Departments Staff List Staff List MORNING STAR A Multimedia Christian Publication P.O. Box 7755, Nashua, NH 03060 Phone: 603-883-4624 - Fax: 603-883-0466 EDITOR IN CHIEF Toby Trudel - Nashua, NH EXECUTIVE EDITOR Pastor Geoffrey Kragen - Roseville, CA SENIOR EDITORS Teresa Giordanengo - Canonsburg, PA Al Murillo III - El Paso, TX ASSOCIATE EDITORS Jerry Johnson - Modesto, CA Pastor Russell Walden - Doniphan, MO Mike Wilkinson - Citrus Heights, CA Dr. Charles Wootten - Matoaca, VA CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Chuck Bennett - San Jose, CA Jeff Eaton - Schaumburg, IL Dr. Paul A. Kienel - Whittier, CA Zola Levitt - Dallas, TX Dennis R. Mallory - Albany, NY Joseph A. Nigro - Oradell, NJ Rick Riker - North Plainfield, NJ Jeannine Robinson - Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Moishe Rosen - San Francisco, CA Ray & Sharon Sanders - Jerusalem, Israel Dale Strand - Dublin, CA Rick Thrasher - Santa Clara, CA J.C. Trudel - Naples, FL Terry White - Washington, DC SENIOR PUBLISHER - DOS and WINDOWS Editions Steve Paulovich - Pembroke, NH SENIOR PUBLISHER - MACINTOSH Edition Toby Trudel - Nashua, NH SENIOR PUBLISHER - Hard Copy Edition Ray Reed - Beaumont, TX HARD COPY COVER ARTIST Donna Riker - North Plainfield, NJ PRINTER - Hard Copy Edition Phillip Speckter - Lumberton, TX OFFICE SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN Patrick Auriemma - Nashua, N.H. ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR OF BBS DISTRIBUTION Walter H. Bauer Jr. - Sugar Land, TX AMERICA ONLINE Jerry White - Germantown, MD COMPUSERVE NETWORK Kathy Ruess - Albuquerque, NM Dr. Charles Wootten - Matoaca, VA GENIE NETWORK Pastor Geoffrey Kragen - Roseville, CA Mike Wilkinson - Citrus Heights, CA DELPHI NETWORK Rev. Vince Gonzalez - Naples, FL INTERNET NETWORK (DOS EDITION) Per Cederqvist - Linkoping, Sweden Internet Email: ceder@lysator.liu.se Morning Star is available on the Internet via anonymous ftp from: ftp.lysator.liu.se (pub/religion/christianity/morning-star) INTERNET NETWORK (MAC EDITION) Gary Bogart - Ithaca, NY Internet Email: njb@iclnet93.iclnet.org Morning Star is available on the Internet via anonymous ftp from: iclnet93.iclnet.org (pub/software/mac/Morning.Star) DISK SUBSCRIPTION DISTRIBUTION James Byers - Sun City, AZ Del Fletcher - Mountaintop, PA Joe Giacco - Durham, CT Michael W. Law - Moffett Field, CA Craig Olson - Springfield, OR Charles Richardson - Greenville, SC Dale Strand - Dublin, CA MORNING STAR is produced and published monthly, by a staff of born again believers in Jesus, located across the United States of America. Correspondence to MORNING STAR may be sent via the U.S. Postal Service or one of several computer networks. ELECTRONIC MAIL LINKS INTERNET: mstarmac@aol.com FIDONET: 1:106/3118 CHRISTIAN FAMILY NETWORK: 8:3003/0 CHRISTIAN DISTRIBUTION NETWORK: 8:2013/0 POLICENET: 150:402/53 If you run a bulletin board system and would like for your BBS callers to be able to view Morning Star on line by running a door program then contact: Alan Graff P.O. Box 131 Wheelersburg, Ohio 45694 Fidonet 1:2260/250 and 77:100/50 BBS: 614 776 7136 Editor's Letter Editor's Letter Hello again folks! Welcome to our 35th issue of MORNING STAR. This month's Feature section is involved with the various aspects of Bible Study. The electronic editions of this magazine continue to find new locations across the USA and overseas. We are now found on computer networks in Belgium, our Macintosh edition is on the global Internet system (along with the DOS edition) and we are presently on electronic BBS in 28 states! I'm sure a lot of people wonder how computer networks can be used to do the Lord's work. Besides uploading reading material and meeting people to witness to and send Bibles to, there are also many opportunities to help fellow believers with the trials and tribulations they may face. A good example of what can be done is found in the letter below which I received on the America Online network last month. The reference to "Christian Fellowship" is a "chat room" where people meet online and type messages onscreen to one another ... "I like what you are doing. Five months ago, my marriage was crumbling and I felt like Elijah under the juniper praying to die. I was literally wanting to die. Desperate, I entered Christian Fellowship and I asked for prayer and received immediate help. I meet 3 people there that have corresponded with me regularly and helped me through some difficult times. They were a Heaven sent miracle. I know that I wouldn't have made it without their prayers. In my wildest dreams, I would have never envisioned God using my computer to save and salvage my life, but he did. I was at a point of almost total hopelessness, and God used strangers to strengthen and encourage me as no one has ever done before, and they have consistently been there for me for He bonded and knitted us together to work a work in me. Thank you for what you are doing. I am sure there are others like me, because God has since used me to encourage and strengthen others online." All I can say to that is "Praise the Lord!" Another example of what can be done online ... I met someone who was interested in hearing more about Jesus, but did not have a Bible. He gave me his name and address and I sent him a small New Testament - (one he could take to work in his pocket!) He wasn't sure how to approach reading it, so I sent him a letter with some recommendations. He was very thankful and began reading diligently. This letter is presented in the Feature section of this issue. The Lord does work in the most amazing ways! Finally -- As you know, we've been producing a hard copy of this magazine since October. We've published and mailed 1,000 of these each month, sending them to prison chaplains and inmates, missionaries and small churches who don't have access to computer networks. This has proved to be a real blessing to many people, especially Christian inmates who have little to read in jail. Unfortunately, the donations needed to continue this project haven't been sufficient and we have had to stop publication with the June issue - at least until we come up with the capital. As soon as we have funding, we will publish the July issue and go forward from there. We did cut our costs almost in HALF since the October issue by the way - going to cheaper paper, finding a new printer, etc., but it still runs us about $750 a month do get everything done. So, if you enjoy MORNING STAR, either the hard copy or one of the electronic editions (which is 95 percent of you reading this!) and can help out - now is the time to do it. Be as generous as possible. This is a tax-deductible donation and 100 percent goes to printing and mailing. All workers involved do so on a volunteer basis as with the computer editions. Help us be a blessing to others not fortunate enough to own a computer. Send donations to our publishing ministry: David's Mighty Men PO Box 5093 Beaumont, TX 77726 Again, thank you and Lord bless! Toby Trudel People Profile People Profile MORNING STAR Editor, Teresa Giordanengo, conducted this interview with Dale E. Strand of Dublin, California. Dale was converted as a boy of 10 in the basement of a little church in Kingston, Washington. In his 4th grade class, he read the New Testament through in what he likes to call "a close encounter of the best kind". He began his ministry of song writing, singing, teaching and preaching at 15, carried his Bible to every class, held prayer meetings in the lunch room, and sang gospel songs in the school assemblies. After High School (Ojai, California 1959), he joined the United States Army and was stationed in Korea just below the DMZ. In a Base entertainment contest, as part of "The Four Styles" Quartet, he won 1st place, went to Seoul, won 1st there, went to Japan, won 1st there and wound up traveling the World with the All Army Entertainment Contest finally placing 2nd in the World Finals. Upon his discharge in Oakland, CA in 1962, he traveled throughout the South conducting tent revivals, singing, preaching and ministering the Word of God. In a church in Oakland, he met and married Elaine, his wife of 31 years. They have two grown children. For a year, they traveled together as "The Strand Family Singers." He directed a traveling choir, "The Children of the Lord" and recorded several albums and has served as choir director, Ass't Pastor, Teacher and Music Minister in several different churches. Presently he fills in for vacationing Pastors and presents musical programs and teaching seminars in churches of various denominations. "I'm available and go wherever the need is", he likes to say. Teresa: Dale, why is it so important to study God's Word? Dale: For the same reason it is so important to eat nutritious food. When we fail to eat properly, our body responds by deteriorating - almost unnoticeable at first. And then, when we finally realize that "something" is wrong, it is very difficult to reverse the effects. Likewise, when we fail to study God's Word, our SPIRIT responds, by a slight withdrawing away from God that slowly pulls us farther away until we find ourselves "allowing" things in our life that we would have avoided before. This is a sinister plot from the enemy of our souls. He knows that if we get into the Word, and get the Word into us, that we can stand against him in power and victory. That's the LAST thing he wants and so he will do everything in his power to PREVENT us from spending quality time in God's Book. Think how many excuses pop into your mind when you determine to take some time to study the Word. Who do you think put those excuses in your mind? THAT'S why it is so absolutely VITAL to make it a daily habit to spend time in the Word - and not just "a scripture a day keeps the devil away" study - but serious, tender, intimate moments, not quitting until His Spirit has spoken to our spirit through His Word. Teresa: Dale in your experiences in Bible study, is there a certain technique or method of study that would be very helpful to all of us? Dale: Believe me, Teresa, I've tried them all! There's straight through from "Generation to Revolution", Character studies (Job, Paul, David - my favorite is Jehoshaphat!), topical studies (faith, mercy, prophecy), book studies (I'll take Psalms, Proverbs and Colossians), chapter studies (give me Psalm 91 and 119), and so many others. If you haven't read the Bible through from cover to cover, I recommend doing so - but only after reading the Gospel of John through several times. The best method, I believe, is one that incorporates daily memorization. Study without memorization is incomplete study. Because when we just study, it is easy to forget. But when we memorize, the Word stays in our spirit, ready to be drawn upon with a "double click" of the scripture "icon" in our minds. One system I've used is searching the scriptures for key verses that start with each letter of the alphabet and memorizing them. (X is "Examine yourselves whether you be in the faith II Corinthians 13:5). After memorizing 26 verses from A to Z, you start over. So far I have 12 for each letter (less for Qs, Xs, and the tough letters, of course). Now, when I meet someone, I immediately think of a scripture that starts with the person's name. For you, Teresa, "This is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us". ( I John 5:14). When we fill our mind with scripture, we're filling our life with God. Teresa: Is it more advantageous to study with a large group of people? Dale: It can be extremely valuable to study with groups as long as dialog is allowed. Experts in adult learning techniques stress that the BEST way to learn is to involve people - letting them participate. Unfortunately, it seems that MOST Christians only get exposed to the Word through what the Preacher or Teacher gives them in the church. And many times, it tends to be a one way presentation. If a "student" can feel free to ask questions which might seem elementary or even "dumb" without being made to feel stupid for asking - then learning can be effective. Investing your study time like a portfolio - diversifying to avoid putting all your eggs into one basket - is the most effective way. Study alone. Study with one or two. Study in small groups (up to 20). Study in large groups. HOWEVER we study, the more we can expose ourselves to the Word, the stronger we'll become in the "power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10). Teresa: In the Art of Bible Study, what study methods do you feel are most effective? Dale: The one that is most effective is the one that draws you closer to God, increases your sensitivity to spiritual things, and enlarges your desire to serve. My method may not "work" for you. And your system may not work for me. That's why it's important to try several different ways and lock in on the one that really begins to "tune your antenna" to the heart of God. If you don't know which one to use, just begin reading the New Testament through and ask God to reveal Himself to you in a way that draws you to Him. Teresa: It is said that a family that prays together stays together. What ideas can you give us on family Bible study time? Dale: I would rather say a family that WORSHIPS together stays together. Worship incorporates all the elements of servanthood. Recognizing, praising, thanking, and glorifying God in everything we think, do, and say. This cannot be done apart from an intimate time in the Word, reading God's love letter to us. Family prayer, I've found, tends to become obligatory, and by rote. And age differences and "generation gaps" tend to make it difficult to zero in on the different levels of spiritual progress of each individual. Rather, praying individually with each member of the family enables you to deal with each other at each point of need which enables a freer "opening up" along with much more personal attention and growth. Teresa: What is the best way to study the Bible individually? Dale: "Our Daily Bread" is a wonderful Bible study tool (available free from Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555). "Hearing God", by Lori Basham Jones, published by Thomas Nelson Publishers, is one of the best study aids I've seen in a long time. It rips through all our hidden surface modes and grips the heart with hard-hitting, power filled, scriptures and commentary that will challenge and motivate one to deal with undisciplined areas of their lives. But, in answer to the direct question, the best way is not just dipping your toe in the water, but "diving right in", reading until you feel God has spoken to you at your point of need. Sometimes it "happens" after reading just a few verses. Sometimes, it takes many chapters, or an entire book or more. If our heart is prepared to seek God in our study, and we're not just doing it as part of what we feel is an obligation (cause Christians are "supposed to" do it), then He WILL deal with us in areas of our life that need changing. Teresa: Many people want to read the Bible through in one year. In doing so, is there a possibility that we may rush through and not pay attention to something the Lord would want to show us? Dale: I've read the New Testament through in 30 days. You can read the whole Bible through in 3 months by reading 40 chapters a day. That's four times per year. Right now I'm reading the "Spirit Filled Life Daily Devotional Bible" (NKJV, Thomas Nelson), while also playing cassette tapes of the entire Bible (and repeating each phrase aloud after it is recited), and doing individual book studies that will take me through the Bible in a year. So I will read through it three times this year and it's wonderful. I'm having an exciting time and I can see God working in me and through me in ways He never has before (or in ways I'd never LET Him before?). I think if we "miss" something in one area, God will "hit" us in another area. It certainly should not be a contest to see who can get through the Bible the most times in a year. It must be gauged by one's personal spiritual growth. If we're not moving forward, we're either standing still, or falling back. Studying more can only cause us to move forward and draw closer to The Most High God. Teresa: There are many translations of the Bible. Is there a translation which is easiest to understand and yet as near to the original version as possible? Dale: I have 28 translations. I am not "into" judging which version is closest to the original (apart from those cultic publications which have obviously distorted the scriptures). And while others have criticized "The Living Bible" and its paraphrasing, I have found it to be extremely rich and rewarding in my studies (and it's helpful for new Christians as well). My favorite, because of memorization, is the King James (after all, if it was good enough for Paul, it's good enough for me). The Philips Translation, and the Amplified Bible have also been particularly meaningful to me and my personal spiritual growth. Teresa: When one chapter of the 31 chapters in Proverbs is read each day, we will always know what day of the month it is. We will also have read Proverbs through each month. Have you learned any other unique thoughts on Bible study? Dale: Yes, doing the same thing with 5 chapters of Psalms per day for 30 days will take us through the entire book of Psalms. (On months with 31 days, read Chapter 150 again). Of course, you'll have to do some mathematics to figure out where you are on each day. But we must be careful to make sure that is not our ONLY attempt to get into the Word each day. They should be IN ADDITION TO our regular studies. Teresa: What are some of your favorite Bible studies? Dale: Character studies are particularly fascinating for me. The life of Christ, Daniel, Job, David, and even more obscure, hardly mentioned characters such as Jabez, (I Chronicles 4:9, 10), Demas (II Tim 4:10), and Alexander the Coppersmith (II Timothy 4:14). Teresa: What are the advantages of groups of men studying the Bible together as well as groups of women studying together? Dale: They can get into more personal areas that involve them particularly, without causing embarrassment. It's a good opportunity for men and women to "open up" to each other and receive the benefit of others' testimonies of victory in the areas that are troubling them. Teresa: What would you tell the young people as far as studying God's Word is concerned? Dale: I would say, "Guys and gals, read Joshua 1:7, 8, and 9 aloud several times every day, morning and night, for 30 days, follow its instructions and see first hand all the marvelous things God will work in your life. Then, do the same with Psalm 84:11 for the next 30 days, followed by Romans 12: 1 & 2 for the third 30 days. You'll be a different person at the end of 90 days and your heart will be tuned and turned toward God and His Word in a way it never has been before." Teresa: Dale, do you feel that many times the church does not emphasize the importance of Bible Study? Dale: I am convinced that the greatest need of the church is to train Christians in the absolute necessity of and value in Bible Study. When the Word comes alive in our spirit, it affects every thing we touch, say, think, and do. It changes our countenance and cleanses our mind. It puts that knowledge that "you've been with Jesus" in every person whose path you cross. It leads you in paths of righteousness and provides the power and strength you need to be an overcomer. It provides wisdom at those crucial decision-moments. Why would any Christian ignore this incredible potential? Sadly, satan has done one incredible job convincing Christians AWAY from the scriptures. We must double and redouble our efforts to combat his diabolically successful "campaign"! Teresa: I like small church group Bible studies as well as Bible studies in the home. How would one organize or prepare for this? Dale: Set a time and start with yourself and a friend. Tell others close to you what God is doing. Invite them to get involved. Alternate locations and teachers. Keep your heart open. Listen carefully for His still, small voice. Where 2 or 3 are gathered together in His Name, He is there in the midst. What a thrill to be smack, dab in the middle of the Presence of the Most High God! Teresa: I have studied the Bible with only one of my friends who was very knowledgeable in God's Word. We had many in-depth discussions because we liked to research and learn. Do you have any thoughts on this type of Bible study? Dale: I've done the same thing and it's good - as long as you're both in one accord. Sometimes the more knowledgeable person tends to dominate and it can be detrimental rather than uplifting. Of course, it's a great way for the novice to become learned in the scriptures. In cases like this, it is also important to be sure the "teacher" is rooted and grounded in the Word. Getting the Pastor's approval beforehand would be appropriate. Teresa: Are there any final thoughts you would like to leave with our readers? Dale: Simply this. If you're NOT making God's Word a vital part of your life every day, you're missing out on the very best that God has in store for you. It's God's "love letter" to you. Take it off the shelf, dust it off, and read it over and over until His love pours throughout your entire being. O taste and see that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34:8). The Lord is on my side. (Psalm 118:6). That in all things, He might have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:18). Ministry Profile Ministry Profile PURE HEART MINISTRIES By David DeMarco New Brighton, Pennsylvania Our desire is to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ to a generation in turmoil, reaching out to the lost; shaking, waking, and reviving the closet Christian. We want to call our nation, youth, parents, and all people back to holiness, integrity, and a pure heart based solely on the Word of God. Many ministries focus on just youth or just on adults, but our calling is to unite the younger generation with the older generation, bridging the gap with the love of Jesus. God has given us a timely and specific message for the body of Christ and we are totally confident that His Word does not return void. PURE HEART MINISTRIES TO BRIDGE THE GAP When David DeMarco, founder of Pure Heart Ministries, left his home town of New Brighton, Pennsylvania 10 months ago, he never thought he would be back so soon. David and his wife of one year, Ann, went to Tulsa, Oklahoma for "a time of preparation" that they thought would span anywhere from 2 to 5 years before they would return back to the Pittsburgh area to base the ministry. However, God works in a different time schedule and taught them many things while they were in Tulsa. This "time of preparation" was spent at Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center under the leadership of Pastor Carlton Pearson. David held the position of staff youth evangelist in the youth ministry, High Voltage Youth Ministries. David also ministered under many anointed, Tulsa-based ministries such as Carman, Blaine Bartel, Willie George, R.W. Schambach, Morgan Cryar, and Willie Davis. He has ministered in churches ranging from 60 people to 6,000. He was also involved in a brand new school of ministry called the Minister's In Training Program (MIT) which was geared toward bringing youth ministers from across the country and training them for 10 months. This training program offered classroom lessons in the morning and actual "hands-on" experience in the afternoons at local high school campuses where the ministers would assist students in starting and running a Bible club. In January, David was offered the position of Co-Director/Education Coordinator for the second year of the MIT program. After much prayer, God directed David and Ann's hearts toward launching out into a full-time evangelistic ministry geared toward bridging the gap between the younger and older generations. After he refused to take the position and pursued the path God had placed him on, many doors of opportunity began to open. David states, "We are extremely excited about the harvest that is out there just waiting to be labored and we are assured that only by God's Spirit, Word, and leading, will our ministry be founded and maintained." God is faithfully leading David in the ministry. Already he has been presented opportunities to appear on Cornerstone Television. David is steadily working with Willie Davis on producing an album of songs that God has given him. His schedule is quickly filling up with many ministry dates throughout the Northwestern District with summer camps, outdoor concerts and church services. David will be ministering to the youth at the CCNA (Christian Church of North America) National Convention in Princeton, New Jersey on Labor Day weekend. David DeMarco: Evangelist, Soloist, Musician, is available to minister in your church. His desire is to bless your people by focusing on both your youth and adults, encouraging and building them up in Christ. To make arrangements, contact David at Pure Heart Ministries, P.O. Box 218, New Brighton, Pennsylvania 15066 or call (412) 847-0746. Printed with permission from the Vista July-August 1994 publication of the Christian Church of North America. The Bookworm The Bookworm Browsing with the Bookworm As you may have gathered by now, I enjoy reading. I have been savoring books since I was a young larva. Although I read a lot of technical material and non-fiction, I also love good, (and sometimes not so good), fiction. One of my major frustrations is the scant amount of Christian fiction that qualifies as literary. While I am willing to pass the time with fiction that is simply entertaining, I do like to read literature which is well-written. There are very few contemporary Christian fiction writers who hold up over time. This also reflects the public's lack of willingness to read something challenging. (And yes, I'm something of a literature snob. But, when you're just a worm, you have to get your sense of stature somewhere.) Moody Press also may be feeling this same frustration, because they have established a new line of trade paperbacks called, CHRISTIAN EPICS. For me this is a good news, bad news situation. And so, for this column I thought I'd review two books in the series. BEN HUR A Tale of Christ by General Lew Wallace Moody Press, Chicago, IL, 1994. THE SILVER CHALICE by Thomas B. Costain Moody Press, Chicago, IL, 1994. My editor was the Pastor of Christian Education in a church in the San Francisco Bay Area. While there, he encouraged the young people to read during the summer by holding a "Read-a-thon." This allowed the children to be involved with raising money for the church building program. His primary concern though was to encourage them to read. Of course, he has been a voracious reader since childhood. And this also is true for me. Two of the books for which I have fond memories are those listed above. Both have been made into movies. "Ben Hur" has been seen by many more people than "The Silver Chalice." (Actually Ben Hur was made twice--the first time as a silent film. One of my relatives was an inch worm on a set construction project.) Of all the works of "Christian Literature" that deal directly with the biblical source material, "Ben Hur" is one of the best. General Lew Wallace, a Civil War veteran, was a Christian. In the book, Wallace is primarily concerned with Judah Ben Hur's life. But the book is also called a "Tale of Christ." This is because the ministry of Christ, and His effect on the world, is the driving force for change in the life of Judah. Wallace does fall into the trap of using some typical religious stereotypes for dramatic effect. For example, he brings in traditional picture of the Three Wise Men. This is in spite of the fact there is nothing in scripture that limits the number of the Magi to three. Also, scripture places the arrival of these individuals as much as two years after Christ's birth, and therefore not at the stable with the shepherds. Since this is a work of fiction, it doesn't have to tie to the accounts of scripture. What the book does, however, is present the message of the redemptive work of Christ on the cross without compromise. "Ben Hur" is an outstanding work of literature, with an unapologetic Christian theme. Judah struggles with the consequences of being Jewish in the Roman empire. On a few very specific occasions he crosses paths with Christ. And as a result, he moves from bitterness and hatred to accepting the grace and mercy of God. The book is outstanding. But what bothers me most about this series by Moody is the title: "Christian Epics." The editor's choice of books appears to mistake the presence of a theme related to Christ with Christianity. I don't have a problem with calling "Ben Hur" a Christian epic. I do have a problem with calling "The Silver Chalice" one. First, I don't want to be misunderstood. I have always enjoyed the "Silver Chalice." It is by one of my favorite historic fiction authors, Thomas B. Costain. (Costain also wrote the "Black Rose," another excellent book made into a movie.) As with "Ben Hur," I can recommend the book without reservation. On the other hand, "The Silver Chalice" moves from a biblical view of the events surrounding Christ. Instead, it presents one that reflects the superstition of some of contemporary Christendom. The book starts with Joseph of Arimathea sending Dr. Luke to purchase Basil a slave with great skill in silver work. Here is how Costain describes the scene between the newly freed Basil and Dr. Luke. "I know who your are," (Basil) said eagerly, "You are the angel Mefathiel. You have come in answer to my prayers. You--you are the Opener of the Doors." A smile of great kindness lighted up the face of the visitor. "No, my son, I am not the angel Mefathiel. But I am happy to hear you have been making your prayers to him." (1) Can you imagine the Apostle Luke commending someone for praying to an angel? And this kind of superstition is manifest throughout the book. The driving force of the book is the crafting of the Silver Chalice. This is the work to which Basil has been called. He is to make a silver cup. Around the outside are to be fine engravings of each of the twelve Apostles. This chalice is to hold the sacred relic, Christ's cup from the Last Supper. Basil meets the apostles, is affected by the life of Christ, and miracles surround the creation of the chalice. He eventually becomes a Christian. But the sacredness of relics isn't a biblical concept, it is pagan. (This same problem occurs in other so called Christian works including the Robe, where the sacred relic is Christ's robe. This is the same robe over which the soldiers cast lots at the foot of the cross. And, of course, it is the source of miraculous powers.) This approach to Christianity is much more in line with "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." Here also the Chalice (Grail) is again the object of veneration. It is desired for its healing powers. This view of the Grail goes back to the Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Relics have always been a problem in Christendom. There are enough splinters from the Cross to build the Ark. There are enough bones of specific saints to populate the early church. This worship of relics is simply a form of idolatry. There are many books on the market that are called Christian Fiction. Some use biblical themes, and often very poorly. Others are Westerns, Mysteries, Fantasy and Science Fiction written from the perspective of a Christian world view. Some are biblically sound, and some are terrible. Many of the "classics" written from a "Christian" perspective have a superstitious view of Christianity, Christ, the Apostles, etc. They may be excellent works of fiction. They are much better written than most current fiction. They are positive about the Lord and Christianity. And I can recommend the two discussed as excellent reading. But, beware, just because Moody publishes several books under its "Christian Epics" imprint, doesn't mean that they are all Christian. Read these works and enjoy them as examples of good literature. And as you ready through this new series by Moody, you will be exposed to some great Christian writing, and some plain great writing. Lord bless, and good reading. Next time we will look at a couple of books for men. Your Friend The Bookworm 1. Costain, Thomas B., THE SILVER CHALICE, Doubleday & Company, Inc. (edition), Garden City, NY, 1952, p. 41 Praise and Prayer Praise and Prayer PRAISE AND PRAYER is our international prayer link column. Send your praise report or prayer request to MORNING STAR for publication in our next issue. Call on your brothers and sisters worldwide and together we will call on God! PRAISE REPORTS ALABAMA Barbara thanks the Lord that her mother has come home from the hospital. She was very ill, but is much better now. CALIFORNIA Geoff thanks the Lord that Shari Ann continues to improve and is home from the hospital. Continue to pray for her and her parents Dale and Kim. Cathy and her husband praise the Lord for the birth of a healthy baby boy, Brian Ronald, on April 28th. FLORIDA Joyce thanks her precious Jesus for her precious husband and family. Vince celebrated his 15th anniversary in full time ministry. He thanks the Lord for the privilege of serving Him full time. Denise praises the Lord that her blood sugar is normal. She gives the Lord all the glory. MINNESOTA Maryanne praises the Lord that she and her husband are back together again. NEW JERSEY Richard thanks the Lord that Pastor Haynie is doing well. Pray for his heart condition. PENNSYLVANIA Ron Elkin of AMMI Ministry (P.O. Box 27576 Philadelphia PA 19118, 1-800-922-2664) reports that two Jewish women at a nursing home in Philadelphia, professed faith in Jesus the Messiah. Their names are Esther and Hannah. Please pray for their spiritual growth since they are already going through pressure to denounce the call from God to believe. Mark is happy to tell us that his brother Jim and his son Joshua in North Carolina are both out of the hospital since the wreck. Jim is recovering from a cracked hip. Continue praying for them. Mariyam is profoundly grateful to the Lord for healing and saving her daughter Carrie. Ron praises the Lord that he had the opportunity to give his testimony at a church meeting for Jewish emigrants. Twenty-four people responded to the invitation to repent and believe in Jesus. TEXAS David thanks the Lord for protecting his oldest son two weeks ago when he was in a wreck that totaled his truck. He didn't have a scratch. PRAYER REQUESTS ALABAMA Barbara asks for continued prayer for her 15 year old son Neal. His fatigue is getting much better. Also, pray the Lord will guide him in his involvement in the musical theatre. ARKANSAS Elizabeth requests prayer for Mark for alcoholism and Tom for conversion of heart. Pray also for Melissa's high blood pressure condition. CALIFORNIA Geoff requests prayer for three spouses who have walked out on their spouses this week. He also reminds us to pray for the leadership of our nation as per Peter's instructions. Scott asks prayer for salvation of his Great Aunt. Pray for salvation for his 11 year old friend also. Pray for Karen and her daughter Erin who ran away from home. Pray that the Lord will bring about a reconciliation. Robert requests prayer for his wife Joan. She's having a bad time with tendonitis. Pray also for a friend, Alex, who is very near death. COLORADO Gail requests prayer for the Jews for Jesus summer witnessing campaigns in New York City, Toronto and England and France. Pray for protection for missionaries and for many open hearts. Remember Gail in prayer concerning a job. FLORIDA Pray the Lord will help Paul in his accounting business. Joyce asks prayer for her son Dwight. He was brain damaged in a car accident. Lucinda requests prayer for Nick's sister who is suffering from alcoholism. Pray for Tonianne, 11 years of age, with leukemia. Pray for healing and also for strength for her parents. INDIANA Jennie needs to change jobs in order to pay off debts before going on to nurse practitioner school and be able to provide for her retirement. KANSAS Lisa needs God's assurance and help dealing with habitual sins. MARYLAND Will asks for prayer for the strengthening of his marriage. MICHIGAN Pray for Ralph who has congestive heart disease. Pray for strength for him in the hospital and for his wife. Rebecca is living with Kay because her father is in jail and her mother is absent. Pray for the Lord's guidance in this matter. MISSISSIPPI James asks for prayer that he finds what God wants him to do regarding his life's work. Pray also for his mom, Mary, who will be having a hysterectomy soon. NEW HAMPSHIRE Continue to pray for Toby concerning his ailing arm. Please pray also that the Lord will open doors for a new job in a Christian setting. NEW JERSEY Joe and his wife, missionaries, are being bombarded with pressing needs and hectic scheduling. NEW YORK Terri asks for prayer concerning her workplace. She wants to know the Lord's will for her life. OHIO Carolyn discovered a lump and will have a biopsy. Her father's cancer has resurfaced and he will start chemotherapy. Her husband has been unemployed for over a year and she has been unemployed since January. Pray for the Lord's will in their lives. PENNSYLVANIA Terri asks that the Lord will bless her son and daughter in law's marriage. Pray also for AnneMarie's salvation. Pray for Lynn who has Lyme's Disease and is not recovering. Anthony and Marie are having real financial problems since he was unemployed for 2 years. Pray for Louise who is seriously depressed and needs renewal and strength. Ron asks prayer for continued victory over diabetes. Pray for salvation for Madeline. Mariyam requests prayer for Nathaniel, only 3 months old, and having seizures. Lift him up to the Lord for healing. TEXAS Pray for Dan for financial needs. David is always in a lot of pain due to an industrial accident 7 years ago. Please remember him in prayer. VIRGINIA Kathi has Crohn's disease and will be having major surgery soon. Please pray that the Lord will touch her body. Mark and a co-worker were struck by lightning while playing golf for a benefit. They are in a coma in the hospital. Pray for a touch from the Lord. OTHERS Debbie requests prayer for Rusty who is having surgery on his back/neck/spinal column. He dove into a pool and was injured. The neurosurgeon is surprised saying according to the x-rays, Rusty should be paralyzed. He has a wife and a new baby. Pray that the Lord will touch his body. INTERNATIONAL REQUESTS CANADA Pray for salvation for Frank in Ontario. He is a diabetic with many complications. Pray for salvation also for his father, Frank Sr.,and for his high blood pressure condition. MORE THAN EVER, Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6a). S.C.U.D. Warnings! S.C.U.D. Warnings! S piritual C ounterfeits U ndermining D octrine W A R N I N G S By Jerry Johnson An Heretical Rewrite of Sections of I John 4:7-21 (You may want to read along in a non-heretical version) 7 Dear friends, let us like one another as much as is possible, for love comes from God (although it gets really washed out by the time it gets to us). Everyone who likes quite a few people is born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love knows God but is still working out the details, because God is love and we're just supposed to do our best. 9 This is how God showed his love among us; He sent his one and only Son into the world so that we may attempt a cheap imitation of life through him. 10 This is love; not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to tolerate as many people as possible (preferably those who are a lot like us). 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we like each other (or at least quite a few people); God lives in us and his positive regard is weakly imitated in is. 16 ... God is love. Whoever lives in tolerance of some people lives in God and God in him. 17 A reasonably positive attitude is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we try (however weakly) to be like him. 18 There is no fear in love. But since we strive just to like others, we can be a little afraid and God won't get too mad, but we may still get nailed. 19 We strive to like because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is like the rest of us: just trying to do our best. For anyone who does not like at least some of the brothers that are most like him, who he has seen, can love God, whom he has not seen, anyway because he's a lot better than those other guys. 21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must strive to like at least a few of his brothers (you pick which ones). THE LIKE OF GOD What? You never heard of the "like of God"? Neither have I. Yet, in interacting with many Christians over the years I have frequently and repeatedly heard versions of the following statements: "I love them with God's love, but personally I can't stand them." or "I know I have to love them, but do I have to like them or spend time with them??!!" If you are like me you've spent some time in your life wondering how God could possibly love those people that I find so unworthy of MY time and attention. After all, even though they were worth Christ's blood they're hardly worth my time. "Oh, I see you're being real subtle in this column too!" I am confessing that for my 41 years I have bought a washed-out, bargain basement, cheap knock off, cop out definition of the love that I have been called to live out to all others that I come in contact with. To live in love with the saints above, Oh, yes! That will be glory! But to live below, with the ones we know: Well, that's a different story. In past columns I have already expressed my frustration with the fact that many believers are taking Matthew 19:19 "... and love thy neighbor as thyself" to preach a gospel of spending time on self obsession and self love BEFORE you can possibly love anyone else. If you or someone you know has bought into that deception, I suggest you also read John 13:34: "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, so you must love one another." The person who spoke that line was Jesus himself. Yep, He commanded that we love others as he has loved us. No qualifiers there about how pleased or delighted we are with ourselves. Just his example. And notice ... he doesn't say "try your best" or "give it a shot." Jesus said "so you must love one another." "But we all know that we can't love as Jesus loved; he was just telling us to do our best to love like he loved." But what did he SAY? He said to love one another as (in the same manner, intensity and style) he loved us. Either he was telling the truth, or he was lying. If he was lying, we're all in deep trouble. If he was telling the truth, we have some heavy rethinking to do. I have always bought the lie that I could not love as God loves. That love is selfless, relentless, powerful and all-consuming. All I could generate was self centered, conditional, expedient and convenient love. And that was at my best! "So, you changed your mind?" Yep. I've come to understand that we have full access to that powerful love of God through the Holy Spirit that lives within each believer if we choose to do one simple thing. "And that is?" Make the commitment that my life is no longer about me ... at all. If I choose that every person I encounter is more important than me, I am free to love with God's love. I no longer have to worry about what they think about me, how they will react to me, what it might cost me, what I will get out of it , etc, etc, etc. All my life I interpreted everything in light of how it did, might and is affecting me. Therefore everything I did and every choice I made, even in Christ's name, was weighed and hindered by the fact it had to either please me enough or not displease me too much. I was the most important thing in my life. As long as I was in the formula, I interpreted things in terms of its effect on me. If I leave myself out of the loop, I am free to care for others without restriction. I am serious. There is a revival coming in this the last of the last days ... and that is a revival of Christ's love lived through his people. Not a pale imitation, the real thing. John 13:35 states, "All men will know that you are my disciples if you have a big building, or if you have charts of your theology, or if you have the biggest cross in the county, or if you have famous people speak in your building, or if you have the best programs, or if ..." What it says is that they will know we are Christians BY OUR LOVE. Do you know many, or any, churches where this is true? Where strangers, believing or non-believing, would immediately recognize that fact that people love them, not just do "loving" actions. If we do not see it, maybe it is because we have bought the lie that we cannot be yielded to God in such a manner to let that love flow. It can, IF we make the choice to become the least and love everyone else first and best. "But what about my needs?" The less we take them into account and try to supply them for ourselves, the more we release God to supply them for us WITHOUT OUR ASKING. Remember? -- "Seek ye first ..." Next time: A SCUD relaunch of "Gracebusters" Features Starting Out... Starting Out... STARTING OUT ... The following is a copy of a letter I sent to someone I met on the America Online computer network several months ago. I mailed him a pocket-sized New Testament and recommended the following "reading path." You may find the ideas in this letter useful when someone asks you, "Where do I start?" - Editor T.T. Hi Rob, I sent the NIV New Testament to you today. It went via the "book rate" which is cheaper but slower, so you will get in several days. I suggest the following reading path: Begin with the Gospel of John. All the Gospels are good reading and overlap material a lot, but John's is especially good at revealing Jesus, who He is and what He taught. Continue with the book of ACTS which is next after John's Gospel. This is the "bridge" book between the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament. It tells all about the early church and missionary work, has important teaching in it, and (importantly) introduces Paul, whom the Lord changed from a Christian-hater and persecuter to perhaps the greatest believer who ever lived - in that the Lord used him to write two-thirds of the New Testament. When you're done ACTS, you're ready for some serious learning. Go right into the next book which is ROMANS written by Paul. This is THE book concerning what "faith" is in the Bible. Take it slow, especially the first few chapters. Romans chapters 5 through 8 are very important, especially 8. (Compare Romans chapter 8 with Hebrews chapter 11 sometime!) After Romans skip over to GALATIANS as that book goes hand in hand with Romans about faith. After Galatians move ahead to JAMES. This book shows the "other side of the coin" explaining that real faith PRODUCES good works, that "faith" that doesn't produce anything good in God's sight is "dead faith". Sometimes people get confused over this book, thinking that it teaches that "good works" are necessary for salvation. It doesn't teach that at all (See Ephesians chapter 2, verses 8 & 9) - which is why I recommend reading Romans and Galatians closely BEFORE reading James for correct understanding. These 5 books will give you a real good understanding of "what it's all about" and help your relationship with the Lord. Please E-mail me questions as you go along. Remember, the book I sent you is a NEW TESTAMENT. It is important to learn the WHOLE BIBLE of course. Many Christians don't think they need to read the Old Testament - but they are depriving themselves of 75 percent of the Bible. As Paul wrote in 1st Corinthians "these things (in the Old Testament) were written as examples, as lessons to us." Do get to know most of the New Testament first. Don't jump into the last book, Revelation, for a while. It takes some serious study and knowledge of the Old Testament to fully understand that book, as it uses a lot of symbolism etc. Finally - ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS begin any reading session with a prayer to the Lord to help open your eyes more and more to proper understanding. Try to read according to a committed schedule - a little bit every day. And don't be afraid to "talk to God" throughout the day. Paul did in the Bible. I do myself. All believers should. The Lord wants to be "in our lives" 24 hours a day. Keep in touch! Toby Top 10 Reasons to Study... Top 10 Reasons to Study... TOP 10 REASONS TO STUDY THE BIBLE EVERY DAY By Dale E. Strand 10. You'll have a better shot at answering the Jeopardy Bible questions. 9. It'll take away (for a while) your lack-of-studying guilt feelings. 8. It will make those around you think you're spiritual. 7. It will give you proof texts to help you "prove" where others' doctrines are wrong. 6. It will prevent embarrassment when you (finally) no longer have to look in the index to find the location of the books of the Bible. 5. When someone else looks through your Bible, they'll see that it has been used at LEAST a little. 4. You'll know that "God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform" is NOT in the Bible. 3. You can impress your intellectual friends by quoting relevant scriptures at appropriate times. 2. You'll find out that the passage in Acts that speaks of "all with one accord in one place" does not refer to a Honda. 1. You'll know of a certainty, that despite Genesis 3 saying that God drove Adam out of the garden, God was not in possession of a valid driver's license at the time. It seems that everyone is doing "Top 10" lists nowadays. They quote 'em at work, repeat the catchiest ones on TV, and it's usually difficult to join a conversation around the proverbial water cooler without someone bringing up one of Letterman's (or someone else's) top ten list. While we've taken some liberties with our list (and we hope you won't unchurch us for doing so), they DO point up some of the WRONG reasons for making Bible Study a part of your life. Which brings me to a list of things I've heard over the years of why people DO NOT study the Bible: A. It's boring. (Anything can be boring if you don't put your heart and quality time into it ...) B. I can't understand it. (Get a good translation or paraphrase that makes The Word "come alive" in your spirit. I personally recommend Phillips). C. It makes me think about my sins. (That's The Holy Spirit dealing with you personally at your personal point of need. He cares about you THAT MUCH!). D. I don't have the time. (We ALWAYS find time for the things that are important to us. Would you want to tell God that His Love Letter to You is not important?) E. That's the Preacher's job. (But he's not the one who will stand before God to answer for YOUR lack ... ) Of course, we've all heard many other reasons also, and perhaps we'll address those in a future article. However, since the scope of this treatise is limited, let's close by giving you the REAL top 10 reasons for making an appointment with The Most High every (yes, EVERY) day, without fail. 10. God says, "Do it!" 9. It will strengthen you. 8. It will quicken you. 7. It is forever settled in heaven. 6. It will make you wiser than your enemies. 5. It will give you understanding. 4. It will light your pathway and "order" (direct) your steps. 3. It will keep iniquity from having dominion over you. 2. It will give you great peace. 1. When you really love someone, you desire to spend time with them and listen to what they have to say. Most of these are from Psalm 119. There are MANY more. I believe you simply cannot be a Christian, other than in name only, without spending regular, quality time in the Word. "Dear Lord, as I fill my mind with scripture, I'm filling my life with YOU!" Who Would You Like to Meet ? Who Would You Like to Meet ? Several months ago, we asked people on the computer networks to tell us who they would like to meet (other than Jesus) when they get to heaven. Here are some of the replies we received - maybe these comments will inspire you to read up on these individuals! Rick from New Jersey: I would like to meet Daniel and Gabriel. I would like to ask Daniel how long it was that He had been praying for Jerusalem after reading the passage in Jeremiah he spoke of in Dan chapter 9. I would ask the Angel Gabriel, "approximately how many miles did you travel in that amount of time? And how fast were you traveling?" Jack from California: Meeting Paul, I would ask him about the intensity of his first contact with God. I would want to know about the experience that transformed him from a persecutor to totaly self-sacrificed follower of Christ. I would ask him to tell me about the early church and his journeys. Most of all, I would ask him to describe the peace God granted him when under persecution. To understand Paul would be to see the extent of God's grace for all the world and His awesome power to have the gospel spread. Bruce from Georgia: One I really want to meet is the repentant thief on the cross. I think he would be very interesting to talk with and discuss those incredible last hours he spent in the presence of Christ. Rocky from Oregon: Enoch, Elisha and Moses. All three of these men had a very unusual relationship with God and I would like to know what caused it. I would also like to ask Elisha about those children and that bear (2 Kings 2:23,24) Sally from California: I just couldn't pass up the chance to run to Paul and thank him for obeying the Lord. I would ask to hear more about his journeys and the things he and the members of the early church encountered. Also Sarah - I want to know more about their life before knowing God and more about their faith and patience in waiting for a child. I think I'd just love to hear her tell the story from her own lips. Stephen from the MCI network: I would like to know from Peter what it felt like to have Jesus ask how he was doing after he rose from the grave. I am sure Peter thought the last person Jesus wanted to see was him. But Jesus was concerned how Peter was doing. I think that is so awesome. I would also like talk to James to know what it was like growing up with Jesus. Pat from Tennessee: I'll ask Paul what Jesus told him during those three years alone after his conversion. Would like to know how he structured his prayer life, specifically how he was so "tuned in" to the Lord's will. I will thank him for being a willing conduit between Christ and the world, and for being such a fine writer. Bruce from GA Barabbas (assuming he's there). Christ saved us all by dying in our place on the cross. It took the disciples a little time to realize this, but it was way too personal for Barabbas to miss it. I'd like to know how he felt, and how his life was affected by this event. Christian from California: I know I would like to meet Job. I would ask him to tell me what his experiences were like. When I had to spend a month in the hospital because of inoperative lungs I often found comfort in the book of Job. I knew that if Job could go through all that, God would still be there for me. My pain was so great in the hospital that on one occasion I cried out that I wanted to die. Looking back I now praise God for that experience. Each tribulation that I go through in life makes me all the more stronger, not to mention being able to relate to people as I pursue a career in Pastoring. Mary from Missouri: One person I would like to have met was Peter. Before Christ died on the cross, Peter denied Him three times when he was fearful for his life. However, after His death and resurrection , when Jesus appeared to the apostles, Peter faced the possibility of death by torture on many occasions and did not waver from his conviction that Jesus is surely the Son of God. I would love to talk to him about it. As a mom, I would also like to talk to Mary about how she handled such a gruesome death and the awesome task of being the mother of Jesus. There is so little written about the childhood of Jesus, I would just think it would be so interesting to find out how HE lived before his public life. Matthew from California: I would like to speak to Enoch. I feel that his role in Old Testament history is overlooked. I would like to ask him several things, but the most important one would be, "Tell me about the pre-flood world and its relation to God from a righteous mans point of view." Brad from the AOL network: Barnabas, who was also known as the Son of Encouragement in Acts 4:36. I see in his gifting of mercy and encouragement a quality that I would like to have our Lord develop in me. Rose from the AOL network: I would like to meet Hannah, Rebecca, and Elizabeth (especially Hannah) because of their unfailing faith as outlined in the scriptures. At the age of 25 I was diagnosed with Endometriosis. I was always the one who took care of the babies in the family. I was the one who chose to go into education because I loved children so much. I always "had a way" with them. I got married with having children as my main objective! I was diagnosed with this disease three months after marriage. I had never even heard of it before. I would like to learn from Hannah the insights of how she maintained even in despair. I understand totally what she was going through. I lost my battle with infertility last June (1993) at the age of 32. I cried on the operating table - not because I was afraid (I knew that the Lord would take care of me), but because I knew that this was the end of any hope in my situation. Doug from Michigan: I'd like to meet David, I would really like to be in the presence of the man after God's own heart. The inspiration from that meeting would be tremendous. Word Wealth (A Parable) Word Wealth (A Parable) WORD WEALTH (A Parable) By Rev. David Perrello Williamsville, New York My parable is of a gold mine which stopped producing over 100 years ago. One of the richest gold veins in the land was finally exhausted by the family of miners. Their work had enriched that family with hundreds of millions of dollars. They remained in homes around the mine and spent their days enjoying the fruit of their labor. No one labored in the mine for many years. A time came when strangers came and claimed that they were related to the mining family. The strangers dug for some time in the mine, hoping to find a new gold vein. They dug deeply in the opposite direction of the first gold vein. They only found fool's gold, that which is false - that which is an imitation of true gold. For generations after, no one worked the mine. The family's attitude was that of, why bother; whatever wealth the mine had for us has already been extracted by our forebearers. We really don't need to work the mine any longer. Let us enjoy the wealth that they have so abundantly left to us. So the mine remained forsaken. It did, that is, until many years later when a family member decided to explore it. The person was a student of Geology, who very carefully studied the mine. After close observation of many samples of the mine's substance, he dug inward beneath the old rich vein line instead of downward in new ground in the opposite direction as the strangers had done. His reward was to discover a larger corresponding gold vein as rich and productive as the first had been. In the same manner, by digging inward beneath the second vein he found yet an even richer third vein of gold. The key to the rich discovery was not that he went digging in a new direction ever deeper, but that he dug inward more deeply at the same location where his forebearers first dug. The Interpretation ... The gold mine is the Word of God. The rich vein is the hidden wisdom of the Word of God. The early family of miners are our Spiritual fathers and mothers of the church. Their early work is digging into the truth of God's Word. The early wealth is the early deep move of God. The homes - establishing their family lives around the early-discovered spiritual truths of God's Word. The fruit of their labor is the joy in what they discovered in their generation. The abandoned mine is the Word of God when it is thought to offer no further riches than that already earlier extracted by laborers of God. The strangers are those who seek spiritual wisdom where it cannot be found while claiming to be members of God's family. Fool's gold is false teaching presented as the wealth of God's Word. Imitation is presenting a way that seems right but leads to destruction. Unworked mine is satisfaction with things as they are concerning the Word of God - not digging into the Word as the family ancestors did. The student is one with a hunger for the deep wisdom of God's Word. Study of samples is meditating on all aspects of the Word of God before finding how to go beyond the study of the letter of the Word and discover its spiritual gold vein of eternal wisdom for our age. Digging inward is learning that additional light on truth is always beneath already revealed truth and is not found to be in the deep recesses of a contrary direction. A corresponding vein is greater light of wisdom in God's Word though greater is still always identical to known truth. The third vein is like a lamp's light which has increasing light as the switch is progressively turned; so does the Holy Spirit increase knowledge of revealed truth of God's Word. It is time to keep digging wisdom's wealth in God's Holy Word. See Romans 15:4; II Timothy 3:14-17; Hebrews 4:8-14. Printed with permission - Vista May-June 1994, a Publication of the General Council of the Christian Church of North America. The Tenth Commandment The Tenth Commandment THE TENTH COMMANDMENT By Michael Wilkinson "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's" (Exodus 20:17). This is the tenth commandment given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. This commandment is unique among the ten commandments because it can be directly related to some of the other commandments, and violating it may become a path to other sins. Those who break the commandment, "You shall not covet," may find that it leads to committing adultery or stealing (in violation of commandment seven or eight) when they pursue the things they covet. And as we shall see from the example of Ahab, people who go from coveting to taking may next turn to murder and violate commandment six. "After these things had happened, this is what followed. A man named Naboth owned a vineyard in Jezreel, near the palace of Ahab king of Israel. One day Ahab said to Naboth, 'Give me your vineyard. It is near my palace, and I want to make it into a vegetable garden. I will give you a better vineyard in its place, or, if you prefer, I will pay you what it is worth.' Naboth answered, 'May the LORD keep me from ever giving my land to you. It belongs to my family.' Ahab went home angry and upset, because he did not like what Naboth from Jezreel had said. (Naboth had said, 'I will not give you my family's land.') Ahab lay down on his bed, turned his face to the wall, and refused to eat. His wife, Jezebel, came in and asked him, 'Why are you so upset that you refuse to eat?' Ahab answered, 'I talked to Naboth, the man from Jezreel. I said, 'Sell me your vineyard, or, if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard for it.' But Naboth refused.' Jezebel answered, 'Is this how you rule as king over Israel? Get up, eat something, and cheer up. I will get Naboth's vineyard for you.' So Jezebel wrote some letters, signed Ahab's name to them, and used his own seal to seal them. Then she sent them to the older leaders and important men who lived in Naboth's town. The letter she wrote said: 'Declare a day during which the people are to give up eating. Call the people together, and give Naboth a place of honor among them. Seat two troublemakers across from him, and have them say they heard Naboth speak against God and the king. Then take Naboth out of the city and kill him with stones.' The older leaders and important men of Jezreel obeyed Jezebel's command, just as she wrote in the letters. They declared a special day on which the people were to give up eating. And they put Naboth in a place of honor before the people. Two troublemakers sat across from Naboth and said in front of everybody that they had heard him speak against God and the king. So the people carried Naboth out of the city and killed him with stones. Then the leaders sent a message to Jezebel, saying, 'Naboth has been killed.' When Jezebel heard that Naboth had been killed, she told Ahab, 'Naboth of Jezreel is dead. Now you may go and take for yourself the vineyard he would not sell to you.' When Ahab heard that Naboth of Jezreel was dead, he got up and went to the vineyard to take it for his own. At this time the LORD spoke his word to the prophet Elijah the Tishbite. The LORD said, 'Go to Ahab king of Israel in Samaria. He is at Naboth's vineyard, where he has gone to take it as his own. Tell Ahab that I, the LORD, say to him, 'You have murdered Naboth and taken his land. So I tell you this: In the same place the dogs licked up Naboth's blood, they will also lick up your blood!'" (1 Kings 21:1- 19). There is no doubt that Ahab's problems with Naboth began when he violated the tenth commandment. And his coveting led to treachery and murder. Because he did these things, God proclaimed terrible judgment upon Ahab. If Ahab had only coveted and did not steal or murder, would the coveting then be a small matter? Would it be a "little sin" God could overlook? NO, because God commanded, "You shall not covet." Coveting in the heart is like actually taking what is not yours. This is true in the same way that lusting is like actually committing adultery. This is the same truth that hating is like actually committing murder (see Matthew 5:21-30). Also, coveting makes us stop relying upon God as provider. "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you'" (Hebrews 13:5). Therefore, we should avoid coveting, and instead defend that which belongs to others, even from ourselves. We should depend upon God and be satisfied with the things He has given us. "The law says, 'You must not be guilty of adultery. You must not murder anyone. You must not steal. You must not want to take your neighbor's things.' All these commands and all others are really only one rule: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself'" (Romans 13:9). The Mystery of Faith The Mystery of Faith THE MYSTERY OF FAITH By David Brickner Minister-at-Large San Francisco, California Not all of the texts that we use to point people to Christ are easily understood. Two difficult passages are Psalm 22:1, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?" and its corollary text in Matthew 27:46 spoken by Y'shua from the cross. Believers who know Psalm 22 recognize that though it was written by King David, the Holy Spirit was speaking through him to foreshadow Y'shua's suffering at Calvary. Verses 1-18 describe an experience that could only be crucifixion, and the verses that follow speak of the Lord' s ultimate triumph. It was appropriate and understandable that Y'shua would recite Scripture, especially one of the Psalms, while He was being executed. Even today, devout Jews take comfort in portions of the Psalms when they are in great pain or are experiencing bereavement. Yet unbelievers who are unaware of the existence of Psalm 22 often misinterpret Jesus' words, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?" spoken from the cross. Some say the statement proves that Jesus was not God. Others say it means that He was forsaken by God because He pretended to be the Messiah. When such unbelievers are shown Psalm 22, they react in various ways. Michael, an intelligent young Jewish attorney I met, had some strong opinions on this subject. He had read the New Testament and had formulated some ideas of his own about Jesus and His ministry. As far as Michael was concerned, Jesus was the Messiah, but He failed. He said that by refusing to lead a political revolt and gather the masses to Himself, Jesus missed the opportunity to fulfill His calling. Michael interpreted the words, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?" as an admission of that failureùa cry of defeat and despair. He believed that those words proved his entire hypothesis of a failed Messiah. Michael had never read Psalm 22. He had no idea that Jesus was quoting from Scripture as He hung on the cross. I found it interesting to watch Michael's face as I opened the Bible to Psalm 22 and we read it together. He was shocked. For a moment I saw on his face a look of wonder at discovering new truth. Yet almost as quickly as it came, the light in his eyes clouded over, and his countenance fell. He said that I was reading into the passage something that was not there. I pointed out to Michael that I was not reading anything into it. Jesus had quoted the Psalm directly. Then, without blinking an eye, Michael responded that those words probably had never been spoken by Jesus. Rather, they had been attributed to Him by some overzealous disciple after His death. I could hardly believe what I was hearing. Just minutes earlier, Michael had said that the words implied Jesus' admission of His own failure. Now he was denying that Jesus had ever said them! Michael was changing his position rather than accepting the truth. When I pointed out this inconsistency to him, he only became angry. Not long after my visit with Michael, I met Judy, another Jewish unbeliever. Judy prided herself on being open-minded. She did not believe that the Bible was the Word of God, but she admitted that she had never read very much of it. She did have a question for me, though. Judy wanted to know why Jesus had cried out from the cross, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?" Unlike Michael, however, Judy had not formulated any strong opinions about it. His statement merely puzzled her. I pointed out to Judy that essentially there were two reasons for Jesus' utterance of those words. First, He was expressing the reality of His own experience in terms of Scripture. While Jesus hung on the cross, God laid the sin of the whole world upon Him. In judging that sin, God had to turn away from Him for a brief moment. It was the horror of God's crushing judgment of sin that provoked Y'shua's cry of anguish. Yet by His death, the Messiah Y'shua paid the price of sin and purchased freedom from God's judgment for all who would believe in Him. I quoted 2 Corinthians 5:21: "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." I was not sure that Judy fully understood that part, so I went on to tell her about the second reason Jesus said those wordsù their prophetic significance. Once again I opened the Bible to Psalm 22. As we read and I explained, Judy stopped me with a question. How did we know that Psalm 22 was not written after the crucifixion? There had to be a catch somewhere. I explained why scholars know that the Psalm was written long before the events of the New Testament. It really got Judy's attention, but she began to be uncomfortable. As Michael had, Judy also saw the obvious correlation between Jesus' words on the cross and Psalm 22. Then, like Michael, she too began searching for a convenient way to dismiss the evidence. Nevertheless, Judy did say that maybe one day she would believe that the Bible is the Word of God. For her, Psalm 22 was at least a compelling indication of the supernatural aspect of the Bible, if not evidence of the messiahship of Jesus. Then there was Rami, another Jewish person I met. With him it was a different matter all together. Rami was an Israeli who once had confessed to being an atheist. Now he had a growing interest in spiritual matters. After meeting with me several times, Rami told me that if I could show him Y'shua in the Jewish Scriptures, he would believe. Concurrent with our looking into the Jewish Scriptures together, Rami was reading the New Testament in Hebrew. We discussed both Testaments. Looking together at the Hebrew and the English translations. When we turned to Psalm 22, Rami read the first verse. stopped and looked up at me with amazement. "Those are the words of Y'shua!" he exclaimed. As we read on through the detailed description of suffering, Rami kept saying, "Wow! That is exactly what happened to Y'shua!" We discussed the intricacies of the Hebrew. For example, in verse 16 the English reads, "They pierced My hands and My feet." Yet some have raised the question if it might not be better translated, "Like a lion they are at my hands and feet." The difference is based on just one Hebrew letter. However, Rami himself was quick to note that the interpretation of the passage did not depend only on that verse. He understood and accepted the significance of the prophecy. Whereas opinionated Michael and "open-minded" Judy had been quick to disbelieve, Rami, once a professed atheist, was quick to believe. In discussing Psalm 22 with three Jewish people, I gained three different insights into unbelievers' responses to Scripture. The evidence is there. God's Word is clear. Yet the how's and why's of faith are a mystery. Passages like Psalm 22 echo down through the ages. They are grand testimonies to a great redeemer God who has dramatically spoken into human history. How to respond to Him and to the revelation He has given us is another matter. It is a choice each person must make. From THE JEWS FOR JESUS NEWSLETTER Y'shua - Wonderful Savior Y'shua - Wonderful Savior Y'SHUA - WONDERFUL SAVIOR (Adapted from a Bible study by Loren Jacobs, SHEMA YISRAEL, November 1992) Seven hundred years before Y'shua was born, the prophet Isaiah wrote, For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. According to the prophet, one of Messiah's names is "Wonderful." The Hebrew PELEH signifies "something wonderful or amazing, a miracle, a wonder." Everything about Messiah Jesus is wonderful or full of wonder. He Is Wonderful in His Nature There is no one like Y'shua. He is the Mighty God, yet He was born as a child. He is forever God and forever man. His divine and human natures are an eternal mystery certainly worthy of our wonder. He Is Wonderful in His Power John 1:3 tells us that "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." Messiah Jesus is the Creator, not only of the planet earth and everything on it, but of the billions of galaxies and the trillions of stars and the entire host of angelic beings. The universe, from the smallest subatomic particle to the most distant galaxy billions of light years from earth, proclaims the power of its Creator. Not only did Y'shua create all things. He holds them together by the word of His power. Colossians 1:17 tells us that "He (Jesus) is before all things, and in Him all things consist" (NIV: "hold together"). Without Y'shua's control, the universe would disintegrate! He Is Wonderful in His Birth Micah 5:2 proclaims, But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth have been from of old, From everlasting. The eternal One entered into time and became flesh. His Incarnation is unique. He is the only one who could decree His parentage and the circumstances of His birth. He chose to be born of a Jewish virgin and to have a poor carpenter for a foster father. Y'shua, the Bread of Life, was born in Bethlehem (literally House of Bread). For His first bed, He chose not a silk-lined cradle in Caesar's palace but a straw-lined manger in a cattle stall. Yet prophets predicted His birth, angels visited earth to announce His arrival, and a bright, shining star led wise men from distant lands to find and worship Him. He Is Wonderful in Prophecy Messiah Y'shua is the focal point of the Bible prophecies. He is the Seed of the woman in Genesis 3:15 who would crush the serpent's head, and He is the spirit of prophecy mentioned in Revelation 19:10. He is the Living Word, the Author of the Word of God, and its chief subject. The ark, the Tabernacle, the Temple, the sacrifices and the appointed Old Testament feasts all point to Him. He is the Prophet greater than Moses, the final King on David's throne and the ultimate High Priest for all of God's people. He Is Wonderful in His Sinless Life Y'shua is the only human who ever kept God's law. Every other person who ever lived has yielded to the temptations of the world, the flesh or the devil. Only our Messiah Y'shua resisted them all. Though He was tested and tempted in all ways, He never sinned. He Is Wonderful in His Relationships During His ministry here on earth, Y'shua related to people as few, if any, rabbis of His day would have done. He made friends with social outcasts. He befriended a woman, touched lepers, ate with tax collectors and redeemed prostitutes. The Righteous One became the Friend of sinners. He called everyone who would believe in Him "friend." Such friendship is truly wonderful. He Is Wonderful in His Teaching He taught with beauty, simplicity and originality. He turned the world's values upside down when he announced, "Blessed are the poor" (not the rich); "Blessed are the meek" (not the powerful); "Blessed are the merciful" (not the conquerors). Since Y'shua came and taught true values, human ethics have never been the same. He taught with authority, never citing other rabbis. Instead, when He taught he said, "I say unto you," because there was no higher authority. His teachings were so wonderful that those sent to arrest Him could not lay a hand on Him. When asked why they had not brought Him, they exclaimed, "No man ever spoke like this Man!" He Is Wonderful in His Love Y'shua's love is a perfect love. As the perfect Man, He proved His love for the Father by total obedience, saying, "Not my will, but Thy will be done." He proved His love for people by ministering to their needs even when He Himself was hungry and fatigued. Most important, He proved His love for humanity by laying down His life. "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13). He Is Wonderful in His Ministry In His humanity, He is the Lamb of God slain from the foundations of the world to bear our sin. In His resurrection, He is the way to eternal life for every believer. In His ascension, He is the great High Priest who ever lives to make intercession for us before God's throne. His Holy Spirit is the Comforter who teaches, helps and consoles us in our earthly struggles. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who will return to reign in glory. Then as the Prince of Peace He will share His Kingdom with all who belong to Him. Y'shua, the Messiah of Israel, is God's gift to the whole world, and He is, indeed, Wonderful! From THE JEWS FOR JESUS NEWSLETTER What is Wisdom ? What is Wisdom ? WHAT IS WISDOM? By Daniel Bieman What is Wisdom? Let's all become a little bit wiser by taking a look at Wisdom as found in the Holy Scriptures and the New Covenant writings. First we require a little background. Starting with the Holy Scriptures, the "Tenakh" as it is known, is in itself an acronym taken from three Hebrew words. It is formed acrostically from the first letters of each word. The first letter being "tav" which stands for "Torah," the Instructions, the Law, or the Pentateuch (the Five Books of Moses). The second letter is "nun," representing a collection of books called the Prophets. In Hebrew this translates to "Niv'im." This section contains the Major Prophets and the Twelve or Minor Prophets as they are also known. Thirdly, the last section starts with the letter "khaf," beginning the word "Ketuvim" which means Writings. The Book of Daniel is found here. In this section called the Writings we find what is known as "Wisdom Literature.ö Wisdom Literature in the Bible consists specifically of three books: Job, Ecclesiastes, and Proverbs. Before asking what Wisdom is, we will examine what a Proverb is. The Hebrew name for the book of the same name is "Mishlay." "Mishlay" means extensively more than Proverb. It can mean sayings of truth, sayings with hidden meanings, oracles, parables, fables, and riddles. What is Wisdom? In Hebrew the word for Wisdom is "Hokhmah." This is a very potent word and may be defined in reference to one's skill, dexterity, intelligence, sensibility, judiciousness, and reasoning power. Judgment is included as well as the ability to memorize and retain information. A person with Wisdom may be skilled in civil matters. An example is the account of King Solomon and the two women fighting over the one baby. We know from the Scripture Solomon used Wisdom to solve the dilemma. Wisdom is attributed to Daniel having the ability to interpret dreams and to prophesy. Could it be with Wisdom one may have the art of enchantment or of magic? Remember the Egyptian magicians in Pharaoh's court in the Exodus account? Could they have used Wisdom to perform their magic? What is Wisdom, really? In the Book of Proverbs there are eight different Hebrew words that are translated into the English word Wisdom. In the King James Version of the Bible these words are found fifty-four times in Proverbs alone. How blessed is the man who finds Wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for it is more profitable than silver and its yield is better than that of fine gold. PR 3:13-14 HV Get Wisdom and acquire understanding ... PR 4:5a HV Wisdom is supreme. therefore, acquire Wisdom and though it may cost you all you have-whatever else you get, get understanding. PR 4:7 HV Say to Wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your intimate friend. PR 7:4 NASB Does not Wisdom call out and does not understanding lift up her voice? PR 8:1 HV Wisdom is more precious than jewels and all desirable things can not compare with her. PR 8:11 HV A man is praised according to his insight, according to his Wisdom. PR 12:8a HV Of what use is money in the hands of a fool, since he has no desire to get Wisdom? PR 17:16 NIV He who gets Wisdom loves his own soul and he who cherishes understanding finds what is good. PR 19:8 HV Buy the truth and do not sell it; get Wisdom, discipline, and understanding. PR 23:23 NIV By Wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established ... PR 24:3a NIV What kind of Wisdom are we capable of having? What kind of Wisdom are we responsible for knowing? In the New Covenant writings in Yokhanon (John) 12:37-43 HV we read: "But though Yeshua (Jesus) had performed so many signs before them, they were not believing in Him; that the words of Isaiah the Prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke, 'L-RD, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the L-RD been revealed?' [f:IS 53:1] For this cause they could not believe, for Isaiah said again, 'He has blinded their eyes, and He hardened their heart; lest they see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, and return, and I would heal them.' [f:IS 6:10] These things Isaiah said because he saw Yeshua's glory, and he spoke of Him, nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Yeshua, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing their faith in Him for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of G-d." The men mentioned in the above passage who were apprehensive to believe in Yeshua had pride. They possessed the self-preserving, self-seeking attitude of mankind. We all have this within us. The main reason for an attitude like this as seen in the latter lines of the above text is due to fear. The fear of men. Peer pressure, if you will. Fear of what they would think, say, and do should they believe in Yeshua as the Messiah. A belief and active admission of one's faith in the Messiah, namely Yeshua, could and did result in various kinds of persecution. One, being put out of the synagogue, the "Bet haK'nesset," the House of Assembly. The local house of Jewish worship. This action is considered a disgrace in, then, Jewish culture. In PR 3:1-7 NIV we read: "My son do not forget my teaching, but keep my commandments in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of G-d and man. Trust in the L-RD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; FEAR the L-RD and shun evil." It is written: "The fear of the L-RD is the beginning of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." PR 9:10 NASB You might say G-d's Wisdom is reciprocal to our fear of Him. G-d's Wisdom to man is a gift. If you fear G-d, Wisdom could be the end result. The gift is given to those who are humble. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes Wisdom.PR 11:2 NIV A scoffer seeks Wisdom, and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to him who has understanding. PR 14:6 HV The fear of the L-RD teaches a man Wisdom, and humility comes before honor. PR 15:33 NIV "The fear of the L-RD is the instruction for Wisdom, and before honor comes humility." PR 15:33 NASB The word "instruction" in the above line figuratively means reproof or warning. In this you might say the fear of the L-RD is required to obtain Wisdom. What is Wisdom? Wisdom is a gift from G-d. "The L-RD gives Wisdom and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." PR 2:6 NIV In 1 COR 1:18-31 HV, "Rav Shaul," Rabbi Saul or Paul the Apostle writes: "The message of the execution stake (the cross) is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of G-d. For it is written [f:IS 29:14]: 'I will destroy the Wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.' "Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not G-d made foolish the Wisdom of the world? For since G-d's Wisdom ordained that the world, using its own Wisdom, would not come to know Him. Therefore, G-d was pleased through the foolishness of what was proclaimed as His means to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for Wisdom, but we proclaim Messiah as crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom G-d has called, both Jews and Greeks, this same Messiah is the power of G-d and the Wisdom of G-d! For the foolishness of G-d is wiser than man's Wisdom, and the weakness of G-d is stronger than man's strength! "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But G-d chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; G-d chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-and the things that are not-to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him. It is because of His doing that you are in the Messiah Yeshua, who has become for us WISDOM from G-d, even our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. That just as it is written [f:JER 9:24] 'Let him who boasts boast in the L-RD.'" What is Wisdom? Wisdom is Yeshua the Messiah! Wisdom is a gift from G-d. Our Messiah Yeshua is G-d's gift to us. He is Wisdom. All the Wisdom we need. In helping to nullify fear and reestablish our knowledge of G-d with faith as we seek His Wisdom, let's study as Shaul continues in his letter to the body of Believers in 1 COR 2:1-10 HV: "When I [Shaul, Paul] came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence of speech or superior Wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about G-d. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Yeshua the Messiah and Him as crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on the Wisdom of men but on the power of G-d. "We do, however, speak a message of Wisdom among the mature, but not the Wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of G-d's secret Wisdom, a Wisdom that has been hidden [a mystery] and that G-d destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the L-RD of glory [namely: Yeshua]. However as it is written [f:IS 64:4]: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what G-d has prepared for those who love Him.' But G-d has revealed it to us by His Spirit." Even the Rabbi from Tarsus, Shaul, speaks of fear but when triumphed by faith and knowledge in Yeshua, the Wisdom from G-d, preaching Messiah as crucified, he wishes to reveal the power of G-d. This is the power that men seek. Some never find it. To seek requires Wisdom. One must develop an appetite. "Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste. Know also that Wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off." PR 24:13 NIV. The above passage refers to Yeshua. The Messiah not known then, but revealed now in these latter days. Yeshua is our hope. He is the Wisdom we seek. Yeshua the Messiah is the hidden Wisdom, the mystery revealed to us who believe through G-d's Holy Spirit, His "Ruakh haKodesh." Now we know truly what Wisdom is as the Scriptures teach. But what are we as Believers in Messiah supposed to do with such Wisdom? Earlier in this study, I asked a question, "What kind of Wisdom are we capable of having?" And we found our answer in the reading of the text from 1 COR. Another question: What are we as Believers in Yeshua responsible for knowing? What must we do? Rescue those who are being led away to the death; hold back those who are staggering toward slaughter. If you say, "But we did not know this, we knew nothing about this," Does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? And does not He who guards your life know it? Will He not render to each person according to what he has done? PR 24:11-12 HV We as Believers have a great and wise responsibility to share in sensitivity and true love, the good knowledge that is found in the Scriptures. The Tenakh and the New Covenant writings, the "Brit Hadashah." After we have studied and prayed, prayed and studied, may the Ruakh HaKodesh give us the words to speak. Remember 1 COR 2:5 HV: "...Your faith [should] not rest on the Wisdom of men, but [rather] on the power of G-d." May the Ruakh help us to recall Scripture. Perhaps, if we heed the exhortation of this study in Scripture, then maybe we will be able to give answers to questions like that of Agur. Agur, in PR 30 muses and then he questions: "Surely I am more stupid than any man, and I do not have a man's understanding. Neither have I learned Wisdom, nor do I have the knowledge of the Holy One..." PR 30:2-3 HV Here are Agur's questions: 1) "Who has gone up to Heaven and come down? Ascended and descended?" PR 30:4a HV 2) "Who has gathered up the wind in the hallow of His hands (in His fists)?" PR 30:4b HV 3) "Who has wrapped up the waters in His cloak?" PR 30:4c NIV 4) "Who has established all the ends of the earth?" PR 30:4d NIV Agur does not stop there, his last question is very pointed. He asks: 5) "What is His name and the name of His son?" PR 30:4e NIV Not only does the oracle of Agur ask questions, but after this last question, he adds tauntingly, "Tell me if you know! Surely you know!" PR 30:4f HV Today we are prepared to give answers to Agur's questions. Our G-d is the Holy One of Israel. Our G-d has gone up and come down from Heaven. Our G-d can carry the wind and wrap the waters in His garment. And he created the world and the universe. His name is Truth. His name is L-RD. "Adonai," the G-d of our fathers, the G-d of Abraham, the G-d of Isaac, and the G-d of Jacob. "Adonai, Elohay Ahvootaynoo, Elohay Avraham, Elohay Y'skhakh, v'Elohay Ya'akov!" And His son's name is Yeshua! "Yeshua HaMashiakh!" Yeshua the Messiah! Concluding we read of Yeshua in Yokhanon 12:44-50 HV: "Yeshua cried out, 'When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the One who sent me. When he looks at me, he sees the One who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. "As for the person who hears [my sayings] my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept [my sayings] my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me [Himself] what to say and how to say it. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. Therefore, the things I speak, I say just as the Father has told me to say.'" Yeshua and the Father are One. "Ekhad," one, in Hebrew, composite in unity. Therefore, Yeshua is not only our Messiah but he is G-d as well. And we have found Wisdom through Him. Wisdom is a gift. A gift from G-d in the person of the Messiah Yeshua! And G-d's Wisdom is powerful. In fact it is written: "There is no Wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the L-RD!" PR 21:30 NIV Amayn. "What is Wisdom?" Revised (C)1994 Daniel Bieman Bible quotations from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), New International Version (NIV), and when texts were combined for emphasis, I refer to the "HV" or as it is known by me, the "Homogenized Version." The HV includes excerpts from the Jewish New Testament. Apologies where applicable. Shofar BBS - The Messianic Jewish BBS Experience! 714-838-3837 Studies New Testament Studies New Testament Studies With this column, we continue a special series from the New Testament. This article is the fifth of seven focusing on the "Letters to the Seven Churches" found in the book of Revelation. During this series, the column will be called "New Testament Studies." Future studies after this series will include Psalms and books from both the Old and New Testaments. THE LETTER TO SARDIS Revelation 3:1-6 By Pastor Geoff Kragen As we are entering the last few years of the twentieth century, the concern over end-time events is on the rise. Several Christian writers are setting dates for the return of Christ. This activity isn't grounded on the hope that Scripture presents. It is based on the fancies of so called "biblical scholars." The very act of date setting violates scripture. This problem will continue to grow in the coming days. Earlier books set dates that have now passed. This hasn't prevented other authors from doing the same. The Church has had its credibility damaged by all this failed speculation. Millennial Madness, as the Christian Research Institute refers to it, continues. And this will be the case until either we are into the twenty-first century, or the Lord really does return. The other danger with this kind of irresponsible handling of scripture is that: Christians are inclined to turn away from the biblical call to look for Christ's return. We have seen so much abuse of the warning to look for His coming, that we sometimes forget we are to expect His imminent return. He is coming soon. And while the date setters are a detriment to the faith of some believers, their expectation of Christ's return is biblical. The call of the letter to Sardis is a warning to wake up for the hand of the Lord will soon fall on this world. First let's take a general overview of the letter. I. How Christ is pictured: Christ is shown in relationship to the Holy Spirit. The Lord sends the Spirit as the one who strengthens the Church. He oversees or directs the witnesses and representatives of the churches. II. Background: Sardis was the capital city of Lydia. It was near the junctions of principal roads linking Ephesus, Smyrna and Pergamum to the high country of inner Asia Minor. This put the city on the mail route that all the letters must have traveled. This also means the city was cosmopolitan in nature. It was famous for arts and crafts. Sardis was the first place to mint gold and silver coinage. It was also a center for the carpet industry. In addition to significant wealth, the city was also known as a center of wisdom. The first great Greek Philosopher, Thales, lived in Sardis. (1) Sardis suffered major damage and fell into debt due to the quake of AD 17. As a result of Rome's help after the quake the cult of Caesar grew in acceptance. As noted in earlier articles, this practice was political rather than religious in nature. Caesar worship meant loyalty to Rome, not a belief in his deity. Therefore, the refusal of Christians to participate was seen as political rebellion against Rome. Dr. McGee records a legend of the day may have been the basis for Christ's statement, "Be watchful ... if you will not watch, I will come on you as a thief." The story relates to the topography of the city. Sardis was considered an impregnable fortress built on the slope of Mt. Tmolus, at the base of which ran the gold-bearing Pactoles River. The city built its citadel on a pier of solid rock surrounded by huge cliffs. When Cyrus besieged the city, he first had to take the fortress. Hyroeades, a Mordian soldier, discovered the way up the cliff. He did this by watching a Lydian soldier. The Lydian, while on guard duty at the top of the battlement, dropped his helmet over the cliff. The soldier climbed down and then climbed back up. This unguarded path is what Cyrus used to capture the city. (2) The believers' environment may have been wealthy and intellectual, but it was also extremely pagan. The people of the city were idolaters. They worshipped the mother goddess, Cybele. The worship of this goddess involved depravity and all forms of immorality. Unfortunately, this had a major negative effect on the local church. Today, a small village called Sart exists among the ruins of Sardis. (3) The problem at Sardis was the lack of a return to the true spirit of the early church. This was in spite of the fact there was a return to the teachings of scripture and Christ was recognized as the true head of the Church. Too much corruption had occurred within the Church. Too much compromise had taken place. III. Commendation: There was a group of believers in the church who walked in righteousness. IV. Condemnation: The church was known for being alive, but in actuality it was dead. This is the appearance of power but without its existence. V. Counsel: They were to be aware of their problems and to hold onto what they had. VI Challenge: The overcomer will be dressed in God's righteousness and be presented to Him. Verse 1: The first point found is Christ's introduction of Himself is how He pictures Himself. This shows how He relates to this specific church. Here the Lord is shown in His relationship to the Holy Spirit. He is seen as the one who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars. This image ties back to Chapter 1:4, 16. "... Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, ... In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance." Christ pictures Himself as the strength and leadership of the church. The source of Christ's strength is the Holy Spirit. The Seven Spirits speaks of His attributes. "The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him-- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord" (Isaiah 11:2). Christ sent the Holy Spirit into the world. "But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you" (John 16:7). The leadership is under Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, (the seven stars represent the churches' messengers). The Church had changed. G. Campbell Morgan points out how this change can be identified from the letter: "There is a marked change in our Lord's method of address to the church at Sardis. Hitherto He has commenced with the words of condemnation. In the other churches, evil had not been the habit, but rather the exception, and therefore it was possible first to commend. Here the case is reversed, and no word of commendation is addressed to the church as a church." (4) Verse 2: The church has the reputation of being a believing one. It did good works, and showed social concern. But the church was dead. It had the form of godliness, but not the power. In Sardis, like in the modern church, an active life of social work had been substituted for the Spirit-empowered life. Work became the goal instead of the product of His presence. The church held to the truth of Scripture. It may even have acknowledged, in form, Christ's headship. But there was no life in it. Because of this, Christ calls to individuals within the church to hold on to what they have. It is not too late for the believers to wake up. It is too late for the church as a whole. Note, the call is no longer to the church, but to individuals within it. The only life left is within those individual believers. Christ had to warn these believers to wake up. This is because they are in a church that is dead. This has made them appear as if they were dead also. As seen in the legend noted at the beginning of the article, the need to watch should have been clear to those living in Sardis. Paul uses this same idea in Romans 13:11-12: "And this, knowing the season, that already it is time for you to awake out of sleep: for now is salvation nearer to us than when we first believed. The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light." Wake up, watch, Christ is coming, we have only a little time to serve Him. Paul presents a similar idea in 1 Thessalonians 5: 4-6. "But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled." The call is to wake up and walk in light. Peter says be alert: "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). The church is to repent of its disobedience and walk in the ways of the Lord. God's judgments is imminent, the time of service is running out. The Lord can come in two ways. If the church does not repent and return to a walk in Christ, He will come and judge it, as a thief in the night. The Lord also returns at the second coming as a thief to a unbelieving world. Christ points out there are a few believers in Sardis who have held on to their relationship with Him. They have continued in righteousness as typified by the fact their garments are still white. White garments always speak of righteousness, in this case the righteousness of Christ is still maintained by the few. Finally the Lord also promises a reward to those who overcome. Remember, the overcomer is the believer. The reward the Lord promises here is to stand in eternity arrayed in His righteousness. In addition there is a promise that is hard to understand. Their name will not be blotted out of the book of life. They will be named before the father. There are many views of the meaning here. One is: during this period in many places a man's name was blotted out of the town record at his death. Dr. Walvoord understands the passage this way: "Other explanations of the meaning of the book of life have been given ... . Some have indicated that there is no explicit statement here that anybody will have his name blotted out, but rather the promise that his name will not be blotted out because of his faith in Christ. The implication, however, is that such is a possibility. On the basis of this some have considered the book of life not as the roll of those who are saved but rather a list of those for whom Christ died, that is, all humanity who have possessed physical life. As they come to maturity and are faced with the responsibility of accepting or rejecting Christ, their names are blotted out if they fail to receive Jesus Christ as Savior; whereas those who do accept Christ as Saviour are confirmed in their position in the book of life, and their names are confessed before the Father and the heavenly angels." (5) Whatever the meaning of the symbolism, Christ is reassuring them of their eternal life. They will not be cut off from Him at death. "For I am persuaded, that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39). And so with the promise of eternal life for all who believe, Christ tells the reader that the letter is for all of the church in all ages. His words are empowered to affect the believer through the Holy Spirit. We live in a day when a large part of the world claims the name of Christ. The situation however, is like the one at Sardis. Most are dead and only a remnant is alive. Many that call themselves Christians never were, such as those in cults. Other churches were believing, alive, but have become dead. These churches have become religious philosophy centers or social welfare agencies, but they have lost their true purpose, for Jesus said, "You shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8b). We must be aware of what Christ is demanding of us as individual believers. After all, the church is only as strong as those who make it up. Christ's call here is to watch; watch the quality of our walk. We are to watch in white, that is to remain faithful to His teachings. We are to wear His righteousness, to be models to those around us of Christ. There is something here for both those that have chosen to accept Christ as Savior and those who have not yet made that decision. To the believer first is a specific warning. We are called to be awake, to walk as we have been taught. If we don't, we face the reality of the Lord's discipline in our lives. Remember what we are told by the author of Hebrews in Hebrews 12:5-8. "And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.' Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons." We need the reality of our faith in our daily walk. We are called to a life of holiness. In the same chapter of Hebrews, vs. 14, we read "Follow after peace with all men, and the holiness without which no man shall see the Lord: ..." As believers, we can strive for this holiness by first repenting of our sins. This, of course, assumes that we take sin in our lives seriously. Repent, John says in 1 John 1:9-10: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." Remember John is talking to believers. Second, our life is to be typified by prayer. "Pray without ceasing ..." (1 Thessalonians 5:17). For prayer to be our way of life first must come the repentance. For if we hold on to sin we cannot have fellowship with the Father. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear ..." (Psalm 66:18). Notice, we must first deal with the sin in our lives by a repentant heart, or the Lord will not hear the rest of our prayers. In addition to repentance and prayer, if we are to walk in God's ways we must immerse ourselves in His word to know it. "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it" (Joshua 1:8). "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:9-11). Finally, if we are to walk in God's way we must live a life, as Christ did, in dependency on the Holy Spirit. "You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you" (Romans 8:9-11). And with the call to walk with the Lord comes the promise of an eternity with Him. The believer will be arrayed in white and Christ will confess His name before the Lord. We have the joy of our knowledge that we will spend an eternity with Him. "He that overcomes will not be hurt by the second death" (Revelation 2:11). To the unbeliever the warning is that to reject Christ is to reject His salvation, to reject an eternity with Him. Instead, what is ahead for the unbeliever is an eternity of Hell, separation from the face of God. "There is a judge for the one who rejects me (Christ) and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. ... I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 12:48; 14:6). But for the unbeliever the way is open to both an eternity with the Father and the joy of the indwelling of God's presence now. All that is necessary is to accept the Gospel of Christ as Paul delineates it in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures ..." For those of us that claim the name of Christ, are we ready to walk for Him? For those that have not yet accepted Him listen to the call of the Holy Spirit, accept Christ and stand before the Father in His righteousness. 1. Criswell, W. A., EXPOSITORY SERMONS ON REVELATION, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1969, p. 149. 2. McGee, J. Vernon, THRU THE BIBLE WITH J. VERNON MCGEE, "Vol. 5," Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, TN, 1983, p. 913. 3. Walvoord, John F., THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST, Moody Press, Chicago, IL, 1966., p. 78. 4. Morgan, G. Campbell, THE LETTERS OF PUT LORD. Fleming H. Revell Co., Westwood, NJ, n.d., p. 68. 5. Walvoord, p.82-83. Messianic Studies Messianic Studies MESSIAH ACCORDING TO ISAIAH Part 4 of a 4-part series By Steve Ger From THE LEVITT LETTER This month we will see the relevance and consequence of the prophet Isaiah's words concerning the Son of King David, our Lord Jesus the Messiah, in the last entry of our series. To refresh your memories, let's -- review what information we have gathered thus far from this prince of prophets concerning the King of the Jews. We have learned that the Messiah would be the ultimate prophet, highest priest and supreme King of Israel and the nations. As the Davidic figure par excellence, He would accomplish great things in the name of God. His greatest work, however. would be completed in his role of suffering servant. His messianic mission could be completed only through intense, personal suffering on behalf of humanity. What was that two-fold divine mission He was to accomplish? That of comforting and restoring Israel's greatness coupled with extending salvation to the entire world. Through the suffering of the Messiah who would make intercession before God on behalf of all people, it would be possible for a great messianic age to be ushered in and the kingdom of God to be truly established on earth. We left off last time on this note of sorrow: that the Messiah would in some way have to be completely and totally rejected by His own people, Israel. This of course, is exactly what happened to Jesus Christ six hundred years following Isaiah's prophecy. Isaiah records in some detail the intense and brutal suffering of the Messiah. Although He is flawlessly obedient to God's directives, He willingly allows Himself to be beaten, abused, mocked, spit upon and humiliated (50:5-6). The awesome 53rd chapter of Isaiah stands as a Scriptural monument to record the acute suffering of the Messiah. Isaiah tells his readers that the Messiah had no attractiveness or impressive appearance to reveal the King He was (53:2); He hadn't the merest trappings of royalty about Him. He was thought to be stricken, afflicted and smitten of God (53:4-5). The people believed that the man's sufferings were brought on by his own sin. The Messiah will be cruelly pierced through and crushed, chastened and scourged. Yet, paradoxically, through His suffering He bears the people's griefs, carries their sorrows and heals them (53:5-6). It is for their transgressions and iniquities that He willingly suffers, not for His own (53:4). It is at this point that the most startling revelation of all is announced by Isaiah. It is the shocking disclosure that the Messiah would not merely suffer, He would die. Although the nation has sinned and disobeyed their God, God Himself caused the punishment for the nation's iniquity to fall on the Messiah (53:5-6). He is killed in the prime of life, although He had done no violence or lied or committed any sin. Messiah's grave, although assigned to be with wicked men, i.e., criminals, was with the rich instead (53:9). He was a good man, but was not recognized as such by the people. However, it was the Lord's sovereign plan for Him to be crushed. This was in order for Him in his office as High Priest to do the unprecedented: to render Himself as the ultimate and final guilt offering (53:10). He was counted among sinners, pouring Himself out to death, yet through His sacrifice made intercession for sinners by bearing their sins (53:12). Through the suffering and death of the Messiah, His self-sacrifice, Isaiah records in 53:10-12 that He will be exalted and glorified. In some way, the Messiah who was killed must be raised up again. Continuing in 53:10, we learn that although the Messiah has just died, He will somehow prolong His days and live again! He will be blessed by the Lord for His obedience. He is called the Righteous One, The Lord's Servant, who through bearing the sins of others has justified the many. Also, back in 52:13-15, we see that Messiah will prosper, be high and lifted up, and greatly exalted, even though His appearance is marred and disfigured. As Highest Priest, He will sprinkle many nations, and the world will finally comprehend who the Messiah is and what He has accomplished. Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah, fulfilled these very prophecies through His life, death and resurrection. Our Savior took the sins of the world upon Himself when He suffered on the cross. His death paid the price for all our moral shortcomings and failures in the sight of God. By His death He has justified us, made us righteous before God. But the story doesn't end with Christ's death. Our God brought His Servant back to life on the third day, never to die again, and the Messiah is awaiting that great moment when God will send Him back to Earth as the majestic King of the nations. At that time as supreme King and Highest Priest He will establish His eternal Kingdom. It comes as no surprise that the method by which the ancient rabbis and interpreters of Scripture correlated the many messianic passages in the prophets was to conclude that there were to be two completely different Messiahs. One would come to suffer and the other to conquer and rule; one would be priest and the other would be king. The many seemingly contradictory Messianic prophesies in Isaiah are perhaps confusing to those unaware of Jesus and his two separate comings. While a great deal of information concerning the Messiah is presented in Isaiah, as we have seen over four lessons, nonetheless an incomplete and hazy portrait of the Messiah emerges by just limiting oneself to that prophetic report. Yet, thankfully, we are not limited to the prophecy of Isaiah concerning Messiah, but have all the Scriptures through which we may clearly see the prophetic fulfillment of Messiah in Jesus. The WORD for Today The WORD for Today This month, we will continue the series on Communication in Marriage. We intend to examine communication problems in marriage from a biblical perspective. We will show how couples can apply God's word to their marriage. The companion book to this study is H. Norman Wright's COMMUNICATION: KEY TO YOUR MARRIAGE. The book is published by Regal Books and should be available from your Christian book store. ANGER ISN'T SIN! By Pastor Geoff Kragen One thing about being a counselor, as I work with couples I can always come up with yet another rule for communication. Here is the one I discovered this last month, (actually, this should be a corollary to Rule 1.) RULE 5: Don't insist that your spouse read your mind. We've talked about not reading your spouse's mind in the first article. Sometimes we act as if we think our spouse should be able to read our mind. Have you ever said: "If you really loved me you'd ... (insert your choice here) ... without my having to tell you."? This kind of thinking not only creates some serious scenes, but ... If we are to communicate, then we must never fall into the trap of having unspoken demands. If you feel you need something from your spouse, tell him or her! Marriage isn't playing "Let's Make A Deal," and if your spouse picks the wrong door, it's "World War III." Instead, if we want our spouse to know something, then we must tell him or her. DON'T INSIST THAT YOUR SPOUSE READ YOUR MIND! "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry" (Ephesians 4:26). Paul is presenting an extremely important truth. Experiencing anger is not always sinful. Anger is one of our God-given emotions. What can be sinful, however, is what we chose to get angry about. And of course we can sin based on how we choose to express our anger. One of the realities of married life is that we sometimes get angry with our husband or wife. This isn't automatically wrong. But how we handle our anger can be extremely damaging to our efforts to communicate. And, by extension, a marriage that contains significant amounts of unresolved anger is in serious trouble. There is more than one type of anger. We often refer to one type of anger found in scripture as "righteous anger." Jesus shows this in Mark 3:5a. "He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts." This anger is displayed when observing that which is wrong by God's standards. We might also call this godly anger. But ... how often are we angry because others sin and rebel against God? Not too frequently, I suspect. More often than not, we are angry with our spouse because he or she has interfered with us in getting our way. This means that they didn't respond to us the way we wanted them to. Or maybe they didn't make us feel good about ourselves. So we get angry. In this situation, we take legitimate desires and make them illegitimate demands. Consider this example: Bill is handy around the house, but procrastinates. When he finally does fix that leaky faucet, he expects his wife to be properly grateful. He knows that this will make him feel good as a husband. When instead she mentions the twenty-five other things that he hasn't fixed yet, he gets angry. She obstructed his goal of feeling good about himself. This kind of anger isn't constructive or loving. And not surprisingly, when we feel this way we often vent our anger at our spouse. Paul says: "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice" (Ephesians 4:31). First, we must give up the demand that our spouse's role is to satisfy our needs. Then we can let go of our anger. There are a couple of problems with making our well-being dependent on someone else's behavior. First, nobody can always meet our expectations, (nor should they). When I make my wife responsible for how I feel about myself, I am sinning against her. I put inappropriate demands on her. Second, by saying that my life (an emotional response expectation) depends on her behavior, I am moving her into a place rightfully held by God. My needs can only be met perfectly by Him. I have no right to put that responsibility on my wife. I am sinning against God by moving someone else into His place. Scripture refers to this as idolatry. Therefore, when I get angry, I need to step back and consider what I am angry about. If I am involved in the above scenario, then I need to repent and ask both God and my wife to forgive me. This doesn't mean that my wife may not have acted inappropriately, but the main problem here is my perspective are her responsibilities. Yes, it is proper to have expectations of a spouse, but we DO NOT have the right to demand that these expectations be met. I recognize that this is a very difficult statement to accept. We have expectations of our spouse that are grounded in Scripture. Wives have the biblical support for expecting their husbands to treat them with sacrificial love. Husbands have the same kind of support for expecting the wife to be responsible and care for the family. The problem arises when we demand that these expectations be met. When we say "You have to do thus and such if I am going to stay in the marriage," we forget that the requirement to stay is from God, independent of our spouse's behavior. And yes, I know that scripture does make at least once exception, adultery. Also, I find nothing in scripture that requires an individual to stay in an environment where the individual's physical safety is at risk. But our responsibility to be a godly husband or wife is not predicated on how our spouse behaves. If we are to interact with our spouse in obedience to God, then selfish anger has no place. "For man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires" (James 1:20). Remember, our responsibility to our spouse is a product of vows we made to God, not to our husband or wife. "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord." ... "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her ." ... "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:22, 25, 21). We are to interact with one another in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord. Does this mean that we will never get angry? No, of course not! What it does mean is that we must find appropriate ways to handle our anger. And we will discuss the specifics of handling anger in the next article. (So don't get angry until then.) What the emotion anger does accomplish is helping us to understand our own thinking, and therefore recognizing where it is incorrect. I think the following illustration may have come from Dr. Larry Crabb, but I've used it for so many years that I have forgotten where I got it. Our emotions are like the red light on the dash board of our car. We can slap a band aid over the light and pretend it isn't shining. But one day our engine may blow up. This is similar to suppressing emotions. On the other hand, we may see the light lit and tear down the engine looking for the problem when there was simply a short in the light. This is the equivalent of venting our emotions. Finally, we may take the car into our mechanic and have a diagnostic run on it. This is like using our emotions to identify how we are processing our evaluation of the world around us. This is vital because we can't always trust ourselves. Our emotions tell us how we are thinking, but they don't always tell us what is true about circumstances. "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). Let us depend on the Holy Spirit to help us come to understand our anger, learn from it and express it appropriately. As we see the world from God's perspective, we will become "slow to anger." "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit than he that takes a city" (Proverbs 16:32 KJV). And, as we spiritually mature, we will find that some concerns we respond to with anger are not "life and death matters." And therefore we will finally put inappropriate anger away. "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips" (Colossians 3:8). Our emotions are a blessing, helping us understand our own thinking processes. Then we can act is a way that will allow us to follow the will of God. We can be conformed to the image of Christ. This is the process of spiritual growth. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2). Next Time: "But I'm Angry!" Growing in Grace Growing in Grace KINGDOM CITIZENRY By Reverend Russ Walden The word of God teaches many aspects of the Christian life through governmental comparisons. The most basic unit of government is citizenry. Whether you live in a democracy or a dictatorship, you are a citizen with certain rights, privileges and responsibilities. Paul made expansive use of the concept of citizenry, training his followers how to relate to God and to His rule in their lives. To the Colossians he wrote the following: "Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves" (Colossians 1:12-13). These verses show that from birth you were a subject of a demonic kingdom. When you became born again, your citizenry changed. To say you "emigrated" to the Kingdom of God would be incorrect. You are a natural born citizen, "born again" under the protection of the Government of God. Yet, you still live in proximity to the Domain of Darkness. Now however, you are to see yourself as a foreigner to Satan's kingdom, a traveler, a pilgrim. Though you are traveling within the borders of the government of this world, the protection and benefits of Kingdom Citizenry (in God's kingdom) are extended to you, even WITHIN the domain of darkness. Do you know what those protections are? Do you understand your rights, and how to access them? If you are not aware of your rights, you will live below your privileges. Satan, taking advantage of your lack of knowledge, approaches you. He serves you with a writ of extradition to have you deported from the Kingdom of God to the Domain of Darkness. God wants you to know with assurance that Satan has no legitimate hold on a child of God. But, it takes knowledge, understanding and maturity to exercise your rights as a citizen of the Kingdom of God. "In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes" (2 Corinthians 2:11). Satan takes advantage of your ignorance: he does not want you to know that there is no extradition treaty between the Domain of Darkness and the Kingdom of God. He has no legal basis by which he can deport you from God's protection. He cannot freeze your assets or nationalize resources that are necessary for you to function in this world. Physically, you may be located in the realm of fallen man. Spiritually however, you are located with Christ in heavenly places. It may surprise you to read in Jesus' great intercessory prayer that he did NOT pray that his followers would be removed from the world: "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one" (John 17:15). If you are not a citizen of this fallen realm, then why does Jesus want you to remain here for any length of time? The answer lies in understanding your personal mission, or destiny that God has laid out for you. Paul taught it in terms of ambassadorship for Christ and His Kingdom. "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:20-21). As an ambassador, you have certain rights. These rights accrue to you, but not by your own virtue or effort,. They accrue by virtue of who Jesus is and what He has done for you on the cross. God blesses you because of who you are in Him, not what you have or have not done for him. He has an agenda for obedience and submission. However, as a citizen in God's kingdom, you can pursue His agenda only by depending on the Holy Spirit. This citizenry cannot be earned by your own efforts. One of these rights is known as "diplomatic immunity." As an ambassador, you are not subject to the laws of the nation wherein you are serving. You are a citizen of your mother country. Your property and possessions are held immune from the laws of the land where you are located. If a demand is made upon you to be subject to local law, you need only produce your credentials and walk away scot-free. What are the credentials of the Kingdom of God? The works of religion? Hardly. Church membership? Not quite. "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death" (Revelation 12:11). The blood of the Lamb is your credential. The name of Jesus is your authority. Just as you would act in the name of the president, you are acting in the name of Jesus. You, as an ambassador, are expected to do in your situation what Jesus would do if he were in your place. Your citizenship is held inviolate from Satan's touch. This is because it is established through the shed blood of Jesus. So, the only authority Satan or the powers of this world have over you is the power you ALLOW THEM. You see, an ambassador in this country does not have to stop for a red light; he does not have to pull over to a siren. He does not have to open the door to a police officer, nor submit to arrest. The executive, legislative, or judicial branches of our government have no jurisdiction over a diplomat. Likewise, you are God's diplomat, and you are under no obligation to submit to Satan's attempts to control or influence your life. You need only produce your citizenship, and your credentials to claim diplomatic immunity. Satan then has no choice but to back off. The only reason he will not flee is because he has been able to convince you that he doesn't have to. "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). The other fact you have to realize is: as an ambassador you have certain responsibilities. Your life is not your own. You have obligations and expectations to fulfill. It is required of you that you receive orders from the Government of God and carry out the daily plans that Jesus has laid out for you. "The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith" " (Matthew 8:8- 10). In this great passage, the essence of authority and faith is seen as RESPONDING OBEDIENTLY to what has been said to you. God has said that you are the righteousness of God in Christ. You were healed by the stripes of Jesus. You needs are met by his riches in glory. Take up you cross and follow him. You faith is revealed by your response to his word in its entirety. If you respond to what the circumstance says, you have placed yourself under Satan's jurisdiction, in the face of every ordinance and provision of immunity and protection that the blood of Christ put in place for your benefit. The Roots of Our Faith The Roots of Our Faith THE ROOTS OF OUR FAITH "... I worship the God of my fathers believing all things which are written in the Law and the Prophets" (Acts 24:14). BASIC DOCTRINES OF SALVATION - part 3 By Pastor Chuck Cohen King of Kings Assembly Jerusalem, Israel Messianic terms used in this teaching: Yeshua = Jesus Messiah = Christ Tanach = Old Testament (Unless stated otherwise, all scripture verses are from the New King James Version) All basic doctrines of the New Testament have roots deep in the Tanach, so it is essential to a fuller understanding of these doctrines that we dig into their Hebraic soil. Their scriptural background permeated the hearts and minds of Yeshua and the New Testament writers. Only by building on this foundation could they be used by the Spirit to explain the true meaning of, or "fulfill", God's Law. In a previous "Roots" article we discussed the basic concepts of salvation pictured in the feast of Passover. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is another holy day in which several basic doctrines of our faith take root. Four of these doctrines are blood atonement, sin, forgiveness and the High Priest. "The Day of Atonement ... has as much gospel in it as perhaps any of the ... ceremonial law." (Matthew Henry's Commentary, Vol. I, p. 504) Yom Kippur, the sixth of the seven annual convocations instituted by God (Lev. 23:26-32), occurs on the tenth day of the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar (Tishrei), and has been observed as a complete fast in Judaism at least since the time of the second temple (Zech. 7:5; Acts 27:9). On this day, according to scripture, atonement was made for all of Israel's iniquities, transgressions and sins. This is the holiest day of the year for the Jewish people. Therefore religious Jews spend the day in synagogues fasting, praying prayers of repentance and believing that God will hear and answer their prayers. The whole nation of Israel shuts down to observe this biblical holy day. The city of Jerusalem is closed, and except for an occasional ambulance, there is no traffic at all. Leviticus 16 gives a detailed description of the duties of the High Priest on this day. Without an understanding of this chapter it is almost impossible to comprehend the New Testament book of Hebrews which states that believers have a High Priest in Yeshua (Heb. 2:17; 3:1; 4:14,15; 5:10; 6:20; 7:26-8:2; 9:11;10:21). Please follow along in your Bibles. We give a brief description of what happened on this day and point out ways Yeshua fulfilled this ritual. Lev. 16:2 These instructions applied originally to the Tabernacle in the wilderness and later to the Temple in Jerusalem. The Lord warned that Aaron, the first High Priest, should not come through the veil into the Holy of Holies whenever he wanted. Aaron needed to approach in God's way, bringing something to cover his sin. The Hebrew word for atonement, kaporah, means "to cover". Yeshua, our High Priest, entered into the heavenly Holy of Holies and offered His own blood (Heb. 9:11,12). He is there in the true Tabernacle (Heb. 8:2; 9:24), interceding for us now (Rom. 8:27,34). Thus believers have continual access to the Holy of Holies not because we are priests, but because we are part of the body of the High Priest (Eph. 5:30-32). We belong within the veil. v. 3 Aaron was allowed into God's presence by a sin offering and a burnt offering. Yeshua presented Himself as the offering for sin by His blood (Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:12-14,22). He was also the perfect burnt offering, offering His whole life completely to His Father's will (Heb. 10:5-10). v. 4 The High Priest was to wear holy garments made out of linen when entering God's presence. Holy means separated and consecrated to God. Linen is symbolic of righteousness (Rev. 19:8). These garments were worn in the Holy of Holies, when the High Priest represented the people before a holy God. When he appeared as God's representative before the people (v.23), he was dressed in his beautifully decorated High Priest's garment (Ex. 39:1-31). v.5 These offerings were for the people of Israel (see v. 15). Other than in Leviticus 14:2-7, there is no other instance of two animals presented as one offering. We will explore what this represents in vv. 9,10. v. 6 Aaron, or any High Priest, needed to deal with his own sin before he could stand in the gap for the people. Yeshua did not need to do this since He was without sin (Heb. 7:26,27). Nothing separated Him from His Father (Isa. 59:2). vv. 7,8 After presenting blood for his own sins, Aaron was ready to mediate for Israel . He took both goats before the Lord and cast lots. One goat became the Lord's and was killed as a sin offering. The other goat, called "Azazel" in Hebrew or "scapegoat" in some English versions, was released in the wilderness (see vv. 20,21). v.9 The Lord's goat was slain as a propitiation, the satisfaction of divine justice. "The soul that sins shall die" (Ezk. 18:4,20). "The wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23). This is what Yeshua's death on the cross accomplished for all who believe (Rom. 3:25,26). v. 10 This is an amazing verse. It was also the live goat that made atonement by being released in the wilderness, even though atonement can only be accomplished through the shedding of blood (Lev. 17:11). We will reconcile these in vv. 18-22. v. 11 This repeats v. 6 with the added detail that Aaron himself is the one who killed the sin offering. Yeshua Himself laid down His life an. 10:18; l Jn. 3:16). v. 12,13 Aaron brought incense into the Holy of Holies to cover the mercy seat so that he would not die (v.2). Incense is a type of the prayers of the saints (Rev. 5:8, 8:3,4), a sweet smelling offering to God. v. 14 In the Holy of Holies, the High Priest sprinkled the blood once on the mercy seat and seven times on the ground. "This act constituted the rite of expiation [atonement] ..." (p. 482, The Pentateuch and Haftorahs, J. H. Hertz, ed.) The mercy seat was a foreshadow of Messiah's atonement. On the basis of His finished work we enter into the Holy of Holies to meet with our God. (Concerning "sprinkling" see Isa. 52:15) v. 15 This verse symbolizes where Yeshua as High Priest begins His ministry for us. All the sacrifices to this point in Leviticus 16 were for the sins of the High Priest. Yeshua, being sinless, had no need to offer these sacrifices for Himself (Heb. 7:26,27) . He is both the High Priest and the sacrifice (Mk. 10:45; Jn. 1:29). He shed His blood on the cross and then brought it "within the veil" when He rose from the dead and first ascended to His Father an. 20:17). It is amazing that some religious people think they can go directly to God without a mediator. We do not find anywhere in the Scriptures that God did away with the mediator concept. We all need someone to stand between us and a holy God (Nu. 16:448; Job 9:32,33;16:21). God had given the priesthood to Israel. He desired them to become mediators between Him and the rest of the world, that is, if they would keep His covenant and obey His voice (Ex. 19:5,6). Only Messiah, as a representative of the children of Israel, was able to live in perfect obedience. Today, Yeshua fulfills the role of mediator (l Jn. 2:1,2). v. 16 This verse is vital to our understanding of what God desired when He gave the plans for the Tabernacle and what He desires from us as His eternal "living-stones" Temple (l Pet. 2:4). Though He wants to dwell among us (Ex. 25:8), our sin prevents it. The blood of Yeshua covers our sins and welcomes the Father to dwell in our midst by His Spirit (1 Jn. 1:7; l Cor. 6:19). v. 17 No one could help the High Priest; he had to face God alone. So too, Yeshua (Mt. 26:56). v. 18,19 The blood was needed to make atonement, cleanse and sanctify both men and things. v. 20, 21 Here the High Priest's attention turned to the live goat, the other part of the sin offering. He laid hands on the head of this "scapegoat" and confessed the sins of Israel over it, thus placing them on the goat. This is more than symbolism. Any believing Israelite received forgiveness (see v. 30) because this ritual was done in obedience to God's direct word in this verse. It was the forgiveness of sins of the flesh that the blood of bulls and goats accomplished, although not the cleansing of the conscience of sin (Heb. 9:13,14). Consider the following: What does the Hebrew word for scapegoat signify? "'Azazel' [is] a rare Hebrew noun meaning, 'dismissal' or, 'entire removal'...It is the ancient technical term for the entire removal of sin and guilt of the community..." (ibid., p. 481, Hertz) What sins did God forgive on this day? Look at the Hebrew for "iniquities", "transgressions" and "sins" and see how forgiving God was by the Law: "iniquities" - crookedness; denotes a willful departure from the law of God. The sacrifices of this day purged willful iniquities as well as errors and involuntary sins. "transgressions" - the Hebrew is strong, literally rebellion. "sins" - missing the mark; unintentional deviation from the right path. v. 22 The live goat was released in the wilderness to "bear upon it all their iniquities". The idea of "to bear or carry" and "to forgive" is covered by the same verb in Hebrew (see Isa. 53:4,12). This part of the offering carried away the sins, never to be seen again (see Mic. 7:19). Why did God use two animals to represent one sin-offering? All that Yeshua accomplished on the cross could not be demonstrated by either one alone. The Lord's goat represents Yeshua's death on the cross, and the scapegoat, His resurrection. His death atoned for our sins (Rom. 3:25) and His resurrection justified us (Rom. 4:25). If we say that justified means "just as if I'd never sinned", then His resurrection carried our sins away to be remembered no more. Two goats; one offering. The first one dead; the other alive. Our Redeemer pictured in these two, dead and then alive. We too, as living sacrifices to our God, are dead to self but alive to Him (Rom. 6:2-8). v. 23, 24 By our count, this is the 27th of 32 statements in Leviticus that a priest makes atonement for the people. Again, we see that sinners need someone else to atone for their sins! (see v.15) v. 27 The remains of the sin offering, whose blood was brought within the veil, was burned outside the camp. Yeshua, our sin offering, was killed outside the camp (Heb. 13:12). v. 29 The Lord states that this day is to be "a statute forever" for the children of Israel and for "strangers that sojourn among [them]". Could the strangers, non-Jews who chose to live with the children of Israel and follow the God of Israel, be a foreshadow of the non-Jewish part of the church (Eph. 2 19)? All were to afflict their souls. This has been interpreted as fasting (Ps. 35:13; 69:10). v. 30 Here is the reason this day is called the holiest day of the year in Judaism. The atonement saw the sinner "clean from all [his] sins before the LORD". This verse is proof that there was forgiveness of sins available according to the Law. Yeshua's atoning death has made continuing these blood sacrifices unnecessary and ineffectual for the cleansing of sins (Heb. 9:26). v. 31 This was a day of complete rest. What has always interested God is the condition of the heart (Jer. 17:9). The High Priest does all the work to remove the sins; the sinner rests in that work and is required only to recognize his need of forgiveness. This is the perfection of God's grace. v. 32 The priest who made atonement for Israel was anointed (same Hebrew root for "Messiah") and consecrated to minister in his father's stead. Yeshua is the Anointed One, consecrated to the High Priest's office as a representative of His Father and of us (l Tim. 2:5). To summarize: The High Priest entered into the Holy of Holies, behind the veil, and made atonement via the blood of a sin-offering. This enabled Israel to have their iniquities, transgressions and sins forgiven. God provided His people a way of being clean in His sight so that He could dwell among them. The ultimate fulfillment of this beautiful picture of forgiveness in the Tanach is the death and resurrection of Messiah Yeshua. "Therefore, bretheren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Yeshua, by a new and living way... and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith ...'' (Heb. 10:19) Columns Anee M'Amin Anee M'Amin PATIENCE AND PRAYERS LED ME TO FAITH By Eleanor Greenstein I have been a Jewish believer in Jesus for the past 19 years. This testimony is the story of a godly woman's faithful witness to me and how God answered her and others' prayers on my behalf. It is not written in praise of her, but in praise of the Lord who shone through her. I hope that it will be an example that will help others witness to their Jewish friends and neighbors. Lola, a Gentile Christian friend, led me to the Lord. She showed me so many things. She witnessed to me just by her life. She reflected His love (I just didn't know who it was at the time). She literally lived out the fruit of the Spirit in front of me by showing me patience, endurance, temperance and so much more. I remember how she seemed to know when to speak and when to be quiet. How hard it must have been for her sometimes to tolerate me, stubborn in my unbelief. Lola used great wisdom that she must have prayed about each time she talked to me over a period of close to four years. She also had others praying for her as she witnessed to me. She exhibited such faith toward my salvation and often showed such sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit. I often marvel as I think about her today. Lola "laid down her life for a friend." She was a Gentile Christian, yet she came to all my Jewish activities. She did this to support me, to show me that she cared for me, and to love me. It must have been a sacrifice for her. Often there were times when, after one of my frequent phone calls, Lola and her family dropped whatever they were doing to pray for me or to attend to my needs. The Bible talks about our rewards and crowns, and I know that this family will be richly rewarded. Once I was in charge of the gift shop at the synagogue, and I put on a fund-raising luncheon. Lola bought a ticket to the luncheon (which she couldn't afford at the time) and sat quietly in a corner. Another time I put on an Israeli film night for B'nai Brith, a Jewish organization, and again Lola showed up, this time with her husband. At Passover, I had a dinner in my home and invited Lola to come. She not only came, but chose to sit next to a certain member of my family who was both unlovely and unlovable at the time. (Wouldn't Jesus have done that, too? She really reflected Him.) At my daughter's bat mitzvah, was there, helping in the kitchen, being a servant as Jesus would have been. No one but God and I saw how really tired she was and what a sacrifice she made to come and help. Lola showed me Scripture with her life. Although she also shared hundreds of Bible verses with me over the years, I remember very few of them, except that she told me that Jesus was the Messiah. Lola always listened patiently as I spewed out venom about Gentiles, Christians, kids calling me a Christ killer when I was a little girl and the many other stories and feelings I used to back up my reasons for never wanting to be anything else but a Jew and wanting only love and acceptance from the rest of the world for who I was. I talked about the Holocaust, my anger toward God, how I didn't understand Him for letting it happen and how I wondered where the Christians were at the time. I used to talk to Lola about being raised as a Jew and that I had no desire to go to a church and give up my fond memories of linking my arm in my father's and singing our favorite songs in the synagogue. I would tell Lola I couldn't accept or say the name of Jesus easily, and she would say, "Alright, let's just call Him the Messiah." That made my ears perk up! "Who is that? What is that?" I wondered. Not only did Lola listen patiently to me for more than three and a half years, but when she did answer, she would often comment with great love and compassion about my feelings as a person and as a Jew. She would say things like, "You have a right to feel that way," or she would actually cry as I talked about the suffering the Jewish people have experienced and say that she really understood. I was overwhelmed and humbled by all this. Soon I learned to trust Lola with all my feelings. I became so grateful that Lola cared and accepted me with agape (unconditional, God-like love) that I became willing to listen to her. Long before I could love and appreciate her, she had become a real friend to me. After three and a half years, I was still arguing. Lola finally said to me, "You know what? You don't have to believe me that Jesus is the Messiah. Ask God if it's true. Go to the synagogue if that's where you're used to praying, and ask the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob if He had a son and if it was Jesus and if He was the Messiah. Make sure you talk to your Jewish God, not just any god." That really shut me up! I went to a temple and sat in front of the eternal light that hung in front of the ark where the Torah scrolls are kept. I prayed using Lola's words and added. "You know, God, I'll never believe any man. I'll have to hear it from You. What is all this about You having a son? I've always been taught You love us all as Your children, and You have different religions for different people and You're the God of them all. You don't want me to leave Judaism. I was born a Jew and will die a Jew, and I would be disloyal to You, God, if I went over there on the Christian side, something You meant only for them." Nine years previous to all this, another Christian had showed me with help in the house, love and prayers about Jesus, too. Now this was a conclusion to 12 years of Christians believing for me and of my own quest for the truth in life. The Spirit was drawing me the whole time. Not only did I eventually go to church with Lola, the Lord continued to reveal Himself to me in a variety of ways. Finally I accepted Him at an altar call. I remember thinking as they sang and preached, "I just know what I know. This is the truth. At last I found the truth! I just know Jesus is the Truth as the Messiah." I went forward and sang with them, "I love the Father, I love His only Son, I love the Spirit, I love the three-in-one. He created me, redeemed and set me free, praise Him, praise Him, praise Him!" Great gushes of tears poured out of me. After I became a believer, I was filled with so many questions. Lola drove with me all the way from the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles to help me meet a born-again Jewish Bible teacher with whom I would feel more comfortable discussing these spiritual matters. Although I had accepted Jesus, it was still very hard for me to understand who He was. God the Father revealed Himself to me first in a prayer meeting I attended as a new believer. In a supernatural experience, I felt suspended together with Him. He put His arm around me and talked to me as we looked down over Israel and the Wailing Wall. He said to me, "I'm going to take the wall down between the Christian and the Jew and in your own life." That was 19 years ago. I have been through many circumstances that were beyond my ability to endure, but God intervened in a variety of unbelievable happenings. Not because of anything I have done right has He shown His love to me or revealed Himself to me. And more often than not, it was more because I hadn't done too much of anything right except to remain faithful. I want others to know God as He has been for me. Through the maze of my life, He has been so much to me. How can I describe it? How do any of us capture in words who He really is to us or how we know Him? Sometimes the Psalms portray to me who He can be our infinite God. Others have tried with their choice of words in a book, poem, hymn or song. Sometimes I even sing a secular song in my heart that can be an expression of praise to Him. Two secular songs that come to mind are, "I give to you, and you give to me, true love, true love, and on and on it will always be, love forever true," and "What the world needs now is love, sweet love." Not even the whole Bible can say what a personal relationship with God is likewalking and talking with Him in a devotional or worship time. "And He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own.'' (Maybe that's why they call Him a personal Savior among other things. He is.) Sometimes songs of the church say it best. "As the deer panteth for the water. so my soul longs after you" expresses my desire to be with Him without end. "Learning to Lean on Jesus" and "How Great Thou Art" express just a little of what I want to say in tribute to God. There's a Jewish prayer that sums up my gratitude for what God has done in my life: "Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheynu Meleeh ha-olam, shehece-yanu, vekiyemanu, vehigiyanu lazman hazeh": "Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has kept us in life, and has preserved us and has enabled us to reach this season." Amen. From THE JEWS FOR JESUS NEWSLETTER Testimony Testimony TESTIMONY OF MARY EMERSON San Jose, California I was born three months premature and weighed a pound and 10 ounces. The doctors put me in an incubator which did damage to my eyes. This was back in July, 1951, and they didn't know a lot in those days. I was born into a non-Christian home and was brought up with the idea that if we went to church, it was just on Easter and that was it, most of the time. I went to public schools instead of a school for the blind. It wasn't easy because kids can be mean, but I got through it. When I was 9 years old, some friends of my grandma got me part of the RSV New Testament (Luke and John). I read them but didn't have anyone to ask questions of, so I just muddled through it. During the next couple years I received the other Gospels and Acts through 2nd Corinthians as gifts. As a teenager I didn't bother with it because I was being taught the existentialist stuff and writing poetry about how life is meaningless and all that. When I went to college the Lord started drawing me to Him. I became curious about the rest of the New Testament. I thought I was a Christian until I ended up with a Christian roommate one year. Her life showed me qualities that I didn't have in my life. So one day after about 4 or 5 hours of discussion, my roommate used the 4 spiritual laws booklet as a basis for telling me what the Christian life was all about. Doctrinally, now I don't agree with all of it, but there was just enough there to show me the way. I started attending Bible study and prayer group and kept quiet around family. After college, I lived with my parents for a few years and my only Christian fellowship was through people I wrote to. In 1977 after a year of computer school I was hired by IBM and after moving out on my own, I met some ladies at work who were involved in a church. I went there for a couple years but it was too big. I finally settled on a very small church, Grace Bible Fellowship. It closed in 1990 and I haven't had any local fellowship since, except for a very dear couple here in town (San Jose, CA) whom I talk to on the phone, and who took me to a wedding a couple years ago for a mutual friend of ours. For the past couple years I've reached out in fellowship to folks on the GEnie and Internet computer networks. It's my way of keeping in touch. I pray a lot about becoming part of a group, but the program-based stuff really turns me off. People get so interested in "numbers, nickels, and noise," and how big a production they can create, that they lose sight of who God is, who Jesus is, and what the Holy Spirit can do. He is more than just God indwelling us. In the past few years I have had to rely on Him for strength to do everything. I have no local family (I haven't seen my family since 1989) and virtually no social contact except with people I work with at IBM. I pray constantly; for me, prayer isn't just 15 minutes of quiet time. My whole day is "quiet time". It's like breathing; Jesus speaks of that constant abiding - Him in us, and us in Him. People today don't know what that means - everything is so superficial because they haven't learned to live without. I hold on to the Lord. Through the past half dozen years, several friends I was close to have died. God has been severe with me by taking away those who were supportive, but on the other hand He chastens those whom He loves. I may sound harsh in saying this, but there are times when I pray that Christians in this country will go through some trials; their lives will be richer for it, and they will be much, much closer to the Lord. Besides, He loves to be down in the valley with them, because they have to rely on Him for every step they take. In 1978 I lost all my hearing on one side. This adds another challenge because I cannot travel very easily. I can cross streets if they don't have lights, but I don't dare try busy streets since there is no way to tell the directions traffic is coming from. In social situations it's awkward because I often have to turn around to face the person to hear them. Big echoey rooms, like most churches, are really hard too, because I hear echoes and occasionally one word out of 50. I live in an ideal situation: there's a shopping center next to my apartment complex, and to get to work I walk to the corner and catch an IBM van that picks up people at the bus stop. I used to take county buses but they quit going in to IBM, so the company contracted a van service to pick us up. It's really popular with lots of employees, and I know God set it up so it would work for me too. Well, that's all I know. I'd appreciate your prayers for endurance. I know people pray for me, because the Lord keeps sending such strength, such assurance that I'm in the right place. It gets old having to do everything myself, but I don't have help with anything. I use a lot of technology to get things done: a reading machine for reading mail and printing stuff, online services (3 of them) for shopping that I can't walk to, for reaching out to friends. There are areas in my life where I would like a lot more contact with people, but it hasn't happened yet. I refuse to feel sorry for myself. It's just a waste of time. Sometimes I do get discouraged but I get through it, even when I'm too discouraged to pray the Lord knows what I need. Mary Emerson may be reached by electronic mail at: m.emerson2@genie.geis.com Education Education BASIC QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS By Dr. Paul A. Kienel Executive Director Association of Christian Schools International Christian schools have been a part of the fabric of American society since the Pilgrims and Puritans waded ashore in 1620 and 1630. Yet there are Americans, even Christian Americans, who are woefully uninformed about Christian schools. Here are seven common questions about Christian schools: 1) How can you mix Christian faith with an academic curriculum? How do you integrate the two? Biblical integration or combining faith and learning is as old as the Bible itself. "... bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ ...," (2 Corinthians 10:5). The Apostle Paul said, "in whom (Christ) are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). One Christian school educator aptly described Biblical integration as, Bringing the knowledge of Jesus Christ and the truths of Scripture to bear on the formation of young minds seeking to know the world. He said that his school offers an environment where change can happen in the personal lives of young people. Here, a vision of God's grace in Christ may be glimpsed, depths of character explored, love and integrity moved from principle into action and quality in one's life. We provide the opportunity for real change by communicating the essentials of Christian character.1 Biblical integration is spiritual in nature. It can only be done by educators who are true believers in Jesus Christ. 2) How can Christian school students adjust to the "real world" if they do not attend a school that teaches a non-Christian point of view? It may surprise some people but there is no Biblical support for training Christian children in a non-Biblical environment. Decades ago Yale University's President, Timothy Dwight, said, "Education ought everywhere to be religious education ... parents are bound to employ no instructor who will not educate their children religiously. To commit our children to the care of irreligious persons is to commit lambs to the superintendency of wolves."2 Christian psychologist Dr. Clyde Narramore said, "A tree that is planted in poor soil doesn't have the advantages that one planted in good earth has. Contrary to some belief, we do not grow through resistance. Children do not develop because they resist food. Their growth comes as a result of good food and care."3 The Bible describes life on this earth as warfare. Warriors are never trained in enemy territory. School is a training ground. A primary purpose of a Christian school is to prepare students to be nonconformists to the world. The Bible says, "And be not conformed to this world ..." (Romans 12:2a) but at the same time be prepared to live victoriously in the world. Note the words of the New Testament's Dr. Luke who wrote, "... when a student is fully trained he will be like his teacher" (Luke 6:40). Simply put, if you want your children to live as Christians they must be taught by Christians. 3) Generally speaking, how does Christian school education compare academically with non-Christian schools? Year after year standardized achievement test scores affirm that students taught by Christian school educators achieve well above the national norm. In fact, in twenty-seven years of testing with the Stanford Achievement Test our students have never achieved less than one full year ahead of the national norm. It is, indeed, a commendable record. 4) Do Christian schools offer a wide range of student activities which broaden their educational experience? Depending on the financial strength of the school most Christian schools offer a wide range of student activities such as fine arts festivals, speech meets, academic meets, spelling bees, student leadership conferences, cheerleading camps and all kinds of sporting activities. This past year 56,807 students participated in student activities sponsored by the Association of Christian Schools International. This does not include, of course, the wide range of student activities offered by individual schools. 5) Is the enrollment in Christian schools open to students of all races? Each school that joins the Association of Christian Schools International must affirm annually on its school application form that students of all races are welcome. Since the message of Christ is available to all, so our schools are available to all provided student applicants meet other minimum requirements of the school. 6) Are Christian schools growing in number? Not only are new Christian schools being started but established Christian schools are experiencing solid growth. This past year has been the largest growth year in the history of the Association of Christian Schools International. The combined student enrollment of the 3,174 member schools of ACSI has reached 66l,475 this year giving us an increase of 95,940 students. This past year 35,228 teachers attended ACSI teacher conventions, an increase of 3,367 over the previous year! These figures are remarkable indicators of the Lord's rich blessing on Christian school education. 7) What about the future of Christian school education? I am in my 28th year of service as Executive Director. Never have I seen the momentum for growth, for spiritual commitment and for academic excellence as I see this year in our Christian schools around the world. I believe if we will stay true to our Christian purpose God will continue to smile with favor upon us. 1 Thad Gabelein, Stony Brook brochure, Stony Brook, New York. 2 Timothy Dwight, President of Yale University (1795-1817). 3 Dr. Clyde M Narramore, Your Questions Answered About Christian Schools, 1983, ACSI, La Habra, California, P. 49. Prison Ministry Prison Ministry THE BIBLE: PLUGGING INTO THE SOURCE To use an electric fan, stereo, or other electrical appliance, you have to plug it into the wall socket. An unplugged appliance is lifeless and can't do what it was designed for. Reading the Bible is like plugging into the power source. It's the direct connection to God. The Bible is God's way of letting mankind know Who He is, what He offers and what He wants from us. The Bible is a big book, and can be difficult. Maybe you've tried to read it and have given up. This article provides a window to the Bibleadvice on how to get in, how to get started, and how to get some immediate good out of this amazing book. A book of many books The Bible, actually, is a whole library of books. There are 66 in all, arranged in two major groups. The Old Testament (39 books) focuses on history before the birth of Jesus Christ. It contains: 17 historical books Five books of poetry 17 books of prophecy. The New Testament (27 books) begins with the life of Jesus Christ. It gives practical instructions for living the Christian life, and talks about the future. The New Testament has: Four gospels (means "good news") Acts of the Apostles (history of the early church) 21 epistles (letters to individuals or churches) Revelation. Who wrote the Bible? Although the Bible is literally the Word of God, He used humans to write it down. Their personalities and styles show through. The 66 books were written by 40 authors, including two kings, two priests, a physician, two fishermen, and two shepherds. Other authors include a statesman, tax collector, soldier, butler and a variety of others. They wrote in the wilderness, in prison (dungeons), in palaces and from exile. They wrote during wartime and peacetime over a period of 1,600 years. To see what God says about the authorship of His book, read 2 Timothy 3:16-17;2 Peter 1:20-21; and Isaiah 55:10-11. Why should I read the Bible? Look up the following scripture verses. After each reference, jot down the main reason: John 5:39 Hebrews 4:12 Proverbs 6:22-23 Joshua 1:8 Romans 10:17 If you do not have much acquaintance with the Bible, a good place to begin is the Gospel of Mark in the New Testament. The Old Testament book of Proverbs also gives excellent advice for practical living. Stay away (for awhile) from tougher books like Daniel or Revelation. You can study them when you have more background. There are many versions of the Bible. Among the most difficult to read and understand are the King James Version and the New American Standard. Three of the easier-reading versions recommended are the Easy-to-Read (World Bible Translation Center, Fort Worth, Tex.); the Contemporary English Version (Thomas Nelson Publishing, Waco, Tex.) Here are some suggested reading plans: Read through the Bible in a year. You can do this by reading three chapters each weekday and five on Sunday. It will take discipline, but you'll learn a lot! The Book of Proverbs has 31 chapters. You can read one a day for a month, and then start over. Billy Graham says he's done this for years. Read a chapter from the New Testament and one from the Old Testament each day. They give distinctively different viewpoints. How can I study the Bible? One of the best methods is the "Inductive Study Method." To use it, take a small section of scripture and apply three skills: observation, interpretation and application. ObservationDiscover What It Says. Read it carefully to see precisely what the passage says. Summarize in your own words. InterpretationDiscover What It Means. Observation helps you understand what it says. Interpretation helps you understand what it means. ApplicationChanging Your Behavior. Ask what those verses mean to you personally. What instructions can you put into practice? What behavior is being modeled for you? What changes might you want to make, based on what it says? It's good to be in a regular Bible study group. Prison Fellowship volunteers conduct weekly studies in hundreds of institutionsask your chaplain about one in your facility. There are also many good correspondence Bible study courses available. Write to Inside Journal for a list. But there is no substitute for studying the Bible itself. As the Word of GodGod's direct revelation to manit's the source. Plug in today! From INSIDE JOURNAL A publication of PRISON FELLOWSHIP PO Box 16429 Washington, DC 20041-6429 Music Music CREATION '94 REVIEW By Rick and Donna Riker North Plainfield, New Jersey The Nation's largest Christian music festival is now history for another year. Although, there are festivals all over the United States each summer. If you are looking for something different to do with the family this year (or next year) on vacation, you may want to visit one of these at least once in your sojourn on planet earth. Creation is an annual event put on by Creation Concerts at Agape Farms in Mt. Union Pennsylvania on the last weekend of June (or thereabouts) every year. The first Creation festival was put on in 1979 at Muddy Run Campground outside of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The festival has come a long way since then. It did not take long for Muddy Run to outgrow its capacity. This year the unofficial figures of attendance were 87,000 people as of Saturday afternoon, July 2nd. For the evening worship service and seminar, approximately 114,000 people attended. Tony Campolo, speaker and musical guests Carmen, The Newsboys, and Iona filled the last night of celebration with a joyful noise. It is a mighty joyful noise at Creation with the sound system being a state of the art and worth well over a million dollars. No seat is a bad seat at the festivals because of the giant screen where the video crew projected whoever is on the main stage. Even if you are hanging out in the trees in the back of the natural amphitheater, you can still see. For us it was a kind of trip back down memory lane. We spent four days of our honeymoon at the Creation '90 festival. Two years earlier at Creation '88 we felt the Lord leading us to be people who were totally sold out to Jesus; and we haven't cooled off since! As we walked around the grounds Saturday afternoon, we saw youth groups from all over the United States. They had been challenged by some of the best Christian speakers and musicians for three days at this point. They were challenged to walk the walk and raise the standard of Christ at home, school, and work, wherever and whenever. These kids were on fire for Jesus. They were having the time of their lives meeting new friends, praying together, and sharing ideas for reaching their worlds with the good news about Jesus Christ. There were a total of 25 seminars at Creation '94. Topics are listed below: 1) George Verwer - "Whole People for the Whole World" 2) Winkie Pratney - "Healing the Land" 3) Tim Burke - "Curve Balls" 4) Blaine Bartel - "Rescuing Generation 911" 5) Tim Burke - "Major League Dad" 6) George Verwer - "A.D. 2000. . . Get Ready" 7) Steve Arterburn - "The Truth Will Set You Free" 8) Harry Thomas - "A Great Finish" 9) Pat Mesiti - "The Awakening" 10) Steve Arterburn - "The Path to Fulfillment" 11) Bob DeMoss - "In Your Face" 12) Blaine Bartel - "Too hot to Handle ... Too Cold to Hold" 13) Pat Mesiti - "Lethal Weapon" 14) Chap Clark - "Next Time I Fall In Love" 15) Steve Arterburn - "Giant Steps" 16) Winkie Pratney - "Ministering to Generation X (part 1)" 17) Buster Soaries - "If Stones Could Talk" 18) John Dawson - "Healing Americas Wounds" 19) Buster Soaries - "First Things First" 20) Jeff Nicholson - "Rock Music" 21) Tony Campolo - "Ministry in the City" 22) Winkie Pratney - "Ministering to Generation X (part 2)" 23) John Dawson - The War Between Men And Women" 24) Pat Mesiti - "The Flight" 25) Tony Campolo - "Being Rebuilt for Service" If anyone is interested in any of these speakers you may call 1-800-327-6921 or write: Creation 94, Box 86, Medford, New Jersey 08055. The tapes are available for a small fee. If interested please contact the number and address listed above. In addition to the speakers there were a total of twenty-eight bands that performed at the Creation festival this year. Some of the biggest draws were from Petra, Michael W. Smith, The Newsboys - (who snea__k previewed their new release not due until August), Carmen, Steve Taylor, Iona, Dakoda Motor Company, ETW, and so many more good bands, I just can't list them all. It is truly an awesome experience to worship at the evening worship services with so many Christians of all ages and backgrounds. If that doesn't excite you, on Thursday evening (it's a tradition each year), about 80,000 people took communion together while Petra led the way with worship. And if you still aren't thrilled, about the same number took part in the candle lighting ceremony with Michael W. Smith on Friday evening - another Creation tradition. It is a symbol to every Christian there (and a real testimony to those who aren't), that as you light your brother or sister's candle standing next to you, that YOU (each one of us) are the light of the world! A lot of the youth groups that were there have witnessed to class- mates or friends they know and have talked them into coming to this festival with them. Many of these __young people accepted Jesus some time during the festival; others hear words that plant the seed of salvation in their hearts that come to life after they leave Creation. One such instance has a special significance to us. A month or so ago a young man at the supermarket noticed my Christian T-shirt and commented on it. He yelled across the store to his buddy and said, "Hey, this guy got a Degarmo and Key shirt on!" For those of you who do not know, D & K are a contemporary Christian band. Then he said that his friend, who he yelled to in the store, got him into Christian music but he wasn't really into all "that Jesus stuff". He said he was going to go check out Creation with his friend too. We saw him Saturday afternoon wandering around the grounds at Creation. I can't wait to go to the store and see him again. If he didn't accept Jesus, I will really be shocked. Anyway, thousands of young people meet Jesus in this way - You know a local yokel? Want to reach them? He won't go to church, huh? Try a Christian festival - it just might change h__is/her life and yours. And oh yes, before I forget, they have children's ministry each day - clowns, puppets etc. The campground has working showers, toilets and running water, limited electric, a first aid station available all weekend and a food court where you can buy all different types of fast food. A grocery store is on the compound (yes they have ice for your cooler), and there are also arts and crafts booths and a store set up with more contemporary Christian music in it than I have ever seen anywhere! Something that is also neat to know about Creation is that as each artist and speaker appears at the podium, you can have an opportunity to meet them afterwards or when you are walking around the grounds at your leisure. We are firm believers in being good stewards with our time and though we could only spend Saturday at the festival it was a very rewarding experience to us. Did I mention that a few hundred people got baptized? and that a few hundred children got sponsored (3rd world kids) through the compassion international folks? See you next year hopefully at Creation '95. May God bless you real good!  Chef's Corner Chef's Corner IT'S TIME FOR ALL THOSE WONDERFUL FRESH GARDEN VEGETABLE DISHES. JUST BRING ALONG YOUR APPETITES! BROCCOLI/CAULIFLOWER SALAD - 1 bunch broccoli (just the flowerets), 1 head cauliflower, 1 medium onion, 4 oz. grated cheddar cheese, 1 lb. fried bacon. Mix with the following dressing: 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons vinegar. BASIL AND GARLIC POTATOES - 6 cloves garlic, slivered, 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can chicken broth, 2 lbs. potatoes, sliced, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 tablespoon pepper and 3 tablespoons basil. Combine all in bowl, bake at 325 degrees about 1 hour 15 minutes in a 9x13 inch baking dish, or until all liquid is absorbed. STUFFED ZUCCHINI - 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 small green pepper, chopped, 1 small onion, chopped, 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large can tomato sauce, 1 small can mushrooms, 2 large zucchini. Parboil the zucchini whole. Slice in half lengthwise, scoop out pulp and set aside. Fry the ground meat till browned, now mix cheese, mushrooms, parsley, onion and green pepper and cook for 5 more minutes. Stuff the zucchini with the fried ingredients. Place in a baking dish, pour tomato sauce over all and bake in an oven, 350 degrees for 30 minutes. ZUCCHINI TARTE - 1 cup grated longhorn cheese, 1 teaspoon instant onion, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, salt and pepper, 5 beaten eggs, 1/2 cup oil, 4 to 6 cups grated zucchini, 1 1/2 cups Bisquick or Jiffy mix. Beat together Bisquick or Jiffy mix, eggs and oil. Add grated zucchini, cheese, onion, parsley, salt and pepper to taste. Mix and pour in 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes. BAKED TOMATOES - salt and pepper to taste, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch, green pepper, 9 or 10 medium size tomatoes, butter, 1 tablespoon vinegar, onion and celery. Skin tomatoes, leave them whole. Put a small amount of salt, pepper and butter in cavity. SAUCE - Mix together onion, green pepper, celery, brown sugar, salt, vinegar, and flour (or cornstarch). Cook 10 minutes, then pour over tomatoes. Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees. EGGPLANT PARMESAN - 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/2 inch slices, 1/2 cup flour, seasoned with salt and pepper, 2 eggs, beaten, oil for frying, 3/4 inch up side of pan, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce, 1 cup fontina cheese, grated. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Salt and drain eggplant slices. Pat dry. Dip in seasoned flour, then in beaten eggs. Fry slices in hot oil. Drain on paper towels. Salt lightly. Cover the bottom of a shallow baking dish with a layer of tomato sauce. Arrange eggplant slices on top, slightly overlapping. Sprinkle liberally with Parmesan cheese. Top with additional tomato sauce and grated Fontina cheese. Bake uncovered until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling. CARROT CASSEROLE - 2 cups cooked sliced carrots, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 stick of oleo, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 cup milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon baking powder. Mix in order in blender. Blend together. Bake 350 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour. CABBAGE AND NOODLES - 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cooked wide noodles, 1 medium head cabbage, shredded, 1 large onion, 2 sticks oleo, salt and pepper to taste. Shred cabbage so it is coarse. Then steam it in a very small amount of water until done; drain in colander and squeeze out excess water. Saute onion in oleo until soft, then add cooked noodles and cabbage. Mix together, heat and serve. RIGATONI AND BROCCOLI - Broccoli, 1 container ricotta cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, rigatoni noodles, 2 sticks butter, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1 teaspoon pepper. Cook rigatoni noodles till tender. Cook broccoli until done. In a skillet melt butter, add cheese, garlic salt, salt and pepper. Mix all together in large casserole dish and serve warm. BEETS WITH PINEAPPLE - 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 4 medium sized beets, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 (8 oz.) can pineapple tidbits. Wash beets, cook in boiling water until tender, remove the skins, and cut the beets into thin slices or cubes. In saucepan, combine brown sugar, cornstarch and salt. Stir in pineapple with syrup. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and bubbles. Add butter and lemon juice; stir. Add beets and heat thoroughly. PASTA PRIMAVERA - 1 bunch broccoli, 2 small zucchini, 6 asparagus spears, 1 1/2 cups green beans, 1/2 cup peas, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 cups fresh mushrooms, 1/2 teaspoon dried red chili flakes, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1 clove garlic, minced, 1 large onion, minced, 4 tomatoes, peeled and cubed, 1 lb. Fettuccini, 4 tablespoons butter, 1/2 - 1 cup whipping cream, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, 16 oz. Ricotta cheese. Break broccoli into flowerets. Trim zucchini and slice thin. Cut asparagus into thirds. Steam broccoli, zucchini, asparagus, peas and beans until tender. Put in large bowl. Heat oil and add sliced mushrooms and saute until tender. Add to vegetable mixture with parsley and pepper flakes. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in skillet and add onion and garlic, tomatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Cook about 4 minutes. Add to vegetables. Cook Fettucini noodles. Melt butter; add cream. Pour over pasta and mix well. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and add Pesto Sauce (recipe below) and mix. Add Ricotta cheese and vegetables; mix well. Stir. Heat and enjoy! PESTO SAUCE - 1 cup fresh basil, 2-3 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 1 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated. Put basil, garlic, salt and pine nuts in food processor. Process until chopped and add olive oil through tube in a slow stream. Add Parmesan cheese. Remove and set aside. RHUBARB SALAD - 2 cups diced rhubarb, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup water, 2 (3 oz.) pkgs. strawberry jello, 2 cups rhubarb syrup and water, 1 2/3 cups cold water, 2 (3 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese, chilled, 1 cup crushed pineapple. Cook rhubarb, sugar and water until rhubarb is tender; drain. Save the syrup. Add water to make 2 cups. Add jello to boiling syrup; dissolve. Add cold water and lemon juice. Fold in rhubarb, mashed cream cheese and pineapple. Refrigerate until set. MARINATED VEGETABLE - 1 head cauliflower, 1 bunch broccoli, 3 green peppers, 8 carrots, 1 stalk celery, 20 radishes, 3 cucumbers, 1 medium jar green olives, 1 small jar black olives. Cut above vegetables and put into large container. Then mix together: 1 1/2 cups salad oil, 14 drops Tabasco sauce, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 6 tablespoons vinegar, 1/2 medium grated onion, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 clove garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Add to vegetables and toss well. Let marinate overnight. Before serving, add green onions around sides of bowl. EGGPLANT CAKES - Peel and cut up eggplant. Boil in salt water until soft. Drain and mash. Add 1 egg, bread crumbs, grated onion and grated cheese and salt and pepper. Make into cakes and fry. CORN FRITTERS - 12 ears corn, 3 eggs divided, 2 to 4 tablespoons flour, pinch salt. Grate 12 ears of corn. Add egg yolks, flour and salt to grated corn. Beat egg whites and fold into corn mixture. Spoon into hot oil in skillet and fry until lightly browned on both sides. Serve with syrup. WHAT MEAL COULD BE COMPLETE WITHOUT SOMETHING SWEET! CARROT COOKIES - 2 cups diced pared carrots, 3/4 cup butter or oleo, 1 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook carrots in small amount of boiling salted water till tender. Drain and mash (should measure about 1 cup). Cool. Cream together butter or margarine and sugar. Add egg and vanilla. Beat till fluffy. Stir in carrots. Stir together dry ingredients. Blend into creamed mixture. Drop on ungreased cookie sheet. Frost with powdered sugar icing with orange flavoring. CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI CAKE - 1/2 cup margarine, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 3/4 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 cup sour milk, 1/4 cup chocolate chips, 2 1/2 cups flour, 4 tablespoons cocoa, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon cloves, 2 cups grated zucchini. Cream margarine, oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla and sour milk. Mix together all dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture. Stir in zucchini. Put into greased and floured 9x12 inch pan. Sprinkle top with chocolate chips. Bake at 325 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes. Ice with your favorite frosting. BUTTER CREAM ICING - 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 cup oleo, 1/2 cup shortening, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 cup cold INSTANT vanilla pudding. Beat together first 4 ingredients until well blended. Slowly, 1 heaping tablespoon at a time, add pudding; beat till well blended. This recipe covers a 9 inch layer; doubled will cover a half sheet. APPLE CAKE - 1 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup shortening, 1 beaten egg, 2 cups chopped apples, 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 cup raisins. TOPPING - 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 cup chopped nuts. Cream sugar and shortening. Add egg. Stir in apples. Add flour, soda, baking powder and vanilla. Stir in raisins. Pour into greased and floured pan. Combine brown sugar, cinnamon and nuts. Sprinkle over cake batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. COOKED APPLES - 6 apples (yellow delicious) 1/4 cup raisins, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/4 cup walnuts, if desired. Cook quartered apples along with raisins and nuts, until tender. Drain only slightly. Make a paste of cornstarch with a little water and add to apple mixture, along with sugar and cook until slightly thickened. Living in the Shadow... Living in the Shadow... Christian author, Grant R. Jeffrey submitted the following excerpt from his upcoming book "APOCALYPSE, The Coming Judgment of the Nations" for publication in MORNING STAR. We appreciate this kind gesture and certainly find his material to be informative and interesting. LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE SECOND COMING By Grant R. Jeffrey You and I live in the most extraordinary generation since Jesus walked in Jerusalem two thousand years ago. Since 1948 more prophecy have been fulfilled than in all the generations leading up to our lifetime. When the nation of Israel was reborn at midnight May 15, 1948 the prophetic clock began ticking inexorably in the final countdown to Armageddon. Israel's Covenant With Death In the last few months the leaders of Israel and its deadly enemy, the PLO, signed a peace treaty that promised an end of the deadly warfare that has characterized the Middle East for four decades. Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin took the first tentative steps towards a possible peace treaty in the Middle East. Does this mean true peace is at hand? Or, will a false peace lead inevitably to the war prophesied by the ancient prophets of Israel? The Arab governments and the PLO now offer Israel "peace for land." But what kind of "peace" are they offering? There are two concepts of "peace" in the Arab language. One represents true peace such as we enjoy between Canada and the U.S.A. where we genuinely wish our neighbors well. The other concept of peace is more like "an armed truce." During the crusades the leader of the defeated Muslim armies, Saladin, offered the English general, Richard the LionHeart, a peace treaty. However, two years later, after rebuilding his armies, Saladin broke his agreement and defeated the English armies. In Yasser Arafat's speeches to Arab audiences, he explained that he will offer Israel "the peace of Saladin." This proves that he is offering Israel "an armed truce" rather than true peace. The PLO have not relinquished their commitment to conquer all of the land of Israel. All Palestinian groups uses emblems, flags and letterhead that contains maps showing that all of Israel and the territories must be conquered from the Jews. The PLO have often declared that their long-term strategy is to eliminate Israel in a plan called "liberation in phases." Since 1974 Yassir Arafat decreed that during the first phase of his "Phases Plan" the PLO will establish a beachhead in Gaza and the West Bank. In the second phase their armies will take over Jerusalem. In the final phase, they will build up their strength in Gaza and the West Bank to finally conquer all of Israel. On Sept. 1, 1993 Arafat confirmed to an Arab audience that his peace accord was part of his "Phases" plan. During interviews many Arabs declare they will never be content until they recover the entire land of Israel from the Jews. Arafat stated in 1980: "Peace for us means the destruction of Israel." The Koran teaches that, if a land was ever occupied in the past by Muslims, then it must be recovered by Jihad, or holy war. Although Yasser Arafat has pledged to eliminate references to the destruction of Israel from the Charter of the Palestine Liberation Organization, it is significant that he has refused to call for a conference to do so. Furthermore, most of his Arab allies refuse to relinquish their goals to destroy the Jewish state. The Coming War of Gog and Magog However, the study of Bible prophecy provides some insight into the ongoing peace negotiations. Thousands of years ago the prophet Ezekiel (Chapter 38 & 39) predicted that a huge confederacy of Arab nations under Russian leadership will join together to attack Israel after the Jewish exiles have returned to their homeland. Despite massive changes in Russia the hardliners in the KGB, the army and military-industrial complex are trying to maintain their power. The prophet declared that a future military leader of this alliance will say "I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will go to a peaceful people, who dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates." For the last forty-five years Israel did not "dwell safely." Israel has remained an armed camp for decades surrounded by two hundred million Arabs. It is forced to spend more on defense than any other country. However, this recent peace accord may create a false sense of security and safety over the next few years that will allow Israel to relax its defenses and "dwell safely." This peace agreement may set the stage for the fulfillment of the great War of Gog and Magog prophesied by the prophet Ezekiel. This battle will be won by God's spectacular intervention with supernatural earthquakes and pestilence defeating the combined Russian and Arab armies. This miraculous deliverance by the hand of God will motivate Israel to rebuild the Third Temple and resume animal sacrifices as described by Daniel 9:24-27. These awesome prophetic events will prepare the way for the fulfillment of the prophecies of the rise of Antichrist and his signing of a seven-year treaty with Israel. This will commence a sevenyear countdown to the return of Christ and His saints at the Battle of Armageddon to establish His millennial kingdom. These exciting events in the Middle East encourage us as Christians to live in constant expectation of the glorious Rapture of the Church to meet our Lord. Jesus said, "when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" (Luke 21:28). Yet we must live in a spiritual balance in these last days. Although He may come today He may also delay His return for a generation because our Lord "is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance"(2 Peter 3:9) We must live and witness to those around us as though the Rapture will occur tomorrow. Yet we must also plan and work as though we have a hundred years. His command is that we "Occupy till 1 come"(Luke 19:13). The Strategic Importance of Territory Israel requires military control of the Golan Heights, Gaza and thc West Bank in order to provide the strategic depth to defend itself against the overwhelming military force of its Arab enemies. Every military study in the last twenty five years has concluded that Israel cannot be defended by conventional forces and weapons if it loses military control over these vital territories. The U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff 192 study confirmed Israel could not give up the Golan, Gaza or the West Bank and survive an Arab invasion. Without the West Bank Israel will be less than nine miles wide at its centre near Tel Aviv where almost eighty percent of its population lives. In a future conflict enemy armies could cut Israel in two parts by attacking from the PLO controlled high ground of Judea and Samaria (WestBank). The Jewish state could be overrun in a matter of days. In a future war Israel will be forced to resort to nuclear weapons when it finds its small diminished territory about to be overcome by enemy armies. The Israeli army calls this "the Samson Option" because it would destroy the Middle East, just as Samson brought down the temple on his enemies. Despite this grim reality the present Israeli government has agreed to relinquish these strategic areas. For the first time since its creation in 1948 Israel's conventional army and air force will not be able to successfully defend its vital territory and population from an armed invasion. Setting the Stage for a Treaty with Antichrist The United Nations and the Arab states continue to call for the elimination of Israel's nuclear weapons. The introduction of Iranian nuclear weapons and the growing possibility of Libya, Syria and Iraq joining the nuclear club has altered the strategic balance. It is difficult to see how a balance of nuclear terror could continue for very long between Israel and the Islamic states dedicated to its destruction. Plans to ban nuclear weapons from the Middle East may tempt a future Israeli government to agree to relinquish its nuclear option. Israel realizes that an unstable Arab regime might be tempted to use their atomic warheads even though it would result in mutual assured destruction. In Islamic religious philosophy they would gain paradise if they died a devastating war to cleanse the "infidels" from Jerusalem. In a few years these events will set the stage for a superpower to guarantee Israel's security and borders. Several prophecies describe the revival of the Roman Empire in the end times to dominate Europe and the world as it did thousands of years ago in the days of Christ. The rise of the European Community is creating an economic and political superpower that is increasing its involvement in the Middle East. The prophet Daniel wrote that a future Antichrist will arise in the last days to control the revived Roman Empire. Daniel predicted that "He shall confirm a covenant with many for one week." This verse indicates that this future European dictator will confirm a treaty to defend Israel for seven years. The signing of this future treaty will start the final seven-year countdown to Armageddon, the climactic battle when Jesus Christ will defeat the armies of the world to establish His kingdom forever. This interim peace agreement between the PLO and Israel may set the stage for the fulfillment of these tremendous prophecies leading to Christ's return in our generation. While we rejoice at the prospects of a peace agreement in the Middle East we need to recognize that the ancient prophets warned that a false peace would set the stage for the momentous events that conclude with the Battle of Armageddon. Jeremiah (6:14) warned that in the last days men would say "Peace, peace! When there is no peace." Our world will not know real peace until Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace comes. In light of these facts it will be some time before true peace will exist between Israel and the Palestinians. According to the Bible, real peace will only come to the Middle East when Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, changes the hearts of both the Arabs and the Jews. Then both peoples will dwell as brothers in true peace forever under the rule of their Messiah. Used with permission of Grant Jeffrey. Based on his book "APOCALYPSE - The Coming Judgment of the Nations" - Frontier Research publications Inc. Box 12, Station "U" Toronto, Ontario M8Z 5M4 Mission Field Mission Field Another remarkable story from the mission field in Russia ... MY FRIEND, THE ENEMY; MY ENEMY, THE FRIEND By Avi Snyder Ginny is a friend of the Jewish, people. She was raised in California but now lives in Moscow. She is a Gentile for Jesus. Every week Ginny and one or two others stand near the Israeli embassy and offer evangelistic literature to Jewish people who come to inquire about emigration visas. Despite her difficulty with the Russian language, Ginny speaks unashamedly about her love for the Jews because of her love for Y'shua, the Jewish Messiah. More importantly, she speaks not so much about her love for the Jewish people but about His love for them. Ginny is a friend of the Jewish people, though some would not think so. Some who do not believe in Jesus and oppose the idea of Ginny telling others about the Savior regard her as a threat, even an enemy. More than once, they have hurled the accusation at her, "You are trying to destroy us spiritually, just like Hitler tried to destroy us physically." The words sting, but Ginny doesn't become angry. She knows that they are uttered in unawareness and fear. Instead, she explains, "If I didn't love you, I wouldn't be here. If I didn't love you, I would keep silent. If I didn't love you, I would let you go to hell." Hanu and Hanelle are two more friends of the Jewish people. They come from Finland, but like Ginny, they and their two daughters live in Moscow. From Finland they receive clothes, medicines and gospel literature, including New Testaments, which they distribute freely to Jewish people. They offer assistance with the medicine and clothing, and they preach the gospel with their literature and their lips. Not long ago, a flyer published by an anti-missionary group virtually accused Hanu and Hanelle of spiritual crimes against the Jewish people. Like Ginny, they were targeted as enemies. Ironically, anti-Semitic nationalists in Moscow recognized Hanu and Hanelle's love for the Jewish people and also targeted them. They brought pressure upon the managers of the hall where Hanu and Hanelle distributed their supplies and conducted their Bible studies. The managers canceled their contract, but Hanu and Hanelle simply found another hall. Their love for the Jewish people compelled them to do nothing less. Brad is another friend of the Jewish people. A young man in his late twenties, he has lived in Minsk for the past several months. Though Brad is young, he has a special concern for the Jewish people of a previous, unique generationthose who survived the Holocaust. He meets with them and talks to them. Whenever he can, he helps them, especially if they have plans to move to Israel. He also tells them about Y'shua. Brad conducts Bible studied so that they may learn about the Messiah, who died for their sins and rose from the dead. He has seen many of these Jewish survivors embrace the Jewish Savior. Ginny, Hanu, Hanelle and Brad are friends of the Jewish people, though some Christians don't think so. Some believers in Jesus say they love the Jewish people, but they oppose the idea of speaking to them about the Savior. They regard Ginny, Hanu, Hanelle and Brad as threats, even enemies. Those Christians see themselves as friends of the Jewish people. They believe that God has given them a love for His ancient chosen people, and they are right. They believe that God loves His ancient chosen people and that He has not cast them off, and they are right. They believe that this is not the time to speak to the Jewish people about the claims of Y'shua, and in this they are wrong! They believe that by keeping silent about the gospel they are acting like friends. Again, they are wrong! "I cannot tell these dear Jewish people about Jesus," one committed Christian from England once said to me. "Why not?" I asked. "We don't have that right," she explained. "In light of all the evil that was done to these people during the Holocaust by Gentiles, we don't have the right to tell them about Jesus. Before we can speak about the Savior, we must ask their forgiveness and prove our love." There was a tender logic to her words, and it was clear that she had spoken from the heart. Yet her logic was flawed, and her heart was leading her astray. "Did you endorse the Holocaust?" I asked her. A sudden look of shock erupted across her face. "No," she insisted. "Certainly not." "Did Jesus endorse the Holocaust?" "No," she protested. "Jesus was a Jew, and Jesus loves His people." "Then why are you apologizing for yourself and for Jesus for something that neither of you endorsed?" I asked. She was patient with me. "But you see, so many of your Jewish people think that we Christians endorsed the Holocaust because of our silence." "And your apology convinces us Jews all the more that our thinking is correct," I said. Must Christians apologize for the crimes of the evil one before they can preach the gospel of God? Did Jesus apologize for the crimes of Rome before He told people to repent? Those who say that the Holocaust has deprived Christians of the right to speak the gospel to the Jewish people to give credence to the lie that Christians are to blame for the atrocities of the Third Reich. Certainly, many of our Jewish people react negatively to the gospel message. History has conditioned us, not against the Messiah, but against hearing the message with an open mind. It is not uncommon that when we hear the claims of Y'shua, we react as though someone had poured spiritual salt into an open wound in our souls. That is why, for fear of causing hurt or giving offense, some Christians perform acts of kindness or speak words of compassion that stop short of describing what the Bible calls the greatest demonstration of God's lovethe sacrifice of Y'shua for the sins of the world (John 3:16; Romans 5:8, 10). But true friendship and true love must be modeled after Y'shua's example. In love, Y'shua told the truth, even though it was unpleasant to hear. He did not hold back for fear of hurting or causing offense. He loved too much to remain silent. Recently in the port city of Odessa, a representative of a Jewish relocation agency confided to a Christian friend "You know, we have a serious threat in Odessa. Many Jews here are turning to Jesus." The Christian was somewhat startled at those words. He had thought the Jewish official was going to say something about the rising trend of anti-Semitism. But when he heard the "threat" identified as the phenomenon of Jews turning to Jesus, that Christian was taken aback. In a moment, his astonishment passed, and he understood that an opportunity lay before him. His Jewish friend knew that he was a Christian. Now all he had to do was ask him why he saw the situation as a menace. All he had to do was ask something as simple as, "Why is it a threat to the Jewish people if they place their faith in Jesus the Jewish Messiah?" But instead of speaking, the Christian remained silent. And with his silence he reinforced the Jewish man's assertion that Jesus is the enemy of the Jews. A friend may choose to keep silent if wronged. And a friend will keep silent rather than speak lies or gossip. But a true friend will not keep silent if his silence causes harm to the one he claims to love. God explains in Proverbs 27:6, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." Ginny, Hanu, Hanelle and Brad are truly friends of the Jewish people! CFI Reports CFI Reports CFI REPORTS is our monthly column dedicated to the ministries of CHRISTIAN FRIENDS OF ISRAEL in Jerusalem. Our October, 1993 issue of MORNING STAR (Volume 3.1) presented a summary of the various CFI ministries and explained the foundational principles and objectives of CFI. In this month's column we present the July edition of the WATCHMAN'S PRAYER LETTER - a monthly prayer publication of CFI. Watchman's Prayer Letter JULY 1994 I will take my stand to watch, and station myself on the tower ... Habakkuk 2:1 "Sometimes people learn to pray, but they do not watch. So all the time, every single thing that happens politically, economically, militarily, spiritually on every levelinternational, national, localall the time we are following it, going behind it. We have no understanding of the times in which we live because we are not watching and praying. We are only praying. When something happens, we say, "Look what has happened: now we must pray. Whereas, if we had been awake and praying, keeping alert and praying, we would have spotted something happening long before. Every single believer can be taught by the Spirit of God to spot things beforehand...so what is the aim and purpose of the prayer time? It is that we should see the mind and will of our Risen Head fulfilled and realized. In that time of prayer, we are first to discover the mind of the Lord and then to pour out our hearts in prayer and intercession and see that the mind of our Lord is realized in the situations that we are bringing to Him." Lance Lambert - 'The School of Prayer" As Christian friends of Israel, we believe that the Bible tells us Jerusalem is destined to be called the "throne of the Lord". Jeremiah 3:17) . We also believe that Jerusalem is the eternal capital of the Jewish people and agree wholeheartedly with the Prime Minister of Israel as he recently stated: "Jerusalem will remain the capital of the Jewish people forever". Ironically, and of course contrary to God's Biblical promises to Israel, Yassar Arafat said recently in Tunis that "Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine". THE BATTLE FOR JERUSALEM * PROCLAIM GOD'S PROMISES that He is the builder of this special City and that He will never allow it to become the capital of anything other than what He created it for. He will cause it to be firmly established for His purposes. "What Shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion ..." (Isaiah 14:32). * THANK GOD that He is Jerusalem's actual building contractor as He develops and constructs Jerusalem in His fashion for His end-time purposes. "When the Lord shall build up Zion, He shall appear in His glory" (Psalm 102:16). The Government of Israel has ordered the PLO to close down its offices in eastern Jerusalem and has warned that if the order is not adhered to, steps will be taken to ensure their closure. * PRAY EARNESTLY that measures will be taken to ensure that those who do not stand for peace will not have a stronghold in Jerusalem. As the opponents in Nehemiah's day were not given a place to live in Jerusalem because it was not theirs to have, may likewise it be for the PLO."...but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial in Jerusalem". (Nehemiah 2:20). "For the Lord hath chosen Zion; He hath desired it for His habitation. This is my rest forever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it (Psalm 132:13,14). Yassar Arafat's plans, crafty as they are, are in direct contradiction to God's Word. As we read of Arafat's desires to make Jerusalem a Palestinian capital and to eventually drive the Jewish people into the sea, we are reminded of another contradiction between the words of Israel's enemies, "They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance" (Psalm 83:4) and God's oath to the Jewish people: "For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain". (Isaiah 66:22). THE GOLAN HEIGHTS Once again, Syria has accused Israel of blocking progress in the "peace talks". The Syrian newspaper Tishrin asked in a recent editorial "What kind of peace is it that Rabin wants while he still sticks to the occupation and rejects withdrawal from the Golan?" One way the enemies of Israel oppose God's people is through mockery and to attempt to convince them that they are wrong as Sanballat did in Nehemiah 4:2. * THANK GOD that the Golan Heights (a buffer zone between Syria and Israel) is a part of the ancient (and everlasting) inheritance of the people of Israel. "From the family of the half-tribe of Manasseh the sons of Gershom were given Golan in Bashan with its common-lands and Ashtaroth with its common-lands" (I Chronicles 6:71). * DECLARE GOD'S PROMISES that in the day He brings the Jewish people back to the Land, that He has promised that the Golan will be a special place of provision and restoration for the People of Israel. "But I will bring back Israel to his home, and he shall feed on Cannel and Bashan; his soul shall be satisfied on Mount Ephraim and Gilead."(Jeremiah 50:19). Read also Jeremiah 12:14. Since the start of 1992, immigration from the Ukraine has gone up by 30.8 percent, while the relative number of immigrants from Russia has decreased by 21.8%. The total number of immigrants since January 1st, 1994, arriving in Israel from the former Soviet Union is 23,412. Since the aliyah (immigration) began in December 1989, a total of 486, 702 immigrants have arrived in Israel from the former Soviet Union while immigration worldwide was 557,934. * THANK THE LORD for the reversal of the captivity of Zion (Psalm 126:1,4); and for the above numbers who have already come to Israel via airplanes and ships (many sponsored by Christians who love the Jewish people.) The Prophet Isaiah's question of 2,000 years ago is certainly relevant to today's ingathering. "Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?" (Isaiah 60:8). * INTERCEDE ON BEHALF of potential Jewish immigrants who are putting off leaving the CIS so they can sell property and have cash in hand when they come. The Russian Jews have developed the conception that the later they leave Russia, the more money they will be able to take with them. Pray that the Lord sends more fishers and hunters with a "messenger anointing" to speak to the Jewish people to encourage them to return home while there is still time from the "land of the north". "Go and proclaim these words towards the north, and say, Return ..." (Jeremiah 3:12). "Gay Pride Month" has been recognized here in Israel. An article in the Jerusalem Post stated recently: "Judaism is based on an absolute morality, rooted in the Torah ... homosexuality is a wrong form of behavior ... The Torah's use of the word toeva (abomination) in connection with the male homosexual act indicates that one should develop a sense of revulsion towards its practice". * PRAY EARNESTLY for those who do not walk in the fear of the Lord (Isaiah 59:19), that they will come to the knowledge that they will not be able to hide anything from a Holy God on the day of reckoning. "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination". (Leviticus 18:22). "Thou has set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance." (Psalm 90:8). To overcome many hurdles, Israel must depend upon the Lord and not herself. Thank you for your faithful Watching and Praying. If you have not ordered the new CFI Prayer Video, "Watchmen, Lift Up Your Voice", please write for further information. Watching for His Return, Sharon Sanders Jerusalem Please copy and disseminate this prayer material as far and wide as possible to the Body of Christ for prayer purposes. For further information on building the "Wall of Prayer", write to CFI, P.O. Box 1813, Jerusalem, 91015, Israel. Resources Resources MORNING STAR BBS DISTRIBUTION LIST - May 1994 The MORNING STAR BBS list contains those electronic Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) that are carrying MORNING STAR. They are either available as a compressed file for downloading or in some cases use a "DOOR" program that allows the viewers to read the magazine on screen. With the MSDOOR program available free from Alan Graff, P.O. Box 131, Wheelersburg, Ohio 45694 or Fidonet (1:2260/250 or 77:100/50 - BBS Phone: 614-776-7136), callers can read or copy articles to their system while on line. Those BBS's with the asterisk next to the name are using a door program to read MORNING STAR on line. The System Operator (SYSOP) names are posted where known. Is your BBS carrying MORNING STAR? If not, send a message to the SYSOP and upload it! Please let us know of any new BBS where MORNING STAR is being made available or any that are no longer carrying the magazine. Contact Walter Bauer, Director of BBS distribution, via E-mail at: walterbau@aol.com or write to our Post Office box. ALABAMA 205 739-1469 Odyssey BBS- Jerry Woody * 205 457-5901 J&J OnLine - Cal Evans 205 744-0943 The Family Smorgas-Board - Randall Dickerson 205 942-4506 SALT - Betty McKnight ARIZONA 602-459-2383 The Edge BBS - Joseph Simo 602-264-8144 Dove BBS - CALIFORNIA 209 576-1606 Root Connection - Larry Beyers * 209 675-3218 Hangar 7 - Dennis E. Conner * 310 947-4402 Maclectic BBS - Bob Rockhill 408 899-4552 Logos - Dan Brynes 408 246-8877 His Servant BBS - Mickey Schumacher 408 264-7002 The Silicon Valley Christian Connection - David Honeywell & Eric Roberts 615 588-4321 The Joyful Noise - Steve 619 460-6398 ToghtToPigeonHole - Howard Barton 707 252-4830 Corpus Christi BBS - Gary Bradford 708 739-0033 Chicago Area Computer Center- Bob Hoffmann 714 870-9228 Digital CHapel BBS - Dennis Vandergoore 714 838-3837 Shofar BBS - Shoshona Bat Zion 714 838-4689 Shepherd - John Scudder 714 457-1020 The Believer's Board - Randy Tincher 714 971-1564 Christian Central - Jeff Reese 805 541-0789 Born Again BBS - James Smith 909 766-8219 Locksoft BBS - Carl Curling COLORADO 303 935-6323 Electronic Library Exchange - Phil Scovill CONNECTICUT 203 456-1180 The Grapevine - Scott Lovell FLORIDA 305-726-5434 Christian Computer Users Group - Doug Lynn * 407-773-0831 The Saddlebag BBS - William Herrington * 407-391-4884 Boca Bytes - Bruce Miller 407-687-8712 Bloomunit BBS - Linda Bloom 813 544-3793 The Salt Shaker BBSBen Waggoner & Phillip Bartol * 904 353-3807 Maranatha - Dan Nance 904 623-5512 OffCenter BBS Richard Swatsenbarg 904 744-9991 Guiding Light - Rich Cowan * 904 789-0192 New Life Christian BBS - Don Geser 904 783-3236 The Shire * 904 532-1911 The Refuge BBS - Joe Francoeur GEORGIA 404 948-3428 ACTS BBS 404 924-7963 Educational Center- Joan Bates 404 509-8565 Pc Exchange - Jim Simmons 404 637-9276 Genesis BBS -John Doughtry * 404 429-1512 College BBS - Bruce 404 637-9276 The Potters House Nancy Powers 404 944-8059 Revelation BBS - Harry Whitehead IOWA 515 961-5693 Good News - Chris Barnes KANSAS 913 262 0220 KYFC BBS - D.W. 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CBBS - Bob Korch NEW HAMPSHIRE 603-594-0510 The System BBS - Jerry Kramer 603 432-6711 Nor'Easter - Gardiner Jones * NEW YORK 313 455-5806 Cnypcug bbs - Barbara Mancuso 518 756-3002 Christian Hotline - Bob Lucido * 518 537-4881 The Open House BBS 718 352-0821 Hidden Manna NORTH CAROLINA 704 845-0416 Maranatha! BBS- Joe Squiccianni 910-882-8881 The Maranatha Connection - Robert Smith Jr OHIO 419 244-4597 Cuttin - Joe Britt 614 776-7136 Cross Connection - Alan Graff * OKLAHOMA 918 492-1749 The Star Christian BBS - Dave Wenrick 918 775-9102 Anawah Rescue Mission & BBS - Rev. Frank Cooke OREGON 503 632-6058 Starfall - Alexandria Sherwood * 503 683-2614 The Provided Faith BBS PENNSYLVANIA 215 391-1612 The Abundant Life BBS - Lynn Dehart * 215 670-5323 Round - Dan Mccoy TENNESSEE 615 584-6356 The Joyful BBS - Steve P. Taylor 615 588-4321 The Joyful BBS - Steve P. 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BBS - Brady Mooney * 409 753-2014 The Agape Way Rick & Carol Arend * 409 727-0887 Wizard's Domain - Ilene Hebert 512 444-8790 Loaves and Fishes-Elizabeth Joyce* 512 937-2088 Gethsemane - Joe Hacker * 512 575-5554 Byte Me BBS - Grady Trew * 512 452-6350 Inspiration BBS - Harold Robbins 713 232-7508 The Corner Stone - Bill Arlequeeuw 713 452-7008 Eternity Inc BBS - Michael Clark 713 645-4055 Eagles Nest - John Channon 713 338-2053 Kerygma II -John Cheatham * 713 894-6062 The Fish Bowl - Robert Wooten * 713 265-2798 Morning Star & Policenet BBS - Walter H. Bauer * 713 728-3012 The Phoenix BBS Michael L. Jones Sr. 713 451-8406 Christian Chat - Mike & Bobby Connolly 806 795-9003 Agape BBS -Jorge Lopez 817 444-2107 FF-BBS- David Johnson 817 654-3671 Maranatha - Mike Young 903 581-6077 Baby Blue - Dana Bell VIRGINIA 804 543-0830 Resource - Mike Olah 804 590-2161 Servant of the Lord BBS - Dr. Charles A. Wootten 804 790-1675 Blue Ridge Express - Webb Blackman 804 790-1126 Blue Ridge Express - Webb Blackman 804 790-9600 Blue Ridge Express - Webb Blackman WASHINGTON 206 581-3466 Heaven's Door - Jo Shaughnessy * WISCONSIN 414 789-4210 Exec-PC - Bob Mahoney 608 277-1376 The Offline BBS Tom Landmann * 608 238-6692 The Extra Mile Patrick Mack * 608 784-5960 Crossfire BBS- Bill Schieche 715 732-1036 CompuLine - Joe Boburka INTERNATIONAL BOARDS AND CONTACTS AUSTRALIA 61-2-605-9438 Cross Beat BBS - Mark Smith BELGIUM 32-15-41-53-83 I.C.S. BBS - Mario Lermitte Mario Lermitte Zwartkloosterstraat 5 B-2800 Mechelen, Belgium CANADA 403-460-0541 M.O.U.S.E. BBS - Rob Lindemann 519-657-7237 The Future London/Ontario * 604-726-2577 The Master's Touch - John Vickers 604-738-2447 Cinfex - Miff Crommelin 514-425-4001 Pentecom BBS - Roger Raynor 905-271-3617 Christian BBS - Jeannine Robinson FINLAND 964536132 * 964536133 * 964536134 * GERMANY Hans-Juergen Thiess Angermuender Str. 12 12305 Berlin Germany HONG KONG Shing KWAN Flat A2, 5th Floor #6 Broadcast Drive Kowloon, Hong Kong JAPAN/OKINAWA 633-1638 Olympic BBS - Deane Hibbard 633-5093 This Is The Place BBS - Deane Hibbard MEXICO 52-14-10-3629 Megalink - Eric Aquayo NEW ZEALAND 9 6368409 - Christian Ministry BBS- Errol Thompson 06463562038 - Emmanuel BBS - Shane and Michelle Harvey NORTHERN IRELAND 44 247466189 Red Star BBS * SOUTH AFRICA 27 219190300 The Mutant's Pencil Pad BBS - Santie Vandenplas 27 12 429 2882 Unisa Editorial BBS - Steve Hayes UNITED KINGDOM 44-392-495899 Trinity, line 1 - John Burden 44-392-412370 Trinity, line 2 - John Burden 44-392-410210 Trinity, line 3 - John Burden 44-602-893344 "HIS" SHAREWARE & PUBLIC DOMAIN - Tony Clatworthy TAIWAN 886-4-292-4455 Taiwan Missionary BBS - Tim Tyler MORNING STAR can also be found on these major networks: AMERICA ONLINE - Keyword: RELIGION, enter Library Center, Go to Publications Library COMPUSERVE - Lifestyles Department, Special Interests Forums, Religion Forum, Browse Libraries, Christianity GENIE - Issues, Religion & Ethics Round Table, Software Library, BBS Uploads DELPHI - At the MAIN prompt enter GO GROUP THEO and CR. At the NETWORK prompt enter DATA (Database) and CR. At the TOPIC prompt enter SEARCH (for keyword) and CR. At the SEARCH prompt enter MSTAR and CR. At this point either enter DIR for a directory listing or READ for the full description of the files. INTERNET NETWORK (DOS EDITION) Per Cederqvist - Linkoping, Sweden Internet Email: ceder@lysator.liu.se Morning Star is available on the Internet via anonymous ftp from: ftp.lysator.liu.se (pub/religion/christianity/morning-star) INTERNET NETWORK (MAC EDITION) Gary Bogart Internet Email: njb@iclnet93.iclnet.org Morning Star is available on the Internet via anonymous ftp from: iclnet93.iclnet.org (pub/software/mac/Morning.Star)