Clarion Links
Home
Webmaster


The Clarion Herald
THE EXPRESS IMAGE OF THE FATHER

    To Paul, Jesus was the "express image" of the Father, the One in whom dwelt "all the fulness of the godhead bodily", (Heb. 1:3; Col. 2:9). This harmonizes quite well with the words spoken by the Lord Himself. When Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us" Jesus answered: "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me HATH SEEN THE FATHER", (See John 14:8-13).
    The relationship existing between the Father and the Son is very unique and mysterious. Of this relationship Jesus said: "All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him" (Matt. 11:27). John the Baptist had already spoken of this mysterious union saying: "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared him", (John 1:18).
    Here is a tremendous claim! Jesus asserts for Himself a knowledge of the Father which is unique. No one else knows God as Jesus knows

Him. Nor does anyone know the Son but God. There are mysteries in the person of Jesus which none but the infinite and eternal God can really know. Father and Son are here put in a strange and reciprocal relationship. Mysterious to all others, they know, and are fully known, to each other. Between them prevails an infinite, mutual knowledge.
    Nor is this idea out of harmony with its context. Jesus had just thanked the Father for hiding such truth from the "wise and prudent" -- revealing it unto babes. Then, immediately following His claim concerning that ineffable, exclusive and unique know1edge between Himself and the Father, there falls from His lips a heart-moving appeal: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light", (Matt. 11:25-30).
    Only by viewing these words of Jesus subjectively, can a reasonably intelligent man miss the astounding implications of this passage. Here is no "mere" man -- no
(Continued on Page 4)



Page - 2
The Clarion Herald The Clarion Herald

TO CLEAR LAKE

    Word arrived, just hours too late for our last edition of the ClARION HERALD, that the Homer L. Bryan family was moving to Louisiana, where he has accepted the call to pastor Clear Lake Missionary Baptist Church. They have now moved, and may be contacted at:
        Route 2, Box 8
        Pioneer, Louisiana 71266.
    Brother Bryan will commute back and forth to Little Rock each week until he has completed this years' work in the Seminary.
Revival & Ordination
    This editor recently received an invitation, which be has accepted, to assist Clear Lake Church in a Revival Effort during the week of August 6-12, and to participate in the ordination of their new pastor at the end of that meeting. It will be good to return to Louisiana with another opportunity for fellowship in the Gospel. E.G.

SISTER NELSON PASSES

Though our hearts were saddened by the recent passing of Sister Emma Nelson, even this reminded us of God's great mercy toward us as a church. Only twice, in a period of almost 21 years, has the hand of death reached out to claim a member of our church-body. Remembrance of this brings gratitude to our hearts -- even as we are saddened by the loss of this one who was so dearly loved among us.
    What comfort is afforded the people of God by our hope, expectation and assurance of a coming RESURRECTION!

As Jesus died, and rose again
Victorious from the dead,
So His disciples rise, and reign
With their triumphant Head.

The time draws nigh, when from
    the clouds
Christ shall with shouts descend;
And the last Trumpet's awful voice
The heaven's and earth shall rend.

Then they who live shall changed be
And they who sleep shall wake;
The graves shall yield their
    ancient charge,
And earth's foundation shake.

The saints of God, from death
    set free,
With joy shall mount on high;
The heavenly host, with praises
    loud,
Shall meet them in the sky.

Together to their Father's house
With joyful hearts they go;



And dwell forever with the Lord,
Beyond the reach of Woe.

A few short years of evil past,
We reach the happy shore,
Where death-divided friends at last
Shall meet, to part no more.
-- Michae1 Bruce (1746-67)

WITH HEBRON CHURCH APRIL 23-29

    It will he this Editor's privilege to be with the Hebron Missionary Baptist Church, and Pastor Douglas Sanford, for a Revival effort during the week of April 23-29. This church is located in Pekin, Illinois.
    I have developed a deep appreciation for Pastor Sanford during the past two years, and look forward to working with him and his fine people at Pekin.
    Would YOU pray with us that the Lord will richly bless the efforts that are put forth -- both to encourage the hearts of His people, and to point lost ones to the Saviour?
    This is a small church with a large vision. It is hoped that other brethren, and churches, in the area will join hand and heart to magnify His dear name. E.G.

DON'T FORGET BUSINESS MEETING!!

    Saturday evening, April 7, will be the time for our Quarterly Business Meeting. Let every member be reminded of his privilege, and responsibility, to share in this very important part of his church.
***************
SPOKEN A WORD FOR JESUS LATELY?

Page - 3
REMEMBER LOT'S WIFE
How prone are professors to rest
    on their lees,
To study their pleasure, their
    profit and ease!
Though God says: "Arise, and escape
    for thy life,
And look not behind thee; remember
    Lot's wife".

Awake from thy slumbers, the
    warning believe;
'Tis Jesus that calls you, the
    message receive;
While dangers are pending, escape
    for thy life!
And look not behind thee; remember
    Lot's wife.

The way of salvation true
    pleasures afford,
No pleasures can equal the joys
    of the Lord;
Forsake then the world, and escape
    for thy life,
And look not behind thee; remember
    Lot's wife.
-- Selected

TRUSTING GOD IN THE DARKNESS

    Some never learn to sing the songs of faith, peace & love until they enter the darkness of sorrow and trial. God has not promised to remove every hindrance, grief or temptation from our lives. His love knows that these are necessary to "make" us. Better than asking God to remove such experiences, let us trust Him for grace to endure them triumphantly.
    To such as trust Him wholly, "He giveth songs in the night".



Page - 4

JUDSONIA FELLOWSHIP

    A11 indications point to the prospect or a well-attended Fellowship Meeting at Judsonia, Arkansas, on April l0-20. At least four families from Illinois are making tentative plans to attend.
    It would be good if you would write and let Pastor WAYNE RUFF know that you plan to attend. This would greatly assist them in making your visit there more comfortable and enjoyable. Write him at:
      Star Route, Box 167
      Judsonia, Arkansas 72081
      Tel. Area 501-729-3033

THE EXPRESS IMAGE....Continued

matter how much one may admit to His being "advanced for His time". Here is no mere "teacher of righteousness" come to expound a new ethic. Here is no mere idealistic dreamer, come to show man how to lift himself above the shackles of social restraints through the "freedom of the mind". Jesus Christ WELL KNEW that though ideals might charm and flatter the intellect, they could never satisfy an empty, hungry and yearning heart.
    Asserting a superior and exclusive knowledge of God, claiming a concurrent meekness, humility and "lowliness" of heart, He invited the weary -- not to some crusade, program or creed -- but simply to HIMSELF. "Come unto ME...and you shall find rest unto your souls".
    On the lips of any other man such words would have a ring of vanity, emptiness, mockery and sheer blasphemy. But, spoken by Him in whom truth was personified, they possess a power which has pierced the hard hearts of multitudes, and comforted the souls of many a weary pilgrim. No other man could speak in such a manner and expect to be believed.
    Throughout the Gospel story the supreme idea is that Jesus Christ is MORE than "mere" man. His utter uniqueness in relation to God makes the Christian doctrine of the "incarnation" the ONLY adequate explanation of His personality and work.
    Jesus is ABSOLUTELY TRUSTWORTHY! Have YOU trusted Him as Saviour? As Lord of your whole being? E.G.