"So noble Masters, I do not feel that I can officiate as priest anymore. If this strange personage is from God, and should prove to be the Saviour we have looked for so long, and I have been the means of crucifying him, I have no further offerings to make for sin; but I will wait and see how these things will develop. And if he proves to be the ruler that we are looking for, they will soon develop into something more grand in the future. His glory will increase; his influence will spread wider and wider, until the whole earth shall be full of his glory, and all the kingdoms of the world shall be his dominion. Such are the teachings of the prophets on this subject. Therefore you will appoint Jonathan, or someone, to fill the holy place."
Seven Men Went Singing Into Heaven
Selected
One of the strangest experiences in my life is connected with war, says Nordenberg, an eminent engineer in Finland.
I offered my services to the government and was appointed to be an officer in General Mannerheim’s army. It was a terrible time. We besieged the town. It had been taken by the Red Army and we retook it.
A number of Red prisoners were under my guard. Seven of them were to be shot at dawn on Monday. I shall never forget the preceding Sunday. The seven doomed men were kept in the basement of the town hall. In the passage, my men stood at attention with their rifles.
The atmosphere was filled with hatred. My soldiers were drunk with victory and taunted their prisoners, who swore as much as they could and beat the walls with their bleeding fists. Others called for their wives and children who were far away.
Then something happened. One of the men doomed to death began to sing! "He is mad," was everybody’s first thought. But I had noticed this man, Koskinen, had not raved and cursed like the others. Quietly he had sat on his bench, a picture of utter despair. Nobody said anything to him–each was carrying his burden in his own way and Koskinen sang, rather waveringly at first, then his voice grew stronger and became natural and free. All the prisoners turned and looked at the singer, who sang,
"Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast,
There by His love o’ershaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest.
"Hark, ’tis the voice of angels,
Borne in a song to me
Over the fields of glory,
Over the jasper sea!"
Over and over again Koskinen sang that verse and when he finished, everyone was quiet for a few minutes until a wild-looking individual broke out with, "Where did you get that, you fool? Are you trying to make us religious?"
Koskinen looked at his comrades and his eyes filled with tears. Then he asked quietly, "Comrades, will you listen to me for a minute? You asked me where I got this song: it was from some gospel workers. I heard it three weeks ago. At first I also laughed at this song, but it got me. It is cowardly to hide your beliefs. The God my mother believed in has now become my God also. I cannot tell you how it happened, but I know that it happened. I lay awake last night and suddenly I felt that I had to find the Savior and hide in Him. Then I prayed–like the thief on the cross–that Christ would forgive me and cleanse my sinful soul and make me ready to stand before Him whom I shall meet soon."
"It was a strange night," continued Koskinen. "There were times when everything seemed to shine around me. Verses from the Bible and from song books came to my mind. They brought a message of the crucified Savior and the blood that cleanses from sin and of the home He has prepared for us. I thanked Him, accepted it, and since then this verse has been sounding inside me. It was God’s answer to my prayer. I could no longer keep it to myself! Within a few hours I shall be with the Lord, saved by His grace."
Koskinen’s face shone as by an inward light. His comrades sat there quietly. He himself stood there transfixed. My soldiers were listening to what this Red revolutionary had to say.
"You are right, Koskinen," said one of his comrades at last, "if only I knew that there is mercy for me, too! But I have reviled God and trampled on all that is holy. Now I realize thatthere is a hell and that is the proper place for me."
He sank to the ground with despair depicted on his face. "Pray for me, Koskinen," he groaned, "Tomorrow I shall die and my soul will be in the hands of the Devil."
And there these two Red soldiers went down on their knees and prayed for each other. It was no long prayer, but it opened heaven to both, and we who listened to it forgot our hatred. It melted in the light from heaven, for here two men who were soon to die sought reconciliation with God. A door leading into the invisible stood ajar and we were entranced by the sight.
Let me tell you shortly that by the time it was four o’clock, all Koskinen’s comrades had followed his example and begun to pray. The change in the atmosphere was indescribable. Some of them sat on the floor, others talked of spiritual things.
The night had almost gone and day was dawning. No one had had a moment’s sleep. "Sing the song once more for us, Koskinen," said one of them. And you should have heard them sing! Not only that song, but verses and choruses long forgotten came forth from their memories as buds in the sunshine. The soldiers on guard united their voices with them.
The town clock struck six. How I wished I could have begged for grace for these men, but I knew it was impossible.
Between two rows of soldiers they marched out to execution. One of them asked to be allowed once more to sing Koskinen’s song. Permission was granted. Then they asked to die with uncovered faces–and with hands raised to heaven they sang,
"Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast."
When the last lines had died out, the lieutenant gave word, "Fire!" and the seven Red soldiers had fought their last fight. We inclined our heads in silent prayer.
What had happened in the hearts of the others I do not know; but so far as I was concerned, I was a new man from that hour. I had met Christ in one of His disciples and I had seen enough to realize that I too, could be His.
"The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men." Ps. 33:13.
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5:1.
Dear reader, repent, believe, and trust God. Go singing into heaven. –Selected
Christian Ethics
Adriel Bowman
Ethics-the moralization of human behavior. Ethics involve decisions of right and wrong. The demoralization of human choices, the building of a condition of human thinking in which there is no right and wrong, results in moral relativism and is against God’s dealing with man.
Christian ethics govern our conduct in practical Christian living. There are a number of topics that may be raised in relation to this. I will touch on a few which I hope will provoke some thought. They are in the special class of ethics which should be a normal part of Christian behavior and should have a daily impact on the Christian life. They are even at least partly definitive of the Christian life.
Honesty. Luke 8:15 uses the phrase "in an honest and a good heart;" II Cor. 8:21 says "providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men;" Rom 12:17 says, "Provide things honest in the sight of all men;" I Thess 4:12 says "That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without;" Phil 4:8 says, "think on honest things;" Acts 6:3 indicates that men picked for the office of a deacon are to be men of honest report.
Some comments. Keep your word. Don’t make promises you don’t have power to keep. Children lose faith and trust in parents because of casually made promises. Pay your debts; they are your commitments and obligations. They are your Christian testimony to your creditors. Be trustworthy. Duties and responsibilities committed to you, faithfully carry out. Things that you borrow, take care of better than your own things. If something is broken or damaged or missing that you have borrowed, fix it, mend it or try to replace it before giving it back. If someone borrows your axe, would you appreciate it being returned with a smile and a thank you, looking knicked and gashed, with a broken handle? Avoid deceit and the appearance of deceit. Be careful to try to make a true, accurate, faithful recollection and representation in your statements. Never be overly optimistic in your presentations, but use qualifiers, because there may be some things out of your control. Be straightforward, not shifty and hard to pin down in your statements. Don’t carry hidden agendas in your dealings. Don’t shirk or shift responsibility when things go wrong. Don’t take credit for that you did not do. Don’t plagiarize. Give credit where credit is due. Ministers, deacons and trustees, it is possible to get into such a place financially that your duties, responsibilities and gifts need to be laid aside for a time while business things are straightened out. A Christian is to make valuable judgements and ethical decisions with regard to the Christian profession.
Mercy and forgiveness. In Matt 18: 23-30, Jesus gave a lesson on forgiving and releasing others and made an object lesson of an individual who was himself extended great mercy, but was hypocritical and refused to show similar mercy and kindness to his peer. Has there ever been a time when you needed mercy? If so, don’t require more of others than yourself.
Unfair advantage. Deut. 25: 13-16, instructs us to have just weights by which to make measurements in commerce. Prov. 20:10, says, divers weights and measures for buying and selling in commerce are an abomination to the Lord. Don’t give yourself any advantage in your business dealings with your fellowman, so as to defraud him in any way. Prov. 20:14, challenges us to not verbally degrade the value of our fellow mans’ merchandise to avoid paying a fair price.
Respect of persons. James 2:1-9, instructs against respect of persons, partiality and prejudice. Be objective. Be willing to give the benefit of the doubt to all equally. Be careful of differential and deferential treatment of people. It should not be justified by some subjective feeling within yourself or your predispositions which are unrelated to them.
Modesty. I Timothy 2:9, instructs Christians concerning the proper deportment, carriage, bearing and presentation of their person to the world around them. The inner graces of modesty, sobriety, and humility are to be demonstrated in outward dress. The outward dress of the Christian is not to accentuate physiology and display fleshly pride, but to be aligned with his desire to assist in letting the light of Christ come forth from his life.
Temperance. I Cor. 9:25 informs that success in mastering the life of the Christian will include temperance in all areas of one’s life. Philippians 4:5 tells us to let our moderation be known to all men. A Christian is to be restrained and constrained in his appetites, controlled in his behavior, and not given to excess. Carefulness teaches us to exercise diligent vigilance at all times so as not to be carried away with divers lusts or emotions, victories or griefs of our fleeting life.
Talebearing and gossiping. Prov. 11:13, 16:28, 17:9, 20:19 alert us to something called talebearing. It is something which we can say that may be true, that can cast doubts, create questions, break confidence entrusted in us, destroy confidence between and separate even brothers. Many things which we may say are not expedient or necessary and possibly groundless, unfounded, and one-sided. It is unwise to say things behind one’s back which you would not say to one’s face where there would be an opportunity for clarification. Things confided in you are not to be passed on to others. If there is no valid need for your friend to know something sensitive you know about someone else, don’t tell him or her. Remember there is a valid reason why we have "unspoken" requests.
Restitution. Ex. 22:1-13 Be responsible for things left in our care. Try to make things right if something is broken while in our care.
The Golden Rule. Matt. 7:12, says, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." This should be the Christian’s creed and guide when dealing with his fellowman. Surely this is a requirement of ethical Christian conduct. Should we consider this a commandment that we will be judged by? Before we take an action or say something which might affect our fellowman, we should take a moment and ask if this is the way we desire to be treated or spoken to or about if the circumstance were reversed. This golden rule is surely to have an affect in every facet of our lives dealing with our fellowman. Think of the unkind words, inconsiderate actions, hasty, harsh judgements and emotional trauma that could be avoided if everyone were to walk by this rule.
Charity. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commanded that we love one another as He loved us, and that if we did this all men looking on us would thereby know that we are Jesus’ disciples. This is quite a tall order and a great commission for Christians in this world. We all have the capacity to give, feel and receive love. A definition for love may be considered here as a background for this topic. Love is (1) a fond or tender feeling; warm liking, affection, attachment, (2) strong or passionate affection, (3) the kindly feeling or benevolence of God for His creatures, or the reverent devotion due from them to Him, or the kindly affection they should have for each other. I John 3:17 questions one’s love of God if he has the means to help his brother in need, and closes his compassion against him. This lets us know that a Christian’s love comes through in benevolent deeds as well as words. In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus taught us to love our neighbor as ourselves. The Christian neighbor is to be as the Samaritan in that passage. The Samaritan stopped to show compassion and mercy and to bind up the wounded. This is a Christian trait also. To render assistance, show mercy, give comfort (even make efforts to give emotional comfort) to those in need, without expecting anything in return, is the duty of a Christian. Galatians 6:10 says to do good to all men. Romans 13:8-10 says we owe love one to another; love worketh no ill to his neighbor. I Thess 5:15. tells us to make sure that we don’t render evil for evil. Love makes us harmless as doves and enables the varied personalities of Christians to work together among our fellowmen and put Christ on display. I Cor 13:4-8 provides other definitive characteristics about Christian love. It says the Christian is to be longsuffering, kind, not envious, not forward and self-exalting. And, the Christian’s love is to be never failing. Finally, in Romans 12:10, we hear the gentle guidance: be kindly affectioned one to another.
We have heard of unethical behavior such as bribery, conflict of interest, perjury, moral turpitude on behalf of lawyers, judges and government officials, and how those things betray the public trust. So what about the Christian code of conduct? Surely, there are some things that are unethical for the Christian profession, things that fall short of the public expectation and disgrace the standard of Christ, the Light of the World. We have a responsibility to live to the high ethical standards of the Bible.
Letters
Readers
MO—Dear Bro. Wayne: We trust all is going well with you. We are thankful to report the Lord is still extending His mercies to us. He is so gracious to lend us His grace and wisdom as we continually feel our need and call to Him. Too often, though, we spend a long time trying to figure things out before we bring our needs to Him. But how wonderful are His works when weput things in His mighty hand. And His love to us is so precious. What a Friend....
May God bless and keep you. We thank God for all those who serve Him so tirelessly and faithfully.
Yours for Him, –Sis. Marilyn Cole
CA—Dear Bro. Wayne: Greetings in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who changed my life when I could no longer handle it. Since that change I have been able to face each day with courage and determination, and have gone on for more than forty years. During this period I have learned to cast all my cares on Him.
Recently I was backended on the freeway. I was not hurt, nor was anyone else. The insurance company would not fix my car because it would be too costly and it was less expensive for them to pay me off. I settled for that without complaint. Needing another car, I began to pray. Within a week from that day, I have a more recent model car which is in better shape than my old one. God’s hand was readily seen in all the events leading to the purchase of the car, and I am delighted and contented with it.
I need prayer. I am afflicted, but I am still able to perform my duties in the church at Los Angeles. I am expecting great things with our congregation. I also have unsaved loved ones who are ailing.
I enjoy the Faith and Victory and usually read it through when I get it. Thank God for you and all those who labor to get the paper out.
May God bless each and every one of you, and may the circulation be multiplied.
In Christian love, –Bro. Bob Mickelson
OH–Dear Bro. Wayne: Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. I thought I would drop you a line and let you know that I am still getting the Faith and Victory magazine, and like getting it.
This note finds us okay and blessed of the Lord, and I hope you all are doing good, too.
Again, I say thanks and may God bless you. —Bro. Rufus and Sis. Ruby Perry
NC–Thank you for the gospel. I am so blessed to receive your publications....
For Christ’s name, –Angela Taylor
OK–Dear Bro. Wayne: Greetings of Christian love. I hope all is going well with you and the workers there. As for my wife and I, we are having some light afflictions. My wife suffers some from a heart condition. I have an affliction that makes me unable to rest well at night. We are both getting up in years and we want to trust the Lord through our short life here. Then we are looking forward to the beautiful life that awaits us over there. We want to be faithful while here until He says it is enough, then we want to receive the crown that awaits all the faithful. We desire an interest in your prayers.
Your saved brother and sister,
–T. V. and Carrie McMillian
Jamaica–Christian greetings in Jesus’ name: I wish you, the staff and the Publishing House a prosperous new year of 2002, in which more work will be done for the Lord in spreading the gospel....
I am so sorry to have to inform you that my son in the faith; who was in prison, including on death row, and who professed salvation for nearly twelve years, came out of prison on September 11th of last year, but backslid very soon after being freed. I am extremely disappointed. I had had hopes of him passing out magazines and some of these tracts. Please pray for him because the Lord is very merciful, and does not treat us as we deserve. So, I don’t give him over, but oh, it is a hard blow. Over the years his letters showed that he was really growing spiritually. The race is not to the swift but to the one who endureth to the end. "He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25.)
Let us pray for one another.
In His service, –Grace A. E. Goode
OH–Dear Bro. Wayne Murphey: We send greetings in Jesus’ precious name.
We will not make excuses for ourselves. I should have done this a long time ago, and now that I have asked the Lord to forgive us, we beg your forgiveness. Sometimes we fool ourselves into thinking that at a better time we will do the right thing, and I have believed this, "Yes, when I finally get some money, I will help in a big way with the work of the Lord." Well, the Lord began to speak to my heart and asked me when will it be a good time. I certainly did not think now because I have no job and limited means. The enemy of our souls has an excuse for us....
I had gotten up early yesterday morning and while reading the paper and learning of all the work that is being done in other countries for the furtherance of the gospel work, the question came to me, "What am I doing?" We want to be a part of something that is so very special, even if it is in just a small way.
We have been praying for the work and do thank God for all that you and the workers do for the love of souls.
May God bless you all and keep you encouraged in the way.
With Christian love and prayers,
–Elaine D. Carter
Mission Reports
From the Philippines...
February 12, 2002–Dear Brother and Sister Murphey: Greetings of Christian love in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. I hope this letter finds you all happy in the service of the Lord.
May I ask your kind forgiveness for my failure to write you for so long. I am always eager to send you a report and information about the gospel work here and the activities we are doing, but my health does not permit me. Since my asthma attack last July 2001, I am always sickly and cannot go out to see the brothers and sisters. I always feel dizzy, which makes me unable to write. However, I am so thankful that the gospel work is going smoothly because of the cooperation of our brothers and sisters. It is my consolation to see them working harder while I am sick.
There are many things that are hard for us to understand. I had been praying to the good Lord to heal me completely, not for me to enjoy life, but for the sake of the gospel work, but it seems there is no answer. I know that the Lord is good and He always knows what is good for His children. That is why I always rely on God’s hand no matter what happens to me. The apostle Paul said, "All things work together for good to them that love God." Romans 8:28. He also said, "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore, I would rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong." II Corinthians 12:7-10.
Now I can see some of the purpose of God for my sickness. My children are becoming more active in the gospel work. My son, Harlito, is now in San Jose. He resigned from his job in Manila and has come to help in the gospel work. He is now going with the team of evangelistic workers to the barrios, and also goes with Daniel to supervise the carpenters and laborers in the construction of the church buildings.
I am so thankful for your wonderful love to us dear saints. Thank you for the support which makes it possible to go to the different places to preach. Please don’t be tired of us dear saints. May God bless you for what you are doing for the salvation of precious souls.
Our camp meeting last December was very blessed. Everyone said they felt the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The messages were wonderful and everyone said they have seen the glory of God in the tabernacle....
May you continue to pray for me and for the church work in the Philippines as we do for you. Warm regards to everyone.
Your brother in Christ,
–Matias S. Tangunan
From India...
February 23, 2002–Dear Bro. Wayne Murphey and dear saints abroad: Greetings to you all dear ones again in the precious name of Jesus.
May God bless our efforts in all countries to spread the gospel which leads to the expansion of the Kingdom of God.
We will have conventions in some of the congregations in March. The whole world is like a restless sea. "Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence, As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeththe waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!" Isaiah 64:1-2.
Let us exchange our prayers every day.
Yours in Him, –John Varghese
Editorials
Wayne Murphey
Greetings to all our readers.
This month of March marks the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord. That act of power brought great blessings to those who trust in Him.
The apostle Paul wrote, "And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." Eph. 1:19-23.
Through the resurrection, Christ has the power and ability to dispense unmeasured blessings upon us. But sometimes patience is required in order to receive those benefits. And patience is something our society doesn’t encourage. Instant gratification is the norm. Serving God, however, requires drawing close to the Lord and sometimes waiting for His revelation in our lives.
This was the experience of the disciples. After Christ’s death on the cross, they lost patience with their Christian life and Peter said, "I go a fishing." Six of the other disciples said, "We also will go with you." (John 21:3.) They had only to wait three days for Christ’s resurrection, but lost hope and were anxious to get on with their lives.
I am glad Christ was patient with them. He manifested Himself to them on numerous occasions and then told them to wait in Jerusalem to be endued with the Holy Spirit. They seemed to have learned their lesson, for we find them waiting in prayer when the Holy Spirit came upon them.
In Rom. 15:4 Paul wrote, "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." Patience, coupled with the scriptures, always brings encouragement.
God Himself is an example of patience for us to follow. Rom. 15:5 says, "Now the God of patience and consolation...." Have you ever considered how patient God is? He was willing to wait three days for the resurrection. Surely His desire would have been to remove Christ from the cross immediately, out of the hands of the cruel mob, and return Him to the safety and comfort of heaven.
Think of how often God is patient with us. We make mistakes and many times are slow to learn, but He keeps dealing and working with us. Because of this, we have hope of making heaven.
John Wesley’s father once asked his wife, "How could you have the patience to tell that blockhead the same thing twenty times over?" "Why," she replied, "if I had told him but nineteen times, I should have lost all my labor."
Consider God’s patience with society. I recently heard about a young boy who took his dog and went to the park to play. A group of teenagers came along, took the boy’s dog, and as he watched in frantic protest, they hung the dog from playground equipment until it died. That story causes a strong feeling to arise within one at the injustice committed, and creates a desire for instant judgment. But it is only a small sample of the atrocities occurring around the world. God could exact immediate vengeance, but He is the God of "all patience." He withholds judgment and does not cut men off, often giving them space for repentance.
Let us thank the Lord that He is longsuffering to us, and pray that He will bless us with the patience we need in our lives to do His will.
We appreciate those who sent in dates for summer camp meetings. If your congregation’s meeting is not included on the list in this issue, please feel free to relay that information to us as soon as possible.
We were saddened on February 7
th to hear of Bro. Randall Flynn’s death. Bro. Randall and his wife, Sis. June, dedicated 11 1/2 years working here at the Print Shop. Bro. Randall was one who loved fellowship and the Lord. We are confident that today he is in heaven sharing the fellowship of others who have gone before.
If you would like to send condolences to his wife, Sis. June, you may do so by writing her at: 51527 Narretto Rd., Loranger, LA 70446.
Condolences may also be addressed to Bro. Randall’s mother, Sis. Alta Flynn, at: 51154 Hwy. 443, Loranger, LA 70446.
