The Great Commission Bible Overview Saved At Seventy-Five

January 2014 Vol. 81 No. 1

1 His Command To You

Paul Alberts

15 Electronic Dialogue
Roger Penney

2 Go Ye Into All The World

James McGranahan

17 Discover The Wisdom Of Proverbs 28

Alan Groth

27 Genesis

OVERVIEW

Leslie M. Grant

19 A Divine Plan
Alan H. Crosby

29 What Is A Shepherd? Part Two

Albert Blok

3 Gods Plan And Purpose

11 A Call For Christian To Go!

Colin Salter

9 Hearing His Call

Emanuel V. John

35 Is it heresy to baptize only in the name of Jesus Christ? 21 Pre-Marriage Relationships Part Three
Philip Nunn

Answered by Eugene P. Vedder, Jr

38 Saved at Seventy-Five
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Grace & Truth Magazine is prepared with the help of an editorial staff and counsel from several advisers. Use of an article does not imply agreement with other teachings by the author. Paul Alberts MANAGING EDITOR

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ISSN 1061-2521

hen we begin a new year we anticipate a change of some kind. In the Bible, we find a transition taking place when we move from the Gospels into Acts. It is not a new year but a new dispensation a change in how God deals with people. The Lord Jesus Christ gave instructions to His disciples just before ascending to heaven. About ten days later the Holy Spirit filled the believers, causing them to speak of the mighty deeds of God in all the languages of those who heard (Acts 2:1-11). From that day to the present those who put their trust in the saving grace of the Lord Jesus are added to the Church, waiting for the moment when they will meet Him in the air and forever be with Him in heaven. Will you be there? In His instructions the Lord commanded His own to go and make disciples of all the nations (Mt. 28:19 NASB). Directed to the followers of Christ, the question for every believer is: Am I being obedient by telling others about my Lord and Savior? Throughout

His Command To You

the Bible we find words of encouragement and warning about doing what the Lord says. As to a portion in Judges, William MacDonald wrote in his Believers Bible Commentary (pg. 270), Scripture notes carefully those who fought in the battle and those who stood passively by, unwilling to risk their safety in Jehovahs cause. And so it is today: the Lord knows who is actively confronting the world and the Devil and who is sitting back and simply watching. There is a time of reward coming, but it is also a time of loss (1 Cor. 3:1015). Will you be rewarded or simply saved, yet so as through fire? As you read the articles the Lord brought together for this months edition, we hope that you will enjoy a glimpse of His great plan and desire for all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4). You may be reminded of the articles on Romans from the July / August 2013 edition as you see again that the power for gospel work comes from God. We hope that you will, through the Holy Spirits work in your life, be freshly motivated to tell others about the Lord and to live your life as a testimony of His love for all mankind both young and old. Press on for Him!

Grace & Truth Magazine January 2014

Far, far away, in heathen darkness dwelling, Millions of souls forever may be lost; Who, who will go, salvations story telling, Looking to Jesus, minding not the cost?

Go Ye Into All The World

See over the world wide open doors inviting, Soldiers of Christ, arise and enter in! Christians, awake! your forces all uniting, Send forth the gospel, break the chains of sin.

Refrain: All power is given unto Me, All power is given unto Me, Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel, And lo, I am with you always.

Why will you die? the voice of God is calling; Why will you die? re-echo in His name; Jesus has died to save from death appalling, Life and salvation therefore go proclaim. God speed the day, when those of evry nation Glory to God! triumphantly shall sing; Ransomed, redeemed, rejoicing in salvation, Shout Hallelujah, for the Lord is King.

James McGranahan (1840-1907)

Grace & Truth Magazine January 2014

COMMISSION
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20 NASB

GREAT

Gods Plan And Purpose

e sometimes think that Gods plan for the evangelization of the world began when He uttered these words recorded in Matthew 28 to His disciples. However, a careful student of the Word will realize that God always had a plan to reconcile people from around the world to Himself. God spoke about His plan to Abraham already in Genesis 12:3: And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.

THE

We remember the beautiful paradise called Eden that God created for man. But this was soon corrupted when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit. They were cast out of that special place and were separated from their Creator-God, losing the

Creation To Abraham

close, intimate fellowship they had enjoyed with Him. Because of their behavior, the earth was cursed and suffering soon followed. Their firstborn son, Cain, murdered their second son, Abel. The condition of man degenerated rapidly, and the extreme evil that followed led to a worldwide 3

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flood that destroyed everything. Only one righteous man was found Noah who was saved along with his family in the ark he had built at Gods command. It was soon obvious that sin in the heart of man had not changed. The next major rebellion took place at Babel where strong leaders decided to build a tower to make a name for themselves, opposing Gods command to spread out over the earth. God halted their labors by confusing their language and forced them to separate across the earth according to their many diverse languages. Gods plan was to reach the people of the whole world through one new nation, Israel, which was to be dedicated to God and a light to the other nations. This was to happen through one faithful man whom He chose: Abraham. This patriarch was called to follow God, which necessitated leaving his father, relatives, country and pagan gods. He would make a new beginning, establishing a genealogical line of God-loving descendants, through whom He would eventually manifest Himself as the Perfect Man and Savior of the world. Throughout that process Israel was to be a blessing to all nations. And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall 4

be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed (Gen. 12:2-3). This promise was later confirmed, The LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, since Abraham will surely become a great and mighty nation, and in him all the nations of the earth will be blessed? (Gen. 18:17-18). Gods purpose was that all men everywhere would come to know Him and be reconciled to Him. Then I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth (Ps. 46:10). Abraham was tested further and proved his faithfulness to God when he showed his readiness to sacrifice even his son Isaac. God saw his faith and confirmed the unconditional covenant with him. By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice (Gen. 22:16-18). The LORD confirmed this covenant to Isaac, I will be with

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you and bless you and I will establish the oath which I swore to your father Abraham. I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven, and will give your descendants all these lands; and by your descendants all the nations of the earth shall be blessed (Gen. 26:3-4). God also confirmed these promises to Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes that formed the nation of Israel, I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac Your descendants will also be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and in you and in your descendants shall all the families of the earth be blessed (Gen. 28:13-14). Through Israel the power and wonder of God became known, and the enemies of Israel feared Him. Among the many references in the Old Testament we see that through plagues and miracles, when Moses sought to persuade Pharaoh to let the people of God go, the idol gods of Egypt were proven to be nothing. God brought Israel out of Egypt with a strong hand, parting the waters of the Red Sea and destroying the armies of Pharaoh. Through these miracles God wanted to manifest

Old Testament Israel

Himself to the nations. And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD (Ex. 14:4). Jethro, Moses father-in-law, was one who was quick to recognize the power and might of the one true God. So Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD who delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of Pharaoh, and who delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. Now I know that the LORD is greater than all the gods (Ex. 18:10-11). Forty years later Rahab and all in Jericho trembled as they remembered that there was a God in Israel. This brought about the conversion of Rahab and her family. I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land have melted away before you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. When we heard it, our hearts melted and no courage remained in any man any longer because of you; for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath (Josh. 2:911). When David went out to slay 5

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Goliath he did so to make God known to the Philistines. This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel (1 Sam. 17:46). Naaman the leper came to know that God was the real and only God whom he found through the testimony of His prophet in Israel. When [Naaman] returned to the man of God with all his company, and came and stood before him, he said, Behold now, I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel (2 Ki. 5:15). There are a few other Old Testament verses I want to share with you that show that some in Israel were aware of Gods purpose. The prophet Isaiah said, You are My witnesses, declares the LORD, And My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me (Isa. 43:10). David declared, All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and they shall glori6

fy Your name. For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God (Ps. 86:9-10). Malachi, the last book written before the Savior was born, prophesied that God planned for all nations to know and glorify God. For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts (Mal. 1:11). Unfortunately, over the centuries, Israel failed miserably in being a light to bring the nations to God, even though there were many bright spots when they did understand and proclaim Gods glory. By the time the disciples were following the Lord Jesus, they thought that He had come just to save the people of Israel. They couldnt imagine that the Lord Jesus was interested in saving Gentiles. It must have been a great surprise for the Lords disciples when He commanded them to make disciples of all nations, for even after Pentecost (Acts 2) thousands of Jews were hearing the message of salvation and becoming a part of the Church.

In The New Testament

Grace & Truth Magazine January 2014

But it wasnt until Cornelius, a Roman centurion, sent for Peter that the disciples began to understand Gods desire for global evangelization (Acts 10). The Lord showed Peter through a strange dream repeated three times that what He had created was not unclean. In the dream a sheet came down from the sky filled with all sorts of animals, birds and crawling creatures. When told to kill and eat Peter was shocked and declared to the Lord that he had never eaten anything not according to the dietary laws of Israel. The Lord used this dream to show Peter that the purpose of making Himself known to the nations was not something new. Rather, it was His plan all along His peoples being witnesses throughout the world. Peter went to the home of Cornelius and preached the gospel to those there. They all became born again Christians and were baptized by the Holy Spirit into the Church of the Living God. In Antioch a short time later Paul and Barnabas worked with believers of different nationalities who likewise had come to salvation through the message of the gospel. After a council in Jerusalem with the apostles and elders it became clear that the gospel was for all people (Acts 15).

With this some of the teaching of the Lord Jesus became better understood: For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (Jn. 3:16). And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself (Jn. 12:32). I have other sheep, which are not of this fold [Israel]; I must bring them [Gentiles] also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd (Jn. 10:16). Paralleling the great commission in Matthew 28:19-20, Luke reminded his readers that just before the Ascension the Lord Jesus laid on His followers the ministry of global evangelization. The Lord said, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth (Acts 1:8). Witnessing is something in which every follower of the Lord Jesus is commanded to participate. The Lord tells His followers that they are the light of the world (Mt. 5:14). No matter where we live or the country we call home, there are

What About You?

Grace & Truth Magazine January 2014

people all around us who do to His people so that He not know the Lord Jesus will be exalted and that Christ as Savior and people from every Lord. We have a nation, tribe and duty to be a wittongue will be ness to them among those who neighbors, busiworship at the ness associates, throne of the One friends and relawho was slain. tives. Dont be Then they will all afraid to speak a be able to sing that word for Jesus; as the new song together: lost are heading for an Worthy are You to eternity in the lake of take the book and to fire! its seals; for You I will be exalted break Some have the chalwere slain, and purlenge of being called among the nations. chased for God with as missionaries to forYour blood men from eign lands. When God I will be exalted in every tribe and tongue calls them they need to and people and prepare their hearts nation (Rev. 5:9). the earth and minds for the misGods purpose is sion ahead. They must learn the that all the people from all the language, study the culture, be nations will know Him and exalt willing to accept people as they Him. Be still, and know that I am are, and then make the move to the God; I will be exalted among the God-appointed place. They must nations. I will be exalted in the be ready for hardships, toil and earth (Ps. 46:10). tears, while understanding that this What is your part in His plan is the work that the Lord has given and purpose? GT

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.
Jim Elliot

Grace & Truth Magazine January 2014

GREAT
COMMISSION
by Emanuel V. John

n our day when many lives are perishing through crime and violence, there is a great push for self-defense through the ownership and use of guns and other weapons. But I believe that the need of the hour is for self-deliverance through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore it is important and urgent for us to reach the world, preaching the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes (Rom. 1:16 NKJV). Here are four reasons that I have found as to why we should present our living Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to a dying world: us to bring the world to Christ, but to take Christ to the world. Believers may well ask, How should we go into the world, and not with the world? We should go into the world with His power. Then Jesus came and spoke to them saying, 9

1. There is a command from above by our risen Lord Jesus. Those of us who have heard the call of Christ to come unto Him (Mt. 11:28), should heed His command to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (Mk. 16:15). It is not for

THE

Hearing His Call And Heeding His Command

Grace & Truth Magazine January 2014

2. There is the cry from below. Then [the rich man] said, I beg you therefore, father, that you 10

All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth (Mt. 28:18). He has divine power to release any person, in any place, at any period (Acts 3:1-11, 12:1-11, 16:16-34). We should go into the world with His program. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you (Mt. 28:19-20). We must depend on the Holy Spirit to work through us in sharing the gospel that will lead to people believing in Christ, belonging to Christ and behaving like Christ. We should go into the world with the confidence of His presence with us. And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Mt. 28:20). His presence is not something we endure, but it is something we enjoy moment by moment. The gospel of Matthew opens with the promise of Immanuel, which is translated God with us (Mt. 1:23). Matthew 18:20 reveals that presence in the context of worship, but here it is the divine presence in the context of witness.

would send [Lazarus] to my fathers house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment (Lk. 16:2728). This is a family with one in hell and five others, although still alive, on their way to that place of torment. Oh that we might hear the cries of perishing souls requesting us to tell others of the Savior of sinners, our Lord Jesus Christ! 3. There is a call from without. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, Come over to Macedonia and help us (Acts 16:9). In response to that call, Paul and Silas were channels through which God worked in saving a man from suicide (Acts 16:25-31).

4. There is the constraining love of Christ. For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again (2 Cor. 5:14-15). May we in love respond to His command to go and tell others about Him the only Savior of sinners. GT

Grace & Truth Magazine January 2014

GREAT
COMMISSION
by Colin Salter

Him. In the Gospels, the twelve disciples followed, learned from and admired Jesus Christ (Mt. 10:1; Jn. 13:35, 15:8). But these individuals alone would never achieve the great commission on their own; it is for all the followers of Christ. Some evangelists that the Lord has used to impact lives have become world-famous. But even though we may feel unknown to anyone except God, each one of us has an important role to perform. God placed you precisely where you are to reach your immediate circle of neighbors, colleagues and friends. Are you ready to be a useful tool in Gods hand? This is evangelism: to introduce others to your one special Friend and Savior, Jesus Christ. By tracing the word follow in Marks gospel we discover a picture of commitment that makes all other ties secondary: Fishermen Simon Peter and Andrew left their business to follow Jesus and were changed

C Lord Jesus Christ (Mt. 28:18-20). It is a charge to do a task for

hristians have been commissioned to tell every person about the

A Call For Christians To Go!

THE

Our Following And Commitment

into fishers of men (Mk. 1:17-18). Tax collector Levi, who left his collection booth, followed at the command of Jesus and soon introduced his Lord to his unsaved friends who also then followed (Mk. 2:14-15). 11

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 Crowds surging around Jesus in the area of Caesarea Philippi heard Him challenge everyone to make a costly, individual commitment; suffering as part of following. Take up his cross brought the vivid picture of a publicly humiliated and condemned man to the listeners minds (Mk. 8:31,34). Jesus was crucified a short time later (Mt. 27:15-44). Through Him a gentle army of following Christians would infiltrate the world with a message of life-transforming love from a holy God. One man described as a rich (Mk. 10:22), young (Mt. 19:22) ruler (Lk. 18:18) wanted to be sure of having eternal life. But the Lord pointed out an obstacle that stood in the mans way of following Him: the man would not let go of his riches to grasp the Savior (Mk. 10:21; see also Mt. 6:24). Peter with the disciples drew a response from the Lord Jesus Christ affirming eternal rewards for allowing the things of earth to matter less to them than Jesus and the gospel (Darrell Bock, The Gospel of Mark). Throughout Christian history men and women have left worldly possessions in order to give themselves to the service of following God (Mk. 10:28). 12

A group of women had followed [Jesus] and cared for his needs during His earthly ministry (Mk. 15:41; Lk. 8:1-3). Their humble service was used of the Lord during His ministry years. There are always many ways to serve in the overall Christian mission. A follower goes in a similar manner and the same way as the person whom He is following. Our Lord Jesus Christ encouraged everyone to think seriously about spiritual matters, consider God their Creator, and ponder their eternal destiny. Realizing that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is with us, we should do the same. By His Spirit He is already working in the hearts of those with whom we talk, ordering their life circumstances as well as ours to plant seeds of His Word into lives. I urge you to follow Him, walk with Him and consciously accompany Him in your daily activity.

Introducing Others To Christ

From Matthew 28:16-20 we notice five steps to introduce other people to our Lord Jesus Christ: 1. Worship the Lord Jesus Christ yourself (v.17). The eleven disciples obediently followed the word of the risen

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2. Understand where true authority is (v.18). We do not need to feel strong or adequate to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. The power of the gospel is in the message, not the messenger. Paul speaks of the gospel as bearing fruit and growing (Col. 1:6) and was confident in God to carry on to completion the good work that was begun (Phil. 1:6). He wrote how the Lords message rang out from the young Thessalonian believers (1 Th. 1:8).

Lord heard through the women who had gone to His tomb (vv.810). One hundred percent obedience is a sign of true worship. The apostle Paul saw the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the focal point for all creation and responded to the call of God to be a witness, deeply appreciating the grace of God in his own life (Gal. 1:13-17; 1 Cor. 15:5-11; Rom. 15:15-16; Acts 9:15-16,20). Take special note of the reference in Acts as Ananias shared that Paul would suffer much. This was not the easy calling or comfortable career that we see in much of Christianity today. Rather, it often proves costly surrendering your life to God for whatever He may choose to allow you to go through in life. This is genuine Christian worship.

3. Move deliberately into evangelism (v.19). The little word go has big implications. After understanding authority, there must be a conscious effort to become a Christian witness. In a sense, people who call themselves Christian are already witnesses, since individuals outside of the faith will judge them. It is necessary for every Christian to be consciously aware of being a witness all day, every day. Ask yourself first thing each morning, How does my Lord want me to represent Him today? Speak about the person and the work of Jesus Christ to anyone who will listen (1 Cor. 9:19-23). For me this meant first witnessing to my schoolmates and later to my work colleagues. I also gave 13

All authority in heaven and on earth belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ (Mt. 28:18 NIV). We speak with that authority to our coworkers. When we speak with family members and friends we can trust Gods power to work in the other person. Whenever human authorities challenge us, we can respectfully say that God tells us to submit to human authority except when doing so compromises our Christian faith. We need to witness sensitively, yet boldly (Acts 4:19-20; 1 Pet. 2:12-17).

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4. Mark out new converts (v.19). He instructed, Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a clear and distinct point. Some believers have been baptized and others have not. There are committed Christians who are ready to serve while others are still counting the cost. In Acts, new believers were baptized (Acts 2:41, 8:36-39, 9:18-19, 10:47-48), linking baptism with repentance. Water baptism, a picture of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, gives testimony to the believers repentance, the turning away from sin to God. It is very fitting to begin a new life in Christ by baptism. It is also important for believers to gather together in His name. If no Biblically sound gathering exists where God sends you, it may be necessary to start one. Acts and most New Testament let14

testimony at gospel music events around London. Eventually, He led my wife and me to Khartoum, Sudan. God graciously brought people to Himself in every place using His followers, whether it was through me or someone else. Fifty years ago, when I surrendered to Gods will, I had no idea where He would lead me. Looking back, I have no regrets as Gods call can always be trusted.

ters show us that Paul, Barnabas and Silas did this on their missionary journeys. 5. Take time to disciple young Christians (vv.19-20). Mold them into the image of Jesus Christ. This will happen as you arrange Bible classes to teach them to obey everything that Jesus commanded. Paul and Barnabas taught Antiochs new converts for a whole year and it resulted in the disciples being called Christians first at Antioch (Acts 11:25-26). At one church where I fellowshipped we had a discipleship class every Sunday morning as an alternative to our adult Bible class. New believers and interested but not-yet believers were channeled into this group. Practical areas of life were put alongside the Bibles teaching. People had mentors assigned to meet them once a week outside of the class. Thanks be to God, many of those young converts have remained faithful to the Lord. Your investment of time and energy will be rewarded. Not all will continue in Christ, but many will. In turn they will become Gods disciple-making personal evangelists of the future, leading many to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ before He returns. GT

Act

Grace & Truth Magazine January 2014

Wevangelism meaning that

e often speak of personal

Electronic Dialogue
by Roger Penney today, from private conversations between family members and neighbors to street evangelists that use displays to illustrate their preaching. Many such evangelists, having a ready answer and wit, are very good at answering questions and developing a conversation with the inquiring individual. In our society the electronic witness through social media, although having the disadvantage of not being face to face, has its own value and advantages. I remember a conversation I had with a man at a bookstall who was preaching about his religion. We had a pleasant visit, but I felt later that I had not done justice to the message of the gospel. It made me realize that I am not good in giving spontaneous responses to questions and arguments; I need to think an answer out. It is comforting to know that others have similar shortcomings. 15

we have a conversation with individuals in the hope of being able to tell them about our Lord Jesus Christ. In my experience I have found it is best to let the other person choose the subjects of conversation, having a genuine interest in him or her rather than seeing them simply as someone to whom to preach. Whereas the preach at attitude often turns people away, showing real interest and even sympathy, or giving a shoulder to cry on, is of very great value. We may remember Dorcas who made clothes for the needy (Acts 9:36-39) her actions and life preached for her as she exhibited true compassion. In addition to the example of Dorcas, we may think of the dialogue that Philip enjoyed with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-31). We see a range of examples

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A Facebook page that presented claims of a religion gave an opportunity. I challenged the assertions and had two responses to which I was able to respond in my own turn. In this media I was able to think out the nature and the wording of their responses as well as my own. This is an advantage one does not have in face-toface conversation. Many social media networks allow one to make a challenge or ask a question. Regardless of receiving a response, these entries will be read. Through these means I have been able to point out the teaching that most sins are conceived in the mind, and that thoughts are as bad as the deeds (Mt. 5:27-28, 15:18-19; Jas.1:1415). Only the Lord knows the results of this work for Him. Many people form groups for communication with one another. Recently I found a group that included a man who was arguing strongly for his own version of religion instead of for freedom in the Lord Jesus. Being older and more experienced, God by His grace enabled me to counter his arguments. Whether it helped him or not, I was assured that my remarks were helpful to others in the group who were struggling with his views. Twitter is also an interesting way of witnessing. Paul wrote that 16

we are ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20 KJV. See also Eph. 6:20). An ambassador, we remind ourselves, is someone who represents his country to the people of another country. As ambassadors, we believers are of the heavenly country where the Lord Jesus is King and we are His representatives to tell His truth in word and in deed to the nations around us. It hardly needs pointing out that very soon the heavenly ambassadors are to be called home. A favorite activity of mine is to exhort Christians to be Bereans, who, were more noble in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily whether these things were so (Acts 17:11). What a wonderful example! Blogging is another electronic media worth mentioning. It is an exercise in which Christians can be profitably involved. However, I have to add that these things are not for everyone. Not everyone is a teacher or an evangelist, nor are there many who have Pauls knowledge of things philosophical and religious. To enter the public arena, as perhaps gladiators for Christ, one needs to be a practiced swordsman or woman and keep a close watch on himself and his teaching. GT

A Word Of Caution

Grace & Truth Magazine January 2014

The purpose of this column is to help you study the Bible on your own. Look up the Bible references and think about them before writing your answers. Do not send this study to us, as this is not a correspondence course.

DISCOVER THE WISDOM OF PROVERBS

CHAPTER 28 by Alan Groth

Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand all. Proverbs 28:5 NKJV

Throughout this chapter you will read about the law, princes and lands. In these lands various princes rise up to rule. The people react in different ways to these rulers. Find out how by reading through the chapter carefully. Read Proverbs 28 1. The wicked and the righteous are mentioned in verses 1, 12, and 28. How are they contrasted?

v.1_________________________________________________________________________________________

v.12 _______________________________________________________________________________________ v.28 _______________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What is written about the poor? v.3_________________________________________________________________________________________ v.6_________________________________________________________________________________________ v.8_________________________________________________________________________________________ v.11 _______________________________________________________________________________________ Grace & Truth Magazine January 2014 17

v.15 _______________________________________________________________________________________ v.27 _______________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What is written about the rich or riches? v.6_________________________________________________________________________________________ v.11 _______________________________________________________________________________________ v.20 _______________________________________________________________________________________ v.22 _______________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Name one good thing that happens when you obey the law. _________ 5. Name one bad thing that happens when you dont obey the law. ___ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________

6. What will you receive if you confess and forsake your sins? __________

7. At the end of the chapter, the heart is used in two proverbs. Can our hearts be trusted? _____________________________________________________________________ 8. What two animals did you read about in this chapter? _________________ 9. Which of these proverbs was the most helpful to you? _________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Next month well continue to Discover the wisdom of Proverbs.

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ALL

THINGS WERE CREATED by the Son (Col. 1:16 NIV). This includes intelligent creatures such as angels and humans who, within limits, are free to do as they choose. Some angels have sinned (2 Pet. 2:4) and all humans have sinned (Rom. 3:23). God knew all that would happen from the very beginning but He had a plan to deal with it.

A Divine Plan
Believers During The Present Dispensation Are To Be Special

In Gods plan His beloved Son would become flesh (Jn. 1:14) and share in humanity so that by His death (Heb. 2:14) He might destroy the devils work (1 Jn. 3:8). Through His death believers would escape from the trap of the devil who had taken them captive to do his will (2 Tim. 2:26). We first see this trap operate with Eve and Adam! Escape from this captivity would, in Gods plan, be made possible for people when they were redeemed by the Son. The Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, would shed His precious blood ... [as] a Lamb without blemish or defect (1 Pet. 1:19-20). Also, from the founding

Gods Plan

of the world there would be the book of life of the slain lamb (Rev. 13:8 JND). In it would be written the names of those of every dispensation who believed God and had eternal life. Sadly, there would also be rejecters of Gods way of salvation. Their names would not be found written in the book of life and they would be thrown into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15 NIV) for eternity presumably the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels (Mt. 25:41).

by Alan H. Crosby

Believers since the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-41) are now made part of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:12,27), the Church. The Son of God came as Christ to form the Church (Mt. 16:16-18) and He loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless (Eph. 5:25-27). 19

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She is called the bride, the wife of the Lamb (Rev. 21:9), and will be married to Him when the wedding of the Lamb has come (Rev. 19:7). Attending that wedding as guests will be the saints of other dispensations, including John the Baptist who called himself a friend who attends the bridegroom (Jn. 3:29). The bliss that we, the Church, will experience with our Lord in heav-

Conclusion

en is beyond verbal description. Therefore, the Holy Spirit resorts to the metaphors of the bride, the wife, and marriage to communicate something of what that bliss will be like. We are now, so to speak, a fiance who is deeply in love, who adores her fianc and awaits her wedding day. We look forward to that day when He fulfills His promise Yes, I am coming soon and we, the bride to be now says, Come, come Lord Jesus (Rev. 22:17,20). GT

With mercy and with judgment my web of time He wove, And aye the dews of sorrow were lustred with His love. Ill bless the hand that guided, Ill bless the heart that planned, When throned where glory dwelleth in Immanuels land. Oh, I am my Beloveds, and my Beloveds mine; He brings a poor vile sinner into His house of wine. I stand upon His merit; I know no safer stand, Not een where glory dwelleth in Immanuels land. The bride eyes not her garment, but her dear bridegrooms face; I will not gaze at glory, but on my King of grace; Not at the crown He giveth, but on His pierced hand: The Lamb is all the glory of Immanuels land.

Mrs. Anne Ross Cousin (1824-1906)

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PRE-MARRIAGE RELATIONSHIPS

The Search For A Christian Life Partner

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 NIV by Philip Nunn

Part Three

we will continue this month with more detailed, fatherly advice related to finding that one with whom you can honor God in marriage. As quoted earlier, A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord (1 Cor. 7:39). This widow like every other unmarried Christian is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. How can we exercise this freedom to marry today? How can someone go about finding his or her life partner? Gods will for my life has boundaries. Some boundaries are clearly stated in Scripture while others are based on Biblical principles. Within these boundaries the Lord allows us freedom to choose. From the Scriptures we learn that our heavenly Father is

mate and for all believers in the previous two parts of this article,

aving considered several important points for those seeking a

Finding That Mate

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not only interested in our choices but also in how we reach our decisions, values and motivations. Do we take Him into account in our decision-making processes? Are we seeking His guidance? Are we desiring to promote His kingdom? When considering a marriage partner, Scripture provides some clear boundaries: He must be a Christian therefore all non-Christians will be excluded. He must not be married to another person therefore all people in a marriage relationship will be excluded. He must be a man if you are a woman, and vice-versa therefore all those of your own gender will be excluded. If you already sense a specific calling of God in your life you should seek someone who also has that calling or is sympathetic towards it not someone opposed to it. Fixed and flexible boundaries: Some of the boundaries are fixed and we have no authority to move them. For example, a nonChristian should never be considered as a potential marriage partner. That boundary is fixed. With other boundaries, such as age, maturity, education, cultural background and the like, you may

Important Observations

be cautiously flexible. Love and realism: Dont forget that you are not perfect and that the perfect life partner doesnt exist. God designed marriage for humans and all of them have their faults. Look at happy marriages around you: it is possible to be happily married without being perfect! Taking initiative: It makes good natural sense to consciously seek, go to events and get involved in projects that allow you to meet and interact with fellow Christians. You will need to take some initiative. One thing must be clear: Once you have married your spouse becomes the right one for you. Love that marriage partner and be faithful to him or her for the rest of your life. Dont entertain what if thoughts about others that phase has past. Exclusively build up the relationship with the one to whom the Lord God has united you until death breaks you apart. We shall now consider that very special period which moves a couple from friendship to marriage. At some point a man and a woman become aware that something more than a good friendship has been awakened between them. It is

Becoming Romantic And Exclusive

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romantic since they feel strongly attracted to each other. This phase begins once this mutually agreeable sentiment has been expressed and responded to. It is an emotionally charged moment, and from then on certain expectations are awakened. This new phase in the relationship is exclusive since there is only room for the two of you. You will find yourself restricted and you will feel betrayed if you discover that your partner was simultaneously romantically involved with another person. But this phase is also temporal because while there is some commitment it is not yet lifelong. This is a beautiful exploratory time where the exclusiveness of the relationship keeps others at a distance while you get to know each other better. During this phase the couple grows together, they feel they need each other, their souls begin to bond together and they become aware that they experience pain when separated for any length of time. Since ending a romantic relationship is usually very painful for one or both of you, it is very wise to do some preliminary research before you say, I love you or yes to a romantic relationship. Here are some important areas for your consideration: Family: This is an important area of exploration because

unconsciously we carry a great deal of our family background into our new relationships. How does he or she behave at home? Does he respect the authority of his parents? Does he help around the house? Is she negative or critical towards her brothers or sisters? Does it look like she wants to use you to escape from a difficult situation? Does she love her family? Character: What is the person really like? Is she open and honest? Does she take her responsibilities seriously? Does he finish what he has begun? Does he have or has he had some addiction? Is he kind? Is she forgiving? Is he generous? Is he selfish? Is she proud? Does he show sensitivity towards the needs of others? Does he volunteer to help? Usually, it is difficult times that reveal someones true character. How does he behave under stress, pain or disappointment? Relationships: How does he relate to other people? What kind of friends does she have? Has he or she had a romantic relationship before? Has it really ended? Why and how did it end? Is he courteous and respectful toward women? Does she flirt with others? Does he have enemies? Does 23

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she make an effort to mend broken relationships? Does he seek to dominate or manipulate others? How does she function as a team player? Is he responsible? Do others consider him or her a good and loyal friend? Maturity: Is she emotionally stable? Does she depend emotionally on her parents or on some of her friends? Does he take his studies and work seriously? Is she afraid of hard work? Does he easily drop his commitments? Is she disciplined in her use of time and finances? Does he have debts? Is he easily offended? What does he do with his free time? Do others who know him/her, consider him/her prepared (or nearly so) to enter a marriage relationship? Spirituality: Do those who know him consider him a genuine born again Christian? Is the congregation with whom she worships considered to be one of sound Biblical doctrine? Does he show evidence of being a growing Christian? Would he make a good spiritual head for your home? Does she have Scriptural convictions? Does she have a faith of her own? Does he enjoy his walk with Jesus? Is he using his gifts to serve the Lord in his 24

local church? What attitude does she have towards the leadership of her church? Does he take some initiative in spiritual matters? As long as you are in some way dependent on your parents, they will feel responsible for you. That holds also for the person to whom you feel attracted. There may be some exceptions, but generally speaking it is very wise to seek the opinion and blessing of your parents. It is also true that it is your life that you are living before God. You will be responsible for deciding whether or not to marry and whom to marry, but to choose to ignore parents and their life experience on this important matter is usually not wise. Your parents probably know you fairly well and for many years. Their suggestions and words of caution or approval can be very valuable to you. Parents usually love their children dearly. Your parents are deeply concerned about your future. Your friends parents are also deeply concerned about his or her future. By being open, by seeking the approval of parents and by keeping them informed of important developments you will win their trust, respect and affection which is definitely a worthwhile investment!

What About The Parents?

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A healthy pre-marriage relationship is the necessary foundation for a healthy marriage.

Is The Relationship Unhealthy?
Sometimes a romantic relationship may start very well but in time it may turn unhealthy and even harmful. Here are some signs that a relationship is heading the wrong way: Ignoring the family: You are not alone. You will always remain part of your family. It is unhealthy when your partner is only interested in you and shows very little interest in your brothers, sisters and parents. Seeking physical pleasure: Of course you feel a sense of excitement when being together but your relationship is becoming unhealthy when physical contact becomes central. Love is patient and not self-seeking. True love waits. Excessive restrictions: Jealousy is a good and strong emotion which helps protect unique relationships. God also experiences this when something takes the place in our heart that only He should have: Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God (Ex. 34:14). A romantic relationship becomes unhealthy when one or both demand such attention that normal friendships and responsibilities are abandoned or forbidden. Spiritual decline: What effect does your relationship have on your ministry and your communion with Christ? Can you pray and discuss Gods Word together? Do you encourage each other to develop your gifts and grow spiritually? The relationship is becoming unhealthy if it is reducing your desire to worship and serve the Lord. Selfish motives: Some people desperately need a romantic partner in order to feel normal. They are in love with romance rather than with you. A relationship becomes unhealthy when it is not focused on both of you but on meeting the needs of one of you. The interest in you may be replaced by interest in what you have. You will want to marry someone who cares, accepts and respects you as a person someone who loves you! It is unrealistic to seek a per25

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fect partner, but if you notice that your relationship is becoming unhealthy, take action! A healthy pre-marriage relationship is the necessary foundation for a healthy marriage, so take any warning sign seriously. Discuss your concern together. Agree on some new course or a new set of boundaries. If the other is unwilling to discuss the matter and persists in the wrong direction, seek advice from some mature Christian friend, preferably a married one. Be open to the possibility of terminating the relationship. Sometimes stopping, closing or bringing something to an end is simply the right thing to do. Courage will be required to put the relationship on pause or to bring it to an end. This must be done in a way that shows due respect for the other person and honors the Lord.

This concludes this three part Family article.

The choice of life-partner is one of the most important decisions you make on earth. But essentially, the decision process is the same as for the other decisions you make as a Christian. Your challenge now, as every Christian faces, is how to bring your life into harmony with Gods Word. Does something need changing? Should you correct some unhealthy attitude or practice? We well know that our life decisions are determined more by our heart than our intellect rational arguments are unlikely to change our behavior. Choose to surrender your heart to the Lord. Reaffirm Christs ownership rights on your life. Choose to trust your heavenly Fathers wisdom and love for you. Once the heart is right, a God-honoring behavior will follow. GT

What To Do Now?

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of Gods mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Gods will is His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2

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OVERVIEW

Genesis
by L.M. Grant

Old Testament Introduction

The Old Testament takes us from the creation of the heavens and the earth up to approximately 400 BC. It begins with such hope and ends with the threat of a curse (Mal. 4:6). The spiritual history of mankind from Adam and Eve, and of the nation of Israel in particular, shows the complete failure of mankind to obey God on the basis of what he could do. God gave Israel the Law. It was perfect righteousness, but man in a fallen condition, having disobeyed God, had no ability to maintain Gods standard for righteousness. How thankful we are that the Bible does not stop with Malachi, but takes us to the Lord Jesus Christ, the cross, the resurrection, and the gospel of the grace of God as seen in the New Testament! Especially the latter part of the Old Testament contains many prophecies. Some have been fulfilled especially those which deal with the Lord Jesus; many still await fulfillment. We would lose very much if we did not have what these inspired writers of old have left us.

beginning created and God

In the

the heavens the earth

Genesis 1:1

NKJV

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Genesis means beginning. It deals with creation and life, giving the seeds of all that is later developed throughout the entire Bible. Genesis beautifully depicts the simplicity of early life on earth; but the beginning of sin and corruption is also seen there together with Gods abhorrence and judgment of evil. Genesis symbolizes the life-giving work of God begun in a soul new birth with promise of fruit to come. The book especially revolves around the lives of seven outstanding patriarchs:

The Book Of Genesis

This column is taken from the book The Bible, Its 66 Books In Brief. It is available for purchase from:
Believers Bookshelf USA PO Box 261 Sunbury PA 17801 USA www.bbusa.org Believers Bookshelf Canada 5205 Regional Road, #81, Unit #3 Beamsville ON L09 1B3 CANADA www.bbcan.org

1. In Adam are seen lessons of life and death. He is a picture of Christ, for he was the head of a race; but also a contrast to Christ, for death claimed him, whereas Christ is a Living Head. 2. Enoch teaches us of walk and translation. He walked with God, and by faith ... was translated (Heb. 11:5), a type or picture of saints who will be raptured when the soon-coming Lord meets the believers in the air (1 Th. 4:17).

3. Noah illustrates work and salvation. His work was a work of faith, and his salvation at the time of the flood was into a new, cleansed world, a type of those future believers after the Church has been raptured, who (having never previously heard and rejected the gospel) will be saved through the Tribulation for the new, cleansed, millennial earth. 4. Abraham tells us of faith and separation. His altar speaks of his faith, his tent of his separation. By Gods call he became a pilgrim. 5. Isaac shows the principles of submission and continuance, for in general his was an obedient, consistent life. 6. Jacob illustrates discipline and anticipation. Gods dealings are seen in his life to secure Jacobs subjection and lead him on to worship as his death approached. 7. Joseph: suffering and exaltation are the themes of his life, a precious example for believers of all ages. GT

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What Is A Shepherd?
by Albert Blok Part Two And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. Luke 2:8 KJV Definition of pastor: A shepherd, one who tends herds or flocks (Vines An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words). Pastor and shepherd are the same word in the original Greek.

ast month in part one of this series we considered the first shepherd in the Bible Abel. We also saw the qualities of the Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ. This month we will continue by looking at other examples God gives us in His Word.

Other Shepherds In The Bible F

Although the Lord Jesus is our perfect example and model, we can find many valuable lessons and warnings by considering other shepherds in the Bible.

F Jacob

When we consider Jacobs example as a shepherd we see that the work of a pastor is not for the

coward or weak. It is not easy and does not consist of a life of comfort. Sacrificing, serving and giving are in place of receiving. Shepherds must even be ready to risk their lives. The position is one of total surrender for the sake of the sheep. Jacob said to his father-in-law Laban, Twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of 29

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thy flock have I not eaten. That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night. Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes (Gen. 31:38-40). We understand the suffering that he experienced in the wilderness, consumed by the extreme heat of daytime or the unpleasant cold of night. Despite the conditions, he did not leave the sheep alone; he suffered with them. He was constantly watching over them, not allowing sleep to overpower him because he knew that the sheep were his responsibility. He had to watch, he had to provide, he had to protect because he was responsible for their wellbeing. What a lesson for those who are shepherds of Gods flock today! Rightly so, we read this verse thinking of the subjection of the sheep to the shepherd and those who rule over them: 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). But lets focus on the responsibility of the shepherd. The one who is a pastor called 30

of God must look after the souls of the sheep that have been given into his care. Every sheep is to be considered a treasure. What does one do with a treasure? He looks after it and guards it When his with all his heart! While looking after preparation Labans flock, Jacob was was personally responfinished sible for the life and condition of each indi- God called vidual sheep. He had Moses to to give an account to the owner for every shepherd precious one. SimilarHis people. ly, one day the shepherds of the Lords flock will give an account to God for how they cared for the sheep. Then they will be rewarded for their work. From Jacobs example we see the importance of knowing and dealing with each sheep in relation to its individual condition and limitations. Speaking one day to his brother Esau, Jacob said, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die. Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure (Gen. 33:13-14). Jacob knew that he could not push his sheep exces-

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sively as this would be harmful to them. The mature ones could withstand more than the younger ones, but to push the young ones too much would be unhealthy. We see this same principle in 1 John 2 where the apostle addressed three distinct groups of people: children, fathers and young men; speaking to each according to their maturity. All believers are not equal some need milk while others need meat. The pastor should know what each one needs and is capable to bear. From these points we understand that it is not the sheep of the flock that serve the pastor; it is the other way around. The pastor suffers, sacrifices, protects, provides and invests his all, even his life, for the sheep. He does not concern himself with his own pleasures or desires nor seek his own importance. Rather, he wants the sheep to prosper since they are not his but they belong to the Good Shepherd who gave His life for us all. About Moses, Isaiah wrote: Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is He that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of His flock? Where is He that put His Holy Spirit within him? That led them by the right hand of

F Moses

Moses with His glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make Himself an everlasting name? (Isa. 63:11-12). We remember that Moses grew up in Pharaohs palace in Egypt receiving what was probably the best education available. But God had a special purpose for Moses and in His counsels He brought him to the desert where he spent 40 years looking after his father-inlaws herds. During those years Moses was in the school of God. When his preparation was finished God called Moses to shepherd His people. Moses was a very special example of what a pastor should be! He is known to be the meekest man of all (Num. 12:3) even though the people of Israel were rebellious and tried his patience many times. Because of their disobedience God said more than once that He should totally destroy the people of Israel. But Moses intervened on their behalf and petitioned God that He not do so, asking that he, Moses, be destroyed rather than the people (Ex. 32:32). Although Moses was such an important and esteemed man, who alone had the privilege of coming into the very presence of God, he did not seek his own glory or interests. Rather, he sought blessing for the people, the flock of God. 31

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Before David became the king of Israel he looked after his fathers herds; he was a shepherd. Although well qualified to write from the perspective of a shepherd, he wrote Psalm 23 as being one of the sheep who experienced the joy of the Good Shepherd Jehovah. When David told Saul that he was ready to fight Goliath, he convinced the king with the following words: Thy servant kept his fathers sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear (1 Sam. 17:34-36). How courageous it was for a young man of 15-20 years of age to put his life at risk for the sake of the sheep. This demonstrates the character of a true shepherd an example or figure of our Lord Jesus who gave His life in order to free us from the power of Satan, our enemy. David did not do this in his own strength but in the power of God. So for pastors today, as with all of us without the Lord we can do nothing. Later in life King David ordered a census to see the greatness of his 32

F David

army. God was angry at David for doing this and chastened him for it. He sent an angel through the nation killing many people. When David saw what was happening he cried out to God, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? Let Thine hand, I pray Thee, be against me, and against my fathers house (2 Sam. 24:17). Knowing he was the guilty one, David hurt to see the people suffer. Acknowledging his own guilt and responsibility, he put himself between God and the people to protect them. This is just what the Lord Jesus did in the garden of Gethsemane. He put Himself between His disciples and the enemies who came against Him. Jesus told His enemies to let the others go free. We can apply this to ourselves. The Lord Jesus, who never sinned and was not guilty, took our guilt and punishment dying for us. We read in Isaiah: 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. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all (53:5-7).

F Paul

The apostle Paul had the privilege

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of revealing the great truths about the Church after it began on the day of Pentecost. Prior to that, God had Israel as His own chosen people. His relationship with them was based on laws, sacrifices and temple worship. But when they rejected their Messiah by crucifying Him, God set them aside temporarily and started a special relationship with a new group of people consisting of all believers, the Church. God revealed through Paul how the Church was to function, its membership, the gifts and many other things. Besides being a teacher and evangelist, Paul was a pastor. We see this in a number of things that he said in his letters. To the Corinthians he wrote: 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). Paul was saying that if anyone had a problem, difficulty or weakness, he felt it as if it were his own. He wrote as a mother to the Thessalonians: 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. For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable [a burden] unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God (1 Th. 2:7-9). On another occasion he wrote to the Corinthians as a father: I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore, I beseech you, be ye followers of me (1 Cor. 4:14-16), and Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be burdensome to you; for I seek not yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved (2 Cor. 12:14-15). To Timothy, his son in the faith, Paul wrote: I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy (2 Tim. 1:3-4). We feel the concern that Paul as a shepherd had for one of the sheep, Timothy. 33

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examples we soon understand that to be a pastor is a service of great self-sacrifice, a giving of

To those of Philippi he wrote: For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better. Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith (Phil. 1:23-25). He continued, Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all (Phil. 2:17). It is obvious from these verses that he was happy and ready to give his life, his all, for the sheep. Without a doubt, we see that Paul was a serTo be a pastor is a service of great selfvant of the Lord Jesus sacrifice, a giving of oneself for the sheep. Christ and that he cared for the flock with the same oneself for the sheep. It is not for attitude as the Good Shepherd. personal prominence, but for the purpose of having a people that Conclusion Reflecting on these beautiful are very pleasing to God! GT Look for part three of this series for pastors next month!

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told His disciples that all power was given to Him in heaven and on earth. They were therefore to go and make disciples of all the nations and baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Mt. 28:18-20 NKJV). Notice that our Lord said name, not names. Our God is one God, but He exists as three divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These divine Persons are absolutely equal and work in full harmony, yet each has His own role, characteristics and attributes. We do well to keep the Persons separate, not confounding them or the work the Bible ascribes to each one. We do not intrinsically understand the divine mystery of God being both three and one, but we accept this as being that which Gods Word teaches us. Indeed, no true Christian can reject this doctrine; it is fundamental to the faith and differentiates Christianity from religions such as Islam or

Sglory our Lord Jesus Christ

hortly before returning to

OVERVIEW

Is it heresy to baptize a person in the name of Jesus Christ rather than in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit?

Judaism, which are also termed monotheistic religions. The standard wording Christians use when baptizing a new convert is to say, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. This in a sense puts the individual being baptized on Christian ground. Often when baptizing someone the baptizer asks the one being baptized whether or not he or she has accepted the Lord Jesus as his or her own Savior. Once hearing the assent, the baptizer may say, Upon your confession of faith, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. These words are not a kind of spiritual formula that must be recited word for word to make a baptism valid. Ungodly people can recite words correctly. True Christianity does not rest upon words correctly spoken, but upon faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Without faith in Him and acceptance of what Scripture teaches about God, baptism would only be a mockery. Baptisms are often 35

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mentioned in the Acts, less so in the Epistles. Most of these references to baptism simply speak of people being baptized. Scripture sometimes uses other terminology in connection with baptism. After preaching his powerful sermon on the day of Pentecost, Peter told those who were cut to the heart by it and had asked, Men and brethren, what shall we do? to repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:37-38). Those in his audience were Jews. Less than two months before this the Jews perhaps even some of these very individuals had cried out, Let Him be crucified and, His blood be on us and on our children (Mt. 27:2225). Peter told these Jews to be saved from this perverse generation, and those who accepted what he said were baptized (Acts 2:40-41). By this action they identified with Jesus Christ whom the Jews had so thoroughly hated and crucified. This was vital. Gentiles who were saved had largely been idol worshipers. The Thessalonians are commended for having turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven (1 Th. 1:9-10). The bap-

tismal formula the Lord gave His disciples in Matthew 28 is especially in view of their going to and making disciples of all the nations. Earlier the Lord had restricted His disciples from going to the nations (Mt. 10:5), but now they must go to them something they found difficult as Jews. Cornelius, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always, was commanded to be baptized in the name of the Lord (Acts 10:2,48). The disciples that Paul found at Ephesus in Acts 19:1-7 evidently were Jews, for they had been baptized with the baptism of John the Baptist. When Paul told them that the One of whom John spoke was Christ Jesus, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Looking at the many examples we find in the New Testament, we come to the conclusion that it certainly is not heresy to baptize a believer solely in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! While we do well to stay close to the language of Scripture, the words used in baptizing a person do not in themselves make a baptism valid or invalid. Answered by Eugene P. Vedder, Jr.

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I made no reply, and I suppose she saw I knew nothing about it. She said, Religion never took anyone to heaven, and never will. It must be Christ. She gave a book to me, and then left. I never saw her again. But God blessed her words and especially that book. I read it through again and again, each time more anxious to be saved. It was on a Sunday afternoon, while sitting all alone reading, that I saw Gods way of salvation was not by working nor by trying, but by trusting in Christ alone. I did trust Him, and He saved me! Bless His Name. I was 75, and I will praise Him through all eternity for His great salvation. Dear friend, do you know that religion will never take you to heaven? You must be born again made a new creature in Christ or you will never be with Jesus in heaven. Religion does not save; only Jesus will. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus to Nicodemus in John 3:3,5: Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God (NKJV). GT

Accept these facts:

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all (Isa. 53:6). All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). There is none righteous, no, not one (Rom. 3:10).

Believe these words:

Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (Jn. 1:29). Behold, now is the accepted time now is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2). Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31).

Come to Jesus

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Mt. 11:28). Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and He was buried, and He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Cor. 15:3-4).

Receive Him Now!

Grace & Truth, Inc. Would you like to 210 Chestnut St, Danville, IL 61832 USA receive this magazine (In Nigeria: PO Box 4902, Kaduna Jct, Kaduna) every month? Email: magazine@gtpress.org Contact us: Web: www.gtpress.org

lived 75 long years in the dark, without knowing that I was a lost sinner or that I had to be born again. Sometimes I wonder how it was possible for me to have lived so long without someones speaking to me plainly about my salvation. But there was little said about these things in our part of the country. Everybody was religious and went to church on Sunday, but that was all. The minister told us to be good, live honestly, say our prayers and hope in Gods mercy. When anyone died, he said the next Sunday that they had gone to a better place, and he prayed that we might all so live that we might be worthy of life everlasting. As the years went by we did our best to live good lives. OVERVIEW The first time I remember being led to think about eternal matters was when one of my granddaughters came to spend a few days with me. She was singing a hymn one afternoon out in the garden as I sat grating corn by the door. The words were: It is finished, yes indeed, finished every jot; Sinner, this is all you need, tell me is it not? I could not forget those wonderful words and I often wondered what they meant. I was anxious to know more about it, but I had no one to tell me. However the God who loved me and gave His Son to die for me did not leave me to die in darkness. One day a lady knocked at the door and asked if she might leave a tract about Gods salvation. I gladly received the tract and asked if she would come in. She did come in; and after a few minutes rest she asked if I knew the Savior. Of course I said, Yes. Then you will be saved, she said.
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