|
 The
song-leader wore the long hair and dress of this “hippy”
generation, and when he announced “The Old Rugged Cross” he
commented, ”You know Jesus had a ‘thing’ about the cross.”
That
turns my stomach, just to tell it; so I can understand why it
caused one family to leave a liberal church in the California
bay area and cast their lot with a more conservative group. If
one must accept “That cat Jesus and “God, a Living Doll”
in order to keep in step with the times, then Stop the World, I
want to get off.
When
putting the gospel in the language of the man-on-the-street —
means gross sacrilege, the purpose is defeated. To what end is a
gospel that does not lift the hearer to faith in Almighty God
and respect for things holy? It is one thing to feel a close,
intimate, yet respectful relationship with the Father in Heaven
(Matt. 6:6); and quite another to encourage a familiarity that
breeds contempt. Deity is not humanity — not even some
Super-man. When man ceases to look up to God, humbled in His
awe-inspiring presence, man ceases to believe in the true, real
God of Heaven. A “hippy” church, is not “of Christ.”
On
the “credit” side of our observations,
|
|
we commend the
Southside church, Springfield, Mo., for supporting “all day
preaching.” (Dinner was neither “on the ground” nor a “church
banquet” but at a public cafeteria at individual expense.)
Twice
in previous years I have had part in “Intensive Studies”
here, as four or five preachers were asked to present detailed
studies on Authority, Holy Spirit, The Church, etc., in morning,
afternoon and night sessions that continued for four or five
days. Bro. Harry Pickup, Jr. was largely responsible for these
Bible-enriched periods. But this year, on Saturday, Oct. 12,
eight preachers presented as many sermons in one day. Four spoke
thirty minutes each, in the morning; and four in the afternoon.
That night I continued my part of a gospel meeting which had
been in progress for the week.
Now
for the “credit”!! The part that really did my heart good
was the support given such an effort by the local church
members in attendance. Business, golf, and
“trips” were put aside, by men and women, and the day wholly
given to spiritual matters.
AND
NOT AN OUNCE OF CHEAP “BALLYHOO!”
[Previous
Article] [Next
Article]
|
