Steinbach Bible Institute - Star Yearbook (Steinbach, Manitoba Canada)

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12 STEINBACH BIBLE ACADEMY YEAR BOOK By Don P. Shidler Some of the most interesting plants I have found in the South American jungles are the palms. I would like to give you features of these plants, especially the chonta palm. 1. The chonta palm lives a separated life. Even though all about it is every type of small tree, bush, vines and jungle growth the chonta grows straight toward heaven and its foliage is seen high above all others of the jungle. It is truly a dif¬ ferent tree. This is a good example of Christian life. While God allows us to live on earth, our lives will be touched by every kind of sin and worldliness. The sting of Satan is on every hand; sometimes it is hard to see God’s pathway for us but, beloved Christ¬ ian, take a lesson from the chonta, look up, look “from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord.’’ May our lives grow heavenward, may the trials of our faith become more precious than gold and may we live above the petty things that would retard our spiritual growth (2 Cor. 6:17, 18). 2. The chonta is well grounded. Its roots are sent deep into the earth and wind around rocks to assure sturdiness and a constant supply of water. Water is nec¬ essary to life. As this tree grows up it sends roots approximately two inches in diameter and six feet above the ground to help prop it up. When I first saw it I actually thought someone had nailed props to a black post. How we Christians need to run the roots of our spiritual lives deep into the unsearchable riches of God. Literally wind¬ ing our lives around Christ, our rock, our cornerstone, precious because He is the foundation of all that is Holy (1 Peter 2: 6-7). Yes, we should run the roots deep to assure a constant stream of the water of Life flowing into our innermost being that we may stand and grow beautiful in His sight (Psa. 1:1-3). , 3. The Chonta is not only separated and grounded but it is useful. Space will not permit giving many of the interesting uses of this remarkable tree, and the count¬ less ways the jungle people use it. I can only list a few. a. A shelter. It is hard and does not rot easily. The natives use it much in build¬ ing. We as Christians should have a stock¬ ade of God’s love and mercy around us, letting our light so shine that those with¬ out Christ may see our good works and seek forgiveness of sin and accept Him as their personal Saviour. (Matt. 5:16). The chonta is also used for shelter for the wayfaring man. It is the only tree of the jungle whose leaf can always be found and will make waterproof protection from the terrific jungle rains. It is truly a shel¬ ter in the time of storm. Yes, the Christ¬ ian should always remember that our God is a great GOD. He is the shelter in the time of storm, and we should ever be on the alert for an opportunity to be shelter to the one without Christ, out in the world, soaked and smitten by the storm of sin. b. Pood. The jungle traveller is always assured of food given by this plant. Just below the top, when the leaves are re¬ moved, is a long strip that is delicious to eat. It makes excellent soup. The Christian also has food for the weary traveller lost in his trespasses and sins. It is the Word of God, manna sent from heaven. Men may eat and never hunger again. God help them to give them to eat (Isa. 55:1-3). c. Warmth. The Chonta has within its texture an oily substance that will burn when no dry wood can be found. After a long hard day’s trek in the jungle, what a delightful, warming influence it has. Christian friend, is your all on the altar ? Has the Spirit of God touched your lips with live coal? (Isa. 6:6). Do you want to do the WILL of God? Can you claim these things and let the seething millions of the heathen world go on without any knowledge of the saving power of the Lord Jesus Christ? Let us be honest before God.

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STEINBACH BIBLE ACADEMY YEAR BOOK 11 Peace? Peace! Peace The crying little youngster running home to his mother, may be coming from the neighbor’s little boy. The two probab¬ ly had a quarrel. If we should ask the reason for the sudden break of friendship, we might learn that they had thought differently about a matter, and neither was willing to give in to the other. Other persons are similar to these boys. Nations also are similar to these boys. Man does not want to submit to anyone but himself. Is it any wonder, then, that we find so little peaceful living in this world of ours? Yet we are continually looking and longing for peace. Politically, committee after committee, and organiza¬ tion after organization, is struggling with the problem and solution to peace. Still, we are confronted with the fact that all human endeavors are futile. Where shall we find peace? The ages have produced many indivi¬ duals who cried: Peace!, with it, teach¬ ings that should bring peace — peace to the individual and peace ' to the nation. These persons led, and are leading many astray. As eager eyes are searching for a ray of hope, where are we Christians stay¬ ing with the message of The Peace that passes all understanding? Finally, we come to the peace that su¬ persedes the peace with its many ques¬ tions, and also the peace with its many ex¬ clamations. This peace is peace. In its arms the most wretched person can find perfect consolatory peace. Soothing, soft- spoken words of harmonious comfort are uttered to the man who puts his trust in Christ — God’s son. It is the Comforter C. WILBERT LOEWEN, B.A. B.Th. Church History, Exegesis, Sunday School Administration that speaks. Shall we heed the bidding of His commands? Let us determine to pro¬ mote peace, by proclaiming the gospel of peace, and live consistently by it, in all circumstances of life. If we will, we shall see those same two youngsters reunited, playing together in peaceful friendship. Continued from page 10 filment of the manward obligations, or else, the right relation with God does not exist. And, in fulfilling the manward obli¬ gations, the Christian fulfills his Godward obligations. For, can a child of God love God and not love his brother? Or, can a man truly love man without loving God? Does a man love God more than he loves the man whom he loves least? The cross on which the Son of God died did not only have the pole pointing heavenward, it also had the crossbar to which His hands were nailed. If the one reminds us of the heavenly relation then the cross¬ bar reminds us of manward relationship. It is as if our dying Lord points with His outstretched arms and says, “ to serve me go and serve your fellowman; go everywhere; give all.” But let it always be remembered clearly that God’s design and love for man is re¬ demptive. He deals with man in terms of his salvation. The story of the Bible is the story of the redemption of man. The centre of the Bible is the redemption wrought by the Son of God. This is the highest good of man. The acme of the Christian’s service to man finds itself, therefore, in bringing about the personal salvation of his fellowman. It is the Gos¬ pel, and only the Gospel, that has been de¬ signed by God for this purpose. It alone is the “power of God unto salvation”. From this, it follows clearly, that the center of all service, which can truly be called service, must be the propogation of the glad news of redemption in Jesus Christ. Only as all else is subject to, and a contribution of this central function of the Christian, is he a true servant of Je¬ sus Christ. Finally, all the needs for effective ser¬ vice of the Christian have been provided by God. The very moment man becomes a Christian through faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to take up his abode in Continued on page 24

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STEINBACH BIBLE ACADEMY YEAR BOOK 13 As we diligently follow On the paths of learning, May our hearts and wills be mellow For the Saviour’s moulding. With godly wisdom, Lord, endue us; Keep us from all dross, And lead us now along this way To serve Thee every day.