A ROCKY FOUNDATION

  A renowned chief of surgery at a prestigious metropolitan hospital was preparing for an incredibly complex, high-stakes operation. The patient’s prognosis was grim, with less than a twenty percent chance of survival. Recognizing the limits of his own brilliant medical hands, the surgeon stepped into the waiting room, where the patient's family and close friends had gathered. Looking out across the room, the surgeon noticed the diverse group that had come to support the patient. Hoping to gather all the spiritual help possible, he pointedly asked three distinct religious individuals in the room—a devout Muslim, a tranquil Buddhist, and a committed Christian—if they would mind stepping into the chapel to pray for the patient while he operated. They all agreed and went downstairs. The Buddhist sat in perfect stillness, eyes closed in deep meditation. When the surgeon whispered his plea for help, the Buddhist opened his eyes calmly and said, "Doctor, I am meditating to help...

  Amidst perils and even in death, the Christians kept on hoping and planning for a mighty progress of the Gospel in the dark and wicked centres of the earth. The Lord wonderfully granted their desire sometimes in unexpected ways.   In Korea the native Christians were charged with conspiracy against the government and they were greatly persecuted. The following story is told by Miss Montgomery who was of one of them.   “Among the members of one of the churches that were in the centre of the police accusations was a young Korean who had come home from the Waseda University, Japan. Within a month he was put in jail as a suspect. He was placed in a cell by himself and he grieved because he was restrained from speaking to the other prisoners, as his fellow Christians who were not in solitary confinement were doing. Soon he was banished to one of the neighboring islands. When he was released after the end of the persecution, he said with a shining face.   “Just thin...

          In an argument between Dr. Pentecost and an atheist, the latter declared that he did not believe the Bible because he did not know the author. “Do you know the author of the Multiplication Table,” asked Dr. Pentecost? “No,” replied the atheist. “Then, I suppose, being a scientific man and a conscientious skeptic you never use the Multiplication Table.” “Oh yes, that proves itself to be true by its works” said the Atheist. “Then,” said Dr. Pentecost, “may we not know also that the Bible is a work of absolute authority, because its works in its own sphere, proving itself to be true?” In Acts 17 Paul and Silas were on the second missionary journey. In Thessalonica they were accused of “ defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.”   When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil...   As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea “ (Acts 17:7-10). T...