The

Berean SearchlightStudying God’s Word, Rightly Divided February 2002

2 Berean Searchlight

INSIDE THIS ISSUEFebruary 2002

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

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

Berean Bible SocietyN112 W17761 Mequon Road

PO Box 756Germantown, WI 53022

Berean Bible Society Main Office: (262) 255-4750Berean Bible Society Fax Number: (262) 255-4195

Internet: <www.bereanbiblesociety.org>E-mail: <berean@execpc.com>

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The Berean Searchlight (ISSN 0005-8890), February 2002. Volume 62, Number 11.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Berean Searchlight, N112 W17761 Mequon Road,PO Box 756, Germantown, WI 53022-0756.

Feature ArticlesThe Life and Letters of the Apostle Peter (II Pet. 1:1-9)

Pastor Paul M. Sadler .............................................. 7

How to Please GodPastor Cornelius R. Stam ........................................ 13

The Answer to the Problem of Unanswered PrayerPastor Dennis Kiszonas ........................................... 15

DepartmentsFrom Our Mailbag ....................................................... 4A Page From Pastor Sadler’s Notes ............................ 6Question Box ................................................................ 12A Bag of Potatoes ......................................................... 21The BBI Byline ............................................................. 24News and Announcements .......................................... 25

February 2002 3

Dearly Beloved,In the Book of Acts, Luke gives us this interest-

ing insight regarding the travels of St. Paul: “Andsome days after Paul said unto Barnabas, let us goagain and visit our brethren in every city where we

have preached the Word of the Lord, and see how they do” (Acts 15:36).After the apostle planted churches in the cities he visited, he would re-

turn a short time later to confirm the faith that was initially delivered untothem. This confirmation ministry was critical to the continuation of thesenewly planted works. It allowed the roots of these assemblies to go moredeeply into the fertile soil of God’s Word that they might bear fruit to thehonor and glory of God. The components of this ministry included the im-parting of new revelations, preaching the Word to validate what had beenrevealed, and a large dose of encouragement for the saints to stand fast inthe faith. These visits also gave an opportunity to address questions andproblems that had arisen in the local churches.

With these things in mind, we count it an honor to join Pastor Joe Watkinson a similar mission to the Philippines this coming March (see page 26).Brother Joe ministered with the Filipino people for over thirty years as amissionary under Things to Come Mission. While TCM has been active inestablishing Grace Bible Schools in the Philippines, Joe and TCM have con-sistently followed Paul’s example. That is, they planted local churches andtrained leaders from among those within the assemblies. Therefore, thesechurches have eventually become indigenous, which means they do not haveto rely upon the mission to supply pastors or other types of assistance. Webelieve this is the better part of wisdom, for this reason: Should the Filipinogovernment ever expel our American missionaries, as we’ve seen other coun-tries do, these works will be able to continue in their absence.

Through the years, TCM has used our literature to help ground the Fili-pino saints in the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation ofthe Mystery. In fact, there are a greater number of Searchlight readers inthe Philippines than any other foreign country. So we are looking forwardto visiting these dear saints to encourage them in the faith. Lord willing,we will be ministering Paul’s gospel to pastors, teachers, elders, and thechurches in Cebu, Ozamis, and the newly established work at Bataan. Wehave also been invited to speak at the Luzon Grace Youth Conference.

Please pray for us that God will open a door of opportunity to furtherestablish these saints in the preaching of the Cross. “Now unto Him that isable to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, accordingto the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the Church by ChristJesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Eph. 3:20,21).

Paul M. SadlerPresident

From theEditor to You:

4 Berean Searchlight

From Our MailbagActs 14:27

From Florida:“I thought I would write to say that

I greatly appreciate everyone of you forwhat you have committed yourselves to.It is no easy task. Before I got seriousabout studying God’s Word, I was hope-lessly confused, even when I started tostudy the Pauline epistles. It wasn’tuntil I read Pastor Stam’s book, ThingsThat Differ that my eyes and heart werefinally opened. I have been studying andrightly dividing the Word of truth nowfor 3 years.” (Pastor Stam shared withme one time that Things That Differ wastaken from his class notes when hetaught at the Milwaukee Bible Institute.He had planned to do a sequel, but theyears crept up on him. Ed.)

From Illinois:“I would like to say that we enjoy the

Berean Searchlight so much and alwayslook forward to receiving it. All the ar-ticles in it are so good and especiallythe last one, The Forgiveness of Sins byPastor Ken Lawson. Your article on ThePrediction of the Cross was also super.”

From New York:“I pray for BBS and for each one there.

I pray the dispensational message willbe given and that many more people willcome to that belief and knowledge.”

From Nairobi, Kenya:“I would like to thank the BBS for its

life-changing ministry for many years.I have personally grown spiritually fromone level to the other through this won-derful magazine, that is, the BereanSearchlight. This magazine has shedthe light of the gospel to thousands andthousands of people all over the world.Many have come to know the gospel ofthe grace of God through this valuablemagazine.”

From Tennessee:“We’re so thankful for men like you

that are teaching the Bible rightly di-vided. May God bless you and keep upthe good work. This is not much moneybut use it any way you see fit.”

GOD’S BLESSINGON BBS MINISTRIES

From Pennsylvania:“Thank you for your monthly maga-

zine the Berean Searchlight. I have hadmany questions answered for me andalways feel spiritually uplifted afterreading your wonderful articles.”

From Illinois:“Thank the Lord for BBS. Wouldn’t

have it any other way but the Paulineway. May the Lord bless all of you atBBS.”

From Michigan:“I am extremely grateful for the un-

derstanding of the Word rightly divided.In this time of chaos throughout theworld, I feel strengthened with the knowl-edge of the gospel of Grace as my foun-dation. I thank God and your ministryfor this peace.” (With all of life’s uncer-tainties, only the believer can have thepeace of God, which passes all under-standing, because he places his trust inthe sovereignty of God. Ed.)

From Ohio:“Thanks for all the excellent articles

that were in the Berean Searchlightwhich arrived yesterday. We really ap-preciate them. May the Lord continueto bless all of you.”

From Pennsylvania:“I look forward to the Berean Search-

light every month. I hope you will al-ways have the opportunity and theresources to tell people how importantit is to rightly divide the Word of God.It means a lot to me.”

From Indiana:“I am so blessed by receiving the

Searchlight every month.”

From India:“Christian greetings from Light Min-

istries India. Thank you very much foryour books that I received on Novem-ber 10, 2001....I was really blessed bygoing through your magazine. Pleasekeep sending it to me, even in the daysto come.”

February 2002 5

From New York:“How I wish I were near your orga-

nization to help me to grow. No one isof the same mindset up here. There arethree of us who get together and use yourmaterial, so we are where we are becausethe Lord has put us here for some rea-son. After I got to thinking about it, it ishard to find anything that covers it alllike Brother Stam’s Things That Differ.I spend a lot of time in that and do enjoyit so much. The simplicity of the gospelis truly a blessing, as Paul said.”

From Florida:“Thank you all for being there, doing

for Him, with a double portion of appre-ciation for Pastor Sadler. Maybe soonwill be THE TIME.”

From Kentucky:“It is difficult to find truth today.

Thank you for your work in proclaim-ing God’s truth as He gives you strengthto do so.”

From Connecticut:“Again I must say thank you. Your

ministry has been a rich blessing to ourchurch and me. Like I said before, I hadseen the truth of this as I read Ephesians4:5. But the confirmation of these thingsfrom Pastor Stam’s books (I own all ofthem now) and your tapes has helpedlay a solid foundation for rightly di-viding the Word of truth....Like I men-tioned before, I preached in many BaptistChurches for many years, but since I’veseen the truth of the ‘one baptism’ andthe revelation of the Mystery....I have notbeen invited to preach again.” (There’salways a cost for standing for the truth,but the eternal dividends are out of thisworld! Ed.)

From Florida:“Thank you for the Thanksgiving

newsletter and the wonderful oppor-tunity to help continue your work forour Lord.”

From Nova Scotia, Canada:“Thanking you for sending me your

monthly booklets. They are very help-ful. This is a one-time donation as myfinances and health are poor. I may notbe able to send anymore but I wantedyou to know how much I appreciate yourfaithfulness over the years. God bless.”

From Tennessee:“I appreciated very much Pastor Ken

Lawson’s article in the November issueabout forgiveness and especially the sec-tion on its personal application.” (Wehave often said, it is one thing to knowthe truth, but it’s an entirely differentmatter to apply it to our lives. Ed.)

From Illinois:“Thank your for sending the Berean

Searchlight to me for so many years. Ilook forward to it each month.”

From Michigan:“I have been so happy with all I have

learned by reading your literature. Ihope that this letter gets to the rightplace because I appreciate your litera-ture so much and I want my donation togo to the right address. Keep up the goodwork you are doing. We really need it.”

From Wisconsin:“I am very thankful for God’s grace

and the freedom we have to worship Godin America. I am enclosing a year-endgift to help with the Berean Searchlight.I enjoy reading it. God bless you.”

From South Carolina:“I have been so greatly blessed by

your literature and all the books I havereceived over the years. I really enjoyyour messages. The Lord always pro-vides some answer in your magazineeach month corresponding to a particu-lar need He provides for. I look forwardto the Searchlight each month. The Lordis using you mightily. God bless each ofyou a zillion times over.”

“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

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A Page From Pastor Sadler’s NotesA Page From Pastor Sadler’s NotesThings To Come

Many Bible teachers are convinced that the Book of Revelation is asealed book, therefore it cannot possibly be understood. But the veryfirst passage of the account states: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ,which God gave unto him, to show unto His servants things which mustshortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto Hisservant John” (Rev. 1:1). Notice it is the Revelation or unveiling ofJesus Christ, as the Judge of all the earth.

Even though the Apostle John purposely used symbolic languageunder the supervision of the Holy Spirit, the Revelation can be under-stood by those who know the Lord, for these things are spiritually dis-cerned. Thankfully we are not left to our own reasoning regarding thesymbols that were used by the apostle. They are often interpreted forus in other parts of the Word of God. Always remember, the best com-mentary on the Bible is the Bible itself!

“And there appeared a great wonder in

heaven; a woman clothed with the sun,

and the moon under her feet, and upon

her head a crown of twelve stars: And she

being with child cried, travailing in birth,

and pained to be delivered. And there

appeared another wonder in heaven; and

behold a great red dragon, having seven

heads and ten horns, and seven crowns

upon his heads. And his tail drew the

third part of the stars of heaven, and did

cast them to the earth: and the dragon

stood before the woman which was ready

to be delivered, for to devour her child as

soon as it was born.”

If we are truly following the pattern of the Apostle Paul’s ministry,then we, too, must proclaim the whole counsel of God. Here we see thewisdom of God, simply because a proper understanding of the Book ofRevelation will give us a greater appreciation of the grace of God.

Gr. Semeion—Sign(I Cor. 1:22)See Psalms

19:1-4

Jacob & RachelIsrael

(Gen. 37:8-10) Israel’s supremacy(Deut. 28:13;Isa. 60:1-3)

Gr. stephanosVictor’s crown

12 sons of Jacobfrom whom came

the twelve tribes ofIsrael (Gen. 37:9 cf.

Gen. 49:28)

Faithful remnant inIsrael (Isa. 66:7,8

cf. Rev. 3:10)

Travail of the TribulationPeriod when Israelwill be chastened

(Isa. 13:6-11)

Gr. semeion—Sign(I Cor. 1:22)

Satan(Rev. 12:9)

7 kingdoms & theirkings (Rev. 17:9,10)

Seat of Anti-Christ’sauthority

Probably countrieslike Iran, Iraq,

Afghanistan, etc.

10 Kingswhich haveno Kingdom(Rev. 17:12)

Gr. diademKingly crowns

Satan’s controland dominionover the world(Luke 4:5,6)

Stars—Angels ofheaven (Job 38:4-7)

Here—Fallen hostof angels whodefected in the

original rebellionwith Satan(Rev. 12:7)

Israel(Isa. 54:5-8)

The Anti-Christ’s desire to destroy the chosennation (Matt. 24:15-22 cf. Rev. 6:2,9-11)

Satan & his fallen host cast to theearth in the middle of the tribulation

(Ezek. 28:16-18 cf. Rev. 12:7-9)

Revelation 12:1-4

February 2002 7

The Life and Letters of the Apostle PeterThe Life and Letters of the Apostle PeterII Peter 1:1-9By Paul M. Sadler

“Simon Peter, a servant and anapostle of Jesus Christ, to them thathave obtained like precious faithwith us through the righteousnessof God and our Savior Jesus Christ:Grace and peace be multiplied untoyou through the knowledge of God,and of Jesus our Lord.”

—II Pet. 1:1,2

Warning: If the Word of God isbelieved, it will point you to the

Savior who will save you from yoursins; if read, it will comfort you; ifstudied rightly divided, it will freeyou from the traditions of men; ifapplied to your life, it will keep youfrom unsound teaching and give youliberty in Christ.

As we begin our journey throughthe Second Epistle of Peter, the Apos-tle Peter is going to successfullyguide his hearers through a mine-field of apostasy. The false teach-ers who brought in these “damnableheresies,” as Peter calls them, werejeopardizing the very existence ofwhat was remaining of the KingdomChurch. Thus, the purpose of thiswriting is to challenge those whowere saved under the kingdom gos-pel to stand fast in the face of falseteaching. Furthermore, the warn-ings sounded throughout the epis-tle are even more relevant for thecoming day of the Lord. Like First

Corinthians, Second Peter is a letterof correction.

THE OLD FISHERMANPerhaps the most beloved of all

the Christian hymns we sing isAmazing Grace by John Newton. Itis said that until his death at theage of eighty-two he never ceasedto marvel at the grace of God thatso dramatically changed his life. Asthe years took their toll, it is reportedthat he was approached to considerretiring from the ministry due to afailing memory. Mr. Newton replied,“What, shall the old African blas-phemer stop while he can still speak?My memory may be nearly gone, butI remember two things: That I am agreat sinner and that Christ is agreat Savior!”1

Peter could have related to thewords of John Newton as he lookedback over his life. He writes, “SimonPeter, a servant and an apostle ofJesus Christ.” Interestingly, Peterintroduces himself to his readers, notmerely as “Peter” (as found in I Pe-ter 1:1), but “Simon Peter.” “Simon”was his Hebrew name, while “Peter”was the Greek name that was givento him by our Lord (John 1:40-42 cf.Matt. 16:18). The combination of thetwo names suggests that Peter wasreminiscing about the wonderfulchange Christ had made in his life.

The Psalmist says, “We spend ouryears as a tale that is told” (Psa.90:9). A tale is an interesting story.Some lives are short stories, cut offby an untimely death, while othersare full-length novels. In Peter’s caseit was the latter. His life was a fas-cinating drama filled with unforget-table acts. As Simon he was a brash,

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impetuous Galilaean fisherman, wan-dering aimlessly through life withouta shred of hope. But all that changedthe day his brother Andrew intro-duced him to the Messiah. That daytransformed his life and set him ona road which would turn the worldupside down. He was to become thechief among the twelve apostles ofthe kingdom, a valiant defender ofthe way, the truth, and the life.

But now, as he reminisced, Peterknew the hour of his departure fromthis life was at hand. It was sunset!Death would soon lay its icy gripupon his shoulder, fulfilling theLord’s prediction of martyrdom(John 21:18,19 cf. II Pet. 1:14). Be-fore Peter leaves the scene, how-ever, he has some strong words forthose who would corrupt the Lord’speople with unsound doctrine.

Peter identifies himself with hiscountrymen in the following fashion:“a servant and an apostle of JesusChrist.” Peter’s self-description hereis significant, seeing that he stateshis positions by order of importance.With the sun also setting on thekingdom program, his apostleshipis moved into a secondary role. Hesaw himself first as a bondslave ofChrist, whose ministry was to confirmthe faith that was initially deliveredunto them. In regard to his apostle-ship, this letter was probably his lastofficial act as the apostle of the cir-cumcision (Gal. 2:7,8 cf. II Pet. 3:1).

“This second epistle, beloved, I nowwrite unto you; in both which I stirup your pure minds by way of re-membrance.” If we compare I Peter1:1 with II Peter 3:1, it is clear thatPeter was writing to his countrymena second time, who were scatteredstrangers (Gr. Diaspora). That is, “so-journers of the dispersion” through-out Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia,Asia, and Bithynia. The phrase, “ofthe dispersion,” is distinctly Jewish

and specifically refers to the Jewswho were living in other nationsoutside the Promised Land.

The date of this writing was prob-ably around 67 AD, shortly afterthe martyrdom of the Apostle Paul,since Peter speaksof “all his epistles”being in circula-tion (II Pet. 3:16),which would haveincluded II Timo-thy, Paul’s swansong. According toChurch history, itis believed that Peter also sufferedmartyrdom under Nero, which hadto be prior to June of 68 AD whenthe emperor committed suicide.

THOSE OF LIKEPRECIOUS FAITH

Peter addresses his hearers asthose who “have obtained like pre-cious faith with us through the righ-teousness of God and our SaviorJesus Christ.” The term “precious”here is almost exclusively associatedwith the Prophetic Program. In fact,it is one of Peter’s favorite words.He uses it seven times in his epis-tles, and for good reason. We mustremember that his countrymen, in-cluding himself, had been driven outof their homeland into hostile coun-tries, which meant they were hated,persecuted, and executed withouta cause. Consequently, their Saviorwas precious; their faith was pre-cious; their redemption through theblood of the Lamb was precious; andthe promises they clung to were mostassuredly precious.

But there is another reason Peteruses this term so frequently, a rea-son that is often overlooked. In theOld Testament it states: “And thechild Samuel ministered unto theLORD before Eli. And the Word ofthe LORD was precious in those days;

Nero—AD 37-68

February 2002 9

there was no open vision” (I Sam.3:1). In time past, when the Lord wassilent it meant He was displeasedwith His people. When this tookplace, the Word of the Lord becamemore precious because it was theonly means to know the mind andwill of Jehovah.

Since Israel was being set asidenationally for her unbelief, God wasno longer speaking to her throughvisions as He had done at Pentecost.Thus, the promises found in Peter’swritings became even more preciousto those Israelites who had believed(II Pet. 1:4 cf. 3:3-9). Under the ad-ministration of Grace, the heavensare silent for a completely differentreason. Today God is carrying outHis secret purpose, which is de-tached from the miraculous manifes-tations and visions of the PropheticProgram. So we, too, must look tothe written revelation, Paul’s epis-tles in particular, to understand thewill of God for the Church, which isHis Body (Col. 1:9,10,25-28).

“To them that have obtained likeprecious faith with us through therighteousness of God and our SaviorJesus Christ.” When Peter says theyhad “obtained like precious faithwith us,” he wants us to understandthat his readers had believed thesame gospel he and the other king-dom saints had received. Thus, “likeprecious faith” is synonymous with“the apostles’ doctrine” taught bythe twelve on the day of Pentecost(Acts 2:42).

But what exactly is the apostles’doctrine? Clearly it is the GreatCommission—the terms of salvationbeing: repent, believe on the nameof Christ that He is the Messiah ofIsrael, and be water baptized for theremission of sins. In addition, theywere to render obedience to all theLord taught during His earthly min-istry (Matt. 28:16-20; Mark 1:14,15;

John 20:31; Acts 2:38). In short, bothPeter and his hearers had believedthe kingdom gospel.

“Grace and peace be multipliedunto you through the knowledgeof God, and of Jesus our Lord. Ac-cording as His divine power hathgiven unto us all things that pertainunto life and godliness, through theknowledge of Him that hath calledus to glory and virtue” (II Pet. 1:2,3).

The grace and peace that Peterspeaks of here should not be con-fused with the Apostle Paul’s salu-tations. Peter taught the prophesiedgrace of God that would come toIsrael (I Pet. 1:10), which primarilyhad to do with salvation from herenemies (Luke 1:67-75). This gracewill be fully bestowed upon the cho-sen nation when the Prince of Peacereturns to establish His kingdom.Then, and only then, will there bepeace upon the earth (Isa. 9:6,7).With the promise of His Coming aconfident expectation, it is littlewonder that Peter declared that thisgrace and peace be multiplied—Thykingdom come, Oh Lord! “Thy willbe done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

Peter understood that this graceand peace would be multiplied inthe hearts of his hearers throughthe knowledge of God. He adds, “ac-cording as His divine power hathgiven unto us all things that pertainunto life and godliness, through theknowledge of Him that hath calledus to glory and virtue.”

Twice in these two passages theapostle emphasizes the importanceof having a fuller knowledge of God.With the majority of the prophetsand apostles of the kingdom havingpassed from the scene, Peter directshis countrymen to the written revela-tion of God, where they could grow inthe grace and knowledge of the LordJesus Christ. Seeing that these of-fices were left vacant, this is strong

10 Berean Searchlight

evidence against apostolic succes-sion, simply because the written Wordof God was now to be their final au-thority (II Pet. 1:19-21). A deeper un-derstanding of the Scriptures wouldalso serve as a safeguard against theinsidious heresies the false teacherswere seeking to spread among them.The best defense against error is tobe grounded in the truth!

“Whereby are given unto us ex-ceeding great and precious promises:that by these ye might be partakersof the divine nature, having escapedthe corruption that is in the worldthrough lust” (II Pet. 1:4).

If you were living continually inthe face of death, as these saintswere, the promises of God would be-come exceedingly great and pre-cious. This will be especially true offuture Israel during the Tribulationperiod. While the promises of theAbrahamic, Davidic and the Newcovenants were cherished, the spe-cific ones Peter highlights are thepromise of the Second Coming ofChrist to destroy Israel’s enemies,and the promise of a new heavensand a new earth wherein dwellethrighteousness (II Pet. 3:3-9,13).

THE TRANSFORMED LIFE“That by these ye might be par-

takers of the divine nature, havingescaped the corruption that is in theworld through lust.” The momentthese saints were born again theybecame partakers of the divine na-ture. This does not imply that theywere joined to the essence of God,but rather they shared in the natureof God, which enabled them to havecommunion with Him. The natureof a dog is to return to its vomit. Toshare in the nature of God is to par-take of His holiness, virtue and glory.The standard is the same in everydispensation; God wants His peopleto be holy, as He is holy.

This is what made it possible forthese saints to “escape the corrup-tion that is in the world through lust.”Although the term “subtract” is notused here, it is certainly implied. Infact, Peter uses mathematical termsquite frequently—in the first fiveverses of this letter he multiplies,subtracts and adds. Once the Spiritof God regenerated these saints, anumber of unseemly things they hadonce indulged in were subtractedfrom their lives. They escaped thecorruption that comes through lustor “unlawful desires.” This is a prin-ciple that is true of us as well.

For example, before I was savedI had an obsession with classic cars.I had restored a 1963 Chevy Impalathat was the envy of every car buffin town. It was candy apple red witha 327 V-8 engine, which put out over400 horsepower. You could hear mecoming three blocks away. The sunrose and set on that car. At the time,it was a status symbol, but a fadingglory. I couldn’t understand why ev-eryone didn’t own a ’63 Chevy. Butafter I came to know Christ, Godsubtracted that desire from my life.God changes our attitude and givesus new priorities upon our conver-sion. Now I’m grateful if I merelyhave transportation so I can carryon the work of the ministry.

I was also a sports fanatic back inthose days. If you lived in Pittsburgh,then you were a diehard Steelers fan.Our family had season tickets, so Ihad an opportunity to see the greatBobby Lane play at Forbes Field.Years later I watched as Terry Brad-shaw threw the “Immaculate Recep-tion” to Franco Harris! The steelcurtain was impressive. I knew ev-ery player on the team and what theirpassing, tackling, and kicking per-centages were. But after I came toknow Christ these things became buta fading memory. Unimportant!

February 2002 11

You see, at the Judgment Seat ofChrist, it really isn’t going to mat-ter whether or not Terry Bradshawhas a higher completion percentagethan Brett Favre. That’s the stuffof which wood, hay, and stubble ismade. What will count is what I havedone for Christ that brings honorand glory to Him. Please don’t mis-understand me, I still enjoy attend-ing an occasional baseball or footballgame with my boys or friends. Butwhen I leave the stadium I leave thegame behind. God has given me awhole new perspective on the mat-ter. Some desires are subtractedimmediately from our newfound lifein Christ, while others are graduallyphased out over time. Now our de-sire is, or at least should be, to havea fuller knowledge of Him!

“And beside this, giving all dili-gence, add to your faith virtue; andto virtue knowledge; and to knowl-edge temperance; and to temperancepatience; and to patience godliness;and to godliness brotherly kindness;and to brotherly kindness charity.For if these things be in you, andabound, they make you that yeshall neither be barren nor unfruit-ful in the knowledge of our LordJesus Christ. But he that lackeththese things is blind, and cannotsee afar off, and hath forgotten thathe was purged from his old sins”(II Pet. 1:5-9).

Peter now instructs his hearersto “add” to their faith seven things—moral excellence, knowledge, selfcontrol, patience, godliness, kind-ness and love. The number seven, ofcourse, is the number of spiritualperfection. It was Peter’s desire thatthese saints be complete and have awell-rounded knowledge of the wholecounsel of God. Although some ofthese virtues are attributes that theworld seeks after to become morerefined and cultured, “whatsoever isnot of faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23).

If these things abounded in themit was an evidence that they werebearing fruit. These seven virtueswere the fruits that sprung forthfrom the new nature they possessed.This is another distinction betweenthe kingdom gospel and the gospelof the grace of God. Today, believersmay or may not bear fruits; therefore,it is sometimes difficult to ascertainwhether or not someone is saved. Paulsays regarding good works after sal-vation, “For we are His workmanship,created in Christ Jesus unto goodworks, which God hath before or-dained that we should walk in them”(Eph. 2:10 cf. II Cor. 9:8-11). Noticebelievers “should walk in them,” im-plying that they may not always in-crease in the fruits of righteousness.

Under the kingdom gospel thiswasn’t an option, it was an absolutenecessity. As Peter says, “neither bebarren nor unfruitful in the knowl-edge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” OurLord cursed the barren fig tree be-cause it was of no profit. Thus, Heemphatically declared, “Beware offalse prophets, which come to you insheep’s clothing, but inwardly theyare ravening wolves. Ye shall knowthem by their fruits....Even so everygood tree bringeth forth good fruit;but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evilfruit. A good tree cannot bring forthevil fruit, neither can a corrupt treebring forth good fruit. Every treethat bringeth not forth good fruit ishewn down, and cast into the fire.Wherefore by their fruits ye shallknow them” (Matt. 7:15-20).

“The standard isthe same in everydispensation; God

wants His people tobe holy, as He is holy.”

12 Berean Searchlight

Question Box“We both know that no one can legitimately practice Mark 16:16-20,

but to what extent will God perform His own miracles of healing inour dispensation?”

We wholeheartedly agree that God is not using His servants todayto perform miraculous manifestations. Those who claim otherwise fail tounderstand that the signs, miracles, and wonders of the Acts period ceasedwith the completion of the Word of God (I Cor. 13:10 cf. Col. 1:25).

Usually the answer to our pleas for deliverance from an afflictionis the same that the Apostle Paul received from the Lord, “My grace issufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” God’sgrace and strength is always more than adequate to sustain us throughwhatever circumstances we might be called upon to endure. Thus,may our response be that of the apostle’s: “Most gladly therefore willI rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may restupon me” (II Cor. 12:9).

While God has not promised us physical healing in the dispensa-tion of Grace, this in no way diminishes from His sovereignty. There-fore, if He so chooses to intervene in our affairs to further His purpose,who are we to question the counsel of His will? Paul besought the Lordnot once, but three times regarding his infirmity and received the aboveresponse each time. However, when he and the saints petitioned theLord concerning his coworker, Epaphroditus, the apostle wrote thefollowing to the church at Philippi:

“For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, becausethat ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sicknigh unto death: but God had mercy on him” (Phil. 2:26,27).

Notice it was the Great Physician who had mercy on Epaphroditus.Clearly it was the Lord who raised him back to sound physical health.“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in thename of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Please see Pastor Kiszonas’ article onpage 15 for a more comprehensive study on the subject of unansweredprayer in the administration of Grace. —Pastor Sadler

With the storms of apostasy gath-ering strength, this is a solemn warn-ing to those who would deceive thesheep of God. It is also a guidelinethat both past and future Israel coulduse to determine who were the falseteachers among them (II Pet. 2:1-3).If those of their number only bore avery small amount of fruit, it wasan indication that there was life, butthat they didn’t take the things ofthe Lord seriously. Peter calls these

Endnote1. 101 Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck,Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, Michigan,Pages 28-30.

saints blind because they had for-gotten that they had been purgedfrom the very sins they were againcommitting. As it has been said, onewho forgets his past sins is likely tolapse back into them.

To Be Continued!

February 2002 13

How to Please GodHow to Please GodBy Cornelius R. Stam

There are “many infallible proofs” that the Bible isthe Word of God, God’s written revelation to man-

kind. One of these proofs is the element of prophecy.Only God knows what shall be, and His prophetic

clock has always been right on time. The present futileattempts of world leaders to establish lasting peace isbut another confirmation of the many Bible predictionsthat this age of Christ’s rejection would be marked by“wars and rumors of wars” and that lasting peace willnot be established until the “Prince of Peace” returns totake the throne (Isa. 2:4; 11:1-5; Jer. 23:5; Zech. 14:1-4;Matt. 24:3-7,27; Acts 1:9-11; Rev. 1:7).

But, if we could advance proof after proof to backthe unbeliever into a corner; if we could tie him up inknots with our arguments until he cried: “I give up! Youare right and I am wrong!” would this save his soul orgain him acceptance before God?

Indeed not, for God wants to be believed and salva-tion is a gift to be received by faith. Thus the Bibledeclares that “without faith it is impossible to pleaseHim” (Heb. 11:6).

There is nothing in all the world that will haunt aman like the fear that God may be displeased with him,nor is there any joy comparable to the assurance thatHe is pleased. It is foolish, however, to suppose that wecan please God with the things we think He desires.We must give Him what He says He desires, and Hetells us again and again in His Word that it is faith Hedesires most of all. He wants us to trust Him, to takeHim at His Word.

The Bible tells us at length how God loved us andcame to this world as God the Son to die on Calvary’scross for our sins, but, alas, instead of taking Him atHis Word, thousands turn away from His gracious of-fer, “going about to establish their own righteousness”(Rom. 10:1-4). They do “good works” and make greatsacrifices, thinking that a God of love will surely accepttheir efforts and overlook their sins. But this is pre-sumption, not faith. How can a just God overlook sin?We should thank Him that, in His matchless grace, HeHimself paid for our sins so that we might be free, andthat salvation can now be received by faith as “the giftof God” (Rom. 6:23).

“It is foolish,however, to

suppose that wecan please Godwith the things

we think Hedesires. We

must give Himwhat He says

He desires, andHe tells us againand again in HisWord that it is

faith He desiresmost of all. He

wants us to trustHim, to take Him

at His Word.”

14 Berean Searchlight

STAND FAST

Let us beware of confusing faithwith presumption. Cain presumedthat God would accept his attrac-tive sacrifice instead of the pre-scribed one, but God refused bothhim and his offering (Gen. 4:3-5).Pharaoh presumed that he couldtake his armies through the Red Seaas Moses had done, but he led themall to destruction for presumingupon God (Heb. 11:29). Naaman theleper, refused God’s way of cleans-ing, saying: “I thought...” but thegreat general remained a leper un-til he humbled himself and tookGod at His Word (II Kings 5:1-14).

And now, what about you? Areyou still going about to establishyour own righteousness; still tryingto make yourself acceptable to God?Then I know something about you:You do not have the assurance orjoy of salvation. How can you, for

there will always be the fear thatyou are not doing well enough toplease God, and the greater dreadthat in justice “God requireth thatwhich is past” and will call you toaccount for your past sins.

Why not please and honor Godby believing His Word and trustingin Christ as your Savior?

“For BY GRACE are ye saved,THROUGH FAITH...it is THE GIFTOF GOD; NOT OF WORKS, LESTANY MAN SHOULD BOAST” (Eph.2:8,9).

“For I delivered unto you first ofall that which I also received, howthat Christ died for our sins ac-cording to the Scriptures; and thatHe was buried, and that He roseagain the third day according to theScriptures” (I Cor. 15:3,4).

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,and thou shalt be saved” (Acts16:31).

GETTING THE MESSAGE OUTIf you enjoyed Pastor Stam’s article, we are pleased to inform you that it is

also available in tract form. A package of 100 (new glossy format) is $5.00.Don’t forget, orders up to $20.00, please add $2.00—orders over $20.00,add 10 percent for postage and handling. Thank you!

STAND FASTChristians are being told that they must

be ready to move fast with this fast-movingworld, ready to change their approach and theirmethods, if not their message, to keep up withthe times.

We believe that God would rather have usconcerned about standing fast than aboutmoving fast.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that yemay be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, tostand.

“Stand therefore…” (Eph. 6:13,14).—C. R. Stam

February 2002 15

The Answer to the Problemof Unanswered Prayer

The Answer to the Problemof Unanswered Prayer

By Pastor Dennis Kiszonas

The following article was written by our good friend Dennis Kiszonas. BrotherDennis is the Executive Director of Grace For Today, a nationwide radio min-istry located in New York City. We’re sure you are going to be spiritually en-riched by Pastor Kiszonas’ insight on the issue of unanswered prayer in theage of Grace. —Ed.

The phone rang right after theGrace For Today broadcast; the

caller was a listener from Far Rock-away in Queens.

“I called just to let you know thatI used to believe in God, but I don’tbelieve any more,” she said. I askedher why she had lost her faith andshe related to me this experience:

A few years ago, she and her hus-band were attending a Bible believ-ing church in Queens. One day herhusband, who wasn’t feeling well,came home from the doctor’s officewith some bad news. The doctor toldhim that he had cancer. They wentto their church and told the pastorand asked everyone to pray for herhusband’s recovery.

Their church prayed for him.Other churches prayed for him.The pastor prayed and the eldersprayed. All the time they were pray-ing, her husband was slowly becom-ing weaker as the cancer continuedto spread.

But her pastor continued to en-courage them, “Just have faith, Godwill heal.” The pastor quoted versesfrom the Bible:

“So Jesus answered and said tothem, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, if youhave faith and do not doubt, youwill not only do what was done tothe fig tree, but also if you say tothis mountain, Be removed and becast into the sea, it will be done.

And whatever things you ask inprayer, believing, you will receive’”(Matt. 21:21-22).

So the pastor said, “Have faithand do not doubt; God will heal.”

“If you abide in Me, and My wordsabide in you, you will ask what youdesire, and it shall be done for you”(John 15:7).

The pastor said, “God promises,‘You will ask what you desire, andit shall be done for you.’ Believe it;trust God and He will heal.”

As her husband continued to suf-fer and the sickness grew worse, shefollowed the teaching in the Letterof James and called for the eldersto come and pray:

“Is anyone among you sick? Lethim call for the elders of the church,and let them pray over him, anoint-ing him with oil in the name of theLord. And the prayer of faith willsave the sick, and the Lord will raisehim up. And if he has committed sins,he will be forgiven” (James 5:14,15).

Her pastor continued to encour-age her, “You see, the Bible saysthat the prayer of faith will savethe sick and the Lord will raise himup. Believe it, and God will heal.”

Eventually her husband died.The pastor had to try to explain thisfailure, and told her that it must bethat she did not have enough faith,or maybe there was some secret sinin her life, or maybe her husband

16 Berean Searchlight

wasn’t really a Christian. Obviouslysomething was wrong.

She had no explanation. She hadtried her best to believe, she knewof no secret sin, and she alwaysthought that her husband was areal Christian. She came to the con-clusion that the Bible must not betrue, that there really is no God andthat all that she once believed wasnot true. At least it didn’t work whenshe needed it.

This sister in Christ is an extremeexample, perhaps the most extremethat I have ever talked to, but thereare many Christians who are qui-etly, in their own hearts, troubledabout unanswered prayers. Why isit that these promises, “whateveryou ask, whatever you desire,” donot work in their own experience?Some preachers keep saying, “Justhave enough faith, and God will doit.” But many a Christian knows thatit just doesn’t work that way.

What is the real answer to theproblem of unanswered prayer?

We begin to find the Bible’s an-swer when we notice that all thesepromises are found only in certainparts of the Bible. In the Four Gos-pels—Matthew, Mark, Luke andJohn—there are many promisesabout answered prayer, “if you be-lieve.” But we notice that in theFour Gospels, the Lord Jesus wasonly ministering to the nation ofIsrael. When a Gentile woman camewith her request to the Lord, Hewouldn’t even speak to her, and toldHis disciples that He “was sent onlyto the lost sheep of the house ofIsrael” (Matt. 15:24). He had comeas their Messiah, and to fulfill allthe promises made to the nation ofIsrael in the Old Testament. Godhad promised them a kingdom inwhich there would be peace, pros-perity, health, life, and no more fear.

But when the Prince of Peace came,the nation of Israel rejected Him.From the cross, their King prayedfor His people, “Father, forgive them,they know not what they do.” Andso, in the beginning of the Book ofActs, we read how God offered for-giveness to the nation of Israel. Infact, in Acts 3:19-21, Peter tells thepeople of Israel that if they wouldrepent for their sin of rejecting theirMessiah, God would not only forgivethem, but send Jesus back for them,and all that He had promised themconcerning that Kingdom of Peaceand prosperity and health, He wouldnow fulfill for them.

“Repent therefore and be con-verted, that your sins may be blot-ted out, so that times of refreshingmay come from the presence of theLord, and that He may send JesusChrist, who was preached to youbefore, whom heaven must receiveuntil the times of restoration of allthings, which God has spoken by themouth of all His holy prophets sincethe world began” (Acts 3:19-21).

Yes, they had rejected their Kingand Messiah, but He had prayedfor them, and God was giving thema second chance. How would theyrespond to the Holy Spirit’s offerof pardon and the coming again ofthe Messiah and His Kingdom?

We don’t have to read very far inthe Book of Acts to begin to see thatthey would not repent, they wouldnot accept God’s offer of forgivenessand the coming of the Kingdom. InChapter four of Acts the Apostles arearrested; as we read on they are ar-rested again, threatened, beatenup, and finally Stephen, the Spirit-filled deacon, was actually mur-dered by the leaders of Israel. Theyhad rejected the King, and now theyrejected the message of forgive-ness. As a result, God “cast away”

February 2002 17

the nation of Israel, for a time (SeeRom. 11:15).

“For if their being cast away isthe reconciling of the world, whatwill their acceptance be but lifefrom the dead?” (Rom. 11:15).

The nation of Israel was “castaway” for a time, and the Kingdomthey waited for was “put on hold.”Those great prayer promises madeto Israel would also be put on holdfor a future time.

But then the Lord did somethingthat had never been prophesied orpromised. Instead of unleashing Hiswrath upon the world, He reacheddown in utter grace and saved theman who was leading the rebellionof the nation of Israel. He saved Hisgreatest enemy, a man named Saul,who would now become the ApostlePaul. The enemy—he called himself“the chief of sinners”—was saved bythe grace of God and sent to theGentiles with a message that hadnever been revealed before. Listento Paul explain what the Lord Jesusrevealed to him from heaven:

“For this reason I, Paul, the pris-oner of Christ Jesus for you Gen-tiles—if indeed you have heard ofthe dispensation of the grace of Godwhich was given to me for you, howthat by revelation He made knownto me the mystery...” (Eph. 3:1-3).

The Lord Jesus Christ had a“mystery”—which simply means a“Secret”—and He revealed this new

message, this “dispensation of thegrace of God” to this new apostle.Paul often writes about this specialministry given to him, that he wasnot preaching the same thing asthe others before him, but that theLord Jesus had revealed somethingnew, something different to him.

“To me, who am less than theleast of all the saints, this grace wasgiven, that I should preach amongthe Gentiles the unsearchable richesof Christ, and to make all see whatis the dispensation of the mystery,which from the beginning of the ageshas been hidden in God who createdall things through Jesus Christ...”(Eph. 3:8,9).

The Lord Jesus revealed to Paul“the unsearchable riches of Christ.”The Kingdom blessings were prom-ised and written about all throughthe Old Testament, but now theLord revealed a program of bless-ings that were “unsearchable.” Youcan “search the scriptures” but youwon’t find this new message, be-cause it was “hidden in God” untilthe Lord revealed it to Paul for youand me today.

Now, let’s see what the Lord Jesustold Paul about how prayer workstoday in the dispensation of grace.Here’s where we find the answer tothe problem of unanswered prayer!

We begin with a passage in Paul’sletter to the Romans where Paul be-gins to explain what the Lord toldhim about prayer today under grace,and why we don’t get everythingthat we pray for today:

26 “Likewise the Spirit also helpsin our weaknesses. For we do notknow what we should pray for as weought, but the Spirit Himself makesintercession for us with groaningswhich cannot be uttered.

27 “Now He who searches thehearts knows what the mind of the

“You can ‘search thescriptures’ but you won’tfind this new message,because it was ‘hiddenin God’ until the Lordrevealed it to Paul foryou and me today.”

18 Berean Searchlight

Spirit is, because He makes inter-cession for the saints according tothe will of God.

28 “And we know that all thingswork together for good to those wholove God, to those who are the calledaccording to His purpose” (Rom.8:26-28).

For those of us in the dispensa-tion of grace, God never promisesthat He will give us everything thatwe ask. You can abundantly provethis by simply reading through theletters written by the Apostle Paul.He wrote thirteen letters, from Ro-mans to Philemon, and we neverread a prayer promise like “What-ever you ask,” or “ask what you de-sire.” Instead we read that “We donot know what to pray for as weought” (Rom. 8:26).

God has promised to “work allthings together for good” in our lives,but He hasn’t revealed HOW He isgoing to do that. He has promisedit, and we take that by faith and be-lieve that He is working all things—even the “tragedies” of life—togetherfor good for us; but we often don’tsee it. But as Paul wrote, “We walkby faith and not by seeing.”

Since we don’t know how God isgoing to work all things for good,we don’t know exactly how to pray.How could God promise us that Hewill answer all our prayers, if Hetells us up-front that we don’t evenknow what to pray for?

Paul’s letters contain many tes-timonies of unanswered prayers.People flock today to hear testimo-nies of answered prayers, but Paulwrites of many of his unansweredprayers! He knew how to pray inthe dispensation of grace, and didn’tbecome discouraged when he didn’treceive what he asked for. He be-lieved that his Father in heavenhad everything under control and

was working all things togetherfor his good. He gives us a greattestimony of unanswered prayer in2 Corinthians 12:8-9.

7 “And lest I should be exaltedabove measure by the abundanceof the revelations, a thorn in theflesh was given to me, a messengerof Satan to buffet me, lest I be ex-alted above measure.

8 “Concerning this thing I pleadedwith the Lord three times that itmight depart from me.

9 “And He said to me, ‘My graceis sufficient for you, for My strengthis made perfect in weakness.’ There-fore most gladly I will rather boastin my infirmities, that the power ofChrist may rest upon me.

10 “Therefore I take pleasure ininfirmities, in reproaches, in needs,in persecutions, in distresses, forChrist’s sake. For when I am weak,then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:7-10).

We see in verse 7 that God al-lowed Paul to suffer with this “thornin the flesh,” some physical suffer-ing that even came from Satan, butGod allowed it for a good purposein Paul’s life. But Paul pleaded forthe Lord to remove the problem.Don’t we always pray, “Fix it, Lord!”?We find Paul praying, pleadingthree times, for the Lord to fix hisproblem.

And then the Lord spoke, andHe didn’t say, “Whatever you askyou’ll receive, if you have faith!”No! Not at all. The Lord told Paulthat His grace would be enough,sufficient for him—and His gracemeans His power working in Paul’slife. “My power is made perfect inyour weakness.” We always wantthe Lord to just fix the problem; Hewants to show the sufficiency of Hisgrace, and the magnificence of Hispower working in our lives so thatwe can “bloom wherever He hasplanted us!”

February 2002 19

Paul’s whole attitude about suf-fering changed as a result of thisprayer experience. He says that helearned to take “pleasure [!] in in-firmities, in reproaches, in needs,in persecutions, in distresses, forChrist’s sake. For when I am weak,then I am strong.”

We need to learn that it is notGod’s will to take away all our prob-lems, to fix all our weaknesses, toremove all our needs, but it is God’swill in all the circumstances of ourlives to give us all the grace andstrength that we’ll need to livethrough the problems, and even torejoice in them!

Paul prayed for the Colossiansaints:

“For this reason we also, sincethe day we heard it, do not ceaseto pray for you, and to ask that youmay be filled with the knowledge ofHis will in all wisdom and spiritualunderstanding...strengthened withall might, according to His gloriouspower, for all patience and longsuf-fering with joy” (Col. 1:9-11).

He prayed that these saintswould be “filled with the knowledgeof God’s will” and the result wouldbe that they would be “strengthenedwith all might [wow!], according toHis glorious power [think of that!],for all patience and longsufferingwith joy.”

“Patience” here speaks of endur-ance and perseverance in the faceof life’s circumstances, while “long-suffering” speaks of having a “longfuse” on our tempers when facedwith unpleasant people in our lives,and Paul says to do this all with“joy!” God doesn’t promise to takeaway all our problems, to answer allour prayers—we don’t even knowwhat to ask for—but He does prom-ise to give us the grace and strengththat we’ll need to live under the

difficult circumstances of life, andto live with the difficult people oflife, and to do it all with joy.

That’s God’s picture of being“strengthened with all might ac-cording to His glorious power.” It’sliving in the midst of trying circum-stances and difficult people thatwould drive anyone else crazy, butinstead of despair, there’s joy. That’sreal power, and grace—and the LordJesus says to us today, “My grace issufficient for you wherever you are,and whatever your problems maybe, I’m working it all together forgood, and My power is being madeperfect. It reaches its greatest ex-pression and demonstration whenyou are weak, but miraculously, youfind that by faith you are ‘strength-ened with all might...for patienceand longsuffering with joy.’ ”

Paul never forgot the lesson thatthe Lord taught him from his “thorn-prayer.” Many years later Paulwould write to the Philippians outof a prison cell—near the end of fiveyears spent in prison for the Lord:

11 “Not that I speak in regard toneed, for I have learned in what-ever state I am, to be content:

12 “I know how to be abased, andI know how to abound. Everywhereand in all things I have learned bothto be full and to be hungry, both toabound and to suffer need.

13 “I can do all things throughChrist who strengthens me” (Phil.4:11-13).

“God doesn’t promiseto take away all our

problems...but He doespromise to give us the graceand strength that we’ll need

to live under the difficultcircumstances of life....”

20 Berean Searchlight

Paul says that he has learnedthe secret of contentment, he knowshow to abound, and also how to beabased. God does not promise ustoday, living in the dispensation ofgrace, that He is going to fix all ourproblems, but He does promise usgrace more than enough to makeus able to rejoice through it all. SoPaul writes that everywhere andin all things he has learned how tocope, and more, how to cope withjoy. And the secret? “I can do allthings through Christ who [con-stantly] strengthens me.” We canalmost hear those words from yearsbefore still ringing in Paul’s heart,“My strength is made perfect inyour weakness” as Paul writes, “Ican do all things through Christwho strengthens me.”

When the woman from Far Rock-away prayed for her husband andhad everyone praying for him, ifonly her pastor had understood howto “rightly divide the word of truth”(2 Timothy 2:15), realizing that theprayer promises in the Four Gospelsare not given to us today, living un-der grace in the dispensation ofgrace, but were made to Israel withtheir Messianic Kingdom in view.Even in the Letter of James wherehe writes about the “prayer of faith,”and how God would heal the sick,we need to read the first verse ofJames’ letter, and see that he is onlywriting to “the twelve tribes scat-tered abroad.” This is not “our mail”in the Bible. We can read it andstudy it and learn from it, but weneed always to remember that thetwelve tribes and the chosen nationare today “on the outs with God,”and these promises, their promises,don’t work today.

But the Lord Jesus saved a newapostle, the Apostle Paul, and senthim to us with a new message even

more wonderful, the message ofgrace (Eph. 3:2). Should we praytoday? Of course! Listen to Paulencouraging the saints to pray:

“Rejoice always, pray withoutceasing, in everything give thanks;for this is the will of God in ChristJesus for you” (1 Thes. 5:16-18).

But we can only rejoice and givethanks always when we understandwhat the Lord is doing in the dis-pensation of grace and in our livestoday. God’s people are destroyedwhen they are told that God’s planis to fix all their problems, becausethe Lord never said that to the Apos-tle Paul for us in the dispensationof grace. There can only come dis-appointment, discouragement andspiritual ruin when we claim a prom-ise that God never made to us. Butwhat joy and what freedom thereis when we begin to learn to hearthe Lord’s promises for us today inthis wonderful time called the “dis-pensation of the grace of God!”

We close this brief study of prayerin the dispensation of grace with onemore prayer promise for us todayfound in Ephesians 3:20-21....

“Now to Him who is able to do ex-ceedingly abundantly above all thatwe ask or think, according to thepower that works in us, to Him beglory in the church by Christ Jesusto all generations, forever and ever.Amen.”

We pray in our ignorance (Rom.8:26), we do not know what to pray

“There can onlycome disappointment,discouragement and

spiritual ruin when weclaim a promise that

God never made to us.”

February 2002 21

A Bag of Potatoes

for as we ought. We ask and wethink we know what would be best.But Paul says here that God is ableto do above all that we ask or eventhink. In fact, He is able to do “ex-ceedingly abundantly above all thatwe ask or think.” But notice care-fully how God is going to do that inyour life: “according to the powerthat is at work in us.” His powerand strength and grace are suffi-cient for us in every circumstance oflife. That power is available to work

For those who would like additional information about the radio ministryof Grace For Today, or to receive copies of this article in booklet form, youcan contact Brother Kiszonas directly at: Grace For Today, P.O. Box 798,Times Square Station, New York, NY 10108. The ministry can also bereached via the Internet: <www.gracefortoday.org>.

A Bag of Potatoes“One of my teachers had each one

of us bring a clear plastic bag and asack of potatoes to class. For everyperson we’d refuse to forgive in our life,we were to choose a potato, write on itthe name and date, and put it in theplastic bag. Some of our bags, as youcan imagine, were quite heavy.

“We were then told to carry this bag with us everywhere for oneweek, putting it beside our bed at night, on the car seat when driv-ing, and next to our desk at work. The hassle of lugging this aroundwith us made it clear what a weight we were carrying spiritually,and how we had to pay attention to it all the time to not forget, andkeep leaving it in embarrassing places.

“Naturally, the condition of the potatoes deteriorated to a nastyslime. This was a great metaphor for the price we pay for keepingour pain and heavy negativity. Too often we think of forgiveness asa gift to the other person, and while that’s true, it clearly is also agift for ourselves!”

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32).

—From a very special friend

in us if we will only believe it andtrust Him. He is able to do in us,above all that we ask or even think,for it is nothing less than “resurrec-tion power” that is at work in us.

When we “walk by faith” and al-low Him to “fill us with the knowl-edge of His will” and “strengthenus with all His might,” then Paulsays, “To Him be the glory in thechurch by Christ Jesus forever andever. Amen.” May He be glorifiedin your life and mine today.

“Give attendance to reading”“Give attendance to reading”

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The TwofoldPurpose of God

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Shows the contrast between thetwo programs of God

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Moses and PaulBy C. R. Stam

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Video MinistryVideo MinistryExploring the Unsearchable Riches of Christ

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THE BBI B YLINE

The Lake of FireBy W. Edward Bedore, Th.D.

Executive Director, Berean Bible Institute

The Lake of Fire, or Hell is aliteral place of everlasting fire thatwas originally created by God asa place of punishment for Satanand the angels that followed himin his rebellion against God (Matt.25:41). Because it is referred to asthe place of “outer darkness” webelieve that it is most probablylocated at the farthest reaches ofthe creation. Hell,* or Gehennain the Greek (Gr.—geXnna), is de-scribed in Scripture as a “furnaceof fire” (Matt. 13:42); “everlastingpunishment” (Matt. 25:46); “themist [gloom] of darkness” (I Pet.2:17); “the blackness of darkness”(Jude 13); the “hurt of the seconddeath” (Rev. 2:11 cf. 20:6,14; 21:8);“a lake of fire burning with brim-stone” (Rev. 19:20; 20:10; 21:8).

While Hell was created for Sa-tan and the other fallen angels,the unsaved of humanity from allages will be with them in this placeof torment where “there shall bewailing and gnashing of teeth”(Matt. 13:42).

While there is no one in theLake of Fire at this time it willone day hold a vast multitude.The first residents of this place ofrighteous retribution will be theBeast (Anti-Christ) and the FalseProphet who at the end of theTribulation will be “cast alive into

a lake burning with brimstone”(Rev. 19:19-20). Joining them willbe the unsaved of the nations whosurvive the Tribulation (Matt.25:31-32,41-46). Also, at JesusChrist’s return to earth the rebelIsraelites, i.e., unbelieving Jews,who survive the Tribulation willbe denied entrance into the Millen-nial Kingdom, we would presume tojoin their Gentile counterparts inthe “place of everlasting fire” (Eze.20:33-38 cf. Matt. 25:29-31,45-51).Then, at the end of the MillennialKingdom of Jesus Christ, Satanwill be “cast into the lake of fire andbrimstone, where the beast and thefalse prophet are, and shall be tor-mented day and night forever andever” (Rev. 20:10). And finally, theunsaved dead will be raised to bejudged before the Great WhiteThrone by Jesus Christ and castinto the Lake of Fire (see Rev.20:11-15).

Jesus Christ suffered the hor-ror of the cross in order to makesinners righteous and save themfrom the horrors of Hell. Thosewho reject Him as their Saviorinstead will be judged by Himaccording to their works of un-righteousness. The blood of JesusChrist provides the only way ofescape from the everlasting fireof Hell.

* Although the Greek word hades (¢dhl) is rendered hell in our English Biblesit is not the same place as gehenna. Hades is the temporary abode of the lostbetween the time of their physical death and the Great White Throne Judgment.

February 2002 25

GRACE TV MINISTRY: Our dear Brother Gary Smith is producing a TVprogram for Thurston County, Washington, based on rightly dividing theWord of truth. The name of the program is “Speaking the Truth in Love.”The broadcast airs on cable Channel 22 in Olympia/Tumwater, and Chan-nel 29 in Lacey/East Thurston County at 5:30 p.m. every Sunday evening.The program is also rebroadcast on these stations at 7:00 p.m. on Tues-days. The Public Access Channel reaches about 50,000 homes, so let’spray for Brother Smith as he shares the riches of God’s grace from Colos-sians. If you would like to contact Gary, he can be reached via e-mail<gasmith10@juno.com> or phone: (360) 923-2391.

HOLDING FORTH GOD’S WORD OF LIFE is now holding Bible studiesat the home of Brother David Marcukaitis at 8005 W. 146 Ave. Cedar Lake,Indiana. For directions and times of meetings, please contact: Mr. & Mrs.David Marcukaitis at (219) 374-4603. May God richly bless these dearfolks as they faithfully proclaim the gospel of the grace of God.

NEW LOCATION: The Berean Grace Bible Church is now meeting inthe West Suburban Christian Academy located at 1721 Northview Roadin Waukesha, Wisconsin. Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m. followed by theWorship Service at 10:30 a.m. Contact Doug and Sonja Cox for furtherdetails or questions (414) 258-8304 or e-mail <dougcox@execpc.com>.Brother Doug writes, “We stand strong for the Grace Message and inviteresidents, guests, and travelers to come and worship with us. Pray for usas we seek a new pastor for our congregation.”

NEW LOCAL CHURCH: Our dear Brother Tim Stonecipher, a formerBaptist Pastor, and a loyal group of Grace believers have formed a newassembly. Pastor Tim shared with us the following news: “We are excited toreport that our fellowship has begun. It has proven to be more of a joy thanwe had imagined. Seventy of us held services for the first time on Novem-ber 14, 2001. We are meeting on Sunday at 9:45 a.m. and Wednesday at6:30 p.m. We often wonder if there are those around our area that would beinterested in fellowshipping with us. We are located in Paducah, Kentucky.On the map one will find Paducah located in the far west of the state. Formore information call (270) 554-0808 or e-mail at <stonecipher6@cs.com>.These will connect you to the pastor, Tim Stonecipher. We would love tosee you at Gracelife.”

AS YOU PLAN YOUR SUMMER ITINERARY , the dates for Rocky Moun-tain Grace Camp this year are August 19-24, 2002 at Long’s Peak Inn,Estes Park, Colorado. For brochures, directions, or more information, pleasecontact: Kevin and Jessica Sadler at (262) 268-0940.

26 Berean Searchlight

THE CELEBRATE GRACE CAMP will be held July 8-12, 2002 at CampColorado located about one hour SW of Denver. In addition to the soundpreaching of the Word, there’s good fellowship, food, and fun, not to men-tion the low cost! For reservations and additional information, please call,write, or e-mail Jerry & Judy Worthley, 0627 Co. Rd. 3, Canon City, CO81212. Phone: (719) 276-2469\E-mail: <JerNJudy@Eudoramail.com>.Happy camping!!

HONORABLE MENTION: The lighthouse picture that appears on thefront cover of this issue was taken by Mr. James Bayliss. James is a free-lance photographer who has traveled extensively around the country tocapture some of the most unique sights you will ever see on film. If youwould like to receive more information about his work, he can be reachedat <baylissstudio@gg/bbs.com> or phone: (715) 467-2677.

Missionary Journey to the PhilippinesMissionary Journey to the PhilippinesThings to Come Mission has invited BBS to join them

for a two week ministering tour in the Philippines

March 16-31, 2002

The cities where meetings are being arranged are:Manila, Cebu, Clarin, Ozamiz.

Guest Speakers:Joe Watkins, Executive Director of Things to Come Mission

Paul M. Sadler, President of the Berean Bible Society

The tour will also include:• The Commencement Exercise at the

International Grace Bible Institute• A Local Church Dedication in Ozamiz• The Annual Youth Conference for the

Island of Luzon

For additional information, please contact: Pastor Joe Watkins,Things to Come Mission, 2200 English Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46201,or e-mail: <tcmusa@tcmusa.org>, or phone: (317) 262-8806.

Have you Prayed for Your Missionaries Today?

*The picture of the lighthouse that appears on the front cover was takenby Mr. James Bayliss of Scandinavia, WI. The White River Lighthouse islocated in White Lake, Michigan.

February 2002 27

PRICE LISTBIBLE STUDY BOOKS BY CORNELIUS R. STAM—FOUNDER

(Clothbound—Gold Stamped)Book Title Price

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

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

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

Exploring the Unsearchable Riches of Christ (w/Bible Index) .......................... 10.00Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians (w/Bible Index) .............................................. 14.00Triumph of His Grace, The (w/Bible Index) ...................................................... 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 26 Clothbound Books by C. R. Stam,

Plus “The Present Peril” and “No Other Doctrine” .................................... 175.00Set 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

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