Kingston-on-thames Conference

Notes of addresses communicated by Mr. D. A. Hill.

NO COMPROMISE WITH THE WORLD.

Mr J. Bennison said :-When Jehoshaphat began to reign (see 2 Chronicles 17.), he "strengthened himself against Israel." Was this just a military move ? No ! On the throne of Israel was Ahab, a wicked man, and far away from God. His evil influence must not reach Judah. Jehoshaphat sent the Levites to instruct his people in time way of the Lord, and so long as he went along these lines he prospered greatly. But it takes a steady hand to carry a full cup. "Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked."

Chapter 18. introduces a new scene. Jehoshaphat had riches ... and he joined affinity with Ahab." Had Ahab changed, was he converted ? No, it was Jehoshaphat who had changed, not for the better but for the worse.

ABRAHAM refused in spite of pressure to be rewarded by the world, and at once the Lord said : "I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward." JOSEPH, in the hour of temptation, said: "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" He stood against the storm. When Sanbahlat opposed the building of the wall, and men whispered cowardly advice, NEHEMIAH exclaimed: "Should such a man as I flee?" The work went on and was finished. THE THREE HEBREWS, called upon by Nebuchadnezzar to worship the image which he set up, made answer, "Our God whom we serve, is able to deliver us ... and He will deliver us... But if not ... we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image." When the test came for them, they stood. When PAUL heard that trouble was ahead, the apostle replied, "What do ye?... I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die ... for tine Name." No compromise!

But Jehoshaphat when blessed by the Lord made overtures to the very man against whom he had previously strengthened himself. Ahab prepared a great feast, and-when the meal was over, he proposed that they should work together. The object was worthy-to free Ramoth from time enemy. Yet Jehoshaphat felt not too sure and wanted enquiry of time Lord. The four hundred false prophets cried, "Go up! " and Micaiah ironically echoed them. But Ahab knew him ; his message had never yet favoured him; it was always far too "narrow minded!" When eventually Micaiah did deliver the Lord's counsel, Ahab's servant struck time prophet yet that blow drew no protest from Jehoshaphat! Alas, alas, into what a position of guilty compromise, and of weakness he had got! He could look on while they ordered bread and water of affliction for God's prophet! And the two kings went into battle. When the chariots turned against Jehoshaphat, at last he "cried out, and the Lord helped him." How merciful

So in chapter 19. we see Jehoshaphat returning to Jerusalem. Yet how nearly he had come to falling in battle owing to his compromise with Ahab! He who had once stood for God and had then joined himself with God's enemies.

Let us stand for God. The world desires affinity with us. Satan is bringing by means of the radio, the theatres into our very houses ! With what shall we have fellowship ? With whom shall we have friendship? DO NOT COMPROMISE!

CRITICAL TIMES!

Mr. A. Atkinson- said :-When God's own people were terror-stricken because of Goliath, there was one man who stood for God (read 1 Samuel 17.). Christians to-day are scattered and in fear. Many are at their wits' end. People are afraid to come out and make a stand-and Satan is laughing at them. A book has recently been issued called" Christianity amid the Crisis," written by religious leaders, but oh, terribly weak-merely the ideas of men. The Word of God is entirely absent from the thoughts of such religious leaders of this land.

David was not experienced in ordinary warfare, but he was experienced of God! He mad rested his life on God, and God had not failed him-trust God like that. May we so set our hearts that the overcoming life of heaven shall be made manifest in us. When the "moorings" are gone, the principles and the morals are sooner or later thrown overboard, Oh for Christians who will shine like a lighthouse in the darkness

David had individuality; he did not copy others nor lean on others --his sufficiency was of God. Because he was a shepherd, he had sling and stone-it was these he used, and with these he won-but he did not trust in his sling and stone

-oh no, his trust was wholly in God. We also should lean wholly on God; and so leaning, God wants us to use the particular talents which each individual has.

David knew God could win victory, and this was enough for David. He cared not for himself, but for God, and for His people. God inns a Name-shall we say, a reputation, and He has entrusted us to maintain it. He would have us to care for His people also. God is hove. Love we need love the world needs. What loveless lives we lead.

In the issue of time battle it was just God and David alone. So unconventional! But he knew God so intimately; it was intensely personal. Let us walk as closely with our Lord.

David understood God. And can we doubt that he knew when tine God-given opportunity arrived? Did he not know the principle which we see in such words as-" who knoweth whether thou art not come to the kingdom for such a time as this ? " There is something like a crisis in the earth to-day. Perhaps we may have to meet something arising out of it. Let us be ready to meet it. Let us remember this principle. And let us not be slow to apply it as widely as Scripture warrants. If we stand for God we shall not only please Him, but become a blessing to others-perhaps even the nation hay be dealt with in discriminating mercy by God, through the faith and faithfulness of His people who stand amid act for Him.

LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS.

Mr. Harold Bennison followed thus -The difficulties of the present day are great. Things are changing, but not for the better. Read 2 Corinthians, chapter 4. An anxiety on the part of lighthouse-keepers is to prevent moisture from gathering on the glass, for this would diffuse time light, and it would not penetrate so far. They avoid the trouble by keeping the inside temperature the same as that of the atmosphere outside. So let us be clear and clean, in mind and life, to reflect the glory of the Lord. There must be no condensation on our mirrors or it will be a bad job for others. They won't see Christ, " The Light of the World." It is a thankless ease to have light within us but not to be showing it outwardly -bad for us and others. In the things of this life, any man has sufficient regard for his fellows to keep him out of a hole. Shall we who are Christians, not seek to help our fellow-men from "going down to the pit" for eternity ?---they are on the edge of the abyss, ready to fall! You are wanted to reflect "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

Do you see the seriousness of this ? Let people behold Christ in your life.

"having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech." If we do reflect the light ; if we are untarnished and uncontaminated, we have free speech. Keep unspotted from the world; otherwise your mouth will be closed.

We may have our own ideas of what is befitting. Peter had his idea, on the Mount, but God bade him consider His Son. "Hear HIM." Be governed by God. But remember that as you obey that "Hear Him," and continue therein there will be trouble. The Devil attacks. Ours is an obstacle race; we are not to go round the obstacles, but over them. Are we "Perplexed"? (2 Corinthians 4. 8). "Lean on Thy Guide." In spite of all, go on-" Christ is thy way, and Christ thy prize."

"Bearing about in time body the dying of Jesus" (verse 10). It is not likeable, but God will not try you more than you are able to bear. Run the race. It is worth it.

"Our inward man is renewed day by day" (verse 16). Renew the inward man by drinking continually of the life-

giving stream. You cannot fast and keep fit. Napoleon said, "Men march on their stomachs." No use going forth in the name of the Lord if you have nothing to work on. Feed on the Word.

"We look not at the things which are seen " (verse 18). Look not at the things seen, this passing show. It is temporary and will not satisfy. And our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh an eternal weight of glory.

unknown | Dec 1933
General