larry d. smith...god’s revivalist and bible advocate(issn 0745-0788) is published nine times a...

October 2003Volume 115 No. 7

FEATURES The Place Of The Will In Christian 5

Experience by Warren McIntire

DEPARTMENTS The Editor’s View 2The President’s Page 3Letters To The Editor 4The World To Win 42nd Thoughts 6Faith In The Future Campaign 8GBS Alumni Spotlight 6News From The Hilltop 10Revivalist Family 10Dear Phil 14Archives 16Revivalist Pulpit 17Mending Nets 21Thoughts For The Quiet Hour 23

EDITORLarry D. Smith

STAFFMyra Brown, production managerKevin Moser, art directorJon Plank, graphic designer

God’s Revivalist and Bible Advocate (ISSN 0745-0788) is published ninetimes a year for $10.00 per year ($11.50 in Canada and foreign countries)by the Revivalist Press of God’s Bible School, College and MissionaryTraining Home, 1810 Young Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. Periodicalpostage paid at Cincinnati, Ohio, and at additional mailing offices. POST-MASTER: send address changes to God’s Revivalist and Bible Advocate,1810 Young Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.

God’s Revivalist and Bible Advocate, the official organ of God’s Bible School, is a mag-azine founded by Martin Wells Knapp in July of 1888. We seek to proclaim the goodnews of salvation; to stir a revival spirit among Christians; to stimulate Christian growthand responsible Christian living; to present the happenings and interests of God’sBible School.

Please obtain permission before reprinting any articles from God’s Revivalistand Bible Advocate. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcomed, but notreturned.

God’s Bible School and College does not discriminate on the basis of age,race, color, national or ethnic origin, or against otherwise qualified handi-capped persons in its admission of students or employment of its facultyand staff.

God’s Bible School and College can be reached by telephone at (513) 721-7944 (Revivalist Press, ext. 296); by fax at (513) 721-3971;by E-Mail at [email protected] or [email protected].

CONTENTS

LARRY D. SMITH

WHEN BISHOPS WEEP

It’s not often that a bishop weeps, at least in public. Butthat’s what happened August 5th during the EpiscopalChurch’s General Convention in Minneapolis. For as theRev. Kendall Harmon of South Carolina reported, he was ata luncheon meeting “where a bishop of this church wasthinking and praying over what this Convention was aboutto do. He stood, and he was so overcome by emotion thathe trembled. His eyes welled with tears. He tried twice tospeak, but he was unable to verbalize his feelings becauseof the depth of his grief.”

For as he feared, the convention was soon to confirman active and acknowledged homosexual priest as bishopof New Hampshire. This action demonstrated the church’s“tolerance” and “inclusiveness,” according to its liberalwing. But traditionalists charged that it was illegal andheretical, since it approved what God condemned. In theHouse of Bishops, 62 voted in favor and 43 against.

With “grief too deep for words,” some 20 of those 43stood up in heroic protest before their fellow bishops. “Thisbody…has departed from the historic faith and order of theChurch of Jesus Christ,” they asserted. “This body hasdenied the plain teaching of Scripture and the moral con-sensus of the Church throughout the ages.” At the end theysolemnly intoned, “May God have mercy on His Church.”

In the House of Deputies, the Rev. Mr. Harmon was just aspointed. “Though many of you are celebrating, many of us aremourning,” he declared. Then he told of the grieving faithful—

“A 24-year-old woman, married just five weeks ago inthe Episcopal Church, sobbed uncontrollably over what shefelt was betrayal by her Church.

“A 56-year-old layman said, ‘I’ve been faithful to God’ssexual standards all my life, and now my bishop and mychurch tell me it doesn’t matter.’

(continued on page 22)➡

GOD'S REVIVALIST and BIBLE ADVOCATE

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theeditor’s

view

Occasionally the Lord allows us to see a biblical truth illustrated in reallife. Sharon Makcen is a fine Christian woman, a phenomenal pastor’swife, and a mother of three boys. Her husband, Greg, became ill a fewmonths ago with an illness that couldn’t be diagnosed. As Greg’s life slowlyebbed away, Sharon sat with doctors as they offered no answers and little hope.I was with Sharon when the primary physician told her he didn’t know whatwas wrong and didn’t know what else to do but to transfer her husband to amajor university hospital where specialists could work with him. The doctor,who was a Christian, then asked if he could lead the family in prayer. Afterprayer, Sharon stood in the middle of the room and spoke these words withgreat conviction, “I know God’s way is best. I have perfect peace in my heart.”A few days later, Greg died. After the funeral, Sharon spoke those same wordsagain, “God’s way is best; I have peace in my heart.”

In the days since, the words of Psalm 34:19 have been ringing in my ears.“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out ofthem all.” The Psalmist did not say that God’s people would never have pain,heartache, or trouble. Instead, the Psalmist said that those who put their trustin God will find that trouble is never the last word—never the final answer!Paul said it this way, “We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed;we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struckdown, but not destroyed” (II Corinthians 4:8-9).

From the deep despair of a Nazi concentration camp, Corrie TenBoom asked her sister Betsie this question, “Betsie, why has God let thishappen to us?” Betsie replied, “Corrie, we are here so that the world mayknow that there is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still.”

Betsie and Sharon both found that while we walk with God, troublenever triumphs. And when our day of trouble comes, we, too, will find

the same.

TROUBLE NEVER TRIUMPHS

by Michael R. Avery, president

thepresident’s

page

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TO THE EDITOR

MISSIONS REPORTS

Each month we publish brief “field reports” from missionar-ies around the world. Missionaries are invited to send us theirnewsletters and other information about their activities. GBSgraduates are especially urged to respond, but we also wish toinclude others who uphold our vision and our commitment.

CHINAFrom the Far East Mission Report: “God’s pres-

ence was close and precious at both the baptism andcommunion service…. In a makeshift baptistrybehind locked doors 20 candidates were symboli-cally buried and resurrected with Christ…. Out ofall the people, I felt the most precious ones to bebaptized were the three migrant trash collectors whocame from a northern province a year ago to pickthrough the garbage piles of the city, looking for use-ful items they could sell to make a bare living…“ —Ropeholders.

ERITREA“EFM headquarters is praising the Lord for the

wise choice of a leader by the Eritrean church. Hisname is Asmelash Ogbaselasie. EFM President StevenManley says, ‘He is a man in his sixties, spirituallyminded, and solid as a rock.” —Ropeholders.

HAITI“It is a pleasure to share with you a report of the

great Ladies Convention. There was a wonderful spirit.There were 407 ladies registered, not counting theladies from Drouillard. Brother Bryan Rauschenbergerwas the evangelist. The crowning service was one nightwhen Brother Rauschenberger preached a marvellousmessage on sanctification. People poured out of theirseats. The front filled up. One aisle was well filled, andmany went down at their seats to pray. Oh, what pray-ing! Sunday morning that multitude of ladies had theirtriumphant march around town.” —Holiness PilgrimMission Reporter


Letters should be addressed to the Editorial Office, 1810 YoungStreet, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, or e-mailed to [email protected] reprinted here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of theeditor of God’s Revivalist nor those of the administration of God’sBible School. Names and locations of writers will be withheld at theirspecific request or at the discretion of the editor. We reserve the rightto edit and condense.

HILLTOP REVIVALIST?I do not wish to renew my subscription to the God’s

Revivalist. I am tired of reading about the “Hilltop.” All thatis in the paper is “Hilltop,” “Hilltop.” I get tired of that.When I subscribe to a religious paper I like some goodspiritual reading, and the Revivalist does not have verymuch of that. All I see is “Hilltop.” I have a suggestion thatinstead of God’s Revivalist, it be called Hilltop Revivalist.

AGNES HAINMount Joy, Pennsylvania

INSPIRATIONAL, FAITH-BUILDING ARTICLESI appreciate so much receiving God’s Revivalist. The

articles are an inspiration and faith builder for me. Andwhile I have never been to the school…I read with inter-est the news of the school and the students…. I hope a[GBS musical] group will come to my part of the countrysometime.

MARY PRIOREmail

FAMILIAR NAMESThe paper has become very attractive and contains

some excellent articles. I also look for familiar names. Iwas a student there from 1933–35 in the junior college.

ERMA (MOORE) BLAIRIndiana, Pennsylvania

OBEDIENCE AND FAITH Just wanted you to know how much I appreciate

“Thoughts for the Quiet Hour” [by Anita Brechbill] inGod’s Revivalist. The one on obedience and faith,March, 2003, really struck me. I had it copied and gaveit to a number of people. God bless you as you keeppenning the truth! There are some appreciative hearts.

SIS. FORREST TYLER Westfield, Indiana



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OCTOBER 2003

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Going about in the work of evangelism and after dealing personally withmany individuals, I have become convinced that something needs tobe said that will help people to understand the importance of thehuman will in Christian experience.

That the will is the prime human factor in man’s relation to God as hisSaviour is so basic to a sound, well-established Christian experience thatthose who do not recognize this fact, and act accordingly, make up the majorpart of those who are unstable and repeatedly backsliders.

Let us take a moment and notice what Rev. 22:17 says, “The Spirit andthe bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that isathirst come. And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.” Notjust whosoever (that leaves something lacking), but whosoever will. It is thedecision of the will that is the determining factor. God is able to work thewonders of His grace when people are willing. When the Holy Spirit pleadsand the human will agrees, then God can wonderfully save.

In creating us, God built into the very structure of our being a set of tools,as it were, with which we weigh, evaluate, guide and construct (p7)➡


06

“Who shall separate us from the loveof Christ?” (Romans 8:35)

Inever recall having heard or read anextended defense of the Calvinisticdoctrine of “unconditional eternalsecurity” that did not, at some point,appeal to Romans 8:35 for support.This teaching, which has saturated theairwaves of Christian radio, has beensuccinctly stated as “once saved,always saved.”

Who shall separate us from thelove of Christ? Tribulation? Distress?Persecution? From these rhetoricalquestions, it is then firmly extrapolatedthat absolutely nothing—including

willful, premeditated sin—canjeopardize our position in Christ, oncethat standing has been established.

But does this precious passagereally support that popular teaching?Not at all! The verse reads, “Who shallseparate us from the love of Christ?” Itmust be observed that the “love ofChrist” is not the same thing as thesalvation that comes by grace throughfaith in Him. All men, both saved andlost, are objects of Christ’sunfathomable love. My father wouldoften remind his congregation, “Thosewho go to hell will go there unsaved,but they will not go there unloved.”How true! Again I say, we must make a

careful distinction between thesalvation that is offered in Christ andthe love that He directs toward all men.

So just what does this verse mean,then, if it is not a blanket guarantee of“unconditional eternal security?” AdamClarke offers the unique proposal thatour love toward Christ is the issue Paulhas in mind. At first glance this seemsto fit the context. Let’s paraphrase:“What might diminish your love forChrist? Tribulation? Distress?Persecution?” In other words, inClarke’s view, Paul is urging Christiansnot to allow trials and hardships toweaken their love for the Saviour.

More likely, however, is theinterpretation that the “love” spoken ofhere is Christ’s love toward theChristian. Paul’s point is that justbecause we may experience hardshipand trial, it does not necessarily followthat we are no longer the objects ofChrist’s affection. Paul had just raisedthe subject of life’s unfairness in verse28 by reminding us that “all things(presumably he has in mind thedifficulties of life) work together forgood.” Then, the thought continues:Don’t make the mistake of presumingthat life’s reverses, challenges, andhardships indicate that you are beyondthe reach of His love. Never! In fact,we overcome these challengesspecifically because we are assured ofthe steady and superabundant love ofGod (v. 37). Then Paul repeats his pointthat hardships are not a sign of God’sestrangement from us (v. 39).

It would be unfortunate tooverlook the glad intent of thesefamiliar verses. Saint of God, takecourage! Dark clouds are no sign ofHis disaffection! On the other hand, itis an equal misfortune to go beyondthe intent of this sacred passage andpresume what is clearly not intended,namely, that nothing—particularly“high-handed rebellion” againstAlmighty God—can alter our standingin His eyes.

Ben Durr Jr. is a pastor and member of thefaculty in the Division of MinisterialEducation, God’s Bible School and College.

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➡ (p5) our lives. These tools are reason, judgment andthe will. Reason looks at a given matter from every angle,turns it over, takes it apart, examines it and lays the factsbefore the judgment. Judgment weighs the facts, listensto the plea of desire, draws upon experience for evi-dence for or against, hears what conscience has to say,considers the suggestion of Satan and the advice of God,draws its conclusion and submits its recommendation tothe will for decision as to action or restraint. The will,which is the executive agent of personality, activates itsdecision as to action or restraint and thus determines thecourse which a man takes. This action of the will deter-mines moral attitude, action, relationship and responsibil-ity. It is thus that the soul maintains innocence before Godor comes under a cloud of guilt.

The whole matter resolves itself into this simpleform: every sinner becomes what he is by a decision, orrepeated decisions, of his will; every Christian becomeswhat he is by a decision, or repeated decisions, of hiswill. The following will illustrate.

The work of the Holy Spirit in conviction may bedeep and pungent and fully sufficient to lead to salva-tion, but there will be no finding forgiveness and peacewith God until by a decision of the will one turns fromsin and, meeting the conditions of surrender, repen-tance and faith, obtains the Divine pardon.

The work of the Holy Spirit in warning of the dan-gerous nature of carnality and in convincing the believerof his need of a pure heart may be definite and fully ade-quate to bring him into a clear experience of sanctifyinggrace, but he will never obtain a pure heart until by adecision of his will he yields to God, makes a completeconsecration, enters into a holy covenant with the Lordand seeks the sanctifying indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

There is no keeping saved apart from repeated deci-sions of the will, as problems arise, to agree with God andside with Jesus. The power of God to keep is effectiveonly in conjunction with the decision of the believer’s willto cooperate with Christ by obediently walking in lightand keeping true. When the believer thus furnishes thewill to be kept, God furnishes the keeping power.

There is no growth in grace without a firmly main-tained decision of the will to make progress spiritually.The point of greatest weakness in the Christian experi-ence of many people is the lack of a definitely made andaggressively maintained decision of the will to grow spir-itually, walking and working in glad cooperation with theHoly Spirit as He seeks to teach, guide and mature.

There is no keeping true to one’s appointed callingin life, whatever it may be, apart from a vigorously main-tained decision of the will to carefully and constantly beobedient to the whole will of God for heart and life.Paul, in Phil 3:13, 14, states how he had this issue defi-

nitely settled, how he kept his will set: “This one thing Ido…I press toward the mark.”

There is no maintaining of a genuine devotional life inthe reading of God’s Word and the kind of praying thatbrings blessings and help, apart from a settled fixedness ofthe will to do this “in spite of” and “at any and all cost.”

In every case, God, ready and anxiously willing,after warning and pleading, awaits the decision of thehuman will. The will decides what God can or cannotdo about saving, sanctifying and keeping. Marvelous,astonishing fateful fact: salvation or damnation turns ona decision of a man’s will.

Sinner friends, the provisions of grace are adequate,the promises of God are reliable, the blood of the Lambis efficacious to cleanse, the constant help of the HolySpirit is available. You can be a Christian if, when Hedeals with you, you set your will to cooperate with Him.This you must do very soon or, by your neglect, you willpass beyond all hope of salvation. Hesitancy and post-ponement ultimately, and very quickly, become fatal.

My Christian friend, if you want to do so, God willhelp you to maintain a firm decision of your will to walkhumbly, to reject evil and do the right, at once to correctmistakes, rectify unintentional wrongs, heal accidentalwounds, earnestly push on and keep true to Christ. Thusthe Lord Jesus will aid and enable you to keep in con-stant victory. If you have not already done so, definitelysettle it right now to keep your will doing its part in themaintaining of a good Christian experience. God is wait-ing to work out in your heart and life all the provisionsof Calvary. This decision and the setting of your will toalways cooperate with Him not only will determine yourpresent happiness, but also the future of your Christianexperience, your character in this world and your des-tiny beyond the grave. Dear Lord Jesus, by Thy graceand the help of Thy Holy Spirit, enable me to so main-tain this set of my will that I can know with David, “Myheart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed.”

The late Rev. Warren C. McIntire was a well-known 2oth centuryMethodist evangelist from the Kentucky Conference.

THE PLACE OF THE WILL… continued

Every sinner becomes what he is by

a decision, or repeated decisions, of

his will; every Christian becomes

what he is by a decision, or

repeated decisions, of his will.

For more information on the Faith In The Future Campaign, please fill in the information below and mail to: Jack Hooker, Vice-President for Advancement, God’s Bible School and College, 1810 Young Street, Cincinnati, OH45202; or call 513-721-7944 ext. 223; or email [email protected] . Information is also available at www.gbs.edu .

Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Are you a GBS alumnus? . . . . . . . . . . . years attended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

❒ Please send me an informational campaign video in the following format: ❒ DVD or ❒ VHS

T he Faith in theFuture CapitalCampaign for God's BibleSchool and College continuesto grow. By passing the onemillion dollar mark we are wellon our way to reaching the firstphase goal of 1.4 million dollars.With your help we would like tocomplete that goal by year's end.Commitments to the campaign arepayable over the next three years.The campaign phases andobjectives are listed here. Thiscampaign will position God's BibleSchool and College for growth andincreased effectiveness in theyears ahead. Please allow me tosend you more information byfilling out the cutout below. Yourinvestment in our future will bea great help in continuing themission of training youngpeople for Christian service.

Jack Hooker

JACK HOOKERVice-President

for Advancement

P H A S E I — I M M E D I A T E N E E D S• Student Housing/Service/Parking

Room and infrastructure to meet student needs.• Library Fulfillment

Completion of our obligations related to library expansion.• Campus Expansion and Procurement

The purchase of additional housing and property adjacent to the campus.• Faculty Housing

Renovate present housing and purchase additional housing for faculty.

T O T A L C O S T F O R P H A S E I : $ 1 , 4 0 0 , 0 0 0

P H A S E I I — R E S P O N S E T OG R O W T H• New Facilities/Revivalist Press Building ($200,000)

New housing for Facilities Management and Revivalist Press.• Relocation of Aldersgate Academy ($150,000)

State-of-the-art learning facilities in the two lower floors of theRevivalist Memorial Building.

• Relocating College Music Department ($50,000)New practice rooms, classrooms, office space and a choir/orchestra room.

• New Entrance to the Campus ($500,000)A new “front door” to the campus, expanded parking, andrenovation of existing music studio into a welcome center and offices.

• Academy Entrance Improvements ($50,000)This includes new signage and entrance improvements.

T O T A L C O S T F O R P H A S E I I : $ 9 5 0 , 0 0 0

P H A S E I I I — C H A P E L E X P A N S I O N• Balcony Annex

A foyer entrance with ground-floor restrooms. The new balcony section will be utilized as a large lecture room.

T O T A L C O S T F O R P H A S E I I I : $ 5 0 0 , 0 0 0

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COMPELLED BY COMPASSION

By Jack Hooker, Vice President for Advancement

Most of our readers are familiar with the organiza-tion Habitat for Humanity, and they may equatethe work of this charity with former U.S.President Jimmy Carter. But you probably aren’t awarethat the beginnings of Habitat involve a GBS alumnus.

In 1968, Sam Emerick joined with sixteen other per-sons who met in Sumpter County, Georgia, to discuss waysof addressing the need for affordable housing among thepoor. Soon thereafter, the first housing project was built,housing 27 families who had known great deprivation.Later, a project was started in Bandaka, Zaire, to test theidea in the Third World. In 1973, another gathering of thesame group shaped more principles for the effort. Theyincluded a Biblical basis for the work. Most work would bedone by masses of volunteers, and no government fundswould be used. Families would invest designated hours inthe construction of their new homes, which would be con-sidered “a hand up and not a hand out.” In 1976, Emerickand three colleagues continued developmental planning,including the designation of persons for a Board ofDirectors. Emerick was elected to the first four-year termas president of the International Board.

Over the last 25 years, Habitat for Humanity hasgrown to a world-wide organization. Today, a Habitathome is built every 26 minutes. That’s more than 55houses per day or 21,000 per year. Over 145,000 homeshave been built in 83 countries. This represents housing

for more than 500,000 people. Habitat is truly a hope-building movement.

Sam Emerick credits his involvement in Habitat forHumanity to a decision made in 1932 in Maryland. Itwas there his pastor persuaded him to travel toCincinnati, Ohio, and enroll in the high school of God’sBible School. He graduated in 1934. While at GBS, Samsaw something that changed his life and compelled himto compassion. His words tell the story: “All of this has itsconnection with GBS, because it stems from the com-passion that was stirred in me when I saw the 16,000children and 2,000 destitute adults at our Thanksgivingmeal. I was not aware of the impact at the time, but ithas grown on me through the years. I am sure that theSpirit that inspires the will and the deed has been the linkin the services I’ve been privileged to render.”

Sam went on to serve as President of the CollierCounty, Florida, chapter of Habitat. In 2003, that projectwill build 100 houses in that county. As another picture ofhis servant heart, last spring at 87 years of age, he cut 190dozen gardenias from his garden and carried them to sixnursing homes in the area. Today, Samuel testifies, “I am adebtor to God’s grace that opened many doors of oppor-tunity in my life. In my 87th year my focus is to will ONEthing—the will of God.” For over 103 years the emphasison the Hilltop has been on servant compassion. ThankGod that influence lives on in the lives of our alumni!

SAM EMERICK MIDST HIS GRADUATING CLASS OF 1934SAM EMERICK MIDST HIS GRADUATING CLASS IN 1934


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On these pages, we featureitems about GBS alumni,vital statistics, significantevents scheduledthroughout the “Revivalistfamily,” and brief newsnotes from across theholiness movement. An itemfor inclusion in the“Revivalist Family” must besubmitted within fourmonths of the event which itreports and should beaddressed to the EditorialOffice, 1810 Young Street,Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; [email protected].

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED ATCONVOCATION SERVICES

President Michael Avery’s stirringsermon, “Knowing God,” at morningworship services, Sunday, August 24,set a high spiritual standard for GBS’s104th academic year. Summoningstudents and faculty to authenticrelationship with God, he called forrenewed spiritual commitment andtrue revival. “Convocation services”on the Sunday immediately prior tothe first day of classes have become atradition on the Hilltop. The Rev. JackHooker, Vice President forAdvancement preached in the

evening service on the theme“For Such A Time As This.”

As is the usual custom,annual scholarship awardswere presented during themorning service, and recipi-ents were personally congrat-

ulated by the president. Dr.Kenneth Farmer, Vice President

of Academic Affairs, presentedthe following Divisional

Scholarships, which are four-yeartuition awards:

(1) The Charles CowmanMissions Scholarship, ClarissaAtchley and Titus Byer; (2) The R.E.McNeill Music Scholarship, DanielBond and Brandon Hilligoss; (3) TheNettie Peabody Teacher EducationScholarship, Amy Morris and JessicaSchaper; and (4) The Martin WellsKnapp Ministerial Scholarship, EdWalker.

Vice President Hooker also pre-sented the following endowedscholarships for the 2003–2004school term:

(1) Crawford FamilyScholarships, $1,600, Ashley Hilland $1,000, Mary Hollenbach; (2)

Myrtle Jessup Ministerial Scholarship,$200, Nathan Weaver; (3) MarvinJewell Ministerial Scholarship, $200,Joshua Peck; (4) Frank LittleScholarship, $750, Curtis Going; (5)David and Clare Martin Scholarship,$700, Jaime Lemons; (6) C. HelenMooshian Scholarship, $550,Elizabeth Davis; (7) Rhyne MemorialScholarship, $450, Scott Williams;(8) H.E. Schmul, Sr., Scholarship,$1,500, Andrew Street; (9) VaughnSomers Memorial Scholarship, $80,Cindy Matlock; (10) Meredith andFlorence Vance Scholarship, $750,Andrea Ratcliff; (11) Mr. and Mrs.K.W. Wong Scholarship, $1,700,Theresa Campbell; (12) Ethel BelleBaughey Scholarship, $100, JonAyars; (13) Elmer C. Farmer PastoralScholarship, $1,000, Joe Reimann;(14) Rev. William E. and Hazel C.Jackson Scholarship, $80, KimEasley; (15) Dr. Leslie WilcoxScholarship, $180, JonathanBartolomeo; (16) Edna Erle BrothersMesserschmidt MemorialScholarship, $900, Belinda Anders;(17) Merle D. Wolf MemorialScholarship, $150, Aaron Terry; (18)

MARRIAGES

Jonathan Makcen to Trisha Elkins, September 13,2003, Mason, Ohio, The Rev. Ben Durr, Sr., officiating.

DEATHS

The Rev. Gregory S. Makcen, 43, died August 20in Birmingham, Alabama. An elder in the AlabamaConference of the Bible Methodist Connection, hewas pastor of the Bible Methodist church inTuscaloosa. He also served as conference youth presi-dent and as chairman of the Southern District IndoorCamp, and always he exerted a profound spiritualinfluence. A loyal friend of GBS, he was active in rais-ing funds for scholarships. Survivors include his wife,Sharon; his sons, Jonathan, a former GBS student,

THE REV. GREGORY MAKCEN FAMILYTHE REV. GREGORY MAKCEN FAMILY

OCTOBER 2003

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Timothy, a current GBS student, and Stephen; one sisterKimberly; and his parents.

Funeral services and burial were held in Tuscaloosawith the Rev. Gene Hood and the Rev. WalterHedstrom, officiating. Other clergy included the Rev.James Keaton and the Rev. Michael Avery. Conductingthe committal service were the Rev. Ben Durr, Sr., andthe Rev. Daniel Stetler.

Pastor Makcen was a man of conviction, of firm com-mitment to Biblical holiness, and a shepherd full of com-passion to all men. He was a hero to several young peo-ple as he inspired them to take God’s way by his vibrant,enthusiastic, fervent spirit. —Walter Hedstrom, Presi-dent, Alabama Conference, Bible Methodist Connection

The Rev. Martin Luther Peterson, 91 died August 9,2003. He was an ordained minister and gave many yearsas missionary, evangelist and pastor of the Pilgrim Holiness

Church and later The WesleyanChurch. Preceded in death by hisfirst wife Fern Nelson Peterson andhis daughter Linda Peterson Had-den, he is survived by his wife HelenWeaver Peterson; his stepsons Fred-erick M. Weaver and Stephen E.Weaver; his son-in-law Mitch Had-den and children Marla, Michelle,and Mark, and other relatives and

friends. Burial was in the Beal Memorial Cemetery, FortWalton Beach, Florida, the Rev. Dan Norman officiating.

CORRESPONDENCE

“You will note that Ruth attended God’s BibleSchool and College from 1937, until she (p12)➡

Nathaniel Joslin MemorialScholarship, $500, Joshua Peck; (19)Stanley Kendall/Stanton ChristianSchool Scholarship, $600, TimothyMakcen; (20) Aubrey Elam IndoorCamp Scholarship, $400, SherilynStetler; (21) The Carl Victor andBessie Hedstrom and Alvin andGertrude Hedstrom MemorialScholarship, $500, Mark McCall;(22) The Chester C. Elliot and LeliahE. Roberts Elliot Scholarship, $600,Matt Jackson; (23) The Hazel(Trouten) Scheid Memorial

Scholarship, $100, Jonathan Phillips;(24) The John O. (Mickey) and AnnieE. McGuire Memorial Scholarship,$500, David Cassity; (25) TheLeonard and Janet SankeyScholarship, $500, Jaron Bovard;(26) The Delwyn Speth Scholarship,$500, Stephanie Grosso; (28) TheMcClain Scholarship, $1,000, SherriJones; (26) The Norma J. SturgeonMemorial Scholarship, $1,500, P.D.Wolfe; (27) The Gertrude TaylorMemorial Scholarship, $400, JessicaStroup; (28) The Dr. J.D. Young

Memorial Scholarship, $500, MarkMarriott; (29) The Peter J. andPatricia J. Moran Scholarship, $500,George Ordel; (30) The Dr. R.G.Flexon Memorial Scholarship, $50,Roel Cuaresma. A total of 34 stu-dents received endowed scholarshipawards valued at $20,140.

COLLEGE POSTS MODEST GAINSby Dr. Ken Farmer, Vice Presidentfor Academic Affairs

Several years ago, we set somerather ambitious enrollment goals,agreeing on a growth rate of 7% peryear. We accomplished this forthree straight years! Then came Fall2002—emphasis on “fall.” Insteadof gaining, we took a step back-ward—registering an enrollment of247 for a 5% loss. That hurt!Compounding this problem was thefact that we had to replace a rathersizable graduating class last year—42 students. We had our work cutout for us.

We had some good PR groupstraveling this summer that (p12)➡

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS WITH PRES. AVERY AND DIVISIONAL CHAIRPERSONS


12

➡ (p11) helped get out the GBSmessage. Also, back at home base,student recruiters Keith Waggonerand Jennifer Fikes feverishly workedthe phones, trying to turn prospectsinto real, live GBS students.

The combined recruitmenteffort worked! This year we areback on the upward track. Ourenrollment for Fall 2003 is 252!That is only a small increase, but,hey, it is an increase! We are gladfor every single one of our 252 stu-dents. We thank Keith and Jenny fortheir hard work!

Our ratio of full-time equivalen-cy (230.38) to headcount stands at91.4% which is above the averagefor all AABC colleges last year.

What can you do to help? Gladyou asked. My father used to saythat GBS is the frontline of the bat-tle. The devil is desperately trying tointerfere with our efforts to equipChristian workers. Covenant with usthat every day you will pray for GBSand the students we are training forministry. While you are at it, praythat God will keep sending us quali-

ty students with a burning desire tobe of service to their generation.

STUDENTS REPORT ON SUMMERMISSIONS TEAMS

Under the direction of Dan Glick,chair of the Division of InterculturalStudies and World Missions, GBSsponsored summer missions teams toUkraine, Mexico, and the CaymanIslands. Following are field reportsfrom participating students.

UKRAINE. Team members: MaryBevin, Joe Kretowski, LynetteTroyer, David Cassity, and DanGlick (sponsor).

Ukraine gave us smiles andtears. Our hearts were merry as wetried Ukrainian food like “borscht”(cabbage soup), thought up creativeways to remember important phras-es, played street games with the chil-dren, or heard Anatoly, a vibrantpastor, tell us how he would ‘wrrringus out’ before he was through with

NEWS FROM THE HILLTOP continued

continued

➡ (p11) graduated with the BA with an educationmajor in 1941,” writes the Rev. Bruce T. Taylor,Raytown, Missouri, informing us of the death of his wifeRuth D. (Hoover) Taylor (see obituaries, SeptemberRevivalist). “I attended from 1936 to 1940, graduatingfrom high school and taking two years of college beforereturning to Canada because I was draft age. Betweenhigh school and college Ruth went to business college,and that prepared her for years at GBS serving as secre-tary to Mrs. M.G. Standley, and stenographer for all thechapel and special services. In many pictures of thetabernacle, she may be seen sitting at a small table rightin front of the pulpit. Ruth was known as ‘the girl in thelittle white bonnet.’ She transcribed hundreds of ser-mons that appeared either in the Revivalist or books ofsermons. Although I would not denigrate my educationand training that I received during those years, there is

no question that my greatest gain was a wonderful wifeand helpmate, for which I thank God.”

SPECIAL INTEREST

“The family of Greg Makcen (see obituary on page10) would like to thank everyone who sent cards andletters. The prayers and support of friends and family havebeen a real encouragement. Continued love and prayersare greatly appreciated during this time of adjustment. Theenormous amount of love shown has been overwhelmingand a true blessing.” —The Makcen Family, Sharon,Jonathan, Timothy, and Stephen.

Dr. Mark Smith, member of the GBS Board ofTrustees, was accepted into and attended the HarvardInstitute for Executive Management for HigherEducation Administrators during July 13-25. The institute

MEALTIME IN UKRAINE

OCTOBER 2003

13

us—which indeed he did! In justone afternoon we held services atfour of his village churches.

But our hearts were also sor-rowful as we talked with a verygodly pastor and father of ten whois battling severe cancer, wept atthe poverty of many of our broth-ers and sisters, and reflected onthe great need for more Christ-filled shepherds to win and disci-ple people.

The genuine love and hospi-tality which the Ukrainiansshowed our team brought tears tomy eyes. They treated us likehonored guests everywhere we went. Though they havevery little themselves, they lavished it on us. Their ser-vanthood and humility left a mark on us which willcontinue to inspire us to be more giving. —Mary Bevin

MEXICO CITY. Team members: Clarissa Atchley,Elizabeth Reimann, Mitch Bishop, Michelle Sherrard,Trish Shelton, and Katryn Welch

When our plane touched down in Mexico, wewere welcomed to the largest city in the world! Localmissions coordinator John Dykes and Jan met us at theairport, and we set off to be missionaries. Mexico Cityis a huge mission field waiting for laborers. (p15)➡

focused on advance preparation for col-lege presidents and vice presidents andincluded online work from April untilJuly. Dr. Smith was also elected to thecity council, Marion, Indiana, and willtake office on January 1. He was able tounseat a three-term incumbent and isunopposed for the fall election. He

spent many hours meeting the people in the Marion com-munity and won by a 70–30% margin.Mark has also been assisting conserva-tive gubernatorial candidate Rep. DavidMcIntosh in writing education policyand fundraising.

The Rev. Bence C. Miller, formerpresident of God’s Bible School, wasinstalled September 7 as pastor of

the Central Wesleyan Church, Columbus, Indiana.Officiating at the service was District SuperintendentMark Eckart.

The Rev. and Mrs. Robert Brock,New Castle, Indiana, former GBSstaff members, were special speak-ers at services in Papua NewGuinea, August 26–September 29.The Brocks served as missionaries inPNG for many years.

Dr. Mark Eckart,GBS alumni (GBS ‘83

BRE) and former faculty member, is theauthor of the newly-published “GoldenNugget” Old Testament study guides.Student guides are available at $9.99each and leader’s guides at (p15)➡

MORNING COOK NEEDED. Applications arebeing accepted for the position of AM cook in theDining Services Department at God’s BibleCollege. This is a weekday morning position from7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Basic cooking experience,dependability, and the ability to follow recipesand get along well with others as a contributingmember of a team are requirements of this posi-tion. Background check required. Competitivewage and benefits offered. Call Theresa Tucker,Dining Services Manager, at (513), 721-7944, ext.252, between 9 AM and 11 AM, or between 2PM and 4 PM, to schedule your interview.

MEXICO CITY TEAMMEXICO CITY TEAM

“If the Jews are God’s cho-sen people, then why do theynot believe in Jesus? Will theygo to Heaven? —Aaron

Dear Aaron, Paul answers this question in

Romans. In Rom. 9:1-5 Paul saysthat he has great sorrow andanguish in his heart for his fellowJews. He was even willing to bedamned if that would result inthe salvation of the people Godhad chosen and blessed somuch. In Rom. 10:1-4 Paul tellsus why the Jews have notbelieved. Rather than acceptingthe righteousness that comesfrom God through faith in Jesus,they have attempted to makethemselves righteous before Godby keeping the law. But no onecan ever justify himself beforeGod by keeping the law (Gal.3:11). Doing good never cancelsout sin.

However, there is still hopefor the Jews. In Romans 11:17-24, Paul uses the imagery of anolive tree to explain the condi-tion of the Jews. They are“branches” that have been bro-ken out of the olive tree becauseof their unbelief (11:20).Gentiles (that includes you andme) are grafted into the olivetree through faith in Christ

A BIBLICAL RESPONSE

GOD'S REVIVALIST

14

(11:17-20). If a Jew will turn toChrist and believe that God has pro-vided an atonement for his sinsthrough Christ, he will be graftedback into the olive tree (11:23-24).At the same time, Paul warns theGentiles that if they do not continuein faith, they can be cut out just likethe Jews were (11:21-22).

You may be wondering what the“olive tree” is. The olive tree is theline of believers that began withAbraham, the spiritual father of allbelievers (Rom. 4:16) and the physi-cal father of all Jews. Romans 9:6ff isPaul’s explanation of why all thedescendants of Abraham are not

automatically saved: only those whobelieve in Christ (9:33) are consid-ered part of Abraham’s spiritualdescendants. The good news thatJesus died and rose again so that wemight be saved is still the power ofGod to save men, to the Jew first andalso to the Gentile (Rom. 1:17).

Sincerely,PHILIP

Dr. A. Philip Brown II is a member of theministerial faculty of God’s Bible School andCollege. He may be contacted by e-mail [email protected].

➡ (continued from page 4)

MONTANA“Thirty-five years ago Rev. and

Mrs. Robert Pelton first set foot onthe campus of Northwest IndianBible School in Alberton, Montana,where Brother Pelton served as thefirst president of NIBS…. He andhis wife, Marsena Ruth French…have had many years of teachingexperience in Bible schools andcolleges. Their missionary laborshave not only included the NativeAmericans but also the dear peopleof China…. Brother and SisterPelton have sensed God’s peaceand direction as they return to theNIBS campus to assume the posi-tion as interim president ofNorthwest Indian Bible School.”—Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist

RUSSIA“The Good News is still welcome

in many places in Russia! Pleasepray with us that the distribution of30,000 more New Testaments willgo forward. A long-range answer toprayer has been the new center in

the village of Kalinina. For severalmonths we have been holding youthmeetings there. Now we have aname for our center—”Kovchek”—which means “The Ark.” Our “Ark”has landed in a good location forreaching many people. Please praythat [it] will be a place of safety andsalvation for many young lives.” —Richard and Judy Grout (HopeInternational Missions).

UKRAINE“Please pray for the Jason

Sturtevants and the Drummonds inUkraine. They had a service in aremote village Sunday afternoon,and the people want them to comeback each Sunday. Jason reports thatthey are now running up to 30 chil-dren each week in children’s servicesand almost that many teenagers inthe teen gathering. They also havestarted church services each Sundaymorning at the Drummonds’ house.—Steve Sturtevant (Arms Around theWorld).

THE WORLD TO WIN continued

OCTOBER 2003

15


➡ (p13) There are children on the streetsselling things like hand-made dolls. Somesleep on the street because they have nohome or family. Everywhere are people wholack a real relationship with God. We wereable to pass out close to 30,000 tracts, and Ipray that people’s lives will be changedbecause of them. I do have a strong desireto work with Hispanic people, and I left myheart with them. The trip was an experienceI will never forget. —Clarissa Atchley

Dear Bro. Avery, Just wanted to send anote of thanks for the great team of youngpeople that came our way from the school.They were a dedicated group and we enjoyedhaving them with us very much. We look for-ward to working with yourstudents whenever possible! —John Dykes

CAYMAN ISLANDS. Team members: Andrew Street,Alisa Street, Joe Glick, Megan McCall, Jessica Stroup,Katrina McConkey, Jenny Riddle, and Dan Glick(sponsor).

Our VBS in the Cayman Islands was very successfulwith over 40 children in attendance. “Happy People”was the theme, and we told the children that the twosteps to being a “happy person” are loving God andloving people. On Thursday it was exciting to see ourpeak attendance of over 70 animated children respond

to the Spirit of God with real concentration as they lis-tened to the Gospel message. “I experienced new andexciting things,” commented Megan McCall. “I amthankful for this opportunity God gave me, and I amexcited to see what other opportunities He has in storefor me to serve Him and deepen my relationship withHim.” It was a thrilling week of ministry, and we are allhappy to serve Jesus. —Andrew Street.

HILLTOP 2003 DEDICATED TO RONALD SEDLACEK“For Such A Time As This” is the theme of Hilltop

2003, GBS’s yearbook dedicated to high (p20)➡

➡ (p13) $14.99. Order from Dr. Eckart, who may becontacted at P. O. Box 174, Orleans, Indiana 47452;email [email protected], with phone number(812)865-3979.

NOTICES

Gospel Fellowship Church, Upper Glade, WestVirginia, an independent congregation, Wesleyan intheology, is seeking a pastor. Interested persons shouldcontact. Mrs. Barbara Keen at (304)-226-5196 (church)or (800)-352-3147 (at work).

Marriage Matters 2004 will be held at Carlisle Vil-lage Inn, Walnut Creek, Ohio, February 23–24 or 25–26.Seminars will include discussions of various marriage-relat-ed subjects. For further information, write KathleenChurchill, 204 Tulip Drive, Indiana, Pennsylvania 15701.

HITHER AND THITHER

Rev. James A. Southerland, Sr., has been electedConference President of the Pilgrim Holiness Church,succeeding the Rev. Eugene D. Gray, who had servedin that position for nearly 20 years. The Rev. DonaldE. Nichols (GBS ’77 ThB) was elected Conference VicePresident. Mr. Gray was awarded the title “ConferencePresident Emeritus,” and in a special service, July 7,several tributes were presented, honoring the ministryof him and his wife.

Meeting in Seattle, June 28–July 4, the GeneralConference of the Free Methodist Church approved“in principle” a major revision of the denomination’s“Articles of Religion.” The new statement emphasizesthe progressive nature of sanctification but makes nospecific reference to “entire sanctification.” (p20)➡

continued

ANDREW STREET WITH YOUNG CAYMANIAN FRIENDSANDREW STREET WITH YOUNG CAYMANIAN FRIENDS

What fascinating material we have for this archives presenta-tion! Both of the following accounts demonstrate God’s purposein the lives of the same GBS families brought together on theHilltop and committed to His service in the decades since.

CELEBRATING A GBS WEDDING OF 50 YEARS AGO

by Catherine (Taylor) Ellingson

In 1943, a 15-year-old Tar Heel—that’s an affectionatenickname for a resident of North Carolina—RuthTaylor arrived on the GBS campus. She later graduatedfrom college and became one of the youngest teachersin the GBS high school. In 1951, another Tar Heel,

Wilton Beck—he was from the same county in NorthCarolina as Ruth but was unknown to her—also arrivedat GBS and enrolled in the Christian Workers’ Course.“SP” night (“special privileges”) brought Wilton andRuth together, and on May 22, 1953, they were marriedin God’s Bible School chapel. The Rev. L.R. Day, GBSpresident, and the Rev. E.G. Marsh, a GBS professorwho later became president, officiated at the ceremony.

The wedding party consisted of Catherine (Taylor)Ellingson, maid-of-honor; bridesmaids: Evelyn (Lamb)Thornton, Mildred Goldsberry, Virgie (Lizer) Bargo,Dorothy (Lawson) Crater; groomsmen: Robert Ferguson,Robert Ellingson, Herbert Bargo, Nico Snyman. Musicwas proved by Marie Trivett, Glen Harshman and Gloria(Kehrwecker) Wilson. All of the above were GBS students,staff and/or alumni. Train bearers were four-year-old JerryFerguson and Peggy Gilbert.

On May 22, 2003, Wilton and Ruth (Taylor) Beck cel-ebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary at the CarolinaChristian Academy, Thomasville, North Carolina, whereRuth had taught for 25 years before her retirement. Twophotographs accompany this article. The first is (p19)➡


16

✃

HO

W T

O A

VOID

GRI

EVIN

G T

HE

HO

LY S

PIRI

TW

HO

SEA

LS U

S

Scri

ptur

e: “

And

grie

ve n

ot t

he h

oly

Spir

it of

God

, w

here

by y

e ar

e se

aled

unto

the

day

of r

edem

ptio

n”(E

phes

ians

4:3

0).

INTR

OD

UC

TIO

NTh

e H

oly

Spiri

t pla

ys a

key

rol

e in

the

life

of e

very

bel

ieve

r. At

the

mom

ent o

fou

r con

vers

ion

we

are

simul

tane

ously

bor

n of

the

Spiri

t (Jo

hn 3

:5),

bapt

ized

by

the

Spiri

t int

o on

e bo

dy, t

he C

hurc

h (1

Cor

. 13:

12),

mad

e to

drin

k of

one

Spi

rit (1

Cor

.13

:12)

, se

aled

with

the

Spi

rit (

Eph.

1:1

3; 4

:30)

, in

dwel

t by

the

Spi

rit (

Rom

. 8:

9),

and

initi

ally

san

ctifi

ed b

y th

e Sp

irit (

2 Th

ess.

2:1

3; 1

Pet

er 1

:2).

Subs

eque

nt to

the

new

birt

h, w

e ar

e co

mm

ande

d to

wal

k in

the

Spi

rit (

Gal

. 5:

25),

dem

onst

rate

our

Sons

hip

by b

eing

led

by t

he S

pirit

(Ro

m.

8:14

), an

d be

fill

ed w

ith t

he S

pirit

and

mai

ntai

n th

at fu

llnes

s (E

ph. 5

:18)

.1Th

e fo

cus o

f thi

s mes

sage

is tw

ofol

d: (1

) the

sign

ifica

nce

of b

eing

seal

ed b

y th

eH

oly

Spiri

t and

(2) h

ow to

avo

id g

rievi

ng th

e H

oly

Spiri

t who

sea

ls us

unt

o th

e da

yof

red

empt

ion.

As

we

atte

mpt

to

unde

rsta

nd t

he s

igni

fican

ce o

f be

ing

“sea

led”

by

the

Hol

ySp

irit,

let u

s ex

amin

e fir

st th

e pl

acem

ent o

f the

sea

l of t

he S

pirit

in th

e be

lieve

r’s li

fe.

I. TH

E PL

ACEM

ENT

OF

THE

SEAL

(Ep

hesi

ans

1:13

) Ac

cord

ing

to P

aul i

n Ep

hesia

ns 1

:13,

it is

the

hear

ing

of fa

ith th

at b

rings

sal

va-

tion

and

the

seal

ing

with

the

Spiri

t. Th

e Ep

hesia

ns b

elie

vers

firs

t hea

rd th

e G

ospe

l.Th

en th

ey b

elie

ved

or p

ut th

eir f

aith

in th

e G

ospe

l. As

a re

sult

they

wer

e se

aled

by

the

Hol

y Sp

irit o

f pro

mise

. Hea

ring,

bel

ievi

ng, a

nd s

ealin

g ar

e th

e st

eps

Paul

enu

-m

erat

es fo

r ev

ery

Chr

istia

n.Th

e H

oly

Spiri

t Him

self

is th

e se

al. T

he d

ativ

e ca

se “

with

the

Spiri

t”(to

pne

u-m

ati)

sugg

ests

that

the

Hol

y Sp

irit i

s th

e m

eans

or i

nstru

men

t by

whi

ch a

bel

ieve

r is

seal

ed (E

ph. 1

:13)

. In

Ephe

sians

4:3

0, P

aul s

peak

s of

the

Hol

y Sp

irit a

s th

e on

e “i

nw

hom

” (e

n ho

) the

y w

ere

seal

ed. I

t wou

ld b

e a

mist

ake,

ther

efor

e, to

see

the

seal

-in

g to

be

anyt

hing

else

but

the

pres

ence

of t

he S

pirit

Him

self

in o

ur li

ves.

II. T

HE

PERS

ON

WH

O D

OES

TH

E SE

ALIN

G (

2 C

orin

thia

ns 1

:21,

22)

The

seal

of

the

Spiri

t is

appl

ied

by G

od t

he F

athe

r (2

Cor

. 1:2

1, 2

2). E

ach

ofth

e fo

ur G

reek

par

ticip

les

in 2

Cor

inth

ians

1:2

1 an

d 22

has

God

(in

the

emph

atic

14

repe

nted

qui

ckly

as

He

conv

icte

d yo

ur h

eart

and

that

you

ask

ed th

e H

oly

Spir

itto

for

give

you

. C

. The

spi

ritu

al d

ange

r w

e fa

ce w

hen

we

grie

ve t

he S

piri

t W

hen

we

grie

ve th

e H

oly

Spiri

t, w

e ar

e in

dan

ger o

f los

ing

the

intim

acy

of o

urre

latio

nshi

p (P

hil.

2:1)

, and

of l

osin

g th

e en

ergi

zing

wor

k of

His

anoi

ntin

g m

inist

ryon

our

live

s as

Chr

istia

ns.

If w

e ha

ve m

aint

aine

d a

tend

er c

onsc

ienc

e th

at is

eve

rre

ady

to o

bey

the

Spiri

t’s p

rom

ptin

gs, w

e w

ill s

ense

that

we

have

grie

ved

the

Spiri

t.W

hen

He

deal

s w

ith u

s, w

e ne

ed t

o re

pent

or

we

will

sta

nd in

jeop

ardy

of l

osin

gth

e se

al o

f the

Spi

rit, f

or g

rievi

ng th

e Sp

irit c

an le

ad to

que

nchi

ng th

e Sp

irit (

1 Th

es.

5:19

). The

term

“qu

ench

” (s

benn

ute)

is fre

quen

tly u

sed

in S

crip

ture

for

extin

guish

ing

fire.

Thi

s te

rm is

esp

ecia

lly r

elev

ant

to t

he H

oly

Spiri

t w

ho is

like

ned

to f

ire (

Rev.

4:5)

. In

faith

fuln

ess t

he g

rieve

d H

oly

Spiri

t con

vict

s us a

nd e

ndea

vors

to le

ad u

s int

ogr

eate

r C

hrist

liken

ess.

If w

e pe

rsist

in r

ejec

ting

His

adm

oniti

on a

nd le

ader

ship

, His

activ

ity in

our

live

s is

quen

ched

and

He

depa

rts.

The

loss

of

the

Spiri

t m

eans

the

rem

oval

of t

he s

eal.

Furth

er,

and

wor

se y

et,

quen

chin

g th

e Sp

irit

can

lead

to

desp

ising

the

Spi

rit(H

eb. 1

0:29

) and

inst

ead

of b

eing

our

gui

de a

nd h

elpe

r, H

e be

com

es o

ur e

nem

y.W

e ne

ed t

o re

mem

ber

the

wor

ds o

f the

pro

phet

Isai

ah s

peak

ing

of t

he p

eopl

e of

God

, “Bu

t the

y re

belle

d, a

nd v

exed

His

Hol

y Sp

irit;

ther

efor

e he

was

turn

ed to

be

thei

r en

emy,

and

he

foug

ht a

gain

st t

hem

” (Is

a. 6

3:10

). Th

e ps

alm

ist r

efer

s to

the

sam

e fa

ct in

nea

rly th

e sa

me

wor

ds, “

How

oft

did

they

pro

voke

him

in th

e w

ilder

-ne

ss, a

nd g

rieve

him

in th

e de

sert!

(Psa

. 78:

40).

Each

of u

s m

ust t

ake

heed

that

we

do n

ot g

rieve

the

Spi

rit o

f G

od,

lest

God

tur

n an

d be

com

e ou

r en

emy,

and

fig

htag

ains

t us!

Let

us

not f

orge

t the

lam

ent o

f Kin

g Sa

ul w

ho te

stifi

ed, “

God

is d

epar

t-ed

from

me,

and

ans

wer

s m

e no

mor

e” (1

Sam

. 28:

15),

and

the

fear

of D

avid

, as

he re

mem

bere

d G

od’s

judg

men

t on

King

Sau

l and

pra

yed,

“C

ast m

e no

t aw

ay fr

omth

y pr

esen

ce;

and

take

not

thy

Hol

y Sp

irit f

rom

me”

(Psa

. 51:

11).

CO

NC

LUSI

ON

The

seal

of t

he S

pirit

is G

od’s

mar

k of

ow

ners

hip

upon

our

live

s as

Chr

istia

ns.

The

pres

ence

of t

he S

pirit

also

brin

gs th

e pr

omise

of a

glo

rious

futu

re. H

owev

er, w

em

ust t

ake

heed

that

we

do n

ot g

rieve

the

Spiri

t by

allo

win

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pt c

omm

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n” to

pas

s fro

m o

ur li

ps. O

ur w

ords

mus

t be

appr

opria

te, g

ra-

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s, a

nd e

dify

ing.

Let

us

wal

k ca

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lly,

aski

ng G

od t

o se

t a

“wat

ch”

at o

ur l

ips

lest

we

brin

g pa

in a

nd s

orro

w t

o th

e H

oly

Spiri

t. M

edita

te a

nd p

ray

over

the

com

man

d, “

Grie

ve n

ot t

heho

ly S

pirit

of

God

, w

here

by y

e ar

e se

aled

unt

o th

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mpt

ion”

(Ep

h. 4

:30)

. By

God

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race

it

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grie

ving

the

Hol

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irit w

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eals

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rmon

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LLAN

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once

pt o

f bei

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ith th

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e be

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ll co

ntro

l of h

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life

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t.2

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J. H

arris

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. (Lo

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rather the seal is the third Person of the Trinity. A believer is “sealed” as long as the

Holy Spirit, as the agent of the new

birth, remains in his or her life. The H

oly Spirit,how

ever, will not rem

ain in the heart of the person who practices deliberate sin. If

a believer chooses to reject the faith and turns and goes back into a life of sin, theH

oly Spirit does not remain in his life sealing him

or her “unto the day of redemp-

tion.” The Spirit who is holy w

ill not reside in an unholy heart that refuses to walk

in the light of God’s W

ord. Let m

e give further explanation as we consider our next and last point.

IV. THE PAIN

WE M

AY BRING

TO TH

E SEAL (Ephesians 4:30)Paul w

arned, “Grieve not the H

oly Spirit, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of

redemption” (Eph. 4:30).

A. The m

eaning of the word “grieve”

The word “grieve” is a strong term

. It expresses how the D

isciples felt when

Jesus told them of H

is approaching death (Mat. 17:23). It is how

the rich youngruler felt w

hen he learned he had to sell all that he had and give it to the poor inorder to have eternal life (M

at. 19:22). It is how the D

isciples felt in the Upper

Room w

hen Jesus told them that one of them

would betray him

(Mat. 26:37). It is

how Jesus felt in the G

arden of Gethsem

ane when he began to be “sorrow

ful” (Mat.

26:37). It is how Peter felt w

hen Jesus asked him for the third tim

e, “Do you love

me?” (John 21:17). To “grieve” som

eone is to cause them great em

otional pain andsorrow

of heart. W

hen Paul warns the believer not to grieve the H

oly Spirit, he is informing us

that we can cause the H

oly Spirit great pain and sorrow of heart. W

hat a terriblethought! That is no sm

all or trivial matter. It should sober the heart and m

ind ofevery true C

hristian. B. The m

eans by which w

e grieve the Holy Spirit

What causes the H

oly Spirit to be grieved? The imm

ediate context for thew

arning is Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupt comm

unication proceed out of yourm

outh, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it m

ay minister grace unto

the hearers.” Paul then follows w

ith the warning, “And grieve not the holy Spirit of

God, w

hereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Eph. 4:30).

The coordinating conjunction “and” tells us that Paul is specifically warning

about the danger of grieving the Holy Spirit through “corrupt com

munication,”

which refers to any w

ords that we speak that are not appropriate (“good”), that do

not minister grace to the hearer, and that do not edify. I have devised the acronym

“AGE” to help m

e remem

ber the three elements (“A” – appropriate; “G

” – gracious;“E” – edifying). Further, since Ephesians 5:18-21 stresses the im

pact the fullness ofthe H

oly Spirit will have on the spoken and sung w

ords of the believer, we should

set a guard at our lips lest we grieve the H

oly Spirit. A

ny kind of careless talk, whether it be m

urmuring or com

plaining insteadof the “giving of thanks for all things in the nam

e of our Lord Jesus Christ to

God, even the Father” (Eph. 5:20), or w

ords that are not kind and tender-heart-ed (Eph. 4:32), grieve the H

oly Spirit. Clearly, harsh or unkind w

ords, and angryw

ords that do not meet the Biblical criteria of having “A

GE” cause the H

olySpirit to be grieved. H

ave you ever been convicted of grieving the Holy Spirit

after you have finished criticizing another person behind his or her back, orafter you have spoken w

ords that hurt another person? If so, I trust that you

position) as its subject. God “establishes” us, “anointed” us, “sealed” us and “gave”

us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge or a deposit, thereby guaranteeing what is to

come. The first participle, “establishes,” is present tense and “refers to G

od’s con-tinuous strengthening of believers in their faith in C

hrist and His progressive enrich-

ing of their knowledge of C

hrist. The other three participles are in the aorist tense,indicating w

hat took place at the time of conversion and baptism

…. G

od ‘set hisseal of ow

nership[sphragisam

enos] on us’ in that he ‘put [dous]his spirit in our

hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to com

e.’”2

III. THE PU

RPOSE O

F THE SEAL (Ephesians 1:14)

In Scripture, a seal was used for various purposes, both literally and m

etaphor-ically. Tw

o examples of the literal use of a seal are:

A. A seal served as a m

ark of authority W

hen Jezebel “wrote letters in Ahab’s nam

e, and sealed them w

ith his seal” (1Kings 21:8), the seal served as a m

ark of authenticity and kingly authority. The writ-

ten comm

ands of King Ahasuerus were sealed “w

ith the king’s ring, for the writing

which is w

ritten in the king’s name, and sealed w

ith the king’s ring, may no m

anreverse” (Esther 8:8,10; 3:12). Allied to this is the form

al ratification of a transactionor covenant. Jerem

iah sealed the deeds of the field which he bought from

Hanam

el(Jer. 32:10-14; com

pare 32:44). Nehem

iah and many others affixed their seals to

the written covenant betw

een God and H

is people (Neh. 9:38; 10:1ff).

B. A seal served as a mark of identity or ow

nership In the ancient w

orld, a seal was used as an official m

ark of identity or owner-

ship. Archaeologists have found many exam

ples of clay stoppers of wine jars on

which seal im

pressions of ownership w

ere stamped by rolling a cylinder w

ith theseal along the surface of the clay w

hen it was still soft (com

pare Job. 38:14).A seal is also used in Scripture w

ith a metaphorical use. For exam

ple, C

. A seal served as a means of ratification

The believer in Christ is said to “set his seal to this, that G

od is true” (John3:33). In other w

ords, the believer testifies to the veracity of God and m

etaphori-cally places his personal stam

p of endorsement and confirm

ation upon this truth.The Father has sealed the Son. This m

eans He authenticated Jesus as the bestow

erof life-giving bread (John 6:27). The circum

cision of Abraham w

as a “sign” and“seal,” an outw

ard ratification, of the righteousness of faith which he had already

received while uncircum

cised (Rom. 4:11).

D. A seal served as a prom

ise of things to come

According to Ephesians 1:14, the seal of the Spirit “is the earnest of our inheri-tance until the redem

ption of the purchased possession.” The term “earnest” m

eansa “deposit” or “dow

n-payment” guaranteeing our inheritance until the final redem

p-tion of those w

ho are God’s possession. “Paul is saying that G

od’s gift to us of theH

oly Spirit here and now is an installm

ent, a guarantee, an advance foretaste of thelife w

hich the Christian w

ill someday live w

hen he lives in the presence of God.”

3

Some people w

ish to push the metaphor of “sealing” too far. Typically, som

ew

ish to read into it unconditional eternal security. In other words, “once sealed

always sealed.” The phrase in Ephesians 4:30, “sealed unto the day of redem

ption”is taken to m

ean that once a person is sealed with the H

oly Spirit, he is secure untilthe day of final redem

ption. I wish this w

ere true. The problem w

ith such an inter-pretation is that the interpreter is forgetting that the “seal” is not a “thing,” but

23

OCTOBER 2003

19

➡ (p16) of the original wedding partyin 1953, and the second pictures thoseof the original wedding party present atthe anniversary celebration last sum-mer. They are as follows: (Seated)Wilton and Ruth; (Standing, left toright), Evelyn (Lamb) Thornton, JerryFerguson, Virginia Ferguson (the wed-ding director), Robert Ferguson, andCatherine (Taylor) Ellingson.

The Becks have been in pas-toral/evangelistic work for the past50 years. —Catherine (Taylor)Ellingson, Dayton, Ohio, sister of Ruth(Taylor) Beck

AS A RESULT… A true story illustrating how Godconnects the dots.

by Stan Ellingson

In the 1940’s, Emery Taylor was asimple farmer near High Point,North Carolina, listening to the “TheVoice of God’s Bible School” onradio and reading God’s Revivalist.

As a result, he and his wife sent

their four Taylor daughters, Elizabeth,Ruth (Beck), Virginia (Ferguson), andCatherine (Ellingson) to attend collegeat GBS in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Meanwhile, Mr. Taylor prayerfullypenned a several-page letter to hisneighbor, Mr. John Lamb, outliningsalvation’s plan and inviting the familyto attend a camp meeting.

As a result, Mrs. Cora Lamb, Mr.John Lamb’s wife, gathered her familyaround her and read the letter to them.

As a result, the Lamb family wasintroduced to the Gospel, and in theprocess of time, a number of themcame to a saving knowledge of theLord Jesus Christ.

As a result, one of Mr. Lamb’sdaughters, Jewel, also attendedGod’s Bible School and married ayoung Kenneth P. Stetler.

As a result of attending God’sBible School herself, Emery Taylor’syoungest daughter Catherine yearslater would enroll her youngest sonStan at GBS in the 1970’s.

As a result, Stan would eventuallybe employed in the Radio Department

of GBS, helping to produce andannounce “The Voice of God’s BibleSchool,” and he would be a student ofProfessor Kenneth Stetler.

As a result of Emery Taylor’s hear-ing “The Voice of God’s Bible School,”his grandson would be heard on “TheVoice of God’s Bible School.”

As a result of Mr. Taylor teachingthe Word to Mr. John Lamb, hisgrandson would be taught the Wordby Mr. Lamb’s son-in-law.

As a result of Mr. Taylor’s readingGod’s Revivalist, you are now read-ing his story in God’s Revivalist.

—Stan Ellingson is a 1976 high schoolgraduate of GBS who also attended col-lege on the Hilltop, where he worked inthe radio department from 1979–1985.He earned the B.S., M.A. in Religion, andMaster of Divinity degrees from LibertyUniversity, and currently is a radioannouncer on Inspiration 93.7 WFCJ,Dayton, Ohio, where he has served since1976. Ellingson is also a registered evan-gelist in the Church of the Nazarene and ajunior high faculty member at East DaytonChristian School.

ARCHIVES continued

Workshop speakers include: Anita K. Brechbill (Prayer and the Harvest), M.R. McCrary (HisLast Command Our First Concern), Ed Durham, Dan Glick (Contextualization and the NewTestament), Eric Heimlick (Living Redemptively in the Inner City), Steve Hight, Tom Kiser (TheHarvest in New York City), John Parker (Integrity in Fund Raising), Raymond Shreve(Irreducible Complexity), Steve Sturtevant (The Harvest Among Internationals).

“THE CALL TO HARVEST”Sponsored by Rev. Dan Glick and the Division of Intercultural

Studies and World Missions


20

➡ (p15) school instructor RonSedlacek. Containing 256 pages, itis twice the size of previous edi-tions, with more color pages thanin the past. Editor and designer wasKevin Moser, assistant editor andphotographer was Myra Brown,and advertising coordinator wasAndrew Street.

Since 1990,Sedlacek has taughtpre-algebra, Algebra Iand II, geometry, cal-culus, chemistry, andrelated subjects. “Noone at GBS is any

more respected than he for his exam-ple to all of us in living a meek andChristlike life,” according the Hilltopdedication. He also is a part of GBS’sjail ministry team. This summer a for-mer inmate wrote: “I am just one ofthe many who have reaped fromseeds sown by Mr. Sedlacek at theHamilton County Justice Center…Iwas at the bottom of a moral land-slide, and he pulled me from themuck.”

Hilltop 2003 may be purchasedfor $40 each while supplies last.Also available is GBS’s first videoyearbook, which sells for $45.

PROFESSORS REPRESENT GBS ATLEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Two GBS professors representedtheir college at a leadership summit

this summer for instructors fromfundamental seminaries and col-leges. Dr. Philip Brown presented apaper entitled Εικων και ∆οξαΘεου: An Interpretive Key to 1

Corinthians 11:2-16.His paper focusedon how Paul’sappeal to man’s sta-tus as the image andglory of God relatesto the interpretiveissues in 1

Corinthians 11:2-16. Dr. AllanBrown presented his research onthe Biblical qualifications for elders

and chaired a dis-cussion on therequirement thatelders have “faithfulchildren” (Tit. 1:6).Participating wereBob Jones Seminary,Central Baptist

Seminary, Bible Baptist Seminary,Geneva Reformed Seminary, andMaranatha Baptist Bible College,where the conference was held(Watertown, Wisconsin).


continued

➡ (p15) Wesley King, “denominational instructorin Wesleyan theology,” objected, “The proposeddraft overcompensates on the side ofprocess/growth in sanctification and downplaysthe biblical role and importance of a believerbeing sanctified wholly in a moment of time (cri-sis)….“ The conference “left the article in its for-mative stage to invite further input from NorthAmerican general conference delegates and othergeneral conferences throughout the world,”according to Light and Life.

“Our first printing was 25,000 copies.Although they have just arrived, it appears wewill need to reorder immediately!” In thesewords, the Rev. James Keaton, president ofHope International Missions (formerly FEA)describes reaction to Jesus, My Very Best Friend,

a colorful new book forchild evangelism. It is writ-ten by Joy Budensiek andillustrated by BrentVernon, with former GBSstaff member Rob Scott asgraphic artist. “It’s a WIN-WIN situation,” writesBudensiek. “When the tentranslations we are present-ly working on are available,we will have 92% of theworld as potential readers!”Hope International Missionsis sponsor of the project.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW FOR THEGBS CHRISTMAS PROGRAM, TO BEPRESENTED at 7:00 P.M. December12, 13, and 14.

Six free tickets will be providedper family, and $5.00 will be chargedfor each additional ticket. To receivetickets, please send a self-addressed,stamped envelope, your name, phonenumber, number of tickets desired,and $5.00 for each ticket over six.Checks can be made out to God’sBible School. Please mark the memoline as “Christmas Tickets.” Phoneorders will not be accepted. Ticketrequests should be sent to God’s BibleSchool and College Music Division—Christmas Tickets, 1810 Young Street,Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.

F ear probably lies at the core of your problem, for those whoalways try to control people and situations are really trying to pro-tect themselves from their insecurities. I am convinced that mostof us—if not all of us—face such insecurities, though we react different-ly to them. Controllers sense their vulnerability, though they are oftenunaware of how great their fears really are.

Thus, you may feel more secure when you have “your hands onthe steering wheel.” I have a secure feeling when I am driving the car,not because I am a superior driver, but rather because it feels good tobe “in control.” On the other hand, I do not feel in control in an air-plane because there is nothing I can do if the plane develops a prob-lem. Similarly, you may always want to be in the “driver’s seat” inyour life and in the lives of your family and colleagues. You probablylike that feeling of control and become nervous when others aredoing the “driving.”

I would like you to ponder the following questions and thoughts asyou evaluate this issue in your life and how it affects others:

Why do I feel vulnerable, and is this a reasonable conclusion? Youmay fear failure, but failure is universal. The most capable people onearth fail. No one likes to fail, but we must accept imperfection as a partof our fallen humanity.

Do I respect others as capable individuals who can make decisions,or do I think I am superior enough that I have to do it for them? Everyoneneeds respect and the opportunity to succeed and fail with personal“ownership” and responsibility. No one can blossom into the person heor she was created to be without this freedom.

Do I have to possess and control others to feel like I am loved andvalued? What “lies” am I telling myself that keep me from accepting


CONTROLLERS SENSE THEIR VULNERABILITY

“I am beginning to think that my family is right when they accuseme of controlling everything. I have some of the same complaints atwork. Why would I do this? I want to treat people right.”


CHRISTIAN WEDDINGSThe article [“What Is A Christian

Wedding”] states that the song, “I LoveYou Truly” is entirely “secular” and“mushy.” God is love. Human lovewould be unknown if it were not forGod’s love. Love is, or should be, thereason for every wedding. Is there anything “secular” and “mushy” about thislove? Then why should it be deniedexpressing during a wedding ceremo-ny? The beautiful words of “I Love YouTruly” were sung at my husband’s andmy wedding in 1951.

LOIS V. SIMPSONPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

It has been a deep concern ofmine for many years that we (including“we” holiness people) spend so muchtime and money in preparation for a20-minute ceremony and give com-paratively little attention to (what wehope will be) a life-long marriage. Itseems to me that our concept of“Christian stewardship” fades a bitunder the bright lights of what our cul-ture expects in an “appropriate” wed-ding. I just know I’d like to have someof the money spent on weddings formissions. And all the rest of the thingsyou addressed regarding attire andmusic, I agree 100%!

LEONARD SANKEYBedford, Indiana

OUR CHILDREN AS MILLIONAIRES?I thoroughly appreciated Dr.

Avery’s remarks in his recent article,“Parents, Listen Up!” (Summer2003). As a pastor over the past 14years, I have noticed a real drift inthe direction that many parents steertheir children. I am fearful that we asAmerican parents are more con-cerned that our children becomemillionaires than we are that theybecome spiritually wealthy.

DARIN GARYEmail

OCTOBER 2003

21

LETTERS continued

which “everything in the Bible becomes relevant to thechurch’s evolving insights…”

This is in contrast to the objectivist approach, whichis “the historic Christian belief that through the prophets,the incarnate Son, the apostles, and the writers ofcanonical Scripture, God has used human language totell us definitively and transculturally about his ways, hiswork, his will, and his worship.”

In this view, “the doctrinal and moral teaching ofScripture is always final for Christian people,” while inthe other, “it never is. What is definitive for the expo-nents of that view is not what the Bible says, as such, butwhat their own minds come up with as they seek tomake Bible teaching match the wisdom of the world.”These two views cannot live together, as Packer adds,and that is why “the continuing conflict about same-sexunions is a fight to the death.”

3. We must reach out to the embattled faithful in theirstruggle. Not only Anglicans, but also mainline Methodists,Lutherans, and Presbyterians are severely divided by “gayand lesbian” caucuses and their supporters. Conservativeswho believe the Bible and uphold its strictures are oftendemeaned and isolated by the left-wing power structureswhich dominate their churches. These courageousChristians are often battered, lonely, and bewildered.

Granted, we will not agree with them at every point,but they are still our allies in the broadening moral con-flict with entrenched and encroaching evil. In the fox-holes we clasp each other’s hands, then train ourweapons on the enemy and not on one another. At thevery least, their Christian commitment is devoutly ethi-cal and intellectual; but as we will find, their commit-ment is often anchored in rich and authentic faith. Inany case, we owe them our friendship, our prayers, andour support. Like John Wesley, we must forge a “leagueoffensive and defensive with every soldier of Christ.”

4. We must remember that love is the most power-ful weapon that God has given us. This will disarm ourenemies far better than bitter assault and brutal name-calling. “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,do good to them that hate you, and pray for them whichdespitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matt. 5:44).This is the directive of Our Lord, and it is also the exam-ple which He has set.

This does not mean weak and naive disregard of theplans and strategies of our foes. But it does mean forbear-ance, gentleness, and forgiveness to those who misunder-stand and mistreat us. So we wage no personal attacks onhomosexual sinners any more than we do on heterosexu-al ones, though in either case we must confront them withthe broken Law, then offer them the bloody cross. Welaunch no vile campaigns against liberal and erring churchofficials, though we must resist their distortion of the HolyScriptures, as well as their disloyalty to the DivineAuthor who gave them to us. It is Jesus’ love in us and


“An anguished GenX youth minister feels his churchnow offers no support of his teenagers struggling to main-tain sexual purity.”

So another church has fallen to the Zeitgeist—thatdepraved spirit of the age which crucified our Lord andwhich presses us constantly to deny Him. Like mostmainline Protestant denominations, the EpiscopalChurch has retreated for years before its assault. Whathappened in Minneapolis is the result of seminaries thatno longer revere the Scriptures; of bishops who nolonger believe the Creed; and of congregations who nolonger renounce the world.

Members of the farflung Anglican Communion,Episcopalians trace their roots to the Church of England.This is the church of Latimer, Ridley, and Cranmer, mar-tyrs of the Reformation, and of Archbishop Ussher, J.C.Ryle, C.S. Lewis, and, of course, John Wesley. Its Book ofCommon Prayer is a priceless treasure of devotion; andits missionaries have raised the cross wherever GreatBritain has raised its flag. This is why vast areas of Africanow are Christian, still true to the evangelical faith andstill opposed to those who would destroy it.

This also is the church which claimed NorthAmerica for Protestant Christianity and brought the KingJames Version of the Bible to its shores. It providedrefuge for thousands of our ancestors who lived and diedin its communion, and it was cherished by such heroesas President Washington and General Lee. Its poetscrowd the pages of our hymnals, and they includeFrancis Havergal, John Newton, Phillips Brooks, andCharles Wesley, the finest of them all.

This is the heritage of the Episcopal Church, whichhas now betrayed it; but there are yet millions who willdefend it. We join them gladly, of course, for their com-mitment to truth also must be our own. This means,however, that we must carefully and courageously con-sider these imperatives:

1. We must realize that we cannot avoid the conflict. Inour secular and semi-pagan culture, “acceptance” and“diversity” are code words for the militant minority whichpresses the “gay rights” agenda in our social life, our seats ofgovernment, our entertainment venues, and our religiousinstitutions. Our antagonists constantly denounce thosewho oppose them as negative, anti-social, and “homopho-bic”; and they particularly attack the traditional moralteaching of the Christian Church, for that is their most effec-tive opposition. We cannot be neutral in the struggle.

2. We must recommit ourselves to the Bible’ssupreme authority. As Anglican theologian J.I. Packerexplains, this is the real issue now at stake. Those withinthe church who defend homosexual behavior say thatthey, too, are loyal to the Scriptures but are only “rein-terpreting” them. Theirs is the subjectivist approach, in


22

through us—consistently lived andconstantly extended—which shallhave the final word, even as it alsohad the first.

5. We must rejoice that God hascalled us to victory, not defeat. OurLord has built His Church uponHimself, and not even the gates ofhell shall prevail against it. Even nowHe is raising up powerful champi-ons to defend His truth, sometimesin the most unlikely places.

“It may come as a surprise…that underneath the surface, evan-gelical forces are reshaping mainlineProtestantism,” reports a recent arti-cle in Christianity Today. “In everymainline denomination, evangelicalclergy and laity have organizedwhat they call renewal organiza-tions… Collectively they are revital-izing worship, reviving evangelism,and reforming the theology of main-line churches.” We may regardsome of this activity as

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