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

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MIGHTY IN THE SCRIPTURES In a normal life span everyone acquires to some degree a reputation Usually that reputation reflects with some accuracy the character of that individual We be come known by that which we value by that which we practice and by that in which we excel Groups as well as in dividuals gain a reputation A reputation can be several sided Hope fully people also come to sense that we have been with Jesus and are a people of the Book In Acts 18 24 we meet a be l1ev1ng Jew named Apollos His only Bible was the Old Testament and yet he had a reputation for being mighty in the Scriptures During the 16th century there arose a people who likewise were mighty m the Scriptures Many an uneducated Ana baptist proved more than a match for Roman Catholic doctors of theology So great was their proficiency 1n the Scr1p tures that their opponents sometimes as cribed it to demon possession How does one become mighty in the Scriptures? There is no short cut but there are helps. Numidia Bible School, under the direction and blessing of God, can function as one of these helps. Merle Ruth THE CHURCH SUPPORTING HER KING Following King Ahaziah's death, Judah was without a king, whereupon the king's mother seized the throne and destroyed all the royal seed of the house of Judah. Her reign seemed almost invincible as thou h God were sanctionin the program g 8 - There is however no might in the display of iniquity. The absence of purity, justice, and love will cause any organization to crumble. This is exactly what happened to Athaliahis reign in six year's time. Joash, ' ' h f th the son of King Ahaziah was broug t or from hiding as one from among the slain. He was anointed king by Jehoiada the Priest and began his reign with the slaying of Athaliah. It was amidst the confederacy of evil forces that the Levites were called to gather in support of their new king II Chronicles 23 7 The Levites were told to be with the king wherever he went Smce Joash lS symbolic of Christs resurrection as the Church need to learn that to be effective we too need this same power so that we might defend and promote the Doctrine of Christ our King 1n its purity We become partakers of His Resurrection power through the implanting of Gods own Divine nature making our relation ship a blessed one Mark Sensenig MORE THAN CONQUERORS An individual 1S conquered by the power of God when he allows the Spirit of God to possess him The work 1S then performed from the inside out rather than from the outside in I needs to fade out as the Spirit of God moves in This is what happens as we move from Romans 7 to Romans 8. used thirty three times in Romans 7, is found only twice in Romans 8. The Spirit is not seen at all in Romans 7, but is mentioned nineteen times in Romans 8. How do we now move from being con quered to being more than conquerors? To be more than conquerorsf' we need to be more than conquered. Our thoughts, our actions, and our motives need to be conquered. These areas of life need to be brought into willing service for Christ. Our mental faculties are brought into service for Him. The energies we have are now employed in His work. Our total life is henceforth a life which He can use. All that we have has not only been sub dued, but also given in useful devotion to Him. What a joy it is to personally be more than conquerorsl' for Him. Harry Erb Salvation is wonderfully simple, and simply wonderful. . . , . 1 ' s u n ' I 7 ' . . I O . 9 I 1 - - . . I C l , I ' , we a Q s o ' ' - a a 1 ' 9 . . . - I . . , a 66 . ,, n a 1 n , - . . I l - O I I 0 . 9 0 1 . . H . . - as . . . . H . . - as cc aa s ' I - ' ci ' I I - O I . . , sc- - as ' cc - - as sc as . 55 ' ' . . ' . . . .. . ,, . V V , - 9 9

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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

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FEAR OF GOD Fear is an emotion that is activated when we face danger. In one way fear is very valuable, since it keeps us from sporting with danger and risk, while it can be very harmful, if it becomes our master. The Bible refers to various kinds of fear, the most significant of which is, the fear of God, termed as the 'fbeginning of wisdom. Before we have the fear of God, we first experience fear that comes from the consequences of sin. A After repentance we have a different kind of fear, producing reverence and respect for- God, and making us concerned about pleasing this object of our reverence. We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christi, Romans 5:1b. Gnly after we have this peace, are we in a position to develop the fear of God that is essential to a useful and fruitful life. If we truly have the fear of Godf' we can, in a practical way, overcome other fears and serve Him with reverence and godly fear. - Jesse Neuenschwander , REFLEC TION The Bible tells us in Genesis 1:31 that, God saw every thing He had made, and behold it was very goodf' His creation was a reflection of His own greatness and power. . In the plan and creation of all things, man 'was formed and became the image and likeness of God, as God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. Man, with a living soul, was able to fellowship with God and was a reflection of God Him- self. Man's disobedience marred this re- flection and relationship, and he was driven from the presence of God. God's love and mercy provided a Redeemer in the person of Jesus Christ, making it possible for man to be brought back into fellowship with Him, and to again be that reflection which was lost in his selfish, disobedient act. The blessings of fellowship and study of God's Word in Bible School, help us to keep our lives a brighter reflection of the victorious Christian life. -Walter Newswanger 10 The true church is made up of voluntary believers that are waging an aggressive warfare against sin, and upholding Gods standard of righteousness. ,l,,l11l-i-il- No storm can wreck the program of God. ,,i. 1.g-114:11 ' GUR SINGING HERITAGE The first hymn singing in Scriptures recorded in Matthew 26, when Jesus and his disciples were in the upper room to- gether, before his Gethsemane experience. In the Psalms we are told to sing unto the Lord, and to make a joyful noise. We be- lieve that in early church life, the singing of Psalms was customary. ' As earlyas 1527, songs were written and sung, many of which are recorded in the Ausbund Hymnal, first published in 1564. In early American Mennonite Churches, hymn books were few and had no music with the words. About the year 1900, hymn books with music were introduced and singing schools became popular. Today we have many hymn books with a wide variety of songs and hymns on many topics. I am thankful to be a part of a church group that believes singing is an essential part of worship. l -Aaron Weaver BUT GOD Reflecting on our past, we recognize in the circumstances surrounding our in- dividual experiences, that God was order- ing the events, the associations, the trials, and the blessings. Our inner man rejoices and responds in praise for this particular testimony of His love and mercy toward us. The Numidia Bible School is a mon- ument to divine intervention. God com- mended His love toward us through Christ Jesus while we were yet sinners. His mercy and grace, although epitomized at Calvary, are presently extended in the opportun- ities for spiritual growth as we submit to His will and appropriate His power. Consider the responses you have made to opportunities graciously extended through your Bible School experience. The 'but God', interventions of Bible School are designed to produce the but