THE K I NG ’ S BUSINESS
230
radiant Christian exerts aft attractive and wholesome influence. V. BY CARING FOR THE NEEDY (V. 13). Members of the body of Christ are expected to care for the needy, and the unfortunate members (1 Tim. 5:8). Think of the many benevolent institu tions the church has established—in stitutions for the blind, the aged, the orphans, the poor, the mentally de ranged, and the sick. Compare this récord with that in lands where Christ is not known. Let us develop the grace of sympathy^ toward the unfortunate. Conclusion The leader should summarize the content of the meeting by enforcing the obligation of every member of the society to find his proper ministry in the service of Christ, and to fulfill it faithfully. , JULY 11, 1943 THE CHRISTIAN DEPENDS ON GOD P salm 40:1-8 By Peter F.. Wall Introduction The Scripture assigned is definitely a Messianic Psalm, for verses 6 to 8 are quoted In part in Hebrews 10:5-10, and are applied to the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, we may expect the Christian’s dependency on God to be gloriously rrtet in the Person of the Son of God. The Christian Depends upon God: I. FOR BOD I L Y RESURRECTION (vs. 1, 2). “ I waited patiently for the Lord” (V. 1). For Old Testament believers, the “waiting” experience of Jonah was a foreshadowing of the events pertain ing to the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. ‘12:39 k 40). Christ “waited” three days and three nights to be raised from the dead. Brought to life by the power of God (Psa. 40:2; 2 Cor. 13:4; Phil. 3:10), the Lord Jesus Christ shows to the Christian how he must 'be dependent upon God for all things: for spiritual resurrection (Eph. 2:2-5) and for bodi ly resurrection (1 Cor. 15:20-23). - II. FOR A NEW SONG (vs. 3-5). The Lord Jesus Christ Bad a new song—a message of triumph—when He came forth out of the grave (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts lie, 9). Likewise the Christian, who has been raised from spiritual death, has a new song of praise unto the Lord (Psa. 33:3). •Mel Trotter, who became one of the great evangelists and mission workers of all time, changed his songs when he was converted in a downtown mis sion in Chicago. He had been singing the debasing songs of wine and wom en, but when he found the Lord Jesus
the service of Christ. The “ business” referred to in this text is, the business of the Lord. If any one manifests iiido- lence or carelessness in the work of Christ, it reacts unfavorably upon other members of the efaurch, and im poverishes them. It imposes an exces sive burden on some already carrying their share, or it means that a certain work will not be done—to the detri ment of all. Each member of the Christian democracy has a duty to perform that no one can fulfill quite so well as he. In the service of the Lord, let us be “fervent,” red-hot for Christ. IV. BY THE SPIRIT OF REJOICING (V. 1 2 )* Think of the reasons the Christian has to rejoice! The ministry of a joy ful spirit cannot be overemphasized. The apostle Paul wro.te Philippians, sometimes called “ the joy book of the Bible,” when he was in a prison qt Rome. In that prison he sang songs in the night, and his praiseful spirit has blessed Christians everywhere. Physicians tell us that joy, a merry disposition, and optimism often are more beneficial than medicine. Gloom, despondency, and melancholy gener ate poison in the human system. A Lines INSURANCE X e MINES, MacKEIGAN & HILKER . 3757 Wilshire Blvd. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA Room 205 Phone FE. 2139
DEPENDING ON GOD By JOSEPHINE NELSON* P salm 40>:1-8
I. DAVID’S DISTRESS. The Psalmist is in trouble— with himself. He is heard crying from a horrible pit, and his feet are spattered with‘miry clay. He is beyond human aid, and calls upon God for help. II. DAVID’S DEPENDENCE. David cried ¡to God for help, and believed that God would lift him out of the depths he had reached. David’s waiting upon the Lord developed that rare vir tue, patience. III. GOD’S DELIVERANCE. God heard the cry of David, and rewarded his patience by coming to his aid. God is willing to come to the Jielp of all His people who depend. upon Him, and songs qf despondency will give way to songs of praise. IV. DAVID’S GRATITUDE. David was made so happy in his deliverance that he invited others to make God their trust. He immediately began to thank God for the many other favors He had given him. *A graduate of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles. Class of ’29, Miss Nelson is one of the Bible Women of the Insti tute, active in young people’s work. Christ as his personal Saviour, he sang a new song. He who had been selling his babies’ shoes in order to buy liq uor began to sing the songs of Christ’s redeeming grace. How wonderful will be the music of heaven when the redeemed of all ages gather to sing the song of Moses and of the Lamb (Rev. 15:1-4)! III. FOR AN ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE (vs. 6-8). Not until the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary was God’s will and purpose concerning all sacrifices accomplished. Not until the blood of the Son of God had been poured out was God’s righteousness vindicated, and the demands of His holy law fully satisfied. The Christian’s acceptable sacrifice depends not on his being good, or do ing good (Isa. 64:6; Gal. 2:16), nor on his church membership, education, and culture. His acceptable sacrifice depends on God. It necessitates his be ing crucified (in a spiritual sense) and raised with Christ, (Gal. 2:20; Rom. 6:4).. It embraces a full surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ—surrender of time, talents, soul, and body; “I de light to do thy will, O my God’,’ (Psa. 40:8; cf. Phil. 3:10-14).
B e s t W i s h e s from W. A. BROWN
MORE BIBLES FOR RUSSIANS
are called for by our evangelist in Uruguay. He reports that the Russians there will not read tracts: they want only the Word of God. - Russian war prisoners hunger for the -Gos pel in internment camps. Does not your heart burn within you to give them the Bread of Life? Let us share our blessing and send out Russian Bibles and Russian preachers of the Word .wherever Russians may be found. Reports about Gospel and Relief work among Russians in many lands can be read in our magazine, “ The Friend of Russians” : sample copy free' on request; Subscription 50c per annum, or it will be sent free for any donation for the Russian work; Send your gifts to the RUSSIAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY, Inc. Rev. F. J . Miles, Intern’l Secy. 1844 W. Monroe St., Room 2, Chicago, III. In Canada: Rev. J. Russell, 106 Winndtt Ave., Toronto, Ont.
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker