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

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We must diligently study. God's Word so we are not ignorant of his devices and succumb to his deception. -Nelson Torkelson PERSON AND WGRK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Spirit of the living God, Fall afresh on me. This was our prayer as we entered this study, with the Word as our textbook and the Spirit as His own interpreter. We moved through the Old and New Testaments, observing His workings in the lives of men. In the Old Testament the Spirit is seen chiefly when leaders or prophets needed power for a specific task. In the New Test- ament era however, Jesus promised a Com- forter to take His place that would dwell within His people. ' A The initial arrival of the Spirit was ac- companiedby flames of fire and speaking in tongues. Today there is no longer any need for this, since the Church is estab- lished and proven. The Spirit works quiet- ly, but just as powerfully now as in the beginning. His comforting and loving per- sonality is seen in the lives of believers. The Spiritis place in the Godhead is to reveal the Father and Son to sincere seek- ers. Q As we studied the eternal Spirit, we became more aware of the wonderful place He fills and are grateful to the Son for sending Him into our lives. - Joyce Eshbach GRACE, FAITH AND WDRKS Grace is the unmerited favor of God, which hath appeared to allmen. It teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly in this present evil world. Grace brings us salvation and is the source of faith. It comes by Jesus Christ. We need grace even after the new birth to sustain us through difficult experiences. We need to be looking diligently lest we fail of this grace. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seenf' Faith comes by hearing, by feeding on the Word, 28 by asking for it, and by the Spirit dwelling within. The objectives of our Christian faith are: God, Christ, and His Word. As we walk by faith, we receive many bless- ings. Our works are the result of faith, and by them we will be condemned or acquitted on the judgment day. -Daniel Stover But Gbdliness with contentment is' great gain. 1 ETERNAL ABSOLUTES In the midst of confusion, it is reassuring to know that we serve a God who is un- changeable and indisputable. Our God is three distinct personalities, yet but one God. The Father is God over us, the Son is God for us, and the Holy Spirit is God in us. Because God is eternal, His Word is also eternal, and is current for every age and culture. We believe the Word is inerrant in its original writings, and is the only infallible rule of faith and practice. Man is also an eternal being, in that while he was created, he will live eternally. Man was placed in the eternal stream of life, when God breathed into him the breath of life. Angels are also eternal beings. Satan as a fallen angel, is controlling the spirit of this world. Every soul that is won to Christ is a direct defeat to the devil, and a triumph to God. Despite the fact that the devil appears to be gaining' many victories, righteousness .will 'ultimately be vindicated. ' - Daryl Bair When we work with God, He takes the heaviest part of the load. . ' - f fl -343771?l?'-4 fTfi-141,13,x-gggj-,.-:A-r ., I ,

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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

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BIBLE AND SCIENCE The object of this study was to strengthen confidence in God and his Word by seeing that true science never contradicts the Bible. We do not question the truth of the Bible but accept it as the basis of true knowledge. When we discuss the Bible account of the Creation and the flood, in com- parison with the false theories of evolution, we could see that they are in no way com- patible. It was also pointed out that the widespread acceptance of evolution has done much to lower the morals and value of life in the people of the world. We discussed the miracles of the Bible, and the errors of men's natural explanations. Many other subjects and divisions of Science were discussed and unscriptural views of men were pointed out. .This study helped us to see that the wisdom of Godis Word supersedes all human knowledge. We are compelled to say with David, O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. Psalm 104124. -Neil Baer SEcTloN Ill CHURCH I-llSToRY and MISSIONS MENNONITE CHURCH HISTGRY This course consisted of a survey of the Mennonite Church with emphasis on its beginning, persecution, growth, doctrine, and decline. Its beginning was the outgrowth of sin- cere study of the Scriptures in Switzerland and Holland. A restoration of the pure apostolic church doctrine, discipline, and fellowship was contended for. Almost immediately, intense persecution came which resulted in scattering the brethren to Russia and on to America. Historically, the doctrine of the Mennonite Church is that Biblical principles regulate every aspect of life. Significant areas are: speech, dress, business, social purity, rec- reation, education, worship, and nonpar- ticipation in politics and warfare. History shows that a compromise or deviation from any of these principles sets in motion a system of decline which climaxes in a loss of true spirituality. ' u The challenge for us today, is to real- istically face the threats to our faith, by implementing evangelical safeguards that will keep our doctrine, practice, and fellow- ship alive, healthy, and scriptural. -Mark Torkelson CHURCH EXTENSION God . . . hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ. II Corinthians 5:19b-20a. Every Christian is a representative of the King. Entrusted to him is the Gospel of salvation, the very message desperately needed by the perishing world. His re- sponsibility first is to personally embrace every aspect of Truth, then to proclaim it wherever he goes. In this class we noted the purpose and responsibilities of the church. We observed how the Church was extended during the apostolic era. The scriptural principles for outreach work were considered with their applications to the varied areas of church extension today. Every scriptural church is a mission. As such are obedient to Christ, Spirit- filled men are sent forth to new areas of witness. A church then is established with the same Biblical standards as the parent congregations. In its local community a church calls men from darkness, and nurtures them into disciples and pillars of the faith. This study challenged us to be totally committed in promoting the cause of Christ. - Charles Sweigart 29