Above:  The Original Document

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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I.

Salvation likened to a river whose source is the throne of God.  Small at first, it becomes a mighty stream.  Along its banks grows the tree of life, whose fruit fails not.  Its leaves are a healing balm for all our ills.  This is “a balm in Gilead.”

II.

So there is hope for all who turn to God.  Man fails, but God never [fails].

(1)  Evil desires lead to evil deeds.  They need to be taken away and desire for good things made regnant.  How badly it is needed.  “Let brotherly love continue.”  “Love thy neighbor as thyself” that the Golden Rule may become our delight.

(2)  Ill will works so much hurt.  He came to take it away and replace it with good will.  This would cure the hurt of the nations, drive away war and establish peace.

(3)  He will destroy fear and give confidence, trust, and love to all.  The whole attitude of our lives will become new and Christlike.

God speed the day when salvation shall flow down as a mighty river, causing every good thing to live and beautify the whole life of our race in all the world.

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Above:  The Original Document

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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Ezek. 37, 1-10

Israel’s condition here seen in a vision; fittingly illustrates the sinner’s spiritual condition.

I.

“Dry bones,” devoid of spiritual life.  Figure is not too strong.  Men are powerless to move Godward if life to themselves–are “very dry,” devoid of life.

II.

“Can these bones live?”  Is there any hope for a poor lost sinner?  Yes.  “The dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God and they that hear shall live.”  (Jno. 5, 21 & 25-26)  “He [is] able to save to the uttermost.”  (Heb. 7, 25)  No case is hopeless.

III.

Means to be used:

(1)  “Prophesy.”  “O ye dry bones, hear ye the word of the Lord” (v. 4).  “Preach the word” (2 Tim. 4, 2).  It pleaseth God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Cor. 1, 21).  “The word of God is quick and powerful,” etc. (Heb. 4, 12).

(2)  Prayer for the Spirit to impart life.  “Come, O breath, and breathe upon these slain” (v. 9).  “Grieve not the Spirit” (Eph. 4, 30).  “Quench not the Spirit” (1 Thes. 5, 19).  We need his power to awaken and save sinful souls.

IV.

God waits to be gracious.  How concerned he is about our salvation.

Let us look with much prayer for his saving power.

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Above:  The Original Documents

Images Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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EDITOR’S NOTE:

My great-grandfather served as the pastor of Underwood Memorial Methodist Church (now Tenth Street Underwood Memorial United Methodist Church), Atlanta, Georgia, from late 1938 to his retirement in late 1945.

KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR

APRIL 22, 2014 COMMON ERA

THE FEAST OF GENE BRITTON, EPISCOPAL PRIEST

THE FEAST OF CESAR CHAVEZ, LABOR UNION LEADER

THE FEAST OF CHARLES HAMILTON HOUSTON, ATTORNEY

THE FEAST OF SAINT FIDELIS OF SIGMARINGEN, CAPUCHIN FRIAR AND MARTYR

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To whomsoever I shall send thee thou shalt go.

–Jeremiah 1, 7 (Authorized Version)

I.

God has a place of service for every one of us.  To fill that place he calls.  Each one has his own duty to perform.  We ourselves must do it, or it will go undone.  Others can do no more than their own part.  Hence God’s cause will languish if we neglect our own work.

II.

The least God can expect is loyalty, fidelity.  His cause is so important that slight indifference hurts.

Be true to Christ:

(1)  By turning from every wrong.  A seemingly small sin may ruin our influence or wreck a soul.

(2)  Be loyal by zealously attending church services.

You expect the pastor to be faithful; is it less your duty to be equally so?

What sort of a church would Underwood be if every member were just like me?

Your zeal will help boost the church and help reach souls.

III.

“Thou shalt go.”

God looks to you.  How dare anyone be out of his place any time?  Will you be true?  Can your pastor and God depend on you?

If my hand slackened I should rob God–since he is fullest good, leaving a blank instead of violins.  He could not make Antonio Stradivari’s violins without Antonio.”–George Elliott

“You are God’s opportunity in your day.  He has waited for ages for a person just like you.  If you refuse him then God loses his opportunity which he sought through you, and he will never have another, for there will never be another on earth just like you.”

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“Bring to God your gift, my brother.

He’ll not need to call another;

You will do;

He will add his blessing to it,

And the two of you will do it,

God and you.”

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Will you go away from this service to forget this appeal from God, or will you bestir your soul and be in your place?

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Above:  The Original Document

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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1 Peter 2, 7

I.

Christ the foundation whereon we build our spiritual house.  “Other foundation can no may lay”–(1 Cor. 3, 11).  “None other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4, 12).  Christ alone!

II.

The condition is faith that yields all to him, trusts him fully for salvation–an act of the whole man–intellect, emotion and will.  None other has the authority and power to save.  None other has died to redeem us.  Look to him and live.  Christ or chaos.

III.

To all who believe, who trust in him for salvation, as Lord and Saviour, “he is precious”–an honour, is our sufficiency.

(1)  They have their sins forgiven by the blood of the Lamb.  Guilt no longer rests upon them.  “Though your sins be as scarlet” (Isa. 1, 18).  “He is faithful and jut to forgive us,” etc (1 Jno. 1, 9).

(2)  Become the sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty–adopted into the family of God.

What a blessed relationship, what an honour!  Who is not happy in such an experience?!

“My soul shall make the boast in the Lord.”  Ps. 34

“He that believeth on him shall not be ashamed” (v6).

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Above:  The Original Document

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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Isa. 57, 15

I.

The vastness of the universe impels us to think of God as the High and Mighty one.  We are confronted with limitless space and the mighty forces that hold the planets in their orbits, moving with the utmost precision.  He is of infinite power and greatness.

II.

The study of the microscopic world is also very impressive.  He also created the bacteria visible only through the microscope.  Wisdom and infinitude are revealed here too.

III.

God inhabits eternity, dwelling in the High and holy place.  We need a God of might to supply our great needs and embolden us in the presence of the titanic forces we confront–even death itself.  “And have the keys of death and the grave.”  “All power is given unto me.”

IV.

“I dwell…with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.”  Our infinite God who governs the universe delights to answer the prayer of the humble soul, he is inclined unto our cry.  He who marks the sparrow’s fall, and who numbers the hairs of our heads, who is of infinite love, delights to help us “to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite one.”

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Above:  The Original Document

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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Isa. 53, 12b

…and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

—Authorized Version

I.

To redeem us our Lord bore our sins in his own body on the tree, died for us that he might win our love and save us.  All of this despite our sins, our unloveliness, our unworthiness.  Love led him to Calvary.

II.

He prayed for the transgressor, for those who crucified him.  “Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.”  He undertook for them.

Hence sinners have another chance as we seek pardon in his name and long to live righteous lives.

How very much we owe to his intercession for us!

III.

Jesus set us an example that we should follow.  We, too, should intercede for others, pray that they may be led to Christ for saving power.  Thereby many have been prevailed upon to come to him.  “The effected fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Take somebody on your heart and pray for them.  What a privilege it is is.  God will use your prayers for his good.

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Above:  Both Sides of the Original Document

Images Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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EDITOR’S NOTES:

1.  The hymnal in question, I think, is The Methodist Hymnal (1905).

2.  I prefer Episcopal funerals, for the ritual focuses on celebrating life.

KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR

MARCH 17, 2014 COMMON ERA

THE FEAST OF SAINT PATRICK, ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF ARMAGH

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Isa. 38, 1

1.  It is certain we all must die, sooner or later.

2.  None of us has any time to lose.  God gives us our time for this one work.

3.  The important thing is to live well, then we will die well.  But how careless many of us are.

4.  Let us be wise while life lasts to make preparation for the great beyond.

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Above:  The Original Text

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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Jno. 17, 19

I.

“Sanctify”–consecrate and devote myself that I thereby may purchase eternal redemption for them–see Jer. 12, 3.  The root idea is the consecration of persons and things to the service of God–opposed to what is common.  “For their sakes”–that they may receive the blessings that can be secured in no other way.  His teaching and religion aroused the hostility of the leaders of that day.  He faced it all and devoted himself to death to bring salvation to the people.

II.

I, a father, devote myself to the highest and best for the sake of my son, who must face the future.  What I can do to help him as he lives his life, I gladly undertake.  He must face a new day.

III.

As a churchman.  Without religion morals will disappear and the heart will find no stay.

The church alone has pious religion.  Hence I consecrate myself to God and the church to help carry on his work.

IV.

As a citizen, I devote myself to righteousness and peace among the nations of the earth, that we may have a just and lasting peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Above:  Part of the Original Text

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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Rom. 8, 17

I.

By repentance of faith we are born into the kingdom of God–become “sons of God” (1 Jno. 3, 1-2).  “Thou art no more a servant but a son” (Gal. 4, 7).

II.

Now we have the rights of a son and are so treated–an “heir of God.”  What treasures God has to bestow upon us.  We are to enjoy him, our God and Father.  How glorious is our heritage!

III.

“Joint heirs with Christ.”  We are to share with Christ the treasures that are his by virtue of his Sonship.

(1)  The love of God–may feast on it as did our Lord.

(2)  Life in its fullness, “abundantly.”  God’s grace encircles life so much, and is sufficient for all our needs.

(3)  The Holy Spirit to dwell within and to guide and aid us.  It was by his help Jesus cast out demons and labored so helpfully.

(4)  The glories of the eternal world.  “All that I have is thine” (Lk. 15, 31b).  The right of the inheritance is thine” (Jer. 32, 8).  You and I inherit a farm.  I can’t say this field is mine and that yours.  Both alike own it and share it.  All alike belongs to Christ and us.

Shall we not enter upon our inheritance and enjoy it?

“As many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.  Which were born…of God.” (Jno. 1, 12-13)

“Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God….Beloved now are we the sons of God” (1 Jno. 3, 1-2)

“And if children then heirs; heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him that we may be glorified together.” (Rom. 8, 17)

“And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.” (Gal. 3, 29)

“Wherefore thou art no more more a servant, but a son, and if a son then an heir of God through Christ.”  (Gal. 4, 7)

“That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.” (Eph. 3, 6)

“That being justified by his grace we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3, 7)

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Above:  Part of the Original Text

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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EDITOR’S COMMENT:

My great-grandfather’s use of “Jehovah” places him in time.  The American Standard Version of the Bible (1901) makes frequent use of that term, for example.  That term has fallen out of use in many circles, with “the LORD” of “Yahweh” taking its place most frequently.  For example, the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, in its 1973 hymnal, The Book of Psalms for Singing, uses “Jehovah” frequently.  Yet the denomination’s 2010 hymnal, The Book of Psalms for Worship, replaces “Jehovah” with other terms, usually “the LORD.”  (Aside:  I do find having a collection of hymnals helpful for research purposes.)  Nevertheless, on my way to church each Sunday, I drive past the building of a congregation which calls itself “Jehovah’s Temple.”  I guess they did not get the memo.

I note also that my great-grandfather had read up on developments in Christology during the first five centuries of Christianity.

KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR

JANUARY 29, 2014 COMMON ERA

THE FEAST OF SAINTS LYDIA, DORCAS, AND PHOEBE, COWORKERS OF THE APOSTLE PAUL

THE FEAST OF ANDREI RUBLEV, RUSSIAN ORTHODOX ICONOGRAPHER

THE FEAST OF SAINTS GENESIUS I OF CLERMONT AND PRAEJECTUS OF CLERMONT, ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS; AND SAINT AMARIN, ROMAN CATHOLIC ABBOT

THE FEAST OF SAINT GILDAS THE WISE, HISTORIAN AND ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST

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Matt. 16, 16

Christian view:  two natures, humanity born of a virgin & died; divinity which was united with the humanity very and eternal God, in essence equal and one with the Father, truly & properly God.

I.  

Titles:  they can apply only to God

(1)  Jehovah,  Ex. 3, 14–“I am that I am,” the highest name of God.  Isa. 40, 5–“the glory of Jehovah shall be revealed.”  In Matt. 3, 3, this is applied to Christ viz:  “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.”

(2)  Lord of glory:  “Had they known it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Cor. 2, 8).

(3)  “God”–Jno. 1, 1; Lord of hosts…the God of Jacob–Ps. 46, 7.  In Heb. 1, 8 this is applied to Christ.

(4)  Son of God:  “I saw and bare record that this is the Son of God” (Jno. 1, 34).  And unclean spirits…cried saying, “Thou art the Son of God” (Mk. 3, 11).  “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3, 17).

(5)  “God with us”–Emmanuel.  Matt. 1, 23, “God over all.”  “Christ who is over all God blessed for ever” (Rom. 9, 5).

“God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into Glory” (1 Tim. 3, 16).  “And we know that the true Son of God is come.  This is the true God” (1 Jno. 5, 20).

Angels bear witness:

A Saviour (Matt. 1, 21); “Son of the Highest” (Lk. 1, 32); “Christ the Lord” (Lk. 2, 11).

II.

His attributes prove he is God:  All that are applied to God are applied to Christ–Eternity, Immutability, Omnipotence, etc.

Consciousness of his nature

III.

His works prove him Divine:  Creation, Preservation, Pardon of sin, Miracles, Judgment

We baptize and dismiss the congregations in his name, pray in his name and the Father hears us.

The mighty Lord from heaven, the Saviour of sinners

“If ever man was God or God man, Jesus Christ was both.”–Byron

“If Jesus Christ is a God

And the only God, I swear

I will follow him thro’ heaven and hell,

The earth, the sea, the air.”–Gilder

“Thou art the King of Glory, O Christ.

Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.

Hail, great Galiean!–Great God.”–Woods

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT