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T H E K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S
February, 1940
For the Leader 1. This topic affords an excellent op portunity to get expressions as to the reality of the “new bit ” in individual experiences. 2. Watch for illustrations wh5 ' will portray vividly the transformations of lives “made new.” They are many. 3. There are many good songs' for group singing and special numbers. 4. Take time for quoting Scripture on subject of salvation. “ STILL SMALL VOICE” 1 K ings 19:9-12; P salm 46:10 Introduction The Scripture lesson should be studied carefully to get the background. Elijah’s circumstances and surroundings give op portunity to make in this meeting an up-to-date, practical application, and at the same time a deep spiritual impres sion on the group. Elijah had been overcome by unusual physical exertion. In the midst of the “rush” of the day, he became depressed at the remembrance of his failure, and iried to isolate himself. But God will not leave man to himself, and “behold, the word of the L or' came to him.” Elijah needed to reminded that he had been commissioned by Jehovah God! We often find ourselves in similar cir cumstances. The deep soul need of most of us in these frantic days is to get into a position where we can hear and heed the “still small voice.” For Those Who Have Topics I. Why we need to hear the still small voice of God. A. The confusion of other voices is great in our day. Illus. Many things (Business, Pleasure, Fame) are offering to, quench the thirst of men but they are only mirages. But only the Lord Jesus Christ says, “Whosoever drinketh o f the water that I shall give him shall never thirst” (John 4:14). B. To see whether we are in the place of usefulness and duty. Illus. “What doest thou here .. ?” (1 Ki. 19:13). C. That we may know the power of God is not in the “arm of the flesh” but “by my Spirit.” Note Scripture verses of “rest,” “peace,” “quietness.” II. How we may hear the still small voice of God. A. By being faithful in our secret prayer lives (Matt. 6 : 6 ). B. By allowing Christ to keep our lives purged from known sin (Psa. 66:18). C. By being in a position where we can hear Him when He does speak. MARCH 10, 1940 HEARING THE
NOTES on Christian Endeavor By L YM A N A . W EN D T
MARCH 3, 1940 LIFE MADE NEW
Alumnus As Guest Writer For several happy years, this depart ment in THE KING’S BUSINESS has been in charge of Mary G. Goodner. This month, at her request, Mrs. Good- ner’s pastor, Lyman A. Wendt, of the C a l v a r y Church, Santa Ana, Calif., has been chosen as guest writer. Prior to his acceptance of the pastorate in Santa Ana, Mr. Wendt served for four years in the Missionary Church in De- nair, Calif. Concerning the Notes which he pro vides herewith for KING’S BUSINESS readers, the author writes: “In our young people’s work in Northern Cali fornia we used this type of program and the Lord gave wonderful results both in stimulating personal initiative and ability of expression and in build ing up the work spiritually and numer ically.” Mr. Wendt was graduated from the Bible Institute of Los Angeles in 1934, and Mrs. Wendt (Helen Gilbert) in 1937. 2. Only God can bring into ex istence something which had no existence: “a new crea tion” (2 Cor. 5:17). HI. Some evidences of “a life made new." A. Faith (John 5:24; Acts 16:31, etc.). B. Love—for God (1 John 5:2), God’s family (1 John 3:14; 5:1). God’s house (Acts 14:23), God’s Word (Psa. 1:2). C. .Victory over “the world,” hab its, etc. (1 John 2:15-17; 5:4). D. Growth (1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18). Please Write Us! D q you use the Christian Endeavor Notes in your society? What type of programs do you find most suitable for your group? Can you suggest ways of improving this department in THE KING’S BUSINESS? Please let us hear from you. Address a postal card or let ter to: Managing Editor, The King’s Business, 558 S. Hope St., Los Angeles, Calif. sire for God or God’s people here but somehow expect to to enjoy their company in the life to come, etc. B. Law of biogenesis makes nec essary thé “new birth.” 1. Definition: “Life can come only from previous life.”
J ohn 3:1-17 Introduction
Such phrases as “half dead” and “more dead than alive” are sometimes used but have no basis in fact, as medical science readily agrees. What is true in the physical realm is no less true in the spiritual, and every man is either “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1) or “alive in Christ Jesus.” T e experience by which a lost sinner passes from spiritual “death” to “eternal life” is Scripturally designated as the “new birth.” (Note Scripture lesson.) The experience of the “new birth” is not only imperative (for salvation), but it is explainable, understandable, and experimental as well. For Those Who Have Topics I. Some impossibilities in a “life made new.” A. “New birth” is not by religious, moral, or intellectual process. Ulus. Nicodeftius. B. “New birth” (cf. John 1:12, 13) is not: 1. “Of blood,” i.e., human par entage.
Ulus. At bir*h the offspring partakes of the nature of its parent, whether animal, man, or God! (John 3:6). 2. “Of the will of the flesh,” i.e., self-volition. Ulus. Offspring has nothing to do with its birth. So the “new birth” is of God, though the hearer of the gospel is responsible for yielding. 3. “Of the will of man,” i.e., influence of another.
Illus. Parents, pastor, etc., no matter how concerned, cannot supply faith for an other’s “new birth.” II. Some necessities in a “life made new.” A. A universal condition requires a “new birth.” 1. By nature man is spiritually m dead (Rom. 5:12; Eph. 2:1). 2. Hence heaven is closed to the unregenerate, 3. Spiritual kingdom requires a spiritual nature.
Illus. Some men would require of God the impossible; i.e., they despise holiness in this life, but -’nticipate spending eternity with a holy God; th:y have no time nor de-
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