Covenanter Witness Vol. 55 - Rparchives.org

spirit,"gospel"both; the same is true in farming communities today; the family farm cannotsupport several sons. Consequently theymust go elsewhere. Elimelech and Naomi left during famine times; manyfamilies are in new communities because disaster drove them from theirformer homes.Jacob went away because he got in trouble at home. Theprodigal son was dissatisfied; he hadbig ideas, so asked for his share immediatelythat he might sooner be amillionaire (and escape the restrictionsof home).The sad truth isatit young peoplestill leave home under some of theseconditions; they have never madetheir peace with God; others are notstable Christians. In a sense are yourmissionaries who spread "thewhich they ca;.l:rht from you. When theycome back the." may be discouraged;a few may have given up the faith. Godpresents this opportunity that the congregations may use this often overlooked field of service. It is not thatthey need a "sermon" from the homefolks. Rather they need the example ofa living faith in the hearts of the peopleat home and at the church which showsthem what theylives.might have in theirFor such, the home church should bea Place of Rest and Quietness. Somehave gone to the city with its fast moving life; all have taken on responsibilities which keep them so busy thatthey can not find the time to care forthe spiritual needs. Getting home meansrest, and it should mean seeing it asIsaiah speaks of Jerusalemhabitation.""a quietThe Word is full of suggestion that"the effect ofrighteousness shall bequietness.""study to be quiet"; "lead aquiet and "better is peaceful,"a handfulwith quietness than both hands full withtravail and vexation ofis a dry"bettermorsel and quietness", "ornament of a meek and quiet spirit", "inquietness . . . shall be youstrength."Thehome church should illustrate this toall who come.Again the home church should be aplace of Richness and Glory. When youlisten to some young prodigal, it wouldappear that the little church back homehas nothing. Perhaps he has chosen toworship in a big church where theyhave things and where there are bigcrowds. The home folks by their care ofthe church can show that they do pridethemselves in how the church looks. Alittle money added to several hours oflabor can give the buildingand thegrounds a radiance which will providethings which have their own richness64and through which the glory of a vitalfaith in Christ seems to shine.Many who come back again have gained a new appreciation of the homechurch because it is a Place of Interestand Outreach. They hardly know theirown neighbors, but everyone knows themat home. People are really interestedin them, their families, their work. Itis so different. It is evidence of a realconcern for others which comes from theHome church's Love for God and Man.Theysee what a vision the people athome have of the church as a whole andthe kingdom of Christ throughout theworld. They find how the people useevery opportunity to visit the placeswhere the church carries on her work.The church paper is read with greatinterest. These people see in a visit homethis interest and outreach in every phaseof the Sabbath School, the worship services, the eveningprayer meeting.classes and theIn all of this the Home congregationbecomes a place of Challenge and NewInsight. Many things are taught toyoung people which never mean muchbecause they are not applied to life.They go away from home with misunderstandingof the things of thechurch. After they have been out in theworld they realize they lack the abilityto meet the world. Now back home theysee how the people there are meetingit; perphaps on one of these visits during a worship service or in a discussionin a Bible class, they suddenly see JesusChrist as the Person who can do thisfor them and to whom they have neverreally surrendered their lives. Life takeson real meaning. Life begins for themEternal Life may be at 40.Is your congregation awake to thisgreat challenge of Christian service?The summer time is no time to slump;it can be a time of even greater work.Make the Home Congregation a Havenfor all who enter; give all who come aforetaste of the Haven that Heaven willbe.Paul E. FarisAnxiety and worry are the parentsof temper and disease.NoticeWill those who have accepted assignments to write lesson comments please,PLEASE prayerfully consider that thisis a duty of prime importance, not to bepostponed on account of any other duty.Negligence on your part encourages others to be "sloppy Joes" and our calendaris going all awry,and lessons out ofplace inconvenience all concerned.EditorTHE BIBLE STUDIESThe First Unit of the Bible Study Program is now complete.It consists of Four StudiesThe GospelBeliefRepentanceSurrenderThe Second Unit is now in preparation.It consists of Six Studies in Christian Character Development,Personal DevotionObedienceMeeting TemptationGrowth in Grace (two studies)WitnessingThese Studies are preparedprimarily for use in bringing othersto Christ, but they may be used as subjects for Discussion Classes. Indeed, a Class may be good preparation for effective useelsewhere.They comein mimeographed formin different colorsat 2c per copyfrom Remo I. Robb, 1102 Ninth Ave.,Beaver Falls, Pa.COVENANTER WITNESS