From an editorial in the Edmonton Bulletin, Alberta, Canada

Paul was conscious, continually conscious, that the driving power that enabled him to establish churches throughout Asia Minor was not of his own abilities, but of divine origin. And that consciousness seems to be present in all men of worth-while accomplishment. ...

It is, perhaps, the most highly distinguishing mark of greatness, this conviction of helplessness without God's aid and the feeling that whatever is done of worth is done through the inspiration and tutelage of the Holy Spirit.

Certainly it is part of the Christian view of life. For man is lost without God.

He derives all his abilities from God's gifts. He is dependent upon God for his very breath. And the enrichment of his soul derives from the manner in which he does God's will. For only God is life, and only God is great and good. Life and greatness are impossible without God.

The Rev. Paul J. Christensen as quoted in the Youngstown Vindicator, Ohio

Some people, and rightly so, look upon worry as a sin because it denies a simple trust in God. St. Paul certainly proved in his life that worry had no place in his philosophy and that there was godly contentment in all circumstances, even imprisonment and shipwreck. So having found the cause and cure for worry he enjoyed poise and power. We must believe that his sort of experience is within the reach of all.

From an editorial in the Germantown Courier Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A great many people, when they use [the word] "realistic" today, do not mean that what they are describing is close to reality or is in touch with the true nature of what is real. What they often mean by "realistic" is "practical" or "direct." To them a realistic person is one who is aware of the material facts of life. ... This type of attitude, which is almost invariably described as realistic, has its value in our world, but it is not necessarily realistic, in the most profound, intelligent—and accurate—sense of that much-misused word.

The real is that which underlies and permeates life and is the essential substance or quality of life. It is the thing that is left when all else is stripped away. It is the substance or quality on which all else depends. And it is utter folly to say that the hard, material facts (like armored divisions, money, et cetera) are the basic, fundamental things on which life depends.

The misapplication of the word "realistic" to this awareness of pure physical force is a hang-over from a simpler day, when materialism was the vogue and the idea of there being "Spirit" or Providence or immaterial personality was pooh-poohed. Now we know better. We may not today be certain what the exact nature of reality is, but we can assert with confidence that it is not the mere transient, perishable material of flesh, blood, and stone.

We know that whatever reality may be, it is more than—and probably different from—the mere material. Therefore it is just as realistic to recognize the power and force of the invisible and the intangible and the spirit as it is to recognize the stubborn presence of the world and the flesh.

Jacob S. Payton in a column in The Christian Advocate Chicago, Illinois

While members of Congress are considering the budget, which quite rightly can never be neglected, they might well give thought to something else that, so long as its leaders plan to keep the nation secure and helpful, can never be neglected. That possession over which all public servants should stand guard is ... Christian faith. For the greatest benefit flowing to Washington is not the taxpayer's revenue, indispensable as that is. Rather it is the great stabilizing power emanating from Christian homes, churches, schools, and other institutions. They furnished the ideals that carried American democracy through its experimental stages. And they are its present strength.

Dr. W. Cash in a column in Berrow's Journal, Worcester Worcestershire, England

[The Bible] is ... the book of God's revelation of Himself to man in an unfolding story that carries us through thousands of years of a great search. ... Men, therefore, love and read the Bible, not because they want it to be a textbook of history or of science, but because of its irresistible appeal to our hearts and consciences, because, in other words, it is there that we find God and find Him as we never do through any other book. This is its unique quality.

According to the Bible, religion means just one thing—communion with God. As we read this Book of books we reach a vivid realization of God and His love. As our experience of God grows, we throw ourselves back on Him and His power. We learn from the experience of others that God loves us and cares for us, that we can trust our future to Him, that He is our refuge and strength, and that underneath us are His "everlasting arms."