Revivalist - God's Bible School & College

May 2004Volume 116 No. 4

FEATURES Does God Care? 5

by Alice Trouten

Camp Meeting Directory 2004 7by Don Davison

The World Wrapped In Prayer 8by Paul Mills

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

EDITORLarry D. Smith

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

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

God’s Revivalist and Bible Advocate, the official organ of God’s BibleSchool, is a magazine founded by Martin Wells Knapp in July of 1888. Weseek to proclaim the good news of salvation; to stir a revival spirit amongChristians; to stimulate Christian growth and responsible Christian living; topresent the happenings and interests of God’s Bible School.

Please obtain permission before reprinting any articles from God’sRevivalist and Bible Advocate. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcomed,but not returned.

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

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

CONTENTS

LARRY D. SMITH

THE GREAT CLASSIC

For nearly four centuries, the English-speaking world hasloved, protected, and cherished a Book—more prop-erly the Book! For it was in the year of grace 1611 that

the Authorized King James Version of the Holy Bible wasfirst “set forth” in the providence of God and by the “spe-cial command” of King James I. Since that day, theAuthorized Version—known generally in this country as theKJV—has become the most cherished possession of millionsof people throughout the world. Its simple cadences havechallenged them to conquer the dangers of battlefield andwilderness, its solemn admonitions have called them torighteous lives, and its sublime promises have brought themassurance in the hour of death.

Though it is impossible to divorce contents from style,our purpose now is to focus on the KJV scholars’ literaryquality. For this is what has caused their work to be herald-ed as “the greatest English classic ever written.” Granted, itscontents have been the major concern to most of its read-ers, as they are to us. Yet even those who reject theScriptures as divinely inspired pay homage to the sublimebeauty of the King James Bible.

What, then, is unique about the literary quality of this17th-century version? As the critics point out, the answer isfound in the translators’ careful blending of simplicity ofstyle with dignity of expression. For each richly comple-ments the other, and together they weave a memorabletapestry of divine truth powerfully rendered from theBiblical languages into our native tongue.

Consider, first, the endearing and almost childlike sim-plicity of the King James Version. Invariably, there are threelevels of general usage in any language. On one hand, thereis the refined, and pedantic language of the scholars. To theother extreme is the rough, coarse, and often (p22)➡

GOD'S REVIVALIST and BIBLE ADVOCATE

02

theeditor’s

view

We live in mindless times. Millions of people drift along through life,manipulated by the talking heads of the mass media, never thinkingthrough anything for themselves and never realizing why they think

the way they think. They are completely unaware that there is any other wayof thinking or living than that of the secular culture that surrounds them.Unfortunately, this is also true for many Christians.

“There is no longer a Christian mind.” This startling observation was madeby Harry Blamires in his book The Christian Mind. By this he means that wehave been so affected by secularism that there is no longer a distinctly Christianway of thinking. Blamires acknowledges that there is still a Christian ethic, aChristian practice, and a Christian spirituality. Most Christians do subscribe to amoral code higher than that of most non-Christians. The Christian who is amember of a church commits to obligations and observations ignored by thenon-Christian. He strives to cultivate a dimension of spiritual life that is leftunexplored by the non-Christian. But as it relates to thinking, the vast majorityof modern Christians have succumbed to the secular culture and no longerhave a distinctly Christian frame of reference. They have lost the mind theywere meant to develop.

Is a Christian Mind Important?

To serve God well, we must think straight. Distorted thinking, unintention-al or not, always favors evil. The Bible emphasizes repeatedly the importanceof how a Christian thinks. Dallas Willard observes, “We first turned away fromGod in our thoughts, so it is in our thoughts that our first movements towardthe renovation of the heart will occur.” It is in the secret chamber of ourthoughts that the light of God first begins to move upon us through His Word.In redemption our mind acquires a new way to think and a new capacity toclean up old ways of thinking. The Bible refers to our minds being, “renewedin knowledge after the image of its creator” (Rom. 12:2, Eph. 4:23, Col. 3:10,II Cor. 10:5). As we grow in grace our minds are illuminated by the Spirit ofGod so that we can comprehend spiritual truth (I Cor. 2:12-13). The goal ofall of these processes is that we might have a total exchange of our way ofthinking for the way Christ thought. Paul referred to this as having the mindof Christ (I Cor. 2:16, Phil. 2:5). Is it important for us to have the mind ofChrist? It is imperative! The only way we can escape being conformed tofallen humanity is by being transformed by the renewing of our minds(Rom. 12:1-2, Prov. 23:7a).

What does it mean to have a Christian mind?

A Christian mind is one that has a supernatural orientation. Itbelieves that God has acted in history and spoken through (p19)➡

HAVE CHRISTIANS LOST THEIR MINDS?

by Michael R. Avery, president

thepresident’s

page

MAY 2004

03

TO THE EDITOR

MISSIONS REPORTS

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

ALASKA. Harvey Fiskeaux, missionary to Nome, hasundergone surgery for a broken rotator cuff in hisright shoulder. He has also contacted a very serioushospital staph infection and is being treated withmedication which has potential negative side effects.“For those of you who know the power of interces-sion, I request that you enter His Presence for mycomplete healing,” he writes. “It is my deep desirethat the Lord will be glorified in my spirit and in mybody. For the past 34 years I have totally dedicatedmy life to Him for the proclamation of the Gospel.”

CHINA. “Philip Xu, Shanghai, is to be released inearly June after serving an 18-month sentence for nogreater crimes than holding Bible studies at his ownapartment and refusing to join the Three-Self govern-ment-approved church. Jiang Wenxiong, Ningo, isstill incarcerated with three years left on his sevenyear sentence for ‘illegal printing’ of Christian materi-als. Pray for these dear men.” —John E. Knight, FarEast Mission

KOREA. “Korean Bibles and scripture portions arenow ready and sitting at our place in Seoul for deliv-ery to the lost souls of North Korea. Please pray oftenand earnestly that God will soon open the door toallow the gospel of Christ and salvation to enter in. Adoor, a door, an open door! That is what we pray forfor North Korea.” —John E. Knight, Far East Mission.

NEW YORK CITY. “In 2003 we joined hands withHope International Missions [formerly FEA]. This hasbrought valuable mission experience to (p6)➡

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

FROM EITHER EXTREME[President Avery’s “A Theology of Idolatry,” March

Revivalist, offers] excellent points to remind us of having arelationship with the “true God, and Jesus Christ whom hehas sent.” I know it is human to go for that which gratifies theflesh or to vacillate into a “works-religion” by conforming to aset of outward codes. Thank God He is able to keep us fromeither extreme, giving us power and meaning for a godly life.

BILL ROARKLoveland, Ohio

DESIRES ONE THING[President Avery’s] editorial on “Intimacy” (Winter

Revivalist) really warmed my heart. I still desire that “onething” of which David wrote. God bless you all.

GEORGE FAILINGEmail

TAYLOR’S “CRUCIAL QUESTION” I am thrilled with Dr. Richard Taylor’s answer to “A

Crucial Question,” (March Revivalist). He has sounded aclear note. Hundreds of pastors will read his comments.If those who are not preaching holiness or sanctificationwill honestly evaluate their ministry in the light of Dr.Taylor’s seven possible reasons for the omission, we willbe taking a big step toward revival.

ANITA BRECHBILLEmail

“DIG OR DIE”I recently read an article in God’s Revivalist entitled

“Dig or Die” [“Thoughts for the Quiet Hour,” AnitaBrechbill, Winter 2004]. I enjoy [her] contribution. Isthere a website where other articles may be found?

N.C. STARLINGEmail

Editor’s Note: The Revivalist website is www.godsrevivalist.comwhere current and past articles may be read and downloaded.

(continued on page 21)➡


04

My husband and I were going through a roughtime of testing in one of the churches we pas-

tored several years ago. Those were dark days, butour God was faithful to us.

One morning while in prayer, Matthew 14came to my mind. As I read it, my heart was filledwith courage and faith. Jesus and His disciples hadjust fed 5,000 men, plus women and children. Hisdisciples were very tired, yet Jesus told them to getinto the boat and go before Him to the other side.He knew that He was sending them into a storm.There is always a reason for our testing times. It isthen that we see ourselves as God sees us.

Jesus knew what His disciples could stand. Hesaw that their boat was in the middle of the sea,tossed by the waves, for the winds were contrary.They had fought the storm all night, and now theywere too exhausted to row any more against thosecontrary winds. All seemed hopeless! But Jesushad His eyes on them all the time, and He knewjust the right time to go to their aid.

Peter cried out, “Lord, if it’s You, bid me tocome to you on the water!” What a ridiculousrequest—or so it seemed! In our fear and frustra-tion, we often ask God for the strangest things. But

Jesus didn’t look at it that way. His voice carried one word overthe waves, “Come!” and Peter walked on the water!

But there were no earthly securities for him to cling to; andas fear gripped his heart, he went down. Then Peter cried out toJesus, and instantly Jesus grabbed his hand. He then gentlyrebuked Peter, “Why did you doubt”? That rebuke had a positiveeffect on him, and Peter walked on water with Jesus to the boat.With Jesus at our side we can do what seems impossible. Hispresence gives us peace and strength and calm. The wind ceasedwhen Jesus got into the boat.

I could feel His presence with me that morning! Faith rose upin my heart and spilled out in praise and singing! “God cared forme also!” This chorus formed itself in my mind, and I sang it overand over again that morning:

Those mighty waves did not disturb Jesus, For He’s the Master of the sea. No, those dark waves did not disturb Jesus. And by His grace, and strength, and power,They won’t disturb me.

Yes, God really did care! All praise to His Holy Name!

Mrs. Alice Trouten is ahomemaker, living with herhusband Edsel in Cincinnati, Ohio.With him she has shared manyyears in Christian ministry.

MAY 2004

05


06

Iam intrigued by the way Jesus com-pletes His invitation, “Learn of

me.” We might have expected himto say, “Learn of me, for I have theknowledge that you need.” In otherwords, Jesus could have linked theverb “learn” with a cognitive com-plement, something that would putus in mind of a classroom where dia-logue, thinking, and intellectualexchange take place.

Or we might have expectedJesus to complete His invitation bymaking reference to some skill or artthat is to be mastered. “Learn of me,and I will show you how to preach,”or “…to lead others,” or even“…how to live an honorable life.”

But the learning Jesus has in mindin Matthew 11:29 does not involveintellectual knowledge nor the cultiva-tion of a skill. Rather he has in mindthe grasping of His character, Hisbeing. “I am something,” Jesus says,“and I want you to focus on that innerdisposition—and become who I am.”This is something more than simplysaying the things Jesus said. It goesbeyond doing what Jesus did. Itinvolves being who He is.

As I reflect on my educationalexperience, particularly in collegeand seminary, I realize that theimpact of my teachers upon me wentfar beyond the information they gaveout in the classroom, as important asthat was. Almost without realizing it Ipicked up on their attitudes and val-ues. Their character and combined

influence have profoundly shapedwho I am. (I can only hope their dis-appointment is not too great!)

Something happens in the teacher/pupil relationship that cannot be quan-tified on an end-of-year exam. There isthe subtle transfer of personality. Theraising of the eyebrows, the shruggingof the shoulders, the tone of the voice,the reaction to struggling students, andthe tone of the classroom presentationall communicate “being.” They com-municate “I am.”

Often Jesus’ concern was for thesuccessful transfer of accurate informa-tion. An example of this might be Histheological dialogue with Nicodemusor His explanation of the parable of thesoil. Other times Jesus’ interest was inhis disciples’ acquisition of a skill, as forinstance when He sent them out to doevangelism. But the Lord’s desire inour text was for something beyond theassimilation of facts or the honing of atalent. His burden was for the transferof character. He didn’t want them tomiss the “I am” component of theclassroom lesson.

To know what Jesus said is com-mendable and absolutely necessary.To do what Jesus did is essential. Butthe Master Teacher’s concern is forsomething more than knowing ordoing. His concern is with being.“Learn of me…for I am….”

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

KNOWING, DOING, BEING

“Learn of me…for I am…” (Matthew 11:29).

➡ (p4) enhance our efforts insharing the gospel in New YorkCity…. As God enlarges our baseof support and body of believershelping us proclaim the gospel, itwill be vitally important to obtaina building to use as Hope Interna-tional Christian Center. We willprovide discipleship and evange-lism training, family life seminars,and other activities…[including] ameeting place for prayer and wor-ship services.” —Tom and FaithKiser (HIM).

NICARAGUA. “The church inNicaragua is taking a growingspurt. There is a large and grow-ing number of young people (15to 25) in the church. The Lordhas raised up zealous and ablespiritual leaders among them.They are burdened for their gen-eration. In 2003 they organized ateam and with borrowed instru-ments went from church tochurch holding revival and evan-gelistic meetings. This new gener-ation of gospel evangelists (as wellas the mature leadership) needsour he lp . These a re p r ime ,promising young people. A num-ber are in university and will grad-uate soon. It is simply unthinkablethat we should not equip themfor ministry to their own people.”—Raymond L. Shreve, EvangelicalWesleyan Mission

PHILIPPINES. Bible MethodistMissions is inaugurating a “newmodule course system (modeledsomewhat after the Aldersgate pro-gram at GBS)” for the training ofpastors, according to missionaryTim Keep. “In this new PBMCShepherd’s College (or Institute,we’re not yet settled on the name),almost every national leader willbe involved in the training processalong with the gifted teachers cur-rently on staff…. We believe thatthis is one of the most importantforward steps ever taken by thePhilippine church.”

Summertime is just aroundthe corner, and with it comesthe opportunity to hearinspiring camp meetingpreaching and singing! Thisseason of the year is espe-cially important to the PublicRelations Office as ourgroups represent the school,promote the Revivalist and recruit studentsin various camps across the country. Thisyear, we continue our annual service to theRevivalist family by offering this CampMeeting 2004 directory. We hope it is bothinformative and useful as you make yoursummer plans.

Don Davison, Public Relations Director1-800-486-4637 ext. 268e-mail: [email protected]

JUNE

June 3-13 Jefferson County Holiness Camp,Scottsburg, IN Evangelist: B.J. Walker; MissionsSpeaker on the 7th: Eric Himelick; Singers:Chad & Valerie Searls; Information: Donald S.Shearer 812-375-1119

June 6-13 Wayne County Holiness Associa-tion, Richmond, IN Evangelist: Thomas E.Reed; Singers: The Jerald Glick Family; Infor-mation: Phillip Mahoney 765-489-4320

June 7-11 Alabama Bible Methodist YouthCamp, Pell City, AL Evangelist: Travis Johnson;Singers: Various Bible schools; Information:Doug Eads 205-938-1521

June 7-11 Kansas State Holiness YouthCamp, Abilene, KS Evangelist: Bryan Line;Singers: College Groups; Information: ToddHurst 785-427-3170

June 7-11 Tennessee Bible Methodist YouthCamp, Knoxville, TN Evangelist: Dan Durkee;Singers: Various Colleges; Information: KenCox 513-528-2380

June 8-13 National Association of HolinessChurches, Muncie, IN Evangelist: David Light;Singers: Rev. & Mrs. Stephen Cassady; Infor-mation: James Speaker 219-737-8513

June 10-20 Beulah Camp Ground, Excel, ALEvangelists: Larry Cochran & Dr. Doug Carter;Singers: Tom & Lois Kildow; Information: Fel-ton Smith Sr., 850-623-1298

June 10-18 ICHA, Greenfield, IN Evangelists:John White & Marshall Smart; Singers: The TimCole Familty; Information: Buddy Perry 765-649-0672

June 13-20 Berrysburg Holiness Campmeet-ing, Berrysburg, PA Evangelist: Noel Scott;Singers: Stephen & Nicole Cassady; Informa-tion: Tim Dotson 717-365-3040

June 13-19 Woodland Bible FellowshipCamp, Alexandria, IN Evangelist: Knox Bul-lock; Singers: The Quinton Brown Family;Information: Frank Baldwin 772-220-7675

June 15-20 Wesleyan Holiness FellowshipCamp, Lucasville, OH Evangelists: RichardWilliams and Harold Cox; Information: ThelmaBloomfield 740-353-1741

June 17-27 Brushton Holiness Camp, Brush-ton, NY Evangelists: William Tillis & RickHutchison; Singers: William & Naomi Tillis;Information: James Davis 518-529-7434

June 21-25 Central Friends Youth Camp,Muncie, IN Evangelist: Dan Durkee; Informa-tion: Jonathan Covert 765-857-1400

June 21-25 Pilgrim Holiness Youth Camp,Greenfield, IN Evangelist: James Southerland,Sr.; Singers: Stephen & Nicole Cassady; Infor-mation: John Zeigler 812-473-0531

June 21-23 Wesleyan Tabernacle Association,Frankfort, IN Evangelist: Mark Cravens; Infor-mation: Richard Williams 937-587-6275

June 22-27 Bedford Holiness Camp, Bedford,IN Evangelist: Harry Plank; Singers: Rob &Stephanie Ryan; Information: Dr. LeonardSankey 812-275-2119

June 22-27 Beulah Grove, St. Marys, OHEvangelists: M. R. McCrary & Knox Bullock;Youth: Keith Waggoner; Singers: Rev. & Mrs.Marc Sankey; Information: G. Clair Sams 513-267-6717

June 22-25 Rock Lake Bible Methodist YouthCamp, Vestaburg, MI Evangelist: John Manley;Information: Doug Derscheid 231-734-2159

June 23-37 Canaan Grove Camp Meeting,Kleinfeltersville, PA Evangelist: Phil Brenizer;Singers: Phil and Dorcas Bishop; Information:Barry Arnold 717-273-0123

June 24-July 3 Burning Heart Camp, Ben-tonville, OH Evangelist: Jerry Boling; Singers:The Kamer Family; Information: Orvil leLeonard 937-544-3724

June 24-July 4 Victory Grove, Albany, NYEvangelists: Noel Scott & Albert Barr; Singers:Daniel & Angie Edwards; Information: DonaldMyers 518-456-3436

June 25-July 4 Fellowship Camp, Hanover, PAEvangelists: Dan Parker & Jeremy Fuller;Singers: Rev. & Mrs. Daniel Cope; Information:John Fisher 717-632-4090

J u n e28-July 4A l a b a m aBible MethodistCamp, Pell City, ALE v a n g e l i s t s : D r .Wingrove Taylor andJohn White; Singers: TheGerald Glick Family Informa-tion: Walter Hedstrom 205-338-2743

June 28-July 4 Brown Co. Holiness Camp,Gnawbone, IN Evangelist: Dr. O. W. Willis;Singers: The Tim Cole family; Information:Albert Hendershot 812-988-9039

June 28-July 4 Wesleyan Bible HolinessCamp, Roxbury, PA Evangelists: Mark Fultz &Aaron McCarty; Singers: The Mark & LauraFultz Family; Information: Lyndell Durr Sr.,614-497-3579

June 29-July 4 Berean Bible Camp, Center-ville, TX Evangelist: Bobby Davis; Singers: Mat& Joy Barnett; Information: Pat Courtney 281-442-3840

June 29-July 1 ICHA Children’s Camp,Greensfield, IN Information: Rollin Mitchell765-565-7250

June 29-July 4 Wesleyan Bible Camp, McCall,ID Evangelist: Jack Hooker; Singer: Paul Peak;Information: Marvin Johnston 208-468-0227

June 30-July 11 Bryantsburg Holiness Camp,Bryantsburg, IN Evangelist: Tom Bell; Singers:Stephen & Nicole Cassady; Information: PerryStainbrook 812-794-4477

JULY

July 1-11 Sharon Camp, Wadsworth, OHEvangelists: H. Blaine West & George Holley;Singers: Rev. Larry & Tamla Leckrone; Informa-tion: Dan Conkey 330-666-4753

July 5-9 ICHA Youth Camp, Greensfield, INInformation: Barry Whitaker 812-354-6839

July 5-9 Ochelata Youth Camp, Ochelata, OKEvangelist: Richard Gremillion; Information:Kevin Weinand 913-342-7489

July 5-11 Tennessee Bible Methodist Camp,Knoxville, TN Evangelists: Stevan Manley &Daniel Roush; Singers:The Dan Quales Family;Information: Richard Midkiff 304-877-3551

July 6-11 East Enterprise Holiness Camp-meeting, East Enterprise, IN Evangelist: JohnBrewer; Singers: Leland & Roanna Lindal;Information: Rex Albring 812-534-3084

MAY 2004

07

Camp Meeting Directory

Sum

mer 2004


08

Most of our morning devotions—either personalor family—take place between 6:00 and 9:00in the morning. This means that when the sun

comes across the Atlantic Ocean and begins to lightenthe eastern United States at 6:00 A.M., the prayer vigilbegins and will continue there for three hours. Ofcourse, the West Coast is still sleeping; but hour by hour,as the sun moves westward, an increasing number ofChristians—awakened by the sun or by alarm clocks andassisted by the Holy Spirit—are called to join in prayer.

Then the sun moves into the Midwest to awakensleepy Christians and call them to their duty. By the time itis 6:00 A.M. there, it has become 7:00 A.M. on the Eastcoast; and by this time, some there have left their place ofprayer with a watchful eye and a listening heart to any lead-ing of the Spirit that might make this day special to them.

Still the West Coast sleeps on, but the sun continues itsdaily trek. When it finally reaches the West Coast at 6:00A.M., the times of intercession at the Throne of Gracebegin there. Remember that already thousands of believ-ers have been in prayer, because now it is 7:00 A.M. inmid-America and 8:00 A.M. on the East Coast. When atlast it’s 9:00 A.M. on the West Coast, the nation has beensaturated in prayers and in tears for hours. These includepetitions for the needs of people all over the world.

But in addition to these first hours of morningprayer, there is also a constant flow of intercessionthroughout the day. For always there are people pray-ing somewhere—at home, at work, at school, or inhospitals, nursing homes, prisons, or elsewhere. Thinkof how many are actually praying at any givenmoment! So you are never alone when you are pray-ing, for at that same time there are thousands kneelingwith you at the Throne of Grace. It is also true that wewill be praying for those on the other side of the worldwhile they are sleeping; and then they will be prayingfor us while we are sleeping. Whether at morning,noon, or night, everywhere Christ’s Church is watch-ing, praying, resisting the gates of hell, and looking forthe returning of its Lord.

So the cycle continues. The sun moves on in itscourse out across the Pacific to the islands of the sea toother countries of the world to alert sleeping Christiansthat another day is coming. It is time to arise and seekGod’s help for another day! And in this way the world iswrapped in prayer!

The Rev. Paul Mills (GBS ‘53 CWC) is a retired pastor of The WesleyanChurch residing in North Vernon, Indiana. He is also a member of theGBS Board of Trustees.

by the Rev. Paul Mills

July 9-18 Fern Creek Wesleyan Camp Meet-ing, Fern Creek, KY Evangelist: Dr. O. W.Willis; Singers: Ben & Sue Colburn; Informa-tion: Robert Basham 502-363-5526

July 9-18 Letts Holiness Camp, Letts, IN Evan-gelist: John White; Singers: Chad & ValerieSearls; Information: JimTerry 812-346-5178

July 9-18 Newberrytown Holiness Camp,Etlers, PA Evangelists: Marc Sankey & ClairSams; Singers: The Fuller’s; Information: JohnWhitaker 717-637-6827

July 9-18 Pine Ridge Holiness Camp, Tylers-burg, PA Evangelists: Mike Wetherald & Shel-don Stephens; Singers: Rev. & Mrs. RollinMitchell; Information: Donald Myers PO Box178, 63 SR 157 Venus, PA 16364

July 11-18 Blue Ridge Holiness Camp, Cop-per Hill, VA Evangelist: Rex Bullock; Informa-tion: Jeff Keaton 540-890-0115

July 12-18 Heartland Holiness AssociationCamp, Tryon, OK Evangelists: Dr. Noel Scott &M. R. McCrary; Singer: David Fullers; Informa-tion: Gary Jackson 580-765-7212

July 12-17 Nazarene Christian School BandCamp, Beech Grove, IN Band Director: GarenWolf I; Information: Dennis Joslin 727-463-8776

July 14-25 Wilmington InterdenominationalHoliness Camp Meeting Association, Wilm-ington, NY Evangelists: Rev. Larry & TamlaLeckrone; Singers: Rev. Larry & Tamla Leckro-ne; Information: Martin Bausman 518-946-7708

July 15-25 Clinton Camp, Clinton, PA Evange-lists: Coy McGinnis & James Plank; Singers:Chad & Valerie Searls; Information: EstherBeatty 937-258-8178

July 15-25 Vermontville Camp, Vermontville,NY Evangelists: Rick Hutchison & Paul Pier-point; Singers: Don & Valarie Quales; Informa-tion: Donald Myers 518-456-3436

July 16-25 John T. Hatfield Camp, Cleveland,IN Evangelist: Dana Walker; Singers: Mr. &Mrs. Ken Montgomery; Information: J. C.Phillips 317-632-3436

July 16-25 Rock Lake Bible Methodist Camp,Vestaburg, MI Evangelists: Dr. James B. KeatonSr. & Dr. Michael Avery; Singers: Mr. & Mrs.Leland Lindahl; Information: Blake Jones 989-268-5172

July 19-24 Ohio Bible Methodist YouthCamp, Mendon, OH Evangelist: Duane Que-senberry; Singers: Bible Colleges; Information:Deron Fourman 419-734-8999

July 19-23 Wesleyan Youth Camp, Lucasville,OH Evangelist: Jonathan Bender; Singers: Rev.& Mrs. Tim Bender; Information: ThelmaBloomfield 740-353-1741

July 21-25 Athens Youth Camp, Athens, MIEvangelist: Jim Stroup; Singers: Lucas & Han-nah Strout; Information: Doug Damon 269-781-9634

July 22- Aug 1 Bethel Holiness Camp, Marion,OH Evangelists: David Brown & E. J. Fellencer;Singer: Lester Armstrong; Information: BobJones 740-382-5640

July 22-Aug 1 Pierce County Holiness Associ-ation, Tacoma, WA Evangelist: Rob Cravens;Information: Paul Taylor 253-529-5460

July 24-Aug 1 Pilgrim Bible Camp, CarsonCity, MI Evangelist: B. J. Walker & John Parker;Information: Knox Bullock 616-696-1021

July 25-30 Santoy Youth Camp, Junction City,OH Information: Rebecca Pettet 740-342-3644

July 26-29 Pilgrim Holiness Youth Camp,Binghamton, NY Evangelist: John Whitaker;Information: Perry Case 315-465-6761

July 27- Aug 1 Carthage Holiness Camp,Carthage, KY Evangelist: Darrell Steter II;Singers: Rev. & Mrs. Darrell Stetler II; Informa-tion: Henry Miller 334-366-2326

July 29-Aug 8 Ramsey Holiness Camp, Ram-sey, IN Evangelists: Archie Atwell & JudyWilliams; Singers: Victory Trio Information:Danny Goodman 812-738-4473

July 29-Aug 8 Athens Indian Camp, Athens,MI Evangelist: Earl Newton July 29-Aug 1 &Rowen Faye Aug 2-8; Singers: Ron & BeckyArnold; Information: Doug Damon 269-781-9634

July 30-Aug 8 Central Friends Camp, South ofMuncie, IN Evangelist: Dr. Robert England;Singers: Lucas & Hannah Shrout; Information:Jonathan Edwards 765-857-2347

AUGUST

August 3-8 Ontario InterdenominationalHoliness Association Camp Meeting, Peffer-law, Ontario Evangelists: Edsel Trouten & JackHooker; Information: Joel Byer 519-683-2093

August5-8 Christ-ian Youth Fel-lowship Camp,Etters, PA Evangelist:Gabe Norris; Singers:Bible Colleges; Informa-tion: Jeff Paulus 717-225-9951

August 5-15 45th Interdenomina-tional Holiness Camp Meeting ,Christiansburg, VA Singers: Merrell &Ar lene Hedrick; Informat ion: HomerSawyer 540-382-8743

August 5-15 Binghamton Camp, HillcrestNY Evangelists: Rick Hutchison & WilliamTillis; Singers: Larry & LaDonna Thomas;Information: Donald Myers 518-456-3436

August 5-15 Camp Sychar, Mt Vernon, OHEvangelists: Dr. Roy Lauter & Melvin Truex;Bible Teacher: Dr. Less Woodson; Singer:Scott McPherson; Information: Dr. GaryCampbell 740-392-5475

August 5-15 Hancock Co. Camp Meeting,Findlay, OH Singers: Mr. & Mrs. Derek McIn-tire; Information: John Peters 419-387-7238

August 5-15 Pilgrim Holiness Camp, Bing-hamton, NY Evangelists: Rick Hutchison &William Tillis; Singers: Larry & LaDonnaThomas; Information: Paul Case Sr., 570-888-2417

August 5-15 Richland Holiness Camp Meet-ing, Richland, NY Evangelists: Dr. MichaelAvery & G. Clair Sams; Information: JerryLambeth 315-543-2873

August 6-15 Comargo Camp, Loveland, OHEvangelists: John White & Dr. James B.Keaton Sr.; Singers: Mr. & Mrs. Keith Sheri-dan; Information: Ray Campbell 513-683-4872

August 6-15 Milan Camp, Milan, IN Evange-list: Tim Cole; Singers: The Cole Family;Information: Roger Smith 812-432-5773

August 12-22 Portage Holiness Camp Meet-ing, Portage, OH Evangelist: Claude Nicholas& Lane Loman; Singers: Stephen & NicoleCassady; Information: Samuel Suman 419-264-3045

August 13-22 Port Matilda Camp, PortMatilda, PA Evangelists: John Parker & DavidFuller; Singers: Rev. & Mrs. David Fuller;Information: James Cooper 814-692-7452 orCharles Elliott 814-625-2262

MAY 2004

09

Camp Meeting Directory

Continued

10GOD'S REVIVALIST and BIBLE ADVOCATE

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

STUDENT CONVENTION ON GBS CAMPUS

Heartland Regional StudentConvention was held on the GBScampus, March 5–8, hosted byGBS’s Aldersgate ChristianAcademy, David Crosley, principal.The regional Accelerated ChristianEducation convention includedschools from Indiana, Ohio andMichigan and enrolled 221students, ages 13–19, whoparticipated in such competitiveactivities as poetry, photography,needle/thread projects, athletics,vocal and instrumental music,preaching, oratory, art, etc. Also

present were 72sponsors directingactivities andsupervising students.Winners in thecompetition willcompete in the

international ACEstudent convention in

Flagstaff, Arizona. TheCincinnati regional

convention was under thedirection of Dennis Joslin(GBS ‘78 BRE), ACE regionalcoordinator.

BIRTHS

To Phil and Stephanie(Clemens) (GBS ‘88 BA)Brugger, Marion, Ohio, ason, Blake Levi Brugger(shown here), born

December 30, 2003.To Greg and Stephanie (Nichols) (GBS

‘98 BA in Elem. Ed) Burley, a daughter,Kaitlynn Ann Burley, bornMarch 25, Lima, Ohio. Shejoins two brothers, Ryan, 4,and Evan, 3.

To Philip and MarianneBrown, Cincinnati, Ohio, ason, Allan Philip Brown III

(shown here), born April 7. Both parents areprofessors at God’s Bible School and College.

DEATHS

Mara Fay (Tumbleson) Butler, NewAlbany, Indiana, died March 20, 2004. Sheattended GBS 1927–1929, receiving theChristian Workers Certificate. The AlumniDirectory also indicates she received the ThBdegree in 1931.

Alfred Walter Eberle, 76, died February28, 2004, at Royal Oak, MIchigan. A gradu-ate of God’s Bible School, he was also a vet-eran of the U.S. army, and a retired employ-ee of General Motors. He was a dedicatedmember of the Waterford Oaks Community

BRUGGER

BROWN

A.C.E. CONVENTION – ARCHERY COMPETITION

A.C.E. CONVENTION IN THE GBS ADCOCK CHAPEL

11MAY 2004

Church and had also served on several committees of theEast Michigan District of the Wesleyan Church, includingmany years of manual labor and consulting. He is survivedby his wife Gloria, his daughter Denise, his son Allan, fourgrandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Funeral ser-vices were held in Waterford, Michigan, with burial in theElba Cemetery.

Daisy F. Hess, 87, formerly of Delray Beach, Florida,died February 19, 2004, James Creek, Pennsylvania. A won-derful Christian and a former member of theMcConnellstown Church of the Nazarene, she attended GBS1942–1948 and 1951–1952 and graduated with the ThBdegree. She also worked at GBS during the 1970’s. Alicensed practical nurse who had served as a private dutynurse and caregiver, she is survived by nephews and nieces.Funeral services were held in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, withburial in the Old Stone Church Cemetery, James Creek.

Rev. Arthur A. Roney, 88, died January 26, 2004,Lincoln, Nebraska. He was converted in 1942, entered theChristian ministry, and was ordained elder in 1949. After ashort time as pastor, he served in the field of evangelism forsome 33 years, including work as general evangelist in theFree Methodist Church. In 1976 he joined the EvangelicalWesleyan Church and became pastor of that denomination’scongregation in Lincoln, Nebraska, a position which he helduntil his death. He is survived by his wife Helen Roberta(Lydle) Roney, two daughters, five grandchildren, and sixgreat-grandchildren. Funeral services and burial were inLincoln, Bishop W.L. Sarber, officiating.

CORRESPONDENCE

”The GBS quartet that came to the Carmel BibleMethodist Church were powerful, anointed and well-pre-


12

HALLAM AND BYERRECEIVED “STUDENTOF THE MONTH”HONORS

Honored with GBS“Student of the Month”awards are Matthew J.Hallam, February, andDorcas Byer, March.Both were recognizedby the Office ofStudent Affairs for theiroutstanding academic and spiritualcontributions.

Hallam, a sophomore ministerialstudent from Graysville,Pennsylvania, is “certain that I willbe in full-time ministry.” Thoughreared in a Christian home, “thereal turning point in my life cametwo years ago in February when Ihad to decide for certain which way

I was going to go,” he recalls. “ Ichose God.” He came to GBS“slightly skeptical and with a lot ofquestions…. I was shaky as aChristian. I still have a lot of ques-tions, but I also have a strong bibli-cal foundation to rest on. I havegrown to know and understand Godin a way that has changed and isstill changing my life.”

Byer, a senior in the GBS missionsprogram, declares her purpose “toserve the Lord and reach out to youngpeople who are struggling.” She wassaved at the age of six and later cameto GBS because “I felt God was lead-ing me here, and the school’s accessto ministry was very appealing.” “Mytime here has opened up my worldincredibly,” she comments. “I havestrengthened my walk with God andestablished friendships that will last alifetime.” Her advice to other youngpeople: “Never give up!”

CAMP MEETING CLASSESOFFERED

During Camp meeting 2004, GBSwill offer these classes:

(1) Letter to the Hebrews, taughtby Dr. Allan Brown, a two-creditcourse, will meet 1:00–4:00 PM,

NEWS FROM THE HILLTOP continued

pared for the service that night. I really appreciate MarkManders’ concern for the young people. Mike Mater alsochallenged [us] in a way that with God’s help actually causedan altar service. Amanda Strain did a wonderful job accom-panying. I praise God for these kind of young people whoare going God’s way. How refreshing!” —David Hilligoss,Arcadia, Indiana

SPECIAL INTEREST

Jo Anne (Close) Lyon (GBS HS ‘58) has written a newbook entitled The Ultimate Blessing: Rediscovering thePower of God’s Presence published by the WesleyanPublishing House. Mrs. Lyon serves as Executive Director ofWorld Hope International, a faith based relief and develop-ment organization alleviating suffering and injustice througheducation, enterprise, and community health.

For those with access to the Internet, I strongly recom-mend each pastor and church treasurer visit the websitewww.newminister.com. Richard Hammar, who as a Christianattorney and CPA, is a recognized expert in the area ofchurch law, deals with the following topics (and offers muchother helpful information): “Who is a minister for federal tax

purposes? Do I, as a minister, report my income taxes andsocial security as an employee or as a self-employed person?Should I ‘opt’ out of Social Security? What is a ‘housingallowance’ which qualifies for it and how is it figured?” —JimOlson, CPA, Hobe Sound, Florida ([email protected]).

NOTICES

Florida Holiness Campgrounds NewMuseum/Archives, Lakeland, Florida. A museum/archives isplanned for the Florida Holiness camp grounds. If you havepictures, music, artifacts, or anything regarding the past eightyyears of life on these holy grounds, would you be willing todonate them to the future museum? Respond to Harold andFaye Redding, 335 S. Cherry Street, Kernersville, NC 27284,e-mail address: [email protected]

The following positions need to be filled for the 2004-2005 school year at Mountain State Christian School,Culloden, WV: (1) principal/administrator (Grades K to 12);(2) secondary teacher—science/math/history ; (3) elementaryteacher (Grades 4, 5, 6. We use the ABeka curriculum. Formore information, please contact MSCS Faculty SearchCommittee, c/o Tim Linick, Vice-Chairman, 525 Jefferson

continued

MATT HALLAM DORCAS BYERMATT HALLAM DORCAS BYER

MAY 2004

13

Avenue, Huntington, WV 25704, (304) 525-2672 —[email protected]

Village Chapel Church of God (Holiness),Chapmanville, WV, is seeking a pastor. We have a verynice, newly remodeled church building and parsonage andare praying that God will send us an outreach-oriented pastorto help our church grow. For more information, please con-tact Mr. Ron Wilson, P. O. Box 646, Chapmanville, WV25508 (304) 855-9439.

The autobiography of John W. Harris, pastor-evange-list, founder of Mount Olivet Church and Camp nearHinton, West Virginia, is available for a limited time. Thestruggles of pioneer holiness evangelism in the MountainState more than 80 years ago are recorded, including an inci-dent when the writer was severely assaulted for preachingthe gospel. To order a single copy of this 445-page hardbackillustrated book, please write a $12.00 check payable toMount Olivet Camp and mail to Grace E. Harris, P. O. Box766, Mabscott, West Virginia 25871.

Conservative Holiness Church is seeking a full-timepastor for church in southeast Ohio. Salary plus benefitpackage and parsonage furnished. If interested please call(740) 992-3194.

HITHER AND THITHER

Bishop Emeritus Gerald Bates served as chair of aconference on the “soul of the Free Methodist Church,”held March 22-23 at denominational headquarters,Indianapolis. Sessions included presentations on theimportance of history and the church’s roots in 19th cen-tury Methodism. Small groups and open forums providedparticipants opportunity to relate their own “stories” andto comment on the condition of the church. Dr. HowardSnyder of Asbury Seminary, organizer of the conference,plans follow-up sessions during the next two years.

General Board of The Wesleyan Church has autho-rized the publication of a new, 34-page, quarterly mag-azine entitled Wesleyan Life. In his announcement,Norman G. Wilson, denominational editor, noted that“there are many who do not receive” the denomination’slongstanding publication The Wesleyan Advocate.“Unfortunately, that includes the vast majority of TheWesleyan Church membership. In the world of Christianpublishing, we are just one of many denominations facinga decline in subscriptions.”

Monday–Friday, May 24–28. Allnew students must be officiallyenrolled. Cost is $300. Studentsmay also enroll for a non-credit cer-tificate of completion for $100 orfor non-credit personal enrichmentfor $75. Advance enrollment or offi-cial registration is not required forthose taking the class for a non-credit certificate of completion orfor non-credit personal enrichment.

(2) Principles of Christian Life,taught by Dr. Philip Brown, a one-credit course, will meetMonday–Friday, 1:30–2:30, and isoffered for credit ($150) or non-credit (no charge). Old or youngwill benefit from this practical,down-to-earth, present-day appli-cation of real life issues.

To enroll or get additional infor-mation, contact Lottie Tryon,Aldersgate Coordinator, at God’s

Bible School. Telephone (513)721-7944, Ext. 122 or 124.

BRIEFLY NOTED:

Recent GBS assembly programshave featured the following speak-ers: (1) March 22, Gerda Weiss-mann Klein, survivor of the Naziholocaust. Her speaking fee was kind-ly provided by a friend of theschool; (March 26) BaruchMaoz, pastor of Grace andTruth Congregation, RishonLeTsion, Israel. Maoz isfounder of the first distinctivelyChristian church in the HolyLand since the establishmentof the modern state of Israel.

Kevin Moser, Revivalistgraphic artist and GBS alum-nus, directed a professionalorchestra and 60-voice choir

in an Easter weekend presentationof Handel’s MESSIAH, SaturdayApril 10, in Greenhills, Ohio. Fifteencurrent GBS students and facultyserved in the choir. Soloists includedAmanda Strain, soprano, a currentGBS student and member ofCincinnati’s prestigious May FestivalChorus, and Joy (Bender) Barnett,GBS alumna.

MRS. MILES POSES WITH HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR GERDA KLEINMRS. MILES POSES WITH HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR GERDA KLEIN

BIBLE TRANSLATIONS

Part II in answer to thequestion: “Why are there somany modern English transla-tions and which one is the bestfor studying the Bible?“

The New American StandardBible (NASB), first published in1971 by the Lockman Foundation,was translated “with the convic-tion that the words of Scripture,as originally penned in theHebrew, Aramaic, and Greek,were inspired by God. Sincethey are the eternal Word ofGod, the Holy Scriptures speakwith fresh power to each gener-ation, to give wisdom that leadsto salvation so that men andwomen may serve Christ for theglory of God.” The translators’goal was to produce a word-for-word, literal translation that wasstill readable in modern English.

Anyone who has studiedGreek, Hebrew, or Aramaic willrecognize that a completely liter-al, word-for-word translationwould often make no sense inEnglish. For example the first partof John 3:16 would read, “So forloved the God the world, so thatthe son the only begotten hegave.” No modern translation is astrictly word-for-word translation.

A BIBLICAL RESPONSE

GOD'S REVIVALIST

14

However, the NASB comesabout as close as a translation canwhile still being understandable.For this reason, I regard the NASBas probably the best modern ver-sion for personal Bible study. In1995 the Lockman Foundationupdated the NASB. The updateremoved the archaic “thee’s” and“thou’s” from the few places theywere still used in the 1971 edition(primarily the Psalms) and generallymade the NASB a smoother transla-tion without sacrificing its literal-ness. If you are interested in a chartthat shows where most moderntranslations fall in relation to theNASB, you may find one athttp://www.zondervanbibles.com/translations.htm.

The New King James Version(NKJV) is another good, conservativemodern English translation. Its trans-lators were all committed to theinerrancy of the original manuscriptsas well. The primary purpose of theNKJV was to update the ElizabethanEnglish of the KJV into modernEnglish. In general, the translatorswere careful to follow the lead ofthe KJV and thus retained its overallstyle and flow of thought. TheWesley Study Bible used the NKJVtext and was a valuable study Bible.Unfortunately, it is now out of print,and I have been unable to find itavailable anywhere.

One of the primary differencesbetween the NKJV and the NASB isthe underlying Greek text preferredwhen translating the New Testa-ment. The NKJV used essentiallythe same Greek text the KJV trans-lators had used in 1611, whereasthe NASB used a Greek text thattook advantage of the tremendousamount of NT manuscripts discov-ered in the last nearly 400 years.This is one reason I prefer theNASB over the NKJV.

One final word on studyingthe Bible in English: although Ihave recommended the NASB asthe version I personally prefer tostudy from, I wouldn’t want any-one to think that the NASB is theonly English version you shouldconsult when studying the Bible.You should make it a habit tocompare several versions. Whereyou find significant differencesbetween versions, you shouldconsult conservative commen-taries for further information onthe passage.

Sincerely, Philip Brown

Dr. A. Philip Brown II is a member ofthe ministerial faculty of God’s BibleSchool and College. He may be con-tacted by e-mail at [email protected].

Rev. Paul PierpointEvangelist

Rev. Mark CravensEvangelist

Dr. Wingrove TaylorEvangelist

Dr. Michael AveryPresident, God’s Bible School & College

Children’s Services: GBS StudentsHebrews Class: Allan BrownPrinciples of Christian Life Class:

Philip BrownGBS Commencement:

Saturday, May 29, 10 AM

Space is limited...register early! Contact God’s Bible School CampMeeting—(513) 721-7944.

Schedule of Services:Prayer and Healing—7:30 amBreakfast—8:00 amHeart Talks—9:00 amMorning Worship—10:30 am*Children’s Meeting—10:30 amLunch—12:00 pmSupper—5:00 pmEvening Service—7:00 pm** Nursery service provided during the main services

May 23–30, 2004Music by God’s Bible School & College Division of Musicunder the direction of Garen Wolf


16

meetings. This would prepare her for a life of missionaryservice. While at GBS, Marie was called to Cuba, whereshe spent some time. She left GBS in 1941.

Later, she attended Asbury College and metAndrew. He had been reared in Sioux City, Iowa,where, as a young man, he had become a Christianafter a friend gave him a Bible. He devoured the NewTestament passages, in particular the accounts of Jesus’suffering and death; and these inspired him to pray forforgiveness of sins.

After graduating in 1946, the Rojas’ worked in theSalvation Army and then moved to San Antonio tobegin their ministry to Mexico. For fifty-three yearsAndrew and Marie literally sacrificed everything to givethemselves to evangelizing the Mexican people. Theychose not to have children to more fully devote theirtime to missions. Over the years, Andrew and Marieestablished some thirty Christian congregations in thesouthern state of Oaxaca.

Andrew also worked on the US side by visiting thecamps of the braceros, those Mexicans, mostly men,who were legally allowed to work temporarily in theUS. Marie visited women who were employed inhouses of prostitution. She was able to rescue some ofthese women and tell a number of them about thegospel. She did this at the risk of her own welfare.Since Andrew was won to Christ through the gift of aBible, he realized the power of Scripture. Over theiryears of their service, Andrew and Marie distributedover one million Spanish Bibles and New Testamentsprinted by the American Bible Society.

Although advancing inyears and fighting Parkinson’sDisease, Andrew still main-tains an active prayer life andreads his Bible each after-noon. Marie holds servicesfor the residents of the retire-ment home where theyreside in Ft. Lauderdale,Florida. Marie sums up herGBS experience like this,“Thanks to God for leadingme to God’s Bible Schoolwhere, as a young convert, Igot rooted and grounded inGod’s Word. Also I fellow-shipped with the ‘cream ofyouth’ and was influencedby godly teachers.”

Only eternity will re-veal the impact on soulsAndrew and Marie Rojashave made.

FIFTY-THREE YEARS FOR MISSIONS

by Jack Hooker, Vice President for Advancement

Since 1900, God’s Bible School and College hasmajored in missions. Some of the great missionary

pioneers of the last century graced our campus andreceived their training here. Missions was so much apart of the founding of this institution that “MissionaryTraining Home” is a still part of our corporate name.Even today, “the sun never sets on thestudents from GBS.”

The story of Andrew and MarieRojas is truly the story of missionary pio-neers. Marie finished high school in WestVirginia and was planning to attend WestVirginia University. Through the influenceof a pastor and traveling evangelist sheheard about GBS and its effort to feed thehungry of Cincinnati through the greatThanksgiving Dinners.

Marie came to Cincinnati and finishedthree years of college studies in two years.She said, “I thank God for the lessons Ilearned at GBS. I began the day withprayer and Bible reading. I started fastingone day a week and interceding for myfamily. After three years my mother wassaved. Thirteen years later my father sur-rendered his life to God.” Marie did per-sonal work in the city’s poverty-strickenareas and also helped in jail and street

✃

FORE

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E,PR

EDES

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N,

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I

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ther

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em th

atlo

ve G

od, t

o th

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re th

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lled

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pur

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. For

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ekno

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to b

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med

to

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t he

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ht b

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. M

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ver

who

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also

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and

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lled,

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m h

eal

so ju

stifi

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ified

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Rom

ans

8:28

-30:

INTR

OD

UC

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pens

with

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k ac

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g “g

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out

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very

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rate

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od (p

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), an

d (2

) are

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not

heal

th,

wea

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happ

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s, b

ut i

sra

ther

def

ined

in v

erse

29

as H

is pu

rpos

e to

mak

e us

like

Jesu

s (“c

onfo

rmed

to th

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is So

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aul t

race

s God

’s sa

ving

pur

pose

thro

ugh

five

stag

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om it

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od’s

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lorif

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. Th

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mes

as

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n, c

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d gl

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n. I

n th

is m

essa

ge,

we

will

lim

it ou

r stu

dy to

the

first

of t

hese

sta

ges:

God

’s fo

rekn

owle

dge.

W

ithin

the

las

t te

n ye

ars,

a nu

mbe

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thi

nker

s w

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the

eva

ngel

ical

chur

ch h

ave

begu

n to

den

y G

od’s

perfe

ct k

now

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e ab

out t

he fu

ture

. The

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gges

t tha

t the

sov

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gn G

od h

as c

hose

n to

lim

it ce

rtain

asp

ects

of H

is fo

re-

know

ledg

e of

hum

an fr

ee-w

ill c

hoic

es s

o th

at th

ey c

an re

mai

n tru

ly fr

ee. T

hecu

rrent

ter

m f

or t

his

view

is “

open

the

ism.”

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e pr

esup

posit

ion

unde

rlyin

gop

en t

heism

is t

his:

if w

hat

God

fore

know

s ha

s to

hap

pen,

the

n G

od’s

fore

-kn

owle

dge

mus

t in

volv

e pr

edet

erm

inat

ion,

th

ereb

y de

nyin

g m

an’s

grac

e-en

able

d ab

ility

to m

ake

truly

free

dec

ision

s.I w

ish to

app

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h ou

r stu

dy o

f for

ekno

wle

dge

by se

ekin

g to

ans

wer

bib

-lic

ally

two

ques

tions

: (1

) “H

ow m

uch

does

God

kno

w?”

and

(2) “

Doe

s fo

re-

know

ledg

e pr

edet

erm

ine

the

futu

re?”

I. H

OW

MU

CH

DO

ES G

OD

KN

OW

? Th

e Q

uest

ion

of O

mni

scie

nce

A. G

od’s

kno

wle

dge

is to

tal.

The

Psal

mis

t sai

d th

at G

od’s

“un

ders

tand

ing

is in

finite

” (P

sa. 1

47:5

).Th

e bi

blic

al c

once

pt o

f “in

finite

” in

clud

es th

e id

eas

of “

beyo

nd m

easu

re,

14

B. T

he fi

ve v

erba

l use

s of

fore

know

ledg

e Th

e fiv

e oc

curr

ence

s of

“fo

rekn

owle

dge”

as

a ve

rb a

re a

s fo

llow

s: (1

)“W

hich

kne

w m

e fro

m t

he b

egin

ning

, if

they

wou

ld t

estif

y, t

hat

afte

r th

em

ost

stra

itest

sec

t of

our

rel

igio

n I

lived

a P

haris

ee”

(Act

s 26

:5);

(2)

“For

thos

e w

hom

He

fore

knew

,H

e al

so p

rede

stin

ed t

o be

com

e co

nfor

med

to

the

imag

e of

His

Son,

so

that

He

wou

ld b

e th

e fir

stbo

rn a

mon

g m

any

bret

hren

(Ro

m 8

:29)

2 ; (

3) “

God

has

not

rej

ecte

d H

is pe

ople

who

m H

efo

rekn

ew (R

om. 1

1:2)

3 ; (4

) “Fo

r H

e w

as fo

rekn

own

befo

re th

e fo

unda

tion

of t

he w

orld

, bu

t ha

s ap

pear

ed in

the

se la

st t

imes

for

the

sak

e of

you

” (1

Pet.

1:20

)4;

and

(5) “

You

ther

efor

e, b

elov

ed, k

now

ing

this

befo

reha

nd,b

eon

you

r gua

rd so

that

you

are

not

car

ried

away

by

the

erro

r of u

nprin

cipl

edm

en a

nd fa

ll fro

m y

our

own

stea

dfas

tnes

s” (2

Pet

. 3:1

7).

CO

NC

LUSI

ON

God

kno

ws

all

futu

re e

vent

s pe

rfect

ly, i

nclu

ding

the

gra

ce-e

nabl

edfre

e, m

oral

cho

ices

of

hum

an b

eing

s. W

hat

He

fore

know

s w

ill h

appe

n is

certa

in to

hap

pen.

Whi

le so

me

of th

ese

certa

intie

s are

nec

essa

ry, o

ther

s are

truly

con

tinge

nt (

capa

ble

of t

akin

g pl

ace

in m

ore

than

one

way

). It

is no

tco

ntra

ry to

Scr

iptu

re to

say

that

, whe

reas

the

free

acts

of m

oral

ly r

espo

nsi-

ble

pers

ons

are

cont

inge

nt, t

he fr

eedo

m to

cho

ose

does

not

con

tradi

ct c

er-

tain

ty.

The

sam

e ev

ent

can

be b

oth

certa

in f

rom

the

sta

ndpo

int

of G

od’s

fore

know

ledg

e an

d co

ntin

gent

fro

m t

he s

tand

poin

t of

hum

an c

hoic

e.G

od’s

fore

know

ledg

e of

an

even

t doe

s not

dem

and

caus

atio

n of

that

eve

nt.

It is

also

true

that

som

e ev

ents

(suc

h as

pro

phec

y) a

re n

eces

sary

and

as s

uch

are

prod

uced

by

prov

iden

tially

gui

ded

caus

es th

at a

llow

no

othe

r po

ssib

il-ity

. “Th

at G

od k

now

s w

hich

cho

ice

I will

mak

e (s

o lo

ng a

sw

e co

nsid

er k

now

ing

as ‘

mer

e’ k

now

ledg

e) i

n no

way

nece

ssita

tes

the

choi

ce. T

hen

the

futu

re is

bot

h ce

rtain

and

open

; it

will

not

be

clos

ed u

ntil

it oc

curs

. Th

e ac

tion

is,th

eref

ore,

tru

ly c

ontin

gent

and

rea

lly c

an g

o ei

ther

way

,ev

en th

ough

the

way

it w

ill g

o (to

writ

e ta

utol

ogy

agai

n) is

the

way

it w

ill g

o.”5

—se

rmon

out

line

by D

R. A

LLAN

P. B

ROW

N

1 Am

ong

the

advo

cate

s of

ope

n th

eism

are

Cla

rk P

inno

ck, R

icha

rd R

ice,

John

San

ders

, Will

iam

Has

ker,

Dav

id B

asin

ger

and

Gre

gory

Boy

d.2

Fors

ter

& M

arst

on, G

od’s

Str

ateg

y in

Hum

an H

istor

y, 2

05:

“The

fore

know

ledg

e [P

aul]

has

in v

iew

impl

ies

a co

mpl

ete

unde

rsta

ndin

g of

them

, of t

heir

char

acte

rs, t

heir

wea

knes

ses,

and

thei

r re

ac-

tions

. He

is sa

ying

that

God

com

plet

ely

unde

rsto

od th

ose

to w

hom

he

gave

the

dest

iny

of b

eing

conf

orm

ed to

the

imag

e of

Chr

ist.”

3

Fors

ter

& M

arst

on o

ffer

two

poss

ible

inte

rpre

tatio

ns o

f thi

s ve

rse:

(1) G

od k

new

that

Isra

el w

ould

rej

ect

Chr

ist, y

et h

e m

ade

prom

ises

to th

em a

nd w

ill n

ot g

o ba

ck o

n th

em n

ow (i

.e.,

he fo

rekn

ew “

thei

rth

inki

ng a

nd a

ctio

ns”)

; or

(2) t

hat “

God

ent

ered

into

a p

erso

nal r

elat

ions

hip

with

Isra

el b

efor

e th

eir

late

r un

belie

f to

whi

ch P

aul r

efer

s.”

The

conc

ept o

f cho

ice

wou

ld b

e pr

esen

t in

(2) b

ut o

nly

as a

nece

ssar

y co

mpo

nent

of e

nter

ing

a pe

rson

al r

elat

ions

hip

(p. 1

94).

4 Fo

rste

r &

Mar

ston

, 193

: “G

od fo

rekn

ew th

e re

dem

ptiv

e fu

nctio

n of

the

Mes

siah

befo

re h

istor

y be

gan,

but i

ts a

ctua

l man

ifest

atio

n di

d no

t com

e un

til th

e N

ew C

oven

ant.”

Thi

s fo

cuse

s on

the

“for

e-kn

ow…

but m

anife

sted

in th

ese

times

” co

ntra

st.

5 Ro

bert

E. P

iciri

lli, “

Fore

know

ledg

e, F

reed

om, A

nd T

he F

utur

e,”

JETS

, Vol

. 43,

200

0 p.

263

.

“CO

MM

ITTE

DTO

EXC

ELLE

NC

EIN

PREA

CH

ING

”

time-space know

ledge. For example, 1 Peter 1:20 speaks of Jesus as the

Lamb of G

od who w

as “foreknown” before the foundation of the w

orld,but has appeared in these last tim

es for our sake. There is a differencebetw

een what G

od “foreknows” about the future and the actual experien-

tial occurrence of the foreknown event in tim

e-space history. For example,

God foreknew

that Abraham w

ould offer Isaac in obedience to His com

-m

and. How

ever, when Abraham

actually offered Isaac in time-space histo-

ry, God could say w

ithout denying His foreknow

ledge, “Now

I know that

thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not w

ithheld thy son, thine only sonfrom

me” (G

en. 22:12). God w

as not declaring that He just “learned”

something H

e had not previously known w

ould happen. Rather, He w

assaying that A

braham’s obedience dem

onstrated experientially in a time-

space context what H

e already knew w

ould happen from H

is eternal fore-know

ledge. In like manner, Jesus w

as the Lamb of G

od, slain from the foun-

dation of the world (Rev. 13:8). G

od foreknew that Jesus w

ould be slain.W

hen Jesus was actually slain on M

t. Calvary, G

od’s foreknowledge

became experiential tim

e-space knowledge.

II. DO

ES FOREKN

OW

LEDG

E PREDETERM

INE TH

E FUTU

RE?Although w

e have already touched on this subject, we need to exam

-ine the key passages that address the use of “foreknow

ledge” in the New

Testament. It occurs seven tim

es, two tim

es as a noun (prognosis),and fivetim

es as a verb (proginosko). A

. The two noun uses of foreknow

ledgeThe tw

o noun uses are Acts 2:23 and 1 Peter 1:2. In Acts 2:23 w

eread, “H

im [Jesus], being delivered by the determ

inate counsel and fore-know

ledge of God, ye have taken, and by w

icked hands have crucified andslain.” This verse indicates that G

od made H

is plans (boule)in light of what

He knew

(prognosis)w

ould happen. God’s know

ledge that wicked m

enw

ould crucify His Son does not, how

ever, imply or necessitate causation.

In other words, just because G

od knew w

hat would happen, there is noth-

ing in the verse that says He “caused” w

icked men to crucify H

is Son. N

or is there any evidence that the specific people who chose to cruci-

fy Jesus had to do so. The set of verses that teaches human responsibility

for choices must not be set aside because of “logical” paradoxes. Those

who participated in G

od’s plan for crucifixion did so willingly and of their

own grace-enabled free choice. There is no textual evidence that they w

erepaw

ns in a “predestinated” future which w

as set in motion by G

od’s fore-know

ledge. Through the grace of God, each person w

ho participated in thecrucifixion could have chosen not to participate. There w

ere others who

would have chosen to take their place.

In 1 Peter 1:2 we read, “Elect according to the foreknow

ledge of God

the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprin-kling of the blood of Jesus C

hrist: Grace unto you, and peace, be m

ulti-plied.” This verse says G

od foreknew all w

ho would accept Jesus’ saving

provision and thereby become elect. H

is foreknowledge, how

ever, did not“cause” them

to respond to His saving w

ork in Christ any m

ore than fore-know

ledge in other areas results in people as puppets on strings.

without lim

it, beyond comprehension.” This m

eans God know

s all thereis to know

.In addition to infinite understanding, G

od claims to be the “A

lpha andO

mega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last” (Rev. 22:13).

This implies that H

e has complete know

ledge of all things, past, present,and future and has no need to learn. H

e already knows how

everythingw

ill end. In fact, God has never learned anything from

anyone. Isaiahstresses this truth w

ith a series of rhetorical questions: “Who hath direct-

ed the Spirit of the Lord, or being his counselor hath taught him? W

ithw

hom took he counsel, and w

ho instructed him, and taught him

in thepath of judgm

ent, and taught him know

ledge, and showed to him

the way

of understanding?” (Isa. 40:13, 14).G

od knows effortlessly all that can be know

n. He know

s with a fullness

of perfection that includes every possible item of know

ledge. “I am G

od,and there is none else; I am

God, and there is none like m

e, declaring theend from

the beginning, and from ancient tim

es the things that are not yetdone” (Isa. 46:9, 10). H

e knows the future and is never surprised or

amazed. “Even before there is a w

ord on my tongue, behold, O

Lord, Thoudost know

it all” (Psa. 139:4). God is “perfect in know

ledge” (Job 37:16). B. G

od knows the difference betw

een the actual future and thepotential future.

In relation to any given point in time, G

od has complete know

ledge ofall that w

ill happen after that point in time (the actual future), as w

ell ascom

plete knowledge of all that could happen after that point in tim

e (thepotential future). G

od knows the difference betw

een the potential futureand the actual future.

There is a perfect example of G

od’s knowledge of the possible future in

the life of David. W

hen Saul was seeking D

avid to kill him, D

avid askedG

od, “Will the m

en of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? W

ill Saul come

down, as thy servant hath heard? O

LORD

God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell

thy servant. And the LORD

said, He w

ill come dow

n. Then said David, W

illthe m

en of Keilah deliver me and m

y men into the hand of Saul? And the

LORD

said, They will deliver thee up” (1 Sam

. 23:11, 12). God knew

that ifD

avid stayed at Keilah, the inhabitants would deliver him

up to Saul (thepotential future). This is foreknow

ledge. But, since God told D

avid what H

eforeknew

, David left Keilah and they w

ere not able to deliver him up to Saul.

Thus, God’s foreknow

ledge did not “predestinate” David’s capture.

Another example of G

od’s knowledge of all possibilities w

ithout deter-m

ining the future is given in Luke 10:13. Jesus said, “Woe unto thee,

Chorazin! W

oe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty w

orks had beendone in Tyre and Sidon, w

hich have been done in you, they had a greatw

hile ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.” Jesus said they couldhave repented and w

ould have repented if they had seen the mighty w

orksH

e performed. Therefore, foreknow

ledge and predestination are two dif-

ferent things and must not be com

bined. C

. God differentiates betw

een knowledge of the actual future and

knowledge of experiential tim

e-space events.G

od’s foreknowledge of all future events differs from

His experiential

23

MAY 2004

19

➡ (p3) Scripture. It sees God as the first cause, the fixedcenter, and the final conclusion to all things. It possess-es and cultivates the eternal perspective. It sees humanlife and human history held in the hands of God. It seesthe whole universe sustained by His power and His love.It sees the natural order as dependent upon the super-natural order. It sees time contained within eternity. Itsees this world as a temporary place and not our finalhome. The revelation of God and the reality of eternitybecome its point of reference.

In contrast, the secular mind puts its trust in this lifeand makes earthly happiness and well-being its primaryconcern. Too often, today’s Christian mind has alloweditself to be subtly secularized in one of two ways. First,many Christians attempt to compartmentalize theirthinking. The practice of their faith doesn’t pervadeevery area of their job or business dealings. They tend touse secular thinking at work and a more Christian wayof thinking in the practice of their faith. Secondly, theystrike a compromise with the secular mind by relegatingthe significance of the eternal to the life that is to comewhile living their present life in much the same way asecular person would. In other words, faith is for futuresecurity and not present practice. They have blurred thelines between living in the here and now and living forthe here and now.

The Christian mind has an acute awareness andunderstanding of sin. For the Christian, Genesis 3 is oneof the most vitally important chapters in the Bible. It isthe foundation of everything that comes after it, andwithout it very little else would make sense. It providesan explanation for the fall of man, the curse of sin, andthe need of a Saviour. It explains what God is doing inhistory. Without this understanding, there can be noaccurate, coherent sensible world view. Humanism andits theory of evolution offer no explanation to our dilem-ma and no hope for a way out.

The Christian mind sees truth as objective, authorita-tive, and God-given. The Christian mind sees truthgrounded in God’s revelation to man through His word. Itis not manufactured within a culture or developed by aconsensus. It is given by God and becomes the standardfor all other truth-claims. It governs how we behave. Itframes our perspective of all of life. It is the foundation andfinal authority for all we hold true. To think Christianly is tothink in terms of Scripture. The Christian mind under-stands that we do not make truth, but that we must residein the truth. The Christian mind understands the nature ofbiblical authority. When it comes to biblical truth, obedi-ence is not a negotiable option. We either bow our headin submission or turn our back in rebellion.

The Christian mind holds a special view of thehuman person. The Christian mind understands not onlythat God created man in His image, but that He alsobecame a man, taking upon Himself our nature, there-

by exalting that nature for all time and for eternity. Thus,the Christian’s conception of the human person is a highone. Human life is sacred. Every person has value anddignity and should be treated in a way that preservesand honors both. The Christian mind understands theimmortality of man and his need for redemption. Hencehe sees his part in redemptive activity.

How does one gain and maintain a Christian mind?The Bible is the mind of God (not all His mind, but allthat He has chosen to share with us). To think like God,one must think like the Bible. We must let the Word ofGod fill our minds and dwell within us (Col.3:16). Thenthe Holy Spirit can illuminate and transform our mindsto think Christianly. A daily exposure to God’s way ofthinking can keep our minds renewed in His image.

We can never let anyone tell us that the trainingand development of our mind is not an important partof our Christian life. What we think shapes who we are,how we behave and what we become. A mind is a ter-rible thing for anyone to waste. But for the Christian, itcould ultimately be spiritually fatal!

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It is true that we often sing “The Battle Over Assurance” rather than“Blessed Assurance.” For the very nature of faith implies that faith willbe challenged. Indeed, faith has to be exercised when we do not feel

faith. Can we ever know faith if it is never challenged? Can we know ordevelop trust if we never have to practice trusting?

Remember that your sense of assurance will be affected by what youbelieve about God, about yourself, and about justification by faith. Forexample, if you believe God is difficult to please or that He is pleased onlywhen you “do enough well enough,” then you will never know real assur-ance. As you know, Jesus came to save and to help people who never can“do enough well enough” (Mt. 9:12-13). God helps people such as youwho say, “I am not good enough; I cannot do enough, nor can I do it wellenough,” rather than those who say, “Okay, God, I know you are reallyimpressed with me now. There is no way you can deny me salvation.”

God is not unpleaseable. He is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger,and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keephis anger forever…. He hath not rewarded us according to our iniqui-ties…. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust”(Ps. 103). He came for needy, sinful people, and asks us to trust Him.Remember He loves us just as we are and loves us enough not to leaveus just as we are.

If you believe you are unlovable and unacceptable, you will assumeGod has the same view. Rest assured He doesn’t!

Perhaps you err in your concept of justification by faith. I believe jus-tifying faith is the entrusting of one’s life to God. You are not savedbecause you always do things right, never fail, or feel saved. You aresaved because you trust God with your life. Entrusting God with your lifemeans you will live like He tells you. Faith can do nothing else. You willnever be perfect, and you will always need God’s grace. Faith, therefore,does not mean that you can live any way you choose and still be saved.Rebelling against God is the antithesis of trusting Him. Rebellion entrustsyour life to yourself.

(continued on page 23)➡

STRUGGLING OVER ASSURANCE

“I rarely feel confident about my salvation. I try to live right andhave faith, but I never know for sure that all is well.”

➡ (continued from page 4)

CLOTHING AND HAIR?In the Winter Issue, reference was

made to a mandatory class, “Principlesof the Christian Life,” such as modesty,long, uncut hair for women, and otherseparation issues. Assuming you considerthis a principle, why of two semesters’curriculum was clothing and hair select-ed as a sample? If you insist, considerthat in Timothy, where the issues areunder consideration, there is also adviceto take some wine for a stomach disor-der…and a “Christian slave” is consid-ered as less than equal. Is this to be aprinciple along with modest dress andlong “unbraided hair”? Perhaps you areselecting principles acceptable to you.

DR. RICHARD E. APPELLebanon, Ohio (’40)

Dr. Allan P. Brown, chair of the Division ofMinisterial Education, makes thisresponse: Thank you for your letter inresponse to our new required offering of“Principles of the Christian LIfe.” The firstsemester concentrates on developing aChristian world view as expressed in theBiblical command to love God with all ourheart, mind, soul, and strength, and ourneighbor as ourself The first semester isspent exploring the ramifications of what itmeans to love God and others. The secondsemester addresses how we express our lovefor God and others through understandingand respecting our “chain-of-command”(God, parents, official authorities, etc.) indecision-making, through modesty andadornment, and through obedience to I Cor.11:2–16. We also have a unit on alcoholand sexual deviance.

You specifically expressed your concernabout why we require our students to learnthe Biblical basis for women not cutting theirhair. Let me urge you to write and requestmy cassette tape expounding the contextualand biblical meaning of a woman’s long hairas her glory. The tape should answer yourquestions and is only $5.00 plus postage. Itwas presented to an adult audience with theintent of helping them know how to explainI Cor. 11:2–16 to their children. Those whoare interested should contact God’s BibleSchool and College, Attn: Allan P. Brown,1810 Young Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.

MAY 2004

21

LETTERS continued


22

➡ (p2) vulgar language of the lowest classes. Between isthe language of the common people—the colloquiallevel of the great majority. It is in this colloquial usagethat the version of 1611 is written.

To be sure, the scholarly translators knew the artifi-cial and elegant phrases of their day. In the “EpistleDedicatorie,” still printed in some editions of the KJV,they addressed “the most high and mightie PrinceJames” with the usual high-sounding flattery of thecourt. “Great and manifold were the blessings, MostDread Sovereign, which Almighty God…bestowedupon us…when He first sent Your Majesty’s RoyalPerson to rule over us…the appearance of Your Majesty,as of the Sun in his strength, instantly dispelled thosesupposed and surmised mists.”

Yet ostentatious display never corrupted their transla-tion of the scriptural text. For example, the English wordsthey used were short. Dr. McFee states that the averageword in the Authorized Version has only a little over fourletters. Of the 319 words of the Ten Commandments,259 are words of only one syllable; and in the familiar23rd Psalm, 95 of its 119 words are of one syllable, withnone over three syllables. The same scholar also pointsout that the translators usually retained old, familiarforms over newer, more trendy ones. For instance, “anx-iety” was rapidly coming into vogue, but they refused tosubstitute it for the familiarity of the older and morecommon word “thought.” That is why we read inMatthew 6:24, “Take no thought for the morrow.”

Another mark of their simplicity of style was thetranslators’ avoidance of a tendency of their times to“refine” the English language by adding a ponderousarray of foreign terms, especially from French and Latin.While the KJV scholars were perfectly at ease using suchterms as “occidental,” “propagating,” and “transitory” inthe “Epistle Dedicatorie” to the king, they generallyavoided foreign embellishments in their actual renderingof the Scriptures. As Professor March observes, 93 per-cent of the 1611 version is plain, unornamented, natur-al Anglo-Saxon! The common people quickly embracedthe KJV because they could so easily read it.

Yet to the translators, simplicity did not meancoarseness or rudeness of expression. Though their liter-ary usage was easy to understand, it also was character-ized by profound dignity and elevated beauty. It was forthis reason that Andrew Lang referred to the AuthorizedVersion as “that immortal monument of English prose.”

This stemmed in part from the KJV scholars’ intenseearnestness about their task. For as they declared in theiroriginal preface to the reader, Holy Writ was the “very

lively Word of God.” Scripture was rapidly replacing thechurch as the infallibly supreme “rule of faith and prac-tice”; and as convinced Protestants, they were deter-mined that not one line of trifling would mar their effortsto make it clear, accurate, and authoritative. That is whythe version of 1611 takes itself with great seriousness;and while the Bible is never a sad book, it never jests.One contemporary scholar notes a pun in the Hebrewtext which the translators did not try to duplicate inEnglish, apparently for fear that they might lower thenoble gravity of their work.

Consistently they chose English words and phrasesthat would state the great scriptural narratives with dig-nified restraint. Much of the Bible is history, but neverdid they cast its sweeping themes into the dramatic and

highly-colored form of so many historical works.Milton’s magnum opus, for instance, is based onScripture, yet the reverent simplicity of the Bible’saccount of man’s “first disobedience” is in marked con-trast with Paradise Lost. This classic work is in magnifi-cent language, to be sure, but still it “labours with it,complicates it, entangling it with endless details whichare to the Scripture unimportant,” as McFee assures us.

Everywhere scenes of unparalleled drama appear inthe Bible. For example, Nathan confronts King Davidwith murder and adultery, thundering, “Thou art theman!” Even this, however, is told in direct and dignifiedlanguage rather than in the overwrought phrases of “dra-matic” presentation. There is also splendid oratory in theKJV, but it is rendered not in the stiff and ornamentalstyle of Elizabethan language (as in the “EpistleDedicatory”), but in the simple elegance of reverenttranslation. Consider the force of St. Peter’s words inActs 2, where he tells the vast throngs at Pentecost,“…[Christ] have ye taken and by wicked hands havecrucified and slain; Whom God hath raised up….“That is powerful public address, as is St. Paul’s addressbefore Agrippa in Acts 26 in the KJV.

Yet the translators always guard their language. Evenin the record of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection—certainly scenes which could be presented in excitableand melodramatic language, the KJV text employs onlythe inspired narrative expressed with dignity andrestraint. It is this profound earnestness combined withgrandeur of theme, all expressed in winsome simplicity,which caused Coleridge to remark, “After reading Isaiahor the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homer and Virgil are dis-gustingly tame, Milton himself barely tolerable.”

Thus, as we repeat, the unique literary quality of theAuthorized Version is its careful blending of simplicity of

“After reading Isaiah or the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homer and Virgilare disgustingly tame, Milton himself barely tolerable.” —Coleridge

style with dignity of expression.Simplicity and dignity—yes, eachrichly complements the other; andtogether they weave a memorabletapestry of divine truth powerfullyrendered from the Biblical lan-guages into our native tongue. For15 generations, the KJV has enduredas “the great classic” of the English-speaking world; and consideredmerely as a literary masterpiece, ithas had more influence over Englishprose, composition, and linguisticdevelopment than any other book.

Though modern-language trans-lations are now widely read andstudied, the KJV will always remaina cherished part of our spiritual andliterary heritage. Its influence is indi-visible from our history, its unsur-passed purity of expression is indeli-bly written into our literature, and itsconcepts are firmly implanted intothe fibers of our society. On earthand in heaven, we shall give thanksfor its memorable phrases, as well asfor its sacred message. If we thankGod for new efforts to render HisHoly Word into our native language,let us never forget the beauty andpower of the old which has nour-ished and shaped us since 1611.

All who love the peerlessbeauty of the Book can say ahearty “amen” (or should it be “anheartie amene”?) to that renownedliterary critic, H. L. Mencken, whoonce said this about the KingJames Version of the Holy Bible:“It is the most beautiful of all thetranslations of the Bible; indeed, itis probably the most beautifulpiece of writing in all the literatureof the world.”

This is an essay written by the edi-tor in his first year of college at the Uni-versity of Nebraska, Kearney, where itwas awarded first place in the FreshmenEssay Contest in 1961. First published inthe college English fraternity’s publica-tion, The Antler, and later in the denom-inational periodical The Free Methodist,“The Great Classic” appears here edit-ed by its author.

By Anita K. Brechbill

A PARCEL FROM THE KING

“I will sup with him and he with me” (Rev. 3:20).

Do not presume to go to your day’s labor without stopping by the King’spalace. He will surprise you with a spiritual feast. He waits expectantly

for your morning visits with Him. With what sorrow He sees you hasteningby the door of the palace on your way to some pressing duty. Somehow ithas grown late, and you have not a minute to spare. The day wears on, andyou wrestle with a problem which defies solution. The key was in a secretparcel He had prepared along with some grapes and a pomegranate torefresh you at midday, but you were too busy and hastened off without it.

Do not let the crowding cares of life rob you of that priceless, intimaterelationship with Him “in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom andknowledge.”

Anita Brechbill, Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, is editor of RopeHolders and a regular contributorto the Revivalist.

MAY 2004

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➡ (continued from page 21)

God does not separate Himselffrom you. He has paid the ultimateprice to unite personally with you. Ifyou separate from God it is becauseyou choose to trust yourself insteadof Him and to live your own way. Itis God’s good pleasure to give youthe kingdom (Lu. 12:32)! Don’t dis-appoint yourself or Him by refusingto take and to delight in the gift that

He so eagerly gives, regardless ofyour feelings. Remember that wewalk by faith.

“Mending Nets” explores God’s readiness to“mend” the breakdowns which so often marour lives. It is written by the Rev. RichardMiles, GBS Vice President for Student Affairs.Send questions to be addressed in this col-umn to [email protected]

MENDING NETS continued

JACK HOOKERVice-President

for Advancement

For more information, contact Jack Hooker, Vice-President forAdvancement, 1810 Young Street,Cincinnati, OH 45202; or call 513-721-7944 ext. 223; or [email protected] . Information isalso available at www.gbs.edu .Campaign videos in DVD or VHSformat are available uponrequest.

Since we have reached the Phase I goal, I am sure you are asking, “wheredo we go from here?” Contributions on the first two Phase II projects are

already coming in. The first is the construction of a new facilities building.This building will replace the recently demolished maintenance building (olddining hall). The new building will also house the offices of our campusadministrator and maintenance department. It will give ample room for allour equipment and vehicles. It certainly is a much-needed building. Therehas been interest among some alumni to name the next building construct-ed on our campus in memory of long-time president Rev. M.G. Standley.Several have already contributed $1,000 to this cause. Everyone that con-tributes at least $1,000 will have his or her name placed on a memorialplaque in the foyer of the new building. Please call the Advancement Officefor more information on the M.G. Standley Memorial Building.

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