A 1992 History of Bible Helps
The ministry of Bible Helps began in 1950, when a group of
concerned members of the Church of the Brethren, including G.
Howard Danner, Samuel M. Lehigh, David W. Lehigh, and Amos Lehigh
decided to make available a Bible-teaching, Gospel message from a
conservative viewpoint, in printed form. The first publication
consisted of several articles written by various contributors,
and ensuing issues were sent out once a month. In 1950, about
1,000 pieces were printed, and the distribution was limited to a
few states. This later evolved into a publication with one
featured article in each issue, written by one writer, and was
sent out every other month. Brother Harold S. Martin became
involved, and did a large majority of the writing for Bible
Helps. The growth of Bible Helps was largely effected by "word-of-mouth"
advertising.
Today, copies of Bible Helps tracts and booklets are mailed
regularly into all fifty states, to people representing a wide
variety of churches. The income of Bible Helps is entirely
through financial gifts and donations from individuals and
churches who sympathize with our purpose. We sincerely
appreciate the concern of those who have shared in the work and
vision of Bible Helps.
Bible Helps received its first letter from an overseas
country in the year 1960. It was from a pastor in the
Philippines who had learned of us through another tract society.
While we have not yet received letters from all of the more than
165 nations on earth, the number of inquiries from people living
outside the USA has increased. Until now, Bible Helps has
received letters from people in over 100 countries requesting
literature.
The purpose of the Bible Helps ministry today remains the
same as it did in 1950: To get a Gospel Message into the homes
of those who desire to receive the literature, at least six times
a year. From the 1,000 copies printed in 1950, to the over
7,500,000 pieces printed in 1991, the objectives continue to be:
to win souls for Christ, to nurture and strengthen Christians,
and to encourage weary persons. (The 7,500,000 pieces printed in
1991 add up to about 430 miles of paper that have gone through
the printing press and folding machine.)
We all like to receive letters! For several years, we at
Bible Helps have been receiving about 600 or 700 letters each
month. But during February of 1990, we received over 2,000
letters. Then in October and November, the totals were over
3,000 letters received each month. This calls for much greater
efficiency in handling the mail and orders that come in.
A sense of fulfillment of our mission is felt when reading
the hundreds of letters that arrive in our post office box each
week. It is for these people, and for thousands of others, both
in the United States and across the world -- who hunger and
thirst after righteousness, that Bible Helps continues to publish
the Gospel tracts and booklets.
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An Update Done in 1995
Since September of 1950, more than one hundred million Bible
Helps tracts and booklets have been published. Bible Helps
continues to faithfully and steadily publish the Gospel Message.
My father (Amos Lehigh) often said, "One drop of ink can make
1,000 people think." And since we can print an average of 120,000
tracts from one five-pound can of ink, that saying really is
true!
Can you grasp the vision of reaching the world for Christ?
Of course, not everybody will answer the call to accept Christ as
Savior. But we are mandated by the New Testament teachings to
publish the Gospel, so that all the world may at least have an
opportunity to either accept or reject the blood of Jesus Christ
as atonement for their sins. We affirm the necessity and
importance of other types of mission outreach, and are happy to
be a part of the spreading of the Gospel Message.
While 100,000,000 tracts seems like a lot for a small
tract-publishing company like Bible Helps, when we consider that the
population of the earth is something over 5 billion, we realize
that the job isn't nearly finished yet. There is plenty of work
left to do. "The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are
few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would
send forth labourers into his harvest" (Luke 10:2).
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Statement of Purpose and Faith
The purpose for which Bible Helps was formed was to seek to
evangelize those who are non-Christian, and to encourage and help
develop the Christian faith among mankind by spreading the
Gospel, especially in the form of printed literature.
Frequently we are asked for a statement of faith, or
questioned about which denomination we are affiliated with.
Bible Helps is an independent, non-profit organization controlled
by a board of directors. Bible Helps is not a part of any
particular denomination, nor is it "under-written" or funded by
any one particular church or denomination. Instead, the funding
and support come from individuals and local churches who identify
with and agree with what is printed in our tracts and booklets.
Most of our staff and board members identify with churches
from a "Brethren" background. The Brethren movement was begun in
the 1700's by a group of sincere people who were seeking to
worship and serve God according to the New Testament pattern.
They emphasized believer's baptism (as opposed to infant baptism)
and shunned creeds and "statements of faith" due to the
possibility of over-emphasizing some teachings or beliefs, and
minimizing or ignoring others. They took the entire New
Testament as their creed.
While hesitant to offer any statement or summary beyond the
New Testament as a "statement of faith," we also realize that
many people today claim to follow the Bible, but have very
diverse views: sometimes twisting the Scriptures to teach and
promote what we believe is false doctrine. So we offer the
following statement to those who sincerely wish to know "where
Bible Helps is coming from" in a doctrinal sense.
The Brethren Card
- This body of Christians (referring to The Church of the Brethren) originated
early in the eighteenth century, the church being a natural outgrowth of the
Anabaptist and Pietistic movements following the Reformation.
- Firmly accepts and teaches the fundamental evangelical doctrines of . . .
the inspiration of the Bible (2 Timoty 3:16);
the personality of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-13);
the virgin birth of Christ (Matthew 1:18);
the deity of Christ (Colossians 2:8-9);
the sin-pardoning value of His atonement (Ephesians 1:7);
His resurrection, ascension, and personal and visible return (1 Cor. 15:1-25; Acts 1:9-11);
and the resurrection both of the just and the unjust (John 5:28-29).
- Observes the following New Testament rites:
baptism of penitent believers by trine immersion for the remission of sins (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38);
feet washing (John 13:1-20; 1 Timothy 5:10);
love feast (Luke 22:20; John 13:4; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Jude 12);
communion (Matt 26:26-30);
the Christian salutation (Romans 16:16; Acts 20:37);
the Scriptural headveiling (1 Corinthians 11:2-16);
the anointing for healing in the name of the Lord (James 5:14-18; Mark 6:13);
laying on of hands (Acts 8:17; 19:6; 1 Tim 4:14).
These rites are representative of spiritual graces which are evident in the lives of true
believers, and as such are essential factors in the development of the Christian life.
- Emphasizes . . .
daily devotion for the individual, and family worship for the home (Ephesians 6:18-20; Philippians 4:8-9);
stewardship of time, talents, and money (Matthew 25:14-30);
taking care of the fatherless, widows, poor, sick, and aged (Acts 6:1-7).
- Opposes on Scriptural grounds:
war and the taking of human life (Matthew 5:21-26; 43-44; Romans 12:19-21);
violence in personal and industrial controversy (Matthew 7:12; Romans 13:8-10);
intemperance in all things (Titus 2:2; Gal 5:19-26; Ephesians 5:18);
going to law, especially against our Christian brethren (1 Corinthians 6:1-9);
divorce and remarriage (Matthew 5:32; Mark 10:11-12; 1 Corinthians 7:10-15);
every form of oath (Matthew 5:33-37; James 5:12);
membership in secret oath-bound societies (2 Corinthians 6:14-18);
games of chance and sinful amusements (1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Peter 2:11; Rom. 12:17);
extravagant and immodest dress (1 Timothy 2:8-10; 1 Peter 3:1-6).
- Labors earnestly, in harmony with the Great Commission, for the evangelization of the world, for the conversion of men to Jesus Christ, and for the realization of the life of Jesus Christ in every believer (Matt 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; 2 Corinthians 3:18).
- Maintains the New Testament as its only creed, in harmony with which the above brief statement is made.
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Index of Bible Helps for On-Line Reading
Five Pointers for Disciplining Children
The Incarnation of Jesus Christ
The Benefits of Sickness
The Christian Woman's Veiling
The Divine Plan of Salvation
A Call to Thought Purity
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Order Tracts by Mail
NOTE FROM WEBMASTER: Here is an order form which you may copy to disk, print out and use in
ordering materials from Bible Helps. Those in the Booklets and
Tracts sections are sent free of charge. I'm sure Bible Helps would
appreciate and benefit from any contribution you might decide to send along
with your request for materials. (Mark Roth)
Alternately, simply send a blank email to receive the following list immediately via email.
Booklets
_____ No. 96 The Majesty of God
_____ No. 97 The Magnificence of Jesus
_____ No. 98 The Mission of the Holy Spirit
_____ No. 108 How to Live Victoriously in Christ
_____ No. 110 The Scriptural Headveiling
_____ No. 111 The Superiority of Christianity
_____ No. 125 The Parable of the Loving Father
_____ No. 135 The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
_____ No. 149 The Malice of Devils
_____ No. 150 The Ministry of Angels
_____ No. 155 The Bible Doctrine of Nonresistance
_____ No. 157 The Story of Jesus
_____ No. 165 Creation and Evolution (Gen. 1-2)
_____ No. 166 The Fall and Plight of Man (Gen. 3-4)
_____ No. 178 The Tragedy of Divorce and Remarriage
_____ No. 183 Three Views of the Cross
_____ No. 184 The Ascension of Jesus Christ
_____ No. 187 The Sin of Doing Nothing
_____ No. 193 Signs of Christ's Coming
_____ No. 194 Offenses Against the Holy Spirit
_____ No. 205 The Ordinances of the Church
_____ No. 206 Five Hindrances to Effective Prayer
_____ No. 207 Three Ways to Discern the Truth
_____ No. 208 Improving the Marriage Relationship
_____ No. 209 You Cannot Sin Successfully
_____ No. 212 A Country Called Heaven
_____ No. 213 Television and the Christian Home
_____ No. 215 Five Facts You Should Know
_____ No. 217 They All Began to Make Excuse
_____ No. 219 The Bible Doctrine of Nonconformity
_____ No. 221 Some Needed Corrections
_____ No. 225 The Touch of the Master's Hand
_____ No. 232 God Believes in You
_____ No. 233 Stability in the Midst of Trial
_____ No. 234 Doing the Word of God
_____ No. 235 Avoiding Personal Discrimination
_____ No. 236 True Faith Avoids Inactive Profession
_____ No. 237 The Use and Abuse of the Tongue
_____ No. 238 True and False Wisdom Contrasted
_____ No. 239 A Call to Christian Holiness
_____ No. 240 Patience in the Midst of Suffering
_____ No. 241 God's Plan for Those Who Are Sick
_____ No. 242 The Prayer that Jesus Taught
_____ No. 244 How to Increase Your Faith
_____ No. 245 The Old Book and the New Birth
_____ No. 246 Spiritual Lessons From the Life of David
_____ No. 247 Two Words that Can Change Your Outlook on Life
_____ No. 248 The Gospel in Isaiah 53
_____ No. 254 Three Enemies of the Christian Life
_____ No. 255 Proper Discipline in the Church
_____ No. 256 Maranatha: The Lord is Coming
_____ No. 257 Seven Pictures of Divine Tenderness
_____ No. 259 The Creeping Danger of Materialism
_____ No. 260 The Fallacies of Reincarnation
_____ No. 261 The God Who Will Not Let Go
_____ No. 262 Salvation Is of the Lord
_____ No. 263 The Greatest Revival in History
_____ No. 264 The Greatness of God's Mercy
_____ No. 272 Facing the Future With Hope
_____ No. 273 The Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
_____ No. 274 How To Know the Will of God
_____ No. 275 How To Study the Bible
_____ No. 276 How To Pray Effectively
_____ No. 277 How To Use Time Efficiently
_____ No. 286 The Benefits of Sickness
_____ No. 287 The Paralyzing Power of Fear
_____ No. 288 Attitudes In Christian Living
_____ No. 289 The Incarnation of Jesus Christ
_____ No. 290 The Description of a Well Dressed Christian
_____ No. 291 Lessons from Peter's Denials of Jesus
_____ No. 292 The Experience of Pentecost
_____ No. 293 Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Introduction
_____ No. 294 Speaking and Serving Gifts of the Spirit
_____ No. 295 The Sign Gifts of the Holy Spirit
_____ No. 296 Death and the Life Hereafter
_____ No. 297 God's Love is Real
_____ No. 298 The Marks of a Resurrected Life
_____ No. 299 Confidence in the Midst of Suffering
_____ No. 300 Five Subtle Devices of the Devil
_____ No. 301 Glorifying God
Books by Harold S. Martin
_____ Glimpses from the Book of Revelation (Paper) Value $2.50
_____ New Testament Beliefs & Practices: A Brethren Understanding (Value $5.00)
_____ Simple Messages on Romans (Paper) Value $5.00
Series on the Ten Commandments
_____ No. 218 The Power of Modern Idolatry
_____ No. 222 Graven Images: False Worship of God
_____ No. 223 The Sacredness of God's Name
_____ No. 224 The Special Sabbath Day of Rest
_____ No. 226 The Command to Honor Parents
_____ No. 227 The Sanctity of Human Life
_____ No. 228 The Vice of Sexual Immorality
_____ No. 229 The Destructive Sin of Stealing
_____ No. 230 The Truth About a Lie
_____ No. 231 The Virtue of Contentment
Bible Survey Series
_____ No. 249 A Survey of the Book of Genesis
_____ No. 250 A Survey of the Book of Exodus
_____ No. 251 A Survey of the Book of Leviticus
_____ No. 252 A Survey of the Book of Numbers
_____ No. 253 A Survey of the Book of Deuteronomy
_____ No. 265 A Survey of the Book of Joshua
_____ No. 266 A Survey of Judges and Ruth
_____ No. 267 A Survey of First Samuel and Second Samuel
_____ No. 268 A Survey of the Books of Kings and Chronicles
_____ No. 269 A Survey of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther
_____ No. 270 A Survey of the Book of Job
_____ No. 271 A Survey of the Book of Psalms
_____ No. 278 A Survey of the Book of Proverbs
_____ No. 279 A Survey of Ecclesiastes and The Song of Solomon
_____ No. 280 A Survey of the Book of Isaiah
_____ No. 281 A Survey of Jeremiah and Lamentations
_____ No. 282 A Survey of the Book of Ezekiel
_____ No. 283 A Survey of the Book of Daniel
_____ No. 284 A Survey of the First Six Minor Prophets
_____ No. 285 A Survey of the Last Six Minor Prophets
English Tracts
_____ No. T1 The Bible (A tract about the Bible) & When the Lord Shall Return
_____ No. T2 The Divine Plan of Salvation
_____ No. T3 Old Fashioned Parents and Jet-Age Teenagers
_____ No. T4 The Magnificence of Jesus
_____ No. T5 The Precious Blood of Christ
_____ No. T6 Would You Believe?
_____ No. T7 What Are You Worth?
_____ No. T8 The Bible is the Word of God
_____ No. T10 Remember Lot's Wife
_____ No. T11 A Journey Through the Halls of Hell
_____ No. T12 The Faith of a Little Child
_____ No. T13 The Second Coming of Christ
_____ No. T14 The Search for Happiness
_____ No. T16 Prepare to Meet Thy God
_____ No. T17 A Glimpse of Our Home in Heaven
_____ No. T18 Worry: Its Cause, Curse, and Cure
_____ No. T19 The Christian Woman's Veiling
_____ No. T20 Wash Day
_____ No. T21 There's a Lion Looking For You
_____ No. T22 Is Christianity A White Man's Religion?
_____ No. T23 The Purpose of Suffering
_____ No. T24 The Danger of Procrastination
_____ No. T25 Footprints of Jesus
_____ No. T26 God's Unspeakable Gift
_____ No. T27 No Room in the Inn
_____ No. T28 The Seven Words of Love
_____ No. T29 Freedom From Drug Abuse
_____ No. T30 The Five C's of Christian Courtship
_____ No. T31 You Have An Appointment With Death
_____ No. T32 The Christian Home
_____ No. T33 The Royal Telephone
_____ No. T34 Four Characteristics of Motherhood
_____ No. T35 The Vice of Sexual Immorality
_____ No. T36 The Assurance of Salvation
_____ No. T37 The Lost Sailboat
_____ No. T38 The Days of Noah Repeated
_____ No. T39 Our Summer Home
_____ No. T40 Repentance Toward God
_____ No. T41 A Call to Thought Purity
_____ No. T42 The Meaning of Christian Love
_____ No. T43 The Cure For Alcoholism
Spanish Tracts
_____ No. T6S ¿Podrá Usted Creer?
_____ No. T20S Día De Lavar
_____ No. T21S Hay Un León y Le Busca
_____ ¡Nadie Me Ama!
_____ ¿Qué Deseas Para Tu Vida?
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BIBLE HELPS
Amos Lehigh, Editor
PO Box 391
Hanover, PA 17331 U.S.A.
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When you contact Bible Helps, please let them know you heard about them from Mark Roth
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