BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

In Psalter 121 we sing,

O God, we have heard and our fathers have told

What wonders Thou didst in the great days of old.

And as we learn to know the Word of God, we see the truth of this on every page of the Bible. Perhaps you will say that there are some pages which do not speak of wonders. But isn’t every event which happens to mankind a great wonder? The psalmist realized it when he said, “He hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.” Isn’t that a wonder?

Even as we look around us at this very moment, our Bible itself, our home our loved ones, our books, our blessings— are they not all wonders of God? In nature we see the sun, the moon, the stars, the trees, the birds, the snow-flakes— are they not all wonders of God? We could go on and on, for our blessings are endless. Let us think about this often.

But with all that I have listed, the greatest wonder has not been mentioned. The time of the year is here when we are taught about the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus. He did this, not for Himself, and not for good people and good friends, but for those who had turned away from Him and had become His enemies. Could there be a greater wonder? He died, suffering God’s eternal wrath, so that His people might live. How it should be our desire to know Him and to possess Him!

Boys and girls, let us study our Bibles, searching them carefully and prayerfully, that we might find Him who is called the Pearl of great price. For a wonder must also take place in our hearts if it shall be well for eternity. The Lord Jesus said to Nicodemus, “You must be born again.” And He alone can give this to us. The Lord uses His Word to show us the way unto Him, that way of salvation. The Lord has done and is still doing great things, and in general we take such little notice. May He give us eyes to see and hearts to understand.

The first letters of the answers will spell out five words found in Psalm 77. The quiz will show us some of the many wonders which the Lord performed in Bible times.

When all the people saw the fire of the Lord from heaven, they fell on their faces: and they said, “The Lord, He is______God.”

Daniel said to the king, “My Cod hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not______me.”

The ravens brought ______ bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening at the brook Cherith.

In the beginning we read how “Cod saw every thing that He had made, and behold, it was very______.”

The barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruise of______fail, according to the Word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah.

At the grave of Lazarus )esus cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth,” and he that was______came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes.

The Lord said unto Gideon, “The people that are with thee are too many,…lest Israel vaunt______against Me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.”

The Lord said unto Abraham, “Is any thing too______for the Lord?”

The angel of the Lord went forth, and smote in the camp of the______a hundred and fourscore and five thousand.

A certain woman, having an issue of blood twelve years, came in the press behind Jesus, and______His garment, and straight-way the fountain of her blood was dried up.

In Psalm 118 we read, “The stone which the builders refused has become the head stone of the corner. This is the Lord’s______; it is marvellous in our eyes.”

Samson prayed, “O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray Thee, only this______, O God.”

When the centurion and his men saw the ______and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God.”

Elisha cut down a stick, and cast it into the water; and the iron did_______

According to the word of Isaiah to Heze-kiah, the sun returned ______degrees, by which degrees it was gone down.

Moses stretched forth his hand,…and the ______ returned and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh.

The neighbors of the man born blind said unto him, “How were thine eyes______?”

Near the gate of the city of______a dead man was being carried out. Jesus said, “Young man, 1 say unto thee, Arise,” and he that was dead sat up and began to speak.

On Mount Carmel Elijah prayed, “Let it be known this ______ that Thou art God in Israel.”

Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the______, but in Israel.”

In Psalm 139 David said, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth ____well.”

To the man with a withered hand the Lord Jesus said, “______forth thine hand,” and it was restored whole, like as the other.

Your answers should be sent to:

Garret J. Moerdyk

5211 Woodmont Drive

Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001.

The answers to the quiz of last month areas follows:

ACROSS:

1. Divers —II Samuel 13:19

5. People —Jeremiah 8:21

7. Colour —Numbers 11:7

10. Garment —Esther 8:15

11. Withs —Judges 16:7

13. Snow —Psalm 51:7

14. To —Judges 5:30

15. Thread —Joshua 2:18

16. Tents —Song of Solomon 1:5

18. He —Revelation 3:5

19. He —Revelation 6:2

20. Made —Genesis 37:3

22. It —Matthew 16:1-2

23. Sheep —Genesis 30:32

24. Weep —II Samuel 1:24

DOWN:

1.Dragon —Revelation 12:3

2. Edom —Genesis 25:30

3. Her —Psalm 68:13

4. Red —Esther 1:6

5. Put —John 19:2

6. Pastures — Psalm 23:2

7. Crimson — Isaiah 1:18

8. Leprous —Numbers 12:10

9. On -II Kings 3:22

11. Washed — Revelation 7:14

12. Sit down —Mark 6:39

14. Teeth —Genesis 49:12

15. That — Ezekiel 1:28

16. This -Genesis 37:32

17. Tree —II Kings 16:4

21. Eye —Proverbs 20:12

Answers have been received from the following:

Bernie Bakker

Billie Bakker

Joshua Bakker

Trish Bakker

Aron Bazen

Carrie Bazen

Amy Beeke

Billy Beeke

David Beeke

Lori Beeke

Jeff Bisschop

Jodi Bisschop

Yvonne Bisschop

Jeremy Boot

Melanie Bos

Stephen Bos

Stephanie Bos

Neil DeBoer

Peter DeBoer

Rachael De Bruine

Jackie Den Dekker

Neil Den Dekker

Brian Den Hertog

Johnny Den Hertog

Bruce Den Hoed

Glen Den Hoed

Susan Den Hoed

Tim Den Hoed

Jodi Lynn Deur

Fred De Vries

Karen De Vries

Kristi De Vries

Mary De Vries

Marco De Wilde

Mary De Wilde

Willard De Wilde

Rachel Ekema (2)

Daniel Eppinga (2)

Robbin Eppinga (2)

Scott Eppinga (2)

Tonya Eppinga

Clement Oscar Ezoba

Thane Fluit

Remco Funcke

Benjamin Hayes (2)

Kevin Herfst

Wieska Hoedeman

Carrie Hoogendoorn

Kent Hoogendoorn

Kevin Hoogendoorn

Peter Hoogendoorn

David Hoogerheide

Katie Hoogerheide

Brenda Hulshof

Cindy Hulshof

Ronald Hulshof

Gary Kanis (2)

Kathleen Kanis

Frank Kardux

Janet Kardux

Myrna Kardux

Rosemary Kardux

Jody Kegel

Steph Kegel

Gayle Klaasen

Jeffrey Knibbe

Karla Joy Knibbe

Kevin Knibbe

Ryan Knibbe

Jim Kranendonk

Joanna Kranendonk

Mary Kranendonk

Susan Kranendonk

Cindy Kreft

Derek Kreft

June Krygsman

Joan Lamain

Kristy Lamain

Sara Lamain

Erik Langerak

Gregory Lubbers

Pam Lubbers

Steve Lubbers

Jana Maassen

Joel Maassen

Sharon Maassen

David Marcus

Nathan Meeuwse

Nicole Meeuwse

Billy Middendorp

Bobby Middendorp

Sarah Middendorp

Eric Moerdyk

Leanne Neels (2)

Mark Neels (2)

Alyce Nieuwenhuis

Rob Nieuwenhuis

Karen Nyenhuis

Michelle Often

Craig Phillips

Wendy Phillips

John Polderman (2)

Carmen Post

Kevin Post

Scott Post

Todd Post

Heidi Remijn

Sonya Remijn

Darla Rus

Jason Rus

Pam Schelling

Becky Schelling

Renita Schelling

Ben Schipper

Eric Schipper

Kristina Schipper

Johanna Scholten

Margaret Scholten

Estella Schouten (2)

Philip Schouten

Diane Slingerland

Jolene Slingerland

Kevin Slingerland

Marilyn Slingerland

Marco Slingerland

Stephen Sporte

Rebecca Staal

Joel Stam

Nelly Stam

Aaron Stubbe

Kevin Stubbe

Steven Stubbe

Jonathan Ten Elshof

Tim Ten Elshof

Eze Uche

Sally Van Bemden

MaryEllen VanBrugge

Nella Van Brugge

Peter M. VanBrugge

Andre VandeBru in horst

Lida VandeBruinhorst

Mary VandeBruinhorst

Jaron VandeHoef

Leona VandenBrink

Louise VandenBrink

Marvin VandenHoek

Patricia VandenHoek

Jon VandenToorn

Jaclyn VandenToorn

Kim VandenToorn

Lisa VandenToorn

Marsha VandenToorn

Mike VandenToorn

Tammy VandenToorn

Dave VanderMeulen

Fran VanderMeulen

Bob VanderZand

Rodney VanderZand

Dawn Van Seters

Cory Van Tilburg

Trina Van Tol

Kristi Van Veldhuizen

Rebecca Van Veldhuizen

Robert Van Veldhuizen

Phyllis Van Veldhuizen

Sheila Van Veldhuizen

Larissa Van Voorst

Rachel Van Voorst

Corinna Van Wingerden

Karen Van Wingerden

Mark Van Wingerden

Mariene Van Wingerden

Steven Van Wingerden

Jacqueline Velthove

Pieter Len Velthove

Alice Velthuis

Janet Velthuis

John Wesdyk

Karen Wesdyk

Eric Wielhouwer

Andrea Wright

Chad Wright

Cindy Ymker

Denise Ymker

Gregory Ymker

Again there are letters to answer:

Benjamin Hayes

We have had cold weather this winter, Benjamin, but that can be expected in the winter. The providing care of the Lord over us can be seen when we consider that we have warm homes and clothing. There are some who must lack these, and we take them so for granted.

Darla Rus

Our schools have not had to be closed because of snow this winter with the exception of one in the early part of the winter. There are some weeks of winter still ahead, so we must wait and see further. At the moment the sun is shining brightly upon the newly fallen snow of the past few days.

Derek Kreft

Those earthmovers certainly move a lot of dirt in a short time, Derek. When we consider that it was once done with horses, what a difficult task it must have been. How is the report coming along? The job of a soldier dates back to early Bible times. Have you ever thought why such a task was necessary?

Stella Schouten

I see there are two letters from you, Stella. For a moment I didn’t know what was meant by your statement that Gisborne was the first city in the world to see the sun. After looking at the map I noticed that it is very close to the International Date Line. Do you go there often?

Nelly Stam

Did the report card show that you did well, Nelly? How many verses of Scripture do you know from memory? Some people have a very good memory for facts and figures, but unfortunately the facts and figures which they remember are not of much value. How much better if your memory may be stored with God’s Word.

Cindy Kreft

Since we do not live out in wide open spaces, Cindy, our wind is usually not so severe. The power of the wind can be very great. The Bible speaks a number of times about the wind and its effect. Can you think of some examples of this?

Remco Funcke

Your new house must be under construction now, Remco, so I suppose you are watching its progress. A good well is quite essential, since water is so important to us. The Lord Jesus also spoke about water to a Samaritan woman when they met at Jacob’s well. Do you know the story?

Philip Schouten

Your letter is the last one this time, Philip. It sounds like your dog is well trained. Were you the trainer? It always seems strange when you speak of going north where the weather is hotter, whereas we go north for cooler weather. Have you ever been north of the equator?

Many thanks to all the boys and girls for the answers to the quiz. It is always a pleasure to see the answers arrive, knowing that time has been spent with God’s Word in this way. May the Lord bless it for all of us.

With love,

Your friend,

“Uncle Garret”

DEACON LEE’S OPINION

Deacon Lee, who was a kind, quiet, faithful, gracious man, was one day visited by a restless, worldly church member, who was creating uneasiness in the Church by trying to drive away the preacher. The deacon came in to meet his visitor, who, after the usual greetings, began to lament the low state of religion, and inquire as to the reason why there had been no conversions for two or three years past.

“Now, what do you think is the cause of things being dull here? Do you know?” he persisted in asking.

The deacon was not ready to give his opinion, and after a little thought, frankly answered, “No, I don’t.”

“Do you think the Churches are alive to the work before them?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Do you think the minister fully realizes the solemnity of his work?”

“No, I don’t.”

A twinkle was seen in the eye of this troubler in Zion; and taking courage, he asked: “Do you think our minister is a very extraordinary man?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Do you think his sermon on ‘Their eyes were holden,’ was really good?”

“No, I don’t.”

Becoming bold, after all this apparent encouragement, he asked, “Then don’t you think we had better dismiss this man and seek another?”

The old deacon jumped as if shot with an arrow, and, in a tone louder than normal shouted: “No, I don’t.”

“Why,” cried the amazed visitor, “you agree with me in all I have said, don’t you?”

“No, I don’t.”

“You talk so little, sir,” replied the guest, not a little abashed, “that no one can find out what you do mean.”

“I talked enough once,” replied the old man, rising to his feet, “for six praying Christians. Thirty years ago I got my heart humbled and my tongue bridled, and ever since that I’ve walked softly before Cod. I then made vows as solemn as eternity, and don’t you tempt me to break them!”

The troubler was startled at the earnestness of the hitherto silent, unmovable man, and asked, “What happened to you thirty years ago?”

“Well, sir, I’ll tell you. I was drawn into a scheme just like this of yours, to uproot one of God’s servants from the field in which He had planted him. In my blindness, I fancied it a little thing to remove one of the ‘stars’ which Jesus holds in His right hand, if thereby my ear could be satisfied, and the pews filled with those who turned away from the simplicity of the Gospel. I and the men that led me — for I admit that I was a dupe and a fool —flattered ourselves that we were conscientious. We thought we were doing God service when we drove that holy man from his pulpit and his work, and said we considered his work ended in the city where we then lived. We groaned because there was no revival, while we were gossiping, criticizing, and crushing instead of upholding, by our efforts and our prayer, the instrument at whose hand we harshly demanded the blessings. Well, sir, he could not drag on the chariot of the Gospel with half-a-dozen of us taunting him for his weakness, while we hung as dead weight to the wheels; he had not the power of the Spirit, and could not convert men; so we hunted him like a deer till, worn and bleeding, he fled into a covert to die. Scarcely had he gone, when God came among us by His Spirit to show that He had blessed the labors of His dear rejected servant. Our own hearts were broken, and our wayward children converted, and I resolved at a convenient season to visit my former pastor and confess my sin, and thank him for his faithfulness to my wayward sons, which, like long-buried seed, had now sprung up. But God denied me that relief, that He might teach me a lesson that ‘he who toucheth one of His servants toucheth the apple of His eye.’ I heard my former pastor was ill, and taking my oldest son with me, set out on a twenty-five mile ride to see him. It was evening when I arrived, and his wife, with a spirit which any woman ought to exhibit towards one who had so wronged her husband, denied me admittance to his chamber. She said—and her words were arrows to my soul—’He may be dying, and the sight of your face might add to his anguish!’

“Had it come to this, I said to myself, that the man whose labors had, through Christ, brought me into His fold; who had consoled my spirit in a terrible bereavement; and who had, till designing men had alienated us, been to me as a brother - that this man could not die in peace with my face before him? ‘God pity me!’ I cried, ‘what have I done?’ I confessed my sins to that meek woman, and implored her for Christ’s sake to let me kneel before His dying servant, and receive his forgiveness. What did I care then about the struggles that had passed between us? I would gladly have taken his whole family to my home for ever, as my flesh and blood; but no such happiness was in store for me.

“As I entered the room of the blessed warrior, whose armor was falling from his limbs, he opened his languid eyes, and said, ‘Brother Lee! Brother Lee!’ I bent over him and sobbed out, ‘My Pastor! My Pastor!’ Then raising his white hand, he said in a deep, impressive voice, Touch not Mine anointed, and do My prophets no harm.’ I spoke tenderly to him, and told him I had come to confess my sin, and bring some of his fruit to him, calling my son to tell him how he had found Christ. But he was unconscious of all around; the sight of my face had brought the last pang of earth to his troubled spirit.

“I kissed his brow, and told him how dear he had been to me. I craved his pardon for my unfaithfulness, and promised to care for his widow and fatherless little ones; but his only reply, murmured as if in a troubled dream, was, Touch not Mine anointed, and do My prophets no harm!’

“I stayed by him all night, and at daybreak I closed his eyes. I offered his widow a house to live in the remainder of her days; but, like a heroine, she said, ‘I freely forgive you; but my children, who entered deeply into their father’s anguish, shall never see me so regardless of his memory as to take anything from those who caused it. He has left us all with his covenant God, and He will care for us.’

“Well, sir, those dying words sounded in my ears from that coffin and from that grave. When I slept, Christ stood before my dream, saying, Touch not Mine anointed, and do My prophets no harm!’ These words followed me until 1 fully realized the esteem in which Christ holds those men who have given up all for His sake, and I vowed to love them evermore for His sake, even if they are not perfect; and since that day, sir, I have talked less than before, and have supported my pastor, even if he is not a ‘very extraordinary man.’ When a minister’s work is done in a place, I believe God will show it to him. I will not join you, sir, in the scheme that brought you here; and, moreover, if I hear another word of this from your lips, I shall ask my brethren to deal with you as with those who cause divisions. I would give all I own to recall what I did thirty years ago. Stop where you are, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.”

This decided reply put an end to the newcomer’s efforts. There is often great power in the little word “No,” but sometimes, and in some circumstances, it requires not a little courage to speak it so resolutely as did the silent deacon. —GS

CHARITY: A FRUIT OF GRACE

In 1952 we wanted to build a new church in Capelle aan den IJssel for our congregation. Nobody had much money. Almost all of our members were ordinary laborers in the ship building industry.

We had a committee from among the congregation, and we thought it was the best way to go to our members every month for a larger or smaller gift. So we did.

But there was a very old and poor child of God in church. Together with his old wife he had only a little house. Yet, he was a blessed man. Always he spoke about the goodness of God and Christ for him, an unworthy sinner.

We said to each other: “We won’t go to that poor man. We would make it too hard for him,” for we thought it was impossible for him to give for a new church.

On a certain day I was riding my bike and passed by his house. It was very nice weather and the old friend sat on his bench.

I raised my hand and waved to him. Then he stood up and said: “Listen to me for a moment, will you?”

I stopped and went to him. I said: “How are you doing?”

“Oh,” he said, “very good, the Lord is good for an old sinner. But I have a little bit of sorrow.”

I asked him what it was.

“Oh,” he said, “you and others go to our members for a gift for the new church, but I think Frans (that was his name) may give nothing.”

I answered: “Frans, we didn’t want to hurt you. All of us know that you are very poor in your daily life. We didn’t forget you, but we didn’t dare ask you for a small gift.”

Do you know what his answer was? He said: “The Lord Jesus has paid the price for me. He bought me with His dear blood. I have enough to get through this world. And I have the desire to give some money for our new church. It may be that I will not come in the new building at all, but then, my dear brother, I may go to the heavenly church. That is a church which shall never end. There I won’t be poor, but so rich that I cannot express a thousandth part of it.”

I was moved because of that and said: “Old brother, from now on we will come to you each month.”

He smiled, shook my hand firmly, and said: ‘The Lord has heard my prayer. I had asked Him, “‘Lord, may I not give anything for Thy house? Thou hast given me so much, and taken care of me for time and eternity.’”

Never did this old God-fearing friend come in our new church. Before we could move into the new building he passed away and was no longer poor, but was in eternal bliss. His funeral was a testimony of God’s goodness and grace.

In all his poverty, it was amazing how God took care of him and his wife, and above all he could tell how great God’s gift was for him, namely, that Christ came to give His precious blood for him.

He had a desire to do something for our new church building, but the wonder was he got back more than double. People might and must bring to him and his wife the necessities of life. Remember: “Insomuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” — AWV

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