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

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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

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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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FORMATION AND INSPIRATION OF THE SCRIPTURES Our Bible is truly a marvelous piece of work It was written over a period of 12001500 years by forty different writers and yet has perfect unity In our study we discovered that the Bible IS the complete Revelation of God In its inspiration God gave the writer the words but did not bypass the individuals Our Bible came as a progressive Rev elation The facts were passed by word of mouth from Adam to Moses From that time on it was written in various sections at different times until finally Ezra according to tradition compiled what we presently know as the Old Testa ment May our hearts be grounded in the faith so we can give answer to the reason of the hope that is in us which hope IS in the promise of eternal life Thelma Baer ORDINANCES An ordinance is an established outward ceremony with an inward spiritual s1gn1f mandments and suggestions given by a holy God to be observed by a holy people Ordinances are valuable to stir the emotions instruct the mind and help to keep our practices consistent with our doctrine In the Bible we find several different types of ordinances In the Old Testament 7 7 , . . . . , . . . . . .- ersonalit . icance. Bible ordinances are hol com- P . . U , u 0 u q ' , ' l 7 , J I 0 , 5 X ' . , 1 ' 0 , I 9 The New Testament as we know it was given similarly and came into circu- lation in the first several centuries A.D. In 397 A.D. the Council of Carthage officially ratified what was already considered the New Testament canon. Truly we ought to be grateful to God for the way he has preserved his Word in spite of attempts to destroy it. -Kenneth Good EIGHTEEN ARTICLES OF FAITH What do you believe? Why do you do what you do? These questions face each Christian as he moves in today's society. The Mennonite faith, as we practice it, emerged under severe persecution as men searched the Scriptures during the Re- formation period. We believe that Godis Word was given to man by His Spirit. God, great and- eternal, is revealed in three persons: the Father, sovereign, the Son, our Saviour, and the Holy Spirit, our indwelling Com- forter. God in mercy promised a Redeemer, who came in the form of his Son, died for man's sin, and rose again to bring salvation. After repentance from sin, we become a part of the church, whose calling is to be separate and to .administer discipline and the ordinances. there were Jewish ordinances for Gods people to keep. There were pagan ordin- ances that God commanded his people to abstain from. In Jesus' day, those who observed man-made ordinances were said to worship God in vain. As we obey the seven ordinances that are based on scriptural principle today, we will be greatly blessed. Jesus' words in John 13:17 are: If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. -Cindy Martin SATAN AND HIS FORCES Enemies! Where? What are they doing? All who begin the Christian walk encounter Satan and his power. Our studies began with Satan's original state, his fall, and his attempts to lead man into sin. We observed his continual conflict with truth, noting his tactics, char- acteristics, allies, and all that comprises his realm. We observed some of his accom- plishments, and methods by which he de- ceives humanity. As we investigate, it becomes evident that we face a formidable foe. Our enemy is very real, very busy, and utterly cruelg so we must beware, lest we underestimate or make light of his power. The power within the believer is greaterlthan that of our adversary, and can deliver us from his clutches. Satanic rule is one of titanic oppression, and its reward is indescribable torment. 27