Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret - Chapter 5

Review of Chapter 4

Narrative from chapter 4

desire to strengthen spiritual man to prepare for his calling to China

Made a decision (for the most part) to ask only God for things he needs and not people

miracle - after giving his last, money came in the mail

miracle - rich patient unexpectedly paid medical bill so that he could get his salary

Lessons

importance of knowing the Word of God - guide you, help you pray

God will take care of you

if you know there is something God wants you to do (ministry, business, career) - how are you preparing?

easy ones

spiritually - learning the word is definitely on the list; What does the Bible say about your particular calling

physically - getting in shape never hurt ministry; add the service of God as a motivation component (not just for health reasons/looking better)

mentally - studying, classes, training

I have direct quote from the book. Some words that Taylor wrote to his sister

pop quiz - answer out loud or in the chat . . . the answer contains 6 words

you can use your books

Pop Quiz: “You ask how I get over my troubles. This is the way . . .

answer - I take them to the Lord

so simple, but this is a mid week fill up on this simple but important truth

Chapter 5 Narrative

moves to London to further his medical studies at a hospital

in keeping with his decision to only ask God for help, Taylor deliberately cut himself off from supply from family, only help is a society (Explain) pays his hospital fees (probably educational)

Living tough light continues in London - Ate brown bread and apples, 8 mile/day walk to hospital

We are not given details in this book, but it was a very rough time. . . (read page 46) “The outcome proved that in . . . preparation for unforeseen developments in China

read a little bit of his autobiography “Retrospect” - he almost died from getting infected. Was told he would die, was told he would not even make it home . . . two others did die

his severe diet helped him survive, doctor told him

he was comforted by the fact that he might live because God had a job for him to do

Pause - is Taylor’s lifestyle something we should emulate?

only if God calls you to do it that way

P. 46 - 1st indention, “The outcome proved that he was indeed led by God”

be inspired by the example of faith of others, but don’t copy their methods only because “it worked for them!”

He used this scripture for comfort and strength

Isaiah 26:3 KJV 1900

3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on thee: Because he trusteth in thee.

Isaiah 26:3 NLT

3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

focus on God, trust in God . . . have peace

Hudson Taylor Finally leaves for China

by ship

show world map - US, England, China

Show China Map (Shanghai)

foreigners only allowed in a few port cities and not into the interior

Obstacles, 1854 China

right now he is not really in Shanghai, but a small settlement near there

War in China - Taiping Rebellion or Civil War

Red Turbans had captured Shanghai, and other forces were fighting to take it back

he is surrounded by battle - see it, buildings shaken by cannon, prisoners of war

had to go without the partner (Dr. Parker) he thought he would have

Most Christians try to go out to evangelize in twos (example of Jesus)

no place to stay, and had to find housing for a whole family

lived with another Missionary

found a house close to the fighting (3 months) but it proved too dangerous

finally found a place a missionary’s wife had died and had moved out

4/5 months to communicate (messages by ship)

People back home who did not understand (ex earthquake in Turkey, my mind is on Sherry in Grand Prairie)

Famine

overcrowded city

Cold - Dr. Parker and his family did not have clothes for cold (with newborn)

He has little money to begin with, but inflation makes it worse

The Parkers come with little money, and promised money has not shown up

in all of that Taylor and now Talyor and Dr. Parker go out witnessing

Lesson - How can it feel to serve the Lord?

bottom of p. 48

Matthew 26:38–39 NASB95

38 Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.” 39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”

not try to sadden you, but give a dose of reality in this “prosperity teaching” season

Lesson - How did Taylor make it through such tough times?

kept his mind stay on the Lord (already talked about it, focus/trust)

he read 72 through 74 of Psalms

oppression, affliction, wicked doing well for a season

yet being steadfast because God will deliver

Final thoughts and questions

interesting, intriguing, enlightening, encouraging

learning moment, good quote, lesson, something you could identify with

if you can, turn on video/un-mute and

Announcements

Marriage couples this Saturday, 6pm at church

$20 total ($10/person) for married couples who are participating in the valentines day. givelify, paypal, cashapp at $dtcaver, or cash in person. if don’t have the money, no problem