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

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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

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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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We also studied stewardship of material SECTION IV - PRACTICAL STUDIES VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIVING Victorious Christian Living is essential in living a life of holiness which is pleasing to God. Looking into God's Word we found much encouragement. Jesus used the Sword of the Spirit to overcome the devil, giving us an example of the medium through which we experience victory. Victory is possible only to those who receive Jesus as Saviour and Lord. We must renounce our former loyalties and choose new ones. A .requirement for victorious Christian living is to have faith and confidence in the power of the Word of God. We must allow the Holy Spirit to work through our lives. There is a great promise in Romans 8:13, If ye, through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Much prayer with God is necessary to remain spiritually strong. As we see in the life of Job, he prayed and walked with God and victory was possible. With God's help it also is possible for each of us. A -Lucille Weaver l PRAYER LIFE Christians have an advantage over the world. They have the privilege of bringing any problem, large or small, to the Lord. One needs to put forth, effort to pray and have the right motives, if he is to re- ceive a blessing. Wrong attitudes toward someone can' make our prayer life inef- fective and meaningless. We need to be willing to leave our' needs with 'God and allow Him to answer as He sees best. Sometimes God might use us to answer our own prayers. If He asks this of us, we should be willing to obey. Asneach of us applies the principles and practical aspects we discovered in this study, we will come to anticipate our times of prayer. As these seasons become alive, 30 we will be drawn closer to our Master and sense His blessing in our own hearts, as well as in the lives of those for whom we pray. - Norman Whetzel STEWARDSHIP A good ,steward is one who increases the quality and value of his possessions. It is important to realize that God is the owner of our lives and earthly property. Ezekiel 18:4. We are only God's agents to carry out his work on earth. I Tithing was required in the 01d Testa- ment as a part of stewardship, but today we are called to give as the Lord hath prospered us. Giving was practiced by the early church as seen in I Corinthians 16:2. possessions which are given to us as a trust, and of which we are required to make the best use. When we are good stewards of our possessions, we are laying up treasures in heaven where they are not subject to ruin. We cannot expect the blessing of God on our lives if we misuse the possessions which have been entrusted to us. We are also stewards of our time. It is profitable to look at the many ways in which we spend our time. The Scriptures say we are to redeem the time because the days are evil. This is speaking ofbuy- ing up the opportunity and using our time for a worthwhile cause. May God grant us wisdom to properly use the many val- uables he has placed in our hands. - Carl Martin - p We need to talk to Goa' about men be- fore we can talk to men about God. Seek the Lora' and His strength: seek His face evermore. 'L' H-1'-If 1' -' ,fe gaze, -: ,z,.. ,--1 ,-f1.-,-- - -,.. 4 .:':T:,':.z- -2.--qfc 11-:T v 'V-21s Ai ri.-1e'P-sa. Q:--1 --AQ-. we V .- .. .. . , L-',:. -f 4' ,.- .. ...' . ' ,z 1. ' . Q .ff- '- '- . -.M H --'f . f'- 2-Ha 1 ' -'V' , '1:': .. . ' '---'r.:-Ywflivm..sr,-Z-.f-1' --1-221 1' T-1142-.-7:-I'-.'t.'1:-1- 'I-:'- -P 1 ' - J - - . - 'I-'tri' 15.-f -.re -I- ff f: '1-f.-1--'rw-'32 T:4s,'ef7'f '..-.7 -1.:r-.xif1-?'1'-2::rE- A-2-1 f- -P, iv, -. e. -. :fo--'L V -.1- . . L.-:T.--at-F3 ...-1-,'r.f:. F' . 1 . x - , . V' ' .4 A -- gg 1- 3 -- 'a 7 , f 413- . 1 , ' -Q .. 3.-gi 51 5--3-'5,.q:a gg - 7A 1 1 ' - .' u-- 55, Jr' , -35: ,rs-,V-.. ., ':-. , x l. 4 :.'11g..f,,- Q..-L,,-. ' .. . ' l . 1 ' F - A -. .4 . , - ' '- V ' ., .. ', , I H Q f , Q .' V A -7' '4 iff gn.-V...-TW. U M-S. , e x:-r.-fg.3t35'+3Q5l. .I - . ' 1 Q I . ' , , , ' ' ' ' , ' Q A ' 3 ' -- ' 5 It 5-2--ffvf1.1.uf21f2-.1.a,...M..