Torch, Fall 1989

., I I sisters in Christ today. As Chuck Swindoll said, "In the world it is dog eat dog. In the church it is sheep eat sheep!" One pastor said, "In seminary I learned how to discuss infra- and supralapsarianism, yet in thirty years of ministry I have never had to use that knowledge. But I've encountered lots of unreasonable, angry people, and I was never warned they would be out there." When people choose up sides in the church, they cease to perform their God– given mission. It becomes impossible to caITy out the Great Commission given to us by our Lord. Though no one says it, and probably never thinks about it, the conclusion is: let the community go to hell--I am determined to have my way . Marshall Shelley in his excellent book, Well-Intentioned Dragons, addresses the problem of interpersonal relationships in the church and makes this provoking statement, "The greatest damage is intangible. It destroys enthusiasm--destroys morale so neces– sary for church growth and health. People no longer feel good about inviting friends to worship services. The air is tense , the church depressed, and every– one is aware of 'us' and 'them.' " In addition, he says, "It diverts our attention--drains our energy. There is no planning and thinking for the future . No vision exists . Everyone is just trying to survive. Spontaneity and creativity are lost. Change is stifled and growth is stunted. The first casualty is vision and initiative. The next is outreach ." The problems in the church are not primarily doctrinal or moral. They are, rather, brothers and sisters in Christ who have bitter, critical, unforgiving spirits. At Cedarville College this greatly concerns us. We are aware that this is a historical problem. It was a major issue in the early church. None of us , as depraved human beings, is immune to this challenge. But one of our stated objectives is to develop Christian character in our students. This includes teaching them how to forgive one another. By God's grace, may we as trustees , administrators, faculty , and staff model this all-important principle to them. May the same be true of their pastors, Christian parents, and friends . It is always time to forgive. Then we can begin to get along with one another and be about our Father's business. ITINERARIES Dr. Paul Dixon, President Vestal, NY--Ross Comers Academy Banquet, Nov. 9 Rochester, MI--First Baptist Church, Dec. 10 Greenville, OH--Faith Baptist Church, Jan. 7 Berea, OH--Berea Baptist Church, Jan. 14 Flint, MI--Flint Rotary Club, Jan. 19 Muskegon, MI--Calvary Baptist Church, Jan. 20, 21 Williamsburg, VA--ACSI Teachers Convention, Jan. 25 Walton Hills, OH--Gospel House, Feb. 4 Chicago, IL--Moody Bible Institute, Founder's Week, Feb. 5-11 Ankeny, IA--Faith Baptist Bible College, Feb. 12-16 CONTENTS It Is Always Time to Forgive Dr. Paul Dixon 2 Why Should I Forgive? Randy Patten 4 New York, NY--Manhattan Bible College, Feb. 23-25 Forgiving Is NOT Forgetting Dr. James T. Jeremiah, Chancellor Watervliet, MI--Baptist Mid-Missions meeting, Midway Baptist Church, Nov.12-15 Sandusky, OH--Calvary Baptist Church, Nov. 19 Sidney, OH--Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Nov. 26-29 San Jose, CA--Sunrise Valley Baptist Church, Dec. 6- 7 Stayton, OR--First Baptist Church, Jan. 7 a.m. Salem, OR--Faith Baptist Church, Jan. 7 p.m. Salem, OR--Western Baptist College, Jan. 9-12 Dr. Martin Clark 7 To Love, Honor, and Forgive An interview with Ken and Joyce Johnson 9 Campus News 13 CREDITS Editor Managing Editor Dr. Martin Clark Ron Coriell Graphics Les Troyer Photography Lonnie Richards Associate Editors Martha Baldwin Irene Gidley Judy Johnson Linda Thomas TORCH Vol. 11, No. 4, Fall Issue, 1989 Published by: Cedarville College P.O. Box 601 Cedarville, OH 45314 NO PAID SUBSCRIPTIONS The Cedarville TORCH is published quarterly for the alumni and friendE of Cedarville College. Comments and requests for reprints should be directed to: Ron Coriell TORCH Managing Editor