LINDA VISTA BAPTIST BIBLE COLLEGE AND SEMINARY Liberal Aris Theology Christian Education APPROVED FOR VETERANS SAN DIEGO 11 CALIFORNIA Christmas Program Helps For the Sunday school, young people’s depart ment and children's work. See your religious bookstore or write for Free Catalog today. 222C East Willow Wheaton Illinois Women’s Christian Medical College Ludhiana, India Training young Indian Women to become doctors, nurses, dispensers, mid-wives The new Government of India is demanding an upgrading of this medical college by 1952. If this is not done it will mean that this sound, evangelical work of over fifty years will be curtailed. We need funds AT ONCE for equip ment, scholarships, our Surgeon’s salary. Miss Lucy Powel, Sec.-Treas., R3, Norristown, Pa.
By Chester J. Padgett, Th.M. Associate Professor of Bible, Bible Institute of Los Angeles
Helps for Christian Endeavor and Other Young People’s Groups
Dec. 7, 1952 HOW JESUS UTILIZED PRAYER Mark 6:46; 14:32; Luke 23:34a
A C C O R D I O N S FAMOUS ITALIAN MAKES Available to Students, Teachers, Christian
It has been my judgment for some time that prayer is the most important action of the Christian. If the devil can get the Christian so busy, even busy for the Lord, that he neglects the place of pray er, he has won a notable victory. The very fact that prayer played such an important part in the life of Christ is an indication that it is not something to be taken lightly. A study of the above verses of Scripture reveal a number of things about the prayer life of Jesus Christ. Jesus Prayed in Private Mark 6:46 This does not mean that He did not pray in public. Public prayer is also of great importance in the corporate life of the church. Study such passages as the following for information on the power of group prayer—Acts 1:12-26; 2:1-4; 12:5; 13:1-4. We believe, however, that private prayer must precede public prayer if the latter is to be effective. Our Lord teaches us to spend time in secret prayer (Matt. 6:5, 6). Private prayer is the best evi dence of spiritual life. It is comparatively easy to attend a public prayer meeting; even unsaved people and backslidden Christians can do this. But when a man locks himself in his room alone with God, we may know that God is personal and real to him. Private prayer is the place of spiritual growth. A man learns by doing. It is true also in the spiritual realm. The closet ought to be the soul’s schoolroom where he learns the art of prayer. It was when our Lord had been in prayer that His disciples realized that there was where lay the secret of His life of ser enity and quiet unhurried power. For this reason they begged Him to teach them how to pray, which He gladly did (Luke 11:1-13). Again, private prayer is the place of
spiritual blessing. The Saviour taught that the man who prayed in secret would be rewarded “ openly” (Matt. 6:6). This does not mean only temporal things, for surely these are included; but this also means the best gifts of God, namely, spiritual things. Prayer in private brings quietness of spirit, calmness of soul, depth of character, and an unmistakable Christ-likeness that is beautiful to be hold. Jesus Prayed In Times of Crisis Mark 14:32 As you read through the earthly min istry of the Saviour as the record is given in the Gospels, you are struck with the fact that before every important de cision or action our Lord spent time in prayer. He prayed at the time of His baptism and reception of the Holy Spirit (Luke 3 :21, 22). Inasmuch as prayer and fasting were usually inseparable, we may assume that our Lord prayed during the time of His trial in the wilderness (Matt. 4:2), He prayed before He chose His twelve Apostles (Luke 6:12, 13). He prayed before His notable miracle of the feeding of the 5000 (John 6:11). He prayed in the Garden in the shadow of the cross (Mark 14:32). He prayed on the cross (Luke 23:34). Prayer gives inner calmness and re pose. If men would pray more, they would faint less (Luke 18:1). We live in times of stress and strain. Who of us does not know this! The tensions of 20th century living are tremendous. The pressure is making normal people neurotic. Even God’s people are suffering nervous break downs. We wonder how many such tragedies could be averted if men would only trust God and exercise the privilege of prayer through Jesus Christ! Study such passages as Isaiah 26:3, Matthew 11:28-30; and Philippians 4:6, 7. Prayer brings confidence. When a man brings his troubles and trials to the
Workers and Missionaries at SPECIAL DISCOUNTS Write Today for FREE Literature
Accordion Manufacturers & Wholesalers Outlet Dept. KB, 2003 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago 22, III.
vetses n o *
Accurate and Readable ... "An excellent, accurate translation in delightfully clear and readable modern English, prepared by a well-trained scholar who believes the Gospel.” —Sunday School Times WI LL I AMS 9 NEW TESTAMENT In the Language of the People Best in Field . . . “ It is the best transla tion of the New Testa ment in the English lan guage.”—/ . R. Manley , Professor„ " Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. “We believe most earnest, intelligent students will welcome this work with thanksgiving.” —Our Hope “Well adapted to devotional reading in the* family circle as well as a valuable aia in pri vate Bible study.” — Moody Monthly “ Every young person will especially appre- : ciate its.clarity and smoothness.” -—Youth Today : 575 pages, SV ax 7V a inches At Your Paper binding..................... $1.50 Cloth binding . . . 3.00 Religious Leather (4J$'x7X'xH') 6.95 M O O D Y PRE S S 120 N. LaSalle St. Chicago 10,111.
Page Thirty
T H E K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs