tend for the faith, believing’ in ver bal inspiration, and the virgin birth, the atonement, resurrection, and the second coming, all of this is not enough or complete. We know from history that the early church abso lutely amazed the pagan world by the brotherly love which they dem onstrated. One pagan writer records, “Why, these Christians love each other before they even know each NOW If you have hard work to do, Do it now! Today the skies are clear and blue, Tomorrow clouds may come In view. Yesterday is not for you; Do it now! If you have a song to sing, Sing it now! Let the notes of gladness ring Clear as songs of birds in spring, Let every day some music bring: Sing it now! If you have some kind words to say. Say them now! Tomorrow may not come your way, Do a kindness while you may, Loved ones will not always stay: Say them now! If you have a smile to show, Show it now! ? Make the friends around you know The love you have before you go: Show it now! other!” And the early church had a dynamic impact upon the world. We understand that the ancient apostle John, the only one of the apostles to die a natural death, was often carried into Christian assem blies. Frequently he was asked to give a little sermon. The old warrior had one he loved to share, “Little children, love one another because it is the Lord’s command. And if only this be fulfilled, it is enough.” Have we realized this and practiced it in our own lives?
IF WE ONLY UNDERSTOOD Could we but draw back the curtains That surround each other’s lives, See the naked heart and spirit. Know what spur the action gives; Often we would find it better. Purer than we judged we would; We would love each other better. If we only understood. Could we judge all deeds by motives, See the good and bad within, Often we would love the sinner All the while we loathe the sin. Ah! We judge each other harshly. Knowing not life's hidden force Knowing not the fount of action Is less turbid at its source. Seeing not amid the evil All the golden grains of good; Ah! We’d love each other better If we only understood. What if I say— "The Bible is God’s holy word, Complete, inspired, without a flaw”— But let its pages stay Unread from day to day. And failed to learn there from God’s law; What if I go not there to seek The truth of which I glibly speak, For guidance on this earthly way— Does it matter what I say? What if I say That Jesus Christ is Lord divine; Yet fellow-pilgrims can behold Naught of the Master’s love in me, No grace of kindly sympathy? If I am of the Shepherd’s fold, Then shall I know the Shepherd’s voice And gladly make His way my choice. We are saved by faith, yet faith is one With life, like daylight at the sun. Unless they flower in our deeds, Dead, empty husks are all the creeds. FAITH
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