Timothy

THE CONFESSION OF FAITH ARTICLE IV

CANONICAL BOOKS OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES

(continued)

In this article we hope to conclude our discussion of the individual books of the Bible.

THE GENERAL EPISTLE OF JAMES: The author does not entitle himself an apostle, but a servant (a slave) of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle James could not have been the author, as he was beheaded in the year 44, but it is James, the brother of the Lord Jesus. During the life of Christ he was not a follower of Him, but the Lord had inclined his heart, possibly at the time of His death on the cross. The Lord Jesus appeared unto him soon afterwards (see I Corinthians 15:7) and then he must have been converted, because, after His resurrection, the Lord Jesus appeared only to His people. Thereafter he was well-known in the Christian church of Jerusalem. In his epistle James emphasizes the necessity that our faith must be visible in our works.

THE TWO EPISTLES OF PETER: The first epistle was written in Babylon, probably in the year 64, when heavy persecutions of the Christians had begun.

Peter encourages and comforts them in their struggles for the name of Christ. He points out that everything which happens to them, the Lord had previously experienced.

The second epistle was written a year later from Rome. Peter expected to die very soon, and he exhorts to a godly life and warns of the coming of false teachers and mockers. The first epistle was more to strengthen in the battle against those without, the second more against the enemies from within.

THE THREE EPISTLES OF JOHN: Some call the first epistle a sermon about Christianity. John noticed that some of the Christians followed gnosticism, which teaches that matter is evil and that emancipation comes through gnosis. Among them faith wealened, the love waxed cold and the world became the most important thing. John arouses them to return to God’s institutions.

The second epistle was written to a woman, whose children John had met, and this was the reason for writing her. At the same time he encourages her to walk in love, he warns against gnosticism, and he praises the service of God.

The third epistle is addressed to Gaius, a well-known member of the church. John was glad to have heard about his faithfulness. He warns against Diotrephes and recommends Demetrius.

THE EPISTLE OF JUDE: Jude was probably the leader in Jerusalem after the death of his brother James. In his epistle he warned against the false doctrines that had been brought into their midst. He describeds the character of the seducers and God’s judgment over them, warning the Christians not to listen to them and exhorting them to fight the good fight of faith.

THE REVELATION OF ST. JOHN: This epistle was written by the apostle John, who was on the isle of Patmos for the Name of the Lord. He was discouraged because the enemy was trying to destroy the church and he was in exile on this island and not at all useful. But the Lord appeared unto him and promised to take care of the church, saying, I am Alpha and Omega. In a prophetical prospect the Lord revealed to him the future of the church and also the end of the world. There is much that can be written about this book; even about the numbers mentioned in this book many different explanations have been given. It is not our intention to say much of this now. However, we must remember that the numbers in Revelation have a symbolical meaning; they must not be taken literally.

Another problem is that many take this book as the history of the church, with a series of events mentioned in the order they will take place. In this way they arrive at a period of time at the end of the world of one thousand years of peace, or, as it is called, the millenium. This is a misinterpretation. The history or experience of the church is here explained in several different ways and viewpoints. Then what about the millenium? That began after Ascension Day. The Lord did not promise the church a thousand years, but eternal joy in heaven.

And so we have given a short review of the Bible books and the circumstances under which they were written, their authors, and the purpose why they were written. I have said before that is is such a great blessing that we may have the Word of God, — but, boys and girls, never forget that this is not enough. If it is not applied to our hearts, it will not profit us at all, but testify against us!

Of this the Lord Jesus has also spoken in the parable of the sower. The seed fell in four different places. Did you ever ask yourselves where that seed of the Word has fallen to the present time in your life? Must it be said that the fowls of the air have always devoured it? That you went to church, but that is all? That there was no real hunger for that Word? That it was more a burden to you than a blessing? That before you went to church, you were already filled with other things, so that you did not hear much or anything at all of the sermon which was preached or read? To live under the Word is a great responsibility, especially when we remain indifferent under it.

There are not only those who are indifferent, but also people who are easily moved. The Lord portrayed this by the seed which fell upon a rock. That seed grew very fast, but had no depth of earth and withered away when the ground became too dry. This points to those who are moved by the Word - there comes a change in their life - but no renewal, which is so necessary. Impressions of the Word are a blessing, but temporal faith generally does not last long, and when persecutions come, they return to their former life.

There are also church-goers, who are really impressed by the Word, but when the Sunday is past, they are full of worldly things again. Their families, their studies, and their businesses fill their whole mind. There is an impression of what is necessary to know in order to live and die happily, but the world overcomes time and again. We cannot serve God and the mammon. Young people, may we take it to heart and ask the Lord to keep us so that we don’t set our hearts upon the temporal things.

God’s children are really blessed. The seed of the Word falls in a well-prepared earth. Our hearts must be prepared because, since we left the Lord, they became as a rock, a desert, where nothing can grow. The Lord brings that Word into our hearts and makes it fruitful. Those are incorporated into the covenant of grace in regeneration. What the Lord requires, He also gives to His people, namely, faith. The Lord remains faithful to them, and they may ask all that they need for time and eternity. I hope that many of the readers may become partakers of these benefits which are promised in the Covenant of Grace, to the glory of His Name but also to the salvation of our souls.

Rev. A.M. Den Boer

Norwich

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

In the month of March our churches usually have their annual Prayer Day services, and therefore I thought it would be good to have a quiz about prayer. There are many examples in the Bible to show that the Lord is a prayer-giving, a prayer-hearing, and a prayer-answering God. What a great blessing it is if we may learn to know our needs and that it is alone from God that all blessings flow. And it is a greater blessing if we may learn this when we are young.

But how can we learn this? Is it taught us by parents, by teachers, by ministers? No, it must be taught us by the Holy Spirit. The difference can be seen so clearly in the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican — the Pharisee had no needs, the Publican needed the mercy of God, but was not worthy of it. We hope that you and I may be taught by the Holy Spirit just as the Publican was taught, for his prayer was heard by the Lord in heaven.

The first letters of the quiz will spell out the request of the disciples of the Lord Jesus. It is a prayer suitable for all of us.

When in the belly of the fish, Jonah prayed unto the ____________ his God.

The Lord Jesus spoke the parable of the widow and the unjust judge to teach that men______ always to pray and not to faint.

The prayer of the thief on the cross was, “Lord, ____________ me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom”.

Abraham, in addressing the Lord, said, “Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but______ and ashes.

In the prayer the Lord Jesus taught His disciples was the petition,”And lead us not into ____________, but deliver us from evil.”

Who was watching her as Hannah prayed in the temple, and he thought that she had been drinking wine?

Nehemiah prayed to the Lord, “Let Thine ear now be and Thine eyes open, that Thou mayest hear the prayer of Thy servant.”

To whom did an angel say, “Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God, and now send men to Joppa and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter”?

Seeing the multitudes the Lord Jesus said to His disciples, “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the_____________, that He will send forth labourers in His __________.

In the sermon on the mount the Lord Jesus told His disciples, “Pray for them which despite-fully ____________ you”.

The prayer of the Publican was, “God be merciful to me a

When told that he was to die, Hezekiah ____________his face to the wall and prayed unto the Lord.

Of Daniel we read that, his windows being____________. in his chamber towards Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed.

When the Lord Jesus was asleep in the ship during the storm, His disciples came to Him, saying, “Lord, save us; we __________.”

Who came to the door when Peter knocked at the house of Mary, where many were gathered together praying? Whom did the Lord instruct to go to the house of Judas in the street called Straight to enquire for Saul of Tarsus, of whom he said, “For, behold, he prayeth”?

In the garden of Gethsemane the Lord Jesus said to His disciples, “Sit ye here, while I go and pray_________.”

(Send your answers to Garret J. Moerdyk, 5211 Woodmont, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001.)

Answers to the February quiz are as follows:

“This Is The Finger Of God” Exodus 8:19

Tabitha - Acts 9:40

Heaven - Exodus 16:4

Iron - II Kings 6:4–6

Serpent - Exodus 4:2–3

Infirmity - John 5:2–9

Salt - Genesis 19:26

Ten - Luke 17:12–14

Harm - Acts 28:3–5

Eutychus - Acts 20:9–12

Fire - Daniel 3:25

Issue - Luke 8:43–48

Not - Exodus 3:2

God - Genesis 1:3

Enemies - Joshua 10:12–13

Ravens - I Kings 17:6

Oil - I Kings 17:10–16

Fish - Jonah 1:17

Gourd - Jonah 4:6

Opened - Acts 12:10

Daniel - Daniel 6:22

Answers were received from the following boys and girls:

Elise Polderman

Denise Polderman

Mary Polderman

Sonja Boonzaayer

Paula Timmer

Kim Timmer

Liz VanGiessen

John Blok

Carrie Jane Blok

Rebecca Jane Markus

Janice Stapel

John Stapel

Lisa Markus

Gary Blok

Randy Van Giessen

Mary Lisa VanGiessen

Jim Koedam

Rick Rosendall (2)

John Rosendall (2)

Kristi Jane Rosendall (2)

Mark Meeuwse

Lynn Kamp

Bill VanWingerden

Ken VanWingerden

Billy Densel

Leah Talbot

Laura Talbot

Johnny Bakker

Arie VanVugt

John VanVugt

Timothy Nieuwenhuis

Melanie Ann VanBrugge

Paul Vandenberg

Henry Vandenberg

John Vandenberg

Henry Kamp

Linda Kamp

Art Klaasen

Dan Klaasen

Dave Klaasen

Julie Ann DeBruine

David Kwekel

Dan Kwekel

Tom Kwekel

Joel VanderKooi

Mark Bleeker

Richard DeBat

Julie VanGemert

Jeanette Vandenberg

Lori Rus

Duane Rus

Lorn Rus

Ray VanderKooi

Deanna Erickson

Rita Erickson (2)

Deb Erickson (2)

Linda Bazen

Jim Bazen

Michael Anker

Calvin Spaans

Sarah Spaans

Joanne Hoogmoed

Nancy Hoogmoed

Stanley VanderWaal

Virginia VanderWaal

Linda VanDeVendel

Sharon VanDeVendel

Tammy Koedam

Todd Koedam

Joan Lugthart

Elizabeth Sisco

JoAnn VanRavenswaay

Esther VanRavenswaay

Norman VanRavenswaay

Audrey Kievit

Mary Kievit

Adrian Jacob Bush

Nicholas John Bush

Margot Mast

Jonathan VanBeek

Mike Neels

Joe Neels

David Neels

Jim Neels

Larry Slotsema

Shirley Slotsema

Joel VanRavenswaay

Minda VanRavenswaay

Alane VanRavenswaay

Steven VanOostenbrugge

Mary VanOostenbrugge

Karl VanOostenbrugge

Herman VanderMeulen

Karl VanderMeulen

Ann VanderMeulen

Darayn Gene Klarenbeek

Arlen Klarenbeek

David Klarenbeek

Rhonda VanVoorst

David Vlietstra

Martin Vlietstra

Janice Vlietstra

John VanderBoon

Don VanderBoon

Judy VanVoorst

Mary Frens

Sharon Frens

Leonard Frens

Elaine Frens

Karen Ymker

Mineva Ymker

Mark Heystek

? Ymker

Roger Erickson (2)

Diane Thiessen

Amy Lou Kaat

Alan Greendyk

Alida Greendyk

David Greendyk

Paul Greendyk

Donna Kuiper

Rita Neels

Hendrika Kroesbergen (2)

Bill Kroesbergen (2)

Billy Greendyk

Mary Lynn Fluit

Steve Boluyt

Kristi Boluyt

Edwin Hamler

Debbie Kamp

Marilyn Kamp

Bill Kamp

Edwin Rus

Virgil Rus

Howard Rus

Harold Rus

Elwyn Hoogendoorn (2)

Gywen Hoogendoorn (2)

Angela Schipper

Jennifer Vanderknyff

Donna Marie Hubers

Helen Hubers

Marcia Hubers

Harriet Hubers

Howard Hubers

Carol VanPeenen

Linda VanPeenen

Nancy VanPeenen

Kenny VanPeenen

Kent Schelling

Linda Schelling

Kathryn Schelling

Beth Schelling

Brenda Kay Schelling

Janet Sweetman

Paul VanGrouw

John Bezooyen

Gerrit Bezooyen

John Bosch

Roy Brink

Gerda VandenBrink

Betty VanDerWeile

Maryjean denHoed

Joleen denHoed

Kathleen denHoed

Arthur denHoed

Bruce Verblaauw

Judy Sweetman

Tunis Sweetman

Daniel Sweetman

Jenny Lee Sweetman

John Verhey

Barbara Southway

Robbie Southway

Laura Rosendall

Jim Rosendall

Mary Lou Rosendall

Carol Jean Boluyt

Rick VanEss

Sue VanEss

Constance Kooiman

Barb Greenway

Gene Hoogendoorn

Cindy Hoogendoorn

Perry Hoogendoorn

Marlene VanVeldhuizen

Audrey VanVeldhuizen

Albert Bouma

Ruth Bouma

Ruth Ann VanDalen

Jonathan VanDalen

Jacob VanDalen

Jan VanDalen

Sharla VanBeek

Robert Southway

Sandra Southway

John Martin VanderWiele

Jane Ellen VanderWiele

Judy Lynn VanderWiele

Brad Zomer

Brenda Zomer

Kevin Zomer

Vonda Zomer

Gladys VanBochove

Rhonda VanBochove

Ruth Boerkoel

Bob Boerkoel

John Boerkoel

Leah VanTilburg

Kathy VanGrouw

Ellen VanGrouw

Bob VanGrouw

Nicky VanGrouw

Mike VanBemden

Kathy VanBemden

Marianne VanHoepen

Jennie Sue Easterhoff

Todd VanDeStouwe

Cheryl VanDeStouwe

Nancy VanDeStouwe

Linda VandeWaerdt

Wayne VandeWaerdt

Martin Schouten

Jane Korevaar

Arline Kieboom

Ella Kieboom

Leroy Blom

Marion Blom

Connie Blom

Marcia Spaans

Ken Spaans

Herbie deKok

Henry deKok

Jany deKok

Cornell deKok

Andre deKok

Ben Oudshoorn

Wilma Oudshoorn

Henry Oudshoorn

Carolin Oudshoorn

Neil Brown (3)

Meta dePeuter (3)

Mary VanTilburg

David Neels

Jim Neels

Amy Mieras

Cheryl Grisnich

Richard Grisnich

John Boluyt

Thomas Berkenbush

Marlene Herfst

Robert Herfst

Yvonne Herfst

Irene VanHeek

Lenny VanHeek

Edward VanHeek

Martin dePeuter

John Kroesbergen

Ken Kroesbergen

Cathy Kroesbergen

Jane Kroesbergen

Joanne Slingerland

Neil Slingerland

Jannie Slingerland

Nellie Slingerland

Jim Koedam

Sam Koedam

Frances VanderMeulen

Joyce VanderMeulen

Harmen VanderMeulen

Sidney VanderMeulen

Peter Vanderwal

Helen Vanderwal

Andy VanStelle

Tim VanStelle

And now to answer the letters which we have received during the month—

MARTIN SCHOUTEN - A special welcome to you, Martin, as you join us for the first time. New Zealand seems closer to us when we know someone there. But, whether here or there or in Europe or elsewhere, what a blessing it is that we may have God’s Word and may know that the Lord is everywhere present.

RITA ERICKSON - It was nice to hear from you, Rita. You do have a large family, and when they are all well and healthy, it is a great blessing. The psalmist had to say that the Lord had not dealt with him after his sins, and this we must say too. Do write again.

JENNIFER VANDERKNYFF - We are glad to have you join with us also, Jennifer. Be sure to say Hello to your family for us. Do you remember that we had supper at your house some years ago? Did you get another dog? How long did you have the other dog?

SHARON BETH VAN DE VENDEL -I hope you are feeling well again, Sharon. There are quite a few persons with colds and the flu at this time of the year. Sicknesses of the body are but a very small part of what sin has brought into the world. Do you know of other things?

VIRGINIA VANDER WAAL -The weather here at the moment is also quite warm for this time of the year, Virginia. But it can soon change. Your answers were all correct. We don’t find too many mistakes in the answers we receive, but sometimes there are one or two questions which seem to be difficult for a number of boys and girls.

ANGELA SCHIPPER -I have seen pictures of your school, Angela, and also of your classroom. Be sure to say Hello to your teacher for me. You asked about paying, but I did not quite understand what you meant to pay for. We hope to hear from you again next month.

BRUCE VERBLAAUW -I was glad to hear from you again, Bruce. What a blessing that there are doctors who try to help us, but also they must receive their wisdom from the Lord. The Lord is a wonder-working God, and it is our prayer that He may also bless the work of the doctors in helping you.

JOHN BOSCH - It was nice to hear from your friend Martin. You must have told him about the Bible quiz. To think that there are so many boys and girls who have never heard of the Bible, or have never been taught about the Bible. Then we have a very great blessing, don’t we, John? But the Bible must not only be in our mind, but must be brought in our heart by the Holy Spirit.

MICHAEL ANKER - It seems we have quite a few new ones this month, Michael. You say Hello to your Uncle Marty for us. It was in 1964 that we started with the Bible quiz in the Banner of Truth, so it has been quite a while. Your answers were correct.

STANLEY VANDER WAAL -How many brothers and sisters do you have, Stanley? Perhaps you have told me before, but it is not always so easy to remember these details. It usually takes some warmer weather to melt away the snow drifts. Are you glad to see the snow disappear?

BARB GREENWAY - And your letter is the last one this time, Barb. How are you doing in school this year? We are glad you enjoy doing the Bible quiz. We hope the questions aren’t too easy, so that it requires some study in God’s Word in order to answer them.

And now to all the boys and girls, please notice my new address when mailing in your answers. I will give it to you again - 5211 Woodmont, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001. We hope we may hear from all of you again next month.

With love,

Your friend,

“Uncle Garrett”

PRAYER

A most remarkable anecdote is told about William Grimshaw, minister at Haworth, in connection with the Haworth races. These races were an annual festival got up by the innkeepers, and were a great occasion of drunkeness, riot, profligacy, and confusion. For some time Grimshaw attempted to stop these races, but in vain.

“At last,” says John Newton, “unable to prevail with men, he addressed himself to God. For some time before the races he made it a subject of fervent prayer that the Lord would be pleased to interfere, and to stop these evil proceedings in His own way. When the race-time came, the people assembled as usual, but they were soon dispersed. Before the races could begin, dark clouds covered the sky, and such excessively heavy rain fell, that the people could not remain on the ground, and it continued to rain incessantly during the three days appointed for the races. This event was much spoken of at Haworth. It became a sort of proverbial saying among the people that old Grimshaw put a stop to the races by his prayers. And it proved an effectual stop. There were no more races at Haworth.”

William Romaine was one evening invited to a friend’s house, and, after tea, the lady of the house asked him to play at cards, to which he made no objection. The cards were brought out, and when all were ready to begin playing, Romaine said, “Let us ask the blessing of God.”

“Ask the blessing of God!” said the lady in great surprise; “I never heard of such a thing before a game of cards.”

Romaine then inquired, “Ought we to engage in anything on which we cannot ask God’s blessing?”

This reproof put an end to the card-playing.

A poor old man, when a child of three years of age, had been taught by his mother to repeat a prayer every night, which he did till he was seventy-three years old. Not a little proud was he to say that he had not omitted saying his prayers every night for seventy years!

At this advanced age it pleased God to afflict him severely; he was led by the Holy Spirit to see that he was a poor sinner who had been living in a form of godliness, but had never felt its power. He was enabled to spend the last few years of his life in humble dependence on the grace of Christ. When he referred to himself, he would often add, “I am the old man who said his prayers for seventy years, and yet all that time never prayed at all.” (Young People’s Magazine)

THE STORY OF PLINY’S GOATS

(Revised)

Pliny writes of two ill-natured goats which met each other upon a narrow bridge over a great stream. The bridge was so narrow that the one could not pass by the other. If they had fought it out, they had both been in danger of drowning. At last one of them, lying down, became a bridge for the other, and both went on their way safely.

The example of that brute beast may tell us it is better to let persons trample upon us sometimes, rather than by squabbling and discord to endanger the drowning and destroying of both ourselves and others. A man meditating revenge cannot go to God in prayer and say, as Christ has taught, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” If you say this petition with a heart full of revenge, you do nothing but pray for a curse upon yourself and that God would deal with you as you deal with your brother. If you are careless about prayer, God’s anger is ready to be poured out (Jeremiah 10:25). If you do pray, then your prayer is a cart rope to pull down vengeance upon you.

“But,” say you, “should my brother abuse me in such a way?” No, indeed, but because he has broken one command in wronging you, will you break another in malicious revenge against him? You answer, “Flesh and blood cannot endure the wrong I sustain.” I reply, “Flesh and blood cannot enter into the kingdom of God; wherefore, if you come there, flesh and blood will be mortified and not consulted with.” “Why,” say you, “I shall be considered a fool if I should put up with such things.” But hear the wisdom of God by the mouth of Solomon saith, “It is the glory of a man to pass over a trangression.” And what is your wisdom then in opposition to God’s wisdom?

Let the world judge as they please, it is greater credit for a man to overcome himself and his revengeful affections than it is to overcome his enemies. “Well,” say you, “I shall forgive you but I cannot forget.” One said of Cyprian that though he had an excellent memory for everything else, yet he could never remember an injury against himself; so poor was his memory on that point, that it was his excellence. But we may observe just the opposite - men have such poor memories that they forget almost every thing else, yet they have such good memories that they will remember injuries for the longest time - yea, they will never forget them, but remember to resent and revenge them after many years. Ask many a person concerning a sermon and he will say, “Alas, I have the worst memory in the world; I am so forgetful. I would give anything for a good memory.” And yet they will perhaps remember an injury for twenty years. O! if God so forgives our sins as yet not to forget them, what would become of us? (Young People’s Magazine)

THE POOL OF BETHESDA

Beside the gospel-pool

Appointed for the poor,

From year to year my helpless soul

Has waited for a cure.

How often have I seen

The healing waters move;

And others round me stepping in,

Their efficacy prove!

But my complaints remain;

I feel the very same;

As full of guilt and fear and pain,

As when at first I came.

O would the Lord appear

My malady to heal;

He knows how long I’ve languished here,

And what distress I feel.

How often have I thought,

Why should I longer he?

Surely the mercy I have sought

Is not for such as I.

But whither can I go?

There is no other pool

Where streams of sovereign virtue flow,

To make a sinner whole.

Here then from day to day

I’ll wait and hope and try;

Can Jesus hear a sinner pray,

Yet suffer him to die?

No, He is full of grace;

He never will permit

A soul that fain would see His face,

To perish at His feet.

John Newton

“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will!

Hebrews 2:3,4

The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord; but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

Proverbs XV.26

AFFLICTION

Not from the dust affliction grows,

Nor troubles rise by chance;

Yet we are born to cares and woes—

A sad inheritance!

As sparks break out from burning coals,

And still are upwards borne,

So grief is rooted in our souls,

And man grows up to mourn.

Yet with my God I leave my cause

And trust his promised grace;

He rules me by his well-known laws

Of love and righteousness.

Submitted

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