The Manna March 2014

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the Manna magazine | March 2014

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Looking for a school where ...teachers are committed to partnering with parents ...students are nurtured ...peer pressure is positive ...students are safe ...students are encouraged to explore God’s call

Looking for a school that ...offers excellent academics for all learners ...promotes service ...provides music, performing art, and athletic programs ...prepares students for the technology-driven future

Look to Delmarva Christian High School www.delmarvachristian.com

21777 Sussex Pines Road • Georgetown • Delaware • 19947 • 302.856.4040

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Delmarva Christian High School is a school that is moving forward and mission-focused. The school is strongly committed to partnering with parents and endeavoring to mature young people to be biblically minded, well educated, critical thinkers as they seek to discover God’s will for their lives. By speaking biblical truth in all areas of study, students learn to think with Christian discernment forming their own Christ-centered beliefs and convictions.

In its tenth year, DCHS presents data that imparts excellence in academic standards with exceptional academic scores and high college acceptance rates. Individualized learning including online courses and a 1:1 iPad program enhance student learning along with outreach ministry, athletic, and performing arts programs.

Moreover, DCHS students develop the tools for lifelong

learning and the spiritual disciplines that will prepare them to excel beyond high school.

Focusing on the motto, A Higher Standard, DCHS continues to challenge the staff and students to put forth their best efforts toward each other and, more importantly, “unto the Lord.”

Accountability and positive student/teacher relationships are contributing factors to student success at DCHS. It is understood that the sacrifices made for Christian education demand everyone to strive for excellence spiritually, academically, and physically.

The mission of Delmarva Christian High School is to proclaim the gospel by preparing students spiritually, academically, and physically to know and to do God’s will in their lives.

Where They Are Now… When asked why he was preparing to move to Africa as a Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) pilot, DCHS alumnus Kent Embleton referred to the Senior Testimony Project all DCHS seniors must complete prior to graduation by saying, “I knew then that I am called to serve people through aviation. I believe that God desires me to be His witness to the people of the world, and I know that He has given me specific talents and traits to accomplish a small part of the Great Commission.” Kent graduated DCHS as valedictorian of the Class of 2008, received a full tuition scholarship to LeTourneau University, and graduated Summa Cum Laude. Now married and with a baby expected in April, Kent and his wife Amy will spend 2015 in Portugal, studying the language, and then will move to Mozambique where Kent will fly and maintain small airplanes to transport doctors, missionaries, and all kinds of other people and cargo to remote areas in the region.

Over the summer of 2013, Delmarva Christian High School moved to their new campus at 21777 Sussex Pines Road in Georgetown. By November, construction began on the new Arts and Athletic Center. The 25,000 square foot building will house two full basketball courts, bleacher seating for 650 fans, a full stage, a green screen studio, classrooms, locker rooms, and office space. Construction is expected to be complete by the start of the 2014-2015 school year.

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the Manna magazine | March 2014

Columns

20 | Trivial

07 | Signals 09 | On The Air

24 | Half Baked

Features

26 | Knowledge vs. Love?

10 | Knowers and Doers Knowing is half the battle.

12 | Geeks You can’t judge a book by its cover.

15 | Featured Schools

Stay in Touch

Maybe it’s not.

Finish the job.

Is it one or the other?

28 | Blood Shot, Open Eyes Now you know.

30 | Choose Wisely Your decisions do matter.

More information about schools in this issue.

wolc.org | readthemanna.org | March 2014

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the Manna magazine | A Publication of Maranatha, Inc. Editor-In-Chief: Debbie Byrd Creative Director: Joe Willey Editorial Coordinator: Karen Punches Contributing Writers: Phil Bohaker, Jeff Friend, Robert McClure, Josh Millwood, Karen Punches, Brittney Switala & Fran Tatum Media Representatives: Ron Hall & Robert McClure

Frequently Asked Questions Who We Are The Manna is published by Maranatha, Inc., a Christcentered ministry called to proclaim the Good News of faith and life in Jesus Christ through various forms of media, as God directs, until He returns. “Maranatha” (mer-a-nath´-a) is an Aramaic word found in I Corinthians 16:22. It is translated, “Our Lord, come!” Joy! 102.5 WOLC is also part of Maranatha, Inc. Its call letters stand for “Watch, Our Lord Cometh.” Maranatha!

Disclaimer Non-ministry advertisers are not required to subscribe to the “Statement of Faith” printed at right; nor are their businesses and products necessarily endorsed by the Manna, Joy! 102.5 WOLC, or Maranatha, Inc., whose viewpoints are not necessarily represented by the opinions or statements of persons interviewed in this magazine; nor are the viewpoints of its advertisers.

Statement of Faith We Believe… that the Holy Bible is the inspired, infallible and authoritative source of Christian doctrine and precept; that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; that the only hope for man is to believe in Jesus Christ, the virgin-born Son of God, who died to take upon Himself the punishment for the sin of mankind, and who rose from the dead so that by receiving Him as Savior and Lord, man is redeemed by His blood; that Jesus Christ in person will return to Earth in power and glory; that the Holy Spirit indwells those who have received Christ, for the purpose of enabling them to live righteous and godly lives; and that the Church is the Body of Christ and is comprised of all those who, through belief in Christ, have been spiritually regenerated by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The twin mission of the Church is worldwide evangelization, and nurture and discipline of Christians.

the Manna magazine and Joy! 102.5 WOLC P. O. Box 130, Princess Anne, MD 21853 Voice: 410-543-9652 Fax: 410-651-9652 Manna e-mail: info@readthemanna.org Joy! 102.5 e-mail: wolc@wolc.org ©2014 Maranatha, Inc. May not be reproduced without written consent of Maranatha, Inc. Photos: iStockphoto and Thinkstock

Maranatha, Inc. | Home of Joy! 102.5 and the Manna magazine

Signals Knowledge I value education.

I always have and I always will.

But more and more, this thought, stolen from a radio program over in the Shenandoah Valley has stuck with me: Obedience trumps knowledge.

As we go through life, we can be impressed with ourselves, or others, based on what we know (or seem to know) and what another knows (or seems to know). But as time passes, and we learn more, wisdom (hopefully) takes us to a place where we realize just how much we don’t know.

What we do know, with surety, is that Jesus Christ, Son of God, is. He lives—He is. He is our Lord and our Savior. He will return. We will worship Him forever.

The word surety is used a bit tongue in cheek in the context of an issue focused on knowledge. All of the English majors out there collectively gasped and said, “Surely she meant sureness (or at least certainty).”

Surety is a guarantee, often a guarantee provided by one for another. Christ gave His life on the Cross as surety for us—paying with His life a ransom for our sins (OK English majors, I used it wrong—but it was to make a point and that oughta count).

Having paid that price, what does He

look for from us? All that we know—or don’t know—will probably not matter a whit when we are with Him for eternity.

But He is concerned about our obedience to His Word and our love toward each other (identified by Christ Himself as the greatest of the commandments).

In the meantime, it’s a good thing to grow closer to Him through His Word—the knowledge He left for us. And there is nothing wrong with a broader knowledge of this great gift of His Creation—history, science & medicine, the arts, all of it!

Debbie Byrd is General Manager of Maranatha, Inc., a ministry that includes Joy! 102.5 and the Manna.

wolc.org | readthemanna.org | March 2014

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On the Air Changing of the Guard Change happens all at once and over the course of time—all at the same time! You wake up one morning and wonder where that old man in the mirror came from; but hopefully (if you lived life right), you earned each and every wrinkle. Christian music is earning its wrinkles in stellar form. Over the last few decades Christian music has gone from responding to or copycatting secular music to creating amazing music that is ahead of its time, while lyrically calling out to God in spectacular fashion.

But change can also breed discontent.

One day you’re listening to the radio and might think, I don’t know who any of these people are! Whatever happened to Truth, 4Him and Clay Crosse? Many artists from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s have moved into producing, writing and mentoring younger artists. Some have left the music indus-

try behind. Others keep on pounding the pavement on smaller tours and producing albums independently. I think Stryper just got back together for the 7th time last year.

It’s natural to long for the familiar, but let me tell you—the latest batch of hit makers in Christian music are taking the legacy of those who came before and they are running with it! Get to know the new, while still loving the classics. They aren’t competing with each other. Every artist you hear on Joy! 102.5 is focused on pointing you towards Jesus Christ.

Josh Millwood is Music Director of Joy! 102.5. Visit www.wolc.org.

Listen Now! Check out our Program Guide at wolc.org

wolc.org | readthemanna.org | March 2014

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ne of my favorite cartoon shows growing up, “G.I. Joe,” was more than entertainment. It was educational, believe it or not. The end of every show included a short scene intended to educate its viewers on safety. The formula went like this: a child would do something unsafe, like start a grease fire or talk to strangers. Then, a character from the show would appear out of nowhere to intervene and save the day. In the process, he would educate the child on what he should have done differently. If you could look past the fact that a man wearing a mask and carrying samurai blades just appeared out of thin air, it was an inspiring scene. Invariably, the child committing the blunder was amazed at the impromptu lesson. Finally, the hero would say, “Now you know; and knowing is half the battle!”

That saying is forever engraved on my mind. But is it true? As cheesy as it sounds, I think G.I. Joe got it right.

Just to be sure, let’s test the G.I. Joe ethic on first century A.D. Greece.

As Luke records in Acts 17, Paul arrives in Athens and immediately starts preaching the gospel to whoever will listen in the synagogue and marketplace. Athens, at that

time, was to philosophy what Silicon Valley is to technology today. Athens was the hotbed of intellectual activity and the exchange of ideas. So naturally, a few guys who overhear Paul preaching take him to the Areopagus, the place where the professionals did all their teaching.

The Athenians loved knowledge. Luke tells us that some would go to the Areopagus all day, every day, where they “would spend their time in nothing except talking or hearing something new” (Acts 17:21). Paul capitalizes on this when he begins to preach to those gathered there.

Essentially, he tells them, “For all the effort you put into learning and for all your religious zeal, there is something you don’t know. And I’m going to tell you what it is.”

With that said, Paul launches into a sermon on the nature and works of the God they don’t know. He tells them that God created mankind, “that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward Him and find Him” (Acts 17:27).

God created us to seek Him—and what’s more—He wants us to find Him. He wants us to know Him intimately. Seeking God is an endeavor of the mind, heart, and will. He wants all of us, not just a part of us. Quoting

Knowers and Doers

By Phil Bohaker

a portion of the Old Testament that every Jew would have known by heart, Jesus pinpointed the greatest of all God’s commands, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30; see also Deuteronomy 6:5).

The end goal of knowledge must be to know and love God with all of our being and to employ our knowledge to His service. Otherwise, we are no better than the pagans of ancient Athens. This was a culture that produced some of the most brilliant minds that ever lived. And yet, despite their eternal quest for enlightenment, the thinkers Paul addresses are still in the dark. Paul says that God had overlooked “the times of ignorance” (v. 30), but His patience would not last forever.

Standing there in front of this crowd of intellectuals, Paul was calling them to become doers. They were pagans because they had no knowledge of the true God. But as God revealed Himself to them through Paul’s message, they no longer had an excuse. They had to choose whether they would bow before the living God or go on worshipping their idols.

Two thousand years later, this is the same choice we have to make every day. Will we live our lives in ignorance, whether real or pretended, of God’s will for us, just drifting along where the wind blows or living according to our own plans? Or will we acknowledge God’s sovereignty over every detail of our lives and strive to live according to His will alone?

I can sit down in the early morning with an open Bible and a cup of coffee all I want. If the words on the page never penetrate my soul and change the way I live, then I have wasted the knowledge I have gained. As James bluntly puts it, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).

In the end, I think G.I. Joe got it half right—knowing really is half the battle. Ignorance doesn’t solve any problems. But we can’t stop there. Knowing is useless unless it is put into practice. Learning how to use a fire extinguisher is a great idea. But once I see the flames darting up from the stove, I have to pull it out and use it, or the house will still burn down. So it is with the spiritual life.

God has clearly revealed Himself to us. Now, how will we respond? wolc.org | readthemanna.org | March 2014

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Geeks

By Jeff Friend

T

hey have been mocked and ridiculed for centuries, yet have made immense contributions to every generation and culture. Whether teased as children or misunderstood as adults, they are often thought of as strange or different. But, perhaps grudgingly, they are also admired and respected for their abilities. They are the “nerds,” the “brainiacs,” the “little Einsteins” and the “geeks.” Their knowledge—and their thirst for more of it—sets them apart from most people.

But is knowledge something to be ridiculed, or should it be honored and pursued?

There are those who may argue that a desire to study, read and express curiosity about life and the world we live in is unproductive. “Get a job, make a living and provide for your family. Too much learning won’t put food on the table.” Some people may even suggest that time spent on gaining knowledge would be better used in more fervent spiritual practices like Bible-reading and praying. But does God expect His children to ignore gaining knowledge and wisdom in other areas?

The Bible speaks often of knowledge and wisdom.

Basically, knowledge is the accumulation of facts, data and experiences, while wisdom is the ability to apply such information to draw conclusions and make decisions. The Old and New Testaments record the wisdom of judges, rulers and leaders, whether secular or religious. Astrologers (the Three Wise Men), physicians (Luke), military strategists (David) and many others were very learned men. Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, gave wise counsel to him about distributing authority to other leaders to relieve Moses’ workload. Whether through structured education or instruction from more experienced and wiser men, the Bible frequently points out the importance of knowledge and wisdom. Charles Spurgeon said, “Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it.

There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.”

So, where do wisdom and knowledge come from?

Obviously, a well-rounded, structured education provides information and data that we need to be able to conduct our daily lives. Our economy would grind to a halt if nobody knew how to count, write, or use scientific methods to make machines operate on steam, gas or other fuels.

Studying and learning from the past is also valuable. “Ask the former generations and find out what their fathers learned, for we were born only yesterday and I know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow. Will they not instruct you and tell you? Will they not bring forth words from their understanding?” (Job 8:8-10, NIV).

But Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, admitted expending great effort to vastly improve his human knowledge. The result? “I thought to myself, ‘Look, I have grown and increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.’ Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:16-17).

True wisdom and knowledge come from God and His Word. Theodore Roosevelt noted, “A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.”

Throughout scripture, God is constantly shown giving wisdom and knowledge of all kinds, not just spiritual. For example: To Daniel and the Three Hebrew Children, he “gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning” (Daniel 1:17). In fact, He gave them so much that “in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom” (Daniel 1:20).

To lead the building of the tabernacle, God told Moses that He had chosen Bezalel and “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts” (Exodus 35:35.

God even instructs the farmer. “When he has leveled the surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cummin?

Does he not plant wheat in its place, barley in its plot, and spelt in its field? His God instructs him and teaches him the right way” (Isaiah 28:25-26).

But spiritual knowledge and wisdom are the highest goals to be attained. Unlike Solomon’s conclusion that the constant seeking of earthly knowledge brings “much sorrow” and “the more knowledge, the more grief” (Ecclesiastes 1:18), the discovery and knowledge of who God is leads us to realize that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).

So pursue a good education and keep learning and allow God to give you the knowledge and wisdom to live a joyful, abundant and productive life. But never stop pursuing a more intimate knowledge of our Heavenly Father. As Paul said in Ephesians 3:17-19, “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

wolc.org | readthemanna.org | March 2014

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Milford Christian School A Ministry of First Baptist Church of Milford 6062 Old Shawnee Road Milford, Delaware 1/2 Mile from Rt. 113

Educating For Eternity

Founded – 1975

• Preschool – 12th • Traditional Curriculum • Accelerated Academic Program • Strong Christian Emphasis • Sports Program (Grades 7 – 12) • Before & After School Care • All Ethnic Backgrounds Welcome

302-422-4263

milfordchristian@verizon.net

firstbaptistofmilford.com

Featured Schools Delmarva Christian High School Delmarva Christian High School is a school that is moving forward and mission-focused. The school is strongly committed to partnering with parents and endeavoring to mature young people to be biblically minded, well educated, critical thinkers as they seek to discover God’s will for their lives. By speaking biblical truth in all areas of study, students learn to think with Christian discernment forming their own Christ-centered beliefs and convictions.

In its tenth year, DCHS presents data that imparts excellence in academic standards with exceptional academic scores and high college acceptance rates. Individualized learning including online courses and a 1:1 iPad program enhance student learning along with outreach ministry, athletic, and performing arts programs.

Moreover, DCHS students develop the tools for lifelong learning and the spiritual disciplines that will prepare them to excel beyond high school.

Focusing on the motto, A Higher Standard, DCHS continues to challenge the staff and students to put forth their best efforts toward each other and, more importantly, “unto the Lord.”

Accountability and positive student/teacher relationships are contributing factors to student success at DCHS. It is understood that the sacrifices made for Christian education demand everyone to strive for excellence spiritually, academically, and physically.

The mission of Delmarva Christian High School is to proclaim the gospel by preparing students spiritually, academically, and physically to know and to do God’s will in their lives.

Faith Baptist School “Located less than a mile from busy route thirteen in North Salisbury, Faith Baptist School has quietly served the Delmarva community since1983. FBS began as the members-only educational arm of Faith Baptist Church yet quickly realized a need to open its doors to those families of like faith and practice in the community. Throughout the years the faculty and staff of FBS have sought to provide supporting families a traditional Christian education at an unbeatable price.

A traditional Christian education of the entire student including daily Bible classes, a biblically based PreK-12th curriculum, interscholastic athletics, fine arts, and an emphasis on ministry—provides our students with a priceless Christian worldview and knowledge base with which to pursue God’s calling in their lives. These tools have helped catapult alumni into higher education and beyond. Undergraduate, graduate,

and terminal degrees may be found in our alumni population, and engineering, specialized medicine, church planting, nursing, the armed forces, sales, diesel mechanics, pastoring, teaching, and music represent several of the fields in which alumni are currently employed. With an annual tuition of $3,839 and without sacrificing academic standards, FBS is the most affordable private school option to the blue-collar family.

We pursue excellence for the cause of Christ.”

Greenwood Menonite School Founded in 1928, Greenwood Mennonite School (GMS) is an extension of the Church and Christian home, educating students in a biblical worldview and preparing them to be effective citizens of the world. GMS is committed to an Anabaptist perspective of theology and interpretation of Scripture. This perspective includes a strong peace position and places emphasis on the sanctity of marriage and the sanctity of human life.

Much importance is placed on teaching Christian values and providing a complete academic program. Its primary curriculum consists of A-Beka, Bob Jones and ACSI. GMS has a full sports program and is part of the Peninsula Athletic Christian Conference. GMS has earned the PACC “cup” for overall excellence in varsity athletics several times in recent years.

The school’s cafeteria serves hot lunches daily. Families may apply for reduced-price meals. GMS does not discriminate against any person because of race, color, sex, age, handicap or national origin.

GMS offers educational therapy in the NILD program, and individual support through volunteers. It provides remedial reading assistance for kindergarten students through the “Search and Teach” program. This year the school begins computer technology courses for grades 1-8.

Holly Grove Christian School Holly Grove Christian School (HGCS), located in Somerset County, Maryland, was established in 1976 and occupies over 50,000 square feet of classroom and eight acres of athletic fields. Holly Grove is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Association of Christian Schools International. We serve families and students in grades Pre-K through 12th grade. Bus service is available from Princess Anne, Crisfield, and Fruitland in Maryland, as well as Parksley and Chincoteague in Virginia.

The Lord has richly blessed HGCS with a staff of over 50 dedicated teachers and professionals who inspire and encourage. Offering a college preparatory curriculum, graduates have been accepted at the Naval Academy, Liberty Univerwolc.org | readthemanna.org | March 2014

15

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JV and varsity teams compete in field hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, and track.

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“Excellence in Christ-Centered Academics”—that’s HGCS. Applications are accepted year-round; call Robin today at 410-957-0222 or visit our website www.hgcsweb.com.

King’s Christian School The King’s Christian Academy exists to help parents and churches educate their children in truth and righteousness with academic excellence based on biblical worldview for Christian character development.

Located in Callaway, Maryland, The King’s Christian Academy offers classes for Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grades. KCA’s high school curriculum is college preparatory.

Both Honors and AP courses are offered, and students have the opportunity to participate in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), a challenging academic enrichment program. KCA also offers a homeschool partnership program. KCA is fully-accredited by The Association of Christian Schools International and The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Students at KCA have opportunities to participate in athletic and fine arts programs. The athletic program includes basketball, soccer, track, volleyball, and cheerleading. The music program offers a praise team, high school choral ensemble, and junior symphonic band. Other highlights include field trips, high school retreats, drama and musical productions, robotics, and community service opportunities.

KCA offers bus transportation from both St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties, and before- and after-school care.

For further information, please call 301-994-3080 or view KCA online at www.kingschristianacademy.org.

Milford Christian School Milford Christian School (MCS) was established as a ministry of the First Baptist Church of Milford in 1973 to serve as an educational outreach to Christian families in the Milford area. Many families want to reinforce their Christian values in an educational setting. The school’s mission statement is “Educating for Eternity.” All students (and their

parents) are carefully screened through an interview process prior to acceptance into the school.

Included in MCS are pre-school students, beginning at three-years-old, through 12th grade. The A-Beka curriculum is used throughout the school and supplemented in some areas with individualized studies. The Bible is taught at every level, and students beginning in the first grade attend chapel at least once a week.

As a member of the Delaware Association of Christian Schools, MCS participates in fine arts, Bible, academic, and sports competition with other schools. This challenges and encourages students to excel in these areas. High school students can earn the privilege of representing Delaware in the national competition of the American Association of Christian Schools.

National Achievement testing is done every year, beginning in Kindergarten. Other programs include a computer lab, art, and music (for elementary and secondary students) and sports (beginning for students in the sixth grade). The campus includes a gym and athletic field.

MCS is located just one half-mile from Route 113 at 6062 Old Shawnee Road in Milford, making it convenient for working parents. Before- and after-school care is also available.

For information, please call 302-422-4263 or send an email requesting information to milfordchristian@verizon.net. An information packet needs to be reviewed prior to scheduling an interview appointment.

Salisbury Christian School I am so thankful that my daughter is in a school environment that is both spiritually and educationally rich and where Christ’s love is at the center of everything that is said and done.—Proud parent of a second grader Distinctly Christian teachers who pray with and for our students.—Proud parent since 2007!

We always know what is happening in the classroom; with weekly emails, online grade book and parent-teacher communications!—Proud parent of Pre-K & 5th grade students I absolutely love SCS because I know that my children are educated and loved every day by godly teachers and staff.—Proud parent since 2000 What I love about SCS is the spiritual maturity and love for the students shown by the faculty and staff.—Parent of a 9th grader SCS offers kids of all stripes a place of safety, community, and belonging.—Parent of 2 middle school aged boys

wolc.org | readthemanna.org | March 2014

17

A Guide to Ed School Name

Enroll.

Class Size

Grades

Principal

Church Affiliation

12

9th - 12th

Mike Vonhoff

Nondenominational

99

10-15

Pre-K (3) - 12th

Mark Zockoll

Faith Baptist Church

198

12

Pre-K (4) - 12th

Duane Miller

Mennonite

463

15-22

Pre-K (4) - 12th

Mike Rohrer

Non-Denominational

322

15-20

Pre-K (3) - 12th

Kevin Fry

Inter-Denominational

143

10-15

Pre-K (3) - 12th

Joan Johnson

First Baptist of Milford

582

8-24

Pre-K (3) - 12th

James T. Fox Jr.

Non-Denominational

40

6-12

Pre-K (3) - 8th

School Board

Non-Denominational

Delmarva Christian High School 185 Georgetown, Delaware

Faith Baptist School Salisbury, Maryland

Greenwood Mennonite School Greenwood, Delaware

Holly Grove Christian School Westover, Maryland

King’s Christian Academy Callaway, Maryland

Milford Christian School Milford, Delaware

Salisbury Christian School Salisbury, Maryland

Seaside Christian Academy Ocean City, Maryland

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Yes

Yes

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Yes

No

Variety of Publishers with Emphasis on Biblical Integration A-Beka, Bob Jones

Yes $2,970 Pre-K/K & Part Time $4,257 (discount for additonal students) $7,132 Pre-K; $7,561 K-5; $8,340 No 6-8; $8,783 9-12 $2,150 - 3,150 Yes $2,811 - 5,413 (Pre K) $5,794 - 6,144 (Elem. - H.S.) $3,100 - 4, 500

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W

e were still dating, probably not even engaged yet, when another couple invited me and my future-wife, Elena, to our first couple’s game night. I rolled my eyes. I would have much rather seen what was new at Blockbuster and cuddle on the couch. (Note to younger readers: Blockbuster was a store that had physical copies of popular movies. You would rent them and return them a day or so later. Kind of like a giant Redbox.) But I acquiesced.

After all, games are supposed to be fun, right? It would be an inexpensive double-date, conversation, pizza, friendly competition. How could this go wrong? But it did go wrong—and it was my fault.

My wife thrives on card games. If there is a math-centric game that involves quick thinking, card flipping and deck manipulating, she is going to win. Strike that. She is going to win and you are going to lose. Like, really lose.

I, however, excel at trivia-centric games. These two kinds of games require different skill sets that generally don’t overlap. Elena has “taught” me Gin-Rummy at least a dozen times in our ten years of marriage. I’ve never won.

Spades? Not even a chance. Often I encourage her to play Spider Solitaire while I sit and talk with her. It’s simply better for my pride.

After graciously losing at UNO for what felt like hours, the host couple pulled out Trivial Pursuit and my wife cringed. And then she said the absolute worst thing you can ever say during a game night to your significant other who thrives on trivia: “I’m on your team.” This was a test, but I realized too late. My immediate response was, “No way!” Oh, the hurt in her eyes! You’d have thought I had just slain a puppy in her presence.

You see, the best part about being good at trivia games is lording your vast knowledge over the less-informed.

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www.SalisburyChristian.org

Trivial

By Josh Millwood

That’s really all that is good about trivia games. That’s why I play Trivial Pursuit and Scene-It—because I want to show off the fact that I know exactly who was the second unit director for The Empire Strikes Back (John Barry) and who was Vice President under Thomas Jefferson (Aaron Burr and then George Clinton)—all without having to use the Google machine.

If watching TV during the late 80s/early 90s taught me anything, it’s that knowledge is power. GI Joe quipped, “Knowing is half the battle.” NBC rainbowed, “The more you know…” I took these lessons to heart and hoarded knowledge like it was precious gold. But the truth is, random bits of knowledge aren’t good for much, except for winning radio call-in contests and alienating your friends.

It’s wisdom that is precious.

King Solomon understood this. In Ecclesiastes 1:18, he complains, “To increase knowledge only increases sor-

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row.” That isn’t license to remain ignorant, but the entire poetic book is a warning to seek God, to be content and most importantly, to be grateful. We forget which tree it was that was forbidden in the Garden of Eden. Our eyes were opened to the knowledge of good and evil. Understanding equals accountability. Now I understand that my desire to be the smartest man on the Trivial Pursuit board is really a heart issue. It’s pride.

In chapter 5 of Matthew, Jesus said, “And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” And so now I quote that to people who invite my wife and me to couples game night, telling them a night of Milton Bradley is certainly not worth my very soul.

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Half Baked

By Fran Tatum

S

ome people think that faith and knowledge have nothing to do with one another, that to have faith in God means to shut down one’s brain completely. That’s a misconception.

The fact is, God gave us our brains and expects us to use them, especially when it comes to our relationship with Him. The more we read the Bible, the more we understand this to be true. Peter tells us that our faith is to be supplemented by several things; among the things listed is knowledge (2 Peter 1:5). The book of Proverbs contains many verses commending knowledge. Proverbs 8:10 states that knowledge is to be valued above pure gold; Proverbs 18:15 tell us that intelligent people are always ready to learn (NLT).

The prophet Hosea said, “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). During Hosea’s time, Israel had forsaken God for what they perceived to be the more enticing and exciting idol gods of their neighbors. In Hosea 7:8, God speaks of Israel mixing with the people around them and tells them that they are “like a cake not turned over” as a result. A cake not turned over is only “half-baked”.

These people were no longer engaging their brains in the study and search of the true God. They had begun mindlessly following the crowd. Throughout the book of Hosea, God tells Israel that He longs to restore the relationship He once had with them. In the last chapter, Hosea gives the people the following instruction: “Return, O Israel, to

the Lord your God. Take with you words and return to the Lord” (Hosea 14:1-2).

Notice that Hosea does not tell the people to mindlessly run to God. He instructs them to “take words” to God. Hosea is telling the people to know ahead of time what they will say to God. He does not want them to go to God on impulse or emotion alone.

They need to give serious thought to what they will say to God. They need to engage their brains; not using their brains had been a major part of their problem.

God has given us beautiful, intelligent minds to be used. While it may be true that some overuse their brains, most of us would have to admit we are not in that category. It is not a good thing to allow others to do our thinking for us. Faith in God

does not mean following fluffy feelings or blindly believing what others around us are saying. God wants us to read the Bible for ourselves. We should also know that God is not threatened when we become educated in areas outside the Bible.

Proverbs 24:5 states that those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul encourages Timothy to carefully study God’s Word so that he would be a skillful worker for the Lord. Using our minds pleases God; it’s a vital part of how we grow in our faith and how we mature as human beings. On the other hand, if we don’t use our brains as God intended, we stand in real danger of becoming only “half-baked.”

T

heology seems to have a negative connotation to many of us. For many, it is the study of absurdly long and confusing words such as infralapsarianism and immutability, and their equally confusing meanings. The image these things bring to mind is of someone with a long beard, surrounded by books thicker than his arms, spending too much time in his ivory tower and not working toward people coming to Christ.

For others, theology in inherently evil. “Why should we study theology”, they would ask, “when the Bible has everything we need? All that would do is make someone arrogant.” And, surely, they would not be entirely wrong, as Paul warns us (1 Corinthians 8:1). However, this does not always represent those who truly “do” theology.

What needs to be understood is what is meant by theology. Theology, at its core, is the study of God, just as

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biology is the study of life. A theology is a belief regarding God or His interactions with His creation. By definition, then, everyone studies theology and has theologies. An atheist has a theology; he believes that there is no God. An agnostic has a theology; he believes either that he does not know what he believes about God, or that no one can know anything for certain about God. Every Christian has a theology; we believe there is a God who is holy, and sent Christ to die on our behalf. Everyone, at the end of the day, has theology. As we “do” theology, though, we need to consider two things:

Where do we get our theology?

For the Christian, the Bible must be our source.

Without that, we are no better than the atheist; we are only

Knowledge vs. Love?

By Rob McClure

guessing at what we want God to be like, not looking at what He says He is.

Other writings are helpful, but only when they help us understand Scripture.

Think about medicine. If you are a doctor, you have studied what other people have said about how the human body works, and you help others understand it also. If you were to say, “the human body is the only textbook I need to be a good doctor”, you would be right, at least in one sense. All true medicine is based on how the human body works and interacts with outside forces, such as viruses, trauma, etc. However, you are probably going to kill people as you learn how the human body works. Doesn’t it make more sense to consult others who have learned before you, and apply what they know to your practice?

Likewise, we Christians can learn everything we need to know from Scripture, and we should be studying this primarily. However, others have been studying it also for 2000 years. Isn’t it a little arrogant to say that we can’t learn anything from those who have gone before us? Are they authoritative the same way Scripture is? No. But we can save ourselves and those around us much hardship if we are at least willing to listen to others as we interpret Scripture for ourselves.

How should we “do” theology?

The attitude we bring into theology makes a world of difference. Some learn theology so they can use big, complex sounding words and make themselves look smarter or more spiritual. Others study for the sake of getting more knowledge, much like someone eats chips for no other reason than to eat chips. Still others study to argue with someone else, ultimately so they can prove something about themselves to the other person. All of these are dysfunctional, as they are all selfishly oriented, rather than God oriented. This is the kind of knowledge Paul warned about in 1 Corinthians 8:1, and this is the kind that we should avoid with everything we are.

Rather, we should approach the study of theology for what it is—an avenue to understand God better. We should be humble as we study, knowing that we are seeking to understand Almighty God, who made us.

We should be prayerful in our study, as God is the one who reveals Himself. We should be careful in our study, as we are called to represent Christ, and what we believe will influence what others believe. Lastly, we should be worshipful in our study, as we can be drawn closer to God as we seek to understand Him better. If we approach theology with this heart, it can be a great tool to draw us closer to Him.

n

By Brittney Switala

E yes

Blood S

t, Op o e h

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t was the original source of “whole foods”—a lush preserve with vibrantly-colored fruit trees and shrubs.

Plump grapes hung from sagging vines. Blushing pears and enormous peaches called out from low lying tree branches. A young man worked in the garden raising a variety of vegetables, including corn so sweet even Paula Deen would have no need for butter. The man and his wife also had a special way with the animals that roamed the nature preserve. Neither of them had degrees in zoology and yet they knew just how to care for an endless variety of wild animals. They smiled while they worked, sometimes pausing to hold hands or talk. They even took walks accompanied by their boss who they obviously adored.

They were vegan, and kind of the granola type. This couple would have been the first to hold up a sign declaring, “Save the planet,” but there wasn’t anything to save— that is, until that one day. That fateful day the woman, Eve, took a bite from an off-limits tree and shared it with her husband, Adam. Through a single sin, this one couple (and later, all of humanity), gained knowledge of good and evil. That fateful day their eyes were opened.

Initially, the concept of having one’s eyes opened to anything seems like a positive thing. When a student’s eyes are opened to the world of space exploration, for example, we may gather he is understanding for the first time the life an astronaut or the immense size of the universe. A typical response of someone whose eyes are opened to something new is awe and wonder. In contrast, Adam and Eve’s response to their newly gained knowledge of good and evil was shame. They went into hiding. They covered themselves with leaves they somehow sewed together. They knew God was good and their act of disobedience was evil. Period.

Since that day in the garden, mankind has suffered the effects of original sin. As King David once said, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” Because of Adam’s choice, all have been born into the world with a sin nature. It follows that all of mankind has a natural skill set to differentiate right from wrong per Adam’s choice to eat or not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Why is it some people do not appear to have such knowledge of good and evil or the ability to make the right choice between the two?

The ideas of good and evil are also diverse around the world. In other cultures, caste systems are acceptable

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and keep people in generational poverty and enslavement. Child marriage is considered good and appropriate.

It seems the definition of good and evil is in flux. Some concepts are rightly defined as good and some concepts are rightly defined as evil. Culturally-accepted norms are apt to change. But God’s definition stands true for all time and all cultures.

It is clear Adam and Eve knew goodness. God Himself had declared all of creation “good,” so they learned goodness directly from Him. But they did not intrinsically have knowledge of “evil.” The Hebrew word for evil used in the description of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil is — ra‘— which has the sense of misery, woe, grief, or harm. The word means evil, and perhaps more. It points to something extremely sorrow — so we can rightly understand that eating the fruit of this tree would reveal knowledge of good and misery. From the moment of their first sin, Adam and Eve knew what it was like to suffer the effects of separation from God. They knew shame.

Perhaps they did not have a highly developed sense of right and wrong simply by eating from the fruit of the Tree. So if such knowledge did not come from the apple, maybe Adam and Eve learned right from wrong via their built-in consciences? They, like us, were born with a conscience. Wikipedia defines the conscience as “an aptitude, faculty, intuition or judgment that assists in distinguishing right from wrong.” It is very adaptable and changes as cultural norms change.

It is the pliability of the conscience which appears to explain why the definition of good and evil changes over time and varies from culture to culture. If we assume humanity is approximately 6000 years removed from Adam, that is a long time for humans to define and redefine right from wrong. The Tree told man he was a sinner miserably separated from God, but it takes the Gospel for modern man to know the remedy. True knowledge of right and wrong is a unique gift to believers in Jesus Christ. The Bible provides the knowledge and instruction to guide one’s life (2 Timothy 3:16). In addition, Christians have the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not merely a beefed up conscience; He is a person who dwells within us. His nudging and coaxing are consistent with Scripture and are not dependent on social norms. The Holy Spirit and Truth of the Bible open our eyes in a new way. From them we learn right from wrong; but more importantly, our blood shot, shame-filled eyes finally discover God’s gift of healing grace.

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hen I was in my early teens and soon to be entering high school, a peer of mine shared with me how she planned to spend the next four years. She said high school was the time to enjoy being young and carefree, that there would be enough to worry about when we’re adults. Basically, she was going to have whatever fun she wanted and not stress about her grades or anything else.

Her remarks struck me because they ran counter to everything teachers, guidance counselors and principals (plus my family) had been stressing. High school, they said, was, in fact, the most important time because those four years would dictate the course of our lives. How well we did would determine what college would accept us, what

caliber of education we would then receive and what kind of job we would ultimately land. It was a sobering viewpoint but, in the end, we could take it or leave it. It was up to us to decide whose counsel we would follow—our own or people who might actually know better.

The older we become, the more we realize that we constantly have to make this decision. Who should I listen to? What is right for the situation I’m in? Which choice is the best one? There are three that would very much like to answer that for us: the world, the flesh, and the Devil.

They say the best decision is to do what feels right, that we only have one life and we ought to live it as we wish.

It’s our life, after all. Don’t regret anything—just be true to yourself and follow your heart.

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Choose Wisely

By Karen Punches

In many ways, that sounds like appealing advice.

Didn’t Shakespeare write, “To thine own self be true”?

Didn’t Frank Sinatra sing, “I did it my way”? It’s an alluring mantra indeed. But God says to listen to Him. God? The loudest voices in and outside us rebel at the thought.

God is a downer, they say. He makes rules for the sake of rules and doesn’t want you to have fun. Don’t listen to Him, whatever you do.

The problem with that is, God has major credentials.

For one, well, He’s God. He’s all-powerful and omniscient.

He designed and created every living thing, including us.

He wrote the book on life, which makes Him supremely and exclusively qualified to advise us on how to live. Even better, God loves what He made and the guidelines He sets

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forth in Scripture are actually for our benefit—not to stifle us. In fact, God sent His Son to die for all our waywardness so that we might have abundant life.

Though we often want to, we simply can’t count on ourselves to know what’s best. Self-help is an oxymoron.

Plus, the Bible says the human heart is deceitful. It lies to us. And so, following our feelings and what seems right in the moment only leads us in the wrong direction.

The world says there is no black and white in life, just gray matter. God says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7a). The world says choose for yourself. God says, choose Me.

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29

Program Guide Listen @ www.wolc.org

SRN News - at the top of various hours www.srnnews.com

Revive Our Hearts - 7:30 pm www.reviveourhearts.com

Music - 12:00 Midnight - 6:00 am

Money Life - 7:55 pm www.crown.org

Joy in the Morning - 6:00 am - 9:00 am Our Daily Bread - 6:25 am www.rbc.org/odb My Money Life - 7:25 am www.crown.org Insights - 7:45 am www.insight.org Focus on the Family - 9:30 am www.focusonthefamily.com Family Life Today - 10:00 am www.familylife.com Turning Point - 10:30 am www.davidjeremiah.org Midday Joy - 11:00 am - 1:00 pm New Life Live - 1:00 pm www.newlife.com Mission Network News - 1:55 pm www.mnnonline.org In Touch - 2:00 pm www.intouch.org Money Wise - 2:30 pm www.compass1.org Focus on the Family Minute - 4:30 pm www.focusonthefamily.com Adventures in Odyssey - 6:00 pm www.whitsend.org Focus on the Family - 6:30 pm www.focusonthefamily.com Turning Point - 7:00 pm www.davidjeremiah.org

Insights for Living - 8:00 pm www.insight.org Bible Reading - 10:30 pm Music - 8:30pm - 12:00 Midnight

SATURDAY Down Gilead Lane - 9:00 am www.cbhministries.org Adventures in Odyssey - 9:30 am www.whitsend.org

SUNDAY Music - 12:00 Midnight - 8:00 am Grace to You - 8:00 am www.gty.org Living a Legacy - 10:30 am www.moodyradio.org/livingalegacy Moody Church Hour - 11:00 am www.moodychurch.org National Christian Choir - 12:00 pm www.nationalchristianchoir.org The Hour of Decision - 1:00 pm www.billygraham.org Forward in Faith - 1:30 pm www.centralchurchofgod.org Gospel Greats - Sunday, 2:00 pm www.thegospelgreats.com Music - 4:00 pm -12:00 Midnight

Asbury United Methodist Church

in Salisbury, Maryland invites you to learn how to make positive changes in key relationships. You can’t begin to change if you don’t take action and the Boundaries seminar and learn to take control of what’s out of control.

Registration Cost:

$35 individual; $20 pastor

GET TICKETS:

SalisburyBoundaries@gmail.com Asbury United Methodist Church 1401 Camden Ave., Salisbury, Maryland

Sponsors

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www.wolc.org/acd or email us here