Numidia Mennonite Bible School - Reflector Yearbook (Numidia, PA)

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THANKFULNESS We believe it is necessary to make a survey of the many blessings our Lord ,is imparting to us today, so that we main- tain a proper attitude of thanksgiving in an ungrateful society. 'cGiving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christf' Ephesians 5:20. We have reasons to thank the Lord for the spiritual benefits that we enjoy in our generation, and the abund- ant provisions in the natural realms of life. We express our thankfulness by respond- ing in full obedience to His Word. The thankful individual is not contin- ually complaining about the weather, eco- nomic conditions of the nation, or how he is treated by others. He will thank the Lord for all experiences in life, and use them as stepping stones in drawing him closer to his master. Romans 1:21 gives a description of a people who once knew the Lord, and now have become vain in their imaginations because of the spirit of unthankfulness. It resulted in their foolish heart being dark- ened. May we ever express an attitude of thankfulness, lest we become blinded to spiritual truth. - John Sensenig LIFE'S STEPS From the time a child is. born, we an- ticipate his first steps, though they are slow and unsure. The young Christian venturing out, also relies on others to assist him. Through exercise one's steps become more confident, naturally and spiritually. Our walk becomes almost a run as we try to keep pace with increased respon- sibilities in Christian service, and bear the burden and heat of the day. However, as we approach that step between us and death, our steps retard. As Peter and John went to the tomb but lingered at the door Some people, like Peter run to that last step and walk right in Others like John linger near the door before death. Qur last step takes us into eternity. May we let the Lord so or er our steps that they will lead to that desired destiny. that Easter morning, John outran Peter, ' -Amos Hostetter HWHOM SAY YE THAT I AMT, In the company of the disciples, Jesus asked two questions, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? g and again, But whom say ye that I am? In response to the first question, the disciples acknowledged that men in general were not sure who He was. Jesus, how- ever, not being satisfied with the testimony of others, inquired what His disciples thought of Him. Peter therefore, made that great declaration, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living Godf' He confessed the Lordship of Christ, and consequently obtained a special blessing. This question calls us to demonstrate the same -belief in our lives. To confess the Lordship of Christ, is to believe in and live under His leadership. We need to surrender to His Lordship, appropriate His power, mortify the deeds of the flesh, forsake the world, and become personally involved in building the church, and main- taining its purity. To do so is to be recip- ients of the blessing of God. -Boyd Campbell .l1 -.--l SAVED TO AS WELL AS FROM Is it possible that we may be wrong while we are right? Have we been holding to the letter of truth, while at the same time moving away from it in spirit because we have been preoccupied with what we have been saved from, rather than what we have been saved to? In I Thessalonians l:9b,10 Paul calls attention to this very thing, You have turned 'to God from idols' to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven. . . The Christian is saved from his past sins and the wrath of God. Sin and wrath have a cause-and- effect relationship, and because for the Christian, sin is canceled, wrathl is can- celed also. As Christians we need to keep in mind what we have been delivered from, and keep our gaze on the One Who will con- tinue to lead us to eternal glory. The Christian now rejoices in his new life, new hope, new employment, and his interests are no longer to serve this world, but the Lord Who saved him. -Edwin Gehman 7 r 6... I' rw

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BEHIND THE SCENE The visible scene may reveal great vic- tories and outstanding accomplishments that are proving to be a blessing to many. The rewards, however, may need to be distributed in many unnoticed places be- hind the scene. God overlooks nothing. The faithful servant of God does not need to be in the front to have his influence brought to bear where it counts the most. What do we see behind the scene? We see God at work, setting the stage and brin ing things to pass that would be be- yond the ability of human effort. He makes it possible for His people to initiate a pro- gram that meets the spiritual needs of the soul. We see those who are making a sac- rifice of time and material, so that others can enjoy a period of Bible study and fellow- ship. Again we see those who know the value of silent, secret intercession, that employs the power of God to bring about the great miracle of grace, in the deep recesses of the heart. -Daniel Kraybill SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES D Jesus, speaking in John 5:39 said, Search the Scripturesg for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. The Jews had the Old Testa- ment. They read it in the synagogues, and offered the sacrifices that typified Jesus, but failed to recognize Him when He ap- peared. As we study the Word, we need to see Jesus as our only hope of eternal life. In light of this we see our need of turning our lives over to him and accepting the way of life that He exemplifies and commands. We then search the Scriptures finding principles that govern our lives. This also strengthens our faith and produces a lively hope. Jesus said, Ye shall know the truth and the truth diall make you free. Know- ing the truth helps us to avoid the snares and pitfalls of Satan and exercise ourselves rather unto godliness. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. - Clarence Good 6 WHAT IS THAT IN THINE HAND? God faced Moses with this question when he expressed his reluctance to bring God's message of deliverance to the people of Israel. The reply was, a rod? This small, in- significant rod, God used to vindicate Moses' authority both to Israel and to Pharaoh. The same rod that was an in- strument of judgment to the Egyptians, became a blessing to the children of Israel in parting the Red Sea, at the smitten rock in the wilderness, and in time of war with the Amalekites. Z God defended the authority he had placed on Moses and Aaron by -causing Aaron's rod to bud. . In our hands today we have the inspired Word. Just as the rod bore witness to Moses message, so the Word will substantiate all' those who proclaim the message of Sal- vation, whether we go to the ungodly world or the unbelieving , professors of Christi- anity. As the rod judged the Egyptians and blessed Israel, so the Word condemns all who reject it and justifies those who embrace it. When we as God's people rally around the Word, it will cause contentions to cease and unite us in the faith. A ' -Clarence Wenger BLESSED IS THE MAN V. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumedf' We, as men, are totally in need of God's blessings. They come to us new and fresh each day as a token of his constant love and faithfulness. This is the blessing and goodness of God to all men. ' Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it.', Luke 11:28b. This we do by hearing the Word and ex- pressing it in lifels revealing actions. Keep- ing all of life's blessings subject to the Word and will of God, becomes our daily responsibility. As we keep our desires, our Ithoughts, and our feelings securely within the shelter of His Government, may we hear these words, Blessed fart thouf' I - Gerald Eberly ww, . ff I ,' . ,. MNH, ,' .- ,

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PERCEPTIGN With the widely varied theories, teach- ings, and doctrines surrounding tus today, God would challenge us to spiritual dis- cernment that will assist us in keeping our walk with God balanced. The Scripture tells us that those who are able to discern both good and evil, are ready to absorb the strong meat of truth. j To udiscerni' means to detect and men- tally grasp the divergence of numerous ideas. May these seasons of concentrated Bible study be advantageous in discern- ing the influences that bear upon us today. Bible study also helps to discern in choos- ing a life companion, in planning for a vocation, and in intelligently discriminating among various church groups. May we all advance far beyond the mere discern- ment of the face of the sky fMatthew 16:35 to a spiritual discernment of the signs of the times. r -David Wadel 1-7 A FOR GRANTED i When Joseph and Mary started their homeward journey from the passover at Jerusalem, they took 'lfor grantedn that Jesus was in the company. After a dayls travel they discovered that he was missing. Joseph and Mary's unpleasant experience reveals the danger of taking things for granted. ,Had they searched for .Jesus at the beginning of the trip, they would have avoided unnecessary travel, several days' wasted time, and much anxiety. , We are also on our homeward journey, and perhaps we are taking for granted that which is of a more serious nature. It may be well to stop and consider lest we assume .something that is not true. Forgiveness-without repentance, newness of life-without dying to self, and serving Christ-but not forsaking the world, are some common assumptions. The tragedy of coming to the end of the journey and discovering that Christ is not with us, can be avoided by check- ing for His presence today. Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith. Il Corinthians 13:5a. -Donald N olt 8 GREAT GRACE wAnd great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33b. Grace is the unmerited favor of God, and since it is not obtained by good works, it is a gift,' Of God. Peter and John were threatened by the authorities not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. When they were released, however, they returned to the brethren to report their experiences. After they had prayed, the place was shaken, and they spoke the Word of God with boldness. Here at Bible School we have studied and prayedltogether. In the scripture we read, T he Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightlyf' God's grace upon the apostles was to enable them to be a testi- mony for Jesus wherever they went, and under any circumstance. May God's grace be upon us as we endeavor to be a testi- mony that attracts others to a separated life in Jesus Christ. Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. A -Edwin Martin THE VALUE GF SINGING Singing is an outlet whereby we express to God and man the emotions of our heart. Although singing may at times stir the emotions, it is from within, rather than from outside sources. The message of the hymn confirms the heart in truth, and provides an avenue whereby we can give our testi- mony. V r V Singing as a congregation, provides a way for all to participate in the worship service. This blessing is lost when replaced by special singing. Singing together as a congregation promotes unity, as the thoughts of the hymn are expressed as a group. T One of the ways the world knows the people of God is by their singing. The Scripture in .Psalm 137:3b, tells us that they are longing to hear our singing. Sing us one of the songs of Zionf' They come to us because they can see by our lives that we have experienced the true mean- ing of these hymns. - Enos . Shank