The Gospel Herald
May 28, 1902
The Abiding Trust
Spiritual Life
The Lord has need of men of an intense spiritual life. How are we prepared to work for time and for eternity? The Lord has declared the source of the strength of his people. “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” GH May 28, 1902, par. 1
Timothy
Paul wrote to Timothy, his son in the gospel, “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou, therefore, endure hardiness as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” GH May 28, 1902, par. 2
These words were written to a youth. Paul tells Timothy that he is not to be a weakling, but strong in the grace of God; that it is his privilege to have power and grace. Timothy is to show that he has given attention to the things which have been communicated to him by his Father in the gospel. He is to treasure up these truths, and commit them to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. This was his charge. His special work was to gather up the fragments of all he heard, and commit them to others, that nothing be lost. GH May 28, 1902, par. 3
Helping the Inexperienced
This Scripture is fraught with important meaning. It plainly shows us that our love will be tested and proved. In the providence of God, we shall be associated with those who are inexperienced. The humblest child of God, who needs the most help, may at times try the patience of those who are connected with him. Be careful, my brother; be careful, my sister. “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” GH May 28, 1902, par. 4
Patience and Prayer
There must be a great deal of patience cultivated, a great deal of prayer. Christ met and worked with all classes of human beings, seeking to save that which was lost. Will you who shall connect with men of different organisms and different temperaments, put on Christ, and respect one another as you desire to be respected? GH May 28, 1902, par. 5
The Wedding Garment
They must not put on their citizen's dress, but the wedding garment. They have been married to Christ, and the robe of his righteousness is to clothe them. The church is the bride of Christ, and her members are to yoke up with their Leader. God warns us not to defile our garments. GH May 28, 1902, par. 6
Prayer That Is Answered
When a man breathes an intensely earnest prayer to God (Jesus Christ is the only name given under heaven whereby we can be saved), there is in that intensity and earnestness a pledge from God that he is about to answer that prayer exceeding abundantly, above all that we can ask or think. We must not only pray in the name of Jesus, but by the inspiration and kindling of the Holy Spirit. This explains what is meant when it is said, “the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which can not be uttered.” The petitions must be offered in earnest faith. Then they will reach the mercy-seat. Unwearyingly persist in prayer. God does not say, Pray once, and I will answer you. His word is pray, be instant in prayer, believing ye have the things ye ask, and ye shall receive them; I will answer you. GH May 28, 1902, par. 7
The Bible
The word of God is to be presented as it is in Jesus. It is not enough to present the Bible as other books are presented. That it may be understood savingly, the Holy Spirit must work upon the heart of the receiver. The same Spirit that inspired the Word must inspire the readers of the Word. Then we shall hear the voice of heaven in all its harmony, and impressions will be made and an intelligent knowledge attained. “Thy word, O God, is truth,” will be the language of the soul. GH May 28, 1902, par. 8