James then proceeds to call the attention of his reader to the injustices that only too often accompany those of high position. Being materialistic, they are frequently open to bribery. Even in the best of scenarios, those in authority are prone to be unsympathetic to the plights of the poor, not having experienced its hardships personally. Since, especially in Israel, those who sat in positions of judgment were supposedly pronouncing the judgments of God, such inequity from the judgment seat reflected on the character of God; and these judges James accuses of blasphemy. Perhaps for this reason James opens the next chapter with these words: Be not many of you masters (3:1).

The Law of Moses

If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill; Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law (vs. 8-12).

Ancient Israel had a law against discrimination. Jesus deemed it as the second greatest of all the laws given to Moses, only inferior to the one preceding it that stated Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart. This law commanded that one love his neighbor as himself. No qualification was put on the term "neighbor"-rich or poor, male or female, white or black-all were to be treated equally. When queried by a lawyer as to the meaning of this term "neighbor," Jesus gave a story which we know as the Parable of the Good Samaritan in which he illustrates that even a despised Samaritan should be considered as a neighbor.

Partiality on the part of the church, to whom James was writing, was to be considered as a violation of this law and thus a sin. Under the demands of Judaic law the attention paid to all other features of the law-the minutiae of cleansings and purifications, of prayer and almsgivings-could not wipe out the violation of this precept of love for one's neighbor.

By using the two examples of the commandments against adultery and killing, James takes our minds back to the words of the Master in the sermon on the mount (Matt. 5-7). Jesus uses these same two commands to show their deeper meaning, of regulating thoughts as well as actions. If lust could be adultery, then hatred could be murder. James implies an even further extension -- discrimination and partiality could be murder, since they involved the slaying of another's reputation.

The Law of Liberty

So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment (vs. 12, 13).

It is not the law of Moses but the law of grace, the law of the gospel, where James finds the harsher judgment. "You shall be judged as you have judged others," is his message. It is the same message Jesus gave: Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again (Matt. 7:1, 2). It is the same message Paul preached: Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself for thou that judgest doest the same things (Rom. 2:1). The Christian is warned of the same danger in the model prayer given to him: Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors (Matt. 6:12).

Grace received without grace distributed is like a lake receiving water but disbursing none-like the barren depths of the Dead Sea. This dispensing of forgiveness to others becomes a responsibility for those who have received God's grace, lest they receive it in vain (2 Cor. 6:1). It is a "work of grace."

Faith and Works

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say,. Thou hast faith, and 1 have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (vs. 14-20).

Here is the heart of James' discussion. Faith and grace are both gifts from God, but these gifts are not to provoke idleness but activity. They should energize the Christian. To receive God's forgiveness and the attendant standing with him through justification without showing the same character toward others demonstrates a lack of appreciation for the gift received.

Jesus told of a debtor who was forgiven a large debt but demanded payment from a pauper who owed him a small amount. The moral is given in unforgettable terms:

Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, 1 forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as 1 had pity on thee?-Matthew 18:32, 33

Forgiveness to those who have wronged us is not an easy task. The disciples found it sufficiently difficult when commanded to forgive one who offended them up to seven times in a single day, responded with the request: Increase our faith (Luke 17:5).

James uses a specific illustration to demonstrate the kind of works he is advocating. Again he reverts to their attitude toward the poor. It is not sufficent, he counsels, to commiserate with the poor but seek to give him the necessary clothes and food to uplift him from his condition of poverty. If not dead, such an unproductive faith is at the best very weak. If we find ourselves emulating such a faith, let us ask like the disciples, Lord, increase our faith.

Belief, the doctrinal substructure of a Christian, is vital, but by itself is insufficient. Belief as an intellectual assent to certain facts is not unique to good people. Even devils believe. They react to their belief with a certain trembling in anticipation of their judgment. Let your belief in retributive judgment be a spur to encourage the works of faith and of grace. Do not just receive grace; give grace.

Abraham and Rahab

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? (vs. 21-25).

James evokes two illustrations of his principle from the Old Testament-Abraham and Rahab. Both are named in the gallery of faithheroes in Hebrews 11. Throughout New Testament writings Abraham is constantly referred to as the one who was "justified by faith."

Faith alone did not justify him; he demonstrated his faith in action. If Abraham merely believed that God could raise his son from the dead, it might indeed show a measure of faith. But acting on that faith and showing his willingness to sacrifice his beloved son in death was the true measure of his faith-and that was an action, a work. Likewise it required faith to believe that the invading forces of Israel would be blessed by God in their conquest of Canaan, but Rahab's justification came as a result of acting upon faith and taking the risk to harbor and deliver the spies who sought refuge with her.

Works, the Spirit of Faith

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also (v. 26).

For his summary, James invokes the picture of human life. Life is composed of two elements- body and breath forming a living soul: And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (Gen. 2:7). So, James reasons, spiritual life is composed of two elements: faith and works. Faith supplies the body, the organism. Works keep that organism functioning. Without the action of breathing, the natural man would die. Without the active functioning of works, the spiritual man will die.

Proper spiritual works are not motivated by a desire to earn salvation or merit favor. Grace remains unmerited. But the gift of grace requires a thankful response on the part of the recipient. He responds with good works, motivated by thankfulness and gratitude.

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In Consideration of Love

Let love be without dissimulation.--Romans 12:9

By George Eldridge

The Judaic-Christian scriptures cannot be read even cursorily without impressing one with how much they have to say about love.

The importance of Christian love is delineated in I Corinthians 13. There we read that even if we can speak fluently and eloquently on the truth and have not love we would be like metal that, being struck, would issue no sound.

Though we could prophesy and understand all mysteries and knowledge and have faith which would cause miracles and yet be lacking love, we would be nothing spiritually.

Even if we were to give all that we owned to feed the poor or give up our lives to a martyr's death, and have not love,' it would profit us nothing. We see, then, how highly love is valued in the Word of God!

The Guiding Principle

The extent to which this Christian grace is being cultivated and regulated in our lives gives us an index as to how much our .study of God's Word is helping us spiritually.

If our desire is to become Christlike, pleasing to our Father, we must prayerfully consider whether or not our love is spiritual and whether it is the great guiding principle of life. Do we examine our thoughts and words and deeds by God's law of love? Were our innermost thoughts critical of someone? Could we have said something more kindly? Were we lazy or insensitive when a helpful act should have been done?

Love God, Christ, Brethren

Love begins with love toward God and toward our Lord Jesus Christ. If a man say, 1 love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brotherwhom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also (1 John 4:20, 21).

A vital principle of Christian living is found in Matthew 25:40, where Jesus said, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. How essential it is for us to exercise love! By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if you have love one to another (John 13:35).

The Badge of Discipleship

Christ has. made love the "badge" of Christian discipleship. Love for all the brethren is sure evidence of our love for our Lord (1 John 5:1). The abounding influence of the holy Spirit will produce the grace that makes it possible for us to love all who are in Christ.

We must be able to detect the perversions of love. As water is not able to rise above its own level, natural man is incapable of understanding or appreciating spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:14).

Sometimes sentimental human thought is mistaken for spiritual love: a charming and talented leader may appeal to us, and so we accept his doctrines and follow his guidance in our personal lives. Sometimes carnal desires are called love. Our talents are appreciated by another Christian, or he is attracted to our personality. He is surely worthy of our love!

Sadly, many of us, living on a low plane, have confused human amiability and affability with true Christian love. A warm and loving manner is comforting, so we think it must denote more godliness. It may, and we should all endeavor to be amiable and warm and loving.

But atheists and heathens are sometimes remarkably endowed with admirable qualities, and we must evaluate good character for what it is. Spiritual love is characterized by meekness and gentleness: virtues pleasing to God. Pleasing the Father makes Christlikeness far superior to the courtesies of the flesh.

Christian Love

The scriptures teach that the true nature of Christian love is a spiritual grace instilled in us along with faith and hope (I Cor. 13:13). It is a disposition begun at the time of consecration. It is a mark of. new life in Christ. Continuing in this new life, it increases and overflows.

Christian love is more than an emotion; it is a righteous principle of life that always peeks the good in others, as Christ seeks it. It is the opposite of the self-love and selfseeking inborn in all of us.

Love in Action

Not only must we have an affectionate regard for our brethren but also a powerful desire to promote their welfare. This is not fickle sentiment, easily offended, but an abiding love which "many waters" of cold indifference, or "floods" of disapproval can neither quench nor drown (Song of Solomon 8:7).

Though we fall far short in comparison to our Lord, we diligently try to be like him who, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end (John 13:1). The best way of obtaining a right conception of true love is to study the life of our Lord Jesus. Here we find the perfect exemplification of such love. By "study" we mean a comprehensive survey of everything recorded of him in the four gospels.

By such study we discover that his love was benevolent, thoughtful, compassionate, gentle, unselfish, self-sacrificing, patient, and unchanging. Such love could delay his response to an urgent request (John 11:6), discuss a matter with his mother before obeying her immediately and unquestioningly (John 2:4), use a whip (John 2:15), upbraid his disciples for doubting (Luke 24:25), denounce hypocrites (Matt. 23:1333), be stern (Matt. 16:23) and even angry (Mark 3:5).

All-Comprehensive Love

We know that we have passed from death to life because we love the brethren.-1 John 3:14

This is the fruit and effect of begettal as new creatures. It is an evidence of having been accepted into Christ. Love for the brethren is far more than fnding one whose temperament is similar, or whose views on the scriptures are in accord with ours. There would be no need for a commandment to love such.

If we are unfailingly sober, we may prefer serious-minded scholars; but we will also learn much from those brethren who have a simple awe of God's obvious works. If detailed doctrines are especially precious to us, let us look at brethren with different views and see why God called them, just as he called us.

Because love is a principle of life, we are determined to love those to whom we have no natural affinity. We rightly exercise this true Christian love by seeking their highest good, not just to please and ingratiate ourselves in their esteem.

Love a Commandment

By this we know that we love the children of God and keep his commandments.-1 John 5:2

What is the true test of our personal love to God? Is it not in the keeping of his commandments? (John 14:15, 21, 24; 15:10, 14). The true worth of our love to God is not measured by our words, nor how loudly we sing his praises, but by our obedience to his word; and his command is that we love one another as Christ has loved us.

How did Christ love us? Romans 5:8 tells us that While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Are we assassinating our brethren, or are we laying down our lives for them? Destroy not him . . . for whom Christ died (Rom. 14:15).

Practical Love

Love for our brethren manifests itself in many ways. One way is to pray for them. There are brethren throughout the earth with trials, conflicts, temptations, and sorrows about whom we know nothing. Yet we can express love for them by beseeching God's blessings on their behalf Our very utterance of such pleas will make us more of a blessing to those people whom we do know.

Whoso hath this world's goods and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.-1 John 3:17, 18

Some brethren are poor in this world's goods, a discouraging burden to them. The Lord may permit their trial to cultivate our compassion. It is not only a privilege to minister temporal goods from what the Lord has given us; it is also important to give with sensitivity so as not to embarrass the recipient.

This is practical love. It considers nothing too humbling if the sufferings of a brother can be relieved. When our Lord came, the scriptures tell us that he was filled with compassion at the hunger and suffering of the multitudes.

He ever liveth to make intercession for them (Heb. 7:25). He makes our cause and care his own. He entreats the Father on our behalf. No one is forgotten. The lone sheep is borne upon the heart of our Good Shepherd.

By expressing our love for our brethren in daily prayers, we are brought into the fellowship of our great High Priest. We cannot carry our brethren before the throne of grace without cherishing them in our own hearts. If there should ever arise a bitter feeling toward one of our brethren who has offended, the best way to overcome this is to pray for him. Let us try to learn this lesson of cultivating love. We suggest three rules for this:

1. Recognize at the outset that just as there is much in us which will severely try the love of the brethren, so there will be more than a little in them that will test our love. Forbearing one another in love (Eph. 4:2). The very first quality of true love in I Corinthians 13 was that it suffereth long (v. 4).

2. To cultivate any virtue or grace, it must be exercised-put into action. Life must be lived by the principle of love. Cold, calculating unkindness dampens love. Set an example. Overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:21).

3. Bask in the warmth of God's love. Like begets like; love begets love. Act upon the principle of love until it abounds and overflows; your heart. will be drawn out to all the brethren.

We have a beautiful example in the apostle who wrote the most about brotherly love, the one who leaned upon the Master's bosom: Whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him (1 John 2:5).

May the Lord grant us all the consciousness of this way of praising his glory, to the good of all his people.

 

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Contention Amongst Brethren

Beloved, when 1 gave all diligence to write unto you
of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you,
 and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith
which was once delivered unto the saints. -- Jude 3

By Charles Redeker

Nothing is more distressing to new creatures in Christ than contention amongst brethren, especially when it concerns interpersonal relationships and behavior. An issue of this kind may elude the sincere efforts of all concerned to resolve and continue for many years. Such a difference can tax the believer's best judgments, and perhaps more than any other matter necessitate seeking the wisdom that comes from above.

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.-Proverbs 26:20, 21

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.-Hebrews 12:14, 15

Brethren . . . this one thing 1 do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 1 press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.-Philippians 3:13, 14

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true . . . honest . . . just . . . pure . . . lovely . . . of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.-Philippians 4: 8

Strife cannot continue unless someone periodically adds fuel to the fire. Talebearing and evil speaking are directly linked to such fuel and need to be guarded against. If both parties to a dispute exercise restraint, the passage of time can work a favorable, moderating influence.

In a dispute of long standing it would be expedient not to stir up ashes of the past. Strong-minded brethren are unlikely to change their position on a major issue. It would serve merely to enflame emotion and feelings all over again.

Renewed debate over who said what is of little value years after a dispute. It is reasonable to believe that both sides tried to exercise sanctified judgment and did as they felt best. It is doubtful that any would go back on what they felt the Lord had directed them to do after days and weeks of agonizing meditation and prayer.

Both sides of necessity have received grievous, hurtful injuries. This is what has made it so difficult and why it has been such a major problem. Dwelling on the details and rehearsing the issues are not healthy responses. These things need to be put aside in favor of a constructive thought pattern. Occupy the mind in more positive channels of trusting God and in serving the brethren.

Openness to God's Spirit

. . . grieve not the Holy Spirit of God . . . Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you (Eph. 4:30-32). . . . The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (Gal. 5:22, 23). . . . If a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted (Gal. 6:1).

If a dispute among brethren continues unabated, one or both parties are quenching the Spirit of God. God's Spirit and its fruitage are clearly defined in the texts above. Its manifestation leads away from wrath, anger, argumentation, and strife toward brotherly kindness, gentleness, long-suffering, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

James 5:14 calls those who grieve the Spirit as being spiritually sick. It implies lack of spiritual growth, for where God's spirit is found, all the fruit of the Spirit will be growing luxuriantly.

The most important issue therefore is the current heart attitude of each one. Is anyone carrying a grudge or showing bitterness, malice, or hard feelings? Is anyone resisting the charitable dictates of the holy Spirit? Are there fleshly, self-willed propensities that are blocking the path to full reconciliation? If so, these need to be overcome by allowing God's spirit to have full reign over the thoughts and feelings.

Committing All to God

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him (Psa. 37:7); . . . even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps . . . who, when he was reviled, reviled not again . . . but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously (1 Peter 2:21-23); . . . every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Rom. 14:12); for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive . . . according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (2 Cor. 5:10); . . . he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons (Col. 3:25).

These texts offer a pattern of desirable response to a situation that seems utterly beyond resolution. It is, simply, not to expect our immediate satisfaction but to demonstrate a willingness to commit the entire matter to our heavenly Father. This example was shown by our Lord, who considered it not expedient to revile those accusing him but committed his all in trust to God.

The reasoning behind such a course seems clear: God is dealing individually with his children and will require a rendering up of each account. He will deal with the parties to a dispute in an impartial and righteous manner in his own way and time. This being so, should not each be content to let the matter rest in the Lord and to abide by his judgment?

If in fact the matter were fully committed to God, the temptation to bring up the issue again and again to confirm a personal judgment of guilt and condemnation of the other party would be removed. In its place the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:7).

Willingness to Forgive

God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us . . . . when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son. (Rom. 5:8, 10); . . . Our Father . . . forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors . . . For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matt. 6:9, 12, 14, 15); . . . Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him . . . not . . . seven times: but. seventy times seven (Matt. 18:21, 22).

The parable of the unmerciful servant who was forgiven a large debt by the king but was then unwilling to forgive a very small sum owed him by a fellow servant is followed by these words:

Then his lord . . . said . . . O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due . . . So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.-Matthew 18:32-35

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies [tenderness of heart], kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.-Colossians 3:12, 13

Forgiveness is given great prominence in scripture. It is an essential way to promote healthy relationships. The willingness to forgive others in matters small or great is a mark of the sincere and mature believer. It is actually one of the highest graces one can develop. When put into practice, it leads to reconciliation and renewal of relationships, which is the desirable but elusive goal in any dispute.

Forgiveness is also a prerequisite for graduation from the school of Christ. Our Lord has set it forth as an essential requirement of all his children. We cannot ignore it: If we insist on being disobedient in this regard and harbor bitterness towards others, we will not only demonstrate a lack of fitness for the heavenly kingdom but we will face serious consequences even in this life. We will bring upon ourselves the mental anguish of the tormentors of the parable (Matt. 18:34). In essence, we will imprison ourselves in a cell of revenge and lock ourselves away from the healing process and peace God would provide. Therefore it is imperative that we forgive those who trespass against us, whether the offence be real or imagined.

One of the strongest reasons for being willing, even anxious, to demonstrate forgiveness is the example that the heavenly Father himself has given us. It is a remarkable truth that God forgave the human family and set into motion provision for its redemption while yet in trespasses and sins. So great was his love and forgiveness that he was willing to sacrifice his only begotten Son on our behalf. The desire to forgive should be present in our heart and manifest itself in our prayers and loving actions toward the offender, regardless of whether or not he seeks our forgiveness. This is God-likeness in action.

The disposition and willingness to forgive should be well developed in every new creature, even though opposed by all fleshly inclinations. If the offenses seem particularly grievous, our spiritual development and strength in Christ should rise to the occasion and demonstrate obedience to the will of our Father. The vital role of forgiveness in alleviating disputes among brethren can hardly be overemphasized.

Expressing Christian Love

A new commandment 1 give unto you, That ye love one another; as 1 have loved you, that ye also love one another (John 13:34); . . . Hatred stirreth up strifes, but over all transgressions love throweth a covering (Prov. 10:12 [Rotherham]); . . . Love suffereth long, and is kind . . . is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things (1 Cor. 13:4-7); . . . By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:35); . . . Put on love, which is the bond of perfectness (Col. 3:14).

Christian love is valued above even faith and hope. It is a measure of what we are willing to do for one another. Brotherly kindness, sympathy, tenderness of feeling, forbearance, and long-suffering are part of it. At times it seems but a natural response and flows freely; at other times we have to work at it. We are admonished to develop it and put it into practice. Jesus said that when this bond of love between his disciples was properly manifested it would be noticed by the world and provide a unique testimony that they were truly his followers. Conversely, what kind of witness do we put forth if we do not show love for each other?

Protracted disputes may cause one or both parties to lessen their regard for each other, with a lessening of mutual love and respect. In extreme cases evil speaking, shunning one another, and the development of negative emotions and hurtful thoughts may arise. But such conduct must be recognized as incompatible with Christian standards and ideals and be actively fought against. It is an effort of the flesh to assert itself over the new creature, sometimes in the guise of righteous indignation or justified by a manipulation of scripture.

Kindness, tender-heartedness, and brotherly love, are pleasing to our heavenly father and always in order in all relationships. We are instructed to love our enemies; how much more appropriate to show love to our brethren, even if not in agreement on a particular issue or under grievous circumstances.

All of this leads to a fundamental point: Can brethren in good conscience disagree with each other differ in their respective judgments on an issue-and yet in good faith go on to show love and respect? Clearly scripture teaches us that we can and should do this. How much wiser such a course would seem than to expect capitulation on the part of brethren in deeply held convictions and absolute agreement with our own particular viewpoint.

Summary and Conclusions

In seeking the wisdom from above we find the scriptures lay out certain principles and admonitions that are emphasized. This wisdom is revealed to the believer who is meek and humble, sincerely searching for divine counsel, and conforming his life to the pattern of our Lord.

If there is bitterness, envying, or strife in our lives, such are to be recognized as being earthly and sensual and to be fought against. The wisdom from above, in contrast, leads to purity, peace, gentleness, mercy, and forgiveness. These are the fruits Christians are to develop and promote in all their relationships. (See James 3:13-18.)

Openness and obedience to the spirit of God, a willingness to commit all to the throne of grace, forgiveness of the faults of others and expressing true Christian love in all of its many facets cannot help but defuse and eventually dissolve the points of contention that underlie any dispute amongst the brethren.

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Eradicating the Spirit of Selfishness

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. -- 1 John 3:14

Condensed from a discourse by Homer Montague

Selfishness is one of the most predominating influences at work in human beings. When a higher priority is placed upon pleasing self instead of seeking to obey the will of God and manifesting the spirit of love, evidence of selfishness is certain to exist.

The original demonstration of selfishness is that of the great Adversary in Isaiah 14:12-14: How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning. How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations. For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God. I will sit upon the mount of the congregation in the sides of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds. I will be like the Most High

Lucifer was a highly exalted, glorious being who was not satisfied with his station. Because he wanted to have a dominion for himself, he sought the Almighty as his rival. Lucifer's rebellious act enticed the first pair in Eden to sin, and for more than 6000 years we have been witnesses to the disastrous fruitage of sorrow, pain, and death which have plagued the groaning creation.

Selfishness does not merely have a corrosive effect upon character, but the possession of such a spirit can even lead to murder. In John 8:44 Jesus speaks to the Pharisees regarding the Adversary.

Ye are of your father the devil and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning and abode not in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own; for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Am I My Brother's Keeper?

Satan's "murdering" of the human race and Adam and Eve's disobeying the heavenly Father is a legacy that has continued from one generation to the next.

And Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel, his brother and slew him. And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, 1 know not. Am I my brother's keeper?-Genesis 4:8-9

As footstep followers of the Master, the spirit begotten must live by the principles and precepts outlined in the Word of God. The question Cain posed, "Am I my brother's keeper?" must be answered by a resounding "YES" by all who will prove to be members of the body of Christ.

We can gain an appreciation of how one should be his brother's keeper by studying the practices of the early church. One of the classic illustrations of unselfishness is recorded in Acts 2:44-47.

And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people.

We are not advocating that believers attempt to follow this seemingly communistic arrangement. Given our inherited weaknesses of the flesh, such an arrangement is not divinely ordained as an environment in which we are to strive to make our calling and election sure. Nevertheless, we appreciate the joy these brethren experienced after their baptism and receiving of the holy spirit as they now walked in newness of life.

Just as we are walking in newness of life, we have individual responsibilities regarding all those who are similarly walking in the same path of consecration, particularly to those members of our home ecclesia. Ecclesias have collective responsibilities. Each member must share to enhance the spiritual well being of all those in the fellowship.

Assembling Together

In reality, our entire consecrated life is spent in one of two activities. We are either assembling ourselves with members of the brotherhood or we are away from the ecclesia, in which case we are attempting to apply the principles of truth we have learned in our meetings. Hebrews 10:24-25 concerns one means of eradicating selfishness.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works; Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

As new creatures in Christ striving to overcome selfish tendencies, it is evident that we should stimulate one another towards righteousness and self-sacrifice. Only by the counterbalancing effect of obedience to God, plus fellowship, study, and the sharing of experiences with our brethren will we be strengthened to overcome the world, the flesh, and the Adversary. What a wonderful blessing it is to be in the midst of those who hold our welfare foremost in their hearts. None of the Lord's people is so strong that he can stand alone.

We note that even Jesus during his earthly sojourn-although ultimately he trod the winepress alone-received great comfort by spending quiet moments among those who were closest to him.

The business meeting is one of the most important types of meetings the ecclesia can conduct. It helps promote not only the unity of purpose but also the practice of unselfishness. Often, however, business meetings do not always engender the greatest level of harmony. For an ecclesia to meet the needs of each individual as well as the entire body it is essential that there exist some forum for discussion.

Certainly there must be provision for instruction in such matters of the faith, including doctrines, prophecy, and moral conduct. This instruction might be provided through studies, discourses, or any combination of formats. Since all points of truth can rarely be addressed on a specific topic during the course of one meeting, it may be beneficial to have periodic sessions for discussing and answering questions of interest.

Devotional services are extremely critical. The need for prayer, praise, testimonies and meditational readings is evident when we consider the trials, sorrows, and stresses we endure on a regular basis. It is the one type of meeting in which we should talk about ourselves and our feelings, and the commonality of shared experiences enables us to speak in personal terms.

Consider One Another

Interestingly, in the sequence of scriptures in Hebrews 10:24, we are admonished to consider one an­other even before we are admon­ished to assemble ourselves to­gether. The matter of considering one another implies a careful study of those in our fellowship. We must be students of our brethren as well as students of scripture in or­der to be a blessing to them. Each of us has various personalities, pecu­liarities, and imperfections. When in­teracting with our brethren, our sen­sitivity and the spirit of a sound mind should guide us.

In I Corinthians 12:12-27, we are given an extremely important treatise on how to view one another. This passage of scripture characterizes an ecclesia full of vi­brancy and love. It does, however, reflect that there are different abili­ties, talents, responsibilities, and functions for the various members of the body. But it is our heavenly Father who arranges those mem­bers of the body in such a fashion that each complements the other.

Love One Another

The inculcation of the spirit of love is the only means for eradicat­ing the spirit of selfishness. Jesus says in John 13:34, 35 --

A new commandment 1 give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my dis­ciples, if ye have love one to an­other.

Love is not merely an abstract concept, it is an action. If we fail to meet with our brethren, to interact with them, to pray with and for them, to sacrifice for them, how, then, are we to demonstrate our love for them? 1 John 3:14-16 says:

. . . We know that we have passed from death unto life, be­cause we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death . . . . Hereby perceive we the love, because he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Our love for the brethren should draw us together as body members. The ecclesia has been designed to help enhance our spirituality and to instruct us in applying Christian principles. We have been recipients of God's unmerited favor. The ex­ercise of our appreciation of God as the giver of every good and per­fect gift should prompt our hearts toward manifesting this same qual­ity of giving to others, especially the laying down of our lives for the brethren.

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How to Walk on Water

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou,
bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come.
And when Peter was come down out of the ship,
he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.--Matthew 14:28, 29

By Donald Holliday

Very early in that morning, Jesus' disciples were in their little boat on the sea of Galilee. A strong, con­trary wind whipped boisterous waves against them. There was al­most something personal about this adverse gale.

A Joyous Multitude

It had been a remarkable day. Thousands had come to hear Jesus. The disciples felt honored to be as­sociated with the wonderful Teacher. The crowds hung on his gracious words. His doctrines and manner of teaching were delightful. There was a thrilling challenge in his message that searched the depths of their hearts.

Every hearer had some notion of the kingdom hope and the part Israel was to play in it. Most were natural, even carnal, concepts, ap­pealing to human pride; were they not the people of God? But Jesus' kingdom was beautiful-the Lord's hallowed presence enthroned in every heart.

Blessings Now and Later

The throng was hungry for his teachings. They forgot their hunger for food. But the disciples became aware of practicalities. They no­ticed the descending sun, and be­came uneasy. They interrupted Jesus, whispering that he should dismiss his audience.

Then followed an experience that would make their minds tingle on every future recollection. They became instruments in an amazing demonstration of power: one lad's supper fed the multitude.

What a climax to the day! They witnessed a portrayal of that blessed time when all human needs would be divinely satisfied and they would again be the instru­ments used of the Lord to convey blessings to mankind. They were learning to live with the power of God.

This is essential to the prepara­tion of the future ministers of the kingdom. Each was a vessel of divine grace, a channel of divine Consider their fear: Here was a love, an instrument through which being with superhuman powerthe Lord would exhibit the glory of power above that of the storm. his power to give life abundant to Even earth's gravity was impotent whosoever will.

A Need for Quiet

Finally, the crowds dispersed, and Jesus was left alone with his disciples-but not before another wonderful moment occurred. The people were so elated by the experience that groups gathered, rallying the support of a11. The disciples realized that the hopeful congregation wanted to proclaim Jesus their king !

Knowing the people's intent, Jesus motioned to his disciples, climbing higher up the mountain trail to be alone with God. He longed for that future day when men would respond to divine love in a way more enduring than the fervor of that crowd.

Their Stormy Challenge

He told the apostles to proceed to Bethsaida, leaving him alone with his Father in prayer. The disciples in the midst of the sea, and Jesus on high with the Father, depicted the gospel age night of weary toil for the church.

It was hard for them. A hazardous storm had risen. They strained at the oars, their struggles seeming to avail nothing. Their Master's presence seemed remote. For hours they toiled, the journey taking much longer than they had anticipated. They longed for the sight of dawn and the shoreline.

But Jesus knew. From his vantage point on high, he saw their plight. The watches of the night passed. In the fourth watch, they glimpsed a sight which frightened them. It was Jesus, but a Jesus they had yet to know. He was now demonstrating divine abilities.

Winds and waves threatened their ship; yet there was Jesus, walking on that troubled water as though it was solid rock beneath his feet.

Our Stormy Challenges

This parallels the mighty power of One whose presence is now recognized by saints on earth. Can we comprehend the vast resources of divine power now available to our returned Lord? He is exercising in this earth's atmosphere, in the midst of the storms that bring fear into human hearts, the power of the victor over sin, the conqueror of every evil force released on earth.

We do not cry out in fear, but let us shout in worship and praise to our returned King, no longer bound by flesh but glorious in majesty. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. And in thy majesty ride prosperously on behalf of truth and meekness and righteousness (Psa. 45:3, 4).

The disciples feared because they glimpsed a being with powers of another world. This recognition of spirit realm was awesome. Blessed are our eyes that see beyond human sight to celestial glory. In awe we see that One who today stands here amidst the earthly scene.

We Learn from Peter

We were not with him on Galilee. We cannot feel the might of battering waves, the force of gale, the surrounding darkness. But our proxy was there, Peter. How we love his earnest heart!

In Peter we see ourselves. His lessons were enjoyed by saints throughout the age. Yet now, the lessons are for us.

When Jesus and the disciples were united in the boat, the storm abated, the wind dropped, the sea became a great calm. Soon they reached the other shore.

The time of trouble will not end, nor the testing of the saints, until the last is gathered to be with the Lord.

That is the dispensational message. There is also a personal message for each saint, pertaining to their walk this side of the veil. It has special meaning for us, in this time of the Master's presence in the very midst of earth's troubled scenes.

Peter was reassured by the Master's voice, Take courage. It ís L! Do not be afraid! What comfort we find in recognizing One who stands before us now endowed with wondrous powers. The earth hears and trembles; Zion hears and is glad. In the midst of so much disturbance, so many demonstrations of the powers of darkness, when all human existence on this earth is threatened, what comfort to our hearts to hear the voice of our Beloved saying, "Be not afraid. It is I.

Peter was stirred. He saw that Jesus' powers could overcome all limitations of flesh. He glimpsed a higher realm. A blessed truth confronted him, and dear, impulsive Peter wanted to taste that power divine.

Water-walking

The Lord created a scenario, teaching us what Peter sought to learn-how to walk on water.

When Jesus walked upon that sea, he was upheld by an invisible force superior to any power on earth. Here was faith in its fullness, faithfulness that finds the rock on which to walk throughout life.

Peter asked, Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water. We should not presume, but meekly ask. The invitation comes from him, Come. Follow me.

Peter was not testing God. He was asking for the Master's power to resist the downward force that gravitates the mind to earth. Peter wanted to experience the power of God.

It was an impulsive request. He had not learned that long-sighted vision which the Spirit would later endow. That Spirit recognizes that a heavenly purpose is working on a grand scale. It is our privilege to co-work with God toward that goal. And the Lord utilized Peter's impulse to teach us lessons:

First we request the Lord's help to follow him. He does not ask us to do the impossible. God makes all things possible.

We are called to walk in Jesus' steps. How can we do that? He was holy; we are corrupt.

Then Peter had to BELIEVE that if Jesus gave the word, Jesus had the power. Believe! Step out of the rocking boat into the stormy sea. The power is there. This means more than believing when comfortable, in good health. It means to put all our confidence and trust on Someone truly worthy-to accept him as our total means of support.

Jesus walked on water with no visible support. Our visible support refers to job, home, health, family, friends, position, income, material possessions. We cannot depend on them for our peace of mind.

Our Rocky Boats

Believing meant stepping out of the boat. Even a rocky boat is some means of support. Each human strength is like that rocky boat. Stepping out of the boat requires faith.

Are we then at the mercy of the waves? No, we are abandoning the things that can be shaken and placing our feet on solid rock.

Matthew 14:30, 31 records the situation: When he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord save me! And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

No one can see what supports the child of faith through tribulation and weakness. But the visible effect of faith can be seen-peace, confidence, joy, at times when the world would expect utter dejection -expect us to sink!

The window of the heart opens to heaven when this body of death is locked in its prison. The attitude of prayerful praise is the visible evidence of the rock of faith. The confining of the body quickens the spirit of perception that enjoys glorious liberty as God's sons.

 

Paul stepped out of the boat and walked on water: Bonds and afflictions wait for me, but none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto me. We look not at the things that are seen, but at the things that are unseen. No overcomer cowers in the boat. How frightening, when poor Peter found himself sinking! Our failures teach us deep and permanent lessons. All saints experience boisterous winds and waves, dark and threatening contradictions to our faith.

Every step of walking on water is a test of faith. There is no retirement from the life of faith. As the years advance, we become like Enoch: this walk with the Lord becomes so absorbing to our mind that we do not see death, only the victorious Lord at the side of God's throne, his voice ringing out, "Come!" This is the victory . . . your faith."

At Golgotha, visible evidence indicated that Jesus had been abandoned. Yet that ultimate contradiction to his faith proved its very reality, faith FULL unto death. Faith is knowing our Father's abiding faithfulness. We know he is there, he is for us, he knows every detail required to bring us to himself in the bond of perfect trust.

When Peter stepped out, he needed something more sure than the rocking ship made with human  hands. He needed the most depend­able power that exists. To reach for it, he needed faith that can let go, as surely as it can cling!

Reaching to Jesus

Matthew 14, Mark 6, and John 6, each add some precious detail. We read in Mark 6:48, that as the wonderful Master walked upon those waves, he seemed to be passing them by, proceeding towards the shore. It was this realization that spurred Peter on to request the Lord's command to follow him.

Peter did riot want the Lord to pass him by. He wanted to walk with Jesus. We do not want the Lord to pass us by. We cannot merely watch him from the uncertain safety of our storm-dashed ship. We are not arm-chair saints. Our faith is on trial Now. THIS is the hour to realize the power of total trust.

Why wait for that hour of tribulation when our ship may break on the rocks? The truth is staring at us today. Jesus defies that which is seen by natural sight. Contradictions are real. This body of humiliation contradicts the high aspirations of the new mind. It humiliates our pure desire for a holy life. Let our clay vessels manifest the miracle of God's power.

Everyone, not just the Lord's people, eventually lose the things on which human security depends-health, strength, partner, friends. All have a coded datestamp beyond which corruption will set in. How vital to our peace that we learn to walk on water NOW, before that evil day.

Then shall we know the triumph of faith that conquers the fury of every storm. Then shall we say, "Let the chill mists gather round me. Let the lights of earth grow dim. Leave me Jesus, only Jesus. I am SATISFIED with him."

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THE KING-- Eternal, Immortal

Echoes from the Past

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God,
be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.-- 1 Timothy 1:17

From a discourse by William A. Baker

Four thousand years ago there was a citizen of Uz, a man upright, a just man, a man who reverenced God and avoided evil, a man around whom one of the most outstanding and dramatic poems in human language has been written. This man laid down a principle, upon which alone true peace is attainable. He said, Acquaint thyself with God, and be at peace (Job 22:21).

Fifteen hundred years later, a prophet of God, one Daniel, seeing in a vision the tribulations, the persecutions that would come upon the people of God, before which many would weaken and fall, added this comment: But they that do know their God waxed valiant and performed exploits (Dan. 11:32).

They that do know their God will wax fat. Valor in the service of the Lord is contingent upon our knowledge of the God whom we serve.

Knowing God Takes Life Eternal

Some centuries later, Jesus declared, This is eternal life that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent (John 17:3). Jesus, in these words, is emphasizing this thought: The object of eternal life is that ye might know God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent.

These words suggest that throughout the endless ages of eternity we will be forever measuring the breadth and sounding the depth of the intimate mind and character of God, yet we will never be able to comprehend it. To comprehend means to embrace; no creature, however highly exalted, will be able to embrace his Creator.

Peter added his testimony in his second epistle: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord (2 Peter 1:2). Grace and peace is contingent upon acquaintanceship with God, knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

The psalmist has said, Only the fool has said in his heart, `There is no God' (Psa. 14:1). Belief in God is universal. No matter how degraded, how far a human being has fallen from that perfect image represented in father Adam-still, in that heart and mind there lingers a desire to worship. Man is a worshiping animal.

The Testimony of Nature

All nature bears testimony to the existence of a supreme being. Hebrews 3:4: He that built all things is God. Astronomy declares this, chemistry exemplifies it, botany illustrates it, geology proves it, zoology shows it, and the science of physics demonstrates it.

Intelligence is found behind all creation-an intelligent first cause; and, being the first and original cause, it is itself causeless.

The fact of the existence of God, a supreme being, is shown in the infinite design of this great universe, including our solar system and the planet earth. It is seen, too, in organic matter, in inorganic matter, and in the relation between the two.

It is seen in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat. Man was not created for the air or the food. Infinite wisdom designed all this on behalf of man before ever man was created. All nature bears testimony to this design on the part of an all-wise God and Creator.

The existence of man's intellectual, moral, and religious nature proves the existence of a God. Man's abilities are many and varied, but he owes all this to an intelligent Creator who endowed him with similar qualities of mind and heart.

Who, among the new creation of God, could for a moment doubt the existence of God? Every experience in our Christian life testifies to the existence of a personal deity. He possesses us as new creatures and we serve him as new creatures.

The God whom we worship, the God of the Bible, is everywhere, on every page, presented to us as a personal God. He has personality. The Bible reveals that this God whom we worship thinks, feels, and wills.

The fact that he thinks shows that he has an intellect. The fact that he feels proves that he has sensitivity. The fact that he wills indicates that he is perfect in character.

A Personal God

Our God, your God and mine possesses the quality of knowledge. The scriptures declare, The LORD God of gods, he knows (Josh. 22:22). He never has to guess. Is there a God beside me? Yea, there is no [other] God; 1 know not any (Isa. 44:8); He is perfect in knowledge (Job 36:4); He knoweth the secrets of the heart (Psa. 44:21); Known unto the Lord are all his works from the beginning (Acts 15:18).

This God whom we worship has sensibility. The Lord pitieth. (Psa. 103:13); The Father himself loveth you (John 16:27); The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in goodness (Exod. 34:6).

God Wills

Jesus taught us to pray, Thy will be done in earth as it is done in heaven (Matt. 6:10). Again, Jesus speaking, He that doeth the will of my Father in heaven, he will know the doctrine (John 7:17); Who worketh all things according to the counsel of his own will (Eph. 1:11). The lesson in this statement for you and me is that God is working according to the counsel of his own will.

He has never found it necessary to consult with any creature, neither in heaven nor on earth. How frequently we are prone in our poor, weak way to legislate for God, to try to make decisions for him, when he has already rendered the decision in his own Word. He has never asked our advice. Had he followed our human preferences, many things may have been different, and therefore not at all commendable.

God Has a Body

The apostle says, No man hath seen God at any time (John 5:37). He means by this that no man has seen God's person, God's body, God's organism, at any time. Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live (Exod. 33:20, 23). Again, John 4:24: God is a Spirit, a spirit being. Paul, in I Corinthians 15:40, declares that there are bodies celestial and bodies terrestrial-spirit bodies and animal or human bodies.

God is spirit, and his organism, his body, is spirit. This means that his organism consists of immaterial, spiritual substances. He is spoken of as a consuming fire. It is declared of him that he is light. These are all immaterial essences.

The Immortal God

It is declared of him that he is immortal-the King eternal, immortal (1 Tim. 1:17). The best definition of immortality is the one for which we have the authority of Jesus himself: As the Father hath life in himself, so has he given unto the Son of Man to have life in himself (John 5:26).

Life in one's self. There is a difference between the eternal nature of God and the immortal nature of God. Immortality is the kind or quality of life which God alone inherently, originally possessed. Eternity has to do with existence.

God himself said, I am the first and I am the last, and besides me there is no God (Isa. 44:6) Notice, he said he was the first, and he is also the last. How is this true? It represents this fact: that he in all the universe is the only creature of his kind. That will be true of him, exclusively, throughout all the endless ages of eternity.

The Self-Sufficient God

I am that 1 am (Exod. 3:14). God in his very nature is self-sufficient. He needs nothing to add to his own personal sufficiency. Acts 17:25: Neither is he worshiped with men's hands, as though he needeth anything. Sometimes we presume to think that God might need something-for instance, he might need our advice; he might need our assistance. What difficulties this brings to our experience and into the experiences of others! How can he need anything, seeing he giveth to all creatures life, and breath to all things?

God is a benevolent God, a giving God, the giver of every good and perfect gift, the giver of life, breath, all things.

God is an invisible God. Who, speaking of Jesus in his resurrection glory, is the image of the invisible God (Col. 1:15); Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God. (1 Tim. 1:17).

God is Love

In his personality he is a unity, not another personality, but in and of himself.

Deuteronomy 6:4: The LORD our God is one LORD; not many. Originally, man was a monotheist, a worshiper of one God, not many. After the deluge, when idolatry began to lift its ugly head among men, polytheism was introduced. The attributes of that one God were broken down into many and personified in different gods, and thus polytheism spread in its many forms throughout the earth. Our God is one. That all the people of the earth may know that Jehovah is God, and that there is none else (1 Kings 8:60).

Paul says, . . . to us there is but one God . . . of whom are all things, and one Lord Jesus Christ by whom are all things (1 Cor. 8:6). This is the Bible testimony. The doctrine of the trinity is a delusion and a snare, in whatever form it may present itself to the mind of man.

Omnipotence

Our God is an omnipotent God. Omnipotence means almightiness, the ability to do anything. God has the ability to do anything. But he reveals to us that he has placed a limit upon his omnipotence. We are told in Titus 1:3 that God cannot lie; in II Timothy 2:13, that he cannot deny himself; in James 1:13 that he cannot favor nor be tempted by sin. Our God is a holy God, a righteous God, a God of justice.

The scriptures define this omnipotence: In Psalms 115:3 we read, God is in the heaven. He hath done whatsoever he has pleased. Isaiah 46:10, 11: My counsel shall stand, and 1 will do all my pleasure. 1 have spoken it. 1 will also bring it to pass. 1 have purposed it. 1 will also do it.

God's omnipotence is repre­sented by his power. Genesis 18:14: Is anything too hard for the Lord? No. Thus is he able to per­form all his good will. Revelation 19:6 refers to him as the Lord God omnipotent who reigneth. In Reve­lation 21:22 he is referred to as the Lord God Almighty, having all might and all power.

Numbers 23:20 declares that no one can reverse his mercy. No one can change that. Deuteronomy 3:21 states that he is greater than all oth­ers combined. [Moses] commanded Joshua . . . saying, 'Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings.' The LORD delivered the kings and their people and their land into the hands of Israel, and Israel smote them until none re­mained. So shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest.

I Samuel 4:10, 11 shows that God is not dependent upon others. Israel, in its own might, lost the ark of the covenant to the Philistines in battle. But God (chap. 5), with no human help, severely punished the Philistines for taking it.

His power delivers. In Daniel 3:17, we read of the three Hebrews in the fiery furnace; Daniel 6:27 tells of Daniel's rescue from the den of lions.

He is /as boundless in the exer­cise of his power as is the universe itself. Isaiah 51:10: Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the wa­ters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?

God is a Person

The God whom we worship is a person. He has all the qualities pe­culiar to personality. The Bible speaks of the ears of God, the eyes of God, the mouth of God, the face of God, the finger of God, the hand of God, the arm of God, the feet of God.

The psalmist, in the 94th Psalm, gives us a hint of what these terms indicate as they are applied to the omnipotent God. He says, He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? How strange it would be if one could create an ear that could hear and had not the sense of hearing himself. God has the sense of hear­ing. God hears everything, every­where, all the time, from even the most remote corners of his great universe.

Again the psalmist says, He that formed the eye, shall he not see? (Psa. 94:9). God sees everything, everywhere, all the time. Nothing is hidden from his omnipotent vision, no matter how small or how great; God sees it.

Jesus declares his omnipotence, and he must have spoken these words in reverence and in awe: Not a sparrow shall fall on the ground but what my heavenly Father knows it falls. The very hairs of your head are all numbered (Matt. 10:30). This simply expresses the fact that this is an all-knowing God, an all-seeing God who sees and hears the faintest whisper of all creatures in his universe.

If we could just appreciate this last fact, perhaps we would be more circumspect and cautious in some of the whispering that we do, feeling that we are secure in the thought that God does not hear, but he does.

He is a personal God. The Bible tells us some facts concerning him as a person. It tells us that he is from everlasting to everlasting, that he never had a beginning; he al­ways was.

Without Beginning

The Bible emphatically assures us that while he himself had no be­ginning, his works did have a be­ginning, and it follows thus logi­cally that if God had no beginning

but his works had a beginning, God must have existed before the works of creation. And if he existed be­fore creation, there must have been a time when God was alone, when nothing else existed but himself.

When we contemplate his re­vealed character, his self-suffi­ciency, we are impressed with this fact: he could be just as happy, just as content alone as with all the works of creation in heaven and in earth that today exist.

Then, why did God go to all the trouble to create this universe? It was no trouble at all! Nothing trou­bles God, the God of divine revela­tion. He does the most difficult task as easily as he does the easiest task. We cannot qualify God's character. We cannot say of him that some­thing is easy or something is diffi­cult. What he wills, he does, and nothing can resist that will.

When God Was Alone

What was God doing when he was alone? What was he doing when he was doing nothing-para­doxical as that may sound? God was never idle. When we think of someone who is busy, we think of a person who is making a lot of noise, kicking up a lot of dust-the louder the noise, the bigger the cloud of dust, the busier we think that person is. That does not neces­sarily follow.

The God of the Bible is the great, supreme architect of all that exists and will ever exist. He planned it all according to the counsel of his own will. In all that endless eternity of the past when he was alone, God was formulating the plans and purposes which he will carry into execution through all eternity, through whatever agen­cies he may employ.

Our finite minds stagger before the contemplation of such a situ­ation. We and all the hosts of heaven are just like little children playing with grains of sand upon the shore of the great ocean of eternity. Before our startled imagination spreads the boundless purposes of the Creator, fathomless and immeasurable.

This is the God of the Bible, the God before whom you and I are privileged to come as new creatures, in full assurance of faith and in the utmost confidence that he will see and hear, calling him our Father who is in heaven. Hallowed be his name.

Omniscience

Omniscience, too, is a quality of God's character. Omniscience means knowledge of all things. He perceives all things. He remembers all things. He reasons out all things.

We have his assurance that he is also able to forget. That, too, is a quality of omniscience. Speaking to Israel, promising them a new covenant, he says that, when this new covenant goes into effect and when the purposes for which it is established are accomplished, 1 will forgive their iniquity, and 1 will remember their sin no more. Memory is something with which we can also forget.

All things are naked and revealed before him. God's mentality, in its perceptive powers, has an aptitude, calculation, order, color, weight, size, form, detail, time, place, harmony, construction, beauty, sublimity, and above all things else, intuition-with all of their ramifications and implications.

He has all the senses (Psa. 94:9)-sight, hearing, smelling, touch, and taste, and what no other creature can have, intuitive knowledge. He perceives everything past, present and future.

The Mentality of God

God's mentality in its reflective powers has the aptitude of remembering all things that he has ever perceived, and all that is yet to be seen. God will have the aptitude to remember in detail through all eternity.

In his omniscience, his reasoning powers enable him to draw perfect inductions and deductions, reasoning from some particulars to general conclusions, and from general conclusions to details. At the same time, he can draw definite conclusions as to all possible contingencies anywhere and everywhere.

God's mentality, according to divine revelation, in its imaginative powers, due to its perfect reflection and perception and reasoning, has the aptitude for inventing his plans and creations. Think of the infinite mind that was able to invent everything that exists in this great universe, in the spirit world and in the material world. They are all creatures of his mind, the products of his power. God alone creates.

All these intellectual powers referred to are infinite in their capacity, infallible in their uses, and perfect in their development. This is the omniscient God.

Man--In God's Image

In the creation of man, God endowed man in perfection with similar capacities, limited in scope to his environment, but capable of expansion in every division of learning and of science throughout the endless ages of eternity.

When, at the end of the Millennial reign of Christ, mankind stands once again before the Creator in perfection, man will just be standing on the threshold of the opportunities, the possibilities that are to unfold, ever unfolding throughout eternity before him. He will have just begun his education. He will have been equipped with perfect functions and qualities of heart and mind which he will then, for the first time, begin to use perfectly.

God planted a garden eastward in Eden for the perfect Adam. It was only a kindergarten. All eternity awaited Adam, had he remained obedient and perfect. He would only have just begun to learn the possibilities with which he was endowed by the Creator.

We are too prone to think of Adam coming into existence with a college degree. That is not true. Adam had to learn to see, to hear, to walk, to talk. He had to formulate a language. He might have had help from very competent sources. Being perfect, he could learn quickly, but he had to learn.

We learn that the Lord God caused all the animals of the garden to pass before Adam and whatsoever he named that animal, that was the name thereof. Adam was learning about his environment, his possibilities, his potentiality. He was learning something of his resourcefulness of heart and mind.

Man has these capacities in a limited way. God has all these capacities inherently, omnisciently.

Omnipresence

Our God has the quality of omnipresence, not personally, but God is present everywhere.

Being a person, God has size and dimensions.

Years ago, an atom was the smallest particle of matter; if you were to take a drop of water and divide it and subdivide it thousands of times, you would finally come to the place where you would have a molecule of water. We thought that was the smallest particle of water you could have. If you made another division, you would resolve water into its constituent element. The formula, H20 (two atoms of hydrogen, one atom of oxygen) makes water. The word "atom" is from a Greek word that means indivisible, something that cannot be made smaller.

The matter rested there for a number of years, but later a tremendous discovery was made: that infinitesimal particle, so small that no one has ever seen it with the most powerful of microscopes, is in itself made up of particles infini­tesimally smaller in an infinitesimal arrangement. It is a little solar sys­tem in itself. The particles of which it is made are so small that the dis­tance between them relatively is greater than the distance between the sun and this planet.

God Existed Before Time

Isaiah 43:12 (Fenton): 1 existed before time itself. He did not use the word "duration." Fenton knew "duration" would not apply. Time is used in this place as a unit of measure. There was a time when God did not need a unit of measure of that kind. But the time came when a unit of value in respect to duration became essential.

God is an exact timekeeper. He is carrying out his plans according to a definite schedule. When the clock of eternity strikes the hour, God moves, irrespective of who stands still.

In the eighth chapter of Prov­erbs, Solomon speaks of Jesus, the Logos, under the symbol of wis­dom, he puts these words into his mouth: I existed before as yet he had created space (Fenton).

When the great supreme archi­tect began to put his plan into exe­cution, he seems to have pushed back the walls of nothingness and created space. He sowed space with the constellations of the heavens.

God Sees and Hears All

God has the quality of omni­presence. We speak of everything we see as being in our presence. God sees everything. The bound­less universe is embraced in the compass of his vision. His power lays hold on everything in the uni­verse. All of his senses are exer­cised in every respect and direc­tion, separately and collectively, everywhere, all the time.

No wonder Jacob, on that night as he laid his head upon the rock and went to sleep at that place he subsequently named Bethel, said, Surely the Lord is in this place and 1 knew it not (Gen. 28:16).

Solomon, in dedicating the tem­ple, realized how circumscribed it was, to be the meeting place be­tween the God whom he worshiped and the people who were to serve him, asked the question, Will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heavens cannot contain thee; how much less the house that 1 have builded (1 Kings 8:27).

Incomprehensible

Jehovah our God is the great emperor of the whole universe, and his wisdom, power, goodness and benevolence are abundantly equal to all the responsibilities of so ex­alted an office. The human mind staggers in the effort to compre­hend the mental resources of a be­ing who is able to assume and to bear such responsibility. Think for a moment of the memory that never fails, of a judgment that never errs, of the wisdom that plans for eternity without the possibility of failures for ages to come, of the power and skill that can harness even every opposing element, ani­mate and inanimate, and make them all work together for the ac­complishment of his grand design, of the tireless vigilance which never ceases nor seeks relief from the pressing cares of universal do­minion, whose eye never sleeps, whose ear is ever open, who is ever cognizant of all the necessities, and active in all the interests of his broad domain.

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The Word of God--Its Authenticity

 

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God . . ."—2 Timothy 3:16

Richard Kindig

There are many ancient books. What is so special about the Bible?

 

The Bible speaks in a straightforward way that has the stamp of truth. In its account of creation, the Bible passes by obvious opportunities to speculate, and describes with simple precision the order in which life appeared. The fossil record stands today as indisputable proof of the accuracy of the Bible account.

 

Like the people in a masterful novel, Bible characters come to life as we read. The complexity and good qualities of its bad men come through—and the faults of even its most saintly people are honestly presented.

 

For the last century, scholars did not believe the Bible account of the destruction of Jericho. But recent discoveries reveal the complete destruction of ancient Jericho at the precise time that Bible chronology records. Even the Bible statement that one small portion of the wall escaped intact is verified by recent archaeological evidence.

 

Higher critics once ridiculed Luke, the author of the book of Acts, as mistaken when he referred to the Philippian rulers as praetors. According to the "experts," two "duumuirs" would have ruled that city. But recent archaeological findings revealed that "praetor" was indeed the title they used.

 

The Accuracy of Luke

 

The following passage in the Book of Luke, contains more than a dozen references that can be checked for accuracy against secular history:

 

"In the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Iturea and Trachonitus, and Lysanius was tetrarch of Abilene . . . "—Luke 3:1

 

Every one of these facts has been verified. This kind of historical accuracy led Sir William Ramsey, the Oxford professor who spent 15 years trying to refute the New Testament, to finally conclude, "Luke is an historian of the first rank. [He] should be placed along with the very greatest of historians."

 

When critical scholars first began questioning the reliability of the Bible text itself, the oldest New Testament manuscripts were copies made almost a thousand years after the original was penned. But in the last hundred years, thousands of older manuscripts have been found. Two complete ancient copies date back to A.D. 325 and 350—less than 250 years after the original writing.

 

The oldest surviving copy of Homer’s Iliad was made 500 years after the original was penned. Other surviving ancient texts, whose authenticity no one doubts, range from 500 to over 2000 years more recent than their ancient originals. But some recently-discovered copies of New Testament books date back to 125 A.D.—just 25 years after the Bible was completed!

 

Only ten copies of Julius Caesar have survived from antiquity, seven copies of Plato, 49 copies of Aristotle. Among the major ancient books, the Iliad has by far the most numerous surviving manuscripts, with 643—except for the Bible, which has 24,000!

 

In addition, scholars have now documented 89,000 quotations of the New Testament by ancient writers. These quotations contain all but eleven verses of the New Testament!

 

The Old Testament is equally reliable. Higher Critics who questioned the accuracy of the Masoretic Text have had to accept the overwhelming evidence from the Dead Sea Scrolls that the Hebrew Bible was flawlessly preserved for two thousand years. The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered since 1948, have verified every book of the old testament except Esther.Though written by forty writers across 1500 years, the Word of God has one harmonious theme. Its subject matter ranges widely from history to law to poetry to visionary prophecy, to personal letters. But one golden thread unites the entire book: the process by which a single creator-God plans to bring redemption and peace to the world of mankind.

 

The Dominating Figure

 

One figure dominates the Bible from beginning to end: Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God. We read of Him in the first few pages of the Bible. The human race has been deceived. Paradise is lost. God’s face has turned away from man. But God stirred their hopes with one clear promise: that an offspring of the woman would "bruise the serpent’s head."

 

We read of Jesus in the last few pages of the Bible. He is a King, reigning with his bride. He lays hold of the figurative serpent and destroys him so that the nations will no longer be deceived. Paradise is restored. God dwells with man, his face once again can be seen. The nations are healed, and death itself is destroyed. From Genesis to Revelation, Jesus Christ is the glue that binds all the pages of the Bible together.

 

Jesus, the Word of God

 

The Word of God is so preoccupied with Jesus, the Son of God, that it shares its name with him. He is the Word of God personified. The man who spoke of himself as the way, the truth, and the life, also said that "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." And the writer of Hebrews made it clear that Jesus was the complete expression of God to man:

 

"God, who at various times and in various ways spoke to us by his servants the prophets, has in these latter times spoken to us by His son."— Hebrews 1:1,2

 

Jesus is the Son of God, because he fulfilled hundreds of prophecies of the Bible. The Bible is the Word of God, because Jesus was raised from the dead and proved the Bible true. Let’s look at what the Word of God said about the Messiah:

 

He would trace his genealogy to the tribe of Judah, and present himself to Israel as the Prince of Peace. (Genesis 49:10)

 

As Messiah, he would purge the temple—which implies that he appeared before the temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. (Malachi 3:1)

 

He would present himself to Israel 483 years after the command to restore and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, and would die 3-1/2 years later. These chronological prophecies were fulfilled precisely on time. (Daniel 9:2

He would be the Promised Seed of Abraham who would bless all the families of the Earth. (Genesis 12:1-3)

He would be the great Prophet of which Moses wrote. (Deuteronomy 18:15)

He would be the great King who, in the new world, would reign on David’s throne. (Psalm2)

He would be pierced. (Zechariah 12:10)

He would be crucified. (Psalm 22:14, 17)