TIMOTHY MISSION FUND

During the month of November, gifts totalling $41.00 were received for our mission fund, which we again gratefully acknowledge. A check in the amount of $100 was sent to the Wycliffe Bible Translators, leaving a balance in the fund at the end of the month in the amount of $34.90. Donations to the fund should be sent in care of Mr. Tom Stryd, P.O. Box 2182, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49003.

The apostle Paul has written, “Let us not be weary in well doing”, and the Lord Jesus taught, “If ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye?” May it all be done to His glory and the extension of His kingdom.

And acknowledgment was received from Mr. Polder in the Netherlands for the check in the amount of $ 150 which was sent in support of the mission work in New Guinea.

OUR MISSIONARY TO SOUTH AFRICA, WITH HIS FAMILY

Rev. Huisman, who previously was the minister in the church of Vlaardingen, Netherlands, is now working among the Tswana’s of South Africa. We hope to report more about his work there, D. V., in future issues.

BALDWIN MISSION

At the beginning of November Mr. and Mrs. Warmenhoven started to work full time at the mission project in Baldwin, Michigan. This consists in visiting the “homes” of the people, inviting them to come to the missionhouse, where classes are regularly held for children and adults. There they are informed about the message God’s Word has for them. Now also on Sunday there are two services wherein God’s Word in explained in a very simple way by Mr. Warmenhoven.

Because the people among whom they are working are generally quite poor, Mr. and Mrs. Warmenhoven have arranged regular “sales” days, at which time donated goods are sold to the people at a very, very low price. If it is found that some cannot afford to pay for their needs, it is given to them at no cost. With food and money received from mission-minded friends in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, it was possible to distribute 40 boxes of precious food before Thanksgiving. The joy and gratitude of those who received the boxes was great. On Thanksgiving Day about 40 people attended the service which was held.

Those wishing to donate articles for these “sales” at Baldwin are welcome to do so. The articles need not be new, but should be clean. Clothing should not be too worn or outdated. Bedding items, pillowcases, and such other things that are useful in the family are very much appreciated. The address of the mission is Bethlehem Mission Home, Box 359, Baldwin, Michigan 49304.

Let us remember the missionaries in Baldwin in our prayers, that their work be not in vain; that sinners might be brought to the saving knowledge of the only true God, and Jesus Christ Whom He has sent.

On behalf of the Mission Fund Committee,

GIFTS RECEIVED FOR MISSIONS IN NOV. 1973

CLASSIS EAST SOURCE AMOUNT

Franklin Lakes Mission Col. Collection 1434.00

Friend in Prospect Park Gift 10.00

Clifton Mission Col. Collection 1056.80

CLASSIS MIDWEST

Friend in Kalamazoo Gift 40.00

Timothy Mission Fund Gift 300.00

Covell Ave. Ladies Aid Gift 400.00

St. Catherines Mission Col. Collection 2500.00

Kalamazoo Mission Co. Collection 800.00

So. Holland Mission Col. Collection 1309.50

G.R. Mission Col. Collection 1463.85

In G.R. Ch. Col. Gift 10.00

Friend in Michigan Gift 125.00

Friend in Kalamazoo Gift 5.00

CLASSIS WEST

Corsica Mission Col. Collection 500.00

Rock Valley Mission Col. Collection 647.37

Waupun Mission Col. Collection 176.65

Sioux Center Mission Col. Collection 860.25

Sheboygan Mission Col. Collection 178.00

Mary Martha Waupun Gift 200.00

CLASSIS FARWEST

Lethbridge (Tabitha) Gift 1200.00

TOTAL: $13216.42

Dear Friends,

We are glad that the Lord has again made it possible to show a good income for the mission, and we want to thank you all for your generous support. Also to Rev. Kuijt for his many labors in visiting all the congregations. May the Lord give us all truly humble hearts for His goodness. It could all be so different on account of sin. On Nov. 28 Rev. Elshout and myself with John V.D. Top from Sioux Center as a visitor, and the ladies who have done so much work here in the past years namely Jane Roodvoets, Betty Kik, and Wilma LaBotz went to the Baldwin mission to hold a meeting with Mr. and Mrs. Bert Warmenhoven to discuss the needs and the things to be done at that place. Bert and Ruth are very busy getting settled down in the mobile home and all the mission work that is to be done there. The first service was held on Thanksgiving day with approximately 40 people attending. May the Lord give His blessing upon His Holy Word. It is Paul that plants, Apollos that waters, but only God can give the increase. May the Lord give many prayers for Bert and Ruth to be strengthened in their labors, with all the mission workers, in Indonesia and Nigeria and also in South Africa where Rev. Huisman is now laboring as a missionary. That the Lord may pour out His Holy Spirit, that He may convince of sin, what is so necessary in the time we are living in. That He may convince of righteousness, that God is a holy God, a merciful God, but also a righteous God and also a just God who will not let the guilty go free. That He may convince of judgement, that man shall once be arranged before the tribunal of God. Oh that the Lord may yet send a revival, that many may be made righteous through the righteousness of Him who stood in the sinners place, who made it possible that sinners could be saved through justice. May the Lord bind these things on all of our hearts.

American General Mission Fund

Netherlands Reformed Congregations

of America and Canada

John Spaans, Treasurer

Plankinton, Box 106 RR1

South Dakota 57368

A LETTER FROM ANN HERFST

Bethesda Clinic

11-14-73

Mission Friends,

Today is “Onyike” market day, the largest market in this area, it is held every “Ggede week” (every 5 days.)

Other days smaller markets are held in various parts of Ggede.

The markets play an important role in the life of the villagers, especially the one at “Onyike”, approximately 3 miles from the clinic. Quite a number of people are on their way early in the morning already, carrying their “stuff” for sale, on their heads.

They come from all directions, passing by on the narrow bush paths surrounding our clinic compound.

The sound of lorries passing by on the “main road” can quite frequently be heard. Many “big traders” get their products from Oturkpo and other places.

At Onyike is always a great display of all sorts of things, including a nice selection of cotton materials.

A great number of “shades” have been put up with bamboo sticks, covered with grass roofs. Each trader knows his own section.

Since the “big Market” is well attended there usually is a great crowd of people from different tribes. Everyone is interested in trading and in hearing the latest “news”.

It’s amazing how fast “news” can travel by people whom are regularly visiting market places. Sometimes it’s just an exchange of greetings etc. from one family to another, but also “urgent messages” are delivered speedily this way.

Apparently there is an “important idol” right inside the Onyike market place too, although the people are not very keen in giving us information about it — it contributes to the fact that “Onyike” is a much desired part of the area.

It is no wonder that this market place and its location is important to the villagers.

There has been some “unrest” among the Ggede people living in the nearby villages about the Onyike market place — some say: “It belongs to our area.” And another group claims that it’s location is within their part of Ggede. “Things” seem to be quiet again now.

Tulani women are returning from market, happily chatting with each other, and all excited about “market day”.

People belonging to the Tulani tribe are real Nomadic’s. They raise and sell their cattle as they go from one place to the other.

They’ve made a temporary settlement approximately 6 miles from the clinic.

Quite a number of their children have been admitted with measles, however, they seem to be getting over it pretty well now.

The Tulanis are very religious people, (strict Moslim) They kept a great fast and made confession of their sins, which lasted several weeks.

They tell us that it’s good that we read the Bible to them but that “their religion” is very different from “ours.”

And then they go again from one place to another.

Humanly speaking - “Wanderers indeed!”

Greetings

from

Ann Herfst

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Banner of Truth Tract Committee hereby expresses its sincere appreciation for gifts received for the publication and free distribution of tracts. Tracts to be published will consist of suitable articles taken from the denominational publication, “The Banner of Truth”, as authorized by Classis East and Mid-West. Personal gifts are encouraged for the furtherence of this endeavor and will be gratefully received. Gifts may be mailed to The Banner of Truth Tract Committee, 540 Cresent St. N.E., Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503. Gifts received during the month of December are as follows:

Kalamazoo Congregation …………………………………………. $ 100.00

Timothy Mission Fund …………………………………………. 50.00

Anonymous …………………………………………. 500.00

Anonymous …………………………………………. 200.00

Various …………………………………………. 28.00

American General Mission Fund …………………………………………. 50.00

NOTES OUT OF THE CATECHISM CLASSES

Of Rev. J. Fraanje

Using The Catechism Book

SPECIMENS OF DIVINE TRUTHS

Of The Covenant of Grace— Lesson 16-Part 2

The Covenant of Grace has been essentially the same throughout all ages. All believers under the Old Testament dispensation as well as those under the New Testament have part in the benefits of the covenant of grace. “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8.

So, it is very definite on God’s side that He views the children of the covenant solely in the Mediator of the Covenant. When that appointed time approaches, when God of His own accord, embraces a sinner in that covenant, the Holy Spirit begins the saving work of conviction. Hellenbroek states in the answer to question 9: “God first comes to him (in the internal calling) when He kindly and beseechingly invites him.”

Having been wrought upon by the Holy Spirit in this way, the elect sinner cannot but be completely subdued and made willingly submissive. “I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love.”

The sinner then has no choice but by grace to submit to the Lord, taking Him as his possession.

No matter how unwilling and hostile he may be, the Holy Spirit instills a new nature within him so that he now willingly and by faith consents to all God does.

I hope that each one of you may experience, personally, the essence of this lesson on the covenant of Grace.

The explanation of the questions and answers being quite lengthy, the time has, consequently, passed by quickly.

If the Lord will spare us, we shall see one another again in two weeks, because next week is Pentacost.

When it is Christmas time, what is then the common saying? Jesus came upon earth, so it is said, “God with us.” When it is Easter we say, “God for us”, and at Pentacost, “God in us”. Three thousand souls were converted under one sermon at that time. Boys and girls, how many sermons have you heard in your lifetime? How often have the Christmas, Easter and Pentacost seasons come and gone in your life? You have celebrated those days, probably, 14, 15 or 16 times and, —still without conversion.

Imagine for a moment that you were present at Jerusalem with those devout Jews on Pentacost day, when the Holy Ghost descended and you witnessed the salvation of three thousand persons congregated there.

What profit would this conversion of others be for you, if you were not included? Absolutely nothing.

That is why it is so necessary that the Holy Spirit be the victor in your life. If you never experience this during your lifetime, you will come to discover at death that the Lord has wrought out salvation but you have lost it eternally.

Maybe you have been told the account of emperor Julian in the history of the early christians. Julian’s father had been shamefully murdered by his uncle. Now that he was an orphan, the murderer of his father endeavored to rear him sanctimoniously in the christian religion. It was only natural that Julian hated his “christian” uncle, because he knew very well that his uncle had murdered his father and taken over the reign.

When Julian became older, he began to inquire into pagan religions and studied night and day in books written by Greek philosophers.

Since he did not know the true God, not having been born again through the power of the Spirit of God, he never became acquainted with the principle of genuine faith.

He formed opinions on the christian doctrines influenced solely by the false religion of his uncle.

When he became a man he emerged as a valiant general and, after many triumphs in battles, was summoned by the Roman Legions to be Kaizer in the year 361.

He reigned over this great empire for two years, oppressing the christians as much as possible and restored heathendom to its former place of honor. His hatred of Christ was so intense, that he always used the words of Christ in a sacriligious way.

For instance, when christians came to the court of justice to complain that something had been stolen from them, he answered them mockingly, “Why do you complain about this? Didn’t your master teach you that when men take away your coat to let them have your cloak also?”

He called all christians “fisherman disciples” because they were followers of the apostles, most of whom were fishermen by trade.

After he had reigned in that way for two years war erupted again with the Persians. At first, it appeared he was being victorious, but he finally was seriously wounded with a spear.

Some historians relate that he removed the spear from his wound himself, caught some of the flowing blood in his hand, threw it into the air, calling out, “That despised Nazerine is victorious after all!”

In his last moments he talked with some heathen philosophers about the exalted nature of the soul.

He comforted the generals and friends standing weeping about him by saying he would return his life to the creator from Whom he had received it. He then asked for a drink of water and — died.

That was the end of Julian the apostate. In spite of his apostasy to heathendom and his hardness of heart, he was compelled to confess that Jesus Christ had been the victor.

Boys and girls, I hope you may acknowledge, during your lifetime, not only in conscience but with your whole heart thru the new life within you, instilled there by the Holy Spirit, that the Lord has been the victor over you.

May the Lord grant this to you out of free grace for His Name Sake.

TO BECOME JEALOUS OF

Part II

Of course, when the quickening deed is glorified in our hearts, then it becomes different. We can see that by the Publican in Luke 18. The Pharisee saw the Publican, but the Publican did not see the Pharisee. The Publican would not so much as lift up his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, “God be merciful to me a sinner”. The centurion cried out, “I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof”. What a good place that is; if a person could only remain there. But usually that does not last so long. Here, everything is only in part and of very short duration. More often out of our place, than that we are on our place. And when we are out of our place, then it is all misery inward and outwardly. More love for ourselves than for God. Then we must agree with Asaph:

Ever, O Lord, with thee, All shall be well with me

Held by Thy hand; and Thou wilt guide my feet

By Thy own counsel sweet, Till I for glory meet In glory stand.

Deserters, squanderers and wasters, that is what we are by nature. With our entire being we want to be, or become something. Of what a short duration it often is in our life, that we are really nothing. It will be an eternal wonder if it has ever been true in our life. Like Absalom, most people stay hanging in the branches, but Zacheus was brought to the ground. There are many people, who firmly believe, that they have been brought there, who according to their estimation are still there; but the practice must prove this. We cannot always depend upon the profession, that is to say, what is said with the mouth. Our life must give the evidence of it. Even among the disciples, the chosen men of the Lord; there was strife, which of them would be the greatest. In Matt. 18 Jesus set a child in the midst of them, and said, “Verily I say unto you. Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of heaven”. To exalt our-selves is easy, but to be brought low is something different. All what is within us is against that.

No matter what we would do, it is impossible to bring ourselves into the valley of humiliation. We know that it is the best place, but it is such a humiliating way for our nature, and we become more aware continually, that God must bring us there.

He thought on us amid our woes,
And rescued us from all our foes,
His tender mercies ever sure To all eternity endure.

So often we live as creatures who have rights; and then it is a wonder for others, that we still greet them. But when it becomes a wonder in our life, that God still thinks of us, still cares for us, and that God’s people will still greet us, that is much better. No, not that God’s people can help us, or that we could build on them for eternity. Far, far from that. But it can become so great for us, that we cannot understand, that God’s people still think of us. Oh what pride and conceitedness, even though we show ourselves ever so humble. We are filled with humble pride. And that which is high among man is an abomination in the sight of God. Pride was the first sin in Paradise, and it’s roots are ever so deep. Even though that pride may be somewhat broken by the irresistible power of God’s Spirit. Yet that monster time and again raise’s up his head. And only by death shall God’s child be delivered, completely delivered from that monster, which so often again reveals itself, seeking to oppress and to destroy that new life. What a deliverance that will be, when that mountain of pride shall be taken away once and for all. When man shall no longer exalt himself, but alone, the honor and glory of the Triune God, and that perfectly.Who is worthy to be praied eternally. Really, that is something to be jealous of, when you read such language as of that worthy divine messenger of a former century. When we are no longer worthy to be greeted by God or man, then we do not esteem ourself so highly. But then we shall have great and high thoughts of that Most High Majesty; and small and low thoughts of ourselves. Then there is also something of that in our hearts, to esteem others greater than ourselves.

Thus it was also with that great divine messenger Paul, who testifies in various places, “While I am nothing”. And calls himself “The chief of sinners”, “Who am less than the least of all saints”. And finally, “That am not meet to be called an Apostle”. How the greatness of God’s grace then shines forth in Christ; and then the fruit? Then it will be our desire to occupy the lowest place before God and man. No, that does not say, that we can just step over all unrighteousnesses; and let violence be done to the truth, in order to preserve peace; and to go along with everything, to consent and say yea and Amen on everything. No, far from that. Such people that feel their unworthiness before God, burn with zeal for the name and things of God. Gr. R.

ON BEGINNING THE NEW YEAR

The old year, 1973, with all its cares, sorrows and trials together with its many tokens of God’s goodness has ended. Fortunate indeed are they who did not have to enter the New Year with unforgiven sins, who, upon entering the New Year, can look back upon the gracious forgiveness of their sins, upon a merciful covering of their iniquities. The great majority go on from day to day and year after year adding sin to sin feeling no need for the precious blood of the Son of God that washes away all sin. There are others, however, who indeed feel the need for forgiveness of their sin, but who, not having been granted that unspeakable blessing, go their way bowed down under the heavy load of sin. With a heavy heart they enter the New Year. The hope they once had that they should find peace with God is waning. That blessing is so great and they feel so unworthy that for them to ever receive that blessing seems more and more impossible as times goes on. Death follows hard on their heels; their debt is unpaid; God’s justice has not been satisfied; fierce fightings rage within; Satan, the accuser is so active; the law condemns; the gospel is silent; Christ is hidden and with a condemning conscience they wearily stumble on their way.

The question arises in their heart: What shall the end be? O, to be sure, in their darkest hour they still believe that the end of the man that trusts in the Name of the Lord shall be peace; that God shall never forsake the work of his hands. But to believe it is for them is a question that looms larger and larger as times goes on. And still they can never be jealous of persons who talk blithely about their religion and who are so content and happy in their salvation. If they were to choose, no matter how miserable their state and how often Satan the soul murderer tells them: “There is no help for you in God;” they would prefer to lie with Mordecai the Jew at the King’s gate than to ever appropiate one thing that was not applied to them by the Holy Spirit. It is their longing and desire to have the blood applied to their soul. That in the way of justice and equity they may be saved by the redemption that is in Christ alone.

It is my sincere wish and prayer that the year of your deliverance may soon dawn upon you. That this year may be for you the year of God’s good pleasure. That you, who long for and desire that deliverance by God, who cannot help yourselves may yet receive beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning and the garment of praise for the Spirit of heaviness. Let it be to your comfort that God, at his own time, shall fulfill the promise: “O, thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay your stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.” To be sure, we are living in dark days but God is faithful. The captive’s exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail. These are but poor and empty words that I address to you but God can give them meaning and value for your soul. While you read this, may the Spirit of God grant you faith to believe it. All the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the Glory of God by us. What a great comfort this is for God’s child! Therefore comfort one another with these words.

My wish for this New Year for all God’s children, the small and the great, is an overflowing fountain of blessing and for myself also a crumb from the table of grace. We have forfeited the right to even the least of his blessing and the smallest blessing is so very great to a transgressor of all God’s commandments.

My prayer is the prayer Jesus taught His disciples: “Thy Kingdom Come.” That prayer was not only for the coming of that Kingdom but also for an increase in God’s Church.It is God’s own promise to his Church in Jer. 30:19. “I will multiply them and they shall not be few.” There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repents. Surely then there would be joy on earth should we see God working in our families and congregations. Ought not our prayer for the New Year be that this be the year of God’s good pleasure and that the pleasure of the Lord prosper in the hand of Christ? God grant that in this year many be added to the number that once shall be saved. That many enemies be reconciled to God and many sinners be justified. That the broken walls of Zion be built up and that those who belong together may, in a proper and just way, be brought together.

May we also seek the Lord in prayer that He send forth laborers into his harvest whereas He has promised:

“From age to age shall men be taught

What wondrous works the Lord has wrought.”

The need is great and in this also may our eyes be upon the Lord. May He raise up men adorned with grace and talents to serve in his Church to build upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. The Lord remember the ministers, office bearers, and congregations in 1974.

May the Lord bless us and our families with material, spiritual and eternal blessings in Christ Jesus. May He keep from us war with its devastations. Our sins are great and many but may God in his wrath remember mercy. May He grant us grace to break with sin, to follow after righteousness, to extol his name and hallow his day. In keeping God’s law there is great reward, but:

“Those who despise and not obey

His law, shall e ‘er in darkness stay.”

The year of our death is coming, it could be this year. Let us not put the year or the day of our death too far in the future and let us not make great plans for the future. May God teach us to die before our time to die is upon us. Then our death shall not be like the death of the godless, but the final abolishing of sin, and a passage into eternal life.

The God of all grace grant that to you and to me for Christ’s sake by the operation of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Rev. W. C. Lamain

CAMPUS CRUSADE FOR CHRIST

The Four Spiritual Laws

Introduction — Part I

Probably some of you have already been confronted with the newest way of spreading the gospel by means of the so-called: Four Spiritual Laws. I think it is good that we take notice of the danger which presents itself to us and to our young and rising generation, especially in this new approach of men with the gospel.

When the error is openly presented and proclaimed, the error is easily detected. It is quite different when the error is mixed with biblical truths.

I think that there are certain things in the modern movements of today which attract especially the young because of the fact that they hear well-known expressions and statements.

It is admitted that we are fallen creatures. It is admitted that Jesus is the only Name given under heaven whereby we must be saved. It is stated that the Holy Spirit works faith in the heart. It is stressed that a new life is necessary. But the error is — that man has to accept Jesus and has to make the decision.

If man is not willing God can do nothing for him. So it is all up to man whether he will be saved or not. It is said, God’s hands are tied when the sinner is not willing to respond to the gospel.

And this is certainly not the biblical idea of God Who only does wonders and works miracles in the midst of the children of men. We notice further how historical faith is mistaken for saving faith. It is more an accepting with the mind than an accepting with the heart of the truth about ourselves and God, which is set before us in the modern type of evangelism.

I would like to try to point at the unbiblical contents of the four spiritual laws, although they are mixed with biblical truth. Let us therefore take notice first of the four spiritual laws as they are presented unto us by modern evangelism:

The Four Spiritual Laws

1. God loves you, and has a wonderful plan for your life. God’s Love

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).

God’s Plan

(Christ speaking) “I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly” (that it might be full and meaningful) (John 10:10).

2. Man is sinful and separated from God, thus he cannot know and experience God’s love and plan for his life. Man is Sinful

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Man was created to have fellowship with God; but, because of his own stubborn self-will, he chose to go his own independent way and fellowship with God was broken. This self-will, characterized by an attitude of active rebellion or passive indifference, is an evidence of what the Bible calls sin.

Man is Separated

“For the wages of sin is death” (spiritual separation from God) (Romans 6:23).

3. Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for man’s sin. Through Him you can know and experience God’s love and plan for your life.

He Died in Our Place

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

He Rose from the Dead

“Christ died for our sins . . . He was buried . . . He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures . . . He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred. . .” (I Cor. 15:3–6)

He is the Only Way

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me’” (John 14:6).

4. We must individually receive Jesus Christ as savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God’s love and plan for our lives.

We Must Receive Christ

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1: 12).

We Receive Christ Through Faith

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast” (Ephesians 2:8, 9).

We Receive Christ by Personal Invitation

(Christ is speaking): “Behold, I stand at the door and knock,; if any one hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him” (Revelation 3:20).

Receiving Christ involves turning to God from self, trusting Christ to come into our lives, to forgive our sins and to make us what He wants us to be. It is not enough to give intellectual assent to His claims or to have an emotional experience.

You Can Receive Christ Right Now Through Prayer

(Prayer is talking with God)

God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. The following is a suggested prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I need You. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.” Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If it does, pray this prayer right now, and Christ will come into your life, as He promised.

How to Know That Christ is in Your Life

Did you receive Christ into your life? According to His promise in Revelation 3:20, where is Christ right now in relation to you? Christ said that He would come into your life. Would He mislead you? On what authority do you know that God has answered your prayer? (The trustworthiness of God Himself and His Word.)

The Bible Promises Eternal Life to All Who Receive Christ

“And the witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life” (I John 5:11–13).

Thank God often that Christ is in your life and that He will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5). You can know that the living Christ indwells you, and that you have eternal life, from the very moment you invite Him in on the basis of His promise. He will not deceive you.

Do Not Depend Upon Feelings

The promise of God’s Word, not our feelings, is our authority. The Christian lives by faith (trust) in the trustworthiness of God Himself and His Word.

Now That You Have Received Christ

The moment that you, as an act of faith, received Christ, many things happened, including the following:

1. Christ came into your life (Rev. 3:20 and Col. 1:27).

2. Your sins were forgiven (Colossians 1:14).

3. You became a child of God (John 1:12).

4. You began the great adventure for which God created you (John 10:10, II Cor. 5:17 and I Thes. 5:18).

Can you think of anything more wonderful that could happen to you than receiving Christ? Would you like to thank God in prayer right now for what He has done for you? The very act of thanking God demonstrates faith.

Suggestions for Christian Growth

Spiritual growth results from trusting Jesus Christ. “The righteous man shall live by faith” (Galatians 3:11). A life of faith will enable you to trust God increasingly with every detail of your life, and to practice the following:

G Go to God in prayer daily (John 15:7).

R Read God’s Word daily (Acts 17:11) — begin with the Gospel of John.

O Obey God, moment by moment (John 14:21).

W Witness for Christ by your life and words (Matt. 4:19;John 15:8).

T Trust God for every detail of your life (I Peter 5:7).

H Holy Spirit — allow Him to control and empower your daily life and witness (Galatians 5:16, 17; Acts 1:8).

The Importance of a Good Church

In Hebrews 10:25, we are admonished to forsake not “the assembling of ourselves together. . .” Several logs burn brightly together; but put one aside on the cold hearth and the fire goes out. So it is with your relationship to other Christians. If you do not belong to a church, do not wait to be invited. Take the initiative; call the pastor of a nearby church where Christ is honored and His Word is preached. Start this week, and make plans to attend regularly. (To be continued.)

Rev. C. Harinck

BIBLE TRUTH BOOKS

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Six volumes. Green binding. This is the best set (largest print) of Matthew Henry available. Published by Reveil. Matthew Henry’s commentary has been considered the best commentary on the entire bible by many of God’s people over the centuries since it was first published. The title page reads: “. . . each chapter is summed up in its contents, the sacred text inserted at large in distinct paragraphs, each paragraph reduced to its proper heads: the sense given, and largely illustrated with practical remarks and observations.” (Approximately 7,000 pages.)

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(Volumes 3 through 8) Our Price — 9.00

Volumes 1 and 2 are temporarily out of print. The Lord willing, they hope to be reprinted in Sept. 1974. Volumes 3 through 7 may be purchased separately for $1.50 — Volume 8 (which includes a textual index) for $2.00. There are from five to seven sermons per volume. Philpot is an experimental preacher, beloved amongst many of God’s people. 117–138 pages per volume, hard cover.

MEMORIES AND FRAGMENTS Retail — $3.50

by Rev. W.C. Lamain Our Price — 2.25

At the request of many friends, Rev. Lamain has written down some of his experiences emphasizing man’s total corruption and nothingness before an all-sufficient and sovereign God. The book is experimental throughout, the experiences often interspersed with comments revealing how God leads His people. Two sermons are included: “Moses’ Threefold Blessing of Naphtali,” and “The Only Refuge.” “It shall be to the joy of my heart and soul if especially the sermons which have been included in this volume may be used as clay in God’s holy fingers to the conversion, to the discovery and to the upbuilding of the body of Christ.” — Preface. 179 pages, (hard cover).

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A story of the Waldenses and their suffering under persecution. 139 pages, (hard cover)

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A story of a Bible that was cemented in a wall in mockery, and the results it produced when it was found after the wall was torn down. (paperback) 75 pages.

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A story of a girl who suffered persecution in the community and at home for attending the preaching and prayer meetings of John Bunyan. (cardboard cover) 102 pages.

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Aremarkable story of the faith and devotion of a little, poor Welsh girl. To have her own Bible was her greatest desire, (hard cover) 102 pages.

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The story of a young boy in the Black Forest of Germany. He was despised by his brothers for his belief in God and His commandments, (hard cover) 63 pages.

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Each petition of the Lord’s prayer forms a golden chain in a story based on the draining of the Fens in North Lincolnshire during the seventeenth century, (hard cover) 116 pages.

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A story based on the persecution of Christians during the Roman Empire. This narrative reveals the sacrifices of some of the early Christians who lived in the Catacombs.

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Areformation story of the life of John Knox and the persecutions during the reign of Queen Mary, (paperback) 160 pages.

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Bible Animals is a description of some of the more common animals and a location of texts where these animals are spoken about in the Bible. (71 pages) Bible People is an account of sixty Biblical lives. (141 pages) Bible Places describes forty-seven places mentioned frequently in the Bible. (126 pages) Bible Miracles deals with miracles found in Genesis and Exodus. (69 pages) All four of these hard cover books by S. F. Paul are suitable for children and recommended for Sunday School use. (hard covers)

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A simple, interesting and sound Bible story series. A three volume set covering Biblical Genesis through Revelation. Wonderful for children and adults. 1,139 pages, (hard cover)

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SCRIPTURE

THE SOURCE OF OUR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

Though the light which presents itself to all eyes, both in heaven and in earth, is more than sufficient to deprive the ingratitude of men of every excuse, since God, in order to involve all mankind in the same guilt, sets before them all, without exception, an exhibition of his majesty, delineated in the creatures, yet we need another and better assistance, properly to direct us to the Creator of the world. Therefore he hath not unnecessarily added the light of his word, to make himself known unto salvation, and hath honoured with this privilege those whom he intended to unite in a more close and familiar connection with himself . . . For, as persons who are old, or whose eyes are by any means become dim, if you show them the most beautiful book, though they perceive something written, but can scarcely read two words together, yet, by the assistance of spectacles, will begin to read distinctly, — so the Scripture, collecting in our minds the otherwise confused notions of Deity, dispels the darkness, and gives us a clear view of the true God. This, then, is a singular favour, that, in the instruction of the Church, God not only uses mute teachers, but even opens his own sacred mouth; not only proclaims that some god ought to be worshipped, but at the same time pronounces himself to be the Being to whom this worship is due; and not only teaches the elect to raise their view to a Deity, but also exhibits himself as the object of their contemplation . . . We ought to learn from the Scripture, that God, who created the world, may be certainly distinguished from the whole multitude of fictitious deities . . . The Scripture discovers God to us as the Creator of the world, and declares what sentiments we should form of him, that we may not be seeking after a deity in a labyrinth of uncertainty.

But, whether God revealed himself to the patriarchs by oracles and visions, or suggested, by means of the ministry of men, what should be handed down by tradition to their posterity, it is beyond a doubt that their minds were impressed with a firm assurance of the doctrine, so that they were persuaded and convinced that the information they had received came from God . . . At length, that the truth might remain in the world in a continual course of instruction to all ages, he determined that the same oracles which he had deposited with the patriarchs should be committed to public records. With this design the Law was promulgated, to which the Prophets were afterwards annexed, as its interpreters . . . This, then, must be considered as a fixed principle, that . . . no man can have the least knowledge of true and sound doctrine, without having been a disciple of the Scripture . . .

God, foreseeing the inefficacy of his manifestation of himself in the exquisite structure of the world, hath afforded the assistance of his word to all those to whom he determined to make his instructions effectual, — if we seriously aspire to a sincere contemplation of God, it is necessary for us to pursue this right way. We must come, I say, to the word, which contains a just and lively description of God as he appears in his works . . . If we deviate from it, . . . though we run with the utmost celerity, yet, being out of the course, we shall never reach the goal. For it must be concluded, that the light of the Divine countenance, which even the Apostle says “no man can approach unto,” (I Tim 6:16) is like an inexplicable labyrinth to us, unless we are directed by the line of the word . . . Therefore the . . . Psalmist, having said, that “the heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handy-work; day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge,” (Ps. 19:1, & c.) afterwards proceeds to the mention of the word: “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple: the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.”

John Calvin

COVERED

H. P. Wotton

In his book Sartor Resartus,Thomas Carlyle said that the life of man is comprehended in a philosophy of clothes. There is a certain amount of truth in this. The meaning of the Latin phrase ‘sartor resartus’ is ‘the tailor patched’. And how like life this really is, for the learned need to patch continually their garment of knowledge, and as for righteousness, the old man’s rags need to be mended often lest they expose the heart — ‘deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked’ (Jeremiah 17:9).

In every attempt to cover his moral nakedness man weaves for himself a spider’s wed instead, in which he himself is caught. He has been doing this continually since the first man and woman lost their original garment of righteousness. But it is as hopeless for him to try to clothe his soul with righteousness as it is for him to try to fill eternity with time. But what is impossible with man is possible with God, for the man ‘whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered’ (Psalm 32:1) has entered into a realm of blessing that no man can enter into but he upon whom the sovereign Lord of the universe confers His garment of righteousness.

Behold, then, a sinful man, to whom the Lord will not impute iniquity. Well might the angels enquire into this mystery, this transcendent work of the eternal God, this mighty spectacle compared with which the seven wonders of the world are nothing, for here is a sinner without sin, an unrighteous man clothed with righteousness as with a garment. But how can these things be?

They could not be were it not for the work of the Lord Jesus, the holy, harmless Son of God. By reason of His spotless righteousness He only was found worthy to take the sinner’s sin and suffer for it on the tree. Look, then, sinful man! Look down in amazement, you glorious angels! Look and retire defeated, devils and demons! For the sin man inherited from the first Adam has been imputed to the second, who suffered for it on the cross, that no sin might now be imputed to those who believe in Him. No wonder Christian ‘gave three leaps for joy’ when he had by faith a sight of this, ‘and went on singing

Thus far did I come laden with my sin.
Nor could ought ease the grief that I was in,
Till I came hither. What a place is this!
Must here be the beginning of my bliss?
Must here the burden fall from off my back?
Must here the strings that bound it to me crack?
Blest cross! Blest sepulchre! Blest rather be
The Man that there was put to shame for me.’

(The Pilgrim’s Progress.)

THE BLESSED THIEF

Down through the ages of the Christian era countless eyes have gazed upon a scene on a lonely hill outside a city wall. It is that of three men on three crosses. Suspended between heaven and earth, they suffer the cruel punishment of crucifixion, two for their own sins, and the central figure for the sins of others. Though they all in different ways represent the human race, the Christ is the gloriously representative Man, who has so completely identified Himself with His people, as the head identifies itself with the body, that He has taken the body’s, that is His people’s sin and suffered for it in their stead! The thief on the right and the thief on the left of Christ represent the two attitudes taken to Him by those who hear the gospel.

Our present concern is with the attitude of faith of the blessed thief. That his sin was being completely accounted for by the central Figure we cannot doubt in view of the Lord’s reply to his request, ‘Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom’. For how could Jesus reply, ‘Today shalt thou be with me in paradise’ (Luke 23:42, 43) if there was to be anything left of his sin? We are told in the book of Revelation that ‘there shall in no wise enter into the holy city any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie’ (Revelation 21:27), but into that place went a man straight from the cross of a thief, thus proving that the way to eternal glory is by way of personal faith in a personal Saviour, who has taken the sinner’s personal sin and nailed it to His cross.

He now stands before God clothed in the perfect righteousness of his Redeemer who has done for him what he could not do for himself, for the Lord Jesus has kept the law of God perfectly, not for Himself, who needed it not, but for the sinner who does.

Just as a garment is worn on the outside of the body. and not on the inside, so the righteousness by which a sinner is justified must be outside himself, for even the work of the Holy Spirit is soiled by the sin of the heart in which He works. When Bunyan was tempted to believe that there was no hope for him, there came one day a word of consolation from the Holy Spirit. It was to the effect that his righteousness was in heaven, in the person of Jesus Christ. And, wondrous mystery! though it is there, we may wear it here by faith, and go on our way singing —

‘Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness
My beauty are, my glorious dress;
‘Midst flaming world, in these arrayed,
With joy shall I lift up my head’.

A DREAM A MINISTER’S STRUGGLE FOR A TEXT

A minister of the gospel, for some time after his entrance upon the sacred ministry, was frequently harassed with fears that he should not be able to proceed in his work. One week in particular, through the whole of which he could not bring his mind to fix for any time upon any subject, he turned over the Bible and concordance from day to day and supplicated the Throne of Grace. At times he seemed to have an insight into a passage of Scripture, but could not long pursue any meditation before he found himself almost obliged to give it up, through embarrassment and perplexity. In this unhappy state he continued till very late on the Saturday night, when he retired to his bed, almost in despair of being able to appear in the pulpit on the following day; nor did he expect to sleep, the anxiety he felt was so great; but, contrary to his expectations he soon went to rest, and before he awoke, he dreamed that he went to a parish church, where in former days, he had statedly attended, and that with unspeakable pleasure, upon the ministry of the Rev. Venn. After the prayers were over, with tears of joy he beheld his dear minister ascend the pulpit, who, after a short, but comprehensive and animated extemporary prayer, took for his text, Matthew 8:2: “Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.” After a very striking introduction, in which he exhibited the sense of the passage in the clearest point of view, he took occasion from thence, and that in a manner most peculiar to himself, to point out the uncleanness, pollution, and impurities of fallen man, together with the ability and willingness of the Lord Jesus Christ to make him clean, and also the poor sinner’s earnest solicitude for the benefit, when once he becomes sensible of his absolute need thereof. At the conclusion of the service, the minister awoke from his sleep, surprised to find himself in bed, but very much refreshed by his sleep, and still more by his dream. He could not doubt of an invisible agency over the human mind, both by night and by day, when men awake and when they sleep. He thought he retained in his mind all that he had heard in his sleep; and found himself happy in being thus provided with what he so very much wanted — a subject whereon to discourse that day to his people. It served him for the whole day, which was a comfortable one to himself, and a time of refreshing to many of his flock.

Submitted by J.V.Z.

COMPLETE IN CHRIST

“One day,” says Bunyan, “as I was passing into the field, and that, too, with some dashes on my conscience, fearing lest all was not right, suddenly this sentence fell upon my soul, ‘Thy righteousness is in heaven;’ and methought with all I saw, with the eyes of my soul, Jesus Christ at God’s right hand. There, I say, was my righteousness; so that, wherever I was, or whatever I was doing, God could not say of me, ‘He wants my righteousness,’ for that was just before Him. I also saw, moreover, that it was not my frame of heart that made my righteousness better, nor yet my bad frame that made my righteousness worse; for my righteousness was Jesus Christ Himself, ‘the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever’ (Heb. 13, 8).

“Now did my chains fall off my legs indeed. I was loosed from my afflictions and irons; my temptations also fled away; so that from that time those dreadful Scriptures of God left off to trouble me. Now went I also home rejoicing for the grace and love of God; so when I came home, I looked to see if I could find that sentence. ‘Thy righteousness is in heaven;’ but could not find such a saying, wherefore my heart began to sink again, only that was brought to my remembrance, ‘Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption’ (1 Cor. 1: 30). By this word I saw the other sentence true, for by this Scripture I saw that the man Christ Jesus, as He is distinct from us as touching His bodily presence, so He is our righteousness and sanctification before God: here, therefore, I lived for some time very sweetly at peace with God through Christ. Oh, methought, Christ! Christ! there was nothing but Christ that was before my eyes. I was not now only looking upon this and the other benefits of Christ, apart as of His blood, burial, or resurrection, but considered Him as a whole Christ — as He in whom all these and all His other virtues, offices, and operations met together, and that as He sat on the right hand of God in heaven.

“‘Twas glorious to see His exaltation, and the worth and prevalency of all His benefits. Now Christ was all: all my wisdom, all my righteousness, all my sanctification, and all my redemption.”

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