Evening journal., 1918-02-14

While the subject evidently contem-
plates a discussion Of denomlnational
activities, in this general presentation,
we must connne ourselves 20 a study !
Of the passage. But in doing so we shall |
Immediately discover a number, for our /
purpose, six, functions which the /
church may perform. These character /
istics are as follows:
4. PAACTICE The flrst occasion for
thanksgiving Of which Paul speaks is
that of the work OF faith of these
Thessalonian Christians. They possess
ed a virlle, active achieving faith Many
persons pride themselves on a historic
faith, an orthodox theology or rational
beliefs, but even the best Of these for
rmlas is impotent unless translated
into conduct Faith without works is
dead II people do not put into prac-
tice their convictions. they will soon
nnd themselves hopelessly convicted OF
/ sin.
2. PASSION. The next cause Of
thanksgiving is the labor OF love Paurs
words are always apt and striking He
! is a master In the use OF synonyms. The
word labor carries with 10 the idea OF
] EuAAlfrNNAfrrr NNAlH NNNNA IHNnf sum 'AANNN 70
as can only follow when passion Is
thrown into life The love on the be-
lever Is not cold, expressionless, empty
sentiment. 70 glows and burns. u is
not 20 be confined by formaliiies. 70 rs
passionate. throbbing bursting with zeal
and the desire for service. The church
which Is accomplishing anything Is
throwing passion into its ministry.
n A I.IH aa|NH On fra
Pauls epistle. hope is linked with faith
and love. Paul is thinking Of a patience
that Is sorely tried, not by persons but
by things-succcss. failure; JOY. griel
popularity, criticism; plenty, poverty.
So the church Is contendng against the
forces and things OF evil-commercial-
ism. materialism, making even the very
atmosphere heavy with worldlincss.
What is the result? Despair or a brave
patience and resistance?
&. PREACHING The Apostle Is con-
vinced Of the Divine call and election
OF these Thessalonian Christians by the
very manner in which he is able 10
! preach 20 them. In his own conscious
ness there is evidence that they are
Gods people His gospel is not simply
| words and sentences. lie breaches with
power. It Is not a human invention but
the expression OF the Holy Spirit, and
their very attention and responsiveness
- have qquickened his own conviction
. There are many cXpedents 90 which
] The church may turn I'm order 20 estaD-
, D. sh its contact with the world But
music, lectures. even patriotic addresses
, social service, liberality. etc, can never
be a substitute for preaching. The
church which does things Is the churcr
which honors preaching. 10 puts preach
ing into the very heart and nbre OF 10
. preachers.
. 3. PERSEVERANCE. Affections n
J. hardshlps have been the common io
Z OF not only the believer, but human.t!
7 our Lord promised bountiful reward
but included among them, aiilict'on'
d These Thessalonian Christians had tn
u experience but they stood apart fror
e the average in that they became "im
y tators" Of Paul. as well as their LORD
Z In the perseverance with which the
= met and went through persecution. tn
! church which does things viii not b
: diverted from It's purpose by problem
and difficulties. These are rather a chal
, lenge. Perseverance is one Of the grace
OF The Worthwhile churchs
g. PUBLICITY. The Apostle did no
hesitate % rank with such pre-eminen
spiritual graces as the foregoing, th'
quality Of publicity. lie glories 10 th'
fact that this particular church had