Bible Training School
October 1, 1908
True Worship
When you meet with the Lord, say, I am in the Lord's house, and I desire all wicked thoughts, all mistrust and murmuring against my brethren to be banished. We have met here with God, who “So loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This is our privilege, and we desire to come into the house of God with thanksgiving. We ask the Lord to remove from our hearts every thing that is evil, that we may bring to the house of God that which He can bless. BTS October 1, 1908, par. 1
Let every church member kneel before God while in His temple, and consecrate to him His own, which He has bought with the blood of Christ. Pray for the speaker. Pray that great blessing may come to the one who is to hold forth the bread of life. Strive earnestly to lay hold of a blessing for yourself. Cry unto God, Increase my faith, Make me understand Thy word: for the entrance of Thy word giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Refresh me by Thy presence. Fill my heart with thy love, that in possessing so great a treasure, I may love my brethren as Christ loved me. BTS October 1, 1908, par. 2
God will bless all who will thus prepare themselves for His service. They will understand what it means to have the assurance of the Spirit, because they have received Christ by faith. The religion of Christ means much more than the forgiveness of sin. It means taking away our sins, and filling the vacuum with the Holy Spirit. It means divine illumination, rejoicing in God. It means a heart emptied of self, and blessed with the abiding presence of Christ. We need the vital qualities of christianity, and when we possess them, the church will be a living, active, working church. There will be a growth in grace, because the bright rays of the Sun of righteousness pervade the chambers of the mind. BTS October 1, 1908, par. 3
Let us not bring the gloom of unbelief into the church. Let us trim our lamps, seeking a fresh supply of oil, before we step over the threshold. It is our right, our privilege, to dismiss gloomy depression. As we go to the house of worship, we may go with joyfulness; for are we not going to meet with God and His people? BTS October 1, 1908, par. 4
Christ welcomed little children to His presence. He was cheered by the simplicity of their faith. Let us become as little children, that in simplicity of faith we may welcome Christ and be welcomed by Him. Sing to the Lord with the Spirit and the understanding. Let no thought of criticism enter your mind, to torment you; for Satan is near. He will do this work without your help. Refuse to co-operate with the accuser of the brethren. Gather up every ray of light, then seek out those who need help, and give this light to them. God says, “Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that My house may be filled. BTS October 1, 1908, par. 5
Praise the Lord, all ye saints. Be glad in the Lord. Praise His holy name. We must carry to every religious gathering a quickened spiritual consciousness that God and the angels are there, co-operating with all true worshipers. We do not obtain one hundredth part of what we should from assembling together to worship God. Our perceptive faculties need sharpening. Fellowship with one another should make us glad. Why, with such a hope as we have, are our hearts not aglow with the love of God? BTS October 1, 1908, par. 6
When we are tempted to murmur or complain at something some one has done, praise something in that person. Say, “Satan, I have defeated your temptations this time.” Cultivate the habit of thankfulness. Praise God over and over again for His wonderful love in giving Christ to die for us. It never pays to think of old grievances. God calls upon us to cultivate His mercy and His matchless love, that we may be inspired with praise. BTS October 1, 1908, par. 7