Newsletter Vol.1, #41—October 2, 2005

Matthew 6: ²⁶Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ²⁷And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? ESV

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Happy Birthday to Kathleen Appleton, October the Eighth.
(No picture available)

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KEEP FACING IT

Tommy Thornhill

A tramp when asked his philosophy replied: "I turn my back to the wind." That's probably why he was a tramp. Following the line of least resistance makes rivers and many men crooked. A man cannot drift to success.

I am told by those who sail ships that in the midst of a storm the ship's bow is kept facing the wind since the heaviest seas run with the wind, so facing the wind is safest. The trees that face the wind on the coast become the straightest and tallest. From them were made the masts and spars of sailing ships in past days. Scrubs grow in the protected valley. Strength and power is built by facing resistance, not yielding to it. "Keep facing it." is a good philosophy for us to follow today. There is no sense in kidding ourselves; wishful thinking must go. We have a tough war to win and the only way to win is by facing the facts and difficulties that confront us. Whether the going is rough or smooth we must not turn back. We must keep plowing ahead, facing the stormy tribulations and trials of life. By so doing we will grow in strength, endurance, and courage. Then we will win because we deserve to win.

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The author of Letters to the Editor (below) is unknown to me. I have made some slight changes in these.

We will publish more letters in future issues of the Newsletter. –Larry

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: POSTMODERN REACTIONS TO PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE "FOOLISH" GALATIANS

Imagine, if you will, that the Apostle Paul has recently published an article in Today’s Christianity about the problems in the Galatian church, exactly as he first addressed them almost two thousand years ago. Considering the current ecumenical and tolerant mind-set in postmodern Christianity, I wouldn't be surprised to see these "Letters to the Editor" in the subsequent issue:

Dear Today’s Christianity:

In response to Paul D. Apostle's article about the Galatian church in your February issue, I have to say how appalled I am by the unchristian tone of this hit piece. Why the negativity? Has he been to the Galatian church recently? I happen to know some of the people at that church, and they are the most loving, caring people I've ever met. Phyllis Snodgrass; Ann Arbor, MI

Dear Editor:

How arrogant of Mr. Apostle to think he has the right to judge these people and label them accursed. Isn't that God's job? Regardless of this circumcision issue, these Galatians believe in Jesus just as much as he does, and it is very Pharisaical to condemn them just because they differ on such a secondary issue. Personally, I wouldn't want a sharp instrument anywhere near my member, but that doesn't give me the right to judge how someone else follows Christ. Can't we just focus on our common commitment to Christ and furthering His kingdom, instead of tearing down fellow believers over petty doctrinal matters? Ed Bilgeway; Tonganoxie, KS

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The Teaching Methods of Jesus (I)

Jimmy Tuten, Jr. Tallmadge, Ohio

Continued from Last Week

Beginning with Luke nine, the journeys toward Jerusalem are described. Three times Jesus “steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51; 3:22; 17:11). This was at the close of the Lord’s earthly life, just before the end. Jesus faced death in Jerusalem, yet He “steadfastly set his face.” Now there are only the deepening opposition of the scribes and Pharisees and the lengthening shadow of the cross. Like Jesus, we should not shrink from the duty which our Father lays on us. The holy and noble tenacity of spirit expressed in the life of Christ is needed today wherever one is teaching. It was concerning Jesus that the disciple remembered that it was written, “the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up (John 1:7).

Jesus, The Tactful Teacher

Tactfulness can be overdone, but there are times when it is needed. It is needed when you must make a point without making an enemy. Abraham Lincoln defined “diplomacy” as “the knack of letting the other fellow have your way.” Jesus was a Master at tactfulness. In John eight, for example, Jesus was faced with the problem of an adulterous woman. At the same time He knew that the scribes and Pharisees who were questioning Him were doing so with the intent of tempting Him so they might accuse Him. He pauses while writing on the ground. Then He says, “he that is without sin among you, let him cast a stone at her” (v.7). This tactful approach to the problem left the accusers without an answer. They left one by one.

Teachers need to know that sometimes tact is the best oil to use to keep the classroom machinery running smoothly. But, let’s not forget that many people are so tactful that they never make contact with people.

Jesus, The Spiritual-minded Teacher

Jesus said, “blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matt.5:6). Righteousness has to do with spiritual-mindedness: These are they who have a strong sense of God, who estimate themselves in His light, and so discover that their supreme need is spiritual mindedness. The Apostle Paul said, “to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Rom.8:6). Teachers need to learn that man does not live by bread alone; that his soul-hungering is of far greater importance than his body-hunger. The noble example of spiritual-mindedness should always be before the student. How can we expect spiritual-mindedness out of those whom we teach if it is not a part of our lives? We should foster the soul’s longings for spirituality. They will put character (judged according to the Divine standard) in its proper place, and that is the first place.

Spiritual-mindedness in the life of Jesus needs no Scriptural citations. It is apparent to all who know Him. Jesus appealed to this characteristic in His life when defending Himself’ before Caiaphas. He says, “I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, ‘whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing” (John 18:20-21).

Jesus, The Prayerful Teacher

Jesus illustrates’ the importance and power of prayer. We have the records of His communion with God, communion that sprang from the depth of the greatest of all souls. Luke’s gospel tells us that on the critical day when Jesus told His disciples once for all that the cross confronted him, he prayed; and “as he was praying, the fashion of his countenance was altered” (Luke 9:29). Who knows for what Jesus looked tense, drawn, harrassed and fearful, and that His face had revealed His inner struggle. But when He prayed the appearance of his face was altered. He received strength for anxiety and inward power adequate for whatever peril he faced.

In a time when little that is outward tends to lead our thoughts straight to prayer, we need the strength that comes from it. No church has greater members than the teachers who teach their pupils to pray both by example and instruction. Fellowship with a holy God produces holiness among men. We need teachers of prayer, men and women mighty in prayer. Someone has well said, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater works; prayer is the greater work. We think of prayer as a common sense exercise of our higher powers in order to prepare us for God’s work.” Prayer is a serious thing. It is the gymnasium of the teacher’s soul.

Truth Magazine, XVIII:4, p.6-7, November 22, 1973 (To Be Continued)