June, l?37
THE K I NG ' S BUS I NE S S
228
NO TE S on Christian Endeavor
The Shepherd of Tekoa was extremely vivid in his description of the day in the which Jehovah would “ raise up the taber nacle of David that is fallen, and . . . build it as in the days of old” (Amos 9:11; ef. Acts 15:13-17). Hear him: “The day. of the Lord is darkness, and not light. As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him” (5:18, 19). In every nation, the rulers, the dictators, the kings, the governors, the judges, the financiers, the premiers, the presidents, know the full force of the apt prophetic illustration: “ as if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him” ! Everywhere men vested with the power of government find themselves exactly in that position— between the lion and the bear—between two opposing forces, both threatening their destruction, and they know no way out. The only torch that any of them seem to possess is the torch of war! Even the in fidel historian, H. G. Wells, candidly con fesses: “We have come to the crossroads and no one knows the way out!” J esus C hrist S peaks “ No way outJ” It is a world-wide cry. A world lies between the lion and the bear! Turn which way it will, devouring forces threaten. Such shall be the world’s dilemma, the Master said, when “the times of the Gentiles [shall] be fulfilled” (Lk. 21:24). Hear Him: “ And there shall be . . . upon the earth distress of nations, with pexplexity [Gr., literally, ‘with no way ou/’] ; the sea and the waves [the nations] roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth” (Lk. 21:25,26). The world of unregenerate men, groping in the “ impenetrable fog” that surrounds them, may despair. As for the children of God, they know that One whose words are immutable—One for whom it is “ impossible . . . to lie” (Heb. 6:18)—has spoken! And He said, in Luke 21:27-31: “ Then”—when the world of men is befogged, befuddled, and in despair— “ Then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for. your redemption draweth nigh. ■ . . Behold . . . when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.” WhatLiesAhead? JUST OFF THE PRESS The title will appeal to all who are in the least interested in “THINGS TO COME. .The booklet is written along quite different lines than are usually seen in print, and gives new and unusual treatments of scripture prophecies. It is forceful and sets forth truths, new and old. The notes are interesting and elucidate many Scriptures little understood. God's program for the ages is strikingly shown. Scripture texts are used profusely—rightly divided—which can not be disputed. PRICE SS CENTS; 8 COPIES $1.00 Austin F. Page 3139 Main Kansas City, Mo. The present booklet Is one of the best, and reveals a most thorough and painstaking study of unfulfilled prophecies. The chart enclosed is not just another chart, but clearly reveals Gods order in fulfilling His word. It gives a diagram matic view of all that lies ahead. .
By M A R Y G. G O O DN ER
rulers and for the public welfare is one of the Christian’s duties. Even when the Christian’s understanding of God’s Word makes him conscientiously feel that he can not obey a certain law of his country, he is not to resist with physical force the system o f law which God has honored, but he is to submit to governmental power. The noblest way in which a Christian can show his patriotism is by following the commands Of the Lord in their entirety, and. only on rare occasions is our political obligation in con flict with our loyalty to God. Helps for the Leader l . P atriotic P rayer Prayer is an agency in patriotism: “ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: They shall prosper that love thee” (Psa. 122:6). True patriotism puts prayer for one’s country above every other means for its progress and protection. God is the God of nations. “He putteth down one, and setteth up an other.” If we would celebrate wisely our national Independence Day, earnest prayer for our country and for all who rule over us will fill a large portion of our time and thought for that day. Try this method of celebrating the “ Glorious Fourth” this year, and you will find a real joy in celebrating. — 5,000 Best Modern Illustrations, by Hallock. II. O ur N ation ’ s F oundation A review of the founding of our nation reveals the spiritual motives and godly principles which led to the formation of our government. The undaunted faith of the Pilgrim Fathers, their love for God and His Word, and their great desire for freedom to worship Him should call us back to the primary concern for spiritual matters which characterized this nation in its infancy. Regardless of the great mechan ical and scientific progress we have made, our true worth as a nation is reckoned by our adherence in precept and practice to the “ faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Have we forgotten the God of our fathers? “ Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord” (Psa. 144:15). • — S elected . m. H onoring G od in N ational H y m n s One way to observe the Fourth of July would be to have an evening of music fea turing the patriotic hymns, such as “ God Bless Our Native Land,” . “ America the Beautiful,” “ O God, Beneath Thy Guiding Hand,” “ My Country, ’Tis of Thee,” “O God, Our Help in Ages Past.” The occasion of the writing of these hymns and their use in times of national stress would provide ample material for several profitable talks which would illustrate 'God’s blessing and protection in our country. The songs and speeches could be interwoven.— S elected .
JULY 4, 1937 HOW A CHRISTIAN SHOWS HIS PATRIOTISM
A cts 5 :1 7 -2 9 ; R omans 13:7 Meditation on the Lesson
In considering the duty of the Christian in relation to his country and to God, we find the problem well summarized in the two passages of our lesson. Peter, in the dramatic council scene in Acts 5, leads the apostles in declaring: “W e ought to obey God rather than men.” But Peter’s experi ence had demonstrated how compatible the two aspects of obedience are when in accord with God’s will. The turbulent trial of Peter and the apostles was occasioned by the fact that God’s power had superseded civil authority, for 'God has caused their release from prison by an angel. What could Peter do but confess his higher allegiance to the Power that had freed him? Like Peter, Paul was firm in his convic tion of divine precedence in government matters. He nevertheless commands defer ence toward governmental rulers, whom he calls “ God’s ministers.” His moral code in Romans 13, which exhorts the Christians under Nero’s rule to regard existing law and order, is a remarkable evidence of his Spirit-controlled attitude. Though pertain ing to magistracy in general, this passage applies specifically to the rampant despotism which flourished under the Emperor Nero. Knowing these conditions, Paul still ad monishes the Roman believers to “ be sub ject” unto the higher powers, and to “ render therefore to all their dues: Tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.” In their submissive and patriotic spirit, Peter and Paul remind us of the Lord Jesus Christ who was confronted with a similar problem in His earthly life. In three Gospel records we read of the memor able occasion when the Pharisees were endeavoring “ to catch him in his words” by asking Him, “ Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” (Mk. 12:14). At His request they brought Him a Roman coin, and He asked: “Whose is this image and superscription?” When they answered that it was Caesar’s, He said: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” It is no wonder that when they heard these words, “they marveled at him.” His answer is the final word to every Christian who sincerely de sires to be loyal to God and country. Obey the laws of the land, and also give God what is rightfully His. Love for the Lord Jesus Christ, who died to purchase for us citizenship in heaven, makes of the Christian the very best patriot, for the Christian’s love of his land and his neighbors is a result of divine love and is magnified by it Prayer for the civil
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