The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-05-20
THE VOICE OF THE PULPIT
THE CHRISTIAN FOR THE TIMES,
THINGS HE SHOULD POSSESS.
Short Sermon by the Rev. J. j. Robin
cite, ID. d., Pastor First Methodist
- Church, Knoxville, Tenn.

Lord, what wilt Thou have me DOR
Acts TX. 6.
This man, Saul Of Tarsus-arterward Paul
the apostles one of the most remark
able characters Of whom we have any ac-
count
When on his way from Jerusalem TO Da-
mascus, with authority to prosecute Chris
tians, as he drew near Damascus, mys-
terious light shone about him and a mys-
ferrous influence operated upon him, and
he was stricken down to the ground. While
in this condition he hears voice call
ing him by name. saying: Saul. Saul. why
persecutest thou me-" He answers, like
an honest inquirer after truth: "who art
thou, Lord?" The voice responded: 'T am
Jesus, whom thou persecutest; it Is hard
for thee to kick against the pricks." Then
Saul meets the situation by inquiring:
Lord. what wilt Thou have me to do?''
There is as much Of real heroism. Of
true courage, couched in this inquiry can
be found IN any portion Of the Bible. 1t
was a virtual expression on the part of
Saul OF his willingness and readiness to
do anything the Lord might command.
no man could have done more. That
Saul was honest and sincere in his pro-
fession every reader OF the New Tesla
ment knows. A little later when. by his
espousal Of the Christian cause, he was
subjected to imprisonments and scourg-
ings and false brethren he said. None Of
these things move me-" And when he had
almost accomplished his work he declared
that he had fought good fight, finished
his course and kept the faith.
The great apostle was man for the
times in which he lived. He measured up
TO the demands Of the times upon him. He
ascertained from the Lord what He would
have him do and then did it In faith and
hope.
Then, let it be accepted as a fundamental
truth. disclosed in the word of God that
every man who finds a place within the
pale of the church Of God is called to a
particular work And he who performs
faithfully and efficiently his work. what
ever 1t may be. meets the demands of the
times upon him.
UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES.
But without stopping to consider the
specific work TO which one may be called
the particular sphere in which it is ones
duty to operate-there are certain great
underlying principles upon which he must
stand X he would realize the best possible
results IL his life.
l. "The Christian for the times must
be spiritual. recognizing and gladly ac-
cepting the conditions OF repentance and
faith There can be found no substitute
Tor this requirement. Church member
ship Is to be encouraged, conformity to
outward requirements is commendable, a
correct creed is to be desired; but these
IN themselves. will not suffice. The life
within must be consecrated and loyal to
the King OF kings and Lord of lords.
2. He must be intelligent Must know
OF the spirit-he must know how to WELD
this weapon. A knowledge OF the Bible is
the only safeguard against fanaticism and
the various other 'fsms."
He must know the doctrines and polity of
the Christian church. and especially should
he be familiar with that particular branch
OF the church in which he may have his
membership. To this end he must read the
embodiment of its doctrines and polity. He
must seek information from the religious
as well the secular press. He cannot
keep himself in harmony with the spirit
and purpose of the church unless he reads.
lie cannot keep abreast or Its progress I'M
less he is posted as to its accomplishment
everywhere There is old saying, al
ways true, that Ito be interested Ii is nee
essary 10 be informed"
g. He must be tolerant in spirit The
age OF intolerance is past. The various
evangelical denominations are coming into
closer unison with each other. He who is
not OF a tolerant spirit is out of joint with
The times.
T. He must be progressive in his meth
DDS. Not that essentials or ''old land
marks are TO be annulled, but that he
must adjust himself to the demands of this
progressive age.
5. He must be aggressive in spirit. go
ye irto all the world and preach the gos-
pei to every creature" To go is to be ag-
gressive.
g. He must be liberal with his posses
Eions. The present time is one of wonder
ful benefcence, characterized BY great lib
erality. Men giving TO the church and
her enterprises by the hundred thousands
and millions. He who has not a liberal
spirit cannot meet the demands of the
times in this evening OF the nineteenth CEN
hurry.
Z. He must possess stability Of character.
This Is the keystone which supports the
arch Other traits and qualities are of but
little worth without this. There will come
seasons in the life of every Christian when
Ii Will be necessary for him TO say: "None
or these things move me-"
Then let man examine himself and as
certain whether he stands upon these
fundamental principles.