Covenanter Witness Vol. 41 - Reformed Presbyterian Historical ...

38 THE COVENANTER WITNESS July 21, 1948
In January our church was represented at the meeting of the
National Temperance and Prohibition Council, in Washington D. C,
by Kermit Edgar. This organization has served to co-ordinate the
efforts of the various temperance organizations. It has ably carried
forward the campaign to secure enactment of the Capper Bill (S 265)
which would prohibit liquor advertizing, and is behind a $33,000,000
suit against the Columbia Broadcasting Company in an effort to
secure access to radio time for temperance speakers.
Through the generosity of a friend, your committee was enabled
to send to every pastor in the church a booklet "Christ, The
Apostles, and Wine", by Ernest Gordon. This booklet clearly sets
forth teaching of the Bible concerning alcoholic beverages and
should enable one to answer the arguments of those who would use
the Bible in an effort to endorse the use of fermented drinks. A
pamphlet on tobacco, entitled, "Is Your Health Going Up In Smoke?"
was also sent out. We believe that pastors mig-ht do well to give this
pamphlet a wide circulation among their young people.
Recently a questionnaire was sent out to try to ascertain something
of the temperance activity
throughout the church. Replies were re
ceived from more than half those to whom they were sent. These re
plies indicate that as a church we have a strong interest in the cause
of temperance. In most of our congregations, temperance education is
carried on by
up-to-date methods of instruction. Our people are
active in the support of movements which would prohibit or control
alcoholic beverages in their respective communities, and are faithful
in sending letters and petitions to congressmen protesting the evil.
It is commendable that practically every pastor who replied in
dicated that he preaches on some aspect of the problem at least
once a year, and that many pastors have had special speakers to pre
sent the matter to their people.
One of the most gratifying notes in these replies was, that not a
single pastor felt that liquor was a great temptation to his young
people. Without exception, pastors stated that their young people
were taking their stand aganist the social trends in respect to alcoholic
beverages. Several pastors noted that there is an "increasing so
cial
pressure"
to drink and that we must be on guard and continue to
educate our youngpeople
so they may be able to stand. We feel that
this favorable report is an indication that the temperance education
which has faithfully been carried on in our churches, is bearing its
fruit. It comes to us as an encouragement to keep up the good work.
The reports concerning the use of tobacco are not so encouraging.
More than half the replies indicate that tobacco is a problem with
many members both old and young. This is especially true in the
group
which served in the armed forces. In a few instances pastors
reported success in getting young men to give up the habit. It
would appear that in our narcotic education, there has not been
enough emphasis upon the harmful effects of tobacco. A greater effort
should also be put forth to rescue those who have become addicts. We
must ever try to impress upon our people the fact that tobbaco is a
deadly
narcotic and not just an innocent vice.
Your committee expresses its thanks to seven congregations which
sent contributions for the work during the past year. Some of these
offerings were quite generous and have provided ample funds for the
work of the committee.
Our financial report is as follows:
Receipts
Balance, April 1, 1947 136.91
Offerings 170.18
Expenditures
307.09
Dues to Nat'l Temp. & Prohibition Council 10.00
Dues to Am. Business Men's Research Fndtn 10.00
Booklets 35.00
Grinnell Exhibit
Stationery
Postage
23.60
6.05
8.05
307.09
death).
Examples: Balaam, Num. 22:35; Jeremiah,
Jer. 26:2, 8.
There seem to be two distinct ways in
which God speaks through people. The first
is an audible testimony,
the speaking
and the second is
of God through silent means.
The minister, the missionary, the teacher, or
the man of God, in giving his testimony of
Jesus Christ, is speaking God's words. The
writer also is used to speak for God. Stories,
articles, and books all can be used of God.
They are the vessels that are bearing the
words of the Lord. The person that speaks of
salvation to a friend, is also bearing the
message.
God speaks through people in silent ways
as well. An example may
serve to bear God's
message far more than the spoken word. A
quiet deed contains God's message as much
as a sermon. By living- God's word, we bear
a message; a witness to other people.
God spoke to Peter through Andrew, to the
jailer through Paul and Silas, to the savages
of Africa through David Livingstone. More
often than not a young
person is influenced
by the strong example of one of more years,
providing advice and silent testimony when
these are needed. Sherwood Eddy's voice
among the students of the world, John R.
Mott's unwavering call to young men, Mar
garet Slattery and Ruth Isabel Seabury ap
pealing to young women are current illustra
tions.
(2) When are people prepared to be used
of God ? When are the words from God and
when are they only from man?
Acts 4:20; John 8:38
The Holy Spirit prepares man: II Cor. 4:
13; Num. 11:25; I Samuel 10:10; I Samuel
19:20; Ecc. 3:7 (time and place).
Beware of false speaking: John 8:44;
Psalms 36:3; Eph. 4:31;
I Peter 2:1.
It is reasonable to believe that God will
not use a man or woman who is not fit or
ready to bear His word. How can a man who
does not know God speak of His promises
and wonderful grace? How can a person
speak a great message when he does not
know that message? Some of the verses sug
gested for references point out that man can
only speak of what he has seen or heard. It
is the Christian that is chosen to speak for
God. The man whose soul is prepared and is
full of the Holy Spirit is the man that the
Lord speaks through. Until a person is full to
overflowing
with the Spirit himself, he can
not give to others. Until the individual has
had communion with God through Jesus
Christ, he cannot know of the words of God
in such a way that God can speak through
him. When we are prepared to live as we
speak, then we become effective and useful
vessels for the Lord.
(3) What are some of the reasons why
God speaks through people ?
To give help and guidance: II Kings 3:11;
I Kings 22:77; I Samuel 9:8.