Studying God’s Word, Rightly Divided May 2001

The

Berean SearchlightStudying God’s Word, Rightly Divided May 2001

2 Berean Searchlight

INSIDE THIS ISSUEMay 2001

From Our Mailbag ....................................................... 4

Have You Thought About Your Soul? .......................... 6

The Life and Letters of the Apostle Peter .................. 7

Question Box ................................................................ 12

All Profitable ................................................................ 13

Our Motives—From Vice or Virtue? ........................... 15

Rocky Mountain Grace Camp ..................................... 21

Advertisements ............................................................ 22

Annual Berean Bible Fellowship Conference ............. 24

News and Announcements .......................................... 26

The Berean Bible Society is an organization for the promotion of Bible study by meansof newspaper series, recorded Bible lessons, and the distribution of Bible study literature.It is a non-profit organization, a work of faith supported by the gifts of Christian friends.

The Berean Searchlight is the official organ of the Berean Bible Society,and is sent free of charge to any who request it.

Editor: Paul M. Sadler

Composition and Layout: Kevin J. Sadler

Printing: United Press Inc., Elk Grove Village, IL

Questions, comments, book orders? You can reach us at:

Berean Bible SocietyN112 W17761 Mequon Road

PO Box 756Germantown, WI 53022

Internet: <www.bereanbiblesociety.org>

E-mail: <[email protected]>

The Berean Searchlight (ISSN 0005-8890), May 2001. Volume 62, Number 3. No sub-scription price. The Berean Searchlight is published monthly (except July) at no subscriptionprice, by the Berean Bible Society, N112 W17761 Mequon Road, PO Box 756, Germantown, WI53022-0756. Periodicals postage paid at Germantown, WI. POSTMASTER: Send addresschanges to Berean Searchlight, N112 W17761 Mequon Road, PO Box 756, Germantown, WI53022-0756.

May 2001 3

Dearly Beloved,After the eagle bears its young, the mother

seems to know instinctively when the little onesare strong enough to fly. She’ll swoop down withthat massive six-foot wing span and sweep her

wing across the top of the nest, knocking her young from their securehome high atop the rocky peaks. The time has come for them to takeflight. But let one of these little guys falter and the mother will quicklycircle around and bear it up on her wings to safety.

In like manner, five years ago when the Berean Bible Society’s Boardof Directors formed the Berean Bible Institute, it was the Board’s sinceredesire to push the Institute out of the nest, as it were, so it could establishits own identity. With the exception of using the facilities here at BBS,this has been accomplished. The school now has a Board of Directors, afull-time administrator, a part-time secretary, an impressive library, andseven faculty members (one full-time, one part-time, and five volunteerinstructors) who have developed a well-rounded curriculum for the aca-demic program. The last major hurdle will be to secure a building, whichis already in the preliminary planning stages.

While we are grateful for other Christian schools of higher learning,Berean Bible Institute was founded for the sole purpose of training youngmen and women who desire to make all men see what is the fellowship ofthe Mystery. So it is with great joy that we announce the 2nd Graduationand Awards Ceremony of the Institute on Friday, May 25th at 7:00 p.m.

We, therefore, cordially extend an invitation for everyone to join us forthe Commencement Address and Awards Presentation. We’re sure thehonor of your presence will be a great encouragement to the entire stu-dent body.

In His service,

Paul M. SadlerPresident

An AuspiciousOccasion

BBI Graduation and Awards CeremonyLocation: Stony Hills Church, N112 W17655 Mequon Road,

Germantown, Wisconsin

Date: Friday, May 25, 2001

Contact Persons:Linda Bedore or Jessica Sadler (262) 255-4094


From Our MailbagActs 14:27

From Wisconsin:“I’m so thankful that I learned about

the Word of God, rightly divided. Justfinished reading Paul’s Epistle to theEphesians by Paul M. Sadler. It is a verygood book and I’ve been helped and en-couraged. Thank you for your ministry.Also thanks to Pastor Stam for his booksand ministry.”

From the Philippines:“I would like to convey my deep ap-

preciation for continually sending yourmagazine (The Berean Searchlight) foralmost five years now. It has been veryhelpful in my Christian life and minis-try as well. In this age of apostasy andcompromise, it is really nice to know thatyour Bible-teaching ministry continuesto uphold the sound doctrines of theChristian faith. The information thatI’ve read in your magazine really in-spires and challenges me to know (Acts17:11) and stand for the truth. I alsocommend you for not shrinking from theresponsibility of alerting us to the newand increased threats to Christianity.Keep up the good work (I Cor. 15:58; Gal.6:9; II Thes. 3:13).”

From Nebraska:“I am a retired Evangelical Free

Church pastor. I have used your ma-terial and charts at different times inmy S.S. class, even though some do notappreciate my dispensational teach-ing. The book that opened my eyeswas Things That Differ. Please note mychange of address. I want to continuereceiving the Berean Searchlight.” (Wehave often received the same response,but as the apostle says: “For we can donothing against the truth, but for thetruth.” Ed.)

From Minnesota:“The Berean Searchlight is a real

blessing to me. I have really enjoyed thearticles on the Life and Letters of theApostle Peter. You are so careful to answerquestions one may have and are so thor-ough in all your studies. May God blessyou in your very important ministry.”

GOD’S BLESSINGON BBS MINISTRIES

From Michigan:“I’m not sure what prompted you to

send me the book entitled Things ThatDiffer, but I have to say the book is areal blessing. So much so that I’m verymuch looking forward to the two booksI’m currently ordering. I’ve spent yearsreading the Bible without really grasp-ing its meaning. The book Things ThatDiffer has enabled me (through the HolySpirit) to come to more of an understand-ing of the Word, as well as admit to my-self that I’ve been somewhat in error,mainly through ignorance of the Word.I have a long way to go but feel I’m head-ing in the right direction. I believe thatthe Lord had a hand in your decision tosend me Things That Differ. I first andforemost thank Him. And I also wouldlike to take this time to thank you. TheWord can be exciting when it begins tomake sense. It’s starting to.” (A littlebird named Grace requested that wesend you a copy. Ed.)

From Indiana:“Keep up the good work. The Berean

Bible Society is a wonderful work of God.Keep sending the Searchlight. I lookforward to it every month.”

From New York:“Many thanks for your answer to my

inquiry. You people have a wonderful wayof putting words and phrases together.I now understand the Holy Spirit andHis work much better. How wonderfulwhen you see Paul’s gospel and the truthrightly divided. How I thank God forwhat He has shown me through youpeople. I pray He will continue to makeyou a blessing as you have blessed me.”

From Iowa:“Brother Sadler, we think your writ-

ings on the Life and Letters of the ApostlePeter in the Searchlight are very inter-esting and encouraging. Praise God.”

From Arizona:“I enjoy reading your monthly issue

of the Berean Searchlight very much.Thank you.”

May 2001 5

From Pennsylvania:“Thanks for your books, so precious.

I am 100 years old, will be 101 on April18th. It is hard for me to write. Keepup the good work. God bless, thanksagain.” (In the words of former PresidentReagan, Sister Ross is celebrating the62nd anniversary of her 39th birthday.Normally, however, the first number isconsiderably smaller than the second.Congratulations!! Ed.)

From Oregon:“Thank you so much for sending me

the Searchlight month after month forlearning and keeping up with the news.I like also hearing from readers (LetterExcerpts), even when a particular writeris negative. It reminds me that it takesthe Holy Spirit, not just my own effort,to actually reach the hearts of the un-saved—and even those who are saved(but have been taught, or brainwashed,in the thinking of denominationalism).It makes me feel a little less strandedas a grace believer knowing that you(Bereans) are out there along with allthe many faithful pastors and saintsspread throughout these United States.May you continue your work until theRapture.”

From Arizona:“I want to thank you very much for

sending me the Berean Searchlight. Ithelps me a lot in studying the Bible. Iread it every day until I have finishedthe magazine and enjoy going back overthe articles. I am sending you a checkto help you publish it. I would hate tobe without it.”

From Nebraska:“Thank you at BBS for sending me

the Searchlight year after year. I havemany of Pastor Stam’s books and havelearned so much from them. I am nowreading Pastor Sadler’s notes on Peter.My problem—I need more time to readthem. God bless you all.”

From Australia:“I am writing on behalf of a small

group of believers who have come to ap-preciate the writings of Pastor Stamand others as they have expounded theScriptures from a Pauline perspective.All in our group have been involved inchurches where this teaching has beendeficient and/or mixed with Old Testa-ment Law and Kingdom theology. Wehave made contact with Cecil and JennyBurgess in Queensland and they havebeen most helpful in supplying printedmaterial to us.”

From Ohio:“Not too long ago, I asked for prayer

for Maria and Rusty. One week ago theywere blessed with a healthy baby boymaking the Mrs. and I great-grandpar-ents—a very blessed event. Thank youfor your prayers and thanks for the ar-ticles in the Searchlight. God bless theBerean Bible Society.” (We think you’regreat grandparents as well! Ed.)

From Florida:“We are so thankful for you and the

Berean Bible Society. We praise God ev-ery day for the wonderful Mystery mes-sage. Please continue doing the workthat God has appointed you to do. En-closed in this letter is a check for thework. Please use this gift anywhere yousee a need.”

From Wyoming:“We look forward to each issue of the

Berean Searchlight....What a wonderfulcomplement it is to the message rightlydivided being proclaimed in GraceChapel, Laramie, Wyoming.”

From Pennsylvania:“Enclosed is a gift of $.... to be used

where it is needed most. What a won-derful blessing it has been understand-ing God’s Word, rightly divided. We praythat the Lord would use BBS to helpothers understand also.”

“These [Bereans] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, inthat they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searchedthe Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” —Acts 17:11

Have You Thought About Your Soul?Have You Thought About Your Soul?Have you ever stopped to wonder

What this life is all about?Why you’re here and where you’re going

When your lease on time runs out?Maybe you’ve been far too busy,

Trying hard to reach your goal;Would you let me ask you kindly,

Have you thought about your soul?

You may reach the highest portals,And your dreams may all come true;

Wealth and fame may be your portion,And success may shine on you.

All your friends may sing your praises,Not a care on you may roll;

What about the great tomorrow—Have you thought about your soul?

Don’t forget your days are numbered,Though you may be ridin’ high;

But like all of us poor mortals,Someday you’ll just up and die.

Your success and fame and gloryWon’t be worth the bell they toll;

Let me ask you just one question,Have you thought about your soul?

If you’ve never thought it over,Spend a little time today;

There is nothing more importantThat will ever come your way

Than the joy of sins forgiven,And to know you’ve been made whole

In the name of Christ the Savior.Have you thought about your soul?

—Selected

As you ponder the above question, remember God’s warning:“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”Simply believe Christ personally died for your sins, was buried,and rose again, and God will wonderfully deliver you from thewrath to come!

The Life and Letters of the Apostle PeterI Peter 5:1-4

By Paul M. Sadler

CHRISTIANS

Before we move on to Chapter 5,we want to clear up a misno-

mer regarding the beloved title“Christian” found in I Peter 4:16:“Yet if any man suffer as a Christian,let him not be ashamed; but let himglorify God on this behalf.” It isgenerally believed that Christianmissionaries had reached Peter’shearers with the Christian message,which earned them the designation“Christians.” But this is far fromthe case when we consider the his-torical record.

The very first passage of the epis-tle clearly establishes that Peterwas writing to those of the disper-sion who were scattered abroadshortly after the stoning of Stephen(Gr. diaspora=scattered, Acts 8:1-4cf. I Pet. 1:1). This, of course, tookplace before Paul’s conversion; there-fore, Peter’s hearers could not havebeen saved under what has cometo be known as the Christian mes-sage. Paul was the first to proclaimthe preaching of the Cross as goodnews, which embraces the doctrinesof reconciliation and justificationby faith.

“And it came to pass, that a wholeyear they assembled themselves

with the church, and taught muchpeople. And the disciples werecalled Christians first in Antioch”(Acts 11:26). Since the Greek wordChristianos has a Latin ending, itstrongly implies that the Romanswere the first to call the followersof Christ “Christians.” They appar-ently coined the name to distin-guish themselves from those whoworshipped Christ.

The cult of the Caesar was thestate religion of the Roman Empirein which the emperor was worshippedas a god. It served two purposes. Thesubjects of Rome gave obedience tothe laws of the empire, not only as apolitical, but also as a religious duty.It constituted the unifying factorwhich bound the many differentpeoples of the empire into one, andmade the military task of holding itsfar-flung domain an easier one. TheGreek word for Caesar is Kaisar.Those who worshipped the Kaisarwere called Kaisarianos.1

Because it was believed thatChrist would one day overthrowthe kingdoms of this world and es-tablish His own kingdom of righ-teousness, those that worshippedHim were called Christianos. Bycoining the term, the Romans wereattempting to distance themselvesfrom the followers of Christ. In ad-dition to believing they were pre-occupied with Christ, the Romansfelt these Christians had writtentheir own death sentence by defy-ing Caesar. Ten bloody persecutionsfollowed as a result.

Peter is the only believer to usethe term “Christian.” The other two

May 2001 7


times the word appears it came fromthe lips of the unbelieving. The pre-fix “Christ” is the common denomi-nator when we consider the usageof the term Christian in relation tothe two programs of God. Christ isthe subject of both programs. So itis correct to say that Peter’s hear-ers were Christians because theybelieved Christ was the Messiahof Israel who would establish Hiskingdom here upon the earth. Theywere followers of Christ accordingto this purpose and calling.

Although the Apostle Paul neveruses the term, the members of theBody of Christ have come to becalled Christians because Christ isour Head. We are to follow Paul ashe followed Christ according to Hisheavenly purpose and calling (I Cor.11:1). Thus, true Christianity as weknow it today, is a product of thedoctrines of grace that the Lord ofglory revealed through Paul.

THE CHIEF SHEPHERD“The elders which are among you

I exhort, who am also an elder, anda witness of the sufferings of Christ,and also a partaker of the glory thatshall be revealed: Feed the flock ofGod which is among you, taking theoversight thereof, not by constraint,but willingly; not for filthy lucre, butof a ready mind. Neither as beinglords over God’s heritage, but beingensamples to the flock. And whenthe Chief Shepherd shall appear, yeshall receive a crown of glory thatfadeth not away.”

—I Pet. 5:1-4There are numerous metaphors

assigned to the nation Israel, butperhaps the most beloved is herrole as the sheep of God. Israel isthe flock and the Lord is their shep-herd who watches over them. Thisparticular metaphor abounds in theProphetic Scriptures. Although the

23rd Psalm is repeatedly applieddevotionally to the members of theBody of Christ, the words of Davidwere originally intended for theChildren of Israel. For example:

The LORD is my shepherd.Christ is the Shepherd of the flockof God in three senses. He is theGood Shepherd who laid down Hislife for His sheep (John 10:14-18).As the Great Shepherd who has risenfrom the dead, Christ gives His owneternal security; consequently, noman can pluck them out of Hishand (John 10:27-30 cf. Heb. 13:20).Finally, as the Chief Shepherd, Heis coming again to reward His ownwith a crown of glory that fadethnot away (I Pet. 5:4).

I shall not want. Here the sheepare portrayed as being perfectlycontent. Unlike the hireling who ismerely out for personal gain, theGood Shepherd loves His sheepand naturally cares for their needs.They know His voice and willinglyfollow Him.

He maketh me to lie down ingreen pastures. It is said that fourrequirements must be met beforesheep will lie down in a pasture:First, they must be free from hun-ger. If sheep are hungry they tendto wander off in search of food. Sec-ond, they must be free of pests, suchas parasites and flies. Third, theymust be free from internal strifewithin the flock. Fourth, they mustbe free from fear. Thus, the very pres-ence of the Great Shepherd has acalming effect upon the sheep. Theyfeel secure as long as He is nearby.

He leadeth me beside the stillwaters. Most animals will avoiddrinking from a contaminated poolof water. Sheep, however, seemoblivious to the danger. As a result,herds that are unattended oftencontract diseases and parasites.

May 2001 9

The Good Shepherd alone knowswhat is best for the flock. He leadsthem to still waters that are pure andwill satisfy the longing of their souls.“Blessed are they which do hungerand thirst after righteousness: forthey shall be filled” (Matt. 5:6).

He restoreth my soul: The shep-herd is aware if even one from hisflock is missing. Sheep seem to havea propensity for wandering away,which usually places them in harm’sway, especially if they become “cast.”A cast sheep is one that rolls overon its back and is unable to rightitself. It is completely helpless!Only the shepherd can save it fromsure death. After 1500 years of fail-ure under the law, Israel had wan-dered far from God. Isaiah put hisfinger on the pulse of the matterwhen he said, “All we like sheephave gone astray” (Isa. 53:6). Shewas “cast.” According to the wordof the prophet, the Good Shepherdwill one day restore Israel to herrightful position.

He leadeth me in the paths ofrighteousness for His name’s sake.Like man, sheep are creatures ofhabit. If not managed properly, theywill graze until the pasture is bar-ren. Thus, sheep will blindly fol-low one another down the wrongpath in search of greener pastures.Isaiah adds to the above passagethat his countrymen had “turnedeveryone to his own way.” In otherwords, the nation had departed fromthe way of the Lord to worship idols.On the basis of His resurrection, theGreat Shepherd will lead the flockinto the pathway of righteousnessfor His name’s sake. As He said, “Iam the way, the truth, and the life:no man cometh unto the Father, butby Me” (John 14:6).

Yea, though I walk through thevalley of the shadow of death, I will

fear no evil: for Thou art with me;thy rod and thy staff they comfortme. On the journey to the high coun-try the flock had to be led throughthe valley which was fraught withdanger. Flash floods and predatorswere just two of the hazards alongthe way. But the flock found solacein the shepherd’s rod and staff. Theshepherd skillfully used the rodto beat off attacks by coyotes andwolves. The curved end of the staff,on the other hand, was placed aroundthe neck of the sheep to pull it backto safety. As Israel walks throughthe valley of the shadow of deathin the coming Tribulation period,the Chief Shepherd will lead hersafely to Mount Zion where He willreturn in great power and glory toset up His kingdom.

THE UNDER-SHEPHERDSPeter’s reference of the Messiah

being the Chief Shepherd of Israelwas to remind the under-shepherdsthat they needed to be extremelycareful how they tended the flock ofGod. They were to closely follow theexample of the Chief Shepherd, dueto the fact that they must soon givean account of their oversight of theflock at the Second Coming.

“The elders which are among youI exhort, who am also an elder, anda witness of the sufferings of Christ,and also a partaker of the glory thatshall be revealed: Feed the flock ofGod which is among you, taking theoversight thereof, not by constraint,but willingly; not for filthy lucre, butof a ready mind. Neither as beinglords over God’s heritage, but beingensamples to the flock.”

As Peter set down some practi-cal instructions for the elders ofthe dispersion, he included himselfin their number. This is a clear in-dication that Peter’s apostleship


was gradually fading in significance.Fewer and fewer revelations werebeing imparted regarding the king-dom, which eventually left the chiefelder in Israel with a ministry ofconfirmation.

Peter is directing his exhortationto the shepherd who is the pastorof the local assembly, as the termimplies. Simply because one is aBible teacher or an elder does notnecessarily mean he is a pastor.In fact, there are probably manythat shouldn’t be in the ministry,although they may be qualified tohold other positions in the Lord’sservice.

Being a pastor is far more thanpreaching at Sunday services. A trueshepherd is one who has a pastor’sheart. The flock he is given to over-see is his extended family. He hasa burden for every member of thefamily that they might grow spiri-tually in the Lord. When one ofthem is sick, he visits without be-ing asked. If one of them is over-taken in a fault, he is brokenhearteduntil the offender is restored to thefold. It is usually the pastor whois the first to call, or at least heshould be, to console those who havelost a loved one. He is a consoler, acounselor, and a confidant.

Peter instructs the shepherds ofthe dispersion to “feed the flock ofGod which is among you, taking theoversight thereof.” Here the apostle

is passing along the counsel the GoodShepherd gave to him prior to Hisascension. You will recall that Peterdenied the Lord three times, as theMaster had predicted. Near the endof the forty-day post-resurrectionministry of Christ, He appearedto His disciples. As they dined, theMaster inquired of Peter:

“Jesus saith to Simon Peter,Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou memore than these? He saith untoHim, Yea, Lord; thou knowest thatI love thee. He saith unto him, Feedmy lambs” (John 21:15). While wewill not concern ourselves here withthe significance of the Greek play onwords, we would like you to see thatthe Lord is giving Peter the oppor-tunity to retract his former boast,that he loved the Master more thanthe other disciples. As we know inthe end he denied Him.

After Peter was humbled, theLord takes the first step to restoreHis apostle with the statement,“Feed my lambs.” The Good Shep-herd was about to leave them, butbefore He did He commissionedPeter and the others to “feed Hislambs.” They were the most vulner-able of the flock and needed specialattention. Sometimes it is neces-sary to hand-feed the little lambsuntil they are strong enough tostand for the truth.

“He saith to him again the sec-ond time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovestthou me? He saith unto Him, Yea,Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.He saith unto him, Feed my sheep”(John 21:16). There were threesteps to Peter’s denial and threesteps to his restoration. Once againthe Good Shepherd was commis-sioning His under-shepherds tocare for the flock in His absence.Hence, Peter is instructed to “FeedHis sheep.” The Greek word “feed”

“Being a pastor is farmore than preaching atSunday services. A trueshepherd is one who has

a pastor’s heart.”

May 2001 11

here is a much broader term whichhas the idea to supervise, rule, anddiscipline the flock. The sheep areportrayed as mature, but somewhatunruly at times.

“He saith unto him the thirdtime, Simon, son of Jonas, lovestthou me? Peter was grieved becauseHe said unto him the third time,Lovest thou me? And he said untoHim, Lord, thou knowest all things;thou knowest that I love thee. Jesussaith unto him, Feed my sheep”(John 21:17). Peter was not grievedin the sense of being offended, butrather he was sorrowful. He had torecall his threefold denial. In es-sence, the Lord is saying to Peter,and to all shepherds for that mat-ter, if you truly love me then prop-erly care for my sheep. Notice in allthree passages that it’s the Lord’ssheep which are placed into thecare of under-shepherds. They areHis purchased possession. “Feed mysheep!” As it has been correctly said,“the work is so laborious, the appre-ciation is often small, the responseso discouraging, the criticism soharsh, the attacks of Satan so fierce,that only the love of Christ—His forus and ours for Him—can constrainus to such work.”

Peter undoubtedly had thesethree things in mind when he in-structed the elders of the disper-sion to “feed the flock of God whichis among you, taking the oversightthereof.” You see, he too wouldsoon have to leave the care of thesheep to others—the shadow of hismartyrdom was looming larger andlarger.

THE MOTIVES OF THEUNDER-SHEPHERDS

“Not by constraint, but willingly;not for filthy lucre, but of a readymind. Neither as being lords over

God’s heritage, but being ensamplesto the flock.”

Peter challenges those who wearthe mantle of the shepherd not toserve by constraint but willingly.Some who are called to the minis-try may feel a sense of unworthinessto hold the position or feel over-whelmed at times with the greatresponsibility in leading God’s peo-ple. Essentially Peter says, don’t behalf-hearted; serve the Lord with afull measure of devotion.

Football fans think nothing ofdriving two hours to a football game,spending another hour waiting inline to enter the stadium, followedby three hours of uncontrollableyelling and screaming in twentydegrees below zero wind chill tem-peratures to root for the home team.If believers had half this much en-thusiasm for the Lord’s work, wewould be accomplishing far morefor the cause of Christ—somethingof eternal worth!

“Not for filthy lucre, but of aready mind.” Here Peter warns ofusing the ministry for personal gain.While the workman is worthy of hishire, the shepherd is not to fleecethe flock of God. The pastorateshould never be viewed as an occu-pation but rather a calling of God.Those who shamefully enter theministry simply for material ben-efit will one day have to answer tothe Chief Shepherd. The Lord willnot hold the hireling blameless whotakes advantage of His people. Thetrue servant of the Lord will servewith a “ready mind.” That is, he willeagerly do the Lord’s work withoutconsideration of financial profit.

“Neither as being lords overGod’s heritage, but being ensamplesto the flock.” The shepherd is notto be a dictator, placing unreason-able demands on the elders and


Question Box“Our parenthetical period between God’s dealing with Israel is

obvious as is the difference between Paul’s gospel of grace as comparedto the gospel of the kingdom. However, suppose as a result of Peter’sPentecostal offer of Christ’s return to rule that the ‘times of refreshing’be theirs and all Israel embraced their Messiah—where would theprophesied ‘Time of Jacob’s Trouble’ fit in that 70th week?

“To me, it seems the Tribulation period would not be consistentfor an immediate return of Christ to rule. Satan and Anti-Christcould be dealt with immediately, and Christ’s millennial rule startedwith the kingdom gospel outreach to the Gentiles. Of course, duringthe Tribulation the 144,000 will be reaching out to all, but to me, those‘times of refreshing’ seemed an immediate result if Israel had respondedto Peter’s offer of the kingdom restored, with the Messiah enthroned.Though this isn’t a real problem for me, I lean toward a Tribulationbypass and Christ’s kingdom set up for repentant Israel.”

The key word in your question, beloved, is “suppose.” The prob-lem with suppositions is they are like shifting sand beneath ourspiritual feet. What if Adam had not sinned? But he did, and we’vebeen suffering the consequences ever since. What if Israel’s leadershad repented at Pentecost? But they didn’t!

While heart bypasses are quite common these days, a spiritualbypass is not possible here due to other prophetic predictions. Aproper hermeneutical approach always takes into considerationevery Scripture that is related to the subject, even though one pas-sage may appear to be inconsistent with the overall theme. In otherwords, we must consider the whole picture.

In accordance with God’s infinite foreknowledge, He foreknewIsrael would not receive her Messiah. Consequently, at the stoningof Stephen, had there not been the intervening age of Grace, Daniel’sseventieth week—the seven-year Tribulation—would have beenimmediately introduced. There are well over 300 prophecies yet tobe fulfilled in the coming day of the Lord; therefore, a bypass of thefuture Tribulation is not an option. In fact, we believe the veracityof God’s very Word is at stake (See Dan. 9:24-27; Isa. 2:6-22; Zeph.1:14-18 cf. Rev. 1-19, etc.).

—Pastor Sadler

Endnote1. Bypaths, pages 20-32.

congregation. The attitude of someshepherds is, “It’s my way or thehighway!” As it has been said, “powercorrupts, and absolute power cor-rupts absolutely.” The shepherd isnot to drive the flock of God, butlead it. He is to lead by example,

not fear, that all may come into afuller knowledge of His will.

To Be Continued!

May 2001 13

All ProfitableBy Cornelius R. Stam

“All Scripture is given by inspi-ration of God, and is profitable fordoctrine, for reproof, for correction,for instruction in righteousness.”

—II Tim. 3:16

There appears to be a naturalhesitation on the part of some

Bible teachers and commentators todeal objectively with the Scripturalrecord of the failings of great menof God. Indeed, many Bible exposi-tors lean over backward to excuse,or explain away, at least in part,the sins of great saints.

Yet the Bible records these sinswith factual exactness, adding nolight tones to the black hues ofmoral and spiritual guilt. This isfor our good, for these sad inci-dents too were recorded “for our ad-monition” (I Cor. 10:11). John Kitto,in his Daily Bible Illustrations,brings this out in his comments onII Samuel 11 and 12:

“It was while the army was en-gaged in these distant operationsthat David fell into those deep sins,which have left a dark blot uponhis name, that all his tears havenot been able to expunge from theview of man, nor all his griefs tomake man forget. It is indeed prof-itable that they should be held inremembrance, in their causes andresults, that the sad fall of so dis-tinguished a saint—a man so nearto God—may teach us not to behigh-minded, but fear.

“The facts are so well known toevery reader that it will suffice toindicate them very briefly.

“David, when walking upon theroof of his palace, after having risenfrom his afternoon rest, obtaineda view of a beautiful woman, of

whom he became most passionatelyenamoured. Her name was Bath-sheba, and she was the wife of Uriahthe Hittite, who, notwithstandinghis Canaanitish origin, was one ofthe king’s most distinguished offic-ers, and a member of the illustriousband of ‘worthies.’

“After gratifying his criminal pas-sion, and finding that it would notbe possible much longer to conceala fact which would expose Bath-sheba to the death-punishment ofan adulteress, David did not shrinkfrom sending orders to Joab so toexpose her valiant husband inbattle as to ensure his destructionby the sword of the Ammonites.Joab obeyed this order to the letter,and Uriah perished. Bathsheba wasthen free, and David barely sufferedthe days of her mourning to pass(probably a month) before he addedher to the number of his wives.

“Here is adultery; here is murder.O, David, David, how art thou fallen!To our minds, there is nothing inall that man has written so terri-bly emphatic as the quiet sentencewhich the historian inserts at theend of his account of these sadtransactions.

“‘BUT THE THING THAT DAVIDHAD DONE DISPLEASED THELORD.’

“His high displeasure was madeknown to David by the prophetNathan, in a parable of touchingbeauty, applied to the case with adegree of force, which at once broughtconviction home to the heart of a mannot hardened in guilt by a courseof less heinous and unrepented sin,but who had plunged headlong intoone great and complicated crime.


pale—the most fine gold has growndim, and the spots have becomebroad and distinct. The balance ofhis character is broken. Still he ispious—but even his piety takes analtered aspect. It is no longer buoy-ant, exulting, triumphant, glad; itis repressed, humble, patient, con-trite, suffering.

“His trust in the Lord is not lessthan it had been, and that trustsustains him, and still gives dignityto his character and sentiments.But even that trust is different. Heis still a son—but he is no longer aJoseph, rejoicing in his father’slove, and delighting in the coat ofmany colours which that love hascast upon him; but rather a Reuben,pardoned, pitied, and forgiven, yetnot unpunished, by the father whosehonor he has defiled. Alas for him!The bird which once rose to heightsunattained before by mortal wing,filling the air with its joyful songs,now lies with maimed wing uponthe ground, pouring forth its dole-ful cries to God.

“The change we have indicatedfurnishes the key to David’s subse-quent career, and unless it be bornein mind, the incidents of that careerwill not be thoroughly understood.”

In the above passage Mr. Kittoshows his usual keen insight intothe Word of God. In examining theScriptural record of David’s life, itis disappointing indeed to see his“sword arm” weakened so that hecan no longer mete out pure justiceor discomfit the enemies of righ-teousness as before.

We live in a day when this sadaccount serves as a much-neededwarning that a moral fall, evenwhen moral falls are so prevalent,enfeebles, debilitates and embar-rasses its victim for the remainderof his life.

The awful words—‘THOU ARTTHE MAN,’ at once brought Davidto his knees. He confessed his guilt.He deplored it with many tears. Hewas pardoned; and God hid not hisface from him for ever. But seeingthat this deed, in a man so honoured,had ‘given great occasion to the en-emies of the Lord to blaspheme,’ itbecame necessary that God shouldvindicate His own righteousness,by testifying, in the punishment ofHis servant, His abhorrence of thatservant’s sin.

“The sentence pronounced uponhim—‘Behold, I will raise up evilagainst thee out of thine own house,’furnishes the key to David’s futurehistory and career, which was asunprosperous and troubled, as theearlier part of his reign had beenhappy and successful. There wasin all things a great change—evenin the man himself. Broken inspirit by the consciousness of howdeeply he had sinned against Godand against man; humbled in theeyes of his subjects, and his influ-ence with them weakened by theknowledge of his crimes; and evenhis authority in his own house-hold, and his claim to the reverenceof his sons, relaxed by his loss ofcharacter—David appears hence-forth a much altered man. He isas one who goes down to the gravemourning. His active history ispast—henceforth he is passivemerely. All that was high, and firm,and noble in his character, goes outof view—and all that is weak, andlow, and wayward, comes out instrong relief.

“Of the infirmities of his temperand character, there may have beenprevious indications, but they werebut dimly discernible through thesplendour of his worthier quali-ties; now that splendour has waxed

May 2001 15

Our Motives—From Vice or Virtue?By Major James M. Humphrey III

Formerly of the Phoenix Police Department

The following article was written by our good friend James M. Humphrey. Afterretiring from the Phoenix Police Department Brother Jim became a PrivateInvestigator. So he knows whereof he speaks when addressing the subject ofVice and Virtue. —Ed.

“The heart is deceitful above allthings, and desperately wicked: whocan know it?”

—Jer. 17:9“For all have sinned, and come

short of the glory of God.”—Rom. 3:23

HUMAN PHILOSOPHY

The unregenerate man cannotbelieve these Bible passages.

He believes he is basically good. Hepoints to men and women who, apartfrom God, do good works and createbeautiful works of art, literature,architecture, engineering, and sci-ence. On the other hand, he wit-nesses hypocrisy in the lives of manywho call themselves “Christians.”And it is a fact that people who callthemselves Christians have beenguilty of adultery, theft, and worsewhile they preached just the oppo-site. Down through history peoplehave been burned at the stake, un-told thousands tortured and slaugh-tered, and all in the name of a Godthat is said to be loving and gracious.We must admit that the hypocrisyof many who claim to be Christiansis sickening. Therefore, it is no won-der that intelligent and thoughtfulpeople who have not seen the truthof God’s wonderful love and gracehave rejected Christianity and mademan a god.

Mankind was originally createdin God’s image (Gen. 1:26) and so

even unsaved, unregenerate manhas the capacity for great intelli-gence and understanding. Therehave been many philosophers andmen of science that were geniusesbut that did not know our Lord asSavior. The Bible calls these un-saved, unregenerate men the “natu-ral man,” and the natural man, nomatter how intelligent, is spiri-tually dead. The Bible instructsthat “...the natural man receivethnot the things of the Spirit ofGod: for they are foolishness untohim: neither can he know them, be-cause they are spiritually discerned”(I Cor. 2:14).

THE MIND OF CHRISTWe as believers in the God of the

Bible who have been saved by thefinished work of the Lord JesusChrist are made the Body of Christ.Christ is our Head (Eph. 1:22,23).Therefore, we can know the thingsof God because we have the mindof Christ (I Cor. 2:15,16). But, wemust ask, how do we use the mindof Christ? The answer is that ourLord Jesus Christ, the living Wordof God, manifests Himself to us bymeans of His written Word, that is,our Bible (John 1:1). The ApostlePaul continually prays that God willgive unto us the spirit of wisdomand revelation in the knowledge ofHim and His understanding,1 thatis, the mind of Christ.


Knowledge of His Word does notgive us some supernatural meansby which we can look into the heartsof our fellow man and determine hismotive for doing things. But it doesgive us an understanding of our-selves as well as of human naturein general. So, in light of the Bible,let us consider the motives behindour words and actions.

DAVID, A MAN AFTERGOD’S HEART

To consider how God knows theheart of man, let’s look to the Bibleregarding the life of David, King ofIsrael. He was a man after God’sown heart, but he neverthelessbroke God’s law, and for that mat-ter, any norm of morality and de-cency. To begin with, God choseDavid to be King of Israel in spiteof his outward appearance. Samuelthe prophet had been sent to anointone of Jesse’s sons as Israel’s King.Samuel looked at Jesse’s son Eliaband believed he should be theanointed King.

“But the LORD said unto Samuel,Look not on his countenance, or onthe height of his stature; because Ihave refused him: for the Lord seethnot as man seeth; for man lookethon the outward appearance, but theLORD looketh on the heart” (I Sam.16:7).

After God rejected Eliab, all ofJesse’s other sons, except David,were brought before Samuel andeach was rejected. Without God’sdirection, Jesse and Samuel wouldhave chosen any of them before theychose David. However, God finallyinstructed Samuel that he shouldanoint David as King. We are justas Samuel in that we are unable tolook into a man’s heart. The crite-ria by which we judge another isnot the criterion used by God.

If we did not have what God’sWord teaches us about David andwe only knew about what he didfrom history, we might have a verylow opinion of him. Many non-be-lievers express a very low opinionof David. He committed adulteryand then compounded this withmurder. Unsaved philosophers lookat David’s actions and see hypocrisy.Here was a man chosen by God touphold the law of God which hehimself violated.

We can reasonably assume David’smotive for his adultery with Bath-sheba and the murder of her hus-band. But, without God’s Word therewould be no way to know his mo-tive in repentance, that is, whetherDavid had truly repented and thathis heart was right with God. Wemight think that possibly he wasjust sorry he was caught but thathe was not truly sorry for what hehad done. It is only from God’sWord that we know he was trulyrepentant, and that he had a bro-ken and contrite heart before God(Psa. 51:16,17).2

THE PHARISEESThe only Man3 to truly know the

motives and hearts of men whileon this earth was our Lord JesusChrist. During His earthly minis-try, He addressed the motives ofmen and, of course, the record of thisis instructive to us. For instance,the Pharisees of Jesus’ day werethe religious leaders of the Nation

“The criteria by whichwe judge another is

not the criterionused by God.”

May 2001 17

of Israel. They were recognized assuch and were looked up to by Is-raelites in religious matters as wellas examples of how to live.

However, the Pharisees were nodifferent than any other humanthat has lived throughout history.Many appeared to do good in theiractions while their motives wereevil. Jesus revealed that the mo-tives of the Pharisees were basedupon vice, not virtue. Jesus calledthe Pharisees hypocrites. He toldthem they made things clean onthe outside but they were full of ex-tortion and excess within. He toldthem they should cleanse the insidefirst so the outside would be cleanalso. He likened them to whitenedsepulchres, which appear beautifulon the outside, but were full of deadmen’s bones and of all uncleanness.He said they appeared righteousunto men, but within they were fullof hypocrisy and iniquity (Matt.23:25-28). This was no laughingmatter, it was not some ethics classJesus was giving, He was seriousas a heart attack. This we learnwhen He tells them, “Ye serpents,ye generation of vipers, how canye escape the damnation of hell?”(Matt. 23:33).

OUR MOTIVE,FROM VICE OR VIRTUE?Now let us consider our actions

and motives. The dictionary givesa definition of the word motive as“something (as a need or desire) thatcauses a person to act.” When mostpeople think of motive they probablythink in terms of doing somethingwrong. In other words, they thinkof the motive for crime. The motivein such cases is based on vice, whichis moral depravity, corruption, it isbased on wickedness. Such motivecan produce evil acts. This was

David’s motive when he committedadultery and murder.

On the other hand, when we wit-ness people doing good works wenaturally think of good motives. Inthese cases, we assume the motiveis based on virtue. Virtue is con-formity to a standard of right ormorality. And, no doubt, many goodthings are done out of virtuous mo-tives. However, what about the peo-ple that appear to do good but theirmotive is based on vice, such as thePharisees? And we also ask, whydo people do such terrible thingsand yet at the same time claim tobe Christians?

Let’s think for a moment of someexamples of what motivates somepeople. We can ask, what motivates:

• The person aspiring to politi-cal office? Is it an altruistic wishfor good government or a selfishdesire for power and recognitionbased on ego?

• The business or professionalperson who serves on a charitableboard of directors? Is it to serve thecommunity or is it to enhance theboard member’s own standing in thecommunity?

• The man to stop and help alovely young lady fix a flat tire?Would he stop and help a womanwho is not so lovely?

• Us to be polite and attentiveto someone in a higher place of au-thority or a person who has a greatdeal more money than we do? Are


we that polite to everyone or is ourmotive merely to curry favor withthe possibility of gaining somethingin return?

• People to contribute money tocharities? By doing so, are somepeople just trying to look good andgain the respect of someone elsewho can do something for them?

• Some people who go into theministry? Although many ministerswork hard under very difficult cir-cumstances, there are some such jobsthat may be the easiest and mostcomfortable place to earn a living.

It can be reasoned that people’smotives may be totally obscured bythe fact that even the crooked, self-serving politician’s constituency cansometimes benefit from his work inoffice. Good work is done and peo-ple are assisted in their want andsuffering even if the motive of theselfish board member may be ques-tionable. A tire is changed for some-one who could not do it for herself.Regardless of ulterior and selfishmotive, charities benefit from doingand giving. Therefore, in a worldlysense, good can be done regardlessof selfish, self-serving motive. How-ever, these people’s good deeds arenot enough to save them in God’ssight (Isa. 64:6).

KNOWING OUR MOTIVESIt can be, and in many cases usu-

ally is, very difficult, if not impos-sible, for us to know the real motivebehind the actions of people with

whom we deal day by day. Theirmotives may be revealed in someinstances, but in many cases wemay never know another’s motivethis side of heaven. However, we areresponsible for our own motives justas we are for our actions. In fact, ourmotives as well as our actions willsomeday be made known and laidbare before our Lord Jesus Christ.There will be two different and dis-tinct judgments of mankind. In bothjudgments, all can be assured thatthey will receive a fair hearing.

In the case of lost sinners of allages, not only their actions, but alsotheir motives will speak for them.Many will be those who have ap-peared good on the outside. Theymay have claimed to be Christiansand may have gone to church andeven talked and acted like a Chris-tian. However, Jesus Christ taughtthat many will say to Him in thatday, Lord, Lord, have we not proph-esied in Thy name? And in Thyname cast out devils? And in Thyname done many wonderful works?However, at the judgment, the LordJesus Christ will profess unto them,I never knew you: depart from me,ye that work iniquity (Matt. 7:22,23).Their inward motives will be re-vealed and they are going to the lakeof fire as a result of their rejectionof Him who died to save them.

We who are saved, because of ourbelief in the Lord Jesus Christ andHis finished work, have His assur-ance that we are going to heavenand will be there with our Lord andSavior for eternity. Nevertheless,the Word of God informs us that evenwe saved are going to appear beforethe Judgment Seat of Christ. Wewill all give account of ourselves toGod. All of us will receive rewardor loss for what we have done in ourbodies (Rom. 14:10-12; II Cor. 5:10).

“...our motives as well asour actions will somedaybe made known and laid

bare before our LordJesus Christ.”

May 2001 19

The exact nature of this judgmentand how it will work out in eternityis not spelled out. For if it were, man-kind would make the criteria giveninto so many rules and regulationsthat these would be turned intoworks which would then becomethe focus of attention. However, wecan be sure that our motives will berevealed, as well as our actions.

We know from God’s Word thatwe are to judge ourselves. In re-gard to the communion we havewith our Lord Jesus Christ, theApostle Paul reveals, “But let a manexamine himself, and so let him eatof that bread, and drink of that cup.For he that eateth and drinkethunworthily, eateth and drinkethdamnation to himself, not discern-ing the Lord’s body” (I Cor. 11:28,29).Also, he teaches, “Examine your-selves, whether ye be in the faith;prove your own selves. Know yenot your own selves, how that JesusChrist is in you, except ye be rep-robates?” (II Cor. 13:5). The Greekword translated “reprobates” meansunapproved; by implication worth-less: castaway, rejected.

We may be able to fool ourselvesand others, but we will not be ableto fool our Savior, the Lord JesusChrist, the living Word of God.

“For the Word of God is quick,and powerful, and sharper thanany twoedged sword, piercing evento the dividing asunder of soul andspirit, and of the joints and marrow,

Endnotes1. Ephesians 1:17-19; 3:3-5; 4:13; 5:17.2. Also, we must hasten to point out thatDavid’s crimes brought terrible consequencesupon him while he lived. However, the fact isthat he was truly repentant and God could for-give him by virtue of the Blood of Christ thatwas yet to be shed; God gave him eternal life.3. Jesus was both God and man.

and is a discerner of the thoughtsand intents of the heart.

“Neither is there any creaturethat is not manifest in His sight: butall things are naked and openedunto the eyes of Him with whom wehave to do” (Heb. 4:12,13).

The living Word knows all mo-tives and He will someday bringthem to light. Therefore, let us notbe arrogant in our good works andoutward appearance of good. Letus examine ourselves that we mayreflect Him and be truly loving andgracious in our lives.

“For the grace of God that bring-eth salvation hath appeared to allmen,

“Teaching us that, denying un-godliness and worldly lusts, weshould live soberly, righteously, andgodly, in this present world;

“Looking for that blessed hope,and the glorious appearing of thegreat God and our Savior JesusChrist;

“Who gave Himself for us, that Hemight redeem us from all iniquity,and purify unto Himself a peculiarpeople, zealous of good works”(Titus 2:11-14).

If you have any questions or comments, Brother Humphrey can be con-tacted at: <[email protected]>.

Four temptations to compromise with apostasy:Human relationships, Temporal advantage,

Pride of position, and Financial gain.


Beacon of Grace Bible ChurchSpring Bible Conference

Location: Best Western, Beacon HarboursideConference Center, 2793 Beacon Blvd.Jordan, Ontario, Canada

Dates: June 1-3, 2001

Theme: Things Present—Things To Come!

Speaker: Paul M. Sadler, President ofthe Berean Bible Society

Contact Person:Jim and Yvette Bartkiw (905) 562-7170

Come join us for a wonderful time offellowship around the Word, rightly divided!

Midwest Grace Fellowship13th Annual Spring Conference


Theme: The Magnificent Christ

Location: Miracle Hills RanchBethany, Missouri

Guest Speakers:Pastor Lynn DulakisPastor Ken Lawson

Kevin Heyle, Bible Teacher

For times of services and additional information, please contact:

Mr. Dan Heyle (660) 425-6853 orPastor Ken Lawson (217) 623-4014

Come fellowship with those of like-precious faitharound the sound preaching of Jesus Christaccording to the revelation of the Mystery!

May 2001 21

Rocky Mountain Grace CampRocky Mountain Grace CampNestled in the Beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado

Dates: June 25-30, 2001

Location: Long’s Peak Inn, Estes Park, Colorado

BIBLE TEACHERS:Adults: James Harley, Pastor of Rocky Mountain Grace Church

Kevin Sadler, Staff Member at Berean Bible Society

Teens: Joe and Janell White, Youth Ministries

Children: Julie Harley, Student at Berean Bible Institute

Evening Family Hour:Paul M. Sadler

President of the Berean Bible Society

For brochures, directions, and additionalinformation, please contact:Pastor & Mrs. James Harley

Phone: (303) 452-9148E-mail: <[email protected]>

“Here is where we hear God’s Wordand learn the Mystery!”

Fourth Annual Bible Conferenceof the Falls Bible Church

Location: Falls Bible ChurchW156 N6531 Pilgrim Road

Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin


Topic: The Sacrifice of Christ

Text: II Corinthians 5:21

For directions or additional information, please contact:

Pastor Phil Robinson (262) 279-5784, Church (262) 252-4080

May God richly bless these meetingsto the praise of His glory in Christ Jesus!

THESE OFFERS END MAY 31, 2001Orders up to $20.00, please add $2.00 for postage and handling.Orders over $20.00, please add 10% for postage and handling.

*Foreign orders must be remitted in U. S. currency!

Baptism and the BibleBy C. R. Stam

There is no other subject that has causedmore confusion in the Church than “waterbaptism.” Since God is not the author of con-fusion, the problem unquestionably lies witha faulty system of interpretation. Pastor Stamisolates the problem in this work and presentsa simple solution to the matter that the Churchhas overlooked for generations.

CLOTHBOUND 133 PAGES

SPECIAL PRICE: $7.00

The Lord’s Supper and the BibleBy C. R. Stam

In seeking the truth as to the Lord’s Sup-per we must go to the Word of God alone.Here man’s opinions and preferences arevalueless and worse, for these are exactlywhat caused the confusion on the subject inthe first place, and have perpetuated it inmany quarters to this day. As you will see,Pastor Stam presents a clear case for theproper observance of the Lord’s Supper dur-ing the administration of Grace.

CLOTHBOUND 115 PAGES

SPECIAL PRICE: $6.00

Orders: Berean Bible Society, PO Box 756, Germantown, WI 53022www.bereanbiblesociety.org

The Historical Beginning of the ChurchTHE ANSWER TO A PUZZLING QUESTION

This booklet is a journey through the Book of Acts todetermine when the Church, the Body of Christ beganhistorically. Christendom, for the most part, believes the“birthday of the Church” took place on the day of Pentecost.However, as the reader will see, this view is weighed in thebalance, and found wanting!

The Institution of MarriageThis timely work which originally appeared in the Be-

rean Searchlight is now available in booklet form. Youwill also find it of interest that we have added a section tofurther clarify how Romans 7 and I Corinthians 7 corre-spond with one another. Young and old alike should beinterested to know more about God’s original blueprint forthe marriage relationship.

Mix or Match Special$3.00 per copy or three copies for $8.00

For orders of three or more you will also receive a complimentary copy ofPastor Sadler’s thought-provoking work entitled Trials and Temptations. Thishandy little booklet is a practical guide that gives many helpful guidelines on howto avoid the most common pitfalls of life. As they say:

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

THESE OFFERS END MAY 31, 2001Orders up to $20.00, please add $2.00 for postage and handling.Orders over $20.00, please add 10% for postage and handling.

*Foreign orders must be remitted in U. S. currency!

The Supernatural Sign Gifts of the Acts PeriodWe are living in an era when many are declaring “back

to Pentecost” with its signs, miracles and wonders. Sadly,this unsound teaching is sweeping through the Church at analarming rate. Insomuch so that speaking in tongues hasbecome the standard of true spirituality, even among thosewho once withstood Pentecostalism. Thankfully, Paul’sgospel is the answer to this confusion. With this in mind,we have put together a 65-page booklet from your Editor’swritings, which addresses the subject dispensationally.

SPRING BOOKLET SPECIALBy Paul M. Sadler

Our Newest Release!


Cedar LakeBible Confer-ence Center islocated in thetown of CedarLake, in north-west Indiana,twenty miles

south of Chicago.

By Auto: US 41to Cedar Lake,

Indiana:• At the traffic

signal, in CedarLake, turn east

on 133rd Ave. 3/4mile to the trafficsignal at Parrish.• Right on Parrish

for 1/2 mile to137th Ave.

• Left on 137thAve. for 1/2 mile

to the Conferencegrounds. Enter atthe South Gatefor parking and

registration.

If traveling by airinto Chicago’s

O’Hare or Midwayairports, call theConference Cen-

ter to arrangepickup.

33RD ANNUAL BIBLECONFERENCE

of the

BEREAN BIBLE FELLOWSHIP

June 16-21, 2001

at

Cedar Lake Bible Conference CenterCedar Lake, Indiana

Theme: Sound in the Faith

• Daily Exposition Hour: Pastor Dennis Kiszonas

• Keynote Address: Pastor Ivan Burgener

• Guest Speakers from around thecountry will be present to proclaimthe riches of God’s grace!

• Director of Music: Mr. James Wade

At the Piano: Mrs. Virginia Shriver

ACCOMMODATIONSBBF recommends that reservations be made

early, although accommodations are often availablefor latecomers. For reservations, write or phone:

CEDAR LAKE BIBLE CONFERENCE CENTERReservations Manager

PO Box 665Cedar Lake, IN 46303Phone: (219) 374-5941

Facilities for travel trailers, motor homes, and tentcamping include electric/water hook-ups, dumpstation, showers, etc.

May 2001 25

THE BBI B YLINE

Berean Bible Institute will com-plete its fifth full year of classeson May 24th. This will mark animportant milestone for this youngministry as two men will receivetheir diplomas in Advanced Bib-lical Studies. To complete the BBIprogram requires a lot of hard dili-gent work, so we want to congrat-ulate Kevin Heyle and BernardoCraesmeyer on their accomplish-ments. After graduation, Kevinwill be looking to enter the minis-try as a pastor and Bernardo willbe returning to Brazil with his fam-ily as a missionary. Please prayfor these men and the studentswho will be returning to Berean

Bible Institute to continue theirstudies.

We thank God for all of thosewho have taken part in the min-istry of BBI through your prayerand financial support. BBI is afaith ministry that is primarilyfunded by the free-will love giftsof those of “like precious faith” whobelieve that what BBI is doing isimportant. So if you have not al-ready done so, I would like to in-vite you to “prayerfully” considerbecoming a co-laborer with usthrough regular monthly supportof Berean Bible Institute.

—Dr. W. Edward Bedore

Do you have a desire to be in full-time service for the Lord, butdon’t know where to begin? Berean Bible Institute exists for

the purpose of helping individual believers prepare themselves toeffectively serve God by teaching them the Word of God “rightlydivided” and providing them with the skills necessary to put theirknowledge into action.

BBI’s program focuses on teaching sound doctrine from the Wordof God with an emphasis on the importance of the distinctions ofthe present dispensation of Grace as committed to the ApostlePaul. BBI’s method is the classroom setting with a variety of in-structors in order to provide a balanced Bible education. BBI’sgoal is to help prepare those who will take the gospel of the Graceof God to the next generation.

If your heartfelt desire is to be actively engaged in the work ofministry as a pastor, evangelist, missionary, Bible teacher, or youthworker BBI can help you get started. If you are serious, then weinvite you to consider Berean Bible Institute .

Fall Semester begins August 27, 2001

For more information, please contact: Dr. W. Edward Bedore,PO Box 40, Germantown, WI 53022, or phone: (262) 255-4094,fax: (262) 255-4195, e-mail: <[email protected]>.


BOOK PRICE LIST: Late last year we expanded our outreach to ac-commodate the national book houses. Consequently, it was necessary forus to add the retail price of our books to the BBS Price List. This column,however, does not apply to our readership. S-o-o-o when placing an order,the amount due is listed in the wholesale column.

TRAVEL ITINERARY: If you would like to have advance notification ofthe Berean Bible Society’s conference schedule for 2001, simply visit theBBS web site at <www.bereanbiblesociety.org>. In the event you don’thave access to the Internet, merely have a loved one or a friend print outa copy for you. Lord willing, we hope to see you at the meetings!

PRAYER REQUEST: Pastor Harland Shriver had to have emergencysurgery recently for a blood clot that formed in his leg. It was touch-and-gofor a while, but thankfully he’s back home and expected to make a fullrecovery. We’re sure both Harland and Ginny will appreciate your prayerson their behalf.

A SPECIAL WORD OF THANKS: It is nearly impossible to respond toevery letter and e-mail thanking us for faithfully making known the richesof God’s grace. While we are merely instruments in the Lord’s hand, wedo want you to know that your thoughtfulness is a great encouragementto all of us here at the Berean Bible Society.

*The picture of the lighthouse that appears on the front cover was takenby Mr. Robert Johnson of Keyser, West Virginia, while on vacation visitinghis sister in England. The lighthouse is located on Anglesey Isle, NorthWhales, England.

Smoky Mountain Grace Conference8th Annual Spring Bible Conference

Dates: May 25-27, 2001

Location: Grace Bible Church, 114 S. Allen St.,Hendersonville, North Carolina

Speakers: Pastor Mike Keshan, Pastor Curt Crist,Mr. Kevin Sadler, Mr. David Stallings

Contact Persons:Pastor & Mrs. Curt Crist (828) 693-5812

May 2001 27

PRICE LISTBIBLE STUDY BOOKS BY CORNELIUS R. STAM—FOUNDER

(Clothbound—Gold Stamped)Book Title Retail Wholesale

Acts, (Commentary) Volumes I & II ........................................... 25.00 ........ 18.00Acts, (Commentary) Volumes III & IV (w/Bible Index) ............ 25.00 ........ 18.00Author’s Choice, The .................................................................... 12.50 ........ 9.00Baptism and the Bible ................................................................. 11.00 ........ 8.00I Corinthians (Commentary) ....................................................... 14.00 ........ 10.00II Corinthians (Commentary) ..................................................... 14.00 ........ 10.00Divine Election and Human Responsibility .............................. 11.00 ........ 8.00Galatians (Commentary) ............................................................. 16.50 ........ 12.00Hebrews, Who Wrote It and Why? .............................................. 11.00 ........ 8.00Lord’s Supper and the Bible, The ............................................... 9.50 ........ 7.00Man, His Nature and Destiny ..................................................... 14.00 ........ 10.00Moses and Paul (w/Bible Index) .................................................. 9.50 ........ 7.00Our Great Commission (w/Bible Index) ..................................... 11.00 ........ 8.00Pastoral Epistles (Commentary) ................................................. 14.00 ........ 10.00Paul, His Apostleship and Message (w/Bible Index) ................. 12.50 ........ 9.00Romans (Commentary) ................................................................ 14.00 ........ 10.00Satan In Derision ......................................................................... 12.50 ........ 9.00Sermon on the Mount, The .......................................................... 11.00 ........ 8.00Suggestions for Young Pastors .................................................... 11.00 ........ 8.00I & II Thessalonians (Commentary) ........................................... 12.50 ........ 9.00Things That Differ (w/Bible Index) ............................................. 12.50 ........ 9.00True Spirituality (w/Bible Index) ............................................... 12.50 ........ 9.00Two-Fold Purpose of God, The (w/Bible Index) .......................... 9.50 ........ 7.00Two Minutes With the Bible ....................................................... 14.00 ........ 10.00

(Paperbacks)No Other Doctrine ........................................................................ 7.50 ........ 5.50Present Peril, The ......................................................................... 7.50 ........ 5.50Satan In Derision ......................................................................... 7.50 ........ 5.50Things That Differ (w/Bible Index) ............................................. 9.50 ........ 7.00

WRITINGS BY PAUL M. SADLER—PRESIDENT(Clothbound—Gold Stamped)

Exploring the Unsearchable Riches of Christ (w/Bible Index) ... 14.00 ........ 10.00Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians (w/Bible Index) ....................... 19.50 ........ 14.00Triumph of His Grace, The (w/Bible Index) ............................... 15.00 ........ 11.00Are You Secure? (Booklet) ........................................................... — ........ 1.00Historical Beginning of the Church, The (Booklet) ................... — ........ 3.00Institution of Marriage, The (Booklet) ....................................... — ........ 4.00Supernatural Sign Gifts of the Acts Period, The (Booklet) ....... — ........ 4.00Trials and Temptations (Booklet) ............................................... — ........ 2.00Water Rite, The (Booklet) ............................................................ — ........ 1.00

SPECIAL OFFERSAll 25 Clothbound Books by C. R. Stam,

Plus “The Present Peril,” “No Other Doctrine,”and “Exploring the Unsearchable Riches of Christ” ............ — ...... 175.00

Set of Current Booklets by C. R. Stam ....................................... — ...... 35.00Set by C. R. Stam (Books and Booklets) ..................................... — ...... 210.00Set on Acts by C. R. Stam (w/Bible Index) ................................. — ...... 30.00

THE BEREAN SEARCHLIGHTN112 W17761 MEQUON ROAD

PO BOX 756GERMANTOWN, WI 53022-0756

PERIODICALSPAID AT GERMANTOWN, WI

“The Spirit in the heart of the true believer says

with earnest desire, Come, Lord Jesus!”

Studying God’s Word, Rightly Divided May 2001

Documents

Transcript of Studying God’s Word, Rightly Divided May 2001