Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 78, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 April 1911 — To Be Consecrated to God [ARTICLE]

To Be Consecrated to God

SN the Old testament, God commands that all the first bom of both man and beast, in fact the who!#' race of Israel, should be consecrated to God. They also consecrated their grain substance—the tithe of the land —holy nnto the Lord. 1 In the New Testament, all were commanded to consecrate that they might be a holy people, a chosen generation, a royal priesthood. We leant from Hebrews that the Son of God was consecrated forever; then let ns press into this new and living way. The ministry never can have power with God and man, unless truly Consecrated to the one who has given them the call to preach the everlasting gospel. This consecrration most be kept, In spite of men or devils. Like Peter and John, “obey God rather than men.” Brethren in the ministry, are we consecrated to God’s call to preach the gospel, giving ourselves to the ministry of the word" and prayer as Christ in the garden, Peter on the housetop, Paul in fasting and prayer till God spake, Daniel in prayer and supplication; the devil’s breast work broken down. We cannot blame the laity for not wanting to support a man that is not consecrated to the ministry. Want Full Service. " ;A preacher half given up to the 1 ministry will discourage any class and weaken their faith and, when this takes place, those who follow (though they are men of. God given up to the gospel) will suffer because of the unfaithfulness. Let us have a consecrated ministry first, then, and not tiff then, can we, lead the flocks into a full consecration, t firmly believe that in our little ilon we have some of the most self-sacrificing, self-denying, both in the ministry and laity. The shepherds must lead in this great battle against sin. Dear brethren, keep where the fire of, the' Holy Ghost can burn out all trace of things that would entangle or Under or divide onr minds. We have often had the question put to us, "What will become of our families? Our income will not permit us to lay aside anything for the future.” We can only trust to the one Who has called us with the highest calling. Here again is the keeping of our consecration fully. Oh, for that spirit of Paul who said, “Be ye followers of me even as I also ■am of Christ;” again, “determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified.” . . „ , Will Win and Keep Flock. Oh, my beloved brethren, a ministry "crucified with Christ” will carry an influence that will stimulate and win the confidence of God’s people. Without having the confidence of God’s people, the shepherd never can lead them. A consecrated and sanettifled preacher will prove himself. It may take time, but with patience let us possess' our souls. Brethren, we are apt to think too much of ourselves. The life that is poured out for others will receive the richest treasure. "Give and it shall be given unto you; good , measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.” Many of God’s servants fail to go far enough along this Una. Brethren, God being our helper, let us venture farther out on these exceeding great and precious promises; then, as our consecration unfolds, oh let ns plunge deeper into the fountain that cleanseth from ail sin. God’s servant who lives these truths before the flock will surely (fad those who win b% ready to pluck out their eyes (read Gal. 4:5); yea, give of their lard earned means for the support of God’s called man. If you Suffer the will of God “Ye dd well,” ys do well, do well. —E. J. Managh, In Gospel Banner. , -■ ■