Strang2

LIFE SITUATION NO. 3

TOPIC: Dealing With Souls SUBTOPIC: Wisdom Used In TITLE: A Ride With A Lumberman

I was returning from Bethany-Peniel College. where I had given the spring "Aycock Lectures." My subject there had been. "Life Situations of Jesus and How He Met Them." I had been telling the students that Jesus met trying situations while on earth, but He never failed to satisfy a human need, whether He met a ruler by night, a woman at the well, or a blind or leprous sinner. I was full of my subject while there, and left the school with the desire in my own heart to more fully emulate the example of my Master.

I changed trains at Newton. Kansas, and boarded the fast Santa Fe from there to Kansas City. The train was crowded, and I was forced to ask a gentleman if I might share a seat with him.

"Sure, Brother," he replied, "I'm glad to have you."

He was in the lumber business. So I talked lumber for fifty miles. His daughter was in college, and so was mine, and that took another fifty miles. But after awhile I told him who I was, and where Iliad been, and where I was going.

"I knew you were a preacher as soon as I saw you," he exclaimed.

I was glad there was something about my bearing that revealed that. But now the talk started about religion.

I found him as needy as most travelers. I talked to him about Jesus. I do not know that I endeavored to explain much theology to him. He had some ideas and I listened kindly to them. He was not much of a church man he said. He did not like preachers very well. They always tried to shove their ideas on him and discount his. I assured him I had no desire to do so. I agreed with him that there were too many denominations and too much confusion about dogma and creed. I also offered no complaint when he said

there was too much pomp, form and ceremony in some churches. I let him talk on and on.

When he began to tire I commenced on my subject. I told him that Jesus came not to conform to the erroneous ideas of religion in His day, and would not in ours. I insisted that Jesus came in the flesh to reveal God to us, and also that He might represent us to God. I pictured Him as a companion, a friend, a burden bearer, a Saviour. I did it kindly, but firmly.

To his question about the suffering of humanity I replied that it is not always God's will to take away hardship, trial, temptations, suffering and death, but it is always His will to give us enough grace to endure these things.

I finally lapsed into silence and so did he. Then he tried to talk and could not. Sobs choked his voice. He was so filled up he was inarticulate.

Just then the trainman called "Kansas City." I grabbed my Gladstone bag and started out. My friend, still silent, followed close behind me.

Friends met me at the station. But before I hurried off my friend of the train took me by the hand and said, "God bless you, sir. You have done me a lot of good. You have given me a new outlook on life and a new insight into religion. And you are one of the few preachers I have met who seemed to understand my need."

I went away happy with the thought that I had successfully met his life situation, and incidentally I had successfully faced one of my own.

LIFE SITUATION NO. 4

TOPIC: Trusting God SUBTOPIC: When Resources Fail TITLE: Melting Ice

They sat before me each Sunday morning with shining faces, but I knew well the situation they were facing. They had an ice concession on a lake, or pond as they called it. They made their living by cutting ice from it in the winter time, storing it, and then selling it in the summer. A favorable winter gave them plenty of work and money, but the previous winter the pond had not frozen over, and now winter was almost over and still no ice.

It was aggravating, too. Several times it got cold enough to freeze the pond and they would tell me they intended to cut ice next week. for by that time the ice would be thick enough. But always the weather moderated and away went their ice and prospects.

Spring was on the way for the second time. There was little hope for ice now unless we had a hard freeze soon. But the hard freeze came and the pond froze to such a depth that they could cut in a day or two and they were very happy. But suddenly the temperature commenced to climb and each day the ice got thinner.

I prayed for it to stay cold and so did they, but as Sunday approached the ice was going fast. I knew I would have to face them on Sunday morning with something to say that would help them in their time of need, but how could I help them?

I prayed for a message, and I believe God gave me one especially for them. On Sunday morning my text was, "And ... the brook dried up" (I kings 17: 7). I preached to two hundred, but my message was really for only two. I asked my audience this question: "Have you ever been compelled to stand helplessly by and see that on which you are depending slowly and surely taken from you?"

I told them that Elijah had that experience at Cherith. I emphasized the fact that the experiences of men of the present day are not different from those of men of past generations. I pointed out that whether it be a brook

receding, or stocks and bonds or a bank account the situations are analogous. I related how Elijah trusted God when the brook was receding, and even after it dried up. I reminded them that God took care of Elijah and that the ending of the Cherith experience was the beginning of better things for him at Zarephath. I insisted that God yet takes care of folks who will trust Him when outward appearances are against them.

Several people were helped that morning, but God had given me a message for at least two. Their happy faces shone that morning and they smiled through their tears. At the close of the service they voiced their faith in God, come what may. They did not cut a pound of ice that winter, but they did learn a lesson of dependence on God.

It is true that God does not promise ice for those who desire it. or warm weather for those who enjoy it. One man in a community may pray for ice to help him in his business, while another equally righteous prays for sunshine because he is without fuel and of course God could not answer both prayers at one and the same time. But God promises this transcendent blessing that, "thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee" (Isaiah 26: 3).

I believe that promise and I believe that God can and will minister to us in every life situation.

LIFE SITUATION NO. 5

TOPIC: Soul Saved SUBTOPIC: But Life Lost TITLE: Eleven Fifty-Nine O'clock

One Sunday afternoon I was asked to visit an old gentleman in Lynn hospital. A nephew of the sick man accompanied me. When we arrived we found him unconscious and apparently dying.

"May we speak to him?" I inquired of the nurse.

"You can try," she replied, "but he is so far gone that I doubt if we can arouse him."

After calling him loudly several times and shaking him vigorously he slowly returned to consciousness.

"Uncle," cried Archie, "I've brought the preacher to see you!" There was no response.

Turning to me Archie pleaded. "Please do something for him. He has been an awful sinner. Don't let him die without God."

Here, indeed, was a situation! Here was a man fast nearing death. His life was fast ebbing away; he was barely conscious; he needed salvation. Could I snatch him as a brand from the burning? What could I do to help him?

Almost shouting, I told him the story of the cross. Desperately I urged him to look to Christ. Earnestly I pleaded with him to confess his sins.

To my questions, he nodded that he was a sinner, but believed Jesus could save him. Again his nod signified that he wanted prayer. Seldom have I prayed more earnestly than I did for that dying man. When I concluded I asked him if he believed Jesus had saved him. A slight smile and a nod was the answer. I shouted another word of encouragement in his ear, and then we were ready to go.

As we left the room I looked back. Already his eyes were closed: his mouth was open and he was again unconscious. An hour later it was reported to me he died.

"Brother Strang," whispered Archie, as with tears streaming from his eyes we went down the corridor, "do you think he made it?"

"Archie," I replied, "we deal with an all-merciful heavenly Father. In the last moments of a misspent life He extends pardon if we ask it. Yes, I believe we prayed him into the kingdom, but he has nothing to show for having lived. His life, so far as the kingdom is concerned, will be a blank unless we tell this story of his getting in at the fifty-ninth minute of the eleventh hour. Perhaps by our doing so it may help someone else to get in."

I have related the incident here, and I trust it may help someone into heaven. but oh. friends, I am convinced that seeking God on a deathbed, if we are fortunate enough to have one, is the wrong time and place. God wants our lives as well as our souls.

However, I shall always be happy that God enabled us to be of service that day and it gives me great satisfaction to know that we assisted God to snatch one feeble brand from the burning.

No situation is too hard for God to meet!

LIFE SITUATION NO. 6

TOPIC: Smoking SUBTOPIC: Delivered From TITLE: A Smoke Screen

"You don't believe there is any harm in smoking, do you?" asked the fine-looking gentleman, as he puffed calmly on his pipe.

I waited for a moment or two before replying. I was in his home. and I wanted to be courteous. Then, too, he was a very worthwhile gentleman, and I did not want to lose him.

Finally, I said, "Do you know I believe God always looks at one's motives rather than at one's acts. He looks at why one does a thing rather than at what one does."

He agreed with me.

"Why do you smoke?" I inquired. "Oh, just to be sociable," he replied. "Are you sure of that?" I questioned. "Why do you think I do?" he countered.

"I think you smoke because you can't quit it in your own strength. That pipe is your master, and God is always displeased when anything masters us. For my part I would not let a pipe master me. Yes. I do think it is wrong to smoke when smoking is my master. Why don't you quit? You're too big a man to be ruled by a pipe."

I had told him pretty straight, and it sort of got him; he did not seem to have anything to say in return.

After prayer I left him with a few encouraging words. Of course I invited him to church.

Sure enough. he was there the next Sunday and his wife was with him. It was easy to preach to him, as he seemed to drink in every word. He came every Sunday for several weeks, and then our revival services commenced.

He did not resist long. He and his wife were among the first to come. It did not take them long to pray through either. Later they were sanctified and joined the church.

One day he confided to me, "I haven't touched the pipe once from the day you called on me. I sort of saw the thing in a new way after your visit. You made me feel ashamed to think that a pipe or anything else could rule me. When you prayed for me I asked God to give me strength to leave it alone. He did and I did. I discovered it was the thing that was keeping me from having a real experience. Before that I always hid behind the fact that the Bible said nothing about tobacco. You made me see that tobacco or anything else that ruled me was displeasing to God."

It happened six years ago, and he is still leaving the old pipe alone. There must be thousands like him over the land who are trying to be Christians while burning the devil's incense.

I trust that God will help me to point out to men everywhere that anything that rules them comes between them and God. God wants to rule and reign in our lives, and through the strength and grace He gives us He intends that we shall be kings, and as kings we shall rule over the domain of our own body, mind and soul.

Yes, I am sure there is harm in smoking.

LIFE SITUATION NO. 7

TOPIC: Breaches

SUBTOPIC: Taking The Initiative To Heal TITLE: Winning A Friend

It happened when I was a very young Christian, and while it might not seen to have large proportions to some, it was the first large trial which confronted me and it seemed to be of the utmost importance.

Wesley had been my friend for a year or two, and then suddenly, for no apparent reason, he avoided me, and even refused to speak to me. To make matters worse, he was transferred to a night position, and I remained on a daytime job. I had no opportunity to see him, and yet I was aware that something should be done about it.

One evening the man with whom I worked asked me if I would return and work until midnight. This I did, and I discovered that Wesley's position required him to come to work that night in the same building. He was employed on the second floor and I on the first.

Some time during the night I was required to go to the third floor for some information. It was necessary to pass close to Wesley's desk. He did not even look at me when I went by. I wanted to speak to him, but I didn't have the courage.

No one was at work on the third floor. I remember kneeling by a chair in that quiet office building, and there I prayed earnestly that God would help me to go to Wesley. God came and helped.

Going down to the second floor, I walked up to Wesley's desk, and putting out my hand I said, "Wesley, I am a Christian, and I want to be your friend."

I shall never forget the look that came into his face. To say that he was surprised is putting it mildly. His face turned red. He stuttered and stammered, and then he extended his hand to grip my outstretched one.

"Cliff. I want to be your friend, too," said he. "This is the first time that anyone has ever done anything like this to me. I have been jealous of you, but I'm not now."

Can you see the picture'? Just two young men with clasped hands in the midst of a gigantic steel plant. But it was more than that! It was a picture of what Christ can do for a life He has entered. It is a painting of one "going the other mile." It is a picture of the renewing of a worthwhile friendship.

I left Wesley that night with a happy heart. That incident did something for him, but it did much for inc. We became friends, but I became a more established Christian.

I have had to do similar things for the past twenty-nine years. But the same God who met me on my knees at a chair on the third floor of the Physical Testing Laboratory that night has met me many times since, and has always given me grace enough to meet comparable life situations.

It is the intention of Satan to create breaches that cannot be bridged between friends. Friendships are ruined and homes broken up in this manner. But if we remember that "our brother has aught against us," and if we will go to him, God will help us win those who might be eternally lost to us.

Do you face a similar life situation? Take the initiative and do something about it today.

LIFE SITUATION NO. 8

TOPIC: Quietness and Confidence SUBTOPIC: When Dying TITLE: A Faithful Steward

I sat talking quietly with him and his wife in his hospital room. He was a very sick man and he knew it. He had protested vigorously against going to the hospital, but had at last consented. Before he went he had got all his affairs in order. No, he had not been excited about it. but with no more ado than if he were getting ready to go to the adjoining town, he had made his preparation. His wife, even yet, had no idea how seriously ill he was. And now we sat talking.

"Brother Strang," said he, "I'll have Margaret send your coal to you while I'm sick. I'm anxious that you get the same grade you have been getting, and I've given her instructions about it."

"That's very thoughtful of you," I replied.

"No, it's just my business; you preach and I'm in the coal business. We must both do our work in the right way.

He was interested in the parsonage remodeling then going on. How had the prayer meeting been last Wednesday? Why had I taken my valuable time to come to see him on a Saturday afternoon when I should be in my study preparing for Sunday? These and many other things were on his mind.

Then he told me how he had been saved from a life of sin through the influence of a "Billy Sunday" meeting. He told me how he had later been sanctified, and modestly he recounted his faithfulness for approximately twenty years. His voice neither rose nor broke. God was possessing his soul in quietness.

Shortly I had prayer and then I left them. I knew them to be one of the finest, most lovable couples I had ever known. I knew that he was dying, and so did he, but that one he loved so well did not.

I was sent for hurriedly the next afternoon. A great change had taken place in him. He was sinking rapidly, but he recognized me and called me by name. I took that kindly hand in mine and prayed for him. There was no sign of fear or alarm in his eyes. He was just one of God's good saints going home. In less than an hour he had crossed through that dark valley from which none return. But not alone! He had trusted the Christ who had said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

Talk about meeting a life situation! Christ met his! It was apparent in his illness and obvious in his dying.

From that time on death has not seemed so dreadful to inc. It has never been inviting, but if the Christ who met my good friend and member and conducted him out of this life will only do so for me, I too shall not be afraid. And that is just what He has promised to do, so "I shall fear no evil."

A good man dies well. He dies well because he has lived well. To be a Christian consists in something more than an act or a series of acts. Being a Christian means the living of a life: a life hid with Christ in God.

Do you know Jesus as your Saviour? Are you trusting in Him? You would not want to die without Him, would you?

As for myself I intend to love Him more and serve Him better, for I want no complications when death comes seeking me. Death requires a preparation. Like my friend, we need to give some attention to temporal and material things, but like him also we should be prepared for those things which are eternal.

LIFE SITUATION NO. 9

TOPIC: Sustained By God

SUBTOPIC: When A Companion Is Suddenly Taken TITLE: "0 Death, Where Is Thy Sting?"

A hasty call to the hospital revealed the fact that one of my finest members had met with a serious accident.

I had rushed to the emergency room, only to learn that they had removed him to a room on the third floor. The little nurse lost not a moment in rushing me to his bedside. Immediately I perceived that he had only a few minutes to live. I breathed a prayer for him as doctors and nurses rushed about.

A voice at my elbow aroused me. It had a familiar ring to it. I was amazed to discover that the young doctor who had spoken to me was an old college classmate of other days. He informed me that he was now chief-of-staff in that great hospital.

"Come out into the corridor," said he. "There is an important task I need to perform."

I believed I knew what it was, and breathed a prayer for him.

In the corridor we found the wife of the injured man. "Oh, Brother Strang, she cried, "please, please pray."

The doctor friend very gently told her the truth concerning her husband. What a shock it was to her!

I dropped on my knees by her chair, and there asked God to verify His promise: "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

I can testify that God heard and answered prayer, and well He had need to do so, for the injured man died while I was praying. I heard his groans cease, and I knew the end had come even before I concluded. His wife was

aware of it also, but He who had conquered death had now ministered to her in the time of her greatest need.

No, I am not saying that God takes away the hurt when our loved ones die. I am only saying that He can and does give grace sufficient to endure it. Yes, even to praise Him, not because of it, but in spite of it.

I have watched with interest the life of the bereaved woman. I have seen her faith hold fast in spite of tremendous difficulties. I have seen the value of the religion of Jesus Christ exemplified in her life. I am remembering that "God is no respecter of persons." I believe that God will give each of us a full measure of grace when these trying things come upon us.

There is only one prescription that we can offer persons in the hour of sudden accident and bereavement, and that is prayer; for back of prayer is the God who answers. I am glad that I had a little part in presenting that prescription to that saint who lost her husband so quickly. I am satisfied that through prayer, and because of the God who answers prayer, we can meet any life situation that may confront us.

Accidents will come. In a moment of abstraction a step in front of a street car or automobile may prove fatal. When the natural laws of nature or safety are not observed one suffers the consequences. This is no mark of God's displeasure. But on the other hand, God takes great pleasure in easing the hurt of the offender; in healing the wound of the bereaved who are left behind. The complexity of life is continually producing complex life situations. But thank God. He is able to meet them all with His grace.

LIFE SITUATION NO.10

TOPIC: Believing Unto Salvation

SUBTOPIC: Upon The Word____ Apart From Feeling TITLE: Saved By Faith

He came to my study in great agitation.

"I'm having difficulty with my experience." said he. "I just don't seem to be able to keep it."

"Oh, you are either an habitual or an occasional sinner?" I asked.

"Not at all," he insisted. "I'm not living in sin, but I don't feel that I've got what I need."

"Did you ever stop to think that you are trying to save yourself and trying to do it by substituting feeling or emotion for faith?" I ventured.

"I can't believe," he replied.

"Can't believe whom?" I asked.

"Just can't believe." he rejoined.

"Now, look here," I said. "You don't mean you can't believe Christ?"

Reaching for my Bible I read, "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."

Then turning to him I said, "Coming is the assent and consent of yourself in the personal Christ; it is the yielding of yourself to Him as your Saviour and Lord. Now, as far as you know, have you given yourself to Christ?"

"Yes, of course I have," he replied.

"Then here is the answer of Christ to you: 1 will in no wise cast out.' Can you believe that word and rest on it?"

"I believe it, but—" he stammered.

I said to him, "Back of each promise is the Promiser. We are saved by taking Christ as our Saviour, and by believing His word, for, after all, the Bible is not only God's Word, but it is God's word to you. It will be true whether or not you have feeling. Your mood will change; your emotions may run high or low, but God's Word is always constant."

"I'm beginning to see." he ventured.

"Now, unless you know some reason for disbelieving Christ, suppose you believe and trust Him at once," I suggested.

"Why. I can't help believing Him," he cried, with his face shining.

"I have found Him worth believing for twenty-nine years," I told him, "and the reason why I know I'm saved now is because I now believe His word to me.

"Thank God, He does not cast me out," said the young man.

On our knees we went in a prayer of thankfulness. When we had both prayed we arose and he went away singing.

Some days he does not feel so good yet, but his faith has never wavered. Sometimes his faith acts on his feelings in such a way that his cup bubbles over.

Later he went on and was sanctified, and today lee is rendering faithful service to his Master.

God's Word is worth believing. It is as true as God is. Faith in its promises will save, sanctify and revolutionize your life. Trust God today!

Too many are trying to save themselves just as my young friend was doing. Some are trying to win God's favor, and to attract His attention; to plead with Him to be merciful and gracious. He is that already. If we will confess our sins, and repent of them by turning from them, and if we will place our faith in Christ and His Word, we are saved. It is not that He will save, but He does!