1930
Berean Christadelphian Church
Mr. William Blacker will address the congregation at 7:30 p.m., speaking upon the subject, "The Beauties of Revelation in Relation to Man's Redemption."
On Wednesday at 8 p.m. the subject of the address will be, "How Long, O Lord, the cry of the saints for nearly six thousand years. Messiah's promised glory soon to be realized," by Mr. Sidney T. Batsford.
We extend to all a hearty invitation to attend the services in this church.
—The Lethbridge Herald, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, Aug. 2, 1930, p. 8.
Showing posts with label sermons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sermons. Show all posts
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
"I Will Give Thee a Crown"
1902
At St. Mark Methodist Episcopal church, south, the pastor, Dr. Alonzo Monk, preached at the afternoon hour from the text, "Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of eternal life," Revelations 2:10.
He said in substance:
"One has a narrow view of human nature who would shut up human life in the fleeting moments of but three score years and ten. Man is not born to die, and by dying to end the soul's full existence. We cannot die, man is essentially immortal. Our Savior was gentler with us, gentler than the gentlest mother. He took care to tell us, 'Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, for where the treasure is there will the heart be also.' His plain meaning was we are to go to heaven to get our treasure. Death is but the removal of the tenant from this tenement of clay. The change that has occurred that we call death is not properly so called. This animal life we hold so dear is naught, the ox and the ass have it. This life is but one period of our existence, brief it may be, but in it we have opportunity to be placed in harmony with God, and to be saved from a death that never dies. The life to be is to be beautified by the presence of the King. Men need not necessarily die to be in heaven; some saints live today almost in the outskirts of heaven. Heaven will have surprises for us. We shall see many whom we do not expect and we shall miss some faces we confidently expected to find among the blood washed throng. Some may barely squeeze through the gates beneath the wings of some kindly angel; others may sweep through with an abundant entrance. Heaven is too much etherealized; it is but the home of redeemed humanity. We may not be altogether happy there; there may be regrets lingering in our souls that we did not win more stars for our crown.
"Jesus Christ did not live, suffer and die simply to keep us out of hell. Were this all it would be about equal to say that should your child be lost in a wilderness you would seek him merely to keep some wild beast from destroying him, but you seek to restore the child to his place in your heart and your life that you have so fondly hoped he would take. God seeks to restore man to his own proper position and real sphere where he should dwell. Man's place in heaven is but a step beyond this life and the gradations there will compare with the real differences existing here between men. St. Paul fought for Christ; he finished his course and went to take a crown of glory laid up for him. The crown jewels of heaven outshine all the royal possessions of earth's greatest monarchs. The faithful of earth will alone wear crowns in glory. A crown in heaven gives the wearer a throne in the heavens, and it will carry with it a scepter of authority over those unknown and unnamed worlds peopled by pure spirits, subjects of our God. The inhabitants of those worlds are not heirs to the throne nor are they redeemed by the blood and the kinship of Jesus Christ, our elder brother, Savior and King."
Dr. Monk's flight into the field of speculation as to the future state of man's redeemed spirit were bold and well sustained, however unwarranted by the literal reading of the Bible by a layman.
—The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, GA, Jan. 6, 1902, p. 9.
At St. Mark Methodist Episcopal church, south, the pastor, Dr. Alonzo Monk, preached at the afternoon hour from the text, "Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of eternal life," Revelations 2:10.
He said in substance:
"One has a narrow view of human nature who would shut up human life in the fleeting moments of but three score years and ten. Man is not born to die, and by dying to end the soul's full existence. We cannot die, man is essentially immortal. Our Savior was gentler with us, gentler than the gentlest mother. He took care to tell us, 'Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, for where the treasure is there will the heart be also.' His plain meaning was we are to go to heaven to get our treasure. Death is but the removal of the tenant from this tenement of clay. The change that has occurred that we call death is not properly so called. This animal life we hold so dear is naught, the ox and the ass have it. This life is but one period of our existence, brief it may be, but in it we have opportunity to be placed in harmony with God, and to be saved from a death that never dies. The life to be is to be beautified by the presence of the King. Men need not necessarily die to be in heaven; some saints live today almost in the outskirts of heaven. Heaven will have surprises for us. We shall see many whom we do not expect and we shall miss some faces we confidently expected to find among the blood washed throng. Some may barely squeeze through the gates beneath the wings of some kindly angel; others may sweep through with an abundant entrance. Heaven is too much etherealized; it is but the home of redeemed humanity. We may not be altogether happy there; there may be regrets lingering in our souls that we did not win more stars for our crown.
"Jesus Christ did not live, suffer and die simply to keep us out of hell. Were this all it would be about equal to say that should your child be lost in a wilderness you would seek him merely to keep some wild beast from destroying him, but you seek to restore the child to his place in your heart and your life that you have so fondly hoped he would take. God seeks to restore man to his own proper position and real sphere where he should dwell. Man's place in heaven is but a step beyond this life and the gradations there will compare with the real differences existing here between men. St. Paul fought for Christ; he finished his course and went to take a crown of glory laid up for him. The crown jewels of heaven outshine all the royal possessions of earth's greatest monarchs. The faithful of earth will alone wear crowns in glory. A crown in heaven gives the wearer a throne in the heavens, and it will carry with it a scepter of authority over those unknown and unnamed worlds peopled by pure spirits, subjects of our God. The inhabitants of those worlds are not heirs to the throne nor are they redeemed by the blood and the kinship of Jesus Christ, our elder brother, Savior and King."
Dr. Monk's flight into the field of speculation as to the future state of man's redeemed spirit were bold and well sustained, however unwarranted by the literal reading of the Bible by a layman.
—The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, GA, Jan. 6, 1902, p. 9.
A Series of Bible Meetings
1902
Rev. W. E. Wight, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, will conduct a series of Bible studies at the Berry street M. E. church from Tuesday to Friday inclusive. The evening addresses will be from Revelation 5 to 7 and the subjects will be "The Unsealed Book," "The Church of the Past," "The Sealing Time," "The Gathering Home."
—The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, IN, Jan. 18, 1902, p. 2.
Rev. W. E. Wight, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, will conduct a series of Bible studies at the Berry street M. E. church from Tuesday to Friday inclusive. The evening addresses will be from Revelation 5 to 7 and the subjects will be "The Unsealed Book," "The Church of the Past," "The Sealing Time," "The Gathering Home."
—The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, IN, Jan. 18, 1902, p. 2.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Entering That City
1902
"And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of children of Israel." Revelation 21:12.
It comes to me like an inspiration that one day I shall enter that city. Can you say it? Your children are going in, your parents are going in, your husband is going it, your wife is going in; are you going in? It is a great joy to know that the things that bring us the representations of heaven are so substantial. Some people tell us that heaven is a state, not a place. What then did Christ mean when He said, "I go to prepare a place for you," and what again when He said, "In My Father's house there are many mansions?" What is the doctrine of the resurrection? Is that only the spirits of men are raised? This is not our teaching. There must be some place for the resurrected body. When Christ went out with His apostles to Bethany and a cloud received Him out of their sight, He arose bodily from their presence. It is certain, absolutely certain, that heaven is a place.
What Is Heaven?
It is a place of overpowering brightness. Everything that ever came from thence tells us so. Chariots so bright that the only thing to which they could be likened was fire. Angels with faces shining so that men must veil their eyes before them. Moses and Elias so surrounded with glory that the three disciples were overcome with the vision on the mount of transfiguration. The walls are like a great jewel, the streets of pure gold and every single gate a pearl. You know the brightness of one little gem as it sparkles on your finger, but O! the wonderful thought that every gate is a pearl, and the day will come when we may go sweeping through the gates if we will. God has done everything that He could do, and our entering in now rests upon ourselves. But the brightness of heaven, aside from the presence of Christ, is not due to the gates, nor to the walls, nor to the streets, but to the presence of those who have been redeemed. — Rev. Dr. J. W. Chapman.
"And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of children of Israel." Revelation 21:12.
It comes to me like an inspiration that one day I shall enter that city. Can you say it? Your children are going in, your parents are going in, your husband is going it, your wife is going in; are you going in? It is a great joy to know that the things that bring us the representations of heaven are so substantial. Some people tell us that heaven is a state, not a place. What then did Christ mean when He said, "I go to prepare a place for you," and what again when He said, "In My Father's house there are many mansions?" What is the doctrine of the resurrection? Is that only the spirits of men are raised? This is not our teaching. There must be some place for the resurrected body. When Christ went out with His apostles to Bethany and a cloud received Him out of their sight, He arose bodily from their presence. It is certain, absolutely certain, that heaven is a place.
What Is Heaven?
It is a place of overpowering brightness. Everything that ever came from thence tells us so. Chariots so bright that the only thing to which they could be likened was fire. Angels with faces shining so that men must veil their eyes before them. Moses and Elias so surrounded with glory that the three disciples were overcome with the vision on the mount of transfiguration. The walls are like a great jewel, the streets of pure gold and every single gate a pearl. You know the brightness of one little gem as it sparkles on your finger, but O! the wonderful thought that every gate is a pearl, and the day will come when we may go sweeping through the gates if we will. God has done everything that He could do, and our entering in now rests upon ourselves. But the brightness of heaven, aside from the presence of Christ, is not due to the gates, nor to the walls, nor to the streets, but to the presence of those who have been redeemed. — Rev. Dr. J. W. Chapman.
Friday, February 29, 2008
The Angel of Time
1900
New Year Sermon
Rev. Alford Porter last evening delivered a sermon on the topic of "The Angel of Time" at the First Baptist Church. He said in part:
Rev. 10:5-6: "And the angel which I saw standing upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his right hand to heaven and sware by Him that liveth forever and ever that there shall be time no longer."
"Wonderful" is the only word for this mystic book of Revelation, and wonderful has been its effect upon the minds of men. It has made popes shudder and toss upon their midnight-pillows. It has made conquerors tremble and pale as they thought they saw their own doom speeding down upon them out of the open mouths of the vials of wrath. It has made all men dizzy and awe-struck by its succession of rushing noises and colossal figures. Of all that procession there is no scene more thrilling, no figure more majestic than appears in our text.
It represents a mighty angel, with a face like the sun and feet like pillars of flame, crowned with the token of mercy — a rainbow, and clothed with the emblem of judgment — a cloud. The mighty Colossus stands with his left foot on the land and his right foot on the sea; his left hand holds an open Bible, while his right hand is uplifted to heaven appealing to God for ratification of his solemn oath that "there shall be time no longer."
On this solemn night let the vision of the angel of time confront us with his assertion that time is about to end, and eternity about to begin.
Time, as far as this passing year is concerned, shall soon be no longer. The year is winging to its close, and is even now hovering on the brink of eternity. It has seen its last sunrise, its last sunset. How rapid its passage! Stay, stay, thou flying year; stay thy swift wings, for I am bewildered by this giddy sound, and would pause for a space and breathe." The winged year sweeps on, and will not stop. Turn now, everyone, and bid good-bye to the passing year. Good-bye to the companion who one year ago was an angel in your home and tonight is an angel in the long home! Good-bye to the child that twelve months ago was clasped in your arms and tonight is cradled in the everlasting arms! Good-bye to our Christian brothers who walked these aisles with us and tonight are walking the aisles of the heavenly temple! Good-bye! Good-bye! Year, thy comedy and thy tragedy alike are ended. Vanish! We shall meet but once again, when they record is unfolded in the dazzling light of the all-judging day.
Time, considered as a whole, shall be no longer. Time is the age of the visible world. It began with the flat, "Let there be light," and it will end with the summons, "Come, ye blessed of my Father," and "Depart, ye cursed." Time is the age of this visible creation, but eternity is the age of God: "Before time was, and when time shall end, He is." The age of time is winding up by minutes, days and years. On, on it is hastening, soon to be swallowed up in eternity. For aught we know the hammer is about to strike the last hour, and shiver the universe asunder.
When Lord Nelson was buried in St. Paul's cathedral in London, it is said that the heart of all England was touched to the core. The procession passed on amid a nation's sobs. There were thirty trumpeters stationed at the door of the cathedral, with trumpets at hand, waiting for the signal, and when the illustrious dead arrived at the gates these thirty trumpeters gave one united blast, and then all was silent. Yet the dead warrior slept right on. But none shall sleep when the trumpet that shall call all men to judgment shall sound in our ears. The clock of the universe has struck 8, 9, 10, 11. It shall strike once more, and time shall be no longer.
Time, as far as each one here present is concerned, shall soon be no longer. From life's beginning we have been on the borderland of eternity. With one hand the mother touches the cradle and with the other hand the tomb. The fragile floor of our life is built upon eternity. Look at the cracks! You can see eternity shining through.
"Great God, on what a slender thread
Hang everlasting things."
How frail our tenure of time, which above and beneath us is an eternity so vast that arithmetic has not figures enough to express its length or breadth or depth or height.
We are always complaining our days are so few, yet squandering them as though there were no end of them. Napoleon beat the Austrians because they never knew the value of time. While they dawdled he overthrew them. The devil will defeat some of you, I fear, for the same reason. See those incandescent lights! One of them awhile ago burned out. A little while ago, and it was blazing like the rest; but it is gone. And where will you be, my hearers, when the fires of your life have burned out like that vanished spark? Let us cry, as did Bunyan, stopping our ears to earth's siren voices, "Life, life, eternal life."
"There's an end to all that the world can give,
When the house we build shall fall;
How great is the wreck and the ruin then,
When the dark-flood swallows all."
—Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette, Cedar Rapids, IA, Jan. 1, 1900, p. 5.
New Year Sermon
Rev. Alford Porter last evening delivered a sermon on the topic of "The Angel of Time" at the First Baptist Church. He said in part:
Rev. 10:5-6: "And the angel which I saw standing upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his right hand to heaven and sware by Him that liveth forever and ever that there shall be time no longer."
"Wonderful" is the only word for this mystic book of Revelation, and wonderful has been its effect upon the minds of men. It has made popes shudder and toss upon their midnight-pillows. It has made conquerors tremble and pale as they thought they saw their own doom speeding down upon them out of the open mouths of the vials of wrath. It has made all men dizzy and awe-struck by its succession of rushing noises and colossal figures. Of all that procession there is no scene more thrilling, no figure more majestic than appears in our text.
It represents a mighty angel, with a face like the sun and feet like pillars of flame, crowned with the token of mercy — a rainbow, and clothed with the emblem of judgment — a cloud. The mighty Colossus stands with his left foot on the land and his right foot on the sea; his left hand holds an open Bible, while his right hand is uplifted to heaven appealing to God for ratification of his solemn oath that "there shall be time no longer."
On this solemn night let the vision of the angel of time confront us with his assertion that time is about to end, and eternity about to begin.
Time, as far as this passing year is concerned, shall soon be no longer. The year is winging to its close, and is even now hovering on the brink of eternity. It has seen its last sunrise, its last sunset. How rapid its passage! Stay, stay, thou flying year; stay thy swift wings, for I am bewildered by this giddy sound, and would pause for a space and breathe." The winged year sweeps on, and will not stop. Turn now, everyone, and bid good-bye to the passing year. Good-bye to the companion who one year ago was an angel in your home and tonight is an angel in the long home! Good-bye to the child that twelve months ago was clasped in your arms and tonight is cradled in the everlasting arms! Good-bye to our Christian brothers who walked these aisles with us and tonight are walking the aisles of the heavenly temple! Good-bye! Good-bye! Year, thy comedy and thy tragedy alike are ended. Vanish! We shall meet but once again, when they record is unfolded in the dazzling light of the all-judging day.
Time, considered as a whole, shall be no longer. Time is the age of the visible world. It began with the flat, "Let there be light," and it will end with the summons, "Come, ye blessed of my Father," and "Depart, ye cursed." Time is the age of this visible creation, but eternity is the age of God: "Before time was, and when time shall end, He is." The age of time is winding up by minutes, days and years. On, on it is hastening, soon to be swallowed up in eternity. For aught we know the hammer is about to strike the last hour, and shiver the universe asunder.
When Lord Nelson was buried in St. Paul's cathedral in London, it is said that the heart of all England was touched to the core. The procession passed on amid a nation's sobs. There were thirty trumpeters stationed at the door of the cathedral, with trumpets at hand, waiting for the signal, and when the illustrious dead arrived at the gates these thirty trumpeters gave one united blast, and then all was silent. Yet the dead warrior slept right on. But none shall sleep when the trumpet that shall call all men to judgment shall sound in our ears. The clock of the universe has struck 8, 9, 10, 11. It shall strike once more, and time shall be no longer.
Time, as far as each one here present is concerned, shall soon be no longer. From life's beginning we have been on the borderland of eternity. With one hand the mother touches the cradle and with the other hand the tomb. The fragile floor of our life is built upon eternity. Look at the cracks! You can see eternity shining through.
"Great God, on what a slender thread
Hang everlasting things."
How frail our tenure of time, which above and beneath us is an eternity so vast that arithmetic has not figures enough to express its length or breadth or depth or height.
We are always complaining our days are so few, yet squandering them as though there were no end of them. Napoleon beat the Austrians because they never knew the value of time. While they dawdled he overthrew them. The devil will defeat some of you, I fear, for the same reason. See those incandescent lights! One of them awhile ago burned out. A little while ago, and it was blazing like the rest; but it is gone. And where will you be, my hearers, when the fires of your life have burned out like that vanished spark? Let us cry, as did Bunyan, stopping our ears to earth's siren voices, "Life, life, eternal life."
"There's an end to all that the world can give,
When the house we build shall fall;
How great is the wreck and the ruin then,
When the dark-flood swallows all."
—Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette, Cedar Rapids, IA, Jan. 1, 1900, p. 5.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
On the Book of Revelation
1901
The Rev. Wight, of Kalamazoo, Will Speak at First Presbyterian Church
The Rev. Wight, of Kalamazoo, Mich., will be heard this week at the First Presbyterian church in his lectures on the Book of Revelation, beginning Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 and continuing each afternoon and evening of the week up to and including Friday.
Subject for this evening will be "The Vials of Wrath." The Rev. Wight has made this book his special study during his theological course and since entering the ministry, and under his tuition the look has become a revelation indeed. All are most cordially invited to attend.
—Fort Wayne News, Fort Wayne, IN, June 18, 1901, p. 8.
The Rev. Wight, of Kalamazoo, Will Speak at First Presbyterian Church
The Rev. Wight, of Kalamazoo, Mich., will be heard this week at the First Presbyterian church in his lectures on the Book of Revelation, beginning Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 and continuing each afternoon and evening of the week up to and including Friday.
Subject for this evening will be "The Vials of Wrath." The Rev. Wight has made this book his special study during his theological course and since entering the ministry, and under his tuition the look has become a revelation indeed. All are most cordially invited to attend.
—Fort Wayne News, Fort Wayne, IN, June 18, 1901, p. 8.
Lenten Services for Seventh Day Adventist Church
1979
Services each evening are at 7:15 p.m.
Second Weekend-March 9-11: Friday - "Eden Restored" (Revelation 22) Saturday - "Making Man Whole"(Revelation 2 and 7) Sunday - "Dead But Not Buried" (Revelation 3) Third weekend - March 16-18: Friday- Birthday Presents" (Revelation 3); Saturday - "Working For The Government (Revelation 5); Sunday - "Are Dragons For Real?" (Revelation 12) Fourth weekend - March 23-25: Friday - "What Does God Expect?" (Revelation 14); Saturday - "The Rest Of It" (Revelation 14); Sunday -"Buried Once-Died Twice"(Revelation 20) Fifth weekend: March 30-31: Friday - "Babylon - Where Is It Today?" (Revelation 14); Saturday - (Revelation 14).
—The Ruthven Zipcode, Ruthven, IA, March 8, 1979, p. 1.
Services each evening are at 7:15 p.m.
Second Weekend-March 9-11: Friday - "Eden Restored" (Revelation 22) Saturday - "Making Man Whole"(Revelation 2 and 7) Sunday - "Dead But Not Buried" (Revelation 3) Third weekend - March 16-18: Friday- Birthday Presents" (Revelation 3); Saturday - "Working For The Government (Revelation 5); Sunday - "Are Dragons For Real?" (Revelation 12) Fourth weekend - March 23-25: Friday - "What Does God Expect?" (Revelation 14); Saturday - "The Rest Of It" (Revelation 14); Sunday -"Buried Once-Died Twice"(Revelation 20) Fifth weekend: March 30-31: Friday - "Babylon - Where Is It Today?" (Revelation 14); Saturday - (Revelation 14).
—The Ruthven Zipcode, Ruthven, IA, March 8, 1979, p. 1.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
A Treat Promised
1916
Dr. Tucker to Preach at Presbyterian Church Sunday
W. Leon Tucker will be the preacher at the Presbyterian church tomorrow at both services. His subject in the morning will be "A Corrupt Leper and Two Clean Birds." His subject in the evening will be "A Heifer Upon Its Haunches." This will be the last opportunity for Tyronians to hear this wonderful Bible teacher.
This evening Mr. Tucker will speak on the "European War in the Light of Prophecy." Does God have anything to say about the times in which we are living now? Do we know anything about our future and the future history of mankind? Do we know anything about the future of the earth on which we are dwelling now? Do you know what God means in the book of the Revelation by the White Horse? The Red Horse? The Black Horse? The Pale Horse? What do these figures mean in plain speech? Mr. Tucker will tell you tonight. Is the world growing better? Will man bring in the golden age? Is there a golden age coming for mankind?
Opportunity was represented among the Greeks by a man with a tuft of hair on his forehead and the back of his head was bald. This was what they meant. If you did not catch the man as he passed by, by the tuft of hair in front, when he had passed by, you could not catch him, because there was nothing to get hold of. These are days of opportunity to hear God's word. What have they meant to you? Have you availed yourself of these golden privileges. Go hear Mr. Tucker this evening and go tomorrow morning and evening.
—Tyrone Daily Herald, Tyrone, PA, Nov. 11, 1916, p. 2.
Dr. Tucker to Preach at Presbyterian Church Sunday
W. Leon Tucker will be the preacher at the Presbyterian church tomorrow at both services. His subject in the morning will be "A Corrupt Leper and Two Clean Birds." His subject in the evening will be "A Heifer Upon Its Haunches." This will be the last opportunity for Tyronians to hear this wonderful Bible teacher.
This evening Mr. Tucker will speak on the "European War in the Light of Prophecy." Does God have anything to say about the times in which we are living now? Do we know anything about our future and the future history of mankind? Do we know anything about the future of the earth on which we are dwelling now? Do you know what God means in the book of the Revelation by the White Horse? The Red Horse? The Black Horse? The Pale Horse? What do these figures mean in plain speech? Mr. Tucker will tell you tonight. Is the world growing better? Will man bring in the golden age? Is there a golden age coming for mankind?
Opportunity was represented among the Greeks by a man with a tuft of hair on his forehead and the back of his head was bald. This was what they meant. If you did not catch the man as he passed by, by the tuft of hair in front, when he had passed by, you could not catch him, because there was nothing to get hold of. These are days of opportunity to hear God's word. What have they meant to you? Have you availed yourself of these golden privileges. Go hear Mr. Tucker this evening and go tomorrow morning and evening.
—Tyrone Daily Herald, Tyrone, PA, Nov. 11, 1916, p. 2.
Weekly Sermonette
1946
A meditation for today prepared by a Bradford minister under the auspices of the Bradford Ministerial association
April 6, 1946
By REV. A. SEON HENRI, D. D. Minister of the Copeland AME Church, Bradford
THEME — "CHRIST in the MIDST of HIS CHURCH."
THE TEXT: And I turned to see the voice that spake to me, And being turned, I saw seven candlesticks; one like unto the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. — Book of Revelation 1:12, 13.
John, our brother, and companion in tribulation, was on the Isle of Patmos, because of his stand for Christianity. While in a state of ecstasy, he saw the victorious, triumphant Christ, the hair of whose head was like wool, and as white as snow. His eyes were as a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished brass, and his voice was like the sound of many waters. He held in His right hand the seven stars, and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword. When John saw Him, he fell at His feet as dead, but the glorious figure said to him, as He laid his right hand upon him, Fear not; I am the First and the Last; I am He that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I Am alive forever more, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."
Visions are usually associated with lofty altitudes and wide perspectives; but this particular vision came out of strain and stress. The church was being sorely persecuted by the Roman Emperor, Domitian. Many sealed their faith with their life blood. John himself, the author of our text, was placed upon the lonely island of Patmos because he bore witness that Jesus is God's SON. The vision reassured John, as he stood face to face with torture and persecution, that the Jesus whom he worshipped was not dead and helpless, but alive and all powerful forever more. This was the consciousness of the early church; this was the secret of the early Christian fathers. The Son of Man walked among the seven golden candlesticks as the church spread beyond the limits of Palestine into the Mediterranean world, thence throughout the Roman Empire. The church suffered under Nero, Caligula, Aurelius, Diocletian and many others, but Jesus was in the midst of her. He continued to walk until one day at the Milvian Bridge, the cross conquered. Finally, the last Pagan order of Rome said when he came to the end of the trail: "Alas, O Galilean, Thou hast conquered!"
Through the long night of the so-called Dark Ages, Jesus was in the midst of His church. He was the friend of John Huss of Bohemia. When Martin Luther nailed his ninety-five theses to the Wittenberg church door, Jesus stood by his side. He went with him into the Wartburg, and down to Worms. To Luther, he was a "mighty fortress." Jesus is in the church today; that is the Christian faith, and the secret of his dynamics. As the church inveighs against economic imperialism, exploitation of minority groups, peonage, and wage slavery, Jesus takes the lead. When the church generates wholesome moral influences, which cause municipalities to cast aside officials who league with vice, crime and racketeers, and disregard for law, Jesus feels that He did not die in vain. But it pains His soul when His church pussyfoots and sidesteps social questions and race issues. Jesus is just as much and just as truly in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks today, as when John saw him nearly two thousand years ago. He is just the same today. In the midst of the years, Jesus retains his magnetic power. He is yet the Savior of the race of men. He is the panacea for the ills of society, all social maladjustments. The church is powerful, glorious. Men need a helper, a redeemer, a savior, GOD. So long as there are disappointments, disillusionments, broken hopes, false friends, unrealized ideals, sin, sorrow and death in the world, there will be a place for the Seamless Robed One who walks among the seven golden candlesticks.
"Ride on Jesus;
Ride on conquering King —
Jesus Christ, the first and the last
No man works like Him!"
—The Bradford Era, Bradford, PA, April 6, 1946, p. 4.
A meditation for today prepared by a Bradford minister under the auspices of the Bradford Ministerial association
April 6, 1946
By REV. A. SEON HENRI, D. D. Minister of the Copeland AME Church, Bradford
THEME — "CHRIST in the MIDST of HIS CHURCH."
THE TEXT: And I turned to see the voice that spake to me, And being turned, I saw seven candlesticks; one like unto the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. — Book of Revelation 1:12, 13.
John, our brother, and companion in tribulation, was on the Isle of Patmos, because of his stand for Christianity. While in a state of ecstasy, he saw the victorious, triumphant Christ, the hair of whose head was like wool, and as white as snow. His eyes were as a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished brass, and his voice was like the sound of many waters. He held in His right hand the seven stars, and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword. When John saw Him, he fell at His feet as dead, but the glorious figure said to him, as He laid his right hand upon him, Fear not; I am the First and the Last; I am He that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I Am alive forever more, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."
Visions are usually associated with lofty altitudes and wide perspectives; but this particular vision came out of strain and stress. The church was being sorely persecuted by the Roman Emperor, Domitian. Many sealed their faith with their life blood. John himself, the author of our text, was placed upon the lonely island of Patmos because he bore witness that Jesus is God's SON. The vision reassured John, as he stood face to face with torture and persecution, that the Jesus whom he worshipped was not dead and helpless, but alive and all powerful forever more. This was the consciousness of the early church; this was the secret of the early Christian fathers. The Son of Man walked among the seven golden candlesticks as the church spread beyond the limits of Palestine into the Mediterranean world, thence throughout the Roman Empire. The church suffered under Nero, Caligula, Aurelius, Diocletian and many others, but Jesus was in the midst of her. He continued to walk until one day at the Milvian Bridge, the cross conquered. Finally, the last Pagan order of Rome said when he came to the end of the trail: "Alas, O Galilean, Thou hast conquered!"
Through the long night of the so-called Dark Ages, Jesus was in the midst of His church. He was the friend of John Huss of Bohemia. When Martin Luther nailed his ninety-five theses to the Wittenberg church door, Jesus stood by his side. He went with him into the Wartburg, and down to Worms. To Luther, he was a "mighty fortress." Jesus is in the church today; that is the Christian faith, and the secret of his dynamics. As the church inveighs against economic imperialism, exploitation of minority groups, peonage, and wage slavery, Jesus takes the lead. When the church generates wholesome moral influences, which cause municipalities to cast aside officials who league with vice, crime and racketeers, and disregard for law, Jesus feels that He did not die in vain. But it pains His soul when His church pussyfoots and sidesteps social questions and race issues. Jesus is just as much and just as truly in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks today, as when John saw him nearly two thousand years ago. He is just the same today. In the midst of the years, Jesus retains his magnetic power. He is yet the Savior of the race of men. He is the panacea for the ills of society, all social maladjustments. The church is powerful, glorious. Men need a helper, a redeemer, a savior, GOD. So long as there are disappointments, disillusionments, broken hopes, false friends, unrealized ideals, sin, sorrow and death in the world, there will be a place for the Seamless Robed One who walks among the seven golden candlesticks.
"Ride on Jesus;
Ride on conquering King —
Jesus Christ, the first and the last
No man works like Him!"
—The Bradford Era, Bradford, PA, April 6, 1946, p. 4.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sermon Series Is Based on Revelation
1915
Beginning last Sunday evening Rev. John Robertson Macartney began a series of sermons upon the Book of Revelation at First Presbyterian church. This much-neglected book of the sixty-six books contained in the Bible, will be expounded during the coming months after the same manner in which the Book of Daniel was unfolded during the last season.
Among other remarks in the opening sermon the speaker said: "This series of sermons will endeavor to unfold the teachings of the mysterious signs and symbols of Revelation. A distinct blessing has been pronounced by God upon those that read and 'hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand.'
"The writer of this book is the disciple, John. He is the author of the Gospel of John, three epistles and the Revelation. Under Emperor Domitian, John, who was the pastor of the Christian church at Ephesus, near the close of the first century of our Christian era, was banished to the Island of Patmos in the Aegean. sea. There in the year 97 A. D. the visions and messages contained in the apocalypse of Revelation, were given to him. The meaning of the word revelation, which is the translation into English of the word apocalypse, is an unfolding. The book is an inspired portrait of the Son of God; it is the epiphany of Jesus, the description of His personal glory to which prophets and martyrs look forward with waiting hope. This same Jesus was manifested to John on Patmos not for a passing moment, but glowed and moved before him, while Christ unveiled before John's eyes the panorama of future events of 'things shortly to come to pass.' John as he was bidden by the Saviour sat down at once and wrote the things that he saw, and the words which were spoken. This accounts for the difference there exists between the language of John's gospel and the language of the Revelation.
"The Revelation is written for believers in Jesus Christ. The man of the world, the soul unillumined by the spirit of God, cannot comprehend the teachings nor symbols. The Bible says the things predicted or foreshown are to be studied because for this very end they were inspired and that they may be understood by the servants and people of God. The apostle Peter tells us that there is 'a sure word of prophecy unto which we do well to take heed as unto a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day star arises in our hearts.' "
The sermon on Sunday night will cover the first chapter of Revelation. Topics of consuming interest will follow in regular series.
—Waterloo Evening Courier, Waterloo, IA, Sept. 25, 1915, p. 6.
Beginning last Sunday evening Rev. John Robertson Macartney began a series of sermons upon the Book of Revelation at First Presbyterian church. This much-neglected book of the sixty-six books contained in the Bible, will be expounded during the coming months after the same manner in which the Book of Daniel was unfolded during the last season.
Among other remarks in the opening sermon the speaker said: "This series of sermons will endeavor to unfold the teachings of the mysterious signs and symbols of Revelation. A distinct blessing has been pronounced by God upon those that read and 'hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand.'
"The writer of this book is the disciple, John. He is the author of the Gospel of John, three epistles and the Revelation. Under Emperor Domitian, John, who was the pastor of the Christian church at Ephesus, near the close of the first century of our Christian era, was banished to the Island of Patmos in the Aegean. sea. There in the year 97 A. D. the visions and messages contained in the apocalypse of Revelation, were given to him. The meaning of the word revelation, which is the translation into English of the word apocalypse, is an unfolding. The book is an inspired portrait of the Son of God; it is the epiphany of Jesus, the description of His personal glory to which prophets and martyrs look forward with waiting hope. This same Jesus was manifested to John on Patmos not for a passing moment, but glowed and moved before him, while Christ unveiled before John's eyes the panorama of future events of 'things shortly to come to pass.' John as he was bidden by the Saviour sat down at once and wrote the things that he saw, and the words which were spoken. This accounts for the difference there exists between the language of John's gospel and the language of the Revelation.
"The Revelation is written for believers in Jesus Christ. The man of the world, the soul unillumined by the spirit of God, cannot comprehend the teachings nor symbols. The Bible says the things predicted or foreshown are to be studied because for this very end they were inspired and that they may be understood by the servants and people of God. The apostle Peter tells us that there is 'a sure word of prophecy unto which we do well to take heed as unto a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day star arises in our hearts.' "
The sermon on Sunday night will cover the first chapter of Revelation. Topics of consuming interest will follow in regular series.
—Waterloo Evening Courier, Waterloo, IA, Sept. 25, 1915, p. 6.
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