Sermons and Biblical Studies

One characteristic that marks the average church today is lack of anticipation. Christians when they meet do not expect anything unusual to happen; consequently only the usual happens, and that usual is as predictable as the setting of the sun.… We need today a fresh spirit of anticipation that springs out of the promises of … Continue reading “CHURCH:
SERVICES; NONEXPECTATION”

I suppose it is not of vast importance that the third stanza is so often omitted in the singing of a hymn, but just for the record let it be said that the worshipers are deprived of the blessing of the hymn by that omission if, as is often true, the hymn develops a great … Continue reading “CHURCH:
SERVICES; HYMNODY”

When we compare our present carefully programed meetings with the New Testament we are reminded of the remark of a famous literary critic after he had read Alexander Pope’s translation of Homer’s Odyssey: “It is a beautiful poem, but it is not Homer.” So the fast-paced, highly spiced, entertaining service of today may be a … Continue reading “CHURCH:
SERVICES; CHURCH: PRESENCE OF CHRIST”

The most pressing need just now is that we who call ourselves Christians should frankly acknowledge to each other and to God that we are astray; that we should confess that we are worldly, that our moral standards are low and we are spiritually cold. We need to cease our multitude of unscriptural activities, stop … Continue reading “CHURCH:
SEPARATION; WORLDLINESS”

This has been an honest effort to understand the religious situation in the present critical hour. It is not meant as a denunciation, but as an appraisal. Surely there are a few names even today who have not defiled their garments and they shall walk with God in white, for they are worthy. Possibly we … Continue reading “CHURCH:
SEPARATION; REVIVAL: NEED FOR”

The church’s mightiest influence is felt when she is different from the world in which she lives. Her power lies in her being different, rises with the degree in which she differs and sinks as the difference diminishes. This is so fully and clearly taught in the Scriptures and so well illustrated in Church history … Continue reading “CHURCH:
SEPARATION”

The treacherous enemy facing the church of Jesus Christ today is the dictatorship of the routine, when the routine becomes “lord” in the life of the church. Programs are organized and the prevailing conditions are accepted as normal. Anyone can predict next Sunday’s service and what will happen. This seems to be the most deadly … Continue reading “CHURCH:
ROUTINE; CHURCH: CURRENT CONDITION”

By observing the ways of men at play I have been able to understand better the ways of men at prayer. Most men, indeed, play at religion as they play at games, religion itself being of all games the one most universally played. The various sports have their rules and their balls and their players; … Continue reading “CHURCH:
RELIGIOUS GAME; RELIGION: EMPTESS OF”

When considering a pastor the average church asks in effect, “Is this man worthy to speak to us?” I suppose such a question is valid, but there is another one more in keeping with the circumstances; it is, “Are we worthy to hear this man?” An attitude of humility on the part of the hearers … Continue reading “CHURCH:
PULPIT COMMITTEE; PASTORAL MINISTRY: EXPECTATIONS”

Faithfulness to the local church is also a good thing. The true Christian will, by a kind of spiritual instinct, find a body of believers somewhere, identify himself with it and try by every proper means to promote its growth and prosperity. And that, we repeat, is good. But when the church becomes so large … Continue reading “CHURCH:
PROPER PLACE OF”