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T H E K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S
August, 1940
NOTES on Christian Endeavor By LYMAN A . WENDT*
LOOKING TOWARD MARRIAGE AND THE HOME The students in one of our large California universities recently re quested a course in “Marriage Re lations.” There are thousands of CHRIS TIAN young people who are think ing of marriage—who are impelled ‘toward it physically and morally. For these, the experience of mod ern times presents grave pros pects. How shall we meet the challenge of these young people who desire marriage and happy homes, but who have neither pre cept nor ' example in the world’s present looseness and domestic turmoil ? The question can be answered only as we consider “marriage and the home” from the standpoint of the living Lord; and in doing so, we must begin AT THE BEGIN NING: It is too far down the stream to attempt to adjust mat ters after the marriage has been consummated. is valued and handled with care. Illustrate. b. Honest labor brings profit also in the things of God. Illus trate. (Cf. 2 Tim. 2:15.)' 1. Heartily (Col. 3:23). a. Work shoud be enjoyed in the doing of it; and it will be if done “as unto the Lord.” b. This is the secret in making that which has been drudgery become enjoyable. 2. Spiritually (Col. 3:24). Let every Christian determine whether or not the work he is doing is bringing' glory to God. For the Leader 1. Let the members of the group point out ways in which the above principles would effect the present tragic labor situation. 2. Also lead in a discussion of sug gestions as to ways in which the above principles could be used in making the Lord’s work more effective. III. We should work: SEPTEMBER 8, 1940 CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS E p h e s ia n s 4:25-32; P r o v er b s 18:24 The cross of Christ divides young people so effectively that there will be
SEPTEMBER 1, 1940 THE WORLD AT WORK E c c l e sia st e s 9:10/, P ro verbs 13:4, 7 , 1 1 ; C o lo ssia n s 3 :23, 24 Introduction Because this is the Sunday preceding Labor Day, a composite picture of “The World at Work’’ could be briefly and graphically painted as an introduction to your subject. Never before have we had such turmoil and upheaval between employer and employee. Contrast what the result would be if men would revert to God’s labor program, as presented below. From the Lord’s early instructions to Adam (Gen. 3:19). down through the elaborate detail of Jewish national life, and into our present century, God has laid down labor principles which, if fol lowed, would lead to a peaceful, happy, harmonious “world at work.” For Those Who Have Topics I. We should work: 1. Enthusiastically (Eccl. 9:10). a. Note through what human in strument this advice came— the world’s wisest man! b. The time for human accom plishments (so far as our com prehension is concerned) is limited to this life (cf. John 9:4). c. This type of work should char acterize our spiritual ministry also, as it characterized Paul’s (2 Tim. 4:7). 1. Diligently (Prov. 13:4). a. The Scriptures reveal that God sometimes used unsaved men to accomplish His will, even murderers, liars, thieves: but we have no record that He ever used a lazy man. b. Compare this verse with 2 Thessalonians 3:10. c. The diligent seeker after truth of the Word will grow fat in his spiritual life. 2. Honestly (Prov. 13:11). a. What is won by honest labor * Pastor, Calvary Church, Santa Ana, Calif. (Btola ’34), N II. We should work:
no fellowship whatever between saved and unsaved throughout eternity—and very little in this life! For Those Who Have Topics I. The way we “choose; our friends” will demonstrate the depth of our Christian experience. 1. When God saves us, He makes us a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17) and old things — including friends — pass away, i.e., if our experience is genuine (cf. 2 Cor. 6:17). 2. Let us be certain that our plea sures, amusements, and “friend ships” are with those who also have been bom into the family of (Sod. II. The way we choose our friends has much to do with the happiness of our married life. 1. Friendship develops into court ship before either party knows what is happening. It comes without warning, and it is diffi cult to turn back. 2. When young people are attracted to each other they must travel carefully, for the attraction car ries the possibility of love, but it does not mean that they are necessarily fitted for each other for life. 3. Many a Christian young person has disobeyed God in maintain ing friendship with one who is unsaved—and then spent an un happy life of remorse and regret because of a "mixed marriage.” 4. Remember, then, that it is impor tant to start aright a companion ship which is to last through life! For the Leader 1. This meeting should be advertised ahead so that every member might bring a special “triend” to the meeting. 2. Let the young people suggest qual- Illus.: “Birds of a feather flock together.” Those who really be long to the Lord will be found enjoying the Lord’s people, the Lord’s Word, and the Lord's house.
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