Evidences: Die for a Lie Rob Sullivan
The Inner Life of Joshua Scott DeGroff
A Precious Principle Ray Jones
June 2012 Visit online: www.uplook.org
by faith
editor’s note
Faith… or “not so much?” It would be impossible to overstate the importance of faith because “without faith it is impossible to please [God]” (Heb. 11:6a). Given the eternal consequences, we can see why it is important for us to understand faith clearly. As is often the case, in seeking to understand what faith is, it is helpful to consider what faith is not. Faith is not just positive thinking. Sadly, many Christians seem to feel that when the Bible speaks of faith, it is telling us that we should just choose what we want (usually health or wealth) and then believe really hard and God will be obligated to give it to us. So-called “faith healers” and the prosperity-obsessed televangelists have promoted this idea (adding, of course, the small twist that in order to prove your faith, you are supposed to send them money). Such thinking is utterly misguided. True faith is not in our whims or desires; biblical faith is always based on the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). We can trust what God says, not what our deceptive hearts crave. Faith is not mere intellectual assent. “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder” (Jas. 2:19). The demons believed a great many true things about Christ. They knew He was the Son of God (Lk. 8:28). They knew He was absolutely holy (Mk. 1:24). They knew He was sovereign over them and would condemn them to eternal torment in the end (Mt. 8:29). But merely acknowledging certain facts is not faith. Similarly, there are many religious people who have spent a lifetime believing true things about Jesus who have never trusted in Him and, consequently, are not saved.
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Faith is not a new way of salvation. There were those in New Testament times who thought that people used to get saved by the Law but that Christianity presented a new way of salvation: faith. But Romans clearly demonstrates that nobody was ever saved by works. As an object lesson, Paul chose two heroes of Judaism and showed that Abraham and David were both saved by faith (Rom. 4). And he proved it from the Old Testament! Salvation has never been by works because “because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight” (Rom. 3:20). Faith is not blind. Opponents of Christianity enjoy claiming that faith is mindless and irrational. Supposedly, Christians are blindly stumbling from one fantasy to the next with no evidence to justify any of it. Again, this betrays an utter ignorance of what the Bible means by faith. Christians make one assumption: the Bible is the Word of God. From this assumption (for which there is overwhelming evidence), flow all of our beliefs concerning God, man, sin, salvation, heaven, hell, life, and death. In contrast, the unbeliever is awash in a sea of countless assumptions and wishful thinking. Who is operating by blind faith: the person whose beliefs flow from one eminently defensible assumption, or the person whose beliefs are an endless string of guesses and I hope so’s? Faith, simply, is trusting Christ. It means to stop relying on ourselves (e.g. Lk. 18:9) either for salvation or for the strength and wisdom to serve the Lord, and to rely on Christ. What a relief to be able to stop depending on ourselves and depend on His perfect Son instead! —James Martin editor@uplook.org
Vol. 79 / Issue 5 www.uplook.org
FOUNDED IN 1927 as Look on the Fields, UPLOOK is published by Uplook Ministries and Uplook Ministries (Canada). Street address: 720 Rehoboth Dr. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505-5184 Mailing address: P.O. Box 2041, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2041 Tel: (616) 677-6127 Fax: (616) 855-1114 Email (General inquiries): uplook@uplook.org TO SUBSCRIBE / RENEW: www.uplook.org You must renew your subscription annually (by web, phone, or email) to keep receiving Uplook. Please advise us of any address changes at least six weeks in advance and include your customer number from your mailing label. DONATIONS: Uplook Ministries is a tax-exempt corporation looking to the Lord to provide for the needs of this ministry. The magazine is sent freely to those who request it, but evidently is not free to produce. Receipts are issued for donations ($10+) and are valid for tax purposes in the US and Canada. Making a donation will renew your Uplook subscription. Donations by check/ money order in US $, Canadian $, or £ sterling should be payable to “Uplook” and sent to one of the addresses below (under “postal information”). Donations may also be made by VISA / Mastercard, by mail or online at: www.uplook.org ISSN # 1055-2642: UPLOOK magazine is intended to encourage the people of God in fidelity to His Word, fervency in intercessory prayer, labors more abundant, and love to the Lord. Believing in the practical Headship of Christ and the local autonomy of each assembly, this is not intended to be an official organ of any group or federation of local churches. The editor and authors take responsibility for materials published. For any blessing which accrues, to God be the glory. POSTAL INFORMATION: US POSTMASTER: (USPS 620-640) Send address changes to: UPLOOK, P. O. Box 2041, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2041 Periodical postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI. CANADIAN POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: UPLOOK, P. O. Box 4089, St. Catharines, ON L2R 7S3 International Publication Mail Product (Canadian Distribution) Sales Agreement No. 40020782 BRITISH POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: UPLOOK, c/o The Glebe House, Stanton Drew Bristol BS39 4EH
features 2 Editorial
F.A.I.T.H. = Forsaking all, I trust Him
4 Front Lines
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A Precious Principle
Ray Jones, with many years of experience in trusting God, brings the subject of faith into the here and now, calling us to live up to our name of “believers.”
History’s First Martyr
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By Faith Enoch
Malcolm Horlock packs his writing with helpful insights, and tell us that Enoch came to God, walked with God, witnessed for God, and was taken by God.
By Faith Isaac
Writing with freshness and vigor, Rex Trogdon shines light on a man whom he says has been called “the mediocre son of a great father and the mediocre father of a great son.” Nothing mediocre here!
Upward Bound 2012
7 Science and You
Being a Noticer
By Faith Moses
Gary McBride deftly discusses and then applies the lessons from the choices made through faith in the life of Moses.
The Inner Life of Joshua
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This article starts with a look at Joshua’s love and zeal for God. But before we finish, Scott DeGroff gives an impassioned appeal to return to such faith that will again do great exploits with God.
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With tips for both learning and warning, John Bennett gives an overview of the life of Noah and lessons we should take to heart in the ongoing battle for belief.
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Emphasing God’s sovereign care, W.H. Burnett never allows us to get too far away from Joseph’s links with our Lord.
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In this well-written article, Hanniel Ghezzi reminds us of the long line of martyrs, faithful unto death, and the costliness of believing God.
By Faith Noah
By Faith Joseph
Faith… or “not so much?”
By Faith Rahab
David Dunlap, as would be expected, gives us a careful look at the doctrine that are the underpinnings of this story. He stresses the crucial link between faith and its external evidence, works.
And Others
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2 6 Evidences
Die for a Lie
30 Why We Web
Using Social Video to Reach the Lost
3 1 Mega-Truth Your Faith Can Grow
Larry Price reveals the source of strength that marks the men and women of whom the world is not worthy.
Uplook Magazine is copyrighted to maintain the integrity of the material. On copies for personal use, please include:“Uplook Magazine, by permission.” For large quantities or other purposes, contact us. Printed in USA.
UPLOOK | JUNE 2012 3
front lines pray around the globe
Upward Bound 2012 Week One: Wilfrid Laurier University (Aug. 12 - 19) Week Two: Algonquin Park (Aug. 19 - 24) The heart of the Upward Bound ministry is the two-week summer event. Week one is a time of in-depth Biblical study and teaching located on the campus of Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo, ON). The second week is an unforgettable trek into the interior of Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario. The setting allows for times of deep reflection and the building of lasting friendships. To obtain more information, please visit: www.upwardbound.ca
CONFERENCES, CAMPS & RETREATS GOSPEL READINESS WORKSHOP Nervous to talk with your friends about Jesus Christ? Don't know what to say? Or wonder what they will say? Three workshops will help you overcome your hesitations of what to say and help give you the confidence to share the Good News about the Lord Jesus! G.R.O.W. will be a highly interactive afternoon filled with small group role-playing and discussion centered on the subject of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. You'll learn how to break the ice in any conversation, answer common questions, present the gospel visually in less than five minutes, and much more. The whole event, which runs from 10:30 am-5:00 pm, including lunch, is free. Jun 9 – Grace Gospel Chapel, 102 West 133 St., New York, NY 10030 www.gracegospelchapelnyc.org Jun 16 – Westville Bible Chapel, 201 Alston Ave., New Haven, CT 06515 www.westvillebiblechapel.org Sep 15 – Grace Chapel, 341 Tenafly Rd., Tenafly, NJ 07670 www.graceonline.info Contact: Call or text 914-646-9722 email: GROWorkshop@gmail.com
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LADIES’ CONFERENCE IN OHIO Westlake Bible Fellowship, 27975 Hilliard Blvd., Westlake, OH (in the Cleveland area) will host an all-day ladies’ missionary conference on Saturday, Jun 23. Reports from the field will be given by Miriam Eichenauer, just returning from the Philippines, and Marilyn Barnes, just returning from Zimbabwe. Kim Hylton will share about Mountain Top Youth Camp, a camp ministry in North Carolina, and Mary Parsons will report on the ministry of CMML. Lunch will be provided. Accommodations are available. Please RSVP or direct questions to Debbie Boss ph: 440-748-1757 email: sixdboss@glwb.net
FAMILY WEEK AT CAMP LI-LO-LI Camp Li-Lo-Li is located on 400 acres of mountain splendor in the Southern Tier of NY near Allegany State Park. Family Week, from Jun 30 to Jul 7, will be a great time of spiritual blessing and fellowship. There is great food, fun and fellowship and many exciting activities including swimming, canoeing, a 1300 ft. zipline, fishing, climbing tower, high ropes, hiking, trail rides and games. There are special programs for children during our chapel times, as well as optional seminars and craft programs
for young and old. The guest speakers this year are Joe Reese (ON) and Bruce Hulshizer (PA). For more information on contacts and rates or to download an application, visit http://tiny.cc/stk6x
INDIAN BRETHREN CONF. IN INDIANA The IBF Family Conference will be held at Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, IN Jul 4-8. The theme is Equipping the Saints for Building up the Body - “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12), NASB. John Gordon, Raleigh (NC), Nate Bramsen (West Africa), and John P. Thomas (India) will minister from the Word. Please pray for the conference. For further details, visit www.ibfus.org
Bible Conf. and family camp in CA The saints at Silica Bible Chapel of Sacramento, CA extend a warm invitation to people of all ages for their 10th annual Camp Hope conference and family camp, Jul 11-14. Camp Hope will be at Sierra Pines Camp, located in Twin Bridges, CA (near South Lake Tahoe). There is no cost to attend Camp Hope. The theme, “Put off the old, and put on the New,” (Eph. 4:22-24) will be based on N. T. assembly principles. Contact: Heather Harris
front lines praise around the clock ph: 916-612-5492 email: SilicaYouth@hotmail.com web: www.SilicaBibleChapel.com
WEEKEND FAMILY CONFERENCE in ga Camp Hope will host the Southeast Family Weekend Conference Jul 27-29. Speakers will be John Heller (AR) for the adults and Buddy Hughes (AL) for the children. Registration will begin Friday evening after supper (no supper provided) and will end with a light lunch on Sunday. Please note this is a change from the week-long family camp and is now for a weekend only. Contact: Steve Roys 7011 Pony Lake Rd., Dahlonega, GA 30533 ph: 770-536-4787 email: camphopega@gmail.com web: www.bit.ly/southeastfamilycamp
LASSEN PINES Youth & Family Camp The beautiful Lassen Pines Christian Conference Center is located in Viola, CA between Redding and the historic Mt. Lassen Volcanic Peak. Youth Camp (ages 12 - young adult) and Family Camp (families with children 11 and younger) operate concurrently Jul 29Aug 3, meeting together for meals and the evening meetings. Activities include lake swimming & fishing, team softball & volleyball, hiking (to the Peak when open), campfire singing, etc. Contact: Sid Osborn email: sidosborn@cox.net ph: 714-649-2757
WEST VIRGINIA BIBLE CONFERENCE The West Virginia Bible Conference invites you to their annual family camp Aug 5-10 with speakers Joe Reese (ON) and Scott DeGroff (KS). Nursery and children's ministry are provided. The conference is held at Bluestone
Camp and Retreat near Hinton, WV, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. A detailed brochure can be mailed to you per request. Contact: Brent Jones ph: 304-466-4738 e-mail: brentandhope@frontier.com
intensive MEN'S BIBLE STUDY IN NY Pine Bush Bible Camp, Bloomingburg NY, is having their annual study Aug 26-30 with Randy Amos (NY). Cost for 4 nights with meals included is $100. Register soon. Only first 40 applicants can be accepted. Contact: Richie Benitez email: royalpriest4him@yahoo.com Cell: 508-265-3168
LABOR DAY CONFERENCE IN MN The 101st annual Labor Day Conference hosted by the Twin Cities area assemblies will be held Aug 31-Sep 3. Expected speakers are Kevin Fitzgerald (MO) and Bill Yuille (ON). The conference begins Friday with a prayer meeting at 7:30 pm and ends Monday at noon. Housing and meals are provided. Visit www.mnldc.net for more details. Contact: Glen Ellis ph: 763-572-1379 email: glencellis_610@msn.com
YOUTH CONFERENCE IN GEORGIA Camp Hope will have their annual Youth Conference Sep 1-3. Nathan Bramsen (West Africa) will be the speaker. Cost: $65/person. Contact: Jamie Wolfgram ph: 706-650-2693 Camp Hope ph: 770-536-4787 email: camphopega@arilion.com or visit www. camphopega.org for a registration form.
LADIES CONFERENCE AT CAMP HOPE Camp Hope will host their annual Ladies Conference Sep 28-30. Carol Bramsen (SC)
will be the speaker. The conference begins Friday with registration at 7:00 pm and ends Sunday at 10:00 am. Cost: $60/ individual. Contact: Barbara Thorpe ph: 706-359-6297 email: sambarb@nu-z.net Camp Hope: ph: 770-536-4787 email: camphopega@arilion.com Camp website: www.camphopega.org
MISSION SPRINGS conference The annual Pacific Bible Ministries Conference will be held Oct 1-5 at the Mission Springs Christian Conference Center 75 miles south of San Francisco, CA in the Santa Cruz mountains. The conference begins Monday with dinner at 6:00 pm and ends Friday after breakfast. Speakers expected are Joe Reese (ON) and Al Sculz (CA). Contact: Max Krieger ph: 323-256-1992 email: maxnbethk@sbcglobal.net
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES CAMP POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN ON The Board of Directors of Beacon Bible Camp, a year-round facility in the beautiful Muskoka region of Ontario, is accepting applications for the full-time, faith-supported positions of Administrator and Office Manager. For further information, please contact Tom or Liz Williams via the camp office address or phone number, found on the website: www.beaconbiblecamp.com
Facilities Director in tennessee Horton Haven Christian Camp is also looking for an individual to serve as Facilities Director. This is a year round position with responsibility for the care of the grounds, buildings and equipment.
UPLOOK | JUNE 2012 5
front lines continued Candidates need to have the ability to plan, budget and organize volunteers while being an integral part of our team with the purpose of reaching children with the gospel. Contact: Matt Phelan, Horton Haven Christian Camp, Box 276, Chapel Hill, TN 37034 ph: 931-364-7656 email: matt@hortonhaven.org web: www.hortonhaven.org
STEP 2012 in California Summer Team Evangelism Partnership is a ministry opportunity Jun 16-Jul 2 for those eighteen years of age and older that will give a flavor of God's work in Mexico, Central and South America without needing a visa or passport. Benefit from teaching and training in Bible, evangelism and cultural issues, along with practical hands-on experience working among Latino children. Contact: John Duckhorn email: justducky@aol.com
COMMENDATIONS Andrew and Nicole Masuello The elders, on behalf of the believers at Markham Bible Chapel, Markham, ON, commend Andrew and Nicole to serve the Lord in children's work at Hope Valley Day Camp (www.hopevalley.ca). As administrator, Andrew will provide direction for the ministry and oversee operations together with his wife Nikki. They have been in fellowship at Markham since their marriage in 2005.
Carole Woehler The Christians at Hiawassa Bible Chapel, Orlando FL, commend Carole to the Lord's work with Ireland Outreach Intl. in Dublin and elsewhere as the Lord leads.
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Carole has been in happy fellowship for more than fifteen years serving as a very active leader and Bible teacher of various women's activities and studies.
designated for general expenses, the rest for distribution. A financial report may be requested from: The Treasurer, Christian Workers’ Fellowship Fund, Inc., Box 1117, Lawrence, KS 66044
MISCELLANY
OPPORTUNITY IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
TORONTO CONFERENCE RECORDINGS Audio resources of the 2012 Toronto Easter Bible Conference are available on CD, DVD or MP3. Messages by Joe Reese (ON): “The Fourth Cry from the Cross,” “Eternal Security of the Believer,” A Wake Up Call?” and “Refuge.” Messages by Rex Trogdon (NC): “Simon Peter’s Seven Downward Steps,” “My Life Now,” and "Blessings of the Risen Christ.” A charge of $20 covers the cost of seven messages and postage. Single messages available for $3. Contact: Bill Allison, 3199 Sovereign Road, Burlington ON, L7M 2W1 email: hw.allison@sympatico.ca ph: 905-336-8101
CWF FUND The purpose of Christian Workers’ Fellowship Fund, Inc. is to “receive gifts and donations of money from the Lord’s people and distribute the same to workers sound in doctrine and associated with assemblies of believers and who are devoting their time to the Lord’s work,”so contributions made to it by U.S. residents are tax-deductable. All funds received are distributed every month. Only funds designated for expenses are used for this purpose. The directors serve without remuneration. Funds received in the first quarter totaled $311,467.96, and of this, $2,391.83 was
A small assembly located in southern New Hampshire is looking for an individual or family to join them with ideas or experiences for growth. Contact: Bob Gentile ph: 603-835-6189 email: regent@myfairpoint.net
HOMECALL Douglas (Doug) Kazen went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 17, 2012 at the age of 79. He is survived by his wife Blanche (Edyie) as well as two children, six grandchildren, and one great grandson. Doug loved the Lord, he loved the Lord's people, and he loved his family. Doug enjoyed nothing more than proclaiming the gospel and sharing the Word of God with others. He taught extensively throughout the world, as well as authoring articles in Christian publications. He will be missed, but he is in a far better place now.
NOTE: NEWS SUBMISSIONS The news editor reserves the right to determine those items best suited for the magazine. Editorial decisions are final.
Send news items to: frontlines@uplook.org
science & you in awesome wonder
Being a Noticer "How?" is about performance; "Why?" about purpose.
O
growth in younger versus older oaks? quickly appear in a pond of rainwater, ne spring, I taped a small index Does it have to do with day length or and that this led to some simple expericard next to my ten-year-old son’s daytime versus nighttime temperature or ments that helped us appreciate God’s bed that said simply, “Be a Noticer.” I flexible, but deliberate, design for life. soil nutrients? What about latitude? Do wanted to tie into our study of the “BeBut that would be fiction. He was not all species of oak everywhere exhibit this attitudes” in the Gospel of Matthew but enthused about his new assignment and same pattern? How might a late spring with a scientific twist. Another word frost affect the two oaks? And, well…you simply ignored it. for noticing is observing. Observing is get the idea. But be the step where doing science aware, the search actually begins. But observfor answers might ing is more than just seeing; lead you to dust off it is seeing on steroids. To old encyclopedias observe is to look with keen or do some Google interest and an inquiring searches, dependmind. Seeing only regards ing on your age, what is. But observing (a.k.a. and even do an noticing) wonders “Why?” or experiment or two. “How?” and quickly expands into hypothetical reasons Being a noticer and answers. Since what God is not exclusive to created does not come with biology. You notice instruction books, the only a friend is unusuway to find the answer is by ally sad and so controlled experiments. So strike up a conscience is the logical result of being a noticer. Read more at www.GoodNewsNow.info/science&you versation to bring calm or comfort. You notice that people who pray, read So I thought to offer the challenge to At bedtime that evening, I suggested to my the Bible, and talk about Jesus seem to you to become a noticer and not just a son that the next day, he should do more be happy people, even if they have far see-er of the world. To start out, consider than see the reawakening world of flowers an observation from our yard: that older, less money than most people, and you and trees, birds and frogs, sun and clouds. wonder why. How can they be happy more established oak trees deploy their He could notice something he thought was even when they are poor or struggle spring leaves several weeks earlier than interesting and we would wonder together with cancer? How can they be joyful do younger saplings. Why would the about why or how it was so. sapling give away weeks of sunlight to its through the sadness at the funeral of a loved one? These are great questions. older relative when it needs this energy I would like to report that we subseNow, go find the answers. to drive its root growth through hard quently asked why leaves are arranged soil? What controls the timing of leaf —Michael G. Windheuser, Ph.D. on branches as they are or how tadpoles
UPLOOK | JUNE 2012 7
By faith we live
A Precious
PRINCIPLE
RAY JONES
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aith has always been an integral part of man’s relationship with God. The principle “the just shall live by faith” is stated in the Old Testament (Hab. 2:4) and then quoted three times in the New Testament (Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38). Biblical faith is not confidence in our own ability or inner strength;
it is reliance on the facts of the Word of God. Our heavenly Father loved us so much that He sent His Son to pay the price for our sins; we are saved by His grace, through faith. Having been saved by grace through faith, it becomes the great privilege and responsibility of believers to walk by faith.
camp of the enemy of souls. Having failed to stop a soul from being saved, it now becomes Satan’s goal to stop him from serving. At all costs, the enemy will attempt to keep the new believer from understanding Paul’s teaching to the saints at Colossae: “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: Rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Col. 2:6f). Being “established in the faith” is to have a practical understanding of what it means to walk by faith—daily confidence in the Lord in every area. We must learn to walk by faith, trusting the Lord, and Him alone, to meet every need.
Financial needs When a lost sinner believes, there is great rejoicing in heaven, but not in the
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This trust includes financial needs. Walking by faith alone invites the Lord’s vital,
ongoing affirmation (or correction) of our ministry. The Lord said, “the laborer is worth of his reward.” Paul asks, “Who goes to war any time at his own expense?” (1 Cor. 9:7). The assumption is that the employer is responsible for the wages of the employee. Who is our employer? Can you imagine soldiers laying down their arms to go earn funds for their campaign? Why should we think that “the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth” will not provide for His own work committed to our hands? Those of us who have been in the Lord’s service for many years are only too ready to admit that stepping out to serve the Lord with no guarantees is a very stretching experience. Actually it probably covers the whole scope of emotions, from faith to fear, and even includes amusement at times. But, speaking personally, my wife and I stepped out to serve the Lord by faith thirty-five years ago and He has always proved to be faithful—even when we struggled with fear and concern over the future. Our faithful Lord has used various methods to keep us going, some quite amazing, but usually He has used His own precious saints. These faithful saints
much as £50,000 in one year, [Note: that was in 1857] and it has all come in by the time it has been really needed. No man on earth can say that I every asked him for a penny. We have no
There’s a much longer list in heaven that has been being added to down through the centuries and won’t be completed until all believers are forever with the Lord.
committees, no collectors, no voting, and no endowments. All has come in answer to believ-
Today's heroes
ing prayer. My trust has been in God alone; He
Here is another thrilling note: There are heroes of faith today! Maybe you know some.
has many ways of moving in the hearts of men to help us all over the world. While I am praying, He speaks to this one and another, on this continent and on that, to send help.
are just as much a part of the ministry as those more visibly involved. In fact, their sacrifice is often greater…much greater! Some time ago, I picked up a biography of George Müller titled Delighted in God. He was determined to show Christians that we really can trust the Lord to meet our needs. Later in life, he was asked the question: “You have always found the Lord faithful to His promise?” With great earnestness, Müller replied: Always. He has never failed me! For nearly seventy years, every need in connection with this work has been supplied. The orphans, from the first until now, have numbered 9,500, but they have never wanted a meal. Never! Hundreds of times we have commenced the day without a penny in hand, but our Heavenly Father has sent the supplies by the moment they were actually required. There never was a time when we had no wholesome meal. During all these years, I have been enabled to trust in God, in the Living God, and in Him alone. One million, four hundred thousand pounds have been sent to me in answer to prayer. We have needed as
George Müller is no longer with us, but our faithful Lord is, and He is just as capable to meet our needs now as He was then. Our testimony is that He has, can, and does! What a joy and testimony it would be to see the Lord’s people turn away from fund-raising schemes and allow the Lord to meet our needs, thus bringing glory to Him as He supplies for His work!
Every step of the way But we must not only consider financial needs. Walking by faith is essential in every area. In fact, without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). The wonderful implication is that we have the tremendous privilege of actually pleasing the God of all the universe by simply walking with Him by faith. One only has to read Hebrews 11 for a list of ordinary believers who obeyed God and walked by faith. Some are named and details given; others are just named; still others are listed not by name, but by the suffering that they endured because they believed God and walked with Him. The list of sufferings they endured by faith is staggering, but these precious saints stand as a lasting testimony to the grace and sufficiency of God because they walked by faith. It is interesting to notice that the writer to the Hebrews ran out of space and time to record all those who walked by faith.
An old friend of ours was one of the top rheumatoid arthritis experts in the world. But each Tuesday lunch time would find him with other believers faithfully preaching the gospel to passersby on the steps of Leeds Town Hall. Saturday evenings, he and others would endure heckling in the shopping center in town. The summer weeks would be spent preaching the gospel on the beaches to the seaside holiday makers. For nearly fifty-three years, another friend has crossed the Canada-U.S. border weekly in order to preach the gospel to “down and outs” at a rescue center in Detroit. Another friend, well past retirement from his legal career, along with his wife, spends his life preaching the gospel in the prisons of England. There is neither time nor space list all the examples of faith than I have known, and you could add many more to that list. But the Lord knows them all! Meanwhile, there is a challenge to us: Are we walking by faith? In what ways are we walking by faith? Possibly we have no pressing financial concerns, but do we need to trust Him for courage to witness? to believe Him for the salvation of family and friends? to apply His grace and wisdom to deal with a difficult situation at work or in our assembly? to exercise our spiritual gift? to use our homes for His glory? Let us take Paul’s words to heart: “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him” (Col. 2:6).
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By faith Abel…
History's First but not its last Martyr
H.R. Ghezzi
A
recent exposé in Newsweek (a secular publication, no less!) documented the increasing worldwide persecution of Christians, specifically in the Muslim world: A fair-minded assessment of recent events and trends leads to the conclusion that the scale and severity of Islamophobia pales in comparison with the bloody Christophobia currently coursing through Muslim-majority nations from one end of the globe to the other. The conspiracy of silence surrounding this violent expression of religious intolerance has to stop. Nothing less than the fate of Christianity—and ultimately of all religious minorities—in the Islamic world is at stake.
Society is finally catching up to what the church has always taken for granted: believers have been persecuted since the time of Christ. But is that all? The author of the Hebrew epistle begins his treatise on faith by reminding us that history’s very first murder victim was martyred for his faith: “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still
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2012
speaks” (Heb. 11:4). You see, believers have been suffering for their faith since well before the time of Christ. Inspiring cultural references from Shakespeare to Hollywood, the story of Cain and Abel (Gen. 4:1-15) has become the standard against which all other conflicts are measured. Arguably, no greater human dichotomy existed than that between history’s first brothers: the first man born and the first man to die. As we will see, the first example of faith cited by the author of Hebrews is a fitting counterpart to the last and greatest example cited in this chronicle of faith. Falter at the altar The prevalent view is that sacrificial blood was the basis for God’s acceptance of Abel’s “more excellent sacrifice” over Cain’s bloodless offering. Let us consider an alternative view. Aside from the fact that atonement was not the stated objective, no specific prescription for sacrifice existed before the Law. Even when the Levitical economy was established, it was true that all sacrifices were offerings; but not all offerings were sacrifices (cf. Lev. 6:14-23). Abel brought a sacrifice while Cain brought an offering. Didn’t the Lord Jesus give Himself for us
“an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma” (Eph. 5:2)? We are told specifically that Abel was a keeper of sheep while Cain was a tiller of the ground. It stands to reason that they would offer the outcome of their toil to the Lord. So, regarding Cain’s offering, to what exactly did God take exception? It appears as though the Holy Spirit is directing the reader to notice the contrast in quality of the respective offerings. The phrasing of Genesis 4:45 is telling. Notice that Abel specifically offered the firstborn of his flock and its fat, tantamount to offering the first and the best. Regarding Cain’s offering, all we are told is that he offered fruit from the ground, with no reference to its grade. The difference between the two offerings is that Abel faithfully relinquished the firstborn of his flock (a picture of Christ’s sacrifice) for the Lord before satisfying his own needs—even at the risk of his ewe never giving birth to another lamb. The Lord received His portion first. Cain, the first man born, evidently kept the firstfruits (a picture of Christ’s resurrected glory) for himself, offering God the remnant of his crop.
ABEL'S SONG IN HEAVEN Ten thousand times ten thousand sung loud anthems round the throne, When lo! a solitary tongue took up a song unknown; A song unknown to angels' ears, A song that spoke of vanished fears, Of pardoned sins and dried-up tears. Not one of all the countless throng could those high notes attain, But spirits from a distant coast united in the strain, Till he who first began the song (To sing alone not suffered long) Was mingled with a countless throng. And still as years are fleeting by, the angels ever bear Some newly ransomed soul on high, to swell the chorus there; And still the song shall louder grow Till all redeemed from sin and woe To that fair world of rapture go. O give me, Lord, a golden harp, and tune my broken voice, That I may sing of troubles sharp, exchanged for endless joys! The song that ne'er was heard before A sinner reached the heavenly shore, But now shall sound for evermore! —Irish Presbyterian From an engraving by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfield (1794-1872)
Had something befallen Cain’s harvest, the Lord would have received nothing. Cain’s offering exposed his depravity. We might succeed in hiding our heart’s true nature from our fellow man; but, as Cain discovered, we can’t fool God (Gen. 4:7). Worship reciprocates God’s grace and provision toward us. Where Calvary satisfied God’s demands of the sinner through Christ, worship now responds to God’s demands of the believer in Christ. In offering his prized possession, Abel essentially offered himself upon the altar (cf. Rom. 12:1). Love so amazing, so divine Demands my heart, my life, my all.
—Isaac Watts
First blood John reminds us that we shouldn’t be surprised by the world’s response to righteous living since only one adversary (a brother) gave us the first martyr. “Love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous. Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you” (1 Jn. 3:11-13). The first reference to blood in Scrip-
ture is that of Abel’s (Gen. 4:10). Human blood had not been shed until Cain took the life of his brother. Abel’s name is a reference to the brevity of life (Heb. havel, “vapor”). Like Abel, we ought to live righteously on borrowed time: “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (Jas. 4:14). The Lord is not indifferent to the sufferings of His children: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Ps. 116:15). Abel’s testimony received its highest accolade when the Lord Jesus condemned the hypocrites of His day. “On you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah” (Mt. 23:35; cf. Lk. 11:51). Since the Lord requited Abel’s innocent blood, we would do well to acknowledge the blood of the most righteous Man who ever lived: “Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel” (Heb. 12:24). While Abel died innocently, only the Lord Jesus died sinless. Abel’s blood demanded an avenger, while the blood of the Lord Jesus demonstrated God’s
mercy. Have you been washed in the blood of the Lord Jesus? Faithful champion If Abel is the first character of faith identified in Hebrews 11, who is the last? This is one case where the chapter divisions interrupt the thought flow. This writer believes that the eleventh chapter of Hebrews ends too soon, as the opening passage of the twelfth chapter is the fitting conclusion to the chronicle of faith: “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of [our] faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2). In the original Greek text there is no “our” before the word faith, properly rendering it, “author and finisher of faith.” You see, the Lord Jesus is the very centerpiece of faith! Old Testament saints, like Abel, anticipated Him in faith while New Testament saints are generated from Him through faith. Abel’s voice still speaks to us as the first testimony of righteous suffering. As we anticipate the day of Christ, may our ears be open until the cry of the final martyr. “O Lord, how long…?”
UPLOOK | JUNE 2012 11
h c by faith eno Man without a grave
by
T
Malcolm Horlock
wo men bore the name Enoch in the early history of mankind. One was the third from Adam in the line of Cain (Gen. 4:1, 17); the other was “the seventh from Adam” in the line of Seth (Gen. 5:3-24; Jude 14). But their characters were very different. One had a memorial raised to him in that his father called the first city on earth by his name (Gen. 4:17). But the memorial to the other has been given by God Himself, and the divine commendation is that “he pleased God” (Heb. 11:5). The city has long since crumbled to dust, but “the Word of the Lord endures for ever” (1 Pet. 1:25). The scriptural references to the second Enoch tell us that he came to God, he walked with God, he witnessed for God, and he was taken by God.
event, it is said (as is said of all others in the chapter) that he simply “lived”; but we are told that, from that point on (and unlike the others), he “walked with God.” We conclude that Enoch’s conversion can be dated to that time. But why should the birth of Methuselah mark such a dramatic change in his father’s life? It is at least possible that the name Methuselah signifies “when he dies, it [the Flood] will be sent,” and we know that the Flood did come the year of Methuselah’s death. 3 It might be, therefore, that God made known to Enoch not only the second advent of Christ (see below) but also His coming judgment on the world in the form of the Flood, and that this revelation occasioned his initial coming to God in faith.
he came to god In the context of Enoch, the writer to the Hebrews speaks of the person who “comes to God” in faith (Heb. 11:6). Although doubtless referring to such a person’s constant practice1, we can profitably consider when it was that Enoch first came to God. All the evidence points to this having happened at the time of the birth of his first son, Methuselah (Gen. 5:21-22).2 Prior to that
he walked with god Enoch’s faith expressed itself in regular, unbroken communion with God (Gen. 5:22). The expression “walked with God” points to that which was steadfast and persevering—not intermittent and fluctuating. Such a walk earned Enoch “this testimony that he pleased God” (Heb. 11:5).4 Scripture speaks variously of the believer walking: “before” the Lord in uprightness and sincerity (Gen.
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17:1); “after” the Lord in obedience and service (Deut. 13:4; Hos. 11:10); “in” the Lord in union and dependence (Col. 2:6); and, in the case of both Enoch and Noah, “with” the Lord in close and intimate communion (Gen. 5:24; 6:9). Enoch’s awareness that the world around him was earmarked for destruction profoundly affected the way that he lived, radically changing his outlook, his values, and his priorities in life (cf. 2 Pet. 3:6-12). Throughout the remainder of his days, he chose to walk in fellowship with God rather than in fellowship with the ungodly society around him (Gen. 5:24; Jude 15). Strengthened and fortified by his faith and his fellowship with God, he did just that for 300 years (Gen. 5:22). he witnessed for god If God later bore witness to Enoch and his faith, Enoch for his part, bore witness to God and His Word (Jude 14-15). And Enoch’s prophecy was a further demonstration of his faith. “Faith,” we read, is “the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). Enoch’s prophecy was certainly that; for his prophecy (the only spoken words of
He pleased God
He never had the dubious honor of having a grave stone, but if he had, it might have read something like this:
Enoch recorded in Scripture), though ranking as one of the very first revelations granted by God to man, looked far beyond the Flood to a time still future now, when, at our Lord’s manifestation in glory, He will execute judgment on all who are ungodly. Not that such a divine revelation should come as any surprise to us given that the One who made known His Word to Enoch can say of Himself, “there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning” (Isa. 46:9-10). As “the seventh from Adam” through Seth (Jude 14), Enoch stands in contrast to bigamous, blasphemous, and ungodly Lamech, the seventh from Adam through Cain (Gen. 4:1, 17-18). he was taken by god “By faith Enoch was taken away [removed, transported] so that he did not see death.” There cannot be any doubt by whom he was taken away: “God took him” (Gen. 5:24). The word took is used later to describe the departure of Elijah out of the world (2 Ki. 2:5, 7). Although the men of his day doubtless searched for Enoch following his mysterious disappearance, “he was not found,” any more than would be Elijah when the men of his day sought for him following his ascension to heaven (2 Ki. 2:11, 15-17). Enoch and Elijah are the only two men to date who have left the world without dying. We should note, however, that at our Lord’s second advent (of which
Enoch prophesied), two other men will do the same (Rev. 19:20), although their destination will be very different! Whereas Enoch certainly experienced a dramatic change in his circumstances (and no doubt in his condition, to fit him for the heavenly realm, 1 Cor. 15:50-51), he experienced no change in his company. For, in one sense, the man who had walked with God on earth was one day simply taken away by Him to walk with Him in white (cf. Rev. 3:4). Interestingly, the historical chapter in the Old Testament which briefly records Enoch’s life story makes mention of two very unusual men: Adam and Enoch (Gen. 5:5; 21-24). Adam died, never having been born; whereas Enoch, having been born, never died! Indeed it is possible that the man through whose sin death entered the world (Rom. 5:12) actually met the man who “did not see death”; for, according to their genealogy, their lives overlapped by more than 300 years. If we can say that it was by faith that Enoch initially came to God, that it was by faith that he maintained his walk with God for three centuries, and that it was by faith that he prophesied of a judgment to come many millennia later, in what sense can we say that it was by faith that Enoch was taken? I suggest that the writer to the Hebrews is saying that Enoch so pleased God that God took him and that because (as the writer notes in verse 6) faith is an essential condition of pleasing God, it was, in effect,
on account of Enoch’s faith that he was taken away. In closing, let us aspire as Enoch to walk to please God, and to wait with expectation for the Lord to come from heaven, at which time we shall, as Enoch, be taken away that we shall not see death (1 Thess. 4:1, 15-17). For our immediate hope as Christians is not the fulfillment of Enoch’s prophecy (although we shall be associated with our Lord when He comes to judge the ungodly), but the sharing of Enoch’s blessed experience. Lord, hasten the day!
Endnotes 1 Compare Hebrews 7:25. 2 It is interesting that the shortest life recorded in Genesis 5 (that of Enoch, at 365 years—“a year of years,” Matthew Henry) was followed by the longest (that of Methuselah, 969 years). Given that God’s judgment in the Flood fell the same year as the death of Methuselah, we are probably justified in associating Methuselah’s extraordinary long life with “the long-suffering of God” which “waited in the days of Noah” (1 Pet. 3:20). 3 Compare Genesis 5:25-28; 7:6. 4 The Greek Old Testament renders the opening of Genesis 5:22 and 5:24 as “And Enoch was well-pleasing to God,” on the basis of which the writer to the Hebrews says that “he had this testimony, that he was wellpleasing to God” (Heb. 11:5, literally).
UPLOOK | JUNE 2012 13
warning and learning
by faith
NOAH
JOHN BENNETT
Even in the worst of storms, the Captain of our souls still gets us to the mountain top.
W
hile there is no record of Noah’s failure in Hebrews 11, as we come to Genesis 9 we learn the sad lessons recorded there. The man who started so well and continued so faithfully, finished his course in a measure of shame rather than success. It stirs us to ask ourselves: How is our own spiritual progress? The conditions in Noah's day From Genesis 6, we can appreciate the condition of the world in which Noah lived. We are struck by the awfulness of those conditions (vv. 5, 11, 12). However, in the midst of that social, moral, and behavioral darkness, “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (v. 8). I wonder if you’ve ever looked out on the world in which you live and have seen it as wicked, corrupt, evil, and violent. Have you stood where Noah stood? The confirmation of Noah's faith James tells us that faith without works is dead. The living faith of Noah is seen in the fact that he demonstrated his faith by his works: “according to all that God commanded him, so did he” (v. 22). In the midst of this dark and evil world, Noah sought to be obedient to
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the Word of God. We may find ourselves in an equally dark and evil world, but what God asks of us is no greater than that which He asked of Noah—to be obedient to His Word. The character of Noah While man may look on the outward appearance, God looks on the heart. Thus, the Lord evaluates the nature of Noah. We read that Noah was “a just man” (v. 9). In his moral relationship with God, Noah was righteous, loyal, and obedient to what God desired of him. Reading Ezekiel 14, it is interesting that Noah is mentioned alongside two other men in Scripture noted for their righteousness: Job and Daniel. In the school/college environment and in the workplace, it can be extremely difficult to be righteous and just. Everyone is looking to cut corners and to bend the rules in order to get the edge over the competition. The man or woman of faith needs to be just and righteous in all their dealings. But Noah also stood out because he was “perfect in his generations” (Gen. 6:9). This testimony is even more remarkable when we note that the earth
was corrupt and “filled with violence” (v. 11). Even in such an unfavorable and hostile environment, Noah sought to be blameless. He tried to ensure that no accusations about his behavior or language could be justifiably leveled against him. The divine estimate of the world was that “all flesh had corrupted his way” (v. 12), but the divine appraisal of Noah’s life was: “thee have I seen righteous before Me” (7:1). The Lord’s estimate is what counts. Noah was righteous in the eyes of God! Noah walked with God (Gen. 6:9) This was not an occasional stroll or a carefully scheduled event. It was the whole manner of Noah’s life. He sought to walk habitually with God, as Enoch had done before him. We read in Hebrews 11 that Noah “prepared an ark” (v. 7). Using the materials that God had indicated, Noah set about and completed the task of building a vessel that was capable of containing at least two of each animal species in the world at that time. We don’t know exactly how long it took him, but this task indicates that Noah’s life of service for God was lengthy.
The twinned peaked Mt. Ararat is the tallest in Turkey. It towers above 13,700 ft (4,200 m). The snow-capped, dormant volcanic cone is located in the Igdir Province, near the northeast corner of Turkey, 10 mi (16 km) west of the Iranian border and 20 mi (32 km) south of the Armenian border.
Can we imagine what the reaction of the people of our locality might be if we started building a 43,000-ton vessel out of wood on the outskirts of town, especially if this was one of the points in the country furthest from the sea. To build it there would be regarded as an act of sheer stupidity. What did it cost Noah to be faithful to his God and to obey God’s Word? Are we prepared to pay the price? Noah built an altar to the Lord This is also the first mention of the word “altar” in the Old Testament, and it is noticeable that this was Noah’s priority. Once the ark had been emptied of the animals, Noah worshipped. It is significant that Noah “offered burnt offerings” (v. 20). Not just one but many! Such a great salvation as that which Noah had experienced deserved a multiplicity of sacrifices as an acknowledgement of the grace of God. We might ask ourselves what our priority in life is. When we gather for corporate worship on the Lord’s day morning, do we come with a multitude of sacrifices, full hearts from which should flow worship to our God? Noah's faithfulness to man Noah was a preacher of righteousness by his life, as well as from his lips (2 Pet.
2:5). His message and his life were in perfect harmony. We don’t know exactly how long it took Noah to build the ark. Some suggest a minimum of 100 years. In all of that time, he preached, warning people of the coming wrath of God. Yet, as 1 Peter 3:20 tells us, the ark that Noah prepared only saw eight souls saved— Noah and his family. We don’t underestimate the difficulty of preaching in 2012. We can preach in the open air and face heckling. We can knock on doors and face rudeness and indifference. We can distribute tracts and have them returned by an irate householder. We can preach to empty seats. It sometimes seems that we see no one saved. Would it be counted strange if we felt like giving up? Yet, in faithfulness to our Lord and to our fellow men and women, we must sound out the gospel, even if it is scorned, ridiculed, and rejected. Noah's faithfulness to his family Noah was a family man. He had three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and, in the goodness of God, they initially followed their father. However, we would stress that although Noah’s family was to accompany him in the ark, this could only be on the basis of their personal response in faith—Noah couldn’t force
them in. Equally, the spiritual life and testimony of the father is no guarantee of the salvation and blessing of the family, although it is important that the life and testimony of the father is not a stumbling block to his family. The failure of Noah The actions of Noah in Genesis 9 warn us of the dangers that are prevalent even in seemingly innocent things. The vineyard that he planted was innocent in itself. The wine that came from the grapes (this is the first mention of wine in the Bible) need not to have produced the effects it did, if it had been consumed in appropriate quantities. However, Noah “drank of the wine and was drunken” (v. 21). The excess of wine soon led to other excesses: “he was uncovered within his tent” (v. 21). The consumption of wine led to a relaxation of his self-control. This brought a sad failure at the end of the life of Noah and became a cause of stumbling to his son, Ham. It is salutary that Noah’s failure should be occasioned by what was a legitimate occupation of husbandry. What he should have controlled became the controller of him! It can be that, when things seem most favorable, we lower our guard and, as a consequence, fail. The apostle Paul cautions all of us of this when he says, “let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12).
UPLOOK | JUNE 2012 15
The man in the middle
By faith Isaac
I
saac has been called “the mediocre son of a great father and the mediocre father of a great son.” It is true that when it comes to the colorful figures in the family line, Isaac was overshadowed by his father, Abraham, and outshone by his son, Jacob. Still, Isaac qualifies to be in the great Hall of Faith chapter of the Bible, Hebrews 11, where we read, “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.” The focus of the statement, “By faith Isaac blessed,” is his faith and the blessing that he passed along to his sons. But, before a blessing by faith can be imparted, the righteousness of faith must be imputed. Who could better exemplify this than Abraham? We can see faith and blessing in two points of their lives’ junctures: Isaac’s birth announcement and the Mt. Moriah experience. given and given again To the casual reader, the details of Isaac’s birth seem to be no laughing matter, but a closer look reveals it to be quite humorous. When the Lord told Abraham that he would have a son in his old age, he fell on his face and laughed (Gen. 17:17). When Sarah heard the Lord speak about
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His promise, she laughed, too (Gen. 18:12-13). But God had the last laugh, instructing this old couple to name their son Isaac, meaning laughter (Gen.17:19). Looking past the humor, Isaac’s birth was proof of what faith can do. Romans 4 tells us that it was over Isaac’s birth that Abraham’s faith was imputed to him for righteousness. But then we read of the Mt. Moriah experience. Isaac, as a lad, went with his father to the place where Abraham would offer him up as a burnt offering. How well Isaac prefigured the Lord Jesus as he carried the wood for the sacrifice and submitted himself to death. He heard the Angel of the Lord call out from heaven to save him from death and to sware an oath to bless the seed of Abraham. “Blessing I will bless you, and…in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen. 22:17-18). In these two instances, we see faith and blessing combined in the life of Isaac. faith in the family The next element in Isaac’s life is his marriage to Rebekah. It’s a wonderful story that depicts the provision of the
by
Rex Trogdon
bride for Isaac, the payment made, and her transport home to be by his side (Gen. 24). Wonderful, because it is so much like us as the bride, and our own heavenly Bridegroom. But soon there was conflict that drove Isaac to his knees to plead with the Lord for Rebekah to have children. The Lord heard his plea, granted the request, and they were blessed—doubly blessed. Isaac and Rebekah were expecting twins! However there was a struggle going on between the twins even while they were in the womb. There were two nations in her womb. No wonder Rebekah was distressed! Before their birth, God declared that the older would serve the younger. Esau was born first, and Jacob was born holding on to Esau’s heel. But as the children grew, Isaac loved Esau and Rebekah loved Jacob. Meanwhile, Isaac learned some very important life lessons. He faced the same challenges that his father, Abraham, faced: famine, going down toward Egypt for help, and fear because of his beautiful wife. Like Abraham, Isaac had to decide whether to die for
STILL WRESTLING: The generally accepted patriarchal tomb of Machpelah at Hebron is empty now. Overtop is a Herodian structure. One end has been used for centuries as the place where Jews come to pray; the other end is a Moslem shrine.
his wife or lie about his wife. “Like father, like son”—Isaac was no exception to the rule. He lied saying, “She is my sister.” But the Lord blessed Isaac in spite of himself. He began redigging his father’s wells and calling them by the same names: Esek, Sitnah, and Rehoboth. These wells present some deep lessons for us that are well worth pondering. From there, he went to Beersheba, the place where Abraham had dwelt. There the Lord appeared to Isaac and promised to bless him. The man was so blessed that even his enemies were made to be at peace with him. The same day they made peace with Isaac, his servants dug a new well and found water. highs and lows This was the highpoint of Isaac’s life. He was dwelling in the land and cultivating faith. However, as he moved ahead in his life, he began a downward trend. In his old age, his eyes dimmed and he became a man given completely to appetite. This is a sobering warning to us all. In fact, if we miss this lesson, we are living dangerously and flirting with disaster. It seems Isaac had conveniently forgotten God’s prophetic plan and God’s promise that Jacob was to be the heir of the blessing as well as the birthright (Gen. 25:23). Isaac called his firstborn
son, Esau, and requested that he go out and hunt some venison and prepare him a meal of it, which he described as a dish which he loved. It was earlier written of Isaac concerning Rebekah, “and he loved her” (Gen. 24:67). Although showing favoritism, we also read that he loved Esau. Now he loved a good meal. He was living to eat instead of eating to live. He began to rely on his fleshly senses. While we may be thankful for sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste, we must be careful to trust in the Lord and not lean on our own understanding. When Rebekah heard what Isaac said to Esau, she plotted to have Jacob pretend to be Esau and receive the blessing that God had promised. Jacob, posing as Esau, came into the room, but Isaac could not see, for his eyes had grown dim. The sense of sight was no help to him, neither should it be to us—man judges by appearance, but God looks on the heart. Jacob addressed his father, and Isaac heard clearly that it was the voice of Jacob. Isaac should have relied on what he heard, for “ faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” Alas, he did not follow the principle of faith. Rather he told Jacob to come closer so that he could touch him. He felt the goat’s hair on Jacob’s hands that Rebekah had placed there. Isaac went by his
feelings, and this is never trustworthy. Jacob served the goat to his father, and it was the best venison Isaac had ever tasted— so much for his taste. Some people have no taste at all, and Isaac was in this group. Then he kissed his son and got a good smell of him. Jacob smelled like the field. Four out of five of Isaac’s senses lied to him. If only he had gone by what he heard. If only he had remembered what he had heard God say concerning his two sons. Isaac blessed Jacob, and the will of the Lord was fulfilled. After Jacob exited, Esau entered, and the shock of what had happened caused Isaac to tremble violently. Esau lifted his voice and wept an exceeding great and bitter cry for the blessing of his father. Esau received a blessing but not the blessing. The Fear of Isaac (Gen. 31:42) had fulfilled His promise, and Jacob was blessed with the prophetic promise of Messiah’s line. God had honored His Word and would give Isaac the place which that faith required: “By faith Isaac.” He “blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.” Esau, the older, would serve Jacob, the younger. God will have His way and use us in His eternal plan. We may sometimes be faithless, but He is faithful and will always accomplish His purpose.
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by faith
JOSEPH
The culmination of the sovereign purposes of God
by W. H. BURNETT
J
oseph is one of the most beautiful Old Testament characters. There are many features about him that reflect the excellence of the person of Christ that cannot be overlooked. For example, his being sent by his father to his brethren, the suffering he endured among them and at the hands of the Gentiles, and his final exaltation give an accurate foreshadowing of the Lord Jesus in His incarnation, rejection, crucifixion, and exaltation. In this study, we will consider the grand conclusion of the life of Joseph when, his sufferings now over, he finds himself exalted and surrounded by his brethren and his father. THE exaltation of joseph Within a period of twenty-four hours, Joseph went from being a prisoner to being prime minister of Egypt. Pharaoh made him ruler over all the land of Egypt (Gen. 42:41-43). Egypt and the surrounding nations would beat a path to Joseph’s storehouses to be delivered from the famine that was threatening their lives. Joseph was, in a sense, the savior of the world. Even his brethren were blessed under his beneficent rule. How encouraging for the
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suffering saints of our day to know that even in the seeming incomprehensible complexities, injustices, and trials of life, the sovereign purposes of God are being worked out, and that “All things work together for good, to them that love God” (Rom. 8:28)! THE testing of his brethren The famine affected the house of Joseph’s father, Jacob, who sent his sons to Egypt to buy corn. When they arrived, Joseph recognized them; but they did not recognized him. Little wonder! They never expected that the young man they had treated with cruelty and sold into slavery would now be the ruler of Egypt. Joseph was very cautious in dealing with his brethren and did not immediately make himself known to them. Joseph wished to test them in several ways to determine if the passage of years had produced repentance in their hearts, and also to see if their attitude towards Benjamin, the other son of Rachel, his true brother, was different from their earlier attitude towards himself. During this testing time, we read of Joseph weeping repeatedly.
evidence of repentance At first, Joseph spoke roughly to them and accused them of being spies, and he put them in prison for three days. At the end of the three days, Joseph heard them say to each other, “We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us” (Gen. 42:21). When Joseph heard this confession, “he turned himself about from them, and wept.” We remember the sequel, how Joseph held Simeon hostage until such time as they brought Benjamin down to Egypt. Joseph’s cup was placed in Benjamin’s sack, and the messengers who pursued them accused them of stealing it. When the cup was found, the whole caravan turned around and returned to Egypt. Upon their return, Joseph said that he with whom the cup had been found would be detained as his servant, but that they were free to return to their father. It was at this juncture that we read one of the most heart-rending pleas in Scripture, as Judah poured out his soul before Joseph on behalf of Benjamin
The Israelites asked Moses at the Red Sea, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness?” The question dripped with irony. A visitor to Egypt today spends almost all his time visiting graves! The Sphinx, the pyramids (pictured), the Valley of the Kings, the burial treasures in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo—all graves.
and his father Jacob. Judah explained to Joseph that Jacob had already lost one of his sons, and that “[Jacob’s] life is bound up in the lad’s life, and if it shall come to pass that the lad is not with us, that he shall die” (Gen. 44:30). Judah then offered to take the place of Benjamin. reconciliation with his brethren At this point, Joseph could contain himself no longer, and he “wept aloud… and said unto his brethren, ‘I am Joseph’” (Gen. 45:2-3). His brethren must have been terrified, wondering if Joseph would seek revenge in view of their unspeakable cruelty. But Joseph was gracious towards them and embraced them with all the warmth of his heart. How was Joseph able to take an attitude of grace and forgiveness towards his brethren who had causes him such grief? Surely it was because he firmly grasped that the sovereign purposes of God were being worked out in his life, for he said, “Now therefore, be not grieved and angry with yourselves that ye sold me thither, for God did send me before you to preserve life” (Gen. 45:5). Joseph was able to see that while the actions of his brethren could not be justified, they had contributed to the overall plan and purposes of God for him and for them. We see this principle demonstrated when Peter delivered the first gospel message on the day of Pentecost. He could say to the leaders of Israel, “[Jesus Christ] being delivered by the determinate
counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain” (Acts 2:23). Men chose to act in wickedness, but became the unwitting vehicles through which the sovereign purposes of God were fulfilled. prophetic foreshadowings The reconciliation of Joseph with his once cruel, uncaring brethren will have its counterpart when the Lord returns at the close of the tribulation period to deliver Israel. Zechariah tells us about that great moment of repentance and confession in the nation of Israel when they see their Messiah: “They shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn” (Zech. 12:10). “The Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day, there shall be one Lord, and his name one” (Zech. 14:9). Brethren, the crowning day is coming by and by! practical applications There are also practical lessons that can be applied to our own lives as we consider the events that culminated in Joseph’s exaltation and reconciliation with his brethren. First, we must always view present affliction in light of the revealed purposes of God. Second, in our dealings with our brethren, even some who might have caused us harm and grief, we must be generous in our forgiveness towards
them when true repentance is in evidence. Third, we must not allow adversity—from any source—to make us bitter, but rather to make us better men of God. Finally, it is important that we firmly grasp that God has sovereign purposes in our lives and that we all of life’s events in that context. THE grand conclusion As we close, we see how the seemingly contradictory, disconnected, complex pieces of life’s puzzle had now fallen into place; and Joseph can see the whole picture in true perspective; whether it was the dreams of his early youth, the hatred and rejection of his brethren, his being sold into slavery, the slander of Potiphar’s wife, his subsequent time and seemingly casual meeting with the butler in prison, the disturbed dreams of a heathen monarch, or the scourge of a famine. He can see that all, without exception, had contributed to the fulfillment of the unerring sovereign purposes of God for his life. All is now seen in proper context, and Joseph’s early dreams, given by God, have finally been realized. He is now upon the throne, and his brethren and his father are bowing the knee before him in all of his glory as the ruler of Egypt. His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour. The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower. Reprinted from Precious Seed, with permission.
UPLOOK | JUNE 2012 19
The meekest man on earth
by faith
Moses... gary mcbride
A Prayer of Moses the man of God. “Let Thy work appear unto thy servants, and Thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish Thou the work of our hands upon us.” Psalm 90:16-17
H
ebrews 11 is faith’s Hall of Fame— the great cloud of witnesses to the life of faith. This chapter describes, defines, and demonstrates faith. Verse 1 is the description, while verse 13 gives the definition. Faith can be defined by three verbs found in verse 13: “assured,” “embraced,” and “confessed.” Being assured of faith has to do with mental agreement. It means to agree with what God says about our sin and about us. To embrace faith is to take it to heart. This is the emotional side of faith. To confess faith touches the will. What a person chooses, as a pilgrim and a stranger in this world, makes faith a reality in life. John Phillips, in his commentary, Exploring Hebrews, defines faith: “Faith reaches out into the spiritual dimension and gives form and substance to heavenly and spiritual realities in such a way that the soul can appreciate them, grasp them, and live in the enjoyment of them.” Faith is demonstrated in the lives of people “of whom the world was not worthy” (v. 38). Notable in Hebrews 11 is Moses, who chose to live his life according to the pattern that pleases God.
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His choice highlights the cost and the character of the walk of faith. his circumstances Moses had a position of prestige. To be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter and to have all the fame and acclaim that came with that title would have great appeal to most people. There is tremendous allure in fame and prominence. There was also pleasure available to Moses, and, likely, no restraint in the exercise of it. Many people would think that Moses was foolish for not taking advantage of the opportunity. This scripture is clear that there are pleasures in sin. If it were not so, then it would not be appealing; but these pleasures are passing, “ for a season.” There is no eternal value in sin. Moses had potential for prosperity because he lived in a unique environment and had at his disposal wealth and power that few in history have ever experienced. Moses could have had it all. People have killed for this type of wealth, while others are consumed by the pursuit of it. There would also have been pressure
to conform and live “the good life.” If Moses did not measure up, he had to face the wrath of the king. He had to deal with the fear of knowing the consequences of his actions. So many people give in to pressure—either peer pressure or the fear of standing out and being different. In addition to these things, Moses received a good education. It was the best available in the world of that time. He held a responsible position in governing the country and, potentially, could have had great influence in the future. But these things were not enough to hold Moses back, because, by faith, he saw things that were greater. his choices Moses said “no” to all of the above temptations: to the treasures and pleasures of Egypt, and to worldly greatness and glory. He said “yes” to the things that God values. These were choices that made no earthly sense but were of eternal value. His conscious choices, made rationally, were based on faith. Note the words that
W
hen Moses waved his mystic rod, What wonders followed while he spoke! Firm as a wall the waters stood, Or gushed in rivers from the rock.
But what could Moses' rod have done Had he not been divinely sent? The power was from the Lord alone, And Moses but the instrument. —John Newton
indicate choices—“he refused,” “choosing rather,” “esteeming,” and “he forsook.” Moses placed value on being identified with the people of God. He would rather “suffer affliction with the people of God than enjoy the passing pleasures of sin” (v. 25). To willingly suffer affliction, to experience persecution, would not be the choice of all believers. Though they may not be attracted to the pleasures of sin, the good life of comfort is probably more appealing than the thought of suffering with God’s people. Many believers in the affluent Western world hardly take time to gather with, or identify with, God’s people. There is a shocking lack of commitment that goes beyond Sunday morning, as evidenced by poor attendance at other meetings, especially the prayer meeting. By faith, Moses chose God’s people with all their problems over anything the world had to offer. Moses said “yes” to being identified with the person of Christ. Sandwiched between the pleasures of sin and the treasures of Egypt is the phrase “esteeming the reproach of Christ greater” (vv. 25-26). The reproach of Christ refers to the suffering experienced due to identification with Christ. The margin renders reproach as “reviling because of,” which means “to be ridiculed for identifying with the person of Christ.” Moses was an Old Testament saint, so the reproach of Christ for him had to do with the promise of the coming of Christ. For us in this age, reproach is because of Christ
and His claims. The Lord Jesus said the world hates us “because you are not of the world” (Jn. 15:19). Moses said “yes” to reproach, but he also said “yes” to the reward, the recompense that is out of this world. To him, all the pleasure and treasure of Egypt could not compare with what he found in Christ. The reward of being with Christ and being like Christ, of hearing that “Well done,” and of having treasure in heaven had greater appeal to him than anything Egypt could offer. Theoretically and theologically, that may be true of all of us, but, practically, it does not seem to be so. The appeal of this world and its wealth may easily overshadow investing in the bank of heaven. Often the thought of instant gratification dominates our thinking, rather than the view of faith that there is something better ahead. Another motivation and incentive for Moses was that by faith he could see “Him who is invisible” (v. 27). He saw the reality of the person and presence of God and understood the purpose and provision of God. Sight often obscures the view of faith because the focus is on what is passing rather than what is eternal. Because of this view, Moses was not afraid of what man might do to him. “Not fearing the wrath of the king, he endured.” his consequences In the short term, Moses gave up a life of luxury, fame, fortune, power, and prestige. He was banished from Egypt, despised by
the world, became an outcast, a stranger, and a pilgrim; having no property, no wealth, and limited or no possibilities. He became a servant. Perhaps for the first time in his life, he did manual labor when he helped water the flocks. In an act of charity by his future father-in-law, he became a shepherd, an occupation that was despised by the Egyptians. He suffered affliction with the people of God as he travelled in the wilderness with them for forty years. He was opposed by God’s people as they turned on him a number of times. It was a life of hardship; he was often misunderstood and little appreciated. There was the reproach of being with a people who were different from all other nations and who were God’s people. From an eternal perspective, the consequences were far-reaching. How many people remember the name of the Pharaoh of Moses’ time? He may have accomplished great things in his day, but they are buried in the records of antiquity and covered by the sands of time. Pharaoh lived a notable life for a season, but he lived with limited consequences in the world after his day. Moses’ life on the other hand stands as a monument of faith for all time. Three times in this passage, it is said of him, “by faith.” His life reaches beyond his day and is recorded for our edification and as an example to us. It is a life that proves the following: “Only one life, ’twill soon be past; Only what’s done for Christ will last.”
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by faith the walls fell
Joshua
The inner life of
I like Joshua. He lived all out for the Lord. He lived a fruitful and successful life. There is much to be copied in a life like his.
joshua had a heart for god “So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle” (Ex. 33:11). Joshua had a commitment to God’s man (Moses) and a commitment to God’s institution (the tabernacle). He was a “young man” who clearly put the things of God first. He wanted to be where the living God was, and his life showed it. If we are to see a great work of God done in our day, it must all start with this. We must have a heart to work and a heart that loves the Lord Jesus! I had a friend in college who came up to me with a smile on his face and said, “I have made a decision. I want to spend the rest of my life loving what the Lord Jesus loves and hating what the Lord hates!” That young man had a heart for God. Think of David’s mighty men in the cave of Adullam. They overheard the rejected king make an offhanded comment that
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2012
by Scott Degroff
he would enjoy a drink from the well of Bethlehem, so off they went, at risk of their own lives, and broke through enemy lines, bringing back to the rejected king that which would delight his heart. I pray that we will have this kind of heart in the church today. I pray that we will search God’s Word looking for what we can do to delight Him, and, every time we discover something, we will do it, not thinking of ourselves but only of Him! In 1 Samuel 10:9, the Lord gave King Saul a new heart. If any one of us recognizes that his heart is not right before the Lord, I encourage him to be quick to repent, confess, and ask the Lord to give him the heart of His Son that he might be used in greater ways. joshua had zeal for god “So Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, one of his choice men, answered and said, ‘Moses my lord, forbid them!’ Then Moses said to him, ‘Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!’” (Num. 11:28-29). Please notice two vital points. First, Joshua was zealous! There is a connection between having Christ-like zeal and living fruitful lives. Joshua had an evident zeal
about him, and it’s no surprise that he ended up being used greatly by God in his generation. We sometimes think of zeal as an attribute of young Christians, but we should not think this way. Our leader, Jesus Christ was, is, and ever will be zealous about the work of God, the glory of God, and the people of God! If we are not zealous, then we are not like Him. Zeal is not a young man’s attribute; it is a godly man’s attribute. If you are lukewarm about the things that Jesus Christ is zealous about, then this would be a great day to repent and ask God to make you like His Son. Second, please notice that Joshua’s zeal had to be shaped and molded. Joshua was a bit out of balance in this passage and Moses corrected him. Young people, please take it as a blessing when the older generation molds and shapes your zeal. The Lord put these older believers in your life for your blessing. I know many men who were harshly criticized after the first time they got up to speak before God’s people. Some of them have gone on to be well-known preachers and others never preached again. Older believers, be gracious in your guidance of the young. Years ago,
The formidable mountain ramparts that faced Joshua and the children of Israel as they crossed from the plains of Moab to assault the threshold city of Jericho near the northwest end of the Dead Sea.
I heard a godly gentleman say, “It is a sin against the Holy Spirit of God to hinder the raising up of the next generation of gift.” May the Lord help us to be zealous, to care for the zealous, and to see a young generation’s zeal fanned into a flame for the glory of Jesus Christ! joshua was filled with the spirit “And the Lord said to Moses: ‘Take Joshua the son of Nun with you, a man in whom is the Spirit’” (Num. 27:18a). Joshua was a Spirit-filled man. Realizing that this was a dispensation where the Spirit could come and go makes this even more significant. Our modern day admonition is found in Ephesians 5:18, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” The opposites of being filled with the Spirit are grieving the Spirit (participating in things that we ought not) and quenching the Spirit (saying no to His leading). I didn’t even know the filling of the Spirit was a biblical concept until college, and here we are commanded to be filled with Him and, hence, live a life that is controlled by Him. It isn’t that we have
more of Him but that He has more of us! I wonder how much of the lack of power among us today is a result of believers living lives that grieve and quench the Spirit. joshua had trust in god “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you” (Josh. 1:5). The Lord commanded Joshua to go into a land filled with giants and take it. This was no small task, and I can only imagine the pressure on this young servant of the Lord as those words were given to him. Joshua was asked to take his life, and the lives of a nation, upon his shoulders and to trust that what the Lord had said would come to pass. He was given the promise, “I will not leave you nor forsake you.” In other words, I will never stop strongly supporting you, nor will I ever walk away from you. This promise is repeated in our dispensation in Hebrews 13:5, and we can claim it just as confidently as Joshua did. The Lord won in that day and the Lord is winning in our day! His promise is, “I will build My church.” And we have the
privilege of watching Him do it and even being His co-laborers! Not everything in the local assembly is encouraging. The servant of the Lord encounters many battles and many struggles. But I have been encouraged lately with this promise: “He will not fail nor be discouraged” (Isa. 42:4a). If Jesus Christ is not discouraged about the work, perhaps we should not be discouraged either, but instead trust in Him and press on. For sake of space, I leave the following juicy morsels for you to enjoy on you own: • Joshua was dependent on God (Josh. 3:4) • Joshua was holy before God (3:5) • Joshua took a step for God (3:13-15)
I earnestly pray that this will be a day of Christians in North America living by faith before the Lord. I pray that we will go forward and see things that we have not seen in our lifetime, things that we read about, things that we hear about, but things we have not yet seen with our own eyes. May the Living God help us to be like Joshua, and may we be able to say at the end of lives well lived for Him, “Praise God for the mighty things that He has done!”
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cursed woman cursed city
By faith Rahab
T
he writer of the book of Hebrews tells us that Rahab did not perish with the other citizens of Jericho. Spiritual minds bow in wonder at the God of infinite mercy who reached down to lift her up to the very lineage and genealogy of the Messiah. Faithful Rahab is a shining example to every Gentile who has come to believe in Christ. Has not God reached down to each of us? Are not we, likewise, innumerable objects of His matchless grace? How does God take the “ far off” sinners of the Gentiles and transform us into sons, heirs of God, and joints-heirs with Christ?
dread amazement with which men and women are struck when overwhelmed by the awesome power of God. Rahab was never so impressed with a conviction of her insignificance until she contrasted herself with the majesty of God.
The fear of God To those who have no knowledge of God, “the lofty One who inhabits eternity” loves to reveal Himself in majesty and power. This revelation of God would have deeply gripped Rahab’s heart and mind. This fear of God brought her to her knees and to faith in the high King of heaven. Rahab testified, “The terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainting because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you” (Josh. 2:9f). Godly fear is that
faith in God
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Godly reverence also involves the proper fear of God’s displeasure. True faith acknowledges God’s right to chasten, to punish, and to judge because of sin. All the inhabitants of Canaan were bowed by the power and terror of God but not all believed.
The news of God’s acts of power moved among the cities of Canaan with mysterious swiftness. Soon the news had reached Jericho. All the citizens had heard about the defeat of the Amorites, and now Sihon and Og, the king of Bashan, had fallen. Terror, melted hearts, and fear filled their dwellings. But there was one in the city that confessed, “Jehovah, your God, He is God in heaven about and in the earth beneath…I know that Jehovah hath given you the land” (Josh 2:9, 11). All had now
by David Dunlap
heard of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. All had heard of His power, judgment upon sin, and victory over the heathen gods of Transjordan. But now Rahab turned from her sin and turned her back on Canaan’s false gods; she believed, took a stand, and received the promise. The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us of her: “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she received the spies with peace” (Heb. 11:31). Only one believed and said, “I know that the Lord...He is God” and did not perish. The others of the city had every chance to believe as Rahab did but refused.
faith proved When did Rahab believe? Did she believe after she received the spies in peace? There is evidence that Rahab believed weeks or even months before Joshua ever made plans to investigate the city. Her reception of the spies was evidence of her genuine faith in God. James 2 teaches that true faith in Christ will be evidenced by works. The touchstone phrase in this section is James
Rahab’s lessons in the school of faith were life-transforming.
2:20, “Do you not know…that faith without works is dead?” James uses the Old Testament illustrations of Abraham and Rahab to make the point that genuine faith is always followed and proven by works. He explains that when Abraham offered his son Isaac on the altar, Abraham was proving his faith by works (2:21-22). What of Rahab? James says, “Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?” (2:25). James presses the point that first Rahab believed, then later she proved her faith when she received the spies. Men are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is not alone; it is proven by works. Lehman Strauss writes: When did Rahab believe in the God of Israel? She had trusted her soul to Jehovah when she heard of His divine power in judgment against heathen nations. When she exercised that initial step of faith, she was justified
the current notion which suggests that one who lives an unholy and careless life may, nevertheless, be a true Christian.
the faithfulness of God Those who know something of new life in Christ soon discover that the ways of God are perfect. And so it is with Rahab. Why was it that Rahab did not return with the spies to dwell among the people of God? She alone knew the grave danger that lay before the city. Before Rahab there lay two issues that were still of great importance: the deliverance of her family and the Word of the Lord. For the spies had said, “you bind this line of scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you bring your father, your mother, and your brothers, and all your father’s household to your own home...” (Josh. 2:18). Rahab was about to discover that in the ways of God, the most dangerous place in Jericho was the safest place in Jericho. Carl Armerding writes:
before God…but the day arrived when she proved her faith by her works and not merely
The only safe place in Jericho just then was
her words. When she hid the spies she was
Rahab’s house. No matter how beautiful
justified by her works before men.1
other houses were, no matter where they were located, not even the king’s palace could
So Rahab was chosen by the Spirit of God to be a biblical example of true faith demonstrated by works. This truth must not be missed by those in our day who would mistake a superficial decision for salvation and occasional churchgoing for genuine new life in Christ. We must reject
afford such protection. but it was the most
walls and firmer foundations. Rahab’s house on the wall was the safest place because God’s sovereign will had designed it to be so. Self-denial, faith in God, and heartfelt devotion were all in order. The Word of God, via the spies, was to remain in the house. Rahab’s responsibility was to believe God. In war, the walls of ancient cities either fell inward because of the continual battering of opposing forces or outward, as defending soldiers forced the walls to break down upon the enemy below. In either case, Rahab would be in danger. Rahab would shortly discover that the high God of heaven and earth had other plans for falling walls. “And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat” (Josh. 6:20). Rahab’s lessons in the school of faith were life-transforming. She learned that the God she once feared could be loved and trusted because of His mercy and faithfulness. She came to know that God, who was gracious in every way in the past, and who would be infinitely merciful in the future, would eventually place her, a harlot, in the very lineage of King David and the Messiah.
dangerous place of all in the wall of the city. But its safety did not depend on its location.2
Endnotes 1 Lehman Strauss, James, Your Brother (Nep-
God had ordained that her house on the wall was the place of divine deliverance. It mattered not that other houses had thicker
tune, NJ: Loizeaux, 1986), p. 117. 2 Carl Armerding, Fight For Palestine (Wheaton, IL: Van Kampen, 1949), p. 37.
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evidences a reasonable faith
Die for a Lie
C
huck Colson went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 21. Before coming to faith in Christ, Chuck had been known as the White House’s “Hatchet Man.” He received this moniker as he was known to be a tough political operative while serving as Special Counsel to President Nixon. Ultimately, he was implicated in efforts to cover up the administration’s connection to the Watergate scandal. This led to his eventual imprisonment for seven months. It was amid this scandal that a friend gave Chuck Colson a copy of C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity.1 This book was used by the Lord to bring about his conversion. During his time in jail, Chuck developed a real love for his fellow prisoners. Out of this came the ministry which would serve as his legacy: Prison Fellowship. 2 At the time of this writing, Prison Fellowship is ministering in some 1,300 correctional facilities nationwide and has programs in 110 different countries. 3 More than 14,000 volunteers regularly participate in these efforts.4 Chuck Colson went on to author at least 30 books. He also founded BreakPoint, a daily radio broadcast ministry that provides Christian commentary on the day’s news. It’s the commentary he gave during the March 29, 2002 broadcast that I would like to focus on for the
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remainder of this article: “I have been challenged myself many times on the resurrection. My answer is always that the disciples and five hundred others gave eyewitness accounts of seeing Jesus, risen from the tomb. But then I'm asked, “How do you know they were telling the truth? Maybe they were perpetrating a hoax.” My answer to that comes from an unlikely source: Watergate. Watergate involved a conspiracy to cover up, perpetuated by the closest aids to the President of the United States— the most powerful men in America, who were intensely loyal to their president. But one of them, John Dean, turned state’s evidence, that is, testified against Nixon, as he put it, “to save his own skin”—and he did so only two weeks after informing the President about what was really going on—two weeks! The real cover-up, the lie, could only be held together for two weeks, and then everybody else jumped ship in order to save themselves. Now, the fact is that all that those around the President were facing was embarrassment, maybe prison. Nobody’s life was at stake. But what about the disciples? Twelve powerless men, peasants really, were facing not just embarrassment or political disgrace, but beatings, stonings, execution. Every single one of the disciples insisted, to their dying breaths, that they had physically seen Jesus bodily raised from the dead.
Don't you think that one of those Apostles would have cracked before being beheaded or stoned? That one of them would have made a deal with the authorities? None did. You see, men will give their lives for something they believe to be true—they will never give their lives for something they know to be false.”5 – Chuck Colson, BreakPoint Broadcast – March 29, 2002 Chuck’s reference to the 500 eyewitnesses who saw Christ after He had risen from the grave is from 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. Paul goes on to say that everything he believed about Christ stands or falls on His bodily resurrection from the dead. The resurrection confirms everything Christ claimed about Himself and His purpose. This was the stance of the early disciples and continues to be the stance of the body of Christ to this day. We know from history that Roman governors presented the apostles and other early disciples with a choice: If they would renounce Christ as God, their lives would be spared. This is a quote from a letter sent by Pliny the Younger to Emperor Trajan. At the time, Pliny was governor of Bithynia: “Meanwhile, in the case of those who were denounced to me as Christians, I have observed the following procedure: I interrogated these as to whether they were Christians; those who confessed I interrogated a second and a third time, threatening them with punishment; those who persisted I ordered executed…
Those who denied that they were or had been Christians, when they invoked the gods in words dictated by me, offered prayer with incense and wine to your image, which I had ordered to be brought for this purpose together with statues of the gods, and moreover cursed Christ–none of which those who are really Christians, it is said, can be forced to do–”6 – Pliny, Letters; 10: 96–97 Pliny makes it clear that in order to be spared, those being persecuted just had to renounce Christ. (Furthermore, it’s quite telling that he admits that true believers in the Lord could not be made to renounce the Lord.) Historical records tell us what happened to the apostles and a number of the early disciples. Almost all of the apostles were martyred, or suffered imprisonment, for refusing to deny Christ. This information was compiled from the writings of several historians (both early church and otherwise), including Hippolytus, Eusebius, Josephus, and Pliny the Younger Irenaeus.7
age and died at Ephesus – Hippolytus Matthew (Levi) appears to have died from a sword wound received in Ethiopia – numerous sources Peter was crucified upside down near the present location of the Vatican – Hippolytus Philip was crucified in Hierapolis (Turkey) – Hippolytus Simon the Zealot apparently died of old age after taking a lead role in the Jerusalem meeting – Hippolytus Thaddeus (a.k.a. Judas the son of James) was martyred in Kara Kalisa (Parthia / Iran) – Hippolytus Thomas was thrust through with a spear at Calamene (India) – Hippolytus Matthias, the Apostle chosen to replace Judas (see Acts 1: 26), was stoned (and then possibly crucified or beheaded) – Eusebius
What Happened to the Lord’s half-brothers, James and Jude? James, the Lord’s brother, was stoned by the Jews in Jerusalem – Josephus Jude, the Lord’s brother, was shot with arrows under decree of Trajan – Eusebius
What Happened to Paul? What Happened to the Twelve? Andrew was crucified on an olive tree in Achaia (Greece) – Hippolytus Bartholomew was whipped and crucified upside down in Allanum (Armenia / southern Georgia) – Hippolytus James, the son of Alpheus, was stoned to death in Jerusalem (was first thrown off a 100 ft Temple pinnacle) – Hippolytus James, the son of Zebedee, was run though with a sword under Herod – Acts 12: 2 (also Hippolytus and Eusebius) John was banished to the Greek Isle of Patmos, but later was released due to old
Paul was beheaded along the Ostian Way outside of Rome under Nero – Irenaeus
There are a number of proofs that the resurrection of the Lord took place. But there is perhaps none more profound than the witness of those who went to their deaths proclaiming a risen Saviour. In the words of Chuck Colson, “You see, men will give their lives for something they believe to be true—they will never give their lives for something they know to be false.” On April 21, 2012, Chuck Colson was added to the list of eyewitnesses of the risen Christ. –Rob Sullivan
Endnotes 1. http://bit.ly/JtxH7U 2. http://bit.ly/JCZ4JY 3. http://bit.ly/JtxH7U 4. ibid 5. http://bit.ly/JFy7ED 6. http://bit.ly/KLJEDt 7. http://bit.ly/L3PT27 Additional sources: http://bit.ly/L10nAb http://bit.ly/Ml4mwr http://bit.ly/JTAWDO (PDF file) http://bit.ly/LbXLFb http://bit.ly/KPK9fS http://bit.ly/Kg39Qu http://bit.ly/K7Q8ea
What Happened to Others? Mark was dragged by horses through the street in Alexandria, Egypt – Numerous Coptic Sources Luke may have been hung in Greece, although this is not conclusive Stephen was stoned to death in Jerusalem – Acts 7: 54 – 59 Barnabas was stoned most likely on Cyprus (although some sources say Thessalonica)
To learn more, please visit the Christian Evidences website at: www.christianevidences.org and join the Christian Evidences Facebook group at: facebook.com/christianevidences
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And OTHERS ...of Whom the World was not Worthy “And others were tortured, not accepting their release, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground” Hebrews 11:35-38
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his chapter has been called by various titles. It has been called the “Hall of Fame” or the “Hall of Faith.” The list of names in chapter 11 reads like a spiritual “who’s who.” Some of those listed are to be emulated, their lives examples of how we should live. Others in the list are to be followed only in particular aspects or even individual acts of their lives which were “by faith.” As we read this chapter, we are encouraged by what faith in the living God can do. Surrounded by “so great a cloud of witnesses,” we “run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith.”
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One of the values of biographies is that they create a thirst within us. Perhaps you’ve heard the saying “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink.” But you can feed a horse salt and make him thirsty! Biographies of spiritual men and women are the “salt” that creates a thirst, causing us to desire more of what God has made available to us by faith. Faith’s conquests Some of the individuals listed in Hebrews 11 are noteworthy not so much for who they were but for what they achieved by faith. Against overwhelming odds and underwhelming resources (and sometimes downright impossibilities!), they trusted God. They offered to God more excellent sacrifices, were translated without seeing death, left all in obedience to God, received strength to conceive seed, and were given a child when past age. By faith Moses, when he was of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. By faith they passed through the Red Sea on dry land, and saw the walls of
Larry Price
The rest of the story
Jericho fall. Through faith they subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, drove away the armies of the aliens. By faith women received their dead raised to life again. These triumphs all stand out as encouragements to us. The list also includes individuals who were often less than exemplary but had moments when their faith shone. Some, like Samson, were enigmatic! While the totality of their lives might have been less than stellar, their faith gained them entrance to the Hall of Faith. While all of this causes admiration and may produce spiritual thirst, it can also cause us to sense our spiritual paucity. This is not completely bad. It brings conviction that challenges us to trust God more and believe Him for greater things. Faith’s defeats? Yet does faith always conquer? Does faith, in this life, always win? Is it possible to suffer loss, setbacks, and defeat by faith?
Faith is generally viewed as that which enables the weak to be strong, the faint to receive strength, the few to defeat the many, and so on. But it is evident in the lives of many in the Bible as well as throughout church history, that such obvious triumphs are not always God’s plan. So it is that the very chapter that is designed for our encouragement can discourage us if we don’t grasp all that it says. Knowing this, our God has not left us in the lurch. He includes another category of people in this chapter simply known as “others.” What gains them a listing in the great faith chapter? “Others were tortured, cruelly mocked, scourged, in bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, sawn asunder, tempted, slain with the sword. They wandered
about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” Did faith fail them? Because of what faith is commonly thought to entail, some might be tempted to think of this list of others as examples of what happens when we don’t have faith! Some might think that these others are set in contrast to those who conquered by faith. After all, surely faith means conquering and not being conquered? being prosperous rather than destitute? being delivered rather than being killed? Yet we are told, “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith” (Heb. 11:39). These are not faith’s “also ran’s.” They are heroes
of the faith. In fact, in many ways, the faith of these others is more profound and more inspiring than those who won obvious victories. Who were these others? While their names are unknown to us, they are not unknown to the Lord! Their accomplishments might not currently share the widespread appreciation as those of Abraham, Moses, or Daniel. But heaven and eternity will tell a different story! We might find ourselves in the category of others. If so, remember: “these all…obtained a good report through faith” (Heb. 11:39). Their faith had a quality that was especially remarkable. They trusted God even when sense and circumstance seemed to weigh against doing so. What an encouragement to the Hebrews to whom these words were originally written! No doubt some of them thought that their suffering and the persecution they were experiencing were an evidence of God’s disfavor and proof of their lack of faith, but being reminded that many believers had suffered by faith would help to dispel such fears. For our part, had the others not been listed, we might view our own faith as subpar if it didn’t end in the type of conspicuous triumphs that are mentioned first in Hebrews 11. But because these others are included, we can be comforted and strengthened in times of suffering, knowing that such trials are opportunities for faith to shine. In difficult times, may we draw the same encouragement from these others as was intended for those to whom the words were first written.
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why we web life lines
Using Social Video to Reach the Lost by CRAWFORD PAUL
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ccording to its own statistics, YouTube has 800 million unique users who visit every month. Over three billion videos are viewed every single day. More video is uploaded to YouTube in one month than the three major US networks have created in 60 years! Those numbers only refer to Youtube and don’t include other video hosting sites. Video is one of the best ways to share information. It provides the opportunity to reach millions through a medium that grabs the heart of the viewer. One question that I hear is, “Isn’t video expensive and hard to do?” When it comes to professional video production, that might be true, but it’s not true of social video. Today’s YouTube watcher isn’t so concerned about seeing TV-quality video. They are more interested in the content. With that in mind, video becomes very affordable and relatively easy to use. Most point and shoot cameras and smart phones offer high resolution video and even have a direct upload to YouTube. Social sites such as Facebook also offer apps to upload video directly. There are many tutorials online showing how this is done. So get out there and record some video to present the gospel! Here are some tips for using video to that end. Keep it compact. Don’t drag out your video. People aren’t interested in
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someone droning on and on. If you have something to say, then say it quickly and concisely. Remember, it’s the power of the Word of God that will bring people to Himself. Usually, any video longer than a few minutes will not be watched, so keep it short and to the point. Make it creative. Throw in some humor and color—just don’t be condescending or silly. Everyone talks about wanting the next viral video, but it doesn’t have to be crazy or off-the-wall. Take some time to think about what you want to accomplish and plan it well. There are some different styles you can try: 1. Testimony. This is where a person is in front of the camera and telling a story. Try switching angles and changing how close the camera is to the speaker to keep it interesting. 2. Film. In this format, you tell a story through the use of locations and sets. This is more intensive but can produce excellent results. 3. Text and images. This style is easy to put together using music, images, and text, and can be very effective. Keep it simple. People don’t care about elaborate sets or perfect lighting; they care about whether the content is captivating in some way. So get out your regular camcorder, smart phone, or point and
shoot, come up with something creative, and start filming. Make it relevant. Don’t just produce random videos but make sure the same clear message of hope and salvation is evident. Pick topics that people can relate to and will want to watch more of. Think of practical ways to share the gospel. The Lord used everyday objects to relay His truth. So give video a shot! Set up an account with Youtube or Vimeo and put your videos out there. It can be fun as well as being an excellent way to reach the world for Christ. Here are a few websites you can check out to see others doing video for the Lord and to get some ideas: www.skitplanet.com www.skitguys.com www.ignitermedia.com/mini-movies
mega-truth God’s BIG ideas
Your faith can grow “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).
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aith is essential. We are saved by faith and live by faith. But faith is not an off-on switch, where you believe God or you don’t. When our Lord said, “Have faith in God” (Mk. 11:22), He was speaking to disciples who (with one exception) were already believers. After all, they believed in a prayer-hearing God. But would He grant their requests? “Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them” (v. 24). Ay, there’s the rub! Believe? Yes! Receive? Did Jesus really mean that? The Lord saw the evidence of great faith in a Lebanese woman who pled for table crumbs: “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire” (Mt. 15:28). Likewise He “marvelled” at a centurion’s faith, another Gentile: “I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!…Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you” (Mt. 8:10-13). In the midst of a storm, the disciples’ panicked minds surmised that the sleeping Savior could somehow perish and they with Him. He rebuked first them and then the storm, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith? Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm” (Mt. 8:26). Seemingly Mark records an added comment after the storm: “The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And He said to them, Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mk. 4:40). No faith?
by Jabe Nicholson
On another occasion, it was broad daylight and on terra firma, not wet and wild. The question was, If God supervises the rest of the universe, including the desert grass which has a one-day lifespan, will He somehow overlook His children? (See Mt. 6:30.) Again, He measures such wobbly trust as “little faith.” Once more on Galilee, the disciples thought they had seen a ghost one night. What follows seems to me to be a demonstration of gigantic faith. Peter asked the Lord for an invite to join Him on the sea, and, receiving His “Come,” stepped out onto the heaving surf. But, distracted by the storm, he began to sink and cried out for help. “Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand, and caught him, and said to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Mt. 14:31). The fact that our sympathies are with the fisherman may indicate that we too find a little boat a safer place somehow than the invitation of the One by whose word everything is upheld (Heb. 1:3). Why do I doubt Him? One day, the disciples forgot to pack a lunch. Worried, though the Creator was standing beside them, their faith was prodded again: “O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves, because you have brought no bread?” (Mt. 16:8). Then He gave the reason: “Do you not… remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up? Nor the seven loaves of the four thou-
sand and how many large baskets you took up?” (vv. 9-10). Faith should be able to feed on the Lord’s past faithfulness, especially on His abounding largesse. One day when the Lord was teaching, His disciples made the request, “Increase our faith” (Lk. 17:5). Good idea! Specifically, it had to do with enough faith to forgive others. But is it not the same faith that believes there is enough in the Cross to forgive me all my trespasses? Paul also states that our faith can increase (2 Cor. 10:15). Stephen and Barnabas were full of faith (Acts 6:5; 11:24). Some, like the Romans and Thessalonians, had such faith in God that it became word-ofmouth advertising for the gospel (Rom. 1:8; 1 Thess. 1:8). O for faith like that! We know that faith is the Spirit’s fruit (Gal. 5:22) so obviously He can grow it in us as Christ is at home in our hearts (Eph. 3:17). We also know that our faith is purified through testing (1 Pet. 1:7) and that spiritual interaction with God’s people results in the furtherance and joy of our faith (Php. 1:25). We remember that faith works through love (Gal. 5:6) and is energized by reading the Word (Rom. 10:17). Yet surely, if faith is in God, that faith should grow as we grow in knowing Him. Not ideas about God, but God Himself. When we see God working in our everyday lives—wise, loving, thoughtful, generous—our faith should flourish. Increase our faith!
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If the outlook is dark, try the uplook.
The orphanage for 2000 children in Halle, Prussia
Faith's Genealogy Of the Lord Jesus the question was prophetically asked: "Who shall declare His generation?" (Isa. 53:8). Crucified at 33, and unmarried, how could He have children? But He has! They are children by faith, and He shall some day with joy declare: "Behold I and the children whom God has given Me" (Heb. 2:13). Remember Paul spoke of his son in the faith, Timothy. It was not that he had led him to Christ. Timothy had been led to faith at home, but Paul had "helped along" the young man's faith. He was then able to send Timothy to Thessalonica, as he wrote, to "establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith" (1 Thess. 3:2). George Müller was, without question, a man of great faith. And when we believe God in a big way, we can inspire others to trust Him, too. George Müller inspired Abigail Townsend Luffe to start El Nathan, a home for the elderly in Buffalo, NY. It also functioned on the faith principle: "let your requests be made known to GOD." She had no physical children, but Grace Pell was inspired by a personal meeting with Sister Abigail to give her life to the same ministry, and so Rest Haven Homes came into being. Sister Grace also seemed to be childless, but eternity will reveal her great progeny of the faithful, including this author. But who came before George Muller in the genealogy of faith? Was he the father of the line of faith? Certainly not! So whose son in the faith was he? We haven't far to look. In his autobiography, Müller wrote: "About the time I first began to preach I lived for about two months in free lodgings, provided for poor students of divinity in the Orphan House, built in dependence upon God, by that devoted and eminent servant of Christ, A.H. Franke, Professor of Divinity at Halle, who died in 1727. I mention this, as some years afterwards I was benefited myself through the faith of this dear man of God." "Whose faith follow…" (Heb. 13:7). —J.B.N.