The mid-week Bible Class has been very well attended over the past month and in the absence of our Pastor, different members of the group have been leading the studies. Pastor and Sister Cameron, at time of writing, are still in the U.S.A. and having a most enjoyable but busy time, at the American Advent Conference in Tacoma. and visiting quite a number of the churches over there. We would like to thank Pastor Tim Long from Kaurilands, and Brother Ken Cooney who came through from Hamilton to lead our services. Sister Colleen Logie, Matron of Powley House, came and spoke to our Ladies meeting, and explained the care of elderly folk, both at home and in an Old Folks Home. This was most enlightening to both the elderly and the young who attended. Three of our ladies went through to Thames early in July to lead the Thames Ladies Fellowship and had a most enjoyable day. Several of our young people attended the Camp Leadership Training Seminar which was held at Hunua. Greetings to our Sister Churches JM. Aaaannenennaneeesces SUBSCRIPTION FOR: I wish to becose a subscriber to the Bible Standard T enclose $4 as one year's subscription wwe. ND TO: Mrs, B.N, Reynol, 2 Springfield Cres. HAMILTON Rayne! - 2 Springfield Cres, NamtTton EDITOR: Frank Printed and Published by Churches of Christ (Life Advent) Associstion, 7.0, Box 1258, Aehland, Now Zetland, opistered as a magazine for transaission through the Post BLE ISSN 0110-845X The BIBLE STANDARD AUGUST 1984 VOL. 104 No.8. PRICE 40 cents When Christ who is our Life shall appear, then shate ye also appear wit} Him in Glory. Cok. 3:4 (a) CONTENTS * THE 102nd ANNUAL CONFERENCE * PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS * VICTORY IN CHRIST * KEPT * AUTHORITY * SHORT ACCOUNTS * THE WISE REFUSAL * ‘MODERATION’ NOT THE ANSWER * CHURCH NEWS"the l0dnd Annual Conference was held at Salisbury House, SATURDAY 2 JUNE to MONDAY 4 JUNE 1984 me ausimess sessrons: Attendance on both days fluctuated between 97-106. Roll call of delegates took the form of greetings from the churches and indicating their delegates were present. Church reports vere received on the Saturday and were Stscussed.in depth by ‘onference. Qumuoensnze oF cHURCHES EDUCATION coMMssrON The Association has been accepted into membership of the Commission and Bro Warren Prestidge appointed as our represent~ ative. Qruu-tnm aicwrsreariv PreLovEe Conference agreed in pr ncipte with the appointment of a full-time or part-time organiser and the matter is referred to the incoming Executive for serious consideration. QQ sauissury_HousE: Upgrading of Salisbury House, additional family toons, the upgrade of the ablution block and the purchase of a portion of property adjoining Salisbury House was discussed. Referred ro the Administration Committee was the question of direction and purpose and aims of Salisbury House. A report to be made at the next Conference. The Executive was given power to act with regard to the purchase of the adjoining property. A comn- ittee has been formed to look at the purchase of a new camp site. Q war sreaxer: Rev. David Stewart, Principal of The New Zealand Bible College addressed Conference on the Saturday and the Combined Sunday evening service held at Kaurilands new church complex. We are grateful to our brother in Christ for his ministry and contribution to our Conference. 2 Following lunch on Saturday Pastor Long delivered his Pres~ idential address and Conference recommenced on Monday with devotions led by Bro Wayne Nicholls. Qconrenence 1985: To be held Queen's Birthday weekend at Hamilton Church, Mardon Road, Haailton. Qarroinmmnt OF OFFICERS President Pastor T.W.Long Past President Mr. B.J.Schache President elect Mr. B.W.Carter Vice President Mr. J.C.Nichol1s Secretary Me. F.N. Raynel ‘Treasurer Mr. D. Campbell Publisher Mrs. B.N. Raynel Bible Standard Editor Mr. F.N. Raynel Messrs. G.R.Aldridge, G-R.Cameron, H.Stewart, C.C.Warner. *4 nominations were received and appointed. Youth Representative Wr. C.W.Josephson ‘Committee of Five Qcuugck_REPRESENTATIVES: where a church is not otherwise represented on the Executive (other than by Life Members or Section Directors) they may appoint one representative. (Qutve mewpeRs OF THE ASSOCIATION T.B.R.Atkins, J.Beattie, J.Cameron, D.Campbell, D.M.Caradus, D.L.G.Chalmers, C.W.Cooney, K.J.Cooney, E.I-Hollis, B.J.D.Tucker F.A.Walton. Qsunpay_senvrces: ‘The following speakers represented the Association in the following churches. East St: Mr-J.Salisbury; Walters Rd: Pastor W.Richdale; Kaurilands: MR.I.Grahami Forrest Hill: Mr.J.Rob- insons Takanini: Mr.D.Shute. Where provided these addresses will appear in the Bible Standard. PRANK RAYNEL ~ SECRETARY:PRESIDENT’S CONFERENCE ADDRESS PASTOR T.W.LONG Some of you have sat through one Presidential address at Conference after another, with each one having his say as it were, as to what he felt we should do or be, where we could improve and grow, what we ought to go back to or forward to, how we have got off of the track or are beginning to get on it, Their priority desire has been to endeavour to inspire Us to greater heights so that somehow we might really fulfill our destiny under God, both individually and denominationally. Now I'm no different to anyone else and I would like it to be thought that what I said today didn't put you to sleep or make you reach for your agenda for something to read or make you say "ho, hum." "Tut tut." "Didums." or some other ‘classical statement, rather it might be a coming together of your thoughts ‘as well as mine since last we met at Conference. We've had goals, we've had themes, eg, "Where to from here", "Sow and grow", "United in growth’, and looking at statistics which are never a true picture in terms of Church growth we've achieved little, so it's confirmed again that words in a sense are cheap or at least Fesponse to words seem to achieve little. 1 think if there's one need in the Church today it's the need of the "upward" look, by that I mean a greater appreciation Sf both the Church and its Ministry and in fact the timate importance of both. Now I'm a pastor not a politician, this is not a speech and I can't think of sufficient classical words that would make our "upward" look more vibrant or exciting or fruitful and anyway T don't think I need to - God said it all through Paul in Phil 3: The "upward" call is basic, 1 believe, to the upward look without the upward call we've nothing to look at. The “upward call" is one of the platforms of our Church - always has been and always will be, the second coming of Christ is the goal we look for every bit as it was with Paul. a 1 would like us today to think for a short while what the "upward call" really means, to discover the depths of it and in doing so I believe we will get directives from Gods word that are 100 times better than any directive motions we could ever pass at this or any Conference. This upwardcall refers to two themes. 1/ "To Heaven" The upward call to this presence of God, wheré there will be no more pain nor death nor sorrow, no annual meetings or committee meetings, no parting. God gives a marvellous picture for us of an athlete pressing, stretching, striving towards a goal eye-hand-foot all reaching out towards the goal. We strain towards this upward call, straining .in the same way, some of us more than others, sing with great enthusiasm "When the roll is called up yonder I'll be there". Paul says "I strive for that - I can hardly wait to get there." Phil 1:23, What a contrast to Omar Khayyan who said "The stars are setting and the caravan starts for the dawn of nothing." What desperateness and emptiness and hopelessness which typifies so much of our world today. "We live as those who have a hope centred in God, 2/ This upward call also means “from Heaven", See Pauls dilemma Phil 1:24. It's the upstairs and downstairs problem. The "to Heaven call is only going to be fulfilled when the “from Heaven" call comes, and not before and in the mean time Paul said "I must live the life of Christ for you.” There's a number of things Paul says to the Philippians that express just that. Phil 3:10. That I may know them and the power of the resurrection." The one who is sincerely looking for the "upward call" ought to. be living a powerful life of faith in Christ, not a defeated, empty, powerless one. If Gods power was capable of raising "The Christ” from death to life, surely He can indwell us with His power enough to let us live as He wants. vii This verse is not speaking about the "upward call" 1n ‘résurtection for the verse means "out from amongst the dead". Stuart Briscoe in one of his Books speaks of dead People walking around, referring to spiritually dead people and contrasting them with spiritually alive people. If we arelooking for the “upward call" we ought to be living, walking evidence of the "newness of life", clean, living a quality of life given by the spirit, that points to the deadness of the other. vI2_ Why was Paul laid hold of by Christ? A) To become conformed to the image of Christ; B) To fulfil the ministry that God had for him. If we are straining for the "upward call" and it has not yet come "from God" then conformity to Christ and the ministry he has given to each of us are also the priorities we need to pursue as did Paul. Paul was excited in anticipation of the "upward call" both "to and from Heaven", but it didn't make him put blinkers on so that the world in which he lived was ignored or those who were dead spiritually were not exposed to the life of God. He simply allowed the thrill of that call to motivate him in urging a response to his world. He warns us about one of the traps or hindrances of which we are to beware, it's called "looking back" v13., Completely forgetting what's already happened, if you like, forgetting those things that side track us. eg, failures, yes, even success. Nothing holds us back worse than the past, when we take our eyes off the track and look back, what's done is done, we must not allow the things of the past to bind us up, failure must be left behind, as long as we've made it right with God and man then ‘forget the past because God has, if we don't negate what we have. We must also leave behind the good old days in terms of success and appreciate that sometimes as we stretch forward to what lies ahead God could do things differently and to be bound to the old negates Gods movement. Our eyes must be fixed on the future, not the past. If in a race you look back a number of things occur, lose momentum, lose vision of your goal, you can easily stumble and fall. Races are never won by looking back. In our spiritual walk in God we are striving for a destination which we know and in the process God has given to us opportunities for serving Him, each other and all mankind, to miss these opportunities is to stumble. We rightly say we press on the "upward call" in every sense of the word, what we do, not say, until that time that the upward call comes “from God" demonstrates the sort of disciples we really are, you see words are cheap, even easy, it's the obviously Tesurrected powerful conforming serving life that really demonstrates the sincerity of our belief in the "upward call principle. What _has_this_got_to do _with our Conference _and_our denomination asa whole? Before I answer that let me say what I believe are the basic needs we have today. 1/ Continue working towards unity not necessarily uniformity amongst our Churches. Each of our Churches are unique and has its own perspective and identity in so far as its Philosophy of ministry is concerned. Pastor Hsi, Chinese Pastor said "If you have a live thing it will grow and grow after the order of its own life." We must continue to help and learn from each other as we grow after the order of our own Churches life. Church reports well demonstrate the difference. PRAISE GOD! 2/ Continues endeavours in areas that _bring _ spiritual maturity to-our Churches. 6g, work of nurture Comittee jin seminars, camps and specific teaching needs. 3/ Continued diversification into new areas of ministry or as Paul would say Being all things to allmen, childrens work, youth, young married, early borns, mission work. 4/ Continued growth in stewardship. So much of our work neéds Support financially, we need to continue the impetus of the current move to come over to Judea and help us. Que budget could increase dramatically in the years that lie ahead. 5/ Real need for training in Pastoral_work and equipping men and women for ministeys 6/ Absolute surrender: to the authority of the inspired Word of God. In some denominations today-absohite curender 1S Teratism and modernism are’ the hey. It must never be with us" - "God says ity I believe i that settles it The question - what has the upward call got to do with this Conference and our denomination as a Whole? ~ Sint ‘That a commit ment to the Tull dual meaning of the "epword call" is essential to see. these Sik and athe very, important facets of our work developed. The picture is’ painted. or someone sitting in the back row of a church with a label tied to his ear and. onvit was the words. Bound fer Heaven, do not disturb. "How ‘rue is it that we could well be guilty, at least a little bit, of saying something similar tke waiting for the "upward call", don't disturb. 1 11 Enlet “y é - PASTOR W. RICHDALE Conference weekend Address at Walters Road THIS IS THE VICTORY THAT OVERCOMETH THE WORLD EVEN OUR FAITH. I John 5: Text Verse 5b In_the_simplest_terms this _word Victory in the Bible_means GOD'S-WORK-OF SALVATION. — Whether Tf is-a corporate ‘Victory_or whether it is a personal victory. THE VICTORY BELONGS TO GOD. I believe in this passage from I John 5: John is addressing himself to the need for personal victory and the direction that personal victory comes from. To me it is important to realise that without personal victory in the lives of the individual it is impossible to have corporate victory in the Body of Christ. Eph 4:16 states the body can only work if it is fitly joined together. This can only happen when GOD'S WORK OF SALVATION is completed in the individual part! If a Church is not being fruitful in GOD'S WORK OF SALVATION THEN IT SHOULD LOOK TO A WORK THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IN THE CHURCH ITSELF. When we talk of victory we normally mean winning and losing!. Whether it is in the realms of sport, commerce, politics yes, even in the Spiritual realm, We usually mean engaging in a battle of sorts and seeking to win! In the Christian context we are not talking about neatly drawn lines of opposing forces. with similar strengths and abilities. All striving for a victory that belongs to the brave, the strong, the priviledged. In the Christian context we are talking about a victory despite weakness, despite being out-numbered, despite being out manouvred, despite a lost battle, despite being crushed, maimed, YES, even killed. VICTORY IN CHRIST DOES NOT MEAN WINNING! VICTORY IN CHRIST MEANS LOSING ... EVERYTHING. Luke 9:23-26. What kind of a victory is that will sneer the world. Surely with the victory must go the spoils of war! There must be rewards for effort! This is the kind of thinking that hinders GOD'S WORK OF SALVATION! Sadly not only in the world but also in the Church. To often the Church seeks its guidance from wordly strategies based on “the success syndrome" and not from The Word of God which presents the concept were we are not required to win the victory - but to have the victory! Our text does not imply a battle. The text implies a Bate already won and here now “IS. THE VICTORY." WHAT _IS__WRONG WITH ESS__SYNDROME? The main thing wrong with the worlds attitude and thinking is that it is not GOD'S WORK but it has to do with mankind seeking to cater to its own self-interests. Through Satans influence Adam fell from grace (Gen. 3). Man made in the image of God no longer reflects his Maker but instead gives a distorted reflection, Instead of reflecting God Man reflects self. The first Adam moved by his desires and his feelings sought to get more out of life by acting independently of his Creator. Satan won a great victory when he caused Adam to fall because he diverted Mans attention from God! Satan caused Man to look down instead of up. Satan caused Man to worship the creature, not the creator. The effect of this is seen in the succeeding generations with their developing lusts and greed. That has developed until the three most important aspects of Mankind's basis for life are not THE FATHER, THE SON, THE SPIRIT. No! They are rather the three prongs of Satans staff - POSSESSIONS, POSITION, POWER. (It is interesting to note none of these things play any part in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ!)Measuring life with the success syndrome then means "How does this effect MY POSSESSIONS, POSITION, POWER? The generations that have succeeded Adam are all in bondage to this kind of thinking and is this not why we are all sinners in God's sight? What saith the scriptures (Isaiah 53:6) "all we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to HIS OWN WAY! VICTORY IN CHRIST has to do then with a battle already been lost. It has to do with a bondage we are already in! Jesus Christ came forth from the Father to be "GOD'S WORK OF SALVATION!" To set the prisoner free, to heal the broken hearted, to set at liberty the bruised, the maimed.(Luke 4:18). Jesus did this by becoming Sin for us and dying the death we Should die because of our involvement in Adam's sin! Is this not the direction of Our Text! (I John 5:4b). This is the victory... EVEN OUR FAITH! Faith in what? Christian faith begins and ends IN THE FINISHED WORK OF JESUS CHRIST, THAT IS, THAT WHAT HE ACCOMPLISHED UPON THAT CROSS OF CALVERY WAS SUFFICIENT TO SET ME FREE FROM THE BONDAGE OF SELF ENABLING ME TO DO "GOD'S WORK OF SALVATION! This then is the victory, just simply to believe and to accept God's Gift and know that freedom. Rom 8&2 For the law of the Spirit of LIFE in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death! Our Text tells us that if we accept in faith what Jesus has already accomplished on our behalf we will have victory. That victory is to overcome (in the Greek tis is the same word as victory) THE WORLD! In other words THE WORLD WILL HAVE NO CLAIM ON US. The important things will not be POSSESSIONS, POSITION, POWER. SUCCESS WILL NOT BE THE MEASURE. NO! All things will be measured by faithfulness. 10, Despite our situation or circumstances we will be found faithful. CORRIE TEN BOON QUOTES THESE WORDS FROM A MISSIONARY SHE KNEW: "Sometimes adversity tempts me to discouragement in the face of seeming failure. But | take courage and press on anew, as I remember God does not hold me responsible for success, but for faithfulness. Jesus said "Well done you faithful ‘servani Not "Well done you successful servant." John 12:26 RS V ... If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if anyone serves me, the Father shall honour him. Father teach us to yield. What You do not have at Your disposal You cannot sanctify, just as the potter cannot form the clay if it is not totally in his hand. Se THE WORD “KEPT” "Kept by’ the power of God” ~ 1 Peter 1:5. The Christian need never feel deserted or alone. ‘The apostle Peter has written that we are "kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." ‘This word "kept" is the translation of the Greek word phroureo, which meant "to protect by a military guard” (Thayer, p.658). Its sense is indicated in 2 Corin- thians 11:32, where it is rendered by the phrase, “kept...with a garrison." Phroureo is also used in Philippians 4:7. "The peace of God, hich passeth all understanding, shall keep (quard as with soldiers) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. To be “kept by the power of God", then, is, in effect, to be guarded by the soldiers of heaven. ‘The New English Bible translates this passage in 1 Peter “under the protection of his power until salvation comes. ‘No 2e¥ee alone” may be our constant thane, for eripture says we are "kept" or "guarded power of God, os a = Pastor sidney A. Hatch. n,AUTHORITY! Gonference Weekend Address at Forrest Hill JOHN ROBINSON JOHN 2: 12-25 1. INTRODUCTION This morning's passage is well known. An account of a dramatic, bold, and frightening occurrence in our Lord's ministry. Most obvious teaching is about Christ himself - His nature, His actions, and the way He fulfilled His ministry. It’ is all these things - but it also teaches us on another level, which develops from the first. The passage reveals to us a situation which could, and should, be parallelled in our own lives. Admit it isunlikely that we will become embroiled in a confrontation of such magnitude, or that we will become the principal characters in such high drama, However, if we are walking in Christ, we will find ourselves in situations where we are facing wrong, dishonest, evil, or farmful practice. We have a choice:- 1) Ignore or neglect it 2) Face it. This passage covers all aspects of such a situation, and it reveals a definite pattern of events, giving us teaching on how we should fulfill our role, as Christ did. So we view this passage on two level: 1) Christ and his ministry, followed by 2) The pattern for us and’ our confrontations. ABOUT THE PASSAGE: Religion. ©.T, parallel Jeremiah 7 - focal point of Jewish faith.How do we treat our focal point, and does this influence us? Deals with the exposing of False Chronology - although at the beginning of John's account it is found near the end in other gospels. Leads to conclusion that John overruled Chronology for sake of message. On to the passage divided into four sections/points. az 1/ vi3-17 - TAKING CLEAR ACTION - VI3—Tewish custom. No coincidence that Christ chosethis time when Fathers cleansed houses of leaven as Passover imminent. Christ chose this time to cleanse his fathers house. = reason for Christ's actions - against degradation of temple and his Father's name. What causes degradation? Is it - -commercialisation? If so, what about us? = jumble sale approach? = church bookstali or cakestall? ‘No, Christ's discerning eyes are concerned with two things i) dishonest commercial practice ii) exploitation of faith Christ was against the worldly and the crooked. Let's be clear on what was happening. Every animal or bird for sacrifice in the’ Temple HAD to be passed by Jewish officials as ceremonially ‘clean’ and HAD to be bought from the official vendors. Furthermore, one's dues in the Temple HAD. to be paid in 'shekels', and’ these HAD to come from the official money-changers. So enormous profits were being made out of the faithful. It's this that Christ was against, not the buying and selling itself. It doesn't necessarily mean we can't sell Christian books in church, or that we shouldn't use honest ways of raising money for God's work. But Christ is against those who line their own pockets, especially in the name of religion. = So this is first step in the pattern: "TO ACT CLEARLY" For us there are two points to consider Be discerning - be sure of what you are doing and why = adopt the bold, authoritative approach of Christ This leaves the question: Where does authority come from? 2/ vI8 = FACING QUESTIONS = ihe Pharisees asked this question. Turned a blind eye to extortion and corruption in the temple, yet were outraged at Christ's “irreverence”. How true-to-life is this example? How often it is that people whose aciions are pinpointed are quick to hurl abuse/questions at those taking a moral stand, "What right have you got ..." 13, $Temple incident reveals hypocrisy, dishonesty, prejudice of Israel's religious life. May not always be the case. But we must recognise that mich evil springs from wrong motivation. BUT looking at Jesus's authority; already revealed in vi6. Publicly proclaimed Messianic title. At age i2, had been found in Temple (see Luke 2:41-50) and had in formed all of his status (ch2 v49). Now fully grown, he had returned to present himself in fulfillment of this. However ... Pharisees demanded a sign (read vi8). Very logical = if he refused they ‘could reject His claims and their own convictions. [Aren't we like this too? Even when sincerely seeking we sometimes want "a sign" to confirm]. But consider Moses" teaching in Deut 13:1-3 - the folly of testing by signs, yet, as said, it is the easy way out. = for ourselves today, whatis our authority? As disciples of Christ, buried and raised with Him, and authorised by Him, our authority is granted by Christ and revealed through His Word. So our authority is valid only if founded on Scripture. And this authority brings with it the resonsibility to act as Christ did. = the response we get will be as Christ met: "who do you think you are? Show it. Prove it.” “What right have you got? Tell us." "What makes you right? You're no better than us." = So the pattern of Christ's encounter is maintained for us, in our own experience, for the world greets the righteous who stand against it -‘with abuse, disrespect, scorn and rejection. Our minds give us reasons - hatred of God's word, defensive mechanisms, self-justification, and the blindness and evil that inflicts us from the Lord of this world. BUT let us note our Lord's approach to his detractors. 3/ v19-21 - STANDING FIRM = First, we learn about our Lord himself. (vl9) A word ("temple") with dual meaning (i) The Shrine of the Lord God, as seen in the Holy and Most Holy Place - a monument where God may be approached. (ii) The deeper level - Christ's 14, “temple” refers to the True shrine of Deity - found in the body of the Incarnate Word, seen in v.21 - the person of Christ. The stone temple, a representation of Divine Presence. Christ was the real presence. (Refer to the following verses: John 1:14 John 4:21-24; I Peter 1:13- 14). Now consider -ChristS response to his detractors - he reaffirmed his Authority as Messiah; no fierce display of divine worth, nor the luxury for viewers of seeing the signs and wonders to prove Himself. He was the Christ, and that was sufficient Their only sign would be to see God's future dealings. = This should be our response - to STAND FIRM. The hardest step of all. Often our desire is either to prove ourselves or, more often, to waver and step down. But if our authority is the Word, our stand on it must be definite. - Christ was misunderstood and rejected (v20). But he did none of the following: - water his message down to an acceptable levels = begin lobbying for supports = defend his good name at length; = attack personalities ; = walk away in disgust. He had no guarantee of success, but he stuck to his guns, even though he had chosen the hardest plan of battle. — He did not press on, he had gone as far as he needed. To have pursued the matter would have destroyed His impact. 4/ v22-25 - BEARING FRUIT OF THE LABOUR Chfist's labours bore the following fruits. = v22: the fruit of true discipleship. His disciples then believed in Him. This speaks of a deep belief, entered upon after time spent observing and considering. ‘They did not understand at first, but when they did, the fruit blossomed. ~ v23: another kind of belief. Many saw the signs that Christ refused to perform for the Pharisees. Indeed, Christ never performed to satisfy spectators, but to glorify God, in response to faith. Now, these people saw and, we are told, believed because of the signs. Now considering Moses' teaching there must be real doubt about these "believers". These are the "believers" of Luke 8:6, the seed that is sown on stone with no foundation. 15,The story may well be similar in our own confrontations. There may be some who come to understand, and seek further. These are the ones who may be led to Christ, either through us or further on in their lives. Others will side with us to some degree, but shy away from deeper commitment on Biblical or moral issues, or even on eternal life. se_are the drifters, whose hold on the world is still too strong. Then there are the Pharisees who rejected Christ out of hand. We must be prepared to be rejected, and slandered, by those who hate us on account of our Lord. NOTE: v25 - Christ knew men, and needed not their testimony. Neither should we. | Let us be (i) warned - not to directly seek mans approval or favours (ii) encourag- ‘ed - for despite all odds, we can act on the authority of God. CONCLUSION Reviewing the four steps - be clear in taking action = face response = reaffirm your position © wait for the fruits ‘And as we have seen, this pattern is not only shown by Christ, but it is based on Christ Himself (his Authority and Hig righteousness). We may adopt it knowing that our strength and authority is in our Lord. Considering this method, we see that the four steps require fone common resolve - to go beyond the bounds of our personal comfort. Yet we are charged with the responsibility of the Gospel. We cannot decline it. = Read John 14:12-17 inclusive The challenge and the promise. Challenge:- to do as Christ has done. An indication of the approach we should take, Yet not of ourselves, but rather: Vi6,17. It's promise the Holy Spirit our Strength. So, taking all factors into account, we must do these things - 16, * Put away apathy, fear and personal comfort, + Puton armour of God, + Face life under the Spirit's discipline, authority and trusting. knowing our As in Luke 14:34 we may be the salt - so that the world about us may gain, and retain, that flavour that our Lord intends. SHORT ACCOUNTS : MARGARET JONES - HAMILTON I was going through some accounts recently, when T remembered the words, often quoted in the days of long ago by an old Christian friend, "Keep short accounts with God". He quoted them often, in Bible class and in addresses, and if I had heeded ‘them more, I would have had far less unhappiness through life. He was in effect trying to teach us the truth of Hebrews 13:17, "obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief; for that is unprofitable to you." We must each one have thought for those around us, for it is written, "As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me and every tongue shall confess to God. So then, every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Romans 14: 11,12). 1.How thankful we should daily and hourly be, that we have trusted Him now and can say with the Apost Paul, "He is our peace” (Eph. 2:14). We know that judgment for us is past, for our Lord Jesus Christ bore the punishnent that was ours, at Calvary. We can measure the depth of His love for us by tie depth of His suffering for us in Gethsemane. tie have known and believed His love to us. "Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for right- eousness: (Gal. 3:6) Seeing He so loves us, can we let anything continue in our lives that is not honouring to Him? If we say of a thing, "There's no real harm in it" we are either accusing or excusing ourselves. Let us examine it again in the light of Scripture. Here is Romans 14: 22,23, "Hast thou faith? Have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condenneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. For whatsoever is not of faith is sin." Let us keep short accounts with God. I have quoted before and will quote again: Fathomless billows of love Only the Christ from above Gethsemane and Calvary ‘Can sound the depths of an ocean of love. $0000000000000000000 With the heart man betioveth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation ... For whosoever shalt call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ROMANS 10. 6613 18, For Our Younger Readers "THE WISE REFUSAL” "and lead us not into temptation". = Matthew 6:13. Some time ago a missionary went out from this country with his wife and young children to preach the Gospel to the natives of India. He had to make his home in a little wooden cabin far inland in the heart of the jungle. The country round about was infested with wild animals of every kind, and at night their roars and howls could be heard in the little home. one day there came to the missionary's door a young Indian, carrying in his arms two baby leopards. ‘They were very attractive little creatures, like big glossy cats, and beautifully spotted. They were offered for sale to the missionary, but he refused. ‘The young native persisted. He told how innocent they were, and said their playful antics would amuse the children. The missionary could have them for a few pounds of rice. To all his entreaties and offers the missionary shook his head, and presently ‘the lad went away with his baby leopards unsold. Night had fallen upon the jungle. The inmates had all retired to rest when they were awakened by a sound outside the door. They listened breathlessly. Tt was the sound of a soft footfall on the verandah of their house. Tt was the mother leopard, who had traced the scent and followed its young babes to the very door, Fearfully they listened as the enraged mother padded round the silent house with murder in her heart for the robber. The movements ceased for a moment and then the pad,pad was heard, but fainter as the huge animal bounded off into the jungle, following the tracks of the native - following its precious babes. The missionary heaved a sigh of relief as the last sound died away. How thankful he was that he had not made a home for the little playthings. Nothing, he knew, would have induced 19.the robbed mother leopard to leave the hut without taking vengeance upon her human enemies. The cry of the little leopards would have drawn th’ mother to their side. ‘he home in the jungle is like the heart, is it not? Every day there comes the opportunity to make a hone for some Little pastime, or plaything - some new interest. The cost may be ever so little, the promise of entertainment so good that we may be sorely tempted to make it ours. Remember the missionary. Let us examine it before it is allowed to cross the thresh- old of our heart. If it is dangerous, reject it. Tf there is any possibility of evil consequences coming after it, shut the door quickly. Satan is its a Tet hin but get a little sin into your heart and he will send greater and stronger temptations until he reigns, and you are his slave. The best way, and the safest, is to let Take Him into your heart and into you had power over the wild beasts He has power over the wild beast o the wildemess. seion that Foams outside the heart's deor. Let Him in now. in boy~ hood and girlhood, satan sends the little dangerous playthings. Jesus will keep them out, and the strong fierce ones when they come will find no entrance. And 1 give unto them eternat Life; and they ‘shale never perish, neither shale any man pluck them out of my hand. OHM 10:28 28 20. 26 June 1984 Report on 97th Annus) National Convention of the Seite Uealand Wonen*e Christian Temperance Union “MODERATION” NOT THE ANSWER" ‘the New Zealand Wonen's Christian Temperance Union held its Soin annael convention in Invercargill in June when delegates fron throughout the country gathered to join Invercargill seeders invcelebrating thelr centennial your. The first WCTU Recting was held at iavercarglil in 1884 and. the National Organisation was officially Launched in New Zealand in May 1885. Next" jear celebrations will be hela to mark this occasion, Matters dominating the attention of the Convention were: that “Roderation® was being presented as the answer to our massive x § nd that the liberalised advertising and Biapbiity of alcohol, were not being treated with the Seriousness they denanded. ‘The New Zealand Governnent, the brewers, the Alcoholic Liquor Tavisory Council and many Pehabilitating centres are all Renbiniag in an @il-out effort to tackle our tragic alcoholism Problens®by advocating the “moderate” use of alcohol instead of Righsiigneing the “unpredictable” addicting dangers of this, drug. Even the brevers are prepared to advocate “moderation” if t Government will meet the loss, caused through controlling Gkpending growth and profits, by permitting Liquor price rises. dae President, roIglase of NeTson, ere is a need to ponterack this dangerous fallacy with advice to Ieave this, and Opposition was expressed to the "Code of Practice" controlling Cee Savertising of Liquor which vas considered extreaely inadequate Subecialiy whee it was not legally binding and was drawn up by {he Liquor industry and the advertising agencies ~ all with vested interests. Resolutions rejecting ratification of the United Nations Convention for the Elimination of all forme of Discrimination against, Yonen, and the introduction of Human Birth Technology vhere {0a lin‘ Gnorye could predestine it to unknown hazards, both Etveleat and sthicaly were passed unanimously. Both these issues Moke rejected primarily because they cut right across the Christin principles of marriage: The advertising of liquor, and Liquor Biles in supermarkets, were also considered. A goodwill gift of a cheque for $287 from the Convention vas presented te the Deputy Mayor, Nrs Joan Roche, by the National President when congratulating Invereargill on its courage during the floods. Assistance with catering was given by the Association of Presbyterian aeent Se stephen's Presbyterian, St Mark's Methodist, Baptist, Seventh bay Adventist and the Salvation Army. a.CHURCH NEWS ~QEW_PLYMOUTH:It is with regret we have to record the death_on 26 June 1984 of Sister Isobel Lang. idge, aged 83. A faithful and loyal supporter of the Church since its inception in New Plymouth, and the Life and Advent truths the Church stands for were her life line to the end, and we give thanks for her witness over the years. The Manse is occupied - at last! Richdales moved in in mid-June and have enjoyed unpacking their belongings, with no. breakages. A pleasant house warming was held, the young folk in the attic with their varying games, and the older ones in the comfort of the Family Room. It was truly good for all who have watched and waited for so long to see the reality of the Manse - occupied - alongside the Church, It has encouraged those of us who have continued on over the years against, what seemed to be, great odds. We do give thanks to God, and to those who have supported the continuance of the ‘Church here in so many ways. Ladies Fellowshp was held at the Church when Mrs Jean King, Max Cope and Anne Broome spoke. Max and Anne plan to marry in August and go out with S.1.M. International to Kenya in January. The ladies - plus Pastor Bill - held their Cookarama in three homes as part of our fund raising, baking approximately 100 sponges, chocolate cakes and banana cakes which were sold the next (very wet) day outside one of the Supermarkets. We netted a profit of $205.50. All felt the exercise worthwhile, bringing us together in a working, and fun situation, We were pleased to have Sister N McKain Snr. from Hamilton and Sister L Polglase from Johnsonville _ visiting, and thank theih for théir valued support in our first "Cookarama”. ‘Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts will be established." DJ. 2. /WALTERS ROAD: Hello to one and all again. There has been a more optimistic view of things at Walters Road lately. Our Tuesday Bible Study group is steadily expanding, with the addition of two more people over the last couple of months. It has extended beyond just Bible Study, as a matter of fact, to the point of picnics on Sunday afternoons, and pottery on Monday evenings. There is real fellowship in that little group. They gave an evening service at an old peoples home just recently, and although the old people didn't know they were coming, it went well. In 5 August, they will be taking the Sunday’ morning service at Church, which will be quite an experience as most of them are new Christians. Paul Cooney conducted a lovely service this month about a trip he and his wife took to Mount Cook, and he expounded on the beauty that God has given us in our little country. We were thrilled to have Forrest Hill and East Street join us for Maranatha at Hobsonville Airbase. The competition was good-natured, with wins in the three games on all sides. That's all for now. you all. Until next month, may the Lord bless The many times he's stood, eyes down, Ashamed, Not knowing why, But knowing he has, Offended in’ the eyes, Of the law, And the eyes of God, Look down, And love him, Still forgiving, Healing him, Of his affliction, Loving him, Asa father. 23, BDH.VIHAMES: The highlight of the month was the visit of Three East Street ladies, Sisters Helen Schache, Helen Aldridge and Diana Graham, who came down and led our Ladies Guild meeting. We started with a lunch followed by the meeting. Sister Diana played two beautiful items on the piano, Sister Helen Aldridge recited a poem and also read a passage from the Bible, then Sister Helen Schache spoke to us on the importance of encouraging one another. Our ladies appreciated their willingness. to come and minister to us in this way. The Sunday 'Round Up! children have been busy recently making parts of the Christian Armour and seem to be thoroughly enjoying this - we're not so sure of the Mums apreciation when the children go home "splattered" in paint! We trust that by making them they will remember how God protects his people. Ci FORREST HILL: It was very entertaining to have Graham “Greahan along to our Family Service on 10 June with his doll Etnie, He spoke very challengingly though to the Children about the importance of using the right "key" to Salvation - Faith. Iam sure more than a few adults were intrigued and received a message too. We welcomed Warren Salisbury on the 17th. It is the first time he has visited us as a speaker and we enjoyed his message and were made to think a little more about the well-loved chapter 8 of Romans. Our first Baptismal “Service at the new dite is to be held ‘on 15 July and we will rejoice with those people who will be Baptised then. Work is still continuing on site, although at a slower rate than previously. Decisions are still to be made regarding further work to be done. Please pray that those decisions will be made for Gods glory, not mans. S.NJ. 24. .* “(KAURILANDS: Guest speakers for the month included Pastor Grant Cameron and Mr Dick Park, both. these Brethren gave thought provoking messages. Sickness - Sisters Viv and Betty Page are out of hospital and convalescing well. Sister Barberry Holmes has been in hospital and undergone a hip replacement operation and is now home and everything is fine, praise God. We commend these sick ones and others in our congregation, who are not well to the Lord's love and care. One Saturday morning our young people had a very busy time on the Church car park, washing cars. They collected quite a bundle of dollars, for equipment for the New Plymouth Church Young People. Tea, coffee and pikelets were served to all while working. Under the able Leadership of Jim and Pearl Sheppard they have varied and interesting outings. The Men's Bible Class, a happy group, meet regularly on Saturday mornings at Church, where they are studying the book "The Godly Man" under ‘the leadership of Pastor Long. Quite a group meet on Sunday morning at 9.15 am for study. On the 24th, Sunday evening was a time of musical enjoyment. Sister Judy Nicholls had been training a group of some 27 people aged from eight years to young adults in the musical, "Hey, God, Listen", a children's talk to God musical by Roxie E Gibson and Kenneth Krause. As a congregation we had looked forward to this with anticipat- ion. On the night, to a full Church, we received the benefit of the work this group had put in. Congratulations to Judy Nicholls, Choir Leader, Sharlene Penman, Pianist, and Barry Shaw, Drums, and certainly to the happy faced group. Our Coffee Hour speaker on the 27th was Mrs Olwyn Pound. This meeting was chaired by Gina Goodhue and proved a profitable time to all who attended. 25.Congratulations to Brother and Sister Viv Hart on the birth of a daughter and her name is Hope. It was our pleasure to welcome back Brother and Sister Denis Green and family from Java and a tour of Australia doing deputation work. They will be with us for some Weeks, moving around New Zealand and waiting to see what the Lord wishes for them. Thought: Remember the Conference theme “VICTORY IN CHRIST" MARANATHA, MLN. VHAMILTON: An old West Street member was ‘found! Guring- one of our services at Karamu House. — Mrs Huckstep, who as Phyllis Vaile attended West Street in the days of Pastor George Aldridge and Mr Faulkner. The Young People featured in our Outreach service on 1 July when the Youth Chorale sang four numbers and a group led by Jeff Wright gave a very excellent talk to the Bhildren on Elijah and the worshippers of Baal. Bill Goble gave a splendid address entitled ‘Will the Church go through the Tribulation?" Services have been well maintained with good numbers at each service and some fine addresses have been given particularly by the younger members, which the musical Birector, Warren, has kept us supplied with plenty of {nstrumentalists and chorus singing, and choral pieces. Bernice Raynel has had a spell in hospital but is recuperat- ing satisfactorily at home. It has been good to welcome Poster Beattie and Isobel Kerr back after a term of sickness and indifferent health. Our congratulations to Paul and Sharon Buick on the. birth of their daughter, Amy Clare; to Wayne and Fiona Fowlie $n the birth of their son, Lorne Thomas; Rachael and Gre Pedrotti on the occasion of the birth of @ son, Michael 26, Anthony; and to Graeme Brandt on the occasion of hi birthday on 14 July. a We were offered a fine bit of free publicit i free publicity by the local Waikato Times in their Church Page on a recent Saturday night. A full page write-up of the life of our Hamilton Church over the last 100 years and then a full coverage of our present activities made good reading and w: received By all who fead ity . pear Wayne Cooney and Libby Gairdner announced their engagement recently and we wish them all the best for their wedding. Jeff Wright leaves us this month for his studies at for hil Kelston Bible College and we ask for your prayers for Jeff durit his time in Auckland. PS “a Our members’ were depleted on Sunday morning 8 July when nearly all of our young people and some of the older ones travelled to Auckland to take part in the service at East Street. Our loss of their gain and we hope that they received a great blessing from that ‘breath of fresh air’ from Hamilton. Greetings to all from Hamilton AR. AST_STREE’ Our young people have, as usual, been es ne On 24 June the Young. Peo ple led the Evening Service, when" Wether ‘Beier HUME abd Sava nelbols eidduced & most interesting audio-visual on the book of James. The whole service was very enjoyable. ar,