Jarvis Street Pulpit-po 3 Regard Not Your Stuff

Jarvis Street Pulpit-po 3
Regard Not Your Stuff-po 6
From Where I Sit-po 10
Old Testament Prophecy, Daniel-p. 12
ttness
Volume 44, No. 20
CHURCH MOTTO 1966
1-30 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, January 6, 1966
(see Jarvis Street Pulpit - page 3)
Whole Number 2165
NEW YEAR1S MORNING
SERV'ICE
NEW YEAR'S MORNING 1966 the Jarvis Street
ONfamily
experienced spiritual blessings in heavenly
places in Christ. Many visitors, former members and
FOUNDER AND FIRST EDITOR (1922·1955)-DR. T. T. SHIELDS
friends of the church joined in prayer, praise and testimony. Graduates of Toronto Baptist Seminary now pas• •
taring chur~hes outside the city and one recently returned
Published bi.weekly on Thursday for the propaga.tion of
the Evangelical principles of the Protestant Reformation
on furlough from Nigeria were able to be present to join
and in defence of the faith once delivered to the Saints.
in the fellowship. All sang praises with gladness and
$3.00 Per Year. POltpald to any addresi. 15c Per Single Copy.
bowed their heads and worshipped God.
'
Sterling Countriel £1 payable to Canadian Imperial Bank of
"When All Thy Mercies", "For Thy Goodness, 0 My
Commerce, 2 Lombard Street, London, England
Saviour", "My Jesus, I Love Thee" were sung as ex• • •
pressions of gratitude and, consecration. Rev. S. A. TulEDITORS: Rev. H. C. Slade, D.O., LLD., Onve Cia"" PIa.D. cr-J
loch led in the opening prayer, seeking the presence of
MANAGING EDITOR: Rev. W. P. Bauman, B.A., B.D.
the Holy Spirit to take complete charge of the service.
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Rev. C. D. Cole, D.D.,
Others led in prayer, thanking God for His great salvaRev. George B. Fletcher, D.D.
tion and rededicating their lives to the sublime task of
~11l11J
no'
ashamed
01
the
gospel 01 Chrisf'-Romans 1:16
making Christ known. Lord keep the testimony of Jarvis
• • •
Street shining bright!
Registered Coble Addre.. , Jarwltlem, Canada
The Pastor, Dr. H. C. Slade, welcomed everyone in the
Name of the Lord, wishing all a happy and blessed New
130 Gerrard Street East, Toronto 2 - Canada
- Year. All were invited to participate and take part in the
Auth~lzed al Second CIa .. Mail, POlt Office Department, Ottawa,
and for payment of postage in cosh.
informal meeting. Dr. Slade spoke briefly from Psalm 90.
Moses, the man of God, addressed the eternal, unchangeable God. Man's mortal state in terms of time is in conWhen Mr. W. J. HutChinson ("Uncle Hutch" to the
trast to the eternal. This leads to prayer: Lord, "teach us
to number our days', that we may apply our hearts unto Jarvis Street family) got up to give his testimony the chilwisdom." Praise God for His mercies and His great re- dren gathered out in the Concourse and returned singing
demption. 0 God, strengthen us for the warfare and grant Happy Birthday complete with candle-lit cake in honour of
us thy grace to carry on the work of God. "Establish thou Uncle Hutch's 89th birthday. Forty-four years ago Dr.
T. T. Shields introduced Uncle Hutch to the Sunday
it. "
School
as the General Superintendent. He exhorted the
After singing "When this passing world is done", prayer
was offered for the promotion of God's cause at home children to continue faithful in attendance at Sunday
and abroad that God may enable us as the apostle to fill School and led them in the singing of the chorus "EveryToronto with His doctrine. Lord, revive us that we may body Ought to Love Jesus." As he spoke of the Lord's
be effective witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ. Every faithfulness over many years he asked the congregation
phase of the work was brought before the Lord in earnest to join in singing "I Am Bound for the' Promised Land."
prayer. Lord, make the children of our Suriday School mis- He also requested that we join in singing "What a Friend
sionaries in their homes. The hour spent in prayer was We Have in Jesus" (Welsh tune). Others continued in
'
interspersed with singing, "It passeth knowledge, that dear testimony.
it was then nearing 1.30. Three hours had passed like
love of thine", "Count your blesings", "Praise, my soul,
five minutes. "What a foretaste of glory!" exclaimed the
the King of Heaven".
'
Before the testimonies Dr. Slade announced the motto pastor. Let us join in singing as our closing hymn, "Guide
text for 1966, "We ought to obey God" (Acts 5:29). Me, 0 Thou Great Jehovah." This' will be our joy
This is a timely text. In ev.ery sphere of life the world is throughout all eternity.
"Songs of Praises
demanding obedience. We trust the Word of God will
I will ever give to Thee!"
speak. God has the first claim upon us.
During the annual offering received for the Dorcas
Societies, who minister to so many during the year in so
A WORD OF THANKS
many practical ways, Mr. C. L. Penney, the faithful orMr. W. J. Hutchinson wishes to convey his profound
ganist for many years, played as an offertory "Great Is
\ thanks for the many expressions of Christian love and
Thy Faithfulness."
,
kindness extended to him on January 2nd as he entered
The singing of "A Wonderful Saviour" introduced the his 90th year.
time of testimony and praise. Y oun~ and old, matured_
saints of God, new born babes in Chnst, praised God and
IS IT TOO MUCH?
shared with all a verse of Scripture or a promise for
the New Year. Some shared the New Year text which God
Is it too much to ask every GOSPEL WI1NESS subhad given them. The Lord's blessing and f~thfulness scriber to endeavour to get one new subscriber during the
prompted the singing of the 23rd Psalm, "The Lord Is My January, February Subscription Campaign? Free extra
Shepherd." Some thilnked God for the privilege of wit- copies are available to help you get new subscribers today.
nessing, others rejoiced in the transforming power of the
Help increase the circulation of THE GOSPEL
Gospel. Greetings from our friends of the French Bible WI1NESS today and receive the special premium offered
Mission were joyfully received.
-Baal or God-see page 16.
2 (314)
'rhe Gospel Witness, January 6, 1966
TH E JARVIS STREET PU LPIT
~~ WE
OUGHT TO OBEY GOD"
Acts 5:29
A Sermon by the Pastor DR. H. C. SLADE
Preached in Jarvis Street Baptist Church, Toronto
Sunday Evening, January 2, 1966
Broadcast over radio station CFGM - GREATER METRO
IS A COMMON PRACTICE to suggest to one anI T other
mottos for each new year. Following this longobserved custom, we are tonight proposing our motto text
for the year 1966. It is found in the Acts of the Apostles,
chapter 5, and verse 29: "Then Peter and the other
apostles answered and said, We oUght to obey God rather
than men." The motto text is, "We Ought to Obey God."
With a desire that young people may remember it and a
hope that busy men and women may at least sometimes
recall it to mind, it was deliberately designed to be short. ,
For those who would like to keep it on display during the
year in some conspicuous place in the home, the study,
or the office, the text has been attractively mounted on
a calendar.
In this day of awful frustration when all of us are in
such desperate need of help, counsel and guidance, I for
one am extremely thankful that this Word comes to me
and to you at the opening of the new year and says, "We
ought to obey God." "Behold, I have given him for a
witness to the people, a leader and commander to the
people." "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the
good of the land. . ."
Now, let us study the motto.
1. It should be adopted as the guiding and deciding
principle of all Christian conduct. We ought to obey God.
You may, with profit, observe the occasion of its original
utterance. The apostles of our Lord have been apprehended by the High Priest and those of the sect of the
Sadducees who were with him and had thrust them into
the common prison. The crime of which they were accused
of being guilty was nothing more than that of preaching
Jesus Christ and the resurrection. By these ancient modernists or anti-supernaturalists, such preaching by the
apostles, and especially the 'resultant success, was a thing
not to be tolerated. We read they were filled with envy.
While the disciples were in prison, something of a'
supernatural ,character occurred. The Lord sent His angel
that very night to open the doors of the prison and to
release the prisoners. He bade' them gQ straight back to
the temple and preach the Gospel as if nothing had happened. In obedience to the command of the angel, and
the very purpose of their deliverance, the disciples went
straight to the temple, and began again to teach.
A comment by Dr. Shields in this conl}ection is much
to the point: "There is no door to which our Lord has
not the master key. No combination of men and devils
11he Gospel Witness, January 6, 1966'
can shut a preacher in jail when the Lord wants him to
be in His pulpit" Thank God, that is true. The Lord Jesus
declared Himself to be "He that openeth and no man
shutteth, and, shutteth and no man openeth."
You know, there are some humorous things in the
Bible, and this story happens to contain one of them. On
the following morning, the members of the council were
called arid all the Senate of the children of Israel, and
when, with dignity, they assembled, they send for the
prisoners whom they are determined to condemn. Soon
the officers return and report the prison was stilI standing
in the same place, and the prison doors were safely shut,
the keepers were standing faithfully on guard, but upon
investigation, discovered they were keeping guard over
an empty prison, for the prisoners were not there. You
can imagine the astonishment on the part of the council
with which this report was received. They may have asked
themselves the question, "What can we do with men whom
prisons cannot hold?" To add to their awful perplexity
and frustration, some messenger comes in and tells of the
apostles' whereabouts. Not only have the prisoners
escaped, but instead 9f hiding as would be expected, they
were actually standing in the temple and teaching the
people. This touch of Divine satire, whether intended to
be so or not, is but a preview of the time when He that
sitteth in the heavens shall laugh. Little wonder we read
that these men who so greatly feared 'the people doubted
of them whereunto this would grow. Probably, the thing
that infuriated the council most of all was the defiance of
their authority. When the disciples were ultimately brought
before the council, the High Priest promptly charged them
with disobedience. '~ ... We straitly (charged) you that
ye should not teach in this name, and behold, ye have
filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring
this man's blood upon us." Apparently, they were unable
to understand why the commands of such important people should be disobeyed. I wish, with full justification, the
enemies of God in our day could bear such noble testimony to the success of our preaching and work of evangelization. We, as evan,!!elical churches, hold many meetings, some for the ministry of the Word, and others for
special prayer, but somehow I fear we do not fill the city
of Toronto or the numerous other great cities of the world
~ith the doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This early church at Jerusalem, I believe, presents a
pattern of what the churches of Christ ought to be in all
ages. Those were indeed earnest days and full of stirring
events. Men went forth to conquer a hostile world, not,
(315) 3
of course, by sword, or atomic weapons, but by the
preaching of the Gpspel which they believed to be the
power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.
I am also of the firm conviction that it is only by reversion
to this primitive type of church life that we can make
progress today.
Peter, representing himself, and the other apostles,
stands on his defence. What, I ask, will his answer be?
If he is a mere politician whose life is influenced by intimidation or governed by patriotism and compromise, he
will capitulate to the orders of the council and recant. In
his commendable reply, he shows himself to be the very
opposite. Peter h~re proves himself to be <l: qIDstian
statesman of the hIghest order, a man whose life IS ruled
by the principle of right. Hear him as he speaks those
memorable words: "We ought to obey God rather than
men." You will remember the same principle was uttered
on their former trial as recorded in chapter 4 :
". . . Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken
unto. you more than unto God, judge yeo For we cannot
but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
Beloved brethren in Christ, God is to be put first. Our
supreme duty is to obey God. He must be put before men,
and before the world. You will observe that this obedience
is connected to the Divine commission. The apostle Peter
goes on to affirm three vital things which G~d hath
wrought. God raised up J~s~s. Therefore, we have m Jes.us
Christ a resurrected and livmg Redeemer. He exalted Hipl
with His own right hand to be a Princ~ and a Sav~our, to
give repentance ,unto Israel and forgtveness of sms. As
our Advocate and High Priest above, He is able to save
them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him. Moreover, God sent the Holy Spirit, Who capte in His .o~cial
capacity on the Day of Pentecost. ThIS Holy Spmt, he,
says, is given to them that obey Him. He adds, " ... we
are ... witnesses of these things ... "
. "These gr\,!at facts," says Peter, in effect, "explain the
radical change which has taken place in our lives. We are
disciples of Jesus Christ; upon repentance, we received
remission of sins, and by the indwelling presence of the
Holy Spirit, we have been led into a life of utter surrender."
Fello~ Christians, the same commission has been com-,
mitted to us. The One Who declared, "All power is given
unto me in heaven and in earth" has enjoined us "Go . . .
and disciple all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, 10, I am with you alway, even unto the
consummation of the age." This order we are bound to
obey. To this charge, we must ever be true.
Whatever God's purposes may be for us as revealed in
His Holy Word, they are always given in the form of a
. command. Does the Almighty in His approach to His
people ever adopt a tone of simple petition? When did
He ever prefer a request or say, "I should be much
obliged if you would do this"? Never..This is something
remarkable. He is not a mere man whose breath is in
his nostrils, but the infallible God Who always speaks
commaridingly, imperially, and finally. Obedience to His
Word, therefore, is not with us something optional but
obligatory.
Peter clearly discloses in his reply to the Sanhedrin
Council that this was his conception and ::;ettled conviction: "We ought to obey God." The Revised Version
enforces the thought by changing the word "ought" to
4 (316)
"must". So, it reads, "We must obey God." The word
"ought" might also be translated "owe". We are indebted
to Dr. H. C. Trumbull, for years editor of the Sunday
School Times, for further light, when he asserts, "The
word 'ought' is an old past form of the verb 'owe'. It is
but another spelling of 'owed'."
To God, we owe our lives, and we ought to pay Him
with our lives. Someone has well said, "We owe Him on
every account. He is qur maker, our preserver, our benefactor, and as the perfect One, all He wills is only for
our good."
Paul, the incomparable missionary and apostle, felt an
indebtedness to all men: "I am debtor both to the Greeks,
and to the Barbarians; both to. the wise, and to the unwise." He owed them the Gospel. "So," he' adds, " ... as
much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you
that are at Rome also."
Children need often to be reminded that they owe
obedience to their parents. "Children, obey your parentS
. . . for this is right." But let every one of us fully realize
that God has higher claim, and He is to be obeyed above
all.
. Now I want to take this motto and cite briefly a few
CIrcumstances under which the high and practical principle it enunciates should apply. Actually, it covers the
whole of our lives. Modern Sadduceeism, in the form of
Modernism or Liberalism, has mobilized its forces by
means of national and world councils, has become, in its
programme of denial as well as virulent opposition to the
~storic truths of the Christian faith, extremely aggressive
m our day. In fact, in some quarters, it has become quite
violent. When the legislature' of the state of Pennsylvania,
U.S.A., can draw up and pass a resolution of condemnation against a man like Dr. Carl McIntire, President of
the International Council of Christian Churches, and a
faithful minister of our Lord Jesus Christ, it looks as
though the persecution of God's servants is well on its
way. The use of the civil arm by religious leaders to suppress and persecute those with whom, they disagree of
course is not new. How shall the evangelicals of our day
withstand this great force?· Is it pOssible for us to be a
conquering people, in the midst of all this? There are
some who seem to suggest by their silence and measures
of compromise that in order to preserve our existence as
Christi~ churches, the course to be taken is just to drift
along WIth the popular current, and always, when facing
vital issues, choose the line of least resistance. That my
friends, is not the way to victory, but to shameful d~feat.
It would have been a sorry day for us, humanly speaking;
had the apostle Peter pursued that course. His noble reply in all such situations must be ours, "We ought to obey
God rather than man."
Another man appeared on the scene in the 16th century by the name of Martin Luther. He also stands out
' as one well worthy of our emulation. When still a monk
in the Roman Catholic church, he saw, by reading the
Word of God, the great truth ·of justification by faith,
and made it his life's business to proclaim it. What position did' he take when urged to recant? Did he cringe
like a dog before the cardinals and officials of this tre, mend~us apostate church? What, I ask, was his reply, at
the DIet of Worms? ''Here I stand, so help me God. I
can do no other."
The people known everywhere to be the best citizens
and most faithful in their support of any righteous government are'those who truly follow Jesus Christ. HowThe Gospet Witness, January 6, 1966
ever, when a law is enacted by a government in any part
of the world which runs counter to the laws of God, what
position, in such a situation, do Christians take? They
have just one answer: "We ought to obey God."
The same attitude is to be taken toward an employer
who makes ungodly demands, which, if executed, would
injure Christian conscience. There is no relation on earth
more sacred than that of a marriage tie. The Bible has
something to say about wives, submitting themselves to
their own husbands. But I ,would remind you wives who
are Christians that this commandment is given with a
certain modification. Wives are to submit themselves to
their own husbands, but only "as it is fit in the Lord".
We had a word to say, a few moments ago in this ser-,
vice, to children. Children are required of God to obey
their parents, for this is right, but again in this delicate
relationship; the Holy Spirit is careful to add "in the
Lord". Obedience by children is to be dutifully rendered,
but, as stated, "in the Lord" (Ephesians 6: 1 ).
Even in the case of husband and wife or child, there
is a higher author~ty ~hich demands first consideration,
r~spect, and obedIence. No husband on earth has any
,~Ight whatever to make ungodly and unjust demands or
III the least degree stand between his wife and her God.
If he dares to attempt it, he can be sure the curse of the
Almighty will fall.
May I remind you that the Word of God, as revealed
in the Bible, is very extensive, and contains in its teaching a great variety of subjects. The principle of our motto
is to be applied to them all.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, when addressing the servants at the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee, spoke in
a rather unusual tone. Evidently pointing to the Lord
Jesus, she said, "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it."
Has God. given to us in contra-distinction to the filthy
new moralIty, advocated by many so-called religious
leaders, a code for purity of life and conduct? Did He
say, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me," "Thou
shalt not steal," "Thou shalt pot commit adultery"? We
ought. to obey God. Does He teach us the importance
'of separation, saying, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers"? "Evil communications corrupt
good manners." Then, let us come out, from among them
and be separate and God will receive us. The Lord instituted two ordinances; namely, baptism and the Lord's
Supper. We are not to be careless and negligent in our
observance of either. Concerning one, the Bible states
"believe and be baptized." About the other, He com~
mands, "This do in remembrance of me." If not already
attended to, with respect to these matters you ought to
obey God.
By nam.ing some of the things to be observed, we are
endeavou.rmg to set before you, and to impress you
deeply WIth' the master principle upon which every true
belIever should act, "To obey is better than sacrifice."
2. This principle, when observed, is the secret of all
Christian success. We have not the least hesitation in
affirming that the reason behind joyful living and effective
Christian service is the principle of putting God first and
giving to Him, in all our affairs, supreme consideration.
By so stating, we do not mean to imply that devoted
Christians may not be called upon at times to suffer. The
early disciples did not escape trial; neither shall we. "In
the world vou shall have tribulation . . .;, Probably the
most painful type of suffering is that of shame. God make
,us willing, if necessary, to endure even this. The apostles
The Gospel Witness, January 6; 1966
departed from the presence of the council rejoicing that
they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
I hope none of us will refuse if called upon to "go without the camp bearing his reproach". Paul said, " ... We
glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience, experience, and experience
hope, and hope maketh not ashamed."
Amid all these apparent adversities, our fidelity to
God and His Word will guarantee true success. The Lord
followed up His injunction to Joshua to adhere strictly
to His Word by saying, "For then thou shalt make thy
way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success"
(Joshua 1:8).
While the recompense in kind will not necessarily in
every case be the same, we are assured by the 19th
Psalm, in the keeping of the Lord's statutes' and commandments there is great reward.
A story is told by E. P. Hammond of a little boy's
obedience to God which brought a very rich reward. The
stern father, when he came home one day from his office,
heard a noise as if someone were talking in his little boy's
room. He asked his wife what it was. She told.him it was
Johnny praying. This made him angry, "Johnny praying?
He will not pray in this house." With strong tone and
definite tenhs, he told his little son if, he caught him
praying again he would have to leave the house and find
another home. Despite the suffering and deprivation he
knew he would have to face, Johnny, like Daniel, determined to keep on praying. The next day, his father came
home and found him praying again, whereupon he walked
into t4e little room and said, "Ail right, pack up and be
gone. You cannot live with me. I'll not have any of your
praying in this house." So poor little Johnny went up into
his room and gathered the little he possessed, took his
:bundle, and walked downstairs to say goodbye. He went
first to his mother and sister and gave them a farewell
·kiss. With heavy heart, he went to the crib and pressed
his quivering lips to those of the little one he loved so
much. His mother stood by weeping. Again throwing his
arms around her neck and with tears he sobbed, "Goodbye, mother." He then turned kindly to his strict father,
and holding out his hand said, "Goodbye, father." At
that point, the father could not bear it any longer. His
hard heart was melted, and with hot tears flowing down
his face he said, "Johnny, you need not go now. Pray for
'me. I have been a wicked man. I was wrong. You were,
right in ,praying." "Oh, pray for me!" was all he could
say. Johnny did pray. So did father pray. He became
soundly converted and, as head of the house, delighted
with his family to bow daily before God in prayer.
Suffer a word of warning and invitation in closing.
Although a life of obedience to God brings blessing, a
life of disobedience will be inevitably followed by punishment, often ending in disaster and ruin. The supremacy
of law must surely prevail. "Be not deceived; God is not
mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he
also reap." How many this very night are in trouble and
pain brought on through deliberate disobedience. They
knew better, but they thought they would take the chance.
God set before Israel a blessing and a curse. Deut. 11:
26-28: "A blessing, if ye obey the commandment of the
Lord your God. . ... And a curse, if ye will not obey the
commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside
out of the way which I command you this day, to go after
other gods, which ye have not 'known.~'
(Continued on page 11)
{3171 5
REGARD NOT YOUR STUFF
(Stenographically Reported)
"Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours."
-Genesis 4S: 20
many times we have turned to this story for
H ow
illustrations of gospel truth, I do not know; but its
fulness of spiritual suggestion is well-nigh inexhaustible,
and I want this morning to use this text as the basis of
an appeal to all who have not come to Christ, and to all
who are but half-hearted in His service.
Those of you who have been in school this morning will
have the story clearly in your minds. Joseph has made
himself known to his brethren. At last the identity of the
governor has been disclosed, and they have learned that
the man who is lord over all Egypt is none other than
Joseph, their long-lost brother. Now he has forgiven them'
all their sins; they have been restored to full favour and
fellowship; and they have been commissioned to return
to their own country for their wives and their little ones,
and have been especially commanded to bring their father
and come down into Egypt. The governor seems to fear
that there may be some delay, that there may be a great
deal of packing, that they may want to bring fl1.any of
their possessions with them, that their belongings in
Canaan may have the effect of preventing their coming,
or at least of impeding their progress after they have
started. He urges them not to give attention to "the stuff",
their belongings in Canaan's land: "Regard not your stuff"
--do not be too much taken up with it; be willing to leave
it all behind because you do not need it in any case "for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours."
I.
First of all, then, we have an illustration here of WHAT
IT MEANS REALLY TO BE SAYED. It means to come
and abide with the lord of the storehouses, and to share
in the plenty which belongs to Him. These men had already visited Joseph twice. They had returned to their
families with sacks of com; they had carried home with
them samples of the good things of the land of Egypt.
They had, moreover, sat at the governor's table, and
tasted of the rare delicacies served to those who were
privileged to dine with him. And now they were going
home again; but the governor is concerned lest they should
stay'too long, or stay altogether, and his urgent command
is that they should come and abide with him.
There are not a few people who conceive of the religion of Christ as consisting in periodical visits to the
divine storehouses, going to church on Sunday; performing certain religious duties; occasionally, and at special
seasons, engaging in prayer; being unusually religious
sometimes. ,But they have no idea of a religion that occupies the whole man-spirit, soul and body--every week,
/ and every day, and every hour of the day. They have not
conceived of the religion of Christ as affording poor sinners the privilege of perpetually abiding in the divine presence and constantly receiving good at the hand of God.
6 (318)
My plea to you young people this morning is very simple, nothing could be simpler: that if you are actually
saved by divine grace, washed in the blood of Christ, made
new creatures, adopted into the divine family, that you
will abide in Him. God is not content with your dwelling
at a distance from Him. He will not be satisfied with occasional obedience; He will not be content with a religion
that concerns itself mainly,with public activities. Our Governor wants you to live in His house with Him, to sit at
His table, to receive of His bounty. He wants you to be
one of His family. He wants you to look upon the place
where Jesus Christ is as the most attractive place in the
world:' He desires and intends that the place where He
lives shall be your home. What we need, then, is an allthe-year-round religion, a religion for every day and for
every hour, for all circumstances, and all relationships.
How far does your relationship to Jesus Christ affect
your daily life? What does it do for you while you are at
work? Does it distinguish you from all others who are
employed where you are employed, if they are not Christians? Is it evident that you have learned the secret of
. abiding in the Governor's presence? What does it do for
you in your recreational life? Where do you find your
pleasures? Is your religion of the sort that gives a flavour
to everything you do? What labout your speech? Do you
speak as one who dwells in the' Governor's presence? I
fancy if we were going to dine with the king we should
have to be particular about our dress, about our conversation, and our manners. If we were called, not only
to dine, but to dwell in the palace and to live in the presence of the king continually, it would have an effect upon
our general bearing; it would certainly have a refining
influence upon our manner, upon our speech, upon our
habits of life. And it seems to me impossible .that we
should daily abide in the presence of the great Governor,
dwell consciously with Him at His table, without that experience having a marked effect upon our outward character.
It is our privilege to be always with Christ, never to be
separated from Him. I believe it is our privilege to enjoy
the conscious presence of the Lord, so' that while we are
about our work, or whatever we are, we may know that
we are in the presence of the King Himself. Thus shall we
behave as children of the King. So He bids us come. Do
not be content, then, with a religion that consists in having your name upon a church roll, or in occasionally turning the pages of the Book, and once a day bowing your
knee before Him. All these things have their proper place,
but if our religion is not a thing that abides with us every
day and every hour, if it does not affect a man wherever
he is, in his business or his family life--in every possible
relationship of life-if the presence of Jesus in our heart~
does not do that for us, well, then, I am afraid He is not
"he Gospel Witness, January 6, 1966
with us. If our religion does not do that for us, it is but
a hollow, empty, thing. But our Governor desires that we
should come into the closest possible fellowship with Him,
having all misunderstandings removed so that we can talk
with Him face to face as did these men with Joseph in
the long ago.
I
suppose anybody. could have bought it from her during
her lifetime.
There are a great many people who have gathered things
about them, ideas that are not Scriptural, who are sentimentally attached to a lot of notions that are utterly valueless, and yet that prevent their coming to Christ in full
and glad surrender to receive all the fulness there is in
Him. I have known some people who were attached to a
name, to the name of their church. I recall that during
the Church Union discussion a certain Presbyterian elder
. came to see me, full of sorow because of a few things I
had said. I began to talk to him about Christ, and about
the Word of God, and personal loyalty to the great doctrines of grace. He looked at me in amazement, and after
a while he said,. "I do not know anything about that at
all, sir. All I know is that my father was a Presbyterian,
my grandfather was a Presbyterian, and my great-grandfather was a Presbyterian. I was born a Presbyterian, and
I am going to die a Presbyterian." That is all the religion
he had. As for a personal knowledge of Christ, the great
verities of the faith, the content of the gospel, he was as
ignorant of it, apparently, as far as any knowledge or
experience was concerned, as a Hottentot: He had gathered together a lot of stuff, sentimental stuff, and family
stuff, and he was so tied up to it that he could not get
to Christ at all. There are many people like that. If you
talk to them of the privilege of obeying the Lord, of
making complete surrender to Him, of being buried with
Him by baptism into death, there is that family tradition
that comes up before them: "Oh, that would be a serious
reflection upon my father and my mother. They were Presbyterians"--or they were something ~lse-"and if I were
to depart from the religion of my father it would be a
reflection upon his sincerity. I could not do that."
My dear friends, '.'regard not your stuff"; get away from
all that sentimental nonsense, and come to the Governor
Himself, no matter what it costs get to Him. If orily we
could get rid of these worthless sentiments that just weigh
people down, and prevent their coming to Christ, we
might have a revival in many, many cases. Regard, not
these worthless things. Get rid of them and come to
Christ.
II.
I should like you to THINK OF SOME OF THE
"STUFF"-that is a good word-that may keep people
away from Christ, prevent their enjoyment of His presence and of all $e good things which He desires to bestow
upon them.
There may be a sentimental attachment to things that
are worthless. Did you ever move from one house to another? Did you ever discover how many worthless things
you had? What an accumulation of treasures! Nobody
would give you five cents for them, and yet you have been
saving them up through the years as though they were
of real value.
I remember a few weeks before the end of the Great
War motoring for some days in France, just behind the
armies, through towns and viqages that had been occupied
by the enemy and destroyed. I remember one cold Oct~
ber morning going through a French village. The enemy
had occupied it but a few days before; and the inhabitants
of the village, at the enemy's approach, had vacated the
place, and had taken with them as many of their belongings as they could carry. But now the enemy had been
driven out, and they were coming back again-bringing
their stuff with them. I saw a man and woman with a
wheelbarrow, With a little kitchen taBle, a few chairs, a
few other articles of furniture, ingeniously piled up on
that wheelbarrow, the mw trudging along toward his
home, his wife steadying the load as she walked beside
him. There were some who had carts with a couple of
wheels, on which were piled all their owned in the world.
In a, few cases there were wagons drawn by oxen, the
whole' family trudging along behind. They were a sad,
despondent lot of people. One wondered as they brought
back these possessions that they had ever been at pains
to take them away, for in many cases it did not look as
if there were a dollar's worth of property altogether. But
There were some good things in Canaan. Oh, you reit was their "stuff", and they wanted to save what they
member when Jacob sent his sons the second time he said
could.
to them: "Take your money again; no, you had better take
I have in my mind now a picture of a woman, the em- double money. Take back the money that you found in
bodiment of wretchedness, sitting on the doorstep of her your sacks the last time, and take enough to pay for this
house. The windows were gone, and part of the roof had 'supply. See that everyone has double money. And take
been shot away. But now, the enemy had gone, and she the man some fruits, some honey, some nuts and some
had returned with her belongings tied up in a quilt or almonds. We cannot grow com just now, but there are
something of the sort, and there she was sitting on the some things that this land will produce even yet, and such
doorstep. Not a window in the house, not a roof over her as we have lake it with you and show him that you are
head, and with her parcel of belongings at her side! It ~lling to make an offering to him." They were good
was her "stuff', it was all she had; and I suppose it was things, but they were not the best. They were things that
, very precious to her, though intrinsically the value was had some use in life. There was no evil in them, but they
very small.
were not to be cOPlpared with the com which was absoWe used to have a dear lady in this church, one of the lutely necessary to life. Perhaps Joseph may have thought
finest saints I think we had in our membership. She is of that, for there is nothing said of how he treated their
gone to glory now, but while with us she lived m a little presents. Whether he paid any attention to their nuts and
back room. It was simply amazing how many things she almonds and spices and balm and honey, we do not know.
had got together there. There were little keepsakes and They came and they presented their gifts, but there is not
things she had gathered through more than half a century a word to suggest that the governor paid any attention to
of life. I don't suppose anybody else would have given what they brought. And yet he may have seen it, and he
very much for all she had. Whenever I went to see her. may have feared that when they got back to Canaan it
her room reminded me of The Old Curiosity Shop. But would take them a long, long time to get themselves ready.
it was her "stuff', and she valued it highly; and I do not So he said, "Regard not your stuff but come to me just
'Ale Gospel Witness, January 6, 1966
(319) 7
as quickly as you possibly can, even if you have to leave thing that is really good at home can be duplicated here,
everything behind you." .
so you do not need to bring it with you. Just pack up and
That is a trick of the Devil often, 10 make the good' take come away. Come back here so that you may dwell with
the place of the best. There are some things which are not me."
There is no pleasure that the world can legitimately
in themselves evil, with which Christian people may become taken up to the exclusion of matters which are of give, or that we can legitimately enjoy that we may not
vital moment. Do not misunderstand what I said a mo- leave behind us in the confidence that we shall get just as
ment ago. I should be the last to, underrate t.p.e value of good in coming to Christ. Really, it is no sacrifice to come
church relationship. A Christian fellowship,' all family to Christ. The good of all the land of Egypt is ours. I
tradition if it be a Christian tradition, the cause of father wonder how many of you who are Christians of some exand mother-all these things may be good enough in them- perience have ever regretted leaving anything behind?
selves sometimes, but if they are used to prevent our com- After coming down to where the Governor is, and sitting
ing quickly to Christ, then even the things that are in at His table, did you ever feel like saying, "Well, excuse
me, I should like to go back to Canaan to get some of my
themselves good become an e v i l . '
.
Some of you young people ask about certain matters: stuff"? Did you ever want to go back? How many of ypu
Is there any harm in this or that? That is a very weak have found when leaving your stuff behind that you have
question for a mature Christian· to ask. Surely it is our found better things in the Governor's presence than anybusiness to do something more than merely avoid that thing you had left behind? Yes; there are many of you. I
which is harmful. We ought to be so occupied with things certainly did.
I went into a minister's home one day. He came from
that are spiritually profitable that we shall have no place
in our thought at all for that which is ,merely negative or Scotland, and he had two boys. One was about fourteen,
neutral. "Regard not your stuff" but come to the Gov- and the other perhaps fifteen or a little older. They were
just at the age when dinner means something to a boy.
ernor.
Then another thing: there may be legitimate possessions So I said to those boys, "How do you like Canada? You
which are of 'value which may stand in the way of our came from Scotland. Are you going to stay here?" "Sure."
communion with God. I do not think it is wrong for a man , they said, "we're going to stay." "You like Canada?" "Yes,
to have some share in this world's goods. We sang just indeed we do." "What' do you like about it?" Without
now a hymn of thankfulness to God that He has made this conferring with each other they said the same thing at
world so beautiful, and it is beautiful, and a place "where once: "We like the eats you get in this country." That
every prospect pleases, and only man is vile". There is was very true to a boy's experience. Of course, the girls
no sin in a man's owning a farm, or houses, or even having do not care anything about eats, but growing boys, who
a bank account, ha~ing some possessions. The Bible does get hungry. do, and those boys said: "We don't want to
not forbid that, providing that thing does not so captivate go back home: we get better eats here."
our hearts that we have no place for Christ. All these
Well, those of us who have come to the Governor's
things are to be subordinate to the main interest of life, table, and have tasted that the Lord is gracious, if you
and that is, that we should get quickly into the Governor's ask us how do we like living with the Governor, I think
presence and abide with Him.
.
we should have to state, "We like the food." Once you
And so, the lesson of the text is that we are not to let have sat at the Governor's table, somehow or another you
ourselves be held back by anything that would delay our lose your appetite for the poor things that the land you
coming to where the Governor is, our being what the have left behind you can prOduce.
Governor wants us to ,be. I do not know what evil may
Joseph said to his brethren: "I came here for you. God
stand in the way of your complete consecration. I do not sent me before you to preserve your life. He sent me beknow what thing may hinder the power that ought to flow fore you to fill the storehouses in order that you might
'through your life to others. But the principle I want you have plenty. He has made me lord over all the land of
to think of is this, that anything, no matter what it is, Egypt, second to Pharaoh, with the king's signet ring upon
that stands between you and the high and holy privilege my finger. He has clothed me with all authoritY, that I
of abiding in the immediate presence of Christ, having the might exercise that authority for you. And so I bid you
fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ in your life, go back to my father, and tell him of all my glory in the
anything, whatever it is, should ,be put away! Spare it not. land of Egypt, and of all that you have seen. Tell him
Leave it behind you. Come!
that it is all for him, and, it is all for you."
That is the gospel: "All things are yours ... and ye are
III.
Another simple word: The argument for the leaving of Christ'S; and Christ is God's." And let me tell you, my
our possessions in Canaan is that THERE IS PLENTY dear friends, that as it is true that we have nothing apart
FOR US IN EGYPT. "The good of all the hind of Egypt from Christ, it is equally true that Christ has nothing
is yours. " You do not need to bother with these lesser apart from us, for as God has made Him Heir of all things,
matters. I do not know, I rather fancy I am correct in so has He made us heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus'
saying that probably Egypt produced just as good nuts Christ. We have a multi-millionaire for our Friend and
and almonds and spices and all the rest of it. as Canaan Saviour, and He bids us come and live with Him, with the
did, Probably the ,governor would have said, "You do . assurance that. there wiII be no hitch when the famine days
not need to spend time bringing stores like that, because come. And when this life is past, we shall dwell with Him
I have got better quality here; the same thing, and any- for ever.
Help
THE
GOSPEL
WITNESS
The Gospel Witness, January 6, 1966
8 (320)
!
IV.
NEWS FROM LYON. FRANCE
Here is the invitation: Come yourself. Have you come?
Are you now dwelling with the Governor? if so, BRING
OTHERS. Bring your wife, if you have one. That is what
Joseph said to his brethren. Go back; get your wives. Do
not be selfish and have a religion just for yourself. Go and
get your wives and bring your little ones too. Bring all the
children. Oh, may God make us more zealous than ever
in seeking the children! Bring the little ones to Christ.
Some very important preacher might come in here, and
say, "Well, you Ihave a lot of children in the gallery, imd
sometimes they are very disturbing." I should say, "Well,
I am sorry, brother, if that is so. It does not disturb us.
We are glad to have the children." Wouldn't you rather
have just a little restlessness and have the little ones hearing about Christ? I wish you Beginners would go out and
bring some more Beginners. Will you try? See if you can't
get some more boys and girls about your own age. I wish
you Primary boys and girls would get others, and you
Juniors. Jesus said, "Suffer the little children to come
unto me." I would rather have a little restlessness and have
the children. We want the children here to hear about
Christ, and we want them to come to Christ. We want
every boy and girl here to come to Jesus. Receive Him as
Saviour.
SEMINARY GRADUATE PETER TYSON
The beneficial custom of exchanging annual newsletters amongst the churches of our Evangelical Association of French-speaking Baptist Churches, these letters
generally being read out at informal New Year gatherings,
inspires us to send news across the seas to likeminded
believers of our own tongue who know of our missionary
and pastoral work. Those whom the Lord leads to pray
for this mission field, and for whom we thank Him, will
thus be guided in their valued intercession in this behalf.
This year, our fourth here, has been the first that we
have orgaili.zed a series of special meetings. In our last
letter of May we spoke about the blessings enjoyed
through the Gospel ministry of Mr. W. E. Davies. Two
of those who were then specially. contacted or blessed
seem to have forsaken this assembly, one because his interest was only superficial and the other, who seemed to
have had a real experience of grace, because he considered we were too strict to have fellowship with him in his
irregular living. This defection has been a great disappointment, but all is not yet lost for him. Other persons
then helped have been coming regularly ever since.
Then this November we had a long week-end of meetThen the governor said; "Bring your father!" There .is ingi with Dr. Millon, a converted Roman Catholic priest,
a little boy' up there. Is your father a Christian? "Why who brings the benefit of his learning to' our Association
no, sir; he never even goes to church." Never goes to churches both by literature and special or regular meetchurch! Are you a Christian? "Yes, sir, I have received ings. Our members and friends greatly appreciated his
Christ." Well,then, go and bring your father. Tell him you thoroughly biblical ministry, which also attracted some
want him to come' to, Christ. Bring your brothers and sis- outsiders. The person most helped was another ex-Rpm an
ters. You remember the governor said, "Ye shall not see Catholic priest who had first left Rome through a Baptist
my face, except your brother be with you. Bring your pastor in Brittany. He came here for the first time durbrother, the only brother you have left." And now that ing these meetings and confessed to finding it a "revelahe ha.s come, the governor seems hard to satisfy, for he tion", his attendanc.e at evangelical services being a new
says, "Now I want all the rest of your family, wives and experience for him. We intend to seek to give him all the
little ones, and especially the old man, your father. Bring spiritual guidance we can.
your father and come."
We have also been exceptionally blessed this Yi::ar
through
the visit of Englisll and Canadian pastors who
, What a field of endeavour we have! How many there
are in the homes represented here this moniing who are were able to pass our way owmg to their coming to the
not Christians! I will venture to say that if we had all the Continent to attend the International Baptist Conference
non-Christian members of the families represented here . at Mulhouse and the Le.e.e. conference at Geneva. Their
this morning come to church at once, we couldn't get ministry, appreciated, by attentive congregations, emphathem into this building, even if we didn't touch anybody sized the fellowship we enjoy in the fulness and defence
but just our own family. We have a tremendous field of of the Gospel. It was a joy and an inspiration for the
work. Will you teachers go out after the little ones then writer to extend this fellowship not only at the conferences
with renewed energy, and after the father and mother and but also during a long week-end in the London area with
Strict Baptist churches in September. Fellowship with
friends, and bring them all in? Let them come to Jesus.
faithful Merseyside friends was also a blessing from the
Now let us pray that some may come this morning: Lord, and such contacts with believers in the homeland
o Lord, we thank Thee that Thou hast made such fuD provision and from Canada help to nerve one for what often seems
a lonely task.
for our needs that there can be no want even to tbose who fear
Several new members have joined the church, congregaTh~, and so we beseech Thee to gnmfI that many may this momtions are consistently larger than in ] 964 and a spirit of
ing come to Thee.·1f some have been busy, occupied with their
"stuff" so that they have. been long away from Thee, we pray brotherly love and godliness prevails. Last spring we
that they may heed the admonitiou of Thy word, and come back greatly enjoyed the presence and help of a group of students of French from Nottingham University, and this
this morning.
autumn we have also been· greatly encouraged by the
Bless us now for Jesus' sake, Amen.
coming amongst us of temporary residents in Lyons from
March 29, 1931.
(Continued on page 11)
Get
New
Subscribers
The Gospel Witness, January 6, 1966
see pag,e 16
'(32119
By' LESLIE K. TARR, B.A., B~D.
McMaster's New Look
McMaster University in Hamilton has announced that
it will offer the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in religious
science. The successful candidate must complete an ex~ation of three of the "six great creative periods in
world religious thought".
One wonders whether this course will be offered by the
Divinity School at McMaster or by one of the other departments. Or, if offered by one of the other departments,
will the teaching staff of the Divinity School be utilized?
,'Whatever be the answers to these questions, this is certainly an interesting development. McMaster University,
endowed by the late Senator McMaster, was conceived as
a great regular Baptist institution. Every department was
to be guided by the founding principles and cherished
convictions of that body of people known as Baptists.
How times have changed!
This new course is designed to produce religious philosophers and speculative theorists. Since McMaster has
failed to produce a great host of Christian pastors, missionaries, teachers, and evangelists, even the Divinity
School should re-examine its mission and ask whether
there is any reason for its existence. Are the theological
courses offered there essentially different from those offered in United, Anglican, or Presbyterian schools in
Canada?
A Tale
of Two Cities
The last issue of White Ribbon Tidings, published by
the Women's Christian Temperance Union, carried an interesting comparison of two Illiriois cities-Evanston and
Calumet City.
\
Evanston is known as the "dry" city and is famed for
its cultural life. The city has an enviable record in traffic
safety, having achieved two years without a traffic fatality.
On'the other hand, Calumet City, in the same state, has
achieved another kind of record. This city is at the bottom
of the list of 689 cities of over 10,000 population, having
the worst record for traffic fatalities. Calumet City is wide
open as far as gambling and liqu<?r are concerned.
Those who plead for legalized gambling and for more
lenient liquor laws should examine all the facts. We hear
a great deal about how this fast and loose living is guaranteed to accelerate commerce and attract tourists. It
should be added that it is guaranteed to increase vice,
raise our traffic deaths, break up homes, and increase the
tax burden required to support police and welfare servi~-
How Are Your Investments1
You have, in your lifetime, 517,632 to invest - not
dollars but hours! Yes, if you live the average span of
10 (322)
70 years, you will be upon earth for 517,632 hours.
That seems like a long, long time. And yet, it passes
so soon. The advent of another year should cause us to
pause and ponder how we invest those precious hours that
God has given to us.
If you are twenty years of age, then about 150,000
hours have already passed beyond recall. Or if you are
at lif~'s midpoint of 35, then you have bade -farewell to
over 250,000 of those allotted hours.
The, Word of God gives wise instruction to guide us in
our use of these hours "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply
our hearts unto wisdom" (Psalm 90: 12). '
Nothing can be accomplished by moping about our past
failure to 'invest our time for God, but we can resolve, in
the words of the old hymn, to
"Give every flying minute
Something to keep in store."
Prayer Meetings a Part of History Only?
The assistant-editor of The United Church Observer,
in the first 1966 issue of the paper, tells his readers that
the traditional mid-week prayer meeting "has largely
passed into United Church history". The article is entitled, "Are Prayer Meetings Passe?"
Mr. Bagnell frankly concedes that there are few, few
prayer meetings today in his denomination. He proceeds
to declare that Bible study, as such, has taken on new
dimensions, with an emphasis on a critical approach to
the Bible and an endeavour to grapple with social issues
such as slum clearance. In this way, says the United
Church minister, the Bible becomes meaningful as men
tum from life's problems to the scriptures to seek answers.
Rather than examine Mr. Bagnell's concept of Bible
study, I want to discuss his contention that prayer meetings, as such, are a thing of the. past. I cannot dispute his
claim that prayer meetings are a thing of the past in the
United Church, for, since he is a minister in that denomination, he is in a good position to ~ow the facts.
'But, if prayer meetings are a thing of the past in the
United Church, then that church is in a sad state. Prayer
meetings have characterized Christian history during all
of its great periods. The apostolic age, the Wesleyan revival, and the Great Awakening were all accompanied by
~ great meetings for prayer.
"
Actually this cavalier dismissal of the prayer meeting
is a part of the trend against the supernatural. If God is
not a person, if the supernatural is denied, and, if man
is his own master, then there is no need for prayer meetings. They are a waste of time.
'
"he Gospel Witness, January 6, 1966
What of those of us who are evangelical? Do we talk
a lot about the prayer meeting and then neglect it? Are
our prayer meetings dead and cold and nearly ritualistic
in their sameness or monotony? Is there no sense of expectancy and an eager anticipation that God will really
answer?
Lest we content ourselves with criticizing others for
their failure, we do well to examine our own houses to
make sure that we have more than a form of godliness,
without its power.
More on Capital Punishment
A free vote is slated in the next sitting of our Canadian
Parliament on the question of the abolition of capital punishment. The writer appeared on a network telecast recently and discussed this question.
One point made by Toronto police chief James Mackey
impressed me again. He pointed out that the life of a
policeman is worth nothing if capital punishment is
abolished. A bank robber, for instance, need not hesitate
. to shoot a policeman. After all, if he faces no poss~bility
of capital punishment, why should he not eliminate the
one person. who stands between him and freedom? Why
should he leave alive a witness who could testify against
him? Since he can expect nothing worse than imprisonment (which he faces anyway for robbery alone), why
should he not take a chance that could give him freedom?
Write today to your member of Parliament, to the Minister of Justice, and to the Prime Minister, stating your
opposition to the abolition of capital punishment.
SeCurity
The Canada Pension Plan goes into effect this month.
This scheme has turned many people's minds to the question of financial security in old age. The plan proposes
to provide a degree of support for Canadians during their
sunset years.
'
The question of security 'naturally looms large in men's
minds. There is a craving for a sense of certainty that
will give a peace of mind.
The same craving about our future upon earth should
characterize our thinking about the eternity which follows
death. The gospel of Christ offers nothing less than a
present sense of assurance and security for the eternal
ages - "There is therefore now no condemnation to them
whiCh are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh,
but after the Spirit" (Romans 8: 1).
The government of Canada demands that all citizens,
for their own good, register now for the Pension Plan
which will provide security later. The Creator of the ends
of the earth and common sense call upon you to make
sure now of your eternal future.
A Golden Word From the Past
o brethren, will we ever learn that the gospel of hate
is the gospel of destruction? Will we never learn that for
a man to hate is for him to pursue a pathway of folly, the
end of which is filled with the most lamentable consequences? Will we never learn that hate incapacitates a man
for the noblest and truest living? Will we never learn that
to hate fills the heart with rancorous, unholy impulses,
which unfit us to an awful degree for the solemn work of
human life? "Pray for them which despitefully use you
and persecute you·."~. W. Truett.
A Thought From the Book
" . . . Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also
reap" (Galatians 6:7). The field of 1966 lies before us.
Whether we know it or not, we are daily and hourly engaged in the business of sowing. Every thought, every
The Gospe1 WHness, January 6, 1966
word, every influence, and every deed is a seed that we
sow. These seeds will reap a harvest, and it will be a
harvest of the same kind as the seed. This very contemplation fills all of life with a splendor that causes living
to rise out of the realm of the monotonous and commonplace.
News from Lyon, France-cont'd from page 9
Great Britain (as assistants in local schools) and from
other Association churches in France. Such reinforcements
convince us of God's good hand upon us as a pledge of
future blessing. On the other hand we hardly seem to be
touching an indifferent world, despite special efforts and
the sustained personal testimony of devoted members.
Looking upon the crowds that stream through the brightlylit streets beneath the huge illuminated sign Lyon a
Marie on the holy hill rising above the city, a spectacle
repeated every 8th of December when Rome celebrates
the Immaculate Conception and Lyons the protection historically supposed to have been granted to the city by the
same Roman' goddess, one's heart is filled with sadness
and with the desire to shout the truth from the rooftops,
even though most of the people are more under the spell
of indifference than under that of the gilded madonna of
Fourviere's brow. But realizing that the work is hard
everywhere and trusting in the powerful and merciful sovereignty of our Saviour God we press on in faith, hope
and charity desiring only that His perfect will shall be
done.
Our fervent wish,. as we send warmest greetings in the
Lord Jesus, is that God's richest blessing may be the
happy portion of us all in the coming days.
'
,
-Pastor P. Tyson
"We Ought to Obey God."-cont'd from p. 5
For those who obey not the Gospel, th~ second coming
of Christ can mean nothing but judgment and fiery indignation. "When the Lord Jesus shall be. revealed fr?m
heaven with his mighty angels, In flammg fire taking
vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey
not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be
punished with everlasting destruction from the presence
of the Lord, and from the glory of his power."
It seems to us that the New Year ought to make its
appeal for a fresh. start. Have you been in the past. a
failure? Has your life been one of defeat? I beg you, In
the name of Christ, to start anew. If you will come in
obedience to God's gracious call, accept His Son as
Saviour, you may begin to live as you have never lived.
"Therefore if anv man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become
new."
May you all by God's grace resolve to adopt the motto
text for 1966: "We ought to obey God rather than men:"
Let us pray:
Our gracious God, before the challenge presented In this motto
text and the high principles It enunciates, we as poor human
beings almost faint Left to our resources, we must coole&'!, that
we are nothing but failures, but Thou hast not called us to wage
this war at our own charges. Thou hast spoken to us about potting on the whole armour of God. Thou hast told us of the
strength wblch Thou dost suPl'ly, saying, "Fear not, I will
strengthen thee and uphold thee wfth the right hand of my right'eousne&'l.'" God help this very night Thy people who form the
household of faith throughout the world. Enable them every oue
to stand, and wltne&'! for ChrIst a good confession. May we receive throughout this coming year much of Thine abounding
grace, and experience. the sufficiency of Thy power which alone
can make us 200d soldiers of lesus ChrIst. Bless us every one
we pray, for Thy great Name's sake. Amen.
(323) 11
THIRD IN SERIES
THE PROPHECY OF DANIEL
By DR. E. J. YOUNG
Professor of Old Testament
Westminster Tl?-eological Seminary, Philadelphia:
Lectures Delivered in Toronto Baptist Seminary
March 22-26, 1965
,
15 SPECIAL LECTURES ON PROPHECY
.
OLD TESTAMBNT PROPHECY
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
The Prophet
Moses and the Prophets
The FulfIlment of Prophecy
Hosea and Israel
The Threat and the Promise
The Messianic King
The Prophet as Reformer
The, Servant of the Lord, I.
The Servant of the Lord, II.
The Prophets and Sacred History
THE PROPHECY OF DANIEL
I.
II.
ITI.
IV.
V.
Daniel - The Man of God
.
Daniel and the History of Redemption
Daniel and the World Empires·
The ,Seventy Weeks I.
The Seventy Weeks n.
DANIEL AND THE WORLD EMPIRES
PART TWO
that fact that even this kingdom which had a far greater
extent than the tWo preceding it, had to receive its dominion; even Alexander the Great was not controlling things.
When qod wanted his life to go, God took that life.
Alexander could not prolong his life. He could not live
on for ever, nor can any man. Dominion is given to this
kingdom. It is GIVEN to the kingdom, which means that
God is in control of what this kingdom also does.
The fourth beast is introduced, you will notice, with
particular solemnity. Daniel says: "After this I saw in the
night visions." He speaks thus in order that he may concentrate our attention upon the fourth beast. And then
he says: "behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and
strong exceedingly." You will notice that this beast is
nondescript. It is not compared to any known animal, not
a lion or a bear nor a panther or a leopard, but it is sim.ply said to be "dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake
in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and
it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it." The
emphasis falls upon the strength of this fourth beast. The
first three beasts were known for their ability to conquer,
but this beast is a beast of strength, a beast which destroys and devours and breaks in pieces. It is set apart,
it is different from the other beasts. It is unique, and
Daniel looks at this beast which is dreadful and fearful
exceedingly. What does this mean?
1HE LEOPARD AND 1HE STRONG BEAST
May I just repeat what I said last night? The critical
Then Daniel looks and again another animal appears,
this time one like a leopard or a panther. Upon its back view of Daniel is that the fourth beast is the Grecian Emare four wings of a fowl, and it has four heads; and dom- pire. That interpretation is based upon the assumption
inion was given to it. This beast symbolizes the kingdom that .the author of Daniel made a historical error, and the
that follows Medo-Persia, and what characterizes it is the error was that he assumed that the second kingdom was
rapidity with which it can move about. That is shown Media, and the third kingdom was Persia. I do not .believe
by the fact that it is represented by a panther or a leopard. for an instant that that view can be maintained. Those
It is shown also by the fact that it has the four wings. The who hold that the fourth beast was Greece now have to
four heads'point, as it were, to the different directions of .face up to the statement that it has ten horns, and they
the earth, for this kingdom extended itself as Medo-Persia must then identify those horns. If the fourth beast is the
had not been able to do. Now I believe that the reference Grecian Empire, then what is meant by these ten horns,
here is to the Grecian Empire. Alexander the Great ex- and what is meant by the little horn?' The advocates of
tended the sway of that Empire far and wide. We know this view have no trouble with the little hom, they say
that' he is supposed to have died lamenting that there were that that is Antiochus Epiphanes. You .remember we menno more worlds to conquer. There is a Medieval legend tioned that man the' other night. He was a ruler of Syria.
to the effect that Alexander even went as far as India. He He was also a usurper, and he was a man who committed
certainly extended his sway to great distances at any rate. a great abomination in Jerusalem. entering the temple on
Again, "dominion was given to'it," and I want to stress the Sabbath Day.and erecting an idol there in the temple.
12 (324)
The Gospel Witness, January 6, 1966
He is a forerunner in the 11 th chapter of Daniel of the
Antichrist himself.
'
.
Now the higher critics tell us that this Antiochus Epiphanes is the little hom. One reason why they say that is
in the 8th chapter there is also mention of a small hom,
a little hom, which very obviously is Antiochus Epiphanes.
The two, therefore, we are told, are said to be the same
thing. Without going into it in any great detail, I have
written a 'number of pages on it in my Commentary on
Daniel, I think it can be shown very clearly that the little
hom of chapter' 7 and the little horn of chapter 8 are not
the same, and are not intended to show ihe same thing.
If you hold that the little hom is Antiochus Epiphanes
then you must hold, of course, that the fourth kingdom
is the Grecian Empire, and then you are faced with the
problem of identifying the ten horns.
Just what are those, ten horns? Those who seek to id~n­
tify the ten horns try to find ten rulers among the Seleucians, that is, ten rulers of Syria and seek to establish that
this culminates in Antiochus Epiphanes. Then you have
the additional problem of identifying the three horns that
. were uprooted by Antiochus Epiphanes, the so-called little
hom. A great deal of scholarly work has been extended
in an endeavour to do that, but I just want to say it cannot be done. There were not these ten rulers that fit the
picture here. I think when we begin to identify the~ ten
horns we get ourselves into very great difficulty, especially
if we are limited to ten rulers of Syria. It does not fit the
picture at all, and I am more and more convinced that
those who would make of the fourth kingdom the Grecian
Empire have really missed the point of the Book of Daniel.
That is a great error. We shall see that with respect to
the Seventy Weeks, when we make these fit into the period
of Antiochus Epiphanes we really take the meaning out
of that prophecy, but that is the widespread view of the
Book of Daniel today. It is almost a dogma of modem
criticism. If you pick up modernistic bOoks on the Bible
you will find that this is stated with almost no evidence
being given to support it. The critics have reached a point
now where they simply make assertions with little supporting evidence, and this is one of the fundamental dogmas of modem higher criticism that the fourth beast in
Daniel is Greece; and you can judge a Commentary by its
identification of the fourth kingdom. If it says that the
fourth kingdom is the Grecian Empire you can be pretty
sure you are dealing with a Commentary written from the
Liberal standpoint.
I would ask also, What was there about 'the, Grecian
Empire that made it fundamentally different' from the
three that, preceded it? I cannot see that that difference is
present. Then also; I think we need to point out that there
never was this separate Median Empire and Persian Empire, and this identification is based upon the assumption
that the writer of Daniel made an error. I am not willing
to grant that, for I think there is no evidence to support
that. There is an error made, but it wasn't made by the
writer of the Book of Daniel. It is made in this incorrect
identification of ~he fourth kingdom.
, What, then, is this fourth kingdom? In line with what
we said last night that during the days of these kings God
in heaven would erect a kingdom" I think we are compelled to say that the fourth kingdom is the historical
Roman Empire, the Empire that was on the scene when
our Lord was born. The Roman Empire differed from
those that preceded it. Now John in the Revelation goes
back to this, and John perceives that the great enemy of
the people of God is first Babylon, and he speaks of BabyThe Gospe'l Witn'ess, January 6, 1966
Ion as "the mother of harlots and abominations", for he
is taking that from Daniel and from Isaiah; and then John
rightly goes on to see that the great enemy of the people
of God is Rome. Incidentally, the Book of Revelation is
based very, largely upon the language of Isaiah and Daniel.
It is almost unbelievable how much of Isaiah and Daniel
are found in the Book of Revelation, and the Divine interpretation of these two books, of course, is given to
us in the Book of Revelation.
All right then, this kingdom is dive~e. Literally, "it is
acting diversely from those that were before it." It is set
apart. It is distinct. This is the Roman Empire. This is the
culmination of the kingdom of ,man. This is the Ecumenical World Empire at its strongest. It is Rome, for it was
while Rome was in existence that our Lord was crucified.
But now Daniel calls attention to the ten horns, and it
had ten horns. Just what does that mean? Now I don't
want to be dogmatic because there are so many differences of opinion here. We have a book in our library at
Westminster Seminary written by a French scholar who
had it in apparently for ten bishops in the French church.
He identified those ten bishops as the ten horns. I don't
know that his view is particularly widespread. At any rate,
I think that kind of thing is very dangerous. There were
people not so long ago who were,pretty sure that Mussolini was the little hom, and they were making identifications of that kind. They were saying that he was the Antichrist or the Man of Sin.
If we look at this portion of Scripture, it seems that
on the head of this beast there were ten horns. They sym-.
bolize a particular period in the development or growth"
you might say, of the beast. I do not think that if we try
to identify them we will get anywhere by identifying ten
kings or kingdoms or ten people that are precise contemporaries. That is what we would actually have to do, because these horns are right there' at one time on the head
of the beast. I hold this view and I set it forth rather tentatively. It seems to me that these ten horns signify a period
that will follow the historical Roman Empire.
Then there comes the little hom, and the little hom is
characterized by the fact that it has eyes like the eyes of
a man, and a mouth that speaks great things. By saying
that it speaks great things the Bible means that it speaks
blasphemous, presumptuous things. Now that little hom,
from the remainder of the Book of Daniel, of this chapter
at least, appears to be the power that is opposed to God,
what we may call the Antichrist, and if I understand this
rightly, we have a picture of the Roman Empire and then
of a period subsequent to the Roman Empire, and then
of a time when the opposition to Christ will concentrate
itself, and that concentrated opposition is represented by
the little hom. That little hom may stand for a kingdom.
It may stand for an individual, the Man of Sin. It may
stand for an ideology such as COmmunism. It may stand
even for a coalition of governments. I do not know, and
I do not think the Bible is specific enough here so that
we can go around pointing to different people and different kingdoms and saying, "That is the little hom." On the
other hand, I think the Bible is specific enough so that
we can recognize the work of the little hom wherever we
find it. Wherever there is opposition and hostility to the
work of Christ there is the work of the little hom.
Now according to this chapter that work will be intensified as the days draw to a close. The power of evil will be
strengthened, and it will all but destroy the people of
God. It will progress for a time, for times, and then we
would expect it to say for "four times" giving a complete
(325) 13
number of seven, but instead of that it says "and the
dividing of a time", implying that the &~nker of the little
horn will be cut off. In other words, I . there is given
us here a picture of the kingdom of men from the time
of Babylon until the Second Coming of Christ. The period
that is characteriZed by the ten horns seems to me the
very period in which we are living. There are empires and
kingdoms which in one se:p.se or another may trace their
origin back to Rome. They are the kingdom of man. They
exist for a time, and then the power of evil in this concentrated form appears upon the scene. The little horn is
boastful and blasphemous against the work of God until
finally he is destroyed.
THE SON OF MAN
Now as Daniel hears this little horn uttering these
blasphemous words his eyes are lifted to heaven, and
there he sees a judgment scene. There is a throne of fire,
with wheels of fire, .and the fiery stream issues from before him, and on that throne there sits the Ancient of
days. That simply means an aged, venerable person. The
symbol is of God, seated upon the throne of judgment.
It is certainly one of the most majestically conceived
scenes in all of the Old Testament. There is God, seated
upon the throne of judgment, and all this while we hear
the words of the little horn. Then the thrones are cast
down. That does not mean they are destroyed, but it
means they are thrown down in order that judges may
sit upon them. And then there is brought unto the Ancient
of days with the clouds of heaven one like the Son of
man. The words "Son of man" simply mean a man, but
there comes on the clouds of heaven this One like the
Son of man. That symbolism si~es the Diety, for the
coming ali the clouds of heaven IS a coming to judge, and
it is only God who can judge, and like the prophecy of
Isaiah that we considered' this afternoon, so here also
there is a foreshadowing of the doctrine of the Trinity.
God is upon the throne, yet there comes with the clouds
of heaven one that is Himself divine, that performs the
functions that only God can perform. The judgment is
uttered, and the fourth beast is given to the burning of
fire, a complete destruction of the kingdom of men, but
to the Son of man there is given a kingdom that is said
to be an eternal kingdom and a universal kingdom.
If you will look at these kingdoms of the beasts you
.'will see that there is a great deal that is similar about
them. All of them arose from the sea; that is, they are
all human kingdoms. We need to realize that that which
is human is tempora1. I' remember in Germany that when
Germany for a time had an alliance with Russia, Hitler
had placards all over the city, at least all over Leipzig
where I was, saying that Russia was the third Reich's eternal friend. Now that is fairly strong language. I remember hearing a German lady asking this question: "Do you
think," she said, "that anything human can really be eter·
nal?" There. were some people that were not taken in by
all of that. Well, nothing that is merely human can be
eternal, and every one of these kingdoms was human in
origin? It arose from the sea.
THE UNIVERSAL ETERNAL KINGDOM'
Notice this also, every one of these kingdoms sought
to be ~miversal, world-wide. Each succeeding kingdom was
more universal than the one preceding it. That is not really
an accurate way of speaking. A thing either is universal
or it is not universa1. What I should say is that each succeeding kingdom sought to conquer more territory than
14 (326)
the one preceding it, and we know how much territory
RO:p.le has' conquered; but none of these kingdoms is truly
universal. Where is Babylon today or the remains of her
rule? She never conquered the whole world, nor did MedoPersia nor Greece nor even Rome.
Furthermore, each one of these kingdoms sought to be
eternal: The Babylonian kings spoke of themselves in
language that implied that they were always on the throne.
Each one sought to be eternal, for they all wanted to rule
God out of the picture; and so it is with the stage represented by the ten horns. We fall into the error of thinking that human kingd0ms will endure for ever, but where
is Babylon today and where is Medo-Persia? You may
visit' Athens and see some of the glory that was Greece.
You may go to the Forum at Rome and see the ruins of
ancient Rome, but those kingdoms are gone, never to
appear again upon the scene of history. They are human.
They are local and they are temporal kingdoms. But now
the kingdom of the Son of.man is quite different. It is of
divine origin, and that is why it is universal, and that is
why it is eternal.
Behind the Iron Curtain today there· are men and
women who acknowledge Jesus Christ as the King. They
are not excluded from this kingdom because of their race
or because of their colour, or because of their nationality,
for this is a universal kingdom. I remember that when I
sailed to Palestine the first time I was on a ship that stopped, it seemed to me, at almos't every port, and I was glad
for that because I was seeing more of the world, and we
finally went up into the Black Sea. We went through the
Dardanelles and into the Black Sea, and as we sailed
through the Dardanelles we were very close to land, and
I was standing there on the deck of the ship looking at
that land, for that was Asia, and I was just a boy at that
time, and quite thrilled to see that new country. There was
a lady on that ship who was going to Palestine as a missionary to the Jews, and she took me to task for showing
any enthusiasm about this country. "That," she said, "is
Turkey, and don't you know· that the book of Ezekiel
teaches that no Turk and no Russian can possibly be
saved?" Well, I have heard the Book of Ezekiel accused
Of. teach~g a lot of strange things before, but never anythmg qmte like that, and so we may thank God that that
is not the case. Men are not excluded from the kingdom
because of their nationality. The kingdom of the Son of
man is truly a universal kingdom, and we may rejoice in
that fact. We are not alone. All over this world there are
men and women who acknowledge the same Jesus Christ
as their King.
.
Furthermore, this is an eternal kingdom, and we who
probably are living at the time of these ten horns, or it
may be that the little hom is with us, whatever be the case,
we are members of a kingdom that will not perish. All of
the forces of Communism cannot destroy Christianity,
and all of the indifference of professing Christians cannot
destroy Christianity, for our King is the Son of man who
~l come. with the clouds of heaven in glory, and His
kmgdom IS an eternal kingdom and will not pass away.
In the city of Damascus, in Syria, there is a great
mosque which the Mohammedans accept as one of their
most sacred bUildings. Along one of the walls of this
mosque today there are a number of small shops, and if
you were to go there you could ask one of the shopkeepers
for a step-ladder, and he would know what you wanted it
for, and he would give you that step-ladder. Then you
could climb up on the roof of the shop and walk ri&ht
"he Gospel Witness, January.6, 1966
over and touch the wall of the mosque. If you were to do heavenly Father He had provided for them (psa. 23; 78:72). Since
God provides all things necessary for us, we may call upon Him
that, you would find a number of small bushes growing in
confidence as our Father (Matt. 6:9; 7:7-12; Eph. 3:14-19).
there, and you would pull back these bushes until you
would find the thing for which you were looking. There is II. Christ Reveals God as Father: John 14:6-11.
The disciples, sorrowing because of the words of our Saviour
an old doorway that is all walled up, and the whole thing
that He would leave them, needed comfort. The Lord Jesus ex~
has been whitewashed over, but on the lintel of that door- plains
that He will be going to the Father's home to prepare a
way there are these words in the Greek language: "Thy place for them and then return. His very absence from them
kingdom, 0 Christ, is an everlasting Kingdom, and Thy was a sign of His love for them (John 16:27,28; 20:17).
But only those who come to God through Christ can find their
reign endureth for ever and ever." You see, at one time,
this building was a Christian church, and the true God was way to Him (Matt. '11:27; Luke 10:22); they alone will -have
entrance to the Father's house (John 10:7-9; Acts 4:12; 1 Tim.
worshipped therein. The forces of infidelity have all but 2:5);
men are acceptable to God only in the Beloved One (Rom.
obliterated the fact that at one time the true God was wor- 5:12; Eph. 1:6; 2:18; 3:12). Christ came to earth to show the
shipped in this building. But Satan is never completely way to God, to reveal to them the truth of God and to bestow .
thorough, and these, words remain· to bear their mute yet upon them the life of God. He is Himself the Way (Heb. 10:19,
eloquent testimony to the fact that the true God was once 20), the Truth (John 1:17; Col. 2:4), and the Life (John 11:25).
the years of His ministry upon earth the Saviour
worshipped in this building; and so it is. It may, seem , hadThroughout
sought to declare to His disciples the truth concerning the
that the kingdom of the Son of man has come upon dark Father, yet seemingly they had not yet comprehended the reladays, and that it will perish from off the face of the earth, tionship existing between the Son and the Father. Christ was the
but it is not for us to be discouraged. We are to look at Word of God, expressing the nature, thought, will and purposes
the Father, as a word is the manifestation of the personality
the King and to remember that we are members of an of
of the one who speaks. Hence to know Christ was to know God
eternal kingdom. In the kingdoms of this world there is the Father (John 1:1, 14, 18; 17:3; Heb. 1:3). But Philip, probdarkness, and there is unrest, but in the kingdom of the ably expressing the thought of the eleven disciples, still sought for
Son of man there. is peace and there is life and there is a further manifestation of God. He had already seen God, for
he had seen Christ" and Christ is God (John 10:30, 38; 12:45;
'
light and there is hope. Enter ye in.
17:21, 23).
Bible School Lesson Outline
Volume 30
First Quarter
Lesson 4
January 23, 1965
GOD IS FATHER
(GOD'S LOVING WORKMANSHIP)
Lesson Text: Hosea 11:1-4; John 14:6-11; 2 Corinthians 1:3,4.
Golden Text: "Now, 0 Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay,
and thou art our potter; and we are the work of thy hand."
-Isaiah 64:8.
Background Scripture: Matt. 6:9; 11:25-30; Eph. 3:14-19.
I. God Reveals Himself as Father: Hosea 11:1-4.
God, as a Father, loved His people, the children of Israel.
Fatherhood implies the closest relationship with one's offspring
(Psa. 103:13; Mal. 3:17). This family relationship applies to those
who are believers, to those who by faith in Christ have become
children of God (John 1:12, 13; Rom. 8:15-17; Gal. 3:26; 4:5, 6;
1 John 3:1, 2). In a general sense God is Father of all, in that
He has created all, but the modern conception that God is the
Father of all and that therefore every individual is a son of God
has no Scriptural warrant. Similarly, the Lord Jesus Christ is the
Saviour of all, in that in His death He made provision for any
man to be saved (John 4:42; 1 John 4:14), but in particular He
is the Saviour only of those who believe (1 -Tim. 4:10).
The statement "(I) called my son out of Egypt" refers primarily to the Lord's wondrous act in calling the children of Israel
out of the bondage of Egypt by the hand of Moses (Exod. 4:22,
23). Also, this statement is prophetic of the overruling Providence
of God in leading Joseph and Mary to take the child Jesus into
Egypt and bring Him back again in the days of Herod (Matt.
2:15). This verse is sometimes translated, "From the time that he
(Israel) was in Egypt, I called him my son"; and the prophetic
reference would then be to the time the child Jesus was in Egypt,
rather. than the time of His return from Egypt.
The prophets whom God had sent turned away from the people
because of the idolatry of Israel (Jer. 2:27), but God the Father
continued to love them, despite their sin.
As an earthly father teaches his little son to walk, so the heavenly Father has acted in patience toward the children of Israel
(Acts 13:18), training and discipling them (Deut. 8:5), taking them
by the hand,. as it were, enabling them to make progress (Exod.
19:4; Deut. 1:31; 32:11, 12; Isa. 46:3, 4).
The Lord had yeamed over Israel, drawing them to Himself.
He had desired to free them from their bondage of sin. As their
The Gospe'l Witness, January 6, 1966
To aid Philip's weak faith, the Saviour furnished him with two
proofs of His Deity; His words (John 7:16; 8:28; 12:49), and
His works (John 5:19, 36; Acts 2:22). both of which were of
divine origin.
I
III. The Believer Comforted by the Father: 2 Cor. 1:3,· 4.
The Apostle Paul speaks of God as the Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:3), and therefore as the Father of mercies,
the One who is merciful and gracious to His children (psa. 86:5,
15; Dan. 9:9; Mic. 7:18).
.
The Father also comforts His children when they are in sorrow
or distress (Rom. 15:5), even as does the Saviour (Matt. 11:25-30;
Heb. 4: 14-17). He comforts or strengthens them by sympathy (lsa.
26:4; 51:12; 66:13; John 11:33-36), by the sense of His presence
(lsa. 64:7-9), by making real to them His word (Deut. 8:3), by
reminding them of His unceasing love (lsa. 54:8; Jer. 31:3), His
perfect wisdom (Deut. 8:16; Job 23:10; Lam. 3:33) and His great
power. This He· does that they may glorify Him, that they may
be profited, and that through their experience they may have
understanding to comfort others who are suffering affliction.
Daily Bible Readings
Jan. 17-God, a Loving Father ...•................ Psa. 103
Jan. 18-God, the Father of mercies .•••...••......• Psa. 86
Jan. 19-Ood, the Father Who Comforts .....•....... Isa. 66
Jan. 20-God's Good Gifts .•...•.••............ Matt. 7:7-12
Jan. 21-Ood, the Son, Gives Comfort •••..•..• Matt. 11:25-30
Jan. 22-A Forgiving Father ..•..•.......... Luke 15:11-24
Jan. 23-Prayer to God the Father through the Son.Eph. 3:14-19
1966 MOTTO TEXT CALENDAR
The Pastor's Scripture Motto Text for 1966, "We
ought to obey God" (Acts 5:29), as it appears on page
one is available upon request in calendar form in colour.
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For which please find enclosed $ ................... .
Name ...................... :..........................................................................................
c................. .
,
Address
p.s. Please send me free extra copies of The Gospel Witness to assist me in getting
new subscribers
Extra copies of BAAL OR GOD may be ordered from The Gospel Witness office
at $ 1.00 each
16 (328)
'he Gospel Witness, January 6, 1966: