THINK
April-May-June, 1996
Volume 27, No. 2
CONTENTS
Going Over the Allotted Time - Al Diestelkamp
"She Hath Done What She Could" - Roy Diestelkamp
Our Godly Women Are A Blessing - Al Diestelkamp
The People Gathered Together As One Man - Karl Hennecke
Hi-Tech Preaching - Al Diestelkamp
It's Not My Fault - Ed Brand
Myrtle Diestelkamp, 1914-1996
A Tribute to Myrtle Diestelkamp - Robert E. Speer
GOING OVER THE ALLOTTED TIME
By Al Diestelkamp
Recently
I heard a preacher apologize for “going over” his allotted time. That
got me to thinking. What is the allotted time? Where I worship we
announce the starting time, but we don’t announce the closing time.
Somehow we’ve developed a tradition which some try to bind that worship
is an hour long. Why, do you think, the ones who gripe about the length
of a sermon don’t mind a ballgame going into extra innings or overtime?
Could it be a matter of involvement?
“SHE HATH DONE WHAT SHE COULD”
By Roy Diestelkamp
Today
there is controversy about the work of women in and for Christ and the
church. Sometimes a woman may feel like “there is nothing for me to
do,” because she is not called upon to lead prayers in the worship
periods of the church, nor is she asked to pass the Lord’s supper,
preach, lead singing, etc. This is due to scriptural instructions: “But
I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but
to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not
deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression” (1
Tim. 2:12-14).
Consequently, some women may think the Lord does
not value them, and the church could get along just fine without them.
Likewise, women of ability may be tempted to seek to do something for
which they have no authority.
Such possibilities cause me to
remember the story of Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus (Mk.
14:3-9; Jn. 11:2; 12:3). Here a woman took a box of expensive perfumed
oil and poured it onto Jesus’ head. This she did to honor and worship
Jesus. She immediately fell under criticism by one disciple (Judas) who
said this expensive oil was wasted, for it should have been sold and
the money given to the poor (Jn. 12:4).
Jesus rebuked the critic
of the woman. He noted they always had the poor to help; they would not
always have him. In fact, Jesus said, “Let her alone; why trouble ye
her? She hath wrought a good work on me.” The Son of God had walked the
dusty paths of men preaching for three years and had been treated as an
ordinary commoner. Only during his triumphal entry into Jerusalem
riding on the donkey, did he receive the red-carpet (or palm leaves)
treatment a dignitary would deserve and expect. Here a woman finally
treated him as a king, with respect, as he deserved, and he appreciated
it. She had anointed his body for burial. In fact, he paid her the
highest compliment given almost anyone when he said, “Verily I say unto
you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole
world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial
of her” (Mk. 14:9).
What had she done? She was only one humble
woman. She couldn’t make all people believe in Jesus, but she could
believe in him herself. She couldn’t make others serve and trust Jesus,
but she could look to him as a Savior. She couldn’t stop the wicked
from hating and conspiring against him, but she could, in all purity,
love and comfort him. She couldn’t stop the cross, but she could
encourage him. She could do these things, and significantly, she did
them. She did not say, “I am of little value to Jesus: He never
made me an apostle, or sent me forth to preach, or called on me to lead
in prayer.” Jesus said, “she hath done what she could” (Jn. 14:8).
Let
no one minimize the usefulness of women in the kingdom of God. Yes,
there are particular responsibilities that men have been given in which
women have been limited. Still, a woman has much she may do. Besides
her personal obedience to the gospel (Gal. 3:26-29), she may influence
a wicked husband to hear the gospel (1 Pet. 3:6), encourage a believing
husband to preach (1 Cor. 9:5) or be an elder (1 Tim. 3:1-5),
evangelize and start new congregations (Rom. 16:3-5), guide her house
and rear her children (1 Tim. 5:14-15). Yes, all of this to do, but
that is not nearly all. She also must worship faithfully (Heb. 10:25),
help teach others (Ac.19:26), practice personal holiness and teach
younger women (Tit. 2:3-5).
In any congregation there will not
be peace if women are not at peace (Phil. 4:2), and neither will there
be much work. Women may not be leading the singing and prayers,
but how much reduced will such be if they do not zealously
participate. Women who know the truth have helped congregations stand
in very difficult times and circumstances.
If someone complains
about a woman scripturally fulfilling her service to Christ, Jesus
would say: “Leave her alone, she hath wrought a good work on me . . .
she hath done what she could.”
OUR GODLY WOMEN ARE A BLESSING
By Al Diestelkamp
For
years the “women’s movement” has been an intimidating force in our
society, and for years we have been warning that it can’t help but have
an effect on the church.
More and more we hear of congregations
of the Lord’s church where a few outspoken women have agitated some
mousy men until they have opened the decision-making process to all. It
sounds real American! The trouble is that it doesn’t sound scriptural.
When this happens the biblical principle of a woman not having
authority over a man (1 Tim. 2:12) is circumvented.
It is not
surprising that the godless women’s movement is “having her way” in the
sectarian world and even among brethren who have abandoned the call for
scriptural authority in other matters, but it is surprising when we see
it among those who have formerly demanded book, chapter and verse for
all they do.
This makes us appreciate even more the host of
faithful sisters in Christ who have not been deceived by the world.
They quietly, but firmly, submit to the truth of God’s word. May their
number increase!
“THE PEOPLE GATHERED TOGETHER AS ONE MAN”
By Karl Hennecke
After
70 years of captivity God’s people returned to their homeland under the
leadership of Zerubbabel. Many years later the people called for Ezra,
the scribe and priest, to bring the Book of the Law of Moses and read
to them that “which the Lord had commanded Israel.” The people
“gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of
the Water Gate” (Neh. 8:1). The Lord commands His people today to
gather together as one (Heb. 10:25; 1 Cor. 1:10). We must be careful
that we gather for the purpose that the Lord intended, that our
gathering not be in vain.
Keeping the purpose for our
gathering together clearly in mind can help us avoid majoring in
minors. We know for example that the children of Israel did not gather
together just to see Ezra. Ezra was a good man, one who had prepared
his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach it to
the people (Ez. 7:10). But that was not the reason they gathered. They
desired to hear the word of God. Those enamored today with the good men
and eloquent preachers of God’s word need to carefully consider their
motives for gathering to hear these men speak.
Their
purpose for gathering was not to hear the latest gossip, hear funny
stories, meet friends or see the latest fashions. They were there
to hear the word of God.
They did not
gather to see the platform of wood that had been built. “Ezra stood on
a platform of wood which they had made for the purpose” (Neh. 8:4). We
don’t know anything about the platform except its purpose. It expedited
the reading of God’s Word so that all could hear. It was not the focus
of the assembly. God does not gather his people together to admire the
architectural works of their hands. He gathers them to admire the
architectural beauty of His plan for man’s redemption.
They
did not gather to be comfortable. As soon as Ezra opened the book the
“people stood up” (8:5). We adjust the temperature carefully, provide
surroundings conducive to comfort, provide a cushion for our backsides
and still we are distracted and squirm in our places. Sports fans sit
on hard bleachers in burning heat or chilling cold attentive to the
exciting contest on the field. Oblivious to the discomfort they apply
themselves undauntedly to the details and strategy of the game. The
word “fan” is a short form of the word “fanatic,” which is defined as
an “enthusiastic devotee.” The people of Ezra’s day were
enthusiastically devoted to the word of God.
They did
not gather to “hurry through” so they could get back to their important
schedules. Nehemiah 8:3 says, “. . . he read . . . from morning until
midday” (8:3). And even though the gathering lasted for a lengthy
period of time, “the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book
of the Law.” In a world that offers glitz and pizazz to keep our
attention it takes a concerted effort on our part to focus our
attention on the word. Our minds have become intellectually lazy
because of the mindless effort required to receive the fluff ladled
continually into them by the media. We must train ourselves to give the
necessary attention and diligence to the word of God so that we can
prosper thereby.
Incidentals did not
distract them from their purpose for gathering. They “gathered together
as one” (Neh. 8:1). They were “attentive to the Book of the Law” (Neh.
8:3). Ezra and others “helped them understand” (8:7). They “wept, when
they heard the words of the Law” (8:9). They “rejoiced greatly, because
they understood the words that were declared to them” (8:12).
Truly
we can say that their gathering together was beneficial to them and
pleasing to God. They did not come as bored spectators but attentive
participants. The person who claims that he doesn’t get anything out of
our public assemblies may be present for the wrong reasons. Let us
gather around the Book in fellowship with God and our brethren in order
to “stir up love and good works” (Heb. 10:24).
HI-TECH PREACHING
By Al Diestelkamp
Advances
in technology have changed the way we communicate the gospel.
Old-fashioned methods of illustrating a sermon, such as mimeographed
handouts and crude blackboard scribbles, have given way to colorful
whiteboard artistry and overhead transparency masterpieces.
Please
don’t take this article as a criticism of the use of new-fangled visual
aids. I use them myself. However, I’ll admit that occasionally it is
refreshing to hear a gospel preacher sound forth the word of God
effectively with nothing more than a Bible, his notes and his ability
to preach. I get the impression that some preachers would panic if a
power failure occured while they were preaching.
I recognize the
value of punctuating the spoken truth with visual reinforcement, but I
hasten to warn of the danger of too much visual stimulation. Even our
Lord, though he had unlimited ability even without modern technology,
used visual aids (miracles) sparingly. He became concerned when the
people were distracted from his message by what pleased their senses
(Jn. 6:26-27). On one occasion he wrote on the ground (Jn. 8:6-8) to
get their attention, but he didn’t use that technique every time he
taught. We know that a preacher can use so many anecdotes that the
lesson is lost. Likewise, the overuse of stories, illustrations and
visual aids has as much effect as underlining an entire book or putting
an exclamation point at the end of every sentence!
We haven’t
seen anything yet. The computer technology now available, combined with
overhead projection systems, makes it possible for almost unbelievable
graphic displays which fade in and out or change with the touch of a
computer keyboard. So far, the cost of the equipment makes it
prohibitive for most preachers and/or churches, but that will likely
change. The possible problem with using cutting-edge technology in the
presentation of the gospel is that people may be “dazzled” with the
medium rather than cut to the heart with the message.
We must
always remember that it is the gospel of Jesus Christ which saves and
edifies, and we ought not to be ashamed of it (Rom. 1:16).
Use
of modern technology in the communication of the gospel is to be
encouraged. Let’s just make sure we use it to the glory of God and not
for the amusement and amazement of men. Back to Top
IT’S NOT MY FAULT
By Ed Brand
Theirs
was a marriage made in heaven. He was smart and industrious; she was a
ready-made bride, as womanly as he was manly. They were young and
innocent, starting their lives together.
Even the ”best”
marriages encounter rocky stretches. This one was no different. He did
not find someone prettier and younger; she did not find another man
more handsome. It only involved what they ate. She found this new dish
so good that she fed it to her husband. It wasn’t very long before he
was blaming her for the terrible food he had eaten. She said she didn’t
realize that it was so bad until it was too late. In fact, she said
someone else had given her the recipe and she thought it really sounded
good.
I don’t think they had ever really argued before this sad
incident. He had worked in the immediate area and she was a homemaker.
They lived in a virtual paradise. Everything was so new and fresh it
was edenic. In fact, they lived in Eden.
When they were
confronted with their unlawful acts, Adam and Eve told God it was not
their fault. Adam said it was Eve’s fault; she said it was the
serpent’s (Gen. 3:12-13). Our race learned early on that it is easier
to shift blame than accept responsibility for wrongs done. Most of
their lineage have learned to imitate them.
God did not let them
off. All three players in this original tragedy were punished for their
transgressions: Adam, Eve and the serpent. There was no slick attorney
there to sway the decision of the Judge.
Scripture cautions us
about this very common practice of blaming others for our own mistakes
and sins: “. . . looking to thyself lest thou also be tempted” (Gal.
6:1). The Corinthian brethren were told, “Try your own selves . . .
prove your own selves” (2 Cor. 13:5). When it is all said and done, I
am responsible for my actions. Each of us should live by this maxim.
When we do wrong, let us correct our course instead of excusing our
conduct as Adam did. When we choose a way which is not in harmony with
heaven’s will, let us change it and let it stay changed.
When we
sin, and take responsibility for our actions, let us also take the
responsible course of repentance. We should change our practice so that
sin is not repeated. If we continue to court the temptation which led
to sin, then the same result will probably follow. If a husband thinks
about another woman continuously, or if a wife flirts with her
childhood sweetheart, guess what the outcome will probably be. Parents
must also carefully consider the actions of children and give them
proper instruction and guidance. Part of that guidance is to say “no”
when their wants are at cross-purposes with what is right.
We all need a good dose of responsibility. Back to Top
MYRTLE DIESTELKAMP, 1914-1996
Myrtle
G. Diestelkamp, of Aurora, Illinois, passed away Sunday, February 25,
1996 at her home. The daughter of Oscar and Amanda Benedict, she was
born August 15, 1914, in Portage County, Wisconsin. Thus at her death,
she was 81 years, six months and nine days old.
Myrtle received
a teaching degree from Wisconsin State Teacher’s College in Stevens
Point, Wisconsin and taught for three years. After that she was
employed as a clerical worker with the Department of Forestry until her
retirement in 1976.
On June 18, 1931, at the age of 17, Myrtle
was baptized into Christ for the remission of her sins. Never faltering
from her faith, she served the Lord for nearly 65 years. Our family
first made her acquaintance in 1944 in her home community of Stevens
Point, Wisconsin. We got to know her better after we moved to Milwaukee
in 1947 where she was one of the faithful members of the congregation
where Dad would preach for four years. Much later, when liberalism
invaded the church, she courageously took a stand for truth, becoming a
charter member of the church in West Allis.
On May 1, 1976, she
married Leslie Diestelkamp and was his helper until his death on
September 12, 1995. When she married, she gained a large family.
Included in her survivors are three sons and their wives, Karl &
Delores Diestelkamp, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Al & Connie
Diestelkamp, of DeKalb, Illinois and Roy & Mary Diestelkamp, of
Thorold, Ontario, Canada; two daughters and their husbands, James &
Wanda Hodges, of Temple Terrace, Florida and Robert & Lavon Speer,
of Fox River Grove, Illinois; 20 grandchildren and their 17 spouses; 42
great-grandchildren (including two who were in the womb). Also
surviving is one sister, Evelyn Beecher, of Janesville, Wisconsin.
In
addition to her parents and her husband, she was also preceded in death
by one brother, William Benedict and four sisters, Florence Benedict,
Amy Benedict, Edyth Heubner and Ethel Mielke.
Funeral services
were held Wednesday, February 28, 1996 at Dieterle Memorial Home in
Aurora, Illinois. Burial was beside her husband at Oak Grove Cemetery
in rural St. James, Missouri. There is also a marker in the Linwood
Cemetery in Portage, Wisconsin. Back to Top
A TRIBUTE TO MYRTLE DIESTELKAMP
by Robert E. Speer
Editor’s
Note: The following was written from the perspective of a loving
son-in-law shortly after her death, and was originally printed in the
weekly bulletin of the church in Palatine, Illinois.
Myrtle,
wife of the late Leslie Diestelkamp, has died of heart failure. Many
across the country knew her as a woman pure of heart, devoted to her
husband. At the age of 60, as a woman who had never married, one who
led a basically tranquil and private life, she married Leslie
Diestelkamp. Being married to a high profile preacher with a large
family was an enormous step for one so taciturn by nature, so reserved
by inclination, so solitary by choice.
When Mom (Alice)
Diestelkamp died, Dad lost a companion of 42 years, and entered an
unaccustomed life of loneliness. Three years later he and Myrtle
married. As Lavon often said, it hurt to lose Mom, and she is missed
very much, but it hurt more to see Dad all alone. Then, God gave us
Myrtle.
Just as a second child does not replace a first, so
Myrtle did not replace Mom. She was her own person, a physical
and spiritual companion, a co-worker in the Lord, traveling with her
preacher-husband the length and breadth of this country, altogether the
suitable, fitting, proper helper indicated in Genesis 2:18.
Like
Eve, she came into the world in innocence; like Keturah, she assuaged
the loneliness of a widower; like Ruth she found unexpected romance
which turned into a lifetime of love; like Esther, she was involved in
Gods providence; like Deborah, she and her companion fought battles for
the Lord; like Mary, she followed the Lord without question. We loved
Myrtle, we shall miss her, and we commend her to God. Back to Top