Timothy

THE CONFESSION OF FAITH ARTICLE IV

CANONICAL BOOKS OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES

(continued)

The epistles of the Apostle Paul which we discussed in our previous article were written to congregations, but there are also some written to individuals, namely, two to Timothy, one to Titus, and one to Philemon.

The first of these are THE TWO EPISTLES TO TIMOTHY. Paul had left this fellow-servant in Ephesus, while he went on to Corinth. From there he wrote the first epistle to Timothy, urging him to remain with the truth, and directing him how to act against the false teachers, and in the use of discipline. The second epistle is written from Rome, where each day Paul expected to be put to death. He encourages Timothy, assuring him that, when he can no longer give him counsel, the Lord yet remains with His church, and exhorts him to perseverance, so necessary for God’s servants.

Next is THE EPISTLE TO TITUS, who was of heathen origin, but was probably converted by the Lord under the preaching of Paul. He became one of Paul’s helpers on his mission journeys, and was left on the island of Crete to establish the congregations there. He sent his advice for this work, also commanding Titus to warn those members who lived in sin.

THE EPISTLE TO PHILEMON is a short letter, but full of instructions. The bearer of this name lived in the city of Colosse and was converted under Paul’s preaching. He became an officebearer in the church of that city. Philemon had a slave named Onesimus, but he had run away from his master. Onesimus travelled to Rome, where he met Paul, who sent him back to his master with this letter, wherein he stated that the Lord had converted Onesimus, and urged Philemon to now receive him as a brother beloved.

We hope, young people, that the Lord will also teach us that we are slaves of sin and of Satan. What a wonder it then becomes that the Lord wants to deal with such people who ran away from Him in Paradise, but who are called from death to life by the Spirit and Word.

After these epistles we find THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. Much has been written about the author of this book. Both the Dutch and English Authorized Versions of the Bible indicate that Paul is the author; the majority in the old Christian churches also believed that he was the writer of it. However, this opinion changed at the time of the Reformation. Luther said that this book was written by Apollos, while Calvin thought it was by Barnabas. Although there is some doubt about the writer, we do not have to doubt about the contents of this book -- the leading of the Holy Spirit is very evident.

Why was this epistle written? There was much decay among the Hebrew Christians; the light of faith had lost its clearness. We will try to explain why. When the heathens came to conversion in great numbers, the Synod of Jerusalem decided that the ceremonial laws were temporal and had come to an end at Christ’s death, as the Lord had also revealed by the rending of the veil in the temple. However, many of the Jews could not understand this - they acknowledged Christ as a perfect Mediator, but they still wanted to stay with the Old Testament ceremonies, the temple and the priests. They did not completely return to Judaism, but, among other things, began to neglect the church services. The destruction of Jerusalem was rapidly approaching, as this epistle was probably written between the years 62 and 65. Thus the situation was dangerous, because what they wanted to keep would soon be rejected by the Lord in that destruction. The purpose of the letter was to warn them that they must keep their faith in Christ unshaken, as, in losing the ceremonies, they lost only the shadows in those ceremonies, but that they might now have the fulfillment of the ceremonies in Him. The old covenant had gotten its fulfillment in the new covenant, whereof the whole glory was not yet visible, but the greatness of Christ and His work guarantee that the congregation will, although through a way of humiliation, come to exaltation and glory. The well-known eleventh chapter makes clear that the believers of the Old Testament were saved by faith only; and by that same faith the persecuted Hebrews could overcome the greatest problems.

Next we come to seven epistles, but these are not addresed to certain persons or congregations. They are more general epistles to all believers. One of these was written by James, two by Peter, three by John, and one by Jude. We hope to discuss them briefly, as also the book of Revelation, in our article next month, the Lord willing.

Rev. A. M. Den Boer

Norwich, Ontario

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

The other day I saw an ad in a magazine which showed a picture of several bottles of medicine and pills. Above the picture was written, “A pocketful of future miracles”. The ad explained how scientists and others were working to develop “miracle” drugs for all serious diseases and bodily afflictions. But if we read God’s Word carefully, then we will find that miracles are acts of God, not of man. A miracle was always worked by the power of God in a special way. But even in natural blessings such as healing results of medicines, we are dependent upon the Lord. There is very little thought of this in the world today.

And we are no different than others. How little do we need the Lord. If we are ill, we look to the medicines and the doctors for our help; and when we are helped through a difficulty or sickness, do we give God all the praise? The psalmist sang, “All glory, might and honor ascribe to God on high”. We hope this may always be your desire.

Our quiz covers many miracles in Bible times, and the first letters spell out an acknowledgement by the magicians of Egypt, as found in Exodus 8.

Peter kneeled down and prayed, and turning him to the body of

a certain woman, said, “______ _____, arise”; and she opened her eyes.

The Lord said unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from ____________for you, and the people shall go out and gather a rate every day.”

And Elisha cut down a stick, and cast it into the water, and the ___________did swim.

And Moses cast his rod on the ground, and it became a ____________.

At the pool of Bethesda the Lord Jesus healed a man who had an ______________thirty and eight years.

Lot’s wife looked back upon Sodom, and she became a pillar of_____________

To how many lepers at one time did Jesus say, “Go show yourselves unto the priest”, and as they went, they were cleansed?

When a viper fastened on Paul’s hand from out the fire, he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no____________

Who fell from a third story window as Paul was preaching, and was brought to life again?

Nebuchadnezzar said, “Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the____________, and they have no hurt.”

A woman who had an ___________ of blood for twelve years touched the border of Jesus’ garment, and was healed immediately.

When the angel of the Lord appeared unto Moses, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was______________ consumed.

Who said, “Let there be light”, and there was light?

Upon the request of Joshua, the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their _______________.

What birds brought Elijah bread and flesh every morning and evening at the brook Cherith?

Later a widow woman cared for him, and her barrel of meal wasted not, neither did her cruse of____________fail.

Now the Lord had prepared a great_____________to swallow

up Jonah.

Later the Lord prepared a _________, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head.

As the angel led Peter from prison, the iron gate that leadeth

to the city____________to them of his own accord.

Who said, “My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me”?

(Send your answers to Garret J. Moerdyk, 1104 Roseland Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001.)

Answers to the January quiz are as follows:

“And It Shall Come To Pass” Acts 2:17

Abraham - Genesis 17:3–5

Night - Isaiah 21:11

Die - Genesis 2:16–17

Isaac - Genesis 17:19–21

Tell - Jonah 3:7–9

Saved - Acts 2:21

Head - Genesis 3:14–15

Art - Genesis 3:17–19

Liken - Matthew 11:16

Long - Exodus 20:12

Capernaum - Matthew 11:23–24

Omega - Revelation 1:8

Moon - Joel 2:31

Endureth - I Peter 1:24–25

Taken - Job 1:21

Oil - I Kings 17:14

Promised - Luke 1:72

Alway - Matthew 28:20

Secret - Ecclesiastes 12:14

Spirit - Revelation 22:17

Answers were again received from the following boys and girls—

Trudy VanderWaal

Tom Kamp

Debbie Kamp

Marilyn Kamp

Bill Kamp

Janice Stapel

John Stapel

Sharon VanGrouw

Jill VanGrouw

Steve VanGemert

Chuck VanDenToorn

Kim Timmer

Michelle Timmer

Paula Timmer

Denise Polderman

Laurie Bleeker

Steven Bleeker

Melanie VanBrugge

Audrey Kievit

John Verhey

Larissa Smelik

Angela Stam

Rita Neels

Perry Hoogendoorn

Gene Hoogendoorn

Cindy Hoogendoorn

Norman VanRavenswaay

Esther VanRavenswaay

JoAnn VanRavenswaay

John den Hollander

Neil Brown

Meta DePeuter

John Boerkoel

Bob Boerkoel

Ruth Boerkoel

Jennie Sue Easterhoff

Mary Frens

Elaine Frens

Sharon Frens

Leonard Frens

Steve Boluyt

Kristi Boluyt

Adrian Bush

Nicholas J. Bush

Kathy VanGrouw

Ellen VanGrouw

Tom Kwekel

Dan Kwekel

Don VanderBoon

John VanderBoon

Leah VanTilburg

Mary VanTilburg

Mark Heystek

Kaye VandeBerg

David Klarenbeek

Darwyn Gene Klarenbeek

Arlen James Klarenbeek

Margaret DenBoer

Pamela Hoogmoed

Patricia Hoogmoed

Donna Marie Hubers

John Boluyt

Bob Boluyt

Frances VanderMeulen (2)

Joyce VanderMeulen (2)

Harmen VanderMeulen (2)

Sidney VanderMeulen (2)

Donna Kuiper

Alane VanRavenswaay

Joel VanRavenswaay

Minda VanRavenswaay

Jacob VanDalen

Ruth Ann VanDalen

Jonathan VanDalen

Jan VanDalen

Alan Greendyk

Billy Greendyk

Paul Greendyk

Bill VanWingerden

Ken VanWingerden

Lynn Kamp

John Blok

Gary Blok

Carrie Jane Blok

Jane DeBat

Richard DeBat

Sonja Boonzaayer

Maria Boonzaayer

Sharon VanDeVendel

Linda VanDeVendel

Howard Rus

Virgil Rus

Harold Rus

Edwin Rus

Mike VanBemden

Kathy VanBemden

Carol VanBemden

Amy Mieras

Leah Talbot

Laura Talbot

Mary L. Kievit

Ella Kieboom

Arline Kieboom

Constance Kooiman

Jenny Lee Sweetman

Janet Sweetman

Daniel John Sweetman

Paul VanGrouw

Judy Sweetman

Tunis Sweetman, Jr.

Gladys VanBochove

Rhonda VanBochove

Nellie Slingerland

Neil Slingerland

Joanne Slingerland

Jannie Slingerland

Jacqueline VanHoepen

Henry Kamp

Helen Hubers

Marcia D. Hubers

Harriet Hubers

Howard Hubers

Tom Thiessen

Joan Lugthart

Steve Bazen

Peter Bazen

Diane Thiessen

Mark Meeuwse

Elizabeth Sisco (2)

Robert Kamp

Jonathan Kamp

Richard Kamp

Nancy Hoogmoed

Joanne Hoogmoed

Robert Southway

Sandra Southway

Timothy Nieuwenhuis

Lisa Neels

Marianne VanHoepen

Rose Pluim

Jerry Pluim

Mark VanZweden

Ralph VanZweden

Mary VanZweden

Roy VanZweden

Janet Van Zweden

Brad Zomer

Brenda Zomer

Kevin Zomer

Vonda Zomer

Andy VanStelle

Tim VanStelle

Amy Lou Kaat

Martin P. Vlietstra

David Vlietstra

Janice Vlietstra

Jon Vlietstra

Rhonda VanVoorst

Judy VanVoorst

Maynard Degraaf (2)

Marlene VanVeldhuizen

Ken Kroesbergen

Jane Kroesbergen

Cathy Kroesbergen

John Kroesbergen

Tonia Willekes

John Moore

Joe Moore

Leah Moore

Anne Moore

Teresa Procee

Richard Procee

Lysbeth Procee

Janny VanWingerden

David Greendyk

Alida Greendyk

Mary Lynn Fluit

Thomas Berkenbush

Betty VanDerWeile

Virginia VanderWaal

Stanley VanderWaal

Cornell de Kok

Herbie de Kok

Henry deKok

Jany deKok

John Bezooyen

Gerrit Bezooyen

Henry Oudshoorn

Bill Oudshoorn

Wilma Oudshoorn

Diane Oudshoorn

Helen Vanderwal (2)

Peter Vanderwal (2)

Loretta Faye Olivier

Steven VanOostenbrugge

Mary VanOostenbrugge

Karl VanOostenbrugge

Kathy Schelling

Kent Schelling

Brenda Kay Schelling

Linda Schelling

Beth Schelling

Molly Geiger

Meloni Geiger

Jeff Geiger

Jeanette Slingerland (5)

Kevin Verbeke

Julie Ann DeBruine

Jim Rosendall

Mary Rosendall

Laura Rosendall

Corrie Overeem

Joanne Overeem

Cathy Kroesbergen

Ken Kroesbergen

John Kroesbergen

Lisa Markus

Becky Jane Markus

Jane Kroesbergen

Jenny Overeem

Bruce Verblaauw

Jonathan VanBeek

David VanBeek

Nancy VandeStouwe

Cheryl VandeStouwe

Todd VandeStouwe

Maynard Degraaf

Marilyn Pols

Ruth Ellen Pols

Francina Boesterd

Richard Procee

Lysbeth Procee

Marion Blom

Connie Blom

Trudy Vlietstra

Jimmy Vlietstra

Andy Korevaar

Angel Schipper

Linda VandeWaerdt (2)

Wayne VandeWaerdt (2)

David Procee

Teresa Procee

Rick VanEss

Linda Bazen

Jane Korevaar

Richard Grisnich

Wendy Grisnich

Cheryl Grisnich

Rhonda Grisnich

Kathy VanGiessen

Kristine Rieder

Sue VanEss

Irene Sommer Ingrid Sommer

Barbara Southway

Robert Southway

John Bosch

Kathleen denHoed (2)

Joleen denHoed (2)

Maryjean denHoed

Art denHoed (2)

Jim Bazen

Janet Sommer

James Peter Sweetman

Mary VanBelle

And now to answer the letters whick we have received—

JANNIE SLINGERLAND - Receiving three months’ issues all the same day gave you plenty to do, Jannie. Mail is not as important as food and electricity, but it is not so nice to do without it. How much better it would be if there were respect between the worker and his employer, as we find it written about Boaz and his men.

JOLEEN DEN HOED - If you had lots of snow like we have, Joleen, you would probably wish the snow would go away. We are not often satisfied with what we have. But then we must also remember what the Bible says -the Lord giveth snow, and it also has its purpose.

JACQUELINE VAN HOEPEN -How are you doing with your sewing, Jacqueline? Doll clothes will give you a good start, and then you will soon be able to sew your own clothes. The Bible speaks about her that “worketh willingly with her hands”. Do you know where that is found? IRENE and INGRID SOMMER -When there is a two behind the name on the list, it means that their answers were received for two months. Sometimes the mail is a little slow, so then we just put their name in the following issue. Right now it is about ten degrees, so that is quite cold.

MARK HEYSTEK - Thank you for the New Year’s wishes, Mark, and also for the gift for the mission. I don’t think you have missed very often in answering the Bible quiz each month, and we appreciate that. How are you getting along in school?

BRUCE VERBLAAUW - The psalmist wrote about how he missed going up to the tabernacle at the time of worship service, Bruce. Do you know which psalm it was? How seldom do we think of the great privilege of going to church, Sunday school, and catechism, unless perhaps when we must miss it.

JANET VAN ZWEDEN - Has everyone recovered from the flu, Janet? Even in the flu we can see some of the misery which sin has brought into the world. Also a visit to a hospital will show us this, as there we can see many people with troubles and sicknesses.

FRANCINA BOESTERD -Thank you very much for the picture, Francina. How you girls have grown, and also Andrew. Floods also cause much misery, especially when it is necessary to leave home because of the water. It is only a very small picture of the flood in the days of Noah.

LISA NEELS - How many buses does your school have, Lisa? What are you studying about in school? Are you getting good marks? It has been a long time ago since I went to school, but I am always glad that I studied hard in school.

NELLIE SLINGERLAND - Yes, we really missed quite a few during the mail strike in Canada, Nellie, and we are glad to see them all back again. The Bible does not tell us that Simeon was an old man, but most ministers believe that he was quite old and had waited for many years for the fulfilling of the promise that he would see the Lord’s salvation.

SHARON VAN DE VENDEL -Your grandmother is also becoming old, Sharon. What a blessing it is if old people, but also young people, might have that blessing of Simeon to see and know the Lord Jesus as their Mediator and Redeemer.

ELLA KIEBOOM - I hear that your Mother has returned home safely again, Ella. How is your grandfather now? I am sure you were all happy to have her home again, and had much to talk about. Be sure to say Hello to your parents for us.

MARIANNE VAN HOEPEN -Which of your subjects do you like best, Marianne? Do you change your subjects every quarter? What a lot of learning is necessary from the time a boy or girl starts school until he or she finishes school. And there are many dangers which lie along that way.

KATHLEEN DEN HOED - Did your parents have a good trip, Kathleen? A trip to Michigan doesn’t seem like much to us, but it is quite a trip from your house. Have you ever been in Michigan? In former days what a lot of time would have been required for such a journey.

ANGELA STAM - I don’t think we’ll be making the trip this year, so that puts it quite far in the future, Angela. And then to think that we cannot be certain what will take place on the day of tomorrow. What did you do during the two weeks in which there was no school?

JEANETTE SLINGERLAND -It is good to see that you are catching our errors, Jeanette. I realize that this makes it difficult to come up with the right answers, even though it is only a very simple mistake. Is your father building a large barn? JOHN DEN HOLLANDER - I have never been in St. Anns that I know of, John, even though we have been in Vineland quite a few times. It must not be a very large place. Have you lived there all your life? I have lived in Kalamazoo ever since I was born.

Thanks again, boys and girls, for your answers and letters. It is good to see the list somewhat larger again now that the Mail strike is over. We hope that we may hear from all of you again next month, D.V.

With love and best wishes,

Your friend,

“Uncle Garret”

POOR JOSEPH

The following is a touching incident in the life of Dr. Edmund Calamy, and it is said that he used to tell it with much feeling. Dr. Calamy was a Presbyterian minister in London and a member of the famous Westminster Assembly, to which we own the Westminster Confession and Catechisms.

A poor unlearned man named Joseph, whose employment was to go on errands and carry packages, was one day passing through London streets when he heard the singing of psalms in a place of worship. He went into it, even though he had a parcel of yarn hanging over his shoulders. It was Dr. Calamy’s church, and a very well-dressed congregation surrounded the preacher. He read his text from I Timothy 1:15: “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” From this he preached in the clearest manner the ancient and apostolic gospel - the contents of this faithful saying -that there is eternal salvation for the vilest sinners only through the worthiness of Jesus Christ, the God that made all things.

The thoughtless part of the congregation listlessly heard the doctrine explained. If they were struck with anything, it was with some fine expression or well-tuned sentence which the Doctor uttered. Joseph in rags, gazing with astonishment, never took his eyes from the preacher, but drank in with eagerness all he said. Trudging homeward, he was heard to mutter to himself: “Joseph never heard this before; Jesus Christ, the God Who made all things, came into the world to save sinners like Joseph.”

Not long after this Joseph was seized with a fever and was dangerously ill. As he tossed upon his bed, his constant language was, “Joseph is the chief of sinners; but Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners; and Joseph loves Him for this.” His neighbors who came to see him wondered on hearing him dwell on this, and only this. Some of the religious ones asked him, “But what say you of your own heart, Joseph? Is there no token for good about it? No saving change there? Have you closed with Christ by acting faith upon Him?” ‘Ah! no,” says he, “Joseph can act nothing; Joseph has nothing to say for himself but that he is the chief of sinners; yet seeing that it is a ‘faithful saying’ that Jesus, He Who made all things, came into the world to save sinners, why may not Joseph, after all, be saved.”

One man, finding out where he heard this doctrine on which he dwelt so continually and with such delight, went and asked Dr. Calamy to come and visit him. He came, but Joseph was now very weak and had not spoken for some time. When told of the minister’s arrival, he took no notice of him, but as soon as he heard the sound of his voice, he instantly sprang upon his elbows, and seizing him by his hands, exclaimed as loud as he could with his now feeble and trembling voice, “O Sir! you are the friend of the Lord Jesus, whom I heard speak so well of Him. Joseph is the chief of sinners, but it is a ‘faithful saying’ that Jesus Christ, Who made all things, came into the world to save sinners, and why not Joseph? O! pray to that Jesus for me; pray that He may save me; tell Him that Joseph thinks that he loves Him for coming into the world to save such sinners as Joseph.”

The Doctor prayed. When he concluded, Joseph thanked him most kindly. He then put his hand under his pillow, and took out an old rag in which were tied up five guineas (about $5. each). Putting them into the Doctor’s hand (which he had kept all this time close in his) he said to him, “Joseph, in his folly, had laid up this to keep him in his old age, but Joseph will never see old age. Take it and divide it among the poor friends of the Lord Jesus. Tell them that Joseph gave it them for the sake of Him Who came into the world to save sinners, of whom he is the chief.” So saying he reclined his head. His exertions in talking had been too much for him, so that he instantly expired. (Young People’s Magazine).

O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

Psalm VIII.1

TORN IN HALF

Many years ago in France a peddler greeted a woman living in a cottage in the forest, and offered her a New Testament for sale. Jeanne, for that was the woman’s name, hesitated. Would the priest approve? That was the question. She wistfully eyed the neat little book, and at last produced the money. She took the book, saying, “I cannot refuse, but may I be pardoned if it be sin.”

Soon Jacques, her husband, came in, and Jeanne timidly showed her book. As she had feared, he was tired and cross, and upbraided her for spending his money in this fashion. She answered, “The money is not all yours, Jacques. When we married, I brought my dowry. The money was half yours and half mine, you say. Very well, the book is the same.” Roughly opening the book, he tore it in two pieces, and keeping one piece, threw the other to Jeanne.

Several days later Jacques was sitting in the forest and suddenly remembered the torn book. He would investigate it, and so he commenced reading it. His rough fingers had divided it in the Gospel of Luke, and he began to read in the 15th chapter of Luke - “And I shall say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee and am no more worthy to be called thy son.” These were the first words he read and, spellbound, he read to the end of the story. Then a dozen questions presented themselves. What had he done - the poor lost son? Why was he exiled? Where had he been? What caused him to return? The questions bothered him, but the answers were to be found in the first part of the book, and this part his wife had. Pride prevented him from asking for the first part of the book.

Meanwhile, Jeanne occasionally read her part of the Testament. When she reached the end of her part, her interest was especially aroused. That younger son - his waywardness, his journey, his sin, his misery, the wonderful change in his thoughts? “I perish with hunger; I will arise and go to my father.” There the story stopped. But what happened? Did the father welcome him or not? These questions tortured her mind, and her tender heart longed for the answers. She even cried over the story, but she could not get up the courage to ask Jacques.

One day the rain poured down with special vigor, and Jacques came home feeling especially weary. He ate his soup and bread for supper as usual, and at last blurted out, “Jeanne, you remember the book which I tore in two. My part had in it a wonderful story, but only the end of it. I cannot rest until I know the beginning. Bring me your piece.”

“Oh, Jacques,” replied his wife, “the same story is constantly in my mind, but I lack the ending. Did the father receive that wilful son?”

“He did,” said Jacques, “but what was the sin that separated them?”

She brought her piece of the book, and knelt by his chair. Together they read the whole of the beautiful parable, and the Spirit of God, Who had been working in both their hearts, caused its hidden meaning to dawn upon them. That was the first of many Bible readings by the firelight after the soup and bread had been eaten, for both husband and wife were enabled to put their hope and confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ.

(from an old Banner of Truth)

A sound heart is the life of the flesh; but envy the rotteness of the bones. Proverbs 14:30

MOURNING

Why should the children of a king Go mourning all their day?

Great Comforter, descend, and bring Some tokens of thy grace.

Dost thou not dwell in all the saints,

And seal the heirs of heaven?

When wilt thou banish my complaints,

And show my sins forgiven?

Assure my conscience of her part

In the Redeemer’s blood;

And bear thy witness with my heart,

That I am born of God.

Thou art the earnest of his love,—

The pledge of joys to come;

And thy soft wings, celestial Dove,

Will safe convey me home.

Watts

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter; Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 11:13

Deze tekst is geautomatiseerd gemaakt en kan nog fouten bevatten. Digibron werkt voortdurend aan correctie. Klik voor het origineel door naar de pdf. Voor opmerkingen, vragen, informatie: contact.

Op Digibron -en alle daarin opgenomen content- is het databankrecht van toepassing. Gebruiksvoorwaarden. Data protection law applies to Digibron and the content of this database. Terms of use.

Printen