We have recently returned from Bible School at Idyllwild Pines where these brethren have exhorted us to walk in faith. We were privileged to hear Brothers Peter Watkins from Wales on “Themes from Matthew’s Gospel,” John Ullman from Australia on “The Mind of David in the Psalms,” and Paul Schlicher from Pennsylvania on “The Judges.”
Each day these instructors delivered an hour packed with vital teachings on their subjects. And yet, in studying our notes we find there is a key message—a solidary bond for us to glean as we continue our pilgrimage, awaiting the Great Day of the Lord’s Appearing.
For a moment let us reflect the three apostles whose names the brothers bear. First we have the two, Peter and John, who walked with the Lord. Then we have Paul the apostle (born out of due time) sent unto the Gentiles. From the Bible records of these ‘apostles’ we also discern the message that we walk in faith.
The materials following are key phrases gathered from the instructors as they developed their themes in the week allotted them. The purpose of this student is to share with all the joys received from direct quotes taken from the class studies.
Faith & Truth
Do we make claims to be in the Truth ?—such claims must be matched with faith.
The faith is the working, acting, motivating principle. Knowledge is not it (faith).
True religion in inward parts depends on wisdom, which makes us more aware, better equipped.
Such wisdom from Bible study improves spiritually to make us fit—must realize weakness and need for God.
Total dependence on God—purpose of Truth.
“Man’s life a mere puff of wind” (Jerusalem Bible.) Spiritual man thinks in terms of spirit.
We believe through faith—our contribution.
We are raised in Christ after pattern of His resurrection. We are created in good works which are God’s works through us.
Thus faith, our own, is a vigorous unbroken link to our Father.
Exhortation
Great and true joys, immeasurable, eternal, satisfying, are found in the Scriptures which are the test for desire to learn: the Scriptures tease, challenge, and instruct.
Outward appearances are nothing. Heart is truth–that which motivates. Commandments from heart becomes part of self.
With the law on hearts, the conscience comes into play. This conscience, accusing or not, develops a sensitive heart.
When conscience ceases to condemn, God is not at work.
Do not trade on mercy of God — don’t make God’s abundant mercy excuse for doing less.
Let us beware of outward religious trappings. We must not lose sight of real source of our faith. Trafficking in religion sets Lord’s sovereignty aside. Extravagant enthusiasm is misdirected zeal.
Listen to Christ’s message to his disciples: it takes immense dedication. Beware of men. Message will make impact. Men will be hostile.
The lesson from the hypocrite. The hypocrite is the hardest of all lessons to grasp. Hypocrites are play-acting. They are sincere, they are acceptable to men, but they ignore what God thought.
One man with God on his side is always in majority.
We can have true peace–oneness in mind with God. Peace with God lifts out of environment. Being at peace makes us at grips with situation.
The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of the Lord.
Sin repudiates authority of God, removes all necessity of God.
God will blot out either the sins (through our supplication) or the man.
Therefore, contend not with idolatry. Idolatry comes in many forms. Our idols are in our hearts: married to job, to getting ahead, to selves, to things. “Sorrow on sorrow is theirs who choose some other god” (Moffatt). We must be like the Judges, seeking always to cement allegiance to the Lord.
With the Lord we have brightness of unwavering hopes: blessings already received, and blessings yet to come.
As King/Priests (future) death holds no terror for true Israelite.
We are parts of a body—members of one another.
We are a community bound by tie of blood.
Walk
With Christ we walk in newness of life, where uplifted eyes represent state of heart. Raise eyes on high, they wait patiently.
Jesus, our example, hammered at vital questions (temptations) from Scriptures. They helped Him to see things as they were. Jesus worked his life out by reference to Scripture.
Let us develop a muscular christianity —to work out what God works at. Will and power of God.
God loves them who serve him in Spirit and in truth.
God has commanded us to fulfill a purpose.
We are given talents according to our opportunities—one probationary life. God sent opportunity.
Consider the disciples, they were blundering Galilean fishermen. They were babes, teachable. Not many wise, not many noble.
Our Heavenly Father demands complete discipleship—nothing less. . . . allegiance of unconditional surrender. We are encouraged to develop the 7 characters of David as he stood in certainty of death and hope of resurrection: trusting, faithful, loving, hopeful, thoughtful, calm, and happy. The Lord chastens those whom He loves. We must be prepared for our quota of suffering. Christ led the way. Finally, let us recall that Samson had to lose his eyes in order to see. Let us also remember that we see through our chastisements. May our chastisement bring good effects.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One