& Geet meCrt eit ess ay CF. esa MB. ROOT NUL aa UNTO ALL GENERATIONS “Mansfield — One generation shall praise thy works to another, ‘and shall declare thy mighty acts. (Psalm 145:4) When three young men gave their testimonies and were baptized the weekend of April 22, we witnessed how the Lord's faithfulness is unto all generations, for the great-grandfather ‘and great, great-grandfather of all three converts was the same. (George and Margaret Freund were of the first converts in the church.) Many prayers and blessings have been shared and ‘many burdens lightened throughout the intervening years be- ‘cause of God's faithfulness. ‘Dean Sabo, son of Bro. Bill and Sis. Sophie (and grandson of Sis, Susie Pamer), was convicted about a year ago and knew he should turn to Christ, There was no easy way out. He knew he hhad to repent. He began to read his Bible more, and the Word a ‘ways seemed to be speaking to him. “I began to go to church, ‘and looked on the Christians to see if I could find faults in them ‘80 I could say it's not for me yet, but one Sunday I felt all the ‘members had something I didn't have. This convicted me deep- iy, and as I drove around that weekend it seemed like Christ was ‘asking me: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? and I couldn't ‘answer. It's been a struggle to make restitutions, but T went on the strength Christ gave me. It was quite an experience, and no ‘one can offer me more than I've found in Christ, for there is no more.” Brian Freund, son of Elder Bro. George and Sis Louela, grandson of Bro. Charles and Sis. Hermine Getz and Sis. Mar- garet Freund, and great-grandson of our late Elder Bro. John Wenhardt, testified he went to camp te have a good time, but by ‘Tuesday evening, he was deeply convicted when he looked into the campfire and realized that hell would be much worse than that, He was afraid to talk to the ministers or elders, and the evil used this fear against him. He felt lonely, separated and very much afraid, but when he later talked to his father, things changed. He made restitutions and wrote letters to certain people. He joined CFG and choir and had more fellowship with the believers. One Thursday evening, he read from Ephesians, chapters 1 and 2, and that same evening his father read those ‘very words at church services, He awoke that night with a feel- ing that his sins were gone. “Christ has always helped me inthe time of my need. He has been very gracious to me, and I pray that I might always follow Him and be the best Christian pos- sible. The Sunday I was announced, I thelt this is just the begin- ning of a life for Christ.” "Tom Pamer, son of Bro. George and Sis. Kay, and grandson of Sis, Margaret Boliantz and Sis. Susie Pamer, also was taken tw church from childhood and knew basically what was right and ‘wrong, but wouldn't allow himself to become convicted because he thought he was too young. When he went to California to sehool, be came under conviction, but he wanted to be sure it ‘was the real thing, not merely an emotion when he was lonely. ‘At6 o'clock one morning, he was shaken out of bed by an earth- ‘quake, He tried to stand up, but kept falling down. He thought the world was coming to an end, and be knew be wasn’t saved! ““Teried to God that if He'd give me another chance, 'd repent, but by the end ofthe day, Iknew it was just an earthquake, and i became immune to my’ promises. “Twas in a rock 'n roll band and we were getting good, but ‘Satan was using my guitar to keep me from God and was helping ‘me get deeper and deeper into concerts and operas. I even toyed With the idea of dropping out of school. When I came home for Christmas, Ifelt the love of God among the brethren. I always go to tell my grandmothers goodbye before I leave for school, and this time one of them didn’t have too much to say except, “don’t wait too long,” It wasn't until later that her words struck ‘me and I knew I would surely go to hell if I didn't change. I had always been afraid to fly, knowing ifthe plane crashed, there were only two places to go — and I wasn't ready for heaven — ‘but this time on the plane, I felt this was God’s final cal for me. Inst. Louis, we changed planes during a heavy snow storm. The ‘snow was piled high on either side of the runway, and I prayed to God to be with me. It was from there I phoned my parents and told them I was turning to the Lord, “At school God gave me the words to confess to my profes- sors that Thad cheated, and they respected me for it. The mem bers in Pico showed much love and helped me.I felt the love of them and the members here. Iread my Bible atleast twice daily (nearly always opening it at random) and when, after a time, everything I read pointed toward peace, I felt the Lord had for- kgiven me and I was no longer condemned. Now I want to win souls for Christ by being a LIVING example.” Approximately 700 visitors from 17 churches, including El- der Bro. Gantner from Germany, were with us to share this day fof great joy and to witness God's faithfulness unto all genera- tions. Like a corn of wheat, Christians may do their greatest work ‘when they are buried out of sight. Christ’s Agony Washington, D. C. — Bro. Ed Ballitch reminded us of Christ's terrible agony in a talk recently during an afternoon song ser~ vice. Matthew 26:36-4 is the account of the pain and agony He went through for us even before the crucifixion. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He “began to be sorrowful and very heavy.” He realized the weight of bearing all the sins of the world and He was in terrible agony. The degree of His pain is recorded in verse 38, ". .. my soul is EXCEEDING SORROWFUL EVEN UNTO DEATH:” He needed additional strength and prayed. ‘Three times He returned to pray, “O my Father if this cup may not pass away from me except I drink it, Thy will be done.”” Let usponder on the greatness of what Christ did for us. What great impact on our lives Christ's willingness to take our sins upon Himself! What bountiful love!EVANGELISTIC SERVICES HELD Warren — We were indced blessed the weekend of April17, when Bro, Dwayne Stuber (along with his family) of Tremont, lino, came to hold evangelistic services in our church. Br. Dwayne exhorted us to get our house realy. He read from Matthew 24:36- 5, and reminded us that the word isin a dangerous position. In the Bible, we read, “When they shall say peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them.” We all know our presi- dent went to China ona peace mission. The great scientists know it won't be lng. As it was inthe days of Noah, so its today. Do people believe today? There must have been some in that day that were on the verge of believing. How would I have reacted? Yet there were those who had a deision to make and they made it. Do you think they began to tremble when they saw the door ‘was shut? Agrippa tld the Apostle Paul, “Almost thou persuad- est me to be a Christian.” The prophel said, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Can you ine fgine the anxiety ofthe people in Noah's time when they saw the Water creep up and cover everything — and it was to late for them to do anything about it? Are we going tobe like the people in the days of Noah and think that preaching is ridiculous? In Wonderful Peace Behold, Ihave caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. Denver — We areal rejoicing with the angels over one soul that. ‘came to the Lord. Bill Beutel has expressed that he has peace and is awaiting baptism, Barberton — With joy we received the news that Ed Demiter, son of Sis. Helen and our late Elder Bro. John Demiter, has made resttutions and has received peace from God. “For Thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my dark- Edmonton — “Peace [leave with you, my peace I give unto you: rot as the world giveth, give I Unio you.” Helen Gajdos and her son, Louis, have found this peace with God and man and are now awaiting baptism. Richland, Wash — Karl Leltenberg has confessed peace with God and is awaiting baptism. “The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and shall trust in Him; and all the upright in heart shall slory. Windsor — Another soul has confessed to having peace with God! Katarina Zia is joyful in her newly found blessed state and eagerly awaits baptism. Listen to wisdom and you will not reap the harvest of folly God’s Patient Servant Job was not only an outstanding man in the time he lived, but few are mentioned in Scripture as being perfect, upright, Godfearing and eschewing evil as was said of Job. His integrity ‘caught the attention of satan, the father of al evil. As the sons of God gathered together, satan also presented himself before God. We get an insight into the contention between God and sa- tan over the souls of men as we see God reminding satan of Job's, uprightness and satan crediting this to God's rich blessings upon, ‘Job. God allowed satan to take away Job's possessions, loved ‘ones and health. He also allowed him to tempt Job through his friends and the feeling of being forsaken by God. All this was permitted to prove to satan that Job was faithful and patient. ‘After much suffering, God intervened and restored Job to his former state, blessing him more than in the beginning with fan ily, friends and possessions. Page2 1948, Israel became a nation. We know that was prophesied and hhad to be fulfilled before the end comes, Do you really think i's, going to happen that two shall be grinding and one will be taken land the other left, two in bed, one taken and the other let? I be- lieve this is going to happen. What did Christ say? What did Noah preach” Christ is begging us to enter the ark that will bear us up on that great day. A reformed life is not a changed life. You cannot ever enter into the kingdom unless you change. The prophet says, “Come now, let us reason together, saith the Lord.” Let Christ take control. It takes faith, but come, see what Christ would do with your life and mine. We hear so much about “accept Christ and be saved.” I believe there's nothing wrong with this if you accept ALL of Him and His entire doctrine. Christ said, “Believe me for the very work's sake.” What are we going to do with the Word? The Word says, “Watch therefore for ye know not what hour your Lord will come.” How much of a chance can you take? Tonight God is still a reasonable; loving, ‘merciful Father. Wouldn't you rather come to Him as a loving Father than stand naked before Him in judgment? You answer for yourself! Of all Thy gifts we ask but one: We ask the constant power to pray- Indulge. us, Lord, inthis request: Thou wile not then deny the rest! He That Loveth His Life Shall Lose It North Akron — In connection with our Bible Class lesson on April 16, Bro. Werner Leimgruber was led to read St John 12:23- 38. He compared our lives toa kernel of corn. Unless we surren- der our lives and die to sin, we cannot live a victorious life in (Christ and inherit eternal life inthe kingdom of God. Tn essence, a comparison was made ofthe relationship be- tween Esau and Jacob — what Esau sold fora dish of lentls — his birthright. What is the price today’ of our birthright? New Testament scope is wider; everyone is included regardless of creed or status, rot just the elected ones. But so many are re- jecting it. What isthe price? Life eternal is promised. Take Kernel of corn — the process of dying when buried into the ‘round so that it might grow to accomplish its purpose to bring forth fruit. I it necessary to go through with it? Self-will must be abandoned. Every individual is ikea kernel of corn for the divine purpose to be fulfilled. Our promise is association and "union with Christ, redeemed by th blood of Christ ~ a complete Surrender — and we must do this of our ownsell. We ae'catled to life eternal, but people do not aecept the word Christ spoke to ‘Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again.” Unless we die asa kernel af corn, there is no growth in the newness of life. We must bulld on the Rock, which is Jesus Christ — no hei rights in heaven. He that loss his life shall ive! Just reforming or giving up some- thing does not grant rights to this eternal fe. We can aso step on and crumble the Kernel of corn and it also dies, but it was not buried in the ground ‘Jesus was in the desert 40 days and nights, and Fsau was famished after one day in the field hunting. The difference here {sthat Corist hada closeness with His Father and did not yield to temptation as Esau di. 1s not peace more than birthright? Our appetites of material things can be dangerous. Esau was struck at a weak moment. This is the way the devil works. Unless we prayerfully cultivate our heritage of glorious value of everlast- ing life, danger exists when we are ensnared in carelessness, when not properly equipped with awareness and love. WATCH AND PRAY! Let us again evaluate our sense of values to ap- preciate what the Lord has given us. Rejoice inthe Lord and Abound in thanksgiving! ‘Our fellowship is with the Father. We are called to life eter. nal. (CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP MESSENGEREASTER SERVICES Washington, D. C. — Easter dawned with beautiful, bright sun- shine and inspired us at Sunrise Services to reflect on the spir- itual sunshine which floods our hearts when the living Christ abides in us. For morning worship services, Bro, Ted Pavkov of Union City, Pa., ministered from Psalm 16 and John 17. The meaning of Baster is based on the resurrection which David wrote about Jong before Christ was even born. In Psalm 16:10, David wrote God's inspiring words, “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thot wilt show me the PATH OF LIFE...” After Christ arose, He continued in His great love for us by interceding through prayer for us. We find very meaningful consolation in this prayer — es- pecialiy when we get discouraged: “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world and I come to thee, Holy Father, KEEP THROUGH THINE OWN NAME THOSE WHOM ‘THOU HAST GIVEN ME, THAT THEY MAY BE ONE AS WE, ARE... And these things speak Tin the world, that they might have MY JOY FULFILLED IN THEMSELVES.” (Christ gave those who were with Him assurance of life eter- nal with His words. THOSE SAME WORDS are our assurance today. Our assurance of help in remaining faithful is a promise in this chapter. “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil” Do you have the hope of resurrection? The Word is sure, I ‘Thessalonians 4:13-17 says, “the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout... and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up to- ‘gether with them in the clouds T0 MEET THE LORD IN THE, AIR: and so shall we EVER BE WITH THE LORD.” Following morning services our choir, led by Bro. Rick Wieland and accompanied by Bro. Pete Sabiau, sang an Easter cantata, relating in song the events of Christ's death and resur- rection A Cheerful Giver Did you eveF hear of a church that received more money from its members than it could use? Did you ever hear of con- fregation where the minister had to tel his people to stop giving because they had more than enough? Such a situation i highly unusual, yet that was what happened in Exodus 36. The people willingly brought more than enough forthe building ofthe taber- na cle. ‘Why isit so hard to give cheerfully, joyfully and willingly? I ‘know of no other reason than a lack of love for Christ. People love their possessions more than they do the souls of men for ‘wham Christ died. Do you feel happy when you have made a sac- rifice forthe Gospel? Do you ever do without some pleasure, or ‘something you need or would like tohave, in oder to do more for the Lord? If your giving doesn’t make you feel better, there is something wrong. Paul says the Lord loveth a cheerful giver. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him sive; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful fiver.” (II Corinthians 9:7) ‘The man who continues palling on the oars doesn’t have much time to rock the boat, CHURCH REMODELING Union City, Pa. —‘The Lord has opened the way after much dis- cussion and planning for us to extend our building as well as re- model our existing building. With good weather recently, we hhave been able to do the excavating forthe extension, lay the block foundation, and build up the walls and roof. During this lmprovement, weare temporarily having church services in the basement. We pray that this undertaking will be done to His honor and glory, fr which we give Him much thanks and praise May 1972 Christ’s Ascension Repeatedly we must fall on our knees and have communion with God through the Spirit; that’s our lifeline with God. Christ promised His followers in Acts 1 ...ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost ...” They didn’t really understand; they still ‘thought it was an earthly kingdom Christ was establishing. They stood gazing up into heaven when Christ ascended. Two angels explained to them that Christ would return in the very same way, ‘When Christ returned to heaven, God sent the Holy Spirit to take the place of Christ who had been with them. The Spirit could not enter into anyone's heart until Christ took all sin on Himself; He made it possible for anyone — then and now — to have the Holy Spirit upon surrendering himself to Christ and be- ing baptized. Remarkably enough for the first sermon preached after the Holy Spirit was poured out on the apostles was on repentance — the most important message to sinners. RICHMOND DEDICATION Elder Bro. George Freund delivered the message of dedica- tion of God's house on April 8, with an overflowing crowd in at- tendance at the joyful occasion. The ‘church’ is not really the building, but rather the collective body of Christ. So the empha- sis at @ dedication of the church should be on the people who ‘make up its congregation. Bro. George expounded on three pri- ‘mary functions of the church: first, it should be a WITNESS to all those with whom it comes in contact. Every believer must live a life to reflect Christ. Each has a sphere of influence whether the believer is a single sister, a mother, a father or @ single brother. People see our lives and whether i ‘or our habits, we can further the Gospel every day. ‘The second primary function is to CONTEND FOR THE. FAITH. In this age of permissiveness, we must stand up and be counted for Christ, We cannot compromise to make the way eas- ier. The way of salvation doesnot change, and nether shuld what we say "te third function isto PROVIDE. A SHELTER — especial 1y forthe young people who are so apt tobe led astray in the evil influence of our society. And not only for the young people, al though they are the most active, but also for the middle aged and ld pepe who enjay and ned the precious flowship ofthe thre. God’s Promise To Abraham “Iwill make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great: and thou shalt be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2). In these few words of promise to Abram, God outlined His plan fora nation of chasen people, and renewed the promise of a Redeemer which had been given fo Eve... . a Redeemer not only for His nation, but forall nations in the world. When God set the stage for His plan, it required a beginning, it required a man who could have faith in God and His promises, a faith that would be expressed by obedience. ‘Two generations would pass before the man would be born who would be called Israel, and who would be the beginning of the 12 tribes, which would become God's chosen nation. From, ‘one of these’ tribes would come the Redeemer, in Whon the ‘whole world might be blessed, All this was far in the future, and surely Abram could not understand or know all that was in God's plan. But he “believed in the Lord and He counted it to hhim for righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). If we desire to be citizens of the new Israel, we also, while ‘not knowing all of God's plans for us, should walk in faith, know- ing that God leads and that His promises are sure, “Bye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him” (I Corinthians 2:8). Pages