BANANAS - NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY - The Gospel Herald
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For the promotion of
NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY
Vol. 84, No. 10 TORONTO, ONTARIO October 2019
BANANAS
Take a lesson from banana tree, “cause banana can’t grow alone.”
SEE ARTICLE ON PAGE 8
The Elijah Complex
Hugh Fulford
E
lijah was a great oral (non- that today (as in Elijah’s day) there enter the kingdom of heaven, but
writing) prophet of God who are many good and faithful ser- he who does the will of My Father
lived around 860 B.C. His vants of the Lord. Not everyone has who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
ministry was carried out during abandoned the Lord’s army for the The sad reality is that most people
a time of great apostasy from the army of Satan. Not all who wear the will not have the interest or be will-
Lord and His law. 1 Kings 18 tells of name of Christ have become un- ing to take the time to learn the true
the contest (debate) Elijah entered faithful. Not all churches of Christ way of the Lord as set forth in the
with the prophets of Baal who were have “thrown in the towel” when it New Testament. False teachers and
leading the people of Israel into comes to pleading for a restoration false teaching will confuse many
idolatry. Elijah challenged the Baal and practice of apostolic Christiani- and cause them to be lost (Matthew
prophets to a showdown on Mount ty in the present age. Not all preach- 7:15; Matthew 15:8-9; 1 Thessalo-
Carmel in which either Baal or the ers, elders, and congregations have nians 5:21; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12;
Lord would be shown to be the true become liberal. As in Elijah’s day, 1 Timothy 4:1-5; 2 Timothy 4:2-4;
God. Long story short, Baal was there still are many “whose knees Jude 3-4; et al).
shown to be nothing, the Lord One is not guilty of the Eli-
was shown to be everything,
the people fell on their faces
As in Elijah’s day, there still are many jah complex to point out the
and repeatedly declared, “The “whose knees have not bowed to Baal”! preceding matters, and I have
to wonder why some elders,
Lord, He is God! The Lord, He preachers, Bible professors,
is God!,” and the 450 proph- and congregations seemingly never
ets of Baal were summarily exe- have not bowed to Baal”! There are get around to addressing the above
cuted by Elijah (1 Kings 18:39-40). multiplied thousands who are com- matters, the related texts, and how
The New Testament writer James mitted to being the church of the they apply to the contemporary reli-
tells us, “Elijah was a man of like New Testament and fully dedicated gious scene. Do they not believe that
passions with us” [ASV], or “with to the Lord in both their personal all Scripture is inspired of God and
a nature like ours” [NKJV] (James and congregational lives! is profitable? With the old apostle,
5:17). In other words, Elijah was At the same time we must realize “I marvel” (Galatians 1:6).
human and subject to all the foibles that the faithful people of God have The great preacher and Bible
of humanity, including the tendency always been in the minority. Only scholar, Moses E. Lard, over a cen-
to become discouraged. Following eight souls were saved from the tury and a half ago, with clear in-
the glorious defeat of the proph- massive, world-wide flood—Noah, sight as to what was happening
ets of Baal, Elijah became despon- his wife, their three sons, and their among the people of God at that
dent and thought he was the only wives (Genesis 7:13; I Peter 3:20). time, said: “He is a poor observer
one who was faithful to the Lord. Just ten righteous souls would have of men and things who does not see
He said, “I have been very zealous spared the wicked cities of Sodom slowly growing up among us a class
for the Lord God of hosts; because and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:32-33; of men who can no longer be satis-
the children of Israel have forsaken Genesis 19). Of the thousands who fied with the ancient gospel and the
Your covenant, torn down Your al- left Egyptian bondage under the ancient order of things. These men
tars, and killed Your prophets with leadership of Moses, only two above must have changes; and silently
the sword. I alone am left; and they the age of 20—Joshua and Caleb— they are preparing the mind of the
seek to take my life” (1 Kings 19:14). were eventually permitted to enter brotherhood to receive changes. Be
But God had a word for the discour- the promised land of Canaan (Num- not deceived, brethren, the Devil
aged prophet. The Lord said to him, bers 32:11-13). (sic) is not sleeping. If you refuse
“Yet I have reserved seven thou- Jesus warned that “wide is the to see the dangers till ruin is upon
sand in Israel, all whose knees have gate and broad is the way that leads you, then it will be too late. The
not bowed to Baal, and every mouth to destruction, and there are many wise seaman catches the first whiff
that has not kissed him” (verse 18). who go in through it. Because nar- of the distant storm, and adjusts his
Elijah’s mind-set has been re- row is the gate and difficult is the ship at once. Let us profit by his ex-
ferred to as “the Elijah complex.” It way that leads to life, and there are ample.
refers to those who think that they few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). “Let us agree to commune with
are the only ones who are faith- Christ went on to say, “Not everyone the sprinkled sects around us, and
fully serving the Lord. The fact is who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will soon we shall come to recognize
October 2019 Page 2 Gospel Herald
them as Christians. Let us agree to unclean beasts. To all this let us yet Though we thus speak, and though
recognize them as Christians, and add, by way of dessert, and as a sort we see the future not in the most
immersion with its deep signifi- of spice to the dish, a few volumes of enchanting light, we yet have hope.
cance is buried in the grave of our inner light speculations, and a cargo Many noble men are left. Many true
folly… Then the door of heresy and or two of reverend dandies dubbed hearts are still ready to be offered
schism will stand wide open, and pastors, and we may congratulate up on the altar of one Book, a pure
the work of ruin will begin. Let us ourselves on having completed the faith and faultless practice. In God
agree to admit organs, and soon the trip in a wonderfully short time. We and these we put our trust” (Lard’s
pious, the meek, the peace-loving, can now take rooms in Rome, and Quarterly, April 1865).
will abandon us, and our churches chuckle over the fact that we are as Gallatin, Tennessee, USA
will become gay worldly things, lit- orthodox as the rankest heretic in
eral Noah’s arks, full of clean and the land.
“I Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You”
MEANING OF GOD’S PROMISE FOR YOUR LIFE
Harold Bruggen
“ B
e strong and courageous. explicitly that they could trust Him as he was with our ancestors; may
Do not be afraid or terri- to lead them to victory. he never leave us or abandon us”
fied because of them, for (1 Kings 8:57 NIV). Lord, capital-
It was a call to obedience amidst
the Lord your God goes with you; ized, is significant. It means Yahweh,
great adversity. Two verses later God
he will never leave you nor for- the highest and most emphatic ex-
repeated, “The Lord himself goes be-
sake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV). pression of our loving and compas-
fore you and will be with you; he will
God commands our confident trust never leave you nor forsake you. Do sionate Father.
in Him. In a world that encourages not be afraid; do not be discouraged” Genesis 28:15 reads, “Behold, I
us to believe in ourselves and to (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV). When we am with you and will keep you wher-
achieve all we deserve, it’s impor- promise “always” or “never” we are ever you go, and will bring you back
tant to understand who and Whose incapable of upholding it. Therefore, to this land. For I will not leave you
we are. Society sets a bar to earn the infamous saying, “never say nev- until I have done what I have prom-
and accumulate. Accomplishments er!” However, when God promises ised you.” The NIV Cultural Back-
and accessories are praised above “always” or “never” He can be fully grounds Study Bible notes of Jacob’s
humility and God-ordained purpose. trusted to honor His word. “God is dream, “We should not imagine that
Often, people have a hard time not a man, that he should lie, nor a
the angels Jacob saw were marching
taking God at His word. If God says son of man, that he should change
in procession down and up the stair-
it, that settles it, and there’s abso- his mind. Does he speak and then
way as often pictured in art. Rather
lutely no reason to doubt it. In place not act? Does he promise and not
he saw messengers (angels) going
of worldly standards, the Old Testa- fulfil?” (Numbers 23:19 NIV).
off on missions and retiring from de-
ment admonishment of Deuterono- Imagine having to follow Moses. livering their messages.”
my 31:6 can serve as a benchmark Joshua’s call was to lead the Isra-
in our everyday lives. Hebrews 13:5 applies the same
elites into the promised land Moses
had been guiding them towards for concept conditionally, both spiritual
Hebrews 13:5 echoes the same
forty years. No pressure. Joshua had and physically. The transition from
sentiment, putting an extra empha-
witnessed the flaws of his mentor. traditional Jewish faith to following
sis on what not to have confidence in:
Surely, he harbored doubts of his Christ led New Testament writers to
“Keep your lives free from the love of
money and be content with what you own. But God assured him in Josh- remind believers that efforts to earn
have, because God has said, ‘Never ua 1:5 “No one will be able to stand their salvation were not Biblical. Rid-
will I leave you; never will I forsake against you as long as you live. For I ding their lives of rules in exchange
you…’” (NIV). will be with you as I was with Moses. for a new way of life demanded they
I will not fail you or abandon you” put their trust and obedient faith in
Deuteronomy 31:6 was written
(NIV). Christ alone. If you have obeyed the
to encourage the people of Israel,
gospel of Jesus scripturally, you have
including Joshua, Solomon and He- The legacy of our Heavenly Fa-
God with you at all times through
zekiah’s military officers. Their Old ther’s character resonates in Solo-
the promised Holy Spirit. Is God with
Testament reality presented their mon’s reaffirmation as the temple in
Jerusalem finally came to fruition: you? If not, why not?
lives with unconquerable challeng-
es, and God wanted them to know “May the Lord our God be with us Port Colborne, ON
October 2019 Page 3 Gospel Herald
who He is, His power and love, our hope—so
many memories.
We Remember Jesus created memories for the Apostles as
Wayne Turner
He lived with them and taught them, and as they
S
eptember 11 marked the 18th were present for the events of His life. They were
anniversary of the “9/11” ter- His witnesses, telling others about Him, helping
rorist attacks. It was a stag- them to develop memories of Him. Imagine the
gering assault which shocked the memory they had of the Last Supper. As they
world. It still seems unthinkable passed the memory on by sharing the memorial
that four commercial aircraft were meal with others, Christ was made more real
used as weapons to cause such a massive and personal. Can we imagine sitting with one
amount of death and destruction. For those of of the Apostles as they spoke of sharing that last
us who were alive at the time, it still seems re- meal with Christ—perhaps of the words, sights,
cent and real. But those people who are now sounds and smells—even of their puzzlement
turning 18 have no memory of it, except as at how a familiar Jewish custom was framed in
something in the past. They were just born. new words and images to become a new mem-
Events like 9/11 are part of our “cultural ory to be observed and passed on? “Do this in
memory.” They are embedded in our long-term remembrance of me.”
memory even though we may not have person- Over time, memories can fade and lose their
ally experienced them. You can probably think significance through carelessness and routine.
of many examples, such as the assassinations People often speak jokingly about those who for-
of Lincoln and JFK, the attack on Pearl Harbor, get anniversaries and birthdays. As generations
D-Day, the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, come and go, 9/11 may fade into history. Howev-
the moon landing—to name a few. We may not er, we should never allow the story of Jesus and
remember the actual date, but we cannot forget the cross, remembered in the Lord’s Supper, to
the event, and may even participate in obser- ever become common and casual.
vances that help perpetuate those memories. We remember.
Sometimes, memories are encouraged by say-
ings like “Remember the …” or “Lest we forget.”
The events were so significant and worldchang- GOSPEL HERALD
Published Monthly by the Gospel Herald Foundation, a non profit
ing they need to be remembered. The sayings corporation, for the Promotion of New Testament Christianity
evoke memories which stir feelings. Sometimes, — FOUNDED BY ROBERT SINCLAIR, 1936 —
CO-EDITORS
the sayings become battle cries. Whatever, they Editorial Editor – Wayne Turner
serve as catalysts for the future. Theme Edition Editor – Paul Birston
Managing Editor – Max Craddock
For Christians, our faith is based on pow- ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Edwin L. Broadus, Burlington, ON Marion Waugh, Edmonton, AB
erful memories. Much of scripture represents Tim Johnson, Barrie, ON Peter Morphy, Royal Oak, MI
the memories of those who participated or Walter Straker, Calgary, AB
Harold Bruggen, Welland, ON
Don Hipwell, Fenwick, ON
Virginia Hipwell, Fenwick, ON
observed—which also helps to validate our Geoffrey H. Ellis, Grimsby, ON Kevin Cleary, Meaford, ON
Layout/Design - Stephen Gill
convictions that these were real events. (Like The inclusion of articles, advertisements and church directory listings does not in every case imply
John recalling what he had seen, heard and complete endorsement by the Editors of either source or content.
touched.) More than that, our worship centres Send teaching articles to Wayne Turner, 45 Millfield Drive, Winnipeg, MB R2M 2N9
(204) 257-7926 E-mail:
on memory. We remember what God has done, Send advertising and subscription information to
Max Craddock, PO Box 338 Clarksburg PO, Clarksburg, ON N0H 1C0
Phone: 416-706-5633 E-mail: maxc@strathmorecofc.ca
NOTICE: NOTICE—All materials for publication must be in the hands of the editors by the tenth (10) day
of the month preceding the date of issue. Date of issue is the first of each month.
All materials for publication must be in the hands of the “Publications Mail Agreement Number 4000 5401”
editors by the tenth (10th) day of the month preceding Indexed by Restoration Serials Index
the date of issue. Date of issue is the first of each month. Subscription PDF $12 per year
October 2019 Page 4 Gospel Herald
endure costs them heaven! Sad
beyond words!
Articles for this page or reactions to it should be sent to
Many, indeed, are called but
Max Craddock, Editor, PO Box 338 Clarksburg PO, Clarksburg, ON N0H 1J0, few are chosen. Many begin
Phone 416-706-5633, e-mail who do not endure. May we set
our minds to do God’s will and
never, NEVER, let anything or
Christian Life Never a Life of Total Ease anyone turn us from Him who
T
he Christian life is never It is sad that because of the loves us and died for us on the
a life of total ease. We hardship which often comes to cross.
know that the Christian the Christian some are not will- Let us not be guilty of un-
will always be opposed by evil, ing to endure. (Even though we derestimating the strength of
and Satan and his servants will are promised that we will be giv- the opposition. Satan is smart
do all they can to overcome the en strength to overcome.) Some, enough and strong enough to
Christian’s best efforts. We are because they are faint-hearted, lead us away from our first love.
always being encouraged by ad- others because they love this God has provided us the protec-
vertisers and even some of our present world, drift away be- tion-we need if we will put on
friends to conform to the ways cause of neglect of duty. They the armor He provides “Finally,
of the world and to lessen our forget the price that was paid be strong in the Lord and in the
standards in every area of life. for their redemption and they strength of his might. Put on the
It should not be any surprise count it as unimportant. The de- whole armor of God, that you
to us that these pressures come. sires of the flesh and their fulfil- may be able to stand against
We are warned several times ment take first place over pleas- the schemes of the devil. For we
in the scriptures that ing God. Their unwillingness to do not wrestle against
such will be the case. flesh and blood, but
However, we are also Care to Help? against the rulers,
reminded that the good against the authori-
shepherd will walk ties, against the cosmic
with us and protect us. powers over this pres-
(Psalm 23; John 10:11) ent darkness, against
God in His greatness the spiritual forces of
is able to make things evil in the heavenly
work out in our lives places. Therefore take
to be blessings. “And up the whole armor of
we know that for those God, that you may be
who love God all things able to withstand in
work together for the evil day, and having
good, for those who done all, to stand firm”
are called according to – Ephesians 6:10-13
his purpose” – Romans (ESV).
8:28 (ESV). James tells To win the Christian
us, “Blessed is the man crown one must keep
that endureth tempta- on keeping on. “But we
tion, for when he hath are not of those who
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October 2019 Page 5 Gospel Herald
“Trust in the Lord, and do good; As the song writer has re- life is a great lesson for us all).
dwell in the land and befriend minded us, “The earth will pass Trust God because He is the
faithfulness. Delight yourself in and with it common trifles, but fount of every blessing. (James
the Lord, and he will give you God and I will go unendingly.” 1:17; Matthew 7:11)—because
the desires of your heart. Com- The value of this trust in God of His infinite power which He
mit your way to the Lord; trust is seen in such people as Jo- will use for us. “For this reason
in him, and he will act” – Psalm seph, the son of Jacob. While I bow my knees before the Fa-
37:3-5 (ESV). young he was sold into slavery. ther, from whom every family in
The Christian is one who has When he tried to do the right heaven and on earth is named,
come to believe—and as he ex- things he got put down and got that according to the riches of
periences more—believes even into trouble with his brothers his glory he may grant you to
more in the truth of the state- and some other men. However, be strengthened with power
ment we just noted from Psalm because he believed in God, his through his Spirit in your inner
37. The Christian has come Heavenly Father, he remained being, so that Christ may dwell in
to the point where he builds faithful and became the sav- your hearts through faith—that
his hopes on things that are iour for many from death. God you, being rooted and grounded
changeless and eternal. He be- can and will use those men and in love, may have strength to
lieves that God is indeed his women who trust in Him and comprehend with all the saints
Heavenly Father and on His be- believe in His promises. (Many what is the breadth and length
ing and character one builds for others could be noted from the and height and depth, and to
the future. Bible who showed the value of know the love of Christ that sur-
The Christian has learned trusting in God and doing His passes knowledge, that you may
that things which are seen are will. Perhaps you can relate to be filled with all the fullness of
not lasting. They have Joseph as well as any and his
God. Now to him who
a LOOK of being stable; is able to do far more
however, these things abundantly than all that
will all pass away. The we ask or think, accord-
things for which men ing to the power at work
strive and fight are only within us, to him be glo-
temporary. In Matthew
Not sure if your ry in the church and in
24:35 Jesus reminds us Christ Jesus throughout
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October 2019 Page 6 Gospel Herald
566 Simcoe St. North, Oshawa
Our building is fully wheelchair accessible.
When: Saturday, October 26, 2019
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Registration: Please contact Melanie Harris 905-666-3212
Or 905-434-1258 (Please leave a message.)
RSVP by Sunday, October 13, 2019
(Lunch will be provided.)
Speaker: Ruth Etienne (Strathmore Blvd. Church of Christ, Toronto)
October 2019 Page 7 Gospel Heraldhonorable we treat with spe-
cial honor. And the parts that
are unpresentable are treated
Articles for this page or reactions to it should be sent to:
GHbywomen4women@aol.com with special modesty, while
Virginia Hipwell, Editor our presentable parts need
no special treatment. But God
has combined the members of
Bananas and having favor with all the
the body and has given great-
people. And the Lord added to
T
he popular children’s their number day by day those er honor to the parts that
program, Sesame Street, who were being saved” – Acts lacked it, so that there should
often used catchy little 2:42; 44-47 (ESV). be no division in the body,
songs to teach a lesson. I am but that its parts should have
proof that this is a successful Those first Christians spent equal concern for each other.
method as I have remembered time together. They shared If one part suffers, every part
with one another. They helped suffers with it; if one part is
one of those songs for possi-
one another. They needed one honored, every part rejoices
bly thirty years. That song is
another. We still need one an- with it.
about bananas and the chorus
other. Now you are the body of
goes like this: “Just count one
banana, two banana; one for In 1 Corinthians 12, a pas- Christ, and each one of you
me and one for you banana. sage which paints some rather is a part of it” – verses 18-27
Count three or four or even comical pictures, Paul tried (NIV 1984).
more banana, ‘cause banana to impress on the Corinthian “Not only should each indi-
can’t grow alone.” Christians that all members
vidual part realize its own im-
are needed and important to
If you have ever seen ba- the whole. There, as in some portance, but all the other parts
nanas growing (or a picture of other letters, he compared the should realize their interdepen-
them), you know that the song church to the human body. Just dence as well. One part of the
is correct. God placed bananas as all parts of the body are nec- body can never say it doesn’t
in bunches. They do not grow essary for the body to function need another part. Those in
alone. God also placed Chris- properly, so also are all mem- the church who have the more
tians in bunches because we bers needed for the church to spectacular gifts should not
can’t grow alone either. look down on or dismiss those
function and grow.
with other gifts because, in re-
“And they devoted them- “But in fact God has ar- ality, all are needed.”1
selves to the apostles’ teach- ranged the parts in the body,
ing and fellowship, to the every one of them, just as he Just as God designed each part
breaking of bread and the wanted them to be. If they of the body so that it would ben-
prayers. … And all who be- were all one part, where efit the whole being, He also
lieved were together and had would the body be? As it is, gave each of us gifts which en-
all things in common. And there are many parts, but one able us to enrich and strength-
they were selling their pos- body. en the body of Christ.
sessions and belongings and The eye cannot say to the “Now these are the gifts
distributing the proceeds to hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And Christ gave to the church: the
all, as any had need. And day the head cannot say to the apostles, the prophets, the
by day, attending the temple feet, ‘I don’t need you!’ On the evangelists, and the pastors
together and breaking bread contrary, those parts of the and teachers. Their responsi-
in their homes, they received body that seem to be weaker bility is to equip God’s people
their food with glad and gen- are indispensable, and the to do his work and build up the
erous hearts, praising God parts that we think are less church, the body of Christ” –
October 2019 Page 8 Gospel HeraldEphesians 4:11, 12 (NLT). 2? Those early Christians wor- others when there is a special
But it isn’t just the leaders shipped together. They shared need, such as a sickness or
mentioned in these verses who meals in one another’s homes. death, but we should always be
are to build up the church as They studied together. They concerned about the spiritual
we can see from verse 16. prayed together. And they did health of our brothers and sis-
this, not just once a week but ters.
“He makes the whole body “day by day”. The following
fit together perfectly. As each “Let each of you look not
verses also point out our need only to his own interests, but
part does its own special for frequent fellowship and ex-
work, it helps the other parts also to the interests of others”
hortation. – Philippians 2:4 (ESV).
grow, so that the whole body
is healthy and growing and “But exhort one anoth- Read through Paul’s letters
full of love.” er every day, as long as it and see how often he men-
is called ‘today,’ that none tioned praying for his breth-
The rest of the chapter de- of you may be hardened by
scribes ways we should be the deceitfulness of sin” – ren. We should be doing like-
treating one another so that Hebrews 3:13 (ESV). wise. Prayer is just one of many
the body will be healthy and ways in which we can encour-
full of love. If we understand “And let us consider how to age each other and build each
that all are needed and each stir up one another to love and other up. They all require time
one is important, there should good works, not neglecting to and energy, but mostly, they re-
be no comparing of talents, no meet together, as is the habit quire love and devotion.
jealousy, and no elevating of of some, but encouraging one “Well, I think banana is like
one above another. All should another, and all the more as you and me—needing each one
be working together for the you see the Day drawing near” in our church family.
common good. – Hebrews 10:24, 25 (ESV).
Let us take a lesson from ba-
Peter said, “God has giv- “So encourage each other nana tree, “cause banana can’t
en each of you a gift from and build each other up, just grow alone.”
his great variety of spiritual as you are already doing” – (my adaptation of the last
gifts. Use them well to serve 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT). verse of “One Banana”)
one another. Do you have the There are many believers 1 Life Application Concise New Testament
Commentary; WORDsearch7 software; comments on
gift of speaking? Then speak who are very good at helping 1 Corinthians 12:21.
as though God himself were
speaking through you. Do you
have the gift of helping oth-
ers? Do it with all the strength
and energy that God supplies. The Carman church of Christ
Then everything you do will is looking for a full time Evangelist.
bring glory to God through Je-
sus Christ. All glory and pow- Our congregation of approximately 85, is seeking a Godly man
er to him forever and ever! true to the word who is willing to work under the direction
Amen” – 1 Peter 4:10, 11 (NLT). of the elders and interested in sharing the Gospel in this
community. The candidate would be fully supported. Carman
We need to be doing all we
is a prosperous community located in southern Manitoba and
can to help and encourage one
another—and that takes more within an hour of Winnipeg. Please submit an application to
than just spending an hour to- Wayne Taylor phone number 204-745-0290.
gether on Sunday morning. Re- Email wctoakview@gmail.com or mailing address
member the passage from Acts Carman church of Christ Box 955 Carman MB R0G0J0.
October 2019 Page 9 Gospel HeraldOctober 2019 Page 10 Gospel Herald
a pleasure having her at Bayview est in studying the plan of salva-
during her time in Toronto.Bay- tion and the role of water baptism
view is looking forward to our as it is written in the New Testa-
Spiritual Renewal Weekend with ment. After some studies, we are
by Harold Bruggen Paul Birston on Saturday, October pleased to report that the eldest
Church of Christ, Box 416 26, and Sunday, October 27. Paul, son, Kenny Simbananiye, was bap-
Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0
Email: Harold Bruggen at who is on the faculty at Great tized into Christ on Sunday, August
hbruggen@gmail.com Lakes Bible College, will be shar- 25, and then the following Sunday
ing his learning from his travels to (September 1), his younger sister,
NEW YORK Israel, Greece and Turkey. The ar- Baraka, was also baptized into the
cheology of the region has provid- Lord. We pray that God will bless
LaSalle – Niagara Falls, NY: We
ed proof that God is real and the both of these young people as
spent our lesson time on Sunday
Bible is His word. More informa- they are beginning their journey
September 29 talking about serv-
tion about the times for the ses- in serving the Lord God. On Sat-
ing children. Additionally, we had
sions is provided in this month’s urday, September 14, Strathmore
a special contribution that day that
Gospel Herald. As well, a contact hosted our 9th Annual Ladies Day.
was for the Potter Children’s Home.
number is available for those in- Our own sister Cheryl Brown, was
ONTARIO the featured speaker, and spoke on
terested in attending.
Newmarket: This summer we the theme of Defeating Unexpect-
Toronto (Strathmore Blvd): In ed Giants. It was a wonderful day
walked through the waters of bap-
the closing weeks of August, we of godly instruction, encourage-
tism with Amanda, Setareh, and
had a family visiting us from the ment, and fellowship. We had a to-
Hadi. Our annual Summer Camp
community for Sunday evening tal of 98 participants representing
(VBS) was once again a huge suc-
services and they expressed inter- a number of congrega-
cess. As September rolled
around we once again tions from around south-
started making sandwiches ern Ontario, including one
for 2 local schools. Please Andrea Des Groseilliers from New York. With the
Proprietor success of the July Open
visit our website www.
newmarketchurchofchrist. House at the Strathmore
Bookkeeping & Tax Preparation building, we are hosting
ca. In August we grieved at
FOR THE PERSONAL TOUCH! another one on Saturday,
the sudden passing of Ruth
(905) 964-9887 Niagara October 5 beginning at
McLeod (Clint). Ruth was 81 Jefferson Ct. W.
Welland, ON (289) 799-2338 Hamilton 10 am. The decision was
a member for 50+ years.
L3C 7G5 asharondes@cogeco.ca made to change the name
Her gifts of serving, ensur-
of the event to “Open
ing the table was set every
- Experienced - Pick up & drop off Doors Day” to avoid any
Sunday, and her desire to
confusion with real estate
be the first to hold the new - Efile Available - Reasonable rates open houses. We engaged
babies in the congregation
in additional congrega-
will be missed.
Bookkeeping & Tax Preparation tional outreach training
Toronto (Bayview for two weeks on Sun-
Ave): On September 1, FOR THE PERSONAL TOUCH! days to sharpen us up for
after service, Bayview conversing with visitors
Look for me on Facebook!
celebrated the birthday and moving the conver-
asharondes@cogeco.ca
of Freddy Akwenyu, who sation to a Gospel focus.
has been visiting her “Andrea has filed Joyce’s and my income tax papers Prayers are appreciated
daughter, Esther. Freddy the past several years promptly, effectively and cheerfully. for these efforts in reach-
No problems. I heartily recommend her services”
returned home to Ugan- Ralph Perry ing out to our surrounding
da September 3. It was community.
October 2019 Page 11 Gospel HeraldGuidelines for News Pages
T
he News Pages give fellow Christians a glimpse into
other congregations and their good works along Dear brothers
with the spreading of the Good News in their little
corner of God’s kingdom. When you help and encour- and sisters…
by Marion Waugh
#7, 420 Hunters Green age God’s servants, you become a fellow worker with Please excuse, this is a “group email’
Edmonton, AB T6R 2X3 them in spreading the truth. The brotherhood faces a but it is the easiest way for me to share
Phone: (780) 637-0867 challenging moment. Twisted doctrines fly from this with you and others who have a
Email: waughr1@shaw.ca congregation to congregation. Denominational and heart for the lost.
(BC news supplied by Barbara Lewis) postmodern influences flow freely.
In August I had the opportunity to
We, as a board of directors and editors of the Gospel travel to Austria and to volunteer as
Herald, seek to serve a brotherhood that sets Scripture a short-term missionary with Gerhard,
ALBERTA
as its infallible and only guide, that finds in the New the long-term missionary who lives in
Edmonton (Northside): Leslie Testament its pattern for work and worship and that Vienna. He is a third generation Chris-
Klingbeil will soon be retiring from depends upon the power of God’s Spirit to function tian and originally from Vienna, Aus-
the church office after many years of in the world in following our Saviour. We also seek to
tria. He studied at Sunset in Lubbock,
service. Lanel Canbangon is the new highlight those congregations and saints who follow
Texas and is very sound doctrinally.
church administer beginning No- those convictions. It is a difficult task, one for which
His American wife teaches at an inter-
vember 1. Reverence Matukala has we are all too aware of our inadequacies.
national school in Vienna and they live
moved back to Ottawa to continue Here are some guidelines we would like you to refer to on her salary, which allows Gerhard to
her schooling. Peter Grainge passed when presenting news for the news pages.
away September 2. There was an dedicate 100% of his time to the mis-
1) Significant Birthdays 80 + sion effort. He takes no salary, but puts
African/Caribbean planning meeting
2) Significant Anniversaries 50 + 100% of donations and support into
September 15.
3) Baptisms the mission work.
Edmonton (Southside): Our An- 4) Deaths
nual Gospel Meeting was held Sep- 5) Good news/Outreach that the congregation What did I do during
tember 27-29. The theme was Jesus wants to share with others the two weeks?
is the Answer. Guest speaker was 6) Good works to share with others
Mark Johnson of Littleton, Colorado. 7) Gospel Meetings I taught Bible class or preached a
Abandoning Your Life for the Abun- 8) Special days (homecomings, friend days, etc.) sermon for the English speaking Nige-
dant Life. John 10:10 was the theme 9) Results of your good works, rian congregation in Vienna, the Farsi
for our Ladies Day. Guest speaker gospel meetings, etc. speaking congregation in Vienna, the
was Athlene Ashton from Northside Farsi speaking congregation in Salz-
Church of Christ, Calgary. burg and the Farsi speaking congre-
gation in Klagenfurt. On two consecu-
MANITOBA tive Thursdays I led a Bible study in
Manitoba Winnipeg: Philom-
ena and Oshoka celebrate the birth
Pictures & Reports a coffee shop in Traiskirchen. This
town is 30 minutes outside of Vienna
of their son Oshorekhua Omeriza We are always looking for items concern- and it has the largest refugee facility
Monofi. We held a one-day teen/par- ing outreach and service activities of in the country. A few hundred refu-
ent rally. The Ladies Day Theme was congregations across Canada. Pictures are gees live in an old Army Cadet College.
“Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.” worth a thousand words, they say, and Both members of the church and new
The men’s weekend was Mountain we like to have pictures we can publish on guests (who are mostly newly arrived
Men Leadership to equip and en- mission outreach and service projects in refugees) attend this study each week.
courage current and future leaders. evangelism, teaching and doing service. Because the Austrian government
The guest speaker was Dr. Carlos These may be of work done in Canada or moves refugees around the country
Gupton. by Canadian congregational groups who to facilities that have vacant rooms
SASKATCHEWAN travel and serve outside of Canada. Good in them, many of the newly baptized
quality digital photographs allow us to and those who are studying but not
Estevan: The 100th anniversary baptized yet, have been moved away
celebration of the Estevan church of see, be encouraged by and praise God for
from Traiskirchen and Vienna into
Christ was held September 20-22. these activities of our fellow Christians.
isolated small towns. I travelled out
Weyburn: Robert and Marilyn We look forward to being able to share to three such towns on four different
held a come and go tea to celebrate these “good news reports” with readers occasions to have small group Bible
their 60th wedding anniversary. of the Gospel Herald. studies and fellowship in an effort to
– The editors
encourage these new Christians and
October 2019 Page 12 Gospel Heraldnon-Christians. At every gathering study material that he can share with of the program, and would change
each person had their own Bible, ei- them every second week via cell phone people out if they stop attending, etc.
ther a physical copy or an electronic so they will have a lesson to study or If you think your congregation (or
one on their phone, and they turned listen to as many are not ready to 5 people in your church) might like to
to every verse in the lesson, read it teach yet. This will help to cut down sponsor one refugee Christian in Aus-
for themselves, and followed along. the transportation costs per person, tria, please contact me and we can
Gerhard has worked hard at this with but as more are baptized, the costs work out the details. I’ve included a
them. He does not use PowerPoint, will continue to rise. photo of Ali, a refugee from Iran who
does not put the verses up on a screen Gerhard and I came up with an idea is attending the church of Christ in
during worship. He wants everyone to help. We hope to find congregations Salzburg, Austria. He travels 3 hours,
turning to every verse, reading and or groups of five Christians who would one way, to come to church. He is
thinking for themselves. I was very im- like to sponsor the transportation cost separated from his wife and 1 year
pressed by this and the depth of their for one Christian in Austria. If each old son, who are refugees in Sweden.
thinking and questions. For example, Christian could give $25 per month, They hope to be together in one coun-
one member asked, “Why did God the group of 5 could provide $125 to try in the future. He is an example
send an angel to rescue Peter from cover all the transportation costs to of a Christian who would be helped
prison but he left John the Baptist to and from church for one Christian. through this program. I am hoping
die in prison?” Or, “Jesus said not to (Train and bus tickets are not cheap that as a brotherhood, Christians in
cast our pearls before swine, but he in Austria.) Canada could sponsor a total of 10 to
also said to pray for our enemies. How 15 Christians in Austria.
do I do both?” Gerhard would pick the members to
support. He would only pick those who Lastly, here is the link
What are the main needs? are already demonstrating commit- to Gerhard’s website:
Money for train and bus tickets so ment and active participation in the http://www.cocrefuge.network
that people can attend worship. Some church. Then, the group of 5 Chris- Please share this email with any
Christians are travelling up to three tians would transfer $125 each month, members of the church that you think
hours, one way, to come to a congrega- using PayPal, directly to the PayPal ac- might be interested. You can direct
tion in Traiskirchen, Vienna, Salzburg count of the Christian in Austria. This any questions to me.
or Klagenfurt. When they do make it, will eliminate administration, delays,
etc. The Group of 5 and the Chris- God bless,
Gerhard reimburses them for the cost
tian in Austria could get to know each Kevin Carson, Member of the
of their train and bus travel. As newly
other through email, Facebook, What- Edmonton Church of Christ.
arrived refugees, they are not allowed
to work. They must live in government sApp, etc. Gerhard would monitor You can reach Kevin through the
refugee facilities where they get their each Christian in Austria who is part Edmonton Church of Christ
lodging and food provided for them, as
well as 50 Euro a month for all their
other needs and expenses, so they The South Burnaby Church of Christ…
cannot afford transportation to and is seeking an experienced minister to work alongside a current minister, under
from church. This can cost as much as the oversight of the elders. As a member of the church leadership team, sharing
$3200 (USD) in one week for all those in duties and responsibilities of the overall ministry of the church, supporting its
who come to all of the congregations. vision and mission.
Beginning in the near future, Gerhard
is helping the Christians who live in We are looking for an individual who has a passion to lead; is able to provide
isolated refugee facilities to organize engaging teaching from God’s inspired word that will challenge mature
their own worship every second week, Christians, develop those who are new in their faith and make the Bible
so that they only have to travel twice a speak to those with no faith, sharing the Gospel of Christ.
month to worship with one of the es- He has a vision for outreach combined with a desire to position our church as
tablished congregations rather than a vibrant, growing, outreach-oriented, caring church in a multi-ethnic urban
every week. There are some obstacles. setting.
In some of the facilities you are not He is a devoted follower of Jesus, has an engaging manner, a caring heart for
allowed to hold a worship service, so people and a sense of urgency for those in need.
they will have to go outside of the refu- His life demonstrates a passionate faith in God, a strong commitment to
gee facility to a public park (or some- the Lordship of Christ, the leading of the Spirit, and the authority of the
where inside in the winter) to have Scripture.
a worship service. Also, many of the
If you have at least 5 years experience and are interested in this position, please
members are new Christians, so Ger-
send an email to Garnet.Andrews@gacpa.ca to request an application package.
hard has to help them to know how
to conduct worship. He is preparing
October 2019 Page 13 Gospel HeraldOctober 2019 Page 14 Gospel Herald
Claims of Jesus
Donald Perry (First Published in the Herald in 1985)
J The Son
esus went about doing good er and coming on the clouds of
and teaching those who were heaven.” (Matthew 26:64) When
Jesus claimed to have come
attracted to Him. Those who Pilate asked Jesus if He were
from the Father. He claimed that
heard Him began to realize that a king, Jesus answered, “You
the Father sent Him. He was doing
He was different, for He taught are right in saying I am a king.
the work of the Father and saying
as one having authority. When In fact, for this reason I was
what the Father told Him to say.
they saw the miracles which He born, and for this I came into
He was going back to be with His
performed they really began to the world, to testify to the truth”
Father. He and His Father were
wonder about Him. Who was this (John 18:37). Jesus made these
one, He said. The significance of
man who could cast out demons, extraordinary claims and did not
this claim challenges us. It chal-
heal the diseased, quiet the deny charges of blasphemy even
lenges our understanding. It chal-
storm and even raise the dead? in the face of death.
lenges our faith. It challenges us
A great number of people had A separate study of each claim to humble obedience.
come to conclude that Jesus was which Jesus made for Himself
The Jews understood that
from God. Nicodemus, a Phari- would emphasize the meaning
when He said that He was do-
see who came to Jesus at night, which Jesus can have for us.
ing the works of His Father and
confessed, “Rabbi we know you Each claim that Jesus makes
was indeed calling God His Fa-
are a teacher who has come from presents a facet through which
ther, that He was making Him-
God for no one can perform the we see the glorious personage of
self equal with God (John 5). It
miraculous signs you are doing Jesus the Christ, the Son of the
was on this charge that they put
if God were not with him” (John living God.
Him to death. Jesus died on the
3:2). After being with
cross still calling God
Jesus and getting to
His Father. “Father,
know Him intimately,
Peter boldly said, “You
Full-time forgive them.” “Father,
are the Christ, the
Son of the living God”
Evangelist position into your hands I com-
mit my spirit.” But for
us to try to fully under-
(Matthew 16:16). In The Church in Fenwick, Ontario is stand how Jesus could
many situations, Jesus seeking an evangelist with a passionate
be the Son of God is
worked quietly and let desire to spread the truth
folly. The church in
the miracles He did
Fully supported the centuries follow-
in his Father’s name
Well-established congregation of ing Christ divided over
speak for Him (John approximately 50+ members efforts to explain the
10:25). But in other sit-
Elders and Deacons nature of Jesus as the
uations, He made some
In a growing community/area Son of God. The real
very definite claims for
challenge to us is to
Himself. For detailed information or to submit a take the word of Jesus
“Tell us if you are resumé: in faith. If Jesus as the
the Christ, the Son of Son of God can be Im-
Church of Christ
God,” was the charge manuel (God with us),
PO Box 416
of the high priest at Fenwick, ON L0R 1Y0 that is enough. A son
the trial of Jesus. He in the family could ful-
replied, “You have said cofcfenwick@gmail.com ly represent the father.
so. But I tell you, from Jesus claimed then
now on you will see the that His teaching was
Son of Man seated at from the Father, that
the right hand of pow- He had authority to
October 2019 Page 15 Gospel Heraldforgive sins, that judgement was learning to harness the energy Jesus invites men to follow Him.
given to Him, that He could give from the sun. What an invitation! What a chal-
life and that He was the resur- We could compare this depen- lenge! This is where a real com-
rection. dence on the energy of the light mitment is possible.
Man has sought to reach out from the sun to our need for spir- Forgiveness
beyond the confines of this life itual light from God through his
Jesus told a number of people
on earth. He has sought to know Son. Jesus claimed that He came
that their sins were forgiven.
what is beyond “the cold and so that man might have life and
The Jews had a problem with
barren peaks” of birth and death. have it to the full (John 10:10).
this. They considered sin to be
Immanuel Kant, the watershed This high standard of life in the
against God, and that God alone
German philosopher, stated that spiritual sense is possible to
could forgive sins. Yet, Jesus
the great questions for man those who will come to the light.
claimed to forgive sins. When a
through the ages have been of Jesus knew that men would not
man was brought to Jesus on a
God, man and sin. Jesus came to come to the light because they
bed, Jesus first told him that “his
reveal God to man. He claimed to love darkness since their deeds
sins were forgiven”. When Jesus
know man (John 2:24). He came are evil (John 3:19). For those
perceived that some
to deal with sin and to
present questioned His
present man righteous
before God. Man seeks
After we have been told and taught, we need authority to forgive
to know the great mys- someone to show us how. God knows how we ought sins, He said to the par-
teries of life, death and to live; Jesus shows us how we ought to live. alytic, “I tell you, get
up, take your mat and
eternity. God answers
go home” (Mark 2:11).
man in Jesus Christ, the Son of willing to trust Jesus as the Light
When the people could see that
the Father. Man needs to humbly there is life eternal, a life beyond
the man was healed physical-
accept the Son as his Lord and our imagination or anticipation.
ly, some could believe that they
Saviour.
An Example could also be healed spiritually
The Light After we have been told and by Jesus. Believing in Him, they
On a number of occasions, taught, we need someone to could know that He had author-
Jesus claimed to be the light of show us how. God knows how ity on earth to forgive sins. Sin is
the world. He claimed that the we ought to live; Jesus shows still real though many may deny
world was in darkness and that us how we ought to live. Being God and His law. Jesus sent His
men were stumbling in the dark- “God among men,” He becomes apostles to preach a message of
ness. Light shows flaws. Light to us an example. The “stars” forgiveness of sins and whole-
shows us how things should be. of sports, movies and music are ness of life to those who would
Light provides a bigger perspec- not enough for us. They have repent and be baptized in the
tive. Light helps us to get things the same limitations and aberra- name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38).
together. Light gives direction so tions that we have. Jesus claimed When He is accepted as Lord, He
we know where to go and how to to be the Way the truth and the becomes the Saviour.
get there. Man is so dependent on life (John 14:6). After He hum- Conclusion
the light from the sun for physi- bly washed His disciples’ feet
Space fails to write of Jesus as
cal life on this planet that life is He said, “I have set you an ex-
the great Shepherd, the water of
unimaginable without it. Even at ample that you should do as I
life, the bread of life, the resur-
night we make use of the stored have done” (John 13:15). When
rection, the truth and the vine.
energy which has come from the He was trying to teach His disci-
He can become everything to
sun. In cold weather it is energy ples to avoid personal ambition,
those who will put their trust In
from the sun that keeps us warm He was able to put His example
Him. Praise God for his most ex-
as we use fuels and hydroelec- before them: “Even as the Son of
cellent way: Not a philosophy of
tric energy. The high standard Man came not to be served, but
life, but a life: God who became
of living man has come to enjoy to serve, and give himself a ran-
flesh and dwelt among us!
is for the most part due to his som for many” (Matthew 20:28).
October 2019 Page 16 Gospel HeraldThe Wonder of Writing
Geoffrey H. Ellis (First Published in 1985, in the Gospel Herald)
F
irst, the wonder of writing is graduate student in linguistics. senting basic objects or ideas. The
the marvel of language. Sci- In 1982, University of Hawaii Egyptian hieroglyphic script was
entific studies in linguistics linguist, Derek Bickerton, pub- developed around 3,000 BC. In
have determined that man has a lished his work Roots of Language. Mesopotamia, picture writing was
built-in aptitude for both sounds He concluded that the roughly upgraded to the cuneiform script,
production and grammatical con- 350 creole languages in the world which involved wedge-shaped
struction. For example, studies share almost identical grammati- markings pressed into clay. The
have shown that children of all rac- cal structures. Creole, or pidgin, major step forward which pro-
es and language groups in learn- languages which sprang up as vided a single symbol to represent
ing to speak go through set stages.
Colonialism spread from 1500 each consonant, ie. alphabet writ-
In the first six months, all children
to 1900, are make-shift tongues ing, was first used in the area of
make the same sounds and listen
which tack together words from and in languages closely akin to
to themselves while experiment-
the various languages being used Hebrew usage somewhat before
ing with over one hundred distinct
in order that workers with diverse 1500, the beginning time of the
sounds. Next comes a jargon peri- actual writing of the Old
od in which even the deaf Testament Scriptures. (Cf.
child is active. During the Christians can identify such as evidence of Deuteronomy 31:24).
second year specific words design pointing to the creative activity of God.
In addition to carvings
are learned under parental
and other’s tutoring, and in stone and markings in
the child attempts to pair words. In clay, paper (from papyrus) was de-
languages might communicate. veloped for every day writing and
the third and fourth years phrases
“Because the structures of creoles vellum (ie. polished leather) for
are attempted; children are learn-
were formed from scratch, instead valuable records. Aramaic, closely
ing by rules. By the fifth year
of evolving from existing tongues, related to Hebrew, was the official
there is a start at understanding
they show grammar and syntax language of the Persian Empire
clauses. The child has a sense of
developing naturally.” Bickerton (c; 550 BC), and was the common
categories of parts of speech and
concludes that this may be evi- language in Palestine in the time
he won’t mix categories. Primates
dence of a bioprogram that shapes of Christ. Portions of Aramaic are
who have been trained in rudi-
man’s gift for words (Newsweek, found in both the Old and the New
mentary sign language have no
March 22, 1982) Testaments. By the first century,
such inherent grammatical sense.
Christians can identify such as Greek, in a ‘common form’, had
Prior to the 60s, the behavior-
evidence of design pointing to the spread throughout the civilized
ists were saying that language
creative activity of God. The link- world. Unsurpassed in its expres-
learning is controlled response to
age of language with intelligence siveness and exacting construc-
stimulus, reinforcement, depriva-
is the important factor here. Man tion, it became the language of the
tion—the usual elements in the
has the power of reasoning logic, New Testament writings.
explanation of behaviorism. In the
of creative thought, of esthetic ap- Thus, through language God
60s, Noam Chomsky and others
preciation, of moral evaluation. All “spoke to the fathers through the
in the young science of cognitive
psychology were demonstrating of these he is able to communicate prophets at many times and in
that linguistic ability is an in- through the marvel of language. various ways and in these last days
ward functioning of the mind, not The wonder of writing, second- he has spoken to us by his Son.”
the predictable results of stimuli ly, is that its development paral- (Hebrews 1:1) And through writ-
in the environment. It would ap- lels God’s progressive revelation ing he has preserved this informa-
pear that the human mind is pro- of himself in the literary master- tion for God-seekers in every gen-
grammed, hard lined in computer piece of all time, the Bible. Written eration. The story of the scribes of
terms, for language creation and records go back more than 5,000 the Old Testament, their training,
use. These insights were shared years. The earliest forms of writ- discipline and precision, and the
with me by Andrew Fleming, a ing were stylized pictures repre- story of the later monastic copiers
October 2019 Page 17 Gospel Heraldof the Scriptures, their diligence,
fortitude, and devotion, capture
Obedience, a Key to Abundant Living
Tim Johnson (First published in 1984)
men at their. reverent best. The
A
development of printing, with the braham probably had a people think of obedience as some-
Bible the first work to be pro- lot going for him for many thing we do “because we have to.”
duced, is a story of the changing years in his hometown. Ur of It’s boring and a terrible drag, etc.
shape of modern society. Northrop the Chaldees was a wealthy place. Abraham saw the REWARD! Right
Frye’s work, The Great Code: the Abraham came from a well-estab- off the bat, God promised him per-
Bible and Literature (1982 testi- lished family, was married to a local sonal greatness, blessings of all
fies to the continuing cultural im- girl, no doubt owned a home, and sorts, tremendous descendants
portance of the Bible as the single probably had a good job in this an- and later he promised land in
cient seaport. “Leave it all.” God told abundance! On top of all that, He-
most important influence in West-
him one day. Leave all that security brews reveals Abraham was aware
ern art and literature.
and become a wanderer in a coun- of the heavenly realm, which had
The impact of writing upon our try he didn’t even know about yet? obviously been promised him too,
lives cannot be minimized. This is Abraham could have refused, dis- (Hebrews 11:16).
still true even though, with the ad- obeyed God and continued with the Later on, as his faith was tested
vent of TV, whole segments of soci- good life at Ur. But Genesis tells us and Abraham obeyed again, the
ety are reverting to a pictographic that this man had more respect and greatest promise of all was made to
mentality, where symbolism, emo- faith in God than that. “So, Abram this great man: the Messiah would
tionalism, and illiteracy abound. went, as Jehovah had spoken unto bless all the world, and He would
Ignatius Loyola’s Spiritual Ex- him” (Gen. 12:4). Hebrews tells us come through Abraham’s seed (Gen-
ercises, Thomas à Kempis, The he began a life of wandering, taking esis. 22:18). Why so many promises
Imitation of Christ, Karl Marx’s directions from God where to go. and blessings to this one man? God
Das Capital, Adolph Hitler’s Mein From a settled life in Ur they now tells us: ‘because thou have obeyed
Kampf, illustrate the explosive lived in tents. Those of us who like my voice.” His faith proved to be
power of recorded Ideas and tes- to go camping know that tenting is rock-solid by his obedience.
tify to the wonder of writing. okay for a while, but rain and many
other conditions can make the ex- Obedience Enriches!
For a people such as the fellow- perience miserable! I’m sure they All personal benefits of obeying
ship of brethren of churches of adjusted to it and lived comfort- God come to us because of another
Christ in Canada, no matter how ably, but it was a great change from man who accomplished the great-
small we may be or how mute we home! Abraham and Sarah stand as est act of obedience possible. His
may feel, to have the privilege of great examples of obedience. name was Jesus. He left heaven in
the pages of a Christian journal obedience to God. Then suffering
“Because thou hast
such as the Gospel Herald, where- the cross at the hands of the very
in ideas can be communicated to obeyed my voice” people He had created, His obedi-
each other ‘from sea to sea’ is in- Why did he obey the Lord and ence to God was taken to the ex-
deed a precious benefit. How pre- thus experience such a great treme. Jesus “learned obedience
cious this benefit is to us will be change in life-style? Wouldn’t it be by the things which he suffered”
determined by how carefully men easier just to forget about the Lord’s (Heb. 5:8). Through that obedience
and women enter the disciplines instructions? Abraham didn’t think he paid sin’s price for every human.
so, and he made the night decision. Then he proceeded to conquer our
of writing and how thoroughly the
He knew something about obedi- other great enemy, death. Obedi-
readers examine the thoughts’
ence that made his decision a lot ence, accomplished all of this, and
presented. On the occasion of the
easier. He was aware that obedi- was rewarded as well: “who for the
50th year of the Gospel Herald, ence to God, while it is not always joy that was set before him endured
may we show our gratitude to God easy at first, puts one in harmony the cross” (Heb. 12:2). God rewards
for the gifts of language, spoken with the Lord of this Universe, and obedience!
and written, by dedicating our- life becomes enriched because of It’s because of Christ’s obedience
selves to a more serious use of this it. He subjected himself to God in to the ‘Father that our obedience
publication to the glory of God and humility and immediately began to can be an enriching experience
the encouragement of men. feel the rewards of obedience. and set us on a course that leads to
Rewards? That’s right. Too many abundant living. For example, our
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