e e RO us essen hg A it, § (1 [Sdol SBT YET) CU ae WS SUSIE Case ee Ua aL) ‘August 1971 I Am Thy Salvation “Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be North Akron — The weekend of June 27 we witnessed the testi- ‘monies and baptism of three souls, Jim Hrubik, Jake Bennett and Charles Misja, We are thankful for the many visitors from the Akron area, Medina, Cleveland, Ontario, Peoria and Har- ‘row, Ontario, who came to share our joy on this weekend also, ‘Jim, son'of Sis. Annie and Bro. Carl Hrubik, testified that being brought up in a Christian home, he learned about Jesus from a very early age. When he reached age 13, he had already ‘made several attempts to serve Christ, but each time he tried, he failed because he was not relying upon the Lord to direct him, After these attempts failed, he thought he didn’t need Jesus any- ‘way and began living a life after his own pleasures. Upon enter- ing college, he wandered far away from God and the church. ‘Though he realized he needed to put trust in something, he placed his trust in people. Things were fine for awhile, then one ay his “world” crashed when he experienced the truth that people let you down also. Someone had rejected his love after ‘three long years. Even though his heart was very hard and bit- ter, itwas.a breaking point that brought him back to God, for he realized that thisis what he had been doing to God also in reject- ing a great and wonderful love. He was convicted and repented, and asked Jesus olive in and through him. Through much pray: er and by the love of God, the bitterness and the hardness of his heart vanished, and he is now living the new lie in Christ. ‘Jake, husband of Sis. Paula (Galat) Bennett, had been com- ing to church fora long while. Every Sunday, he left church fee!- ‘ng so dejected and disappointed in himself because he wouldn't ‘openly claim Christ sis personal Savior. Het ike ving up , but soon realized he wasn’t any better off even ‘though God had blessed him with a Christian wife and a wonder- ful family and material things. He didn't have Christ, and that ‘made all the difference in the world to his way of living. Jake be- gan praying, and the more he prayed, the more strength he re- ceived. He learned to trust Jesus, and soon every weight was lifted because he realized that Christ loved him and forgave him, Now he is walking daily with The Redeemer. Charles, husband of Sis Verna, told that he had found no rea- ‘on for living. Many times he begged God to let him die. Due to ‘severe illnesses many years ago, the doctors predicted that both Charles and his wife would not live, nor have a family. But, by the miracles of God and the way He provided for their every need, Charles was brought to realize that God really did care for }him, love him and have a purpose for his life. Three years ago he ‘decided he wanted to serve Christ. At times he felt he was back- sliding, but found victory through prayer and complete trust in God through which he was able to receive the peace which pas- ‘seth understanding. Charles is thankful Jesus died for him, and joyfully’claims Christ as his Savior and Lord, Quel — We had testimonies July 17 and witnessed baptam ‘Sunday morning, July 18, for three souls. We rejoice that these ‘dear souls have surrendered their will to God . .. and they ean ‘truly sing, “Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!” For 30 years, Emil Such wanted to give his life to God. When his mother died, and then his father, he was deeply convicted, ‘but could never’ have victory over the sin in his life. Then he prayed with the ministers and gave his life fully to the Lord After this he was able to realize that through God's grace he no longer had to sin. ‘Jim Haring, Jr. came tothe point in his life that he could no longer fool around with God. He gave his life completely to God. and experienced the peace and joy God gives to His children, He hhas experienced that through prayer and reading God’s Word, ‘we can be conquerors over the temptations that arise, Mary Lou Zimmerman Mecham has experienced the great love of God, and it overflows through her life. Where once she would have returned hate for hate, she now can give love to those who are against her. When she sings, she can sing from ‘er heart and really mean what the song is expressing. ‘The baptismal service was held following the morning ‘church service. Elder brothers, Fred Tiffan, Michael Langen- ‘eck and Ralph Ackerman, were present with us. We thank God {or the joy He has given us on this occasion, and our prayers go ‘out to thase who have not yet given their lives tothe Lord. Beverly Hills, Mich. — © God, thou hast taught me from my ‘youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. ‘Once again the Lord has shown unto all the joy of His salva- tion in our midst, as four more souls made their covenant with Him on Sunday, July 11. ‘John Blaze, 78, husband of Sis. Sophie, witnessed his love for Christ because “the Lord showed me the way to better living, better thinking and how to be a Christian. I believed at one time WAS a Christian, since Iwas of Catholic faith, but Ihave found the Lord and found the right way. The grace of God showed me I ‘had been lost. His Holy Spirit now lives in my heart and I have peace with God and man.” Garry Balok, 18, son of Bro. Vince and Sis. Fran, had been involved in drugs, smoked marijuana, and had left home seven times since he was 15 years old. “I was always rebellious ‘against my parents and wouldn't obey them. After a car acci- dent witha friend, we both got down on our knees and wanted from then on to live for Christ, but a month later I was back to ‘my old ways. After an operation on my leg and I was in a cast ‘and on crutches, I tried to run away from home again, but sever- al things happened that made me realize I really wanted to live sed om page 2‘concluded from page 1 for Christ.” Kathy Mrozowsky, 19, daughter of Sis. Sophie (Patrishkoft) ‘Mrozowsky, had been’ coming to church since childhood. “My particular pride had been standing in my way. Not until I went to college and was frightened by some of the things that I saw going on there, did I see my need of salvation. Only through God's great mercy did I receive peace and forgiveness of my sins. This I did not deserve.” ‘Gail Balok, 13, daughter of Bro. Vince and Sis. Fran, testi- fied: “One day as Tknelt and prayed for God's peace, I suddenly started erying and found that wonderful peace in repentance through Jesus Christ Who shed His blood for my sins. Now I am happy for His great salvation.” Elder brothers, George Freund, Tony Betz, Michael Lang- nek of Windsor and Andy Kory of East Akron conducted the ‘Washington, D.C. —On Sunday, June 20, we had baptismal ser- vices for Ruthie Schlaefli and Peter Saba, followed inthe after~ noon by the laying on of hands and the Lord's Supper. Elder Brothers Tony Betz of Mansfield and Andy Kozy of East Akron conducted the special services. Bro. Tony ministered to us in the ‘morning service from Ephesians 2on the new life in Christ. The ‘Apostle Paul repeatedly explains how we are brought into a re- lationship with God through faith. It is not something secret, but itis something SACRED. The Apostle writes about our lives be- ing quickened through Christ to salvation if we take Him by faith, The Gentiles were never included in God's promises tothe ‘Jews, The promise of God to the Gentiles came only through Christ. The impact of the letter to the Ephesians takes on an even greater significance to Gentile believers when we realize that it was written not by a Gentile, but by one who called him- self a Jew of Jews. When the Word convicted us because we were sinners, the Gospel brought a hope and a new lifeafter which we were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. After we have been sealed by the Prayer Changes Things St. Louis, Mo. — PRAYER CHANGES THINGS was the topic Giscussed al a retreat held July 4th weekend. Visitors came from Mansfield, Ontario, Tremont and Peoria. In the welcome ‘Hess, Bro. Claude Petrov encouraged each of us pick some- tne petal and pray for them all weekend. Bro. Bob Roth of On- tario ad the evening message. Inthe course of the evening, he asked us the following questions: 1. What do we expect fram prayer? 2. What do we expect to change by praying? and 3. Are tre willing tolet God work onus to change us? After the talk, the {group broke up into small discussion groups for further com- {nents A campfire, led by Bro. Dan Meyer of Tremont, fllow- ea ‘Sunday morning the Young Lites from Tremont presented program of praise in song. During the morning services, Bro. Dwayne Stuber stated that we cannot expect to receive a thous- and-dollar answer from a ten-cent prayer. After lunch and a time of fellowship, Bro. Ron Staub led a panel of young Chris- tians in a discussion of how each of them promised God to read the Bible every day. Their conclusion was that God honors such promises and provides a daily blessing. Sunday evening Bro. Mark Schellenberg from Peoria discussed the three main types of prayers that we all pray. These were prayers before conver- ‘ion, prayers about conversion and prayers after conversion. A ‘campfire led by Bro, Jim Haring, Jr. from Ontario followed. Following a breakfast Monday morning, the events of the weekend were summed up for us all by Bro, Matt Nothum in @ short farewell. Page? I Am Thy Salvation Gary Balok, George Freund, Michael Langenek, Kathy Mrozowsky, John Blaze, Andy Kozy, Gall Balok, Tony Betz Spirit, we are joint heirs of God's promises. When we choose ‘Christ, we become a citizen of God's family. Coming to Christ is a voluntary thing — we must want to receive His promises. Its, the Gospel we hear that quickens us and becomes our salvation. Our salvation is a gift of God, for we are His purchased posses- “May God take a greater measure of our lives. Let us not per- mit satan at any time to lead us astray. He will tempt and the Lord will permit temptation. But the power of God is far great- cer. Even though our flesh is not converted, we must remember that it isthe temple of our souls. Satan may use the weakness of ‘our flesh to tempt us. We remember the experience of Eve. Let us face reality: THE TRUTH WILL MAKE US FREE. ‘Men are confused only when they are inthe twilight. If we stay inthe light, confusion is ended. If we remain clase to the Lord, Saw” He will kep us. It is by communion with God that we have ac- cess to this strength and closeness to Him. When we are tempt ed, let us remember these words. Wonderful Peace know that it shall be well with them that fear God ... but it ‘shall not be well with the wicked ... because he feareth not be- fore God, Denver — We rejoice with the angels in heaven that Maria Leb- hers, daughtcr of Bro, Bill and Sis. Maria, has repented and found peace with her Maker, and now desires baptism. ‘Tremont — Jim Meyer, son of Elder Bro. Walter and Sis. Joy, hhas confessed peace with our Lord, and is awaiting baptism into the likeness of the death of Christ. Cleveland — It is with rejoicing that we announce another soul who has made peace with God. Margaret Gould has claimed Christ's promises for herself, and is now awaiting baptism. Kitchener — “Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have 1 heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and 1 will preserve thee... Isaiah 49:8. Experiencing the truth of these words and confessing peace with God and man through the ‘atonement of Jesus" blood are Nada and Milena Djurakov. Pasadena — Vernette Friesen confesses peace with God and a personal relationship with her Lord Jesus Christ. She has re- quested baptism and desires to be counted among those who bear the name Christian. Vernette bears witness that God is still working in human hearts even in large cities. CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP MESSENGER,Be Ye Not Unequally Yoked ‘The following article contains Scriptural reasons why any- one of the new birth should not contract in marriage with world- Ip people. Also that matrimonial bonds entered into before con- ‘etsion are declared holy and are not to be broken by the mate vio subsequently becomes converted and a child of God, even though the companion remain wordy. Read Genesis 6:1-8. This was in the sight of God, a REBEL- LION against the Creator and an apostasy because the profes- ‘ors of religion, or the Sons of God, the oft springs of Seth, who with Seth began to call upon the name of the Lord (Gen. 4:25-26) ‘nd also call themselves after the name of God (Le. the chien ‘of God) contracted MIXED MARRIAGES with those that were thildren of men, or souls not of the household of God! But much ‘more the offsprings of wicked Cain, because all who have not be- fame obedient tothe cal of God's Word are STRANGERS to God and Godliness. Here the children of God or the posterity of Seth inter mingled in marriage withthe excommunicated race of ungodly Cain, and their children beeame mighty men of renown in and ster mri (Ge. 64) Nout tyrant By doing so they became unequally yoked with unbelievers crear. 6:14-16). Here Paul means that the righteous should not ‘seek the fellowship of the unrighteous and that those who walk in the LIGHT and are bearers ofthe LIGHT should not choose as ‘companions those who are yet in DARKNESS and who serve the prince of darkness in the vanity oftheir mind being alienated From the life of God (Ephestans 4:18:18). MARK now how em- Dhatially Paul requires from the believers that they shall know {hat Christ has purchased them and that they therefore are not fy more their own (I Co. 6:1820). While ofthe unbelievers itis true that they harden their hearts against thecal of God, who as ft sovereign riehtfully demands from one and all unconditional ‘edience and that this obedience has nothing in common with the lust ofthe lsh, the lust of te eye nor the pride of ie. For these and the love of God cannot dwellin one and the same heart according to I John 2:15:16 because such a one's heart is stil worldly and isnot sensitive forthe goodness of God, with which God can lead man to repentance if man considers nd compre- bends the greatness ofthe salvation which God offers him. Paul asks what concord has Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he tat believeth with on that doesnot believe? Orin other wrords--why should a believer seek an unbelieving PARTNER? {it Cor. 611918) Cain was an unbeliever and hs offerings were followers of hisinfdelity. For as Cain despised the hint the Lord fet that he salen ove he si whch was ein be- fore his door (1 the Jealousy with Which be hated his brother. Gen, 4:68). ‘0 do ail men belong othe unbelieving generation today, as long asthe stubborness oftheir hears prevent them from be- coming obedient to the call ofthe Gospel and remain there, un- Jess they be converted in their hearts and with the aid of the Tord overcome that which is in the world. For like Cain in his tibelietthey also prefer to rely on thelr feshy arm. Whereas tll who become obedient to the faith kewise as Seth and his ine fr posterity, call upon the name of the Lard for aid (Gen 4:2- 96) and as believing Abel, to look forward tothe BLOOD OF RE DEMPTION, which must be taken hold of in the new covenant and for which they are also willing to part with all thatthe world fords, No doubt Abel then already felt the need of a blood re- demtion, therefore this falth taught him to choose the mode of offering which we read of in Gen 4:4 and alsin He Ik In view ofthe above we may well ask the question, why then should the Children of God choose their helpmates out of the world? When considering that Christ foretlls the divisions that, Shall be wrought ina household through the sword ofthe Divine Word which opposing sentiments inane family (Matt 10:52). ‘August 1971 It is to be remembered that the spiritual and the carnal senti- ‘ments and endeavors are less unitable than is oil and water, in- deed, the teachings of Christ sharply provoke the division of these two dispositions, We see already in the very beginning of the world, their separation; inasmuch that Cain and his children became abso- lutely worldly and apostates from God, to the despair of Adam land Eve, and hence the words of Eve, “The Lord has given me ‘another seed inthe place of Abel whom Cain killed,” as in verse in which line, Le. Seth's, the Saviour was to follow as con- ‘cerning the Fathers, as we read in Rom. 9:5, because inthis line ‘came Noah and later Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. ‘The lesson so early as this one inthe time of the Patriarchs teaches how easily the church can lose itself in the snares of this ‘world by becoming unequally yoked with the same, by such a lose alliance as matrimony. Paul calls the Believers (verse 16) the TEMPLE of the Liv- ng God, and that God promised to dwell in them and to walk in, them and that He would be their God and they would be His, people, This very verse tells us that the Children of God, or such, temples of God, have no agreement or similarity with idols and itis for this reason God's Children should not choose the children, of the world as their LIFE PARTNERS in marriage. ‘Paul gives full liberty that @ woman may marry whom she ‘wil, only that it be in the Lord ( I Cor, 7:39). This is a binding tondition to all and to both sides ofthe house; a binding on both Brothers as well as Sisters of the Lord. The sum and substance that the Children of God must not marry without His consent, ‘Which they have not if they join in affinity with His enemies. But ‘who are His enemies if not those who refuse to come under His, reign? (Luke 18:27) ‘Members of the body of Christ should make conscience ‘when marrying, of keeping within the household of faith (God) because the bad will sooner corrupt the good than the good re- form the bad in the bond of matrimony. This was known to God. at all times, inasmuch as the saving of man could only be ac- ‘complished through Him Who gave His Holy Blood to establish the institution of salvation. It was for this very reason that the Lord forbade the Israelites to marry outside of the church (Deut. 7:34. Joshua 23:12-13). Tt was the unhappy occasion of Solomon's apostasy (or fall- ing away) (1 Kings 11:14 read to the 13th verse), and the bad ‘consequence tothe Jews after their return out of Babylon (Ezra, 9:12), ‘That marrying after the wise of the world provokes God, is clearly shown here when He declares: My Spirit shall not al- ways strive with man (Gen. 6:3). To look upon.the flesh is often, punished with spiritual judgments. Namely, by a darkening of the spiritual understanding. It is a grave situation when the Spirit of God ceases to strive with a man and is that spiritual pnishment which follows if we provoke the Lord by resisting the Holy Spirit in His motions within us, because then that striv- ing which prevents us from doing that which WE would is liable to cease. (Read Gal. 5:17) ‘Ifa Child of God sides with the flesh against the Spirit, then the Spirit justly withdraws and strives no more. Yea, woe is also, tothem when I depart from them. (Read Hosea 9:12.) It is of utmost importance, however, to mention here that the foregoing does in no wise have any reference to marriage contracted while both parties were yet in the world or before the ‘man or the wife was called into the service of God or into His, kinship. This is clearly seen when we observe how the Lord ack- nowledged and recognized the marriage bond and contract be- tween His servant Moses and his wife, because this had been en- tered into before Moses had been commanded to take off his, ‘continued on page 7 Pages