= « Christian Friendship Qf agp nt “say Volume 24 July ~ 1968 ‘TO KNOW CHRIST — HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM — MAKE HIM KNOWN Issue 7 CHARGE TO A MINISTER You are part of this body But not the body, ‘Much less the head, For the head is Christ You might be considered the mouth, ‘Though eloquence was never AA characteristic of disciples, ‘They all had foreign accents in Rome And died incoherent, or at least unrecorded. ‘Nor does « polished tongue Express more than the groping at words, Blusted confession of fishermen, Accountants, housewives, or brokers. No, the minister is not the mouth, For the body will take a stand Without you and bear strong witness, Risking its life You are not the body's hands, AA thousand hands are closer to the world Than yours, or just as close [Able with less self-consciousness To grasp a brother's hand, to heal, To soothe, to silence To hold large placards, to open doors, To clench a fist at crucity, To plead, to give, o bless And you are not the feet The body moves without you, ‘And is well equipped For tramping on wet nights, ‘Through lights glistening in puddles, To the sick and fatherless; For voyaging, with or without baggage, To lands promised but sill unsettled For standing in line at welfare windows ‘On behaif of others: For shuffling impatiently In courthouse corridors while Youth and time are impounded: ‘And for marching in cadence over obsolete bridges. You are perhaps the senses: Your eyes will see the world’s hurt clearly, ‘And the happiness of plain people, Without corrective lenses, ‘You will smell the acrid smog of injustice AAs well as the incense of prayer, ‘And taste the fresh springs of obedience, ‘Along with polluted waters from cisterns Of public indifference You will feel the boot-bruised agony on those Whom the world has rejected, [And hear the cries of unwanted children Over the roar of traffic. And if you would sense coherence {In everything Christ has redeemed, ‘You must faithfully report to the body The good and the bad. For the body needs joy, In full, throat-bursting exuber Along with the stark madness Of man unraveled. Preach repentance, of forgiveness, Of birth, of Christ, of earth Report honestly everything. Comfort, condemn, compliment, constrain, ‘And do not underestimate your Christ, Whose body you compose together. Do not sell Him short, nor His living m In the trying times, the rough meetings And the mornings after. For some peculiar reason He has a use for every part. Unlimited power is available only To the whole For the body is one, ‘And we ate the members, “Fear not little flock, For itis you Father's good pleasure To give you the kingdom.” No, you are not the Shepherd Oniy the chief sheep, Whom the other sheep will follow As you follow Chris. ADSELIMDSELEODISIEES HOMOEESEEEMEEEEE DE MDS ESEEOES DEDEDE OSES S THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH ‘Men who are the longest remembered, and whose memories are most highly revered, are not those who made the most mone, but those whose hearts were gentle, whose sympathies were broad, and who best served humanity.EDITORIAL ON PRAYER Always prayer to God was the only reliable means used by ‘man for attaining a successful life which would overcome the forces of the devil, the continual enemy of his life. ‘All the holy men who consecrated themselves to the ser- vice of God have practiced prayer constantly, by which they kept themselves united with the source of power, with the very God, whom they had made Lord and Master of their lives. This practice was the bond which joined their hearts to that of the Creator, to raise their gratitude to Him and to ‘obtain the necessary help for resisting the forces of the devil There is no doubt that, because of the deficient way in ‘which many pray at present, there is no suitable occasion to fulfill their functions or to mect the needs of the so-called believers. Repeatedly the need has been stated that one must pray with more perseverance so that there is no lack of con- Sistency which will prevent the diffusion of divine power ‘which God has prepared to those who seek it with all their heart. ‘Jesus Christ spoke many times and in different ways about the need 0 pray constantly to God and not to be faint-hearted. In His life there was a permanent yearning to bbe linked to God so that He prayed at all times and in every circumstance in order to obtain the power from on high ‘which encompassed all the success of His life. So great was His fervor and prayer that His disciples also were awakened: they felt the need to pray and they requested their Master to teach them to pray, receiving in this way the lesson of the correct way to address God. "Jesus Christ not only taught His disciples how to express ‘themselves in prayer but also He gave primary importance to it, and as He was Himself the living and holy example, He led a life of complete dependence on God to Whom He was bound continually by means of prayer. ‘Whenever He had an important task to perform, Jesus consulted His Father, He spent entire nights praying in the ‘mountains “until dawn appeared on the horizon. When He had to choose His twelve disciples, He spent the entire night before, praying to God. He prayed in front of the tomb of Lazarus, before eating He always gave thanks to God and ask- ed His blessings. His whole life was one of constant contact with His Father Whom He loved so much and on Whom He depended entirely. ‘When He was about to consumate His work of redemption for the whole world in the most difficult time of His ministry, He remained firmly bound to His Father, spending the whole night in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, yet feeling ‘agony and great sadness because of the step which He must take and upon which depended the eternal salvation of man- kin. "in the last hour of His life, hanging on the cross, wounded and mistreated by His enemies, from the depth of His soul He tried out in behalf of His enemies: “FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO.” ‘All the defense of the Lord was in prayer which united Him closely with the source of all power, wisdom, and life His Father. "To gain the triumph over satan, itis necessary to pray to God at all times, day and night and in any circumstance. The difficulties and tests attack with growing intensity everywhere fand in many different ways, and only one defense remains prayer to God, the most powerful and invincible weapon cap- ble of destroying fortresses and every power or dominion Which wishes to oppose the truth of God. ‘A life of victory over sin is only attained when one is closely united to God, who gives abundantly, and aids those ‘who search for Him from the dawn and who do not forget PAGE 2 CHRISTIAN OBLIGATION WASHINGTON, D.C.-In a recent discussion in our group Bro. Wayne Sauder spoke on the obligation of Christians to “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (Eph 4:1), He read I Thes. 2:12 and Col. 1:10, both of ‘which exhort believers to lead lives which are pleasing to the Lord. ‘The outstanding thing about a Christian is his light that others see:. his honesty, integrity, and love which reflect ‘Christ. We were reminded that our daily lives should honor God. God should not be ashamed of us ~ in any word or action, large or small, The characteristics which are normaly associated with sinners whether they be bad language, pride, frrogant attitude, extreme dress, or whatever, should have NO. place at all in our lives as believers. Our “Sign” of being a Child of God must go deeper than outward appearance. If we fallow our source, the Holy Spirit, to lead our lives we won't have to work at showing the signs of the Spirit. They will result from His leading. Our goal is expressed well in Eph. 413 “till we all. come in the unity of faith and of the Knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” Peace Be Unto You “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no ‘man shall see the Lord.” PHOENIX—Announced as having peace and ready for baptism are: CED MESSNER, MARK NOVKOV, STEVE KINKEL, and GARY WAUGH. May the Lord’s work be fulfilled in the hearts of all who truly seck Him that He may be glorified from one generation to another. MANSFIELD-DAVE. PAMER, son of Bro. George and sis. SF Kay, was announced to have peace with God and man. “Likewise, [say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Dave is currently attending school in Los Angeles. Behold the Works of the Lord SYRACUSE-"I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT LIKEWISE JOY SHALL BE IN HEAVEN OVER ONE SINNER THAT RE- PENTETH.” On June 1, MARGARET HERTIG gave her testimony on what the Lord Jesus did for her. Margaret was born in Switzerland in a home where her father attended our services and her mother attended the protestant church of a different denomination, As she tried to please both her par- tents by alternating churches from week to week, she could not satisfy her need for her soul. When she came to Syracuse about two years ago and stayed with her aunt and uncle, she really saw how happily born again believers live. Then after a Tong struggle, she attended camp last year and was convicted by the Holy Spirit, and surrendered her life to Him. After the the baptismal ceremony, we partook of the Lord's Supper. Him all day long "The privilege of His children is immense and great the re- ward in eternal life, but much diligence is required with espect to our souls. A crown awaits us but only after having triumphed during hard struggle without letup and from which ‘we must triumph through God's power obtained in prayer \__ raised to Him, S From the ECHO OF CHRISTIAN BROTHERHOOD CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP MESSENGERThe Upward Look As we journey through ife we should cultivate the habit of looking up, since so many of the best things in life are above tthe blue sky, the moon, the stars, the rainbows, the ereen tous of the trees, the Mlecy clouds, the birds in Might the fun and the majestic sunsets.“ WILL LIFT. UP MINE EYES UNTO THE HILLS, ” said the Pstlmist, Surely, that tan lives only # poor and lowly life who neve earns to look off into the distance and up into the heights. So much inthe overall character ofthe day depends on the direction piven to it in its eariest hours.the first thoveht, ‘word, emotion, deed. Someone has said that the fist moment Df the day is tuningfrk on which we strike the keynote for the entire ay. A few minutes of quit fellowship with God in the early morning, and just one deep breath of His tranquility before the Tabor ofthe day bepins can work wonder in and forus Early one morning a I began my drive to work before the majority of the neighboring communities had araen, 1 thought Of the beauty of daybreak and the timely song "The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise”. I pulled off the highway to. imbibe The full beouty of the miracle and to take some slides ofthe tovious sunrise. And in the midst of it all, {found myselt Softly repeating, “THE HEAVENS DECLARE THE GLORY OF COD. AND THE FIRMAMENT SHOWETH HIS HANDI Work!” "The resplendent glory of the new day had been a benedic- to my soul, Twas refreshed, my spins led, my faith re fewed. Each morning as | travel to work I experince similar periods of meditation during which I ponder the thought TIN THE MORNING WILL I DIRECT MY PRAYER UNTO THEE, AND WILL LOOK UP.” With the Psalmist I take the upward look.” I'then find peace and strength to sustain me Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. Psalm 150: A Promise We live today in an unstable world where security is often just a nebulous hope. There are many things here that can, Teave us in a precarious situation: for “the fashion of this world passeth away.” The Bible therefore frequently warns us of the transient character of the things of this life. It has been observed that “money failed” in the land of Egypt (Genesis 47:15). Job complains that “kinsfolk and friends” too often fail (Job 19:14). The Psalmist exclaimed, “My flesh and my heart faileth” (Psalm 73:26). David, in a despondent moment, when his spirit was overwhelmed with tref, said, “Refuge failed me.” Solomon in writing concern- ing the weakening powers of old age declares, "Desire shall fil” (Eeclesisates 12:5). HOWEVER, THERE IS ONE WHO NEVER FAILS! His promises are yea and amen (11 Corin. thians 1:20; Joshua 21:45). His “‘compassions fail not” (Lamentations 3:22). Well has the poet said: “HE LOVETH ‘ALWAYS, FAILETH NEVER; SO REST ON HIM, TODAY. FOREVER!” Because of the promise that “the Lord thy God...will not fail thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6), we may joy fully live cach day to the fullest knowing that “there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). Having the faith that not all can fail us, let us walk on with the assurance that we, as His children, will be kept by the Lord and He will not fail us. we SJULY-1969 AFTER THE STORM ‘The wind, so forcefully, rustled the leaves on the trees, ‘The birds sought shelter from the on-coming storm..their singing ceased. Particles of dirt, small bits of debris were tarelessly blown about by the windy forerunner of the storm. ‘The silence of the environment was disturbed by the sounds of thunder descending from the heaven. The darkness which scemingly enveloped the immediate environment was frequent Iy interrupted by the flashes of lightning from the skies. The fain began. It swirled wildly..not knowing a definite course, It descended in torrents to cause small “paths of water” to £0 rushing down the drive..only to disappear into theunknown Gepths of the storm sewer. I sat and pondered over the simi- larity of this incident this Summer evening and my own life. ‘As I meditated upon the parallel of these events, I recalled my personal struggle in the search for peace. The stormwor- Sened..the rain was mixed with hail..the lightning cracked violentiy around the house..the thunder rolled and seemingly spoke so loudly. What was the message I was to derive from this current event? What was the message T was to record? Perhaps one soul is at the present time struggling..seeking re- lease from the chains of darkness...hearing the voice of God speaking as the thunder.,seeing His message flash as the light- ring so quickly through the sky...yet afraid to seek shelter. afraid to seek refuge in the arms of the Heavenly Father. The storm surrounded my life. The winds blew frequently with, Severity a8 warnings. The voice of God spoke as in the thum- dder..His message to me was often flashed through my mind. as the lightning... had the boldness to ignore these warning. signals which He sent to me. I had the false sense of security that after these stormy moments were over that there would be peace,.and there was a type of peace which was not the peace of God for which I longed. Storm after storm arose in everyday living.still not lasting peace afterward. Until I ‘Could see myself as the person which I was, until I could re ‘lize that T needed to seck shelter in Christ froma the storms of life, 1 wandered on in misery. Things were not washed clean and did not look fresh as after a storm. There was not the melody of the birds in my heart when the storm subsided. needed to yield my being to Him... needed to seek refuge in the shelter of His love. I needed to realize that He will see me through each storm,.that He is speaking to me as thunder. that He was demonstrating to me visually His might in the flashes of ligitning...that He would wash away my sins with His love and carry them into the unknown depths of forget fulness..that my life is but naught without Him to carry. me ‘through the storms which are frequently encountered. | need- fed to be certain that following the storms, which arose during my unconverted status, would be the peaceful calm for which Tonged...that He would encompass me in His loving arms and Keep me safe in the shelter of His grace. This He has pro- vided for me. This He has promised for you! Why do you trope in the storms demonstrated by the captain of sin when Jesus is waiting to have you claim Him as The Captain of your life to lead you to that everlasting shore? “The wind was calmed, The leaves were at rest on the trees. “The birds joined in melodious harmony with their combined singing sounding like a concerto. ‘The earth was quiet. Silence wwas restored to the environment. The light of day shone once ‘again The rain ceased. The earth was clean, calm and at peace. 1am thankful to The Captain of my soul that I, too, Know what itis like to be clean, calm and peaceful following the storms for now “there's within my heart a melody,” as 1 rest safely in a shelter in the time of storm. PAGE 3