Montgomery County sentinel., 1944-06-01

GOLDEN TExT-We are his workman
ship, created in Christ Jesus for good
works, which God afore prepared that we
should walk In them.-Ephesians 2:10
Not peace-but a sword! With
such graphic words Jesus indicated
that His coming into the world
would set men apart, either for or
against Him (see Matt. 10:3442).
The gospel is the good news Of re-
demption for all mankind, but the
attitude Of men toward the gospel
divides them sharply. into the saved
and the lost. Which are you?
Our lesson. telling of Pauls min
istry at Ephesus and giving part Of
his letter to the Ephesians, shows
that the gospel does divide. but that
1t also gives quickening grace and
strength for Christian living.
I. Dividing (Acts 19:o-10).
Paul had long ministry at Ephe-
sus and very successful one, but
at the same time 1t was a stormy.
trying experience. After all, do not
those elements often go togetherf
Paul began in the synagogue. That
was the proper way, and his Gus
tom. He ran into opposition, and
after three months he had to seek
another place to meet the people.
But notice, he did not give up and
leave town.
The teaching of any truth results
in division, and especially is that
true Of the gospel. 1t was found
before long wv. bad that winning
people to Christ interfered with the
heather business interests, and then
things began to stir.
One wonders why modern busi-
ness set for the destruction Of mems
souls by rotten plays, movies, books.
amusements, and by the saloon is so
content to let the church alone. Is
it because our testimony does not
harm their business? II so, we are
certainly not walking in the foot
steps of Paul or of Christ.
Christ is a divider of men. Yes,
but those who stand on the right
side Of that divide also receive
III. Quickening (Eph. 2:4-f0>. =
Dead men, spiritually, come to life
when they meet Christ and believe
on Him. We were all dead In tres
passes and sins, entirely unable to
help ourselves, when God in mercy
and grace quickened US.
He did this for us. but also for
His own glory. That really is the
most adequate explanation cf grace.
1t was and is for His glory. show
ing forth ". y Of the exceeding
riches Of His grace. through all the
ages to come
Being saved. then, is not tas some
describe iD a foolish thing Of little
import. that takes place in some mis-
sion or little crossroads Sunday
school. 1t does happen there. thank
God for that. but it reaches clear
up to the highest heavens. and on
into all eternity. This business Of
bringing men and women, boys and
girls to Christ is the greatest Of all
occupations. Let's be busy about It'll
Be sure to note in verses $40 that
1t is all Of grace. No works can
enter into salvation. We are his
workmanship" not the result Of q
cooperative enterprise or creation.
But at the same time do not fail
to stress that we are created unto
good works" ". 10). The professed
Christian who talks about being
saved by grace, but who does not
live 1t out in the good works which
God has ordained as the proper ex-
preston Of salvation by grace,
should not be surprised II the testi-
mony Of his lips is not believed.
II we are quickened to newness
Of life In Christ, we ought to bring
forth fruit. That Is not possible In
our own puny strength. But wait,
the gospel which divides and quick
ems Is also -
III. Strengthening Eph. S:l4-1o).
Paul prayed for the Ephesians,
but somehow one feels that he
prayed for the Christians of all time.
for every member Of 'the whole
family In heaven and earth ". 1S)
who bear the name of Christ. The
writer is rejoicing today that he be-
longs to that family, but he wonders
how It is with you who read these
lines. Do you belong?
Paul prayed in the Spirit, that Is
evident as one reads these sublime
words. 1t Is a comforting and en-
couraging thought, too, for Paul here
asks for a Christian experience for
his readers. which seems quite inn
possible Of attainment, except for
one thing. 1t is the power Of God
which is to bring it about. Prayer
in the Spirit is prayer that God an
swers, always and fully.
So we read with confidence these
magnificent, enriching petitions. and
we say: 20 God, make me that kind
Of q Christian, real Christian"
Observe that there Is to be q
Strengthening Of the inward man BY
the Holy Spirit. This Il not some
thing put on" or acquired. It Is
Gods gift.
Note also that 1t has a normal
development a growth in the knowl-
edge Of Christ because Of an ability