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

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GALATIANS The Apostle Paul wrote this epistle to correct an error that had entered the churches of Galatia False teachers were leading the Galatian Christians astray claim ing that Paul was not a true apostle and that his gospel was false They taught that Gentile Christians should obey the cere monial law to be saved Paul first defends his gospel by proving his apostleshlp and that his gospel came by divine revelation He then declares this gospel, showing that justification is by faith, not by the law. The law served as a schoolmaster to show man his inability to attain righteous ness, and point him to Christ. Through Christ, man is liberated from the bondage of the law and is adopted into God's family as a son. Finally, Paul presents the demands of the gospel. Through this liberty in Christ, the flesh is crucified, and the fruit of the Spirit becomes evident. Philip Danner In the concluding chapter we are given some practical instruction for the Chris tian life He ends with a request for the saints to remember him in their prayers as he labors in bonds Edwin Stoltzfoos I AND I THESSALONIANS There IS much encouragement for the church in these two letters to the Thes salonians. Paul expressed appreciation for their faithfulness, and was concerned that they would continue to walk according to the commandment of God. They were comforted by the message of the Lordls return, and had no fear of the judgment to be executed on the works of darkness. This judgment was not intended for them, but it was God's plan that they should accept salvation by Jesus Christ. Their testimony went to the heathen and to new ly established churches, as being one of pure brotherhood, and zeal for the Lord. Their fellowship and mutual edification , - - , .- . , 3 . . - I - .L , N COLOSSIAN S This epistle was written by Paul during his imprisonment at Rome. It was written to counteract heresy which had come into the church. Paul explains the superi- ority of Christ in all areas of life, using the preeminence of Christ as his theme. He also gives doctrinal and practical teaching for the Christian life. Paul opens the book by sharing his ap- preciation for their testimony. He lends encouragement by reassuring them of his continued prayer support. In the second chapter, Paul combats error with truth, and shows our perfection in the fullness of Christ. The placing of our affection is the first issue dealt with in the third chapter. We express our death to the flesh by mortify- ing its members and experience a new life in Christ by adopting the new nature. As new creatures, we find each taking his place in God's order of headship. was in direct relation to their love for one another. Both epistles conclude with the concept of fidelity by God's enabling grace. -Robert Sensenig, Jr. TITUS AND PHILEMON On the island of Crete in the Mediter- ranean Sea was a group of believers need- ing a leader. Titus, a faithful brother, was sent to direct the work. Giving him directions, the Apostle Paul wrote a letter that is still relevant today. The elders must be blameless, having faith- ful children. As church members we are called to be sober and an example of good works. The challenge is given to us to live lives that we, too, may be heirs of eternal life. Paul wrote letters even in prison. In a short letter to Philemon, he wrote of Onesimus, Philemon's runaway slave. Onesimus was changed. Now he was a profitable man, helpful to Paul, but will- ing to return home. 25

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Him should not perish, but have eternal lifef' The brazen serpent could only give natural life, not eternal life as did the Son of man. Therefore types do not establish doctrine, but simply help us to gain a clear- er understanding of it. Throughout the study of Types and Shadows we were inspired and enlightened with the New in the Old concealed, and the Old in the New revealed. -Fred Carpenter MATTHEW Where is He that is born King of the Jews?,, the wise men asked of Herod. Matthewsportrays this King as, the babe born of a virgin, and as the looked for Messiah. ' . The writer records many of the words and works of Jesus. About one half of his writings are the direct quotations of Jesus, among which is-the Sermon on the Mount, with the new and better standards of the Covenant of Grace. These include His teachings on Nonresistance, adultery, swearing of oaths, prayer and fasting, and giving of alms. Matthew also records the seven parables of the Kingdom and many of Jesus' mighty works and miracles. A Matthew relates Jesus' teaching of His coming suffering and of His Second Coming. In great detail he speaks of this great King's unjust trial, cruel scourging, crucifixion, burial, and after three days His glorious Resurrection. The Gospel concludes with our Risen Lord giving the Great Commission to His disciples. - Andrew Rudolph SERMON ON THE MOUNT Our class met four days a week to study Matthew 5, 6, and 7. With our teacher we disclosed nuggets of truth which these chapters contain. Jesus and His disciples went to the mountain and when He had sat down, He taught with authority and simplicity. Verses three to twelve of chapter 5 are k-nown as the Beatitudes, which means beautiful attitudes. Studying these verses, we noticed that spiritual exercise and nu- tritious food stimulate our appetite for 24 righteousness. We are told to be happy and rejoice when men mistreat us, and say all manner of evil against us falsely. Our reward will be great in heaven if the evil said against us is untrue. g We were remindedthat as we hear and apply God's word to our lives, we are as the wise man who built on the solid rock. If we fail toapply this, however, we build on sand, and will not remain steadfast under pressures of life. We are challenged with accepting the authority of the Sermon on the Mount. I V -Esther Yoder LUKE The writer of this book was inspired by God to write this gospel to his Friend Theo- philus, and to all people, that we might be certain of those things wherein we have been instructed. Luke, a physician, presents Christ to us as the Son of man who was born in the flesh, to die in the flesh, and was tempted in' all points like as we are. I We have to marvel as we see prophecy fulfilled in the .Son of God. Christ's labors and miracles, and His love for the lost sheep of Israel, show to us the divinity of His nature. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 We rejoice that Christ rose again for our justification, and also that we' can have life more abundantly. ' -Raymond Kraemer , . There are blessings in obedience, even if we can 't understand the command. i In returning and rest shall ye he saved,' in quietness and in conjidence shall be your strength. U ' ' - N x +1 'N Q 1 P A hex., 1

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Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus, not as a slave, but as a Christian brother. Unheard of? Probably. But Paul was count- ing on him to do even more. Can we be counted on for like obedience? Paul closes with greetings to his faith- ful friends. -Mary Lois Eshbach -l- REVELATION The book of Revelation consists of the unveiling of Jesus Christ. This revelation was given in three distinct parts, outlined in 1:19. In the first part of the revelation we see a vision of the glorified Christ. Follow- PSECTICN Il - BI SEPARATION g Godhas called his children to be sep- arate from the world in every phase of life. Since we have been born again, our motives and goals are changed, and our affection is set on things above instead of on earthly possessions. The Christian finds separation to be a satisfying way of life. Business, education, social life, marriage, and attire are not engaged in for the exultation and promotion of- self, but rather to honor and glorify God. I We also find that we are not to become involved in the world's organizations, politics, and carnal warfare, because we belong to the heavenly kingdom. Because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy. I Peter 1:16. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 816. -Elizabeth Showalter 26 ing this vision we have a picture of then existing situations. This picture is portrayed in messages of commendation and con- demnation to the seven churches of Asia. Embodied in the third part, we see a vision of things that shall be hereafter. In this portion we have a background scene of the church in glory, as God closes his controversy with the universe. The bottled- up judgments of God are poured out on the earth without mixture. These judgments will finally culminate in the overthrow of Satan and his kingdom. There is a bright side to this book, how- ever, because there are those who repent and turn to God. We, too, can be over- comers as we -keep the sayings of the pro- phecy of this book. -David Sensenig B L E D 0 C T R I N E NONRESISTANCE What is nonresistance? We generally think of it as being that of nonparticipation in the military, or not ,getting revenge when someone mistreats us. That is right, but is not the only area that relates to the Christian life. ' ' In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus in- troduces and explains this doctrine. It is a way of life and an attitude of the mind. It applies and reaches into our daily walk of life. We submit ourselves to the things which God allows to come into our lives to test us in this area. How do we treat our brother? Do we hold grudges? ,How do we use our tongue? The scripture gives us practical advice on the use of the tongue in James. , WC, who have been redeemed by His own. precious blood, should, out of deep gratitude and love for Him, seek to live the nonresistant life He has exemplified. -Vernon Kurtz -1 fu-ss.. ,ff -, ff., - .., .-I .. ,V ,,,,, , ..- .Y ,r,.,,,.,.-:.1..,7y --.-71-T-xfxvl ' -1--1 fi- -ff--if:-if.'?f? '-vi-.-lf:-5-U-1175 .-mime... -ff ' 4 1 , t' V ' 'Mr' 0 Q' ' . f .4 ' 2 - .gg-A.--f-1. ,,.-sf..-:1..,.'-,.1Y1f.--jg ' c - ' ., .,.. T x 1- k