Signs of the Times

with contributions from J. Ithel Jones, Ansley Gerard Van Dyke, Roy L. Smith

Rev. J. Ithel Jones, M.A., B.D., in an article in The Expository Times, Edinburgh, Scotland

The kingdom is to be spread by the proclaiming of good news. "And he shall speak peace unto the heathen."

Now, that expression does not mean "Let's be friends with other nations." It includes that, of course, but in the first instance it means something quite different. This phrase "to speak peace" seems to have a meaning all its own in Scripture. It is almost invariably associated with the proclaiming of the good news of God. On that night in which our Lord was born the angels sang of peace on earth. Of the reason for their song we are left in no doubt: it had to do with the good tidings of great joy that a Saviour had been born in the city of David.

Speaking peace is almost synonymous with the bringing of good news of what God has done for our salvation. The two expressions are brought together in the celebrated exclamation in Isaiah, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation. ..."

And so, "he shall speak peace unto the heathen" does not mean the establishing of friendly relations among the peoples on a humanistic basis. It means bringing the peace of God to the hearts of men by making known to them the good news of the gospel. That is the way in which this kingdom is extended.

Rev. Ansley Gerard Van Dyke, Th.M. in a Sermonette in the Ocean County Sun Toms River, New Jersey

One moment, one single event, can permanently change the whole course of a human life. Saul became Paul in the blinding light on his way to Damascus. Isaiah gave himself in service to God after seeing the remarkable vision in the temple. Little Samuel said, "Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth." The story of the Bible is the story of men and women whose lives were changed when they met God....

People are perishing for lack of love. Christ [Jesus] came to kindle love in our hearts, for he said that where love is, there also is God. Loving them, we will be able to see the good things about them. We will be able to discover the hidden potentialities within. ... We will be able to lead them to the one who can ... give them a new and abundant life....

The Christian faith is not a program, ... but a life to live each day; it is not a creed but the inescapable Christ.

From Allied Youth, Football Issue Washington, District of Columbia

Bob Carey, Captain of Michigan State. AP All-American end and Collier's Specialist in Conversions:

The responsibility for doing what is right today is being carried more and more by the youth of the world. In order to walk uprightly and think clearly you must have a clear mind with no burdens hindering you. Alcohol, like a soleless shoe, will do more harm to a person than good. Be smart, don't fool yourself, stay away from alcohol.

Harold Riley, Baylor end. Passsnaring ace:

I think of the use of alcoholic beverages as one of the very prominent enemies that we confront. ... We must set the example to be followed by taking a prominent part in religious, civic, and community affairs, by showing an interest in youth and a desire to help them in every way, and by taking a firm stand against alcohol.

From Allied Youth, repreinted in Spotlight, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Sammy Urzetta, United States Amateur Golf Champion:

Golf is the most demanding of competitive games. ... I have found, and had confirmed by the stars I've played against, that indulgence in alcohol in any form or amount robs you of the strength and co-ordination you need to make the shots, and even more importantly, of the ability to concentrate completely on the task in hand. ...

Young people, whatever their interests, should realize early that alcohol cannot help them in any way, but can hinder them in many ways. Be true to yourself; ... keep your faith in Him [God], no matter how or in what church you express that faith. Then the biggest part of your battle for success is won.

Roy L. Smith in an article in The Christian Advocate Chicago, Illinois

Genuine spirituality is an awareness of the fact and the presence of God, and an ordering of our life so that the will of God may be done in us.

Read your New Testament for the purpose of observing how real God seemed to Jesus. Read the epistles of Paul to see how real Jesus was to the great apostle. ...

Whenever Jesus was sure he knew God's will, all searching ceased. He did that will. ...

The genuinely spiritual man trusts the spiritual forces of life, accepts the spiritual interpretation of this universe, seeks spiritual gifts, and waits for spiritual guidance. Whenever the spiritual and the material come into conflict in his presence, he throws in all ... weight ... on on the side of the spiritual. And that makes God very real to him.

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