most to have arrived, and the world will be plunged into World War III. Your vote will help to stem the tide of subtle socialism. Socialism is the same as communism as far as the ends are concerned. They differ in the means by which they intend to arrive at their goal. Communism uses force; socialism uses education and a gradual infiltration by peaceful means. But both are deadly to the American way of life. Socialism just as surely as communism will take from us every freedom we now enjoy in America. Your Vote Indicates Your Approval of Our Freedoms When you vote this November you show that you believe in the privilege of the secret ballot. In many countries, dominated by political and ecclesiastical dictatorship, the ballot box is a hoax. People must vote as they are told in such countries, but in America you may vote as you please. Your vote helps to preserve this freedom. Your vote shows that you believe in the freedom of the individual conscience in matters of religion. As long as you can vote in secret ballot for the kind of a government you want you are guaran teed the right to worship God as you wish. Political despotism brings religious despotism. We fear this development in our own country in the light of Revela tion 13.
By Chester J. Padgett, Th.M. Associate. Professor of Bible, Bible Institute of Los Angeles
Helps for Christian Endeavor and Other Young People’s Groups
Nov. 2, 1952 WHAT'S ONE VOTE WORTH? Rom. 13:1-8; 1 Kings 19:9-12
fact in the rush to get their hands in the purse of the people! Your Vote Indicates Your Appreciation of Good Government Americans have the tendency to take their blessings too much for granted, and while we enjoy them we are in great danger of losing them! There are many enemies of the American way of life, some outside our country, and some within! One of these enemies is spiritual indifference. Even though over half of the population of the United States is enrolled in some church, many are not truly alive to spiritual realities. Many of us feel that some church members have a name to live but are dead (Rev. 3:1). Some professing Christians have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof (2 Tim. 3:5). The only thing that will save our country from ruin is a spiritual awakening born by the Spirit of God. Again, we are being undermined as a nation by moral disintegration. This statement needs no exposition or proof. The facts are before us. In high places and low the standards of national moral ity are being lowered rapidly. The rea son, of course, is not the fault of the government under which we live, but it is the fault of the individuals who make up our government. We need individual voters who will vote for decency and honesty; we need individual leaders who are themselves decent and honest men. Militant communism is another strong foe of our American way of life. Rus sian communism believes that the only way their system can be made to operate world-wide is by ruthless imposition. This means world-revolution. The hour for communistic aggression seems al
This month may well be one of the most important in the history of our country, for in it we will elect our next president. At a time of world crisis it is of utmost importance that Americans put the right man in the White House. Let no Christian think that he does not have a personal responsibility in this matter. The Word of God clearly states that the affairs of government are the Christian’s concern. Your Vote Indicates Your Obedience to the Word of God God’s Word indicates that the Chris tian has a definite responsibility to the government under which he lives (Rom. 13:1). This verse tells us that every Christian is “ subject” to the govern ment. As long as the government exists in the interests of the people every citizen living under that government, Christians included, is obligated to obey and uphold and protect that gov ernment. The Bible warns against wilful dis obedience to the law of the land (Rom. 13:2). Because human government has been instituted by God Himself, anarchy or rebellion against the existing govern ment is anarchy against God Himself. Such rebellion brings the judgment of God upon the rebel. Again, the Word of God teaches the true function of human government (Rom. 13:3, 4). It is clear from this passage that government exists solely on behalf of the governed. Good govern ment is to be for the people. Good gov ernment exists for the protection of the governed. (This is the meaning of v. 3a.) Good government exists for the good of the people (v. 4a). Some of our na tional leaders today have forgotten this
ideal course, whether or not you used its Year 1 edition. Inspiring, practical, true- to-the-Bible. Quarterly titles: “ Rules of the Road,” “ Wayside Trails,” “ Men Who Traveled This Way Before,” and “ Com panions on M y Journey.” Teacher’s Quar terly, 45)!; Pupil’s Leaflet, per quarter, 30)!. REVISED 3-YR. GRADED COURSE offers re vised, simplified activity books, 2 colors. “ Primary Child” is lesson story paper with colorful picture-strip Bible story, now x 11". Teacher’s Quarterly, 45)!; pupil’s activity book and Primary Child, each 25)!. (FREE PROSPECTUS ON EITHER COURSE) THE STANDARD PUBLISHING CO., 20 E. Central P k w y ., Cincinnati 1 0 , O hio
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