387
October, 1945
YOUNG
P
TOPICS By REVEREND LOWELL WENDT
our neighborhoods, many of whom are not attending any church and are not in any way being reached by the Gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). Whatever else may be done for them, this is the necessary thing. Let us be on the lookout for new folk moving in and seek to witness to them and invite them to c h u r c h . Chaplain Gilbert Johnstone has stated: “What will be the use of this war effort if America does not come out stronger for God? The economic and social readjust ments are great; but they will be more easily solved as America first adjusts her spiritual condition. Spirituality creates a ‘love thy neighbor as thyself’ complex; therefore, a ‘cup of cold water in My Name,’ is the economic adjustment; and ‘He was not ashamed to call them brethren,’ the social ad justment.” NOVEMBER 11, 1945 KEEPING FAITH W ITH THOSE W H O PAID THE PRICE E xodus 13:17-22; J oshua 24:32; J ohn 15:13 Today is Armistice Day. It reminds ue ef the conclusion of the World War I. Now we find ourselves at the close of a second global war. Let us Con sider a number of things “lest we forget.” H FAITHFUL TO THEM From these passages in the book of Exodus, we are reminded that Moses was faithful to the request made by Joseph several centuries before, name ly, that when the children of Israel should go out of Egypt they were to take with them the bones of Joseph to be buried in the Promised Land. The Israelites were faithful to Joseph’s memory and his wish was fulfilled. In our own day, it behooves us to be faithful to those who have paid the supreme price to enable us to enjoy the privileges and blessings of a democratic country, untrammeled Christianity and untold opportunities. November 11 was the Armistice Day of the first World War. We have been told about the fields of red poppies and rows of white crosses Which mark the graves of those who fell. Events which have occurred since then have made that armistice appear a travesty.
NOVEMBER 4, 1945 HELPING UPROOTED PEOPLES E xodus 15:22-16:4 ;22 :21-23; I saiah 6 1 :4
Much of that sacrifice was wasted because of our subsequent faithless ness. This must not be repeated in the case of the World War II. Our young men have given their lives that we might enjoy and appreciate the four freedoms, of which the most important is freedom of worship. They expected us to carry out the ideals of righteousness and justice for which they fought and bled and died. With God’s help, the young people of this generation must be faithful to their trust. In this connection let us recall the great men in the history of the Church who have stood for the truth of the Scriptures. For the Gospel’s sake, they have suffered, endured imprisonment and have even laid down their lives that we might have a Bible to read for ourselves. Think, too, of the godly men who founded our nation upon the principles of Christianity. What a heritage they have passed down to us! Let us lift up the Banner of the Cross. Is it too milch for us to “stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13)? To keep faith with these who have paid the supreme price, we should be true witnesses of Jesus Christ in the faithful proclama tion of the Gospel. II. FAITHFUL TO HIM On Calvary’s hill stood three crosses. These mark the place where One paid the price of our sin with His own life. What a wonderful statement is John 15:13 and certainly it describes what these men have done. But let us never forget the sinless One who purchased our salvation, even the Lord Jesus Christ (1 John 3:16; 1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19). He died that we might live. What then does He expect of us? “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15). That is the message the whole world needs. To keep faith with Him, let us do what He commands. We must never get into the state of mind where we believe we are the only ones for whom Christ died. He has said: “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” 4
War always causes hardships and tragedies. Among them is the matter of shifting population. In this regard, we as Christians have a definite re sponsibility. I. THE WORLD Some say one fourth of the world's population has been uprooted by the conditions of war and moved to new homes and strange conditions. In many countries, the roads have been filled with refugees. Some of these roads have collapsed so that there has been no possibility of turning back. Millions will never again see the places they called home. The prob lems arising out of this pitiable .sit uation are enormous. Even in our own country, we have seen a great shift, in population due to employment and military life. It is a world in great need. II. THE WORD In our great need, God has helped us (John 3:16) and is willing to re spond to all those who call on Him. Therefore, as Christian individuals and as a so-called Christian nation, we should have pity on others, whatever their need (Luke 10:37), and help them regardless of their background or nationality (Prov. 14:31). During war times, we become so “propagandized” that often we forget about everyone but ourselves and our own interests. The Scriptures reveal that mercy should characterize those who name the name of Christ (Psa. 37:6). Even those whom we do not love because of their deeds, for the sake of undying souls, and in the Name of Christ, we must be willing to assist (Luke 6:35, 36). III. THE WORK There are many ways in which we can aid in meeting the physical needs of people of other countries through our church itself and worthy organ izations, but all about us are those in spiritual need. There are servicemen and the young people, strangers in
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