told of the day a victorious general of Cyrus, king of Persia, returned home from a successful military campaign. He was shocked to learn that during his absence his wife had been charged with treason against the kingdom. Her trial was to be the very next day. Hastening to the king’s court, he watched the guards bring in his beloved wife.

Pale and anxious, she tried to answer the charges against her, but to no avail. The general heard Cyrus’ stern voice pronounce her death sentence. As the executioner was about to lead her away, the general ran forward and threw himself at the feet of Cyrus.

“Sir,” he cried, “not her, but me. Let me give my life for hers. Put me to death, but spare my wife.”

Looking on his general, the king’s heart was touched and softened. Remembering the faithful and brave service of his general, he pardoned his wife, commanding her to be freed.

As her husband led her from the room, he said to her, “Did you notice the kind look in the eyes of the Emperor as he pronounced your pardon?”

With love shining from her eyes she replied, “I did not see the face of the Emperor. The only face I saw was of the man who was willing to die for me.”

May the One who willingly died in our stead fill our hearts and vision today as He will for all eternity.

“The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20).

Ed. (adapted)

"Feed the Flock": The Wooden Bowl

A very poor, elderly man was rather reluctantly allowed to move in with his son, daughter-in-law and five-year-old grandson, there to be cared for in his declining years. His hands were shaky, his eyesight was poor, and his walk was faltering and unsteady.

The old man’s increasing physical infirmities soon began to cause problems none more irritating than at mealtimes. More food ended up on the floor than in grandfather’s mouth. Each day seemed to find fresh coffee or soup stains on the tablecloth, while a bowl or plate was periodically dropped and broken. It was not long before his son’s growing impatience boiled to the surface.

At mealtime one day he angrily exclaimed, “Father, we’ve got to do something about your sloppy eating and the constant messes you make!”

His wife, nodding her agreement, rose to help set a small table in a far corner of the kitchen on which was placed an unbreakable wooden bowl. Isolated from his family, the old man sat with bowed head in the spot which became known as “Grampa’s place.”

During meals his son or daughter-in-law would occasionally glance at him, but neither of them seemed to notice the tears that at times rolled down his cheek. Conversation with Grampa was limited to sharp rebukes whenever he dropped food or spilled his drink. During this time his little grandson was silently and intently observing everything.

Returning home from work one evening, the father noticed his little boy playing on the floor with some wood scraps.

“Well, my little man,” he asked with a friendly smile, “just what are you making?”

Without hesitation and in the artless innocence of childhood, the little guy looked up, returning his father’s smile, and said, “I’m makin’ bowls jus’ like Grampa’s for you’n Mommie to use when I get growed up!”

That night, Grampa was back at the family table, once again sharing mealtimes with them.

We often consider that the divine warning in Galatians 6:7 “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” refers only to vile, gross sins. But refusal to “honor thy father and thy mother” (whether the child is young or old) is equally serious and bears equally solemn consequences. Of course, there comes a time when “Children, obey your parents in the Lord” is no longer an appropriate principle for parent-child relationships. But never is there a time when children no longer need to treat their father and mother with respect.

In Galatians 5:19-21 (JND), the Apostle Paul classes “strifes, jealousies, angers, contentions, disputes, schools of opinion” with gross wickedness such as “fornication,” “licentiousness” and “murders.” We can readily understand the solemn consequences of engaging in the last three. But let none forget the consequences reaped from sowing the seeds of jealousy, anger or discourteousness especially towards those to whom honor is due (Rom. 13:7-8).

Ed.

"Feed the Flock": Too Much to Ask?

Nine-year-old Gary, along with the other boys in his Sunday school class, each bought a “pine-wood derby” race-car kit, intending to build and race them.

He worked diligently on the model. When he finished, he was quite proud of the little wooden car which he had painted blue proud until “race day.” Then reality hit. Gary looked at the other sleek, highly polished cars, carved from the blocks of pine wood, and his car seemed out of place. It didn’t have a “sleek” race-car look, and its paintbrush finish was rough compared to all the spray-painted finishes.

The race would be an “elimination” each boy racing his car down the long, slick, wooden ramp, until it was eliminated by a faster car. Strangely enough, Gary’s roughly finished and blocky-looking car did quite well. One after another of the cars were eliminated-but Gary’s kept right on winning.

Finally the last race was about to begin the championship between Gary’s car and what was clearly the most beautiful, sleek-looking derby car of all a low-slung, glossy-yellow speedster.

Just as the two cars were being lined up, Gary asked if they would wait for a minute he wanted to pray. The room grew silent as little Gary, holding his funny looking blue car, bowed his head and, with a brow wrinkled in deep concentration, spent almost two minutes silently praying. Then, opening his eyes, he announced, “Okay, I’m ready.”

The two cars started, picking up speed as they sped down the ramp. Amazingly, Gary’s car crossed the finish line just barely in front of its rival.

Prizes were handed out to all who took part, and when Gary’s turn came to receive his championship prize, the man who was giving them out said to him, “So you prayed to win, huh, Gary?”

The little boy looked up at his questioner in surprise. “Oh, no, I didn’t ask God to help me beat the other car. I just asked Him to make it so I wouldn’t cry when I lost.”

Do we honor our loving and giving God by asking largely of Him, or do we assume, through lack of faith, that we dare not expect much, though we know He owns the cattle on a thousand hills?

Joash, king of Israel (2 Kings 13:13-20), was given an opportunity to accept largely from Jehovah, through God’s prophet Elisha. But the king, evidently not acting in faith, struck the ground with his arrows only three times. The sick and dying prophet became angry at this lack of faith “thou shouldest have smitten five or six times.” Such spiritual energy would have brought full victory over the enemy.

How often are we challenged in our Christian pathway to “prove Me now... saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive” (Mal. 3:10).

Is the One who “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” worthy to be trusted at every moment of our lives to give the best? For what, then, are you willing to ask Him?

Ed.

"Feed the Flock": "Wear" Spots or "Prayer" Spots?

The story is told of two sisters in Christ whose husbands were both engaged in serving the Lord. One sister had come to visit the other one day, and, as they chatted together, each busily worked mending a pair of pants worn by her husband.

During the course of their conversation, one of the sisters began to describe the many discouragements that her husband had been encountering of late in his service for the Lord.

“My poor John is so discouraged,” she sighed. “Those he tries to help don’t seem to appreciate him, he has seen no souls saved through his gospel outreach, and we are struggling financially. Why, just the other day he said he feels as though he may have missed the Lord’s mind in his service. He’s wondering if he should get a secular job, because nothing seems to be going right there’s just no blessing.”

The other sister, though listening quietly to her sad comments, seemed quite surprised.

“Why,” she remarked, “at breakfast this morning, my husband said just the opposite. He too has found many difficulties, and we have also had some financial struggles. But the Lord has always provided our needs, and my husband is excited about the ministry the Lord has given him. He told me that the Lord seems more precious to him now than ever before.”

There was a prolonged silence as the two sisters continued mending their husbands’ pants one patching the knees, the other patching the seat.

How very much is mentioned in the Word of God concerning prayer and the vital importance of praying. The words “pray,” “prayer” and “praying” are mentioned 659 times in the KJV Bible! Yet, perhaps, the prayer meeting is the most sparsely attended among the gatherings. How sad that it is so in view of the many times our blessed God encourages us in His Word to pray and in view of the innumerable answers He has given to our prayers.

One of the old writers mentioned that prayer is a mighty engine. He wrote those words during the days of the industrial revolution in England and America—days when the mighty energy of the steam engine was being discovered and put to use.

Today, prayer is still a mighty engine mightier than the most powerful computer, space shuttle or nuclear power plant. Yet we must with sorrow and shame admit how little time we spend making use of the divine, infinite power of prayer.

Let us hear the Word of God and allow our hearts to be stirred up more to earnest prayer.

“My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up” (Psa. 5:3).

“When He [ Jesus] had sent them away, He departed into a mountain to pray” (Mark 6:46).

“He spake a parable unto them... that men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1).

“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17).

“The fervent supplication of the righteous man has much power” (James 5:16 JND).

Ed.

"Feed the Flock": "Ye Have Done It Unto Me"

Entering their Sunday school class, a group of young people saw large pieces of blank white paper taped to a cork display board. They were told to draw pictures of those they strongly disliked. The drawings would then become targets at which the students could, if they wished, throw darts.

One young woman eagerly began to draw a picture of the girl who had stolen her boyfriend. A young man drew a likeness of his little brother; another, the face of an older Christian who had criticized her. So it went, each one sketching the likeness of someone who had offended them. Then the students began energetically hurling darts at their drawings. The sketches were soon badly disfigured and filled with many gaping holes.

After a time their teacher stopped this action, asked the students to be seated and began removing the torn, punctured pictures from the display board.

A strange hush suddenly fell over the noisy room as each student viewed, underneath the pictures they had drawn and then mangled with darts, a picture of Jesus holes and jagged tears piercing and covering His face. Eyes, some filling with tears, focused on the ruin they had inflicted on the Saviour’s face as the teacher quoted but one verse in ending the class: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me” (Matt. 25:40).

“Be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” It is much easier to quote these precious, vitally important words of Ephesians 4:32 than to practice them in our daily lives.

What deadly ruin is worked in lives when bitterness takes root in hearts bitterness caused, at times, by the most insignificant slight unintended or maybe even unrealized by the offender.

Make no mistake. Eventually, unconfessed and unforsaken bitter feelings fester into jealousies, angers and contentions. Then that sinful root of bitterness becomes public, causing dreadful breaches-divisions among those for whom Christ died. He died so that we might all be one (John 17:21,23).

The tragic defilement of Tamar in 2 Samuel 13, though a terrible sin, illustrates the deadly results of hidden bitterness. First, in verse 20, her brother Absalom told Tamar not to be concerned about what had happened to her. (He should have immediately requested that David deal with it.) Second, in verse 22, Absalom, though outwardly pretending to disregard the sin, nursed inward feelings of hatred in his heart. Third, he secretly nursed that bitterness two years (vs. 23)! Fourth, Absalom had no intention of dealing righteously with the offense. He had determined (and carefully planned) to kill Amnon “from the day that he humbled his sister” (vs. 32 JND).

What awful heartbreak results from holding a bitter spirit! May we never forget what the glorified Christ asked that zealous oppressor of His beloved people: “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?”

Ed.

For Christian Parents

Mark you broad and rapid stream!

Brilliant though its surface seem,

Mingling in its depths below

Poisonous currents surely flow.

Christian parents, pause to think

On that treacherous river’s brink,

Ere you launch your tiny bark

On those waters deep and dark.

Yours the path of Jesus here,

Seek it for your children dear;

Though you cannot life impart,

Cannot bow the stubborn heart.

Do not help to weave a chain

You would gladly break again;

Shall not He who for you died,

Food and raiment still provide?

He who has your children given,

He can bless for earth and heaven;

Seek then first His holy will;

Seek His pleasure to fulfill.

Constant still in faith and prayer

That this blessing they may share;

And when by the Spirit’s power

Comes the gladly welcomed hour,

When the lips you love so well,

Of a Saviour’s grace shall tell,

They will have no cause to say

That you turned their feet astray.

Rather, from their earliest youth,

Taught and nurtured in the truth,

May their light unhindered shine

To the praise of grace divine.

Gems From My Reading

Foul Practices - Fair Names

“Put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him” (Col. 3:10).

The devil teaches sinners to cover foul practices with fair names superstition is termed devotion; covetousness, thrift; pride in apparel, handsomeness; looseness, liberty; madness, mirth.”

Christian Truth, Vol. 22

Four Questions Concerning Worship

Questions have a way of getting our attention, whether from Mom at toothbrush time, the school teacher at quiz time, or the trooper patrolling the interstate. Questions “niggle” at us like pebbles in the shoe too small to bother with, too big to ignore. But Scriptures draw this bow at a venture to put arrow-questions inside our armor of self-respect.

What is worship? Listening to a sermon or letting a surrogate stand in for one of my life’s joys? Is it thanksgiving? Partly. Suppose I’m hauled aboard, dripping and cold, by a bunch of drunks, after falling off the Puget Sound Ferry in winter. I’m clearly grateful, and will be by card or phone in years to come for my life being saved. But admiration? No.

Worship includes both gratitude and admiration: We bow, we sing and we pray both for what He has done and for who He is.

“What mean ye by this service?” (Ex. 12:26).

In Exodus, the intent is to pass on the heritage of God’s grace to future generations who never experienced the wilderness and its privations. Such questions also keep dads on their toes, requiring answer even to this day in Christian households.

“To what purpose is this waste?” (Matt. 26:8).

In Matthew, the implicit message is service comes first. But does it? Suppose I’m a whiz at doing chores for my wife: shiny dishes, garbage outside in a trice, windows squeaky clean but never a bouquet of flowers, never any romantic expressions, never an “I love you.” Such is the all work no play mentality. How much better when feet, hands, eyes, ears—every faculty—is, in its time, attentive to the object of my affection (and hers for me, too!). Does our blessed Lord deserve less?

“Couldst not thou watch one hour?” (Mark 14:37).

In Mark, I find that the Lord Jesus craves my companionship: not a sword (“put it away, Peter”), not an endowment (“If the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldst thou not have done it?” [2 Kings 5:13]), not even a vain protest to the authorities the powers that be (would I, even if I could, deflect the divine work of redemption?). He wants only my simple response to His desire for companionship.

“Where are the nine?” (Luke 17:17).

In Luke, perhaps my natural and first instincts would be to follow Cain’s example with an insolent, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” But the Divine Questioner well knew He was asking the wrong people, seeking to exercise their consciences by His query.

But more than teaching of the intellect, there is happy example. Consider the honeybee. The scouts fan out from the hive at sunup, find the best flower fields, then return to give their sun-oriented waggle-dance to guide the workers.

Where are the nine, indeed, if I have not shown by happy example the fields of plenty the rich harvest of worship personally enjoyed.

Four questions. Four pebbles in the shoe?

Childlike attend what Thou wilt say,

Go forth and serve Thee while’tis day,

Nor leave our sweet retreat.

Little Flock Hymnbook, #250

D. Lunden (adapted)

Fragment: 1 Cor. 11:27

1 Corinthians 11:27 is not speaking about being worthy to partake at the Lord’s table, but, rather, partaking there in an unworthy manner. Every believer, free of doctrinal or moral sin, is worthy to be there.

Gems From My Reading

Fragment: A Beautiful Object

The Spirit of God ever seeks to present Christ more attractively to us and to enable our hearts to be engaged with Him as the very One to suit us at every hour if in joy, to help us in our joy; if in sorrow, to sympathize with us. Thus the heart is drawn out more adoringly and absolutely to Christ Himself as the only One who in every way satisfies.

The Lord was on the earth, a very beautiful object, and no one saw beauty in Him. But now the Spirit of God not only shows us the beauty that is in Him, but also gives us a capacity to appreciate and enjoy Him as the real and sufficient object of our hearts. This is “joy unspeakable and full of glory. ”

Voice to the Faithful, Vol. 8

Fragment: Affected by the Atmosphere

“All things are lawful unto me... but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Cor. 6:12).

There always is the tendency to be affected by the atmosphere that surrounds us. The habits of the world have a kind of power that must be felt if there is not a spiritual power to resist them.

J. N. Darby

Fragment: Are You Drinking of It?

Are you familiar with that grace of the Father in having chosen and accepted you in the Son of His love before the foundation of the world? It separates from the world. I believe the powers of darkness are loosing a vortex of evil of every kind, and many a child of God will be caught in it if not walking with God. Some, like Lot, may have to be dragged up out of Sodom. God wants us to experience His love in such largeness that we have a fountain overflowing from heaven. Are you drinking of it?

G. V. Wigram

Fragment: Are You Satisfied?

If there is enough in Christ to fully satisfy the heart of God, surely there is enough in Him for you. Are you satisfied with Jesus?

Spiritual Gems for the Path of Faith

Fragment: Endurance

“The word of the Lord endureth forever” (1 Peter 1:25).

We have known what it was to be roused by a stirring word of exhortation. But this does not give power for endurance. They are like the crack of the whip, making the horse increase his pace for a few yards before he returns to his slow jog-trot.

What is needed for endurance is to have the Lord Jesus commanding the heart’s affections. Turn the tired horse’s head toward home, and see how he will go! We need heart attraction to that blessed Person who is the center of all the thoughts of God and to the home where He is.

Anon.

Fragment: First Love

In Revelation we find the root of all failure in the church in responsibility. “I have against thee that thou hast left thy first love” (ch. 2:4 JND).

What injures and finally ruins is invariably from within, not from without. In vain does Satan seek to cast down those who, resting on Christ’s love, have Him as the loved object of their life and soul. Having lost their first love for Christ, the Lord has to pronounce the solemn words, “Thou art fallen.” However outwardly blameless their testimony might be before the world, the church was a fallen church in the sight of the Lord. The warning follows that, unless there was repentance, their candlestick would be removed. If the first love for Christ was lost, the light before men would fail.

What is true of the church as a whole is surely true in the history of any local assembly, as, indeed, of each individual believer. The root of all failure is within, in the heart, and unless there is repentance, the outward testimony will, in the government of God, cease to have any power.

Nevertheless though there was no recovery on the part of the church as a whole, it was possible for individuals to overcome this solemn, inward failure and maintain first love to Christ. To such the Lord would reveal Himself as the tree of life the hidden source of spiritual sustenance in the paradise of God, where no enemy will ever intrude to draw our hearts from Christ.

H. Smith (adapted)

Fragment: God as Teacher

God knows how to bring up the children of His house. You will be wise to let Him take His own ways of teaching you.

Spiritual Gems for the Path of Faith

Fragment: Grace and Glory

When we think of grace, we think of our interest in Christ. When we think of glory, we think of our interests with Christ. The first is really the deeper, the more personal and affectionate, for it takes us to the heart of the Lord the second to His circumstances.

J. G. Bellett (Words of Faith)

Fragment: Harm and Pleasure

We may not think there is harm in a thing we like; the front of it is pleasure, but the back of it is sin.

J. N. Darby

Fragment: He Upholds All Things

“Upholding all things by the word of His power” (Heb. 1:3).

Oh, the marvelous dignity of that One! He upholds not just this world, but all the universe of God. I can take a baseball and toss it down this aisle, but the moment it leaves my hand, my control over it ends. Not so the God who by the Son made the universe. He started it on its way, but He did not let loose. Each planet and star, as it reels through space, is held, sustained and kept in its course by that blessed One.

C. H. Brown (adapted from an address)

Fragment: Hide Your Treasures

“There went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months” (Ex. 2:12).

The fruit of this marriage in the Lord was a goodly child. Why instead of making a display of him did Moses’ mother “hide” this lovely child?

Was it not because she was well aware of one—Pharaoh (the prince of the power of Egypt)—who had decreed his death. She and her husband saw the child as Jehovah viewed him beautiful (Heb. 11:23 JND), because he was a potential deliverer of God’s people. Beloved parents! View each of your precious children this way and then diligently hide them from the wicked world and its prince.

Ed.

Fragment: Humble or Humbled?

There is a difference between being humble before God and being humbled before God. I am humbled before God because I have not been humble. I am humbled because of my sin. If I had been humble, I should have had grace given me to prevent it. “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).

Things New and Old

Fragment: Inflated Head or Devoted Heart?

God is not interested in an inflated head but in a devoted heart. The exploits of faith and love for God of Old Testament saints are examples for us to follow. We have too much light and not enough fire. May God remedy our coldness.

N. Hiebert (from Gems From My Reading)

Fragment: Is There Anything Sweeter?

How the blessed Lord desires our fellowship! The divine, eternal Son of God, Creator and Sustainer of all, delight of the Father’s heart He who fills all heaven with His infinite glory this Jesus longs for your company! Oh! that we might daily respond to and supply the sweet desire of His blessed heart.

He requests us to “watch with Me” (Matt. 26:38), desires that we would remember Him in death—“With desire I have desired to eat... with you” (Luke 22:15) and has asked the Father that each of His own “be with Me where I am” (John 17:24). Is there anything sweeter than being with Him? Do we long for His company each day?

Ed.

Fragment: Joy in Giving up

People often say, “I’ll not do this thing, for I’ll be sorry afterward.” Better to say, “This is not worthy of the kingdom.” There would be joy in giving up, for they could say, “That is of the flesh and not something that will shine in glory.”

G. V. Wigram

Fragment: My Friend

On the back of the business card of a dear brother, a well-known and respected businessman in his community, this message was printed: My Friend Jesus Is Coming Soon My friend, if we meet and you forget me, you have lost nothing. But if you meet Jesus Christ and forget Him, you have lost everything.

He is Lord; He is Lord; He is risen from the dead and He is Lord; Every knee shall bow, Every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

This dear brother has recently gone home to be with his Saviour, Lord and Friend. May we who still await the shout calling us home bear a similar, clear testimony to our Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:13)!

Fragment: Nearness to Christ

“Be of good cheer” (Matt. 14:27). “Preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2).

A person who goes to preach in a heathen place knows what he has to do. His difficulty is not nearly so great as that of a Christian with the world that professes to be Christian. If not very near to Christ, a man cannot discern what is the world and what is of Christ.

J. N. Darby

Fragment: Passenger, or Captain?

Jesus is sometimes trusted as Saviour but not fully owned as Lord. He is taken as a passenger in the voyage of life, rather than as Captain of the ship.

Fragment: Practical Truth

We really want practical truth. There is a vast amount of abstract truth in circulation among us, and we prize it. We delight in the unfolding of truth. But we must remember that truth is designed to act on hearts and consciences. We must not cry out, “Legal, legal!” whenever some practical truth falls on our ears, though that truth may come before us clothed in a garb which, at first sight, seems strange. We are called to “suffer the word of exhortation” to listen to wholesome words applied to our hearts, which promote practical godliness and holiness.

C. H. Mackintosh (adapted)

Fragment: Praise

Praise is not a response to our circumstances, which constantly fluctuate. Praise is a response to the goodness and love of a God who never changes.

Anon.

Fragment: Reasonable Service

If not done for God, it is not a reasonable service.

Spiritual Gems for the Path of Faith

Fragment: Reputation vs. Character

What careful attention we must give to cultivating the unseen side of our lives! The Lord looks beyond the outward appearance to the heart. May He always be pleased by what He sees. Reputation is what men think you are; character is what God knows you are.

Gems From My Reading

Fragment: Right Heart

If the heart is right, a soul won’t go wrong.

Spiritual Gems for the Path of Faith

Fragment: Serving Begins With Little Things

The history of a bird is the history of a believer. First it is in the nest, served by parents. Then when fledged, it is learning to do for others what has been done for oneself first served, and then, in the power and enjoyment of it, serving. It is not a question of duty to serve; that is the calling of each. You will find out your service if you simply occupy yourself with whatever comes to your hand, for the Lord.

There is a serving of one’s time but you will not be entrusted with very great works until you have proved your competency in small ones (Luke 16:10). The star must shine, and if your eye is single, your whole body will be full of light (Matt. 6:22).

Christian Truth, 1949 (excerpt)

Fragment: Spiritual Laziness

How are you going to get the truth in a path of spiritual laziness? You can’t just sit around indifferently and let your Bible lie on the shelf, while expecting to mature, deepen and develop in the truth of God. It says, “Even as thou walkest in the truth” (3 John 3).

C. H. Brown (excerpt from an address)

Fragment: The Angel of Light

Satan is transformed into “an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14). We should not be surprised that the devil, who is “a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44), should cover wicked doctrine and ecclesiastical falsehood in beautiful garments—garments that appear to the natural eye more fair than God’s divine truth. He does this so that falsehood becomes acceptable while divine truth is undermined and cast out and all this at the expense of holiness.

Even among Christians, the Apostle Paul warned of those who, in creating divisions, “by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting” (Rom. 16:18 JND). Let us “hold fast the form of sound words” (2 Tim. 1:13).

Anon.

Fragment: The Body

“Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ?” (1 Cor. 6:15).

The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. He acts on the soul and on the heart Christ dwells in our hearts by faith but the body is His temple, and therefore it is to be used accordingly. A great deal of mischief springs from not recognizing this. The body is only in its right place when it is a vessel which I am just using for God.

J. N. Darby

Fragment: The Father's Love

Our Father’s love needs no watching from us. It will be faithful to us while we sleep. It will wait on us when we neither cry for it, nor labor for it. Jesus intercedes for us, as another once said, not when we ask Him, but when we need Him. We may trust every motion, every word, every purpose behind our back, as it were, or within the veil of the heavens.

J. G. Bellett (excerpt)

Fragment: The One Object

The one object of the Christian life is to learn more of Himself. Satan cannot find entrance into a heart that is full of Christ. A heart possessed of Christ is fortified against the most seductive allurements the world may offer.

We ought not to rejoice so much in deliverances when they come, but in the One who delivers.

Intellectual conviction is always powerless, for it occupies itself with the truth and never leads to Christ Himself.

E. Dennett (adapted)

Fragment: Those We Cannot Mend

We are to bear with those we cannot mend and to be content with offering them to God this is true resignation. Since He has born our infirmities, we may well bear those of each other for His sake.

Spiritual Gems for the Path of Faith

Fragment: To Cheer and Encourage Souls

“My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.” If you want to cheer and encourage souls, boast of the Lord and not of yourself or your attainments.

Spiritual Gems for the Path of Faith

Fragment: To Let Go of Idols

“Ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” (1 Thess. 1:9-10).

Paul preached Christ to the idolaters in Thessalonica, and we are not told that he preached against their idols. No, that would have been worse than useless. But once the Thessalonian hearts were brought by the Spirit into occupation with the Son of God, their idols were let go. When once anyone’s heart gets engaged with Christ, all else is displaced or distanced in proportion as Christ has His true place there. He is enough to fill the mind and heart.

Christian Truth, Vol. 20 (1967)

Fragment: We Await

It is the Son we await. And when we see Him, we will wonder why we did not more eagerly look for His return.

Gems for the Path of Faith

Fragment: What You Know - Tests

It is not what you know that controls your life, but it is the enjoyment of Christ in the heart that truly separates us from the world and brings a peace with contentment and happiness, about which the world knows nothing.

He will test, but never disappoint, your faith.

H. E. Hayhoe

Fragment: When the Soul Is Down

When the soul is down, like a ship when the tide is low, it is in danger of shoals and sandbanks, but when the tide is up, there are no sandbanks, because the ship is lifted up above them all. Thus when the soul is happy in Christ, it will go on peacefully, independent of all the trials we may be called to meet with in our fellow-saints.... And thus going on in the tide of divine goodness, forgetting everything else, we can walk happily together, being occupied with Christ, and not with each other.

J. N. Darby

Fruit

Eshcol’s grapes (Num. 13:24-25) were the fruit brought back from the land of promise, the land of Canaan, which the people of God were to possess and enjoy. We know unbelief kept them from it. Joshua and Caleb were the only two of the twelve spies who believed that Jehovah would help them conquer the land. Forty years later they entered it with the people of God, while all the unbelievers had perished in the desert. The same kind of fruit they had brought back forty years earlier was still there.

Fruit Produced by the Believer

The land of Canaan is a picture of the heavenly places where the child of God is now seen seated in Christ (Eph. 2:6). It is also where he must stand fast, resisting the wicked spirits (Eph. 6:12).

We are called to bear fruit for God. The three fruits brought out of Canaan the cluster of grapes, the pomegranates and the figs bring before us three aspects of the fruit God produces in us and by us.

(1) The grapes represent the fruit of the Spirit as recorded in Galatians 5:22. They speak of the reproduction in us of the character of Christ Himself.

(2) The pomegranate, a fruit which lined the hem of the high priest’s garment (Ex. 28:33), is appreciated for its juice that gives aroma to wine (Song of Sol. 8:2). It represents what is produced by the Spirit towards God in our lives such as the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name (Heb. 13:15). The cheeks (temples; KJV) of the Shulamite (Song of Sol. 4:3; 6:7), like pieces of pomegranates, give anticipation as to what will come out of the mouth exquisite juice! How the Father’s ear must rejoice at what comes out of the true worshipper’s mouth overflowing because of His love!

(3) The figs were missing when the Lord Jesus came to pick some (Matt. 21:19). The fig tree was to produce fruit just as Israel was to make known the true God. But they failed there was much profession but no fruit! Rather, the name of God was blasphemed among the nations because of them (Rom. 2:24).

Fruit Born by the Believer

(1) The fig represents the action of the Spirit of God by us towards others our brethren or lost souls around. The fig is a basic staple food, essential in Biblical lands. Does not the Lord say to every one of us, “Give ye them to eat” (Mark 6:37)? May our lives, our activity, our distribution of literature, or whatever means used cause souls around us to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

(2) The fruits of Canaan were carried on a staff, a piece of wood, hanging between heaven and earth. This staff reminds us of the cross of Christ and the fruit hanging from it. We are crucified with Him. It is only in the measure that we apply this practically in our lives that we will bear the fruit of God, in us, toward Him and toward others.

(3) The wooden staff could not be carried alone two must carry it. The Lord Jesus tells us that without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). In order for the fruit of God to be manifested in our lives, we must be in communion with the Lord Himself (John 15:4). Without communion it will be impossible for the true fruit of Canaan to be produced in our lives. So, then, “let us go up at once, and possess it” (Num. 13:30)!

M. Payette

Gathered Around Christ

The Holy Spirit does not gather saints around mere views, however true they may be, but He always and only gathers them around that blessed Person who is the same “yesterday, and today, and forever” (Matt. 18:20; Heb. 13:8).

We can be certain that Satan and the flesh will try to resist this work and this path of the Lord. It calls for a good conscience, quietly waiting upon God so that we may recognize the leading of the Holy Spirit, who can lead only to that one gathering Center, which is Christ.

God wants us to know His truth. The Holy Spirit will open our eyes to see and will penetrate our heart and conscience. He will draw us into this position of liberty with the heart broken and humiliated. But oh! what joy!

N. Berry (adapted)

Glorified With Christ

“I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ” (Phil. 3:8).

Paul’s desire was expressed in these words: “That I may win Christ.” Was he not already a believer? Yes, but he looks on to the time when he should be with Him and enjoy His presence in glory with Him. “Not having mine own righteousness.” This is a strange expression from one who, “touching the righteousness which is in the law,” was “blameless.”

But this was of his own working out. All he wanted now was Christ. “The power of His resurrection.” The religion of today starts with the incarnation Paul, with His death, with the resurrection glory of the One who has passed out of this scene altogether. “If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of [or, from] the dead.” He looked through the long vista to the time when he should be in his glorified body with Him: That is what he means by winning Christ.

W. Kelly

God in Everything

“David said... let him alone, and let him curse; for the Lord hath bidden him” (2 Sam. 16:11).

We often fail in understanding the presence of God and His dealing with us in every circumstance of daily life. We constantly look at secondary causes, not realizing God in everything.

Unless we understand that there is not an event which happens in which the tender voice of God may not be heard and the loving hand of God seen, Satan gets the victory. Men and things ought only be viewed as instruments in our Father’s hand as ingredients in His cup. This would sober our minds, calm our spirits and subdue our hearts.

C. H. Mackintosh (adapted)

God Is for Us

“If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31).

The mark of a new creature in Christ is not having a better heart, for that remains the same as ever, but looking at everything as having God for the center, and not judging things as though man were the center.

It is seeing where God is, looking down deeper to the springs of love in God, flowing to us through Christ the fountain and all one spirit with the Lord.

How different are God’s thoughts from man’s as to walk! God looks at the One He raised up and says, “I have not a word against those who believe in Him; their guilt has been all rolled away; they are one spirit with Him whom I love up here; He is the head; those poor things down there are as His hands and feet: I love them and have given them one spirit with My Son.”

Are these God’s thoughts about us? Yes, and if we would only make them our thoughts too, we should have bright faces and happy hearts passing through this wilderness.

What then were all my adverse circumstances? What all that tries me? If God be for me, what is all that is against me? The primitive Christians, when spoiled of their goods, took it joyfully; they lost everything, gave up everything and had power to go forth with happy hearts, rejoicing in the Lord. Every necessity in us is only something for God to find grace in Christ to meet for our blessing.

G. V. Wigram

God's Ambassador

“Praying... that utterance may be given unto me.... I am an ambassador in bonds” (Eph. 6:18-20).

Did you ever hear of an ambassador of one nation being put in bonds by the nation to which he was sent? God has fared worse in this world. And what message did this Ambassador bring? A message of boundless grace. And that is the way He has been treated. The law of nations would not allow it for an instant, yet that is the way God, for two thousand years, through His servants and witnesses, has consented to be treated.

J. G. Bellett

Good Overcoming Evil

Sometimes we come in contact with people so incorrigible or situations so difficult, it seems as though all is against us. This was no doubt the case for the Christians at Ephesus in Acts 19. Demetrius, a silversmith, crafted images of the idol goddess Diana. He instigated a riot that brought the entire city into confusion (Acts 19:24-29). Why would the Lord allow such a terrible thing to happen when Paul was trying to bring the good news of salvation to that heathen city? Yet, in the end, good, rather than being overcome of evil, overcame evil (Rom. 12:21).

Though we cannot say positively that Demetrius is the same person, it’s remarkable to read what the Apostle says in 3 John. “Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.”

If it were the same Demetrius, no doubt Gaius would have had some rather unhappy memories of his time in Ephesus, and of Demetrius in particular. But John, knowing firsthand of the change in Demetrius, tells Gaius that this former opponent has a good record of all men and of the truth itself! What a wonderful change God, by His Spirit, had worked. How it must have delighted Gaius!

Perhaps you’ve experienced a difficult situation—there may be one who delights to make things difficult for you. Have you thought that the Lord may want you to reach out in love to that very person, using the light of His Word that the Lord is working to effect a wonderful change, just as with Demetrius!

But perhaps you wonder, “Can such a thing be possible?” Remember this: “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26). “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Gen. 18:14). “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17).

Even if the person standing against you is a fellow-believer, the same applies! “The weapons of our warfare [including the Word of God] are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds” (2 Cor. 10:4). Though Satan may even use real believers to create difficulties within the body of Christ, His Word is ever victorious and so too will we be in the measure we embrace its truth.

Maybe there have been failures in your life. It is not too late for the Lord to work in blessing! He is the “Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3). There is forgiveness with Him.

May we all seek to live in such a way that the commendation of the new Demetrius might also be used to describe us. “Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself” (3 John 12).

A. Scharf (adapted)

His Power Displayed

“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5).

“The Lord will go before you” (Isa. 52:12).

“The glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward” (Isa. 58:8).

“The Lord is round about His people” (Psa. 125:2).

“Underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deut. 33:27).

“His banner over me was love” (Song of Sol. 2:4).

Christian Truth, Vol. 22 (adapted)

His Sacrifice, Our Eternal Blessing

Lord, we are Thine by sacred ties,

The purchase of Thy blood;

No benefit with Thy love vies

Thou’st died to do us good.

We were defiled, undone and lost,

In bondage to our sin;

Thou’st given Thyself at awful cost

Thou’st died our souls to win.

A sacrifice, a savor sweet,

For us Thou’dst give to God;

Dying, God’s holy claims

Thou’dst meet, Obedient unto blood.

Now raised with Thee, seated on high,

More blest we cannot be,

And as Thy coming draweth nigh,

We long Thy face to see.

Within the Father’s house above,

With saints from every clime,

We’ll fully know and prove Thy love,

In joy and peace sublime.

This poem may be sung to any C.M. tune found in the Little Flock Hymnbook.

E. Tonn (2001)

The Holy Scriptures - Acts and Romans

The Acts of the Apostles

Acts, Luke’s second book, commences at the point where his first left off the ascension of our Lord (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9). “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen” (Acts 1:12).

A better title for the book would be “The Acts of the Holy Spirit.” With the resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit come down according to His promise (John 16:7), the church, the assembly of God, is formed. Even though Acts covers little more than thirty years, it brings before us an entire outline of the history of the church. We also see the practical guidance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the apostles and the early church, a guidance that is no less real or applicable in our present day.

Divisions

The book has five divisions. Chapter 1 is prefatory to the whole book. While waiting for the Holy Spirit, the disciples are guided by the Word of God. In chapters 2-7, Jerusalem is the center as God lingers in grace towards the nation of Israel (compare Luke 13:6-9).

After the stoning of Stephen chapters 7-12 the gospel goes out first in Samaria and then to the Gentiles more generally. Cornelius is brought in, and an assembly is established among the Greeks in Antioch. It is there that the disciples are first called Christians. Peter is prominent.

In chapters 13-20 we have the travels and labors of the Apostle Paul. Three journeys are recorded, each beginning in Antioch and all but the last ending there.

From chapter 21 to the end of the book, we have Paul the prisoner carried from Jerusalem to Rome.

The Early Church

Acts gives the only scriptural account of the early church where assemblies are seen as and act as one body. “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling” (Eph. 4:4). We do not find Jewish and Samaritan churches separated on national lines: “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:13). There are no independent churches in the book of Acts. What seemed good to the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem is likewise recognized in Antioch (see Acts 15, especially verses 28 and 31). “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). But the separation of the early church from what is Jewish is clearly unfolded (Acts 19:8-9).

Paul’s return and captivity at Jerusalem prefigures what has happened to Paul’s doctrine in Christendom. Finally, Paul’s voyage from the Fair Havens to Melita gives us a striking summary of the history of Christendom (Acts 27). Though the boat is shattered into countless pieces, Paul is preserved, and a few (perhaps just Luke and Aristarchus) are found with him (Acts 27:2). Not one principle laid down in this book is made obsolete by present circumstances. Sadly, the church has entirely forgotten her heavenly calling—that her Head is Christ in glory and has settled down in this world.

Romans

The grand subject of the Apostle’s letter is the gospel “the gospel of God” (Rom. 1:1). The gospel is neither a philosophy nor a creed; rather, the gospel concerns a divine and glorious Person, “Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 1:3).

We do not find mention of the word “church” until Romans 16:1. The gospel was the subject of promise, not the church. “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between Thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise Thy head, and Thou shalt bruise His heel” (Gen. 3:15). Now revealed, the gospel is no longer a promise. “All the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (2 Cor. 1:20). For the Jew, the link to the promises was particularly important.

Although the letter is to Rome (Rom. 1:7), it addresses both Jew and Gentile. There were many Jews in Rome (Acts 28:17), and throughout the letter both groups are addressed. See Romans 7:1 and 11:13, as well as chapter 1:34.

Outline

The Epistle to the Romans may justly be called the fundamental epistle of Christian doctrine. In chapters 1-8 Paul carefully lays out the foundational principles of Christianity, working from man up to God.

Chapters 9-11 are dispensational. They address the question, “How does the teaching of the first eight chapters affect God’s promises to Israel?”

In the third and final division, chapters 12-16, we have the practical consequences of the doctrine of the first. Each section contains within itself additional divisions.

Summary

Sins are not overlooked in the gospel; the bar has not been lowered. “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). This is God’s standard. God has not been reconciled; it is man that needs reconciliation. In Romans, the gospel of God is the testimony of the righteousness of God. Of human righteousness, He will have nothing: “All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isa. 64:6).

How can God be righteous in justifying the ungodly? The answer brings us to the feet of the Lord Jesus. Coming in the likeness of sinful flesh, He offered Himself a sacrifice for sin, thereby completely vindicating God’s righteousness, while revealing His love. God can now present Himself in grace be propitious to man (Rom. 3:25-26).

While this book never loses its value, it is of particular importance to the young believer. Herein we find that peace with God rests, not with our thoughts, but on God’s thoughts of His own Son (Rom. 5:1). Not only do we have peace in regard to sins, but we also have present deliverance from the power of sin. Delivered from that old tyrant, we have been set at liberty, not to do as we will, but to serve our new Master, the One who loved us and gave Himself for us (Rom. 6:17-19). The Spirit by whom Christ actively lived should now be our source of every thought and action (Rom. 8:9). Not only is the Holy Spirit within us acting, but God is acting externally, ordering all things for those “called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

N. Simon

The Holy Scriptures - Colossians - 2 Thessalonians

Colossians

The Colossians had heard the gospel though apparently not from the Apostle Paul (Col. 2:1) and had received it. The seed had been planted and brought forth fruit (ch. 1:6). Nevertheless, we find a hint of a problem in Paul’s reference to Epaphras: “As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ” (vs. 7). The Colossians were being enticed by the allure of philosophy and ritualism. The natural man forever desires to “tell, or to hear some new thing” (Acts 17:21). What the Apostle Paul wrote would only confirm what they had already heard of Epaphras. In returning to the elements of the world, they were, in fact, turning away from Christ; they were not holding the headship of Christ in all its fullness.

The Glories of Christ—Chapter 1

Having given thanks for the things that he had heard of them, Paul prays that they might be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (Col. 1:9). God’s desire for us is nothing less. The Apostle gives thanks to the Father for that which they—and we as believers—have as a present condition: “Meet [fit] to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son” (vss. 12-13).

The glories of Christ follow. He is the Creator of the universe; by Him all things consist. Not only has He the first place as Creator, but “He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven” (vss. 18-20). Thus the foundation for the universal blessing of creation is established in the cross. For those who continue in the faith, with their hope firmly grounded in the gospel, it is a present, accomplished thing (vss. 21-23).

Paul was not only a minister of the gospel, but also of the church that mystery which heretofore had been hidden. Thereby he completed the Word (the revealed mind) of God (vss. 23-25).

Death and Resurrection—Chapter 2

Having presented the glories of Christ, Paul now touches on his concern for them philosophy and vain deceit. How could they turn from the glories of Christ to the rudiments of the world (ch. 2:8)? “For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him” (vss. 9-10). They were circumcised with the circumcision made without hands (vs. 11). Buried with Him in baptism, they were raised again “through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead” (vs. 12). We have the reality of things in Christ. The past ordinances were “a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ” (vs. 17). All things flow down from the Head; Christ is our Head (vs. 19). And as to this scene in which we live, we are dead with Christ from the elements of the world (vs. 20). What claim can they have on us now?

Practical Results—Chapters 3-4

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above” (ch. 3:1). With our mind set on things above, we walk as heavenly people on earth. Having put off the old man with his deeds and having put on the new, this is what must govern our life. Practical Christianity is manifested in every sphere of our life. “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him” (vs. 17).

First and Second Thessalonians

For three Sabbaths Paul reasoned in the synagogue at Thessalonica, “opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ” (Acts 17:3). Although some believed, including many Greeks, wicked men, incited by the Jews, troubled the city, and Paul and Silas were compelled to leave. Anxious to return, but hindered by Satan, Timotheus is sent from Athens (1 Thess. 2:18; 3:12,6). It is upon his return that Paul writes his first letter to the Thessalonian saints the very earliest of his epistles. The second followed probably within eighteen months of the first.

These letters are characterized by the freshness of first love. Word of their faith had spread abroad (ch. 1:8). Having turned from idols to serve the living and true God, they waited for His Son from heaven, their deliverer from the coming wrath (vss. 9-10). Like their brethren in Judea, their testimony produced persecution (ch. 2:14).

Paul does not assert his apostleship; rather, in both epistles he reassures the saints concerning different aspects of the Lord’s coming. The first epistle addresses the Lord’s coming for the blessing of His saints both for those who had died and those who are alive in contrast to the day of the Lord, of which they were knowledgeable.

In the second epistle, we find the dear Thessalonian saints had been shaken, thinking that the day of the Lord (a time of judgment) was already come. Paul shows that certain events must first precede that day.

1 Thessalonians 1-3

Here we find the Thessalonians waiting for the Son of God from heaven. In the second chapter, though unable to visit them, the Apostle has this confidence that they would be his joy and crown of boasting before the Lord Jesus at His coming.

In the third chapter, having heard the report from Timotheus (ch. 3:6) and having been duly comforted by their faith, he prays, “The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end He may stablish your hearts unblamable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints” (vss. 12-13). The Lord’s appearing with all his saints is spoken of.

1 Thessalonians 4-5

The exhortation continues in the fourth chapter with instruction as to their walk. The chapter closes, however, with important details concerning the Lord’s coming for His saints. Those who had died would rise again and would, furthermore, precede those who were alive and remained (ch. 4:13-18). Given the persecution that the Thessalonians suffered and their apparent confusion on this point, this was, without a doubt, a great comfort.

Chapter 5 speaks of the times and the seasons of which they were quite familiar the day of the Lord is extensively detailed in the Old Testament (ch. 5:1). They were not children of the night; they were of the light (vss. 45). We do not sleep, for those who sleep sleep in the night, “but let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation” (vs. 8). The book closes with various exhortations.

2 Thessalonians 1

Suffering deep persecution, the Thessalonians apparently were persuaded, perhaps by a forged letter, that the day of the Lord had come (2 Thess. 2:2). Paul points out that a day of judgment is indeed coming on those who obey not the gospel (ch. 1:8). The Thessalonian saints were believers, and it was their persecution which gave testimony to that (vs. 5). However, not only was it not the day of the Lord, but also, when that day came, it would bring judgment on their tormentors!

2 Thessalonians 2

Here Paul directly addresses the error. The coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together unto Him not having yet taken place is proof that the day of the Lord is still future (ch. 2:1). Furthermore, that day will not come “except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition” (vs. 3). This is the antichrist, “who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God” (vs. 4). The chapter closes with a word of comfort and with the first mention of hope having been restored to them in the epistle.

2 Thessalonians 3

In the final chapter, Paul requests their prayers. He had confidence in the Lord that they would do the things they were commanded to do (ch. 3:4). As to one who was disorderly, they were to withdraw from such. Each was to work for their bread we are to be occupied until He comes (vss. 6-12). Paul closes the epistle, commending them to the Lord: “Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all” (vs. 16). He draws special attention to the salutation by his own hand, perhaps in reference to the forged letter. N. Simon

The Holy Scriptures - First and Second Corinthians

Corinth was a most licentious city. Sitting between two natural harbors and connecting continental Greece in the north and Peloponnesus to the south, Corinth bustled with commerce not unlike the world in which we live today.

The assembly there had many problems. Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians looks at the internal order of the church of God. The character of the second is very different. With Titus’s positive report from Corinth (2 Cor. 7), Paul opens his heart and speaks with greater liberty.

First Corinthians

Divisions had arisen among the believers in Corinth. Evil was tolerated in their midst, and some were even denying the resurrection. The Apostle, having received notice through the house of Chloe and a letter from themselves (1 Cor. 1:11; 7:1), finds it necessary to defer a visit lest he should come with a rod (ch. 4:21) and directs this divinely inspired communication to them.

A key to the book may be found in verse 9 of the first chapter: “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” The Lordship of Christ is impressed upon them the Lord’s table, the Lord’s supper (ch. 10:21; 11:20) and it is into His fellowship that we are called. It is not our own. Likewise, the power of the Spirit is everywhere presented in contrast to the wisdom of man: “We speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, communicating spiritual things by spiritual means” (ch. 2:13 JND).

Outline

After a brief introduction of nine verses, the Apostle immediately addresses the subject of divisions. What Paul or Apollos taught could not be separated from Christ or each other. Paul determined not to know anything among them save Jesus Christ and Him crucified (ch. 2:2) he meets and silences all thought of division with the cross of Christ. The one foundation had been laid; man was responsible for how he built upon it (ch. 3:10-15).

From chapter 5 through the end of chapter 11, Paul addresses various moral questions. Before considering the things that they had written him (ch. 7), the Apostle is compelled to deal with a specific instance of immorality among them (ch. 5:1). After this, Paul addresses going to law, marriage and eating things offered to idols.

In chapter 10 Paul warns the professing church with examples from Israel’s history. Departure from Christ will ultimately lead to apostasy. It is at this juncture that the Lord’s table is introduced: “Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?” (Psa. 78:19). The collective nature of the remembrance feast, particularly the unity of the body as expressed in the loaf, is emphasized here. “We being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread” (1 Cor. 10:17).

Chapter 11 begins with something that is perceived to be of little relevance today, but which, nonetheless, has never lost its significance. The woman’s head covering (and the man’s lack) is an outward display of God’s order in creation (ch. 11:1-16). The latter part of the chapter brings before us the Lord’s supper, a subject of special revelation received by Paul (vs. 23). In the Lord’s supper we remember the Lord and announce “the Lord’s death till He come” (vs. 26). The bread and cup are not to be partaken of in an unworthy manner-individual self-judgment is essential (vss. 27-29). In chapter 11 it is the individual responsibility that is brought before us, while in chapter 5 it is assembly judgment.

In chapters 12-14, Paul takes up the subject of spiritual gifts (ch. 12:1). By one Spirit, gift is divided to each as He pleases, and, by one Spirit, gift works (vs. 11). Gift cannot be exercised without love (ch. 13), and when gift is appropriately exercised, there is order and the church is edified (ch. 14).

In chapter 15 some were questioning the resurrection from the dead (ch. 15:12). Without the resurrection, there is no gospel “we are of all men most miserable” (vs. 19).

Paul concludes the letter in chapter 16 with a final word on collections, his travel plans and a closing salutation.

Second Corinthians

Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians was written during his third and final journey. His first letter had wrought repentance, and the wicked person had been dealt with (1 Cor. 5; 2 Cor. 2:6).

The subject matter of this beautiful epistle is, to use the words of another, “restorative grace, according to the character and power of life in Christ, and that accompanied by the deepest exercise of the heart under the disciplinary ways of God.”

Outline

The Apostle was not a disinterested bystander, terrifying them by letters from afar. Rather, he was deeply affected, first by the state of things in Corinth, and then by news of their repentance.

This epistle was written after Paul had met Titus. From verse 13 of chapter 2 until we finally read of the happy reunion with Titus in verse 6 of chapter 7, we have the sweet communion between souls that have experienced the restorative effects of grace in their lives though under very different circumstances.

Paul describes themselves as captives led about in triumph, a sweet savor unto God. He didn’t make trade of the Word of God; rather, before God he spoke, not of, but in Christ (2 Cor. 2:17).

He did not need a letter commending him to the Corinthian saints, for they themselves were living epistles, “written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart” (ch. 3:3). Their actions had been ample testimony of their faith.

In chapter 5 we have the confidence of one whose life is in Christ. Here we have what motivated the Apostle and us in his life and ministry. “The love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again” (ch. 5:14-15).

The Apostle still had a great concern for the spiritual well-being of the Corinthians, and he does not fail to touch on the difficulties that remained though, in the main, the tone is exhortative rather than assertive, nevertheless with authority. In chapters 89 liberality to the poor saints is encouraged, while in chapters 10-12, Paul addresses those that would question his apostleship. He feared lest there should be those that would beguile them and their minds be “corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ,” bringing them into bondage (ch. 11:3,20).

The book closes with chapter 13. They sought proof of Christ speaking in the Apostle. They should examine themselves: If they were Christians, was that not the proof they sought?

N. Simon

The Holy Scriptures - First and Second Timothy

Paul’s first epistle to Timothy was written from Macedonia to Timothy in Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:3). It contains instruction for Timothy himself and, more generally, for the conduct of the individual in the assembly. The second epistle was written at a later date from prison and would appear to be Paul’s final epistle (2 Tim. 1:8; 4:6).

First Timothy

Paul’s first epistle to Timothy is characterized by the word godliness to reverence. No other epistle contains as many references. It was the Apostle’s purpose in writing to Timothy that he might know how he ought to behave himself “in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:14-15). Here we have divine guidance for right conduct in the assembly, viewed here as the house of God. As such, it is to be the maintainer of the truth. In 1 Timothy the house is seen in order.

Nevertheless, there were some that had turned aside to vain discourse, desiring to be law-teachers (ch. 1:6-7). There is a right use for the law, but its application is not to the righteous person, but to the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners (vss. 8-9). It was Paul’s purpose in leaving Timothy at Ephesus that he might enjoin them not to teach other doctrines.

Paul had declared unto them all the counsel of God (Acts 20:27); there is no further truth. The church is to maintain and uphold the truth it has received. The end of Paul’s charge is the only right spiritual condition that will enable us to carry this out “love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and unfeigned faith” (1 Tim. 1:5 JND).

Chapter 2. We have a Saviour God who “will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (vs. 4). Our conduct within the assembly and before the world is to be characterized by godliness and honesty (vss. 23). Verses 9-15 give godly conduct for sisters.

Chapter 3. Instructions are given for brothers desiring to exercise oversight in the assembly, and likewise for those that would minister (serve) in the assembly (vss. 1,8).

Chapters 4-6. In latter times, there would be a departure from the faith; men would give heed to seducing spirits, “forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats” (ch. 4:3). This is the religious flesh and false godliness, against which the Apostle warns.

These chapters give instruction in godliness for temporal things. “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (ch. 4:12). Christianity was never a way of social advancement. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (ch. 6:6). We are to “keep the entrusted deposit” (vs. 20 JND)—the full truth of Christianity—in the face of man’s most advanced intellectual opposition.

Second Timothy

Though it was not the last days when Paul wrote this letter, the Apostle was nevertheless permitted to see the failure of man in his responsibility to maintain the order of the house of God. In the first epistle some had turned aside; now we find all those of Asia turned away (2 Tim. 1:15). Christendom had become a great house; things were in disorder (ch. 2:20). In this epistle, then, we have instruction for the godly in a day of ruin.

Chapter 1 gives us the encouragement we need in such a day. In the first epistle the church is the pillar and ground of the truth. In the second, the emphasis is on the individual and the word of truth (ch. 2:15). “Have an outline of sound words, which words thou hast heard of Me,” not merely as some doctrine, but “in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (ch. 1:13 JND). There is no suggestion of giving up the truth; rather, Paul’s doctrine is emphasized (ch. 2:2; 3:10). Clearly there is a cost the Apostle was in prison (ch. 2:9). “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (ch. 3:12).

In chapter 2 we have our path in a day of ruin, beginning with the right spiritual condition: “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (vs. 1). That path must involve separation from evil, which necessarily assumes spiritual discernment (ch. 3:19-21). “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (ch. 2:22).

Great indeed is the mystery of godliness. The mystery, or secret, of godliness lies in the knowledge of God manifested in and through the person of Christ (1 Tim. 3:16). In the second epistle the word “godliness” is only to be found in the verse, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” (2 Tim. 3:5). When the person of Christ is denied, godliness is merely a form. Professing Christendom is rapidly sinking into the dark depths of paganism (see 1 Tim. 3:15; Rom. 1:28-31). The Holy Scriptures are our sure resource (2 Tim. 3:14-17).

In chapter 4 we have our service in the day of ruin. How beautiful to see Mark restored amid the general departure from the truth (vs. 11).

N. Simon

The Holy Scriptures - Galatians and Ephesians

Galatians

Paul addresses this letter to the “churches of Galatia” (Gal. 1:2), a province of central Asia Minor. We know from the book of Acts that Paul twice traveled through this region, on his second journey (Acts 16:6) and again on his third (ch. 18:23). The Galatians were principally Gentile, never under law, and brought into the knowledge of God through the preaching of the gospel.

The Epistle to the Galatians is short and to the point. The subject is a most critical one, the corruption of the gospel of the grace of God. There were those who would seek to mingle Judaism with Christianity. Judaism was earthly in character, adapted to man in the flesh. Christianity is heavenly in character and totally sets aside man in the flesh.

Outline

The brief, five-verse introduction in chapter 1 is key to the entire book. “Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father” (Gal. 1:3-4). We have been delivered from this present evil world; any teaching that brings us back into that sphere is a corruption of the gospel.

The first two chapters address the subject of Paul’s apostleship (received quite apart from those prominent in Jerusalem) and his special calling as the Apostle to the Gentiles (ch. 2:7). In the third chapter we have law contrasted with grace and promise. The law, coming between the promise (Gen. 12:3) and Christ, in no way voided the promise. Faith and blessing go hand-in-hand, as does the law and the curse (Gal. 3:10,14). The fourth chapter contrasts the legal condition of Israel under the law with the saints under grace and Christ. God sent forth His Son to redeem those under the law that we might receive sonship (ch. 4:45).

The contrast between the Spirit and the flesh is the subject of the fifth chapter. The liberty that we enjoy does not give us license to sin. Recognizing this, our natural tendency is to seek to restrain the flesh by placing it under law. But we are to “walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (ch. 5:16). Regardless of the dispensation, the solemn principle stands: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (ch. 6:78).

The sixth chapter presents practical principles in which we are to continue together. In Christianity it is the law of Christ: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (ch. 6:2). As to circumcision, they were not to trouble him; the Apostle bore in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus physical scars received for his faithfulness to the gospel (ch. 6:17).

Ephesians

Ephesus was a prosperous city in the western coast of Asia Minor and home to the great temple of the goddess Diana. In Acts we read of two visits by Paul to that city on his second and third missionary journeys. The first occasion was brief (Acts 18:19-21), while the second extended to more than two years (ch. 19:1,10). Paul’s last journey ended in Jerusalem, and it was during the final leg of that voyage that Paul called for the Ephesian elders from Miletus (see Acts 20). Paul’s trip to Jerusalem ultimately resulted in his imprisonment at Rome, where he penned this letter.

The Counsels of God in Christ

In the Epistle to the Ephesians we have the most elevated development of truth. The Apostle unfolds the counsels of God concerning Christ and the church, His body (Eph. 1:22-23), counsels that had their origin before the foundation of the world (ch. 1:4). Romans begins with man in the depths of his depravity, but Ephesians begins with the “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” and the blessings He has showered on man “who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (ch. 1:3). We are chosen in Him, having been marked out beforehand for adoption through Christ Jesus to Himself, accepted in the Beloved, in whom we have redemption, in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, in whom also, having believed, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise (ch. 1:4-13). The first chapter concludes with the church in union with Christ, head to (not over) it.

In Ephesians we are found before God in all the fullness of blessing in Christ. It is new life-quickened together with Christ in a new position (ch. 2:5-6). With the believer seated in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus, there is no mention of the Lord’s coming. (The only other epistle of Paul with this distinction is Galatians, and that for a very different reason.) In the second chapter, we have the house “builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (ch. 2:22).

In chapter 3 Paul begins, “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles” (vss. 12), but then interrupts himself with a divinely inspired parenthesis and develops the subject of the mystery. The Gentiles are brought into blessing quite apart from Israel: “That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel” (vs. 6). The prayer that closes the chapter is addressed to the “Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (vs. 14) and concerns that which we have through Christ as Son. In contrast, the prayer of the first chapter addresses “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (ch. 1:17). There we learn what He has accomplished through Christ the Man.

The Practical Walk

In the fourth chapter, the Apostle starts, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (vs. 1), beginning the practical consequences of that which has preceded (particularly ch. 2:20-22). There is a walk suited to the position described. Though in Ephesians we have a mystery revealed, the book is not in any way mystical, but intensely practical (ch. 4:16).

The Lord, having ascended up on high has given gifts to men (vs. 8). Everything necessary for the edifying of the body flows down from the head.

From verse 17 through to verse 22 of the fifth chapter we have practical exhortations for our walk. “Put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.... And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (ch. 4:24,30).

The remaining portion of the fifth chapter on into the sixth applies the truth borne out in the earlier chapters of a godly order in our earthly relationships. Like Israel of old, we have a land, a heavenly land, which is ours to enjoy. However, “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (ch. 6:12). But we have One, as Joshua did, in whom we find our strength. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.... Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (vss. 10,13).

N. Simon

The Holy Scriptures - Hebrews

The Epistle to the Hebrews bears the name of no earthly writer. Rather, the Lord Himself is peculiarly the Author of this epistle: “God... hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son” (Heb 1:12). Christ is seen as the Apostle: “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus” (ch. 3:1).

The book is written to the Hebrews the “we” used habitually throughout a people whose hopes were earthly. They looked for an earthly kingdom and an earthly Messiah, but where was all that now? This epistle lifts their eyes heavenward. There we see the One of whom it is written, “Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Thy kingdom” (ch. 1:8, cited from Psa. 45:6). There we see Jesus “who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor” (Heb. 2:9).

For the Jew who had received Jesus as Messiah (Luke 24:21; Acts 19:14), this was undoubtedly perplexing. Hebrews opens to them things seen only by faith. For all that the Jew valued, better things are to be found in Christ: a better hope, a better covenant, better promises, a better sacrifice, in heaven a better and abiding substance, and a better country.

For us, in a day when Christianity has become an earthly religion, Hebrews likewise takes us out of this scene, through the rent veil, into heaven itself.

Alas, there were those who had partaken of the wonders and miracles of the Holy Spirit, but were in danger of rejecting this testimony, to turn back to the dead ritualism of Judaism. This is apostasy having come so far, and then turning from the truth. Grace rejected leaves man without remedy.

Better Things

The Epistle to the Hebrews follows an easily discerned line of reasoning. It neither addresses an assembly, nor takes up matters of the assembly. Instead, it has the form of a treatise, its special purpose outlined above.

In the first chapter we have the Son of God: His glory as Son and Messiah, and His superiority to angels. The second brings before us the Son of Man: the Captain of salvation and Sanctifier of those He calls His brethren. Between the two we have a parenthesis: “If the word spoken by angels was steadfast... how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord” (Heb. 2:23).

The third chapter contrasts Christ as Son over His own house with Moses; this brings us to the wilderness journey. Many who left Egypt failed to enter the land of Canaan. They were to take heed, lest they too should find within themselves the same heart of unbelief. In the fourth chapter we have the subject of rest. Canaan was their destination, their rest, but there is a rest beyond the promised land “My rest” (Psa. 95:11). There remains, then, a rest for the people of God. As with those in the wilderness, we have a High Priest One who is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, who sympathizes with our infirmities, having been tempted in all things in like manner, “sin apart” (Heb. 4:14-15 JND).

The fifth chapter further develops the priesthood of the Lord Jesus, comparing and contrasting it with the Aaronic priesthood. Christ glorified not Himself to be made a high priest, but God has appointed Him a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec (Psa. 110:4). The writer would develop this subject further, but must first address their spiritual state; they had become dull of hearing. The things written aforetime are types and shadows, but they didn’t comprehend.

The sixth chapter is an exhortation to go on. They were not ignorant of the principles of the doctrine of Christ the Messiah, the Lord’s anointed (Heb. 6:1). Not only that, they had witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit, which things in themselves spoke of the glorification of the Lord. There was no going back; the former things would be of no help now.

The seventh chapter resumes the subject-matter of the fifth. The priesthood of Melchisedec is in every aspect superior to that of Aaron. Abraham, from whom Aaron descended, paid tithes to Melchisedec (ch. 7:9-10).

In the eighth chapter we have the new covenant—a better one established upon better promises, of which Christ is the mediator. This is a covenant that will be made with the house of Israel (not the church): “This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord” (ch. 8:10). A new covenant necessarily makes the former old, ready to vanish away (vs. 13).

The ninth chapter contrasts the sacrifices of the old covenant with the one, perfect sacrifice of Christ, a sacrifice that does not give entrance into an earthly tabernacle which was a figure of the true but rather into heaven itself (ch. 9:24). The tenth chapter continues with the subject of the sacrifice, now in its application to the believer. “The law... can never with those sacrifices, which they offered year by year continually, make the comers thereunto perfect.... For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified” (ch. 10:1,14). As purged worshipers, we have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. The veil is rent, that is to say, His flesh the rent veil of the temple confirmed the access we have into the holiest, but was not the means that provided the access (vss. 19-20).

The Path of Faith

The doctrinal portion ends with verse 22 of the tenth chapter; the path of faith in practice follows. They suffered persecution, but there could be no drawing back that would be apostasy. The writer, however, could confidently say, “We are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul” (vs. 39).

The just shall live by faith (vs. 38, cited from Hab. 2:4). God’s Word cannot and will not fail; Habakkuk had to learn this, as did those in the eleventh chapter. Each had to walk by faith, not by sight. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (ch. 11:13).

In the twelfth chapter, weights and sin entangle us; the difficulties of the way lead to discouragement; the hands hang down, and the knees become feeble. Far above all earthly example, we have One on whom we fix our gaze, and whose path we are to consider, Jesus in the glory the leader and completer of faith. We also have a loving Father, who sees that we do not wander out of the path, chastening those He loves. “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.... Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me” (Psa. 23:34).

The old earthly kingdom and its characteristic mount, the unapproachable Sinai, are contrasted with the future millennial kingdom (Heb. 12:18-24). Sinai shook with the giving of the law, but His kingdom will be established with the shaking of heaven and earth (vs. 26, cited from Hag. 2:67). It is a serious thing to reject His grace, “for our God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 12:29).

The exhortations of the thirteenth chapter close the book. There could be no mingling of the old, earthly altar with the heavenly. Christ had suffered outside the gate; we go unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach (ch. 13:10-14).

N. Simon

The Holy Scriptures - James

The Epistle of James is one that has caused many anxious souls difficulty. Those who would falsely teach salvation through works emphasize it. However, a careful reading of the epistle and recognizing to whom it is addressed dispel all difficulties.

James writes to the twelve tribes of the dispersion, both the saved and the unsaved. In that day, a saved Jew could still be found in attendance at the synagogue and was zealous for the law they were still in association with the unbelieving nation (Acts 21:20). One might have confused a believer with his unbelieving compatriot. This epistle calls upon the believer to show his faith by his outward walk it is justification before men, in distinct contrast to Romans, where we have justification before God.

One cannot see faith any more than one can see the wind; each, however, affects that which surrounds it in a very visible way. Christendom is full of empty profession; what we find in the Epistle of James is necessary admonition for today. Do we seek to blend in, or is the reality of our faith visible to all?

Outline

Chapter 1. Acting as a Christian is easy when the winds are fair, but what is our response when the storms arise? “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him” (James 1:12). Alas! We are apt to let our tongues slip; being a doer of the Word is not in our old nature. However, God the Father has begotten us according to His own will by the Word of truth and, thus, doing is no longer bondage, but rather we possess a nature governed by the perfect law of liberty (vss. 18,25).

The second chapter presents the inseparable link between faith and practice. We are to walk as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty (ch. 2:12). In James, Abraham’s public act of faith-offering up Isaac is mentioned prior to his believing God. “The Scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God” (vs. 23). Nothing here contradicts Romans; all is in perfect harmony (Rom. 4). Abraham’s obedience on Mount Moriah corroborated his faith.

Chapter 3. “My brethren, be not many masters [teachers], knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation” (James 3:1). The word “master,” more correctly translated “teacher,” has the sense of a Rabbi (see John 1:38; 3:2). The rabbinical system, characteristic of modern Judaism, has no counterpart in Christianity. Moreover, to walk contrary to that which is taught is a most serious thing. More than anything, it is our speech that betrays us. “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation [behavior] his works with meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13).

The fourth chapter addresses the unbridled nature. Man’s heart is full of covetousness and manifests itself in envy and strife. Such a heart finds fellowship with the world, but friendship with the world is enmity with God (ch. 4:4). The judicial spirit is condemned, as is self-will (vss. 11-17).

The fifth chapter begins with a solemn warning against gathering riches, especially at the expense of the poor (ch. 5:16). These were familiar exhortations to the Jew, who naturally looked for earthly blessing (see Amos 2:6). The believer is to wait patiently for the coming of the Lord (James 5:7-8). Faithful men of old are given as examples men of like passions such as we are. We too have a powerful resource in prayer (vss. 11-18).

N. Simon

The Holy Scriptures - Philippians

Paul passed through Philippi on both his second and third missionary journeys. His epistle to them was written at a later date from prison in Rome. Previous epistles of Paul Romans, Corinthians, Galatians and Ephesians take up doctrinal or moral issues. Here, the subject matter is very different, for it considers the Christian experience. It reminds us of Joseph’s exhortation to his brethren: “So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way” (Gen. 45:24).

The word “sin” never appears. Salvation, when mentioned, is not the salvation of the soul; rather, it is deliverance from circumstances. (See, for example, Philippians 1:19.) We are seen journeying through the wilderness, through a world unchanged, but we are changed. We have no home here, for we are pressing toward the mark “for the prize of the calling on high of God in Christ Jesus” (ch. 3:14 JND). Consistent with this, the name of Jesus is peculiarly associated with this epistle. He is our example.

Christ Our Life—Chapter 1

Paul addresses them as bondmen of Jesus Christ. The Philippian saints were dear to him. They were partakers in the gospel “from the first day unto now” (ch. 1:5). At times we know that this fellowship had taken the form of practical gifts. Though they had lacked opportunity, they once again flourished in their care for him and had sent a gift by the hand of Epaphroditus (ch. 2:25; 4:10).

Through their prayer and the abundant supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, this would be to his salvation. As to what form his release from bonds would take, either life or death, it didn’t matter. “Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (ch. 1:20-21).

He desired that their walk would be found worthy of the gospel of Christ, not terrified by their adversaries, for it is given to us to suffer for Christ (vss. 27-30).

Christ Our Pattern—Chapter 2

To complete his joy, Paul exhorts them to be “like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (ch. 2:2,5). He was the perfect Servant and our perfect pattern.

Paul could no longer be with them; they were on their own, and they were going to have to work out their own salvation now with fear and trembling (vs. 12), remembering, of course, that it was God who worked in them “both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (vs. 13). In the first chapter, Paul was ready to live to serve them in the Lord (ch. 1:24-25); in the second, he is ready to be poured out as the oblation on the sacrifice and service of their faith (ch. 2:17). They were to walk such that Paul could rejoice in the day of Christ (vs. 16).

Christ Our Object—Chapter 3

“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord” (ch. 3:1). Circumstances may get us down, but if our eye is on the Lord, we still can rejoice. Paul had every cause to be discouraged, yet joy and rejoicing are ever-present themes throughout this epistle.

There is nothing in this scene for us. Though Paul could have boasted of his earthly credentials, he counted them as nothing (vs. 8). To reach Christ in glory was the goal before him. Paul had not attained, neither was he perfected (vs. 12). Here he anticipates that day when his vile body would be fashioned like unto His glorious body (vs. 21). Paul was in this race that he might apprehend, seeing that he had been taken possession of by Christ Jesus (vs. 12).

Christ Our Strength—Chapter 4

Here we have the practical admonition, “Therefore... stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved” (ch. 4:1). Are we a help or a hindrance (vss. 23)? Are we careful and troubled about many things (vs. 6)? On what are we meditating (vs. 8)? What are we doing—in whose footsteps are we following (vs. 9)?

Paul had learned to be content no matter what the circumstances were: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (vs. 13). Paul the prisoner had learned something of the riches of the One he served: “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (vs. 19).

N. Simon

The Holy Scriptures - The Epistles of Peter

The character of Peter’s epistles is in keeping with Peter the person. Certainly it is the restored Peter, the Apostle, feeding the flock of God; nevertheless we see in them the experiences of the Gospels (John 21:15-19). His first was probably written from Babylon (1 Peter 5:13), while the nearness of his martyrdom suggests that the second is from Rome (2 Peter 1:14). The reference to Babylon is not symbolic; the verse should read, “She that is elected with you in Babylon salutes you” (JND) it refers to an individual, not the church. (Election is individual.)

Both epistles are addressed to the Jewish believers scattered throughout Asia Minor (1 Peter 1:1; 2 Peter 3:1). They had forsaken Judaism for Christianity, their inheritance was heavenly, and their Messiah glorified. Physically and spiritually they were strangers and pilgrims (1 Peter 2:11). The Apostle encourages them in their earthly path, a way fraught with trials and persecution. Salvation in its fullness is a future thing (1 Peter 1:45). The government of God is especially brought before us in the first, towards the righteous, while in the second, in the judgment of the wicked.

First Peter

In chapter 1 we have the Christian’s hope a living hope. Though there are trials, the results will have an eternal weight (vs. 7). God’s daily government is to be recognized, and we pass this time of sojourning in fear, not because we are uncertain as to salvation, but because we have been redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (vss. 16-19).

In chapter 2:1-10, we have Christian privileges. In contrast to the Jewish temple, we are, as living stones, “built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (vs. 5). Christ is the cornerstone. With our service God-ward thus established, we find there is also a testimony to man: “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (vs. 9).

In connection with these two our service before God and our testimony before this world we experience God’s moral government in our lives. The ark and Dagon could not dwell together. “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (ch. 1:16).

Peter begins his exhortation with, “Beloved, I exhort you, as strangers and sojourners, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (ch. 2:11 JND). He views the Christian’s pilgrimage as a pathway of suffering, in the midst of which we are to conduct ourselves in such a manner so as to bring glory to God. This applies both in connection with governments and masters, as well as in domestic relationships. “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled” (ch. 3:14).

When our lives are governed by the will of God, we will suffer; such a walk must be at the expense of our own will (ch. 4:12). A path of worldly excess may have its pleasures, but those that walk in it will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the quick and the dead (vss. 4-5).

We have a gift; we are to use it for the glory of God as faithful stewards (vs. 10). If we suffer for the name of Christ, then happy are we (vs. 14). None are to suffer as an evildoer (vs. 15). God works His ways of government first with those nearest Him, and so judgment must begin at the house of God (vs. 17).

The book closes with the aged Peter exhorting the elders, “Feed the flock of God” (ch. 5:2). And to the younger, “Submit yourselves unto the elder” (vs. 5). “The God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (vs. 10).

Second Peter

Peter’s second epistle addresses the terrible wickedness of the last days of Christendom. Unregenerate teachers, denying the Lord that bought them, would entice with vain words, promising liberty, but leading souls into the bondage of sin (ch. 2). Scoffers would make a mockery of Christianity and the hope of the believer (ch. 3).

While the second and third chapters are dark, the first is bright with encouragement. Peter exhorts them to make their calling and election sure, not in the eyes of God, for that would render the words meaningless, but in their walk. He desires that our entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ would be an abundant one, richly furnished (ch. 1:11). Peter recalls the mount of transfiguration; how could he forget that scene (vss. 17-18)? We truly have a sure word, as we await, not the rising of the sun, but the day-star (vs. 19).

It was Peter’s desire that they might be mindful of the words spoken before by the apostles (ch. 3:12). His manner of speaking offers no suggestion whatsoever of apostolic succession. Just as there were mockers in Noah’s day, their voices are today loud and clear. The world, however, is not now facing a flood, but fire, and the total dissolution of heaven and earth. Knowing this, we are to be diligent, “found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (vs. 14).

N. Simon

The Holy Scriptures - The Gospels: John

Far from being mere repetition, the subject matter of this, the final Gospel, is as distinct as that of the first three. In the Gospel of John, the Lord Jesus is presented as the Son of God (ch. 1:34) God revealed as light and love. John sets forth the divine glory of His person, because of who He is, the “I am” (ch. 8:58).

While the previous three Gospels are synoptic—giving an outline of the Lord’s life—we do not find this in John. Rather, “in Him was life; and the life was the light of men” (ch. 1:4). We have no genealogy and no record of His birth, finding instead what He was in the beginning, before creation the eternal Son. He was God before He became Man.

As Son of God, we do not read of the agony in the garden; rather, we see His divine majesty overawing His enemies (ch. 18:6). There are no parables and only one miracle in common with the other Gospels (ch. 6:5-14). There are a number of words that appear frequently “love,” “world,” “believe” and “life” and they are to be found together in John 3:16. On twenty-five occasions, the Lord introduces His words with “verily, verily” (or truly, truly), such is their importance.

Christ’s rejection by Israel is assumed from the outset: “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not” (ch. 1:11). That which pertains to Judaism is always “of the Jews” (such as ch. 2:6, 2:13 and 5:1) a phrase that occurs infrequently in the other Gospels, but many times in John. John the Baptist identifies the Lord, not as the Messiah, but as “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (ch. 1:29). Later, the expression of his heart—“Behold the Lamb of God!” (ch. 1:36)—turns his disciples to follow Jesus.

John gathers to the Lord; Jesus gathers to Himself: “Follow Me” (ch. 1:43). When Nathaniel owns the Lord as the Son of God, the King of Israel a picture to us of the Jewish remnant the Lord immediately introduces the “Son of Man,” a title that takes us beyond Israel to His universal headship (ch. 1:51).

Chapter 2 introduces us to His millennial glory. The joy of the kingdom is prefigured in the marriage scene at Cana (ch. 2:11), while in the cleansing of the temple we have the judgment that will characterize the kingdom (ch. 2:14-17).

In chapter 3 we find that the only way into the kingdom of God is through new birth (ch. 3:3). The flesh, no matter how religious, cannot enter the kingdom; it must be judged, and the One who is life must die. There is nothing in man pleasing to God: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (ch. 3:6). God cannot trust man (ch. 2:24); instead, man must place His trust in God (ch. 3:36). The first three chapters are introductory to the entire book.

He is all: “I am the bread of life” (ch. 6); “I am the light of the world” (ch. 8); “I am the door” (ch. 10); “I am the good shepherd” (ch. 10); “I am the resurrection and the life” (ch. 11); “I am the way, the truth and the life” (ch. 14); “I am the true vine” (ch. 15).

If the Lord gathers, He also divides because of His person (ch. 7:43), because of His works (ch. 9:16) and because of His words (ch. 10:19).

In chapter 9, the Lord Jesus and those that believe on Him are rejected and cast out (ch. 9:34). In chapter 10, He calls His own by their name and leads them out of the fold (Judaism), that there might be one flock (the church) and one Shepherd (ch. 10:3,16 JND). In chapter 11 we have the prophecy that He would die, not just for Israel, “but that also He should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad” (ch. 11:52).

In chapter 12, Jesus answers the people, “I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me” (ch. 12:32). As He is heavenly, so will His people be. He is not leading us to a promised land here in this earthly scene, the scene of His rejection, but to His Father’s house with its many mansions (ch. 14:2). We are not left comfortless either, for the Holy Spirit is promised upon His leaving (ch. 14:16; 16:7).

In chapter 17 we hear the Lord in communion with the Father: “That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me” (ch. 17:21).

In chapters 18-21, we have the Lord’s trial, death and resurrection. “It is finished” (ch. 19:30); thus the work of the Son is complete. Appearing unto Mary, He can tell her, “Go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God” (ch. 20:17). The Lord’s concluding exhortation to Peter is, “Follow thou Me” (ch. 21:22).

N. Simon

The Holy Scriptures - The Gospels: Mark and Luke

Mark

The author of the Gospel of Mark—John Mark (Acts 12:12)—was not an apostle nor an eyewitness. It is this Mark, the failing though restored servant, that God in His sovereignty chooses to present for us a divine picture of the perfect Servant Jesus Christ, the Son of God in His unwearied and faithful service. “They were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well” (Mark 7:37).

The order of events in Mark’s Gospel is, by and large, chronological. A genealogy is not to be found; though required for a king, it has no significance for a servant. He is not once addressed as “Lord” by the disciples. The word variously translated “immediately,” “straightway,” “forthwith” and “anon” occurs some twenty-six times directly of the Lord and His acts, but rarely in the other Gospels.

This is a Gospel of action; there is immediacy to what is written. Though the shortest Gospel, it is full of details not elsewhere recorded. While the Lord’s divine power is everywhere displayed, the depths of His feelings as man are never hidden.

If we contrast Mark 4 with Matthew 13, the distinct character of this Gospel may be clearly seen. Both chapters begin with the parable of the sower, yet the subject pursued in Mark is that of the Lord’s service—its history, character and results. He was the sower that was His service and likewise the service of His disciples.

A candle is not to be hid, either by industry or laziness. In His absence the gospel goes forth, and though the King be not here, the seeds sprout and grow. At the time of the harvest He will return, and the fruit, or lack of it, will be seen. He will personally take care of the harvest. There are storms, yet the Lord is with us. The One whom even the wind and the sea obey is in the ship it cannot sink. If we feel that He has abandoned us, it is because of our own lack of faith. He shares in all our labors.

The book may be divided in the following manner: chapters 13, Christ’s ministry in Galilee, the opposition of the Jewish leaders, their apostasy, and the Lord’s rejection of the nation; chapters 45, a summary of His personal service among the Gentiles and His people, taking us to Israel’s future raising up; chapters 6-10:45, His service resumed, though rejected by a blinded people; chapters 10:46-13, His return to Jerusalem and final ministry; chapters 14-16, His death and resurrection.

Luke

Luke, Paul’s companion and fellow-laborer (Acts 16:10; 20:6; Philem. 24; 2 Tim. 4:11), wrote both this Gospel and the Acts. He addresses both accounts to Theophilus, an Italian nobleman. Luke was “the beloved physician” (Col. 4:14), apparently a Gentile.

The Gospel is an account of the Lord’s life, by a Gentile to a Gentile: “That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed” (Luke 1:4). It is a divine portrait of Christ—a Man among men—perfectly meeting their need in grace His moral glory always shining.

Whereas the “kingdom of heaven” is predominant in Matthew, the “kingdom of God” distinguishes Luke. This expression takes us beyond Israel and the Messiah “all flesh shall see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6). Yet even in Luke, the order followed is to the “Jew first, and also to the [Gentile]” (Rom. 1:16).

Its message is to those who were bidden, then to the poor of the city the remnant and finally beyond the city to the highways and hedges the Gentile (Luke 14:16-24). In Luke 13 He is presented to the godly remnant in Israel (Luke 2:25-38) the devout few that thought upon His name (Mal. 3:16).

The “kingdom of God” also has an important moral element: “The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Rom. 14:17). Moral principles, applicable to all, shine in Luke.

The genealogy in Luke is traced back to the first man, Adam. Jesus is the Son of Man taking up the inheritance God gave to man. The temptations in Luke are presented in moral order first the most basic desire, hunger, and then that which man has by every means sought for himself, power and glory: “He builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son” (Gen. 4:17). The final temptation-more subtle is spiritual in character, appealing to man’s religious nature.

Unlike the first Adam, the Lord Jesus is triumphant in obedience. In Luke He is ever the obedient, suffering, victorious man, and only here do we find such details concerning His agony in the garden: “Being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:44).

While all the subject matter of Luke is rich, it is helpful to observe the following divisions: chapters 1-3, His birth till the commencement of His public ministry thirty years; chapters 4-5, His ministry of grace among the cities, towns and villages of Galilee; chapters 6-9:50, His ministry in grace, but in contrast with Judaism (the old garment cannot be patched with new cloth), closing with His glory as man; chapters 9:51-19:48 begin with His determination to go to Jerusalem and end with His entry into that city, in between which we have the judgment of those who rejected the Lord and the grace He dispensed along the way the promises of God are accomplished by grace and laid hold of by faith; chapters 20-21, Jerusalem and the Jews delivered up to the Gentiles; chapters 22-24, the Lord with His disciples, His death and resurrection the risen Man.

N. Simon

The Holy Scriptures - Titus and Philemon

Paul’s Epistle to Titus, like those to Timothy, is addressed to an individual. In all three the subject matter is godly order. Likewise, each brings before us a Saviour God. While the Epistles to Timothy are occupied with the maintenance of sound doctrine and the internal condition of the assembly, the Epistle to Titus is concerned with that which is outward our conduct as seen by the world. Paul had left Titus on the island of Crete to set in order the things that remained and to establish elders in every city (Titus 1:5). As a people, the Cretans were known for their unruly behavior, a fact attested to by one of their own poets (vs. 12).

Outline

“Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; in hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began” (vss. 1-2). A true Christian is not an adherent of religion; he is one of God’s elect. His walk is to be an open acknowledgment of the truth; he lives in hope of eternal life, a life that takes us beyond this world.

In chapter 1, Titus (in contrast to Timothy) is explicitly charged to establish elders (overseers; vs. 7) in every city, appropriate characteristics for whom are given (vss. 6-9). It was important that an overseer could, by sound doctrine, exhort and convince the gainsayers. There were many unruly and vain talkers, deceivers, particularly among the Jews, that subverted the people, teaching things that they ought not, for base gain (vss. 10-11 JND).

In chapter 2, we have our conduct in personal relationships: the aged men, the aged women, the young women and the young men of which Titus was to be a pattern. Servants (bondmen) are exhorted “that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things” (vs. 10).

It is the grace that saves that provides the foundation for the Christian walk, not law. Furthermore, we know that Christ Himself will appear in all His glory our Saviour who gave Himself for us, “that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (vss. 13-14). In these verses we have the foundation, the walk and the hope of every believer (vss. 11-14).

In chapter 3, we have the Christian’s conduct in this world, especially before those in authority (vs. 1). They were not to speak evil of any man, nor to be contentious, but gentle, showing meekness. They had been saved out of that which they were formerly, not because of their own works of righteousness, but through the kindness and love of a Saviour God. We should act towards others as God has acted towards us. The Christian has a new life that acts in the power of the Holy Spirit (vss. 2-7).

Foolish questions, genealogies, contentions and strivings about the law were to be shunned as unprofitable and vain (vs. 9). When a man chooses his own opinions over the Word of truth, causing division, he is a heretic and is to be rejected after the first and second admonition (vs. 10).

It was not the Apostle’s intent that Titus should remain on Crete. Paul would send Artemas or Tychicus to him, at which time he was to come to Paul at Nicopolis (vs. 12).

Philemon

Two individuals are prominent in this short epistle, Philemon and Onesimus. The first has a name deriving from phileo, meaning tender affection (love), while Onesimus may be translated “profitable.” The first was the master, the second his slave.

Onesimus had not always been profitable (vs. 11). Having deserted his master, we find him in Rome, perhaps seeking to escape amid the vast throngs of that city. While he may have succeeded in fleeing Philemon, the eye of the Lord was upon him. In that city there was a prisoner, the Apostle, and it was to Paul that the Spirit of God brings this fugitive. The same Spirit that had worked in the heart of Philemon now works in the heart of Onesimus through the same servant of the Lord (vs. 19).

Converted, Onesimus is profitable to all (vs. 11). Though his soul is set free, he has not received liberty from the obligations that bound him to his master. As a Christian, he must return to Philemon. This beautiful epistle, written by Paul, lovingly beseeches Philemon to again receive Onesimus, “not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?” (vs. 16).

Without invoking his apostolic authority, Paul appeals to the heart of Philemon and his wife Apphia and to the love that we possess as partakers of the divine nature. “For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ” (vss. 7-9). This was a delicate subject. The memory of Onesimus could incite the flesh if given opportunity, particularly since it was entirely possibly that Onesimus had stolen from his master (vss. 18-19).

The epistle’s address is broader than simply to Philemon and his wife, for it extends even to the assembly in his house (vs. 2). How practical are the lessons it contains. Here we find love exercised in the most difficult of circumstances. In it we see the Apostle’s love for Philemon and for Onesimus whom he had begotten in his bonds. We see the stirring of that love in the heart of Philemon for one who had wronged him. Paul also wisely appeals to Philemon’s love for him (vss. 9,17,20,22).

Love is obedient, and Paul expresses his confidence in Philemon that the new nature would triumph, exceeding all that was requested of him (vs. 21). This is true Christian conduct, divinely recorded for our admonition.

N. Simon

How Love Covers Sins

“Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

In speaking of the “inner-relations” of Christians among themselves, the first thing that the Apostle Peter enforces on them is fervent charity (divine—“agape”—love). This love is not merely long-suffering, which prevents the outbreak of fleshly anger, but it is an energy of love which characterizes all our ways towards our brethren exhibiting the divine presence and action.

This love covered a multitude of sins not here regarding ultimate pardon, but of present relations of God in government with His people.

If the assembly is at variance, if there is little love, if fellowship among Christians is restricted and difficult, all such evils and wrongs exist before God. But if there is love, which neither commits nor resents any wrongs, but pardons such things, finding in those very sins occasion for its own exercise, the eye of God then rests upon the love rather than the evil the multitude of sins is covered.

Where there are sins, love occupies itself about them, the offender is brought back, is restored, by the love of the assembly, and the sins are removed from the eye of God they are covered.

“Hatred stirreth up strifes, but love covereth all sins” (Prov. 10:12). We have a right to forgive them—to wash the feet of our brother—and we not only forgive, but love maintains the assembly before God according to His own nature so that He can bless it.

Christians ought to exercise hospitality towards each other with all liberality. It is the expression of love and tends much to maintain it; we are no longer strangers to each other.

J. N. Darby (Synopsis on 1 Peter 4, adapted)

Hunger for the Word

“How sweet are Thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psa. 119:103).

Starving people often have no appetite. Instead of grabbing the food which is offered them, they eat with little enthusiasm. Having had nothing in their stomachs for so long, the victims felt no hunger. They had passed the stage of desiring food. This is typical of many Christians. The Bible doesn’t appeal to them anymore because they have gone without its nourishment for so long. They are suffering from spiritual malnutrition; their yearning for the Lord’s things has almost vanished.

The more you study and meditate upon Scripture, the more your appetite is whetted for its nourishment and sweetness. It becomes sweeter and richer as you feed upon it daily. But the opposite is also true. The less you eat the Word of God, the less you’ll relish its health-giving promises, resulting in spiritual weakness and loss of appetite for God’s Word.

Let us each pray, “Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies” (Psa. 119:36). Set a daily pattern of personal Bible study, even if it’s only a few verses. As you obtain spiritual nourishment, your appetite for God’s Word will return, and soon you’ll be looking forward with eager anticipation to those times when you can feast your soul on its satisfying truths.

Spiritual vigor is measured by spiritual appetite. “Thy words were found, and I did eat them.... Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart” (Jer. 15:16).

Anon. (adapted)

Imperatives

At the cross, His enemies unwittingly spoke the truth. Intent on a mocking “Physician, heal Thyself,” they stumbled on the truth. He was bound to the cross by nails, but infinitely more, by love, by obedience, by prophetic utterances and by the carefully nurtured expectations of God’s people. There was a needs-be, an imperative in the divine counsels.

The Hebrew Servant

For an Old Testament figure, consider Exodus 21. There the devoted servant, content to serve a loving master, deliberately willed to surrender his own will. Suppose a young man, walking past a Marine Corps recruiting sign, stops, turns back, signs up and then takes that fateful single step forward.

The point is not the merits of joining, but the conscious submission-merging of one’s own will into and with a will and a cause that transcends one’s own little desires and conveniences one’s own life. And so the newly recruited Marine will learn the meaning of the corps slogan, “Semper Fi” (“Always Faithful”). “If the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free” (Ex. 21:5).

The Perfect Servant

In Mark 1, the Servant gospel, Christ, the Perfect Servant, is driven not led into the wilderness, there being tempted by and defeating Satan, in forty days. (Our word “quarantine” is from the same root, meaning “forty days.”)

Thus He shows, as Ambassador from heaven, His divine credentials. But “driven”? How so? It is those divine imperatives again: “He must needs go through Samaria” (John 4:4). “Ought not Christ to have suffered... and to enter into His glory?” (Luke 24:26). “I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!” (Luke 12:50).

This Same Jesus

In Acts 1 we encounter the 40-day time of testing again, but this time it is to show it was really the “same Jesus,” not an apparition, not some ghost of popular superstition, not mass hysteria of twentieth-century psychologists, but the same Person who touched lepers, who called little children, and who broke bread with His beloved disciples. This time it is not credentials; it is credibility.

The floodgates of divine blessing and joy were held closed (straitened) until that awesome scene at Calvary. What cords! Cords of steel for Him! Cords of love for us.

O God, what cords of love are Thine,

How gentle, yet how strong.

(Little Flock Hymnbook, #197)

D. Lunden

Is Being Wealthy Unspiritual?

The real question is not about what a person possesses, but about what possesses a person.

Lot, who had plenty wanted more. The “love of money” possessed him, causing him to make a terrible decision that ultimately cost him everything.

On the other hand, it was fellowship with Jehovah (not wealth) that possessed Abraham’s heart. Though rich in possessions, he lived in a wilderness tent and there enjoyed the presence of God (Gen. 18).

The Bible is clear. In 1 Timothy 6:6-19, it is not money that is “the root of all evil”; rather, it is the love of money that pierces through with many sorrows.

“They that will be rich” is a warning directed to those who, not being content, are possessed with a desire to get goods. What they receive is not abundant possessions, but abundant grief (1 Tim. 6:9).

“Them that are rich” is directed towards those who have wealth and possessions. God expects them to use their prosperity for the good of those who have not.

But the danger is that believers with very few possessions may begin to view those with much as unspiritual. Such thinking may come from unjudged spiritual pride or secret covetousness. If we find our full delight and satisfaction in the Lord Jesus, what others have or don’t have will be of little concern to us, and we won’t be making judgments about spirituality based on others’ material possessions.

The Apostle knew both “how to be abased” and “to abound” how to “abound and to suffer need.” He wasn’t possessed by wealth or the lack of it. He was possessed of Christ (Phil. 3:12).

Ed.

Judging - Righteous Judgment

“One of the Pharisees desired Him that He would eat with him” (Luke 7:36-50).

There is one thing to be observed in this passage which turns to us for searching and warning. Jesus judged righteous judgment. He was not to be flattered. He did not try either persons or circumstances in reference to Himself. That is where we so commonly fail in all our judgments. We see objects, whether persons or things, much in our own light. How have these things affected ourselves? How have these people treated us? These are the inquiries of the heart, and, in the answer they get, the judgment is too commonly formed.

We are flattered into good thoughts of people and slighted into hard ones. Jesus was not such a one. The Pharisee’s compliment and good fare did not affect His judgment on the whole scene in his house. The friendliness of a social hour could not relax the righteousness of His sense of things, as Peter’s recent confession, on another occasion, did not hinder the rebuke that Peter’s worldliness deserved. Jesus was not to be flattered.

J. G. Bellett (Gems From My Reading)

The Liberty of Chains

“When they had bound Him, they led Him away, and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor” (Matt. 27:2).

Chains mean nothing to a submissive man; he needs no restraint and is not daunted by obstacles. The bonds of the Lord Jesus could have been torn apart as those of Samson (Judg. 15:14), reduced to ashes as those of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego (Dan. 3:25), or fallen off as those of Peter or Paul and Silas (Acts 12:7; 16:26). The will of His Father was our Lord’s “bonds.” “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34).

The Apostle Paul in prison exhibits the spirit of Christ when he says, “I can do all things” in spite of the chains that bound him (Phil. 4:13). If his guard had heard him saying those words, he might well have laughingly retorted, “Then why don’t you just throw off these prison chains and walk away?” Can we not hear Paul responding, “God hasn’t told me to do that.”

Paul well knew that his bonds were no hindrance to God. He could remember the earthquake that night in the prison in Philippi when “everyone’s bands were loosed.” He and Silas had sat there quietly, free yet submissive. How perfect are all our circumstances before Him “with whom we have to do.” He “careth for” us.

Happy, peaceful path following the Saviour in submissive confidence. May He give it to be our portion by grace, each in the chains His love has provided.

W. M. Warr (adapted)

Living by Faith in All Things

“The just shall live by faith” (Heb. 10:38).

It is by faith we are justified, by faith we live, by faith we stand and by faith we walk.

Now this is true of all Christians, and all should seek to enter into it fully. Every child of God is called to live by faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him [God]” (Heb. 11:6). It is a very grave mistake, indeed, to single out certain individuals who happen to have few or no visible source of temporal supplies and speak of them as though they only may live by faith. According to such a view of the question, ninety-nine out of every hundred Christians would be deprived of the precious privilege of living by faith.

If a man has a settled income, if he has a certain salary, if he has what is termed a secular calling by which he earns bread for himself and his family, is he not still privileged to live by faith? Do none live by faith save those who have little or nothing in regards to material support? Is the life of faith to be confined to the matter of trusting God only for food and raiment?

To live by faith is to be completely and continually shut up to Him in everything; fully dependent upon Him apart from and above every natural confidence, human hope or earthly expectation.

C. H. Mackintosh (adapted)

The Lord's Coming: A Purifying and a Rejoicing Hope

His Coming: a Purifying Hope

“Every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure” (1 John 3:3).

It is impossible that we can be really hoping for the Lord’s return from heaven and be walking carelessly. Our great adversary often cheats us, or we cheat ourselves, by putting knowledge in the place of faith and hope.

Many persons have a great deal of knowledge of the letter, but that is very different from the power of truth in the heart. Therefore it is said that one who has “this hope in Him purifieth himself.”

If we are looking for Christ, we cannot be associating ourselves with what we know He will disapprove, nor can we be upholding now what we know we will be ashamed of then.

Those who have not yet thought of the coming of the Lord as a great practical truth will do well to consider 1 John 3:23. Such a believer as one who enjoys, by faith, the coming of the Lord, living in this glorious hope, is one who separates himself to God.

We do not know when He is coming, but we are to wait and hope for Him. Each day we can, by faith, say, “He may come today.” We can be found looking for Him, and if we are, we cannot be occupied with what we know is hateful in His sight. We may be very ignorant, but we cannot walk in disobedience at the same time saying, “Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!”

His Coming: A Rejoicing Hope

“What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” (1 Thess. 2:19).

What can give a Christian such joy as the hope of seeing and being with Christ Himself? Perhaps someone says, “I hold the doctrine of the Lord’s coming, but I have not such joy.” Knowing the Scripture is one thing, but believing it to be God’s revealed truth to you as the present hope of your soul is quite another.

If you believe it to be God’s revealed truth that you are delivered from wrath to come, your sins have been blotted out, your old man has been put to death on the cross, you have received life in a risen Christ, and He is quickly coming from heaven for you surely then your heart will be filled with the deepest, purest joy. And if that does not give the heart joy, nothing will.

Foundational Joy and Crowning Joy

The foundation of all joy is the accomplished redemption of Christ, but the crowning joy of all joys is the hope of seeing Him.

Thus, when Paul thought of his service in the gospel, his joy was that the Lord was coming. He could patiently endure stoning, rejection, poverty, imprisonment, saying, “I am looking with joy for the coming of the Lord, for then I shall know, and have the joy of, the results of my labors in the gospel.”

“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).

What will it be to see Him, to have His smile continually before our eyes, to be always in that atmosphere of His changeless, personal, perfect love? What will it be to have the Delight of our hearts before us, to see Him in all His glory?

He looks forward to it, for He said, “Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory” (John 17:24). Is not this the highest blessing that Scripture puts before us? “They shall see His face.”

I do not believe there is anything higher than that, for whatever blessings we may have before, whatever happiness we may then know, or whatever joy surrounds us, there would still be something wanting if we did not could not see Jesus.

But surely we shall be satisfied when we awake with His likeness (Psa. 17:15), gazing on His face, and, blessed be His name, He will be satisfied too, for He will then “see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied” (Isa. 53:11).

H. H. Snell (Seven Lectures on Prophecy, adapted)

Loss and Gain

Dr. John Watson, calling on a man who had suffered financial reverses, found him crushed by his losses. “Everything is gone!” he exclaimed.

“What?” said Dr. Watson. “I’m sorry to hear that your wife is dead.”

The man looked up in alarm. “My wife?”

“I’m doubly grieved to hear that you have also lost your character!” continued the brother. He then named one valuable asset after another, till at last the man could stand it no longer and protested that all of these things still remained.

“But I thought you said you lost everything!” Then in a tone of mild rebuke, he exhorted, “Brother, come to your senses! You’ve lost none of the things that are worthwhile!”

The man suddenly realized that he was still supremely blessed and rich toward God (Luke 12:21). It has been said that money will buy a bed, but not sleep; books, but not brains; food, but not appetite; house, but not a home; medicine, but not health; sin’s pleasures, but not salvation’s peace.

Many, after losing their wealth, have discovered that godliness with contentment is great gain. They are richer than they thought! Better to be a poor man and a rich Christian than to be a rich man and a poor Christian.

N. Hiebert (Gems From My Reading)

Love for Himself

Love, or desire towards another, takes different forms in the heart. There is the love of pity, of gratitude and of complacency. The love of pity regards its object in some sort as below it and is full of tenderness. The love of gratitude regards its object as above it and is full of humility. The love of complacency does not look above or below, but simply at its object, and it is full of admiration.

But there is also love of kindred natural affection-which has a glory peculiarly its own, for it warrants the deepest intimacies. Husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters (and friends, too) know this. Such love gives full ease in going out and coming in. The heart knows its right to indulge itself over its object without check or shame. It is the richest feast of the heart, for it knows its title to satisfy itself without rebuke, in the warmest expressions of mutual love.

With kindred love it is the person and not qualifications or conditions that form the ground of our love. It is the Lord Himself that the heart embraces not His sorrows, favors, or excellencies, but Himself which this affection handles.

This delineates, as I judge, the experience of the poor woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5). She knew the Lord’s ability to relieve her sorrow; she knew her hearty welcome to avail herself of it. She therefore comes and takes the virtue out of Him without reserve. But she comes behind Him. This expresses the state of her mind, for though she knows her welcome to His service, she knows nothing more. But the blessed Lord trains her heart for more. He lets her know that she is interested in Himself as well as in His power to oblige her.

He calls her daughter, owning kindred or relationship with her. This was the communication which alone was able to remove her fears and trembling. Her rich and mighty Patron is her Kinsman and this is what her heart needed to know. Without this, in the spirit of her mind she would still have been behind Him. But this gives her ease. “Go in peace” may then be said, as well as, “Be whole of thy plague.” She need not be reserved, for Christ does not deal with her as a patron or benefactor (Luke 22:25). She learns she has an interest in Himself as well as in His power to bless her.

As another has said, “In the glass of His eternal decrees the Father showed the church to Christ, and Christ was so ravished with the sight, that He gave up all for her. ”

Do we believe this? Does it make us happy? We owe the love of children to God as our Father, the love of the redeemed ones to God as our Saviour, and the love of disciples to Jesus as our Master and Lord. But what is the love that we owe for this way of Christ’s heart to us? How are we to meet it in a way worthy of it? The breathings of the Canticles (Song of Solomon) tell us. This little book gives us, I believe, the actings of the love of espousals, in both Christ’s heart and in ours. The joy of hearing the voice of the Bridegroom is fulfilled here in the heart of the saint.

J. G. Bellett (adapted)

A Model of the Believers - Part 1

“Let no man despise thy youth” (1 Tim. 4:12).

The Apostle Paul has an exhortation for his dear son in the faith. But first he makes a plea to those of us who are older. Please don’t despise the youth. Give them room to learn, to mature and to grow. Allow them space to develop their gift.

They have a place in the body of Christ. They are a vital part of the assembly of God. Help them develop. Work with them. Encourage them.

Then he turns to Timothy, evidently a young man. His loving command speaks to the heart and conscience of every one of us, regardless of age or spiritual attainments. However, since he addresses his words to a young person, we do well to particularly heed them in our youth, for the habits formed thereby will help us honor the Lord through our lives till He comes.

Models of, Not to, the Believers

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers” (vs. 12).

Notice that the Apostle Paul does not say, “Be thou an example to the believers.” If you have a mango in your hand, it would be ridiculous to think of that mango trying to be an example to the mango tree trying to show the tree or other buds the proper characteristics of fruit to produce. It could never be an example to the tree. But it might well be an example of the fruit of the tree. If the mango is a good example of mango fruit, from that sample in your hand you can tell what color, size, shape, texture and flavor ought to be present in any other fruit from that tree.

And so it is with us as believers. If I set myself up to be an example to you, I take a position that is superior to you. I profess to have mastered whatever it is of which I wish to be an example. I make you focus on me, not on our Lord Jesus Christ, and every time I stumble or go astray, you are bound to do the same.

The Apostle says elsewhere, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children” (Eph. 5:1). He also says to the Corinthians, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). We are safe in following another believer only in the measure in which they are directly following Christ.

Our focus and reference point ought always to be Christ. Then we will be able to be a proper example (or model) of the believers. The Apostle gives Timothy six aspects in which this example should be visible to others. “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (vs. 12). Let’s look at some of the young people in the Scriptures who were living models of these characteristics.

Word Models

“Be thou an example [or model] of the believers, in word” (vs. 12).

Our first example is our Lord Jesus and some words about Him when He was thirty years old. That may seem to be outside the range of ages that we normally associate with young people. However, let us remember that the Lord Jesus is the one person who was perfectly and entirely consistent throughout His whole life. These words could have just as easily been written about Him when He was thirteen or nineteen.

“All bore witness to Him, and wondered at the words of grace which were coming out of His mouth” (Luke 4:22 JND).

What kind of words come out of my mouth? words of grace? words of kindness? words of compassion? words of sympathy? Or are they sometimes words of jealousy? words of bitterness? words of pride?

With the Lord Jesus, His words were always a model. They communicated the grace, compassion, sympathy and tenderness of the heart of God. Even when He spoke faithful words of rebuke to stir the consciences of His hearers, they were perfectly mixed with the love of God so that there never was any suggestion of guile in His words.

When they asked Him, “Who art Thou?” He responded, “Altogether that which I also say to you” (John 8:25 JND). He was absolutely transparent. His words (and His actions) were in perfect harmony with and were a perfect expression of who He was inwardly.

Sadly, this is not always true with me. But, as a believer in the Lord Jesus, I am responsible to be a model with my words a model that faithfully exemplifies the kind of words that came from the lips of my Lord.

D. R. Macy

A Model of the Believers - Part 2

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example [or model] of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12).

In the last issue we considered the words of our Lord Jesus Christ as a perfect example for a believer. Now let’s focus on the Christian’s conduct.

Conduct Models

“Be thou an example [or model] of the believers... in conversation [or conduct].”

Our example for conduct is a young person named David. He is called a youth at this time in his life (1 Sam. 17:55). He is taken to the royal city—Jerusalem—to play the harp for King Saul. But the king soon becomes jealous of David, for others ascribe more honor to David than to himself (ch. 18:7). Jealousy turns to hatred and wicked plans against the one who risked his life to save the king and his people. Saul decides to try to pin David to the wall with his spear.

Does David have problems? In spite of his success over the giant Goliath success that he clearly attributes to the Lord he’s now in circumstances that are most adverse. What is he going to do? “David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him” (vs. 14).

David’s conduct his behavior was a model of how a believer should live. He acted wisely in every circumstance. How could he do this? Do you wonder how he could maintain a clear mind so that he could act “wisely in all his ways”? Read the rest of the verse. “The Lord was with him.” He lived with the conscious sense of the Lord’s presence with him at all times, and, therefore, he wanted to be careful to do only what pleased Him.

Others, too, observed that the Lord was with David. “Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him, and was departed from Saul” (vs. 12). Did the Lord’s presence with David make Saul desire it too? No, we’ve already read about the treacherous, wicked desires that were brewing in Saul’s ungodly heart. David was not responsible for Saul’s conduct; he was only responsible for his own. Thank God that David’s behavior—even in the midst of the most adverse and difficult circumstances—was a good example not only to those around him, but to us also.

D. R. Macy

A Model of the Believers - Part 3

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example [or model] of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12).

Love Models

“Be thou an example [or model] of the believers... in charity [or love].”

Let’s look at another young person for an example of love in the life of a believer. We might think that this would be an easy characteristic for which to find models. After all, doesn’t everyone want to be loved? Then we would assume that everyone is just as quick to show love and care for others, right? Not necessarily.

What does the Apostle Paul say about his “own son in the faith,” Timothy? “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus to you shortly, that I also may be refreshed, knowing how ye get on. For I have no one like-minded who will care with genuine feeling how ye get on. For all seek their own things, not the things of Jesus Christ. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a child a father, he has served with me in the work of the glad tidings” (Phil. 2:19-22 JND).

Paul laments the selfishness of many other believers-pursuing their own interests, “not the things of Jesus Christ.” He says that Timothy’s heart displayed a different desire. Timothy cared with genuine feeling about others and how they were progressing in their Christian lives. He served diligently with Paul in the work of the gospel, showing the same genuine care for the souls of the lost. This was true, divine love in action. Here is a model of love that we want to emulate in our lives.

How might I show this love this genuine feeling of care for other brothers and sisters in Christ as well as those who are still not saved? Can I call someone who is not feeling well to say a word of cheer to boost their spirits? Can I help someone with their homework in a subject that they are struggling with? Can I lend a helping hand to someone who is older with a task they are not able to do easily anymore? We could go on and on, couldn’t we, listing many different ways to practically display the love of Christ in our daily lives. Let’s not just list them on paper; let’s practice them. Let’s model divine love through our actions and our words.

D. R. Macy

A Model of the Believers - Part 4

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example [or model] of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12).

Spirit Models

In previous issues we have considered the words of our Lord Jesus Christ as a perfect example for a believer, David as a good model of a Christian’s conduct, and Timothy as a good example of divine love in action. Now let’s focus on the believer’s spirit. “Be thou an example [or model] of the believers... in spirit.”

In the early days of the church, when the number of disciples was multiplying, they encountered a difficulty. Some of the widows were overlooked in the daily distribution for their temporal needs. To solve this problem, the apostles told the disciples, “Look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business” (Acts 6:3).

One of the young men that they chose was named Stephen. In giving his name, the Spirit of God specifically reiterates the qualifications by which he was known and which specially suited him for this task: “Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost” (vs. 5).

The Word of God says, “A man’s gift maketh room for him” (Prov. 18:16). Also, “They that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 3:13). Stephen clearly exemplified these principles. Being full of the Holy Spirit, he faithfully performed all of his duties as a deacon (a servant), and the Lord opened up other opportunities for Stephen to serve Him. “Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8).

This aroused opposition, as it often does. Some chose to dispute with Stephen, rather than accept the faithful message of Jesus Christ that he proclaimed. But there was something they could not resist-something they had to notice and acknowledge that was different about this young man. “They were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake” (vs. 10).

He was not only indwelt by the Spirit of God, but he was also full of the Holy Spirit. He allowed the Spirit to have full control of his thoughts, his words and his actions. His own spirit was one with the Holy Spirit, and therefore the attitude he displayed as well as the words he spoke all testified to the divine source of power in his life and in his message. They modeled the spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ.

D. R. Macy

Mother O' Mine

How sweet to reflect on the love of a mother,

In whose heart there dwells the sweet love of Christ;

With all her deep interest devoted to others,

A love which to Him can never be priced.

Through His grace I have been privileged to have as my own,

Such a mother, who bore me, her firstborn son;

Through weakness and sickness until I was grown,

She anxiously cared for me as time speeded on.

Early she taught me of Him who once died

For my sins on the cross, there by man crucified;

Each Lord’s Day we children would read from the Word

The wondrous grace and full love of the Lord.

How blessed to recall the worship in our home,

As we all knelt each morning while Father led in prayer,

That each of the children from the truth would ne’er roam,

But grow up in Him and in His full love share.

A large family, and each one demanding her care,

Sent her much to her knees to seek His own mind,

That each child would learn its dependence in prayer,

And in obedience and love, that sweet peace would find.

Since then we have grown, and each has his home,

But the things Mother taught us we’ll never forget;

We have learned from those precepts in the world not to roam,

And thus bring upon us sorrow, sadness, regret.

So, Mother o’ Mine, ’tis to you I would say,

Though the way has been long and trying and rough,

Yet you’ve learned of the love that supports all the way;

You can bow and say, “Thanks, Lord, ’tis all quite enough!”

So, Mother, be strong in the grace that is yours,

For He knows the path that He asks you to walk;

For soon in the glory a blest welcome He assures,

And with Him of all of life’s journey you’ll talk.

H. Campbell (March 1949)

My Choice or God's Choice?

“Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan.... Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan... and pitched... toward Sodom” (Gen. 13:10-12).

What did Lot choose, when he got his choice? He chose Sodom, the very place that was about to be judged. Why did he select such a spot? Because he looked at the outward appearance, and not at its true character and future destiny. Sodom’s intrinsic character was wicked; its future destiny was judgment to be destroyed by fire and brimstone out of heaven.

Perhaps Lot knew nothing of all this (nor did Abraham). But God did. Had Lot allowed God to choose his inheritance for him, God would never have chosen a place He was about to destroy.

Lot, however, judged for himself. Sodom with its well-watered plains attracted and suited him. Such is nature’s choice! “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world” (2 Tim. 4:10). Lot left the place of testimony and got into the place of judgment.

C. H. Mackintosh

"My Dove"

“O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely” (Song of Sol. 2:14).

When we remember the Lord in His death, our hearts are rightly drawn out in occupation with Him who is chiefest among ten thousand and altogether lovely. But what about His thoughts concerning us—those who, in the Song of Songs, are not only referred to as “my beloved,” but also in such a divinely endearing term as “my dove”?

His Affections for the Dove

What yearning desire His blessed heart has concerning the most tender object of His affections the church! What it cost Him to place a soul in the “clefts of the rock”! And what a place of security is ours who have put our trust in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 19:30).

“Stairs” speak of access. Believers have full access into His presence “the secret places of the stairs.” Hebrews 10:19 reminds us of the wonderful and constant approach that is ours every moment into His blessed presence. Surely He delights to have his “dove” ever found entering into the holiest “by the blood of Jesus”!

Then, having reminded our hearts of His thoughts of us and our privilege of access into His presence, the Lord tells us how much He longs—yea, delights—that we should be near Him. “Let me see thy countenance.” Yet His blessed heart desires even more: “Let me hear thy voice.” May we ever more realize the sweetness our voices give His blessed heart, as well as the beauty He sees in that object which He loved and gave Himself for (Eph. 5:25).

His Provisions for the Dove

In Psalm 68:13 (JND) we read, “Though ye have lain among the sheepfolds, ye shall be as wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with [yellow] gold.”

Wings provide ability to rise above the world. Our Lord, through His glorious work at the cross, has brought us up “out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay,” setting our “feet upon a rock” (Psa. 40:2). But we have been taken infinitely higher than that—“risen with Christ” (Col. 3:1), “joint-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17), and blessed with “every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ” (Eph. 1:3 JND). What wonderful wings He has given His dove!

Those wings are covered with silver, speaking of the work of redemption necessary that we might enjoy this heavenly portion. But there is more, for the wings are also covered with gold. All of Christ’s righteousness and acceptance belong to His dove.

May we draw near to Himself, lifting up our voice in praise and worship to the One who “was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich” (2 Cor. 8:9).

W. K. Shane (adapted)

My Light Affliction

“Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17).

Lord, thank You for my light affliction,

Which is for me Thy benediction;

Lord, work Thy will in my life today...

That Thy will in me be here to stay.

If I suffer with Thee, I will also reign,

While here Thy promises I claim;

To die to self, to wean from earth,

Spiritually follows my heavenly birth.

Yet what refreshments Thou dost provide:

Thy Holy Spirit, Thy Word, and prayer;

Soon Thou wilt claim Thy heavenly bride;

Thy face we’ll see, and we’ll know no care.

Let me now be subject to Thy will;

Let me trust though I don’t understand...

’Tis enough to wait this little while

In the hollow of Thy loving hand.

The God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect [in obedience], stablish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:10-11).

M. Van Spengen

No Will

“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus” (2 Cor. 4:10).

A person is acting for himself if he has a will; he must not think or will anything for himself. Christ was obedient unto death; that is not a man’s will, and I am always to bear about in my body His dying; that is Christ’s dying or being put to death.

A Note of Warning to Parents

Parents should be aware of two books available in public schools through the Scholastic Book Club (titled “Conversations With God” and “Conversations With God for Teens,” by Neil Walsh) which blaspheme our blessed God and His precious Word.

In them, children and young people carry on imaginary conversations with God, asking questions and receiving answers. Here is a shocking sample, an answer to a child’s question about God’s forgiveness of sin. “I do not forgive anyone because there is nothing to forgive. There is no such thing as right or wrong, and that is what I have been trying to tell everyone. I do not judge people. People have chosen to judge one another, and this is wrong because the rule is, ‘Judge not lest ye be judged.’ ”

May we all be sober and vigilant, for our adversary is busily engaged, seeking to steal and corrupt the hearts and minds of our beloved children.

“God is light” (1 John 1:5). “Walk as children of light” (Eph. 5:8).

Ed.

Object, Motive, Blessing

God never saved you and me for what He could get out of us, but for what He could give us. When you get on your knees, what do you ask for a little more of the world or a little more of Christ? The secret of peace within and power without is to be occupied with good always and nothing but good. You will find that in Christ alone. The Christian is the only one in the world who has a pure Object for the mind and a pure motive for the soul the only one who has wisdom for the path of life.

Read and meditate on the Word of God. The most important decisions in life are made while you are young. See to it that the Word of God gives you light and wisdom for the path, and never take a step without God’s light and wisdom to guide you, and you will have a happy path through this world.

The principle by which we receive intelligence in the things of God is 1 Corinthians 2:15, “He that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.” The one who is spiritual walks with God in communion by the Spirit.

Teach your children to get on their knees and ask God to guide them in the way of making a living in the path where they can honor the Lord Jesus. Do not make success or the amount of salary received the object before you or them. If you put Christ before you and you have His glory before you, there will be the blessing of the Lord.

“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it” (Prov. 10:22).

H. E. Hayhoe (excerpt from an address, 1949)

"Occupy Till I Come": Serving Until Jesus Comes

“Occupy Till I Come” (Luke 19:13)

We know that the world still rejects the Saviour—the citizens hated Him and said, “We will not have this man to reign over us.” We are in a world that does not want the authority of Christ over it. But something has been committed to us, brethren—every one of us has some service that the Lord has given to us individually. Here (Luke 19:13-27) one person was very diligent with the pound that was given to him; his pound gained ten pounds. Another, perhaps less diligent, gained just five pounds, but the Lord valued them both.

However, another servant wrapped his pound in a napkin rather than using what had been entrusted to him. Every one of us has some little service to perform for the Lord. I do not believe that any could say that he or she does not have something they can especially do for Him.

In the Old Testament, each one of the Levites was given a service and a burden which was outlined to them by Aaron and his sons. They were appointed their particular service, and then they had the privilege of carrying some special burden. Some might have carried the ark, while others, the boards or pins. Their service was not all the same by any means, but each one had some service.

You, as a believer, have something that the Lord has given you to do. There is no one who can do that service as well as you. If the Lord chose you to do some little service for Him, it was because you had been fitted for that very thing. So we read that He gave to each according to his several ability (see Matt. 25:15). He knew you could do that, if you were willing to do it. It is a very great privilege. He does not want everyone to be out in a foreign field. He wants, for instance, mothers to be in the home, while others, like Epaphras, may be laboring fervently in prayer perhaps many are doing things that are unnoticed by others. But, brethren, occupy till He comes! Wouldn’t you like to be doing the service He has given when He comes?

If you love someone who has asked you to do something for them and they come unexpectedly and find you doing just what they asked you to do, don’t you feel gratified? “Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing” (Matt. 24:46).

How happy our meetings would be if each one of us fulfilled the intended place that God has for us—not all the same place, but each the intended place that He has given. “He... gave... to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.” May the Lord, then, encourage us to occupy until He comes.

G. H. Hayhoe (adapted from an address)

On Gideon

“The Lord looked upon him [Gideon], and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?” (Judg. 6:14).

What was his might? That God sent him! That is all the might you need. If God sends you, if He commissions you, He will be with you; He will be your strength.

Now we find the true state of the man coming out. He says, “Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel?” (Judg. 6:15). What am I? “Behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” What a wonderful confession! That is the kind of person God can use. It was Gideon’s very weakness that was the source of his strength; that was the reason God appeared to him; it was the spirit of the man. God as much as says, “That is the kind of man I can use.” The Word of God says, “When I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Cor. 12:10).

C. H. Brown

On Moses

“Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb” (Ex. 3:1).

Moses thought that when he had spent forty years in Egypt, he was fitted to deliver the people of God, but he had to learn that not until he had been taught of God in the wilderness was he competent to lead the people out of Egypt. God has generally to put souls through a sieve and break them down in their own conceit, if He is going to use them in a really honorable way.

W. Kelly

Our Conduct - Our Testimony

The Word of God is entrusted to the believer in the midst of a Christendom that has given it up. But he can have no power in his testimony of God before the world except by showing in his conduct true separation from the world, humility, and genuine consecration of his entire life to the Lord. Thus we shall have the right to speak on God’s behalf and the world will have to hear us, whether it wants to or not. May the world not take occasion by our conduct to despise the Word of God!

H. L. Rossier

Perseverance in Difficult Times

When all is prosperous and the progress of the gospel is remarkable, even the world is impressed; the work is easy and in spite of difficulties and opposition, man is bold and persevering. But when others, Christians even, forsake the laborer, when evil and the deceptions of the enemy come in, when love has grown cold and, because one is faithful, prudence takes alarm, desiring a less forward walk to then stand firm, to persevere in the work and to maintain one’s courage is not an easy thing. We must possess Christianity with God so that we know why we stand. We must ourselves be in communion with Him in order to have the strength necessary to continue laboring in His name, having the sustainment of grace at all times.

J. N. Darby

Personal Faith: Biblical Patterns

Faith sets a man with God and, as an individual, alone with God. Abel acted as an individual; Enoch walked alone with God; Noah found grace in His sight; Abram was called out from all and was the friend of God. Joseph, Moses, Samuel, David, Daniel, and all the worthies of faith’s household each found his springs to be in God and each found his guidance to be from God.

The Perfect Pattern

How individual and solitary, too, was the blessed Lord (not only on the ground of His being the only sinless, perfect One, but also in the manner of His walk)! “Lo! I come to do Thy will, O God.” “The cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?” These were the maxims of His life here below.

Faith for a Moment and a Lifetime

The thief’s faith set him alone (divinely taught) with God and he was able to condemn, not only his own past course, but all that the religious ones of that day were doing. He gave to Christ a title true of Him, alone from among men. “This man hath done nothing amiss.” The thief adds, “Lord, remember me... in Thy kingdom.” And the Lord’s word to Peter is to be noted as well: “If I will that he [ John] tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou Me.”

Walking in Practical Holiness

The secret of all practical holiness in a believer is found in his individual walk with God a walk which, as it keeps him in the light, where Christ is at the right hand of God, keeps him in humble self-judgment, because he sees the contrasts between Christ and himself-yet in firmness, because he has to do with God and acts for and from God.

The moment I see that God’s Word proclaims a thing to be unholy, I am to cease from it at once. It is unholy (to me at least) and to tamper with it would bring defilement. Every godly soul must say, “Obey God rather than man; obey God according to your light, and do not go beyond it.”

When I thus act in my individual life, some have asked (as a challenge), “Do you think you’re infallible? Are you going to lord it over the conscience of others?” My answer is simple: “I walk with God and judge myself. There is not an inch for me in the path which God’s Word seems to prohibit; I go right onward where the Word directs me to go forward.”

Then comes another challenge, “How do you know you are right?” I answer, “When walking in dependence upon God alone to lead me to see His mind that I may do it do you think He’ll not be faithful to Himself (John 7:17)? As to the consciences of others, I lord it over no soul. Each walks with God but let each remember, if I am truly walking with God, alas! for one whose walk is not in the same path, be he before me or behind me.”

There is no holiness in communion, no “communion of saints,” apart from this individual, solitary walk with God. It is the very restlessness of many believers which convinces me they aren’t individually, practically walking with God by faith.

G. V. Wigram (adapted)

Practical Reflections on Acts - Acts 18:15-24

15. “But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.”

What a commentary on the spiritual condition of those who had, as God’s chosen, earthly people, received His oracles! These divine communications—the revealed mind of Jehovah meant for Israel’s blessing—were, to the Gentiles, nothing more than ethnic traditions of a troublesome people. The Jews’ public testimony was such that it caused the “name of God” to be “blasphemed among the Gentiles through you” (Rom. 2:24). How solemn!

How vital to live the truth of God (fully revealed to man through Christianity) in daily reality, love and devotion. We are an “epistle [of Christ]... known and read of all men” (2 Cor. 3:2).

16. “And he drave them from the judgment seat.”

How vastly different from the days of Ezra, who was commanded to “set magistrates and judges, which may judge all... such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not” (Ezra 7:25)! By the Jews’ rebellion against God they had forfeited the opportunity to teach the law of God to Gentiles.

17. “Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.”

Previously Crispus, who had believed Paul’s gospel message and had been saved with all his house, had been chief ruler of the synagogue. Faith in Christ doubtless cost Crispus his place among the Jews in Corinth. A believer in Jesus would never be allowed to fill such a prominent religious position in local Jewish society. Crispus lost his life in this world for “My sake and the gospel’s” but found it preserved for eternity (Mark 8:35).

Sosthenes ascended to that place of local Jewish repute saving his life in this world later reaping the unjust outburst of Gentile wrath.

Let us measure everything that seems lost for Christ’s sake in this world in the balances of eternal glory. When there, it will be fully revealed from what we were spared in this world by bearing the precious name of Jesus through our pilgrim path.

18. “And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.”

In Numbers 6:18 we learn that one who had taken the vow of a Nazarite was to shave his head when his vow had ended. Though we are not told what vow Paul had taken, Paul’s love for his nation seems to cause him to take up with Jewish ordinances in order to win the Jews (1 Cor. 9:20).

Priscilla and Aquila are with Paul ministering to him not as under a Jewish vow, but in full Christian liberty. This is the way in which God would have each serve Him in the full liberty of divine grace.

19. “And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.”

The Apostle faithfully carries the gospel “to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.” His motive was deep love for God’s earthly people. His heart, as Joseph’s of old, yearned for them, that they might be turned from their blindness and guilt individually and as a nation to believe in the One they had despised and crucified.

May love (for Christ, for His own and for lost souls) always be the only motivating factor of our service.

20. “When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not.”

The Spirit of God seemed to be at work among the Jews in the Ephesian synagogue. Unlike other Jews encountered in his missionary journeys, these desired that Paul would stay longer with them.

Love for the Jewish nation apparently caused him to neglect a promising opportunity. Let us be found “redeeming opportunities” (Col. 4:5 JND).

21. “But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.”

It did not seem to be God’s will that Paul go to Jerusalem, and the result was that he never again visited the Ephesian assembly, though he wrote a divinely inspired epistle to them from prison.

We would fear to criticize the beloved Apostle, but may we never even for love’s sake assume a lower place or service than that which we are called to and have as members of the body of Christ.

In one sense, Christians do have feasts to keep—morally, the feast of unleavened bread (1 Cor. 5:8), and, in actual fact, the remembrance of the Lord (1 Cor. 11:23-26).

22. “And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.”

The Apostle allowed nothing to cause him to “miss” visiting an assembly where Christians were gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Though his desire to visit Jerusalem hurried him on his way, he did not fail to stop long enough to visit the brethren in Caesarea. Are we diligent in not allowing circumstances to keep us from gathering to the Lord Jesus with those of “like precious faith”?

23. “And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.”

The desire and effect of Paul’s ministry was to strengthen the disciples the work of a pastor and teacher. Paul was orderly in his ministry, for the One he served is “not a God of disorder” (1 Cor. 14:33 JND). There is never an excuse for a believer to live in disorder or to allow his life, home or work to be characterized by confusion.

24. “And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.”

Eloquence is not enough to fit one for God’s service-nor is knowledge. The Scriptures held moral weight in Apollos’ life he walked in what he knew. Let each be diligent to walk according to the light they have then more will be given.

Ed.

Practical Reflections on Acts - Acts 18:25-19:7

25-28. “This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: for he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.”

Apollos presents a wonderful moral pattern that ought to be seen in every servant of Christ. There are seven important moral qualities that he displayed—qualities that those who would serve the Lord today (especially in public ministry) ought also to display.

(1) Apollos was “eloquent... mighty in the Scriptures” (see vs. 24). The Greek word for “eloquent” is logios and has the sense of “rational” and “wise.” He was more than a gifted orator. He spoke circumspectly-there was nothing pretentious or unreasonable about his words concerning the Lord, nor his manner of speaking. He knew his subject well.

(2) Apollos was instructed in the way of the Lord. Scripture had its proper moral effect on his life and actions. This is more than mere head knowledge. There is a great danger of being satisfied with knowing the words of the Lord, without allowing them to have their proper moral effect on our ways.

(3) Apollos was fervent. He was not a casual, “Sunday only” believer. The Word of God had laid hold of his heart and he was zealous in living and teaching others what he enjoyed for himself.

(4) He was diligent. How much time we believers waste today dabbling with the empty, vain things of this world while remaining unfamiliar with the precious truths of the Word of God.

(5) Apollos was bold. The truth that he understood laid hold of his heart. It was a daily, living reality with him, and thus he boldly presented what he enjoyed to Jewish opposers.

(6) He was teachable. No doubt he was a far more gifted speaker than Aquila and Priscilla, but he was willing to listen to and learn from those who had not his evident gift. In doing so, he became an even more fruitful servant of Christ. Oh! May those who seek to serve the Lord ever remain teachable!

(Notice, too, the lovely, vital lesson we learn from the order in which Aquila and Priscilla are here mentioned. When it was a matter of affection, Priscilla is mentioned first (see Acts 18:18; Rom. 16:3). But when it is a matter of teaching, Priscilla gives place to her husband. Beautiful moral order!)

(7) Apollos was fruitful in his service for Christ. He was a blessing to the brethren with whom he came in contact, and he was a powerful voice to the unbelieving Jews on behalf of the rejected Jesus.

Chapter 19

1-2. “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.”

As with Apollos, these believers needed to be led into the enjoyment of Christianity “more perfectly.” Hearing John Baptist’s message, they had acted upon it in faith. However, the Holy Spirit’s indwelling believers was unknown to John. Paul desired that they now enjoy their full Christian blessings.

Let us also have a similar desire helping other believers to fully enjoy all the riches that are theirs in Christ. But we need to be enjoying those riches for ourselves first not just knowing about them.

3-5. “And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

The truth of Christianity takes these dear believers beyond Jewish repentance important and necessary as that was for the Jew. John had pointed the people he baptized to the coming Christ Jesus the One who was to come after him. The disciples’ actions (baptism) showed the reality of their faith.

6-7. “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve.”

How perfect is the Word of God! Without laying on of hands and even as Peter was speaking, the Spirit fell on the Gentiles (Cornelius and his company; Acts 10). Seeing such visible signs of power, the Jewish believers recognized that under grace there was no difference between them and the Gentiles. After this Peter baptizes the Gentiles.

But here the men were Jews already baptized to John’s baptism and Paul (rather than Peter) lays hands on them so they can receive the Spirit. Then they, too, give evidence of His indwelling through signs. The ways of God are not always the same, but they are suited in divine perfection to each circumstance.

We must learn the practical lesson this teaches us for today. There is a great danger that we may begin to think that each circumstance is to be treated in exactly the same way. This deadens needed exercise in our hearts and leads to viewing God’s Word only as a rule book its divine precepts being applied in every case on the basis of tradition.

Fresh exercise for each fresh circumstance (whether collective or individual) is painful. But if we are to enjoy blessing and fruit in our lives (and the assembly), we must look at and deal with each new circumstance in godly fear and dependence upon Him. Only in this way will God’s Word remain living and powerful for us.

Ed.

Practical Reflections on Acts - Acts 18:3-14

3. “And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.”

Paul, who labored tirelessly for his Saviour, was willing to work with his hands when necessary a wonderful spirit as well as an excellent example! And his secular work was perfectly in keeping with his ministry making tents. Paul’s ministry is specially occupied with the church and its glorious Head in heaven. Those who are passing through this world as pilgrims and strangers morally need tents rather than permanent buildings in which to dwell. May every aspect of our lives be temporary in nature we are not here long.

4. “And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.”

The spirit of the Apostle’s reasoning was such that those who heard him were won by his words. Paul’s reasoning is quite different in spirit from the great reasoning the Jews had with each other in Acts 28:29 (endless questioning) and the “doubtful disputations” (arguing) of Romans 14:1. The Jews questioned because they would not believe the truth. Sometimes Christians argue about the truth, trying to prove some personal viewpoint. But we as Paul did ought to so speak that others, willing to hear the truth, might be brought to Christ.

5. “And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.”

May we have a similar effect on one another—supporting, encouraging and stirring up hearts and lives to be more zealous, more earnest for Christ (Heb. 10:24). The arrival of his two beloved companions so strengthened Paul’s heart that he all the more ardently presented Jesus as the Messiah to the Jews with whom he met.

6. “And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.”

Faithfulness to Christ will bring the reproach of Christ. The Jews opposed Paul and blasphemed the truth of God regarding Jesus Christ, His Son awful opposition with terrible consequences. Paul had been faithful; they rejected the faithful word of truth and were left to their solemn judgment. Though it must have broken the beloved Apostle’s heart to see such blinded rejection of the truth, his conscience was clear. He had done what he could to turn the unbelieving Jews to the Saviour. Have we done all we can in displaying Christ before a perishing, blaspheming world?

7. “And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.”

Justus was a truehearted worshipper of God. Until Paul brought new light and truth, he remained attached to the one place that the truth of God could be known the Jewish synagogue. It had become a place which blasphemed the truth, causing Paul to leave and enter the home of a faithful worshipper. May our hearts, lives and homes provide a place where Paul (that which answers to the revealed truth of God) is welcomed.

8. “And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.”

Paul’s preaching was not without fruit in spite of Jewish rejection. The truth so laid hold of Crispus that he and his house believed: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). Jesus, the despised and rejected Messiah, became more precious to dear Crispus than his position as chief religious ruler. “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

9. “Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace.”

Sweet encouragement to the Apostle who, after the unhappy confrontation with Jewish hatred and blasphemy, might have been disheartened. How cheering the Lord’s words must have sounded to this dear servant. May we eagerly listen, moment by moment, to hear that same divine voice encouraging us to press on in our service for Himself.

10. “For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.”

When the Lord sends one to a service, He gives wonderful reassurances promising His presence to remove fear, His protection to give strength, and His sovereign purpose to yield fruit. Let us serve Him faithfully, remembering that as long as we are left here, He has much people yet to be saved.

11. “And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”

To the unbelieving, blaspheming Jews, the Apostle had reasoned, persuaded, testified, and finally left them. But the Word of God was not constrained, for he remained in Corinth to teach the truth to all who were willing to hear. Let us always be willing to hear (and live) the truth of God.

12. “And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat.”

God’s promise that “no man” would “set on thee to hurt thee” was not broken by the Jews’ assault against Paul. He was protecting Paul and the preaching of His Word. But the Jews are, by their inveterate hatred of the truth of God, about to feel a measure of the judgment of God for their wickedness. They were going to have to reap the fruit of their blasphemy against Jesus and the truth presented by His servant.

13. “Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.”

Man’s religious heart will ever choose and desire to be put under law, assuming he has the ability somehow to please God by what he does. What horrible, blind pride! As Cain hated Abel’s sacrifice when his own works were refused by God, so men hate God’s free grace, choosing rather to offer their dead works of righteousness, which are but filthy rags. Oh! let us enjoy and then proclaim the wonder of God’s sovereign grace!

14. “And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you.”

What a rebuke to the Jews from an idolatrous Gentile ruler! Though he had no interest in the truth of God, Gallio realized that Paul’s preaching was not born of wrongdoing or criminal intent.

For eighteen months he had lived above public reproach so that he did not need to open his mouth to defend his actions. May our lives give a like testimony of purity and harmlessness in this world.

Ed.

Practical Reflections on Acts - Acts 19:21-34

21-22. “After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome. So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.”

The heart is the seat of affections and determines the spirit which motivates our actions. A heart filled with love for Christ (1 Peter 1:22) is vital in serving one another (Gal. 5:13). On the other hand, believers are solemnly warned about having an “evil heart of unbelief” (Heb. 3:12).

Paul’s spirit of desire to visit Jerusalem was motivated by his deep heart-love of God’s earthly people. May our spirits also be guided by true heart affection for our Lord Jesus Christ.

23-24. “And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen.”

The gospel Paul preached caused a large change in the lives of a large number of those previously sunk in heathen idolatry. Little wonder that those who reaped no small gain were aroused to cause no small stir against the truth of God.

25. “Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.”

Too often wealth is man’s measure of right and wrong, of acceptable or unacceptable conduct. Riches provide sufficient excuse for every kind of evil behavior.

What motivates our behavior as children of God? May it ever be love for the Lord Jesus Christ and obedience to our God and Father.

26. “Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands.”

How the world hates the truth! It will have wars, pestilences, famines, sorrow, sickness and death. But it will violently resist the truth of God and those who preach it truth that brings life and joy.

27. “So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at naught; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.”

Demetrius was concerned about the desecration of the heathen goddess only in the measure it affected his wealth. Blind superstition and foolish religious loyalties in the otherwise enlightened Ephesians were stirred when he suggested that the magnificence of their goddess—mere inanimate wood and meta—was belittled by Paul’s preaching.

The world will tolerate Christianity in some measure as long as it does not demean or deny its idols of wealth, fame, lust and power.

How vital that believers bear testimony by our lives that Christ, and Christ alone, brings satisfaction and life. Let us heed the words of the Apostle: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21).

28-29. “And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theater.”

Idolatry in any form (religious or material) reaps abundant wages of unrestrained anger and mindless confusion. In a later time, when Paul was accused of being mad (insane), he calmly replied that he spoke the words of “truth and soberness” (Acts 26:25). Idolatry’s mindless, blind slavery of the heart rejects reason and integrity.

May we bow to the Word of God, walk in its truth and submit to its authority. Otherwise, even careers or some harmless natural joy will supplant Christ in our hearts, thus becoming an idol.

30-31. “And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theater.”

Paul’s desire to identify with the truth he had preached and with his brethren is commendable. But it wasn’t wise. Idolatry is as unreasonable as it is unholy. For Paul to seek to defend the faith in the midst of a mindless riot was to cast pearls before the swine. The brethren, in love for Paul, kept the truth he preached from being trampled and kept him from being rent by those who, through idolatry, had morally fallen to the level of swine.

While we should ever seek to live the truth and defend the truth, wisdom is needed for how and where to stand for the truth of God. Sometimes it is best to wait until we are asked (1 Peter 3:15).

32. “Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.”

“God is not the author of confusion,” rather of peace and comfort. All of the energy, zeal and wealth spent on idols only produced confusion, discontent and tumult. These very same things are sure to beset believers who allow objects of this world to become more important than the Lord Jesus Christ.

33. “And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defense unto the people.”

Jewish religious prejudice tried to profit from heathen anger at Paul’s preaching, hoping to add to his rejection in Ephesus. The gospel needs no defense. The Jews were as blinded in their religious animosity as the Ephesians were in their idolatry.

34. “But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.”

The mindlessness of idolatry is frightening. Their goddess took no more notice of their chanting than did Baal of his prophets’ blood (see 1 Kings 18:26-29).

Ed.

Practical Reflections on Acts - Acts 19:35-20:6

35. “And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?”

The town clerk’s calm reason falls far short of God’s truth. Fallen man must have a fallen goddess to worship. In their darkened, heathen fantasy, the Ephesians chose one who fell down from heaven (JND) rather than accepting the glorious truth that God in the person of the Son willingly came down from heaven. The eternal Son, in the form of a servant, made in the likeness of men, tasted death. Thus every knee should bow and every tongue confess “Jesus Christ [as] Lord to the glory of God the Father. ” What joy to willingly bow before Him now!

36-37. “Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.”

In the midst of such heathen darkness, there is a bright testimony rendered to the actions of those who preached the gospel. It was clear to all that Paul and his company had taken nothing from them, nor had they used the gospel as a means of insulting their heathen superstitions.

Some false religions teach their adherents to destroy the lives and take the possessions of those who refuse to accept their message. The true gospel of the grace of God saves lives and gives blessing. Let us be very careful of the spirit in which we proclaim the “good news from a far country.”

38. “Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead [accuse] one another. ”

When the blessed Saviour was accused, He answered nothing (Mark 15:3). Sweet and needed spirit for believers! “When He was reviled, [He] reviled not again.” Many governments are proud of their judicial system which gives opposing parties equal opportunity to defend themselves. We need not defend ourselves, for our God is the “Judge of all the earth,” and He has promised to do right. “He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

39-41. “But if ye inquire anything concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.”

What a stark contrast between the fruit of man’s idolatry and the fruit of true Christianity. One produces an uproar; the other, peace with God. Do we experience an uproar in life or do we experience peace and quietness in happy fellowship with Him?

Chapter 20

1. “And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.”

When all of the world’s riot, unrest and confusion are a thing of the past, we still have our unchanging God and His unchanging Word as our refuge. May we be to each other what Paul was to the believers in Ephesus a provider of peace and love in the midst of trial and persecution.

2. “And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece.”

Paul returned to Macedonia where previously at Philippi he and Silas had been so brutally treated. But the Apostle was as diligent in His preaching as the enemy was active in his opposition. Are we daily and diligently reading, embracing and speaking to others of the precious truths that are ours in Christ?

3. “And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.”

The Apostle did not flaunt his faith. Knowing that a “treacherous plot” (JND) had been set in motion by the Jews, rather than sailing to Syria as he had intended, he returned through Macedonia. “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself” (Prov. 22:3). Knowing that God is over all and we may trust Him fully for our safety does not mean we are to willingly place ourselves in harm’s way.

4. “And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.”

Though we do not get doctrine from the meaning of names, they do have important significance. Those seven who accompanied Paul are mentioned by name, and the meanings of their names certainly suggest the character and joys of those who associate themselves with Paul (for us, morally, identification with Paul’s doctrine). Thus, we will find in his company fathers (Sopater), rulers (Aristarchus; see Heb. 13:7,17), humility (Secundus), rejoicing (Gaius), honoring God (Timothy), happiness (Tychichus) and nourishment (Trophimus). Why would we ever seek for fellowship in this world when these blessings are so freely available?

5-6. “These going before tarried for us at Troas. And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.”

We are not told why the seven went ahead of Paul, but the Word assures us that they did not continue to travel apart from his company. They waited at Troas until all could be together to remember the Lord Jesus in His death. Let us diligently seek, as far as possible, to walk together, “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the [uniting] bond of peace.”

Today the assembly of God, as to its public expression, is sadly divided, not gathered together as a public testimony of unity and oneness. Yet, even the two or three may still enjoy the precious privilege of being gathered together by the Holy Spirit to remember Him, thereby giving expression to the one body of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ed.

Practical Reflections on Acts - Acts 19:7-20

7. “And all the men were about twelve.”

We are not to be occupied with numbers, but it is interesting to note how often the Spirit records numbers for our learning. When numbers become a matter of pride (2 Sam. 24), God brings solemn judgment. But there are other, important, “moral” lessons to be learned when God records numbers.

These twelve Gentile disciples, having been saved, baptized, filled with the Holy Spirit and given sign gifts, were now administratively responsible (symbolized by the number “12”) to their risen Head in glory. The assembly gathered to His name acts with administrative authority in the fear of God.

8. “And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.”

The beloved Apostle continues seeking to bring the truth before his beloved brethren in the flesh. Faith in Christ is to be displayed by moral conformity in daily life actions suited to God’s kingdom.

9. “But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.”

Paul did not continue to strive when the truth was rejected. Rather than subjecting the glorious truth to evil speaking (in moral principle, casting “pearls before swine”), he leaves the synagogue, where the truth ought to have been known and embraced, and uses a Gentile to preach God’s truth.

10. “And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.”

The hardened Jews heard things concerning the kingdom of God for three months. All they of Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus for two years. Let’s use the present “two years” of God’s grace to faithfully preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

11-12. “And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: so that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.”

God graciously and powerfully confirmed the truth of Paul’s preaching through miraculous signs. Today we have the written Word of God to confirm the truth of the gospel. But practical blessings ought to be a normal result of preaching the gospel. We do not expect miraculous events to confirm our words, but good works certainly ought to clothe our words.

“If a brother or a sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one from amongst you say to them, Go in peace, be warmed and filled; but give not to them the needful things for the body, what is the profit?” (James 2:15-16 JND).

13. “Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.”

What a horrible and blasphemous use of the precious name of Jesus by those who were guilty of His death! Fallen man dares to dabble in the spirit realm, seeking to gain supernatural power, when, as a slave of Satan, he is helpless and powerless against those very forces of evil by which he is enslaved.

Believers can display moral and spiritual victory over Satan in daily life, for “greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” The infinite power of the blessed Spirit of God indwelling us gives the power to “resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Mere religious profession is helpless and worthless.

14-15. “And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?”

Their position as sons of the chief priest should have provided power to overcome the enemy’s opposition. But the whole Jewish system had itself been overcome by evil. Thus there was no acknowledgment or trembling by the evil spirit in the presence of these seven sons. It is only in the presence of the Son of God that devils fear and tremble. Walking in the reality of faith as sons of God gives us power, dignity and victory over the enemy.

16. “And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”

The emptiness and helplessness of their false profession became naked and open, not only before God, but before all they had tried to impress. Connecting false Christian profession with Satanic power results in awful defeat, pain and scars.

17. “And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.”

The name of Jesus was invoked by the seven apostate Jews in an attempt to mimic the power of God. But God uses His solemn judgment to glorify the name of the Lord Jesus. Let us ever own, submit to, and speak lovingly of our blessed Jesus as Lord.

18. “And many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds.”

Real faith produced by godly fear brings repentance and confession. Our lives and testimony should always be marked by such reality.

19. “Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.”

Man valued his Creator God, come to set at liberty those held captive by Satan, at thirty pieces of silver, while books about the power which held man in bondage were valued at fifty thousand pieces of silver. How dark the wicked delusion of man’s heart!

20. “So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.”

The living, eternal, never-changing Word of God is victorious over all man’s foolish, wicked books filled with the works of Satan. May our lives always be directed by the liberating power of the Word of God.

Ed.

Practical Reflections on Acts - Acts 20:19-35

19. “Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews.”

Service for the Lord Jesus must be done in a spirit of humility, a heart of yearning for those being served, and the expectation of conflict from the enemy. The service may be small and unnoticed, but if truly serving Christ, these traits will mark the servant.

20. “And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house.”

Service for Christ is profitable. It brings blessing, comfort and encouragement, whether done privately (house to house) or publicly. How important to see that Paul showed an example before he taught a doctrine. It is vain to teach the things of God if the teacher is not first living them in love and reality.

21. “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The two essential elements for blessing in this life and for eternity are repentance and faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. May the Lord exercise our hearts never to allow this vital truth of God to be watered down in our ministry to others.

22. “And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there.”

Paul’s love bound him to a path not according to the will of God. We must speak very softly about the beloved Apostle in this situation, for with us it often is not love for souls, but simple self-will that leads in a path contrary to the mind of God.

23. “Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.”

The Lord graciously warned Paul what was awaiting him. He did not know how those things would come to pass, but the Apostle knew that persecution for the name of Christ awaited him. Would we be eager to serve the Lord if we knew that such persecution awaited us? What a tremendous love and faith the Apostle displayed!

24. “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

Paul looked forward to finishing his service with joy. Life itself was not important enough to deter him from serving the blessed Lord Jesus. That is the only right motive for our service Christ.

Paul’s ministry to the Ephesians was characterized by three fundamental elements. First, he testified “the gospel of the grace of God.”

25. “And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.”

Second, he preached the kingdom of God. A person believing the gospel is responsible to walk according to the new life it imparts by faith. The gospel wins souls while the kingdom guides souls.

26. “Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.”

Paul had been faithful in proclaiming the gospel to all with whom he came in contact. Oh! what a standard for our hearts today! Do we leave by actions or words a testimony of the gospel of our Lord Jesus with those we meet?

27. “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.”

Here we have the third thing which characterized Paul’s ministry the counsel of God. Declaring all God’s counsel of blessing gives assurance and joy in our most holy faith. Beautiful moral order of Christianity: faith and conduct, then assurance and joy!

28. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood.”

Paul is passing the torch. He had watched over and fed God’s flock purchased by the blood of His own (JND) and now that responsibility was passed to the overseers (elders) in the Ephesian assembly.

In this we receive another vital moral principle. Those who desire oversight are to feed the flock. But ruling over the flock will be ineffective if the shepherds are not first feeding and strengthening the sheep of Christ.

29-30. “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.”

Two enemies would confront them after the apostles were gone. (1) Open violence and conflict from the outside and (2) subtle, hidden evil from within. It is the same today. Meeting such enemies requires faith, courage, being steadfast, and unmovable.

31. “Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”

What consistency and love shined in the beloved Apostle’s life. May we spend every moment seeking to defend, support and, above all, live our Christianity.

32. “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”

As we seek grace to walk faithfully in these dark days, let’s remember every resource we have and need is found in God and in the word of His grace.

33-34. “I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.”

Paul’s reason for preaching was single-minded love and devotedness to Christ. What is ours?

35. “I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Paul’s actions, as much as his words, taught the precious truths of the Lord Jesus. May we show the gospel before we speak it.

Ed.

Practical Reflections on Acts - Acts 20:36-21:14

36. “And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.”

Even one with as mighty a spiritual gift and as vital a spiritual service as the Apostle Paul ended his communications with an expression of dependence upon God, the Source of all love, wisdom and power. How do we end our happy times of fellowship together with our dear brethren in Christ?

37. “And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him.”

A sweet and appropriate expression of love for one who had been so used in their blessing! Perhaps if there were more ardent love for the Lord Jesus in our hearts, there would be a more ardent display of holy affection and appreciation for our brethren.

38. “Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.”

Paul had warned them of “grievous wolves” and those from among themselves who would cause havoc in the assembly. That warning should have caused them greater sorrow and grief even than the loss of their beloved spiritual father.

The Ephesian saints loved the Apostle deeply and rightly. But we are reminded of what the Lord had to say to the Ephesian assembly in Revelation 2:4: “Thou hast left thy first love.” Nothing not even a beloved servant of Christ ought to be allowed to replace our hearts’ affections for our blessed Lord Jesus Christ.

We should be very thankful for the servants He has given to minister among us. But let our deepest affection always be for the only One worthy of it.

Chapter 21

13. “And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara: and finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.”

One very important, practical lesson we may learn is that Paul’s company did not stop and rest in their journey until they had located disciples brethren in the Lord. May we always seek our fellowship with those of “like precious faith” and with those who “call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Peter 1:1; 2 Tim. 2:22).

4. “And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.”

Though it is a day of great weakness, God honors each desire to gather with brethren to give public expression to the one body of Christ through the remembrance of the Lord. Having found brethren, Paul and his company stayed long enough at Tyre to enjoy that most precious privilege.

The Spirit then used the brethren to warn him not to go to Jerusalem. Those saints in Tyre may not have had much gift, but they were brethren (Prov. 17:17).

The assembly morally is still a city of refuge a place of care for those gathered. If we listen to the Spirit’s ministry rather than looking at the ministers, we will benefit. Being occupied with the failures or supposed legalities of the “vessel” through whom God may choose to bring His exhortations may result in loss to the hearer.

5. “And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.”

Here is another sweet example of how much prayer was a part of the early church may it be so with us. Let us give ourselves to earnest collective and private prayer brothers, sisters and children.

6-7. “And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again. And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.”

Paul’s voyage ended. Yet, though he may have been eager to continue on to Jerusalem, time was taken to spend one day with the brethren. Let’s not neglect the happy privilege of day-by-day opportunities for fellowship with our dear brethren.

8. “And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Cæsarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.”

Paul and his company had fellowship with elders in Ephesus (shepherds of Christ), disciples in Tyre (followers of Christ), brethren in Ptolemais (brethren of Christ), and now an evangelist in his home (messenger of Christ). With whom do we seek our fellowship during our pilgrimage through the world?

9. “And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.”

What a beautiful moral pattern for one seeking to minister the mind and heart of Christ. Divinely given prophecy (“forth-telling” the mind of God) is characterized by being fully suited to the circumstance (“four”), able to bear fruit if heeded (“daughters”), and purity in its content (“virgins”).

Philip’s home was a place of refuge from the world. His daughters were kept safe from the world’s defilement, and Paul’s company found rest there.

10-11. “And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.”

The Spirit of God carefully differentiates between proper spheres of ministry. Though Philip’s four daughters prophesied and Paul was staying in their father’s house, God did not use any of them to deliver His warning to the beloved Apostle. It would have been an unseemly service for Philip’s daughters or for any sister. God sends His message through a brother, and, solemnly, it is a brother from the very place that Paul intended to visit Jerusalem.

12-13. “And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Though we are solemnized by Paul’s refusal to listen to the Lord’s warnings, we dare not criticize, for he was motivated by deep love for the earthly people of God. For us, all too often, self-love and self-will motivate our refusal to heed God’s word of warning.

14. “And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.”

Rather than arguing with or rebuking the beloved servant of God, those of his company cast all on the Lord. Oh that we might have more of that spirit when there is disagreement or tension among brethren!

Ed.

Practical Reflections on Acts - Acts 20:7-18

7. “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.”

The reason for the disciples’ gathering was to remember the blessed Saviour in death. Let us never forget the chief reason for our coming together: “This do in remembrance of Me.”

It is important to see that the “apostles’ doctrine” is intimately connected with the remembrance of the Lord. We must follow the apostles’ teachings if we are to remember Him in spirit and in truth.

8. “And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.”

Where Christians are truly gathered by the Spirit of God in love for Christ and moral separation from this world, there will be many lights of testimony shining. The many lights were there because they were gathered together in unity. May our testimony in the moral night of this present evil world ever be love, separation from evil and unity as members of His body.

9. “And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.”

Dear Eutychus was fortunate (the meaning of his name) to be found gathered with his dear brethren. But something caused him to become bored with his privileged and elevated position a window. How many windows exist among Christians today!

A window lets us see things in this world. We have many kinds of them. Today some windows are electronic, some are paper and others are windows for our ears some windows can be found in our homes, others in public places. What we see (and hear) through those windows determines whether we morally fall asleep and down to the level of the world we have been viewing, or remain awake to what we read and hear from the Word of God.

Eutychus heard the Apostle, but he saw the world, and the result was first sleep, then a fall, and then death. May those who are so fortunate believers gathered to the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ be careful what they view through windows.

10. “And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.”

What do we do when a brother or sister in Christ, fallen under the world’s influence, fallen through the world’s opening, and fallen down to the world’s level, no longer exhibits divine life?

Let’s do what the beloved Apostle Paul did! (1) He interested himself in the plight of a believer. (2) He went where the morally dead believer lay. (3) He identified with him. (4) He embraced (“enfolding him in his arms”; JND) the fallen. (5) He comforted the brethren by his words and actions.

11. “When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.”

Paul didn’t stay on the world’s level. A shepherd who goes after a wandering, sick sheep of Christ does not continue to stay there. After shepherding Eutychus, Paul separates from the level of the world, remembers the Lord in His death, enjoys fellowship with those gathered in the upper room, and ministers to them until the “break of day.” Believers can enjoy this same kind of wonderful fellowship and ministry until the Lord comes. Do we desire it?

12. “And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.”

The Apostle did not bring the young man back to the upper room. He left that to the responsibility of those locally gathered there. Are we exercised to bring back to the bosom of the assembly one who has fallen asleep and fallen into the world?

They did not stay with Eutychus in the world; they brought him away (JND) from it. Oh! may we know how to bring our dear sleeping brethren young and old away from the world.

How can we bring back and bring away? Prayer!

13. “And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.”

Every servant of God needs at times to be alone with the Lord. So with Paul. But those who desired fellowship with him waited until he came to them.

14-15. “And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.”

Three times in these two verses we read the words the next day. Following Christ, walking together with those of like precious faith and endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the uniting bond of peace is a path of daily exercise.

16. “For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.”

The Apostle’s heart of love for the Jews would not allow him to spend time with the believers in Ephesus. But let’s not criticize the beloved Apostle’s actions until we have answered before our God what it is that keeps us away from expressing and enjoying collective fellowship with our brethren.

17. “And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.”

The Apostle is about to leave a last, loving message for the sake of the believers in Ephesus. Since he won’t be there to give it to them personally, he calls for those with local oversight the elders those who were to lead the flock by their example. What a need exists, for those who desire the welfare of the flock of God, to live the doctrine Paul preached.

18. “And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons.”

Paul lived what he preached. If we as Christians are not consistent in our lives with that which we say we know, who will listen to what we minister?

Ed.

Practical Reflections on Acts - Acts 21:15-31

15-16. “And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem. There went with us also certain of the disciples of Cæsarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.”

A lovely spirit was displayed in those who companied with Paul! They earnestly begged him not to go to Jerusalem, but when he refused their pleas, they ceased trying to persuade him, though they didn’t cease journeying with him. The Lord Jesus will never leave us. Do we display this same spirit towards our dear brethren who may not always heed our advice?

17. “And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.”

Though their reception at Jerusalem was very sweet, it was not God’s mind that Paul be there. The fellowship and love of our brethren are not substitutes for obedience to the will of God. “What saith my lord unto his servant?” and “What saith the scripture?” must ever be our guides.

18-19. “And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.”

The Apostle’s topic of conversation with the “chief men among the brethren” at Jerusalem was not about himself or his service it was about what God had wrought. May that be the spirit and subject of our conversation together (in the spirit of Philippians 4:8)—to dwell on God’s ways of grace and love.

20. “And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law.”

“The fear of man bringeth a snare.” Here we see the first of the influences which caused Paul to lose his liberty large numbers filled with religious zeal. Though spiritually free from “the yoke of bondage” (Gal. 5:1), the Apostle’s deep love for the Jews brought about his physical imprisonment. We must not allow “numbers” or “misguided religious zeal” to hinder the precious truth we are to live and preach.

21. “And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.”

The second influence was the pressure of Jewish prejudice to adapt the gospel of grace to the demands of the law “forsake Moses... walk after the customs.” Today there is great pressure to preach a popular gospel palatable to the flesh. Love and grace are emphasized at the expense of righteousness and truth. But grace and truth came by Jesus Christ (who is “the way, the truth and the life”) and that in perfect balance (John 1:14,17).

22. “What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.”

The third influence which led to Paul’s imprisonment was peer pressure “the multitude... will hear... thou art come.” The word spoken by Peter is to be our guide “we ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29) never the demands of the multitude.

23-24. “Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.”

These influences brought an appeal for compromise, associating the liberty Paul enjoyed in Christ with the bondage of Jewish ordinances (“vow... keepest the law”). Spiritual leaders pressed the issue. The compromise even required that Paul pay the expenses of their vows (see JND translation)!

The grace of God is a free gift (Eph. 2:8). How great the cost when we compromise the gospel with man’s religion, which makes demands of the flesh.

25. “As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.”

The Jewish disciples were correct as far as they went. But they did not fully understand the truth that in Christ there was no more Jew or Gentile, but one body (1 Cor. 12:13). Christ had brought both together in one new man (Eph. 2:14-22).

26-27. “Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them. And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him.”

The compromise almost seemed to work. But old and new wine don’t mix, nor can new cloth repair an old garment (Matt. 9:16-17). Trying to mix the grace of God with Judaism brings ruin rather than peace.

28. “Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.”

These who stirred up the people used religion as their excuse, but they were without faith in and love for the God they claimed to honor. They were concerned about (1) the people, (2) the law, (3) this place (the temple), and (4) exclusivity (brought in Greeks). Such principles of legality mark those who reject the person of Christ and His truth, while holding to a mere outward religious veneer of form.

29. “(For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)”

How quick we are to judge appearances. “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24).

30. “And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.”

There was no blessing to be found in what the rejected Messiah had called “your house” (Luke 13:35). It was left desolate, its doors shut to the truth of God now revealed in the gospel Paul preached.

31. “And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.”

When Philip preached the gospel to the outcasts in Samaria, there was “great joy in that city” (Acts 8:8). When Paul tried to accommodate Jewish demands and prejudice in Jerusalem, the result was an uproar. We cannot mix man’s religion with God’s gospel. Only through the Word of God, spoken in truth by the power of the Spirit of God, can blessing be brought through the grace of God to lost souls.

Ed.

Practical Reflections on Acts - Acts 21:32-22:6

32-33. “Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.”

If the Jews had believed Paul’s message, rather than beating the messenger, they would have received God’s grace, forgiveness and deliverance. As it was, the centurion had to deliver Paul from their murderous intent, using “two chains.” The world’s promises of protection always result in restricting and hindering the Christian. Only faith in the Lord Jesus can bring the joy of true freedom.

Paul’s two chains are the same that morally bind every faithful believer in some measure who he was and what he had done. Paul, the “chief of sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15), was a “called apostle” (Rom. 1:1 JND). He who had persecuted the Christ (Acts 9:5) now preached “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21).

The Apostle’s disregard of the Spirit’s warnings (bringing the restricting chains and loss of liberty) was due to his deep love for the nation of Israel.

Let us walk in the fear of God, being mindful of who we are (sons of God) and what we ought to do in our lives (obey God). In one sense, faithfulness to Christ will bring chains of persecution. Yet they can never restrict the liberty and joy of the Lord. “The truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).

34-35. “And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.”

Now, totally blinded to the love and goodness of God (John 1:5), the Jews’ angry unbelief caused a great tumult. But God uses the wrath of man to protect Paul. The Jews violence brought him the soldiers’ protection, who carried him to safety.

36. “For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.”

What chilling proof that the heart of unregenerate man is unchanging in its hatred of God! Having refused the truth, the Jews cry after the servant as they had after his Lord (John 19:15; Matt. 10:25). In our Western lands, rejection of truth may not be so outwardly violent, but it is just as unrelenting.

37. “And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?”

It is good for Christians to be able to speak in a language the world can understand—not crude or immoral—so as to get its attention for Christ.

38. “Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?”

Don’t be surprised at misunderstandings in the path of faith, for “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Seven times in the addresses to the seven churches in Revelation 23, the blessed Lord said, “I know thy works.” He knows our motives, desires and works. That is enough for faith.

39. “But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.”

To gain the Roman centurion’s ear and permission, Paul presented truthful facts the soldier could understand. By doing the same, we may be able to gain the attention of souls we seek to win for Christ.

40. “And when he had given him license, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying.”

Since truthful facts had already been rejected by the Jews (crucifixion of their Messiah), Paul gains their attention using grace (“beckoned with the hand”) and love (“spake... in the Hebrew tongue”).

Chapter 22

12. “Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defense which I make now unto you. (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith.)”

Paul’s attitude and words, in the face of violent persecution, brought a great silence and attention from his persecutors. What attitude do we the sons of God display in the face of misunderstanding, persecution and even hatred (Rom. 8:14)?

3. “I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.”

The Apostle does not begin by protesting his innocence or condemning the Jews’ treatment of him. He had given up great natural advantage by leaving Tarsus to study the “law of the fathers” at the feet of Gamaliel, doing so in zeal for God a misplaced zeal like their own. Do we, remembering the pit from whence we have been digged, display a similar humble spirit towards those who oppose us?

4. “And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.”

These words ought to have touched the Jews’ conscience. Paul’s Jewish zeal (greater even than theirs) brought sorrow and death. Now his love and zeal for Christ brought joy and life. It’s not wrong to humbly tell others the wonderful difference Christ has made in our lives. But if He isn’t the personal Object of our delight, we will have difficulty effectively sharing His glorious gospel with others.

5. “As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.”

None could claim more ardent, willing service to the Jewish leaders. Saul’s life is an example of the Lord’s words, “No man can serve two masters.” A new Master was about to lay claim to him and his life, changing it forever. How much change from the ways of the world is evident in each of our lives?

6. “And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.”

Paul now begins to show “forth the praises” of the One who called him “out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Oh! that we might walk by faith in the daily consciousness of the Lord of glory’s infinite, loving interest in each step of our life.

Ed.

Practical Reflections on Acts - Acts 22:7-19

7. “And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?”

This is the second of three times, recorded in Acts, of the Lord’s voice from heaven calling to Saul. The first (ch. 9:4) is the actual occurrence and we read that “he fell to the earth.” Here, where Paul recounts the event before the Jews, he makes that occasion very personal I fell to the ground. The Lord graciously deals with each soul in a personal way.

8. “And I answered, Who art Thou, Lord? And He said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.”

Again, for the sake of his Jewish audience Paul mentions something that is not recorded in Acts 9 I am Jesus of Nazareth. The Lord of glory humbled Himself to one of the lowliest and least-valued places in Israel Nazareth in Galilee. Only faith, looking beyond earthly circumstances, could lay hold of His divinity and glory. What an arrow to the consciences of that Jewish crowd! May we always seek wisdom from the Lord to speak a “word in season” and specially suited to those to whom we speak.

9. “And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of Him that spake to me.”

In Acts 9 we learn that those with Saul saw no man. But here we learn that they “saw indeed the light.” We also know from Acts 9 that those with Saul heard a voice but did not understand what was being spoken. What a solemn example of the Lord’s quotation from Isaiah regarding the unbelieving Jews: “In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive” (Matt. 13:14; Isa. 6:9).

It is to faith and obedience only that spiritual sight and direction are given. Self-will and sins rob even believers of the joy of hearing the Lord’s words and seeing Him in the path of faith.

10. “And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.”

To a man who by faith sees the risen, glorified Christ, as Paul had seen Him in reality on the Damascus road, the only appropriate response is, “What shall I do, Lord?” The only will that counts for the believer is the will of Him who is presently “crowned with glory and honor” (Heb. 2:9). May each be found daily walking in His “good, and acceptable, and perfect, will” (Rom. 12:2).

11. “And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.”

It was more than mere physical brilliancy which blinded Saul we learn here that it was the glory of that light which blinded him to the world. Oh! that we might walk through this “waste, howling wilderness” blinded to all but the glorious light of that blessed, risen Man in heaven our Lord Jesus Christ.

12. “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there.”

Those listening to the Apostle recount his experience could not morally fault those who were witnesses to his conversion. Ananias was one who had a “good report of all the Jews,” even though he was a believer in Jesus. May our manner of walk before the world bring a like good report even of those who oppose us. “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Prov. 16:7).

13. “Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.”

Ananias did not stand in front of the blinded, former enemy in an arrogant or superior spirit. He was a servant of the Lord Jesus, there bearing the dignity of the One who sent him. How beautiful are the Apostle’s words, “I looked up upon him.” If we maintain the dignity of our position as sons of God, our pathway will be morally above the level of this world. Those in need will not look up at us as being superior, but as being servants of the glorified Christ.

14. “And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of His mouth.”

Ananias’ words confirm the truth of Saul’s account of his Damascus experience. The Jews, whether they would hear or not, now have two witnesses that Jehovah of Israel was inseparably linked with Jesus of Nazareth indeed, the testimony is clear; they were one and the same. Let us never give up the divine, precious and vital truth as to the Person of Christ He is God, Jehovah of the Old Testament.

15. “For thou shalt be His witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.”

Paul was to be a witness of a circle of blessing much larger than the Jews all men. The testimony of a glorified Christ was to reach far beyond Jewish boundaries. Paul’s witness was based on what he saw and what he heard. To be effective witnesses for Christ we must, by faith, delight in viewing Him as well as hearing and obeying His words. “Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:7-8).

16. “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

Water baptism does not bring soul salvation. But this baptism did bring Saul, a Jew, into a position of administrative (earthly) forgiveness from the sins of which the Christ-rejecting nation of Israel was guilty.

17. “And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance.”

It was only when a Jew, now a new creation in Christ, prayed in the temple that what had, in Jewish unbelief, become “an house of merchandise” (John 2:16) was morally, once again, a “house of prayer. ” May our lives be characterized by dependence on God.

18. “And saw Him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning Me.”

How it must have touched the beloved Apostle’s heart to utter these words “get thee quickly out... they will not receive thy testimony” and to utter them in the very place which the Lord had forbidden him to visit. Yet grace still triumphs, for Paul uses the Lord’s words (that he did not heed) as a solemn warning to those Jews for whom his heart so yearned. We often fail our blessed Lord, yet He is able to turn even our failures into a testimony to the truth. “All things work together for good to them that love God” (Rom. 8:28).

19. “And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on Thee.”

The beloved Apostle hides nothing of his past, shameful as he may have felt it to be. And it is here we have an example of the loving intimacy that exists between the Lord and one of His blood-bought own. Do we individually enjoy a like intimacy with Him?

Ed.

Questions

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any should have a complaint against any” (Col. 3:13 JND). Why talk of faithfulness in remembering the Lord, if we aren’t, in faithfulness, forbearing with each other?

Why assume that faithfulness to Christ is always to be displayed by rebuking and withdrawing from those with whom we have differences, rather than by willingly extending forgiveness?

“Let all bitterness, and heat of passion, and wrath, and clamor, and injurious language, be removed from you, with all malice” (Eph. 4:31 JND). Why speak of love for Christ while harboring bitter feelings towards those who have offended us?

“Watching lest there be any one who lacks the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it” (Heb. 12:15 JND). Why talk so much of enjoying His grace while refusing to show it towards others?

“Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Heb. 10:17). If really enjoying this truth, why so unwilling to forget wrongs others have done?

“Love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Why speak of obedience to our Lord’s desire to remember Him in death, while at the same time refusing to obey His command to love each other as He has loved us?

“Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). Why emphasize keeping the Spirit’s unity when there is unwillingness to strive for it practically among ourselves?

“I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your high ways shall be desolate” (Lev. 26:22). In view of these things, are we surprised that principles of this godless age have found entrance and done damage in those very spheres God instituted for our joy, fruitfulness and safety (marriage, family and the assembly)?

Do we wonder why assemblies, rather than being fruitful and multiplying, are wasting and shrinking? Remember, it is unquestioned obedience and submission to the Word of God (“not My will, but Thine be done”) which brings blessing and fruit. Rationalizing God’s Word to suit our thoughts brings desolation.

The Lord Jesus has told us in words which are easy to be understood, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:17). Must we not honestly admit that we aren’t as happy, fruitful or satisfied as we ought to be because we know more but do less? Yet, the solution is quite simple: “Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it” (John 2:5).

Zechariah’s “day of small things” or the “two or three” of Matthew 18:20 shouldn’t provide comfort for the results of refusing to submit to God’s Word, “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32). How can we expect to enjoy blessing where this spirit is lacking?

“I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground” (Mal. 3:11). Though this is surely God’s desire for us, it is contingent on our obedience to Him.

Ed.

Questions and Answers

Years ago, a Christian visiting in a farm home was impressed with the obedience and happy disposition of a four-year-old boy. It was after a meal, while watching the child’s mother painstakingly wash the intricate parts of a cream separator, that he learned the reason for the child’s contented behavior.

As she was busily engaged in that tedious and demanding work, her little boy came to her holding a book through which he had been looking. “Mother,” he asked, “what is the man in this picture doing?”

To the visitor’s surprise, she immediately dried her hands, sat down on a chair, and, setting her little boy on her lap, spent the next few minutes carefully answering all his childish questions.

After he had left, the visitor wondered aloud why she interrupted her important chores to answer her little boy’s unimportant questions. He observed, “Most mothers wouldn’t have done that.”

Her answer is both eloquent and instructive for parents and brethren today.

“I expect to be washing cream separators for the rest of my life,” she said. “But never again will my son ask me those questions.”

Being Willing to Answer

Many questions recorded in the Word of God, asked of the Lord Jesus, were honest, though perhaps not intelligent. Others were not upright (Matt. 22:35; Mark 8:11) or were spiritually ignorant (John 3:9), self-willed (John 13:37) or unbelieving (Mark 4:38). But in divine perfection the Lord Jesus answered them all (with, we hasten to add, a few notable exceptions).

Dads and Moms! Follow this divine pattern with your dear children. They won’t be your “little children” very long. If you have not answered their questions, no matter how insignificant or unintelligent, when they are little, as they grow older the time will quickly come when they won’t ask you any questions. But they will be asking someone!

Teenage years, more than any other time, is when your children will have many, intensely critical, potentially life-altering questions. But they need to have been taught by your example from childhood that their interests and questions are always yours.

Be assured that those who have no love for Christ nor appreciation of Christian morals will be eager to answer their questions with fearful consequences if your teenagers give heed to such answers!

Take all the time necessary now to diligently answer your children’s questions. Be careful never to send a message to your little ones that “Dad (or Mom) is too busy to answer questions.” Nurture a constant, loving dialog from their earliest years.

Refusing to Answer

In the life of our Lord Jesus there were some questions that He did not answer. These particular instances provide wonderful moral guidance for parents as they seek to raise their children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

(1) The Lord did not answer unbelieving questions which challenged His love and authority to forgive those He had come “to seek and to save” (see John 8:56). Parents need not answer questions which are asked in a spirit that challenges their authority.

(2) The Lord Jesus did not answer questions in order to defend Himself (see Mark 14:60-61). Many things parents rightly require of their children (such as obedience) need not be defended by answering questions asked with a disobedient spirit.

(3) The Lord Jesus did not answer some of Pilate’s questions to justify Himself (see Matt. 27:13-14; John 19:9), nor do parents need to justify their decisions. Sometimes, however, parents may need to explain their decisions to children (see John 11:8-11).

(4) The Lord, knowing Herod was merely interested in what Jesus could do, not in who He was, did not satisfy his profane questions (Luke 23:8-11). Much wisdom from above is needed for parents to discern the true spirit of their children’s questions.

The Spirit of Answers

When brethren gather together to read the Word of God, unintelligent questions may be asked. Those taking a lead in teaching must be careful of the spirit in which they answer such questions.

Scripture is clear: Questions asked to “gender strifes” (2 Tim. 2:23) or that cause contention (Titus 3:9) are to be avoided. But honest (even unlearned) questions are never to be answered sarcastically.

The Saviour did not ridicule or mock His questioners. Public rebuke or belittling of upright though ignorant questions should never be allowed. Such ungracious responses will only discourage and drive away those who most need help to grow spiritually.

“All... wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth” (Luke 4:22).

Ed.

"Quit You Like Men": Part 1

Biblically based “manhood” is largely rejected in Western cultures once blessed with the light of Christianity. The spirit of apostasy, which gives up God and His truth, has hastened this rejection of Scriptural principles regarding manhood.

Wherever men have cast aside God’s Word and wisdom, the result has been sorrow and confusion. Rejection of Biblical principles of manhood has brought terrible destruction to families and marriages. Men begin to act as “brute beasts.” Women demand and usurp the man’s place of headship while increasing numbers of mothers allow unborn babies to be murdered by abortion. Godlessness characterizing every part of Western society has darkened cultures once enlightened by His truth.

Enemy Effectiveness

Satan’s most deadly and effective tools of attack on manhood established by God are threefold: (1) philosophies of feminism, (2) tolerance of homosexual lifestyles and (3) men themselves relinquishing their place of headship and responsibility.

Suffering Spheres

Marriages, families and assemblies because they are spheres ordained by God for mankind’s blessing-suffer unrelenting attacks of the enemy. And we must sadly admit that Satan has been very successful in his attacks. (1) More and more husbands no longer fill—nor understand—their role as “saviour of the body.” (2) Fathers increasingly abdicate their personal responsibility as spiritual heads in their homes. (3) Even in the assembly there seems to be little understanding of or interest in brothers accepting responsibility. The result? Rather than flourishing, local assemblies flounder and wither away.

May God grant to brothers and sisters an “understanding of the times” in which we live and a fresh desire of heart to faithfully fulfill their Biblical roles. Only in this way will we, by God’s grace, keep our sons from becoming moral eunuchs and our daughters from being morally defiled in this evil world.

Divine Warning

There is a most solemn warning concerning the willful changing of gender roles found in Deuteronomy 22:5: “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God.”

The moral application is plain. A garment characterizes its wearer. It is abomination (perhaps the strongest such word found in Scripture) to God if a woman, by her conduct, is characterized as a man, or a man, by his conduct, is characterized as a woman.

Understanding and acting according to God’s thoughts empowers men and women to properly fulfill their God-given spheres of responsibility. May we all be exercised to submit to and act on the precious truths God has given us in His Word!

“Overthrowing reasonings... that lifts itself up against the knowledge of God, and leading captive every thought into the obedience of the Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5 JND).

Ed. Note: Lord willing, the subject of “manhood” will be continued in future issues.

Ed.

"Quit You Like Men": Part 2

God’s Plan for Men

In considering Biblical manhood, we do well to return to the beginning the source of manhood as found in Genesis. There we will discover unchanging, divine principles which will provide guidance for each brother desiring to “quit you [act] like men.”

In Genesis 1 we read that God made “man in Our image, after Our likeness” (Gen. 1:26). Thus man is unique in all creation, having received not only a body and soul (as all animals have), but having also received a God-conscious spirit breathed into him by the Creator (Gen. 2:7; 1 Thess. 5:23). Man was the crowning glory of God’s creation. He “blessed them, and... said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it” (Gen. 1:28).

Headship and Moral Likeness

Man was to be God’s representative, both in authority as head over creation and to display moral likeness to Him in the exercise of that headship. Adam failed in both, and now man as born in sin can never again properly represent God.

It is only when, by divine grace, the Spirit of God works in a soul and by faith man receives a new life (from above) that he acquires the ability to please God. In the Apostle’s letters to Timothy, Paul entreats him as a new creature in Christ to act for God in moral likeness (1 Tim. 6:11) and in responsibility (2 Tim. 3:17-4:2).

Foundations of Manhood

Genesis 2 records the special place (Eden) that God created for man to inhabit a place not only of fulfillment, delight and fellowship, but one of responsibility. Initially, in that beautiful garden, except for a companion, God placed everything there that could satisfy Adam’s heart.

The garden had beautiful trees, speaking of strength. They bore fruit for Adam to eat, speaking of joy. A river flowed in Eden to water the garden, speaking of God’s blessings. When it went out from the garden, the river had multiplied fourfold, flowing to other lands. This speaks of fruitfulness.

Attack on Manhood

These four things, strength, joy, God’s blessing, and fruitfulness, picture the basic characteristics and results of true manhood. Yet today, the world (at least the Western, Christianized world) is guided by deluded, false principles of feminism which undermine the God-ordained sphere of manhood.

Where they are submitted to, principles of feminism rob man of his strength and joy, while they also obstruct God’s river of blessing intended to supply and refresh the sphere of manhood. Furthermore, this wicked philosophy, where accommodated, dries up the blessings which could otherwise flow out from those walking as men.

Responsibilities of Manhood

God gave Adam work to do he was to till and guard Eden (Gen. 2:15 JND). Brothers, we are responsible before God to diligently nurture (till) and protect (guard) our God-given role as men. Tilling develops and enhances manhood and the blessings resulting from it, while guarding it keeps Satan (in whatever form he may take as an angel of light) from spoiling and ruining our manhood.

We must be constantly and prayerfully on guard against laziness, carelessness and self-will (in both natural and spiritual realms). Diligent tilling is required to keep these harmful characteristics from taking root in the garden of manhood.

A man must also be resolute in guarding his manhood from being overpowered by the enemy. Men daily face conflict from Satan and the world, finding many hindrances and obstacles thrown in the way. If not diligent in guarding his garden, such attacks weary one, making it seem as though the prudent thing would be to quit acting as a man.

But Proverbs 22:29 promises a reward for diligence, while 2 Peter 3:14 encourages the continuation of diligence in the face of trials and difficulties.

God’s Offer and Warning

God communicated an invitation and a warning to Adam. Adam neglected both. It is vital that Christian men both listen to and obey the Word of God. We daily need the spirit of Jeremiah: “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.”

God graciously offered Adam full liberty. “Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat.” In application we may say that contrary to feministic philosophies and teaching, men never need feel constrained in or guilty about acting as men should.

On the other hand, God warned Adam that one certain thing was off limits to him. In the cultivation and exercise of manhood, God warns of certain conduct (natural and spiritual) which is off limits—forbidden. If blessing is to flow to others from our manhood, we need to follow God’s directions in how we exercise headship with our brethren, our wives, our children, as well as our contacts in the world.

Great Blessing—Great Failure

In blessing him with Eve, God gave Adam the second most important reason he had to act like a man. (God was first.) Eve was his helpmate, one with him, alone able to fill the void in Adam’s heart that all of creation could not fill. It was imperative that Adam (as man) take responsibility for guarding the garden of delight where he and his wife dwelt together.

Sadly, Adam failed, for the serpent gained entrance into the garden. Perhaps Satan assumed such a lovely form of light (see Ezek. 28:12-17) that Adam felt no need to guard against his entrance.

He also failed as man to take the place of responsibility when the serpent addressed Eve. God had delivered His instructions, invitation and warning (Gen. 2:15-17) to the man to Adam. Yet when Eve took it upon herself to answer the serpent (who by addressing Eve, circumvented the head of God’s creation; see 1 Tim. 2:13-14), Adam remained silent. He did not act like a man responsibly nor in headship, allowing Eve to usurp the place God gave to him. This neglect led to sin, exclusion from the garden of delights and the tree of life, and death solemn results from failure to act like a man!

Future articles will consider further principles of manhood gleaned from the Word of God.

Ed.

"Quit You Like Men": Part 3

Manhood and Responsibility

We have previously noticed that God gave Adam specific responsibilities (Gen. 2:15-17). He was to represent God as head over creation (image), morally carrying out his responsibilities in a manner glorifying to God (likeness). But Adam failed—failed to guard Eden against the entrance of the serpent, failed to guard his wife from the serpent’s guile, failed in obedience to God’s command bringing the consequences of untold sorrow, sin and death into the world (Gen. 3:16).

Responsibility’s Resource

Brothers must not fail to accept their God-given place as responsible heads if marriages, families and the assembly are to be blessed and bear fruit. We have the indwelling Spirit of God supplying the love (Rom. 5:5), wisdom (Eph. 1:17) and power (Eph. 3:16 JND) needed to act as men of God in this scene.

Do you feel the need of more wisdom? “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally... and it shall be given” (James 1:5).

In James 4:6 we learn that God gives “more grace” to the humble. Every divine provision and grace that a Christian man needs to take his place of responsibility to God is available in infinite supply.

Irresponsibility’s Results

While not seeking to dwell on failure, we know that “many things as have been written before have been written for our instruction” (Rom. 15:4 JND). So we find in the lives of the patriarchs those times when even they failed to act as men responsible to God. May we learn from their record.

Responsibility for Self-Control

After the flood, man (in Noah) was made responsible to govern the purged world for God’s glory. Governing requires self-control. We read in Genesis 9:20 that “Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard.”

In Genesis 4:2, we find the first man born in this world (Cain) also labored as “a husbandman” (Gen. 4:2 JND). The occupation that engaged both Cain and Noah may have been right in itself, but both failed to exercise self-control in responsibility to God as they pursued their chosen labor.

Cain was overcome first by pride, then anger, and finally violence horrible results of the sin of self-will and the lack of self-control!

Noah, responsible to govern in the new world, was overcome by intemperance. Though God has not told us why Noah chose to be a husbandman, we do learn the sad results of his lack of self-control. He “drank... wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent” (Gen. 9:21).

What devastation results in marriages and families, as well as in the realms of employment and recreation, when husbands and fathers do not exercise manly self-control. Equally disastrous are the results of men—brethren in the assembly who do not conduct themselves among their brethren with self-control.

Peter exhorts us to be diligent in adding to our “faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge” (2 Peter 1:5). Another has said that virtue is moral courage. Both are closely connected, and for manhood, both moral courage and self-control are vital. It is interesting to note that the root of the Greek word “virtue” (“arte”) comes from a word signifying “male.” Brothers desiring to act as men must constantly seek grace to exercise self-control in every area of their life.

“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls” (Prov. 25:28).

“I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection” (1 Cor. 9:27).

Responsibility in Marriage

Even in the life of a man of faith such as Abraham, we see a time when his faith faltered. The result was that rather than taking responsibility as head of his marriage in seeing to Sarah’s protection, Abraham encouraged her to deny their union in order that he might live (Gen. 12:12-13).

What an infinite contrast with our Lord Jesus Christ! He died bearing the full weight and responsibility for the sin of that which He loved. “Christ... loved the church, and gave Himself for it” (Eph. 5:25).

Abraham’s actions put Sarah at the mercy of the world. How often do men allow their wives to be adversely affected by the world because they will not bear responsibility of being saviour of the body.

Husbands! Being the saviour of your body—your wife (“bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh”)—will require your daily, prayerful exercise and care!

Responsibility for Fidelity

Husbands are responsible to hold marriage pure. One of the great attacks men experience today is from the strange woman, and this frequently happens in the workplace. Men must exercise moral self-control so they not be snared by the lips (Prov. 5:3), the embrace (Prov. 5:20), the flattery (Prov. 6:24) or the eyes (Prov. 6:25) of the strange woman.

“Rejoice with the wife of thy youth” (Prov. 5:18).

Responsibility to Defend

Unlike Abraham, Jacob is often seen as an example of failure rather than faith. But there is a special moment in his life when his actions shine as one of the supreme examples of bearing responsibility in defending his family.

Coming back after twenty-one years of hard toil with Laban’s flocks, word comes to Jacob that his brother Esau, who earlier had planned to kill him, was coming with four hundred men to meet him (Gen. 32:6). We can surely understand the dear patriarch’s fear.

Reverting to his normal character, Jacob schemes to deal with a supposedly angry Esau, hoping at best to spare some of his family. First, flocks are sent as gifts, then his wives, concubines and children are divided into groups, his most loved Rachel and Joseph in the very back hoping that if slaughter came, at least they might escape (Gen. 33:12).

But then Jacob acts in the finest and highest dignity of manhood. There’s no Abrahamor Isaac-like denial of his wife now. We read in Genesis 33:3 the majestic account of one who is bearing, as a man, full responsibility for the defense and safety of his family. “He passed over before them.” What dignity! What courage! What love! Jacob went to meet Esau in front of his family. He says, as it were, “If the sword of Esau my brother is to fall, it will have to fall on me first.” Here is a man acting in full responsibility, standing in the forefront to defend his family.

May God grant Christian men to take the lead, guarding their wives and children against the attacks—spiritual and moral—of this evil world.

“So ought men also to love their own wives as their own bodies.... No one has ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, even as also the Christ the assembly” (Eph. 5:28-29 JND).

“If anyone does not provide for his own, and specially for those of his house, he has denied the faith” (1 Tim. 5:8 JND).

Responsibility to Nurture Confidence

In this frenzied age, dads are under great pressure from the world. Often at the most inconvenient time a child comes with some insignificant problem. But, dads, don’t ever act annoyed at these interruptions! Exercise self-control and patience! Never let your first words be, “I’m busy now,” or, “Go ask Mom.” Such responses will quickly destroy the confidence and security your child has in you.

Mom may indeed be better equipped to handle the problem, and it’s not wrong to send the child to her. But first spend time showing interest in whatever concerns your child. If you fail to do this, your children will very soon learn not to bother you at all, and a critical bridge of confidence and trust will have been broken down one that you may never again be able to rebuild. Dads, be especially mindful of this with your beloved daughters! Spend time with them individually and frequently.

Jacob’s daughter Dinah “went out to see the daughters of the land” (Gen. 34:1). The result was that she was defiled and lost her purity. Did she yearn for the world’s companionship because she, perhaps, felt her father didn’t have time for her?

Dads! Spend much time with your children!

“My son, give me thine heart” (Prov. 23:26).

Ed. (series to be continued)

"Quit You Like Men": Part 4

Man’s Work and Man’s Wisdom

“For also when we were with you we enjoined you this, that if any man does not like to work, neither let him eat” (2 Thess. 3:10 JND).

“My son... keep sound wisdom and discretion: so shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace unto thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, and thy foot shall not stumble; when thou liest down... thy sleep shall be sweet” (Prov. 3:21-24 JND).

Real Men Work

We live in a world increasingly flooded with the concept of easy riches to be gained without work. However, even in Eden, Adam was responsible to work (see Gen. 2:15). Of course, before sin ruined all, it would have been a delight to till and dress that perfect environment. But after they sinned, Adam still had to work, though now it would be “in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread” (Gen. 3:19).

Not only did God give Adam work to do, but He endowed him with the wisdom to do it well and in a way that honored God (see Gen. 2:18-20).

His command is that men should work to provide for necessities theirs, families and others who have needs (1 Tim. 5:8). God also graciously promises a full supply of wisdom for carrying out that work in an intelligent manner (see James 1:5).

The Importance of Proper Planning

For a young man, perhaps contemplating marriage and family, God’s order is clear. “Prepare thy work without, and put thy field in order, and afterward build thy house” (Prov. 24:27 JND). Responsible manhood begins by preparing a field (work, a career) which later will be able to support the house (wife, family, life) that he plans to build.

Spiritual Work and Leadership

These principles, though plain, are not only applicable in the natural realms of life, such as marriage and family. They also apply in the spiritual realm—both in the home and in the assembly.

Men ought to be spiritually busy working—studying, meditating on, and walking in the truth revealed in God’s Word. Manly spiritual diligence and energy are vital to provide spiritual food and care for family, brethren and those without Christ.

Too often in spiritual things men do not act as men, refusing their spiritual headship. This frequently results in forcing the wife and mother into a role that is not hers—spiritual leader in the home.

In the assembly, if men don’t expend spiritual energy, the result is weakness through lack of sound teaching and leadership as well as silence rather than praise and worship. Men! Be as diligent in spiritual matters as you are in your temporal work!

When Pharaoh found out that Joseph’s brethren were shepherds, he told him, “If thou knowest any men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle” (Gen. 47:6). Oh how we need “spiritual men of activity” to guide, care for, and nourish the flock of God!

The Need for Wise Men

David’s reign was, by and large, a happy and blessed time in Israel. His kingdom included men from the tribe of Issachar who counseled him men that had “understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chron. 12:32).

Today, feministic philosophies discourage and reject the thought that men should be guides and leaders. The result is a painful lack of manly leadership and direction in every sphere of life. Feminism unceasingly pushes the woman forward as being more suited than the man for the role of headship.

The result is a world beset with a Babel of conflicting and confusing remedies for social ills. Having spurned God, refusing to submit to His divine wisdom, mankind only proves itself incapable of solving moral ills by its natural intelligence.

In the face of this onslaught, it is vital that Christian men (and women, too) hold fast the truth of God and maintain the place that God has marked out for each. Families, marriages the assembly too desperately need men who through prayer, reading and obedience receive divinely given “understanding of the times.” We need men willing to stand as men against the enemy’s opposition. Receiving godly understanding is a result of faith and obedience.

No Place for Laziness

“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:11).

It is understood in secular employment that laziness (“slothfulness”) will not result in good jobs, career security, or a steady, livable wage. Far more importantly, God directs us to consider the insignificant ant as a warning against laziness (Prov. 6:6). How good to be as diligent and wise as the ant in all our things in order that much blessing might result.

Let us soberly meditate on seven solemn warnings from God’s Word concerning laziness:

1. It causes grief and distress (Prov. 10:26).

2. It brings a man into servitude rather than allowing him to maintain his place of headship and authority (Prov. 12:24).

3. It brings unfulfilled emptiness rather than the satisfaction that diligence provides (Prov. 13:4).

4. Laziness and wastefulness are related and both dishonor God (Prov. 18:9).

5. For the lazy, any adversity becomes a convenient hindrance to hard work (Prov. 20:4).

6. There is no manly courage displayed in slothfulness (Prov. 26:13).

7. The lazy man, because of his pride, will not receive any benefit from divine wisdom (Prov. 26:16).

The Perfect Example for Men

As in everything, our blessed Lord Jesus provides the perfect example of manhood. He ever worked the works of God. May we seek grace to humbly and diligently “walk even as He walked” (1 John 2:6).

“Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49).

“Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work” (John 5:17).

“I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do” (John 17:4).

What blessing our Lord’s perfect diligence and obedience has wrought! May we also diligently do the work He has seen fit to give each of us to do.

Ed.

"Quit You Like Men": Part 5

Manhood and Purity

“Be a model of the believers, in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12 JND).

“Keep thyself pure” (1 Tim. 5:22).

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God.... And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure” (1 John 3:23).

“Beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance” (2 Peter 1:56).

The Battlefield

The moral environment of the world in which we live is one calculated by its prince to quickly defile and corrupt both men and women. Sexual intimacy outside the marriage bond is not only encouraged, but delighted in and considered a completely normal life-style. Conversely, sexual purity before marriage is now regarded as odd, restrictive and passé.

An earlier article in this series mentioned the responsibility husbands have to hold their marriage union in all fidelity and purity. This must be done in a scene where the enemy has set many traps and pitfalls to tempt husbands to be unfaithful. But Satan does not only assail husbands, he seeks to incite sexual lust in all men making the world a lethal battlefield sown with countless “land mines” calculated to detonate explosions of passion and sin.

The Lord’s counsel for passing through this battlefield is simple: “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise” (Eph. 5:15).

The Joy of Intimacy

God has blessed the marriage union He instituted in Genesis 2 with the delights of physical intimacy. (See Proverbs 5:18-19, Hebrews 13:4 and the whole of the Song of Songs.) But this physical intimacy and joy is for the marriage union only. Men are responsible before God to take the lead, always acting in purity towards women in thought, word and deed.

The Importance of Self-Control

In 1 Corinthians 7 the beloved Apostle warns, in the most unambiguous words, the danger of a touch lighting the fires of passion: “It is good for a man not to touch a woman” (vs. 1). It is not that a man cannot, for instance, shake hands with a woman. But it is the God-given responsibility of the man to make no kind of physical contact with a woman that will ignite the fires of passion which lead into moral sin.

When Peter speaks of virtue (2 Peter 1:5), he is referring to moral courage. Men need moral courage to walk in sexual purity and self-control. Men need moral courage to stand against the flood of immorality. Men need moral courage to guard against the strange woman (Prov. 5:3,20), and men need moral courage to preserve their marriages and families. The Bible contains many warnings and examples for keeping our manhood in moral purity and dignity.

Moral Victory

Joseph presents a strikingly beautiful example of one who acted with great moral courage, in the fear of God (Gen. 39), and that to his own hurt. His actions present a wonderful example of how men can overcome the temptation to fall into immorality.

There are seven principles found in the account of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife (Gen. 39:7-12) which clearly define the appropriate actions of a man of God when confronted with sexual temptation.

(1) Joseph rejected her advances. (“His master’s wife... said, Lie with me. But he refused”; vss.78.)

(2) He rebuked her enticement (vss. 89).

(3) Joseph called her proposition what it really was (“great wickedness, and sin against God”; vs. 9).

(4) He refused to listen to her immoral suggestions and (5) stopped all contact with her (vs. 10).

(6) He continued to mind his own business, faithfully carrying out his responsibilities (vs. 11).

(7) When she caught his coat, Joseph didn’t stay and argue. He fled from her trap (vs. 12).

It may seem as though he was the loser for not giving in to his master’s wife. But the prison into which Joseph was thrown was part of the divine plan to honor him who had been morally faithful to God in his life. Men! Let us seek grace to act in this wicked, immoral world as Joseph did in his day.

Moral Failure

It is painful, though necessary and instructive, to turn from the victory of Joseph and consider the failure of David. His sin of adultery contains lessons that all men must soberly and prayerfully consider.

David was, as we sometimes say, “a man’s man.” It would be difficult to find a more manly, brave and faithful warrior of God described in the Bible. We would have thought that one who had the courage to run towards a giant in battle (1 Sam. 17:48) would surely have the courage to run away from the tempting sight of a beautiful woman. Yet, what Satan could not accomplish with Goliath (dishonoring God and enfeebling His people) he accomplished through David’s sin with Bath-sheba.

In 2 Samuel 11:15 (the divine record of David’s adultery), we find seven things in which David failed in maintaining sexual purity. Let us receive the warning, that they not lead us into the same sin.

(1) David stayed in the wrong place (“tarried still at Jerusalem”; vs. 1).

(2) He relaxed rather than fought the Lord’s battles (“arose from off his bed”; vs. 2).

(3) He watched an inappropriate exhibition (“saw a woman washing herself”; vs. 2).

(4) He was captivated by the appearance of her physical beauty (“very beautiful to look upon”; vs. 2).

(5) David’s heart lusted after what his eyes had looked at (“inquired after the woman”; vs. 3).

(6) He failed to heed a clear warning (“is not this... the wife of Uriah”; vs. 3).

(7) The king defiled one who belonged to another man to satisfy his own aroused passions (“took her... and he lay with her”; vs. 4).

Though fully repentant (see Psalm 51), David and his family paid a solemn price for his failure to act as a man of God in the matter of Bath-sheba. May we who are men take these things to heart and seek grace to always walk in purity and in the fear of God.

“I will behave myself wisely.... I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes” (Psa. 101:23).

Ed.

"Quit You Like Men": Part 6

Conclusion

In concluding our meditation on manhood, let us consider the perfect Man—our Lord Jesus Christ.

Though each Gospel gives precious views of the Lord’s life, we will consider a few instances in Mark’s Gospel which show His perfect manhood displayed, remembering that “he that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked” (1 John 2:6).

Moral Weight and Weighty Words

Beginning in Mark 6, the wisdom of His words carries weight because of His mighty actions. Yet, before embarking on His Father’s service, the Lord Jesus worked as a lowly, unrecognized carpenter (vss. 23). What a man says will carry moral weight based on his conduct and labor (though that work be ever so insignificant). “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10).

Overcoming Difficulties

Criticism and skepticism did not stop the Lord from bringing blessing to the needy (vss. 4-6). A man must overcome misunderstandings and hindrances in order to work, serve and care for others.

Commanding Others

The Lord sends His followers, commanding them to service (vss. 7-13). Men ought to be spiritual and natural role models to those who follow such as children, grandchildren and younger brethren. But only in the measure our actions carry moral power will we be able to command others to be a blessing in service.

Caring for Family

The Lord knew the importance of time alone with those in His closest circle of relationship His disciples (vss. 30-32). But he took them to a desert place. How beautiful that His blessed presence was enough for His loved ones when all around was waste and empty. So it ought to be with husbands and fathers in the moral desert of this world. How vital to be men whose wives and children find delight and satisfaction just being in their company.

Caring for Others

The Lord encourages His disciples to have tender hearts for the needs of others (vss. 34-35). They also learn that He alone is the source of supply for every need (vss. 37-38), supplying all needs in a peaceful, orderly way green grass (vs. 39; also 1 Cor. 14:33 JND). Men, showing compassion, must follow this divine example if there is to be real blessing.

Calming Life’s Storms

In verses 48-51, the Lord’s presence takes away the raging of the storm and His disciples’ fear of it by His presence and words. Dear brother, does your presence, as a man, in your home and in the assembly (and in your workplace, too!) calm storms and trials, or cause them?

Dealing With Hostility

Mark 7 begins with enemies assailing the Lord by criticizing and questioning His every action and undermining His authority. The Lord answers them all in divine perfection (vss. 1-23). His perfect works and words result in the marvelous testimony rendered in verse 37.

Today, those who would be men are constantly questioned, attacked and undermined by feministic philosophies and godless cultures. May we daily seek never to relinquish our God-given place as men, following rather the example of that blessed One who “hath done all things well”!

Perfect Servant—Perfect Man

In Mark 8 seven classes of people are mentioned—people whom the Lord Jesus, in His perfect service and manhood, deals with. These examples provide vital principles for how men ought to act.

(1) In the Lord’s tender, loving compassion hungry people are fed (vss. 1-3, 6-9), using His (2) helpless disciples who had already forgotten about His previous miracle of feeding the hungry (vss. 4-5).

(3) Though the Lord does not argue or contend with hardened unbelievers (vss. 10-13), (4) He does plainly warn His beloved but heedless disciples (vss. 14-21) who were in danger of being stumbled in their path of service by the Pharisees and Herod.

(5) When a hopeless blind man is brought, the Lord graciously heals him, taking care that there is no public exhibition made of the miracle. Nor does the Lord leave until the man can view all things in their proper perspective (vss. 22-26).

(6) The suffering which awaited Christ was too much for Peter. In unbelief he sought to hinder the Lord’s path of obedience (Heb. 10:5-9). Without hesitation the Lord renders a most solemn denunciation of the real source behind his words (vss. 27-33).

(7) The Lord Jesus not only faithfully explained the hardships and sufferings of the path of faith, but He gives a comforting promise for any who, in love for Him, give up life’s advantages in the present age. To be ashamed of following Christ in this unfaithful world will bring dishonor in the day when the Son of Man comes in His glory (vss. 34-38).

Let each dear brother in Christ seek renewed strength and courage to walk as men of God, to be men of God and to stand as men of God in a world which hates and represses such conduct. Trials and testings must be expected, but in seeking grace to act as the men God has made us, there will be blessing and fruit for our families and the assembly and a positive testimony to the world.

“Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God” (2 Sam. 10:12). “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things” (Matt. 25:21).

Ed.

Resignation

“He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee” (Job 5:19). “He said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing” (Luke 22:35).

O Lord, my best desire fulfill,

And help me to resign

Life, health and comfort to Thy will,

And make Thy pleasure mine.

Why should I shrink at Thy command,

Whose love forbids my fears?

Or tremble at the gracious hand

That wipes away my tears?

No; let me rather freely yield

What most I prize to Thee,

Who never hast a good withheld,

Or wilt withhold from me.

Thy favor all my journey through,

Thou art engaged to grant;

What else I want, or think I do,

’Tis better still to want.

Wisdom and mercy guide my way;

Shall I resist them both

A poor, blind creature of a day,

And crushed before the moth?

But ah! My inmost spirit cries,

Still bind me to Thy sway,

Else the next cloud that veils my skies

Drives all these thoughts away.

W. Cowper

Resigned and Yielded

“He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee” (Job 5:19).

O Lord, my best desire fulfill,

And help me to resign

Life, health and comfort to Thy will,

And make Thy pleasure mine.

Why should I shrink at Thy command,

Whose love forbids my fears?

Or tremble at the gracious hand

That wipes away my tears?

No; let me rather freely yield

What most I prize to Thee,

Who never hast a good withheld,

Or wilt withhold from me.

Thy favor all my journey through

Thou art engaged to grant;

What else I want, or think I do,

’Tis better still to want.

Wisdom and mercy guide my way;

Shall I resist them both

A poor, blind creature of a day

And crushed before the moth?

But ah! My inmost spirit cries,

Still bind me to Thy sway,

Else the next cloud that veils my skies

Drives all these thoughts away.

W. Cowper

Rigid and Loving Christianity

If we are touched with the sense of our relationship to Christ and the responsibility of that relationship, rigid obedience would flow out [in our lives]. And obedience is the only thing in which a Christian should be rigid.

Obedience to Christ will keep us from latitudinarianism (looseness in Christian doctrine) while nearness to Christ will keep us from sectarianism. (Sectarianism is an interest in a little circle around ourselves.)

Obedience to Christ would give us a feeling as to, and an interest in, the whole church of God, for Christ loves nothing less. And then I shall refuse to own anything that is not the bride of Christ, but be ready always to acknowledge and receive that which is the bride of Christ.

The one desire of my heart is the beauty and the blessing of the church the bride of Christ. That will make me earnestly love all saints, for they are of it. I desire its entire separation to Christ to whom she belongs espoused as a chaste virgin with my feet in the narrow way and my heart as large as Christ’s.

J. N. Darby (excerpt)

The Service of Prayer

“When thou prayest, enter into thy closet [room], and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly” (Matt. 6:6).

It is this going into our closet and shutting the door that is wanted secret prayer. This is the mainspring of everything. And yet we make excuses and say we cannot find time. But the truth is that if we cannot find time for secret prayer, it matters little to the Lord whether we find time for public service or not.

Is it not the case that too often we can find time for everything except this getting into our closet and shutting the door in order to be alone with God? Yes, we can find time for everything but this slipping away to wrestle with God in prayer.

We can find time to talk with our brethren, and the minutes fly past unheeded until they become hours, and we do not feel it a burden. Yet when we find we should be getting into our closet to be alone with God for a season, there are ever so many difficulties standing right in the way. Ten thousand foes arise to keep us from that hallowed spot “thy closet.” It would seem as if Satan cares not how we are employed, so that we seek not our Father’s face. The great tempter well knows if he can but interrupt the communications between us and our God, he has us at his mercy.

Gems From My Reading

The Shepherd and the Flock

It is the Shepherd not the sheep who uses the rod and the staff when needed. But a wise shepherd uses those instruments to keep the sheep from straying, not to isolate or withdraw from them.

The flock is one (John 10) and this thought is the opposite of separation and withdrawal. While he keeps the flock together as one, the shepherd also seeks out and brings back to the bosom of the flock the sick, wounded and straying sheep.

In 1 Corinthians 4:15 I was struck by the words, “Ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers.” We need spiritual fathers who will guide and shepherd (as under-shepherds) the flock. Jesus said, “Feed My lambs... shepherd My sheep... feed My sheep” (John 21:15-17 JND).

It is touching to realize that the good Shepherd doesn’t rest until the wandering sheep is returned to safety in the fold. Too, how important to remember that the ninety and nine sheep who remain there and don’t stray aren’t in the right place because of their own wisdom or strength. Thus, when one lost sheep is safely returned to the flock by the Shepherd, should it not be welcomed back with joy?

“Draw me, we will run after thee” (Song of Sol. 1:4). The sheep follow the shepherd, for they “know his voice” (John 10:4). The sheep of Christ who love the Shepherd naturally desire that all the other sheep would be found in His blessed presence too.

“In Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore” (Psa. 16:11).

Ed. (adapted from an email)

The Shepherd's Voice Preserves the Sheep

“Jesus [said] unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep” (John 10:7).

Having entered by the door, according to God’s will and testimony, He was, for every other person, Himself “the door,” that which God had ordained as the means of having part in His blessings.

It is not the sheep’s knowledge of the stranger that keeps it from the snares which he tries to set for it, but there is one voice which is known by the sheep, the voice of the Good Shepherd, and they know that what they hear is not that voice. It is thus the simple are kept; the wise wish to know everything and are deceived. The voice and the Person being known encourage and authorize the sheep to follow them.

In the hardness of its heart, Israel remains in the fold. It will not enter in through Christ, the door of the sheep, but if anyone enters by that door, he shall be saved. Salvation was found in the Shepherd, that which the fold could not give. The sheep should be free. The fold afforded a kind of security the security of a prison. But it would find pasture; it would be fed in the rich pastures of God.

It is Christianity in contrast with Judaism. Christianity was salvation, liberty and divine food. Security is no longer imprisonment, but the care of the Good Shepherd. Free under His care, the sheep feed in safety in the vast and rich pastures of God.

The Sufferings of Christ

The sufferings of Christ can be viewed in three different ways: His physical sufferings, the sufferings of His soul and His sufferings at the hand of God.

The Physical Sufferings

Perhaps we relate most to these sufferings because we all have experienced pain. The Romans seemed to know crucifixion, as a means of capital punishment, caused intense suffering. Pilate had scourged Jesus, leaving His back as it says prophetically, “The plowers plowed upon My back: they made long their furrows” (Psa. 129:3). His head was crowned with thorns which were beaten into His brow. His face was more marred than any man’s. His hands and feet were nailed to the cross. Those awful nails on which He hung for six hours would cause excruciating pain. All of His bones were out of joint.

The Sufferings of His Soul

While not the atoning sufferings, they were still very real, for He as perfect man fully felt all the ridicule and mockery. He says (Psa. 69), “Reproach hath broken My heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.” When they said, “He trusted in God; let Him [God] deliver Him [Jesus] now, if He will have Him: for He said, I am the Son of God,” He felt it keenly, for God did not deliver Him. All this suffering from the hand of man was for righteousness’ sake, not to atone for sin.

The Sufferings at the Hand of God

The sufferings for sin from the hand of God were the most awful, and they were the atoning sufferings. What a thought! to think of Him (the Lord of all) hanging there in that intense physical agony and then God laying on Him the iniquity of us all.

Even while in the garden, before going to the cross, it caused Him to sweat, as it were, great drops of blood, just to contemplate the awfulness of that moment when He would be made sin for us. He who is intrinsically holy shrunk from the very thought of contact with sin. But when those dark hours began, no cry was heard through that awful time of darkness.

Not only were our sins all remembered and laid upon Him, but then the just judgment of a sin-hating God falls in all its fury on that holy sin-bearer. All the waves and billows of divine judgment roll over Him during those awful hours. Then at the end a cry rends the silence: “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”

He accepts the judgment from the hand of God, but when the God whose will it had always been His meat and drink to do forsakes Him, it wrings that awful cry from His lips. He hangs there completely alone, doing the will of God in the face of the wrath of God.

We must stand at a distance, for we shall never know what it meant to Him to go through it all. Only thus could eternal redemption be obtained. Oh! how we need to meditate on this scene. Never do we see the truth that “God is light” and “God is love” more brilliantly displayed than during that awful time. It was God putting away sin by the sacrifice of His own beloved Son, according to the full claims of His righteousness. Those claims were fully met and God has been satisfied and glorified. Just before Jesus gives up His life, He cries, “It is finished,” in recognition that all had been paid. Then at the end, He says, “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.” He dies. His blood is shed. Sin’s awful debt was fully paid.

No wonder God has raised Him from the dead and did not quit raising Him still higher until Jesus as Man occupies the highest place in the whole universe—far above not only “all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named,” but also “far above all heavens.”

It is our highest privilege to bow at His feet and worship and praise Him now in the scene of His rejection and death.

R. Thonney

Support

“Lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees” (Heb. 12:12).

We are exhorted not to let our hands hang down. There is no reason why it should be so. Though you are under the scourge, there is not one single reason why your hands should hang down or your knees be feeble, for the Spirit has shown you yourself first in company with Christ and then with your Father who loves you. Is there any reason why you should travel as if you did not know the road?

Beautiful conclusion! We all know how the hands will hang down, but there is no reason that we should be faint-hearted. Having come to that, he looks around. Do not let your own hands hang down, and in connection with others follow peace in connection with God follow holiness. “What communion hath light with darkness?... What concord hath Christ with Belial?” (2 Cor. 6:14-15).

J. G. Bellett

"The Mystery of Godliness"

“Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness” (1 Tim. 3:16).

What is the secret of godliness in the Christian’s life? It is not that we attract attention to ourselves by the things we do, but rather that people should see in us the life of Jesus displayed.

We have an example of this in 2 Kings 2, where Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee.” Elisha’s request was, “Let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” Elijah told him, “If thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.” In other words, if Elisha did not see Elijah when he went up, Elisha could not be his representative after he was gone.

So it is that we need to have our eyes on the Lord Jesus up there that we can be His representatives down here. When Elijah went up, we read that his mantle fell. Elisha took his own clothes and rent them, setting them aside, and then put on the mantle of another. I believe the thought is that the secret of godliness is that the life of Jesus might be seen in us.

We are not to make something of ourselves that is what the world would tell us to do: “Make something of yourself.” A brother, after he had preached, was told by an unsaved man, “Why stay with such a little group? Get in with a big group and make something of yourself.” The world knows only self-exaltation, even in the things of God.

Brethren! May we be in the secret of the Lord, that God might be glorified in us individually and collectively and that the life of Jesus would be seen in us.

Here we have the secret of godliness. First of all, the Lord Jesus Himself: “God was manifest in the flesh.” What an example! Peter said that the Lord left us an example that we “should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Think of the pathway of the Lord Jesus. He went through every kind of situation that we can go through, and He always acted for the glory of God His Father.

He, too, always said the right thing. We read in John’s Gospel that our Lord didn’t even speak a word by Himself. Perhaps we often say, “What shall I say?” But the Lord didn’t even say one word from Himself; He didn’t ever do one thing without having a command from His Father. Brethren, that is the secret for us. Are we speaking our own words, or are we looking up to the Lord?

We see this with dear Nehemiah (Neh. 2:45) when he found himself in a tight spot. He asked the Lord, and the Lord helped him to say the right thing in that difficult situation.

Then, too, we often seek the approval of man. But we ought to seek what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:18: “Not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.” Whose approval are we seeking? By whom do we want to be accepted?

In His pathway here the Lord Jesus was “justified in the Spirit.” As far as the world was concerned, the Lord was “despised and rejected of men.” But what did the Father think? “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

I do not believe we will have peace in our souls and in our pathway if we seek always to be well thought of by men. How good just to have the secret of the Lord to know that what we are doing is being done to please Him and in obedience to His Word.

“Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him [or, be agreeable to Him; JND]” (2 Cor. 5:9).

G. H. Hayhoe (adapted from an address)

Thoughts of the Seasons

“Even to your old age I am He; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you” (Isa. 46:4).

There was a day in the springtime of my life,

The world seemed at my feet; the future looked so bright;

Expectations ever growing, like a stream kept flowing on;

How little did I realize the spring would soon be gone.

Then the golden day of summer life came bursting on my soul;

With all its joys, first love, and dreams, I had reached my goal;

But almost overnight there came the visions in my head,

The glory day was over; my summer life had fled.

The autumn day came quickly, with its charm and changing scenes,

But I find that all I have left are those spring and summer dreams;

Yet, as I recall the mercies and blessings way back then,

I’m thankful for this memory bank that makes them mine again.

Soon the winter day of life will come, with bitter snow and cold;

Most think that this prefigures the end of growing old,

But in my heart I hear a voice that says, “You’re not alone”;

The very best is yet to come; you’ll soon be going home.

Now as I review the journey down the avenue of time,

I see a plan unfolded that surely wasn’t mine;

But when the circle is completed, the Friend I long have known

Will take me by the hand and whisper, “Time for going home.”

Ken Mackenzie (Lombardy, Ontario, Canada)

Thoughts on Gifts

Regarding gifts to the church (Eph. 4), be it remembered it is in the body, the whole body, God has set gifts. It is upon the whole body that Christ has bestowed them, and we are not the whole body. Suppose the church were still manifestly one as in the apostles’ days, even then it is quite possible that the assembly in one place might be without an evangelist and in another without a pastor or teacher. In other places there might be more than one of each.

Today the church is in a scattered, divided state. Has the Lord Jesus ceased to manifest His care by the bestowal of suitable and needed gifts? By no means. But it is in the unity of the whole body they are found, and we need to remember this.

All saints form the church of God in a place, and there may be evangelists and pastors and teachers among those members of the body who are in various denominations in that place. What benefit do we derive from their ministry? And further, what benefit do the saints with them [in those denominations] derive from any of Christ’s gifts which are among us?

If we have not such gifts as found according to Ephesians 4, let us humbly own our poverty. If there be found even a few gifts, let us be thankful, own them in the place God has given them, and pray for more and better gifts and ministries.

Let us be simple, humble and unassuming. Let us not pretend to more than we have or to do that for which God has not qualified us.

W. Trotter (adapted from a letter)

True Religion

The Israelites appeared to have set up a model religious community. They loved the worship of the solemn assembly and delighted to sit under the reading and teaching of God’s laws. On the day of a fast they humbled themselves in sackcloth and ashes. Yet the Lord was angry with them (Deut. 9:8)!

They failed to appreciate the wider implications of their spiritual instruction, looking after their own interests but disregarding the needs of others. Their display of enthusiasm for God was nothing more than hollow ritualism. The condemning evidence of their sinful neglect was apparent. The poor, the hungry, and the afflicted among them still remained oppressed and unassisted! True religion is more than a love for right doctrine and correct worship (James 1:27). Next to our faith in the Lord, first aid to our neighbor evidences spiritual reality.

Gems From My Reading

True Religion - Love and Purity

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction” (James 1:26-27).

True religion is shown by love in the heart and by purity keeping oneself unspotted from the world. It thinks of others, for those who are in distress, in need of protection, and the help and support of love, as widows and orphans. The truly religious heart, full of the love of God and moved by Him, thinks, as God does, upon sorrow, weakness and need. It is the true Christian character.

J. N. Darby (from Gems From My Reading)

Unloading Our Worries

“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).

The other day I was thinking that these verses show us how to unload the worries that so often burden us. But once unloaded from our hearts, then we have the next verse showing us how to positively occupy our minds and hearts.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

It is vitally important to properly direct our thinking according to Scripture. What we read, what we see, what we take up with it all affects our thinking. It all must be put to the test with this verse. If it doesn’t fit the true, honest, just, pure and lovely test, then unrelentingly throw it out. It will do you no good. Remember, you are what you think about.

R. Thonney

Unspeakable

“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift” (2 Cor. 9:15).

Yet loving Thee, on whom His love,

Ineffable doth rest.

(Little Flock Hymnbook, #150)

The tongue and, behind it, the mind sometimes fail at the wonderful, the superlative and the majestic that transcend our little lives. We can handle the 1, 2, 3’s of life the mind boggles at the infinities.

Sometimes, when words fail, we let our hands talk (to the dismay of English teachers). A beloved brother, a colporteur and gospel preacher (now home with the Lord), was master of four or five languages, but his volatile Latin temperament often bubbled out, both hand and tongue, as he told the old, old story.

Here in 2 Corinthians the Apostle, seldom at a loss for words, maintains a silent pen (mightier than sword), except to say that heaven’s Gift transcends our words, our tongues and the mind behind them.

Our hymn writer, instead of “unspeakable,” uses “ineffable,” from the same root as our more common “infant” and “infantry.” What possible connection do these last two have? Age? Size? Armament?

Put simply, neither speak: the infant because he cannot the soldier because he must not. (Not theirs to question why; theirs but to do or die.)

And what of us? Are we speechless before such a wonder? God, in the Person of our Lord, became Man to redeem us and to bring us to Himself. Is it our immaturity when our tongues are silent? Are we mutely beholden to the captains and kings of this present world?

“Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings” (Matt. 21:16) perhaps suggests the imperfect praise due a perfect Subject. (The perfectionist waits, and waits... forever.)

“O Lord, Thy sea is so great and my boat is so small” brings us the sense of wonder, of the burning bush, something that the medieval cathedral builders recognized as vital, though failing to profit from the musings of Solomon, the temple builder (2 Chron. 6:18).

Unloose our stammering tongues to tell

Thy love, immense, unsearchable.

(Little Flock Hymnbook, #294)

D. Lunden (adapted)

Walking Circumspectly

“See that ye walk circumspectly [watchfully, discreetly], not as fools but as wise” (Eph. 5:15).

In heaven there will be no “Take heed”; there we may give free way to perfect joy: There all is holy, but down here in this life, in the midst of evil, we must take heed we must use wisdom. The man of the world, in order to avoid evil, must be skilled in the knowledge of the evil. The Christian has no need to think about evil; he must be wise without the knowledge of evil, as it is written, “Wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil” (Rom. 16:19), because full, divine knowledge of good in the midst of evil is what Christ gives. What He Himself was here contains no familiar acquaintance with evil. The child of God ought to possess that spiritual wisdom which is simple as a dove.

J. N. Darby

Watching and Waiting

I do not have a car on campus at the college I attend, so I’m dependent on others (often brethren from the assembly) for transportation each week.

There have been several times, as I have been standing outside, waiting for my ride to come to pick me up, that I would realize I had forgotten to do something in my dorm. When this happens, my initial response is to consider whether to go back to my room to take care of the situation.

However, rather than going back, usually I would stay right where I was, for a very simple reason. I was expecting the person who was coming for me to appear at any moment. I wanted to be there, waiting and ready, nor did I want to make them late. In thinking about this, the Lord has taught me that the hope of His coming should have an effect on how I am waiting for Him. Does the truth of His coming (the rapture) keep me from going places and doing things that I ought not, because I am expecting His return at any moment?

“Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing” (Luke 12:43).

“The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout.... Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:16-17).

“The coming of the Lord draweth nigh” (James 5:8).

“Surely I come quickly. Amen” (Rev. 22:20).

D. Barr (adapted)

What Is a Christian?

“Now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13).

We do not become Christians by being born of Christian parents, or because our lot has been cast in what is called a Christian country, or because we have been religiously educated, or by attending to any outward ordinances, or by being associated with any who are truly saints of God.

No, we only become Christians by having to do with Christ and His atoning blood. Whatever may have been our previous history or character, we are far from God and enemies to God till we are reconciled to God by the death of His Son.

If I were asked to give, in a few words of Scripture, the true definition of what a Christian is, I do not think I could give a better reply than we find in the latter part of this verse one who was far off but is now in Christ made nigh to God by His blood.

H. H. Snell

What Is Not Seen

Anon.

Who Cares? Part 1

Many of us have enjoyed singing the song entitled “Just a Closer Walk With Thee.” Addressed to the Lord Jesus, it expresses the peace that we can enjoy in walking closely with Him in the midst of our weakness and the burdens of the path through this world. It is a prayer that the Lord would grant a deeper sense of nearness to and communion with Himself.

The last time I sang this song with a group, one question in the second stanza stood out in my mind and made me ponder it ever since. It asks, “If I falter, Lord, who cares?” What particularly struck my soul was the fact that the song had been requested by a young person in the middle of his teenage years. I asked myself, Could it be that this young man’s heart and many others like his is crying out with this question? Is the pace of life so fast and hectic that it feels like no one notices and, worse yet, no one cares when I am struggling? It is with these questions in mind that I share these thoughts, with the prayer that they will be an encouragement and help to anyone whose heart echoes these words, “Lord, who cares?”

We’re Not Alone

Before we look for answers to this question, let’s remind ourselves that men and women in past ages have had similar feelings too. The Word of God records many whose life and service for Him were not appreciated by those close to them. Joseph’s brethren, motivated by jealousy and hatred, sent him far away from those he loved and cared for, where he was then falsely accused by his employer’s wife and sent to prison. When David was hated by King Saul and chased for his life, he wrote, “Refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul” (Psa. 142:4). Job suffered tremendous losses so that his wife encouraged him to “curse God, and die” (ch. 2:9); his three so-called friends did more to accuse than to console in their discourses, and Job might well have felt that no one cared for him in his very great grief and anguish.

The Disciples

With others, their feelings of despair and hopelessness came when their faith in the Lord Jesus grew weak. When the disciples were in a boat with Jesus and a violent storm arose while He slept, they awakened Him and asked, “Master, carest Thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:38). Of course, such an accusation was thoughtless and lacked regard for the Person who was with them, but the apparent danger and urgency of their predicament made them react with the suggestion that Jesus must not care.

Martha

Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus, had a similar feeling. She received Jesus into her house, but as she served Him, she grew distracted by the fact that her sister Mary was listening to Jesus’ word at His feet rather than helping her. She complained to Him, “Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone?” (Luke 10:40). Did she wish that she could sit at Jesus’ feet? or did she want Mary to get up and help her with the domestic work? Perhaps both thoughts motivated her to question whether the Lord Jesus really cared about her present situation.

Elijah

Elijah was “a man of like passions to us” (James 5:17 JND). He stood for God on mount Carmel against hundreds of false prophets and demonstrated the power and holiness of the true God (1 Kings 18). As a result, the wicked queen Jezebel threatened his life, and he then requests to the Lord that he might die. Twice he says to the Lord, “I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, thrown down Thine altars, and slain Thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away” (1 Kings 19:10,14). In other words, no one else cares.

This is the only failure of an Old Testament saint that is recorded in the New Testament (Rom. 11:24). It marked the end of Elijah’s public usefulness to God: He told Elijah to anoint Elisha to be His prophet instead of Elijah. How it stirs our souls to want to cut off such feelings of self-pity and despair before they take hold of our hearts and to seek the divine answer whenever the thought creeps into our minds, “Who cares?”

In the next issue, Lord willing, we’ll dig into the Word of God together to search for that divine answer.

D. R. Macy

Who Cares? Part 2

One line of the song “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” asks, “If I falter, Lord, who cares?” We know who does. But sometimes the pressure and pain of present circumstances make us raise this question—to ourselves and maybe even to others.

In the last article we saw that many individuals in the Bible could have felt similarly. Now let’s go back to the Scriptures to glean divine help in dealing with this question. To begin, let’s consider our Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus Cared

In our heads we say, “Of course we know that Jesus cares.” But sometimes our feelings allow us to question what we might otherwise readily assent to with our minds. Let’s refresh our memories with some of the verses from the Word of God that prove beyond any shadow of doubt how deeply Jesus really does care for us.

In eternity, when He was enjoying the unhindered sunshine and bliss of fellowship with the Father, He also could say, “My delights were with the sons of men” (Prov. 8:31).

Then He came to earth to carry out, in time, the plan purposed by the Godhead in eternity. He became poor that we might be eternally rich. “Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich” (2 Cor. 8:9).

He was despised and rejected that we might be accepted. “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not” (Isa. 53:3). “He hath made us accepted in the Beloved” (Eph. 1:6).

He was forsaken by God that we might never be. “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Psa. 22:1). “He hath said, I will never... forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5).

He was completely alone that we might never be. “I... am as a sparrow alone” (Psa. 102:7). “He hath said, I will never leave thee” (Heb. 13:5).

He bore the just penalty of God for our sins that we might never feel the judgment of God ourselves. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (Isa. 53:5; also Psa. 42:7; 1 Peter 2:24). “Verily, verily, I say unto you, that he that hears My word, and believes Him that has sent Me, has life eternal, and does not come into judgment, but is passed out of death into life” (John 5:24 JND).

He died that we might receive eternal life. “Jesus, who was made some little inferior to angels on account of the suffering of death... so that by the grace of God He should taste death for everything” (Heb. 2:9 JND). “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).

We could go on and on enumerating the myriad ways that our Lord Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself for us. The cross stands as the ultimate monument in time to His infinite love and care for our eternal good and happiness. As someone has said, “He could not give more; He would not give less.”

Jesus Still Cares

What about the present? While He completed the work of atonement on Calvary to God’s glory once and for all, so that He said absolutely, “It is finished” (John 19:30), He continues to work on our behalf now that He has ascended to the Father’s right hand. That work takes on two forms: He is our great high priest so that we might not sin (Heb. 4:14), and He is our advocate if we do sin (1 John 2:1).

He helps us when we are being tempted. “In that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succor [or, help] them that are tempted” (Heb. 2:18).

He sympathizes with our infirmities. “We have not a high priest not able to sympathize with our infirmities, but tempted in all things in like manner, sin apart” (Heb. 4:15 JND).

He intercedes for us. “Who shall bring an accusation against God’s elect? It is God who justifies: who is he that condemns? It is Christ who has died, but rather has been also raised up; who is also at the right hand of God; who also intercedes for us” (Rom. 8:33-34 JND). In fact, this portion of Romans 8 shows us that the whole Godhead is for us: the Spirit (vs. 27), God (vs. 31) and Christ (vs. 34).

When Peter was soon to face strong temptation, the Lord said to him, “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not” (Luke 22:32). This does not remove our responsibility to walk closely to the Lord in dependence on Him, as He said to the disciples in Gethsemane, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation” (Matt. 26:41). But what a comfort it gives to our hearts to know that our best Friend intercedes incessantly for us!

We know that Peter did fail and denied his Lord. Was it all over with His care for His self-confident servant? No, thank God! That same care proved itself to Peter in other, marvelous ways to work true repentance and restoration in his soul. “The Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord” (Luke 22:61). That look brought Peter’s soul back into the presence of the Lord so that he could see the true character of his failure. Undoubtedly the work of God continued in Peter’s heart over the next few days, plowing deeper and deeper to the root of the sin that caused the outward fall. Then, after the Lord had died and was risen again, we read, “The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon” (Luke 24:34). In that private meeting, Peter must have made full confession of his sin to the Lord and was restored to happy communion with Him once again. Later on, the Lord declared that completed restoration to the other disciples by publicly giving Peter a broad, far-reaching work to do for Him (John 21:15-17).

Is it any wonder, then, that this same Peter encourages us to cast all our care on Him, “for He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7)? So fully has He demonstrated the solidity, the purity and the infinity of His love and His care for us that all that remains for us is to believe, to trust, to adore and to worship. “O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy [or, loving-kindness] endureth forever” (Psa. 136:1).

D. R. Macy

Who Cares? Part 3

Others Who Care

One line of the song “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” asks, “If I falter, Lord, who cares?” That question sometimes crosses our minds, doesn’t it, when the difficulties of our present circumstances seem almost too great to bear, even though deep in our hearts we know the right answer.

In previous articles, we have seen that many individuals in the Bible could have had similar feelings. We have also seen the infinite care and affection that our Saviour had for us when He went to the cross as our Substitute, and the same loving care He demonstrates to us every day as our great High Priest and our Advocate. The Word of God records others, members of the family of God following in the footsteps of their Master, who showed genuine care for others. Let’s consider some.

Our Brethren Care

Christians are not isolated individuals; they’re children in the family of God, and what a large family that is. “See what love the Father has given to us, that we should be called the children of God” (1 John 3:1 JND). “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth, is born of God, and knoweth God” (1 John 4:7).

They are also members in the body of Christ. “God has set the members, each one of them in the body, according as it has pleased Him” (1 Cor. 12:18 JND). “The members should have the same care one for another” (1 Cor. 12:25).

The Apostle Paul

The Apostle Paul was one member in the body who set a good example of showing affection and care for his brethren in Christ. He said, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). From his writings, we see how well he learned to care for the saints from following the heart of his Master. After cataloging the variety of physical and emotional sufferings that he had endured for the cause of Christ and His church, he then says, “Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?” (2 Cor. 11:28-29). To the Corinthians personally he says, “I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved” (2 Cor. 12:15). And he wasn’t partial either; he showed the same care and affection for the saints in other assemblies also: “We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: so being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us” (1 Thess. 2:7-8).

Timothy

To the saints at Philippi, the Apostle repeated the exhortation to follow him. “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample” (Phil. 3:17). His own son in the faith, Timothy, certainly proved to have a kindred spirit. Paul commended him to the Philippians by saying, “I have no one like-minded who will care with genuine feeling how ye get on” (Phil. 2:20 JND). There must have been that quality in Timothy’s manner of interacting with his brethren, at home and among those he visited in his travels with the Apostle, that showed genuine interest and concern for the saints not only for their temporal needs and wants, but also for their spiritual progress in the things of God.

Overseers in the Assembly

The end of Hebrews says, “Obey your leaders, and be submissive; for they watch over your souls as those that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not groaning, for this would be unprofitable for you” (Heb. 13:17 JND). God has put those in the assembly with the responsibility of oversight to look out for the spiritual well-being of those in the assembly. Earlier in that chapter we read, “Remember your leaders who have spoken to you the word of God; and considering the issue [or, end] of their conversation, imitate their faith” (vs. 7 JND). The foundation of their lives is the Word of God, with their eyes firmly fixed on “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (vs. 8), and they live by faith, in dependence on Him.

Not all of us have been given the responsibility of oversight in the assembly, but we can each be a Timothy. There is room for every one of us to “care with genuine feeling” how someone else is getting along. At the same time, we’ll discover that there are those of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are caring for our souls too.

D. R. Macy

Who Cares? Part 4

One line of the song “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” asks, “If I falter, Lord, who cares?” In previous articles, we have looked in the Scriptures and seen many saints of God who may well have felt this same question in their hearts. We have searched further and learned how deeply the Lord Jesus cares for each one of His own proven at the cross as well as every moment of our present lives. We also have discovered examples of the Lord’s people who demonstrate the same genuine care and affection for others as their Master.

Do Our Brethren Really Care?

But there are times when we ask ourselves, Do our brethren really care? Perhaps we have some interest or desire to do something for the Lord, and we feel like all we get from our brethren is discouragement rather than encouragement, criticism instead of support. Let’s turn to the Scriptures for some lessons and guidance to help us through situations like these.

Jesus and His Earthly Parents

The Word of God records one incident in the life of the Lord Jesus when He was twelve years old, and it relates exactly to our subject. Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. When it was time to return home, they traveled for a day before they realized that “the child Jesus” (Luke 2:43) was not with them; they supposed “Him to have been in the company” (vs. 44) but didn’t bother to check for sure. They returned to Jerusalem to search for Him and found Him after three days. His mother reprimanded Him: “Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing” (vs. 48).

The way the Lord Jesus responded to this situation is very instructive. First, He answered them those who were responsible for Him as His parents-respectfully according to the true desires of His heart. “Why is it that ye have sought Me? did ye not know that I ought to be occupied in My Father’s business?” (vs. 49 JND). While they did not know what He meant (vs. 50), the burden on His heart He shared in fellowship with His Father.

Second, He lived in proper obedience and submission to His earthly relationships at that time in His life. “He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them” (vs. 51). Our “Father’s business” will never take us outside of or cause us to violate the relationships and responsibilities in which God has placed us. Men in relation to their employers and their brethren in the assembly, women in connection with their husbands, young people in relation to their parents and others in the assembly each one of us can fulfill the burdens on our hearts and carry out our present work for the Lord our “Father’s business”-in the context of those relationships without having to be insubmissive to them.

The Lord Jesus, when they found Him in the temple, was not teaching the doctors; He was “both hearing them, and asking them questions” (vs. 46). Such was the fitting demeanor for a boy of His age. Evidently they must have also asked Him some questions, perhaps when they were unable to answer His questions, “and all that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers” (vs. 47). When we keep within the sphere in which the Lord has placed us, the burdens and the gifts that He has given us will be manifest to those around us.

Third, “His mother kept all these sayings in her heart” (vs. 51). The testimony of Jesus’ lips did not go unnoticed by His mother Mary. Though the incident itself was an annoyance to her at the time having to take all that extra time to make the return journey to their home yet in her heart she recognized that Jesus’ answer was deliberate and contained meaningful significance. His words and His actions were recorded in her heart for future use and blessing.

Fourth, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (vs. 52). The results in Jesus’ personal life are beautiful. They are personal, both inward (“wisdom”) and outward (“stature,” or age or size); they are also towards others (“favor with God and man”). The favor is with God first and man second: God should have the first place in everything (Col. 1:18). In every way, the example of the Lord Jesus as a boy of twelve teaches us valuable lessons as to how we should behave when we face similar situations in our lives.

Joseph With His Family

We find the same pattern in the life of Joseph. As a teenager, God gave him two dreams that foretold the future, not only for him and his family, but also prophesying about the Lord Jesus and His relationships with the church and the nation of Israel. Yet, when Joseph shared his dreams with his father and his brothers, they were totally unable to appreciate their significance. In fact, they prompted envy and hatred from his brothers (Gen. 37:5,8,11) and rebuke from his father (vs. 10).

How did Joseph act in the face of such pressure? He was subject to his father, and he continued to seek the welfare of his brothers (vss. 13-17). He paid dearly for such faithfulness we well know the painful heartaches and trials that befell the path of this dear young man. But he counted it of utmost importance to honor God and obey Him in everything, and in the end he was amply rewarded. Nowhere in the entire Old Testament can we find a more beautiful type of our Lord Jesus Christ than in the life of Joseph.

Notice what it says about Jacob in connection with Joseph’s dreams: “His father observed the saying” (vs. 11). Isn’t this similar to what we read about Mary “His mother kept all these sayings in her heart”? When we live in obedience and faithfulness to God and His Word, in the power of the Holy Spirit who indwells us, demonstrating the joy and peace that fill our soul and our spirit, all those around us—our parents, our siblings, our brethren, including those who are older than us will record in their hearts what they observe. Their care may not be immediately obvious. But in time, those whose lives and hearts have been touched by the spirit of Christ manifested in His people will testify to the blessing they have received, and it will be evident that their care and affection are genuine.

D. R. Macy

Who Cares? Part 5

One line of the song “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” asks, “If I falter, Lord, who cares?” Many saints of God in past ages could have raised the same question: “Who cares?” In previous articles, we saw that the Lord Jesus cares with deepest, unchanging love for each one of His redeemed people. Our brethren also care, and we noticed some helpful examples that teach us how to respond when it appears that our brethren don’t care. There remains another solemn answer to this question to consider.

Our Enemies Care

The Christian has three enemies: the world, the flesh and the devil. It may seem strange to mention that if we falter, our enemies care. But the Apostle Paul, in speaking about Satan, says, “We are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11). The Lord Jesus exhorted His disciples to be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matt. 10:16).

The Devil

Satan is called “the accuser of our brethren” (Rev. 12:10). He deceives the whole world (vs. 9). “He was a murderer from the beginning.... There is no truth in him.... He is a liar” (John 8:44). While he can never touch the eternal security of anyone who believes in Jesus, he strives incessantly, through his many “devices” (such as accusations, deceit and lies) to destroy the present joy of the believer by luring him into sin in one form or another. In this sense, the devil cares greatly when we falter. It represents another victory for his evil purposes and ways.

The World

The world also cares. When David sinned grievously with Bath-sheba, the prophet Nathan told him, “By this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme” (2 Sam. 12:14). It assuages the conscience of an unbeliever when a believer indulges in the same habits and lusts that characterize the unsaved person’s life and renders relatively powerless any attempts to witness for Christ and eternal matters.

The Flesh

Our third enemy, our flesh the old nature with which we were born as a child of Adam cares as well. Peter says, “He that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin” (1 Peter 4:1). In other words, when we walk in the power of the new life that we possess in Christ, we don’t sin and, consequently, the flesh suffers because it has no room to act in that life. On the other hand, if we walk in the flesh, we won’t be done with sin in our lives, because the activity of the flesh prompts us to sin.

This “care” shown by our enemies does not, of course, flow from pure motives. It is entirely a selfish interest, seeking its own good, not the blessing of its object. Yet Satan is crafty and can provide the appearance of genuine care that is nothing more than a deceptive lure into his trap. We who truly belong to the Lord Jesus possess a new life that knows what is true, discerns the care that flows from the heart of God through His people, and responds to the activity of that new life in another believer. Let us not be fooled by any of the many “devices” of our enemies.

Still No One Cares?

“If I falter, Lord, who cares?” We have seen that the Lord Jesus does, and His people, our brethren, do. The enemies of the believer do too but only in ways that are diametrically opposed to the spirit of Christ and true affection for the good of His own.

What if, knowing all this, we still feel like no one cares? What if we feel like circumstances in our lives have gone so awry that it seems like even the Lord Jesus doesn’t care about us? What if everywhere we turn, relationships with others we thought were our friends are so messed up that we can’t see anything that feels like care from them for us?

There are many aspects to these questions that would be impossible to cover adequately in one short article. Let’s look at a few thoughts that should help us get to the bottom of these feelings.

Believe God

First of all, do we believe God and His Word? “God, that cannot lie” (Titus 1:2). “It was impossible for God to lie” (Heb. 6:18). “The truth is in Jesus” (Eph. 4:21; also John 14:6). “The Spirit is truth” (1 John 5:6; also John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13). “Thy word is truth” (John 17:17). There is no other stable, sure, absolute foundation on which to anchor our souls. We must get back to this solid rock and rest with complete confidence in what God has told us in His Word about His love and His care for us, not just for everyone else. “Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar” (Rom. 3:4).

Read His Word

Let’s make sure that we’re in the habit of daily reading His Word. And let’s read it each time with the fresh attitude of desiring to learn something more about the heart of our God and our Father to learn more about Him. After all, this is where we’re going to get to know Him as He truly is. Others may present a distorted or improper picture, through their lives or their teachings, of who God is or what He is like, but He has given us a beautiful, consistent and complete revelation of Himself His person, His character, His heart and His ways in His Word. It is the delight of the Holy Spirit, who indwells each of us, to reveal these treasures to us (John 16:13-15).

Self-Judgment

Besides giving us the opportunity to get to know the heart of our Father, the Word of God also faithfully opens our own hearts to us for self-judgment. “The word of God is living and operative, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and penetrating to the division of soul and spirit, both of joints and marrow, and a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12 JND).

If we feel like no one cares for us or about us, sometimes one character or another of the flesh is active in our hearts to produce such feelings. Pride and an independent spirit keep us from being willing to receive the care that others try to display towards us. Jealousy blinds our eyes from seeing the care shown to us when we are envious of others receiving that same care. Bitterness over past hurts makes us misjudge and not appreciate the present kindness and care of our brethren.

These are natural weeds of the human heart, but they are all the works of the flesh, not the Spirit. The only hope for blessing and victory in our lives is to identify each one in God’s presence for what it truly is, judge it before Him to be the work of the flesh, confess it to Him as sin, and continually pray for grace to be overcomers in these areas of our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit and the new life that we have been given.

In conclusion, let’s always remember that the One who gave everything who gave Himself for our eternal blessing cares with infinite love about every detail of our lives now too. If there are those that He has placed in His body who have real care for our souls and how we get on, how much greater is His perfect, never faltering, genuine care and affection for us. May the words of this hymn (Little Flock Hymnbook, #243) express the true desire and prayer of our hearts each day: O Lord! we would delight in Thee, And on Thy care depend; To Thee in every trouble flee, Our safe, unfailing Friend.

O Lord! we cast each care on Thee,

And triumph and adore;

Oh that our great concern may be

To love and praise Thee more.

D. R. Macy

Wholly Dependent on Him

“Teach me Thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path” (Psa. 27:11).

It is so exceedingly sweet to find ourselves wholly dependent upon One who finds infinite joy in blessing us.

Praying and planning will never do together. If I plan, I am leaning more or less on my plan, but when I pray, I should lean exclusively upon God. We often feel very well satisfied with ourselves when we add prayer to our arrangement, or when we have used all lawful means and called upon God to bless them. When this is the case, our prayers are worth about as much as our plans. We can never get to the end of our plans until we have been brought to the end of ourselves.

No matter what we may think of ourselves nor yet what man may think about us, the great question is, What does God think about us?

Food for the Desert

Wise Men

“When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him” (Matt. 2:12).

We have before us the person of Christ and the center God has marked out in His Word where we can meet around Himself. The wise men came to Jerusalem to inquire about His birth, but the religious leaders of that day knew nothing about it. But God in His grace gave those men who came from a far country to see the One born King of the Jews. He was the one who was to bring blessing, not to Israel only, but to the Gentiles also.

We too have been brought from a far country, have we not? We had no claims, no promises, but God in grace wrought in our hearts and gave us to see the blessed person of the Lord Jesus, who is the center of our thoughts the One who is the center of God’s thoughts and the One who is the light and the temple of the coming scene of glory. We were attracted to Him. Surely we delight to come and worship Him now as these wise men from the far country did so long ago.

The wise men came to Jerusalem, where there were those who had the Scriptures; they knew the prophecies, yet they were unconcerned and did not value them as they ought.

Can it be that we, having these same Scriptures in our hands, do not value them as we should? Has each of us become acquainted with God’s holy Word? Has each read it through and through again? There is responsibility as well as privilege connected with being in the place where the Lord is in the midst. All is clearly marked out in the Word if we read it carefully and prayerfully, willing to submit wholly to its precious truths.

The privilege of being gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus to remember Him in His death is but for a little while. His coming draws near. May each be led to rise up seeking His face with renewed purpose of heart and diligence, as did the wise men.

G. H. Hayhoe (adapted from an address)

With Him at the Appointed Hour

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25).

Dear brethren! When the saints for praise or prayer,

Are gathered round the Lord, “the Lord is there”;

The Firstborn, fair, among His chosen race,

Bestowing of His fullness, “grace on grace.”

Can we then, who have tasted of that grace,

Care to be absent when He shows His face?

Say, shall a little rain a lengthy road

Prevent communion with the saints and God?

Lo, Satan’s slaves to scenes of pleasure go,

By day or night, through rain or hail or snow,

And can we careless be of going where

The saints are found for worship or for prayer?

Shall business stay us? friends? or feeling tired?

When our attendance is by Christ desired?

Blush, brethren dear, blush at the very thought,

And let us show that we are better taught.

Suppose an earthly prince should condescend

To bid us to his banquet as a friend,

Would we not seek, by all means in our power,

To be “in court” at the appointed hour?

Granted, lest we should seem to be severe,

There are domestic cases here and there;

Age, illness, service, things quite unforeseen,

To censure which we surely do not mean.

But these will not, unless we greatly err,

Among the true and thoughtful oft occur,

And when they do, e’en then such will endeavor

To come at last “’tis better late than never.”

Dear brethren! ’Tis the Lord must judge each case;

Yet if we really love to see His face

We shall seek grace, as says our simple rhyme,

To gather round Him at the appointed time.

Ano.

The Word of God, and God

Have you ever noticed the transition from the Word of God to God Himself in Hebrews 4? Notice verses 12-13: “The Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.”

It is the living Word of God that reaches down into the conscience of men. There is nothing like it! It penetrates and judges all before it. It carries its own credentials. Men may seek to defend the Word of God, but their puny efforts are not needed. It has stood all the assaults of generations and remains the same living and operative Word of God as before.

His Word has power to touch the inner being of man today even as it had a thousand years ago. It is sharp it cuts.

Sit quietly and read it, allowing it to do its work. If you received a cut with a knife, you would not need further proof of being cut. Just so the Word of God proves itself and brings a person consciously into God’s presence, for behind the Word of God is God!

He is the One with whom we have to do. No human being can escape having to do with the living God. How good it is then to have His Word search us and by its action bring us before Him.

P. Wilson (Christian Truth, 1948, adapted)

A Word on Pastors and Teachers

The next class [in Eph. 4:11] pastors and teachers-is brought together as one (for watching and feeding and that with the Word) and is most clearly united and identified.

Pastorship includes guidance in holy wisdom and grace and applying teaching to the state of the saints. (We have seen the subordinate part of this distributed by itself; Rom. 12:7.) But the gift here [in Eph. 4] is guiding as a pastor, shepherding and feeding the flock, applying the Word in wisdom, watching against intruding heresies, building up by the Word, guarding and securing from evil, guiding the feet of the saints into straight paths in a word, the care of the saints. It is not here government controlling the flesh, but the ministration of grace, nourishing and cherishing, guiding and feeding. Some were pastors and teachers.

These were ministrations: the first two (apostles and prophets) being in their primary sense the foundation-extraordinary and the last three (evangelists, pastors and teachers), the ordinary abiding ministrations of the church to build them up in Christ’s known and thus ministered fullness, that the body of Christ might be edified, “grow up into Him.”

The primary and full object was the perfecting of the saints their being formed and fashioned according to the pattern of this fullness and into it, that “we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men” (Eph. 4:14).

J. N. Darby (Collected Writings, Vol. 3, excerpted)

Working in Difficult Times

When all is prosperous and the progress of the gospel is remarkable, even the world is struck with it and the work is easy. In spite of difficulties and opposition, man, even in consequence of opposition, is bold and persevering.

But when others, Christians even, forsake the laborer, when evil and the deceptions of the enemy come in, when love has grown cold and, because one is faithful, prudence takes alarm desiring a less forward walk to then stand firm, to persevere in the work and to maintain one’s courage is not at all an easy thing.

We must possess Christianity with God, so that we know why we stand. We must ourselves be in communion with Him in order to have the strength necessary to continue laboring in His name and to have the sustainment of grace at all times.

J. N. Darby

The Christian Shepherd: 2003

Table of Contents

Advice on Reading Books

An Ambassador in Bonds

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2002 - (l)

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (a)

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (b)

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (c)

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (d)

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (e)

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (f)

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (g)

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (h)

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (i)

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (j)

Answers to Last Month's Bible Challenger: 2003 - (k)

Beholding the Person

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (a)

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (b)

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (c)

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (d)

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (e)

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (f)

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (g)

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (h)

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (i)

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (j)

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (k)

Bible Challenger: 2003 - (l)

Boldness Before God

Book and Pamphlet Review

Buying and Wasting the Truth

The Call of God in Grace to Our Father

"Christ Is All"

Christ-Pleasers

The Colt

Comfort

Communion and Advocacy

Conformed or Transformed?

Correct Answers to October Bible Challenger

Dear Daddy - Dear Son

Difficult Days

Divine Sympathy

Does Homeschooling Isolate Children?

Editorial: A True Hero

Editorial: "As I Have Loved You"

Editorial: Battle for the Heart

Editorial: Competition

Editorial: Complacent Christianity

Editorial: Faith, Love and Hope

Editorial: Great Need - Divine Supply

Editorial: "Not Many Fathers"

Editorial: Pennies and Nickels

Editorial: Perfect!

Editorial: Who Is the Enemy?

Editorial: "With Me"

Editor's Note

Encouraging Each Other - "Consider Him."

Exhortations on Shepherding

The Father Seeks Worshippers

"Feed the Flock": A Great Answer

"Feed the Flock": An Abundant Answer

"Feed the Flock": "Dear Dad"

"Feed the Flock": Everybody or Nobody

"Feed the Flock": "My Thoughts Are Not Your Thoughts"

"Feed the Flock": The Best Quality

"Feed the Flock": The Catch and Lesson of a Lifetime

"Feed the Flock": The Only Face She Saw

"Feed the Flock": The Wooden Bowl

"Feed the Flock": Too Much to Ask?

"Feed the Flock": "Wear" Spots or "Prayer" Spots?

"Feed the Flock": "Ye Have Done It Unto Me"

For Christian Parents

Foul Practices - Fair Names

Four Questions Concerning Worship

Fragment: 1 Cor. 11:27

Fragment: A Beautiful Object

Fragment: Affected by the Atmosphere

Fragment: Are You Drinking of It?

Fragment: Are You Satisfied?