SEPTEMBER, 1946
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nibal islands transformed lives that were filled with vicious hatred; as a result American soldiers received a welcome during the recent war when they landed on their shores. The Gospel transforms all who receive it, and makes brothers out of those who were formerly at enmity with one an other. The Gospel makes a German love a Frenchman, an Ethiopian love an Italian, and a Chinese love a Japanese. Gospel campaigns are pro ductive of much blessing and bring about unity of hearts that is so much desired. 2. THERE S H O U L D BE BIBLE TEACHING CAMPAIGNS. John 8:32. The truth of God’s Word subdues the passions of men and piomotes the grace of Gcd in human lives. The teaching of "he Scripture brings about a transformation in human thinking. The Word of God makes it possible to live a godly life. The Bible is God’s gracious provision for salvation, and a panacea for all of those baser ele ments which divide human lives and create human wars. The teaching of the Scriptures gives power to accom plish God’s purposes, and gives energy and enabling strength 4. THERE SHOULD BE SERVICE ful work at Calvary are just baits and snares to lure and delude lost sinners. The canteen in which Christ is omitted is simply a delightful channel down to a lost eternity for those who are never disturbed by a rebuke from the Scripture. Christ meets the need of the soldier. For Those Who Have Topics 1- WE MAY WIN THE SOLDIER BY FURNISHING NECESSITIES. Gal. 6 : 2 . Coffee and doughnuts should make a way for the precious Gospel to be given. A comfortable bed and hot water for shaving should soften the heart and prepare it for the message of salvation. A place of recreation should become a sanctuary for the Gospel. The soldier may have been living in mud and mire. At home he may have had a few of the comforts of life and may crave them. It is blessed, indeed, when arrangements can be made for his comfort and re freshment, but if he receives no more than that, he has been made com fortable on his downward path and made happy in his sins. Comforts should be only a means to salvation, not an end in themselves. We should use them as tools whereby the sol dier’s heart is opened to receive the love of God, the grace of Christ, and the ministry of the Spirit. In this way we have done a good work and a life may be saved for eternity. 2. WE MAY WIN THE SOLDIER BY FURNISHING GOOD READING MAT TER. Rev. 1:3. Deep impressions are made on the heart by the printed page. The lurid magazine makes its impression and arouses evil desires. The comics make their impression and lead to careless thinking and to meditation on foolish things that have no value. Current magazines make their impression. The affairs of this world are instructive and enlightening, but they satisfy only the .curiosity which exists in the mind'concerning c u r r e n t day events. If this kind of reading matter only is furnished, then the soldier has received no permanent help. His soul has not been enriched for this life or for the next. Good Christian books are profitable. Of course, the Bible is primary and most essential. Gospel tracts are h e l p f u l . Books written to help the soul will aid in winning the heart of the soldier. 3. WE MAY WIN THE SOLDIER BY ENTERTAINMENT AND PICTURES. 1 Tim. 4:8. There are many delightful and helpful forms of entertainment which have no sinful influences. Musical numbers of the right kind accom panied by good singing help to relieve the tension and prepare the heart for the truth from God’s Word. Pictures from the world of science, invention, CAMPAIGNS. Gal. 5:13. It is perfectly legitimate to use a medical program in order to reach hearts with the precious Gospel. It is most helpful to teach and train people in social relationships and domestic affairs in order that through this channel they may receive the story of God’s grace, and the teaching of the Word of God. However, when the so- called missionary helps the body, but gives no ministry for the soul, he has failed utterly in God’s plan. He has helped to heal the b o d y of a lost sinner, and left that one in the dark and on the way to hell. When any kind friend gives away food or cloth ing or provides shelter for another, a lovely trait of humanitarianism has been revealed, but unless the Gospel is given with it, the friend is relieved, but left a sinner. The Gospel must be presented with the service. Idea 1. Fellowship signifies “fellows in the same ship.” In connection with the Octo ber 6 meeting, study 1 John 1:1-7 for the Scriptural defini tion of true Christian fellow ship. Idea 2. When preparing the October 13 topic, “What the Church can do to make one world,” be sure that the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) is strongly re-emphasized. Idea 3. Secure a World War II veteran, with a real Chris tian experience, to lead the October 20 meeting. Idea 4. The Church’s atti tude must ever be truly Chris tian, as exemplified by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (Phil. 2:5). Either read re sponsively Matthew 25:31-46, or dramatize this portion of Scripture. 4 4 > 4 4 4 4 • a T a ta ta ta tatata ¥ ata * atatatatatata ¥ October 20. 1946 THE CHURCH A N D M IL ITAR Y PERSONNEL I sa . 2:3-5; M icah 4:3-7; R ev . 21:3-5 TT matters not whether one is a sol- dier, a dentist, a photographer, a salesclerk, an electrician, or a watch maker, he needs the Gospel. God does not have a special gospel for anyone. He gave the same Gospel to Saul of Tarsus that he' gave to Simon Peter. He had the same precious story for the wicked woman at. the well. God has just one message, and it is about His one Son through whom salvation may be obtained. All other messages out side of Christ Jesus and His wonder «> > 4> 4 4 4 4 a a 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 IT’S AN IDEA Rev. Carlton C. Buck
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