<BrethrenVoice>
<SUNDAY-GLEANINGS>
23 June 2002


Contents:
---------
(1)  <Bible-Study> "Synopsis to the Book of Daniel" by John Nelson Darby
(2)  <Article>  "God will restore what you thought was wasted" by Whitney
Hopler
(3)  <Article>  "The sin of partiality" by Connie Giordano
(4)  <Comments>  "On what you eat" by Charles E. Wigg
(5)  <Special> My personal testimony by Jambo (James Klink)
(6)  <Miscellaneous>



(1)
<Bible-Study>
SYNOPSIS TO THE BOOK OF DANIEL
John Nelson Darby


INTRODUCTION

In the Book of Ezekiel we have seen the government of God on earth fully
developed in connection with Israel; whether in condemning the sin which
occasioned the judgment of that people, or in their restoration under the
authority of Christ, the Branch that should spring from the house of David,
and who, in the book of that prophet, bears even the name of David, as the
true "beloved" of God, the description of the temple, with its whole
organisation, being given at the end. In this development we have found
Nebuchadnezzar, the head of the Gentiles, introduced as Jehovah's servant
(chapters 29: 20; 30: 24) for the judgment of sinful Israel, who were
rebellious and even apostate, worshipping false gods. God had made Israel
the centre of a system of nations, peoples, and languages, that had arisen
in consequence of the judgment on Babel, and existed before God
independently of each other. The nation of Israel was doubtless very
distinct from all that surrounded it, whether as a people to whom the true
God was known, or as having in their midst the temple and the throne of God;
but, whatever the contrast might be between the condition of Israel as a
nation, and that of the other nations, still Israel formed a part of that
system of nations before God (Deut. 32: 8).

In executing the judgment of God on Israel Nebuchadnezzar set aside this
whole system at once, and took its place in the absolute and universal
dominion which he had received from God. It is of this order of things and
of its consequences-of this dominion of the head of the Gentiles, and of the
Gentile kings, in the successive phases that characterised their
history-that the Book of Daniel treats, bringing into notice a remnant of
Israel, in the midst of this system, and subject to this dominion. The king
of Judah having been given up into the hands of the head of the Gentiles,
the royal seed is found in the same position. The remnant becomes the
especial object of the thoughts of God revealed by His Spirit in this book.

Besides the testimony rendered to Jehovah by the fact of the faithfulness of
the remnant in the midst of the idolatrous Gentiles, two important things
characterise their history as developed in this book. The first is that the
Spirit of prophecy and of understanding in the ways of God is found in this
remnant. We have seen this raised up in Samuel, when all Israel had failed,
and subsist through their whole history under the shadow of royalty. The
Spirit of prophecy now again becomes the link of the people with God, and
the only resting-place for their faith, amid the ruin which the just
judgment of God had brought upon them. The second circumstance that
characterises the dealings of God with regard to this remnant is, that,
preserved by God through all the misfortunes into which the sins of the
people had cast them, this remnant will assuredly share the portion
which God bestows on His people according to His government and according to
the faithfulness of His promises. We find these in the first and last
chapters of the Book we are considering.

This Book is divided into two parts, which are easily distinguished. The
first ends with chapter 6, and the second with the close of the Book, the
first and last chapters having nevertheless a separate character, as an
introduction and a conclusion, respectively making known the position of the
remnant, to whom, as we have said, the testimony of God was confided at
the beginning and at the end.

The two great divisions have also a distinct character. The first sets
before us the picture of the dominion of the Gentiles, and the different
positions it would assume before God according to the human pride which
would be its animating principle. This picture contains historical features
which plainly indicate the spirit that will animate the ruling power in its
different phases; and then the judgment of God. This division is not
composed of direct revelations to Daniel, except for the purpose of
recalling Nebuchadnezzar's dream. It is the heads of the Gentiles that are
presented. It is the external and general history of the monarchies that
were to succeed each other, or the different and successive features that
would characterise them, and their final judgment, and the substitution of
the kingdom of Christ; and especially, the course and judgment of the one
which God had Himself established, and which represents all the others, as
being invested with this character of divine appointment. The others did but
inherit providentially the throne which God had committed to the first.

It was a question between God and Israel that gave this monarchy its
supremacy. It is the spirit of presumptuous idolatry, and of blasphemy
against the God of Israel that leads to its destruction. Chapter 6 does not
give the iniquity of the king, except as submitting to the influence of
others. It is the princes of the people who will have none but the king
acknowledged as God, and who undergo the same punishment that they sought to
inflict on those who were faithful to the Lord.

The second part of the Book, which consists of communications made by God to
Daniel himself, exhibits the character of the heads of the Gentiles in
relation to the earth, and their conduct towards those who shall acknowledge
God; and at last the establishment of the divine kingdom in the Person of
the Son of man-a kingdom possessed by the saints. The details of
God's dealings with His people at the end are given in the last chapter. We
may also remark that chapter 7 gives essentially the history of the western
power, chapter 8 that of the eastern-the two horns. Chapter 9, although
especially regarding Jerusalem and the people-the moral centre of these
questions, is connected on that very account with the western power that
invaded them. From chapter 10 to the end of chapter 11 we are again in the
east, closing in with the judgment of the nations there, and the
establishment of the remnant of Israel in blessing.

Let us now examine these chapters consecutively. [to be continued...]

_______________________________________________________________________

(2)
<Article>
GOD WILL RESTORE WHAT YOU THOUGHT WAS WASTED*
Whitney Hopler ("Live It" Channel editor)

There is hope after your dreams have been ruined.

Dreams die hard.

A marriage you'd thought would last forever could end in divorce. A business
you'd worked hard to build could fail, leaving you in financial ruin. A
child you'd invested your life into for years could make choices that grieve
you deeply. When your dreams are ruined, it can seem as if a swarm of
locusts have invaded your life and gobbled up whatever sense of hope you
have. But God promises to restore your hope - and your life - even if you've
lost many years to the locusts of destruction.

Here are some ways you can turn to God for restoration;

Be honest with yourself and God. Freely express your thoughts and feelings
about the loss you've suffered. Know that God genuinely cares, and won't be
offended by nay negative thoughts or feelings with which you're struggling.

Confess any bitterness, misdirected anger, or self-defeating attitudes or
behaviors to God. Then ask God to forgive you for those habits, and give you
His grace to let go of them and replace them with faith. Remember that God
loves you deeply and unconditionally, and that He alone has the wisdom
necessary to guide you successfully into the future. So decide to trust Him,
no matter what your circumstances.

Don't try to change the past - the past is gone and cannot be changed.
However, commit to making choices in the present that will shape a better
future for you.

Forgive others who have hurt you, and forgive yourself for the mistakes
you've made. This can be a challenging process, but the Holy Spirit will
always help you if you ask. Know that forgiveness is absolutely necessary to
rid your spirit of poisonous resentment that blocks your intimacy with God.

Surround yourself with supportive, godly friends. Don't be afraid to ask for
help for specific things you need, such as listening, help with tasks you
don't have the energy to complete, advice, prayers, accountability, ad more.

Be patient. When God transforms you, it's an intricate process that
shouldn't be rushed. Be gentle with yourself as you move forward into your
new life. Stick with God at His pace, walking alongside Him. Don't panic and
grab at whatever new opportunities happen to present themselves; wait for
God to give you what's truly best.

Expect and eagerly anticipate a better future once you leave this dark
season. Remind yourself of God's promises to restore you, then take the time
to celebrate and thank Him whenever you see evidence of His restorative work
in your life.

When God gives you new dreams, don't be afraid to embrace them. Have courage
to step into those dreams, trusting God to help you make them come true.

Ask God to use your struggles to help other people. Consider how you might
tell others the story of how God is restoring you.

[Adapted from After The Locusts: Restoring Ruined Dreams, Reclaiming Wasted
Years,
copyright 2002 by Janis Coleman. Published by Broadman & Holman Publishers,
Nashville, TN, www.lifewaystores.com]

---
*[Courtesy: +Living God's Way+ - by Ross Thompson]
___________________________________________________________________


(3)
<Article>
"THE SIN OF PARTIALITY"
Connie Giordano

Do you favor a certain class of people based on their appearance, rank,
wealth, intelligence, manner of speaking, church denomination, nationality,
race, etc. ? If so, then you are not obeying the Word of the Lord. You are
committing Sin.

James 2:1 - "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Lord of glory, with respect of persons."

The Apostle James addresses both Jews and Christians as his brethren.
He instructs them with these words- "Have not the faith of our Lord Jesus
Christ....with respect of persons."

The faith that he is referring to is the vibrant faith and trust which these
brethren have in the Lord Jesus. This
profession of faith is never to be accompanied with a "respect of persons."
No believer at any time should show partiality or favoritism toward another
based on their rank, birth, wealth, appearance, apparel,
or outward circumstances.

In the same chapter, James continues his instructions concerning the duty of
impartiality in the treatment of others.
In Verse 9, he explains why no true believer would manifest partiality to
others based on rank, wealth, apparel, etc. - "But if ye have respect to
persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors."

To discriminate in judgment or in any other way is Sin.

The Apostle James said - "...ye commit Sin..." We violate God's law, do
wrong, err, wander from the path of uprightness each and every time that we
show favoritism to others.

Both Proverbs 24:23 and Proverbs 28:21 tell us that having a respect of
persons is "not good" -

"...It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment."
"To have respect of persons is not good..."

In other words, to pay special attention to, notice, or regard certain
individuals for whatever reason is not suitable behavior.

In fact, Proverbs 28:21 goes on to say, "...for for a piece of bread that
man will transgress."
This dishonest discrimination, if not checked, will reduce us to the point
of such low measures as sinning for
a "piece of bread."

How we, as brethren, need to avoid this improper conduct.
So many have turned away from the Lord because this behavior was found among
"Christians."

May we not be responsible for such sinful conduct. Let us take heed to the
Apostle James' admonition to us today.

May God Bless His Word.
Connie
---
Copyright 2002 by Connie Giordano
_______________________________________________________________________

(4)
<Comments>
ON WHAT YOU EAT!
Charles E. Wigg

Dear brother ...

I was interested in the article on what you eat [by Connie Giordano].  I
have often said that a poster once appeared in a London tram, and it bore
these words as well as illustrating healthy items of  food. "What you eat
today walks and talks tomorrow".   These words are very true, because we
derive our physical strength and our health etc., from what we eat.
Similarly the Eternal Life that we have received needs to be nourished and
sutained by a healthy spiritual diet. We feed our bodies through our mouths,
but we feed our souls through our minds, through what we read, watch, see,
and think about.  Hence the significance of the Lord's words, "he that
eateth Me, even he shall live by Me", John, 6:57. It is in this way that the
life He has given us is nourished, sustained and enjoyed.  Here there is
both a warning and an encouragement for us.  If we only feed our souls on
the 'Junk Food' that the world offers, or the 'Candy Floss' of ecstatic
experiences, pseudo miracles etc., then we will never be healthy, or strong
spiritually strong. We shall never have the stamina, or the energy for
really hard work for the Lord Jesus. On the other hand, if we are in the
habit of eating His flesh and of drinking His blood, which can only be done
spiritually, through reading about Him and meditating on what we read. Then
this spiritual protein will develop spiritual muscle and make the bones of
our soul strong. This will enable us to 'Stand against all the wiles of the
Devil'. At the same time it will enable us to enjoy the life that we have
received.

Love, Chas.

(Charles E. Wigg)
_______________________________________________________________________


(5)
<Special>
MY PERSONAL TESTIMONY*
Jambo (James Klink)

A fine sermon by Shepherd (Pastor) Mike Walls as reported by Abraham in the
"Brethren Christians Forum" titled "Father knows the best", has exerpts from
Genesis; I Samuel; Proverbs; John; Matthew; Ephesians and Colossians. God as
our Father is a very important revelation for Christians.

My own experience and maturity as a result of age [mid 80s] and study has
revealed much understanding and knowledge by the leading of the Holy Spirit
through the WORD.

Now, some general thoughts that come to my mind this morning:  I am very
impressed with Connie's messages.  A true study of the scriptures without
reference to old ministers is greatly encouraging.

The last of the Old Testament book was written some 400 years before Christ
Jesus was born. Much of Christ's teaching to the Pharisees are subjects they
created as additional laws. (this is still going on today!)

Being in jail as a result of physical imfirmities, Paul, much like Peter and
John , gives a freedom of understanding of these New Testament scriptures.

The commandment "Go ye in to all the world"  includes going to the Muslims
and preach the Gospel. A good recent exemple of giving one's life to the
Gospel has just occured in the Philippines.  The Christian missionary who
gave his life there did not have explosives on his body!  See Stephen's
words in Acts.

MY PERSONAL PRAYER

Lord of my life, I know that my life is not my own.

By your death and resurrection, You made me your own.

Help me to live under your direction, always ready to hear the call "Follow
Me"; always knowing that I have received the gift of your Holy Spirit;
always living so that others may receive Your love and mercy through
me.----through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

[Br. James Klink, or "Jambo" to many of us, is a wonderful brother who is
leading a retired life after a long stint with the US Army.  He has been a
source of encouragement to many of us, always exhorting and reminding us of
the need to strictly follow the New Testament pattern for our gathering and
conduct. - BV]
_______________________________________________________________________

(6)
<Miscellaneous>
WARN THEM OF DANGER
F.B. Shepherd

I have some very dear friends who are admirable people, but they seem to be
so kind and loving they would rather allow other friends to die and go to
perdition than to tell them of their faults here and now,
and perhaps save them eternally.  If we saw someone about to walk over a
precipice or into the path of evident danger to his body, we would take even
the most drastic means to warn him or drag him out of danger.  But he may be
going headlong to
perdition, and we are afraid to speak for fear we will "hurt his feelings."

It is a wonderful blessing that God does not have that sort of concern for
us.  He warns regardless of whether we like it or not.  "Am I become your
enemy because I tell you the truth?"

____________________________________________________________________
["EXAMINE YOURSELVES WHETHER YOU ARE IN FAITH." (2 Cor 13:5)]
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