The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1941-07-10

OLDEN TEXT-So nightly grew the
ID OF God and prevailed.-Acts 1920.
Mar is the order of the day, and
ich as we may regret it the life of
cry one of us is affected by its
lerish touch. Certainly no Chris
n has any pleasure in the violent
treds of wicked men, and can only
hy that somehow righteous peace
by come to this troubled world.
There is a warfare, however,
lich we do seek to foster and pro-
bte. We encourage it, and as
lristians make a holy resolve to
tile to the end. That is the war
re against Satan and his hosts.
long as he rules in the hearts of
en-, and sin and wickedness are
Ire, we say, Flight on, my SOUL"
Christian life and service are pre-
nted in Scripture as fight. We
we'll to learn the methods and the
eapons of this great spiritual con-
ct; not stressing a belligerent
Dte of strife against one another,
Id particularly not between the
visions of Gods army in the earth,
1t standing shoulder to shoulder
the battle against the Evil One.
/. Attack for God wv. 8-10).
The vigorous prosecution of a
:rong attack on the enemy's posi-
on is good military strategy, and
bod spiritual warfare. The COM
land of God is Forward" and
lis forces are not to hinder their
ffectiveness by weak indecision or
sar. Paul sets US an example in
is
/. Bold Preaching wv. 8, 9a).
Paul had met some disciples
1919 who knew only the baptism
+ John and did not have the Holy
pirit. DR.. Erdman rightly says
lat "there are many more like
aese twelve disciples in the pews
Christian churches. They are
incere men, they hate their sins,
hey believe in the teachings of
esus, they admire the Sermon on
ne Mount, they yearn for the high
st and best things, but they lack
piritual power. Why? Because
ley are disciples of john they
ave not fixed their hearts and their
opes upon a divine, risen, glorified
.hrist; they do not know the grace
God When, however, they
earn the full gospel and yield
themselves to Christ, they are not
hereby baptized with water, but also
be Holy Spirit"
2. Careful Teaching wv. 9b, 10Y.
Three months of such preaching
rought many converts, but there
tere also hardened and disobedi-
ut" men whose opposition caused
aul to withdraw the disciples
learners) to the privacy of lee
ire room for thorough instruction
! Christian doctrine, sort of Bible
Institute of Ephesus. The church has
irgely failed in its teaching minis
~ and has thus weakened its effec-
Veness against the enemy. To be
trong workers for the Lord, Chris
ans must know the doctrines of the
ible.
III. Counter Attack by Satan wv.
1922.
The enemy of our souls is often
ontent to let us go on in compare
We peace as long as we do not both
him unduly, but once we put up
lie banner of holy life and service
Gods army, he begins terrific
Dunter attack. Paul had felt it
READY in the hardening of listen
IS hearts ". 81, but now it began
dead earnest.
Il. By Selfish Opposition wv. 23-
D.
One way to bring violent reac-
on against spiritual truth is to let
interfere with business. Demetrius
nd his fellow silversmiths pro-
issed to be concerned about the
lreatened destruction of the heath
! worship of Diana (and what a
ne testimony that was to the eff
!ctiveness of PauPs preaching!),
ht in reality they were worried
bout the loss Of their ungodly bust
ess in charms wv. 25-2D.
Many of the enemies of the gospel
our time are fighting against
DDS Word because they are in a
asiness which is condemned by it.
hey know that every time new
onvert is won to Christ they lose
customer and it troubles them.
eader, if you are in that kind of
asiness, get out of it quick before
DDS judgment falls upon you.
2. Senseless Tumult wv. 1882.
Knowing that their opposition was
ithout true foundation, they in
BRED and agitated wild demon
ration. Is it not astonishing how
iany thoughtless and foolish peo-
lie there are in the world who will
snselessly follow the lead of some
he who opposes God?
Shouting slogan which had no
.al meaning, they lent their voices
the tumultuous agitation against
cd. Finally, one sensible man,
iaring the punishment of city Of
Gals, quoted them. The Ephe-
ans we're just like many in our
ay who fear man more than God.
nt, may we ask, if you fear the
idgment of men, how think you to
scape the judgment of God? After
Il, it is God and His Word you
ppose, unconverted friend. Do you
link He will hold you guiltless?
The business district of Cumber-
nd was flooded Monday, the second