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

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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..

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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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SONG LEADERSHIP This class proved to be a blessing to us who want to serve the Lord and the church by leading congregations or Chris- tian Day Schools in singing. We learned to beat the basic time pat- terns and get the pitch of a song by spend- ing time practicing during our class periods. We were instructed how to choose songs that are appropriate for the occasion as well as what type of song to use, whether a gospel song, which inspires the people, or a hymn that is directed to God. Possibly one of the most important con- cepts that was brought forth was to keep our minds on what we are singing and not over emphasize leading. I trust that after taking this course, we will be better fitted to serve our great God in this capacity. -Daniel Torkelson INTRODUCTION TO CHILD STUDY Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his re- wardf' Psalm 12723. A proper attitude toward children is necessary when studying or teaching them. We must recognize that they are blessings from God, and have genuine love for them if we are going to lead them right. We viewed many practical areas, some of which are: The Child and His Questions, The Responsibility of the Child, Guarding the Childis Environment, and the Disciplin- ary Needs of a Child. We also discussed the Training of the Child, much of which is done unconsciously. Sunday Schools, Bible Schools, and Christian Day Schools are helpful aids in the proper training of children. It was emphasized repeatedly that we need to have a planned method in deal- lng with children. Every child is different, but one thing we need to keep in mind is that God's Word has the answer to every problem, even in child training. -James Sensenig CHRISTIAN WRITING A drop of ink can make a million think. This is true, for a written message is force- ful. Men speak and their message is often lightly esteemed, but a printed message is more readily accepted, for it has author- ity. Before this can be experienced, the mind behind the pen must think, as writing is an exacting work. It calls for consecrated, concerned individuals who are willing to spend much time and energy in this service. God, who approves and commands writing, uses this mighty sword to spread and pre- serve His message. ' Our Christian Writing class has proven to be valuable to each one of us as we learned by sharing together. We reviewed grammar and helpful instructions for writing paragraphs, articles, short stories, and poems. We feel that we will profit far more as we accept the challenge of applying these helps in writing and learning from the mistakes of others. We continue to seek God's grace as we labor to be used of Him. Our desire is that we might bring honor and glory to His name as we write. -Rebecca Ebersole YOUTH PROBLEMS Youth is a time of preparation for future use in God's service. The aim of this class was to aid us in this preparation. We all want to know what Godls will is. In a way it would be nice if God would plainly tell each of us what we are to do, if and who we should marry, where we should live, etc. Such a desire stems from a lack of patience to wait for the Lord to reveal his will. If we truly want to know and do God's will, we can find the satis- factory answer. In every matter we must obey the Bible and have a vital prayer life. The counsel and advice of brethren in the church is very helpful. If what we are doing today is God's will, we should be satisfied, and patiently wait for Him to reveal His plan for our future. Consideration was given to courtship and preparation for marriage. This is an area that brings dangers and challenges, but as we seek the Lord's will and follow scriptural Christian practices, great bless- 31