Studying God’s Word, Rightly Divided November 1999 · Studying God’s Word, Rightly Divided...

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Berean SearchlightStudying God’s Word, Rightly Divided November 1999

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The TwofoldPurpose of God

By C. R. Stam

We highly recommend this par-ticular work for those who are newto the message of Grace. PastorStam effectively contrasts the twoprograms of God in relation to thedeath, burial and resurrection ofChrist.

CLOTHBOUNDGOLD STAMPED

SPECIAL PRICE: $6.00

Moses and PaulBy C. R. Stam

Those who struggle with rightlydividing the Word of truth willfind this volume most helpful.Here Pastor Stam contrasts Lawand Grace and the two revelatorswho were used of God to dispensethese truths.

CLOTHBOUNDGOLD STAMPED

SPECIAL PRICE: $6.00

November 1999 3

INSIDE THIS ISSUENovember 1999

From the Editor to You ................................................ 4

The Crown of Rejoicing ................................................ 7

Question Box ................................................................ 12

A Covenant of Blood .................................................... 13

The Second Thanksgiving Proclamation.................... 18

The Apostle of Grace .................................................... 19

The BBI Byline ............................................................. 21

Holiday Gift Set ............................................................ 22

Grace Singles Conference ............................................ 23

News and Announcements .......................................... 24

The Berean Bible Society is an organization for the promotion of Bible study by meansof newspaper series, recorded Bible lessons, and the distribution of Bible study literature.It is a non-profit organization, a work of faith supported by the gifts of Christian friends.

The Berean Searchlight is the official organ of the Berean Bible Society,and is sent free of charge to any who request it.

Editor: Paul M. Sadler

Composition and Layout: Kevin J. Sadler

Printing: Lithocolor, Westchester, IL

Questions, comments, book orders? You can reach us at:

Berean Bible SocietyN112 W17761 Mequon Road

PO Box 756Germantown, WI 53022

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The Berean Searchlight (ISSN 0005-8890), November 1999. Volume 60, Number 8. Nosubscription price. The Berean Searchlight is published monthly (except July) at no sub-scription price, by the Berean Bible Society, N112 W17761 Mequon Road, PO Box 756, Ger-mantown, WI 53022-0756. Periodicals postage paid at Germantown, WI. POSTMASTER:Send address changes to Berean Searchlight, N112 W17761 Mequon Road, PO Box 756,Germantown, WI 53022-0756.

4 Berean Searchlight

From the Editor to You:

Dearly Beloved,The response to Brother David Allen’s

narration of Things That Differ has beenfar beyond our greatest expectation. Infact, the mailroom has been inundatedwith requests. We’ve called it, the “Floodof ’99.”

Well, he’s done it again! Brother Davehas completed an audio version of yourEditor’s book, Exploring the Unsearch-able Riches of Christ. We might add, justin time for the Holidays. What a greatgift idea for a loved one or friend who maynot have time to read a book, but wouldbe more than willing to listen to the mes-

sage of grace by way of cassette tape. Dave’s booming voice and crystalclear presentation is sure to keep them riveted to the cassette player.

Once again, the possibilities for these recorded messages are end-less. In addition to being a blessing to our shut-ins, you can listen tothese tapes as you commute to and from the office, bicycling, cuttingthe grass, working out on the treadmill, traveling, vacationing, etc. Andif you miss a point you can always rewind the tape and listen again.

How’s that old saying go? “You can’t hold a good man down.” Wellwe’re happy to report that Brother Allen is presently working on TheTriumph of His Grace. Lord willing, we hope to offer it early next year.Thanks again, Dave, for volunteering your time to make these projectsa reality. —Pastor Sadler

Introductory Tape Offer

Exploring the Unsearchable Riches of ChristBy Paul M. Sadler

On Audio Cassette Tapes

Set of 4 Tapes with Album

Special Price: $12.00

THIS OFFER ENDS DECEMBER 31, 1999Orders up to $20.00, please add $2.00 for postage and handling.Orders over $20.00, please add 10% for postage and handling.


November 1999 5

From Our MailbagActs 14:27

From Wisconsin:“It’s with joy that I send this gift.

How I’d love to be able to send 100 timesas much as the enclosed. I do thankour Lord many times over for the joyHe is giving for such a small gift. I amso very thankful for the Berean messageand that He had me listen and learnabout its truth before my heart turnedaway. So many are missing out on moreof our Lord’s blessings because they willnot even give what they hear the op-portunity to enlighten their hearts.Instead they listen to other things thatturn them away from accepting themessage.”

From Ohio:“We thank each and everyone of you.

May God bless this important work.”

From Zimbabwe:“I thank God often for using the

Berean Organization in our lives. Herein our small township in southwardsRusape, many people now embracePaul’s gospel. I thank God again forrevealing the Mystery of Paul’s gospelto me and many others and the peaceit affords in these last days before theRapture. In study and learning Paul’sgospel I noticed it gives me a greatersense of stability in my Christian life.”(Those who willingly sacrifice the truthof Paul’s gospel upon the altar of com-promise should read this dear brother’swords again. Ed.)

From Colorado:“I so much enjoy the Berean Search-

light and have gotten them from mychurch in the Denver Metro area. Butthere are some months I am unable toget them and miss an article that is con-tinued. Please put me on your mailinglist for the Searchlight. I have encloseda small token of appreciation. I havemany of Pastor Stam and Sadler’s booksand also appreciate those. Throughthese men and my beloved pastor, thelate Pastor Johnson, I am learning tobe a noble Berean also. Many thanksto all of these leaders in the faith.”

GOD’S BLESSINGON BBS MINISTRIES

From Ohio:“Since your meetings here in Ashta-

bula, my stepbrother started to under-stand the Pauline doctrine more. Andsince then I have been giving him andhis wife Bible studies. It is truly a bless-ing to see someone’s eyes opened to theMystery, rightly divided. Thank you forall the Berean Bible Society does.”

From Florida:“I am sending my check for Septem-

ber early because I want to get the offeron the tapes of Things That Differ. Iagree with the Grace Message but donot feel knowledgeable enough to teachand defend it. I believe these tapes willhelp as I spend a lot of time travelingand my car has a cassette player. I amso glad all of you are there at the BereanBible Society to help keep us on theright path.” (Hang in there, confidenceis the fruit of experience! Ed.)

From California:“I am thankful beyond words for the

Word of God rightly divided. Other thanone brother in Christ who first helpedme come to a knowledge and under-standing of the Word rightly divided,the BBS is my only fellowship in thegospel of the Mystery. Thank you foryour faithful ministry…I am alsothankful for the Tape Lending Libraryand the Castrova’s ministry. The teach-ing of God as presented in your publi-cations has helped to watch and guardmy conduct to allow the mystery of god-liness to be manifested in my life.”

From Ohio:“We’ve been enjoying Pastor Sadler’s

series on the present-day obsessionwith the Anti-Christ. Thank you!

From Pennsylvania:“I hope you and everybody are doing

well, including Pastor Stam. Hope heis doing as well as he can at his age. Iam reading his book on Acts and justfinished his other book on Galatians. Ihope in the future to order a couple ofhis other commentaries.”


From Illinois:“Just a short note to let you know

how I truly enjoy the Berean Searchlight.His Word, rightly divided, has been ablessing and knowledge to me.”

From Montana:“How nice to find you again after all

these years! I used to be on your mail-ing list when you were in Chicago butlost touch with you because of my manymoves and travels due to my work. Ifound an old copy at the library on atable out front where people can bringmagazines, etc. Could you please sendme names and addresses of anyone whogets the magazine in Helena, Montanaor anywhere in western Montana(Billings west) or northern Wyoming(Sheridan area) so that I can contactthem for fellowship. And could you putme on your list to receive the BereanSearchlight here in Helena?” (This dearbrother took the American journalist,Horace Greeley’s, advice to heart, “Gowest young man, go west!” Ed.)

From Pennsylvania:“Thank you for your faithfulness in

spreading God’s Word according to theMystery. I am indeed blessed becauseI live in an area where there are sev-eral Grace churches besides the one Ibelong to. I find much joy in each newpublication and when I read it fromcover to cover, I many times find theLord has used Pastor Stam to speak tomy heart.”

From Iowa:“Enclosed please find my delayed

check for your wonderful activity of get-ting Christ’s message out to those wholove to hear it. I pray you may be ableto continue for many years. The Search-light continues to have great messagesfor us to understand and pass ontofriends who look forward to receivingthem with great joy. Our prayers willcontinue for you.”

From Ohio:“Thank you Berean Bible Society for

your faithfulness to me year-in andyear-out. Many are being blessed bythe Berean Searchlight that you sendme. They are all out in the field doingthe work.” (The Scriptures teach wewill be serving the Lord throughouteternity. See II Cor. 5:8-10. So muchfor the modern day concept that we’llbe floating around heaven on cloudsplaying harps. Ed.)

From Florida:“Please keep me on your mailing list.

I enjoy reading the Searchlight eachmonth. May God’s grace and His bless-ing be with you.”

From Iowa:“Enclosed is $.... for you to use as

needed. We thank God that throughyour work we can have a small part insending out the gospel of the grace ofGod. We enjoyed the note in the Bereanabout Pastor Stam. Glad to know he isdoing so well. I shall always remem-ber his visits to Iowa and how clear hemade things for us in the Bible. We praythat Brother Stam will enjoy goodhealth for his age. God is blessing usreal good for our age.”

From Ohio:“Just wanted to say that we have

enjoyed the Searchlight booklet formany years. We have recently starteda small Bible study at our retirementcomplex. Two families have asked ifthey might receive the Searchlightpublication.”

From Oregon:“Please accept this small token to

help others know how to divide rightlythe Word of God. I have been trulyblessed and would like to have mydaughter receive the Berean Search-light. Thank you for the wonderfulmessage, the Good News.”

“These [Bereans] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, inthat they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searchedthe Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” —Acts 17:11

November 1999 7

The Crown of RejoicingBy Paul M. Sadler

I personally believe that evan- gelists, pastors, and teachers

are gifts to the Church, for the ma-turing of the saints until we allcome to the unity of the faith. Godcalls men into the ministry. Infact, the call of God is often theonly thing that has kept those whoserve in this capacity from leavingthe ministry. While most wouldfind it difficult to tolerate the in-nuendoes, misrepresentations, andpersonal attacks, those that arecalled will normally endure thehardship for the sake of the Lord’swork. As the apostle says, “For thegifts and calling of God are with-out repentance” (Rom. 11:29).

This does not mean that a pas-tor, for example, is to establishhimself as the final authority inthe local assembly—only the Wordof God holds this honor regardingthe faith. Like those to whom heis ministering, he too is a sinnersaved by grace. However, Godhas called the pastor to providespiritual leadership for the localchurch, in cooperation with theruling elders. They are to worktogether to insure that there isunity in the assembly. Thus, theruling elders should be qualifiedand willing to teach and preachin the pastor’s absence, since theyare held to the same standard asthe pastor (I Tim. 3:1-7).

A football team may have fouror five key leaders on the team,but only one can serve as the quar-terback. He is the one who is ul-timately responsible to carry outthe game plan of the head coach.

Inasmuch as God is not the au-thor of confusion, the same prin-ciple applies to the local churchregarding the pastor. Interest-ingly, even among the PlymouthBrethren, who freely give all anopportunity to teach in their group,usually only one emerges as thechief instructor.

When problems arose over theteaching of unsound doctrine atEphesus, Paul wrote directly toTimothy, who was serving as theirpastor at the time (I Tim. 1:1-10).In the Book of Revelation, theApostle John was instructed towrite unto the angels (Gr. angelos),that is, to the messengers or thehead elders of the seven churchesin Asia. Hence, “And unto the an-gel [singular, chief elder or pastor]of the church in Smyrna write...”(Rev. 1:20 cf. 2:8). As God’s chosenvessel, he was to convey the mes-sage that he had received to theentire assembly.

A PERSONAL TESTIMONYAbout two years after I was

saved, the Lord began to call meinto the ministry. My first reac-tion was that of amazement. I re-member praying, “Lord, I am soinadequate and slow of speech.There are so many others who arefar more qualified than I’ll everbe.” But the Lord continued topress the matter. The experienceis difficult to explain, only to saythat you are consumed with thethought of entering the ministry.

Finally, after weeks of wrestlingwith the matter, the Lord spoke to


me through a godly pastor. I stillremember the tenor of his wordsto this day. “Young man, you mayfeel inadequate, but I want you toconsider this prayerfully: Whilethere are many well educated menin the Lord’s work, there are veryfew willing to stand for the truthof the gospel. Most prefer flowerybeds of ease.” With that, the Lordpinned me to the mat, as they say.One thing I was more than will-ing to do was stand for the truthof God’s Word. Nearly thirty yearslater, all I can say is, “by the graceof God I am what I am...yet not I,but the grace of God, which waswith me.”

I share these things with youfor two reasons. First, one life canmake a difference, as demonstratedin the counsel of this godly pastor—his words helped to turn my life ina different direction for the Lord.Second, the providence of God iswoven throughout the dispensa-tion of Grace, as we shall see.

THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD“But we, brethren, being taken

from you for a short time in pres-ence, not in heart, endeavored themore abundantly to see your facewith great desire. Wherefore wewould have come unto you, even IPaul, once and again; but Satanhindered us.”

—I Thes. 2:17,18

Shortly after Paul and Silashad preached Christ and Himcrucified at Thessalonica, theywere driven out when the Jewstroubled the people and the rul-ers of the city. Under the cover ofdarkness, the brethren sent Pauland Silas away to spare their lives.Since the apostle was torn from

them so soon after their conversionhe felt compelled to write: “But we,brethren, being taken from you fora short time in presence, not inheart....” The phrase, “taken fromyou,” means to be orphaned. Paulhad established a very specialbond with these believers in ashort period of time. He felt likean orphan whose family has beentaken away from him. Then tocomplicate matters even further,he had desired to return to Thes-salonica, but had been hinderedby Satan.

Paul’s response could have alsobeen prompted by rumors that hedidn’t care about them. Someonemay have implied that they weremerely another notch in the apos-tle’s evangelistic belt. But Paulassured them this was by nomeans the case. He wanted themto understand that they were al-ways close to his heart. “Where-fore we would have come unto you,even I Paul, once and again; butSatan hindered us.” Rarely doesthe apostle state, “I Paul.” In fact,each time it appears it is used forspecial emphasis. “I Paul” madeevery effort to visit you, but washindered by Satan. The apostleloved them and missed their fel-lowship in the gospel.

We have nearly lost the truesense of biblical fellowship today.It has been reduced to Christianssitting around a table having cof-fee and donuts, discussing thehome run race between SammySosa and Mark McGwire. The fel-lowship of the gospel has the ideato “share in common.”

The binding tie at Thessalonicawas Christ! So close was this bondthat Paul and those he had won

November 1999 9

to Christ longed for one another.Oh, to have the opportunity onceagain to sit around a flickeringfire and share together the gloriesof His grace. They were one inmind, and in heart, and in prayerfor each another. Perhaps the fol-lowing story will help us morefully appreciate our fellowship inthe gospel:

“In 1765 John Fawcett wascalled to pastor a very small con-gregation at Wainsgate, England.He labored there diligently forseven years, but his salary wasso meager that he and his wifecould scarcely obtain the neces-sities of life. Though the peoplewere poor, they compensated forthis lack by their faithfulness andwarm fellowship.

“Then Dr. Fawcett received acall from a much larger churchin London, and after lengthy con-sideration decided to accept theinvitation. As his few posses-sions were being placed in awagon for moving, many of hisparishioners came to say goodbye.Once again they pleaded with himto reconsider. Touched by thisgreat outpouring of love, he andhis wife began to weep. Finally,Mrs. Fawcett exclaimed, ‘O John,I just can’t bear this. They needus so badly here.’ ‘God has spo-ken to my heart too!’ he said. ‘Tell

them to unload the wagon! Wecannot break these wonderful tiesof fellowship.’

“This experience inspired Fawcettto write a hymn, ‘Blest be the tiethat binds our hearts in Christianlove! The fellowship of kindredminds is like to that above.”1

“Wherefore we would have comeunto you, even I Paul, once andagain; but Satan hindered us.”Clearly Satan was the one whohindered Paul and Silas from re-turning to Thessalonica. The word“hindered” here is a military term,which means to break up the road,thus, making it impassable. Satanis a master at altering circum-stances to hinder us in the Lord’swork. He had made the way im-passable for Paul, hoping to over-throw the faith of the saints atThessalonica in his absence. Weshould not be ignorant of his de-vices since he can also raise upfalse teachers, arouse the passionsof men against us, and may evencause sickness.

Beloved ones, here we see aclear case of the providence of Godduring the dispensation of Grace.Providence has been defined as“God’s faithful and effective careand guidance of everything whichHe has made.” In Paul’s case, theLord allowed Satan to delay him.It may have been to strengthenthe faith of these saints or to teachPaul patience. Whatever the casemay be “...it is God which workethin you both to will and to do of Hisgood pleasure” (Phil. 2:13).

While God primarily leads usthrough His Word, He can, andoften does, direct our steps by wayof circumstances and the counselof other believers. If you pause

“While God primarily leadsus through His Word,

He can, and often does,direct our steps by way

of circumstances and thecounsel of other believers.”


for a moment, you can probablylook back over the years sinceyou’ve been saved and point to anumber of circumstances whichredirected your path to the gloryof God.

Paul’s circumstances drove himto his knees in prayer that Godwould allow him the opportunityto preach Christ again at Thessa-lonica. “Night and day prayingexceedingly that we might seeyour face, and might perfect thatwhich is lacking in your faith?”(I Thes. 3:10). God graciously an-swered this request years laterwhen the apostle visited Thessal-onica on his third missionary jour-ney (Acts 20:1,2).

We have been troubled in recentyears that so many Bible teachershave virtually denied that God isworking in the lives of believerstoday. Simply because we are liv-ing in the dispensation of Gracedoes not mean that God has with-drawn His providential care. Theabove Scriptures are a testimonyagainst such a position. The Wordof God always strikes a balancebetween the sovereignty of Godand human responsibility. Thus,to emphasize one over the other isextremism. It is important, how-ever, to view both in accordancewith the revelation that was com-mitted to Paul.

TWO CROWNS“Then Pilate therefore took

Jesus, and scourged Him. and thesoldiers platted a crown of thorns,and put it on His head, and they puton Him a purple robe” (John 19:1,2).

“For what is our hope, or joy, orcrown of rejoicing? Are not even yein the presence of our Lord JesusChrist at His coming? For ye are ourglory and joy” (I Thes. 2:19,20).

Before we can fully appreciatethe crown of rejoicing spoken ofhere by Paul, we must first un-derstand the importance of thecrown of thorns, which gives it itsglory. Normally, when the Romansscourged a prisoner, it was to securethe truth. Since Pilate was alreadyconvinced that Christ was an in-nocent man, we have a new twisthere. According to Luke’s gospel,he had hoped to appease the Jewsand release Him (Luke 23:16).After the soldiers had beaten ourLord unmercifully, they placed onHis brow a crown of thorns.

These thorns look back to thefall of man. “And unto Adam Hesaid, because thou...hast eaten ofthe tree, of which I commandedthee, saying, Thou shalt not eat ofit: cursed is the ground for thy sake;in sorrow shalt thou eat of it allthe days of thy life, thorns also andthistles shall it bring forth to thee...”(Gen. 3:17,18). Through one man’sdisobedience, the first Adam, sinentered into world and death by sin.Note, after the creation is cursed,it brought forth thorns and thistles.But the second man, the Lord fromheaven, bore the curse upon Hisbrow to redeem us back to God. Hebore the crown of thorns that wemight be crowned with glory!

According to the kingdom gos-pel, the sufferings of Christ are to

“He [the Lord fromheaven] bore thecrown of thornsthat we might be

crowned with glory!”

November 1999 11

be followed by glory in the comingmillennial kingdom to be estab-lished upon the earth. But accord-ing to Paul’s gospel, the membersof the Body of Christ have beenidentified with Christ’s death thatwe might reign with Him in glory.Like the seven facets of a dia-mond, our hope is many faceted—the hope of righteousness, thehope of eternal life, the blessedhope, hope of the resurrection, thehope of salvation, the hope ofglory, and the hope of reward.

“For what is our hope, or joy, orcrown of rejoicing? Are not even yein the presence of our Lord JesusChrist at His com-ing? For ye are ourglory and joy” (I Thes.2:19,20). The saintsat Thessalonica werePaul’s hope of reward.They were his hope,and joy, and crown ofrejoicing. The word“crown” used hereby the apostle is theGr. stephanos, whichdenotes the victor’scrown, the symbol oftriumph at the Greek games. Itwas usually a garland of oak, ivy,parsley, and olive leaves woveninto a crown.2

Before an athlete could partici-pate in the Olympics at Athens,or the Isthmian games at Corinth,he first had to prove that his par-ents hailed from Greece. In otherwords, he had to be a Greek citi-zen before he could enter the com-petition. Then there were monthsand months of rigorous prepara-tion to bring the body into subjec-tion for the main event. Whoeverfinished first in their event won the

prize—a garland of olive leaves. Itwas merely a crown that eventu-ally faded in glory like the eveningsunset. Little has changed overthe years.

Incidentally, can you recall whotook the gold in the women’s speedskating event in the 1994 winterOlympics? I thought so, you can’tremember her name, and shemade history! You see, the honorthat men bestow upon one an-other is nothing more than a fad-ing glory, unlike the eternal glorywe will have with Christ. We, too,are citizens, citizens of heaven, whohave been bought with the pre-

cious blood of Christ.Therefore, we are eli-gible to contend forthe prize that is setbefore us.

The apostle under-stood, perhaps betterthan most, that theunbeliever hangs byone thin thread of hu-man existence overthe lake of fire. If heis not reached forChrist before his

death, he will perish in his sins.Although Paul knew he couldn’tsave the world, he held the torchof salvation high enough for thelost to see that he “...might by allmeans save some” (I Cor. 9:22).

God will richly reward all thosewho keep their focus on the goalthat is set before them. Conse-quently, at the Judgment Seat ofChrist, Paul’s reward and glorywill be those he has won to Christ.The Lord’s acknowledgement ofthe souls saved under the apos-tle’s ministry will be his crown ofrejoicing at that day. As you can

“...the unbelieverhangs by onethin thread of

human existenceover the

lake of fire.”


QUESTION BOX“Matthew says the Chief Priests took the money Judas cast

down in the temple and bought the ‘field of blood.’ Peter, in Actssays that Judas bought the field with the ‘reward of iniquity.’This appears to be more of a contradiction than the questionraised last month.”

When the Chief Priests refused to receive the thirty pieces ofsilver, as noted, Judas cast them to the floor and went out andhanged himself. After his departure, these religious leaderscounseled together as to what to do with the money. Since themoney was used to betray innocent blood, they determined thatit would be unlawful to put it into the temple treasury. An hon-orable thing, indeed, for men who only a few hours earlier wereguilty of conspiracy. So these unscrupulous leaders took Judas’thirty pieces of silver, “...and bought with them the potter’s field,to bury strangers in.” Thus, “...this man purchased a field withthe reward of iniquity...” (Matt. 27:3-10 cf. Acts 1:18).

—Pastor Sadler

Endnotes1. Henry. C. Bosch, Radio Bible Class,

Grand Rapids, Michigan.2. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old

and New Testament Words, W. E. Vine,Fleming H. Revell Company, page 258.

see, one life can make a difference.What an honor it will be in gloryto hear the Lord exclaim beforethe host of heaven that these arethe ones you brought to salvationthrough your testimony for Him.Oh what glory it will be!

“For what is our hope, or joy, orcrown of rejoicing? Are not evenye in the presence of our LordJesus Christ at His coming? Forye are our glory and joy.” We shouldadd that this passage clearlyteaches that there will be recog-nition in heaven. We will knowothers even as we are presentlyknown. The personal pronoun

“For the Word of God is quick, and powerful,and sharper than any two-edged sword, pierc-ing even to the dividing asunder of soul andspirit,...” (Heb. 4:12).

“ye” in this passage is a clear in-dication that Paul looked forwardto the day when he would seeeach of these saints that he hadbrought to Christ at Thessalonica.Little wonder the apostle says,“Looking for that blessed hope,and the glorious appearing of thegreat God and our Savior JesusChrist.”

November 1999 13

A Covenant of BloodPaul’s Unique “New Testament” Ministry

By Russell S. Miller

There seems to be much mis-understanding, and fear,

amongst God’s people as to whatexactly the New Covenant is allabout. Why, the New Covenant ismade with the house of Israel, andwith the house of Judah, and ittherefore has nothing whatsoeverto do with the Body of Christ.Though I’m sure we shall not beable to answer all the questionsthat our brethren in Christ mayhave on this subject, by the graceof God, we pray that this articlewill stimulate and direct yourthoughts on a most interestingand blessed study in the Paulinerevelation.

It is, of course, quite true thatthis covenant is made with Israeland Judah. However, just as theOld Covenant affects us Gentileseven now1 (Rom. 3:19,20), so theNew Covenant affects us as well.So then, it is NOT true that theNew Covenant has nothing to dowith members of the Body ofChrist when the blessings of thiscovenant are spiritual, not physi-cal, nor earthly.2 Let us also askourselves this question: What,exactly, IS this Testament whichGod calls the New Covenant inJeremiah 31:31-34?

Many have supposed that thisNew Testament was observed onthe Day of Pentecost. There isnothing in the record, however, toindicate that Pentecost is the ful-fillment of Jeremiah 31:31-34. Onthe contrary, the Apostle Peterstates in Acts 2:15-21, “This is that

which was spoken by the ProphetJoel….” In chapter 3, he names“Moses” and a passage from Deu-teronomy 18:15-19 regarding theMessianic Prophet, “Jesus Christ”(3:22). He then speaks of “all theprophets from Samuel and thosethat follow after” (Acts 3:24) inrelation to the Davidic covenant(Acts 2:25-31), and offers the returnof Christ (Acts 3:19-21), a physi-cal kingdom. Finally, “Abraham’s”name is brought to the forefront,and “the covenant which God madewith [him]” (Ver. 25), upon this lit-eral earth. But Jeremiah’s nameis NOT mentioned. If this is to bethe specific fulfillment of Jeremiah31:31-34, then where does Scrip-ture specify this? The point is thatJeremiah’s name is not mentionedhere at all, and for a very good rea-son, as we shall see.

THE BLOOD OF CHRISTPassover, a memorial of Israel’s

exodus, under God, out of Egypt,also typified Calvary (Ex. 12:1-51) and was observed like clock-work in Israel’s history down tothe very night in which Christ wasbetrayed. On the night of the lastPassover, in the very shadow ofCalvary’s Cross, Jesus Christ in-stituted the Lord’s Supper andexecuted the New Covenant:

“And He took the cup, and gavethanks, and gave it to them, saying,Drink ye all of it; For this is Myblood of the New Testament, whichis shed for many for the remissionof sins” (Matt. 26:27,28).


The New Covenant shall see itsfulfillment with the house of Israeland with the house of Judah inDavid’s future kingdom, whenChrist “shall turn away ungodli-ness from Jacob: FOR THIS ISMY COVENANT UNTO THEM,WHEN I SHALL TAKE AWAYTHEIR SINS” (Rom. 11:26,27).

In Paul’s Epistle to the Corin-thians he also declares that, “EVENCHRIST OUR PASSOVER ISSACRIFICED FOR US”, andwrites these words as to how Godwould have us “keep” it today:

“Therefore let us keep the feast,not with old leaven, neither with theleaven of malice and wickedness;but with the unleavened bread ofsincerity and truth” (I Cor. 5:6-8).

THE FINISHED WORK OFCALVARY’S CROSS

The Lord’s Supper is also a me-morial of Christ’s finished workof redemption on Calvary’s Cross.In this same letter to the Corin-thians, Paul instructs us regard-ing the observance of the Lord’stable and the manner in whichthis New Testament celebration isto be venerated:

“For I have received of the Lordthat which also I delivered untoyou, That the Lord Jesus the samenight in which He was betrayedtook bread: And when He had giventhanks, He brake it, and said, Take,eat: this is My body, which is bro-ken for you; this do in remem-brance of Me.

“After the same manner also Hetook the cup, when He had supped,saying, This cup is the New Testa-ment in My blood: this do ye, as oftas ye drink it, in remembrance ofMe.

“For as often as ye eat this bread,and drink this cup, ye do shew THE

LORD’S DEATH till He come (I Cor.11:23-26).3

These two memorial passageshave the blood of Christ in com-mon. In Matthew 26:28, we read:“This is My blood of the New Tes-tament....” While in I Corinthians11:25 the wording is: “…This cup isthe New Testament in My blood….”This surely signifies that we mustdrink of that same “cup” withthem, and they with us, if everJew or Gentile would partake ofthe blessings that His shed bloodprovides:

“BUT NOW IN CHRIST JESUSYE WHO SOMETIMES WERE FAROFF ARE MADE NIGH BY THEBLOOD OF CHRIST” (Eph. 2:13).

It is, therefore, the blood ofChrist that is common to both Is-rael’s New Covenant, and “theDispensation of the Grace of Godwhich [was] given to [Paul]” (Eph.3:2; Acts 9:5,6; I Tim. 1:15,16;Rom. 5:2). The finished work ofChrist on Calvary’s Cross, then,is, at least in part if not the whole,New Covenant. But, you protest,“Isn’t this the revelation given toPaul?” Indeed it is. No one talksabout the blood of Christ morethan the Apostle Paul does, andno one talked about it before Paul.But another protests, “Christspoke about His blood in Matthew26:28!”

Yes, but it was not “blood” theywere to drink of in that “cup” thatnight. It was “this fruit of thevine” that they partook of (Ver. 29),for He had sent His disciples to“make ready the Passover” (Matt.26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16). Did anyof them, therefore, even suspectthat He referred to Himself, for itwas “the Kingdom of Heaven” on

November 1999 15

earth that this King had beenproclaiming, not a death on aCross! Why else would Peter havedrawn his sword on that treach-erous night, if not in defense of hisMessiah (John 18:2-11)!

What exactly did the disciplesunderstand the Lord to mean inHis statement of Matthew 26:28?If they understood Him to meanHis own life’s blood they under-stood more than the prophets.But concerning our Lord’s ownwords about His coming deathand resurrection, Luke recordsthat “they understood none ofthese things: and this saying washid from them, neither knew theythe things which were spoken”(Luke 18:31-34). Again, I say,Peter drew his sword to preventthat blood from being shed! AndMatthew 26:50-56 confirms thatthe apostles did not know, nor didthey understand, about His death,burial, and resurrection, predictedby the prophets. No, they did notunderstand, and they did notpreach the Cross of Christ as the“good news” that the Apostle Paulwas later to proclaim.

“ETERNAL LIFE PROMISEDBEFORE THE WORLD

BEGAN”“In hope of eternal life, which

God, that cannot lie, promised be-fore the world began; but hath indue times manifested His wordthrough preaching, which is com-mitted unto me…” (Titus 1:2,3).

If “eternal life”, which is boundup in the shed blood of our LordJesus Christ, was “promised beforethe world began”, and the preach-ing of which is only “manifested”through the “Mystery” committed

to Paul, but “kept secret since theworld began”; then what explana-tion is there for the fact that theprophets predicted the “death,”“burial,” and “resurrection” of JesusChrist? The point here is that therevelation was not revealed untothem. It was not “made known”until God raised up Paul, and senthim forth with “the preaching ofthe Cross” (I Cor. 1:18).

“Now to Him that is of power tostablish you according to my gospel,and the preaching of Jesus Christ,ACCORDING TO THE REVELA-TION OF THE MYSTERY, which waskept secret since the world began,

“But now is made manifest, ANDBY THE SCRIPTURES OF THEPROPHETS, according to the com-mandment of the everlasting God,made known to all nations for theobedience of faith” (Rom. 16:25,26).

Though “Christ died for our sins,according to the Scriptures…wasburied…and rose again the thirdday, according to the Scriptures,”the prophets did not perceive,much less understand, even as theApostle Peter4 declares in his firstEpistle:

“Of which salvation the proph-ets have inquired and searcheddiligently....Searching what, orwhat manner of time…when [theSpirit] testified [of] the sufferingsof Christ…UNTO WHOM IT WASREVEALED, THAT NOT UNTOTHEMSELVES, BUT UNTO US theydid minister…” (I Pet. 1:10-12).

They could not figure it out. “ITWAS NOT REVEALED UNTOTHEM.” Though Isaiah 53 is asclear as a bell to us, the light wasvery dim for them; neverthelessHis death on Calvary was “ac-cording to the Scriptures.” We notonly preach “the [GOSPEL] of the


Mystery” (Eph. 3:9) regarding ourfellowship in the Body, but we alsopreach “the Mystery of the GOS-PEL” (Eph. 6:19) which is the shedblood of Christ, wherein God savesbelieving sinners (Rom. 3:25,26).Now we can look back at all thosetypes and shadows, and see thatGod had it in mind all the while.In the Lord Jesus Christ Himself,and none other, are hid all theblessings of God, and not even thedevil figured it out.

“Howbeit we speak…the wisdomof God in a Mystery, even the hid-den wisdom, which God ordainedbefore the world unto our glory:

“Which none of the princes of thisworld knew: for had they known it,they would not have crucified theLord of glory” (I Cor. 2:6-8).

God had indeed “promised [eter-nal life] before the world began,”but it was only “in due time [thatHis Word was] manifested” throughPaul’s gospel (Titus 1:2,3). So “thepreaching of Jesus Christ accord-ing to the revelation of the Mystery”(Rom. 16:25) not only encompassesJew and Gentile, “reconciled untoGod in one Body by the Cross”(Eph. 2:14-18), but also “the bloodof Christ” in the Apostle’s minis-try to all5 nations:

“And for this cause He is theMediator of the New Testament,that by means of death, for the re-demption of the transgressionsthat were under the first Testament,they which are called might receivethe promise of eternal inheritance”(Heb. 9:11-15).6

A COVENANT OF GRACEThat same “blood”, then, that

was shed on Calvary’s Cross forus, “who were far off” (Eph. 2:13),was also shed for “them that were

nigh” (Eph. 2:17). Therefore, wherethe blood of Christ is concerned,the New Testament has a greatdeal to do with us today as mem-bers of the Body of Christ, for wehave received by grace what Israelshall receive by covenant, whenthose two houses “shall look uponHim whom they have pierced”(Zech. 12:10; Rev. 1:7).

The Apostle Paul does not saythat the New Covenant is fulfilledin the Church, nor do we say that,but he does say that, by grace, weare partakers of those spiritualblessings, for it is a covenant ofgrace, based on “the blood ofChrist.” We do insist, however, that“the Dispensation of the Grace ofGod” had its historical beginningwith Paul on the road to Damascus(Eph. 3:2; Acts 9:5,6; I Tim. 1:15,16).Consequently, in addition to ev-erything else that “this Mysteryamong the Gentiles” involves, andcontrasting the old with the new,the Apostle Paul declares:

“[God] also hath made us ableministers of the New Testament;not of the letter [of the law], but ofthe spirit: for the letter killeth, butthe Spirit giveth life” (II Cor. 3:6).

The blessings of the New Cov-enant are all spiritual; as such weare partakers of these spiritualblessings of Calvary with Israel,and they with us (Heb. 11:40). Isthe “righteousness of the Law” not“fulfilled in us” (Rom. 8:1-4)? Arewe not His “sons and daughters,saith the Lord Almighty” (II Cor.6:17,18)? And most assuredly

“…WE HAVE REDEMPTIONTHROUGH HIS BLOOD, THE FOR-GIVENESS OF SINS, ACCORDINGTO THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE”(Eph. 1:7).7

November 1999 17

The New Testament, then, ISthe blood shed on Calvary, notonly for our sins, but for Israel’sas well. Indeed, for the sins of thewhole world. This is why “Godwas in Christ” at Calvary, “REC-ONCILING THE WORLD UNTOHIMSELF, not imputing theirtrespasses unto them; and hathcommitted unto us THE WORDOF RECONCILIATION” (II Cor.5:19).

“Now then we are ambassadorsfor Christ, as though God did be-seech you by us: WE PRAY YOU INCHRIST’S STEAD, be ye reconciledto God.

“For He hath made Him to be sinfor us, [Christ] who knew no sin;that we might be made the righ-teousness of God in Him” (II Cor.5:20,21).

And thus the Apostle Paul, inaddition to being “a minister, ac-cording to the gift of the grace ofGod” and the “effectual workingof His power” (Eph. 3:7; Col. 1:25)is also “AN ABLE MINISTER OFTHE NEW TESTAMENT” (II Cor.3:6).

“Now the God of peace, thatbrought again from the dead ourLord Jesus, that great Shepherdof the sheep, THROUGH THEBLOOD OF THE EVERLASTINGCOVENANT,

“Make you perfect in every goodwork to do His will, working in youthat which is wellpleasing in Hissight, through Jesus Christ: towhom be glory for ever and ever.Amen” (Heb. 13:20,21).

An “eternal covenant” is the ren-dering in the Greek, because, now,there is no one, in heaven or earth,“who can lay anything to thecharge of God’s elect” (Rom. 8:33).When Satan “accuses” the breth-ren (Rev. 12:10,11), it is “the blood

of Christ” that stands between usand the thrice “holy” God. “WHENI SEE THE BLOOD, I WILL PASSOVER YOU” are His words inExodus 12:13. And praise God,His righteous judgment uponman’s sin “passed over” every be-liever in the Lord Jesus Christwhen “He was made sin for us” atCalvary. Thus the extreme impor-tance of trusting the Lord JesusChrist as your Saviour:

“BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUSCHRIST, AND THOU SHALT BESAVED…” (Acts 16:31).

“Who is he that condemneth? Itis Christ that died, yea rather, thatis risen again, who is even at theright hand of God, who also makethintercession for us” (Rom. 8:34).

How shall we praise God ad-equately except in the very wordsof Scripture itself:

“O the depth of the riches both ofthe wisdom and knowledge of God!How unsearchable are His judg-ments, and His ways past findingout! For who hath known the mindof the Lord? Or who hath been Hiscounsellor? Or who hath first givento Him, and it shall be recompensedunto him again? For of Him, andthrough Him, and to Him, are allthings: to whom be glory for ever.Amen” (Rom. 11:33-36).

Endnotes1. The judicial system of the United

States is based upon the Law of Moses,though the present trends seek to eliminateevery semblance of God from governmentand society.

2. It therefore becomes necessary thatwe also ask these same questions regardingthe New Covenant, “Has God not written Hislaw upon our hearts? Is it not our desire toobey Him? Do we not ‘know the Lord’? IsHe not our God? Are we not His people? HasHe not forgiven our iniquities? Does He re-member our sins against us?” (See ThingsThat Differ by C. R. Stam, page 270).


3. See also Verse 27, “Wherefore who-soever shall eat this bread, and drink thiscup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guiltyof the body and blood of the Lord.”

4. See also II Peter 3:15-18 where theApostle of the Circumcision yields his en-tire congregation and ministry over to theApostle of Grace.

5. In Romans 11:13 Paul declares theauthority by which he proclaimed the Wordof God: “For I speak to you Gentiles, inas-much as I am the Apostle of the Gentiles, Imagnify mine office.” Israel had also be-come an apostate nation, and would belumped with other Gentiles (Gal. 1:13,14;Acts 21:30).

6. We have an Intercessor at the Father’sright hand: “For Christ is not entered into

the Holy Places made with hands, which arethe figures of the true; but into heaven itself,now to appear in the presence of God forus” (Heb. 9:24).

7. The Law condemned the guilty.Christ’s shed blood provides eternal life toall that believe. If you reject the Lord JesusChrist, our only Saviour, nothing remainsbut eternal death. Believe on the Lord JesusChrist, and be saved today. The unbelievingin Israel shall make a “covenant with death”(Isa. 28:15,18) in the future Tribulation pe-riod. Much as the massacre at ColumbineHigh School in Littleton, Colorado was noth-ing more than a covenant with death thattwo high school boys had made with Satanto celebrate Adolf Hitler’s massacre of 6 mil-lion Jews in WWII.

THE SECOND THANKSGIVINGPROCLAMATION

George Washington

“WHEREAS, it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge theprovidence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful forHis benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.

“WHEREAS, both the houses of Congress have, by theirjoint committee, requested me to recommend to the peopleof the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer,to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the manyand signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording theman opportunity peaceably to establish a form of governmentfor their safety and happiness.”

While everyday should be a day of thankfulness for thosewho are in Christ, here in America the Thanksgiving Seasongives us an opportunity to gather together with family andfriends to thank God that “Freedom’s Light” still shines brightly.Although God isn’t channeling His blessing through any par-ticular nation today, it can certainly be said that He has blessedAmerica beyond measure. The glory of our country has fadedsomewhat, but thankfully the light of the gospel still shinesforth through us to a lost and dying world.

—Pastor Sadler

November 1999 19

The Apostle of GraceBy Cornelius R. Stam

PAUL’S SUFFERINGSLet’s consider for a moment a

feature in which Paul is to be dis-tinguished from all his predeces-sors: his sufferings.

It is recognized that no merehuman sufferings are to be com-pared with the sufferings of ourLord and Savior Jesus Christ. Hebore the judgment that would havesunk a world to hell. But amongmortal men in God’s service nonesuffered more than Paul.

Once more we have at least aninspired intimation of this in therecord of our Lord’s own wordsregarding Saul:

“...I will show him how greatthings he must suffer for My name’ssake” (Acts 9:16).

But again, this fact is moreamply confirmed by a comparisonof the record of Paul’s sufferingswith that of the sufferings of allhis predecessors.

How can we begin to cite all hewent through from his escape overthe Damascus wall (Acts 9:23-25)to those hours of waiting in theRoman prison for his execution asa criminal (II Tim. 4:6)? Suffice itto say that even by the time hehad written two of his earlier epis-tles, those to the Corinthians, hehad already surpassed others inthe persecutions and sufferingsborne for Christ. Writing to theCorinthians he says of himselfand his associates:

“...we are made a spectacle untothe world...to angels, and to men.

“We are fools for Christ’s sake...we are weak...we are despised.”

“Even unto this present hour weboth hunger, and thirst, and arenaked, and are buffeted, and haveno certain dwelling place;

“And labor, working with ourown hands: being reviled, we bless;being persecuted, we suffer it:

“Being defamed, we entreat: weare made as the filth of the world,and are the offscouring of all thingsunto this day” (I Cor. 4:9-13).

That this “we” refers mostly tohimself is clear from the long listgiven in his next letter (II Cor.11:23-33) of all the sufferings hehad personally borne up until thattime. That list is always read toohurriedly. A bit of meditationupon the details: the scourgings,the beatings, the stoning, the ship-wrecks, the wearisome journeys,the perils from floods, robbers,Jews, Gentiles; the perils in thecity, in the desert, in the sea, amongfalse brethren; the fatigue, thepain, the watchings, the hunger,the cold, the nakedness, and then“the care of all the churches”—a bitof meditation on these particulardetails in his life of persecutionand suffering will soon explainwhy he cries out:

“Are they ministers of Christ (Ispeak as a fool) I am more; in laborsmore abundant, in stripes abovemeasure, in prisons more frequent,in deaths oft....Who is weak, and Iam not weak? Who is offended, andI burn not?” (II Cor. 11:23,29).

This view alone would, of course,be one-sided, but to show thebrighter side of the apostle’s suf-ferings we must first learn why hesuffered all this.


It must be remembered that hehad led Israel and the world inrebellion against the Son of God.As the flaming leader of the re-bellion, he had “made havock ofthe church”1 (Acts 8:3), had “per-secuted” it “beyond measure” and“laid it waste” (Gal. 1:13) untilhis hands dripped with the bloodof martyrs.

In this he but represented theworld’s attitude toward Christ; butwhen the world was ripe for theprophesied judgment, God inter-vened, saving Saul and sendinghim forth to offer reconciliationto His enemies by grace throughfaith.

In the nature of the case, Saul,as an ambassador of grace amongenemy aliens,2 would now have tobear the same sufferings which hehad inflicted upon others. This con-stant suffering which Paul bore,however, was in a real sense thesufferings of Christ, the continuedexpression of the world’s enmityagainst God’s Son. This explainsan otherwise difficult passage inhis letter to the Colossians:

“[I] now rejoice in my sufferingsfor you, and fill up that which isbehind [which remains] of the afflic-tions of Christ in my flesh for His

body’s sake, which is the church”(Col. 1:24).

Such sufferings are sweet! Lit-tle wonder he rejoiced in them asthey brought him into closest fel-lowship with the rejected ChristHimself. Little wonder it was hisdeep desire:

“That I may know Him, and thepower of His resurrection, and thefellowship of His sufferings, beingmade conformable unto His death”(Phil. 3:10).

Thus, even in his sufferings,Paul stands out as the apostle ofGod’s grace, chosen to proclaimthe love of the rejected Christ to aworld of sinners.

It is only as we recognize theseScriptural distinctions betweenPaul and all his predecessors thatwe will be enabled to proclaim thegospel of grace with real clarityand power. It is only in this waythat we can become workmen ap-proved of God, not needing to beashamed.

Endnotes1. The Pentecostal Church, not the

Church of this present dispensation.2. See the writer’s booklet: “Ambassadors

for Christ.”

STAND FOR IT NOW!If the Lord tarries, the truth of “the mystery” may some day—

perhaps soon—receive as wide acceptance among believers as thetruth of the Lord’s return for His own has received in the past fewdecades. But it will take little courage, and gain little reward, tostand for it then. We call upon all who believe this precious truth,therefore, to stand for it now.

“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong”(I Cor. 16:13).

—C. R. Stam

November 1999 21

Kevin Heyle is in his second year of study at BBI in preparation for thework of the ministry. He was raised on a farm near Bethany, Missouri andis a recent graduate of Northwest Missouri State University.

Necessity of TheologyBy Kevin T. Heyle

THE BBI B YLINE

Theology is necessary for agreater understanding of our po-sition in God’s program and plan.It is never to be a substitute forScripture but must be derivedfrom Scripture, the only source oftrue doctrine. Since Scripture is“God-breathed” it is unchangingand infallible (I Cor. 2:9-13; II Tim.3:16). Our challenge is to come toa fuller knowledge and under-standing of the teachings of Scrip-ture, appropriating them into ourdaily lives.

God has placed into our handsHis complete written word (Col.1:25). He has given it to us in aform of building materials withthe instructions included. It is ourresponsibility to assemble andconstruct in accordance to the in-structions given. If we do not readthe instructions in the proper or-der or we do not understand them,then the “building” will not be inaccordance to God’s perfect plan(I Cor. 3:10-15). It is necessary todiligently study God’s Word, apply-ing what we have learned to sortthe materials into their properorder, then put together the prin-ciples described (II Tim. 2:15) inorder to have a “building” that isglorifying to God. A proper under-standing of the Scriptures enablesus to see the greatness in God’sredemptive plan for man.

If the Scriptures are looked atas originating from man and weare left to derive our own conclu-sions based upon our precon-ceived ideas, then God and life willbe deemed meaningless. Unfor-tunately, many have embracedand propagated this view. Theresults of its permeation intoour society are evident (see Rom.1:21-32).

Without the Scriptures man isleft wanting for answers and so-lutions to his problems. Many tryto find the peace that they arelooking for in pagan religions, inmodern psychology, in themselves,and in various other sources, buteach time they are led astray, notbeing satisfied. God offers ustrue hope and peace through theScriptures. By studying the doc-trines within we are better ableto appropriate the grace, peaceand mercy that God has freelygiven to us. The Scriptures evenencourage us to study so that wemay find the truths that Godhas for us (I Tim. 4:13-16; II Tim.2:15).

Ignorance before God is not anexcuse. The Scriptures were givenfor our learning and we are tostudy the doctrines of Scripture,allowing them to work in ourhearts so that our actions becomeconsistent with God’s will.


HOLIDAY GIFT SET

Things that DifferThe Fundamentals of Dispensationalism

By C. R. Stam

The Gift Set Includes:

1 Hardcover Book

Clothbound Gold Stamped 292 Pages

and

5 Audio Cassette Tapes with Album


This is a great gift idea for a friend or loved one who has yetto see the Mystery!

(No Substitutions)

THIS OFFER ENDS NOVEMBER 30, 1999Please enclose 10% to help us with postage and handling. Thank You!


Audio Cassette TapesNarrated By:Mr. David Allen

November 1999 23

Special Event

December 29, 1999 - January 2, 2000

This is a 5-day opportunity forsingle Grace believers, age 18 andolder, to come together to hear goodBible-based messages on subjectspertinent to their needs.

Guest Speakers:Pastor Ricky Kurth

Hal Bekemeyer, Bible TeacherPastor John Fredericksen

Special Activities:Volleyball

Miniature GolfBowling

Trip to Daytona Beach

For a brochure and schedule ofevents, please contact: Pastor JohnFredericksen, 142 N. Highland Ave.,Winter Garden, FL 32787-2738 orphone (407) 877-3422.

We would like to encourage our Grace singles to makeevery effort to attend this special event. It’s a great

way to meet others of like-precious faith.

TO LOVED ONES LEFT BEHINDThis is not death, it’s glory. This is not death, it’s life!

This is the end of waiting, of darkness, pain, and strife.

This is release, ecstatic, eternal, boundless, sure,

Salvation’s sweet fulfillment, unending, priceless, pure.

Earth’s shadows gone forever, God’s nearness, peace and love

Are now my constant portion up here in heav’n above.

—Cornelius Vanderbreggen, Jr.


*The picture of the lighthouse that appears on the front cover was takenby Lindy Root. She is the niece of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Martin of Kalamazoo,Michigan. The lighthouse is located in Marquette, Michigan.

NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

A PIONEER SPIRIT: Mr. & Mrs. Steve Gardner would like to know ifthere are other Grace believers who may share their vision of establishinga Grace Fellowship in Virginia Beach. If you are interested, please con-tact: Mr. & Mrs. Steve Gardner at 1032 Radcliff Landing, Virginia Beach,Virginia 23464 or phone (757) 467-2838. May God richly bless these dearfolks for their willingness to become involved in the Lord’s work.

RETRACTION: It has been brought to our attention that the quote byJanet Reno, which appeared in the October issue, was a hoax. Apparentlyour sources were also misled; therefore, we extend our sincere apologyfor any inconvenience this may have caused.

LAST NOTICE: As we prepare to celebrate our Sixtieth Anniversarynext year, we need your assistance. Perhaps you have an interesting storyor snapshot you would like to share with us for our upcoming anniversaryedition. Be sure to send along as many details as possible, including thecorrect spelling of names and places. If you plan to send photographs, maywe request that only copies of the original be forwarded. Please send allreplies here to BBS—Attention: David Havard . Thanks in advance!

REMEMBER when calling the Berean Bible Society that our newarea code is (262):

Berean Bible Society Main Office: (262) 255-4750Berean Bible Society Fax Number: (262) 255-4195Berean Bible Institute Main Office: (262) 255-4094

The office hours of BBS and BBI are Monday through Friday—9:00 a.m.to 6:00 p.m. , Central Standard Time.

THE REAL CHRISTMAS STORY contains a wealth of historical andbiblical knowledge. Our dear Brother Paul Pontis does the reader a realservice as he effectively challenges commonly held traditions surroundingthe birth of Christ. Besides being enjoyable to read, this work is also avaluable reference guide.

This publication should be ordered directly from Brother Pontis at 3020Brixton Dr. East, Springfield, Ohio 45503. Please do not send your orderto the Berean Bible Society. The Real Christmas Story is a paperbackbook containing 121 pages—Price: $6.00 , which includes postage andhandling!

November 1999 25

PRICE LISTBIBLE STUDY BOOKS BY CORNELIUS R. STAM—FOUNDER

(Clothbound—Gold Stamped) QuantityActs, (Commentary) Volumes I & II ................................................... $18.00_______Acts, (Commentary) Volumes III & IV (w/Bible Index) ...................... 18.00_______Author’s Choice, The .............................................................................. 9.00_______Baptism and the Bible ........................................................................... 8.00_______I Corinthians (Commentary) ................................................................. 10.00_______II Corinthians (Commentary) ............................................................... 10.00_______Divine Election and Human Responsibility ........................................ 8.00_______Galatians (Commentary) ....................................................................... 12.00_______Hebrews, Who Wrote It and Why? ........................................................ 8.00_______Lord’s Supper and the Bible, The ......................................................... 7.00_______Man, His Nature and Destiny ............................................................... 10.00_______Moses and Paul (w/Bible Index) .... Special ‘til November 30: $6.00 .... 7.00_______Our Great Commission (w/Bible Index) ............................................... 8.00_______Pastoral Epistles (Commentary) ........................................................... 10.00_______Paul, His Apostleship & Message ... Special ‘til November 30: $8.00 ... 9.00_______Romans (Commentary) .......................................................................... 10.00_______Satan In Derision ................................................................................... 9.00_______Sermon on the Mount, The .................................................................... 8.00_______Suggestions for Young Pastors .............................................................. 8.00_______I & II Thessalonians (Commentary) ..................................................... 9.00_______Things That Differ (w/Bible Index) ....................................................... 9.00_______True Spirituality (w/Bible Index) ......................................................... 9.00_______Two-Fold Purpose of God, The .... Special ‘til November 30: $6.00 ..... 7.00_______Two Minutes With the Bible ................................................................. 10.00_______50th Anniversary Memorial .................................................................. Free_______

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WRITINGS BY PAUL M. SADLER—PRESIDENT(Clothbound—Gold Stamped)

Exploring the Unsearchable Riches of Christ (w/Bible Index) ........ $10.00_______Triumph of His Grace, The (w/Bible Index) ....................................... 11.00_______Are You Secure? (Booklet) ................................................................... 1.00_______Historical Beginning of the Church, The (Booklet) ........................... 3.00_______Institution of Marriage, The (Booklet) ............................................... 4.00_______Trials and Temptations (Booklet) ....................................................... 2.00_______Water Rite, The (Booklet) .................................................................... 1.00_______

SPECIAL OFFERSAll 25 Clothbound Books by C. R. Stam,

Plus “The Present Peril,” “No Other Doctrine,”and “Exploring the Unsearchable Riches of Christ” .................. $175.00_______

Set of Current Booklets by C. R. Stam ............................................. 35.00_______Set by C. R. Stam (Books and Booklets) ........................................... 210.00_______Set on Acts by C. R. Stam (w/Bible Index) ....................................... 30.00_______


BIBLE STUDY BOOKLETS BY CORNELIUS R. STAMAbiding Trinity ....................................................................................... $0.50_______Ambassadors for Christ ......................................................................... .50_______Ant and the Raven, The ......................................................................... .50_______Charismatic Movement, The ................................................................. .50_______Courage for the Conflict ........................................................................ .50_______Faith of Christ, The ................................................................................ .50_______Fulfillment .............................................................................................. .50_______Hope for the Bereaved ........................................................................... .50_______Lord’s Prayer, The .................................................................................. .50_______Love of Christ, The ................................................................................. .50_______Methuselah and Paul ............................................................................. .50_______Now is the Time ..................................................................................... .50_______Our Oneness in Christ ........................................................................... .50_______Panoramic View of the Program of God, A ........................................... .50_______Pentecostal Signs Being Restored?, Are the ........................................ .50_______Rapture of the Church, The ................................................................... .50_______Rome’s Greatest Blunder ....................................................................... .50_______Simple As Can Be .......... (Spanish Translation also available) ......... .50_______Sonship .................................................................................................... .50_______Standing, Walking and Running With Paul ......................................... .50_______Truth Aflame .......................................................................................... .50_______Unanswered Prayer ........ (Spanish Translation also available) ........ .50_______Unpardonable Sin, The .......................................................................... .50_______When the Lord Became Angry .............................................................. .50_______Why Was Christ Baptized? .................................................................... .50_______Will There Be Tears In Heaven? ........................................................... .50_______Answer to Catholicism, The .................................................................. 1.00_______Apostolic Authority of the Twelve, The ................................................ 1.00_______Believer’s Walk, The ............................................................................... 1.00_______Dimensions of the Mystery, The ............................................................ 1.00_______Early Ministry of Paul, The ................................................................... 1.00_______God and Man .......................................................................................... 1.00_______God’s Plan of Salvation Made Plain ..................................................... 1.00_______Knowledge of the Mystery, The ............................................................. 1.00_______Logic of the Plan of Salvation, The ....................................................... 1.00_______Lord’s Supper, The .................................................................................. 1.00_______New Evangelicalism, The ...................................................................... 1.00_______Paradoxes and Puzzles .......................................................................... 1.00_______Paul the Masterbuilder.......................................................................... 1.00_______Power of God versus The Power of the Occult, The ............................. 1.00_______Preaching of the Cross, The ................................................................... 1.00_______Saul the Sinner and Paul the Boaster .................................................. 1.00_______Seven Times a Failure ........................................................................... 1.00_______That Blessed Hope ................................................................................. 1.00_______This is That ............................................................................................. 1.00_______Water Baptism ....................................................................................... 1.00_______We Know a Secret .................................................................................. 1.00_______Writings of John ..................................................................................... 2.00_______Your Faith In God’s Word ...................................................................... 2.00_______

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Studying God’s Word, Rightly Divided November 1999 · Studying God’s Word, Rightly Divided...

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