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THE KING’S BUSINESS
1. The Two Orders —The kingdom of Light and the kingdom of Darkness. Note the contrast between light and darkness. Note that the source of light is above; of darkness below—Earth interposes. On one side God, the other Satan; on one holy angels, the other damned demons; on one saints, the other sinners; on one heaven, the other hell; on one everlasting victory, the other eternal defeat. 2. The Signs That Tell. If you are posi tively, definitely, openly “ with” Christ? If not you are against Him (v. 23). “I n H is name ” is the battle cry that sends dread into the Devil’s ranks (1 Sam. 17:45). If you are fighting the foe within and in the eyes of all getting the upper hand in the battle ground of the soul over desires, tem pers, habits—so casting out devils, perti nacious devils. I f thus it is evident that the “ strong man” who held the ground is in the grasp of the Stronger. I f the emptied house is being occupied by better tenants, that it may not be taken by devils seven to one. However it be with nature, the soul “abhors a vacuum.” The devil of idolatry was cast out of Israel from the captivity, but the devils o f legalism, bigotry and hy pocrisy came in with the return, and cruci fied Christ. If in His name, you are ar rayed with the forces of evangelism; of G OD sends His prophets »still. And such was he, whose burning word The hearts of men and women stirred To do his Father’s will. Untaught in scholar’s lore, Thou call’dst him from the busy mart, And into his receptive heart Didst Thine own wisdom pour.
social purity and sobriety; of civic right eousness; and o f charity, you are on the Lord’s side—Satan does not fight Satan. “ U nder which king ? O C icambrian ?” IV. C oncluding C onsiderations . 1. If'Alight — Shine! (v. 33). God made the sun to “give light on the earth” and “ di vide the light from the darkness” (Gen. 1:15, 18). Men light lamps to light men. Are you alight? Shine! Let men see, and see your good works (Matt. 5:16). Put on the armor of light (Rom. 13:12), the uni form of God’s host. 2. Have One Main End (v. 34). A “ sin gle eye” is an eye on a single purpose the triumph o f the kingdom for which we fight (Matt. 6:33; Phil. 13:14; James 1:8 ). It takes a tube to get the full light of a star. He sees clear who centers his eye. None can mistake his way, or the truth, or the light, or Christ for Satan, who just fixes his “ eye upon Jesus.” 3. A Crystal Eye. That is again a sim ple purpose, a sincere spirit like the “ crystal Christ.” Let men see through you, they know the devil is opaque. Be a prism, a diamond in the sun; full o f light, full of beauty, full of glory, full o f joy. It’s all yours if you fight the Devil, and hit a demon head wherever you see it. He gave his mind to Thee. He thought Thy thoughts at Thy command; Or whence, for Thee, that purpose grand That traversed land and sea? He gave his hand to Thee. And through that hand was gladly poured From sources, where Thou kept it stored, Thy wealth, so great and free.
A Man Who Let His Light Shine To D. ,. MOODY
He gave his all to Thee. From then his soul was fully bent On what, through love, is always meant For God’s true devotee. — Anon.
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