Evangéliumi Hírnök, 2001 (93. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2001-04-01 / 4. szám

2001. április

írni

9. oldal

The Modesto Manifesto - Why God Used Billy Graham CHURCHHOPPING

In the late 1940s, four young men that we know today as the leaders of the Billy Graham evangelistic team met to pray and seek God’s will for their lives and ministries. They met on a farm outside Modesto, Calif., belonging to the family of Cliff Barrows, the music leader of the group. As the team fasted and prayed for God’s direction on the second day, Billy Graham the group’s leader directed each man to go off alone to pray for their future ministry. (‘The four were Billy Graham, Cliff Barrows, George Beverly Shea and Grady Wilson).

The men made a composite list when they came back together, focusing on four major problems that became the basis of the Modesto Manifesto. At the end of the day, each pledged himself to a higher level of ministry than was found in other evangelistic ministries, pledging themselves to be accountable to one another and to serve and support one another.

The first thing on their list was the common misuse of the truth by evangelists. There was a common perception that evangelists exaggerated the size of

BIBLE QUIZ

An alternate to the "Lapozgassuk a bibliát"

Many people qoute things as being from the Bible that are not there. Can you identify which of these quotations are from the Bible? If you get all the Bible qoutes correct, you are a good Bible student. If you can identify the sources of all twenty quotes, you are a walking encyclopedia.

Answers in the next issue.

1. The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.

2. Open rebuke is better than secret love.

3. A fool and his money are soon parted.

4. Every day is a message of God.

5. No man can serve two masters.

6. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.

7. Cast thy bread upon the waters for thou shall find it after many days.

8. It is a wise father that knows his own child.

9. The way to a mans heart is through his stomach.

10. Fair weather cometh out of the north.

11. The good deed drives away the evil deeds.

crowds, the number of converts and the need of money. Each of the young men pledged himself to report the true statistics in their crusades.

The second thing on their list was money. Because evangelists were always raising money to pay for their expenses, it appeared many were in it for the money Their financial books would always be open.

The third problem that plagued evangelists was the sexual/moral issue. They agreed that they would never be alone with a member of the opposite sex. They determined to stay as far from the appearance of evil as possible.

The four men agreed the fourth problem of evangelists was a critical spirit. The four young men pledged themselves to a positive ministry; they would promote unity in the body of Christ.

The Modesto Manifesto is one foundation for the outstanding achievement of Billy Graham and his team. (Obviously, the blessing of God is the main reason that God used Billy Graham).

Dr. Elmer Towns, Liberty University

12. Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

13. Not life, buta good life, is tobe chiefly valued.

14. There’s a divinity that shapes our ends, rough-hew them how we will.

15. Iam escaped with the skin of my teeth.

16. Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.

17. A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.

18. Make haste slowly.

19. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done.

20. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

A megfejtéseket (a tényleges igehelyeket) június végéig várja a szerkesztő.

Megfejtések - Január Térjetek meg!

1. 2Kir 17:13; 2. Jer 25:5; 3. Ez 18:30; 4. Ez 33:11; 5. Joel 2:12; 6. Zak 1:4; 7. Mt 3:2; 8. Mk 1:15; 9. Csel 2:38; 10. Csel 3:19.

Jó megfejtest küldtek: Mezei Helen (LA), Podobni Erzsiké, Kuti Anica, Jenei Mikló (Torontóiak), Gerstner Károly (NY), Jámbor Ferencné (Debrecen), Hufnagel Zsolt (Soltvadkert), Mártonná Szlepák Margit (Tahi), Hegyes Lajosné (Kunfehértó)

More Americans are church-hopping. One in six attends the Church of the Revolving Door, according to the Bama Research Group. The study indicates a declining church loyalty and a “market-driven mentality” toward religious experience.

...Families say it is sometimes difficult to find a church where the husband, wife, and children all are satisfied, according to Focus on the Family. Many young people, growing up in a culture overflowing with choices, see nothing wrong with a buffet-style approach to church, but older members say that Christians need to make a choice and become committed.

...Those searching for a church say they want strong preaching, doctrinal integrity, and a congregation with a caring spirit, where they can make friends.

The Crowd’s Attraction

(Broad Way; Matt 7:13-14)

Some time ago a scientific magazine published an article concerning a certain species of alligator. Being lazy beasts, they seldom hunt for their dinner but just wait for their unwary victims to come to them. They lie near the bank with open mouths, acting as if they are dead. Soon flies begin to light on their moist tongues, and several other insects gather. This crowd attracts bigger game. A lizard will crawl up to the alligator to feed on the bugs; then a frog joins the party. Presently a whole mehere; then there is a sudden “earthquake” — WHAM — the giant jaws come together and the party is over!

Here’s the lesson: don't be lured by large groups of people. Remember, the crowd is always found on the “broad way. ” The "narrow way ” of life admits only individuals, one by one. Most people take the easy, downward path. You as a Christian mustfollow Jesus on the upward road; it is the only safe way.