Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 January 1915 — LARGE AUDIENCE AT CHRISTIAN CHURCH [ARTICLE]

LARGE AUDIENCE AT CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Revival Meeting Conducted by Rev. G. W. Titus Is Proving Splendid Nightly Service. The evangelistic meeting at the Christian chureh is still drawing largs and enthusiastis audiences. Last night’s audience about filled the audit'orium and. was as good a service as any of the series. Prof. Altheide sang a very beautiful solo. The sermon last evening was on the theme ‘The Eternal Issue.” The speaker said: The young man who came to Jesus oh this occasion voiced the universal question of all mankind when he said ‘Good Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” It is the question of the white man, of the black man, the yellow man and the red man. It is the question of the man in the palace, as well as the man in the hovel by the roadside. God has put into the soul of every mafi that capacity that desires and longs for better things beyond this life.. .It is true that ,there are some in our midst who crowd this question out for the time, but sooner or later it becomes the pronounced query of the soui. Would to God that we as much concerned as was this young man, for if we were I am persuaded that many would come into God’s Kingdom. Jesus looked upon this young man and commended him for his goodness and virtue. There is no aoubt but what he was a splendid character. But in the estimation of Jesus this was not enough. There are hosts of men and women who boast of their morality and clean character today, and who say that it is ppt necessary for them to go beyond that. I have had men say to me that the Golden Rule religion was good enough for them. They lay claim to the fact that they are honest, pay their debts, wrong no man, and walk straight in the eyes of the w r orld. Now, I anl glad to meet a man who is clean and good in his character, but I have yet to meet the man who boasting of his morality, measures up to God’s requirements. Morality never saved a soul, but morality plus Jesus will save any man for the Kingdom. If I understand the word of God, it teaches that the only way to settle the eternal issue of ones happiness and soul salvation is to lay claim to the redemption purchased for us 'by the Man of Galilee. There is only one name given among men, whereby we can be saved. Now, the question -that comes to me tonight is, “how can this eternal issue be met?” How simple and plain is the answer; so simple that none need feel that they cannot understand. “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Friends, that is not a very difficult thing that God asks of you. It is not hard for us to put our trust and confidence in the great Pilot of Life. He has brought His countless thousands into the Haven of Rest. He is worthy of our confidence and faith. The young man of the story failed to meet the great issue, for when Jesus brought him face to face with ! his duty he turned his back upon Christ and walked into oblivion. He might have been one of the chosen friends of Jesus. He might haive ranked with Peter and Paul, hue he turned away from the right. The sad thing about life is that so many of us miss and lose out in the great issue often because of some little trifling thing. Some of you here tonight and almost within the Kingdom; you are not far away from the Chirst who loves you, and gave Himself a ransom for you. Are you going to let a small and trifling matter keep you away If companions or friends Atand between you and your duty to Christ, I implore you to cut away from them. If some sinful pleasure, or hidden sin is the barrier, sever yourself from it tonight. Don’t go into the darkness with this man of our text and with Judas, Pilot and the rest of the cowards and failures; but meet the issue and claim Christ as your Saviour. The sermon tonight will be- on the theme: “Shall We Know Our Friends and Loved Ones in Heaven?” Be sure to come early.